March 10, 2025

I have a confession to make. I acknowledge a genuine thirst for God while filling my cup (life) with non-essential things. Therefore, I’m limiting my experience of God’s heart, character, and nature by my choices. He’s not withholding anything; I’m just too satisfied with other things. How about you? Recently, I had lunch with a fine man who attends our church. Throughout the meal, he openly admitted that he was not always fully invested in his relationship with Jesus. In the last few years, he has recommitted himself to Christ and the beauty of being a chosen follower of Christ. Another person shared with me how they are struggling to move from utilitarian faith (a quid pro quo faith) to a trust in God based upon the goodness and faithfulness of King Jesus.

I view my life and yours as a cup, and I want the Father to fill it up and overflow with every aspect of His being. We are one with Him, yet thirst for more of His love, heart, wisdom, and plans. If we’re honest, too much of our cup/life gets filled with other things. After yesterday’s message, a devoted church member said, “I loved the little water bottle analogy, and I want to make sure I empty my bottle of all the things that occupy the space that belongs to the Lord! I’m going to make an elimination list and get rid of every identified item. It will take some work, but I want to confirm that loving Jesus is more than a feeling in my life!“ 

God is breathing fresh life into Gateway. It looks like a renewing love for King Jesus, a revitalizing faith, and a rebuilding hopeful resilience. The obstacle we all face is disappointment. We have all encountered this common sickness. Proverbs 4:23 reminds us to guard our hearts more than anything else because the source of life flows from it. Still, disappointment lurks, and Proverbs 13:12 tells us that disappointment makes the heart sick. We can conclude from these passages that we need to guard our hearts against many things, and disappointment is one of them. 

Disappointment is certain. Maturity is not. Therefore, as we live with a renewed love for Jesus and a life of kingdom mission and purpose, we MUST be deeply anchored in faith and sustained by hopeful resilience. This means we must learn to protect our hope during struggle, failure, and setbacks. Nurturing hope during disappointed moments and times is essential to guarding your heart, sustaining your purpose, and remaining steadfast with Jesus as your first love. 

Here are a few suggestions:

  1. Read and meditate on a word from God. Here’s a simple process to help you. 

  2. Here’s a nine-minute video I did a few years ago, “Four Life Hacks For Displaying Hope Publicly.” Watch and act. 

  3. Stay hydrated. Rest well. Diminish screen time. Eat healthily. Connect with those you love.These simple practices can help your body and soul maximize energy and purpose, so you bring a vibrant version of yourself each day. 

  4. Ask for help. A listening ear and another point of view can provide needed wisdom, hope, and encouragement. 

The Lord and His peace be upon you!

MARCH FOR LIFE CONNECTICUT: The Connecticut March for Life is March 19. For more information, visit here.

ONE CONFERENCE: The New England Prayer Center and Gateway are partnering for The ONE Conference, a vibrant and engaging ministry experience designed to unite the Body of Christ in encountering heaven and pursuing God’s purposes. All services will take place at Gateway.

GATEWAY EVENTS: Click here.

WHERE TO ENGAGE:

CHURCH FINANCIAL REPORT:

Giving Report:  (*weekly income needed $22,500)

  • March 2: $24,705.92

  • March 9: $23,867.96

  • Greater Things YTD 2025: $15,733.24

Current Mortgage Balance: $487,797.88

Thanks to your consistent, generous giving to Greater Things, we made a $60,000 principal mortgage reduction payment last week. Thank you for your faithful giving. 

To learn more about Greater Things and participate, click here. 

Stay hopeful and healthy. I look forward to seeing you soon. 

Transforming Lives Together,

Lance Bane
Lead Pastor
Phone: 203-934-0880
Email: office@yourgateway.com