July 7, 2025

Hello, Beloved!

Some of the most significant battles we face are invisible, occurring in the unseen corners of our hearts, minds, and spirits. It’s crucial that we, as individuals, stand in the gap for others, fighting for and with them through spiritual prayer. Our prayers are directed against the forces of darkness and aimed at bringing the reality of God’s presence to light, such as peace, healing, growth, and deliverance. However, our history of challenging and painful relationships hinders our ability and willingness to stand in the gap and share the truth of God’s work, our gifts, talents, and callings. While surface-level relationships may be easier, the profound connection we all yearn for and need remains elusive. Offering one another a spiritual covering, a haven where we can be seen, soothed, safe, and secure, is an immeasurable gift. Anyone seeking to work on spiritual and emotional integration requires relationships that provide this. Just as gardens thrive based on the space, soil, seeds, and watering, our relationships grow similarly. The Apostle Paul aptly describes our relationships as a field, where two simultaneous processes occur: we continuously sow and plant seeds, and the soil of our hearts, souls, minds, and spirits receives these seeds. We can say that we are simultaneously sowing and growing. Now, let’s consider the seeds we cultivate together and whether they align with the seeds of Jesus’ kingdom.

You may wonder, “What are the seeds of Jesus’ kingdom?” I have three simple answers. While this list is not exhaustive, it will be helpful. First, truth seeds originate from God’s word and are often sown and planted through shared spiritual conversations. Second, there are spiritual gift seeds, the spiritual gifts bestowed upon us by the Father, the Spirit, and the Son (as described in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 4). Lastly, there are cultural seeds that we commit to sharing, reflecting our unique identity as a church family. 

To effectively sow and plant spiritual gift seeds, we must engage in the work of spiritual and emotional integration. This is crucial because without it, we become vulnerable to spiritualizing our dysfunction and justifying our unhealthy behavior. From my experience and working with people for over three decades, it’s common for individuals to overlook that dysregulation, overcompensation, dysfunction, and disconnection reside in the blind spots of our hearts. When we embrace spiritual and emotional integration, we illuminate the fragmented aspects of our lives that God desires to heal, transform, and utilize for His glory and our well-being. Avoiding conflict, denying pain, seeking constant validation, or living with perpetual shame are symptoms of a fragmented heart. However, when we are born again, we become one with the Trinity and experience eternal union. This is a fact, yet the Holy Spirit is given to us to accompany us, guide us into truth, and lead us to a place of wholehearted living in this life, not just in the age to come.

Here’s what I recommend:

1. Slow down and listen upward, inward, and outward. Upward listening involves hearing God’s voice. Inward listening focuses on listening to our spirit, soul, and body. Outward listening involves listening to our family, friends, and spiritual community.

2. Acknowledge what is true, both emotionally and spiritually. Avoid rushing to “fix” yourself with a Bible verse. Instead, acknowledge your emotions, welcome God into the midst of them, and seek the Father’s guidance. We can identify the emotion (fear, sadness, anger, anxiety, etc.) and also name God's promises. A promise accompanies every problem.

3. Be vulnerable within your community. Share your triumphs and your struggles. Safe relationships are empowering relationships where we can exchange grace and encouragement.

4. Allow the Father to shape you, not merely use you. In the past, I would pray, “Father, use my life for your glory.” However, I now pray more frequently, “Father, make me useful for your glory.” Ask yourself, “How is the Father forming Christ in me through my current challenges?”

May the Lord and His peace be upon you!

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WHERE TO ENGAGE:

CHURCH FINANCIAL REPORT:

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

  • July 6: $18,591.17

  • July 13:

  • July 20:

  • July 27:

    Greater Things YTD 2025: $41,473.74

    Current Mortgage Balance: $401,118.66

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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