New Life Community Church https://newlifeplymouth.com Mon, 03 Aug 2026 07:44:08 +0000 Mon, 03 Aug 2026 07:44:08 +0000 hourly 1 3600 SnapPages.com The Wild Ride https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/09/04/the-wild-ride Fri, 04 Sep 2026 14:08:00 +0000 https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/09/04/the-wild-ride

The Wild Ride

Well, hi, New Lifers! Bill McCaskill here with a devotional for your week.

My talk Sunday was on the Holy Spirit with a particular focus on doing mission WITH the Holy Spirit, both personally and collectively as part of a church body.
Most of you know that my my dearly departed wife Kathy and I were involved in “church planting” our entire married life in some capacity and had the privilege to plant New Life Community Church in Plymouth “back in the day” that you are a part of (or should be!)

My experience in trying to keep up with the Holy Spirit in ministry/mission has fed a desire to share some thoughts with you on the subject.

Friday, September 4th

The clear objective

“The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself IN LOVE” – Galatians 5:6

Mother Teressa stated: “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”

I don’t know where “The Wild Goose” will lead you in mission or how He will “unsettle” your life for His good purposes. I do know that it will be His expression of Christ’s love through your life.

“Honk, Honk!

]]> https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/09/04/the-wild-ride#comments 0 The Wild Ride https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/09/03/the-wild-ride Thu, 03 Sep 2026 14:06:00 +0000 https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/09/03/the-wild-ride

The Wild Ride

Thursday, September 3rd

Absolute Trust and Courage

“Without faith, it is impossible to please God.”

“If God is for you, who can stand against you?”

Are a few verses that come to mind.

I have heard folks cry out for more of God… and I get their longing for His presence… but, honestly, the Spirit is saying to us, “I want more of YOU, my child!”

Courage comes with trusting. Courage is doing something you are afraid of anyway.

“Honk, Honk!”

]]> https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/09/03/the-wild-ride#comments 0 The Wild Ride https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/09/02/the-wild-ride Wed, 02 Sep 2026 14:03:00 +0000 https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/09/02/the-wild-ride

The Wild Ride

Wednesday, September 2nd

Humility and Availability

These are he first two of my five “non-negotiables” for life with the Holy Spirit in mission.

Complete surrender to His leading… He is not a fan of pride. In His mercy He will break you.

Availability for me is the rhythm in your life for listening for His honk. I am a committed journal guy. It is the best way for me to lower my RPMs and hear Him. When He speaks to you however He does… your answer should always be “yes!”

“Honk, Honk!”

]]> https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/09/02/the-wild-ride#comments 0 The Wild Ride https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/09/01/the-wild-ride Tue, 01 Sep 2026 14:02:00 +0000 https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/09/01/the-wild-ride

The Wild Ride

Tuesday, September 1st

The rest of the daily entries will focus on one idea really,

“Do not quench the Spirit” - I Thessalonians 5:19

And similarly,

“Do not grieve the Spirit…” - Ephesians 4:30

I wonder how many times I pour water on the Spirit’s fire as He carries out His divine mission, in me and through me for the world.

“Honk, Honk!”

]]> https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/09/01/the-wild-ride#comments 0 The Wild Ride https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/31/the-wild-ride Mon, 31 Aug 2026 14:15:00 +0000 https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/31/the-wild-ride

The Wild Ride

Monday, August 31st

“The Wild Goose”

“The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit. - John 3:8

It is interesting in exploring early church history (another passion of mine) relative to my obvious interest in my own Celtic heritage, that I keep finding renditions of a goose in their sacred art, while for Rome in was always the dove…

The Greek and Roman church was more about knowledge and “learning” their way to God, as an emphasis, if I could paint with a wide brush. In fact, Paul appealed to them on intellectual grounds in Acts.

The Celtic followers were all about mission and evangelistic outreach and saw the Holy Spirit not as the comforting dove of the Roman church, but they called Him “The Wild Goose” and focused more on action than “getting the theology right.”

They spoke affectionately about the Holy Spirit as a loud, disruptive, determined “Goose” and Guide for mission!

I think about that every time I see a lead Canada goose take flight and the followers rising to follow. The Celtic view was clearly portrayed in nature.

I just love that.

The Holy Spirit has been, in my own experience, anything but tame and predictable.

I pray for the Holy Spirit to be wild and disruptive in your lives as he guides you forward in whatever mission he has for you!

More to follow in the coming days devotionals.

Be blessed! “Honk, Honk!”

]]> https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/31/the-wild-ride#comments 1 Genesis- Oh Brother https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/28/genesis-oh-brother Fri, 28 Aug 2026 10:20:00 +0000 https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/28/genesis-oh-brother

Genesis - Oh Brother

Friday, August 28th

Two people, two paths, one God. Reminded me of the last stanza in Robert Frost classic poem, The Road Not Taken, Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.

One path is the path of perceived rejection. You don’t believe that God is for you, that he is generous, or if you do, it’s because you’ve been good enough or done the right things and pulled the right levers to get what you needed. But when you don’t get it, you rely on yourself, create greater walls and simply put there is no way that God’s intention is to show you favor, grace, love and acceptance. You walk the path of perceived rejection and there is sadness, anger, jealousy, and envy that rattles your life.

But the road less traveled, you can take the path of favored intention. Where you trust the method and timing of God’s generous grace. Because you live with favored intention the
path that you walk is one of celebration, honor, and love, not because you owe it, but you desire to love in return.

In your own words, describe the difference between the path of perceived rejection and the path of favored intention. Which path do you find yourself on more often, and what tends to push you toward one or the other?

Spend some time in prayer around these prayer prompts.

Ask God to reveal where your intentions have been off and to soften your heart toward genuine, first-fruits generosity.

Thank God specifically for his grace -- that he did not wait for you to get it right before offering his best.

Ask for the courage to walk the road less traveled -- the path of favored intention -- even when circumstances make it hard to believe God is for you.

]]> https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/28/genesis-oh-brother#comments 0 Genesis- Oh Brother https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/27/genesis-oh-brother Thu, 27 Aug 2026 10:18:00 +0000 https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/27/genesis-oh-brother

Genesis - Oh Brother

Thursday, August 27th

Read Matthew 20:1-15- “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. 2 He agreed to pay them a denarius[a] for the day and sent them into his vineyard. 3 “About nine in the morning he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. 4 He told them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ 5 So they went. “He went out again about noon and about three in the afternoon and did the same thing. 6 About five in the afternoon he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, ‘Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?’ 7 “‘Because no one has hired us,’ they answered. “He said to them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard.’ 8 “When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.’ 9 “The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius. 10 So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. 11 When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. 12 ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’ 13 “But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? 14 Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. 15 Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’

Jesus tells a story about a landowner who pays every worker the same wage regardless of how long they labored. The early workers grumble. They feel cheated. But the landowner asks a piercing question: are you envious because I am generous? This is Cain's story retold. When we witness God's grace poured out on someone else, our response reveals the true condition of our hearts. Grace, by definition, is undeserved favor. The moment we believe we have earned it, we have misunderstood it entirely. God's generosity toward another is never a subtraction from you.

Reflection Question: Is there someone in your life whose blessing has produced envy or bitterness in you rather than celebration?

Practical Application: Pray specifically for that person today, asking God to replace any envy with genuine joy over what he is doing in their life.

]]> https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/27/genesis-oh-brother#comments 0 Genesis- Oh Brother https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/26/genesis-oh-brother Wed, 26 Aug 2026 16:00:00 +0000 https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/26/genesis-oh-brother

Genesis - Oh Brother

Wednesday, August 26th

Read Genesis 2:2b-5- Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. 3 In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. 4 And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, 5 but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.

What gets God’s attention? The offerings got God’s attention, Cain brought some, Abel brough the best of the best, the fat portion of the first born.

The other reason I say that Cain’s intention was “off” is because notice his response when God showed favor to Abel? He got angry and his face was downcast.

Here me out, I get it, Cain expected something different from God, because come on, he is the first born.

How many first born? First born, we pave the way, our parents are learning how to be parents with us. They barely had anything to start, by the time #2, #3, or #4 come, they either figured it out or more chill or don’t care. Which the “baby” of the family gets what they want, right? Not in all cases and trust me, I’m not trying to rip open any major family wounds here. But family dynamics play a role today as well as then.

The difference then is the first born expected to get the favor, expected to get the best of the best, they expected to get more because they were first. Remember the frustration of the oldest son in the Prodigal story? His intention was, I did all this for you dad, why haven’t you blessed me.

Here’s my point. God didn’t reject Cain’s offering, God simply showed favor, grace to Abel. But because Cain’s heart intention was “off” it caused a greater ripple effect. Cain was essentially saying, “don’t I deserve favor, I’m the first born?” What about me, that’s not fair.
Does favor for one mean rejection for the other?

Cain’s story is humanity’s story. When we don’t get what we think we deserve, we plot and take it for ourselves. Even at the expense of others. It’s hard when we don’t think God’s face is shining upon us. Hard to see others succeed, when you fail, especially when it seems you’ve done nothing wrong.

Let me put it this way, can you trust God’s favor (grace), but according to his method and his timing? Cain, as the first born was saying, “God, I don’t like your method, and I don’t like your timing. I want the favor and I don’t know the rules of how to get your favor. You are holding out on me, it’s not fair, where’s mine, why wasn’t what I did enough?”

Yet, God is saying, “I am a generous God, can you trust me, but it’s not about the how or the when.”

Abel’s intention, even though we only have two verses about him, we know that his intention was to give God the best of the best, to honor, celebrate and love God. As a result God expressed His favor to Abel. Not that he was more favored, simply expressed his favor. Cain’s intention was different. He gave “some,” gave the leftovers and when he didn’t see the favor in the way he wanted, it led to perceived rejection, anger, sadness, revealed envy and jealousy.

Spend some time with the question- can you trust God’s favor (grace), but according to his method and his timing?

You can also share in this song as a guide- 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) by Matt Redman

]]> https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/26/genesis-oh-brother#comments 0 Genesis- Oh Brother https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/25/genesis-oh-brother Tue, 25 Aug 2026 04:55:52 +0000 https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/25/genesis-oh-brother

Genesis - Oh Brother

Tuesday, August 25th

This week, as we look at the passage we are looking at what MUST get our attention. We want to be drawn towards what got God’s attention.

The first element that got God’s attention, that should get our attention is the favored intention. Unfortunately, I’m not a huge fan of this summary, unfortunately I didn’t take enough time to wordsmith it better. But my hope is that by the end of our time you will be able to see in these verses, that favor and intention matter.

Read Genesis 4:2b-5- Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. 3 In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. 4 And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, 5 but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.

Let’s briefly look at the offering. Remember, giving an offering to the “gods” was common place in the day. People gave offerings all the time to the sun god, moon god, prosperity god, rain god. It was so they would be in “good” standing with the gods. Specifically, this word offering is minah which is a gift to honor deity and usually given in a context of celebration. It can be grain or an animal. According to Leviticus 2, both of these gifts are legitimate offerings in celebration or praise of God.

But again, our focus is on intention. Intention is heart thing. How many times do you see someone go through the motions because what, “their heart isn’t in in.” Or they have different intentions.

There are two clues to see that Cain’s intentions were off. First look at the description of the offerings. Cain brought “some” fruits. Anything special about it? Nope, he just brought something to offer to God to celebrate him, to honor him. “God, here you go”…..

What was Abel’s offering? Abel brought from the firstborn, he didn’t keep for himself, he gave what came first and he gave the best portions, he gave the fat portions. He gave the best of the best to celebrate, honor God.

Two brothers. Two offerings. One God. Intention to celebrate God, Cain brought leftovers and Abel brought the best of the best.

God is not impressed by the performance of generosity; he is moved by the intention behind it. Before you bring anything to God today, whether your time, your worship, your resources, or your attention, pause and examine the condition of your heart. Are you giving God your leftovers or your first and best?

Reflection Question: In what area of your life are you offering God "some" when he deserves your best?

Practical Application: Identify one specific way you can give God your first fruits this week, whether in your schedule, your finances, or your attention in prayer.

]]> https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/25/genesis-oh-brother#comments 0 Genesis- Oh Brother https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/24/genesis-oh-brother Mon, 24 Aug 2026 21:35:00 +0000 https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/24/genesis-oh-brother

Monday

Today I want you to take some time and read this story, that may be familiar, but take your time with it. Underline, highlight, jot down questions or thoughts of discovery.

Genesis 4:1-16-Adam made love to his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, “With the help of the Lord I have brought forth a man.” 2 Later she gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. 3 In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. 4 And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, 5 but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. 6 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? 7 If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” 8 Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. 9 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” “I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” 10 The Lord said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground. 11 Now you are under a curse and driven from the ground, which opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. 12 When you work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for you. You will be a restless wanderer on the earth.” 13 Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is more than I can bear. 14 Today you are driving me from the land, and I will be hidden from your presence; I will be a restless wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Not so; anyone who kills Cain will suffer vengeance seven times over.” Then the Lord put a mark on Cain so that no one who found him would kill him. 16 So Cain went out from the Lord’s presence and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden.

First off, how many of you can relate to this story? Your jealousy, envy got the best of you that you killed your brother. Show of hands? I think we read this story and for many, we know at least the names of this story and we think, “I’ll just skip right past this story because I can’t relate at all.”

Fair enough, I don’t disagree with you. Especially, I don’t have a brother, even though I am a brother. I’m not really a farmer or rancher. Which is also interesting because during this era, farmers were considered city folk and ranchers were considered rural folk. Here the city slicker farmer, Cain, killed the rural cowboy Abel.

Yet, what about the jealousy, envy, desiring acceptance, anger, sadness? Have you ever felt that? Maybe we connect with this story more than we know. So what do we do with this story? Is it just a sibling rivalry? Is it just one story? Or is there more than meets the eye?

Which leads me to the next set up question, what got your attention in this passage? Why was Cain’s offering “not accepted”? What went wrong? What was the mark on Cain’s life? Were there other people around to even threaten him? Do we know anything more about Abel? What was the exile like? Others?

What must get our attention? God’s activity in the story. Reread that question and answer again.

We tend to focus on the people, which makes sense, since we are people. And to apply this passage we will need to respond like people. But what must get our attention in this passage is God’s activity in the story and what gets his attention should give us a clue as to how we should live our life.

Go back and jot down what you think got God’s attention and reflect on that today.

]]> https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/24/genesis-oh-brother#comments 0 Kentucky Mission Trip Testimonies https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/21/kentucky-mission-trip-testimonies Fri, 21 Aug 2026 07:53:28 +0000 https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/21/kentucky-mission-trip-testimonies

Youth Mission Trip Testimonies

Friday, August 21st

Day 5: Be Encouraged

We hope you have felt encouraged throughout this week and have taken some time to spend with God around the different challenges/encouragements.

As we wrap up this week, we have one last encouragement for you. One of the testimonies shared this past Sunday was from Easton, a freshman in high school. He shared how at the end of the mission trip, during one of our debriefing sessions, he felt challenged with how he was going to take his experiences back home. He remembers talking about how the enemy - Satan - wants us to fall right back to old patterns. That these powerful experiences stay exactly that - powerful experiences, but they don’t change our habits, routines, beliefs, etc. Satan doesn’t want us to talk about what we experienced, doesn’t want us to share, certainly doesn’t want us to grow closer to God. Satan’s mission is to steal, kill, and destroy.

Easton, hearing that, went home and challenged himself. He chose to prioritize reading his Bible and since has started a nightly devotion. Nice work, Easton! That is one powerful step of faith! Satan’s got NOTHING on a son or daughter that is armored with the sword of the spirit - the living, breathing word of GOD!

How can we all glean something from Easton’s powerful testimony?
How can we step beyond just a powerful mission trip or Sunday experience for transformation in our lives?
What is something new you could start doing? Or who is someone you could reach out to and share with?

One step at a time! Be encouraged in the faith!

~The Kentucky Missions Trip Team

]]> https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/21/kentucky-mission-trip-testimonies#comments 0 Kentucky Mission Trip Testimonies https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/20/kentucky-mission-trip-testimonies Thu, 20 Aug 2026 10:17:48 +0000 https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/20/kentucky-mission-trip-testimonies

Youth Mission Trip Testimonies

Thursday, August 20th

Day 4: In Awe

Have you ever been in awe of something in nature? Have you ever gazed upon something filled with tremendous beauty and thought, “Wow, God is an amazing creator! How could anyone doubt a creator after seeing that? No one or nothing can create like God!”

The rolling mountains, the sun glistening upon a river, the waves of the ocean rolling beautifully to just name a few.

One of the testimonies shared on Sunday by Chloe, a highschooler, was incredibly powerful. On the trip, as she sat looking out the window on our drive to the job site, she shared that she was just in awe of the mountains we were driving through - the beauty, the awe. She shared something so profound as we continued to drive. She shared with simplicity and gratitude, “Something that God made that I think is SO beautiful and am in awe of - that same God also made me."

WOW! Sit in that for a moment.

The same God that paints the beautiful night skies, and the same God that created the rolling mountains, also created YOU!

We want to encourage you with this. Think of something that you have been in awe of, a beautiful scene that you will never forget. Visualize it. Picture it. Remind yourself of the feelings of awe and wonder you had when you first gazed up on it.
Take that image and sit with God - their creator and YOURS.

How does He want to get your attention?
What might God be wanting to show you?
What truth does He want to share about who He is and who He made YOU to be?
Reflect on that and talk with our Creator today.

]]> https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/20/kentucky-mission-trip-testimonies#comments 0 Kentucky Mission Trip Testimonies https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/19/kentucky-mission-trip-testimonies Wed, 19 Aug 2026 08:52:24 +0000 https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/19/kentucky-mission-trip-testimonies

Youth Mission Trip Testimonies

Wednesday, August 19th

Day 3: Faith Like Noah

Genesis 6:14-15 “So make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out. This is how you are to build it: The ark is to be three hundred cubits long, fifty cubits wide and thirty cubits high.”
A cubit is roughly 18” which would mean the ark was roughly 450’ long, 75’ wide & 45’ high.

Saturday, we got to visit the Ark Experience. It’s a full-size replica of the Ark Noah was called to build. The sheer size of this “boat” is unfathomable, you begin to wonder how one man & his family could build this. One simple explanation was…faith.

Faith that God would provide the materials.
Faith this is really what God spoke to Noah.
Faith that God would provide the instructions.
Faith that the rain would even come.

We all have a call on our life, our years and even our days. Today’s faith challenge is just that, a challenge to step out in faith. Maybe it’s a friend you’ve felt you needed to call. Maybe it’s volunteering in New Life Kids. Maybe it’s a volunteering opportunity that scares you, great have faith! If you have no idea what step of faith to take, great! Pray & God will show you.

]]> https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/19/kentucky-mission-trip-testimonies#comments 0 Kentucky Mission Trip Testimonies https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/18/kentucky-mission-trip-testimonies Tue, 18 Aug 2026 14:32:48 +0000 https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/18/kentucky-mission-trip-testimonies

Youth Mission Trip Testimonies

Tuesday, August 18th

Day 2: "Yay, God!"

A “Yay God” is a special moment throughout the day where we can see and celebrate how God is working, moving, providing, or showing more of himself.

Every night at the end of our work days while on the mission trip, we spent time in community sharing our individual “Yay God’s” with our work crews and as a large group. This video clip showed a small snippet of what that looked like - so fun, encouraging, and praiseworthy.

This time was so important! It helped us all center our hearts and minds around the ways God was and IS always working.

“Yay, God!” - so simple and yet so profound!

Today, we want to encourage you to reflect on a “Yay, God!” Moment and to share it with your family, a friend, a neighbor, or even one of us at church! AND… bonus if you also do the cheer!

]]> https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/18/kentucky-mission-trip-testimonies#comments 0 Kentucky Mission Trip Testimonies https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/17/kentucky-mission-trip-testimonies Mon, 17 Aug 2026 11:32:06 +0000 https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/17/kentucky-mission-trip-testimonies

Youth Mission Trip Testimonies

Monday, August 17th

Day 1: Prayer Time

The picture above was taken at the Carter Caves State Park, a beautiful space we got to
explore on our adventure day. We had no clue what the day would hold, except for
adventure. We hiked to the Smokey Valley Lake & spent intentional time in prayer. First we
spent five to ten minutes of intentional time praying by ourselves. Next, we huddled into a
circle to find a partner for team prayer time. We stood in a circle, put our heads down then
on the count of three looked up at one person. If you locked eyes, you were partners! We
then shared our prayer requests from alone time & prayed over one another.

Prayer is more powerful than we understand. If we did, we wouldn't stop praying. Inviting
others to be in prayer over you also allows others to care for you & see below the surface.
We can’t care for what we aren't allowed to see.

God's word tells us in Psalms 55:17 that King David cries out to the Lord morning, noon &
night. He was called a man after Gods own heart & prayer was a foundational piece in that.

The encouragement of today's daily devotional is to spend intentional prayer time this
week alone & with others.

]]> https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/17/kentucky-mission-trip-testimonies#comments 0 Be Kind or Rewind https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/14/be-kind-or-rewind Fri, 14 Aug 2026 12:18:00 +0000 https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/14/be-kind-or-rewind

Be Kind or Rewind

Friday, August 14th

Day 5: Time for a Rewind

Scripture: Colossians 3:12

Have you been impatient, harsh, or focused primarily on yourself? The good news is that God’s grace offers a fresh start. Today, take a moment to examine your heart. Invite God to renew your mind and help you begin again, clothed in compassion and kindness.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for new beginnings. Renew my heart and help me reflect Your kindness today.

]]> https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/14/be-kind-or-rewind#comments 0 Be Kind or Rewind https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/13/be-kind-or-rewind Thu, 13 Aug 2026 12:17:00 +0000 https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/13/be-kind-or-rewind

Be Kind or Rewind

Thursday, August 13th

Day 4: Kindness Speaks the Truth

Scripture: Ephesians 4:15

Many people think kindness means avoiding difficult conversations, but biblical kindness is rooted in truth. Genuine love seeks the highest good of another person. Sometimes that means offering encouragement; other times it means providing honest, gracious feedback. Truth without love can wound. Love without truth can mislead. Christ calls us to both.

Prayer: Jesus, help me speak the truth with grace, humility, and genuine concern for others.

]]> https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/13/be-kind-or-rewind#comments 0 Be Kind or Rewind https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/12/be-kind-or-rewind Wed, 12 Aug 2026 16:04:00 +0000 https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/12/be-kind-or-rewind

Be Kind or Rewind

Wednesday, August 12th

Day 3: See the Person in Need

Scripture: Luke 10:33-34

The Good Samaritan saw a need and responded. He crossed social barriers, interrupted his plans, and spent his own resources to help someone who could offer nothing in return. Biblical kindness is more than sympathy; it is compassion in action. Ask God to open your eyes today. Someone around you may need encouragement, assistance, or simply a listening ear. Don’t walk past the opportunity.

Prayer: Lord, help me notice the needs around me and respond with practical acts of love.

]]> https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/12/be-kind-or-rewind#comments 0 Be Kind or Rewind https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/11/be-kind-or-rewind Tue, 11 Aug 2026 16:02:00 +0000 https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/11/be-kind-or-rewind

Be Kind or Rewind

Tuesday, August 11th

Day 2: Nice or Kind?

Scripture: Colossians 3:12

There is a difference between being nice and being kind. Niceness often seeks comfort and approval. Biblical kindness seeks the good of others, even when it requires effort, sacrifice, or difficult conversations. Real kindness helps people grow, serves practical needs, and is rooted in truth. Today, consider your recent interactions. Were you simply being nice, or were you actively demonstrating Christlike kindness?

Prayer: Father, give me the courage to pursue true kindness rather than settling for what is easiest.

]]> https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/11/be-kind-or-rewind#comments 0 Be Kind or Rewind https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/10/be-kind-or-rewind Mon, 10 Aug 2026 08:56:23 +0000 https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/10/be-kind-or-rewind

Be Kind or Rewind

Monday, August 10th

Day 1: Get Dressed for the Day

Scripture: Colossians 3:12

Every morning we make a choice about what to wear. Paul reminds us that believers also have a spiritual wardrobe. Compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience are not automatic; they are attitudes we intentionally put on each day. Before rushing into your schedule, ask God to clothe you with His character. The way you are dressed spiritually will shape every interaction you have today.

Prayer: Lord, help me put on kindness today and reflect Your character in every conversation and action.

]]> https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/10/be-kind-or-rewind#comments 0 Fall- Gods Response Pt.2 https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/07/fall-gods-response-pt-2 Fri, 07 Aug 2026 14:40:00 +0000 https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/07/fall-gods-response-pt-2

Fall- Gods Response pt. 2

Friday, August 7th

I love this summary of how Jesus extends grace to us and what it means for today and eternity. Eugene Peterson shares it in Romans 5:17-21- If death got the upper hand through one man’s wrongdoing, can you imagine the breathtaking recovery life makes, absolute life, in those who grasp with both hands this wildly extravagant life-gift, this grand setting-everything-right, that the one man Jesus Christ provides? 18-19 Here it is in a nutshell: Just as one person did it wrong and got us in all this trouble with sin and death, another person did it right and got us out of it. But more than just getting us out of trouble, he got us into life! One man said no to God and put many people in the wrong; one man said yes to God and put many in the right. 20-21 All that passing laws against sin did was produce more lawbreakers. But sin didn’t, and doesn’t, have a chance in competition with the aggressive forgiveness we call grace. When it’s sin versus grace, grace wins hands down. All sin can do is threaten us with death, and that’s the end of it. Grace, because God is putting everything together again through the Messiah, invites us into life—a life that goes on and on and on, world without end.

God’s response to a broken and lost world is grace, grace through his son Jesus Christ.
Folks, do we stay away from God because of our fear, pain, shame, hiding? Stay lost and in our brokenness or do we see God’s response to our broken world?

His presence offers us victory, trust in spite of pain, provision, and grace. When we choose his response, our broken world can begin to heal. Where do you need to receive and live in God’s response? Where do you need victory? Where do you need to trust in the midst of pain? Where do you need to receive his provision, covering? Where do you need to receive grace?

And we can co-create with him to bring healing to the broken and lost world around us. Remember, God commissioned Adam and Eve to bring life, be fruitful and multiply, to guard creation. In God’s response to a broken world, he is inviting us back to that creative order. How are you bringing life to those around? Not in the way you think it should be, but in the way God responded to the broken world. We can bring victory, presence in the midst of pain, provision, and grace.

God gives us the choice, the unending choice before the tree of testing; choose to be like god and take wisdom for ourselves or trust the image of God to provide a way in his victory and grace despite the pain. Because we can either experience his divine blessing and life or we can depend on our own schemes, plan, power, and wisdom. The choice is yours.

]]> https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/07/fall-gods-response-pt-2#comments 0 Fall- Gods Response Pt.2 https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/06/fall-gods-response-pt-2 Thu, 06 Aug 2026 14:30:00 +0000 https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/06/fall-gods-response-pt-2

Fall- Gods Response pt. 2

Thursday, August 6th

Ok, let’s finish the chapter. Genesis 3:22-24- 22 And the Lord God said, “The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever.” 23 So the Lord God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken. 24 After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.

Despite being exiled from the Garden, in his grace, God protects us from taking from the tree of life and then pursues us with His grace through his Son Jesus.

Think about it, being in the Garden was all about presence with God. But now that was gone. Remember John Walton shared, “The overwhelming loss was not paradise; it was God.”

But he didn’t leave us there. He gave us other ways to experience his presence. At first, it was called an altar, a place of sacrifice, where the worshipper acknowledges their sin and what their sin deserves. We see the first altar with Noah (Genesis 8), then Abraham (Genesis 12:7-8 and 22- The Lord will Provide). Then we see the altar move to a tent or tabernacle with Moses and then a more permanent place with the temple, a place to centralize worship and sacrifice. A meeting place with God. But ultimately we see Jesus come, notice what John 1:14 says, The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us (tabernacled)… Then he sends the Holy Spirit to dwell with us, all moving us back to experience the presence and relationship of God, Creator. We didn’t deserve it, our sin deserved punishment, but out of grace, Jesus took on our sin, was punished for what we deserved so that we could be forgiven and free.

Folks, naming our sin isn’t about shame, it’s about declaring our desperate need for God’s presence and grace. Ignoring our sin minimizes the sacrifice. Naming it, places our sin in its rightful place, on the cross to be forgiven.

I want you to pause today and wrestle with that last statement. Ignoring sin minimizes the sacrifice, naming our sin places sin in its rightful place, on the cross to be forgiven. Take a moment, receive God’s grace by going to the cross and laying down your sin, hiding, and shame.

Lead Me to the Cross

]]> https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/06/fall-gods-response-pt-2#comments 0 Fall- Gods Response Pt.2 https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/05/fall-gods-response-pt-2 Wed, 05 Aug 2026 14:24:00 +0000 https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/05/fall-gods-response-pt-2

Fall- Gods Response pt. 2

Wednesday, August 5th

Let’s finish the chapter and see more of how God responds to a broken and lost world. We’ll pick up in Genesis 3:21- 21 The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them.

Do you notice the care and compassion God shows them? They were naked, tried to solve it on their own by sewing fig leaves together. God, knowing that they were going to be exiled out of Eden into the wildness of creation, essentially said, “those fig leaves won’t do it, let me provide something more for you. Let me cover you with something better.”

God’s response to a broken and lost world is provision and specifically provision of covering. To cover our nakedness, to cover our shame, to cover us, so we don’t have to hide, God provides. Notice how Paul bridges this in Romans 13:14- Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

Paul points out the difference from putting on Christ or seeking our flesh to satisfy within life. Gratifying the desires of our flesh keeps us hiding in life, looking to numb, ignore, stay in our nakedness of sin.

But God provides a covering, in Christ, to put on Christ and the way he intends life to be. Putting on Christ is putting on his ways, his love, his forgiveness, his wisdom versus living in the flesh.

Or the classic passage in Colossians 3:12- Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Despite our shame, fear, hiding, God continues to provide and invites us to cover ourselves with something greater. What do you need to put on?

Truth is folks, you will get noticed for what you put on each and every day. If you stay in your old life, with shame, fear, hiding, blaming, brokenness, people will notice. They will see the facade, they will see the blaming, anger, revenge, jealousy, hate of what it means to live in our old life of the flesh.

But, if you receive God’s provision, his covering, you can be noticed by putting on His life.
What do you need to put on? How do you need to cover yourself with Christ or choosing to put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness or patience?

Let’s just pause here for a moment, and in real time reflect and answer that question. Of Jesus’ life, what do you need to put on? How do you need to clothe yourself? Or maybe what area of life are you hiding, living in the flesh, that you need Christ’s provision. Just take a moment, breath and reflect, then put on.

]]> https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/05/fall-gods-response-pt-2#comments 1 Fall- Gods Response Pt.2 https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/04/fall-gods-response-pt-2 Tue, 04 Aug 2026 15:05:00 +0000 https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/04/fall-gods-response-pt-2

Fall- Gods Response pt. 2

Tuesday, August 4th

Reflect back on Genesis 3:14-15- 14 So the Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, “Cursed are you above all livestock and all wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life. 15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”

God spoke to the serpent and gives us clues to the gospel story that he is inviting us into. But with good news comes bad news. God’s response, lament, is naming that there will be continued hostility between humanity and evil, but God doesn’t leave us there. He gives us a way out, he gives us victory over evil. Victory over evil because of Christ’s work at the cross and victory over evil because of our identity as beloved sons and daughters of God, who gives us the victory.

Then we saw God speak to Eve and we wrestled with that painful passage of 16 To the woman he said, “I will make your pains in childbearing very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children." I won’t delve into all of it, because it carried so much weight, but let me summarize it this way and if you want to understand more, please go back and listen to July 19th service.

God is naming the fact that there is pain (worry, hardship, anxiety) in conceiving or not being able to conceive, being pregnant, having a child, raising children, losing a child. God is declaring this is broken, he didn’t do this to you, he is saying this is the pain of a broken world.

My push was; this isn’t about blaming God for the brokenness in childbearing, He didn’t do this to you, it’s a crying out of saying, “I don’t know why this is so hard, but I know life is broken, how do I trust God in the midst of brokenness? How do you trust despite the grief and pain? How do I trust God in the midst of unfulfilled or broken dreams.

Today, in our review, how are seeing God’s response to a broken and lost world? Maybe yours? Maybe those around you? Where do you need to see God lament on your behalf? Where do you need God’s victory in life? Where do you need to trust him, despite the pain of unfulfilled or broken dreams?

Take a moment with this song as well.

]]> https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/04/fall-gods-response-pt-2#comments 0 Fall- Gods Response Pt.2 https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/03/fall-gods-response-pt-2 Mon, 03 Aug 2026 07:44:08 +0000 https://newlifeplymouth.com/blog/2026/08/03/fall-gods-response-pt-2

Fall- Gods Response pt. 2

Monday, August 3rd

We are back in our Genesis series- creation, failure, redemption, repeat. We are just finishing up with chapter three, and I realized the last time we were together in this series; I left you on a cliff hanger, literally.

For those of you who were with us, I shared about how I was camping, hiking, exploring the backcountry of SD with some college friends and as I was climbing the face of this structure I grabbed a rock, that shifted and I heard a “rattle”. I had a decision to make, the snake helped me with that decision, but it sent me in the wrong direction and I got lost in the backcountry of SD with no map and no phone (because that technology wasn’t created yet).

I realize where I ended my message two weeks ago, I never told you if I found my way back to camp. I’m sorry for those of you who unnecessarily worried about that. Just so you know, I eventually found my way back to camp.

I share that as the jumping off point again, because of this statement, in my fear and confusion, my running away got me lost, got me separated from the people that cared for me and my well-being.

That is a contemporary explanation of what happened when Adam and Eve were confronted with the serpent. The first part of Genesis 3 we talked about how the serpent confronted Eve with misleading questions and statements, Eve responded with some truth, but also some fallacies, Adam was an observer, not a protector. Eve took the fruit and gave it to Adam and sin broke into the world, which we also named chaos. Chaos was brought back into creation, Adam and Eve were filled with fear, they ran away and hid. God pursued them, he went “looking for them” with three questions: Where are you? Who told you? What have you done? All three questions were about proximity and grace?

Where are you, why have you wandered away from me? Who told you, what voice are you listening to? What have you done, can you take responsibility or continue to blame?
Then we got to God’s response. What is he going to do with sin, chaos back in his created order? Does he start over? Does he destroy the serpent? Ultimately, what is God’s response to a broken and lost world?

Read Genesis 3:14-19

14 So the Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this,
“Cursed are you above all livestock and all wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust
all the days of your life.
15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”
16 To the woman he said,
“I will make your pains in childbearing very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.”
17 To Adam he said, “Because you listened to your wife and ate fruit from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘You must not eat from it,’
“Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life.
18 It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field.
19 By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.”

As we noted the verses 14-19 had a different format. It had stanzas, sections, and some theologians believe God’s response was like a poem, a lament, it is his song of grief. God knows, that because humanity “took” wisdom into their own hands, taking from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, that ushered in chaos; which we define as brokenness, lostness, specifically sin.

What does it mean for you to see that God laments, or has grief over the brokenness of the world? Personalize it, what does it mean for you to see that God laments over your broken world? How can that impact your walk with him today?

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