https://gathered2bscattered.uk/

Dave Connolly, Liverpool (2026)

21/06/2026

FATHERS BY DESIGN
Restoring God’s Blueprint for a Generation
We live in a generation where fatherhood is often misunderstood, diminished, and sometimes even abandoned. For many people, the word father brings memories of absence, disappointment, pain, or broken relationships. Yet God’s design for fatherhood has never changed.

The Bible presents fatherhood as a sacred calling marked by love, responsibility, discipline, spiritual leadership, and integrity. While culture continually attempts to redefine fatherhood, God’s Word restores and clarifies His original blueprint.
Psalm 127:1 reminds us. “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain.”
God has a purpose for families and a specific calling for fathers. As believers, we must allow Scripture—not our experiences or cultural opinions—to shape our understanding of fatherhood.

Fathers Reflect the Heart of God
Psalm 103:13 says. “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.”
Earthly fathers are called to reflect something of God’s love, patience, mercy, and compassion. Fatherhood is more than providing practical support; it is spiritual representation. Children should be able to see something of God’s character through the lives of their fathers.

Nurture and Discipline
Paul writes in Ephesians 6:4 “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
Biblical discipline is not about punishment; it is about formation. Hebrews 12:6 reminds us that God disciplines those He loves.
Love without discipline produces weakness. Discipline without love causes damage. Godly fathers seek to hold both together in a healthy balance.

Spiritual Leadership Matters
One of the greatest responsibilities of a father is spiritual leadership.
Deuteronomy 6:6–7 teaches. “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children.”
Children are deeply influenced by what they see. Let them see you pray. Let them see you read God’s Word. Let them see you worship Jesus. Faith is not merely taught; it is modelled.

Integrity Leaves a Legacy
Proverbs 20:7 declares. “The righteous who walks in his integrity—blessed are his children after him.”
A father’s integrity becomes a foundation upon which future generations can build. Your character, choices, and faithfulness leave a legacy that reaches far beyond your lifetime.

When Fatherhood Has Been Broken
Many people carry wounds caused by absent or hurtful fathers. Some fathers reading this may even carry regrets of their own.
Yet the good news of the gospel is that God is a restoring Father.
Malachi 4:6 speaks of God turning the hearts of fathers towards their children. Through Jesus Christ, healing, forgiveness, restoration, and new beginnings are possible.
No earthly father is perfect, but every father can grow closer to God’s design through the grace of Christ.

A Challenge to Fathers
Ask yourself… Am I leading my family spiritually or leaving it to chance? Do my children see Christ in me? Am I modelling what I hope they will become?

A Challenge to Every Christian
The Church must play its part by encouraging fathers, discipling men, supporting families, and raising up the next generation to follow Jesus.
Strong families help build strong churches, and strong churches can impact communities and nations for the glory of God.

Looking to Jesus
Ultimately, our hope is not found in human fathers but in Jesus Christ. He reveals the perfect love of the Father and offers grace where there has been failure, healing where there has been pain, and hope where there has been brokenness.
May we return to God’s design, embrace His Word, and allow Christ to shape our homes and families for His glory.
Discipleship Resource Created by Dave Connolly

WILL YOU JOIN ME IN PRAYER. Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your perfect love and Your perfect design for families. We pray for fathers today. Strengthen them to lead with wisdom, courage, humility, and faith. Heal broken relationships, restore wounded hearts, and help us all reflect the character of Jesus in our homes and communities. May the next generation see Christ through our lives and be drawn closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

18/06/2026

How the World Tries to Seduce the Church

Daniel 1:1–7 reminds us that God’s people have always lived under pressure from the world.

Daniel and his friends were taken from Jerusalem into Babylon — a pagan culture determined to reshape their identity, values, and beliefs. Babylon wanted them to forget God and become fully absorbed into the culture around them.

The same pressure exists today. The world constantly tries to squeeze Christians into its mould. We are told to compromise truth, soften biblical convictions, and fit in with society rather than stand out for Christ.

But Daniel’s story reminds us that even in a hostile culture, God remains sovereign.

Daniel 1:2 says, “And the Lord delivered Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand.”

That little phrase changes everything.

Babylon was powerful, but God was still in control.

Even when circumstances looked hopeless, heaven was still ruling.
Christians today can easily become discouraged as society moves further away from biblical truth. Yet God has not abandoned His church.

Jesus said. “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33

Daniel and his friends faced enormous pressure… new surroundings, new education, new culture, new names, and constant temptation to compromise.

Babylon wanted to change not only where they lived, but who they were.The enemy still works the same way today. The world attacks identity, truth, purity, and faithfulness.

Romans 12:2 warns. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

As believers, we are called to live differently. We are in the world, but we do not belong to the world.

Daniel survived because his heart belonged to God.

Daniel 1:8 says. “But Daniel resolved not to defile himself.”

Before the test came, Daniel had already settled his convictions.

That is the challenge for every Christian today… Will we stand for Jesus when compromise becomes easier?

The wonderful truth is this… God is able to keep His people faithful.

The same God who protected Daniel in Babylon is the same God who strengthens believers today.

Jesus Christ is still building His church…The gospel still saves.The Word of God still stands.

And the gates of hell will not prevail against Christ’s church (Matthew 16:18).

So take courage…Stay faithful.Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. This world is not our home — heaven is.Discipleship Resource Created by Dave Connolly

WILL YOU JOIN ME IN A PRAYER. Father, help us to stand firm in a world that constantly pressures us to compromise.
Strengthen our faith, guard our hearts, and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus Christ.
Help us to shine brightly for Your glory in this generation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

16/06/2026

A HOLY HUNGER
When Nothing But God Will Satisfy
We live in a world that is full, yet many people remain empty… Full of entertainment, yet empty of joy. Full of information, yet empty of truth. Full of activity, yet empty of purpose.
In the middle of this restless world, Jesus speaks these powerful words. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” (Matthew 5:6)
Notice that Jesus does not promise satisfaction to the comfortable, the casual or the indifferent. He promises it to those who hunger and thirst for Him.
The reality is that every one of us is hungry for something. We pursue what we desire most. Whatever captures our hearts will shape our lives.
The world tells us satisfaction can be found in wealth, success, popularity and pleasure. Yet countless people achieve these things only to discover they still feel empty.
God asks.. “Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labour on what does not satisfy?” (Isaiah 55:2)
The truth is simple… our souls were created for God.
David understood this when he wrote. “My soul thirsts for You, my whole being longs for You.” (Psalm 63:1)
Many believers struggle spiritually because they have lost their appetite for God. We can become distracted by endless media, busy schedules and worldly concerns. Over time our hunger for prayer, worship and God’s Word begins to fade.
Yet the answer is not guilt. The answer is Jesus.
Jesus declared. “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never go hungry.” (John 6:35)
He also said. “Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst.” (John 4:14)
Christ is not merely part of the answer to life’s deepest questions. He is the answer.

Today, take a moment to ask yourself… What do I truly hunger for? �What occupies most of my thoughts?�What am I feeding my soul with?� Do I desire God Himself, or only His blessings?
God still gives the same invitation today. “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters.” (Isaiah 55:1)
The Lord delights in filling hungry hearts. He still satisfies thirsty souls. He still transforms lives through His Son, Jesus Christ.
May God awaken in us a fresh passion for His presence and a deeper hunger for His Word.
Discipleship Resource Created by Dave Connolly
WILL YOU JOIN ME IN PRAYER Lord Jesus, Give me a holy hunger for You. Remove every appetite that draws me away from Your presence. Help me to seek You with all my heart, love Your Word, and walk closely with You each day. Fill me afresh with Your Holy Spirit and let my life reflect Your glory. Amen.

A HOLY HUNGER�When Nothing But God Will Satisfy, Learning to Hunger and Thirst After God

14/06/2026

THE GOSPEL THE GOOD NEWS THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” — Romans 1:16
In a world filled with competing voices, conflicting opinions, and endless messages about how to live, we need to return to the one message that truly changes lives—the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Sadly, many people today think they know the Gospel, but what they often know is religion, self-improvement, or moral advice. The Gospel is far more powerful than that.
The word gospel simply means “good news.” But it is not just any good news—it is the greatest news the world has ever heard.
The Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day.”
The Gospel is centred entirely on Jesus.
It is about His perfect life. His sacrificial death. His victorious resurrection. And His invitation for us to be forgiven, restored, and made new.
The Gospel tells us that we could never save ourselves.
Ephesians 2:8-9 says. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works.”
What wonderful news! We do not earn God’s love, We do not achieve salvation through good behaviour, We receive it as a gift through faith in Jesus Christ.
In a culture obsessed with performance, success, and approval, Jesus declares from the cross. “It is finished.” (John 19:30)
The work of salvation has already been completed.
The Gospel does something religion never can.It changes hearts.
It breaks the power of sin, It restores what is broken, It gives eternal hope. It brings us back into relationship with God.
Romans 5:10 reminds us. “While we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son.”
Because of Jesus, we are no longer separated from God—we can become His children.
The challenge for each of us is this. Have we truly received the Gospel? Or have we simply been around it?
Jesus warned in Matthew 7:21 that not everyone who calls Him Lord truly belongs to Him.
The Gospel demands a response… We must admit our sin. Believe in Jesus.Repent and turn to God. Receive His grace. And follow Him as Lord.
The Gospel is not merely information to admire. It is an invitation to accept.
And it still changes everything.
Discipleship Resource Created by Dave Connolly

WILL YOU JOIN ME IN PRAYER. Lord Jesus, thank You for the Gospel—the good news that You lived, died, and rose again so that we could be forgiven and made new. Help us never to take this message for granted. Give us courage to share it, wisdom to live it, and hearts that are fully surrendered to You. Thank You for Your grace, You're mercy, and You're saving power. Amen.
Thought For the Day The Gospel is not advice to improve your life. It is the Good News that Jesus Christ can completely transform your life — now and for eternity.

11/06/2026

WHEN GOD FILLS THE HOUSE
“Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.” — Exodus 40:34
What happens when God truly shows up? Not when we simply have a good service.�Not when the music is excellent.�Not when the preaching is inspiring.
But when God makes His presence known.
Throughout Scripture, whenever God’s glory filled a place, everything changed.
When the Tabernacle was completed, “the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle” (Exodus 40:34). God’s presence was so overwhelming that even Moses could not enter.
When Solomon dedicated the Temple, “the cloud filled the house of the LORD” (1Kings 8:10–11), and the priests could not continue ministering because God’s presence had filled the house.
Then in 2Chronicles 7:1, fire came down from heaven and the glory of the Lord filled the Temple. The people fell on their faces in worship because they knew they were encountering the living God.
These moments remind us of an important truth… God desires more than religious activity. He desires relationship. He desires surrendered hearts. He desires a people who hunger for His presence.
The challenge for many Christians today is that we can become comfortable with church activity while neglecting God’s presence. We can plan services, Organise programmes, Maintain traditions.
Yet still miss what matters most.
The real question is not…. “Did we have a good service?”
The real question is… “Did we encounter God?”
Sadly, there are things that hinder God’s work in our lives.
Sin creates distance between us and God. “Your iniquities have separated you from your God.” (Isaiah 59:2)

Pride causes us to rely on ourselves rather than on Him. “God opposes the proud but shows favour to the humble.” (James 4:6)
And it is possible to have a form of godliness while missing God’s power altogether (2 Timothy 3:5).
But Scripture also shows us what attracts God’s presence… Humility, Prayer, Worship, Holiness.
God’s promise remains. “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face…” (2Chronicles 7:14)
The pathway to renewal has never changed.
As followers of Jesus, we must ask ourselves some honest questions… Do I hunger for God’s presence, or am I satisfied with routine?
When was the last time I truly encountered Him in prayer?
Am I pursuing Jesus daily, or simply attending church weekly?
The wonderful truth of the NT is that God’s glory is no longer confined to a building.
Paul writes.
“Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?” (1Corinthians 3:16)
Through Jesus Christ, God now dwells within His people.
Think about that. The same God whose glory filled the Tabernacle and the Temple now lives within every believer through the Holy Spirit. This means revival begins with us.Imagine homes filled with prayer. Families filled with faith. Churches marked by humility and holiness.
Lives transformed by the presence of Jesus. Not hype, Not performance, Not emotionalism. But genuine encounters with the living God.
Jesus came so that we could know the Father and walk daily in His presence. Through His death and resurrection, the way has been opened for us to draw near to God.
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8)

So don’t settle for merely attending church, Pursue the presence of Jesus. Seek Him in His Word, Meet Him in prayer, Worship Him with all your heart.
Because when God fills the house, everything changes. And when God fills a life, everything changes there too.
Discipleship Resource Created by Dave Connolly

WILL YOU JOIN ME IN PRAYER… Father, thank You for Your presence through Jesus Christ. Forgive us for becoming satisfied with routine when You are calling us into deeper relationship with You. Create within us a fresh hunger for Your presence, Your Word, and Your Spirit. Fill our homes, our churches, and our lives with Your glory so that Jesus may be honoured and lives may be transformed. In His precious name, Amen.

09/06/2026

GOD IS DOING A NEW THING
Hope for When You Feel Stuck..
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” (Isaiah 43:18-19)
Have you ever felt stuck?
Stuck in the same routine. Stuck in the same struggles. Stuck in the same worries. Stuck in circumstances that never seem to change.
Perhaps you’ve prayed for a breakthrough, but the situation remains the same. Maybe you’ve tried to move forward, only to find yourself facing the same challenges over and over again.
If that’s where you are today, take heart. God’s Word brings hope.
When the prophet Isaiah spoke these words, God’s people were living in exile in Babylon. Their city had been destroyed, their temple lay in ruins, and their future seemed hopeless. For many, it felt as though their best days were behind them.
Yet into that discouragement God spoke a promise.. “See, I am doing a new thing!”
Notice that God didn’t say, “I might do something new one day.” He said, “I am doing a new thing.”
Even when His people could not see it, God was already at work.
The same is true for us.
There are seasons when we cannot see what God is doing. We pray, wait, and wonder why nothing seems to be changing. Yet Scripture reminds us that God is always working behind the scenes.
Jesus said. “My Father is always at his work.” (John 5:17)
Always… Even in the waiting. Even in the uncertainty. Even in the wilderness.
One of the greatest obstacles to experiencing God’s future is becoming trapped by our past. That is why God says… “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.”
This does not mean we ignore the past or pretend it never happened. It means we refuse to let yesterday define tomorrow.
Past failures do not disqualify us from God’s grace. Past disappointments do not cancel God’s promises. Past hurts do not prevent God from bringing healing.
The cross of Jesus Christ proves that God can bring victory out of apparent defeat. What looked like the end became the beginning of salvation for all who believe.
The resurrection reminds us that God specialises in impossible situations.
Isaiah continues… “I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
A wilderness is a place where there appears to be no path forward. A wasteland is a place where life seems absent.
Yet these are precisely the places where God loves to work. He makes roads where no roads exist. He brings life where everything appears dead. He brings hope where despair has taken root.
Perhaps your wilderness today is a difficult relationship, a financial burden, a health challenge, a season of grief, or a spiritual struggle.
Remember this… when you feel stuck, God is not stuck.
The greatest “new thing” God has ever done is found in Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, He offers forgiveness, hope, purpose, and new life to everyone who trusts in Him.
The challenge for each of us is simple… Will we keep looking backwards, or will we trust God with what lies ahead? Will we focus on our circumstances, or will we focus on Christ? Will we believe that God is still able to do something new?
Today, lift your eyes… God has not forgotten you. God has not abandoned you. God is not finished with you.
He is still making a way in the wilderness. He is still bringing streams into the wasteland.
And even now, He may already be doing a new thing.
Do you perceive it?
Discipleship Resource created by Dave Connolly

WILL YOU JOIN ME IN PRAYER.
Heavenly Father, Thank You that You are the God of new beginnings. When we feel stuck, help us to trust that You are still at work. Open our eyes to see what You are doing and give us faith to follow where You lead.
Thank You for Jesus, whose death and resurrection bring us forgiveness, hope, and new life. Help us to leave the past behind and walk confidently into the future You have prepared for us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Dave Connolly

21/06/2026

18/06/2026

16/06/2026

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