New Journey Community Church

09/06/2026

Your Sunday Prayer
by PROVERBS 31 MINISTRIES
September 6, 2026

Heavenly Father, as we step into this new season, open our eyes to notice the people You place directly in our paths, rather than looking the other way. Forgive us for the times we let our own limitations keep us from offering Your limitless love, and help us remember that simply listening can be a powerful balm to a hurting soul. Remind us, Lord, that no one is invisible or unnoticed to You — You are El Roi, the God who sees us. Use our hands, our time, and our prayers today to remind a weary world that they are deeply known, fiercely loved, and never forgotten. In Jesus’ name, amen.

09/06/2026

We would love to have you join us for our Sunday morning service.

Come early for coffee and donuts!

Not able to join us in person? Connect to our livestream by clicking this link:
https://stream.streamingchurch.tv/stream.php?churchid=church8361

09/05/2026

Giving When We Have Nothing To Give
by ALICIA BRUXVOORT
September 5, 2026

“So Hagar gave this name to the Lord Who spoke to her, ‘You are a God Who sees’” (Genesis 16:13a, NLV).

I was on my way home from the store when I saw her standing between two dingy piles of melting snow on the corner of a busy intersection.
Her cardboard sign shared her desperation, and my stomach churned with empathy. But what could I do? I had three gallons of milk in the trunk, two $1 bills in my wallet, and a pack of pink bubble gum on the dashboard. So I steered my van toward home.

No more than a mile later, a thought lodged in my mind: Go back, and let her know you see her.

I thought about how I’d looked the other way when I’d turned that corner at the stoplight as if the woman were invisible, insignificant, or both. What hurts worse? I wondered. The pain of desperation or the pang of disregard?

Returning to that intersection, I left my car in a nearby parking lot.
“Ma’am, how can I help you?” I asked when I reached her.

“I need work,” she said. Then her troubled tale spilled from a raw heart.
I listened, because sometimes the simplest way to affirm someone’s significance is to take time to hear her story.

“I don’t really know how to help,” I admitted, my eyes brimming with hot tears. “But I do know Jesus, and I know He really loves you. Could I pray for you?” To my surprise, she agreed.

In Genesis 16, we find another desperate woman. Hagar is plodding through the desert with an unborn child and a forlorn soul. And just when her situation seems hopeless, God sends a messenger to encourage her.

The messenger’s words don’t immediately change Hagar’s plight. But they promptly change her perspective. “Hagar gave this name to the Lord Who spoke to her, ‘You are a God Who sees’” (Genesis 16:13a). The woman who once felt unseen now finds herself undone by three simple truths: God sees her. He knows her pain. And He has a plan.

The story of Hagar reminds us that even when we don’t know what to do, we can point to the One we know, the One who sees.

We may not have a solution for every problem, but we carry a salve for every soul: the hope of the gospel. We know a God who is present in pain, patient in trouble, lavish in mercy, and long-suffering in love. And He treasures every person He’s created.

I shared this truth with the woman on the corner. When I finished praying, she thanked me through tears, her shoulders no longer hunched and drooping.

As I drove away, I gave her a wave and let my eyes declare what I hoped her heart was beginning to believe: You are not invisible. You are invaluable. The God who sees, sees you.

Dear Jesus, forgive me for the times I’ve ignored the needs of Your people. Use me to bring Your hope to the hopeless and Your presence to those in pain. In Jesus’ name, amen.

FOR DEEPER STUDY
Job 34:21, “For God carefully watches the goings on of all mankind; he sees them all” (TLB).

Zechariah 2:8, “For thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘He sent Me after glory, to the nations which plunder you; for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye’” (NKJV).

Is there someone in your life who needs to know she’s seen by God? Prayerfully consider how to encourage her today.

Hagar’s story of God-encounters continues in Genesis 21:8-20. Read it, and ask God to speak personally to you.

09/04/2026

The God of Grace
by WHITNEY CAPPS
Author of The Melody of Grace
September 4, 2026

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters” (Romans 8:28-29, NIV).

I have cancer. I was diagnosed in August of 2021. Five years later, those words still stick in the back of my throat, hard to say, hard to reconcile.
After my diagnosis, caring, well-meaning people would often quote Romans 8:28 to me: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

I understand the sentiment, and I absolutely believe this truth. But when you’re suffering, this kind of promise feels hollow. A far-off reality reserved for those on the glorious other side of a hard story. But in the middle of it? The grace of God feels like chasing the wind, hard to grasp and hold on to.

Never have I doubted God’s kindness, love, or ability to heal me. But there’s a special kind of pain that haunts those of us waiting for answered prayer. He can heal me, and as of yet, He has chosen not to.

You may know that kind of ache too. Maybe you’re waiting on a wayward child to return home. You may be facing month after month of crushing financial strain. Perhaps your marriage is hanging by a thread, and you’re desperate for God to work a miracle.

Where do we find grace for the days when we’re waiting to see the goodness of God show up for us? Baked into that question is some faulty theology. I realized, poring over Romans 8, that I’d actually missed Paul’s point.

The theme of that chapter is suffering.

Paul reminds us that our present sufferings are not to be compared to the glory that will be revealed in us (Romans 8:18). Even as we groan, Paul tells us that the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness, interceding on our behalf (Romans 8:26-27).

Paul then says that all things work together for good for those called according to God’s purpose. But what is His purpose in us? Comfort? Ease? No. We are to be conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29).

Look at the incredible way Paul ends the chapter in Romans 8:31-39. There is nothing that can defeat us. In Christ, we are more than conquerors. Nothing can separate us from the love that is in Christ Jesus.

In our suffering, He is with us. His goodness and grace aren’t merely what He does. It’s who He is. In our pain, we're not just getting the “doing” of grace; it’s His being. We get grace personified in the indwelling of His Holy Spirit. We are never alone. We have grace for whatever today holds.

God, You are good, kind, and faithful. But when life feels heavy, it’s hard to see Your grace in action. As we grieve, struggle, and doubt, remind us that Your goodness and grace are not primarily what You do. It’s who You are. In Jesus’ name, amen.

FOR DEEPER STUDY
2 Corinthians 12:9, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me” (NIV).

Whitney reminds us that grace isn't only what God does; it's who He is. What is one way you've sensed His presence with you in a hard season?

09/03/2026

I Just Want Some Answers
by LYSA TERKEURST
September 3, 2026

“Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty’” (John 6:35, NIV).

At times, I’ve looked at prayer requests like Amazon Prime deliveries.

I want to know I’ll get what I ask for. I want what’s delivered to look like what I expected and to arrive in record time. And then I will feel so close to God because He did what I wanted!

I’m not proud of this. I’m challenged by it. Because there’s something too human and predictable about that being the way prayer actually works. Then my prayers become orders I place, the answers as cheap as products, and the sender nothing more than a far-removed entity I give little thought to until I need something else.

I want to change this. I want to come to God with my needs, desires, and hunger and recognize that whatever He places before me is His daily bread. When Jesus taught us what to pray each day, His first request was for daily bread. But isn’t it true that bread took on many different forms in the Bible?

Sometimes it looks like a loaf from the oven (Leviticus 2:4), other times like manna from heaven (Deuteronomy 8:3), or best of all, like Jesus, who declared Himself the Bread of Life (John 6:35). All three are God’s perfect provision. But with our human eyes, we would probably only recognize the loaf of bread as good and most fitting, and what a tragedy that would be.

The loaf of bread may be what I want from God, but isn’t the loaf the least miraculous of all the forms of bread? It’s the kind of provision we have to work to receive from the ground, harvesting the wheat, processing it, and then baking it — all with our own hands. But maybe that’s what I like so much about the loaf of bread. Since I’m working for it, I have a sense of control over it.

Manna represents what God simply gives. The manna that fell from heaven for the children of Israel was God’s perfect sustenance, even though it looked more like little seeds or flakes rather than loaves of bread. And yet it came directly from God, day by day, and kept more than 2 million Israelites alive in the desert for the 40 years they needed it. It was miraculous.

But even with manna, people still had a role to play. They had to go outside their tents to pick it up. They didn’t grow it, but they could count on it.

Control and consistency make me feel like I’m trusting God when, in reality, I’m just counting on Him to the level that He comes through for me.

The best kind of bread, though, is the Bread of Life: Jesus Himself. This isn’t provision we work for or simply pick up; this is provision in Christ deposited inside of us that nourishes and sustains us all the way down to our souls.

In John 6:35, “Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’” Jesus is the most miraculous provision, and the One already given to us today — but maybe the One least recognized as being everything we need.

And I know you might be saying, “Look, Lysa, what’s in front of me is awful, so this doesn’t make me want to trust God more. It makes me trust Him less!” I understand that. I feel the same way about some of what’s in front of me right now too.

If we have Jesus today, we are living in answered prayer and provision. The One who brings about good, even from the awful things we are seeing with our physical eyes, is actively working on our behalf right now.

He is talking to the Father about you right now in ways that, if you could hear Him, would make you never fear what’s in front of you. Never question His love for you or His goodness to you.

We see only what the human mind can imagine, but God is building something we cannot even fathom. We may see it in time, or not until eternity. But until we do, we can know with certainty that whatever He gives us truly is His good provision, whether that good is for today or part of a much bigger plan.

So today, we can pray what we need to pray. Pray all the words, let the tears flow into sobs and frustrations mixed with hope. And then, we can look at what’s right in front of us through what we know to be true about God. And trust Jesus to eventually make something beautiful from it.

Jesus, thank You for being the perfect sustenance that I need today. I look to You as the Bread of Life. Help me when I’m struggling as I wait for my prayers to be answered in Your perfect timing. In Jesus’ name, amen.

FOR DEEPER STUDY
Psalm 54:4, “Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me” (NIV).

Even in the midst of prayers you’re longing for God to answer, how has Jesus Himself shown up as the “bread of life” provision for you recently?

09/02/2026

God, Please Help
by MICAH MADDOX
September 2, 2026

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6, ESV).

After a long day of parenting my five kids the best I knew how, I reached for the lamp on my nightstand and turned off the light.

Deep into the night, I was jolted awake.

There was no sound that startled me, no child running to my side for help. What woke me up was the heavy burden on my heart to help one of my children with the anxiety he battled every day. I uttered the prayer: God, please help!

Tears still come to my eyes as I think back on that moment. I imagine you’ve had your own “God, please help” moments. This one was a turning point in my anxiety and in my family. Through this prayer, my perspective shifted from "I can’t do this" to "only God can do this."

Today I also think of Philippians 4:6, and my heart is both challenged and encouraged: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

This reminds me that I can ask God for help with anything at any time, even the anxiety in my family. Nothing is too big or too complicated for God. No relationship, financial concern, health problem, or seemingly impossible crisis is beyond His power to soothe, comfort, fix, change, or work through. God holds the power in every impossible situation, even the heavy burden that woke me up in the middle of the night.

I began praying over and with my child about the anxiety we both wrestled with. We got a front-row seat to a miracle unfolding. Little by little, we began to turn to God in moments of chaos. And little by little, chaotic moments turned into calm miracles.

One of the miraculous moments of our journey came after I prayed over my child one night, and his deep, dark eyes lifted and looked into mine. “Mom, can I pray?”

I swallowed hard and tried to hold back the tears. “Yes.” His words filled the room. Time seemed to pause. His prayer was the miracle we had been pleading with God for, the peace we needed.

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7, ESV).

When I first asked God to help, I didn’t really know what we needed. But God did. He helped my child learn to pray for himself, and that changed everything for both of us.

If you find yourself in a difficult season, don’t lose heart. I want to encourage you to borrow the short prayer that changed everything for me and my child: God, please help. Let God lift the anxiety and work in the stillness of your surrendered heart or the heart of someone you deeply love.

God, please help me in my impossible situation. I know I can’t, but I know You can. In Jesus’ name, amen.

FOR DEEPER STUDY
1 Peter 5:7, “casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (ESV).

What is one “God, please help” prayer you need to pray today?

09/02/2026

Thanks to each of you who made The Table possible tonight. Because of you, we were able to serve 105 people from the community!

09/01/2026

It’s Safe To Release What You’re Holding On To
by LYSA TERKEURST
September 1, 2026

“Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23, NIV)

Recently I shared some honest thoughts with a friend as I was struggling through a hard situation: "Sometimes the pain of today feels like a declaration of what my whole future will look like. I just can't see how this will ever change or get better."

I knew I needed to press in to God with my doubts. Although it’s not wrong to have these thoughts, or even to share them with a friend, it is dangerous to let them consume me. So I decided to go on a walk because I’m most reminded of the sovereignty, intentionality, and artistry of our Creator when I’m outside in nature.

I love noting the changing pinks and purples of a sunrise or sunset over the marsh. I relish the warmth of oranges and yellows as fall arrives, displaying its glory in the trees. And I find it comforting that each day begins and ends with God’s display of light and dark. The consistent rhythms found in nature remind me that God is consistently true to who He is.

Our key verses for today, Lamentations 3:22-23, illuminate these important truths for us to cling to: “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

God is always a God of compassion. God never runs out of His love for us. It’s simply a part of who our faithful God is.

As I took one step after another on my walk, I had a choice: I could stay stuck, cycling through my doubts and fears, or I could surrender to the only One who is safe enough to help me process them. So I opened my hands as I declared out loud:

Lord, today I resist the pressure to try to figure out that difficult situation I so desperately want fixed. I resist the desire to control, the temptation to panic and feel like it all depends on me. I resist the pull toward focusing on all that another person is doing wrong. And I resist dwelling on worst-case scenarios.

Tonight I will stand outside during sunset, and as the light drops into the horizon, I will watch what You put on display. I will see what You can do with a mix of light and darkness.

And I will remember why I am not afraid of the light going away at sunset — because it will not stay dark forever.

I know how magnificent it will be when You bring the light back tomorrow morning. I know the sun will rise because You faithfully show us that over and over and over.

The God who makes the sun rise is the same God to whom I can safely release all I am holding on to. God, I know You see all of it. I know You know what to do with it. I trust You to guide me. I will do my part, and I will let You handle the rest.

Friend, I don’t know what’s going on in your life right now, but God does. Please know it’s OK to hand all of your doubts over to Him as you simply take a deep breath and soak in the reality of who He is. Maybe you can look out the window and see the sunrise. Or sit outside and hear the birds beginning to sing. And if you’re having a hard time putting words to how you feel, you can borrow my prayer today.

Let the beauty of His creation remind you He is faithfully compassionate. He loves you now, tomorrow, and each new day.

Lord, thank You for the chance to experience a new day full of Your glory. Please help me to keep my hands open as I learn to trust You with every detail of my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

FOR DEEPER STUDY
Psalm 62:8, “Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge” (NIV).

What has been your biggest struggle in coming to God with your doubts and fears? How has today’s devotion encouraged you to release some of the things (or people) you tend to want to change, fix, or control?

09/01/2026

Invite your friends, family, and neighbors to The Table tomorrow evening. Or come lend a hand as we serve the community!

Yummy, yummy … Halupki (Cabbage Roll),
Mashed Potatoes, Applesauce, Bread and Dessert!!

Come gather ‘round The Table with your friends and family on Tuesday, September 1 @ 5:30PM.

Absolutely FREE ~ ALL are welcome ~ We have a place set for YOU!!

We meet in the New Journey Church building at 1769 Newport Ave, Northampton. Hope to see you there!!

08/31/2026

Jesus Saw Her and He Sees Us Too
by NICOLE LANGMAN
Author of This Isn’t the Story I Wanted
August 31, 2026

“When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said to her, ‘Woman, you are freed from your disability’” (Luke 13:12, ESV).

I watched my ringless hand reach for the glass door of the enormous church in my new town.

Everything inside me begged it not to be true. Begged the betrayal to be a bad dream, the unraveling of almost 20 years of a life I loved to be some terrible misunderstanding.

On a soul level, I begged God to see me and heal the parts of me lost in the ending I didn’t choose. To heal the pain of feeling unwanted and unchosen, the grief that filled every corner of my life.

Slipping in near the back of the sanctuary, I let the tears fall and listened as the pastor read Luke 13, the story of the woman who, for 18 years, had been bent over and couldn’t straighten herself. Everything slowed down when I heard these words:

“When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said to her, ‘Woman, you are freed from your disability’” (Luke 13:12).

It landed like a holy hush in my heart.

I saw myself standing beside that woman, wondering what it took for her to make her way to the synagogue that day — hurting and carrying years of suffering. The grief of a life she didn’t choose mingling with hope for something more.

And then, in a moment that changed everything for her, Jesus saw her in a room full of people, stopped what He was doing, and called her over. The gentle voice of the Messiah, saying her name and speaking freedom into her life.

I love that Jesus gives His personal attention to the bent and broken. He notices suffering that others miss. No pain, grief, or season of brokenness goes unseen by Him.

If you’re where I was, can I remind you?

Bring your whole story to Jesus. There will never be a time when He doesn’t want all the pieces of your broken heart.

Let yourself listen past the deafening pain for the voice of your Messiah. His voice reaches us on a soul level, bringing freedom and filling us with hope.

We are seen by the same Savior who saw our sister all those years ago. If we had been in that synagogue, He would have stopped for us too.

When the story we’re carrying looks nothing like the one we had planned, His voice, gentle and full of healing, calls us to come closer. Lean in and listen closely for the kind voice of a Savior who saw a broken woman that day, who saw me in that dimly lit sanctuary, and who sees you now. May we trust Him with every piece of our story.

He is writing something beautiful.

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me so much that You call me by name. When the pain feels too heavy and the loss too much, help me to listen for Your voice and turn over all the broken pieces to You. I trust You, Jesus. In Jesus’ name, amen.

FOR DEEPER STUDY
Isaiah 43:1-2, “But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you’” (ESV).

Which part of this passage do you feel God is highlighting for you today, and what invitation do you sense He is extending through it?

What does it mean to you to live as someone who is fully known and fully loved by God?