HEBREWS 11:21 NKJV
By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff.
REFERENCES: 1 SAMUEL 17:38, PSALM 23:1-4, GENESIS 32:10
Just about everyone has a favorite childhood memory. And while everyone’s childhood varies there’s usually at least one place you can remember that you would love to return to. But what do we do with great memories that we can't recall? In biblical times, children were given a staff and on it would be inscriptions of God’s faithfulness towards them. In this way the staff represented so much more than what shepard’s used to guide their flock, it was their walking memory stick. As Jacob in his old age leaned on his staff to bless his grandsons, we can only imagine what he was thinking as he looked back on God's faithfulness towards him and his family. Memories are powerful and we have the power to create and keep them by staying in the presence of God. Taking time to be with him brings peace and joy and goes beyond a momentary happiness. Knowing God breathes an everlasting confidence to push past disappointments and into his promises within us, as he reminds us of what he’s done and that he has the power to do it and will do it again.
You have to create a memory that will strengthen you to stand, when you are about to fall.
We tend to give up on whatever we feel we won’t succeed in. And unfortunately, that attitude bleeds into our prayer lives. When we ought to dwell in the secret place of prayer with God, we lose focus because we don’t hear what we want back from him. But God is looking for a people who will wait on him and remember his faithfulness. His presence is a gift we can receive every day.
There is no point to making progress in this life, without remembering the purpose of life itself. When we remember that our purpose is to glorify God for who he is, our hearts shift into a posture of humility and acceptance of his restorative and unrelenting love.
Our memories are very powerful, and they play a crucial role in the way we see the world. When there is a lack of joy, there is a lack of God’s presence. Therefore, it is essential for us to remember how faithful God is with us and to seek those memories where he has been good to us. Our memories are the only thing that Satan cannot steal from us. Even in seasons where there is a lot of chaos, we must set time aside from our day to seek God, dive into prayer and worship. The story of Jacob demonstrates to us how faithful Jacob was to God by worshipping him even in his time of death. Worship is vital because God created us to acknowledge that he is God and apart from him there is no other. God has never forgotten us, as he ultimately demonstrated by Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. So let’s choose to remember and worship as Jacob did.
Today’s a great day to make a memory. Write down the moments God has been faithful and post it somewhere you can always see it to remember his goodness.
If someone in your Crew needs care, we want to come alongside you. Our Care Response Team is designed to equip you to walk with people in different seasons of their life.Our team is committed to celebrating life’s best moments with you and offering support through its hardest ones.We would love to come around you for the following life events:
+ Marriages
+ Births
+ Deaths
+ Hospitalizations/Illness
Please submit a request at vouschurch.com/requestcare
Saying yes to Jesus marks a brand new beginning. Baptism is your next step. It's how you go public with your faith and celebrate the new life God has given you. The past is behind you, and a fresh future is ahead. This is your moment. We are having baptisms this Sunday, July 27th, across all of our locations, and on the beach.
To sign up for baptisms, please click here.
This back-to-school season, we have the opportunity to show up for our city in a meaningful way. On Saturday, August 2, we’re hosting a Back to School Bash at the Samuel K. Johnson Youth Center, located inside Charles Hadley Park. It’s a chance to serve local families by distributing backpacks filled with school supplies and making sure every student feels seen, supported, and ready to start the year with confidence.
Donate - Fill backpacks for families in need for the school year. You can purchase supplies locally and bring to a VOUS Location or donate online.
Serve - Help host our annual Back To School Bash for families in our community — distribute backpacks, check-in guests, and serve our city during a morning of fun and games.
When: Saturday, August 2nd
Where: Samuel K. Johnson Youth Center
Address: 4900 NW 12th Ave, Miami, FL 33127
Team Rally: 10:20AM
Starting Sunday, August 3rd, we will be moving to brand new service times at all of our locations!
VOUS SoMi
10:00AM / 12:00PM / 6PM
VOUS City
10:00AM / 12:00PM / 6PM
VOUS Miami Gardens
8:30AM / 10:00AM / 12:00PM
VOUS Design District
8:30AM / 10:00AM / 12:00PM
The countdown is on! If you're ready to take your next step in ministry, leadership, or higher education, now is the time to apply. VOUS College application deadline is July 31st for both our degree-seeking and leadership programs. Don’t miss your chance to be part of a life-changing semester. Start your journey at vouscollege.com/apply.
VOUS SoMi
8:45AM / 10:30AM / 12:30PM / 6PM
VOUS City
10:30AM / 12:30PM / 6PM
VOUS Miami Gardens
8:45AM / 10:30AM / 12:30PM
VOUS Design District
10:30AM / 12:30PM
Church Online
10:30AM / 12:30PM / 5PM Español
Growth Track
After every service or join online at vouschurch.com/growthtrack