A CHANGE OF HEART

Our mission here at the Olive Branch is “To build a community of people transformed by the Good News of Jesus and committed to having a transforming impact on our world – being Good News wherever we find ourselves.” It all starts with transformation.
Giving doesn’t just come from our hands – it comes from our heart first. When we give out of a transformed heart, we are giving back to God. Not to earn anything, but out of gratitude for what HE has given us. It’s only then we can begin to see the bigger picture. That it’s NOT just about us. Surprised? Every soul on this planet matters to God. And here’s some more good news. While we’re in the process of changing our hearts – we get to join Jesus in HIS mission! Sound a little scary and overwhelming? Sometimes it is… but that’s when we can lean into Him – trusting that He already knows the person we will become and what our impact will be. So… are you ready to trust Jesus? Are you ready for a change of heart?

WAITING FOR YOUR DREAM

Matthew 16:21–23
Have you ever had your plans changed on you? The disciples assumed they knew God’s plan for Jesus – but it was a broken view of what God was up to. In their impatience they could not see that God was actually changing everything. They almost missed the plot.
Takeaway: We will wait patiently and let God reveal His plan to us.

THE CALL TO STOP

It seemed like Jesus always had people (especially the religious ones), trying to trip Him up. The day Jesus told one of His greatest, most memorable stories, was no different. Three men saw a guy beaten on the side of the road. The road was narrow – he was hard to miss. The first two – religious professionals – left this guy to bleed and likely die where he lay. Then a Samaritan, a supposed enemy of the Jews came along. He stopped – unlike the other two who saw who passed by. This was compassion in action. Right in the busyness of life. Right when you have lots to do – and would rather not get involved. Love – generous love – causes you to stop. Generous love causes you to get involved.

MOTHERS OF THE BIBLE

Eve, Sarah, Rebekah, Leah, Jochabed, Naomi and Mary. If we would have seen them in their cultural context, they probably didn’t stand out… but God took their otherwise ordinary lives and wove their stories into the most important narrative ever written!
Motherhood is messy, life is messy – but no matter whose story you connect with remember that God is walking with you and He is using your life for kingdom purposes! Whether you are a Mother of faith, a mentor Mom, a Mom by adoption, a Mom by birth
or marriage – you play an important role in the lives and stories of the next generation. DON’T GIVE UP… all of heaven is cheering for you!