First Word for August 2025

Isaiah 9:7 says,

“Of the increase of his government and of peace
    there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
    to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
    from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”

This declaration contains huge implications and vital encouragements to us. We serve a King whose kingdom is unshakable, unstoppable, and ever-increasing. His reign is filled with true peace, built on justice and righteousness, and one which will never end.

This means our labor is never in vain. We are reminded of this in 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”

It means that every act of faithfulness matters. We can serve with confidence. And when the pace feels slow or the results small, we remember that God Himself will bring His purposes to completion. The kingdom’s growth is inevitable.

We believe God is directing us to start a lifegroup in South Columbia. Stanley and Anna Kathryn Worstell are launching this group at the end of August, and Michelle and I will be helping in this. We want to see more people come to Know God, Find Family, Discover Purpose, and Make a Difference.

We are called to make disciples. Our aim is to see a disciple-making community with multiple reproducing lifegroups in South Columbia. We also sense God stirring us toward future groups in Murfreesboro.  

Would you join me in praying earnestly and fervently for God’s grace and favor in all of this? Our week of prayer is happening this week. May we be a people who pray first because we know our help comes from the Lord.

Let’s go!!

- John Privett