Dear Radiant,
God is jealous for you. God longs for you at this very moment.
James says: “Do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us?” (James 4:5).
But unlike human jealousy which is often rooted in envy or insecurity, God’s jealousy is as pure and secure as it is fierce.
God desires our highest good, therefore he is jealous (emotional) about that which would keep us from his good, creative intent for us, which is a life lived in ever deepening communion with Him.
Jealousy always involves at least three parties: a relationship between two persons and a rival(s) or threats to that relationship.
So I wonder what God is jealous of in my life? What idols win my attention and affection?
The thousand touches of my phone each day searching for something….
That feeling of security from having some extra money in the bank…
Those dreams of some future fulfillment when ______ finally happens?
Oh, but these lesser gods never really deliver.
God is that for which we search.
Our incessant and seemingly infinite desire can only be met in him.
That’s why He is jealous. And ready to pour out his love.
A.W. Tozer writes daringly about this:
“If you want to be wholly His and have all His fullness, His great heart is just longing to find room and vent for His love.”
So a little room for God’s jealous love today? I wonder what would happen?
“But he gives us more grace.” (James 4:6)
See you this Sunday at 10am,
Grace and Peace,
-Zach
Radiant Events Calendar
8/5 – Women’s Group at ELC 6-7am
8/9, 16, 23 – Radiant Volunteer Draft Combine
8/16 – Church “It’s Official” Party at ELC after church
10/2-4 – Women’s Conference at Mission Springs
Radiant Youth
Radiant Youth are going bowling this Sunday Night! Youth, 6th grade through 12th grade will meet at McHenry Bowl at 5:47PM.
RadCov Kids Survey – *Complete by this Sunday Night.
Over the next couple of months we’re taking a fresh look at our approach to children’s ministry. We’d love to hear your experience, hopes, and ideas as parents, volunteers, and as a Radiant congregants. Your unique perspective will help us listen well as we discern our next steps. Here’s a link to a survey.
*Reminder, for the month of July, only our “Glow” (ages 0-4) classroom will be open. All other children are welcome in service. We will have materials for them to engage with during the service in the welcome area.
“It’s Official” Party – Radiant joins the ECC
We are celebrating this major milestone as a church on August 16. We’ll share stories about God’s wild faithfulness and what this next means as we prepare for our first congregational where we’ll elect leaders, approve budgets meeting in December. All welcome!
Radiant Volunteer Draft Combine is Coming…
Where 40 times and vertical jumps aren’t as an important as a humble desire to serve others. This is Radiant’s invitation to gather volunteers for the fall. More to come: Sundays August 9, 16, 23.
Subscribe to Radiant’s Youtube Channel
Hey friends, we are trying to improve our livestream game a bit and think that streaming on Youtube will serve our congregation better. To enable this, we will need 50 subscribers (we need 8 more!). You can subscribe here.
Women’s Conference at Mission Springs October 2-4
This fall’s theme, “Teach Us to Pray”, is centered on the Lord’s Prayer. Together, we will slow down and reflect on each phrase Jesus taught, discovering what it means to trust our Father, seek His kingdom, depend on His provision, and walk in forgiveness and surrender. This theme calls us not just to learn about prayer, but to be transformed by it. Through worship, teaching, and community, we will be renewed in our desire to pray boldly and live rooted in His presence. Join us for a weekend that promises to refresh your spirit, deepen your faith, and strengthen your connections with fellow women.
Register here: https://www.missionsprings.com/camp-event/womens-conference/
Community Notes
RADIANT ADOPTION INTO THE COVENANT – Radiant has been formally adopted into the Evangelical Covenant Denomination. This happened on Friday, June 26 at the 141st Annual Meeting in Scottsdale, AZ. We’ll party later this summer as a congregation.
SHARING TABLE – One fun way we practice the gospel sharing and generosity is through our simple “sharing table.” We place a folding table where people can place items that they would like to give away to others (not junk!). These items could be clothes, fresh garden vegetables, toys, books, etc. It’s free – take them if you want it, no questions asked or obligations. If your sharing items are not taken that week – please be sure to take them back with you as we will not be storing items.
BAND APP – One way to connect to the Radiant community is to join our BAND APP group. Think of this as a sort of Radiant message board — our own little social media space. People can extend invites, share about needs and opportunities.
Giving
Thank you for your generosity and partnership in Radiant’s ministry!
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
2 Corinthians 9:7-8
