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Restoration is returning an object to its original condition. To the untrained eye it might look like a piece of junk, ready to be trashed, destroyed, or torn down. But to a skilled restorer, it’s a treasure, a project. Whether it’s a house, car, antique, or painting, restoration takes a lot of work, dedication, passion, money, time, and skill. In a similar way, God is in the restoration business. God takes our worn out and worn down lives, faith, and churches and through the Holy Spirit brings them back to their original condition. While the world sees a dilapidated, rusted out, good for nothing piece of junk, God sees beyond what we are to what we could be. This Easter season come to be restored and renewed by the Divine Restorer.
May 11, 2025
Psalm 51:10-12, Psalm 80:3, Ezekiel 36:26-27
Restoration begins with the inside. With cars it might be the engine. With houses it could be the studs or electrical system. With us it is our hearts. The Hebrew Scriptures refer to a God who longs to restore our hearts, transforming them from stone to flesh. What does that mean and why is that so important to God?
Reflection Question: Have you ever worked on a restoration project? Where did you start? Do you want to be restored? In what ways is God restoring your heart?
May 18, 2025
Restoration Needs Maintenance
Joshua 1:7-8, Ephesians 2:1, 4-5, 8-10
Without regular maintenance, anything restored will deteriorate again. Whether it’s an oil change for a car or a tune up for an HVAC system, a maintenance schedule is essential to run at peak condition. We need a maintenance schedule as well. The Bible tells us what we need to maintain our spiritual lives so we can live at peak condition. What is the “maintenance schedule” for human beings? What does “living at peak condition” look like?
Reflection Questions: What is your “maintenance schedule”? What does “living at peak condition” mean for you? Write down the answers to these questions and keep it in a special place as a reminder.
May 25, 2025
God Restores Your Faith
Romans 12:2, Matthew 22:36-37, Philippians 1:9-11
Faith has been confused and misunderstood in our society as being anti-science, anti-intellectual, even the antithesis of a political party. Scripture urges us to use our minds, be transformed by our minds, and to love with our minds. How might God restore our faith by engaging our minds and critical thinking? What would a compelling authentic faith look like restored to its original condition?
Reflection Questions: When you hear, see, or experience Christianity in a surprising or disturbing way, do you engage your intellect as you determine if it’s of God? What role do you believe critical thinking has in your faith restoration?
June 1, 2025
God Restores Your Love
Romans 13:9, I John 4:7-12, 18-21
According to recent polls, Christians are no longer known for their love. Christianity has become entangled with prosperity, politics, and prejudice. Yet we follow Jesus Christ who gave us the two greatest commandments to love and worship a God whose very definition IS love. Christians are in need of a love restoration. Although love can feel overwhelming and naive in a world full of division, hurt, and hate, it is at the heart of the Christian life. How would we live differently if our love for one another was restored to its original condition?
Reflection Questions: How might you counteract the prevailing perception of Christianity with love? Reflect on your words, your actions, your Social Media posts, and your lifestyle and ask God if there is room for you to express more love toward all people and how.
June 8, 2025
God Restores Your Church
Church may be the creation of God through Jesus Christ, but it is also a human institution. Churches get caught up in bureaucracy, in disagreements, and in power struggles. What would it look like for the church to be restored to its original condition? Pentecost gives us a clear picture of the existence of the church in its original condition. Through the Holy Spirit and our openness, KGPC can experience restoration today.
Reflection Questions: What do you believe needs to be restored at KGPC? How might God use you to be part of our church restoration?