Empowered to Live Holy

Written By Ryan Lovett

This was it—the end of one season and the launchpad into another. Today marked our final Sunday at the Chamber of Commerce before stepping into the next chapter at the Community Center next week. The past six months have been a testament to God’s faithfulness. He has provided, sustained, and guided us, and as we close this chapter, our hearts are overflowing with gratitude for every moment, every miracle, and every move of His hand.

As I arrived, a stillness settled over me. I walked through the building, praying over the space one last time on a Sunday, and a deep peace took hold. It was more than just reassurance—it was an undeniable certainty that God was in control and would lead this day exactly as we needed. One by one, our volunteers began to arrive, some earlier than expected, their eagerness a reflection of the hunger and anticipation in the room. Together, we set about building our tabernacle unto the Lord, every chair placed and every cable run becoming an act of worship. This is what we strive for.

Then came the call to gather for prayer—a shift in the atmosphere that always signals something powerful is about to unfold. We’ve learned to expect God to move in this time, and He never disappoints. Whether it’s having a stranger join us and getting saved to the praying over each other, the presence of God in this time is getting more and more real to us. Arcelia read Psalm 23 over us, her voice carrying the weight of those familiar words—“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Little did she know that later in worship, we would sing some of these very words. Individuals received prayer, I shared a word God had placed on my heart for one of our own, and once again, peace settled over us—not just individually this time, but collectively, like a protective covering.

As service began, the warmth of community was undeniable. Familiar faces returned and there was a buzz in the lobby—a sound of connection, of church family coming together, of a place where people felt at home. As we moved into the sanctuary, there was an unspoken understanding: this gathering wasn’t about us. It was about Him. It was about what He wanted to do in our midst.

Worship began, lifting our hearts heavenward, and after the first song, I stepped up to share a few announcements and receive the tithes and offerings. Then, we opened the Word. Today’s message was titled Empowered to Live Holy—a reminder that holiness isn’t just about avoiding sin; it’s about being fully devoted to God. We explored both the Old and New Testaments, diving into why God calls us to holiness, how it transforms our lives, and the real consequences of compromise. But beyond theology, I wanted to equip us with practical steps to walk this out. By the time we ended, I believe we left not just with knowledge, but with a renewed desire to pursue a deeper, relationship-focused journey with God—empowered by His Spirit to live holy. (You can listen to the sermon here)

Even before this morning, I felt drawn to II Kings 6—the story of Elisha, surrounded by the Syrian army, yet unshaken because he saw what no one else could: the heavenly armies standing in their defense. That story led us into our time of worship after the sermon, beginning with Surrounded (Fight My Battles). As we sang, you could feel the layers of fear and worry peeling away, replaced by faith. It was as though peace itself overcame our circumstances, wrapping around each of us, growing stronger with every voice singing, every lifted hand, every surrendered heart. The moment was intimate, weighty with His presence.

Communion followed—a sacred pause, a holy moment where we remembered Christ together. There’s something deeply unifying about breaking bread as one body, and today, it felt especially significant.

And then, prayer. This is where some of the most powerful moments happen—after the final song, after the closing, when people step forward, vulnerable and open before God. It’s in these moments that breakthroughs take place, burdens are lifted, and hearts are healed. We, as the body of Christ, must recognize just how vital it is to pray for one another—not as a formality, but as a lifeline. There is power in it. There is transformation in it.

As I reflect on this day, I can’t help but wonder at how fitting it was to end this season in such a way—soaked in gratitude, expectation, and the tangible presence of God. And now, with hearts full and faith stirred, we look ahead, stepping into the next chapter with the confidence that God is leading the way.

Ryan Lovett
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