First Word for March 2025

We recently returned from C25, our annual Confluence leaders’ conference held in St. Louis, Missouri.

There were many powerful words and such warm fellowship over the three days as we shared teachings, prayer, coffees, and meals together. These times really are like a family reunion as we hear stories of all God is doing amongst us, reuniting with old friends and meeting new friends. 

There were even a few leaders there who had to flee from Ukraine and are now planting a church in Detroit.

I was particularly moved by a video from Rhys Scott, one of our pastors in Canada who is battling brain cancer. His faith and resolve are both inspiring and provoking. We are praying for him and so many others who need real breakthrough and healing.

One of the things God is reminding us of is to focus on what God says, rather than on what we see. It is critical that as the people of God we know and recall His promises which propel us to continue pressing on and taking risks for Him. 

What if the Israelites wouldn’t have continued marching around Jericho? What if they just stopped on the sixth lap around? God promised he would defeat the Canaanites. God has promised healing. God has promised restoration. We are standing on so many promises throughout God’s word.

James 5:13-16:
“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.”

Let’s keep running; let's keep believing—Let’s go!

- John Privett