More than an August visitor
Repairing Broken Altars
Dear Sibling,
Guess what?
In exactly one month from today, we'll be celebrating a significant milestone - BTH's third anniversary! It's hard to believe that three years have flown by since we had our first hangout and we haven’t looked back ever since.
But, back to being serious.
How would you describe Encounters?
That moment when God dramatically interrupts your day and invades you with His presence? Think of Moses and the burning bush. That’s such a fantastic example because truly, that was what happened. God interrupted his day.
But what if we told you there's a more systematic path to encounters?
God, in His infinite wisdom, has provided us with a systematic approach to experiencing His presence. While spontaneous encounters are beautiful, our Creator doesn't want our spiritual journey to rely solely on chance. He is, after all, a God of order and system.
In the Old Testament, we see a recurring theme: when an altar is prepared with a sacrifice, fire from heaven is sure to fall. This isn't coincidence - it's covenant.
Consider these powerful examples:
Elijah called down fire after setting up an altar (1 Kings 18:38)
Gideon witnessed heavenly fire consume his offering (Judges 6:21)
David saw the Lord answer with fire on the altar (1 Chronicles 21:26)
What does God expect of us in this season?
He is calling us to repair our altars. Broken altars signify neglect and abandonment, and they do not catch fire. God desires a restored and active relationship with us, one where we intentionally create space for His presence not the one where our encounter with Him is an August Visitor.
He wants us to repair our altars because broken altars don’t catch fire and they also signify abandonment.
Random encounters don’t sustain fire, but actively seek Him because we know that He is faithful to respond when we prepare our hearts.
The altar needs a sacrifice and unlike the bulls and goats, you are that sacrifice; a living sacrifice. So while the altar must be repaired, it is the presence of the sacrifice that invites the fire because fire must consume something. YOU!
You know we always plug you to the things that will help you in areas that God has by His goodness pointed out to us. So, here's a Bible Plan and a prayer playlist to help you rearrange your altars in preparation for fire.
You’re welcome.
BI-WEEKLY VIRTUAL MEETINGS
We’ve had two Global Virtual Meetings already and if you missed it, all we can say is that you’re missing out on a lot.
The first one we had, the first 3 Siblings that joined won themselves a merch each. So, three more people have a BTH cap each.
The second one, we had an interesting discussion on How we handle moments of self-doubt and insecurity and what an interesting turn it took. It was filled with so many perspectives that enlightened us. We also had one of our siblings who is a Frontend Engineer talk to us on the importance of community in building a career in any space. It was an interesting one and we look forward
If you’ve missed these two, you missed but the good thing is that there will be much more, so ensure to block your Calendars for the month of August it’ll be on the 11th and 25th of August.
So, if you have questions, send it across before then and we’ll be treating them.
WEAR BTH PROUDLY
If you’re reading this and you don’t have any of our merch; A BTH shirt, cap or conversation card, we must tell you that you’re just about the only person. But we can do something about that, use this link to make your order and wear BTH proudly.
Guess What? You can pick the name you want us to write on your shirt 🥳
The Conversation Starter cards are intentionally designed to foster, create, strengthen Christian friendships and relationships. Use this for your community, church, cell meetings or fellowships.
To order for any or all of the above, use this link
TESTIMONY CORNER
Do you have testimonies from any of our hangouts? Kindly use this link to help us record your testimonies and possibly share it in our next Newsletter
HELP CORNER
Dear Siblings,
Doubt can stop us in our tracks, make us second-guess ourselves, and even paralyze us from taking action.
As believers, we often feel that doubt shouldn't be part of our experience. After all, faith is at the core of who we are. But here's the thing - even the strongest among us can sometimes find ourselves wrestling with uncertainty.
Remember that powerful story in the Bible? The one where a father brings his son to Jesus for healing? He says something that many of us can relate to: Lord, I believe; help my unbelief! (Mark 9:24)
Isn't that a paradox? He believes, but at the same time, he recognizes there's unbelief in his heart. And you know what? That's okay. He was honest about it, and he asked for help.
We sense that there might be some of us who might be struggling with doubt and knowing that this can be a hindrance to believing all God has promised us. This video will help you understand that God is with you in every step, so keep trusting Him.
UPCOMING EVENTS THIS MONTH.
If you’re receiving this Newsletter and are still unsure what BTH is about, use this link and this link to know more about us.
Is there something you’ll like us to include in this Newsletter? Kindly share with us in the comments.