“…blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water… Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8
If we’re deeply rooted in Christ we can have peace through the storms of life. We’ve compiled a few resources to help us grow our roots deep into the Saviour who loves us and is working all things together for our good.
No matter what is going on around us we can always pray to our Heavenly Father who invites us to be part of his plans for his world. Pray for yourself, your family, neighbours, our church community, government leaders, and our brothers and sisters around the world.
Life is a six-week series that looks at the claims of Jesus and the reliability of the Bible.
Click here for the next series starting at The Lakes 5 October 2021
Click here for EV Church’s online version which is super easy to share with friends!
“I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing Scripture… No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be sharper and much more effective. Your attitudes and outlook will begin to change. Your mind will become alert and observant. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified.” Chuck Swindoll
Below are some great verses for you to start your scripture memorisation journey.
Pro tip: write out the scripture you want to learn by heart. Read it aloud every morning and evening for however long it takes for you to remember it, then do another one!
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Mark 12:30-31
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Romans 8:38-39
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 12:1-2
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
1 Corinthians 1:18
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
Ephesians 3:16-21
“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
1 Timothy 2:1-6
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people.”
Spend time with your family each day with our guided devotional printout Family Bible Time, updated each month and available on the Kids page of our website.
Big Picture Family Devotional – David Helm
If you want to make regular devotions part of your family life but don’t know where to start, pick up this easy-to-use resource and start teaching your kids about the big picture of the Bible today!
Beginning with God – Reading the Bible with pre-school children
Provides a simple and fun way to start your child in a regular habit of reading God’s word and growing to know God, who loves them. Use with The Beginner’s Bible.
Table Talk: Bible reading notes for families
Designed to form the basis for a short family Bible time or devotions—maybe just five minutes at a mealtime. Aimed at ages 7-10 but younger kids can join in. Also available as a subscription.
Marriage Connections video series
Click the link above to watch this eight-part series of short videos by long-time members Colin and Joy Montiford. They share tips to strengthen the bond with your spouse, to help you have a marriage that not only lasts the distance but does so with ever-deepening respect and love for each other.
Life Series online version
Look into life with Jesus from the comfort of your home with this online version of our Life Series.
Billy Graham: An Extraordinary Journey – Amazon Prime
The Case For Christ – On most streaming providers
The Lakes Church sermon archive in Apple Podcasts
The Lakes Church sermon archive in Spotify
The Lakes Church sermon archive in Google Podcasts
For example, check out A Life of Generosity sermon series by Dave Sheath
Here are a few examples of apps you can download on your phone or tablet:
Dwell (annual subscription)
YouVersion Bible (free)
Bible.is (free)
Listen to our Church@5 playlist on Spotify
Listen to Sovereign Grace on Spotify
Listen to City Alight on Spotify
Listen to Shane & Shane on Spotify
Unsung Stories – Laura Smith
Unsung Stories interviews regular mums living out the gospel in regular, everyday life.
Ask Pastor John – John Piper
John Piper answering tough theological and pastoral questions.
Simply Put – Barry Cooper
Sheds light on a different biblical or theological term, using helpful illustrations to apply it to your life.
Knowing Faith – Jen Wilkin, JT English and Kyle Worley,
A podcast exploring how our faith is founded upon Scripture.
Lift Your Eyes – Lionel Windsor
This podcast will take you deeper into every sentence of Ephesians, lifting your eyes and raising your sights to love and enjoy God more.
Desiring God – John Piper
The pursuit of pleasure in life is empty. The pursuit of knowing God is what we were made for and where we can find our greatest joy.
Hole in Our Holiness – Kevin DeYoung
This book calls us to care about holiness as much as God does. It is challenging without being a “guilt trip”. Instead, DeYoung brings rich theological truths that will encourage you in the daily fight, as well as plenty of practical wisdom.
12 ways your phone is changing you – Tony Reinke
A short book on how our phones shapes our spiritual health for better and for worse.
The Cross of Christ – John Stott
There is no better book to help you see what the Bible says about the cross, the centre of our faith, and its significance. “There are not many must read books… but this is one of them” (D. A. Carson)
Praying with Paul: A Call to Spiritual Reformation – D. A. Carson
Shaping our prayer life needs to deal with our heart and values. Paul shows us what matters by what he prays and this book invites you to change your heart and your prayers.
The Unquenchable Flame – Michael Reeves
In this lively, accessible book, Michael Reeves introduces readers to the colourful characters and gripping historical drama of the Reformation. Discover what the great reformers were like, what motivated them, and the core content of their ideas, which still shape our faith today!
George Whitefield – Arnold A. Dallimore
God’s accomplishments through George Whitefield are to this day virtually unparalleled. In the wake of his fearless preaching, revival swept across the British Isles, and the Great Awakening transformed the American colonies. Have your heart stirred by this powerful story.
Read the Bible with our Daily Bible Reading email: Subscribe here
Read the Bible in two years with this helpful PDF guide: Read through the Bible over two years
Desiring God – John Piper
The pursuit of pleasure in life is empty. The pursuit of knowing God is what we were made for and where we can find our greatest joy.
God’s Big Picture – Vaughan Roberts
One of the best and easiest reads to get a handle on how the Bible is one unified story that all points to Jesus.
Enjoying God – Tim Chester
We love Him, serve, glorfy, and trust Him, can we enjoy Him? Experiencing the joy of being in relationship with God in everyday life.
Hole in Our Holiness – Kevin DeYoung
This book calls us to care about holiness as much as God does. It is challenging without being a “guilt trip”. Instead, DeYoung brings rich theological truths that will encourage you in the daily fight, as well as plenty of practical wisdom.
Gospel Centred Marriage – Tim Chester
A great book to read with your spouse on how the incredible news of Jesus shapes our everyday interactions with our spouse.
Gospel Centred Family – Tim Chester
How does the gospel shape parenting and family life? A great book, easy-read, applies the gospel to the everyday specifics.
Knowing God – J.I. Packer
Revealing the wonder, glory and the joy of knowing God.
Praying with Paul: A Call to Spiritual Reformation – D. A. Carson
Shaping our prayer life needs to deal with our heart and values. Paul shows us what matters by what he prays and this book invites you to change your heart and your prayers.
Gentle and Lowly – Dane C Ortlund
Jesus said he is “gentle and lowly in heart.” This book reflects on these words, opening up a neglected yet central truth about who he is for sinners and sufferers today.
Prayer – Timothy Keller
This is a book that will teach you to pray – and in doing so, will change your life.
5 things to pray for your kids – Melissa B Kruger
A great little book that will help you to pray ‘big’ prayers for your kids fuelled by scripture.
Birds and Bees by the Book – Patricia Weerakoon
A great set of books to help parents have those important conversations about sexuality with their kids. Beautifully illustrated and gospel centred.
Big Truths for Young Hearts – Bruce A. Ware
Equips parents to guide their children (ages 6-14) through all major doctrines in an understandable, chapter-a-day format.
Big Picture Parents: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Life – Harriet Conner
An easy read providing a great biblical framework for understanding children, ourselves and the world.
Shepherding a Child’s Heart – Tedd Tripp
Written for parents with children of any age, this insightful book provides perspectives and procedures for shepherding your child s heart into the paths of life.
Parenting : 14 Gospel Principles that can radically change your family – Paul David Tripp
Shows how we need the rescuing grace of God – grace that has the power to shape how we view everything we do as parents.
Parenting: A 14 Day Devotional – Paul David Tripp
Aimed at enabling you to embrace the gospel for help in parenting your children.
The Big Picture Story Bible – David Helm
Simple words and striking illustrations unfold the storyline of God’s Word from Genesis to Revelation. For ages 3-8.
The Beginner’s Bible – Timeless children’s stories
The easy-to-read text and bright, full-color illustrations on every page make it a perfect way to introduce young children to the stories and characters of the Bible. For ages 3-7.
Tales that tell the truth series
Popular series of Children’s storybooks combine stunning illustration with faithful, Bible-centred story-telling to teach young children truths about Jesus in an engaging way. For ages 3-6.
The Gospel Story Bible – Marty Machowski
Easy-to-read storybook of captivating people, places, and events from the Bible showing how each one ultimately points to Jesus Christ. For ages 7-12.
The Biggest Story – Kevin DeYoung
A beautifully illustrated journey through the Bible, connecting the dots from the garden of Eden to Christ’s death on the cross to the new heaven and new earth. For ages 7-12.
Explore the Bible with XTB: daily reading notes for children
XTB encourages children to understand, apply and pray through the Bible in an accessible and thought-provoking way. For ages 7-10.
Little Pilgrim’s Progress – Helen Taylor, John Bunyan
A simple adventure story and a profound allegory of the Christian journey through life, a delightful read with a message kids ages can understand and remember. For ages 6-12.
Little Black Book Series – Scott Petty
Not too big, not too fancy, and not at all boring, each book gets straight to the point, applying solid Bible truth to tricky topics. For ages 14-20.
How do we know Christianity is true? – Chris Morphew
Explains why we can trust the Gospels as real historical documents and walks through the evidence for Jesus’ resurrection. Pithy, fun and fast-paced for tweens and teens.
Why does God let bad things happen? – Chris Morphew
Puts the problem of suffering in the context of the Bibles big story, and encourages readers to see that whatever theyre facing, Jesus is with them. Pithy, fun and fast-paced for tweens and teens.
What happens when we die? – Chris Morphew
Tackles common fears and stereotypes about the afterlife, and will excite readers about the promise of the new creation. Pithy, fun and fast-paced for tweens and teens.
Frog and the Fish: Reflections on Work, Technology, Sex, Stuff, Truth and Happiness – Chris Parker
Helps older teens think critically about the world around them in contrast to the goodness of the Christian life. Written for young adults transitioning to life beyond high school.
Gospel Coalition Australia
Sydney Anglicans News
Eternity News
Parents for eternal life
Desiring God
Sundays 8.30am, 10.30am & 5pm
(8.30am also livestreamed)
Our YouTube Channel
The Lakes Church
6 Pioneer Avenue
Tuggerah, NSW
Phone: 02 4353 0977
