The wind and the waves of the world are as strong as ever. They attempt to take hold of our lives, our families, and our communities, tossing us around without any sense of direction, identity, or stability.

In contrast, the light of the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus our Messiah, shines brighter than a lighthouse in a storm. We have the opportunity, in fact we have the responsibility to let his light shine through us providing hope, help, and a haven into the dark and lost world all around us. In order for us to be a light to the world, we must have a firm foundation so that we ourselves are not overthrown by the wind and waves raging against us.

The elders and pastors have felt directed by the Lord to use Colossians 2:6-7 as our year verse for 2023.

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

In order to continue to live in him, we must let our roots grow deep into Jesus our savior and Lord. From that foundation we then build up and strengthen our faith, individually and as a community of believers.

Rooted is a horticultural term. It’s organic and living. It forms a foundation through growing, connecting, and integrating. We are called to continually pursue an ever deepening and sustaining root structure in the life and redemption of Jesus.

Built up is a construction term. We build upon the well-rooted and living foundation of our salvation.

Strengthened (or firm) in the original Greek is a legal term. When we are deeply rooted and built up, we have a firm faith that will withstand the storm, and even more it will be a lighthouse for others as well.

Our year verses hang on the walls and doors of Wellspring. But this is not simply a banner. It is an invitation from the Lord, directing our focus for 2023. His heart’s desire is for Wellspring’s roots to sink even deeper into him. He longs to build us up and strengthen us in the faith.

Years ago, the late prophetic voice and friend John Paul Jackson declared that Wellspring’s call was to be An Epicenter of the Vibrations of the Kingdom. For the Lord’s light to shine, for his hope to radiate, for his kingdom to ripple forth from our community and ministry into the world, we must be:

Rooted,
Built up,
and Firm in the Faith.