21649 Timberlake Road Lynchburg, VA

Today, in my profound walk of faith, it was not merely another Sunday… it was a divine appointment at Timberlake Church, the 117th church on my extraordinary journey.

From the moment I stepped into the sanctuary, I felt an overwhelming presence, the warm embrace of a community richly rooted in the boundless grace, endless mercy, and radical love of Jesus Christ.

This wasn’t just another visit, it was a heartfelt encounter with Jesus.

As I walked in, I was immediately wrapped in welcoming hugs from kind-hearted individuals whose smiles radiated the love of God. Timberlake Church isn’t just a building or a weekly gathering, it’s such a beautiful family, a safe harbor where the Spirit dwells powerfully among His people.

Members joyfully described what makes their church special: “It’s the people,” some said. “It’s our pastor, the messaging, our heart for community,” others explained. Yet, what I observed that pierced my heart the most profoundly was witnessing that Timberlake Church is genuinely “Spirit-filled,” a place where the heart of Jesus beats fervently, drawing us closer to Him.

Their mission is simple yet profoundly beautiful: “To reach, feed, and release people to be the hands and feet of Jesus.” This mission is lived out through their core values, Grace, Hospitality, Generosity, and Maturity, each abundantly evident in every interaction I had today. The church extended an extraordinary gesture of hospitality with a thoughtful gift bag for newcomers, complete with a Joe Beans gift card, delicious chocolates, and heartfelt information about their community. Such kindness was a thoughtful demonstration of Jesus’ inclusive love.

Today’s worship at the 9:45 a.m. contemporary service stirred my soul deeply, as a gifted worship team lifted their voices, ushering the congregation into genuine, heartfelt praise. It was beautiful seeing young families, children laughing joyfully, elders smiling warmly, all united by the common desire to encounter Jesus and worship Him authentically.

Though I didn’t get to personally meet Pastor Brad this morning, I sensed the presence of God profoundly through his extraordinary message. With rare wisdom and remarkable eloquence, Pastor Brad masterfully intertwined Scripture, practical life application, and humor. He creatively drew parallels between the rules of improv theater, particularly the concept of saying “Yes, and”, and our spiritual journey, providing a profound teaching that was both captivating and deeply insightful.

Today’s sermon centered on the themes of Agreement and Collaboration, emphasizing how Jesus embodies God’s eternal “Yes” to humanity. Pastor Brad taught from the heart, reminding us that God’s divine “Yes” demands our personal “yes” in return, a willing surrender of our hearts, minds, and lives.

This led me to deeply consider… am I allowing my familiarity with Jesus to rob me of awe and wonder in His presence? Am I truly collaborating with God’s purpose for my life, or am I resisting out of fear or complacency? How am I intentionally extending God’s “Yes” to my family, my friends, my neighbors, and even to strangers?

Pastor Brad reminded us that our words and actions matter profoundly to God. He calls us not merely to offer shallow agreements, but to embody authentic integrity, being reliable and faithful, mirroring the character of our Heavenly Father. When people approach us, let us be a safe harbor announcing Jesus’ forgiveness, welcoming them with love instead of judgment.

His message of creating a “permission-giving culture” was one that my heart understood deeply. Pastor Brad clarified that being a permission-giver doesn’t mean saying “yes” to everything indiscriminately, but rather nurturing an environment of encouragement and grace where people feel empowered to flourish in their God-given purposes.

As I sat there, absorbing every word, I felt God gently whispering to my heart… Will I be willing to say “Yes” boldly to God’s purpose, no matter the cost?

Today was deeply personal for me. As someone who has been through unimaginable pain and struggle, this sermon spoke tenderly and powerfully into my journey of healing. God has brought me through so much, teaching me that saying “Yes” to Him means saying “Yes” to forgiveness, hope, renewal, and the daunting yet beautiful process of healing. Each embrace from the Timberlake family, each smile and warm greeting, each profound word from Pastor Brad reminded me that my Heavenly Father is continuously affirming His great love and plan for my life.

Thank you, Timberlake Church, for embodying Jesus’ love so richly today, for every hug, for your overflowing kindness, for your sincere grace, mercy, and compassion. Your love today was a gentle reminder that I am seen, known, and cherished by our faithful God. Your church family touched my heart profoundly, and today’s visit will forever hold a treasured place in my soul.

To those reading, I encourage to visit Timberlake Church and experience firsthand the incredible love that flows freely from this community. Let your spirit be moved and your heart encouraged by Pastor Brad’s powerful teaching. Ask yourself today: How can you start living a “Yes” life for God? How can you become an encourager and builder of others, reflecting Jesus in every interaction?

I am beyond grateful that God is using this journey not only to transform my life but to inspire millions across the world, now following from 120 countries. Each heartfelt message of support fuels my courage and deepens my faith. I eagerly look forward with an open heart to where Jesus will lead me next on this profoundly humbling and awe-inspiring journey.

Thank you, Timberlake Church, for reminding me of the power in saying “Yes, and…” to God’s abundant life.

May we all passionately pursue lives that echo Heaven’s eternal affirmation, reflecting the extraordinary grace, mercy, and love of our Savior, Jesus Christ.