Each week our pastors study diligently to deliver practical, thought-provoking messages from the Word of God.
Miriam, accompanied by Aaron, in her jealousy, criticized Moses and undermined his leadership. However, her criticism was nothing more than a smoke screen hiding the nature of her own heart. Criticism always reveals more about the heart of the criticizer than the criticized.
Read MoreAbraham, just like all of us, had struggles with lying. We use lies to protect ourselves, to make our lives better, and to bring perceived freedom. However, lies typically do the opposite. They bring us and others hurt and bondage. If we say we love God but don’t live in such a way that demonstrates it, we are living a lie. He doesn’t expect us to be perfect, but he does expect us to keep improving and growing. We are to live a life of truth and a life that demonstrates Christ to others.
Read MorePaul expressed concern in his letter to Timothy that idle time could lead to idle talk and gossip. Gossip is the act of intentionally or unintentionally tear down and harm other people. We like it, but it is destructive and harms every person involved.
Read MoreWhat if every time we complained, God took it personally as an affront to Him. That is exactly how He viewed Israel's complaining in the wilderness. He saw through their excuses to their hearts. He was not enough for them. When we complain, the problem is not our situation; it is that we've taken our eyes off the good things in life. When things can't be changed, you must change your perspective.
Read MoreWe all speak a remarkable number of words each and every day, and those words are not benign. They have great power to do good or to harm. Our words are simply a reflection of what is inside of us. A vile tongue reveals internal envy and strife. To cleanse our tongues, we must first cleanse our hearts.
Read MoreIn Ephesians chapter 4 verse 1, there is an invitation to be a genuine, authentic Christian, and genuine, authentic Christianity leads to something. It leads to self-giving love; it is manifested through self-giving love.
Read MoreWalking worthy means living an authentic, genuine Christianity. However, you cannot become authentic and genuine until you become aware of who you are now. You must be self aware in order to change. In order to become self aware, you need the help of Christ and the help of others. It's your story. Make it real; make it genuine.
Read MoreKnowing that Christ loves you isn’t the same thing as comprehending His love. When we apply ourselves to comprehending His love our confidence and purpose are strengthened. We have no excuse for insecurity or despair because of His great love for us.
Read MoreThe Lord loves us and pays attention to us. He wants us to have that same love and attention towards Him and towards others. Giving gifts this time of year is great, but it’s not a substitute for giving someone your time or attention and truly investing in their life.
Read MoreSin brought darkness into the world. This darkness is in reference to both evil and ignorance. The world is full of untold suffering, violence, and injustice. Mankind often looks in all of the wrong places for help; mankind thinks he can overcome this darkness in his own resources, yet the darkness prevails. However, the Light of the World has come and offers light; we can experience His light. We have a light that shines in a dark place.
Read MoreWe can all have the kind of heart that finds favor with God. Mary’s world was turned upside down in a terrifying way, but she gave a resounding, joy-filled “yes” back to God. When God interrupts our lives, how will we respond? God doesn’t chose us for selfish joy; He often interrupts us and asks us to forsake our ease and our comfort for a task that requires all of us.
Read MoreSuffering is a universal human experience. However, we can rejoice in physical suffering because Christ suffered the wrath of God for us so that we could have a relationship with Him. In the midst of all things, good and bad, we can find gratitude because of Christ and all we have in Him. We must divorce our gratitude from our circumstances. We can rise above our circumstances with a heart of gratitude because we have Christ.
Read MoreOur default is to think and to live without gratitude. We have a negativity bias. Good is never good enough for us. This default to ingratitude is destructive. We pay a price for it. It is a form of self-harm. All of this is a product of narcissism. Until you see yourself for who you are and recognize all you've been given, this default that harms yourself will continue.
Read MoreNew things often lose their value. However, when it comes to relationships, the more time that has passed, the greater the value of the relationship. If one continues in persistent well-doing, he will find great value in long-term relationships.
Read MoreExpressing gratitude directly counteracts the effects of your default happiness set-point. Gratitude will produce a happier and better life. If you want to move your happiness set-point, express gratitude. If you want a better life, find gratitude.
Read MoreNoah displayed gratitude towards God by offering a sacrifice even when it was not commanded of him. He simply thought of God’s goodness to him and his family. This recognition led him to a heart of gratitude.
Read MoreGod’s expectation of us is that we be moderate in our relationships. Tension is the default in most relationships, but moderation should lead to unity behind the mission of the church.
Read MoreHow you come to the Lord matters. How you respond to Christ determines His response to you. No one loves you like the Lord, but the response you get from Him will be a direct result of the response you give to Him.
Read MoreWhen was the last time you needed God to do something special in your life? When was the last time you really needed God? The challenge from this message is simple: live in such a way that you need God. We all need stories to tell about what God is doing in our lives and if we don’t have them, maybe we are not doing all we can and should for God.
Read MoreThe paradox of Proverb 11:24 runs throughout the Word of God. Open hands lead to more, and clenched hands lead to less. When it comes to generosity or the lack thereof, you will live in the environment you create.
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