These are all imprints of the sin-cursed creation. If we allow it, this dark truth will consume our thoughts and minds. But we as those who are born again (John 3), those who are the Bride of Christ, have been created to think differently about this reality. We have been called to walk and proclaim hope in the brokenness.
Read MoreOften I have said to the Lord, “I want to obey you, Lord. Just show me what you want me to do.” I’ve prayed this with my bible sitting right next to me unopened. However, God’s word is how He speaks to us, and friend, he has already told us what He wants us to do.
Read MoreThis contrast between light and darkness is a reality for followers of Christ. We know it well…Darkness is the world that we once walked (Isaiah 9). Because of the darkness in the world, the Father sent his son Jesus to be the light of the world (John 1). Light is a picture of the salvation the Lord Jesus accomplished in His death and resurrection (John 8:12). Light is also a picture of the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit through the Word of God (Psalm 119:105). Continually, we are reminded of the home found in the light and our pursuit and proclamation of it.
Read MoreThroughout the scriptures, we find the assurance of revitalizing mercy in the new day. Over and over the prophets and apostles remind us of this inheritance.
Read MoreSinging to the Lord is an important characteristic of our walk as followers of Christ. No matter what season you are walking in, I encourage you to keep singing. Keep singing of His faithfulness, His new mercy, and His Glorious love. So, brothers and sisters, what are you singing today?
Read More“The gift of a relaxing float in the hot springs was a gift to me from a brother who loves me and my family. It was a gift of love. It required the sacrifice of time and resources, but the fruit of it was a beautiful fellowship in the Lord."
Read MoreThe answer to these questions is simple, yet challenging. The reason the ways of the world enamor us is because of the ease of the path. We have been deceived into believing that we know what is best for our lives. In this deception, the world consumes us. John Piper writes, “If you love the world, it will pass away and take you with it.” This consumption is one of a slow fade from truth. Slowly we buy into the lies of the enemy. Gradually we compromise truth to pursue our best life. Leisurely we justify our lives in the fractured shadow of our pursuit of happiness.
Read MoreThis path of righteousness is a worthy journey. It will require the Lord’s providential hand to go before us and guide us on the path, but, it also requires our discipline and delight in the Word of God. The Word of God is the foundational source in which we learn to walk, live, and love as Jesus. It is how we know our Lord. It is how we recognize the attacks from the enemy. It is the way we yield fruit. It is the truth in which we are sanctified. Delight in it!
Read MoreThere have also been times in our lives when we have been distracted by busyness, our own growing family, or the pursuits of this world and have chosen to sit back and ignore God’s call. We’ve been guilty of taking a back seat at church; just showing up, and little else. We were pretty sure in these moments that our lives were too busy to give any of our leftovers to the church. Someone else was going, someone else was sending, and we were sure, someone else was making disciples. We were living in disobedience to God’s call on our lives. During these seasons, however, God has always gotten our attention. He has drawn our eyes back to him and off of this world. He has never stopped pursuing us..
Read More“What if, instead of our goals being about ourselves, they were focused on serving the Lord? What if our goals were to grow closer to Him, spend more time in His word, and develop a consistent time of prayer each day? What if we did make goals for exercising and eating healthier, but at the heart of those goals is a desire to have more energy to serve others? What if our goals for organizing our home and creating better systems were not just for ourselves but to make it easier to invite church members over to share a meal and build relationships? How can we serve Him daily in 2024? “
Read More“And finally, the Incarnation of Christ granted us the gift of salvation, a new identity, and the church. This truth compels us to live as Jesus lived, serve as Jesus served, and love as Jesus loved. In Christ's coming to earth, we are granted a response to make much of Him to the ends of the earth. “
Read More“This Advent masterpiece was written from the beautiful scripture of Haggai, chapter 2. It is a proclamation from the Prophet Haggai of a future treasure and blessings that would fulfill the covenant of the Lord. The longing anticipation of the prophet and the people is palpable. Their hope, their longing, was in the coming King, Christ Jesus. Today, we walk in the joy and overflow of that anticipation. The longing of Jesus to bring mercy, peace and restoration has come. “
Read MoreChurch, we have been set free from the bondage of these insignificant things. We are in fact, the righteousness of Christ. New name! New Identity! New pursuit! We are his sons and daughters. We are His ambassadors. We are His disciples. So, go and “seek things that are above, where Christ is seated…set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
Read MoreFrom that point forward, their lives were changed forever. Their obedience to follow Jesus allowed them to walk with Him during His earthly ministry. They simply obeyed and spent the next three years walking, traveling, sleeping, learning, watching, and listening to the King of Kings teach them how to be a disciple. They had the greatest teacher of all time.
Read More“Has God called you to do something out of obedience to Him and you are still sitting on the sidelines? Are you waiting for the perfect timing or circumstances? Paul’s modeled for us to use the time we are given, even if the circumstances aren’t perfect.”
Read More
