Up & to the Right – Part 2
Even as Jesus calls us to fruitful, full living, life has a way to drag us downward. There seems to be a gravitational pull that’s both natural (the normal bumps and bruises we experience in life) and supernatural (hell’s strategic work against us). Today we’re looking at how we can …
Up & to the Right – Part 1
Whenever we’re tracking something good in our lives, whether it’s our bank accounts or our productivity at work, we want it to go “up and to the right.” But for many reasons, life doesn’t always go that direction! In fact after the past two years of global trauma, many would …
Easter – Celebrating the Author of Life!
Jesus was called the “author of life.” What exactly does that mean, and how might it offer the key to understanding the Easter story? We’re taking a look at the resurrection of Jesus through the window of an event that took place shortly after the first Easter, and discover why …
A Heart for God: A (Gritty) Loving Heart
When our hearts are right, our lives are right. But what a journey to ensure our hearts are right (and stay right) with God! And at the center of this issue is our love. What does it look like to have a heart that’s being transformed by Jesus’ love — …
A Heart for God: A Heart at Rest
Our lives matter to God — but not because of what he can get from us. He doesn’t value us because of what we produce. In fact, he invites us to come to him and find rest. How is this possible in our busy lives that are often marked by …
A Heart for God Part 2
What is the downside of living with a polluted heart? What’s so bad with letting in a little greed, hate, gossip, lust, pride, etc? We’re looking at three negative results of heart pollution — and gaining insight into why Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart.”
A Heart for God Part 1
Our hearts have always symbolized the center of life. Not only do they keep our bodies running, but they represent the center of our passions, our will, and our most deeply held beliefs. It’s our hearts that drive our decisions. So it’s critical to ask: do I have a heart …
Lost & Found Pt 4 – When Loss is Permanent
When we experience loss in our lives, many things are restored by God — even things we thought were hopelessly gone. But there’s other kinds of loss that is permanent and painful. Where is God in that? Today we look for answers in Scriptures and in the hope-filled story of …
Lost & Found Pt 3
When Jesus told stories about things that were lost and found, he was talking to two groups of people: those who knew they were lost (the “sinners”), and others who didn’t think they were lost at all (the “religious” folk). And what both groups learned through his stories was revolutionary. …
Lost & Found Pt 2
In the stories Jesus tells, we find that God never gives up on us and that he celebrates when we are found! Yes: we have a God who parties (really good parties…with music and dancing!). Why? Because he delights in us. He’s not angry with us, even when we’re lost …