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Did you know that in the New Testament we are commanded more than 50 times to Love? I don’t know about you, but I don’t like being told what to do. Especially if it’s about something as personal and challenging as love. In John 13:34 it says, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” Love as Christ loves us? I can’t reach or achieve this kind of…

Can I lose my faith? This is the one the question I have been asked as a pastor, more than any other. It’s a good question. 1 John 5:13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. What if I commit a terrible sin? What if I struggle with my faith? It’s so discouraging to live without knowing where you stand with…

When we try to accomplish things in our own strength, in our own timing, and in our own way, we are really telling God, I got this, I don’t need you in my everyday life. Then we burn out and blame God for not rescuing us. How different would our lives be if we started with a prayer that asked God for direction for His will in our lives, and then we adjusted our plans to connect with His will…

When I was twelve years old, I was lost and alone on the side of a mountain for three days and two nights. All that time I was looking and preparing for ways to go home. I was injured from a fall so I couldn’t get out on my own. I had to wait to be rescued. We’ve been looking forward to the second coming of Christ for a long, long time. God has given us signs, which are events…

Have you put your trust in your government, your jobs, your family, your friends, or even your success, just to be let down time and again. Even good things can’t bring fulfillment that lasts. If you keep doing the same thing and it doesn’t work, maybe it’s time to try something new. Galatians 2:19-21 “For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no…

It takes courage to face conflict and unforgiveness. Fear can cause us to not deal with broken areas of relationships, especially with those who are closer to us. Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Unforgiven conflict causes harmful effects in our lives. It impedes our happiness. When we are quarreling…

John 1:12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. Christmas isn’t about trees, lights, and presents. It’s not even about “visions of sugar plumbs”. There’s only one message that really matters about the meaning of Christmas. God values you so much, He sent Jesus to die for you. We’re not just doing time, to one day be dirt for worms. God values you as His child. He was born…

Love is a powerful word. John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Love calls us to look for moments of connection within the chaos, allowing love to infuse our lives and touch the lives of those around…

Luke 1:26-33 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came to her and said, ‘Rejoice, favored woman! The Lord is with you.’ But she was deeply troubled by this statement, wondering what kind of greeting this could be. Then the angel told her: ‘Do not be afraid,…

We are continuing our four weeks of Advent. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”  Jesus brought about peace, in the most unexpected ways, when He arrived. Many of the Jews, wanted a rebellion. They wanted their Savior to overturn the oppressive rule of the Romans and bring about peace in a violent way. The Lord had a different plan, a much better plan. Even today, we often look for ways to try…

We will spend the next four weeks looking at the meaning of Advent. Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. The first Sunday of Advent gives us the opportunity to focus our thoughts on the gift God has given us, in His son Jesus Christ, who gives us eternal hope. It’s a beautiful chance to remember the hope God offers to those who are lost and hurting, through faith in Jesus Christ. Isaiah 40:31 But those who hope in the Lord will…

What was your example of authority growing up? Was it strong but kind? Was it controlling and harsh? This may affect your view of God. Isaiah 40:28-29 Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. 29 He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Has understanding the gentleness of God…

Daniel 6:6-9 So these administrators and satraps went as a group to the king and said: “May King Darius live forever! 7 The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or human being during the next thirty days, except to you, Your Majesty, shall be thrown into the lions’ den. 8 Now, Your Majesty, issue the decree and put…

2 Cor. 5:17-18 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: If you’ve confessed your sin to God, why would you drag it out when God has already forgiven and forgotten it? Every one of us has a good reason to feel guilt. No one does everything right! We…

Believers have gone from being marginalized to being demonized. The U.S. was founded on Biblical principles, but the media, the school systems, and the government are now openly opposed to God’s truth. This is new to us, but it’s not new. Early believers were persecuted more than we are experiencing so far, so we can look to them for direction and encouragement in dealing with a changing culture. Galatians 5:1 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be…