As I write this devo in the quietness of my home, next to the twinkling of the Christmas tree lights, my children safely tucked into bed, after doing our nightly bible study, prayers, and songs…reading this passage of scripture feels surreal—as it should for you. Most of you, whoever may be reading, are probably doing something similar as you read this devotional. You might be reading this, hopefu...  Read More

What is God’s will for my life and your life? It’s one of those abstract, paradoxical, mysterious, and often unanswerable questions that we sometimes ask as we look ahead to what’s next in our lives, as we consider the future, and when we contemplate our hopes, dreams, plans, and pursuits. We ponder how our desires, and the providence of God might go hand in hand. But where do we look? How do we m...  Read More

I got my first taste of it when I was in early high school. After church one warm summer day, our youth group went into the adjacent neighborhood to our church building to pass out flyers for our upcoming Vacation Bible School. As I happily went “door to door” to invite our neighbor’s children to our annual summer outreach, what happened next, I will never forget. I came to a house, and what appea...  Read More

Main Point and Overview:    Pressure is often the dividing line between a committed and a complacent Christian. No one truly looks to happily engage with pushback, but when it’s inevitable, the authentic disciple doesn’t run away from it! Jesus made it clear to his disciples that Christianity was NOT a movement of popularity but of purpose. Being a disciple was not going to give them a life of eas...  Read More

Growth. Spiritual growth is vital to deepen our relationship with God, and spiritual maturity should be the desire of every Christian. Pastor John reminded us in this week’s main point and overview; “the key to avoiding such a superficial faith is spelled out in one word…remain! The idea of remaining in Christ is also explained as abiding in Christ.” Remain does not mean to be stagnant or complace...  Read More

Picture this, you are listening to your friend tell this amazing story of what they just did during their vacation. For some it may be about the “giant” fish they caught or the cliff they climbed and jumped off of, no matter the story it's like it's too big to be true. I think it is safe to say at some point or another we have heard a story of something that just seemed to be “ehhhh...not believab...  Read More