I love a good story. Stories have a way of igniting the imagination, capturing attention, and they leave lasting impact. It is no wonder that a bulk of Jesus’ teaching was done through stories called parables. When asked by His disciples why Jesus taught in parables, He explained to them that they are blessed because the secrets of the Kingdom of heaven had been given to them. They saw and heard Jesus and therefore understood the activity of God among them. What an incredible truth that the essence of the Kingdom has been revealed to this world in Jesus. These truths of the Kingdom are now shared with us through the stories; the parables of Jesus. This summer, enjoy learning from the life-changing stories of Jesus. Carry them with you on your travels or enjoy them from the comfort of your home.
This devotional can be used three ways this summer. First, it will follow along with the theme of Sunday’s sermon and allow you to dig deeper into the teaching. It also includes spiritual disciplines for you to practice throughout the week as you continue to create habits and rhythms of your discipleship process. Lastly, personal stories from our community are shared each week. As you learn from the stories of Jesus may you be inspired by the stories of the people you worship with every Sunday.
When was the last time you looked through one of your family albums? Whether old school or digital, pictures of the people and events of our lives bring back a flood of memories. This Advent we’ll explore Jesus’ family album. It has some unique ancestors and immediate family members. When we believe in his name and receive him in our hearts and lives, we join his forever family and become part of the Divine Album.
Blessings as you read and reflect and pray. May we be ready to celebrate the Word made flesh.
An expert jeweler can tell a real pearl from paste with a glance. An expert designer knows a fake bag immediately, as different from the original. A good teller distinguishes genuine currency from counterfeit.
But how can we tell when our Christian lives are real, genuine, and authentic? The apostle Peter’s two New Testament letters will help us answer this question.
The devotional is supplemented by daily videos and is supplemental to our Sunday sermons.
Our current sermon series is called “Graceways.” In it we will focus on the habits and practices that foster God’s grace in our lives and that make us into gracious people. As you read these meditations, try and find concreate ways to apply them in your life. If you want more ideas on how to do this, connect with me or any of our pastors directly or digitally.
God wants us to be free from stress—free for love, service, and joy. But this means understanding the things that produce stress in our lives and changing our ways of dealing with them. Over the next six weeks we will do this through our sermon series, “Stress Tests” and our accompanying devotional. Feel free to text, call, email, or chat if you have reactions or ideas!
Our Lenten Series is called The Week that Changed the World. Each Sunday we will examine a key incident that occurred during those telling seven days between Jesus’ Passover entrance to Jerusalem and His resurrection. Knowing the cross was coming, we see Him using His last days to teach and demonstrate the character of His coming. We all have moments that change our lives. These Holy Week moments shifted the world’s trajectory. May God bless you this season!
Even if you can't carry a tune, your soul can sing with joy and thanksgiving. Over the next 6 weeks, we will explore 6 great songs, and many connected scripture passages, that have inspired Christians through the generations. Use this devotional to deepen your grasp of their greatness and depth-these songs will help your soul sing.
Do you instinctively embrace authority? By personality some of us are natural followers some neutral resistors. All of us have had mixed experiences with authorities in our lives, like parents, bosses, coaches, or police.
This fall we’ll examine the commands that came from our spiritual Master, Jesus Christ. As we study them, remember that His authority is unique. He has ultimate power as our Creator and Judge, but only uses that divine authority in the way of love, shaping us to be people of truth and gladness. As He said “Come to me all you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you (accept my authority), and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls—my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Understanding and following His commands is the narrow way that leads to an abundant life.
