**Scripture:** 1 John 4:18 (ESV) "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear."Fear often infiltrates our hearts, creating barriers to experiencing peace. But when we allow God’s perfect love to fill us, fear dissipates. Understanding that God desires a loving relationship with us shifts our perspective. Instead of succumbing to fear, we can rest in His reassurance. When we feel fear...  Read More

**Scripture:** John 14:21 (ESV) "Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it iswho loves me."Jesus makes it clear that our love for Him is demonstrated by our actions. To love God means actively seeking to follow His ways and align our lives with His purposes. This love is not passive; it compels us to act—to serve, to forgive, and to extend grace to others. Today, consider how you can more ...  Read More

**Scripture:** 1 John 2:5 (ESV) "But whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God isperfected. By this we may know that we are in him."Our obedience is a response to the love we have received from God. It serves as tangible evidence of our faith. When we align our actions with His word, we manifest the transformative power of His love within us. This deep connection displays our identity a...  Read More

**Scripture:** 1 John 5:3 (ESV) "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome."The relationship between love and obedience is beautifully illustrated throughout Scripture. If we truly love God, keeping His commandments becomes an act of joy rather than obligation. Understanding this connection invites us to reevaluate our intentions when we ap...  Read More

**Scripture:** John 14:15 (ESV) "If you love me, you will keep my commandments."In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, the promise of peace offered by Jesus is a refuge for our restless hearts. This peace is not just an absence of conflict but a deep, abiding sense of well-being that comes from following Him. Love for Christ is intertwined with our willingness to obey His commandments. Ever...  Read More

**Scripture:** “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” - Romans 10:13 (ESV)God’s invitation to salvation is open to everyone. When we recognize our need for Him, we can call on His name and experience transformation. This act of faith is not just a one-time event; it's the beginning of a lifelong journey of walking with Him. When you invite Jesus into your heart, you’re not...  Read More

**Scripture:** “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” - Romans 5:8 (ESV)When we reflect on the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for us, it reminds us of the depth of His love. He endured humiliation and pain on the cross for our sake, demonstrating love in its purest form. This gift is the foundation of our faith and our ability to share that love wit...  Read More

We have been in a series of leadership lessons on what it takes to have longevity in a ministry. We have said there are two areas we concern ourselves:The inner life of the pastorThe relationship with the congregationIn the first area, we find six principles:A calling to ministryA mission with that callingA godly definition of successA disciplined lifeA willingness to changeA security found in Chr...  Read More

**Scripture:** “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself.” - Philippians 2:5-7 (ESV)Humility is a cornerstone of our faith. Jesus exemplified this in His life by choosing to humbly serve rather than seek recognition or glory. As we endeavor to follow His lead, o...  Read More

**Scripture:** “No servant can serve two masters. For either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” - Luke 16:13 (ESV)In our walk with God, we face the important decision of choosing our master—who or what we ultimately prioritize in life. When we set our sights on Jesus and abide in Him, we tap into a wellspring of strength and resilience...  Read More

**Scripture:** “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” - Ephesians 6:13 (ESV)In a world full of distractions and challenges, it’s crucial to take a stand for our faith. Jesus tells us that we have a responsibility to abide in Him, allowing His strength and guidance to empower us. It’s not always easy, but kn...  Read More

**Scripture:** “And he said, ‘The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground.’” - Mark 4:26 (ESV)Every time we share the gospel, we scatter seeds of faith. Sometimes these seeds take root, and sometimes they don’t, but that doesn’t mean our efforts were in vain. Just like the man preaching at the gates of Sodom, we must remember that our calling is to share, not necessarily to...  Read More