Too often our perception of our "best life" is usually someone else’s idea of it. What we define or boast about as living our best life is a very different picture than what God has in mind. Truth is, we can’t have God’s best life if we’re not willing to let go of our definition of it. Ephesians 2.8-10 talks about God’s gift to us and His plan for our life: “You were saved by faith in God, who treats us much better than we deserve. This is God's gift to you, and not anything you have done on your own. It isn't something you have earned, so there is nothing you can brag about. God planned for ..read more

Christianity comprises many beliefs and truths about God that make up our faith. From the creation of the world itself to the return of Christ and the end of this world as we know it, to how we should live our very lives or don’t – there’s a lot to learn and understand about God. Fascinatingly, the resurrection of Jesus underpins everything we believe. If the resurrection isn’t true, if Jesus – God as Man – didn’t come, live, die, and resurrect, then everything and anything about Christianity (belief in God) is essentially irrelevant. I will often outright tell unbelievers that ..read more

We all enjoy a good story about overcomers conquering challenges and unbelievable odds. But we don’t always enjoy it when we’re the one in the story that needs to overcome. Joseph, the son of Israel and ancestor to Jesus, went from being despised by his family, left for dead, accused, imprisoned, and overlooked, to being the ruler of Egypt — and the saving grace for that same family that delayed him and many more. He wasn’t just an overcomer in his own life, but his setbacks positioned him to help an entire nation overcome too! In this special message, we’ll look at the story of Joseph; what ..read more

We know that we should always pray, but do we always know how to pray? And by how to pray, do we know how to focus and direct our prayers, strategically? In 1 John 5.15, the Apostle John says this: And if we know [for a fact, as indeed we do] that He hears and listens to us in whatever we ask, we [also] know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted to us] the requests (or petitions) which we have asked from Him. God loves when we pray and He loves when we pray with specificity. Not necessarily that He loves it more or less, but it’s a special moment that draws us in. We see ..read more

The freedom we have is a beautiful thing. There’s no shortage of things to enjoy. Conveniences to take advantage of. Ambitions to pursue. Comforts to make us feel better. But sometimes in our pain or our strive, we can cling to our comforts, routines, and ambitions in a way that puts space between us and the Father. We can hide in distractions rather than confronting whatever needs to be confronted and letting God do His work. This is where I’ve found myself reflecting over these last few days. This week at Detroit Church, we’re consecrating with a fast to prepare ourselves and look forward t ..read more

A sacrifice isn’t really a sacrifice unless it costs us something. Speaking to His disciples, Jesus said we would be known as His followers by how we love one another (John 13.35). He later added to that saying that there’s no greater love (or stronger commitment) than someone who lays down their life for their friend (John 15.13). Laying down our life for our friend can be expressed figuratively through giving our time, commitment, or even physical possessions. It can also be expressed literally like a soldier sacrificing their life for freedom or like Jesus giving His life for us on the cro ..read more

If we’re honest, it can be hard for us to trust God sometimes. Like really trusting Him beyond just trusting Him for our soul and salvation, but trusting Him with the day-to-day details of our lives. For believers, it’s the moment where our faith and action meet and life gets real. We know how well we trust God (or don’t) as indicated by how worried we get about things; and by how much we move in panic or obsessively try to control outcomes.  But have you ever thought about why is it so hard for us to trust God if we really believe He is who He says He is? It’s a ridiculous thought to th ..read more

Many of us would have less of a problem resting if we actually trusted God to do what we are clearly finite in our ability to do. When we willingly refuse to rest, we’re saying that we don’t trust God to handle it. Refusing to rest is saying that we must do it all ourselves. Or that His way and timing aren’t sufficient. We always have to do our part, but resting implies that we also trust God to do His. Resting implies that we trust Him as the Great Multiplier to make our little a bigger. Resting implies that God can always do more with less. And that His access and resources aren’t limited t ..read more

Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. ? Colossians‬ ‭3‬.17‬ ‭NASB2020‬‬ We know that we’re supposed to do everything in or with God, but what does that really mean? This is a popular verse many of us have heard and used. Looking at it closer from the amplified translation underscores some important context: “Whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus [and in dependence on Him], giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” ? Colossians‬ ‭3‬.17‬ ‭AMP‬‬ A ..read more

We don’t see the whole picture. But He does. Because He’s God. We’re always operating from a limited vantage point. — Jim LaBerge My friend, Jim, recently shared this timely nugget of wisdom with me as we were reflecting on why some things in life just don’t make sense. I’m sure we’re not alone here in wondering why some things in life don’t make sense in the moment; their timing, the how, and the big why. The apostle Paul captures this sentiment beautifully. Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture! But when the time of ..read more