This week’s readings are based on the “Behold” sermon series. For this series, we are looking at what it truly means to BEHOLD, gaze at, grasp, relish, internalize, and rejoice in Jesus Christ. Start beholding right now by giving thanks for this time with God. Then start reading the text and letting it read you. “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14 (ESV) The word “behold” carries a meaning of “do not be fearing.” But, why shouldn’t we be fearing? The answer is found in the name Immanue ..read more

This week’s readings are based on the “Chill” sermon series. For this series, we are looking at God’s command to rest and the implications this has on our lives. Start resting with God by slowing down, reading the text, and then letting it read you. He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. Colossians 1:28 (NIV) Pay attention to the word “we” in this passage. This word is referencing you. Godly friendships grow us closer to God. They help us become more like Jesus. How are you doing being a godly friend ..read more

This week’s readings are based on the “Chill” sermon series. For this series, we are looking at God’s command to rest and the implications this has on our lives. Start resting with God by slowing down, reading the text, and then letting it read you. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 (NIV) Genuine growth in our relationship with God is evidenced primarily in our capacity for loving and caring for others. It is the defining characteristic of ..read more

This week’s readings are based on the “Chill” sermon series. For this series, we are looking at God’s command to rest and the implications this has on our lives. Start resting with God by slowing down, reading the text, and then letting it read you. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT) God wants to use you to help other people grow. God wants to use other people to help you grow. How ..read more

This week’s readings are based on the “Chill” sermon series. For this series, we are looking at God’s command to rest and the implications this has on our lives. Start resting with God by slowing down, reading the text, and then letting it read you. Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered,  two can defend themselves. A cord ..read more

This week’s readings are based on the “Chill” sermon series. For this series, we are looking at God’s command to rest and the implications this has on our lives. Start resting with God by slowing down, reading the text, and then letting it read you. One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24 (NIV) When you think of a true friend, what name(s) come to mind? Why? Today, pray for your closest friends. Afterwards reach out and encourage them.  ..read more

This week’s readings are based on the “Chill” sermon series. For this series, we are looking at God’s command to rest and the implications this has on our lives. Start resting with God by slowing down, reading the text, and then letting it read you. Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. You can count on this. Take it to heart. This is why we’ve thrown ourselves into this venture so totally. We’re banking on the living God, Savior of all men and women, espe ..read more

This week’s readings are based on the “Chill” sermon series. For this series, we are looking at God’s command to rest and the implications this has on our lives. Start resting with God by slowing down, reading the text, and then letting it read you. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 (NIV) God has wired us uniquely. Many of us have a variety of hobbies and interests that fill our time outside of work and family. How are you inviting God into the recreation of your hobbies and intere ..read more

This week’s readings are based on the “Chill” sermon series. For this series, we are looking at God’s command to rest and the implications this has on our lives. Start resting with God by slowing down, reading the text, and then letting it read you. God looked over everything he had made; it was so good, so very good! It was evening, it was morning—Day Six. Genesis 1:31 (MSG) God celebrates, enjoys, and delights in His creation, and He invites us to do the same. When we rest, we have the opportunity to enjoy the immeasurable gifts that are from God (people, places, things, etc.). What activiti ..read more

This week’s readings are based on the “Chill” sermon series. For this series, we are looking at God’s command to rest and the implications this has on our lives. Start resting with God by slowing down, reading the text, and then letting it read you. Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life. And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed ..read more