As forgiven people we live our lives forgiving people. One of the most significant character traits of a Christ-follower is being forgiving; rather than setting the score or getting even or getting revenge, Christ-followers forgive. And when that happens, people ask why.

Are we living our lives in such a way it causes all around to ask “Why?” As we fully live out our faith in Jesus, we are challenged to both live missionally and then, when asked, share why we live the way we do.

Peace and Joy are wonderful gifts that God wants to give us, but Hope is the foundation that supports them. This week we learn that Hope has a name and it's name is Jesus.

This week we talk about what it looks like to Awaken to the Wonder of Joy. We will identify two of the enemies out to destroy Joy, and how we can overcome them by making the choice to rejoice.

As kids, our lives are full of wonder. But as we get older, routines and responsibilities crowd out our ability to be amazed. To reclaim what we’ve lost, we need to go back to the source of all awe. In Part One of Connect’s Christmas Series, “Awaken the Wonder”, hear the challenge to embrace our own smallness so that we can be impacted by the wonder that is God.

As we approach Thanksgiving we talk about how we have SO much to be thankful to God for EVERY day of the year.

As we approach the two year anniversary of the tornado, we look at the story of Jesus and his disciples in the boat during the storm. The disciples learned that day that they had a choice where to look. At the storm...or at the man in the boat who had control of it.

“Looking up” means to live life by continuing to move up the ladder of generosity, to keep growing in what it means to be generous toward God and His kingdom as a response to His grace.

“Moving up” means becoming a proportional giver: someone who gives to God a tenth of their income as first fruits out of gratitude and devotion.

“Stepping Up” means becoming an initial giver: someone who is moving from “getting all I can for myself” (and the stress and anxiety that comes with it) to “giving significantly for the good of others”.