People can experience virtual reality, which isn’t really real. We often binge watch what is called 'reality TV’, which is actually manipulated and influenced quite a bit. In unhealthy emotional states, we can morph and fabricate our own reality. We sometimes are forced to ‘face reality’ and that can actually be a first step forward toward health. All of history literally turns on the hinges of the ultimate reality moment: The Resurrection Reality - the moment that launched the movement that is Christianity.

Jesus was painting a picture of our Heavenly Father in the climatic parable of the prodigal. Not just for us to know God’s heart of compassion toward us, but for us to now want that heart of compassion to be formed within us. Compassion does have a cost, but it also has a far greater return, reach and impact. We see it in the life of Christ and ultimately in his sacrifice on the cross and his resurrection.

Sometimes we all battle with ‘vision’ problems - we struggle to see things clearly. This parable of the prodigal is one Jesus tells to highlight a reality that needs addressed within the Pharisees of the day. The elder son is one reflective of the self-righteous heart that had them stuck spiritually. The Father invites the elder son in…would he see it, would he respond? We must guard against the same posture. We all need grace.

This powerful parable begins with a glimpse into the younger son. He’s the one who grabs his track shoes and takes off to get away from the Father. Many still do this today, but it always seems to take us to places where we no longer long to be. Then He comes to his senses […]

As we begin looking into one of the greatest stories of Jesus, within one of the greatest chapters of the Bible we will see once again one of the greatest truths about what God is really like: He is a God who seeks. He seeks the lost. He came on a rescue mission. Each person matters - each story is known - each life is sought after. He didn’t leave it up to us to seek him out, he seeks us out first. As we’re found, we’re invited to join His search party.

Today we wrap up our series looking into the Law of Partnership centered around a key mindset shift and 3 key principles. It begins with moving from a “ME” mindset to more of a “WE” mindset. It’s further developed as we realize that we’re ‘better together’ — as we look to help one another in life. We champion one another (emotionally) seeking to celebrate and mourn with one another in the ups and downs of life. *(see Romans 12:15). And finally we practice mutual submission - as we both submit to Christ’s leadership most of all.

In order to grow healthy marriages and relationships we must actively live out the law of pursuit. We intentionally choose to not let our relationships atrophy as we pursue investing in them and working at them. 2 keys to growing a love that pursues is to pursue listening to learn and serving to honor. Today we unpack more of what that practically looks like.

What we prioritize, we can maximize. Relationships, to grow healthy and strong, must be prioritized and invested in. Nothing drifts toward greatness, it takes hard work and focus. Some of our best intentional investment as we prioritize relationships comes in growing healthy communication.

As a church, we long to model more and more the way of Jesus. One bit step toward that is to live to serve others. Jesus has an interaction with his followers (Mark 10:32-45) where he highlights the counter-culture posture his followers are to take. A posture of serving -vs- seeking to be served. He makes it a hallmark of what it means to follow Him. Friends, seek to utilize your power, authority, resources and influence to serve others as you leverage your life to be more and more like Jesus.

We live in a day and age where anything and everything can be sent right to us. We can log in, pay up and it shows up - we don’t even have to go. That luxury is a blessing, but it might also breed an internal culture of self-focus. The life of following Jesus calls us to live with a different mindset - not one where we’re the center of attention, but one that is outward and others focused. We’re to live as ‘sent ones’ or ‘active agents’ for God and His good in our world. We’re sent to be His ambassadors and representatives. We’re sent out to make a godly difference and bless others as we’ve been blessed.