Fresh Cup

The devil doesn't prey on us with random lies. They are targeted at the brokenness of our human heart...playing on corrupt and disordered desires. This is what Scripture calls, "The Flesh". We like to think that we are the ultimate authority on ourselves and that we are in control of our actions. We don't often like being told what to do. However, too much of this kind of freedom often leads to unexpected bondage. Let's chase after the true and lasting freedom promised by Jesus. The type of freedom that leads to actually living fully alive!

"Letting the Spirit control your mins leads to life and peace" Romans 8:6

Our battle against the devil begins in our mind. Therefore, we have a responsibility to curate our thought life. No one else can do it for us. How do we participate in the battle with the devil? First by REMEMBERING who God is, who we are, and where our power comes from. Next, we learn to curate our thoughts by starving the monster and feeding on truth. 

There are so many misconceptions about the devil which lead to misconceptions about God and His power in our lives. What does Jesus say about the devil and how can we learn to combat his lies with truth?

Lent is about stripping away the things that have knowingly or inadvertently attached themselves to us and become cumbersome in our pursuit of Jesus. One of the most destructive attachments is that of the lies we believe. Lies about ourselves, others, or God Himself. Join us as we start to explore the source of those lies, the great enemies of our soul: the world, the flesh, and the devil.

Using Romans chapter 1 as our guide, we look at the downward sin spiral and how it can wreak havoc in our lives. Things that seem small and insignificant, if left unchecked, can lead down a trajectory we never wanted to go...and away from the abundant LIFE found in Jesus. This is why the season of Lent is so important to the rhythms of our life. It's an intentional time to ask God to search our hearts and point out areas that have been hidden...which ultimately lead to destruction. 

We have a special guest this week, Travis Avila! Join us as we unpack 1 Corinthans 3 and the uncanny way it applies to following Jesus (and only Jesus) today. When the wisdom and leaders of the world fails us (because they inevitably will) how can we remain prisoners of hope...even if it looks like foolishness to the world?

Today we talk about the ancient practice of hospitality. Lives change around the table and the Gospel sometimes spreads one meal at a time. As we continue to ask ourselves how to navigate an often hostile and divided world, may we be known for making room at the table...especially for those who may not act, think, believe, or even vote like you.

We all know that the world has a tendency to peddle fear and anxiety. That is especially true in an election season when politicians and media can benefit from high levels of fear. How, as the people of God, can we remain a calm presence in an anxious world? How can we embody the unhurried, rarely bothered, peaceful presence of Jesus himself? 

In this episode we reveal and discuss our personal words for the year and also begin the conversation around what we hope the Church will be known for in 2024...especially as we enter another election season. May we be known exclusively for the Good News of Christ and not all the other things we are tempted to add on to it. 

Below is the written prayer we share in this episode. 

Gracious Heavenly Father,
I pledge allegiance to You, and You alone. Align my heart and mind to Yours so that I will seek first and foremost Your Kingdom and its righteousness.

When I am tempted to seek security or fulfillment in the parties, policies, and people of this world, would you lovingly remind me that my assurance is found only in You. 

Teach me and my fellow brothers and sisters to remain a calm presence in an anxious world. When the world begins to deal out fear, may we offer up hope. 

When I am tempted to forget another’s humanity (especially someone I disagree with), may I work to remember it twice as hard. 

When I am tempted to hold more tightly to my political convictions than I do the character of Christ, would you grant me the humility to let go and recognize I might not have all the answers.

This election season, may I use my voice and my vote to not only look out for my own interests and rights, but to stand and speak for others, especially to whom you gave special attention: the poor, the marginalized, the oppressed. 

I recognize that I was not designed for bondage to anything besides the love of Christ. For that reason, I ask you to free me from the fetters that shackle me to kingdoms of this world, so I might be liberated to love and serve you without restraint or limitations.

 In the Name of the One true King, the only One worthy of my devotion, King Jesus,

Amen. 

Do you choose a word or a theme in the new year to help guide your growth? In this quick "espresso shot" episode we discuss our process to choose a word which will hopefully help you go into the new year with renewed focus and vision for where the Holy Spirit is leading you.