It starts when we're kids, and somebody asks us: what do YOU want to be when you grow up, or what do YOU want for Christmas, or where have YOU always wanted to travel. Why don't we ask: WHOSE life do you hope to impact, or how do you give yourself away for ANOTHER person, or WHO are you sharing Christ with? Only when we stop thinking primarily about ourselves will we be receptive to the privilege of sharing with others. (Giving with Joy)

At age 75 most of us are hoping to be retired. To enjoy what's familiar, predictable, and comfortable. When Abraham was 75 God asked him to uproot his family, leave what was familiar, and go to a place promised to him and his descendants, when he didn't even have kids. Talk about leaving your comfort zone! Sometimes the most fulfilling things in life will require us to leave what's comfortable for what's unknown.

Over 1000 people joined us at the Gladstone campus for an awesome Trunk or Treat and indoor maze! Check out this video to see some of the fun we had.

Our modern picture of Satan is a mixture of biblical imagery with everything ranging from Dante to The Simpsons. How do we sort out what we believe about Satan? One consistent pattern in the Old Testament is that there is a force of opposition at work in the world. How do we overcome the obstacles in our lives?

Jesus was a busy guy, preaching and healing and traveling all over the place. But even he took time regularly to be alone with the Father, to clarify his mission and priorities. If it was important for Jesus to spend quiet time with God, it is important for us as well.

Even after everything Moses and the Hebrew people had been through, the people preferred the slavery of Egypt to wandering in the wilderness. How often would we settle for certainty over whatever faith requires?

Even after receiving a direct call from God, Moses still had his doubts. There may be significant parts of life that make us feel inadequate or afraid of failure. Moses tried to excuse himself using his excuses, but God’s provision came through the form of another person.

There isn’t much about Moses' origins that would make you think he would be the leader that God would raise up to lead his people. Neither hard circumstances nor bad choices disqualified Moses from being called by God.

Everything is a gift from God. If we make the effort to appreciate the gifts that God has given us, then we will have a deep knowledge of that Presence of God.

Sunday, September 2, 2018

For many of us, praying in front of a group of people can be difficult. But prayer is central to the church, and small groups provide an opportunity and a place where you can grow in your understanding of prayer and your own personal prayer life. It’s also a place where your personal prayer request can be heard and prayed for by people who know you. Praying for one another is an essential element of a small group experience.

Sunday, August 26, 2018