When life gets complicated, we can often find ourselves simply seeking God's favor as opposed to seeking God himself. In perhaps one of the darkest moments of Israel's journey so far, Moses chooses to seek God's face above all other matters.

The Christmas story is about a God who not only entered into creation, but entered in by way of shame, poverty and oppression. God in Christ entered into humanity's darkness, and the darkness could not overcome.

Exodus 17:3-16 / violence in the OT / generational drama / the danger of doubt / the secret battle plan

There is a very peculiar way that followers of Jesus are instructed to grow in well-being and experience lasting fulfillment in our lives. It's a way that's deeper than behavior and more lasting than any emotion or temporary high (or low for that matter). In the life of a Christian, well-being is found as we discover our identity 'in Jesus.' For as He is, so we are, in this world and in the one beyond. (1 John 4:17)