Too often we are defined by all the wrong things - sometimes it's by the voices around us - other times its by searching within. The story of Gideon is a striking reminder that it is only God who can give us our identity because only God's...

All through life we receive labels from others: some good some not so good. Who or what do we turn to for our core identity? Genesis 1:27 tells us we are image bearers of God but then that identity got distorted in Genesis 3 and we’ve been living with...

There are ‘rules’ in any and every relationship. Jesus gives us the greatest rule of relationships, the Golden Rule. It is the rocket fuel for every successful relationship. The temptation will be to always look at my needs, my wants, myself in any...

Conflict is inevitable in relationships. We bring our various personality types, values, etc. into every relationship. What is not inevitable is for conflict to remain in those relationships. Having our relationships informed by Jesus means we take...

Jesus challenges us to a radical love, one that He demonstrated himself. He calls us to a sacrificial love, love of those who oppose us. When we are secure in His love for us, we can love anyone and everyone. We do good to those who are against us...

Jesus in this section of the Sermon on the Mount deals with a number of issues that destroy our relationship with God and others. His first area of focus is anger. Jesus goes beyond the law which says ‘do not murder’ to the heart: that there is...

We live in a selfie world. Jesus challenges the values that drive the ‘selfie’ philosophy. We long for greatness but Jesus reminds us the greatest are the servants. It’s not wrong to be ambitious as long as it’s not pride and self that are driving...

We have high expectations for our kids. Mrs. Zebedee in today’s text has the same for her sons James and John. She reminds us of a prayerful attitude in coming to Jesus and being not afraid to make the “big ask”, VP seats. But in the end, she has to...

Unresolved conflict can lead to bitterness and resentment. Jesus shows us the way of freedom in this parable. As we embrace the incredible forgiveness of God through Jesus, we can forgive others. Refusing to do so results in imprisoning ourselves.

Judging others can derail relationships quickly. We judge when we assume the motives of another. Someone we love is acting badly and we say they have a ‘good heart’. Others are acting well and we assume sinister motives. As if we know! Jesus calls us...