#lifepointlou #jennifermcgill #shawnmcgill

FOLLOW LIFEPOINT LOUISVILLE Instagram ➝ https://www.instagram.com/lifepointlou/Facebook ➝ https://www.facebook.com/lifepointlou/Website ➝ https://www.lifepointlou.org Pastors Shawn & Jennifer McGill lead Lifepoint Louisville, a part of Lifepoint Church, a global church with local expression in Louisville.  Our church vision: “to lead people far from God into a full life with Christ.”  At Lifepoint, we believe you were created on purpose for a purpose and that God has a unique design for your life. God wants you to know Him, find freedom, discover your purpose, and make a difference in the lives of others. This is living fully alive. Our goal is to help everyone take next steps on this spiritual pathway, no matter their starting point.  You’re welcome to post this content to your social media channels … make sure you tag @lifepointlou and use the hashtag #lifepointlou so we can engage with you!  #lifepointlou #jennifermcgill #shawnmcgill

#lifepointlou #jennifermcgill #shawnmcgill

FOLLOW LIFEPOINT LOUISVILLE Instagram ➝ https://www.instagram.com/lifepointlou/Facebook ➝ https://www.facebook.com/lifepointlou/Website ➝ https://www.lifepointlou.org Pastors Shawn & Jennifer McGill lead Lifepoint Louisville, a part of Lifepoint Church, a global church with local expression in Louisville.  Our church vision: “to lead people far from God into a full life with Christ.”  At Lifepoint, we believe you were created on purpose for a purpose and that God has a unique design for your life. God wants you to know Him, find freedom, discover your purpose, and make a difference in the lives of others. This is living fully alive. Our goal is to help everyone take next steps on this spiritual pathway, no matter their starting point.  You’re welcome to post this content to your social media channels … make sure you tag @lifepointlou and use the hashtag #lifepointlou so we can engage with you!  #lifepointlou #jennifermcgill #shawnmcgill

#lifepointlou #jennifermcgill #shawnmcgill

FOLLOW LIFEPOINT LOUISVILLE Instagram ➝ https://www.instagram.com/lifepointlou/Facebook ➝ https://www.facebook.com/lifepointlou/Website ➝ https://www.lifepointlou.org Pastors Shawn & Jennifer McGill lead Lifepoint Louisville, a part of Lifepoint Church, a global church with local expression in Louisville.  Our church vision: “to lead people far from God into a full life with Christ.”  At Lifepoint, we believe you were created on purpose for a purpose and that God has a unique design for your life. God wants you to know Him, find freedom, discover your purpose, and make a difference in the lives of others. This is living fully alive. Our goal is to help everyone take next steps on this spiritual pathway, no matter their starting point.  You’re welcome to post this content to your social media channels … make sure you tag @lifepointlou and use the hashtag #lifepointlou so we can engage with you!  #lifepointlou #jennifermcgill #shawnmcgill

Nurturing Important Relationships

One of the first steps in developing holy habits is nurturing the important relationships in our lives. This includes our relationships with our spouse, children, close friends, and church community. By giving attention to these relationships, we demonstrate love and care for those who matter most to us.

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 - "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"

Repairing Broken Relationships

We all have broken relationships in our lives, and it's important for us to take steps towards healing and restoration. Pastor Shawn encourages us to repair these relationships, starting with forgiveness and kindness. By letting go of bitterness and anger, we create space for love and reconciliation to flourish.

Scripture: Ephesians 4:31-32 - "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."

Cutting Ties with Toxic Relationships

Sometimes, we need to make the difficult decision to distance ourselves from toxic relationships. These are the relationships that hinder our growth, pull us away from God, and negatively influence our lives. By cutting ties with these toxic relationships, we create space for healthier connections and allow God to work in our lives more effectively.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:33 - "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company ruins good morals.'"

Building Intentional Relationships

In addition to nurturing, repairing, and cutting ties, it's crucial to build intentional relationships. This includes developing a strong relationship with your church community, joining small groups, and surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who can support and encourage you in your spiritual journey.

Scripture: Acts 2:42 - "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers."

#lifepointlou #jennifermcgill #shawnmcgill

FOLLOW LIFEPOINT LOUISVILLE Instagram ➝ https://www.instagram.com/lifepointlou/Facebook ➝ https://www.facebook.com/lifepointlou/Website ➝ https://www.lifepointlou.org Pastors Shawn & Jennifer McGill lead Lifepoint Louisville, a part of Lifepoint Church, a global church with local expression in Louisville.  Our church vision: “to lead people far from God into a full life with Christ.”  At Lifepoint, we believe you were created on purpose for a purpose and that God has a unique design for your life. God wants you to know Him, find freedom, discover your purpose, and make a difference in the lives of others. This is living fully alive. Our goal is to help everyone take next steps on this spiritual pathway, no matter their starting point.  You’re welcome to post this content to your social media channels … make sure you tag @lifepointlou and use the hashtag #lifepointlou so we can engage with you!  #lifepointlou #jennifermcgill #shawnmcgill

The Power of Choosing Joy

Welcome to Vision Sunday! We are excited to share with you the amazing things God is doing in our church and around the world. In this blog, we will discuss how choosing joy can make a significant impact on our lives, regardless of our circumstances. We will explore three key choices that can lead to a life filled with joy and fulfillment.

Seeing Beyond What Happened

The Apostle Paul teaches us the importance of looking beyond what happened in our lives. In Philippians 1, Paul shares his experience of being imprisoned for preaching the gospel. Instead of dwelling on his circumstances, he chooses to focus on what is actually happening. Paul realizes that even though he is in chains, the gospel is still being advanced. He recognizes that what happened to him is not as important as what is actually happening - the spread of the good news. By shifting his perspective, Paul finds joy in the midst of his difficult situation.

Looking for the Redirect

Just as Paul found joy by looking beyond his circumstances, we too can experience joy by looking for the redirect in our lives. Paul acknowledges that some people may preach the gospel out of envy and rivalry, but he chooses to focus on what really matters - the fact that Christ is being preached. He understands that no matter the motives of others, what is important is the proclamation of the gospel. By shifting our focus from negative situations to the greater purpose, we can find joy in the midst of challenges and setbacks.

Focusing on What Really Matters

Lastly, choosing to focus on what really matters can bring immense joy into our lives. Paul encourages us to rejoice in the Lord always, no matter the circumstances. He reminds us that the important thing is that Christ is being preached, and that is enough to bring joy to our hearts. When we rehearse the goodness of God and remember His faithfulness, we can find joy in the midst of any situation. By focusing on what really matters - our relationship with God and the spread of the gospel - we can experience a deep and lasting joy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing joy is a powerful decision that can transform our lives. By seeing beyond what happened, looking for the redirect, and focusing on what really matters, we can experience a joy that surpasses our circumstances. As we navigate through the challenges and triumphs of life, let us remember that joy is a choice within our control. Let us choose joy, and watch as it brings light and hope into our lives and the lives of those around us.

#lifepointlou #jennifermcgill #shawnmcgill

FOLLOW LIFEPOINT LOUISVILLE Instagram ➝ https://www.instagram.com/lifepointlou/Facebook ➝ https://www.facebook.com/lifepointlou/Website ➝ https://www.lifepointlou.org

Developing a Lifestyle of Prayer

In the midst of our "holy habits" series, we have been discussing the importance of incorporating habits into our lives that will truly make a difference. These habits are not meant to be temporary or fleeting, but rather to become a part of our daily routines, transforming our lives for the better. In this blog, we will focus on the habit of prayer, specifically how to make it a lifestyle rather than just a sporadic activity. Prayer is essential for our growth in our relationship with God, and it is something that can often be challenging for many Christians. However, with the right mindset and approach, we can develop a consistent and meaningful prayer life.

Make Prayer a Priority

One of the first steps in developing a lifestyle of prayer is to prioritize it in our lives. It's not enough to simply hope for a better prayer life; we must make a conscious effort to make prayer a priority. In Ephesians, we are encouraged to pray in the spirit on all occasions, with all kinds of prayers and requests. This means that prayer should be an ongoing and habitual practice, not just a one-time event.

We need to prioritize prayer by setting aside dedicated time for it, whether it's in the morning, during lunch breaks, or before bedtime. By making prayer a priority, we are showing God that we value our relationship with Him and that we are committed to growing closer to Him.

Find Quiet Places

In order to have a focused and meaningful prayer time, it is important to find quiet places where we can be alone with God. Jesus set an example for us by frequently withdrawing to solitary places to pray. These quiet places allow us to shut out the noise and distractions of the world and create a space for intimate conversation with God.

Quiet places can be physical locations, such as a designated prayer room or a peaceful spot in nature. However, they can also be times of the day when we intentionally create space for silence and solitude, such as early mornings or late evenings. The goal is to find a place where we can disconnect from the busyness of life and listen for God's voice.

Have a Plan for Prayer

While it's important to prioritize prayer and find quiet places, it's also helpful to have a plan for prayer. Sometimes, we may struggle with knowing what to pray for or how to structure our prayers. In Luke, the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, and He responded by giving them the Lord's Prayer.

We can create our own prayer plans by focusing on different aspects of our lives throughout the week. For example, on Mondays, we can pray for God to use us in our work or daily activities. On Tuesdays, we can pray for our families, and on Wednesdays, we can pray for our friends. By having a plan, we can ensure that our prayers cover various areas and that we don't run out of things to say.

Conclusion

Developing a lifestyle of prayer requires intentionality and commitment. By making prayer a priority, finding quiet places, and having a plan for prayer, we can cultivate a deeper and more meaningful relationship with God. This year can truly be the best year of our lives spiritually if we dedicate ourselves to growing in our walk with God through prayer. Let us strive to be like the disciples who asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, so that we may experience the fullness of life in Christ.

#lifepointlou #jennifermcgill #shawnmcgill

FOLLOW LIFEPOINT LOUISVILLE Instagram ➝ https://www.instagram.com/lifepointlou/Facebook ➝ https://www.facebook.com/lifepointlou/Website ➝ https://www.lifepointlou.org

#lifepointlou #jennifermcgill #shawnmcgill

FOLLOW LIFEPOINT LOUISVILLE Instagram ➝ https://www.instagram.com/lifepointlou/Facebook ➝ https://www.facebook.com/lifepointlou/Website ➝ https://www.lifepointlou.org Pastors Shawn & Jennifer McGill lead Lifepoint Louisville, a part of Lifepoint Church, a global church with local expression in Louisville. Our church vision: “to lead people far from God into a full life with Christ.” At Lifepoint, we believe you were created on purpose for a purpose and that God has a unique design for your life. God wants you to know Him, find freedom, discover your purpose, and make a difference in the lives of others. This is living fully alive. Our goal is to help everyone take next steps on this spiritual pathway, no matter their starting point. You’re welcome to post this content to your social media channels … make sure you tag @lifepointlou and use the hashtag #lifepointlou so we can engage with you! #lifepointlou #jennifermcgill #shawnmcgill

#lifepointlou #jennifermcgill #shawnmcgill

FOLLOW LIFEPOINT LOUISVILLE Instagram ➝ https://www.instagram.com/lifepointlou/Facebook ➝ https://www.facebook.com/lifepointlou/Website ➝ https://www.lifepointlou.org Pastors Shawn & Jennifer McGill lead Lifepoint Louisville, a part of Lifepoint Church, a global church with local expression in Louisville. Our church vision: “to lead people far from God into a full life with Christ.” At Lifepoint, we believe you were created on purpose for a purpose and that God has a unique design for your life. God wants you to know Him, find freedom, discover your purpose, and make a difference in the lives of others. This is living fully alive. Our goal is to help everyone take next steps on this spiritual pathway, no matter their starting point. You’re welcome to post this content to your social media channels … make sure you tag @lifepointlou and use the hashtag #lifepointlou so we can engage with you! #lifepointlou #jennifermcgill #shawnmcgill

#lifepointlou #jennifermcgill #shawnmcgill

FOLLOW LIFEPOINT LOUISVILLE Instagram ➝ https://www.instagram.com/lifepointlou/Facebook ➝ https://www.facebook.com/lifepointlou/Website ➝ https://www.lifepointlou.org Pastors Shawn & Jennifer McGill lead Lifepoint Louisville, a part of Lifepoint Church, a global church with local expression in Louisville. Our church vision: “to lead people far from God into a full life with Christ.” At Lifepoint, we believe you were created on purpose for a purpose and that God has a unique design for your life. God wants you to know Him, find freedom, discover your purpose, and make a difference in the lives of others. This is living fully alive. Our goal is to help everyone take next steps on this spiritual pathway, no matter their starting point. You’re welcome to post this content to your social media channels … make sure you tag @lifepointlou and use the hashtag #lifepointlou so we can engage with you! #lifepointlou #jennifermcgill #shawnmcgill

#lifepointlou #jennifermcgill #shawnmcgill

FOLLOW LIFEPOINT LOUISVILLE Instagram ➝ https://www.instagram.com/lifepointlou/Facebook ➝ https://www.facebook.com/lifepointlou/Website ➝ https://www.lifepointlou.org Pastors Shawn & Jennifer McGill lead Lifepoint Louisville, a part of Lifepoint Church, a global church with local expression in Louisville. Our church vision: “to lead people far from God into a full life with Christ.” At Lifepoint, we believe you were created on purpose for a purpose and that God has a unique design for your life. God wants you to know Him, find freedom, discover your purpose, and make a difference in the lives of others. This is living fully alive. Our goal is to help everyone take next steps on this spiritual pathway, no matter their starting point. You’re welcome to post this content to your social media channels … make sure you tag @lifepointlou and use the hashtag #lifepointlou so we can engage with you! #lifepointlou #jennifermcgill #shawnmcgill