In a world where we are all seeking to be right. Where we view the other as our enemy or someone to be defeated, God says I won't play your game. Why?!? Because you are playing the wrong game. God calls us to lose self, to gain life 

In 1 John 4, we hear our call to love because God is love.  If we desire to share God with this world that is desiring connection and love, let us show them, God, by sharing LOVE 

In Matthew 16, we hear Jesus say that if you desire to be my disciple, you must deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me. While many of us are trying to make a life and name for ourselves, Jesus is saying to "Get A Life"  you must give it up     

In Acts 28 we hear the end of the epic story that is Acts in a fade-to-black moment. But the truth is the story is just be  beginning and challenging us to pick up the pen and write the next chapter

In Acts 27, we hear of a storm that comes up and how, amidst the storm, we are called to cling to the hope and faith that we belong to God and the best of all is God is with us   

In Acts 17, we hear Paul embracing the Common Ground with the people of Athens as he desires to introduce them to the "unknown" God. What would it look like if we sought community over conflict? I would dare say God could change our Common Ground to Holy Ground 

In Acts 16 we hear how Paul and Silas find themselves in a dark night but do not allow their circumstances to dictate their faith. Instead, Paul and Silas allow their memories of who God is and what God has done to shape their belief and trust that even amidst the dark night they know a bright morning is coming  

As we look at Acts 15, we see what happens when we begin to value rules over the ruler, uniformity over unity, and standardization over transformation. As we hear the call to not over complicate the Gospel but love God and neighbor as we seek to belong, not simply fit-in 

In Acts 14:8-20, we hear of a people that have fallen into the trap of trying to do enough to receive the god's favor. However, when Paul and Barnabas enter Lystra and perform miracles, they also provide the Good News that says you don't have to do enough. You are enough. This is a call to jump off the hamster wheel of trying to do enough but believing in God when he says you are enough. Actions matter, but what truly matters is believing God and allowing your life to be lived in His truth   

In Acts 11:1-18, we hear how Peter, after his vision and interaction with Cornelius encounters persons who have listened to 2nd hand stories and half-truths. Challenged by these persons, Peter tells them the rest of the story, introducing more than their opinions and ideas and interjecting BUT GOD. Let's say to the rest of the story, as we live in a world of division and hate, let's add the BUT GOD