There is a great deal of work that goes into something “new.” Whether its purchasing a new car or moving somewhere new, there is not a simple snap of your fingers to make it happen. Throughout the Bible, when God brought someone into something new, it came with a lot of work and was not always the easy choice. As we desire to follow God’s call on our life, it might not always be easy.

Be careful what you wish for. If one desires growth, they must be willing to endure the growing pains! With growth comes challenges. Roles need to be changed and some needs fall through the cracks. As we walk through growing pains, we must remember what is most important; the message of the Gospel.

Are you burning up? The status quo is being shaken. Are we clinging to a sense of normal, or are we willing to be shaken and lit anew? As the world grapples with the consistent changes and uncertainty of the future, it is in dire need of Christians that are inflamed with passion for the name of Jesus.

Are your true colors showing? Deception is a painful tool the devil uses to impact the church. If unchecked, our egos will become our demise. God desires true unity in the church, not surface-level interactions. As we open our heart to the Holy Spirit’s work, we can give authentically.

We are the wealthy of this world. Yes, maybe not the wealthiest in the United States, but in the context of the world. very much so. We live with options, from picking paint colors for a room, which house to rent or whether you pick brie or mozzarella cheese at the grocery store. In the early church, we are given a beautiful example of living in generosity. How can we walk with intention and surrender when it comes to handling our finances in a Christ-honoring way?

“Preach the Gospel, and when necessary, use words.” Our actions speak volumes of our heart. What we have inside, will overflow into how we navigate daily life and react to situations that are out of our control. Yet, although actions are important, words are too. May our actions clearly back up what our mouths so willingly speak; the beautiful news of Jesus.

It all points to Jesus. From the beginning of time, the Bible has laid a foundational narrative for Jesus. Although sin is a problem highlighted in the Bible, it is not the point. We are given a job within our salvation, a job of bringing glory to the One that it is all about.

A critical heart is not a heart after Jesus. As Christians, we are called to look at the pieces of our heart that are not right or honoring before God, not speculate on the hearts and minds of others. This can be hard to do, especially if we desire justice, yet God calls us to keep our eyes fixed on Him. The best way to live in harmony with one another, is to keep our hearts humble before the Lord.

Where am I disabled? Maybe it is physical, but maybe it is spiritual. We all have sins that cripple us when it comes to a relationship with God. It might not be visible to others, but it is visible to God. God can be glorified in your weakness, will you let Him?

What does it mean to be fully alive? Most of our lives are sub-human at best. With all of the chaos that we encounter, from greed to corruption, we don’t get to experience humanity in its full glory in this world. We long to experience life in its fullness. God sets the ideal; if you obey Him, every need will be met. God cares deeply about communities taking care of each other. This blueprint lives on in the church. How do we emulate the care God asks us to give in the church?