A

Belonging. Community. Family. These are words that should evoke feelings of warmth and happiness. However, loneliness has become a common feeling for many people in recent years. So many people feel detached from a community or even family. The Bible offers a remedy to "doing life alone" or feeling absent of community. As Christians, part of our new life in Christ we are commanded to be connected to community or God's family. We are called to be a part of the Koinonia of God and His people.

God's peace is stronger than any storm of life. As Jesus was coming to the close of His ministry and discipleship time with His followers He left these encouraging words for them and us today, in John 14 “What I am leaving with you is shalom — I am giving you my shalom. I don’t give the way the world gives. Don’t let yourselves be upset or frightened."

Did you know that you are an influencer? No, not the kind you find doing crazy things on social media for attention. You are called to influence those around you to come to know Jesus or strengthen their relationship with Him. Whether we know it or not, there is someone watching and learning from our life what it means to be a Christian (not be a Christian).

Like a rose bush, life can present us with a mix of pain and beauty. This reality can cause us to miss the beauty of life by being distracted by the thorns that can sometimes prick us. However, we must remind ourselves that God is our refuge and source of hope, He is our beautiful Rose in the few painful moments.

Spring has a way of inviting us to remember that if God is concerned about creation how much more does His heart of compassion lean towards us? This week may we be reminded that in every difficult moment God is present with us, therefore we have no need to fear.

As we celebrate Black History Month, we can reflect on the words of the deeply rich message of faith in the "Negro Anthem" Lift Every Voice and Sing. The song reminds believers that in trouble or triumph, we must remain constant in our faith and trust in God.

The anniversary celebration of our Saviors birth is a reminder of the important pieces of God's eternal plan. God intentionally picked each person who would play a part in the narrative of Jesus' life, including His earthly Father. Just like Joseph, we have been chosen to be a part of the continuation of the redemption narrative.

Forgiveness is a difficult human task, practically impossible to do on our own. But when we rely on God's Spirit to aid us in exercising the gift of forgiveness what was impossible becomes possible, no matter how great the offense or damage was done to us.