"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." - Colossians 3:1-2

Sometimes we need to re-frame our lives. We need to re-focus on the things that we hold dear, and truly look at where we focus our attention and energy. Oswald Chambers may have said it best: "I must learn that the purpose of my life belongs to God, not me." 

We are all set free by Christ. Some from debt, some from busyness, some from slavery to fear, and many other things that tend to take us under. What is Jesus calling out toward? What has He called you out of?

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." - Galatians 5:1

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." - Proverbs 3:5

Emotions are God-given, but sometimes we allow them to get out of control. In fact, rather than controlling our emotions, we allow them to control us. Trust the Spirit in you to help you control your emotions today and seek out why they are what they are.

"Do not turn to idols or make metal gods for yourselves. I am the Lord your God." - Leviticus 19:4

Do we desire healing so much that we make it an idol? Idols can be more than physical, sometimes they can be emotional or mental. Don't let anything take the place of God.

Jonathan and David had a special bond. They, in many ways, held one another accountable. We can seek out those who will do the same for us, and it will help us stay focused on the process and give us the strength to see it through.

"Jonathan said to David, 'Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord', saying: 'The Lord is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.'" - 1 Samuel 20:42

"There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." - Romans 8:1

Are you living in the shadow of guilt? Overwhelmed by the condemnation you feel? Remember that God convicts and pushes you toward repentance, Satan condemns. It might make all the difference.

Sunday Sermon based in Genesis 21. 

Pastor Phillip looks at the ups and downs we face in life by looking at the experience of Abraham, Sarah, Hagar and Ishmael. We will have ups and downs, life is full of them, but for the believer it will always end on an up!

"A time to weep, a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance." - Ecclesiastes 3:4

"Our Father in heave, hallowed be your name..." - Matthew 6:9

Do you have trouble picturing God as a loving father because of your earthly father? There is hope...look to the attributes of God.

"God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." - Colossians 1:27

We have a hope for healing, fulfilled dreams, heaven, and more...but we can never grasp how Christ lives in us.

"After He had dismissed them, He went up on a mountainside by Himself to pray. Later that night, He was there alone." - Matthew 14:23

Do you actively seek a quiet time with God? Maybe you should!