"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work." - 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Many things are inspiring, but the Bible is INSPIRED! It is God's message to us! 

GO DEEPER: 2 Timothy 3:10-17

"When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." - James 4:3

If we aren't careful we can present grocery lists to God rather than truly calling on Him for what we need, or what other's need for that matter. What if we quit hounding God for our wants and begin to pursue God for the needs we have?

What change is needed in your prayer life today?

GO DEEPER: James 4:1-3, 13-16

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." - James 5:16

God is sovereign. He is ruler of all. And, the Scripture tells us, that we have a direct line to the One who is over all and in all! What a wonderful promise for us to see!

GO DEEPER: Luke 18:1-8

"Pray Continually." - 1 Thessalonians 5:17

When and where should we pray? Anywhere and everywhere! Prayer should be our regular appointment with God. A time when we ask Him to show us what He desires for us and for us to learn from His teachings. 

Are there times when prayer feels weird? Why?

GO DEEPER: Ephesians 6:18-20

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done." - Philippians 4:6

If you are asking, "What should I talk to God about?" The answer is: whatever's on your heart! He wants to hear from you!

What do you need to talk to Him about today?

GO DEEPER: Psalm 17

Sunday Sermon based in Genesis 50 from Sunday, December 26, 2021. 

What can we learn from the end of Joseph's Life? What can we learn from the obedience to God that He calls us to. He will always return us to our proper place in His time. 

We can learn to trust God, even when He has led us away from the comfort zone. 

"This, then, is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.'" - Matthew 6:9

Prayer is our lifeline to God. Prayer is at worst still communication with God...and we need to be in communication with the Father.

What experiences have you had in prayer? Good? Bad? What would you like to talk with God about today? 

GO DEEPER: Matthew 6:9-13

"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." - Proverbs 4:23

We easily fall into the trap of obsession, not of obsessing over good things, but obsessing over the worldly things. Wrinkles, weight gain, clothing, hair, etc. The list could go on and on...and why? Why do we cause ourselves such grief?

What does it mean to "guard your heart"? How can you specifically guard yours today?

GO DEEPER: Proverbs 4:20-27

If you have played sports or competed in any type of sporting event you know all about training. Training improves your skills, stamina, and knowledge as you seek to get better over time, all in an effort to best produce when the time comes. Spiritually we need to do the same. Training through prayer, reading and studying the Word, and trusting in God to prepare you will grow you and strengthen you for the tests that may come. 

"Train yourself to be godly." - 1 Timothy 4:7

GO DEEPER: 1 Timothy 4:7-10

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen." - 2 Peter 3:18

Life is about growth. Children are born, learn to walk, begin to grow out of their childish ways, and mature over time...it is how life progresses; and, in the same way, our spiritual walk should mimic that growth as well. 

Where are you growing spiritually today, and where do you need to grow?

GO DEEPER: Philippians 1:4-6; 1 Peter 2:1-3