2024 is a big year. 

We've got a presidential election, political turbulence around the world, and the shenanigans of our elected officials.

How do we as Jesus-followers think about current events and that explosive word...politics?

Today we'll look at two not-so-great approaches compared to the kingdom approach of Jesus. 

2024 might be a bumpy ride, how do we spiritually buckle up now to make sure we're ready to follow Jesus?

How’s your 2024 going so far?

Is it looking up, down, or same-old same-old?

Here’s a short New Year sermon for you on the pattern of true change.

We need you. Especially in 2024.

To go up to the mountain-top, you first have to go down to the valley. And once you’re up at the top, you can’t stay there forever. You have to come down to your God-given work in the world.

Getting really good gifts is fun. 

Giving really good gifts can be even more fun.

This Christmas Eve we're reflecting on gifts we actually WANT to give and how giving really good gifts can tie you to the actual purpose of Christmas.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Today you can get two messages for the price of one.  Merry Christmas to you!

This is the Christmas Eve MORNING message.  I'll be preaching this at our three churches Sunday morning.

Around 12:00pm, I'll then send out the Christmas Eve EVENING message for those who can't make it in-person.

The big day is nearly here.  Take some time to go a little bit deeper so that you might be truly ready to hear this good news of great joy.

You wanted something for Christmas.

And you didn't get it.

What do you do with that?

Today we're reflecting on some of our more serious wants and desires...and how we keep moving forward when we don't get them.

Dear Santa:

My doll had a very bad accident. She smashed her head between a door so now she hasn't any head. Please bring her a head. --Olga 1903

There is this strong connection between Christmas and giving gifts.

But what happens when you get a gift you don't want or like or need?  

Today we're reflecting on why gifts you DON'T want can be the most important thing to getting your soul ready for Christmas this year.

Countdown to Christmas: 22 Days

What gifts you would like this year? Not your kids, not your grandkids, not your neighbor kids, but you. What do you want for Christmas?

I've got one suggestion to add to your list for your soul.

Plus, a letter to Santa from 1899.

We've got four weeks until Christmas.

Is it possible to make the most of these next few weeks so that YOU (not just your kids or grandkids) can experience the power of Christmas.

The answer: YES.  

It just takes 5-10 minutes each day leading up to Christmas.  Here today's message on how not all time is created equal.

Advent Jesse Tree Devotional Recommendation:

https://a.co/d/bPGAgTK

How is Thanksgiving this week??

The holiday season is upon us.

Before things get too crazy, why don’t you take twenty minutes to think about how to experience something different this Christmas?

I’ve got two super practical suggestions for you this week. The Advent Jesse Tree Devotional

https://www.amazon.com/Advent-Jesse-Tree-Devotions-Christmas/dp/1426712103/ref=sr_1_1?crid=UOHZJUPZ5VNQ&keywords=advent+jesse+tree+lambert&qid=1700333329&sprefix=advent+jesse+tree+lambert%2Caps%2C80&sr=8-1

Neck Pillow

https://www.amazon.com/Shoulder-Cervical-Traction-Alignment-Chiropractic/dp/B07QSFJ8S2/ref=sxin_17_pa_sp_search_thematic_sspa?content-id=amzn1.sym.9e5188ef-9cc8-48bb-b834-24761033aedf%3Aamzn1.sym.9e5188ef-9cc8-48bb-b834-24761033aedf&crid=22310UMUEGC07&cv_ct_cx=neck%2Bpillow%2Bcervical&keywords=neck%2Bpillow%2Bcervical&pd_rd_i=B07QSFJ8S2&pd_rd_r=c9010c3b-444e-4c76-b35b-60bb076da00a&pd_rd_w=wXvYw&pd_rd_wg=C4HgE&pf_rd_p=9e5188ef-9cc8-48bb-b834-24761033aedf&pf_rd_r=0ZGYXBN8KX6VGVERNWJX&qid=1700333400&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=neck%2Bpillow%2Bcervi%2Caps%2C77&sr=1-3-364cf978-ce2a-480a-9bb0-bdb96faa0f61-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9zZWFyY2hfdGhlbWF0aWM&th=1

Do you have any enemies?

Most of us would probably say, no.  

But are there any people or groups of people you could never pray for or be kind toward or bless?

And if you do have some actual enemies, why would you EVER follow Jesus' teaching on loving someone who doesn't deserve it?

Here is today's message on the difficult--but essential--challenge of loving everybody, always.