No one thinks they are wealthy – No one thinks they are rich – yet our lives that are consumed with luxury and self-indulgence says we are. The seduction of wealth threatens to own us – yet I believe we can become stronger than that seduction.

Humility Is Freedom – when we are arrogant – we feel we are entitled to judgement…when arrogant we are bound by a self-determined course that we have no control over.  Humility frees us from the judgement and boasting attached to pride. 

We all experience competing desires with other people and within ourselves. Responding to those desires with humility and submission is what characterizes Jesus’ church. 

We are a wise and understanding people. We are a people who sow peace in every relationship we have. Our influence is growing not shrinking. We are loving more. We are serving more. We are keeping people our priority in the place Jesus has given us. We have been called by God to reach this world for him. We believe that we are given this amazing family, school, workplace, neighborhood to see the kingdom advance in people’s hearts. We are where we are on purpose.  

The tongue is a restless evil that God’s people learn to tame. Like a wild animal, our tongue must be brought under control so we don’t destroy the work of God.  

Faith is incredibly important as a disciple of Jesus! But faith has to go far beyond mere mental assent to what is true. True faith will produce action and meaningful change in our lives. In fact, faith without those actions is actually dead.

Why is judgement infecting the church? How can we stop it? Why is it important?

Transformation is a process. Philippians 1.6 - Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. We don’t transform ourselves. That is the Spirit’s work. But here is our part. We keep pace with Jesus - that is when the burden is light. We make adjustments as he points them out. And we continue to love God and love people. Honestly, it doesn’t always make sense. But God works as we are obedient. Transformation comes through obedience. 

Times are tough. The economy is crashing, gas prices are through the roof, political and global turmoil continues to spiral - in the middle of it, is it even possible to choose joy?

You come to know God by experience as you obey Him, and He accomplishes His work through you.