Not only is life difficult, the Christian life is a hard and narrow way. I want to set the record straight on that once and for all. The journey God has us on is full of valleys, setbacks, danger, unexpected detours, and obstacles. It is neither easy or simple. That isn't popular to say. It's not God's desire to make us feel good, but his desire is to grow us up.

There are only two things on this earth that are eternal. The first is God’s word. The second thing is people. It does something to us when we realize that the Word of God and people are eternal investments. In light of that. God calls us to guard the word and refresh people.

Christ calls us to think straight and stand tall. Refuse to bend and bow to pressure. Swim up stream rather than drift down. Live without hesitation or laziness. Fully committed to Jesus Christ and his mission.

It's amazing how God's grace, mercy, and peace transform our attitude, perspective, and conscience. We become freed up to serve others in prayer, discipleship, and encouragement.

This is a call for all of us to step up. To get into the fight without fear. Our culture is hurting and being fed a way to life and happiness that will lead to death and sadness. And they won’t hear about Jesus unless we regularly sacrifice for the cause of Christ. Let's be and do what God has called us to.

We are in God's hands. The choice to find meaningful connect in the church family is ours to make. We have 3 options. Either choose community, reject community, or postpone the choice. What will you choose?

God is love. So he gives love away. He gives us Jesus as a demonstration of his love. When we take Him we are receiving God’s love. But love isn’t put in our heart to stay. It’s to be given away to one another.

We don’t automatically relate to one another. Meaningful connection is the direct result of time, energy, and cultivation. True community will only result as we give ourselves to it's pursuit, motivated by our faith in God.

There are serious consequences to isolation. There are invaluable benefit to deep relationships. Our church must overcome present barriers to community and involvement. This will not only facilitate growth, but it is essential to our survival. Are you willing? Are you available?

We can have infinite joy in the midst of terrible times if we know Christ is proclaimed, even death is gain, and our salvation is obtained, here and now.