Rolling Hills Community Church // Nashville South Campus

David is the most famous person in the Bible outside of Jesus. David’s life is like a movie – he goes from being a nobody to becoming king over all of Israel. David defeats a giant, Goliath, and wins basically every battle he fights. Even more, David is a worshiper of God and keeps his love for God all his life. There is so much we can learn from the life of David. He wasn’t perfect, but at the end of his life, he was known as “a man after God’s own heart.” This summer will be an incredible journey, and I pray God will grow each of us deeper in our own walk with God. Your best days are still ahead. Develop, maintain, and mature a beautiful heart for God.

When it comes to greed, we are quick to forget how cunning and sly greed can be. Greed isn’t always overt. Sometimes it is, but other times, much more subtle. We can even camouflage greed and call it a necessity. Every other person has this, so I need it. Every other family goes there, so we need to go there. Every other kid has this, so my child must need this. It doesn’t sound wrong, but it can be an attitude or a comparison the Lord just doesn’t want us to make, and it is most often driven by a need for more. We even think it is right and worth it and what is best. 

When was the last time you evaluated the return on investment, on the greedy choices you made? What you will find is the ROI is never what you think it will be! Instead of being happier, you are less content. Instead of being pleased with your new gadgets, you want yet another one. Greed always leaves us wanting more! 

Seek to be content this week. Seek to be a blessing to others. Thank God for all He has lavished on you, and yearn to be an active participant in all He wants to do in and through you in the world. 

God calls us to “be holy because I am holy.” Holiness means to be “set apart.” The world wants us to be passive about our faith and to live for ourselves. Yet, Jesus came to “do the will of the Father.” As Christ-followers, we are called to be like Jesus. We should passionately invest in the things of God. But we live in a world that wants us to be complacent and comfortable. Complacency is a challenge for Christians and for the American Church. God calls us to push past culture and to live for Him. We have one opportunity in life, so let’s give our best for God!

We live in a world where it is so easy to complain. We are surrounded by ungratefulness on social media, in the news, and in our culture. Yet, as Christ-followers, we are called to an attitude of gratitude. Because of what Jesus has done for us on the cross, we should be the most joyful and grateful people in the world! So, how are we doing in this area of gratefulness? Do we compliment more than we complain? Do we thank God and those around us on a daily basis? Let’s learn to be grateful people every day of our lives.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Philippians 2:3-8

We live in a word bombardment. We are inundated with words nonstop, from television to social media to text messages and everyday conversations. There is no scarcity of words, but there is a scarcity of grace-filled words to build people up. As followers of Christ, we are called to a different standard with our speech. Our words have power, and we use them for good or evil. Ephesians 4:29 counsels us to be wise with our words to the glory of God and the good of others. 

All of us struggle in some way with worry. Yet, Jesus says, “Therefore do not worry…” Is this even possible in the world we live in today? There is a difference between healthy worry and unhealthy worry. Healthy worry means we are concerned, but unhealthy means we are trying to be in control. Prolonged worry takes God out of our life, and therefore results in sin. So, how should we respond to worry? Focus on Jesus. Be wise and turn what you are facing over to Him. God’s got your situation, and God’s got you. Don’t worry.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to be holy. But, how do we be holy in the world we live in today? Holy means to be “set apart.” We are called to be different from our culture. This is especially difficult in the area of sexual immorality. There are so many temptations and areas where people choose to compromise. We must come back to what God tells us in His Word. God created the world, and God created us – He knows what is best for our life. So, will we live like our culture, or will we be holy?

What is the foundation of your life? We all hear the stories and the words of Jesus, but the difference between the wise and foolish builders, according to Jesus, is on what foundation we build our lives. There are many options out there – money, sports, kids, success – but all of these are shifting sand. The only foundation that can weather the storms of life is the Rock of Jesus. We all hear the words of Jesus, but then we must put them into practice. What difference do the stories and words of Jesus make in your life? Is your life built on the foundation of Christ Jesus?

It’s Easter! Praise God! Easter is the greatest event in history and the event that changed our lives for all eternity. Jesus went to the cross to pay the price for your sins – no matter what you have done. No matter how far you feel from God, your Heavenly Father loves you and has an incredible plan for your life. Today, will you come home? Will you give your heart and life fully to God? Ask for His forgiveness, turn away from your sin, and receive the greatest gift of all – salvation. If you are a Christ-follower, will you follow Jesus not just on Easter, but every day of your life? God loves you. Let’s celebrate God’s grace this Easter, and then live as Easter people every day.