Too often, we find ourselves to be peace loving individuals not peacemaking individuals. Jesus calls us to be peacemakers, so what does peacemaking look like?

 Pastor Debbie teaches that God sees and hears our hearts not the external pieces that the world sees. Do we treat others with the same approach or do we hear and see only what is on the outside? The condition of our own heart makes all the difference in how we approach others and how we spread Contagious Joy! 

 Biblical mercy goes deeper than an emotional reaction. Mercy demands action. It is the difference between being called a Christian and living the life of a Christian. 

 In our continuing study on the Beatitudes and our pursuit of Contagious Joy, Pastor Jay challenges us to ask ourselves if we are being filled up with the right stuff! 

Our modern translation of the word meek is negative, implying weakness and spineless attitudes and behaviors. But nothing could be farther from what Jesus intended when He spoke of the meek inheriting the earth.- Pastor Kristen

What are we mourning in our lives? Are we mourning the right things or the inconsequential things? Pastor Debbie shares with us, the mourning that leads to joy!

What does it mean to be poor in spirit? We tend to think of poverty in strictly monetary terms but poverty and lacking touches all areas of our lives, not just the financial pieces. But only when we recognize our areas of lacking and poverty can we truly find our identity and our security in God. When we believe and strive to be self-sufficient in all things, we miss the gift of God's joy.

Jesus' first words to His disciples after His resurrection, were "Peace be with you." Jesus had overcome death, what was left for them to fear?- Pastor Kristen
*This audio includes "Via Dolorosa" sung by Pastor Debbie, and closes with "Ain't No Grave" sung by a member of our praise team, Bridget Grubb.

Times of crisis can reveal to us in what or whom we have placed our faith. We look at the criminals crucified with Jesus to help us determine where our own faith lies.-Pastor Kristen