Humans are wired for and shaped by stories. Through narratives, we share in other’s experiences helping us envision a future, problem-solving, and develop empathy. Jesus knew the power of stories and wove them into his teaching as parables. However, the greatest love story is his very life, entering our world to rescue and redeem us all. Through Jesus’ heroic sacrifice you are a part of an epic story and essential part of his kingdom!

God is never late, or lacking in lavishing love on his children. Even when circumstances seem hopeless, he is able and faithful to provide a way. How has he shown up for when you least expect it?

Water is critical for our bodies. It flushes out impurities, boosts energy, and is essential to digestion. Just like our water refreshes our physical bodies, the scripture reveals that time in God’s presence is lifegiving, refreshing our souls.

Do you often struggle with the same temptations? It can easily become discouraging. The apostle Paul would encourage you not to turn on yourself but to turn to the Lord. In his loving presence, we are transformed more and more into the image of who He intended us to be.

The phrase Hineni means, “here I am”. In the Bible, Hineni is most frequently used in response, when God personally calls on an individual to something difficult or important. How do we respond when God calls on us? May we respond with trust and reply, Hineni.

Suffering is a part of being human. We find comfort knowing that from the trivial discomfort to the trials of this life, we never suffer alone. In Jesus, we have a savior, who enters into our pain and comforts us with his presence.

Biblical history is not an abstract group of timeless ideas, but a story carved out in a very human world. The story of Jesus entering our world to rescue and redeem humanity. How are we joining our story with the larger story? Are our lives a reflection of his love for all humanity and the entire world?

Out of dust and breath, God formed humans in his own image. When we try to earn our value from being successful, popular, or important, we will lose the incredible significance of what it means to be human. There’s no greater foundation than rooting our identity in the truth that we are beloved, image bearers of the Triune God – who specializes in making something out of nothing.

No better place is the phase “better together” embodied than within the church. We are each given gifts, not to use for our own self-promotion. God calls us out of ourselves and into relationship, with himself and one another. He calls us into a deeper and richer life as we work out the Christian life in community.

Sometimes eternal life is talked about like its some kind of eternal heavenly cruise that we take without God. Jesus gives us a better question to ask by telling us plainly what eternal life is. This focuses our questions, not on the what, when, and where of eternal life, but on the who. As we come to know Jesus, we began an eternal journey of knowing the Father whom we will spend eternity with.