We conclude the Think Ahead series with a pivotal decision: commit not to quit! Finish your race.

Deciding to faithfully follow Jesus will make so many complicated decisions down the road simple. The best moment to choose faithfulness is not in the moment of temptation or crisis, but in advance with a clear head and captured heart.

Deciding certain things in advance saves so much time and energy later. We all want to make good decisions, but we don’t always do it! Many people intend to be healthy or intend to pray more, but intentions don't change lives—directions do. "Pre-deciding" bridges the gap between who you want to be and what you actually do. Hope alone won't change your life, but habits will. What direction are your habits taking you?

Deciding ahead is the difference between occasional giving and generous living. When giving flows from a heart of gratitude and a life of discipline, it can have exponential impact for God's Kingdom.

Christmas is time to celebrate the coming of Jesus into our world and into our stories. What does it mean for the infinite God to become a helpless infant? How is the humility of Jesus' birth an answer to our pride and hostility? This message is from our Christmas Eve-Eve celebration.

People often confuse situational happiness with the deep and steady joy that scripture describes. Today we talk about how the coming of Jesus brought joy to the world.

Sometimes clinging to hope feels like pushing a stone uphill. In the coming of Jesus, we have a source of hope that is patient, expectant, and alive.

How is your relationship with yourself? What if you treated yourself like you would treat a good friend, especially when you fail? What would look different if you replaced self-judgment with self-compassion?

Self-care is not the same as comfort, indulgence, or avoidance. Self-care comes from a life aligned with God in healthy rhythm. You need rest, you need play, you need laughter. But you also need structure, discipline, and purpose.

What does it mean to have self-awareness that is informed by the Gospel of Jesus?