Can you imagine the exhilaration you'd feel if an actual angel from God appeared to you to tell you that God had chosen you for a very special mission? This is what Mary experienced. She was filled with so much awe and joy hearing the angel explain what was to happen. Can you imagine how thrilled you'd be?

But stop to think of the reality that actually make this situation not so joyful, but dangerous and heartbreaking. Mary was not yet married. This was going to cause a great scandal for her family. They might even turn her out on the street! She could try to explain that God is the Father of her Baby, but no one is going to believe that. Add to that that she was engaged, and her fiancé Joseph would be crushed! By law, he could have her stoned to death, or at least divorce her. She would be damaged goods, and no man would marry her after that. With no family and no husband, how is she going to raise this child on her own? This is not a joyful situation at all, not when you stop to think about the consequences.

But Mary was able to remain full of joy, because she did not stop to think about it. She didn't weigh the options with logic. She fully trusted that God had a plan and was humbled to be a part it. She chose joy!

How do we choose joy in times that fill us with fear, or even in everyday life? Watch "Joy" from Senior Pastor Jeff Maness to learn how to live filled with the joy of the Lord, even in the hardest of times.

Pastor Jeff's notes are here: https://notes.subsplash.com/fill-in/view?page=aS8JwLycRe5

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During Christmas, we hear many different greetings. "Happy Holidays!" "Seasons Greetings!" Or, "Merry Christmas!" What we don't hear is, "Don't be afraid!" But as we read the Christmas accounts of Matthew and Luke in Scripture, the angel always greeted people with this statement, “Don't be afraid." This greeting reveals the Christmas truth that Christ came into the world to overcome our fears. In this series, we'll look at the four times an angel interacts with humans in the Christmas story and see how we might leave our fear to live out the four classic Advent virtues of Hope, Joy, Love, and Peace.

In this first message of the series, Senior Pastor Jeff Maness teaches what hope is and why we have hope no matter our experiences.

Pastor Jeff's notes are here: https://notes.subsplash.com/fill-in/view?page=0hte-eIBFfN 

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Thankfulness is defined as being conscious of a benefit received. I am thankful for the many blessings that God has given me throughout my life, but am I thankful for the benefit of God’s consistent and gracious presence, the very fact that He is here -- with me -- now and always? That the God who is perfect love actually treasures hanging out with me, as imperfect as I am? Or is there something inside that constantly reminds me that that can't possibly be true, because I am such a mess? What is keeping me from experiencing a deep fulfilling life in the presence of God?

Listen to the final message in the Give Thanks series entitled, "Presence" as Director of Student Ministry Blake Brinkman explains that God never turns His back on us, EVER. He never abandons us or revokes His calling on our lives. He is always with us.

Blake's notes are here: https://notes.subsplash.com/fill-in/view?page=qtdST2crQpo

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Do you ever feel alone, fearful, like you are lost in the wilderness? You may be wondering where God is and why He has allowed this in your life. But following Jesus doesn't mean you will never be in the wilderness. God allows these times, because He knows the great benefits it will bring you. In this message, Pastor Jeff Maness talks about three of the benefits of being in the wilderness.

Jeff's notes are here: https://notes.subsplash.com/fill-in/view?page=LvkKm8SgAlE


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In this second message of Give Thanks, Pastor Jeff Maness shows how giving thanks can turn our worship of God into a weapon for good. Listen to this podcast and see how giving thanks to God will break the power of the enemy over you, turn burdens into blessings, and build your testimony of the power of God!

Jeff's notes are here: https://notes.subsplash.com/fill-in/view?page=XjuxKLy5XBn

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Thankfulness is a choice, not based on circumstances but on the condition of our hearts. If we're only thankful in favorable circumstances, we can easily miss out on the power of God in our lives. In this new series called Give Thanks we'll be using Psalm 136 as a foundation to see how we can be thankful in every circumstance and how it can practically affect our daily lives. In this first message Senior Pastor Jeff Maness teaches that God’s goodness is not based on our circumstances; it’s based on His character, and asks, "What parts of God’s character make Him good?"

Jeff's message notes are here: https://notes.subsplash.com/fill-in/view?page=V0BGmdxFI5


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Have you ever read a passage in the Bible and scratched your head thinking, "How does that work out in my life?" Maybe it's a passage that makes you wonder, "Could that really happen in real life...in my life? But how?" In the last message of the My Favorite Passage series, Director of LIFT Chris Ward shares his favorite passage, Acts 2:42-47, in a message entitled, "Our Family Photo". Chris says he believes this is one of the Bible's most crucial passages that can inspire, challenge, and provide practical everyday principles for everyone in our Church family.

Chris' message notes are here: https://notes.subsplash.com/fill-in/view?page=R866O5KC8M


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From a very young age, we are programmed to work, manage, and achieve, so it's no surprise how difficult it is to just stop and be still, with no distractions, for any length of time. But this is what we need to do if we are to know God.

In this message from the My Favorite Passage series, Community Care Pastor David Miller talks about his favorite passage, Psalm 46:1-3, 10.

"God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!...Be still and know that I am God!"

David explains that it's easy to know about God through attending church, listening to sermons, reading books about Him, and talking to other people who know Him. But to know God for ourselves, we need to have intimate time with Him alone. We need to be still, to quietly sit in His presence and wait for Him to speak.  Listen to "Be Still and Know" for more information on how to do that and the rewards it will bring!

David's notes are here: https://notes.subsplash.com/fill-in/view?page=AkdDqPUZBx

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Special guest speaker Rickey Bolden joins us to talk about his favorite passage, the story of Enoch in Genesis 5:21-24 and Hebrews 11:5-6. The biblical accounts of Enoch tell us that he faithfully walked with God for 300 years of his life. In fact, God enjoyed Enoch's company so much that when it was time for Enoch to die, he didn't! God just took him straight to heaven! Listen as Rickey illustrates how to walk with God faithfully and daily as Enoch did.

Rickey's notes are here: https://notes.subsplash.com/fill-in/view?page=3wHDWZ8y0_

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In this message, Teaching Pastor Weston Savell talks about his favorite passage, John 3:30, where John the Baptist said, "He (Jesus) must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less."

Weston taught how this passage shows that things of the heart matter most. If the heart doesn't change, there's no real change. Watch and see what it says about your self-worth, your worth to God, and what John the Baptist really meant.

Pastor Weston's notes are here: https://notes.subsplash.com/fill-in/view?page=VPlVorP27C

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