I don't see anywhere in the Bible the idea that we were created just to survive, to get by from day to day. We were created to be like Him. God is not just getting by. He moves and lives with meaning and purpose. We were created to be like that.

I don't see anywhere in the Bible the idea that we were created just to survive, to get by from day to day. We were created to be like Him. God is not just getting by. He moves and lives with meaning and purpose. We were created to be like that.

It has been a wonderful journey for us as a church this past month to go through this experiment of Living Like We Were Dying. I am hearing some great stories of what God has been doing in your lives. Many are working at not just marking time, but really seeking to live life for what matters most. It has been a good lesson for me at realizing how much I don't live with the end in mind.

It has been a wonderful journey for us as a church this past month to go through this experiment of Living Like We Were Dying. I am hearing some great stories of what God has been doing in your lives. Many are working at not just marking time, but really seeking to live life for what matters most. It has been a good lesson for me at realizing how much I don't live with the end in mind.

As we dig into this issue of forgiveness, I want to establish the baseline of God's expectation. As Christ followers, we are given a high standard when it comes to relationships. Romans 12:18 says, "If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone." Live in peace with EVERYONE. There isn't much wiggle room in that phrase. There is no disclaimer, no exception clause, no loophole.

As we dig into this issue of forgiveness, I want to establish the baseline of God's expectation. As Christ followers, we are given a high standard when it comes to relationships. Romans 12:18 says, "If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone." Live in peace with EVERYONE. There isn't much wiggle room in that phrase. There is no disclaimer, no exception clause, no loophole.

The Bible teaches you can't have an authentic encounter with the gospel of Jesus without a detonation of love taking place. That's the NORMAL Christian life. It is abnormal, it is dysfunctional, and it is a sign of heart disease to not be loving. You see, when you taste God"s grace, when you see darkness of your own soul and you realize that God loves you, forgives you, and wants a rich relationship with you, it changes everything. When we embrace that grace love is the byproduct. It shows up in our face. It shows up in our words. It shows up in our relationships on all levels.

The Bible teaches you can't have an authentic encounter with the gospel of Jesus without a detonation of love taking place. That's the NORMAL Christian life. It is abnormal, it is dysfunctional, and it is a sign of heart disease to not be loving. You see, when you taste God"s grace, when you see darkness of your own soul and you realize that God loves you, forgives you, and wants a rich relationship with you, it changes everything. When we embrace that grace love is the byproduct. It shows up in our face. It shows up in our words. It shows up in our relationships on all levels.

Today we want to speak sweeter, and remember why: you are going to die and stand before God. Life is quick. You have a set number of days and then your life is over. You have seven less days to say the right words, seven less days to correct the wrong ones. Your words matter to God.

Today we want to speak sweeter, and remember why: you are going to die and stand before God. Life is quick. You have a set number of days and then your life is over. You have seven less days to say the right words, seven less days to correct the wrong ones. Your words matter to God.