You know that Sesame Street game where you sing "One of these things is not like the other"? When you play, there's normally an assortment of objects in front of you. Maybe a banana, an apple, an orange, and a basketball. The point of the game is to point out which of the items doesn't belong. It's one thing to see how the basketball is different than the fruits, but do you ever feel like you're the one who doesn't belong?

Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory.

Romans 5:2

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.

Psalm 139:13

Waiting is hard, and it's definitely not any fun. Whether you re waiting for food to finish cooking, or waiting for God to change your life, it's hard to remember what's true when we are waiting on God. For a reminder, join Rick and McKenna for today's episode of The Morning Focus.

Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand."

John 13:7

When you think about being a "good Christian" what do you think of? What to do list starts counting off in your mind? Maybe you're less worried about making sure you do x y and z, rather it's the knowledge part that concerns you. A good Christian would be able to answer any questions a non believer has right? While knowledge and obedience are important, Jesus puts His focus elsewhere when He describes our role on earth. To hear about it, join Rick and McKenna for today's episode of The Morning Focus.

"You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

Matthew 5:14-16

What if, instead of constantly seeking God's approval, we believed that one we already have it, and two we don't have to do something grand or impressive to earn it. Curious? Join Rick and McKenna for today's episode of The Morning Focus.

"You are the salt of the earth." Matthew 5:13a

It's kind of interesting driving on the highway not long after a snow. You have to guess where the lines are, and hope you're in the right lane. Without being able to see what's ahead of us, moving forward can be scary. For the believer this is where faith comes in. But what is your faith banked in? Join Rick and McKenna for today's episode of The Morning Focus.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:1

Do you ever feel inadequate to handle life, let along to do what God has called you to do? There's good news, when Jesus went back to heaven to be by God's side, He promised that God would send us a helper called the Holy Spirit. To hear more about the power you have as a believer, join Rick and McKenna for today's episode of The Morning Focus.

You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the Earth.

Acts 1:8

Do you miss being in school? Personally, I don't. I do not miss sitting at my desk at home wracking my brain trying to work out a math problem that just felt impossible. In general, being left to work out something that is complicated and confusing can be well, yeah, confusing. When it comes to following God, we don't have to work things out on our own. Join Rick and McKenna for today's episode of The Morning Focus.

"Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose." Philippians 2:12b-13

Do you have any qualities that you wish you could get rid of? Maybe you don't like your laugh, maybe you don't feel emotional enough, or maybe you feel too emotional! But the way that you are wired is no accident. If you need a little encouragement this morning, join Rick and McKenna for today's episode of The Morning Focus.

But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.

Isaiah 64:8

Can you tell when someone is faking it? When they're coming across as joyful and happy, but you can tell it's just a facade? What about the people who you would expect to be anything but joyful, yet they have a joy that doesn't feel fake? When we're in a place where we can't manufacture that radiance for ourselves, where does that joy come from? Join Rick and McKenna for today's episode of The Morning Focus.

Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.

Psalm 34:5