It seems like most people are surprised when life gets hard. We don’t expect it when trials and difficulties come. And sometimes, people get offended that the Lord would allow these things to happen. Well, today, Pastor Gary explains that these difficult times shouldn’t come as a surprise to you. In fact, God tells you to expect them. Don’t let what’s happened in your life pull you away from the Lord or shut you down from being used by Him. Instead of being offended, keep your eyes on Jesus and how He’s blessed you.

There’s a difference between going through the motions and doing something because you love it. You can see examples of this in every part of your life including your walk with the Lord. Today, Pastor Gary challenges you to consider if you’re just doing things because it’s what you think it’s what a Christian should do. If so, this isn’t what God wants for you. He wants your heart to be alive with his love and His Spirit. Then you’ll be someone who does what God loves because you love God.

You’ve probably heard the saying that you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink. Well, this principle is definitely true for people as well, especially when it comes to spiritual things. In today’s message, Pastor Gary shares that your job is to introduce people to the goodness and grace of Jesus. And you do this by using your words to share God’s love and truth as He leads you. You can’t force them the accept it or to change. You just have to do your part and let the Holy Spirit handle the rest.

Have you ever had a moment when you thought, “That was just what I needed to hear?” It was like those words were specifically crafted to speak directly to your heart. Well, today, Pastor Gary reminds you that your words have tremendous power. They can be used as a blessing and a gift or as a weapon and a curse. So how do you make sure you use your words well? Pastor Gary shares that it’s by following the example of Jesus. He took his cues from God. And you can do the same thing by listening to the Holy Spirit.

Jesus promised a future and hope for eternity through the forgiveness of sins by His blood. He came and healed the sick and hurting, and taught everywhere He went, telling people about the Father and how to live right in His eyes. Pastor Gary is going to show you that you need Jesus today. You need intimacy with Him to overcome your sins and your doubts, so you can pursue Him and His ways with nothing standing in your way. Then, your example can point others to do the same.

Jesus is the only way to Heaven, and it's through Him you get to the Father for forgiveness for your sins. The reward of following Jesus outweighs anything else in the world, and it's waiting for you to come to Him. He promises you eternal life with Him in Heaven. But, it takes you being willing to let Him take control. If you know you need to know God deeper than you do, seek Him out! Pastor Gary is going to point you to Jesus today so you can overcome anything between you and Him.

When you read the Bible, you can believe what it says, or you can ignore it. It’s really that simple when you boil it down. If you decide, like the religious leaders of Jesus' time, to disregard what you’re reading, then you’re missing out! There’s SO MUCH to know – and so much to miss…Today Pastor Gary urges you to dig deeper into God’s Word every day. Learn who God is and what He wants for your life, and ask Him to explain the passages that confuse you. Then, apply what you learn to your life!

Today’s message takes you to the Gospel of Luke, where Jesus is talking with His followers about the events that are to come. Those listening and all of us who read this passage today need to know and need to understand Jesus in the future – but we also need to be aware of Jesus RIGHT NOW. Jesus knew that many who were standing right in front of Him didn’t recognize Him - don’t make the same mistake!

Following Jesus isn’t easy – Pastor Gary will make that clear today. But, he’s not telling you this to scare you away from God! Instead, he’s simply being realistic about the costs you’ll likely encounter as you faithfully pursue a relationship with Jesus. Doing this isn’t all loss though – there’s so much to be gained! There’s a deep and meaningful connection to the God of the Universe, something that you can depend on time and again. The Lord is with you and is guiding you to the best life you could live – with Him!

As a follower of Jesus Christ, you have a mission. There’s something God has called you to that’s unique for you – and He’s going to give you what you need to complete it. But – as Pastor Gary will explain today – God might not show you the results of your work. You may go your entire life following and obeying and doing the work, and not see the fruit of your labor. Does that mean you should give up? Of course not! Continue to be faithful to what the Lord has called you to – it’s for His glory, anyway!