I want to ask you a question. Do you look to see the experience of God's blessings that He's given you? From Psalm 34 verse 8 and 9, “Drink deeply of the pleasures of this God. Experience for yourself the joyous mercies He gives to all who turn to hide in themselves in Him. Worship in awe and wonder. All you who have been made holy. Fear all who fear Him will feast with plenty.”

Now it takes time and practice to hear God. This is not for those of us in a hurry. Sometimes we encounter God the most when we are most desperate for Him to come through and rescue us from trouble. As we know God in the highs and lows of our everyday life, we discover just how good He is. For the writer of this Psalm, the terror and dread of verse 4 that caused fear is replaced by the proper fear and reverence before God. The proper fear of God removes us from the fears of our daily life.

Refuge is not found in the security of our investments, the authority of our job title, or even the devotion of our family and friends. Refuge is found in God. There is both joy and comfort when we step out and try God for ourselves. When we get a taste of joy and goodness of God, both inner temptations and outer enemies lose their power against us. Those who taste, who drink deeply of God's presence and provision will find their joy in Him. In all you do in your everyday life, you are experiencing God's blessings and joys. No matter the situation, how difficult it may be, He is there.

Let me finish out a prayer for us. God, I am ready to try something new. I am ready to embark on a new adventure to see you work in my life. I want to experience more of you. In you there is no fear and no shortage. You are good. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Hey everyone, so this week we want to talk about guidance, most specifically God's guidance in your life. Are you letting Him lead you or are you trying to do things your way?

From Exodus chapter 33 verse 14 and 15, “He said, My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest. And He said to them, if your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here.”

Few would envy Moses in the task God called him to complete. Imagine leading millions of people for 40 years through an uninhibited wilderness. Logistically, it took a miracle to provide food, water, and medical treatment for such a sizable and nomadic people. On top of this, the people were often filled with complaints and plots of rebellion. A three day family road trip can be difficult enough. Can you imagine a 40 year trip?

Moses was wise enough to know what really mattered in life, to have God's presence in his life. God's presence includes his direction, protection, and blessings upon us and our families. Jesus told his disciples to abide in him, which meant to live in obedience and faithful relationship with him. God wants to be present with us. When God is present in our lives, there is rest and peace.

God is always with us and he wants to direct us on the right path. Our path we try to lead is not always the right way. If we take time to listen to God and listen to his direction, you'll be amazed at the amount of blessings and security and protection you will have just by following God.

Let me finish with a prayer for us. God, I thank you for the promise today that your presence will go with me and give me rest. May I faithfully follow you and enjoy your goodness in my life today. Give me the protection and guidance you so desire for me. And Father, I pray that I can hear you clearly and follow your direction. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

This week we are talking about counting our blessings. From Genesis chapter 49 verse 26, “The blessings of your father are mighty beyond the blessings of my parents, up to the bounties of the everlasting hills. May they be on the head of Joseph, and on the brow of him who was set apart from his brothers.”

Jacob had lived a long life filled with a few high points but also much conflict. He lost the love of his life as she birthed their final son Benjamin. He lost his son Joseph through a scheme of his other jealous sons who sold Joseph into slavery and deceived their father that he had been killed. When Jacob was later reunited with Joseph in Egypt, he reflected on his life before Pharaoh, calling his 130 years few and unpleasant, and not living up to his father's before him. But 17 years later he assessed his life differently, saying that God had indeed blessed him even more than his own parents.

What changed? Jacob began to count the rich mercies of God in his life. It's easy to encounter adversity and think our lives are without meaning. We can focus on people who disappoint us, work that is difficult, or life that seems unfulfilled. Or we can focus on the many ways God has blessed us. How do you look at your life day in and day out? Do you look at the negative? Or do you look at the blessings that you've been given each day in everything that you do? Always remember God's mercy is for you, it's for me, it's for everyone. Count your blessings each and every day, no matter how little they are, because God gives them to you because he loves you.

Let me finish out with a prayer for us. God, today I choose to be thankful. Today I will put aside my complaints and take time to remember your goodness in my life. Thank you for your faithfulness, your protection, and the many ways you demonstrate that you love me. In your precious name we pray, Amen.

So this week we're going to talk about God's endless supply of blessings that he gives us, no matter

what situation you're going through. From Romans chapter 8 verse 32, “He who did not spare his own son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?”

Discouragement, loneliness, and despair can find their way into our lives. The one thing we can rest assured in during those seasons of life is that our Lord is continuously faithful to his people. The creator God did not hesitate in giving his own son on behalf of the sinners in order to reconcile us back to himself.

How much more will he give us in our time of need? He is an endless well of resources that brings forth life, vitality, and security. Even in your darkest time, even in your most troubled time, God has so many things for you and he brings that vitality and security. When the world strips us of our pride, hope, and assurance, he is the blanket that brings restoration to the soul. We have a heavenly father who is good to his children. We are all God's children and no matter what bad things may continuously keep happening, God's endless supply of love, grace, and mercy will always continue.

So let me pray for us, Lord Jesus, forgive me when I doubt the sufficiency of your love. Your cross has displayed your love and the resurrection has proclaimed your faithfulness. Teach me to trust that you hold me in your hand. I am grateful for you and all the blessings that you have given me. I give you all the glory and the praise. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Everybody has anxiety at some point in their time, whether it be trying to plan for a trip or trying to make it for work. But this week we want to talk about the topic of anxiety steals. From Philippians, chapter 4, verse 6: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God.”

Today the pressures of getting there, or wherever there might be, is the undergirding drive and influence that stimulates a posture of anxiety that steals the beauty of the now. What will best serve your own heart is the ability to strive toward God's purpose while simultaneously embracing your current season of life. Don't look ahead at the price of neglecting what the Lord has blessed you with now.

Whether you're in a season of sorrow or joy, plenty or want, chaos or peace, make the best use of the time, and live each day with a zeal for the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord for blessing you in your current season of life, and don't waste these learning opportunities by looking ahead to a season of life that you haven't even reached yet.

It's natural to be anxious about many things, but when looking ahead to trying to plan for next week or even a few days from now, remember God is giving you today for a reason. Do not take advantage of the day that you've been blessed with. Tomorrow is never guaranteed. So don't worry, don't be anxious, take a deep breath, everything will turn out alright. But just remember to always take it one day at a time.

Let me finish out from prayer for us. Lord Jesus, forgive me for not trusting you. Posture my heart in a fashion of hope that grounds itself in who you are. Grant me a proper view of you. Help me to be calm and relaxed, and Lord, I know that you will get me through whatever season I may be going through. In Jesus name we pray, amen.

What kind of relationships to you have?

So this week we're talking about relationships, whether it be with friends, family, co-workers, whatever it may be. What kind of relationships do you have with people you know?

From Proverbs chapter 27 verse 17, “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”

This verse from Proverbs produces such strong mental imagery. One can almost see the blacksmith's hammer poised momentarily above his head before it descends with a resounding clang on the glinting broad side of a dull sword. Or perhaps the scene shifts to the midst of a heated battle where men's fates are sealed as swords collide. Whether you side more with the vision of the blacksmith or the soldier, there is a seemingly violent and almost destructive nature to this process of iron sharpening iron. What an interesting picture the author of Proverbs chose to represent friendship.

Now the question is, do you have iron in your life? That person who either attacks or defends in any given situation. Or maybe they just constantly bang against you, flattening you more and more with each blow. While we may prefer to be with people who are easy going and always agree with us, it is these seemingly more conscientious relationships that sharpen our character. As we parry with them back and forth, our arguments are honest and convictions solidified. If nothing else, they give us so many opportunities to practice patience, forgiveness, and grace. And let us not forget that we give others those same opportunities as we are the iron in their lives as well.

Relationships are not easy, they are difficult. But as Proverbs says, iron sharpens iron. You may have someone that is helping to sharpen you, but are you helping to sharpen them? Let me finish out with a prayer for us. God, help me to love the people you have placed in my life, even if it is uncomfortable. I am willing to endure the hard work of developing my character while helping others do the same. Help me to be the person you want me to be. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Tell Them and share your story on how God is working in you!

Hey everyone, I wanted to try something a little different this week and instead of doing my intro, just go right into it. Let me know what you think about this at the end of the message if you like this kind of style. I will keep going with it.

So this week we are talking about what it's like to tell people about what Jesus has done for you in your life. So from Psalm 145 verse 4, “Parents will tell their children what you have done. They will retell your mighty acts.”

We know an experience has profoundly changed us when we begin telling others about it. There is great power in stories and the most powerful stories are those of God changing us. Throughout your life, God has worked to bring transformation, blessing, and wisdom. You're an expert in how God has worked in your life.

No doubt each of us has a favorite story. We connect to stories in an incredible way and the fastest route to a person's heart is through story. You're an expert in your story and sharing the ways God has worked in your life. It is not only your responsibility but also one of the most effective ways to explain how God works within us. It helps the more famous stories of the Bible feel more alive when you know the same God is at work right now with someone you love. Tell people what the Lord has done and is doing in your life.

Sharing your story with others can have a major impact on them. No matter how small you might think it might be or even how big, just that moment of story could impact that other person and help change their life. You never know, your story might inspire them to tell you about their story and in that moment you're in fellowship together. So don't be afraid to talk about what God and Jesus has done in your life. Just like me, I enjoy telling the story of how God is working in me and continuing to working in me because sometimes my simple story has a profound impact on that other person and it might be something that they need to hear.

So let me finish out for a prayer with us. God, please help me to be authentic in talking with others about how you are at work. I want them to know you by hearing about the work you're doing in me. Remind me that my story is powerful and that you have given me experiences precisely so I can share them with others. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Do you wonder if is worth to keep doing what is right and good?

So recently had a conversation with someone in our discussion. He brought up the fact that for him, he feels like always doing good and what is right is seems to be boring and that he likes to spice things up. He even asked, is it worth it to always do the right thing and to do good?

So this week in this topic, I found a scripture that kind of goes along with this and from second Thessolians chapter three, verse 13, “As for you brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.”

The question is, is it worth it to keep doing what is right and good? It sure is. It may be thankless and difficult, but it's always worth it. You might feel like it doesn't matter or that nobody notices how hard you work to live how God says to live. Perhaps you feel cheated because despite your efforts, things aren't working.

Well, I say to you, keep going. Don't grow weary. Now it's possible you won't see the results of your devotion, but nothing you give to God is fruitless. Lower your shoulders, keep your head up and keep pressing on. Every decision you make to do what is good gives God one more tool in his toolbox and he is working to build something beautiful in your life. Keep going. It is worth it. It's always worth doing good and doing what is right. Doing what is wrong to spice things up for you just will have negative consequences. Any way you look at it, it's always going to come back to you, but doing what is right and good constantly is totally worth it. You may not see the results of it now, but it will definitely come to you and God is paying attention to everything that you're doing.

So let me finish out with a prayer for us. God strengthen me to keep living how you asked me to live. Give me the endurance to make the decisions that please you. Even when I'm worn, I pray you will restore my energy and help me to keep moving forward toward the life you want me to have. Thank you for being with me and for helping me live a life of doing good. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen.

Do you sometimes wonder when you read in the Bible, and it says in there when Jesus was washing the feet of his disciples, what that meant? From John chapter 13 verse 4 and 5, “He got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples' feet, drying them with the towel he had around him.”

We have to remember Jesus was a servant and demonstrated this with his disciples the night before he died. After they entered the room where he would eat his final meal, he picked that moment to do the lowliest task a servant could do, wash feet. Jesus did this not out of the false humility or to receive praise. In fact, one of his disciples, Peter, chastised him for it.

Men can wear a lot of hats, friends, co-worker, boss, son, brother, father, uncle, just to name a few. But there are so many people in our lives we are called to serve in love. One of the easiest ways to share the gospel with them and to teach them the character of God is to serve them in the way Jesus served others. It doesn't mean you have to go wash their feet. What it means is each day we have opportunities to wash the feet of those around us through selfless and sometimes humiliating acts of service. We can clean up their mess. We can show mercy and grace when judgment is warranted. We can consider them greater than ourselves and spend time with them in ways that honor them and not us. We need to serve like Jesus. Serving others gives glory to God. It makes him happy. It makes him see that we are doing the work that Jesus called us to do.

So finish now with a prayer. God, I am the servant. You are my Lord. I'm here to serve you so that others see you. Help me to remember that when I serve the people in my life in honesty and humility that I magnify you alone. Father, help me to help those around me and to serve those that are in need. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

What does the word obedience mean to you?

Take a second to think about that. From Esther chapter 4 verse 16, “Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will do the same. And then though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I must die.”

God regularly asks us to produce a specific result. What he most frequently asks of us is simply obedience. We don't always know what the result might be, or even what God's will is in a certain moment. What we can be sure of is that he desires our devotion and commitment no matter the consequences.

Esther was unsure what would come of her action, but she was certain it was what she needed to do. The result would possibly be death, but her only concern was obedience. We can miss opportunities to serve God when we focus on the outcome. God's desire is to grow us through an experience and to have us trust him with whatever happens. Life with God is not about results, it's about obedience.

There's opportunities every single day for you to be obedient to God. Sometimes you might be afraid to know what direction to go in, or what decision to make, whether it's the right one or the wrong one. But God wants you to take a step of faith. It may be uncomfortable, but God doesn't want you to be comfortable. The devil wants you to be comfortable so he can lurk and seek and destroy. But God does his best work when you're uncomfortable and you take that step of faith. Trusting in him no matter what the circumstances are that he will provide the outcome that you're looking for. It may not always be what you want, but God will use that opportunity as a stepping stone. If you're in a tough situation and you're trying to figure out what to do, just ask God to help you. Take that step of faith though.

So let me just finish with a prayer for us. God, thank you for inviting me to be part of what you're doing in the world. I confess I often worry about what might happen instead of trusting you to work through every situation. Remind me that it pleases you when I obey and that you want to take care of the rest. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.