Have you ever thought about how the Israelites managed to come out on top in battles, even when everything seemed to be against them? Their success was all thanks to the blessings they received from above. So, think about it: whenever you dive into something, be it a business venture or a job, how often do you think to invite God along for the ride as a partner? In today’s message, Pastor Holland shares some thoughts on why having God’s favor in all aspects of life is so crucial for a believer. 

I’m sure you know someone in that place of spiritual blindness, maybe dozens of people if you think about it. When Jesus has revealed Himself to you, it can be hard to understand how they can’t see what you see, but that’s part of the sinful nature. In today’s message, we’ll be reminded of the urgency of sharing the Good News with the lost around us. Jesus will return, and those who have rejected Him will be forced to live through hell on earth, and then eternal hell if they continue to reject Him.

We know that God’s word to the Israelites predicting their falling away would come true. But, as Pastor Holland will point out, none of us like to think about failing. Especially in a high moment – like taking the land that God’s promised, or immediately after accepting Jesus as our Savior. The fact is, all of us will fall back into sin in some form. The consequences may not be as severe as what Israel experienced, but we need to be alert, ready to repent and accept the grace God has extended.

If your home is like most, that likely doesn’t sound like the atmosphere you live in on a daily basis. Our lives are so busy, and when we do have downtime, many of us are immediately on our phones, turning on the TV, or finding some other way to keep our minds from being bored. It takes intentionality, but as Pastor Holland will challenge us in today’s message, surrounding ourselves with reminders of God’s goodness can bring an internal peace that is increasingly elusive in our culture.

You may have heard people claim that everything that happens in this world is “part of God’s plan.” They may be good, wanting to attribute all power and sovereignty to God, but it isn’t theologically correct. God is sovereign over everything, but He chose to give us a choice, and we chose sin. That sin has direct and indirect consequences that are not God’s will. As Pastor Holland will remind us today, God is more powerful than those consequences and can redeem them for His purposes.

No matter what your status or position is in life, your word matters. As believers, this truth is only amplified. If you can’t be a man or woman of your word, people will question everything about you, including your faith. As Pastor Holland will warn in today’s message, if you make a promise, you need to keep it. If you can’t keep it, it’s better not to make the promise. Saul made this mistake. As a man in a position of authority, his failure to keep his oath before God had serious consequences. 

As Pastor Holland will point out in today’s message, the older you get, the lower your chances are of coming to Christ. The majority of Christians come to the faith before the age of fourteen. This is why the Church generally puts such an emphasis on children’s ministry. Every story of salvation is a miracle, but the older you get, the harder it is to open up and soften your heart to the transformation that comes with accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior.

David wasn’t anything special in the eyes of men. Even his family overlooked him. When the prophet Samuel was directed to Bethlehem, searching for the one God wanted to anoint as the next king, his family didn’t even worry about inviting David. What set David apart wasn’t his good looks, strength, stature, or social status, but his faith and humility. As Pastor Holland will point out in today’s message, this humility would lead David to know his place in times of trouble and seek the One who could help.

What breaks your heart? Losing a friend to a disagreement or, worse, to death? Losing your job or giving up on a dream? Those aren’t trivial matters, and God cares about your life, and He’s a great Provider. But, as Pastor Holland will challenge us in today’s message, as followers of Jesus, we’re called to die to ourselves. This means holding our own dreams, desires, relationships, and ambitions loosely. We lay these things down and open our hearts to allow God’s desires to replace them.

Life's struggles can feel overwhelming, but when you’re living in the presence of God, victory is already assured. In today’s message, Pastor Holland reminds us that God’s power is greater than any challenge we face. Instead of relying on your own strength, take time to rest in His presence. It’s there that transformation happens, and His power begins to work in you. What burden do you need to bring into His presence today? Surrender it to Him and experience the peace only He can give.