Throughout the first half of this year, we have been learning a new way of living, but also new ways of looking at God and ourselves. We know that while we were still far from Him, He loved us and sought us out. He forgave our sins and offered us an abundant life here on earth, with eternity to follow in heaven. On top of that, He created us...

In 1 John 4:18, we learn, “Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.” Last week we learned God has the highest authority, but we also know God created us in His image and gave us authority over...

We have made it to the halfway point of A Year to a Better You! Can you believe it? What positive changes have you experienced? Are there any areas with which you continue to struggle? How do we gain authority over these areas of concern? In Philippians 2:10-11, Paul tells us Jesus is the ultimate authority – in heaven and on earth and...

Last time, we read Joshua 1:8. Let’s read it again, “Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.” What is promised if we obey the command? Joshua, Moses’ successor, was tasked with...

In Joshua 1:8, we find a crucial command followed by an amazing promise. Let’s take the time to read it together, “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this...

“For whatever is in your heart determines what you say.” Wait, what? Yes, Jesus speaks this staggering truth in Matthew 12:34 – the mouth is going to automatically say what we have in our hearts. In fact, if we truly want to tame our tongues and train them to speak life, we have to guard our hearts. How do we control our...

Is your tongue selling you out? What a loaded question! Earlier in our “year to a better you,” we touched on the power of words and this week we dig into the truth about our oh-so-powerful tongues. Proverbs 18:21 tells us, “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” The words...

Last week, we uncovered how to stop harboring unforgiveness and find victory and freedom in Christ. This week let’s start by reading Ephesians 4:31-32, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ...

In Isaiah 1:18, we read, “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool if you will obey me.” As believers, our many sins, are forgiven, washed away by the blood of Jesus, but we do live in a...

Did you know other relationships can come between you and God? Relationships, like “things,” can become idols to which we attach more importance than our relationship with God. Most of you know the story of Abraham in Genesis 22:1-18. After Abraham waited for decades for his promised son, Isaac is born, and Abraham is overjoyed. Then...