Valley Lights Church Podcast: Recent Episodes
Valley Lights Church (Santa Clarita, CA)
Galatians 6:14 "But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world."
Galatians 6:10 "So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."
"And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. " Galatians 5:24-25
"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. " Galatians 5:13
"For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1 ESV
We have a new identity when become sons of God. Galatians 4:7- So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.
I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose. Galatians 2:21
Galatians 1:11-24- For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
Jesus gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age… to God be the glory forever and ever. Everything begins with grace, ENDS with his glory.
Ask- Do my kids believe? ...Submission to authority is where life and freedom are found. Romans 13:1- Let everyone submit to the governing authorities, since there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are instituted by God.
James 1:5 "Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him."
"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin." 1 John 1:7
Ephesians 5:28-29- "In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body."
For all who arrive in hell, the issue is not lack of information, but rejection of the truth.For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? Mark 8:36
"No servant can serve two masters, since either he will hate one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." Luke 6:13
What does it take to find… Eternal life? Forgiveness? Lasting peace? Treasure Christ above everything else.
Worry, Anxiety and fear causes us to strive for the wrong things. Luke 12:31 -"But seek his kingdom, and these things will be provided for you. "
Godly submission makes church life a joy and enables us to aggressively advance the mission of Christ!
Hebrews 13:17- "Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you."
Evaluate- Are you being faithful to use THE FULL MEASURE of your gifting for building up the body? "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms." 1 Peter 4:10
Ephesians 4:12..to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of
Christ…
Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. - Isaiah 1:18
Total forgiveness means releasing the offender from any feelings of resentment and even praying blessing over them. The story of Joseph and his brothers from Genesis chapters 42-50 helps us see a picture of how to forgive like God forgives us.
Sovereignty of God- God has absolute power and right to do all things according to his own good pleasure
God may use a season where you feel stuck to do some of his greatest work in your life.
When relationships get messed up, we clear it up.... "If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." Romans 12:18
"Rather, speaking truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ." Ephesians 4:15
"Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body." Ephesians 4:25
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:3–4
We are knit together when we love the same things. "...with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel... I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation for the gospel." Phil 1:3-8
God's discipline proves His love for us and our sonship. In your pain, do not lose heart and see God's hand in your suffering.
"For this light and momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison..." 2 Corinthians 4:17
God gives in to prevailing prayer, Luke 18:1 "And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart."
God promises to bless willful submission - not control - in our relationships. Ephesians 5:21 "..submitting to one another out of reverence to Christ. "
We are people who pay steep costs, but find great treasure in Jesus. "In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. " Colossians 2:3
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. - Ephesians 5:1-2
"...to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."- Ephesians 4:23-24
Ephesians 4:1- I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.
Ephesians 3:18-19... may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Remember that you were separated from Christ, but now you have been brought near
by the blood of Christ!
"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even
when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ." Ephesians 2:4-5
There are things about God you will not know unless you pray. Ephesians 1:18b-19 - "That you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might"
Christians have irrevocable certainty of the outcome. Ephesians 1:11- In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.
Christians are destined for everything heaven can offer. The ultimate aim of God is the praise of His glory.
Isaiah 26:3- You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
Watch out for the thought "God has dealt unfairly with me". Deuteronomy 32:4 The Rock- his work is perfect; all his way are just. A faithful God, without bias, he is righteous and true.
When your head & heart disagree, become absolutely determined to please God, come what may.
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Roman's 12:2
Because of God's great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3
We can choose a lower position by seeking the advantage of others, seeking to serve others, and seeking to give our lives to others.
Unresolved tension between Christians usually points to immaturity & selfishness. - 1 Peter 5:6 "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time."
There are different responses to the message of the Gospel. Some will mock, some will listen, and some repent. We will never experience any of these responses if we never share.
Unless people realize they have a sin problem, they will not come to Jesus for a solution.
John 9:39 - Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.”
Forgiveness is the only way to live in an intimate, long-term relationship with another sinner.
2 Corinthians 5:15 And he died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for the one who died for them and was raised.
Our kids need constant Godly instruction to avoid getting led astray by the culture. And so do we.
God gives us the power to raise Godly kids, He wants to atmosphere in our home to maximize growth. Ephesians 4:29 "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that is may benefit those who listen."
Following Jesus means fishing for people.
Matthew 4:19-20 - And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
If God has given you instructions, walk forward in faith, without delay, God is working out a much bigger plan than we can see.
Joseph denied himself because he as living or a bigger mission. This Christmas, move away from something ungodly or destructive in your life and move towards something that grows your communion with Jesus.
If Jesus’s birth prompted the murder of a dozen babies in Bethlehem, his death & resurrection prompted the protection of millions more.
Jesus came to save sinful people with a filthy family history., God controls history with precision and He is working a bigger story through your family line.
God will often lead us through, not around trouble, We should go first to God in prayer, then resolve to face trouble with trust in Him and courage.
"I can do all things through Him who gives me strength" Philippians 4:13.
We can bring our small numbers to God and wait for Him to multiply our efforts
Let us eliminate the thorns and weeds that may choke out the fruit God intends to grow. Hebrews 12:1– …let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
God does not look at numbers the same way we do. When things don't add up, look with eyes of faith.
Psalm 42:5- Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
We are custodians of the earth, but our top mission is to advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The bad news - we are slaves to sin. The good news, Jesus died.. Our deliverance is assured , but not yet complete. Until then, be watchful because danger abounds. We must never turn to a different gospel.
We can strengthen our relationships and unity by being men of the narrow gate, women open to life-shaping relationships, a culture of hospitality, and members committed to this body of Christ.
God has been designing the flow of history for thousands of years to make redemption available to you, Anyone can be brought into God's family.
If you are brooding over negative thoughts or emotions, put your heart into the Bible and God's people.
We know we have fellowship with God if we love our Brothers & Sisters.
A study in 1 John 2:9-11
We should turn away from things like recognition that the world craves, and instead build something that God loves and that will last.
We crave approval from everyone. We should strive to gain approval from God by respecting, obeying, and being humble before Him.
People are constantly trying to find ways to be ok and anchor their hope in something. Our unshakable hope is found in Jesus.
God's invitation has gone out to all people- indiscriminately. If you have put your faith in Jesus, then you have started experiencing life in God's Kingdom. We will experience His eternal joy in its entirety in heaven. For now, we carry an invitation that invites more people to step into His Kingdom.
The Golden Buzzer is a breathtaking award for exceptional performances. In those intense moments, the things that are highly valued in our culture are put on display. Let’s open the Bible to see how the world’s values compare to the things that are important to God. If God awarded you with a Golden Buzzer, what would it take?
Comparison is where grumbling starts. We see someone and think “no fair.” We may develop an insolent attitude. We must believe that what God has given us is enough, choosing to be content.
Testing God is demanding that He prove Himself. “Why?” is one of the common words we use when we are grading God’s paper. We have forgotten our place. God will remind us. Whenever we publicly vent our anger against the leaders over us, we are publicly calling God out. We’re accusing God of doing wrong to us.
Some of our desires are healthy, some destructive. When God says “no,” we often don’t like it. We may continue doing right, but we long for what is wrong. We begin to justify a “yes” to the out-of-bounds desire. Even though God has made it clear, we manage to turn all kinds of no’s into yes’s.
God is enough. We must refuse to find satisfaction elsewhere. Nothing else can bring
peace and joy. We continue waiting for God, hoping and enduring, while things in life
seem dim and delayed.
God allows us to partner with him in the great gift of life – specifically in the gifts of sex, gender, marriage, and children. When misunderstood, these gifts can lead us on a path of long-term pain. Come learn how God redeems the pain and leads us to experience the rich blessing of these gifts!
God allows us to partner with him in the great gift of life – specifically in the gifts of sex, gender, marriage, and children. When misunderstood, these gifts can lead us on a path of long-term pain. Come learn how God redeems the pain and leads us to experience the rich blessing of these gifts!
God allows us to partner with him in the great gift of life – specifically in the gifts of sex, gender, marriage, and children. When misunderstood, these gifts can lead us on a path of long-term pain. Come learn how God redeems the pain and leads us to experience the rich blessing of these gifts!
God has given us many gifts in life to enjoy. Much of what God says about these are quite controversial, but God’s plan is very good!
God has given us many gifts in life to enjoy. Much of what God says about these are quite controversial, but God’s plan is very good!
God has given us many gifts in life to enjoy. Much of what God says about these are quite controversial, but God’s plan is very good!
You have been uniquely placed in a strategic position to influence others. God has given you a favorable advantage that others do not have. Learn how to respond to God’s leading and make an impact that will last!
You have been uniquely placed in a strategic position to influence others. God has given you a favorable advantage that others do not have. Learn how to respond to God’s leading and make an impact that will last!
You have been uniquely placed in a strategic position to influence others. God has given you a favorable advantage that others do not have. Learn how to respond to God’s leading and make an impact that will last!
Jesus made many shocking statements that catch people by surprise. Sometimes confusing, sometimes troubling, but always completely changing the way we see life. You might find yourself responding with, “Jesus, You’ve Gotta Be Kidding.” Or perhaps you might see the value in guiding your life by His hard-to-believe statements.
Jesus made many shocking statements that catch people by surprise. Sometimes confusing, sometimes troubling, but always completely changing the way we see life. You might find yourself responding with, “Jesus, You’ve Gotta Be Kidding.” Or perhaps you might see the value in guiding your life by His hard-to-believe statements.
Jesus made many shocking statements that catch people by surprise. Sometimes confusing, sometimes troubling, but always completely changing the way we see life. You might find yourself responding with, “Jesus, You’ve Gotta Be Kidding.” Or perhaps you might see the value in guiding your life by His hard-to-believe statements.
Jesus made many shocking statements that catch people by surprise. Sometimes confusing, sometimes troubling, but always completely changing the way we see life. You might find yourself responding with, “Jesus, You’ve Gotta Be Kidding.” Or perhaps you might see the value in guiding your life by His hard-to-believe statements.
Jesus made many shocking statements that catch people by surprise. Sometimes confusing, sometimes troubling, but always completely changing the way we see life. You might find yourself responding with, “Jesus, You’ve Gotta Be Kidding.” Or perhaps you might see the value in guiding your life by His hard-to-believe statements.
God can write stories that seem impossible to us. Trust God to set the agenda for your life. Anticipate that God might use methods you hadn’t considered.
What does it look like to bring more people in to this church family? How does a person go from, “I’m new here,” to “I belong here”?
We must guard our hearts with all diligence. Know what’s deep inside. Whether we like it nor not, our hearts guide everything we say and do. Even the very attitudes we choose.
Do you have a desire that is driving you? Be brutally honest with yourself. It is very hard to let go of those. If you let that desire drive you, you might be completely unaware of the devastating consequences around the corner.
The Usual Suspects. Those very ingrained patterns of foolishness. The Bible teaches that we have life strategies that come so natural, but are so self-destructive. Because we try to figure out life apart from God.
Having trouble in life? These are the usual suspects!
Identify your own favorite flavors of foolishness.
It’s easy to listen to a series like this, and see all the fools around you.
My hope is this becomes a more self-reflective series.
We’re walking through these Fools so you can identify counter-production patterns and turn to walk in wisdom.
Wherever you find yourself related to these foolish patterns, God wants to help and has the power to help.
If you’re going to follow Jesus, it will have a major impact on your relationships. Jesus is the one relationship that affects all others in a decisive way. As we read through the conclusion of Paul’s letter, it exposes another risk we may face.
When it comes to disputes and quarrels. The true reward doesn’t come from being right.
The goal is not to win the argument; we want to win people’s hearts.
We want to win over a brother or sister.
“Be strong.” We are to choose to be strong. But the strengthening comes from Jesus. We don’t muster up the power and strength from within. We rely on the strength that God supplies. There is a kind of strength we may only get from him.
Starting a new series, Risk & Reward. I want to be honest about some of the risks that come with following Jesus. There’s quite a few. Following Jesus is not easy. It’s costly. The cost seems to go up. This is helpful for people exploring. And also for people already Christians.
We’re in a series called “Sharing Our Very Lives.” Practicing hospitality. Slowing down for unrushed time with people. Opening our hearts. Big goal is to invest more time in people.
We’re in a message series called Sharing Our Very Lives. It’s a high priority to God that we learn to develop deep, meaningful relationships. This often requires a certain amount of sacrifice. We have to share words, share our homes, share our very selves.
The Christian life isn’t just about fulfilling a list of duties. We get to experience the joy of meaningful relationships. As our love for God grows, our affection for his people also grows. This adds so much color and delight to life.
Today, we’re continuing a series called SHARPENED. We’re looking at the topic of fellowship. In the Bible, we see that people are like tools that God uses to sharpen us.
Today we are starting a new series called Sharpened. In this series we are going to look at two aspects of our fellowship (what happens when we relate and gather together) that sharpen us.
Is our country off track? And if so, how do we get it back on track? How does God view our nation? The Bible gives us much-needed perspective on this. Let’s start answering this question with a big, important truth.
“Why isn’t God answering my prayers?” There may not be a final answer. There’s more to God and the way he runs the universe than we can fully grasp in this life. There’s more to the way he runs our personal lives than we can fully see. The passages we have looked at today, and many others, can have a wonderful impact of strengthening our faith in God through prayer.
Today we are starting a new message series called, Why God? There are common questions we tend to ask. If you don’t have a very good answer, then it can be a struggle to trust God. It’s natural to try to figure out WHY. What is the source? We tend to think there’s just once source. Either it’s God. Or it was my own fault. Or it was the devil. Rather than it being simply this or that, many times there’s numerous factors rolled together. There are different layers, like an onion. The Bible is God’s Word to us, and it provides greater insight.
Today’s message is entitled how to survive a wildfire. You might never be in a real wildfire, but fire is an ongoing metaphor throughout Peter’s letter. That’s because – when dealing with harmful people – it can feel like a fiery trial. We take some heat, we get damaged, maybe even burned by others.
We’re in a series called Worst-Case Scenarios. We’ve been walking through the letter of 1 Peter in the New Testament. Peter writes, Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you, as if something unusual were happening to you (4:12). When you go through something very difficult, it’s pretty normal. Worst-Case Scenarios do come. God’s Word gives us the guidance we need to navigate the worst of circumstances.
As we continue in 1 Peter, we investigate a passage geared towards married people - husbands and wives but the insight goes beyond marriage. When conflict arises, you might cause pain and you might feel pain. Regardless, we look at how to navigate these dynamics in our relationships.
As we continue through the book of 1 Peter, we'll see how Peter writes about navigating cultural and government authorities that persecuted Christians. Ultimately, we see that our suffering is meant to be a witness to Jesus Christ and continue to testify to the truth. We can have Christ's love shine through our lives in the midst of opposition.
Today we continue our series and look at 1 Peter. Jesus Christ offers spiritual life to our dead souls - we have no spiritual pulse without him. After Jesus' death and burial, his resurrection breathes new life into our deadness.
In this new message series we’ll look at the worst-case scenarios of Simon Peter, a disciple of Jesus, His letter (1 Peter) was copied and circulated to the 1st century Christian churches and offered "faith scenarios" that were opportunities to build his faith.
Any endeavor we begin, if it’s done with a mind to honor God, that effort is not done in vain! Christ-followers have a unique hope in this regard. We can be confident that nothing we do FOR GOD is a waste of time or effort. Even if things pan out BADLY, our hard work is not USELESS.
We continue in 1 Corinthians 15 to gain a greater understanding of Heaven and Hell. They are real places. By putting our faith in Jesus, we can have complete assurance that we will experience the new, resurrected body in God’s glorious eternity. If we have made peace with God, it’s part of our mission to help other people seriously consider their eternal destination.
The reality of Christ’s resurrection invades our everyday life in a radically powerful way. Today, we'll look at Bible passages that could significantly impact decisions that you’ll make today, this week, or in the weeks to come.
In this new series, we're going to look at the Bible to see how the resurrection of Jesus connects to our lives in a very significant way. God did the impossible by raising Jesus from the dead. And if God can do that impossible feat, He can certainly change some impossible situations in our lives.
Barry Rogers shares about handling fear. When we get into fear, we can choose to have faith in God rather than let fear lead us. We need to lead lives that are “propped against” God. We believe and have experienced God has come through for us but over and over we have to choose to do things his way….no matter what. Even if it seems scary to do it.
Sadness is one of those emotions that we've all experienced but limiting sadness is a difficult thing to do. Pastor Bruce will share different ways that we experience sadness and helpful responses to get a grip on this emotion when we struggle.
Anger can damage and destroy our health, relationships, property, families, and future. This week, Pastor Bruce takes a look at the emotion of anger and how we can response in ways that don't damage and destroy, but rather demonstrates compassion and honors God.
In a new message series, "Triggered," for the next four Sundays, we’re going to get more specific and practical about what the Bible says about dealing with our emotions. What triggers them in us? What are their positive functions? What is the damaging when unchecked? And most importantly, how do we handle each one rightly?
As we wrap up this series today, we have looked at four ways we can experience the “fresh air” of life in the kingdom of God.
It is worth the work! Many at Valley Lights have discovered what a delight there can be in relationships. Our core values help set the culture of relating to one another. This is a major focus of our church. Lots of churches emphasis lots of different things, but this is toward to the top for us. Building healthy relationships. Carefully obeying God’s commands for biblical community.
True community forms when people are on mission together. In Part 2 of this series, we look at life of Joshua and the tribe of people God brought around him so that, together, they could help accomplish God's mission.
Today we celebrate our Re-Grand Opening at Rio Norte Junior High. Pastor Bruce shares a message on the importance of the Church. Whenever people try to do life apart from God, things tend to get toxic and polluted. Relationships crumble, emotions run the show, we can make damaging decisions we regret. As it turns out, God is the designer of life on Earth, and wherever people are living according to his ways, it’s like a breathe of fresh air. God invites us to live in his kingdom – where life is refreshingly different. So we are starting a new series of messages today. Over the next month, we’ll look at some of the ways of living in God’s kingdom.
In chapter 4, Paul brings this small, but powerful letter to a close. He writes about some things these newer believers should remain focused on.
The world’s styles and fashions are always moving and changing. God’s ways don’t go out of style. You try on His ways and it truly changes who you are, and you’re able with HIS power to PLAY those ROLES that He has assigned you to play.
Jesus plus nothing equals everything - We have all we need in him. This whole letter to the Colossians contains instructions on how to grow strong faith; how to be rooted in Jesus; how to become spiritually mature and strong.
This week we start a new message series on Colossians. It's all about how to grow strong faith - a life rooted in Jesus Christ alone.
In the last message of the series, we are reminded that Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He offers a reliable peace that is not dependent on our circumstances.
Everything that wears down, expires, breaks, or gets outdated – it all should remind us that us the temporary nature of life. Whether it’s physical items, our bodies, or intangible precious things… most stuff in life tends to deteriorate. But true, everlasting life can be found in God!
We look at the name of Might God. God wants to be the strength of your heart and He is available when we ask him to help us deal with our fear.
As we dive into the Christmas Season, we look at the names of Jesus in Isaiah 9:6. This week, we look at Wonderful Counselor, and how getting counsel from the maker of the universe is an option that is available to us.
In the grand finale of our series in Daniel, we look at the prophecies of Daniel from God about history, the present, and our future. We can choose courage and faith through the ups and downs of history as we trust in God like Daniel throughout his life.
Continuing the story of Daniel, we see that our character counts and our faith can free us from fear when we face opposition of any kind.
Everyone is accountable to God and his standards, but we something disregard God even when we know better. We continue through the book of Daniel to see an example of a mighty ruler who chose to disregard God.
In the third part of this message series, we look at the growing divide between what's trending culturally and what the Bible says that puts us in tension. We'll look at Daniel as one example to act with courage even without knowing the outcome.
In times of trouble or when the outcome is unknown, we can trust God and begin looking for answers by praying for mercy and reading the Bible.
In light of the reality we're living in, this new messages series looks at the life of Daniel and his devotion to God. He is a model of how to stand strong in a cultural storm.
The Bible helps shape our perspective on generosity as we recognize that God can use it to change our hearts and our futures.
God provides a way to be free from being a victim of our financial circumstances - he may be teaching us something in the midst of the financial squeeze.
Pastor Bruce starts out a new message series sharing about the links and limits of bearing our financial responsibilities by helping us look to God instead of other sources for advice and perspective.
It’s a rare thing to make a formal commitment to a church that deepens over time – but it is worth it!
As we build momentum as a church, there will be many opportunities to invest and invite others to join us.
Every follower of Jesus has a crucial role to play in the growth of church! We’ve got a spot for you on the team!
When church members fire up the engine and become engaged, we can build significant momentum as a church!
We tend to make bad decisions but call them “mistakes.” Owning it is the first step toward unwinding the messes we make.
Even the strongest among us can feel the powerful pressure of pleasing others… and this can lead to a whole lot of trouble.
As we continue looking at four of the worst decisions ever made in the Bible, Pastor Bruce shares about seeking input and perspective from others when we are making decisions.
We’re looking at four of the worst decisions ever made in the Bible. The first sure way to run into trouble: only focus on the short-term results of our decisions.
Praise God we’ve made it two years! We celebrate what God has done and give special honor to the Launch Team that made a sacrificial commitment.
Learn how to pray the way Jesus taught us! Listen to the closing message of our three part series!
We are starting a new message series today where we will be discussing some really helpful things Jesus taught about praying that will provide us with a simple template to get started and some shifts to our perspective that will allow us to get to know God deeper, experience His provision through prayer and the rewards that come through praying.
God has already demonstrated his faithfulness to us in many ways. In our current troubles, sometimes we lose sight of that.
If Christianity has done so much good, why have there been so many attempts to stop it?
Throughout his ministry, Jesus tore down barriers that people place between themselves. One way Christians today can carry out his purpose is by tearing down racial barriers.
On Mother’s Day, we ask: what difference does Christianity make in establishing the worth of a woman?
Compassion efforts are what Jesus commanded us to do, they have been going on since Christianity started. Take a look at the impact is has on our world!
What if you could go back in history and remove Christianity from the timeline? What would our world look like today? Not a pretty place. Check out the incredible impact of Jesus’ story expanding from nation to nation.
Is organized religion responsible for many of the world’s problems? Or does Christianity stand out as a force for good across the centuries?
Unexpectedly, when we follow our leaders in a way that makes their job easier, the benefit comes back to us. Understanding God’s principles for leading & following are a key part of life!
We get to join God in his incredible work in the world! He allows us a piece of the action by making real, tangible contributions.
You have been designed by God to play a valuable role. Learn how teaming together is part of his plan!
When everything within you wants to hold a grudge or point a finger, you can break chains or unforgiveness and find incredible joy and freedom!
The facts of life are: People offend each other. Offenses can destroy relationships. How can we remove the offense before long-term damage occurs?
When we’re unknowingly headed for a cliff, a word of warning from a friend could be life-saving! Learn about the tremendous value of Scriptural correction.
It can be easy to hide who we really are. We invite you to listen to the incredible impact of becoming open and honest with others and with God.
Deception has a way of damaging relationships. The truth eventually comes out… and deception always violates trust. Since relationships are built on trust, we’ll look at a crucial practice that is required for trust to grow.
When someone cuts you off on the freeway, it’s instantly aggravating. What’s inside of us that leads to an intense reaction? How might that same thing result in damaged relationships with others?
Have you ever been in a relationship that was constantly grinding you down? Wouldn’t it be nice if we could reduce the friction and add more delight?
How incredible to see God provide for us step by step! But why? What does he intend for us to DO with the things he provided?
A story where great unpredictability becomes the setting for the deepest faith to grow.
God’s timing was PERFECT when he sent Jesus to earth to be born as human. Is God’s timing perfect in every instance of your life?
Even the most seasoned Christians can lose sight of the heart of Christmas… that the Divine One descended into humanity!
Health, wellness, and wholeness… the world has an approach to finding these. God has given us truly reliable instructions for finding complete peace in life. Find out more in the concluding message of this 4-part series!
Is life coming together yet? Check out a statement in the Bible that is like a diagnostic tool – am I living the way God has intended? Life goes so much better when we cook with his ingredients!
What are you hiding? Are there things about YOU that others don’t know? What’s the difference between deception and discretion? Learn about this critical topic to stack up good days!
It seems like stressful days are ahead. God has given us instructions for stacking up many GOOD days, even in less-than-ideal conditions. It all starts with one secret ingredient.
This Halloween we’re talking about FEAR. What does fear do to a person? How do you handle it?
How long will God allow injustice? When trouble wears on, we may tempted to lose hope. What can we do when the walls are closing in?
When life hits hard, it plunges us into a sea of questions we hoped we'd never have to ask. But when you feel broken, abandoned, and struggling to find answers, there's a beacon in the storm…
People are coming. Opportunities are coming. God has moved our church to a new location, so we must be prepared to expend ourselves for the people he will place in our path!
Rather than spend all his time IN THE GROUP, Jesus spent large amounts of time OUTSIDE THE GROUP. How can we rally toward the mission of traveling the distance between us and them?
What would you like to accomplish with your life? Successful children? Comfortable retirement? A legacy of public service? Are any of these enough?
If you walk with God, he has entrusted you with secret things that the world needs to know!
Have you ever felt stuck in a rut? To make major life change, it's not enough to stop doing the old, we have to start doing something new!
Have you ever said “What was I thinking?” Sometimes our thoughts lead to actions with undesirable results. Learn how to set your mind on things that lead to good!
Some people think the Bible is rock-solid. How can you be sure? Before pouring a lot of energy into Christianity, wouldn’t you want to make sure the Bible is legit?
It’s easy to take things for granted. Health. Freedom. Your Spouse. The Bible is another one of those things. By taking a look its dangerous history, the Bible on your nightstand might come alive with new value.
Who are your go-to people? The people we spend time with greatly impacts life. This series will look at the role you can play in your spiritual family and your biological family.
Who are your go-to people? The people we spend time with impact our lives. We can find tremendous value by linking up with the people in God’s family.
Have you ever made a bad call? Committed to something and later realized it was too late? Wouldn’t it be nice to see down the road to make better decisions? Tune in to hear about developing an accurate read on life situations.
American life is all about independence and freedom, right? Look at a fascinating battleground story to learn about God’s path to real freedom and success!
Have you ever felt outnumbered? Overwhelmed? Find out how to press forward in the face of great opposition!
The possibility of financial trouble can cause a lot of worry. Jesus tells us how to handle that anxiety in a way that deepens our trust and reliance on our Provider.
What do you do when you hit problems so big that it brings life to a screeching halt? Pivotal moments can abruptly change the course of life. Why does God allow that to happen? How should we respond?
We tend to put limits on how much we’re willing to help others. Hear an incredible story that reveals a key characteristic of Jesus. Following in his steps, our lives can have a tremendous impact.
Do you spend time with people who strengthen your walk with God or draw you away from God? When we run with a good pack of people, God can use them to influence the direction of our lives.
There’s a big difference between knowing about something and doing something. Jesus provides clear instruction on how to build a strong foundation that goes beyond just head knowledge.
You’re probably here because you want to grow your faith in God. What does that take? We’re going to look at 5 catalysts that God uses to grow our faith, starting with the catalyst of prayer.
What if all the effort of your parenting doesn’t produce the results you’re hoping for? Will it all have been a waste? All of the work that you do for God is building up toward something significant!
When concerns and worries arise, how do you handle them? God doesn’t want us to be anxious, but what should we do instead? Tune in to discover the pathway to peace!
Work, play, sleep… Repeat. Do you desire to live for more than that? We tend to feel an inner desire to live for things that will last forever. The Bible shows us how to live the real goal in mind.
Do you ever feel pressure to measure up to the standards put on you? This leaves us feeling a driven by guilt. Philippians shows us instead how to live a bright, joy-filled life.
How do you live with hope no matter the circumstances? There is an exceptionally rare quality that can put us on the path to living with joy in our relationships.
At times it feels like there are many barriers that prevent us from sharing God’s love with others. In John 4 we see that Jesus crosses any barrier to bring people what truly satisfies.
Some people have intellectual barriers to sort through when considering Jesus. They are outwardly religious but inwardly unsure. Listen to a story of a man who had to sort through his encounter with Jesus.
NEW MESSAGE SERIES! A simple invitation to "Come and See" who Jesus really is can make all the difference. Responding to these 3 words might lead you toward incredible life change. What would be the impact if you shared these 3 words with others?
After trust has been broken and it seems like there's no hope for a reconciled relationship, what do you?
Unless you live on an island by yourself, conflict in relationships is unavoidable. Find out what God says about dealing with offenses in relationships and how to clear it up.
We experience strong emotions that pull us away from following God. This set us up for struggle and tension with people close to us. Learn how to overcome these emotions and find peace in relationships.
NEW MESSAGE SERIES - Relationships in Tension! We're bound to experience tension in our relationships with family, friends, and in marriage. Pastor Bruce Wood speaks on how these tensions are linked to our heart's desire to put ourselves first and gives practical examples of how to submit to God's way of relating rightly to the people around us. Join us for this 4-part series in the coming weeks.
This week, Pastor Bruce Wood speaks on how to respond when we feel threatened or intimidated and trust that God will get us through all trouble.
Pastor Bruce Wood discusses trusting God with our lives in the midst of health, sickness, or physical suffering. There is freedom in trusting God with the number of days for my life and for others.
Welcome to the Valley Lights Church podcast! Pastor Bruce Wood discusses how to stand firm in the midst of it all, especially during unstable and uncertain times. The message will encourage you to decide for yourself what God wants you to do with your life.