Springwell Sundays: Recent Episodes
Springwell Church
Springwell Church exists to draw spiritually thirsty people to Jesus by loving God, loving each other, and loving the world.
What does it mean for us to know Christ? What does it do for us and in our lives? It’s an undeserved privilege and amazing promise. A privilege that we do nothing to earn but get to keep.
Is there some recurring temptation, some vulnerability, some weakness that you need God’s help to overcome? If you are alive, the answer is probably yes to that question. So, how do we resist temptation? How do we protect our minds and guard our thoughts?
Temptation is defined as, "Anything that promises forever satisfaction at the cost of obedience to God.” Let's talk about four truths about temptation and what we can do when we inevitably face temptations.
Defining moments usually come when we least expect them. When they do, what should our response be? Follow God's lead and burn the plow!
What do you do when God doesn’t meet your expectations? When that happens, it can be discouraging and even cause us to doubt ourselves and God. What if God doesn’t want to meet your expectations, what if he wants to do something so much greater?
What do you lack? What do you seem to not have enough of? The truth is, we all feel like we’re lacking the things we need the most at times. When things are lacking, where we go to get them makes a big difference. Let’s go to the source.
Relationships are messy. Others betray us and abandon us and we do the same to others. Relationships are important too, though. How do we react when others let us down? What do we have when it seems like other people take so much from us? Let's learn what we truly need and know that... that's enough.
Whether you realize it or not, you are in a constant state of receiving messages & mental packages. The thoughts you have, the people you believe, and the words you read are sending you a message of peace and promise or of pain and lies. Which messages will you pay attention to?
Have you ever heard Christians talk about "strongholds"? This is a big one! so, let’s define strongholds. It literally means, “a fortified prison; a strong castle.” It’s not a physical prison but a mental prison. Where are you locked in? What lies are you believing?
Have you ever noticed how some Christians seem to speak a whole different language? Have you ever heard someone talk about a hedge or wall of protection? Let's talk about that phrase and what it really means.
There's almost an entire set of vocabulary that church people use. We throw words around that we've always heard but rarely fully understand. What does it mean to “plead the blood" of Jesus over someone or something? We're looking at how this phrase plays a role in spiritual warfare.
A lot of people know who Jesus is... Well, most people know the name, but do they really know about Him? Because of Jesus, qualities like humility and forgiveness, which were little regarded in most of the ancient world, became almost universally admired. He cared about people. He valued people. He did this without thinking about what they could do in return or how rich they were or how good they were. Jesus spent time with people because He’s gracious and He’s good. Jesus was and still is a friend of sinners…
We all have a desire to be fulfilled, to be of value, and to live with a purpose. The problem is, we're often fed the lie that in order to be fulfilled, we have to be about ourselves. What would John the Baptist tell us about living a life of purpose? Let's take a look at his defining moment to see.
We all have a story. Our story is unique to us and is undeniable to the people who hear it. Paul's story has one of a tough past but a powerful future. Yours is unique, too. What's your story? Don't take it for granted, and don't keep it quiet.
Where are you sitting? It's not about the chair you're in, but what your life is centered around. The truth is, where we find ourselves is often a product of what's around us and who's around us. It's time we wake up and take the right seat.
Is your marriage truly characterized by faith, or has life just kind of taken over? Our expectations of relationships don’t always line up with reality, and marriage is no different. If you look at your life and you think this is different than I had planned, then the story of Abraham and Sarah will speak to you.
Who we believe we are determines what we think about and what we focus on. If we're going to walk in the freedom and peace Jesus has for us, we have to focus and think about what is true and right. We have to have our minds set in the right place. When it comes to our focus, it’s time for us to set it and forget it.
Is there an area of your life where you’re saying, “My God is King,” and yet you’re doing what’s right in your own eyes? Is there some area of your life where you’re claiming, yes, “I am a follower of Jesus,” and yet you’re following your own truth and not His truth? To get to where God wants you to be, you have to walk away from a place that is not His will.
Everyone wants to feel wanted and to feel like what they do matters. It can feel like an uphill battle looking for something or someone to make us feel significant. Fortunately, our significance doesn't depend on how we see ourselves but on Jesus' love for us, and His call to us gives us a chance to break free and find true significance and meaning in our lives.
What lies might you be believing? The devil is the ultimate deceiver, and he can cause you to doubt the goodness of God through trials or disappointments. These lies can easily lead you to believe that you can't trust God or that he is not good or that he is not in control. These lies can rob you of the goodness God has for you.
God made you for a purpose and often that purpose will be birthed through a problem. So, what problem are you having right now that could point you to your purpose? Maybe the purpose of your pain is so that you can bless, encourage, or offer hope to others experiencing that same problem and pain.
Have you started 2024 with something that you want to change in your life? There’s always something that we would like to change about ourselves. Where do you want a new beginning? Where do you need a do-over? With Jesus, there is always hope. God is The God of new beginnings. He can wipe your slate clean.
The treadmill of life. The keeping up. The meeting expectations. Even the people who are closest to us can wear us out. The demands placed on us today are greater than ever before. We need rest. How do we get it in a world where everything is about how we look and what we do? When we come to Jesus, we can have the rest.
You may have heard the saying “life is a race.” So, how do we run the race of life? As we enter 2024, let’s learn what it looks like to run with faith.
What are you wanting this Christmas? Not just stuff to put under a tree, but what do you really want? What do you need? The truth is that everything we truly want is found in one gift.
When you think about Priceless Gifts, especially at Christmas time you would naturally think about the Three Wise Men who came to Jesus bearing gifts. These gifts were not only valuable, but were also incredibly practical, and deeply spiritual.
Life is not always measured by time. It’s measured in moments. Moments that can be priceless gifts. We don't know what God might do in us or through us in one moment of obedience. When it comes to the life of Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, all we have are a few moments. But moments that measured his life well.
What can you give to God that he doesn't already have? What do we have to offer a God who is the Master of the universe? We have this amazing gift of praise. When we see him for who he truly is, we have to praise Him; it's all we can do.
Are you full of enthusiasm for the things of God or do you find yourself more spiritually comfortable? Are you charging into spiritual battle knowing that the Lord your God is with you, trusting that He’ll never leave you? Are you striving toward your call or drifting to your own comfort?
We’re all addicted to something and negativity is one addiction that tries to rule our lives. We need to be able to stay positive, so today, we’re going to talk about gratitude. So, if you find yourself in a bit of a pit, maybe living with anxiety, complaining, bitterness, or a little negativity then hang on, because today we’re going to see that gratitude is the gateway to peace.
With all the changes in this world, it can be really hard to know what your role is as a parent. How do you know if you are succeeding? How do you know if you hit the bullseye? We all need some clarification and the Bible is the perfect place to go to for direction.
Blended families make up almost half of the families in America today. As a blended family, what are some principles you can live by? Let's talk about those.
They're just hypocrites. I bet you've thought or even said that about someone who claimed to be a Christian but didn't live it out. They show a side of themselves that just doesn't seem like it goes along with what a Christian should do. What does Jesus say about hypocrisy? He says, “I’ll see you on the other side.”
Fear. It's real and it's prevalent in our lives. It happens in a variety of ways and causes a variety of responses. What does Jesus say about our fears? What does he do to help us through them? We may be hanging by a thread, but that's plenty when Jesus steps in.
We owe a balance. It’s not something that can be paid from our bank account. We owe a debt of sin. What does Jesus say about sin? What does he do with this balance that we owe? We need to check our balance and see how Jesus has canceled our debt.
I've done all I can do. Ever made that statement? The truth is, sometimes things happen to us that aren't our fault and we do all we can to make it through. What do you do, though, when you've done all you can and you're out of resources and ideas... when you're a basket case and see no hope?
We pray our hearts out. We ask God to change things. We beg him to move. After all of our begging, it seems like He does nothing to answer us. When we feel our prayers are going unanswered, it shakes our faith. We get to the place of asking, "What's the point in praying?” if it doesn't do anything. There's more to it than that, though.
There are so many misconceptions about prayer. Not only about what prayer is but how to pray. Every religion has some type of prayer ritual, but for Christians, it’s more than a ritual; it’s an intimate conversation. How do we pray? We pray as Jesus taught his disciples when they asked him, “Lord, teach us to pray.”
According to studies, most of us pray at least every now and then. While the content of our prayers varies, one thing is consistent: most of us struggle to pray consistently or with joy. Prayer is a powerful weapon for a believer in Jesus. Let's learn how to talk with Jesus.
If you want to be prepared for the future, for the next season, for what’s next, then you’ve got to think ahead. As you think about your future, do you see red flags? Are there signs of danger ahead? Are there things that wise friends have pointed out that you need to give serious consideration?
When our lives are being tossed to and fro by all of life’s transitions, we may find ourselves motion sick and in need of something to anchor ourselves to. We have an anchor of stability in Christ Jesus. He is the most powerful anchor for our motion-sick souls.
Preparation is an important part of getting the most out of life…getting the most out of the different seasons of life. Is it possible to prepare for the next season? Are there really things that we can do now to prepare us for what’s next?
All families are invited to celebrate the life change that took place during Kidz Camp 2023. Whether or not you have kids, there will be something for everyone, and we can't wait to take this opportunity to celebrate the wins from Kidz Camp as a church.
The troubles of life. Some are our fault, some are not. We all go through them. However, we don't all go through them the same. Let's take a look at what troubles and trials look like in our lives and see how to see them all, not as a curse, but a blessing. They have a purpose.
God works in mysterious ways. It's a common phrase, but it's also true. He knows more, thinks higher, and loves more extravagantly than we can ever imagine. Sometimes, we go through circumstances and wonder what the purpose is. More often than we realize, God's protecting us from what he knows is around the corner. How does he do that? Let's look at his mysterious ways
God wants us to grow and flourish as a plant should grow and flourish. We’re going to be talking about purpose, specifically how to flourish and grow and find your purpose in life.
We’re talking about purpose, specifically how to flourish and find your purpose in life. If you’re going to find your purpose you have to start at the beginning. You’ve got to get yourself in the right kind of environment to flourish and grow.
How we define and see ourselves determines so many things about how we feel and live our lives. The key for us is to be sure we are defining ourselves correctly, the way God defines us. How do we learn to define ourselves correctly? How can we start living in this true identity?
Good times and bad. Joyous times and sad times. It's easy to look at what we're going through as a reflection of who God is. When is He working? When is He teaching us? When is He blessing us? It's really in all of it.
The struggle is real, and we don’t feel like we have enough to overcome it. The truth is, in times of the greatest struggle, we always have enough. What we have to do is look for what God has given us in order to win the struggle. We’re fit for the fight if we’ll open our eyes to what we have and see God working through it.
Worry is poisoning our peace, killing our joy, and stunting our spiritual growth. We struggle with worry and stress on an almost daily basis. Why is that? What can we do about it?
What we do is not who we are. When our identity is found in our relationship with Jesus, it changes everything. The key is to realize this identity at our core and allow it to shape everything about us.
Depression. It's not just sadness or discouragement. It’s constant darkness. It can be paralyzing. It can stop you dead in your tracks leaving you with no motivation, no hope. How do we fight back?
Is it even possible not to be anxious in this world that we live in? It often seems as if the world is falling apart around each of us. If you feel like you’re battling with anxiety, you’re not alone. Let's talk about how we can fight this battle.
We need to talk about mental health. Let's talk about what you do if your mind is unhealthy. Or if you’re sinking in a sea of doubt? Let's step outside our comfort zone a bit and talk about some issues that we believe need to be addressed in church.
As a nation and as families, we have been facing one of the greatest times of uncertainty that we have ever known. There is a question for you and for me as we continue to experience extraordinary uncertainty in all areas of our lives and in the world around us. Can you trust God? Can you hold on to the simple truth that even though life is uncertain, God is certain?
Prayer is powerful. Prayer changes things. Prayer connects us with a God who has the power to save, heal, and change things however he pleases. How do we pray? What do we pray? It's not as complicated as you may have felt in the past.
God is worthy of our worship. He's worthy because of who He is and what He does. When we worship, it touches the heart of God. The awesome thing about worship? It's a connection that not only blesses God, but blesses us in the process.
The human mind is complex. The human mind is powerful. It's what tells our bodies to keep going, but it's also what often tells our emotions and hearts to give up. How do we control our thinking so that we can use our minds for good? We have to check the algorithm and be sure we're taking it to healthy places.
We can have a great relationship with Jesus. We can know the truth. We can stand on truth. We can do our very best to live it out. That doesn't mean, however, that trouble doesn't come. The truth is, we'll find ourselves in some places that seem impossible. We'll feel like everything is wrong and the Enemy is winning. That's when we have to open our eyes and see God's powerful work around us.
When difficulty comes, it's tempting to assume we're doing something wrong. Better yet, it's tempting to back down from what we know is right or believe and think, “It's not a big deal if I give in a little bit.” How do we continue to live out what we believe while loving the people around us during difficult times? We have to take the window seat.
Society tells us that raising a child should look perfect: perfect vacations, experiences, even perfect interactions. Here's some good news for you: we’re not raising kids, we’re raising adults. Impacting a child's life doesn't require your perfection, but requires that you consistently point them toward a perfect God.
God put certain things into place…there’s an order to it. There is cause and effect to how God built the world. And in our lives, things end up a mess when you don’t do them in the right order. Peter shows us there are certain things that need to be done in order, and we can actually have a predictable outcome.
What exactly is the right combination of food and exercise for looking and feeling our best? Is there a right combination for true beauty? We’re talking about where true beauty comes from because it’s not necessarily where we think it would be.
Authority. There are times when we all struggle to submit to authority. And do we really need to? Let's talk about honoring God by honoring the authority that He has authored into our situations.
Mistakes, pain, regret, and shame. We've all felt like we've run too far from God and doubted that He could ever forgive or love us again. Thankfully, He's bigger than our greatest mistake or worst feeling. Let's move past the doubts that come from feeling not good enough. God is ever-present and compassionate.
Sometimes, God just doesn't make sense. The Bible seems like a fairytale and our lives play out in a way where we're left asking, “What is God doing?” While we may not always be able to find the answers, we can certainly trust that God is the answer.
A powerful worship experience or a great story can be impactful to us spiritually. However, serving God and knowing we're loved isn't always full of emotion. How do you move past the doubts when you just don't feel the goosebumps or powerful emotions?
Being a Christ follower is full of ups and downs. We love and serve a God we cannot see but is obviously alive and active. While we may have doubts that God is working and we may lose focus on His great love, we can always find it again.
It's a new year, but do you find your mind filled with the same old struggles, doubts, and mistakes? Let's allow today to be the beginning of something new. Bring the whole family as we talk about what we want to see more of in our lives.
God works in mysterious ways. It's cliche to say, but so true of the God we worship. This Christmas Eve, let's take a look at how Jesus was born in the most mysterious way, to see how we can receive all that He has for us. He's the One for everyone.
In every generation, Christians have to decide whether or not they will remain faithful to God in spite of the fact that they can’t always see God doing things around them. Do we believe or do we stop believing? Do we serve or do we just go do something else? The challenge for you, as a follower of Jesus, is to have faith and believe when nothing seems to be happening all around you.
In the midst of the miraculous, the virgin birth of Jesus we find an ordinary man named Joseph. An ordinary man that chose to live out obedience and trust in God that overflowed from a love relationship with God…some days, that’s all we’ve got.
Most of us know what Christmas is really about, but how does it really affect us personally and practically? Let's take a look at the shepherds that were keeping watch over their flock and see what we can learn about the light of Christ.
We all fight battles. Not just spiritual battles with our Enemy, but battles around others and even battles within ourselves. How do we fight these battles in faith and win? We remember our battle cry and who fights with us.
Baptism is a public declaration of a new association. People being baptized are symbolically saying they believe in the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. They now want to be identified as followers of Jesus. This is the mark of a new season!
We have spent some time talking about the different seasons of life. Let’s talk about how to prepare for the kids leaving home. How do you keep your marriage strong through it all?
Have you ever met a perfect family? Chances are good that you haven’t. Perfect families just don’t exist. Let's talk about the grace and hope found in Ephesians and how we can all benefit.
All of us are going to experience different seasons at various times in our lives. Solomon, the smartest, richest man who ever lived, observed that there is a predetermined season for everything.
Hurts, habits, and hangups. We all have them. The heartbeat of Celebrate Recovery is to provide Christ-centered help for the things that affect us. CR Sunday is a day we celebrate all that Celebrate Recovery does at Springwell.
Hurt, pain, struggle, lack of faith for the future... we've all been there. How do you move past them and trust God when you just don't know? You have to leave the tent. You have to have a bigger view of who God is.
If you watch a baby eating, they’re all in on that meal. If you have that passion for God’s Word, you’ll grow. We don't grow alone. We need each other. We need each other’s prayers. We need each other’s accountability. Let's grow together.
If you watch a baby eating, they’re all in on that meal. If you have that passion for God’s Word, you’ll grow. We don't grow alone. We need each other. We need each other’s prayers. We need each other’s accountability. Let's grow together.
One of the biggest struggles as followers of Jesus is our desire to fit in. But God did not call us to fit in…He called us to stand out. So, if we are going to follow Jesus and be different, we need to be prepared. Let's talk about being at a place where you have mental clarity, focus, and self-control.
Do you sometimes feel scattered and like you are different? Maybe you would say, “I feel like I'm the only Christian in my work. I’m the only Christian in my neighborhood. I’m the only Christian in my school.”And if you feel different, scattered, like a stranger, that’s the point. We’re not supposed to feel like this is home.
Disappointments happen. We get disappointed with people, situations, and even God at times. It's not a matter of avoiding disappointments, it's a matter of expectations. It's time to expect differently so we can be filled with the things God really has for us.
"Wait on God." Many of us hear that phrase when we're anxious or waiting. It's easy to say, but much harder to live out in a hectic and unsure life. The truth is, waiting is inescapable, and waiting well is possible.
How in the world do we handle our anger and not sin? We’re going to look at Matthew 21, at a time when Jesus did get angry but did not sin. Let's look at how to be angry like Jesus.
As a child of God and a brother or sister to Christ, you always have another chance. God's forgiveness is always available. He's waiting for you… just the way you are.
We tend to be the toughest on ourselves. We think things about ourselves that simply aren't true. But what if you could see what God sees when He looks at you? Let's take a look behind what we see so that we can see the value we were created with.
The detail our Creator went to in order to make us is amazing. Everything about you was designed by Him and for you. Let's take a look at how we were created so we can get a better idea of why we were created.
It’s a family-style service, called an FX or Family Experience. We will celebrate the life-changing experiences that happened at Kidz Camp 2022. Whether or not you have kids there will be something for everyone and we can't wait to celebrate the wins from Kidz Camp!
Do you feel like you aren’t good enough? Are you living a good life and then, without warning, you are blindsided by sin…the darkness in your heart... and you didn’t even see it coming? That’s why we all need the gospel. Without God, you will constantly feel inadequate, incomplete, and condemned.
Just like many parents, our Heavenly Father takes delight in his children growing and taking steps toward maturity. A loving earthly parent wants to see their child grow more and more in every area of life. In the same way, our loving Heavenly Father delights to help us grow more and more into the image of His Son, Jesus.
God says, so we should. It sounds easy, but it's much more difficult to live out. How do we take God at His word and move forward in faith? It's not easy, but He is trustworthy and we can go on His word.
What are you struggling through right now and feel like you’re on the brink of throwing in the towel and giving up? In the Bible, the church in Thessalonica stands out in its tenacity. They had a push, to never give up, even in the face of opposition and persecution, that we can learn from today.
When was the last time you shared with another person about the love, mercy, and grace that you have received from God through Jesus? Would your life of faith draw people to Jesus or push them away?
The holiness of God is beyond anything we can imagine. He stands alone in His perfection and splendor. Let's look at the holiness of God and respond to Him appropriately.
The enemy is a defeated foe. He will not last. He will not win. Jesus has already won and we've already won because of Him. What does his final defeat look like? How can we defeat him today on his most common battleground? Let's live in the victory we already have!
Our enemy prowls around looking to kill, steal and destroy. How does he work? What's his plan? When we know his tendencies, we can be better prepared not to fall for his tricks. Let's learn how Jesus helps us overcome his plans.
We have a real spiritual enemy. This enemy is the Devil and he works constantly to keep us from experiencing God's best for us. Where does this enemy come from? How did he get his start? Let's learn our enemy so we can better fight against his plan.
When you step up to your mission, your God-given calling, that thing that God put you here to do... you are going to have to learn to deal with the distractions! If the enemy can’t destroy you, he will distract you. He will do whatever he can to take your eyes off your purpose. And that’s exactly what happened to Nehemiah.
Anytime you’re trying to do something really good, something for others, it seems that there is always opposition. Even in the Bible, it seems that everyone who ever attempted anything for God faced opposition. Adam and Eve had the serpent. Moses had Pharaoh. David had Goliath. Sometimes the greatest opposition we face is inside our own heads. That’s why we need to keep our eyes focused on Jesus. And this is exactly what Nehemiah does.
There is probably something that bothers you when you see it…maybe some injustice. Nehemiah's heart broke for the plight of his people. What burdens you? What hurts your heart when you see it? That thing that tends to upset you will often be the thing that drives you to do something on behalf of someone else.
Have you ever thrown up your hands and said, “I just can’t do this anymore!” What is your struggle? What are you looking at that breaks your heart? Whatever your struggle might be, our prayer is that through this series, as we look at the Nehemiah, you’ll find the strength and energy to keep on keeping on.
There has never been nor will there ever be, a greater show on earth than this one. For this great show…this spectacle…this public display of the awesome power and love of God, Mary Magdalene had a front-row seat. If you have wondered what all the fuss about Easter is, well, this is it! The resurrection of Jesus!
Faith is a decision and a hope, more than something we can always see. Faith is a pre-decision. Let's learn to say, "So what?" when life throws us tough times.
What started as a blessing now seems more like a curse. What you prayed for now seems like something you should've never even wished for. Sometimes blessings come with their own set of problems. How do we move past the problems and trust God's promises?
It doesn't make sense! How many times do we find ourselves saying this about situations and circumstances we find ourselves in? Even when what's happening doesn't make sense, God still has a plan. We have to learn to trust it.
Fears, concerns, cautions, whatever you call them, can cause us to run for our lives. Other fears can paralyze us and stop us dead in our tracks…we can’t move…we’re afraid to step out and take a chance. So, we sit in the window and watch. This is what Paul was talking about when he wrote to a young pastor named Timothy.
Life is uncertain. Whether in the business world or personal…life can be uncertain. But when life gets hard, or you feel discouraged, don’t shrink back. Don’t just play it safe. God has something for you and needs you to keep walking by faith.
Logic tells us that it’s not safe to get close to or truly connect with people. We’re more likely to get hurt or be taken advantage of if we engage. David danced in the street and became…vulnerable. Being vulnerable feels like you’re putting yourself in a position of weakness. But, where there is great risk, there can also be great reward.
The best way to build family relationships is by making memories. Memories don't have to be based on distance traveled, money spent, or perfect photographs. Memories are created when we take advantage of the moments that our family shares together.
We live in a world of quick text messages and attention-grabbing headlines. It's easy for us to make assumptions about events and people when we're only getting part of the story or our communication is bad. Making assumptions and failing to communicate affects relationships, friends, and most importantly, families.
Divorce, death, remarriage - they can all be a part of life. Moving forward after the loss of a spouse can seem unbearable, but there is hope. Life doesn’t have to end after great loss. A new start is possible. How do we navigate remarriage and becoming a blended family, God’s way? How do we navigate becoming a partner again? How do we navigate raising children in a blended family?
Hearing God speak is one of a Christian's greatest gifts. The problem is that many of us are confused and unsure of how to even hear Him when He speaks. How do we open up our ears to hear His voice on a daily basis? It's really simple when you're willing to wait on Him to speak.
God cares about life here on earth. And a better life here will always boil down to relationships… always. Our differences don't have to divide us. God has welcomed the people around us with open arms and embraced all of us as members of his family because Jesus has given his life for each of us on the cross.
God dealt with our sin problem and provided a way for us to be righteous in His sight, and actually set us free from the power of sin. Now, He wants us to live the few short years we have here on planet earth for Him rather than for our own selfish interests.
What is Christianity? The Gospel or the “Good News” may not have made much sense to you in the past. So, let's talk about what it really means and what we can truly believe in.
Things are rarely as they appear. There's usually a deeper issue behind what's bothering us and more behind what holds us back. With God, we have hope when we face what we don't understand. We need eyes to look behind what we see and see what it actually is.
This time of year, it's easy to only focus on Jesus being an infant in a manger. However, He is so much more: He is I AM. Ultimately, our lives change when we understand that I AM > i am.
So an angel appears to Mary and tells her that she will miraculously, as a virgin, conceive and give birth to the Son of God. Now that is an interruption! And how would she explain this pregnancy to Joseph? If we are not careful, our response to an interruption can send us down the wrong path. Joseph nearly went down the wrong path.
We often look to the Christmas season to be a time of perfect peace, harmony, and joy. But the first Christmas was not that way. It was one interruption and after another. Let's look at the Innkeeper and the interruption in his very busy day. Don't miss the miraculous in the midst of the ordinary.
What do they really think of me? If I'm not like that, will they still love me? Our fear of others and what they think can cripple our lives and rob us of the freedom we have in Christ. Let's learn to live in the freedom we were meant for!
By nature, we want more, we want better, we want faster, we want newer…and we want it now. However, experts say that gratitude unlocks generosity, and makes you encouraged and thankful. Gratitude really can change your perspective on life! Let's talk about how.
We’ve all been hurt by someone, no doubt…that’s life. But what about when you’re the offender? What about when you’re the one who lied, disappointed or betrayed someone? We are talking about what to do when we are the person who has hurt or wronged someone else.
So, we have all had some hurt and some pain in our past or in our present. We need to learn how to forgive. Why in the world should I forgive someone who hurt me or hurt someone I love? Let's talk about it.
We have a real enemy. He's tricky and never provides any treats. How do we learn to recognize when he's attacking, lying, or tricking? We have to know how he works behind his many masks so we can learn how to not fall for his tricks.
We all have hurts, habits and hang-ups about something. At Springwell, we have a program to help you with yours. Today we will be highlighting the life change that takes place every Thursday night at Celebrate Recovery. Celebrate Recovery isn't just something we do, but a part of who we are. So, join us as we celebrate life change together.
Do you have some disadvantages in your life? Are you under the impression that your sin has disqualified you from ever being used by God? Your disadvantage is God’s advantage. He makes assets out of our liabilities. All He needs is your full surrender!
Maybe your life hasn't looked like you wished it would. Maybe you feel like injustice and ridicule have been the theme of your life. There's good news! The God we worship doesn't waste a single event, person, or situation. In fact, it's the toughest circumstances that God often uses in the best ways.
Forgotten, left out, wasted. We've all felt that way at one point or another. Maybe you're there now. The good news is, God sees you. It's time for you to see Him too.
Lions have a calculated and unique hunting strategy that can sometimes take hours of patiently waiting for the right time. Why do they go to such extremes? Because they are hungry! Hunger and thirst are intense desires. It is that same intensity that we need in seeking to be near God.
Experts say that for lions, living in a pride makes life easier and hunting as a group means there is a better chance that the lions have food when they need it. Life is better in community. We not only want friends; we need friends, like lions, for survival.
A lion's roar can be heard up to 5 miles away. The roar is in them. They don't earn the roar or even have to try to find it. They just roar. God has created us to be the same way in serving and loving other people. What happens when you begin to start what you're born to do? It changes everything.
We’re talking about worry. It’s not as if we didn’t already have enough things to worry about before, but now, since the pandemic, our potential for worry has been upped by 100-fold, at least. And worry is one of the tools Satan uses to destroy our faith. Let's wrap up this series with how to hit the CTRL, ALT, DELETE button on bitterness.
Bitterness, whether it is known or unknown, for some of us, is the greatest source of pain in our lives and we may not even know it.We should hit CTRL, ALT, DELETE and get it out of our lives.
We’re going to be talking about some things we need to control…who are we kidding, these are some things we need to totally delete from our lives. Gossip is one of those things. So, how can we overcome the sin of gossip? We want to give you 3 questions we have to ask ourselves.
Because our mind is a battlefield, most of life’s battles are won or lost in the mind. What comes into your mind tends to come out in your life. If you have a negative mind, it’s almost impossible to have a positive life…it’s a daily battle to win the war against negativity.
What do they really think of me? If I’m not like that, will they still love me? Our fear of others and what they think can cripple our life, but what God thinks of us can bring a whole new meaning.
It’s insurmountable. It feels like it at least. The money is just not enough. The job is just too much. The issues we face are out of our league. Sometimes, the odds just seem stacked against us. How do we overcome the fear of our situation? The answer may be simpler than you think.
When we feel like we don’t have enough, it causes us to act out of fear rather than the strength God has given us. Let’s look at Moses and how his excuses for why he wasn’t enough became what God used in a big way.
I'm just not enough. I don't have what it takes. Our fear of not being equipped or enough for the job can cause us to shrink back and not try at anything. What if, though, God could use the things you think you lack to do more in and through you than you thought?
When work and family collide, you will have some decisions to make. Who or what is going to get your most valuable resource…your time? Have you decided to make a change? Let’s walk through what Daniel did when he found himself in need of a change.
Many of us, if not all of us, wrestle with the tension between work and family. We have to decide what is going to take priority. Giving up good things for the sake of what’s best is not easy, even when we’re convinced it’s right.
Join us Sunday as we talk more about Baptism! We will talk about what it really means and why it is so important. Don’t miss it!
Their life seems easy. The good times seem so good and the bad times seem so few. Your life, though, is tough. You're worried, lying awake at night, and unsure of what God is up to. Why does it feel like your story is so much tougher? Maybe it's because you aren't getting their full story and because yours isn't as hopeless as it seems.
We're tired. So many of us live exhausting lives and can't seem to find what it means to truly rest. Maybe rest is about more than just sleeping in or waiting for your next vacation. Maybe rest is something that Jesus can give us in the best of ways.
Debra Ponder has been a loyal, trustworthy and valued member of the Springwell staff family for many years. We celebrate Debra's retirement together.
He's the God over all. He's the creator and sustainer of all that we see and all that we are. When we get a glimpse of His creation and His character, it causes us to worship Him. It's time for us to look up and worship Him for who He is.
On his way through town, Jesus is interrupted by a woman who is desperate for healing. In the beginning of the story, she is a no-named woman who’s no more than an interruption, but by the end of the story, through her humility, she has been made a daughter. I guess there are no interruptions with Jesus…we all matter!
Are you a workaholic? You have career potential to fulfill, a spouse to love, a family to raise… And every one of these things has tremendous value in your life. None of them should be neglected. So, how in the world do you find the time…the balance…for what’s important?
On average, kids spend 3,000 hours a year at home versus 40 hours a year at church. With this in mind, how do parents leverage that type of influence on their kids, and does the church empower and support parents in this endeavor? Let's find out together!
Finances are a necessary thing. We have to have money to live, eat, and survive. The trick is putting money in its correct place. What we often feel is a matter of not enough money or a money issue is often a matter of something much deeper.
If statistics are true, then over half of the population have been affected by divorce in some way. Divorce has definitely been a source for major “Family Drama”. What does God have to say about divorce? According to Malachi 2:16, God hates divorce and he wants to protect you from it. You can’t separate what he joined together…you just can’t … but you can be forgiven and free.
What if you could start over? What if you could redo something you totally messed up? Do you feel a sense of shame and even wonder what could fix it? You can't fix the past, but there is one who can. Easter Sunday we will find out how you can have everything... past, present, and future "covered."
We all have those times where we feel unseen, unheard, and unwanted. For some of us, we've felt hidden most of our lives. What if, though, the people that God often does the greatest things through are the people that usually feel hidden and left out?
Our world is a mess right now. How do we get back to normal? What if normal doesn’t fix the problems? How do we get back to loving like Jesus loved and turn this crazy world around? We have to die to ourselves, our agendas, our plans and totally live for Jesus.
How are you doing physically? It seems that our country is in a mess physically…we’re not healthy as a whole and our children are following in our footsteps, picking up all our bad eating and exercise habits…normal ain’t good! So, what are we going to do about it? Knowing what to do can be confusing. So let's talk about what's better than normal.
The normal way to do money just doesn’t seem to cut it. Normal may have gotten you into a financial mess. You have to decide what you really want. Do you want normal? So how do you get to better than normal? Better than normal is learning how to be debt free. Better than normal is getting in touch with our emotions. Better than normal is wanting the right thing so bad that you are willing to do whatever it takes to be free.
If you want what few have, which is peace, joy, security, a sense of fulfillment, a sense of purpose…then you’re gSo, how to we get back to loving like Jesus loved and turn this crazy world around? We will have to die to ourselves, our agendas, our plans and totally live for Jesus. And we will have to offer others what we’ve been given…which is another powerful, single word…it’s the word “grace.” We all want grace, don’t we?
When we think of what we need, we usually think about the physical things that we all have to have: food, clothes, shelter, and money. God is the provider of all of those things, but He's also the provider of our spiritual and emotional needs as well.
Throughout history, saying "I love you" has taken on many forms. From poems to love notes and songs to heart emojis. While those things may be forgotten, God's love letter to us will never change.
What do you think of when you hear the word, "Prayer"? Depending on your background, that word brings up a host of thoughts. The truth is, prayer is so much more than a formal talk with an invisible God. Prayer is more than that, but it's also so much greater!
Go to any playground and you'll see kids playing the age old game of Hide and Seek. It's fun when we're little, but as we get older, feeling hidden isn't as much fun. The good news? God is the Ultimate Seeker. He sees you and will always find you!
Successful people do consistently what other people do occasionally. People who are close to God aren’t there by accident. Those who are financially strong have a system they stick to and those who are in shape consistently take care of themselves. They have disciplines that draw them close to God.
Every bad habit starts with a trigger. These things can be a place, a time, a mood, a moment, or people. One way to stop habits is to avoid the triggers that lead you into bad behavior. God can help you make little changes that have huge consequences.
Who do you want to become? Who do you want people to know you as? We need to stop identifying as those needing to change and start realizing we are changing. It’s the simple lesson of how identity shapes actions.
The storms of life can be fierce and never-ending. We all go through them. Some are bigger than others, but chances are, you're in a storm. During these times, it can be easy to wonder, "God, do you even care." The truth is, He does care and He's closer than you think!
It's called a comfort zone because it's comfortable. Things and situations often become comfortable because they are sources of safety, protection, and God's provision. When it's time to move on to the next step, we have to trust that God is working on the other side of the door.
Myrrh was used as an antiseptic and to embalm the dead. Most likely, it was used in Jesus’ own burial. This is another foreshadowing of the sacrifice Jesus would make for us on the cross when He died for our sins. He rose from the dead to extend to us His gift of grace.
Frankincense oil was a very expensive gift useful for treating sickness and wounds. It was used by the priests during sacrifices in the temple. Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice for us and it was foreshadowed in this gift that He was given at His birth.
Because of its scarcity and value, gold has been known as a gift fit for a king. It was one of the gifts that the wise men gave to Jesus at his birth - a kingly gift for the King of Kings. Do you treat Him like the king of your life? Often, we start off good and then we let the problems of life distract us and we end up putting Him aside.
What holds you back? What are you waiting for? We all have things that seem to hold us back and stop us from being all we want to be, but that doesn’t mean they have to stop us. How do we move past what seems to hold us back?
Sometimes, it can seem as if God’s late. It can even feel like He doesn’t keep His word when life gets complicated or tough. What if, though, those tough times are actually our best times in disguise? Bring a poncho because you may get a little wet!
Jesus is the ultimate example of what it means to follow God. He is a direct reflection of all that makes God, God. His example of baptism is one that is often overlooked. Jesus being baptized, though was more than just an example, it said something about who He was. For those of us that choose to get baptized, it says a lot about us as well.
Our expectations often set us up for failure. We expect certain things of ourselves, others, and our life. We have to be willing to let go of expectations in order to take hold of what God really has for us. It’s easier said than done, but it is possible.
Fear is a real thing. It will take hold of us and take us down quickly if we let it. How do we escape fear and move forward into the life God really wants for us? We have to look fear in the face and say, “You won’t control me any longer."
Good desires that are met in bad ways lead to bad things. How do we fight the temptation to choose to satisfy these desires in ways that lead to bad things? It’s all in who we listen to and how we fight temptation.
Everyone wants to find their purpose in life. Often, we start to think that our purpose is stripped away with no hope of finding it. No matter how young or old, fearless or fearful, or how broken we may be, we have to remember that we are all created with a purpose.
Pain. Sin. Mistakes. Rejection. Hurt. We all experience them in one way or another. The key to living a life of freedom and faith, in spite of the pain and hurt, is in how we move forward after it. It’s time to bounce back.
Celebrate Recovery is a big part of Springwell Church. Jesus wants us to live in the freedom He has for us - freedom from our hurts, habit, and hang-ups. It’s not just a recovery program for drugs and alcohol. At Celebrate Recovery, we deal with the sin-issues everyone struggles with.
Realizing you’re broken opens you up to receive God’s grace. Maybe you’ve forgotten the beauty of grace as you go through the daily grind. Maybe you don’t realize that God is a good father and He disciplines His children in order to bring us back to the way He knows is good for us. The truth is that we are all better off broken.
Forgiving someone doesn’t mean you stay in an abusive relationship. Forgiveness means that you let go of what you can’t control and choose to not hold that thing against that person anymore. It’s stopping the root of bitterness from growing up inside you and living in the freedom that Jesus has for you.
We celebrated Springwell's 25th anniversary on Sunday, September 13, during the 11:00 AM service. Join as we recall our past 25 years, look forward to the next 25 years, and have some fun hanging out with each other! It's a party!
Have you ever held a helium-filled balloon and then let it go? Rarely do you worry about where it will land, and what may happen to the balloon during the journey? Why? Because we understand that we aren't in control of what happens to the balloon. Instead of fearing the unknown, let's focus on what God is doing during our journey into the unknown.
Our life is a reflection of our thoughts. How do we sort out the truth, from lies, when it comes to what goes on in our thought life? We have to learn what thoughts to allow to dominate our minds and which ones to push away. That’s the key to living a life of joy.
Our hurts are real. When people let us down or betray us, it hurts. It hurts, but it can also drag us down. How do we let go of the past and deal with it through forgiveness? We have to let go.
Relationships are a tricky thing. When they go wrong, our tendency can be to blame the other person or try to force them to apologize or forgive. The truth is, we can all only do what we can do. We’re not responsible for reconciliation, we’re responsible for our own heart. That can revolutionize our broken relationships.
God uses our ups and downs. Ultimately, everything we endure in life is an opportunity to learn and grow. The things you’re going through right now, while difficult, could be the very things that are preparing you to be the person you need to be.
There is a purpose to the pain. We can trust God even when our circumstances are tough. God never leaves us or checks out of our lives. Jesus was tempted in every way we are and lived in the world we live in, He understands your pain. So, go to Him and you’ll find mercy and forgiveness and strength.
Life is full of unfairness and tough times…life is just messed up! In spite of that, though, there’s a God who’s not absent in those things. He doesn’t cause evil, but he arranges it and he steers it and he uses it for his purposes. If you believe that, it will so change your faith.
Race too often divides. It divides cities, neighborhoods, and even churches. The truth is, God never intended for us to let it divide us, but for it to diversify the world we live in. How do we unify instead of divide? By talking honestly about our pasts and our presents. We talk about our fears and our dreams. Racial Unity Sunday will give us all an opportunity to learn more about each other.
We all have those chaotic or desperate times in our lives when nothing seems to be going right. How can we continue to stay sane and not just give up? It really comes down to what you’re willing to do and how you’re able to trust.
Conflict comes from what I want, being different than what you want. We’re even in conflict with God. It’s only when we humble ourselves and give our lives to Jesus that He can begin to work inside us and empower us to live humbly as He did. God wants us to not only deal with conflict with Him but to deal with it immediately and face to face.
Jesus is a warrior and a protector. God is called a Rock, a Fortress, and a Hiding Place. He even fought and won the greatest battle ever when He died on the cross for our sins and then rose from the dead. Every man is a protector and a warrior - but what do we do when life gets in the way? What are the battles we need to name and fight?
It’s easy to do. So many of us put the immediate ahead of the important. We sacrifice what’s best for what we want now. What’s the key in keeping our priorities straight? It comes down to knowing ourselves and fighting for what’s best.
We’ve been away from each other for a while, but now it’s time to get the family back together all in one place! We’re taking a day to celebrate God and all that He’s done for us over these last few months apart with a Comeback Party. It’s time for the Springwell Family to come home!
Sometimes God sends us into situations where we have nothing to depend on but Him. He can use horrible situations to build our faith in Him. God may allow you to go through difficult days so that He can develop a trust in Him, by showing you your need for Jesus.
I’m just a… We can often get so focused on who we’re not that we forget the power and ability God’s put inside of us. With God, the powerless become powerful, the cowardly become bold, and little becomes much. He’s always been like that and He’s like that with you now.
God works in mysterious ways. Many of us have heard that before, but when it comes time to believe it in our own lives, it’s easier said than done. Could it be, though, that while you’re facing trouble, God is working in an area you have no idea about?
The morning routine. The daily grind. For many of us, that feels like all that life is. We feel that the things we do, when added up, really don’t mean that much. The great thing about a relationship with God is that He can do big things in and through us even when it doesn’t feel like we have a lot to offer.
We can’t respond to God without His help. When we seek Jesus out - we find Him. He gently breaks through to us in a personal way. Jesus calls us to faith in Him, by name. He brings forgiveness and healing for all the sin and hurt that fills up life without Him. He places people in our lives and works through them.
It’s possible that you’re chasing the wrong thing. It’s possible that you aren’t really willing to give 100% of your life to Jesus - just some parts of it. God doesn’t want your money or half-hearted devotion. He wants you to follow Him with every single part of your whole life.
Sometimes God is looking for us when we aren’t necessarily looking for Him. Maybe we don’t believe that He could, or would, love someone like us. Maybe we’re angry with God. Regardless of where we are, God is seeking us out and is crazy about us.
We all love a comeback. Just when it seems that it’s all over, from out of nowhere and overcoming seemingly insurmountable setbacks, the underdog secures the win. Jesus came back and claimed victory over what looked like defeat. Through Him, our setbacks can become comebacks, too.
The cross is a recognizable symbol. For years it has been. There’s something significant about this symbol, though. Near the cross, we find so much more than we can imagine. Near the cross, we don’t just find a dying Jesus, we find true life.
They expected an adorned king, instead, they got a serving Savior. We often expect God to work it all out and demonstrate His power in ways we can see and in a timeline we like. The crown of Jesus, though, often means He works in ways we can’t even imagine.
It’s an all-out fight. How do we do what God asks us to do and go to war against the things that hold us back and eat us up? It’s about more than just trying harder, it’s about winning a fight within ourselves.
In uncertain times, fear can cause us to do some crazy things. For those of us with Jesus, we don’t have to let fear rule us. In fact, we can bring calm to the chaos as we face everything with Jesus.
Pray for wisdom. Pray for help believing when you’re struggling to believe. Put your trust in Jesus when temptation is too great. Our faith will waver in whatever tough situation we find ourselves in if we don’t have wisdom - the kind of wisdom that comes from Jesus.
A life hack for those difficult times is faith. Faith in Jesus is the only way to truly overcome those inevitable difficult circumstances of life. The fact that Jesus is enough can overshadow any situation. Knowing that we are secure in Him gives us confidence - even when facing death.
We all need someone. God created us, not to be on our own, but to live in community and on purpose. It’s not just about a group of friends. It’s more than that. We all need someone to speak into our lives at our highest moments and at our lowest. What does this look like? How do we find that person? How do we be that person?
We were created for community. We were made for friendships and our friends have a powerful influence on our lives. We need to find friends that stimulate us mentally, support us emotionally, and strengthen us spiritually. In order to find this sort of friend, we need help from Jesus to learn how to become the kind of friend to others that we’re trying to find for ourselves.
Marriage is hard. We can begin to forget to pay attention to each other. We may even begin to neglect the simple power in a loving touch. What we need in our marriages is the presence of the Holy Spirit to whisper to us and tell us what to do.
"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." This statement sounds great, but let's face it...it's A LOT tougher than it sounds. We know that every parent feels like they're on an island and they often feel like they don't measure up. How do we take the steps toward helping our families win? By understanding this truth: you don't have to do it alone!
Sometimes the fear of what other people think can be paralyzing. We seek the approval of others and fight the thoughts and assumptions of what our words and actions will do to please others. This is a trap. We need to live out of God’s approval of us as we seek to please Him only - that’s the way towards freedom.
Where you spend your money is the thing you really care about in your life. We need to spy on our money and see where it goes and what it does. Once you determine where your money is going, you’ll be able to determine which steps you’ll need to take to place a balance on your priorities.
There's a pressure on many of us. A pressure, not placed on us by God or even other people, but a pressure we place on ourselves. If you've been striving to be perfect and finally have it all together, you need to know to give it up!
We've all been there. Those moments where we just want to be comfortable, to settle in and quit wanting. The problem with comfort is that it never comes to completion. We always want more. What if the comfort you’re chasing is actually found through something that makes you uncomfortable in the moment?
The perspective we have on our lives is often dictated by the elements affecting us. We can either cave to the things happening around us and become victims, or we can fight through them and become victors. The best way to fight these elements is by taking our focus off of ourselves and placing it on God through worship.
Our hope rests in the fact that God knew when and how to give up His Son, and Jesus knew when and how to give up His life to die and pay the penalty for all of our sins. Christmas is the celebration of God showing us His love for the world through the cross.
There were four angelic appearances to four separate people, or groups, proclaiming the coming of God’s Son. God chose what looked like some random people to tell about the birth of Jesus. It doesn’t matter how old you are or how ordinary you feel - God can use anyone to help change the world.
Jesus being born as a man means that God was willing to get involved. He is willing to jump in and be a part of the solution to our sin problem. It also means that He wants to be with us. The incarnation of God as a man in the person of Jesus Christ is a really big deal.
There’s something special about sacrifice. None of us like when it’s required of us, but we respect others when they do it. While Jesus is our ultimate sacrifice for our sins, God often asks things of us that aren’t easy. The key is in what you trust along the way.
It’s celebrated all over the world every year, but it started in a unique way. Passover isn’t just about a religious tradition or a celebration, it’s about the willingness of God to have a relationship with us… a relationship that changes everything!
To get even with someone who hurt you is to become like them. What would it look like if you didn’t repay them the way that they dealt with you? What would it look like if you took it a step further and became proactive and did something good for that person?
Fear can make you consider something you’ve never considered before. Fear can take your trust away from God and allow you to make some decisions that feel good at the moment, but carry catastrophic consequences.
We might not know that we need recovery. We all have a sin problem in our lives and it can come out in ways that don’t seem serious. The reason that we celebrate recovery is that we believe that everyone can find freedom from something as they begin a closer walk with Jesus.
Have you ever been overlooked? Even if you feel forgotten, you are a somebody. What are you going to do when the time comes for you to stand in your faith? Sometimes we just need to step onto the battlefield by trusting God and letting Him work a miracle through us - even when we feel like we’re a nobody.
Chances are that you’ve gone head-to-head with a giant of some kind at some point in your life and it seems like you’ve been trusting God, but nothing has happened. The day is coming when God is going to do the thing He needs to do in you. The question is whether or not you’re going to choose to not give up.
We live in a unique time. Never before have we had more access, more knowledge, and more opportunity for relationship. With all of these good things comes a little temptation that’s inside all of us - comparison. How do we battle this temptation? What does God say about us? Comparison is a dangerous thing that we have to be on the lookout for.
It's easy to think that we know what's best for ourselves even if it's contrary to God's plan. Often, we'll move forward with what we want, or want to do, and it becomes our dirty little secret. We do our best to hide it as we think that no one will get hurt. What we fail to realize is that dirty little secret not only controls us but hurts those around us. There is good news: God wants to bring that secret to light so that we can experience victory!
Anxiety is a funny thing. It can come out of nowhere and cause us to think about things and do things we wouldn’t normally think and do. Where is a lot of this anxiety coming from? It may be more about what we see, than the situations we face.
The question of what to do with anger is an issue for followers of Jesus. The Bible tells us to separate ourselves from our anger and bitterness. We are supposed to extend kindness and compassion to those who offend us. God tells us to do this because He knows that unforgiveness is a prison that can lock us away from a relationship with Him and others.
One of the enemies of heart that will stop you from loving God and others is greed. It’s really hard to see because it can sometimes appear as wisdom. Greed will keep your mind occupied with yourself so that you can’t see the hurting, broken people around you. It can be the reason you’re not experiencing community and intimacy with God and others.
God is up to something and we want to be a part of it. There is so much that we have been called to do in our community and around the world. Join us as we take a look at what it means for Springwell to give to what’s next, prepare for what’s next, and pour into who’s next.
God works in mysterious ways, but He is always working. We often try to figure God out and put Him in a box. God is bigger than our box and works in ways that are unimaginable and bigger than we could ever dream. Maybe, just maybe, God is doing more in and through your life than you think... He's sneaky like that.
Jesus showed us how to serve people every day that He was on planet earth. His example gives us a great glimpse into how we can be a part of something so much bigger than ourselves. While serving isn't always easy, it's always right. The key is finding our place in God's story and using what He's given us to make a difference.
Disciplines are beneficial - even if you have a bad attitude while carrying them out. If you give God a slice of time, and a percentage of your money, you will be rewarded with a closer, sweeter, and more intimate walk with your Heavenly Father. He uses discipline to build and grow your faith.
The Bible has been the world's best selling book for centuries. It's God's inspired word to us and we can base our lives on it. What is it really about? How do we know we can trust it?
How do you react when something ends that you really wanted to continue? How do you react when you didn’t get what you wanted? How do you react to closed doors you really hoped would be open? What is God trying to teach us in these times? Don’t despise closed doors, learn to see them for what they really are.
We find peace in prayer - but how? Spending time reading the Bible and praying to God will actually, physically, change your brain. We have to exercise our prayer life. One of the biggest ways we can fight the preprogramming we have in our minds is to begin a habit of praying to God and trusting Him.
We have to create different ways of looking at things. All too often, we look at circumstances as burdens instead of opportunities. We have to learn how to stop believing the lies of the past and begin walking out of the critical and negative framing the world offers. You can choose to trust that God is working. You can choose to look for the good.
Your life is moving in the direction of your strongest thoughts. Training your mind isn’t just exercising new thoughts, it’s learning good and healthy things. It’s about being reminded of truths. As you do this, you can identify lies and replace them with God’s truth.
Most of life’s battles are won, or lost, in the mind. There is a war raging inside us and our minds are the battlefield. The battle is between what God’s truth says about us and Satan’s lies. We have to keep a constant check running on what is occupying our thoughts. What comes into our mind comes out in our lives.
One hit wonders will make it big with one song, but often become paralyzed by the fear of having to measure up or have a bigger hit. We often face the same fears and find ourselves asking, “How can God use me? He used me once… but now what?”
One-hit wonders have no shortage of potential. They don't go into things saying, "I want to be a one-hit wonder." The book of Ezekiel talks about a valley full of dry bones that God called back to life. The potential was always there, but action was required.
In the Bible, God would speak to Moses in the same way someone speaks to a friend. They even had a tent that they would spend time together in as they talked. There is a benefit to having a special place to pray and be alone with God. Today, we all need a place to be still and be with God.
If we want to hear the voice of God, being in His Word is key. Sometimes it convicts us of sin. His Word clearly says, “Don’t do that.” or “Do this.” Other times, His word leads and directs but you have to read His Word to hear His gentle whisper.
When our lives get loud we lose our sense of balance. We get uneasy and start to stumble. We lose our ability to hear the whisper of God’s voice telling us that He loves us. If you want to hear the heart of God, silence is key. Being still in the presence of God is the difference between sight and insight. It’s the difference between happiness and joy.
As believers, we have a call to share the message of Christ. We have a call to plant the seed, but God is the one who makes the seed grow. Are you trying to do God's part in it all? You are the planter, let God grow it.
Where do you run when life begins to be trouble? Where do you turn when something dies in your life. We can see the pain pay off or we can waste it. Where we go during these difficult times means everything.
Marriage is not easy and there are many factors that make it difficult. The culture we live in soaks into everything around us. Adversity and crisis occur in every relationship. If your life is not on a solid foundation, how can your marriage be?
Actions become traditions after a period of repeating them time and time again. How do you build the right traditions? You do it by having the right motives and the right attitudes. No matter what type of family you're a part of, it's important that you guard the attitudes because they will lead to traditions... good or bad.
Marriage is a dance. Is yours more like The Hokey Pokey than The Tango? It can’t be left up to chance. There are a set of Biblical dance steps for husbands and wives that will help bring the sizzle back into your relationship. The key to a great relationship with your spouse is really a great relationship with your Creator.
Have you ever had a prayer go unanswered? Have you ever been hurt by a Christ-follower not acting very Christ-like? Do you have more questions about faith than answers? The good news is that Christian faith doesn’t rest on these things. Our hope in Jesus is based on just one thing - the resurrection.
Why do we do what we do? Often times, the reasons we give for doing certain things or acting a certain way aren't the true reasons. Jesus said that it's not about all the other stuff. The root of what God wants from us doesn't revolve around what we do, but how we love. The essence of all God wants from us comes down to this one thing.
Salvation is free. It costs us nothing. Jesus paid the price for us. By following Him in this life, there is going to be some cost. At some point, we have to make a decision. Are you a Jesus consumer or a Jesus follower?
We’re supposed to love each other. We’re not supposed to judge others. It can be really easy for people inside the church to judge those outside it. It’s easy to judge them for not acting like people with faith, instead of working to draw them towards Jesus.
The moment you wrap your heart around the fact that God knows what you need and promises to meet those needs, your life will radically change. The question that needs asking is, “Who - or what - is your master?” God loves and takes care of us. The idols we put in His place demand that we spend our lives taking care of them.
God wants us to keep pushing forward. He calls us to push past our fears, insecurity, and our convenience. When we live in the desert of the unexpected, there will be giants in the land of freedom. We have to keep pushing forward, to make room for God to show us real life, after the unexpected happens.
Here’s the truth: we’re all infected with sin sickness. Without Jesus, our sin keeps us far from God. He can do for us what we can’t do for ourselves. He knows how easily we settle for what is easy and how we tend to live a smaller life that what He’s called us to.
Unexpected events can condition you to live a life of fear. When we live in anticipation of the worst, we no longer live the way we were designed. God made us to trust Him every minute of every day. When we start to trust Him, we begin to live in anticipation of the best that He has for us.
The facts can change but the truth never does. Truth can move us from hopelessness to hoping for what can be. When we choose to be prisoners of hope, we exchange the prison of our own hopeless thoughts for the strong fortress of God’s truth and anchor ourselves to His perspective.
Every parent has asked these questions, and every parent has gone in search of the answers. We feel like we have the daunting task of figuring it all out by ourselves, but we don't. The church is here to help you answer those questions as you rethink your family.
When someone criticizes us, our first response is often to fight back or run away. It’s important to gauge whether or not the source of the criticism can be trusted. If God isn’t in someone’s words, then let them go. The only true safe place is right in the presence of God.
Is there someone in your life that constantly makes mountains out of mole hills? It’s hard to know how to give the right amount of help to needy people. Sometimes it’s difficult to discern what is a real need and what is not. It’s sometimes difficult to love needy people, even as they face their consequences.
Is there someone you can’t say no to? Is there someone who always makes you feel guilty? If you’ve ever been manipulated, you know what it feels like to have your rest stolen. Controlling people often manipulate out of fear. They are the source of their own strength - not God.
Unbelief forfeits rest. Losing faith will begin to steal your rest, until it finally wears on your faith in God, if you don’t learn how to stay strong in your relationship with Jesus. St. Augustine said it best, “God, You have made us Yourself, O Lord, and our soul is restless until it finds rest in You.”
Conventional wisdom says that the louder we yell, the more we are heard. When we want to see change, we should be yelling louder. Jesus taught something completely different. Changing the world is more than how loud we yell. It's about how loud we live.
When we look back on our lives, we can see God’s presence. He has always been with us. He has even been working through the tough circumstances to bring about good. God is with us and His being with us is a really big deal.
God is our Provider. The trouble is that we are usually only aware that He is our Provider when we need His provision.
God is who He is. He is a living and very personal God with emotions, intellect, and will. He will come intimately close to us if we seek Him. He is truly independent but still He wants to have a relationship with us - His creation.
In order for our worship to be effective, we have to consider the source of everything we have and everything we want. Considering the source means that we begin to live life with a different view of what we have and what we feel like we lack.
God is great and mighty. Our worship - our presence - doesn’t make Him God. He longs for us to know Him and to understand the depths of His goodness and power. It’s hard to see how big God is from the center of our circumstances, but our doubt doesn’t diminish His strength.
Worship isn't something we attend on Sunday morning or something we watch from a distance. Worship is meant to be more than hand raising and spiritual talk. The worship that touches the heart of God is about more, it's about our lives.
We all worship something - even if we don’t believe in Jesus. There’s a war going on out in the world over your worship. Satan is advances his rebellion against God by distracting us and getting us to focus on style and things that really don’t matter.
Commitment isn’t a popular word, but it’s a biblical truth. We need to be people committed to living out the message of the Gospel and taking our place within the larger picture of the church. God uses us and those around us, in unique but unified ways, to shine the light of Jesus.
Busyness, pain, and laziness are barriers to community. Some of us have been hurt by churches in the past. Some of us just don’t want to make time to go. Others just don’t want to put forth the effort. How can we make a true connection and avoid these barriers?
How are we doing as followers of Jesus? Do we reflect the love of Jesus to the people we encounter every day? Can God count on you to be used by Him to help change the world?
To get the most out of your time with Jesus, you need to know exactly who He is. Jesus is the one who changes everything. He can use anyone to do any job. He can change the hearts of sinners. He finds potential, when everyone else sees a problem.
Everybody is important in the kingdom of heaven. It doesn’t matter if you’re popular or charismatic. What matters is that you matter to God. You just have to be willing to be faithful in whatever God asks you to do.
To be a hero doesn’t mean that you have to perform great heroic tasks that wow the crowds. As a follower of Jesus, some of the greatest things we do are the small simple acts of love and kindness towards others.
Sometimes it seems like we love to beat up on ourselves. It seems that we're really good at recognizing our shortfalls while seeing everyone else's strengths. But when God works in us and through us, we can recognize, not just others', but our own strengths as well.
What was new becomes stale. What was once a blessing suddenly become lackluster. How do we keep from losing the awe and wonder we once had with God and the blessings He gives? We can renew our passion for the seemingly common things by learning to recognize God’s activity around us.
Have you ever had trouble keeping a resolution? Did you start out good and then gradually slide back into old patterns and old thinking? Our willpower is never enough, our timing is often too hurried, and we try to change all by ourselves. Without God, it can be impossible to maintain any forward momentum in our lives.
We all have character defects. Some of them are outside of our control. It may seem like an uphill battle to quit an addiction, or to end a bad behavior, but there is a way to bring about change. When we trust God and rely on Him to do the work inside us that we can’t, we find the strength to get over it.
Living with regret can shape our lives and relationships. Guilt destroys our confidence and keeps us stuck in the past. We have to learn how to deal with it and take an honest looks at our lives. We have to take responsibility for our actions, ask God for forgiveness, and admit our faults.
For some of us, there are those things that we just can’t seem to let go of that’s not letting us move forward. We need to let go of our pride, guilt, fear, worry, and doubt. Taking a step towards healing looks like us relying on God’s strength.
We’ve tried to change. We’ve tried to break some old habits. We’ve tried to do better but haven’t had lasting results. Admitting that we need to make a change is the hardest part. God knows it. You just need to own up to it and face the problem you’ve been ignoring for a long time.
Our perspective is important. We can often view the same things, but the difference is made in how we view them. What if what you really need isn’t for God to change your surroundings, but to change your perspective where you are? That makes all the difference when it comes to walking in our purpose.
God cannot be worn out by our neediness. When we come to Him with our sin in the deepest, darkest moments of our lives, He completely delivers us from the power and pollution of sin. When we are in the depths of weariness, we have to remember: there is prayer, forgiveness, waiting, and hope.
Sometimes it seems like those who don’t do right and choose to live opposite of the way of God prosper and have really nice things and even more fun. Sin can be fun, but the fun doesn’t last. When we trust God and walk with Him long enough, we learn that His way is the good way. His way is the way that produces lasting joy, happiness, peace, and hope.
We’ve all felt the weight of life and the unrelenting attacks that come with it. In those times, we often look for a place to rest; a place that’s comfortable, calm and quiet. But what if that’s not the place we’re supposed to look for? Instead, what if we should be looking for a place that is firm and unquestioned in its resilience during difficult times?
We all face them. We all want them to go away. They are the moments in life when it feels like we’ve tried everything we know yet we still find ourselves at the end of our rope and in what seems like a desperate place. How do we get out? What if there’s something to be learned in these places while we escape them?
Conditional obedience is a dangerous thing. Just like touching something dirty with clean hands doesn’t clean the dirty thing, sin can often spread faster than obedience and holiness. God wants our obedience because he wants our hearts. He’ll go to great lengths to walk in right relationship with us.
Comparisons and lack of progress lead to discouragement. It’s easy to feel like you’re doing the impossible all by yourself. We need to remember that we don’t have to be discouraged, because we’re never alone. God is with us, living inside us, helping us achieve the things He has called us to no matter the opposition.
Do you feel like you’re not where you thought you’d be in life by now? You might do a lot of fun things and have a lot of nice stuff, but you still don’t feel like it’s enough. Is there something that God has put on your heart to do and you don’t know how to do it so you never tried? What’s the unfinished business in your life?
We've all had those moments of feeling spiritually dead. We’ve just felt like something was missing or wrong deep down inside us. The truth is, we have all lost something and often feel like it. Jesus is our redeemer. Jesus provides redemption for eternity, but also for our life on earth.
Being free isn't just being able to do anything we want. Instead, the freedom that Jesus offers us involves a relationship of freedom. How do we live out that freedom in our daily lives? We live it out by further understanding who we are in Christ.
What does it mean to be full? Unlike the food we eat that leaves us desiring more just hours later, Jesus fills us for life. Being fully satisfied in Christ not only changes our eternity, but it changes our everyday.
How sad would it be if you spent your whole life going to church but never experienced Jesus? Does spiritual sight come in stages? A lot of us may see God at work, but we don’t really see Him as clearly as we think we do.