Wellspring of Life Church: Recent Episodes
Wellspring of Life Church
These verses called the Shema, which means to "hear," were foundational to Israel's relationship with Yahweh as a nation and as individuals, just as they are for us today. It commanded Israel and commands us to acknowledge His oneness, love Him completely with our entire being, live His commands, diligently teach them to our children, and incorporate them into daily life. The most important question we can ask ourself each day..."Is loving God at the center of my life?"
By Dave Bartlett
To whom shall we go? The best and only answer to that question is the Lord. He is the living water that satisfies and refreshes our souls. Whatever difficult situations we may encounter, we can find rest in knowing that He is always faithful, is always with us and will always bring us through.
By Dave Bartlett
As God's redeemed people, may we consistently remind ourselves of all that He has done for us. Guard ourselves from replacing Him with the idolatry of ourselves and walk circumspectly in faithfulness to Him.
By Dave Bartlett
This message is a hope "checkup" with the Great Physician. It reminds us of all the good news that enables us to have hope in the midst of a struggling world.
By Jenny Nipper
We tend to spend a good portion of our lives experiencing times of trials, which means we need to expect them. We also need to understand that God uses them to accomplish His purposes in us. We can trust, that what He promises He will do through them in us, He will. The trials and tests God allows, can cause our faith to grow, become stronger and reveal to others that He is the One True Glorious God!
By Dave Bartlett
John emphasis that eternal life is not something that can be earned through good deeds, which has been deep-seated in many of us. When we truly believe that It is a free gift from God, paid for by the blood of His Son, we live in total and complete assurance.
By Dave Bartlett
Peter outlines for us seven foundational virtues given to us by the Holy Spirit. As followers of Jesus, we are called to diligently build up our faith by developing and putting these virtues into practice, which will ensure a growing faith and a victorious, eternal reward.
By Dave Bartlett
God has shown us a grace that prevails , a persistent, dominant and effective grace that we by no means deserve. This same wonderful, unmerited grace, is what He has called us to live out and to extend to others the same way He has graciously bestowed it upon us.
By Dave Bartlett
We need to recognize that we are in a spiritual war and no one is exempt from being in this battle. The "good" news is, we don't fight this fight alone. We fight in the power of the Holy Spirit, fighting against evil, and fighting on behalf of those who still live in darkness and need to know His love. Its a fight worth fighting!
By Dave Bartlett
While we live in an imperfect and broken world and await a perfect place...heaven, God has given us His Holy Spirit. We only need to surrender and align our will to His will, choose to abide in Him and in doing so, we will live a victorious and joy filled life this side of heaven.
By Dave Bartlett
Choosing to live a life submitted to God's authority, aligning our will with His, gives us the ability to resist temptation. Saying "Yes" to Jesus, leads to a life of spiritual fulfillment and victory over our enemy.
By Dave Bartlett
God is faithful to protect us in our time of need. In this world, we will be put to a test by those who are against us. Daniel was large and in charge when he refused to go against his God, even though it meant imminent death in the jaws of lions. Daniel knew who his God was, therefore he believed and trusted in His sovereign plan for his life.
By Kenny Guidry
Fiery trials are inevitable, and transformative for believers. "The furnace is not just a place of suffering; it is a stage for divine manifestation." God uses trials to test faith, reveal His presence, promote His people, break bondages and bring Himself glory.
By Kenny Guidry
In our current day and age, we are surrounded by negativity. Everywhere we go, we feel the weight of complaining and dissatisfaction. We are all constantly striving for more money, more likes on social media, more "perfection" in our lives, yet it only leads us to feeling more empty than before. As we look at the Israelite's journey through the wilderness, we see that they went through many of the same struggles, focusing on their current hardships instead of the Promises of God. Let us see how God is calling us to turn our hearts from our worldly struggles to the eternal treasures that He has promised.
By Shelby Crosswhite
The man believed by being placed in the pool, he would be healed. However, the true answer to his healing was standing right in front of him. Jesus is the Source of true wholeness.
By Brook Stockert
The God of the universe, our High Priest invites us to come near. We need not fear, we can come confidently into His presence and receive mercy and grace for whatever we need.
By Dave Bartlett
The Apostle Paul gives thanks to God for the believers in Thessalonica for their, "work of faith, labor of love, and steadfastness of hope." He acknowledges that they are loved and chosen by God and encourages them to remain faithful, to stay steadfast in their witness, even in the midst of persecution. Would these same qualities be said of you today?
By Dave Bartlett
The Book of Acts ends with Paul finally reaching Rome, where he is under house arrest for two years. In spite of his imprisonment, he continued to boldly proclaim the Gospel, without hindrance. Luke doesn't close the book of Acts with "the end"... because we are to continue to boldly and faithfully proclaim the Gospel until Jesus comes.
By Dave Bartlett
Step out of the exhausting cycle of trying to earn God's approval and rest in His lavish and unchanging love.
By Jenny Nipper
The story of the high ranking officer Naaman, unwilling to enter the Jordan River at the request of the prophet Elijah, can serve as an example to us, of how our pride can keep us from receiving what only God can do for us. When we like Naaman, humble ourselves and surrender to God's directives we will receive God's gift of salvation and freedom.
By Ray Ferrell
These verses chronicle Paul's continued journey on to Rome. Upon arriving in Rome, Paul is granted leniency to live under house arrest guarded by a soldier while he awaits an audience with Caesar Nero. Due to what Paul had already gone through and the fate he knew awaited him, his peace was not dependent on "perfect situations but on God's perfect love". Paul never lost his perspective, which he declared, "I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live; yet not I but Christ lives in me and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for Me."
Dave Bartlett
After Paul's shipwreck on the island of Malta, he encounters a snake bite, survives and is used by God to heal some of the islanders. God desires to use us just as He used Paul. The good news is, we don't have to be perfect or have it all together because the same power that lived in Paul lives in us.
By Dave Bartlett
We can make bad choices that can lead to hardship and heartache. However, we can also make the one right choice that can change the trajectory of our life forever. It's never too late to make the right choice. Do it today!
By Jake Higuera and Dave Bartlett
On his way to Rome by sea, Paul along with seasoned sailors encountered a severe storm, being shipwrecked was inevitable. God reassured Paul that neither he, nor, the other men on board would lose their lives. In this life, we will encounter storms that sometimes feel like there is no hope of surviving. Yet, God promises us that He is in the storms we face and will never lose His grip on us.
Dave Bartlett
Paul always took God at His word and relied on His promises. He declared to the men on board the ship that had set sail for Rome, that in spite of storms, shipwrecks or human methods, God had a plan and would preserve their lives. When storms try to overtake us, we can trust that God is our anchor and will keep our souls firmly secure.
By Dave Bartlett
The apostle Paul again shines as the perfect example of how to respond with a passionate heart for those needing to find the Savior, no matter the tenseness of the circumstance or the position of the person, Paul remained true to the Gospel and his mission. We are reminded from this encounter with Agrippa, that pride clothed in self-sufficiency will always lead one away from their need for God, such as in the case of this king of Israel.
By Dave Bartlett
When we walk by faith as Paul did, we will follow God's leading even if we don't know all the details of what may be ahead of us. The Christian life is all about "going...yet not knowing". In choosing to courageously obey God's directives we will encounter His eternal promises and purposes for our lives.
By Dave Bartlett
Once again Paul finds himself on trial, this time before Festus who wanted to deal with this situation quickly as well as find favor with the religious leaders. God's hand, is as always orchestrating and directing Paul's life, no matter who seems to be in charge. Paul knows he is to stand before Caesar Nero. Therefore, he trusted in God's plan and we are invited to do the same. The Lord is our strong tower and as we trust Him and run to Him, we will find safety.
By Dave Bartlett
Paul continues to declare his innocence of the accusations brought against him in theses verses. Because this was a matter of Jewish religious conviction and not a matter of Roman law, Felix refuses to give a verdict. We learn from Felix as well as another character that enters the story, Drusilla, that indecision upon hearing the gospel, will lead to despair and eventually death. We also find encouragement to be like Paul, to not give up and rely on the power of God that lies within us. You are not alone!
By Dave Bartlett
Paul is facing the trial for his faith. He takes this opportunity to tie the roots of Christianity to the God of the Jews. He declared himself a fulfilled Jew because of the salvation afforded to him through the Messiah, Jesus. He was secure because of that salvation. We too, do not live with wishful thinking or blind optimism, our hope is grounded in something that has already happened. The finished work of Jesus on the cross.
By Dave Bartlett
Paul's mission was to be a witness for Jesus Christ and to testify of His grace to Jew and Gentile alike. Paul walked by faith and was able to be committed to God's call, no matter what he would suffer. God orchestrated the unexpected, altered situations, changed minds, on behalf of Paul to bring about His ultimate plan. As we faithfully walk by faith, we can trust that God will lead us and use us, to bring His message of grace to those who are in our sphere of influence.
By Dave Bartlett
One amongst many things we see at work throughout Paul's life and ministry is God's providence. God's divine guidance and care for Paul is undeniable. We can also be confident that as we obey the Lord's directives for us, stand firm, speak the truth of His Word, we will experience His divine providence in our lives.
By Dave Bartlett
These verses reveal how God will use even our enemies to further the spread of the Gospel, perform His will and even protect His servants, when we are obedient and surrendered. The apostle Paul in the midst of chaos, experienced peace because he trusted in God as his source.
By Dave Bartlett
In a tumultuous world, faith is the way to get and keep spiritual feet under you, while keeping your eyes on the Pioneer and Perfector of our faith.
By Jenny Nipper
The importance of inquiring of the Lord just as Elijah did. You can have a closer relationship with God by the manner in which you pray and see amazing ways in which God will answer.
By Kenny Guidry
We can be assured every day in this New Year that God will be, as He always has been, faithful and full of compassion towards His people. Just as He was merciful to His people in Jeremiah's day, He is merciful to us. Every morning when you wake up in 2026, remember that His mercy is new and available for you, great is His faithfulness!
By Dave Bartlett
Bruised and bloodied by an angry mob, the Apostle Paul is given permission to speak to this angry crowd. Paul no doubt weakened by the brutal beating he received, bravely shares his story going back to his conversion, where his eyes were opened and he met the Messiah, and his life changed forever. From that moment on, Paul could not remain silent about who Jesus is and that He came to save all people from their sin. We have a mandate to share our God story and like Paul, we should not remain silent but courageously and joyously share with others what Jesus came to do, redeem all of humankind.
By Dave Bartlett
The Source of hope, was born in a lowly manger in the town of Bethlehem, a place of hope, The Savior, Christ the Lord, invites us to receive this hope that brings freedom from sin and gives us new life. All we have to do, is accept the invitation and we will never be the same.
By Dave Bartlett
So many lessons we can learn from Paul in the worst of situations. Trust God completely, be confident in His call, exercise spiritual discernment, be courageous and be willing to submit to sacrificial obedience in the face of adversity.
By Dave Bartlett
Paul continues to be an example to us to obey what Jesus said in Mark 8:35, "Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever wants to lose their life for Me and the gospel will save it." If anyone lived like this, it was Paul. We need to determine to not... "play it safe" but be willing to align our hearts with His purposes, knowing that His kingdom will be advanced if we do. After all isn't that what our lives are to be about?
By Dave Bartlett
With much emotion Paul gives his final farewell address to the Ephesian elders emphasizing to them that, "it is more blessed to give than to receive." Its a scene that portrays the wonderful commitment and fellowship that has been shared amongst these believers. They serve as an example to us today, that strong relationships are built on sharing, caring, and praying for one another. By Dave Bartlett
Throughout Paul's missionary journeys he faithfully preached, served and endured many hardships to take the Gospel wherever God sent him. He was determined to finish his race no matter the cost. Paul did not count his life dear to himself. He lived denying himself, taking up his cross daily because of his gratitude for the grace given to him. How then should we live? The same way Paul did.
By Dave Bartlett
Wherever Paul journeyed he made it a point to encourage and strengthen fellow believers. He never tired of teaching the Word, and seized every opportunity to share it. Paul was filled with compassion and made himself available to meet the needs of others. He may have been considered a celebrity in the eyes of many but he never forgot he was a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ.
By Dave Bartlett
When truth and idolatry meet, conflict is bound to happen. We must be willing to bring the truth of God's Word into the idolatry and the darkness that exists around us, realizing that some will respond positively to the Gospel and others may respond with retaliation. Nevertheless, be faithful and trust God for the results.
By Dave Bartlett
God's power was not just available and active in the days of the early church, it is available and active today. We need to be available and obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit and as we are, we will be instruments of His power through us.
By Dave Bartlett
Paul's ministry highlights not only the importance of evangelism but also discipleship. "Discipleship is the heart of the Christian life: following Jesus, learning from Him and helping others do the same."
By Dave Bartlett
When we praise, we become a weapon that silences our enemies. We can take down our giants through our songs. We have the power of God when we praise. Victory comes through worship and praise.
By Kenny Guidry
We all face tough times. It's in the those times, we need and appreciate the brothers and sisters that come along side of us, to encourage us to not give up and keep trusting God's plan. We can be assured that God's presence and power is at work within us and He is able to do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or think.
By Dave Bartlett
Paul was deeply troubled by the idolatry that existed in Athens. He faced off with his secular audience by immediately directing their attention to the altar of the Unknown God. Proclaiming that He is the Creator of the Universe and does not live in temples built by human hands. He challenged and summoned them to respond to the crucified, risen Lord. This is a great model for us to follow in sharing Jesus with others.
Dave Bartlett
Paul, Silas and Timothy continue on their missionary journey bringing boldly the message of Jesus, no matter the opposition. They encourage us today as believers, to be faithful in sharing the Truth courageously and lovingly, entrusting the results for spiritual transformation to God, the only One who can bring it about.
The Bereans are also examples to us to be students of God's Word, so we can adequately share the Truth with others.
By Dave Bartlett
Paul and Silas were unjustly beaten and imprisoned with their feet put in stocks. Instead of despairing, they prayed and sang hymns while the other prisoners listened. At midnight, God divinely intervened by way of a powerful earthquake, shaking and opening all the cell doors and setting all the prisoners free. As a result, salvation came to the jailer and all of his family. The Word of God cannot be bound and salvation is for anyone who will call upon the name of the Lord and ask, what must I do to be saved?
By Dave Bartlett
Everyone is searching for something of value in life. Jesus tells two short parables to show us that the greatest treasure is not in this world but in the Kingdom of Heaven.
By Brook Stockert
Paul has been invited to Macedonia by an unnamed man to “help,” and in response, he has found his way there to begin his mission to Europe. God is a God of surprises as He leads His people to fulfill His mission. As we obey the Lord's leading, we may not know who He has ordained for us to meet or what circumstances we may encounter. We can, however, trust His plan because it's the best plan and it will always prove to be redemptive for us and for others.
By Dave Bartlett
These verses encourage us to walk in step with the Spirit. He sometimes leads us in ways we may not understand but if we follow Him we will see Him accomplish His purpose and will in and through our lives.
By Dave Bartlett
We can learn a valuable lesson from Barnabas and Paul when it comes to handling disagreements. It is important when facing a conflict, to work towards a resolution. Seek to understand the other person's viewpoint and find a reasonable compromise. When we let God have His way in our relationships, rather than demanding our own way, we bring glory and honor to His name, which is our highest goal.
By Dave Bartlett
In these verses of Acts 15, we see Grace put on trial and a test for the early church to either become unified or hinder God's divine plan of salvation to be extended to Gentiles. They concluded that God's grace was not limited but was available to all who would receive it.
By Dave Bartlett
If you read the Bible from cover to cover math shows up everywhere. Counting, addition, multiplication, precision, and magnitude. Whether you love math or find it mysterious, God's math is for you! Five simple mathematical principles from scripture we can totally apply to our lives.
By Jenny Nipper
There are very real pitfalls. Those of apathy...of distraction...misalignment...misjudgments...and the like. To let Jesus in, is something we have to contend for, hold on to, and adamantly desire. The Christian life is just that, a lifestyle.
By Brook Stockert
God's timing is not a random sequence of events but a meticulously crafted frame work, designed by Him and through this framework, He works all things for our good.
By Kenny Guidry
Conflict hits within the early church regarding whether Gentile converts needed to be circumcised and follow the law of Moses in order to be saved. Some Jewish Christians insisted on these requirements, leading to a dispute. Whenever we encounter conflict within the body of Christ, we need to choose to be like Jesus. Choosing to love, offering forgiveness, seeing others as God sees them, valued and loved.
By Dave Bartlett
Paul and Barnabas continued on their missionary journey strengthening the disciples by encouraging them to continue in the faith and by telling them it is necessary to pass through many troubles. Whatever they would have to endure for the sake of the Gospel, would be worth it, as well as it will be for us.
By Dave Bartlett
Paul knew what it meant to suffer. Yet, he boldly proclaimed that our present struggles do not compare to the glory that God has prepared for those that belong to Him. Trials and suffering's were not the final word in the story of Paul's life and they are not the final word in the story of our lives.
By Dave Bartlett
If we have given our life to Christ and He is our Lord and Savior we have been appointed to share the Gospel, keeping in mind that the Gospel is for everyone. The question for us is, does our life match up with the message we speak?
By Dave Bartlett
We must be willing to share the Gospel anywhere and with anyone, as we follow God's leading. We must follow the example of Paul and those early missionaries, to faithfully speak His word in the midst of opposition and rejection and leave the results in His hands.
By Dave Bartlett
Someone said, "The Spirit of Christ is the spirit of missions and the nearer we get to Him the more intensely missionary we must become." The early church was a movement that displayed the heart of God as a result lives were radically changed. Those early missionary's were able to do that because they were all in with Him. The encouragement to the church, to us, is to be all in with Him, that we might display His heart that lives will be radically changed today.
By Dave Bartlett
In these chapters of Ruth, we see how Ruth was pursued by Boaz even though she had nothing to offer him. Boaz didn't care about her past or origin, he only cared about her future. And like Jesus, he redeemed her life. The story of Ruth mirrors God's love for all His children and shows us how we need only to step aside and "le Him."
By Shelby Crosswhite
Jesus has clearly told us in His word what we should be doing while we wait for His return and what we should not be doing.
By Jenny Nipper
Ruth gave up everything she had to follow her mother-in-law, Naomi and a God she barely knew. She had to let others judge her, let a new land become her home and let God become her spiritual Father amidst the fearful unknown, in order for her life to be transformed by God's lovingkindness. What is God asking you to give up? Like Ruth, let us "let them."
By Shelby Crosswhite
Just like with sports, careers, parenting or anything else that requires training and preparation, we are all at different stages in our journey. Whatever stage we are in, we need to commit to doing the things that prepare us to be God's image bearers so others may come to know Him.
By Brook Stockert
Peter's prison breakout was nothing less than miraculous! While being chained and heavily guarded, the church was earnestly praying for his freedom. God sent an angel to the rescue. Even when we don't believe the answer to our own prayers, we can know with certainty, that God is more powerful than any earthly king and His kingdom is greater than any earthly kingdom. He will always accomplish His plan.
By Dave Bartlett
This chapter describes the growth of the church in Antioch, the first place believers are called Christians. Barnabas (the son of encouragement) was sent by the Jerusalem church to Antioch to oversee this new growth and brings Saul with him. They were a powerful team that God used to bring the Word and encourage the believers to remain faithful in spreading the Gospel. May we be just as faithful and committed to sharing the Gospel.
By Dave Bartlett
The importance of recognizing the dangers of falling asleep spiritually, which can eventually lead to spiritual death. And the importance of knowing that God can and wants to resurrect us. He desires to bring us back into a life of vibrancy and purpose that is only found in our relationship with Him.
By Marilyn Bartlett
The Apostle Peter has learned that God does not show favoritism, that grace cannot coexist with prejudice. The Gospel is for everyone. We are to see one another as God sees us, with eyes of grace.
By Dave Bartlett
The Resurrection was not just a historical event that happened centuries ago. It is an ongoing reality and an everlasting truth that through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, death has been defeated, hope has risen and love has triumphed forever.
By Dave Bartlett
It's hard to comprehend all that Jesus endured on the cross. We cannot begin to fathom the torture and suffering He went through. We should forever appreciate and never lose sight of what Jesus was willing to do on behalf of all humankind. He became the ultimate sacrifice, so that we could live forever. "It Is Finished!"
By Arrow Lontine
The Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, is a pivotal event which fulfills an Old Testament prophecy spoken by the prophet Zechariah. His prophecy foretells of a coming King, riding on a donkey, marking Jesus' final days before His crucifixion. Jesus riding into Jerusalem shows us that the King of Glory humbled Himself and became a servant King so that we might live with Him forever.
By Dave Bartlett
In this portion of Acts 10 the walls of prejudice have started to come down between Jews and Gentiles. We see Peter entering the house of Cornelius bringing the message of Jesus to him and his family. It's a beautiful picture of God's grace that reveals He is no respecter of persons. His love and mercy is toward all humankind.
By Dave Bartlett
In the story of Peter and Cornelius, we see God's grace and salvation is for all people. God is no respecter of persons. He is the creator of all human kind and His love extends to all ethnicities. As God's people we are to be agent's of His love, breaking down the walls of prejudice and building bridges of compassion and understanding.
By Dave Bartlett
If we choose to apply and obey God's word, we will say and do the things God Himself, would do. If we make everything about Him we in turn will experience a life of joy and fulfillment.
By Dave Bartlett
Everyday, we like Paul, need to embrace the truth that God is with us and will turn our trials into testimonies. When we face challenges, we need to remember, that He will use them to shape us, strengthen us and demonstrate His faithfulness to us.
By Dave Bartlett
When we allow our lives to be apprehended by Jesus, we will willingly and joyfully obey what He asks us to do, even if what He is asking us to do, doesn't make sense. His commands are always right. You never know what your obedience to God might accomplish for His kingdom and for His glory.
By Dave Bartlett
Are you willing to say "Yes" to whatever Jesus asks you to do, say whatever He asks you to say and go wherever He asks you to go? If you are, it means choosing the narrow road but that is the road that leads to a life of joy and victory.
By Dave Bartlett
Following the death of Stephen persecution broke out forcing believers to flee to Judea and Samaria. We read of Phillip faithfully preaching the Gospel in Samaria leading many to Jesus, including Simon the sorcerer who attempted to buy the power of the Holy Spirit. God's mission for Phillip then, is our mission today. By Dave Bartlett
Stephen, the first martyry of the early church, provides for us a powerful example of what it means to sacrifice for the Lord. Because he was a man of faith and full of the Holy Spirit, he displayed for us how to live a life of grace and how to die with grace as followers of Jesus Christ our Lord.
By Dave Bartlett
The early church serves as an example to us of how God has gifted each one of us for the work of the ministry. We see this wonderfully displayed here in Acts chapter six, as each one used their gifts to meet the needs of those were being neglected. You have been given spiritual gifts to build up the Body of Christ, use them and see how God will be glorified and His people edified.
By Dave Bartlett
There are two themes found in this Old Testament story. The first, is the all-sufficiency of God to meet any crises we face. Second, our prayer is our means of access to the all-sufficient God.
By Kenny Guidry
The power of Jesus rests on us because His Spirit is in us. We find Him in the world around us and we find Him living within us. Are you living the new and resurrected life?
By Brook Stockert
God gave the Apostles power to perform great miracles to authenticate their ministry and to spread the Gospel. In spite of persecution, beatings and imprisonment the Apostles and early believers joyfully continued spreading the Gospel. May we follow their example and allow God to empower us to faithfully spread the Good News and see miracles happen in peoples lives.
By Dave Bartlett
These verses in Acts 5 teach us that hypocrisy and deceit undermine the work of the Holy Spirit within the body of Christ. As God's people we are to be trustworthy, real and authentic. We serve a holy God and we are to be holy as He is holy.
By Dave Bartlett
The Acts Church enjoyed the miraculous display of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, saw numbers of people coming to Christ continually, even in the midst of heightened persecution. Because they prayed in the power of joy, prayed in the power of God's Word, united together in prayer for God's purposes to be accomplished and not for their own personal needs to be met, they saw extraordinary happenings daily.
Dave Bartlett
God calls us to love the unlovable, even our enemies. The Bible provides us with many examples of people who were willing to do just that.
Brook Stockert
Peter and John serve as examples to us, in the face of adversity to be confident and courageous. They continued to speak in the name of Jesus, no matter what persecution they would have to endure. May we, like them, in the power of Jesus name, courageously live with hearts on fire for God.
By Dave Bartlett
God has always had a plan to save all humankind. He brought forth His Son to fulfill that plan which included you. He came so you could know Him and the life He has designed for you to live now and for all eternity. You needn't fear the unknown, He is sovereignly in control and He is Immanuel, God with you.
By Dave Bartlett
In these verses Peter gives one of the greatest sermons in all of the New Testament. He begins by stating that the Gospel rests in history. The long-awaited Messiah has already come. God made this promise to Abraham, Moses affirmed it, Samuel the first prophet and every prophet following made the same declaration. Just as Peter spoke to those who were present that day, his words continue to speak to us today. Open your ears and eyes, the Messiah has come, to be your Savior.
Dave Bartlett
God gives us opportunities to make a difference in people's lives and the power to make a difference. We must be willing to take the time to see the divine appointments He places in front of us, just as He did for Peter and John. Don't pass by or pass up the God-given appointments you are given. You might be the answer to someone's prayer and the one to bring about a miraculous change in their life through the power of the Holy Spirit within you.
By Dave Bartlett
The Early Church in the second chapter of Acts shows us what God intends His church to look like today. We need to do a heart check to determine if we make church all about us. Or do we, like those of the Acts 2 church display the marks of true followers of Christ? Are we giving ourselves to the teaching of God's Word, prayer, fellowship with other believers and are we consistent in sharing the blessings and goodness of God with those in need? Hopefully, we will intentionally choose to make church all about Him.
By Dave Bartlett
Peter gives one of the most powerful and persuasive sermons in all of the New Testament in the second chapter of Acts. His message given two thousand years ago, encourages us today, to be strong witnesses that take a stand, to be knowledgeable of the Word and to be bold in proclaiming Christ.
By Dave Bartlett
The same Spirit that came upon the 120 in power at Pentecost is the same Spirit that resides in us. The Holy Spirit set their hearts on fire that they might spread the Gospel to those who were lost. Today, the Holy Spirit will set our hearts on fire that we might spread the Gospel to those who are lost. Is your heart open, desiring for Him to set your heart on fire, if so expect to be ignited!
By Dave Bartlett
God chooses us so He can empower and use us. Perfection does not qualify us to be used by Him but dependence on His power to be demonstrated in and through us.
By Dave Bartlett
God's mission for the first century believers continues to be the same mission for us today. We are to be His witnesses faithfully and boldly proclaiming the Gospel.
By Dave Bartlett
The promises of God are trustworthy, solid, true, and reliable. We as God's children are heirs of these promises and we can be assured that they will never fail. They are our lifeline to walking in His power and living a productive and effective life for His kingdom.
By Dave Bartlett
Understanding our adoption as God's children and the Fatherhood of God is the foundation of a vibrant Christian walk.
By Tim Munyan
When life is hard and we are experiencing disappointments, it can be our tendency to turn our eyes off of Jesus and on to the situation. However, if we make the deliberate choice to focus our eyes and hearts on Jesus, He will meet us where we are and we will be recipients of His strength and joy.
By Dave Bartlett
Mountains played a significant role in God's interaction with His people, seen throughout Scripture. Two very important mountains...Mount Sinai, shows us the way to God and Mount Zion shows us a better way to God.
By Dave Bartlett
The believers dress code is not external but internal. We are to put on Christ and putting on Christ means we are to live together in unity and we are to generously give His love to others. When we clothe ourselves with Christ's holy apparel our hearts are filled with peace.
By Dave Bartlett
Jesus holds all things together and that includes you. Whatever challenges or hardships you may face, the Lord by His power will always see you through.
By Dave Bartlett
What keeps us from demonstrating love to others? The idea that it's about how we feel. We give and show love to other's based on God's love given to us. We need to put our ourselves and our feelings aside in order to demonstrate God's love in practical ways to those He brings into our lives.
By Dave Bartlett
We get to choose the story we tell ourselves and to others. The part of our story that we want to highlight is what Jesus has done for us and who He is. When we put the spotlight on Him, other's will be drawn to Him and will recognize that...Truly He is the Son of God.
By Marilyn Bartlett
There is no other path, no other way to cross from alienation to life, from alienation to reconciliation from earth to heaven, except by way of the Cross.
By Brook Stockert
These two Psalms written by David, reveal how he chose to conduct himself before God and others. In choosing to follow David's example, we can live the life God has ordained for us, which is one of purpose and meaning.
By Dave Bartlett
What the world needs and what you and I need is... a shepherd, not just any shepherd but the Good Shepherd In these turbulent times in which we live. He is the only one who can lead us and guide us into all truth. He is the one who will bring justice and righteousness and will grant to us peace that exceeds all understanding and will always be with us.
By Dave Bartlett
Jesus invites us to go deeper in our relationship with Him. To go below the surface of having a nominal relationship with Him but one where we enter into the depth of knowing, He can be trusted and we are never alone. We can live in a place of rest, assured that He's got us and we can live free of anxiety and stress. "The shallow end of hope, is usually the deep end of grace." Bob Goff
God has called each one of us and that calling defines our purpose. We can count on God's power to fulfill His calling through us as we choose to live out His purpose for us.
Dave Bartlett
When we choose to live in humility and invite God to shape and transform our lives, we experience His strength perfected in our weakness. God accomplishes His purposes in us and is glorified through us.
By Dave Bartlett
We can live the life God has purposed for us when we truly believe that He sees us for who we can become, not how we see ourselves. Jesus asks us to draw near to Him so that He can transform us into His likeness by His power. We are invited to join Him in the building of His eternal kingdom.
By Dave Bartlett
We all mess up and because we do, we like to start over. When we experience to many disappointments we often give up. However, 2 Corinthians 5:17 speaks of a "new creation" in Christ, old things are passed away and all things become new. Due to His redemptive work in us, we are be able to face each day with a sense of renewed hope.
By Bill Middleton
It's interesting that Psalm 16, a chapter full of joy and hope, was written by David in a time of peril. It's easy to feel blown around by the storms of life and depleted by all the hardships thrown upon our shoulders. However, like David, we must turn to God for true joy and deliverance. When we are anchored to Jesus, nothing can move us or steal our happiness.
Shelby Crosswhite
If you want to make the most of every day, get an early lead by expressing thanks to God first thing in the morning, for all He is, all He has done and promises to do. Be determined to be grateful and you will experience joy and peace.
By Dave Bartlett
There are people all around us who need to be rescued from the Enemy and the bondage of sin. We have been called by the One who rescued us, to be willing to fight against apathy and fervently bring the message of hope and life to those who desperately need to know Jesus.
By Dave Bartlett
We are to live each day anticipating the Lord's return, while also embracing every opportunity to love, serve and bring His hope to those who are hurting and are in need.
By Dave Bartlett
This passage defines, possibly more than any other in the Sermon on the Mount, what the difference between religion and true spirituality really does mean in our lives. It is possible to be religious and miss out on a relationship with God. Hopefully, your desire is to know God more intimately, living your life for Him and His kingdom.
By Dave Bartlett
While we were still enemies of God, He sent Jesus to die for us. We are commanded to imitate God's love by loving our enemies also. This is how we demonstrate maturity and completeness in our relationship with the Father.
By Jenny Nipper
Most people know this portion of scripture is about the life of Joseph. Although we can learn much from his life and devotion to God, there is also much we can gain from the story of Judah tucked away in those same scriptures. Judah started out as a man who was lost in worldly desires but eventually had his life turned around into a perfect picture of God's wonderful redemption.
By Shelby Crosswhite
This passage from John's Gospel comes from the prayer Jesus prayed for His disciples on the last evening before His arrest. It's a prayer not only for those early disciples but for all those who would become followers of Jesus in the future!
By Tim Munyan
Three themes that are weaved together in John's letter are truth, love and obedience. By believing the truth in Christ and in the Word we are saved. The evidence of our salvation is love and the evidence of love is obedience. Love and obedience are strengthened as we grow in our knowledge of truth. The more we love Jesus who is truth, the more we will love others.
By Dave Bartlett
This passage reminds us, in our seemingly impossible situations, to not focus on what we lack but to look at Who we have. Jesus is in our midst, just as He was in the midst of His disciples and the five thousand hungry men plus many more. He took the little amount of food they had, blessed and multiplied it, all were fed and satisfied, not to mention there were plenty of leftovers. Little is much with God, believe it!
By Dave Bartlett
Jesus calls us to a life of purpose...a life of accomplishment and fulfillment. A life where we become and remain, for His sake and for His cause. He desires that we live a life of meaning with a sense of mission.
By Dave Bartlett
The Lord committed 100% of His life so that we might be saved and He asks us to be100% committed to Him and His life-saving mission. We will not be able to live that level of commitment if we stay on our "buts" (excuses). Choose to be courageous, have some guts and watch what God will do in and through you.
By Marilyn Bartlett
The story of Ebed-Melek can encourage us to stand up for what is right no matter what it may cost us. We can be sure that God will always honor His faithful servants.
By Brook Stockert
In this passage Moses gave God's people two options, you can choose life and blessing or death and destruction. The quality of our life is not determined by the breaks we get in this life but by the choices we make. If we choose Jesus and His ways we will choose life and blessing.
By Dave Bartlett
Elijah sets the example for us as one who faithfully served and walked with God to the very end. He provides encouragement to those of us who know that when we leave this earthly place, we will one day be in our heavenly home with our Lord. The question is, what are we doing in the meantime? Hopefully, as Elijah, we will resolve to keep serving Him and walking in faith until He takes us home to be with Him.
By Dave Bartlett
The judgment of God is not something we like or want to hear about. However, it is necessary for us to hear about it and understand God's intention for it. God is righteous and just and because He is He, He must execute His judgment on sin. When God says enough is enough, His purpose is to bring about repentance and restoration.
By Dave Bartlett
Even though Elijah had just experienced a great victory, he now found himself in a cave of deep depression. God came and spoke to Elijah in a still small voice and let him know He wasn't through with him. He had much more for him to do. There are times when we find ourselves in a cave of discouragement and depression, but if we listen for His still small voice, put our eyes on Him, we will experience hope, strength and encouragement in knowing that God is not through with us.
By Dave Bartlett
The Resurrection changes the meaning of faith, the meaning of death and the meaning of life. Jesus' death provided for us the forgiveness and freedom from the hold that sin had on us. His resurrection provides the power for us to live a life of meaning that is worth living.
By Dave Bartlett
There are times after we have experienced a victory, our enemy launches an attack against us and we can succumb to feelings of depression just as Elijah did after his victory on Mt. Carmel. In those times, we must look at God rather than looking at our circumstances and trust that He will be faithful to fulfill His purposes for us.
By Dave Bartlett
The servant of God never stops serving God until He calls him or her home. Elijah teaches us how we can stay active and useful in serving the Lord all of our days. He believed and embraced the promises of God before he actually saw them fulfilled. As a result of his active faith, the people proclaimed, "The Lord He is God!" May we be like Elijah and live our faith, in a promise keeping God.
By Dave Bartlett
In a culture in which all bets seem to be off when it comes to pleasing ourselves and options for how to do that have become an unlimited smorgasbord, it is critical that we know and remember what actually pleases God.
By Jenny Nipper
Often times God interrupts our lives with amazing opportunities. They sometimes look like inconveniences but if we try to look at them from a heavenly perspective, we may just see something beautiful. Jesus, Himself, lived with constant interruptions. However, He seized those moments and people were left changed because of it. Jesus is calling His followers to do the same.
By Brook Stockert
Scripture tells us that when we know the truth, God's truth, it will set us free. It is His truth that changes our lives and when applied, produces within us courage. Elijah knew the truth, believed the truth and because he did, he lived courageously for God. May we do the same.
By Dave Bartlett
The God of Elijah is our God too. Just as Elijah trusted Him to do the impossible, we are to trust Him to the impossible in the worst of our situations. The Lord is able to do exceedingly beyond and above whatever we could think or imagine He could.
By Dave Bartlett
When Elijah meets the widow at Zarephath she is down to her last bit of flour and oil. She believes that she and her son are at the end of their lives. But as she gives out of her need to Elijah, she experiences a miracle of unlimited provision of flour and oil. God knows your situation and whatever your need is, He will faithfully provide for you as you share, sacrifice and give to others in their need.
By Dave Bartlett
If you are experiencing a time of drought, do not lose heart. It is in these times of dryness, we see God coming through, meeting us where we are and faithfully providing for our every need.
By Dave Bartlett
The Lord is calling us to be an Elijah in our day, which means standing alone in faith against all that is against God. It means living courageously, knowing that our God is not dead but alive, is over all our situations and is sovereignly n control.
By Dave Bartlett
In order to live a joyful, peace filled life, free of anxiety and the fear that comes from the troubles we encounter, we need to put God on the throne of our life. We must believe and trust that He is sovereign and is bigger than any problem we face. He will always keep His promises and will always bring us through whatever difficult circumstances we find ourselves in.
By Bill Middleton
What we anchor our hope to, will determine whether we survive the storm or be overcome by it.
By Tim Munyan
The church at Ephesus neglected the most important reason the church exists...love. love for Jesus, the One who loved them first and died for them. We need to consistently do a heart check to see if we might be guilty of neglecting and leaving our first love. If so, we need to repent and rekindle the love and passion we once had for Jesus, the One who loved us first and died for us.
By Dave Bartlett
We are in a spiritual battle and as followers of Jesus we have been called to pick up and put on the armor the Lord has provided for us. If we use the weapons of our warfare, stand firm and commit to fervently pray, we will defeat the enemy's fiery darts thrown against us and will experience victory in the power and might of our God.
By Dave Bartlett
Ephesians chapter six causes us to see that the believer's life is a battlefield. We have an enemy of our souls that seeks to destroy us. The apostle Paul reminds us, to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. We can be assured that no matter what the enemy comes against us with, we will be victorious!
By Dave Bartlett
Moses gives us great advice in verse twelve of Psalm Ninety. "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." We must redeem and value the time we have been given, since we will never get it back. Lets make each day count for Him and the furtherance of His kingdom.
By Dave Bartlett
Prophecies concerning the coming of the Messiah have been fulfilled in Jesus. He came in the flesh to dwell among us so that we can know the love and forgiveness of the Father. There is no greater gift that has been given to us, than that of God's Son. What have you done with this priceless gift given to and for you?
By Dave Bartlett
Paul gives godly wisdom to the problem of opposition, rebellion and division in the home and in the work place. His solution is regeneration...a new heart changed by God and a renewed submission of humility and love to Christ and to one another.
By Dave Bartlett
The mandate given to us by God, is one of mutual love, respect and honor. In being filled with the Holy Spirit, our emotions and minds will be under the control of Spirit. This enables us to give proper love and respect in our relationships concerning our spouses, children and employers.
By Dave Bartlett
When you hit the bottom due to your own bad choices, or the wrong choices of others. When you lose your job, or experience the loss of a relationship, depression and despair will set in and drag you down. You may feel like God has abandoned or forgotten you. Do what Jonah did when he found himself at the bottom, repent, cry out to God and worship Him. When you do, you will see His hand and know He has never left you and will fulfill His promises to you.
By Bill Middleton
Worship is a lifestyle. It is not confined to a place, to a role in the church, to a particular format of music. Worship must define the follower of Christ.
By Brook Stockert
How we walk out our daily life as a believer is crucial to the cause of Christ. We must walk carefully, steadfastly and wisely so that others will want to know the One who came to give them a life worth living.
By Dave Bartlett
As believers our mission is to be, imitators of Christ, and to be beacons of light exposing the dark acts of sin. As we walk in purity and truth we illuminate the love of God which draws those who are in the dark into His light.
By Dave Bartlett
We are called to do our part in building up the Body of Christ and as we do, at the same time we are destroying the works of our enemy. We do this when we think godly thoughts, speak the Word of truth and display righteous acts. When we show compassion, generosity and kindness we are sowing seeds of life in others.
By Dave Bartlett
As believers in Jesus, we have been given a renewed mind by the power of His Holy Spirit. We no longer have to be controlled by our former mindset and desires that were propelled by our sinful nature. We now walk in newness of life and are citizens of His kingdom.
By Dave Bartlett
Jesus is the ultimate Gift to the church and in addition, He has given to the church, gifts for service and ministry. We each one have a role to fulfill in the body of Christ and we are called to be ministers of the Gospel. As we do our part, we find our purpose and understand our significance.
By Dave Bartlett
Mephibosheth was a man motivated by the grace he had been shown, which enabled him to extend grace when horribly wronged by others.
By Brook Stockert
Jonathan is one of the most underrated people of the Bible. He reflected loyalty, self-sacrifice, courage and love that we should all aspire too.
By Brook Stockert
We have been chosen by God to be on His team. He has called us to get in the game and not sit on the sidelines. He has given to every believer gifts, for the building up and edifying of the Body of Christ. It is important for us to see the value and purpose of the gifts He has given to us and use them, that the Lord may be honored and glorified.
By Dave Bartlett
In the remainder of Paul's letter to the Ephesians, he urges the believers to live out the grace and unity that Christ had given them. He exhorted them as he does us, to walk in a manner that honors God and walk in unity with one another.
By Dave Bartlett
If we want the power of God to be active in our lives, the power that conquers sin and brings about victories in our lives and If we want to experience the love of God, then we must consistently and intentionally be given to prayer.
By Dave Bartlett
The question of "Why do bad things Happen to good people", is referred to as the Archilles Heel of Christianity. James lets us know, that no one is exempt from experiencing trials and hardships. We live in a sinful world where pain and suffering exist. However, as believers we can count them as joy because Jesus will always be with us in them and will turn our "pain into purpose".
By Bill Middleton
We are all fear something. That fear is either motivating or paralyzing. A healthy fear of God motivates us to live a godly life and the desire to avoid corruption. An unhealthy fear of man, loss, discomfort, and the unknown paralyzes us from living.
By Brook Stockert
Paul referred to the church as a mystery. He knew that God had given him the privilege of being a part of this mystery and to pass it on to others. He also knew that he was not deserving or worthy of this privilege, it was only because of God's love and grace. Nothing was more important to Paul than to live and give his life to make Jesus known and see the church triumphant. It should be just as important to us today because of God's love and grace in our lives.
By Dave Bartlett
The church, the body of Christ, a multitude of people saved by God's grace, made into one group of redeemed people, has a destiny to grow. No matter how the enemy of our soul has opposed this growth throughout the ages and continues to do so, the Church will be triumphant!
By Dave Bartlett
We often identify ourselves with our sinful past rather than our sanctified future. What was true about us before we made Jesus our Savior and Lord is not true about us today. Once we were dead in our trespasses and sins but now we walk in newness of life because of what Jesus has done for us.
By Dave Bartlett
The way we can have a fulfilling and meaningful life as a follower of Jesus, is to understand who He is. As we grow in our knowledge of Him, we also come to understand who we are. In these verses, Paul shows us how to get and stay connected to God and how to experience a vibrancy in our relationship with Him.
By Dave Bartlett
The Apostle Paul spells out three categories of blessings from what the Father has done in the past, to the work of Jesus in the present, to the work of the Holy Spirit in the future. Who we are in Christ and His work in our lives to bring about His will, are in separable.
By Dave Bartlett
God chose us in spite of who we are, that we might showcase His forgiveness and and the grace He has lavished upon us. His grace never ceases to be amazing, lets share it with others so they can experience it too.
By Dave Bartlett
Sometimes we may not understand or appreciate just how good God is. Psalm 107:43 tells us that the wise person is the one that understands the lovingkindness of our God. For those who don't have a relationship with the Lord, have no idea of how truly good our God is. We must share His goodness with those who yet do not know.
By Bill Middleton
The Biblical purpose of Sanctuary, why we need to seek it out and how our lives will be transformed by making Jesus our Sanctuary.
By Brook Stockert
Isaiah gives us a beautiful picture of a future that awaits all believers. A new heaven and a new earth, where the chaos and pain of this world will be forgotten. There will be no sounds of crying or weeping, only sounds of joy and rejoicing. What a promise of hope!!
By Dave Bartlett
Isaiah paints an amazing picture of our perfect future in the New Jerusalem with our perfect Lord and King. A place of everlasting peace and joy. While we wait for that future Kingdom, we can have peace, joy and hope now because that same Lord and King reigns today in the life of every believer.
By Dave Bartlett
The Lord urges and admonishes all who have thirsty souls and dry and empty hearts to come to Him. In return, all those who come shall receive salvation and will thirst and hunger no more. Jesus promises to bring fulfillment and contentment to all who drink of the water He provides.
By Dave Bartlett
The attractiveness of Jesus was not found in His personal appearance while on earth. It was found in what He did and has done for us. The beauty of Jesus is found in the sacrifice of His life for all humankind.
By Dave Bartlett
Have you ever done anything you've regretted? Have you ever said, "If only..." or have you spent time in the land of "would, coulda, shoulda", then you probably have regrets. I believe there's no pain like the pain of regret. The world is full of the pain of regret. There is good news, we can actually gain freedom for our regrets and move on.
By Bill Middleton
Peter and Judas both struggled with sin, but had very different outcomes from their choices. Like Peter, our relationship with Jesus can lead to redemption in our lives, and set us toward the path of fulfilling God's call for our life.
By Shelby Crosswhite
Living the life we really want, means surrendering and relinquishing our control of our lives over to Him. As we do, we live the life He wants for us and we discover a life of worth and purpose.
By Dave Bartlett
Scripture says that Jesus is at the right hand of the Father interceding for us. He tells us in scripture that something happens when we pray, even, if we don't always see exactly what. This is invitation to intercede for others as Jesus is our intercessor.
By Jenny Nipper
The theme of the Fall is all throughout the Biblical story. Paul's letter to the Ephesians calls us to stand against the same traps, that led to the fall of the first humans.
By Brook Stockert
The Lord will never forget or fail to keep His promises to His people. It's important for us to remember, especially in times of discouragement that the Lord truly loves us and cares for us. How can He forget us, when we are inscribed in the palms of His hands.
By Dave Bartlett
God loves us and desires that we turn to Him in repentance. Therefore, He will do whatever is necessary to get our attention. If we allow the Lord to refine us, we will experience His presence, love and grace and He in turn will be glorified.
By Dave Bartlett
To be a true disciple of Jesus, we must be tough-skinned while at the same time, we are exhorted by Jesus to turn the other cheek when being persecuted. How can we do that? Only through the power of the Holy Spirit within us.
By Marilyn Bartlett
We can learn a lot about the character and purpose of Jesus by studying the imagery found in the Garden of Eden.
By Brook Stockert
Throughout their history the children of Israel committed idolatry and worshipped other gods. An evil committed against the Only True and Living God. We would do well to check our own hearts to see if we might be guilty of the same thing. If anyone or anything is more important than the Lord in our hearts, we are guilty of the same evil committed by His people. Is your heart divided? Do you have one foot in the world? Where and who has your allegiance?
By Dave Bartlett
Isaiah has words of encouragement and hope for us today. We can at times feel weak and unusable to the Lord. However, the Lord through the prophet Isaiah speaks words that when we are feeling weak, and the flame of our faith seems as if it is growing more dim, the Lord will not throw us away or snuff us out. Instead, He will strengthen us and restore our usefulness. He will rekindle the flame so once again we will shine brighter than we ever have.
Dave Bartlett
God never changes and neither does His truth or His purposes. His promises will always remain true, therefore, you can believe them and rely on them all of the days of your life.
By Dave Bartlett
The resurrection proves, that Jesus is who the Bible says He is. It is the resurrection that secures our salvation and transforms our lives. Transformed lives can ignite a revival and bring about the change our world needs. Has He changed you?
By Dave Bartlett
According to eyewitnesses, a man named Jesus Christ demonstrated His power over death. They tells us, that after He died on a cross and was buried, on the third day Jesus suddenly appeared. Then He was seen by other followers, including 500 people on a single occasion. Soon, word spread everywhere that Jesus had risen from the dead . But could Jesus' resurrection simply be a 2000-year-old legend? Or is it based upon verifiable evidence?
By Bill Middleton
What is Passover about? It's salvation, initiated by God, towards underserving people, out of His love and faithfulness , to make His name known. Sounds an awful lot like the Gospel, right? He has been in the business of rescuing and redeeming underserving people since the beginning. Passover is a major expression of that and one that pointed to a future Passover, in which not just a lamb but the Lamb would suffer and die.
By Brook Stockert
Our world, nation, the church, we as individuals need a revival to take place. We pray and hope for revival to come but are we prepared for how God might bring it about?
By Dave Bartlett
For every follower of Jesus the future is bright, hopeful and promising. Isaiah gives us a wonderful picture of what is to come regarding the Kingdom of the Messiah. There is only one road that leads to this Kingdom...the King's Highway, the Highway to Holiness. Steadily and faithfully walking this path, leads to His Kingdom where everything will be made right!
By Dave Bartlett
We find in the words of Isaiah that God deeply cares for His people. Even in the darkest of times and when our future looks dim, we need not despair because God is always actively working on our behalf. Knowing that truth, should produce in us, perfect peace and unending joy.
By Dave Bartlett
God's seven-fold plan to bring His kingdom to earth is revealed by the prophet Isaiah in chapter 25. We can be encouraged and filled with hope in knowing that our all-powerful God, will accomplish His plans and purposes and in the process we will experience the victory.
By Dave Bartlett
When God calls, will you say Yes? When you see the Lord high and lifted up as Isaiah did, there is no other option but to say Yes, Lord here am I, send me!
By Dave Bartlett
As God came to the nation of Israel, He comes to our nation telling us to repent and turn away from our sins. We must as individuals take responsibility and do our part in living holy lives and faithfully praying for our nation.
By Dave Bartlett
As Paul finishes his letter to the Philippians he brings home the dynamics of God's providence and it's connection to him being able to be content. He learned in the midst of his trying circumstances that he was not a victim but a victor over them and we can be too.
By Dave Bartlett
As followers of Jesus, "we know that God is in control, we know that He has a plan that we can trust and we know that nothing will happen that He can't handle." Having and applying that knowledge, we will have less anxiety and more peace, which produces in us contentment and joy.
By Dave Bartlett
Throughout Paul's letter to the Philippians, he continually focuses them on the Lord as their source. Paul tells them that the Lord will give them the ability to stand firm with confidence and that He is the foundation of their strength and joy. This is just as true for us today.
The apostle Paul gives us some vital principles as well as safeguards, that are essential for us to implement in order for us to..."press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
By Dave Bartlett
As we enter this New Year of 2023, God will help us enjoy our life more than ever before. This can happen if we choose to live in agreement with God. And how that happens is, when we choose to believe what God's Word says, whether we see it, feel it, or if it seems to make any sense to us or not, choose to believe God!
By Bill Middleton
In our current day and age, there are many myths regarding the Holy Spirit. In this message, we will search God's Word to sort out facts from fiction, as well as figure out the true purpose of the Holy Spirit.
By Shelby Crosswhite
Wellspring of Life brothers and sisters share the "Word" God has given them, as well of words of encouragement for 2023. As we enter the new year it is important that we are committed to be Christ centered, making an invisible God visible.
By Dave Bartlett
Wellspring of Life brothers and sisters share the "Word" God has given them, as well of words of encouragement for 2023. As we enter the new year it is important that we are committed to be Christ centered, making an invisible God visible.
By Dave Bartlett
Jesus came to be our Shepherd and provide for us peace and security that can only be found in a relationship with Him. If we look to our culture or to ourselves to provide for us these essentials for our lives, we will end up floundering. Follow the Good Shepherd, He is the stability of your times.
By Dave Bartlett
What do you do when you've lost your vision, your passion and your walk with God? The prophet Elijah experienced some of that same loss. However, he went back to where he knew he could find God and he found Him, in the "Still Small Voice."
By Bill Middleton
The topic of light in Scripture is a powerful one that describes our past, present and future. And Jesus is right in the middle of it all.
Bill Middleton
Jesus choose to give His life for us and has called us His friends. He extended to us a lifeline of hope and has called us to extend that lifeline of hope to others.
By Dave Bartlett
The best thing we can do is to make ourselves available to God for His service. Our lives are to be lived sacrificially for His kingdom purposes. The time to serve God is now, while we can.
By Dave Bartlett
When people learn to love humbly and unselfishly, especially when relationships are strained they will promote unity and spread joy.
By Dave Bartlett
If the Apostle Paul had a car, his bumper sticker would say... "For To Me To Live Is Christ, And To Die Is Gain". Jesus was Paul's sole purpose for living.
By Dave Bartlett
An amazing story of God's saving grace, His healing power and His faithfulness to provide.
By Mark and Nikki Quinn
Real contentment and true joy have nothing to do with our circumstances but everything to do with the hope we have in Jesus. When we believe God is in control, we can know that whatever He allows and whatever He is doing will be the best for us.
By Dave Bartlett
Paul wrote this most joyous letter during the worst of times. He encouraged the church at Philippi and he encourages us to know that we can have confidence in the providence and care of God. When the winds of strife blow against us, if we remain thankful and prayerful we will maintain a life of joy.
By Dave Bartlett
We all need to be reminded of God's promises and be reassured that we can count on God to fulfill every promise He has made.
By Bill Middleton
In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses prepares the next generation of Israelites to enter into the Promised Land. As we look back on all of the miracles that God performed while saving His people from Egypt, let us not forget to look back on everything God has saved us from as well. Let us be a generation that holds on to God's promises and live lives of holiness.
By Shelby Crosswhite
The writer of Hebrews informs us that God has provided for us a rest that we can experience on a daily basis. How that happens is by our willingness to obey and believe God and His Word. If we do, we will live a worry-free life.
By Dave Bartlett
Jesus our Sacrificial Lamb as well as our High Priest, has made it possible for us to come boldly to His throne of grace and receive mercy in times of need. In gratitude for what He has done for us, we must honor our commitment to Him and to each other by stirring up, spurring each other on towards love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, until we see the Day approaching.
By Dave Bartlett
You may be feeling weary from all that has transpired in our world, with the pandemic, increased lawlessness, our failing economy, not to mention whatever personal trials you may be going through. The writer of Hebrews tells us to lock our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. As we do, we will be able to persevere, not grow weary or lose heart and finish our race that is set before us.
By Dave Bartlett
In these uncertain times and questions about what is to come, we can be confident that we are safe in the hands of our God and have total assurance that our future is secure in Him.
By Dave Bartlett
No matter what is coming against us, when we have God on our side, we are able to defeat our enemies and gain victory over every battle in our life.
Bill Middleton
Looking at the story of Jacob and how he spent his life chasing the blessing, rather than embracing the one he was born with.
Brook Stockert
Prayer reflects an attitude of genuine faith and also reveals patient endurance as we rely on God to handle the struggles we face in life. Our prayers will be effective and unhindered when we pray in faith.
By Dave Bartlett
Waiting is something that is difficult for most of us, we don't like to wait. In this passage James encourages us on how we can practice patience.
By Dave Bartlett
It is important for us to consider what our attitude is regarding money and how we use it. Do we use the resources God has given us to help those in need or do we hoard what we have for our own self-preservation? These verses help us evaluate if we care more about ourselves and less about the needs of others.
By Dave Bartlett
We can have a tendency to play God in our lives and in the lives of others and when we do, we plan God out of our lives. It's important to remember that life is short and it's in our best interest always, to let God be God in our lives, after all Father knows best.
By Dave Bartlett
James addresses the cause of conflict, the consequences of conflict and the cure for conflict. He also instructs us to "resist the devil and flee from him" and if we do, we will experience victorious living.
By Dave Bartlett
James gives two contrasting pictures of wisdom. The wisdom of the world and the wisdom that comes from God. He challenges us to look within to determine which one governs our lives and how we are impacted by the one we choose.
By Dave Bartlett
This message takes a deeper look into the life of Joseph, five truths we can learn, and if applied, will deepen our relationship with God.
By Shelby Crosswhite
What and how we speak reveals what is truly in our hearts. What do your words reveal about the condition of your heart? James challenges us to take a good look at the depth of our love for God based on how we speak and treat others.
By Dave Bartlett
Do you ever need to get back on track? We can sometimes find ourselves in an unproductive state, moving in the wrong direction or in a place of despair. The prophet Jeremiah was in a place of despair and God gave him the steps he needed to take to get him back on track. If we follow those same steps we can get our lives back on track too.
Dave Bartlett
Faith that works makes a real difference in the way we live our lives. If we have a real faith, a faith that does, it will lead us to do more than talk a good talk, it will lead us to action that is consistent with what we believe.
By Dave Bartlett
Favoritism and prejudice go hand in hand and James makes us aware that this is sin and should not exist within the church. He gives us some very practical principles for a "faith that works" in this area.
By Dave Bartlett
James tells us the way to become more mature in our faith is to not only be hearers of the Word but be doers of the Word and in so doing we will experience the blessings of God.
By Dave Bartlett
There will be challenges to our faith; there will be times when we will be tempted to give up and quit. But what great glory it will bring to God if we keep fighting the fight and running the race! What a great reward will await us at the finish line!
By Bill Middleton
Faith allows us to see our difficult circumstances and the battles we face through our Father's eyes. God's presence, protection and providence can move us from fear to faith, depending on what we are using to see with.
By Tim Munyan
James begins his letter to his Jewish brothers and to us with the encouragement that the trials of our faith will surely come but their purpose is to prove the faithfulness of God. We have two ways we can look at the world. One is through the eyes of unbelief and the other is through the eyes of faith. Which will you choose?
By Dave Bartlett
While at a Shabbat dinner with certain Pharisees, Jesus delivers three big truths through the use of stories.
By Brook Stockert
Depending on your world view, determines how you make your decisions and choices. Hopefully you see with eyes of truth that come from a biblical world view, which will give you the ability to see life from God's perspective.
By Marilyn Bartlett
Wherever you are in your relationship with the Lord, He is at work in you. Jesus is always looking for you, looking within you, looking ahead of you, so that He can strategically accomplish His purpose in your life. He invites you to "come and see" the invisible become possible.
By Dave Bartlett
Life is a spiritual battle, we must face it with courage and not give into fear. Fear will prevent you from entering God's place of victory. Choose courage, keep moving forward into the place of promise that God has planned for you.
By Marilyn Bartlett
Paul exhorts the Corinthians to realize their own state of self-absorption and encourages them to discover that they are a part of the larger Body of Christ. He challenges them to be willing to be a church that goes beyond its borders.
By Dave Bartlett
While at a Shabbat dinner with certain Pharisees, Jesus delivers three big truths through the use of stories that challenge us to test the condition of our hearts today.
By Brook Stockert
Paul gives some very conclusive illustrations from nature to show that resurrection is not a problem for God. Since Christ was resurrected from the grave we can be confident that we will be resurrected as well.
By Dave Bartlett
Christianity is based upon a historical fact: Jesus died and rose from the grave and eyewitness testify to that fact. Since He conquered death, He is who says He is and is able to do what He says He will do, give us eternal life. The reality of the Resurrection gives substance to our faith and gives us the ability to face life's toughest challenges with the assurance that God is with us, for us and will never leave us.
By Dave Bartlett
The Corinthian church was having problems in their public gatherings because the use of spiritual gifts was not being exercised properly, as well as other issues arose which brought confusion and chaos. These believers were doing their own thing and pleasing themselves. The Apostle Paul once again gives them practical advice on how to accomplish the necessary order needed to bring edification to the whole church and the surety of Jesus being revealed.
By Dave Bartlett
The Apostle Paul knowing that the Corinthian believers were abusing and misusing the gift of tongues in their gatherings, spends time in this chapter helping them understand God's intention for the proper use of this gift. Paul reminds them that every gift is given by Him for the purpose of edifying others, so that others will be able to see Him.
By Dave Bartlett
1 Corinthians chapter thirteen is referred to by many as the "Love Chapter" and rightfully so. However, the word for love that Paul speaks of here, has a much deeper meaning than how we typically understand love and use the word love. It's the kind of love that will transform our lives from the inside out and will remain throughout eternity. It's agape love, the love that comes from God Himself, which gives us the ability to love genuinely and selflessly.
By Dave Bartlett
Spiritual gifts are given by God for the purpose of believers to function as parts of Christ's body in harmony, unity and peace. It is essential that we value and appreciate how God has gifted each one of us differently, so that we build up His body and bring glory to His name.
By Dave Bartlett
This message is an overview of the book of Esther and why the feast of Purim is celebrated. Additional passages in Scripture have a similar theme, which reveal how this common biblical theme, should draw our eyes to Jesus.
By Danny Manzanares
We need to appreciate the gifts we have been given by the Holy Spirit and realize the importance of using them for the benefit of others. Equally, when we don't use our gifts our brothers and sisters will suffer, God will not receive the glory He deserves and the advancement of His Kingdom will be hindered.
By Dave Bartlett
As members of Christ's Body we have each been given spiritual gifts as the Holy Spirit has determined. Every gift is essential and important for the purpose of edifying the Body and bringing glory to the Lord. How has God gifted you and are you using what He has given you to bless others?
By Dave Bartlett
In this portion of Scripture the Apostle Paul corrects and instructs the Corinthian believers regarding their improper behavior when they gathered together for fellowship and partaking of the Lord's Table. He speaks to them of the essence of what it means to be a community of believers. When one member suffers, the whole community suffers. When one has been blessed to help another it is to empower the entire body of Christ. Jesus is saying through Paul, "This is what I want you to do in remembering Me." "This is how you honor Me."
By Dave Bartlett
In order to be consistent in our walk with Christ and to be able to face what we do in our daily lives, we must believe His Word and be in His Word.
By Bill Middleton
In Jesus's last public teaching, He let us all know how we can prepare for His eventual return.
By Brook Stockert
Even though fashion and style may be culturally conditioned, as Christians we must be mindful of what our outward appearance can communicate. We should willingly adapt our styles to glorify God. Since others are watching us and forming opinions about us, we should make sure that what they see on the outside is a reflection of Jesus on the inside of us.
By Dave Bartlett
The Apostle Paul urges believers of his day to flee idolatry and run to God. His message is a warning to us today to do the same. Our idols may not be the same as in Paul's day but anything or person that has our hearts and worship will lead us away from the only One who deserves our worship.
By Dave Bartlett
In these first 13 verses Paul is exhorting the Corinthian believers that they have been set free by Christ and they are not to abuse that liberty by giving into their lusts. He retells them of the history of their ancestors in Numbers 11 and how they grumbled and complained about what the Lord had provided for them in the way of manna. They were lusting for meat and wanted to return to Egypt. Paul warns them that having a heart that is not satisfied with want God has given will end up empty, weak and lacking.
By Dave Bartlett
As believers in Jesus we have been given the privilege of freedom. However, with our freedom comes the responsibility to share the gospel and to build one another up in the faith. This calls us to live humbly and sacrificially, to set aside our rights for the sake of others.
By Dave Bartlett
The Apostle Paul has encouraged the Corinthian believers to lay down their personal freedoms so that others won't stumble. Now here in chapter nine he uses himself as an example of what he has been talking about, what it means and what it looks like to give up his personal freedoms for the sake of the Gospel and for others.
By Dave Bartlett
As we enter into a new year, we are are reminded from Paul's letter to his protégé Timothy, in 2 Timothy 3 that yes, perilous times will come, in fact they are here but we are to be encouraged because of the goodness and sovereignty of God. We must not allow ourselves to be diminished by whatever difficult and challenging circumstances may come. We are to take God at His Word, live out His Word, love and serve Him more passionately and also love and serve one another in the power of the Holy Spirit.
By Dave Bartlett
We are encouraged to grow in knowledge, it is a God-given window into reality and truth through which we can view life. However, if it is not controlled by agape love, it has the potential to destroy others, rather than build up.
By Dave Bartlett
Whatever your status, regarding being single or married see it as gift from God. Gifts that come from Him are never intended to be kept to ourselves but are to be used for Him, for others, for His service and for His glory. We are to be devoted and faithful to the Lord, committed to His mission. He is to be our passion no matter our position.
By Dave Bartlett
The Apostle Paul speaks to the complexities that can occur when believers marry unbelievers and gives directives from God's Word that brings encouragement and hope.
By Dave Bartlett
God is...The Original Definition of Good. He is good in and of Himself and is good all the time. Even when our circumstances are difficult and we can't understand why we may be experiencing a certain hardship, we can trust and rest in God because we know He is good!
Bill Middleton
God's purpose for our lives is upside down from what the world teaches. In order to live a truly great life we must strive to be humble, to be emptied and to be last as we follow the example Christ has set for us.
Brook Stockert
Paul opens this chapter addressing Christians who are married to Christians and the sacredness of their union, and also gives counsel to the unmarried. Bottom line, whether you are married or unmarried, your are to live your life committed to putting God on display, and keeping in the forefront of your heart and mind that "you are not our own."
By Dave Bartlett
As believers our bodies are not our own. The Apostle Paul tells us that we have been bought with a price by the precious blood of Christ. Therefore, we are to honor Him by choosing to live a life of physical purity and committing to spiritual holiness.
By Dave Bartlett
Paul addresses the issue of the Corinthian believers taking their brothers to court and rebukes them for doing so. A Christian's approach to conflict resolution should be with a desire to advance God's kingdom and not for selfish gain.
By Dave Bartlett
The Corinthian church was proud of its hands-off approach to the sins of those being committed within their community of faith, which were in direct conflict with God's standards laid out in His Word. Paul instructs them of the seriousness and importance of administering discipline and extending love for the health of the church and the glory of God.
By Dave Bartlett
The Apostle Paul encouraged the Christians in Corinth and encourages us to follow his example as he followed Christ. In order to be a faithful servant of Jesus we need to acquire a servant's heart, avoid spiritual arrogance and anticipate discipline and hardship along the way. This is the only way to truly live!
By Dave Bartlett
To faithfully serve God, means you will always make sure what you are being taught is consistent with God's Word and if you serve God based on His Word, you will be able to faithfully follow, obey and endure in serving Jesus and Him only.
By Dave Bartlett
From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible has a lot to say about obedience. Deuteronomy 11:26-28 sums it up like this...Obey and you will be blessed, disobey and you will be cursed.
Bill Middleton
Success is determined by God's power not ours. God uses an ordinary man in Gideon to accomplish an incredible task that he never could have accomplished had he not decided to obey and trust in an extraordinary God. God wants to use you!
Kenny Guidry
The Apostle Paul emphasizes that we cannot allow our personal preferences to become divisive prejudices because we belong to God and we belong to each other.
Dave Bartlett
Many of the Christians in Corinth were a mess even though they had experienced being rescued and redeemed through salvation in Jesus. They continued to hang out doing some of the deplorable activities they had been delivered from. Paul encouraged them, as he does us, to turn from our mess and become a living message of the One who called them and us out of the "dumpster life" into a life of holiness.
Dave Bartlett
Outward clothing can make a statement about us, what we believe, how we feel, etc. Our inward wardrobe, spiritually speaking also reveals what we believe, how we feel, who our lives belong to by the characteristics we live out. We need to take inventory of the closet of our heart and get rid of every piece that is of the old nature and put on those pieces that bring life, peace and joy, the ones that Jesus has provided for us. What's in your closet?
Marilyn Bartlett
Finding rest in Jesus requires much more than taking some time off. Jesus asks us to learn from Him and to be led by Him. While that begins with sitting at His feet, it's meant to be a life long process of abiding in Him.
By Brook Stockert
By elevating human wisdom, the believers at the church of Corinth were opposing the very gospel they professed to believe. Paul urged them to return to the revealed wisdom of God so that they might be reconciled to one another, so their divisions would cease to exist. May we as believers today do the same.
By Dave Bartlett
Chances are you have thought or asked the question, "Why must I or my loved ones have to suffer?" Here are seven principles you can apply to your life that will help you during those difficult and confusing times to focus on the God of the impossible!
By Bill Middleton
Jesus warns us about elevating man made traditions to the same as God's commands. When we elevate these traditions we end up hurting our worship and making the walk with God more burdensome for our brothers and sisters in Christ.
By Danny Manzanares
What better sermon could be preached to a lost and staggering world under the weight of hopelessness and despair than the one your life proclaims with regards to the power and wisdom of the message of Jesus Christ and Him crucified!
Dave Bartlett
We today are faced with making the same mistakes of those in the church at Corinth, when it came to them living out God's calling. We have been called to be holy, called into fellowship and called to glorify God. The question before us is, are we living up to our calling?
By Dave Bartlett
This is a message on the importance of knowing our identity. How do you answer the question... asked by Jesus, "Who do you say I am", and the question, do you know who you are in Him? As followers of Jesus, it is extremely vital that we know and understand our identity in Him.
By Bill Middleton
In John chapter 5 we discover a life altering interaction between a lame man and Jesus at the pool of Bethesda and how just one moment with Jesus can change everything!
By Tim Munyan
God's desire for His church is to have unity and harmony in the midst of diversity. The ministry and the mission of the church can not effectively go forth when God's people are divided.
By Dave Bartlett
Many times we only see God at work when our lives are easy and fail to see Him moving in our lives when times are difficult. God wants us to embrace the "hard way" so that we can experience a fulfilling and purposeful life and and be amazed at what seems to us to be, "the impossible."
Brent Keizer
A rich and impressive beginning does not guarantee a good ending, as evidenced in the church at Corinth. May it be said of us as it was said of the Apostle Paul, we started great, kept the faith, and finished well.
By Dave Bartlett
Daniel 12 is a continuation of chapter's 10 and 11 and in this final vision we are given insight into the time of the Great Tribulation and the triumph of the righteous as well as the tragedy of the wicked. If we, like Daniel, will live faithfully to the end we will receive our eternal inheritance, our "blessed hope"-the glorious appearance of our Savior, Jesus Christ!
By Dave Bartlett
In these remaining verses of Daniel 11 we see the rise of the Antichrist and the terror he will bring as well as we see him come to an end. As we are living in the last days may we guard against the temptation to be lax in our faith but rather have and maintain a sense of urgency to be even more committed and devoted to serving and living for Him.
By Dave Bartlett
No matter how big our enemy might be, how large the battle might appear, those who truly know their God will be strong in battle, will not back down or give up, they will prevail because they know that if God is for them, then no who can be against them.
By Dave Bartlett
The Lord's knowledge of the future is revealed to Daniel in chapter 11 as well as His sovereign rule over human kingdoms. We gain confidence that while there is a spiritual war raging, our God is in control.
By Dave Bartlett
King Jehoshaphat sought the Lord when he didn't know what to do and the steps he took to achieve victory through prayer. No matter what battle you may be facing you can achieve victory too.
By Kenny Guidry
After God did not destroy Nineveh, Jonah responded with anger. What is our response to God's direction in our lives? What is our reaction when it is not the direction we expected?
Shelby Crosswhite
In this chapter Daniel again shows us the importance and power of prayer. This prayer was so important, the LORD sent some of the most powerful angels of heaven to make sure his prayer was answered. This is a lesson for us to seek God on behalf of others both individuals and nations. The battle is won when we pray and it is lost when we don't.
By Dave Bartlett
Daniel was a man who prayed, and God is a God who answers. In verses 20-27 of chapter 9, God revealed His six-fold plan to Daniel. Just as He desired Daniel to know and understand, He desires the same for us too.
By Dave Bartlett
The prayer of Daniel has been preserved for us by the Holy Spirit to study and be encouraged by. Daniel did the most important thing he could do to help his people and that was to pray. May we follow Daniels example of how to pray.
By Dave Bartlett
Daniel has his second vision of a two-horned ram destroyed by a one-horned goat, followed by the history of the "little horn", which is Daniel's code-word for the Grecian General Antiochus Epiphanes, (foreshadow of the coming Antichrist) who invaded the Beautiful Land and defiled the Holy Temple. Even though Daniel was physically affected and deeply troubled by this vision that he could not understand, he still rose up and went about the king's business and we must rise up and be about our King's business.
By Dave Bartlett
Just as we can have an eye impairment that prohibits us from seeing clearly, we can also have a spiritual impairment that dims our view of Truth, our ability to see who we are to God, and darkens the hope we have within us. Paul gives us the needed prescription that will cause the eyes of our hearts to be opened.
By Marilyn Bartlett
Daniel chapter seven is the most important chapter dealing with end time prophecy in the Old Testament. Some of the events mentioned have already been fulfilled while other major events are yet to be fulfilled. The vision Daniel had was extremely troubling to him. However, included in his vision was the LORD, the "Ancient of Days" who was seated on His throne, who still is and will always be reigning. If He reigns in your life you are a part of His eternal Kingdom and will one day rule with Him.
By Dave Bartlett
Standing for the Lord is not always easy as Daniel's life reveals. However, if we choose to not compromise even though our culture may try to silence us and if we live unashamed for our God just as Daniel did, we to will find "life in the lion's den."
By Dave Bartlett
Proverbs 16:18 tells us, "Pride comes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall." In Daniel chapter 5 we see this scripture fulfilled in the life of Belshazzar, King of Babylon who refused to repent and humble himself even after he saw, "the writing on the wall", written by the hand of the King of Kings. The question for us is, how will we respond to "the writing on the wall?
Satan thought he had dealt a fatal and final blow, that he had the final word as Jesus hung dying on the cross. However, the enemy couldn't have been more wrong. The Victim became the Victor, Jesus had the final word. It was a shout, the roar of victory when He said..."It Is Finished!" The power of sin and death was defeated and now we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
By Dave Bartlett
Solomon wrote in Proverbs sixteen verse eighteen, "Pride comes before a fall." A lesson King Nebuchadnezzar learned the hard way. May we learn more quickly to live humbly before the God who rules and reigns over the whole earth and over us. In so doing we will live a life of fulfillment and purpose.
By Dave Bartlett
God uses old burnt stones (us), to rebuild a wall and bring about revival.
By Bill Middleton
Passover and Unleavened Bread are Feasts that were significant in ancient Israel, Jesus' Ministry and the early church. The commands to observe these feasts are eternal and find their fulfillment in Jesus.
By Danny Manzanares
Oh how the mighty have fallen. We can easily fall into that category when we make everything about us. When we live our lives for ourselves with no recognition of God, who He is and what He has done for us. However, one day, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
By Dave Bartlett
We will face times when it seems as if we are going through the fire. In those times we need to have courage and trust that God will either deliver us out of it or be will with us in it.
By Dave Bartlett
The book of Daniel gives us an accurate picture of history as seen in this chapter. The kingdom of God will triumph when Jesus returns to establish His kingdom on the earth. All the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Chief Cornerstone.
By Dave Bartlett
We need to be like Daniel and faithfully seize the God ordained moments, as we find ourselves placed in, the right place at the right time for His glory and honor.
By Dave Bartlett
Daniel resolved in his heart to honor Yahweh in everything he did. He did not allow the culture of his day to infect him, instead he impacted it. We need followers of Christ today to purpose in their hearts to honor Him and put Him first in their lives at home and in the public square.
By Dave Bartlett
When the circumstances in our lives are difficult and things are not going the way we had hoped or planned, we can tend to think that God is unconcerned and absent. As we look at the first two verses in Daniel chapter one, we see the opposite is true. God is very much in charge and sovereign over all. He promises to carry out His plan for your life even when you don't understand His ways or methods.
By Dave Bartlett
God wants to bless us and give us good things that will sustain us. Sometimes they come wrapped differently that expected. What we call problems, God calls opportunities to demonstrate His power.
By Dave Bartlett
Paul wraps up this letter to the Thessalonians exhorting them and us to stay with the basics. By doing so, they, we will find the prescription for getting and staying on target and will live in a constant state of readiness for the Lord's return.
By Dave Bartlett
Our faith will be tried and tested especially in the days to come. Where is your faith anchored?
By Bill Middleton
We are no greater than those around us. No matter our differences we have the same Calling on our lives. Jesus is our example. He is our mission. We win by staying together. We win when our lives are all about making Him known. We win because we have Jesus!
By Brook Stockert
In this chapter Paul urges believers to not be asleep but to be ready, for this is how we will live in the present in light of the future.
By Dave Bartlett
People get ready! Be Faithful! Encourage one another until you see the Day approaching.
By Dave Bartlett
2020 has been a chaotic, confusing and challenging year and many of us can't wait for it to end. However, will 2021 be any better or even more uncertain and difficult? It doesn't really matter because we enter the New Year with hope and His name is Jesus!
By Dave Bartlett
When our lives are built on Jesus Christ our solid Rock we will live in a way that pleases God.
By Dave Bartlett
The Apostle Paul defines "real living" as having a joyful and thankful attitude in the midst of adversity. Maintaining that attitude comes from being engaged in ongoing prayer, which causes our hearts to overflow with love and helps us live blameless and holy lives.
By Dave Bartlett
There is a tension involved in trying to accept pain that God allows while at the same time fighting to overcome it. Like the brothers and sisters in Thessalonica, we can find real help in our struggles when we learn to see pain from God's perspective.
By Dave Bartlett
We all encounter trials of various kinds. No matter what struggles we may face in this life, we can trust God will always keep His promise to bring good for us through the testing of our faith.
By Bill Middleton
Is Jesus the delight of your heart? Does following Him bring you great joy and satisfaction or are you weighed down with the worries of life? Take His invitation to come to Him and find rest.
By Brook Stockert
The believers of the church of Thessalonica serve as examples to us of those who genuinely grew in God's Word, stayed engaged in the battle and created an atmosphere of strong fellowship. This is what God wants for His church today.
By Dave Bartlett
As followers of Christ, we are to live our lives in a manner worthy of the God who has called us not only into His kingdom but also into community with one another. We are to be the presence of Christ, here and now, in this time and in this place.
By Dave Bartlett
The church of Thessalonica had strong faith, active love and abiding hope. These are the essentials God desires that we have and what the people in our lives need from us.
By Dave Bartlett
Today matters more than any other day because it is a gift from God. We can choose to live it for Him or squander it living for ourselves.
By Dave Bartlett
What has Jesus placed in your hand? Jesus can make a little go along way, if we are willing to place in His hands what we have, no matter how little it my seem to us.
By Dave Bartlett
Many people can start off well, work hard towards a goal and wind up discouraged and give up along the way. Are you at a place in your life where you feel stuck? Have you hit roadblocks of unfulfilled promises? Have you lost your courage to move on? Caleb serves as a great example to us of how to have faith and trust in the God who keeps His promise's and one who remained courageous, continued to persevere in the face of overwhelming obstacles and achieved victory.
By Bill Middleton
King Jehoshaphat sought the Lord when he didn't know what to do and the steps he took to achieve victory through prayer, praise and worship. No matter what battle you may be facing you can achieve victory too.
By Kenny Guidry
Today if your not where you need to be spiritually, it's time to climb out of the dumpster of self-pity. Take responsibility of where your life is, repent, let God restore you and get you back on track with Him.
By Dave Bartlett
God is calling us to a life of total surrender, trust and obedience. We all need to give careful thoughts to our ways.
By Dave Bartlett
Some of the saddest words in the New Testament are found in John 6:66 referring to some of Jesus' disciples. It says, "They followed Him no more." We live in a day where we see many of "Jesus follower's", following Him no more. The writer of Hebrews exhorts us to keep running the race that has been set before us, don't give up, don't drop out. Let's purpose to finish the race set before us because He is worth it..
By Marilyn Bartlett
Give careful thought to your ways, Hear and heed the word of the Lord and as you do you, His promises will be your own and you will find that He is more than enough.
By Dave Bartlett
You will find your purpose, as you purpose to spend time with Jesus, your priorities will be defined and victory will be realized in your life.
By Dave Bartlett
We learn some valuable lessons regarding our choices from the life of Esau. First, our choices are our responsibility. Second, we must make our choices being mindful of the outcome. Thirdly, making our choices based on what matters most, not merely in the moment. Every choice we make matters!
By Dave Bartlett
So much of what we hear and see on a daily basis in our world creates anger and anxiety. As followers of Jesus and temples of His Holy Spirit it is vital that we rise above and do not succumb to the anger and the anxiety that are destroying so many. We must show that Jesus is the antidote to both.
By Bill Middleton
God has given us everything we need to live a life of boldness in a dark and lost world. What are you waiting for?
By Shelby Crosswhite
In Genesis 22, Abraham shows us how obedient faith overcomes the trials of life and teaches us how to face and handle the tests of life to the glory of God.
By Dave Bartlett
In times and situations that are difficult to understand, you need to know that God sees you right where you are and not only sees you but hears you. He will be faithful to fulfill His promises to you.
By Dave Bartlett
When Israel asked for a human king they were rejecting God and His laws for them. Do we do any differently today? Is God our King or do we serve and trust in idols?
By Danny Manzanares
No matter what happens in this world, trials, hardships, etc. there is no safer place to be than in Christ and in the Household of Faith. As we develop a life of obedience and live a fearless faith we will see the walls of our Jericho's fall.
By Dave Bartlett
In Joshua 5 we discover the importance of continually being engaged in spiritual preparation which is essential to experiencing God.
By Dave Bartlett
Replaying the God moments of your past empowers you to experience the promises of the future.
By Dave Bartlett
As far as God is concerned, every obstacle can be transformed into a miracle that can create a spectacle for the world to know that He is God and God alone! He is a no one-hit wonder. He's done it before; He Can Do It Again!
By Dave Bartlett
In times of doubt remember God's promises. Remember who He has always been during those times of doubt and uncertainty and if you keep going to Him and trusting Him, He will continually show Himself to be trustworthy.
By Bill Middleton
In the story of Rahab, we see that one act of faith on her part undid a life of sin and created for her a new life of promise, which changed the trajectory of her life. If we take the step of "turning our fear into faith" in God's direction, allowing Him to lead our lives, the trajectory of our lives will experience a new life of promise too.
By Dave Bartlett
Fear can prevent you from entering into God's place of victory and rest. It can keep you stuck in the desert forever. Don't let that happen to you. Choose courage and keep moving forward into the place of promise God has prepared for you.
By Dave Bartlett
Are you wandering in the wilderness? God has provided a place of promise for you, a place of conquest and victory for your life. God is waiting for you to enter... it's your move!
Dave Bartlett
The Lord is the Potter and we are the clay. As we choose to remain affixed to His wheel, He will shape us into His masterpiece!
By Dave Bartlett
Peter wrote this letter so that believers could learn to think wholesomely. So they could develop. learn, and live according to pure reason. This purity of thought is the right way of thinking and is necessary for us to live in a way that pleases the Lord.
By Dave Bartlett
In this second letter of Peter, Peter is urging his readers to remember important truths regarding the Christian life and to put them into practice. Do what you know. Most importantly remember that Jesus is Lord, we belong to Him and He will see us through whatever we may face.
By Dave Bartlett
We have been rescued and delivered. God has brought us through tough times in our past and has proven to be our refuge, deliverer and redeemer. If you are facing some tough situations today, be encouraged to know that your God will be who you need Him to be again, bring you through again and will do whatever you need again. He will never fail you.
By Dave Bartlett
Psalm 46 reminds us that even when trouble surrounds us we need not fear. The Lord loves us, cares deeply for us and He will see us through. We can rest in knowing that He is our promise making, promise keeping God.
By Dave Bartlett