HighRidge Church Longview: Recent Episodes
HighRidge Church
"If Satan can shift our focus, he can affect our faith." What are some of the big things that can shake our focus off of God? If we get off track, what can help us to refocus? Kristen Utter shares insights from the Word of God and from her own personal faith journey.
Biscuits and gravy, chips and salsa, peanut butter and jelly...some things just link together well! Did you know that there are also links in our spiritual maturity as believers? God designed certain things to go together like faith and love, and wisdom and revelation. Are you allowing Him to actively develop these holy pairings in your life?
In a world of divisions, we find less and less common ground. But, as Pastor Tim Ingram explains, God's Word points us in a different direction. Why is unity so important for our spiritual health, and how can we fight for it?
"A broken world needs the healthy church." How can we become a church that effectively reaches and disciples people for Christ? It's going to take some work. We have to value growth over comfort and progress over perfection. Pastor Tim Ingram explains that when each of us takes personal responsibility and stands behind the vision, the message of the Gospel goes further and deeper!
Do you want to be everything that God wants you to be? Do you want to reach your potential in Him? Pastor Stephen Warnock encourages us to get planted! Never underestimate what He can do with your life, family, and calling when you choose to grow God's way.
Joy. It's not something that you hear a lot about in our anxiety-riddled world, but it's a vital part of this Christian life. Did you know that we can actively choose joy? Pastor Tim Ingram explains that it's not "fake it till you make it," but through intentionality and with the help of the Holy Spirit, joy can become a part of our daily lives no matter what comes our way.
Ever felt like you were drowning? Hurt, pain, or even the pull of our own desires can make us feel like we're going under, but Pastor Ryan Sims encourages us to answer the call to go deeper with God during these times.
"Gossip = when a negative is discussed with someone who can't solve the problem." What does the Bible have to say about gossip? Why is it so destructive? What are we supposed to handle it when we have the opportunity to participate in it? As we search the scriptures with Matt Johnson, we find that God's people are called to use words to build others up, and to overlook offenses. If we follow His ways, He can transform us from gossipers into Gospel-bringers.
Have you ever found yourself in a season of waiting? Where you've prayed for something but you're just not seeing God answer? Pastor James challenges us--"Don't waste your wait." Waiting well teaches us some valuable lessons about who we are and what's in our hearts. If we surrender to the process, we'll eventually see that what He does during the wait is often just as important as the answer that we are waiting for.
How do you handle fear? What do you run to when the unknown overwhelms you? The Psalms of the Bible offer some good answers and advice. As we read through them, Pastor Tim shows us that, ultimately, the safest we can ever be is next to our Father in the center of His will for our lives.
Praise and blessing--Psalm 103 is all about these. But do we really know what it looks like? Pastor Tim shows us through this passage that praise is a command before it's a habit, that it has to start inside before it becomes an outward expression, and that it's ultimately a response to God--Who He is, what He's already done, and what He's going to do in the future. When we praise with these things in mind, our entire focus can change for the better!
Psalm 23 is the most well-known of them all. You've probably heard it before, but do you know how to truly "lie down in green pastures" and let Him restore your soul? In the season for vacationing and finding rest, Pastor Tim's got some valuable tips for how to do it all God's way.
Road trip music--that's what Psalm 121 feels like! It's about stepping out of our comfort zone into the unknown. As we walk the journey of life, we can move with courage and shift our focus as needed, assured and aware of His presence beside us.
We know it's spelled "summer," but we couldn't resist :) Psalms is one of the most beloved parts of Bible. As we wind our way through this deep well of wisdom, literature, praises, prayers, and questions, we're reminded of the wide array of human emotion that the writers experienced. The psalms can even give us glimpses of Jesus. As we look at Psalm 1 today, we find some valuable life lessons about friendship, character, and doing things God's way.
Have you ever wondered why sometimes it is so hard to live for Jesus even though you love Him? Today, Pastor Zach Gryder talks about a seemingly small but incredibly destructive thing called SHAME. What behaviors stem from it? What are its effects on the brain? And most importantly, how can we deal with shame so that it doesn't have devastating effects on our souls?
It's the final week of The Unmentionables series! Today, we turn to the thief who hung beside Jesus on the cross. As Pastor Tim Ingram digs in to the story, we can pull out some powerful truths about sin, suffering, and the unfathomable cost of grace.
We're learning lessons from nobodies in the Bible, people who aren't named but had a big impact. This week, Pastor Tim shares about the Canaanite woman who begs Jesus to heal her demon-possessed daughter. Through her story, we can learn a lot about faith, persistence, even racism. What will the Holy Spirit speak to you about through the message?
Jesus told a story about a servant who was released from owing a huge debt. When we really dig into it with Pastor Tim, we find that forgiveness is one of the most difficult and yet most important practices for Christians. It's a hard topic, but let's allow our hearts to be open to the Lord as we listen.
We don't know her name--only her circumstances--but she made history with one sacrificial act. Pastor Tim points out that when we take a look at the widow who gave all that she had, we learn that Jesus knows both the culture we live in and our circumstances, and we find that in His kingdom, generosity isn't measured by sum but by sacrifice.
You can find fantastic wisdom in obscure places in the Bible if you really look. One unnamed person is the woman who was caught in adultery. Pastor Tim Ingram explains that, when she (involuntarily) crosses paths with Jesus, He separates sin from identity, exposes hypocrisy, and gives us a beautiful glimpse of His grace and truth.
Since the beginning, people have worked to make a name for themselves, and we still fight this same mindset today. But God's Word shows us the miracles that He can do with some faithful, insignificant folks that choose to do things His way. Pastor Tim explains that, when we pursue His presence and purposes, He empowers us to influence both the sacred and the secular.
"Can God use a nobody like me?" In a culture that's hyper-focused on "building your brand" or "making a name for yourself," where do the rest of us fit? Well, the Bible is actually full of nobodies that made a big difference! Come along on the next few weeks as Pastor Tim highlights some of the unnamed people that God worked through.
The Easter story—how Jesus died and was raised to life—is at the center of Christianity. It's been told so many times and in so many different ways as people have tried to make it more relevant, more palatable, or more memorable. But what happens when we simply read account that's written in the scriptures? What message does the story in its simplest form tell me and you?
It's Palm Sunday, when we celebrate Jesus riding into Jerusalem before His death and resurrection. The King of Kings chose to ride in on a donkey. What can this story tell us about Jesus? About ourselves? Pastor Tim Ingram shows us that ultimately, the honor of serving Jesus is all ours, and the glory is all His.
Our culture today has this wanderlust, making it easy to bounce around and never settle down, but as a society, we are disconnected, lonely, and unfulfilled on the whole. What would our lives look like if we learned to practice the Vow of Stability--putting down roots and embracing commitment and community? Pastor Daniel Grothe from New Life Church expounds on this crucial missing piece and what it means for the church.
Do you ever wish there was a magical "reset" button that you could press on life? According to the Bible, there is something that is so simple and so powerful, yet often overlooked. What is it? Giving thanks. It's God's will for us to practice gratitude, and it actually comes with several benefits. If you're needing a reset today, be sure to tune in to this message.
It’s possible to have a healthy body and a corrupted soul, and it’s possible to have a healthy soul and be spiritually dead. In order to experience real health, we need to address all three of these areas--spirit, soul, and body. Some things are our responsibility to work on, while other things can only be done by the Lord. As we wrap up this series, Pastor Tim and Tina offer some practical tips on becoming a healthier you all around.
We were created for community. Even in the perfect, sinless Garden of Eden, God said, “It’s not good for man to be alone.” Yet in today's culture, it’s more difficult than ever to really connect with others. How can we find and maintain good, biblically healthy friendships in a sea of broken trust and toxic tendencies? Hang with us as Pastor Tim shares the Top 10 Tips for Biblically Healthy Relationships.
For the next three weeks, we'll be focusing on healthy relationships--marriage, friendships, and even yourself. To start things off, Pastor Tim and Tina talk about marriage. What are some practices that can lead to a vibrant, joyful relationship with your spouse? As we follow principles from God's Word, we can trust that good things are waiting on the other side of our discipline and prioritization!
"What in the world is going on?" Is this question on your mind? As we see events happening around us, it can be tempting to look for answers in places other than God's Word. But nothing takes Him by surprise, and Pastor Jeff Klingenberg explains that as we search the scriptures in Genesis and Jesus' words in Matthew, we find that God already knew what was coming and has a plan in place.
From paint on a cave wall to social media and digital footprints, everyone has a desire to leave their mark on the world. Every person wants their life to matter. The problem is, none of us can make an ETERNAL difference outside of the call of Christ. Pastor Tim shares a few key things--the long-lost recipe--for allowing the Lord to use us for His glory.
Pastor Tim explains that man's search for purpose is universal, but modern culture wants to solve that issue outside of God's Word. What does finding meaning in following Christ look like? What ingredients do we need to make sure we're hitting the target and fulfilling our God-given purpose?
Pastor Tim Ingram has been sharing about how spiritual disciplines are like long-lost recipes. This week, he focuses in on things that lead to real freedom. What "ingredients" are needed to help us continue walking in the liberty that Jesus purchased for us through the cross? The answer may surprise you!
Pastor Tim Ingram explains that there are some spiritual disciplines that aren't super popular, but God really values them. In His eyes, humility and brokenness still matter a lot. It's only when we've laid aside our will that we find His, so add obedience to the mix, and you've got a long-lost "recipe" for God's favor and purpose in our lives.
"What will I face this year?" While we can't always know specifics, we can guarantee that there are both known and unknown battles ahead. Instead of sitting passively or fearfully, we can prepare ourselves to expertly maneuver through the storms of life by seeking the Lord on the front end, and creating a plan of action with strategy from the One who knows all things. Pastor Tim and Tina Ingram explain that when we do this, we can actually expect victory as He begins to fight unseen battles for us!
As we think back on the recent past, before we look ahead to the future, we need to take the time to fully acknowledge the good things that the Lord has done and evaluate where our faith is at. "Did my faith walk make a difference this year?" "What can I thank God for?" Pastor Tim Ingram challenges us to get the new season off to the best start possible--with a grateful heart.
"What has the Lord been leading us to do, and have we been faithful with our time and resources to that end?" Legacy Sunday is where we answer these questions. As we look back and celebrate what we’ve been able to accomplish together over the year for the kingdom, just imagine what we could do if all of God’s people started working together without caring about who gets the credit?
Why is it important to process the amazing things that God does? Well, we tend to forget, attribute things to someone/ something other than Him, or miss what He’s trying to show us. Instead, He wants us to start to see His patterns and begin to understand His heart. Pastor Tim Ingram explains how our faith is strengthened when we remember God’s goodness and believe that what He has done, He will do again!
"No one's paying attention." "What I do and say has no real impact on others." Have you ever believed these mistaken notions? Bill Leckie explains that, as followers of Christ, we need to be reminding ourselves Who we belong to and Who we represent in our daily walk into the world. What should that walk look like, and how can we begin to start walking that way?
When you think about who God is, what comes to your mind? One of the most famous passages in the Bible compares Him to a shepherd caring for His sheep. James Williams explains that whether we are anxious about having our needs met or whether we're tempted to leave the pasture He's provided, we can trust that His guidance, provision, and protection are what we truly need.
Pastor Tim Ingram asserts that "the healthy, mobilized church is the hope for the world." God is passionate about His people making a difference. He calls us to be "salt" and "light" wherever we are. In fact, the mark of a true believer is the effect we have on the world around us. So let's start throwing off the things that keep us ineffective--refuse to live a life that makes no difference!
“The two greatest days in a person’s life are the day you’re born and the day you figure out why.” –Mark Twain Did you know that God is passionate about us discovering our unique purpose? We all have things that make us tick, but passion that doesn't result in bringing Him glory isn't what He intended. As Pastor Tim explains, we can develop skills and accomplish great things, but a life of purpose is only discovered when we submit our desires to Him.
Pastor Tim explains that God is passionate about FREEDOM. He wants to set us free and to help us stay free. What captures our hearts is important to Him, because He knows how those things can lead us back into spiritual slavery. But when we invite the Holy Spirit into our struggles and daily choices, we begin to live life to the fullest as He changes us from the inside out.
What are you passionate about? If you don't know, you may find the answer somewhere in the intersection of what makes you tick and what ticks you off! But perhaps the better question is, "What is GOD passionate about?" Let's do our best to search it out, because as Pastor Tim explains, it's when His passions become our passions that real life change begins to happen.
Did you realize that there's a battle going on for your courage? You see, God knows how to give us courage, and the enemy is skilled at taking it away. Start fighting back! Join us as Pastor Brady Boyd from New Life Church teaches about what causes discouragement, why it's such a big deal, and how to strategically fight the battle for courage.
"God loves to reveal His power through what's not enough." A lot of us have been raised to believe that vulnerability and humility are synonymous with weakness. But things are upside-down in God's kingdom, so a healthy relationship with Him and with others actually requires and open and unmasked heart. What the world exploits, God expands, so let's take up Pastor Tim's challenge to let the Lord reveal His power through our brokenness.
Do you ever think about what you're leaving behind? When we talk about a legacy of faith, what comes to mind? Though it may feel overwhelming, Pastor Tim clarifies how we can start taking a few small steps to benefit those who come behind, knowing that our faith legacy can bring healing to the past, blessing to the present, and hope for the future.
"Who is going to step out in faith for me when I can't step for myself?" We can't keep up this Christian walk for long without some help from the outside. Pastor Tim Ingram encourages us to stop and take a look at our circle of friends--do you have any that are faith-filled? What does a faith-filled friend look like, and why is it so critically important to have them in our lives?
This might very well be the hardest step of faith for some of us. Trusting God with our sin, our children, our job, and our eternity is often easier than trusting Him with our money. Why is it such a struggle? We want to be more generous, but we need helping to step into it. As Pastor Tim shares the truth of God's Word and offers a different perspective, we can come to the realization that, in giving we lose nothing, and we can start to prove that our faith does not depend upon our finances.
Pastor Tim takes on the topic of perseverance. People won't always like it when you grow in your faith. You may even start hearing things like, “Stay in your lane,” or “Sit down and shut up.” It’s going to take perseverance to accomplish your purpose. The good news is, Jesus teaches us how to keep pushing when things are pushing back. If you don't quit, you'll find JOY in the middle of resistance.
Ever been stuck in a rut before, where it's hard to get moving again? The thing is, no one gets saved and just stays exactly the same as before. God's plan for us is that we would all continue to walk with Him, being transformed as we do. How can we make sure that we are alive and growing, not striving and burning out or staying stuck? Pastor Tim Ingram gives us some pointers.
Have you ever tried finding your way in the dark? Taking faith steps can be challenging in normal circumstances. How can we forge ahead when we’re in a crisis or surrounded by circumstances that evoke fear? Pastor Tim Ingram dives into the Word to show us how.
Pastor Tim Ingram launches us into a brand new teaching series today. God likes steps and order! But outside of a relationship with the Lord, we tend to walk in circles. God is always longing to lead His people somewhere special, and if we just make a move in the right direction, we'll discover the incredible power of one small step.
Who are we? What are we doing? What are we about? If you’re curious and want to find out more about HighRidge Longview’s mission to be a strong, healthy, growing church, keep listening as Pastor Tim Ingram explains it all.
There are times when following the Lord’s plan and purpose for our lives can be challenging and down right hard. The good news is, we don’t have to do it alone or in our own strength! Knowing how to adjust our mindset and do a different take can help us persevere instead of losing heart.
Your life = Your sermon. How you live tells some people all they may know about Jesus. The Apostle Paul concludes his letter to his protege Timothy with a strong encouragement to preach the Word, fight the good fight, and finish the race, and we too can be stirred up by his words to start living like we were truly meant to.
Are you prepared for when things get worse? In 2 Timothy, Paul warns his mentee that people will become more selfish, everyone who wants to live godly lives will get persecuted for it, and the truth will get harder to find. How can we apply his wisdom in this present age when "normal" doesn't necessarily mean right and our need for approval makes not fitting in tough?
One generation is preparing the next. When the Apostle Paul writes his second letter to Timothy, he's not pulling any punches. He's giving him the bottom line, telling him to be strong and to keep the main thing the main thing. How can we hold onto and apply his words in this age of distraction?
"When there’s more of your life in the rear-view mirror than the windshield, your perspective changes." When the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, his spiritual son, he probably felt the urgency of passing along the good stuff with no frills. As we study his words together, let his message give you the courage to fight shame, develop your gifts, and fight for your faith.
If your life were a literal house, how structurally sound would you guess it to be? Ask yourself these questions: "What is my house being built by?" "What am I relying on to build me up?" If your answers are a little shaky, there's hope. You can start shoring up your foundation today.
What's the first thing that pops into your head when you think of the word "fear?" An unusual phobia that you have? Anxiety maybe? When Scripture talks about "the fear of the Lord," however, it involves a deep reverence, awe, and respect for His holiness, power, and authority. This kind of fear is actually a gift, and we need to understand why that is if we are to lived transformed lives.
We live in confusing and chaotic times. Life gets hard, and we all need help. Some things will never make perfect sense this side of heaven, so what can we do in the meantime when we just don't understand what's happening around us or inside us?
The Bible says that if we are in Christ, we are a new creation. But what it we don't feel any different? The truth is that, when we decide to follow Him, we are both instantly changed and also in an ongoing process of changing. How can we embrace this fact and get straight to living godly and purposeful lives?
In any relationship, different people contribute different things. We can run into issues whenever we start to make assumptions about responsibilities, which can lead to frustrations in the relationship. How does this apply to our relationship with God? Could it be that most of our spiritual frustrations come from a lack of understanding or unmet expectations from God? Let's get clear on what His expectations are of us, and what ours ought to be of Him.
Has something ever happened to you that you just had to tell someone about? Telling stories brings us joy. In a time when it's normal to STOP doing stuff--cancel, boycott, etc--it’s time we START telling people about what God has done in our lives!
Did you know that Jesus offended people? His teaching and miracles drew massive crowds, but many of those people also turned away from Him when they heard things that they didn't want to hear. Today, we want a gospel that’s non-offensive and all-affirming. The true Gospel is actually abrasive—but it isn't mean.
Do you wrestle with modern culture's criticisms of Christianity? Have you ever struggled to see God's grace when reading the Old Testament? If we're being honest, there are some things about God that don’t make sense, or are hard to reconcile. How can we make sure that we are getting an accurate picture of who God is?
Life robs us of compassion. As little children, we tend to be naturally gentle, empathetic, and sensitive. But as we grow into adulthood, it’s a fight to keep our hearts tender. Maybe it's time to start rethinking compassion. What does the Word say about its importance, and how can we cultivate it in our lives and in the church?
Today is going to be a little different than usual. It's Student Takeover Sunday! Keep watching--our teaching team has an incredible message about impacting the generations that you need to hear.
The enemy of your soul wants believers to stay immature, powerless, and defeated. His strategy is to keep you from God's Word so that it doesn't grow and produce in your life. How can we become aware of his tactics, fight smart, and keep our hearts receptive?
Why did the Apostle Paul devote almost an entire chapter in Ephesians to relationships before he writes about warfare tactics? Because our greatest spiritual attacks are most likely to come through people. How can we keep this in mind and respond out of love while handling difficult people?
Sometimes we don’t know how to distinguish between a bad day and a spiritual attack. When things go south, we need to be able to identify what's really going on, who the enemy is, and how to effectively fight back. How can we prepare ourselves ahead of time for those moments when all hell breaks loose?
Easter was the Sunday morning that changed history. The death and resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of the Christian faith, and yet we often struggle with what it means for us personally. When we really take a deep look at things, it doesn’t take much faith to believe He existed or that He rose, since we have historical evidence for that. Instead, it takes faith to believe that He did it for US PERSONALLY, and to respond accordingly.
If you don't really know who you are, how can you do what you were designed to do? In contrast, when we start to grasp how we were created, it can help us live lives that are deeply connected to God. When each part is functioning well and in its proper place, then we can finally live according to who we really are.
Have you ever heard someone say something like, "Well, I'd like to believe in Jesus, but I just need more proof"? What is it about us as humans that attracts us to skepticism? Does God still do the miraculous, and would we take notice if He did? Sometimes we choose to not believe because of what it would cost if we believed it.
What all has to be taken on faith, and what are things that we can prove? The world is craving proof that this is more than religion...that people can change… that there is hope…that this is real. The thing that God most often uses as proof of the existence of Jesus is our story. How can we share our testimonies in such a way that others can see proof of real life change?
Extraordinary moments only come along every once in a while. Instead of just sitting and waiting for them, what can we be doing in the meantime? How can we make the most of seasons of obscurity? What we find is that God is more interested in developing our character than giving us a fast-track to those opportunities.
You are made up of three parts—spirit, soul, and body. But what happens when one of those parts is unhealthy? When your soul especially is struggling, it can affect everything. How can you keep tabs on the state of your soul, and what steps can you take to get it back to thriving?
Do you struggle with fear? The spirit of fear can inhibit our willingness to engage in the purposes of God for our lives. It succeeds when we allow it to make us more concerned about what might happen than embracing His purpose for our lives. How can we learn to overcome it, changing out its "playlist" in our minds?
You may have heard the phrase "in the world but not of it." How do we live that out practically? How can we stay connected to the Holy Spirit and keep our hearts right in a world that's full of in-your-face wickedness?
There are no perfect families out there! We've all made mistakes that we wish we could "undo." But how can we still position our families for God's best, despite our messes? How can we lead those to whom we are closest into a place where they'll flourish?
Shame is something that we all deal with. We try different things to cover it--being good, staying busy, even attending church--but nothing works for long. How can we embrace God's answer to the issue of the shame that plagues us?
"Wisdom looks for a shortcut. Obedience is that shortcut." In the beginning, Eve sought a path to wisdom outside of God’s boundaries, and if we’re not careful, conventional wisdom can become the enemy of obedience. Instead, God wants our wisdom to be found through relationship with Him.
Since the very beginning, our unchecked desires have created tension between us and God. It takes discernment to know the difference between what our hearts want and what God wants for us. How can we develop that ability, and why is it so important to choose obedience, even if our hearts seem to be in the right place?
So you've recently gotten some direction from the Lord. Now how do you live by it? You may be feeling motivated and inspired early on, but that doesn’t last forever, so how can you be a good steward of the word? It's all about relieving the tension between "Thy Will" and "My Will."
If you found out that God had it on His schedule to meet with you tomorrow, what would you do? Our advice? Don't panic--prepare! Find out how fasting shifts our focus, filters out the noise, and prepares our hearts to hear clearly from the Lord.
It's a new year! As we look ahead, it's easy to get caught up in resolutions, but what does God's Word say? How does He bring about real change, and how can we position ourselves for it?
We love being able to look back and celebrate what we’ve been able to accomplish together over the year for the kingdom. Imagine what we could do if all of God’s people started working together without caring about who gets the credit?
Every family has a little chaos (or a lot). If your family is right in the middle of a crazy season, there's hope! In this message, discover how your family can seek and find God's favor, develop godly character, and be a blessing to others even in the midst of chaos.
Families are complicated, even messy at times. Sometimes we can look at our families and wonder how God could possibly use them. But did you know that even Jesus' lineage was filled with folks that had major flaws? Instead of discounting where we've come from, let's learn how we can leave behind a legacy of faith.
What's the next step after we receive God's love for us? It's tending our relationships with other believers. Are we going next level with our friends, neighbors, coworkers? Or are our actions benefiting us only while causing strife and division in God's family? Get ready for a challenging but vital heart-search!
Did you know that struggling is biblical? When life is tough, we have a lot of questions: "God, where are You?" "Do You see me?" We can ask God questions without questioning God, and while it's normal to struggle, if we're not careful, we will exchange what we know for what we are feeling at the time.
As Christians, we are to be separate from the world. We are also called to love and lead those who don't believe to the Lord. How do we strike an effective balance between these two things? How can we remain anti-culture without being anti-people?
"How can I get in the grind without the grind getting in me?" Being in a season of working and waiting is tough. How can we stay righteous in the waiting, and take responsibility for our spiritual health? Pastor Tim gives us some practical pointers for navigating these times.
"Submission" and "authority" are two words that tend to make us bristle. Most of us have seen the ugly side with people in leadership abusing that power, and it can make us hostile to the very idea. What does healthy, godly submission look like? How can we reframe our perspective, walk it out, and experience God's blessing through humility and trust?
"Doesn't grace mean that I can do whatever I want and just repent later?" No one enjoys discipline, but when we really examine it, we find that it's crucial for helping us live in the sweet spot. If we would begin to see God's correction it in a new light, it could literally change our lives.
"Why doesn't God just give me what I want?" When we find ourselves lacking what we think we need, it can cause us to question Him. But what if He wants to use those seasons of not having enough to teach us something infinitely more valuable? With the proper perspective, we can begin to see emptiness as a gift, showing us that only God can satisfy our deepest needs.
Pain is a part of this life, whether inflicted by others or as a consequence of our own choices. But pain is also where you find out how real your relationship with God is, and what you really believe. If we hold onto Him and dig deep, we can live in the sweet spot even in the midst of that pain.
Did you realize that failure is biblical? We can have such a fear of failure that we choose to live in denial instead of taking personal responsibility. But even failure itself isn't truly failure if we are able to learn from it, move forward, and extend grace to others when they fail.
No one likes change, unless the change was their idea. While change is unavoidable in this life, we don't have to be devastated by it. Instead, we can approach it with wisdom and a proactive attitude if we follow God's blueprint for it. When we do, even big life changes can't keep us out of living in that sweet spot!
Anxiety. It can make life feel overwhelming. Sometimes we get the wrong message that if we're struggling with it, we aren't a "good Christian," or that it somehow disqualifies us from the race. We also worry that we'll never overcome it. But what does God actually say on this subject, and how can we find our sweet spot in the midst of life's stresses, fears, and worries?
LifeGoals: Find something you're good at, build a comfortable life, and enjoy it for as long as you can." But that's not how the Kingdom of God functions. Instead, life to the full is found by staying in the sweet spot of God's will, no matter how uncomfortable or unorthodox. The good news is, if you're in that place, there's nothing that can derail you no matter what life throws at you.
We have a bad habit in this country of separating our American lifestyle from the teachings of Jesus. "Like, I love what He said, but I don’t actually model my life after Him." But what if, instead, our schedules, our thoughts, our prayers, our priorities, our conversations, and our purposes started to line up with that of Jesus while He was on the earth? Would our lives look a little bit different?
Our default as humans is to take the path of least resistance. We want to be spectator, but just as He called His disciples, Jesus is beckoning us to get in the game instead of staying on the sidelines. It's what we were designed for.
What we do as a church has an eternal impact for the gospel--that's a fact. What practical steps can we as the individuals who make up the Body of Christ take to ensure that we remain good stewards of His church?
Life has just been hard lately. From tragedies to distractions to discouragement, there are so many things that threaten to weaken our faith. Whether you've walked away yourself or watched a friend deconstruct, don't quit—God has a strategy to keep us strong and lift others up.
What do you do when things don't go the way you hoped? What is this life all about? God delivered us from the slavery of sin and death, not so that we could have a “perfect life," but so we could know Him intimately. God desires a relationship with us.
What do you do when things don't go the way you hoped? What is this life all about? God delivered us from the slavery of sin and death, not so that we could have a “perfect life," but so we could know Him intimately. God desires a relationship with us.
Passion is important, but it can be elusive. "You can have great leaders, hear great sermons, and still have great apathy." So what causes us to forsake our passion, and how can we gain it back?
It's possible to spend your whole life in church and not know the Lord or be able to hear His voice. In this age of endless noise and distraction, how can we identify God's voice from among the others?
What does coming together as Christians look like, biblically? If we take a look at the early church, what did they do to create healthy community? God created us to need each other, but it doesn't come easily. How can we learn from the past and apply those principles today?
Have you ever taken the time to question what you believe and why you believe it? The truth is, what we believe about God will ultimately shape everything that we do, so it's important to examine ourselves and see if our lives are lined up with His truth, so that our faith frames our experiences—not the other way around.
Ever gone on vacation and come back exhausted? Why do we often feel guilty when we relax? God actually designed us with boundaries and limits so that we will take time for rest and reflection. A good biblical understanding of this can help us in countless ways.
Myth: "We are all children of God." How can we know God, and know that we're His children? Understanding Who He is helps us understand who He created us to be. "Get to know your Father, know yourself."
Ever feel like you don't have what you need or that you aren't enough? Good news! We were actually designed to need God. When faced with problems, lack, and brokenness, if we'll start taking faith steps, we'll begin to see the God of multiplication at work in our lives. Little is much when God is in it.
"You see the glory; you don't know the story." Have you ever tried to give off the impression to others that everything's okay in your life when everything is really not okay? With the Lord's help, we can take off the mask and allow others to see--not perfection--but growth in Him.
Have you ever wondered, especially in times of waiting, pain, or uncertainty, what God's heart for you really looks like? Can God be trusted, and if so, why? What does living in freedom look like, and how do we get to that place?
"You see the glory; you don't know the story." Crisis and success will both lie and tell the truth. How can we live a "won't quit" kind of life when faced with either of these things? Stay with us as we hear Doug and Laura's story.
Has your relationship with Jesus grown stagnant? Are you bored in your faith, wondering if there's more? Good news--there IS more of God to experience! Maybe it's time to look at things differently.
"You see the glory, but you don't know the story." This week, we talk about holding onto God's promises through difficulty, and Paul and Ashley du Feu share about how they struggled to build a family.
"You see the glory, but you don't know the story." This week, we address the painful topic of spiritual abuse and church hurt, and Pastor Chris and Julie Englerth open up about the most difficult time in their journey as worship leaders.
If we’re being honest, embarrassment and public image are hard hurdles for us. Oftentimes, bitterness or our pride keep us from receiving God's best and also from sharing about Him with others. How can we recognize and overcome these hurdles?
You may be asking, "What does Easter have to do with me?" What does Jesus dying on the cross and being raised to life 2,000 years ago have to do with your life? Everything, if you let it...
If we’re being honest, we're conflicted. We can go from praise to worry in the blink of an eye. Just like the crowds on Palm Sunday, we have a choice—will we continue to worship, knowing that what He wants for us is more important than what we want from Him?
If we’re being honest, disappointment in God is a very real thing. When things don’t turned out as planned, we have two choices: take our hurt back to bed, or take it to Jesus.
We live in a world that doesn’t know how to let things go. We carry things we simply aren’t strong enough to carry. Instead of hefting around things like fear, anxiety, insecurity, and unforgiveness, how can we shift those burdens over to God?
Have you ever been wounded by rejection? If we're being honest, we've all experienced wounds that we haven't allowed the Lord to heal. But what could happen if we were to allow Him to redeem our deepest scars?
Do you ever struggle in your faith? Just like the desperate father in the Bible who asked Jesus, "Help my unbelief," if we're being honest, we could all use a little help too.
What does it look like to "walk by the Spirit?" How can we make room in our hearts and schedules for holy interruptions?
What do you hang onto when you're losing? When we feel so discouraged that we find it hard to keep going, there are three things that we can focus on to anchor down our lives.
What should you anchor to as a family? How do you bring stability in a world where family units are breaking down and splintering apart every day? Find hope in what God's Word has to say about this tough topic.
Marriage can be complicated. Sometimes it feels like a boat being tossed back and forth by the waves. How can we anchor our relationships to where they are peaceful and secure?
Purpose is powerful. If we know our purpose, the hope and encouragement that brings can help us weather any storm. God is clear on His purpose, and He wants you clear on yours!
This life in God is a Long Game. There is no “five-year plan and we’ll see what happens." Do we have what it takes to make it to the end? Jesus promises we do!
The word "prosperity" has been misused and abused in the church world, but what does true, biblical prosperity really look like? How can it apply to our lives?
Are you in the middle of a battle? God does warfare differently than the world, and He wants us to follow His example. Learn how to fight His way, with Him!
Many of us don’t get closer to God out of fear. We wonder, "What will I give up?" When life gets hectic and fear takes over, we get consumed with anxiety. The enemy wants us to stay consumed with our fears, lost in our minds. But what would happen if we started to operate in God's strength instead of our own?
It's a new year! Before things pick up at a crazy pace, let's take some time to reflect on the year gone and make some important decisions to guide us through this next season.
Welcome to our Legacy Service, where we look back with gratitude at everything God has done over the past year—the lives changed, mountains moved, Gospel proclaimed. Let's celebrate the past and dream about the future. What could you do if you knew that you already had the victory?
"How can I build my life around the things that really matter? I don't just want to be temporally successful, but eternally significant."
What's most important in life? Have you ever found yourself needing to re-prioritize? Stick with us as we cover what matters most, and what loving God really looks like.
Wounds from God’s people seem different than other wounds...more hurtful. It's naïve to think that Christians won’t deeply offend each other and pastors won’t fail. How can we overcome church hurt and fulfill our calling?
Did you know that God is a giver? If we want to become like Him, we need to mature into being generous people. Once we do, we find that our giving can actually bring joy and defeat the Enemy!
It's been a year of conflict and emotion. Many Christians are drifting away from the faith. How can we help to connect people back to Jesus?
Peace is hard to come by these days. We are surrounded by chaos. How can we find stability while living in a world that's unstable? How can we keep our hearts and minds calm enough to make good decisions day to day?
Like a coach with his players, Jesus went over the game plan with His disciples right before He went to the cross. If we study His words in John 15, we too can learn what we are supposed to do and how to measure whether or not we are really doing it.
Do you find it hard to pay attention? Distractions are everywhere, and they can eventually lead you away from the purpose that God has for your life. So how can we overcome distractions so we can focus fully on Jesus?
Do you ever feel like you're just settling for the status quo? What keeps us from receiving God's best? How we understand His Word and who Jesus is can determine the way in which we experience His power.
Our world has been gripped with a contentious spirit. Everything is a fight, argument and an opinion. It infiltrates our marriages, homes, relationships, and the Body of Christ. How do we contend for the right things and unsubscribe from the wrong ones? What’s worth arguing about, and what isn’t?
As humans, we love convenience. But when it comes to our faith, we can't be willing to serve God only when conditions are right. In fact, most of the time, what we call inconvenience, Jesus calls ministry!
"I feel deeply about it, but I don’t know what to do.” Have you ever thought this? Wanting to see change brings frustration, and frustrations and passion without outlets often turn into criticism. How can we "unsubscribe" from feeling frustrated and actually make headway in what God's called us to do about the things that frustrate us?
Burnout happens to us all. It occurs when physical and mental fatigue meet emotional and spiritual depletion. How do we "unsubscribe" from burnout when it seems unavoidable?
We have all felt powerless at times. Life has moments of doubt. God wants us to lean in and fight those feelings of powerlessness.
We will do anything to maintain control. We falsely believe that greater control leads to more freedom, security, and satisfaction, but in reality is leads us down a path of weakened faith, trust issues and anxiety. God wants us to know that He is in control and that all we need to do is trust Him.
Unhealthy anxiety can leave us dreading the future, but God gives us the choice to combat our negative feelings. He empowers us through the Holy Spirit, scripture, other believers, and our own faith.
To unsubscribe means to cancel a previously desired service. God gave us a healthy fear to warn us and keep us safe, but fear becomes unhealthy when it pushes us out of the presence of God. When we are controlled by a Spirit of Fear we tend to belittle and bully others who are afraid. But we do not have to allow fear to control our minds and actions. God has given us a choice to unsubscribe from the spirit of fear.
We place value in so many things that are not needed or valuable for our lives. It is time to unsubscribe from a works based relationship and step into a new season God has designed for you.
Generosity changes mindsets. From a mindset of poverty, generosity gives us an abundance mindset. From a spirit of religion, generosity gives us a spirit of maturity. God won't ask you to give what you don't have, but He does ask you to give what you can and start where you are to be a generous person.
We need to be reminded in hard times who our God is. That we are His children. And that He will continue to deliver us.
Many times we can become distracted in the midst of storms, but our hardest storms often lead to our greatest moments with God. It is our job to adapt the perspective of Jesus to learn the lesson of the storm.
There are three connections in our lives that we need to be constantly aware of: our connection to Jesus, our connection to believers, and our connection to the world. Jesus is our example for our lives. He lived connected to others. He lived a life that won people to Him.
There are three types of people. Those in desperate need of grace and aware of it. Those in desperate need of grace, that are unaware of it and are offended at grace when it's given to others. And those that extend grace to everyone they meet.
"Don't love your life so much that you miss where Jesus is leading you." Just like the disciples had to lay down their fishing nets and careers to follow Jesus, sometimes He asks us to give up certain things when He comes calling so that we can live all-in lives for Him. Is He worth it to you?
How do we stay in God's presence in the midst of chaos? Even more than that, how can we keep our passion for the Lord ignited in the middle of difficult circumstances?
Building God’s Kingdom is not cheap and never easy. Storms are bound to come, so we have to make sure that we're building on a good foundation. The amazing thing is, when you set your heart to build God’s House, He will establish yours.
"The biggest waste of my life is to spend it building a kingdom for myself." True Kingdom Builders have a clear understanding of who God is and of who they are. They follow Jesus, the perfect leader, with a willingness to put in the work, in order to be living examples of God's grace on display.
Sometimes an incorrect view of God can cause us to misuse our talents and resources, but a Kingdom Builder is someone with a relentless focus on eternity. Are we pursuing the Kingdom of God? Or are we wasting the resources God has given us on ourselves? What would change today if I determined that I was all-in?
We know that Satan's plan is to destroy families, and we know that it's never too late to work on building them up. But what are some practical ways that we can fight for our families and enemy-proof them?
Satan's plan is to destroy families. Often, we find ourselves fighting against our family instead of fighting for or alongside them. How can we push back the darkness and start winning this battle?
Unity is one thing that God desperately desires for us, and it's also something that the world isn't able to achieve. Our enemy is seeking hard to divide and conquer. The last thing he wants to see is unity between God's people!
Mankind has been abusing scripture to justify hatred toward different people groups for centuries. What did Jesus mean when He talked about loving our neighbors? What about loving our enemies?
"Only one thing could offer total loss as a price tag and be worth it." Self-denial is in direct opposition to today's western culture, yet Jesus claimed that it's a must for anyone who wants to be His disciple.
"Love one another" isn't hard to understand, but it sure is hard to do. How can we keep showing love when our wills get crossed, when times are rough, and when we disagree? How do we fulfill Jesus' command (not suggestion) to love others the way He loves us?
Jesus taught us to do some things that aren't hard to understand, but hard to do. Repenting is one of those things. It isn't talked about enough these days, but it's the actually the key to bringing about real change in your life.
There’s always a next step that Jesus asks us to take. The things Jesus taught aren’t difficult to understand, but they’re often hard to do. How can we walk forward instead of being paralyzed by sorrow, pain, or fear?
Are you living on the wrong side of Easter? The disciple Peter was. It took a moment with the resurrected Jesus to help him realize what real living looks like on this side of Jesus' victory on the cross. How can we start living on the right side of Easter, the way that Jesus intends for us?
Have you ever felt like your prayers were powerless, or maybe that God was ignoring His message "notifications" from you? Learn how persistence, motives, and method come into play when it comes to our petitions to the Lord.
How are we to live in a post-Christian society? Do we sit around and wait for the rapture? How do we deal with the constant panic and pressure that seem to be mounting more and more?
Sometimes we feel like if we serve in some capacity, we will eventually be left empty, worn out, and burned out. But that's not the way God designed us. When we are constantly connected to Him as our source, serving with our gifts leads us to growth, friendships, health, and wholeness.
"How do I get to the next season, to the “more” that God is calling me into?" Are you stuck in a season and wanting more? In order to get to what's next, we need to take some important steps.
We believe God CAN do anything, but does that mean He DOES everything? When you run out of human options, you always have divine opportunities. In these situations, we have to learn to follow Jesus and apply our faith.
Are you having power problems? Find yourself off track, undisciplined, or spiritually regressing? Where's the divine strength that God promised to give us in 2 Peter 1:3? Here are three things that might be keeping you from receiving it.
2020 was tough on marriage! We need to be honest about what we want our relationships to be and work to get them there. Sharing from personal practice and experience, Tim and Tina cover four biblical principles to help create a healthy marriage.
Sometimes we aren’t seeing the power of God in our lives because we're refusing to move. Tough times cause us to grow stagnate, but God wants us to get back in the game!
Oftentimes, we "put God in a box." What keeps God from moving sometimes? As believers, we have a constant desire to understand the will of God for our lives. What’s My part of that, and what’s God’s part?
Your value has been determined for you by the blood of Jesus, and we ought to lay down our lives others, despite, politics, skin color, background, sin, etc. People are searching for meaning, worth, purpose, and belonging. God’s family is the answer!
Your year will follow the leading of priorities and decisions. What if the foundation for every day became “How can I show the love of Jesus to people today?” Don't let anything keep you from prioritizing the Good News that changes lives!
We can't overemphasize the importance of hearing from God before making major decisions. You can’t fully do the will of God until you have a word from God.
This next year will be your best or your worst based upon what you set as your priorities. God honors firsts. Make time for what's truly important.
2020 has not been a year of great joy. It seems like this year has had more than its fair share of the blues. Are we missing something? Is it possible to find joy in the middle of grief?
2020 has caused many to lose all hope. Give up. If we aren’t careful, dark times will make dark hearts. But as long as there is a God, there’s always hope. As long as there is hope, the possibilities are endless.
Ever received a gift that you didn’t know you needed until later on? If we don’t understand grace, how can we know how to use it?
Bitterness is like drinking poison and expecting it to kill someone else. No matter how long you nurse a grudge, it won't get better—it will only get bigger. Which will you choose—to get bitter or to get better?
2020 has been a crazy year full of battles. What do you know to be true about spiritual warfare? How do you know if you’re winning? Losing?
When times are tough, we go into control mode. What happens when our desire for control in the midst of chaos becomes an idol? We have to choose to relinquish control to the Holy Spirit. Can God can use even chaos for His glory?
Identity. Who we are. Who we want others to see us as. We suffer when we allow the world to tell us our place, our identity, our limitations. Words shape our destiny. Labels create lifestyles. How can we remove this idol from our hearts and replace it with God's truth?
Often our biggest source of false joy, identity, worth, and security is found in our money. When we make more, we feel relaxed and free. When we’re in debt, we feel trapped and insecure. We get uptight when people talk about it, suspicious when pastors preach about it, glad when we get more, and jealous when others do. And it can become our master.
We build idols to our security all the time, believing that God is the God of constant safety. "I don’t have to step out in faith, as long as I believe." That’s a false god. Faith always takes a step!
Fear of people's opinions--it often drives everything we do. But when you spend all your time fearing man, you don’t have time to pursue your purpose.
Sometimes we make idols of our past--wins, losses, and even experiences with God. But the past is a launching pad, not a destination.
Generous giving is a heart thing! Remember, God is your source and provider for everything.
Watched Duck Dynasty? Our Men's Ministry had the privilege of hosting Duck Commander Jase Robertson for a men's event this month. Enjoy!
As the world continues to open up, we are quickly drawn back into the busy schedule that we left. There's not enough hours in the day to make it all work. How did Jesus do it?
“Mountains” are used biblically to describe literal mountains, kingdoms, and impossible situations. As fruit-bearing, faith-filled believers, we need to understand how impossible and difficult situations are supposed to be dealt with.
We don’t often think of God having a sense of humor, but He does. We were created in His image and His essence, and it’s part of our DNA to be able to laugh at things. But in tough times, the first thing to disappear is laughter.
Each life consists of moments that define us, powerful memories that shape our existence. Sometimes we want the world to know. Sometimes we’d like a do-over.
Frustration can lead to anger, depression, mistakes or success depending upon how we choose to process.
A third of practicing Christians have stopped attending church during the COVID crisis. They're not coming back. They're not watching online. They're not going elsewhere.
Our culture is cancelling anyone who disagrees with the approved narrative. The church is next.
What if we did everything in our power to ensure that the Bride of Christ is set up for success?
We are seeing change at a rapid rate. Where does the church fit in? What needs to change? What do we need to fight for?
Your world is full of decisions. Most of them we don’t make logically. We go by what we feel. What we think will be accepted by “peers”. This feels right. This makes sense. Except when it doesn’t. God has always pushed His people to think differently than the rest of the world.
When you add frustration to fear, faith gets fragile. Only Jesus offers a better reality.
As Jesus prepares His disciples for their mission without Him, He makes this shocking statement...
Our world is filled with loud opinions and conspiracies. What is a Christian's role in “woke” culture? What is healthy and what isn’t? How do I know what to believe?
Life gets overwhelming, confusing and causes uncertainty. For some, it brings out the best. For others, uncertain times bring pain and big mistakes.