God Chose You

Chris Risley
Ephesians 1:8-23

Against all reason, God chose to love you! He loves you not because of anything you have done but because He created you. He wants YOU, not the things you can do for Him. Once you heard the message of forgiveness, and believed it, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. God wants you to know how much He loves you and He will help you to believe Him.

Opening the Eyes of Your Heart

James Rochford
Ephesians 1:15-23

Opening the eyes of your heart involves transitioning from propositional truth of knowing God in a head-knowledge sort of way to a personal knowledge of God that goes deep into your heart. We need God's enlightenment to understand the depth of these truths. We can access this enlightenment of the heart by prayer, meditation and recognition and redirection throughout the day.

Standing Firm

Mike Sullivan
1 Peter 5:8-14

Peter describes Satan as a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. He attempts to devour us by means of distraction, deception and other schemes. As Christians, we resist him by standing solid in the faith. Stand fast in the true grace of God.

Three Essential Elements of Christian Unity

Gary DeLashmutt
Philippians 1:27-2:2

Three essential elements of Christian unity are we have a common relationship with Jesus, a common source of truth, and a common mission. We are not united by a common membership in the same human organization but we have a common love relationship with Jesus through His Spirit who directs us into truth and His purpose for us.

Giving Away God's Love: Encourage One Another

Patrice McCormac
1 Thessalonians 5:14

A good definition of encouragement is words or actions, rooted in truth, designed to strengthen people to keep pursuing the things of God. Effective encouragement has both loving motivation and the wisdom to discern the needs of the moment of the other person accurately. To become a more effective encourager, prayerfully make it a goal when you get together with people to look for opportunities to listen well and give a timely word of encouragement.

Connecting with the Lord in the Midst of Parenting

Rosy Talarzyk
1 Thessalonians 5:14

As parents, we are so focused on helping our children grow physically and spiritually, that sometimes we neglect our wellbeing. Rosy Talarzyk shares her experience learning to stay close to Jesus in the middle of the ups and downs of parenting. We need to continue to grow with the Lord as much as our kids do. Knowing God not just for what He can do for us but for who He is in His own right. Are you making maturity in your relationship with God a priority for you and your children's sake?

Spiritual Lessons from Paul's Associates

Gary DeLashmutt
Colossians 4:7-17

A study of the associates of Paul who ministered with him can reveal many spiritual lessons. Three lessons we can learn from his fellow-workers in Christ are behind-the-scenes ministry roles are essential, our God is the God of second chances and intercessory prayer is a powerful ministry.

Drawing Near to God

Gary DeLashmutt
Psalms 84

Drawing near to God is important because God's presence is our true home. Being near to God strengthens us and is our greatest treasure. We need to come near to God in the way He has designated. We commune with God through petition and praise, and both in private and with others.

Embracing a Lifestyle of Love:Toward Non-Christians Part 2

Gary DeLashmutt
Colossians 4:2-6

Showing God's love to non-Christians through our attitudes and actions involves sharing God's love through our words about Jesus. It First of all, pray for God to open doors for you to share the truth of God's love and for wisdom in how to make the most of opportunities. Always use gracious speech.