Habakkuk 3:17-19; Deuteronomy 26:1-11 It’s possible to have joy even when things in life are going wrong. When God is center in our lives, we always give Him our best, which is the principle of the Old Testament “Firstfruits.” So when God is first in our lives, even...
2 Corinthians 8:8-15; 9:6-12 The Corinth church was well off and Paul was trying to raise a collection for the poor church in Jerusalem. Paul wants them to want to give generously but they seem unwilling from their heart to do so. Giving comes from joy that flows from...
Ephesians 4:15-16, 29-32 We want to be known as a church where people are known, loved, and cared for. This is much needed as loneliness penetrates the deepest parts of our lives. In Paul’s letter to new Christians, he wants them to know the life transforming power...
James 2:1,5-13 We know that we are living out what God longs for the church to be when we live for others. focusing on ourselves instead of serving our neighbor is part of our fallen human nature—yet, God calls us to sacrifice what pleases us for those who he longs to...
Deuteronomy 4:5-8 Being a community is more than a gathering of people. It is living out together the wisdom and ways of God. As a faith community does just this, its neighbors see God and His people as something they need and want. Living out God’s way of life...
