Bitter or Better?

The LIFT

Bitter or Better?

March 17, 2024 • Pastor Lance Bradley

In this message, Pastor Lance talks about bitterness and how we can be bitter or get better. He speaks of the hidden dangers of bitterness and how we can get rid of it.

It usually starts as a hurt, like an argument with a friend or family member. If left unchecked, that hurt will continue to grow, turning into anger or resentment and eventually deep-rooted bitterness.

To guard against it, be mindful of how you process hurt. When someone hurts you, do you tend to:

1. Replay the conversation in your head over and over 😭

2. Make up a conversation where you tell them what you really think 😤

3. Vent to friends, family members, or on social media 😡

When a conversation triggers you, or you feel yourself dwelling on something painful from your past, do the unthinkable: Let it go, lead with kindness, and live out forgiveness! Ask God for His help. The more you practice forgiveness, the easier it will become.

Watch this message for a deeper dive into what the Bible calls the "root of bitterness."

How To Choose What Is Important

March 10, 2024 • Pastor Lance Bradley

In this message, Pastor Lance teaches how to choose what is important. Chances are you feel super busy and wish you had more time to do the things you enjoy the most, such as spending time with your kids, working out, playing golf, or even relaxing with a good book. There's a real tension between the unimportant and the most important. That can be hard to manage, but you're not alone. We're all figuring out how to deal with our busyness. Watch the full message to hear three ways to choose the important from the story of two sisters in Luke 10, Martha and Mary.

Surrender Is Better Than Control

March 3, 2024

For most of us, there are areas of our lives that we're always trying to control. That need for control sometimes reveals where we're weak spiritually and not trusting God. The more we try to control, the more control we try to have. It causes pain, brings conflict, creates confusion, and ultimately disrupts God's work in our lives. Are you a controlling person? Do you have control issues? No matter what you feel or think, control doesn't have to control you. In this message, Pastor Lance shares some questions to help choose surrender instead of control.

Purpose Over Praise

February 18, 2024 • Pastor Lance Bradley

What would it be like to be liked by everyone? No arguments, misunderstandings, or criticism. Everyone admires and approves of you. We know that's not happening! We will never please everyone, and yet so many people try. We live for the approval of man and miss out on the purposes of God. In this message, Pastor Lance talks about setting ourselves free from other people's opinions and choosing what is better: God's purpose. Imagine if you didn't care what other people thought of you. You were only focused on pleasing God and living out His purpose for your life, and the approval of others didn't matter. In this message, Pastor Lance teaches how living on purpose is better than living for approval. We're learning to let go of what we think is good and choose what is better.