Living Words - Series 1
Living Words 13: The Eternal King & His Kingdom
March 31, 2024
We think, speak, and act in the short-term reality of the present, yet our life spans years of human history and leaves an impact that is eternal. What view should we take as we live our lives? A short-term view of the world can result in momentary happiness or dismay. But a long-term view of God at work in human history reveals that he has been at work for centuries preparing for our salvation and renewal, and that is where we have hope. (Based on 2 Samuel 7:1-17 & John 20:1-18.)
Living Words 12: Heart Matters
March 24, 2024
We humans tend to assess a person’s suitability for greater things based on their appearance. God does not. Instead he looks at our heart. And God is not looking for perfection or performance. It’s our brokenness and frailty that qualifies us for God’s grace and acceptance. (Based on 1 Samuel 16:1-13.)
Living Words 11: Hope for the Helpless
March 17, 2024
Loss and disappointment can leave us feeling empty with no hope of every being filled again in sight. Helpless and hopeless, we need someone to come and bless us with lovingkindness, redeem us from our desperate situation, and restore us to fullness. And the Good News is that we have Someone who will do this for us, the ultimate Redeemer, Jesus. (Based on the Book of Ruth.)
Living Words 10: Victory in Weakness
March 10, 2024
Facing a great challenge in weakness and inadequacy goes against our nature. Our overwhelming preference is to have strength in advance before we engage. Yet God calls us to live in a different way--by faith and not by sight--trusting in the God who calls us forward to bring us victory through our weakness. (Based on Judges 7:1-8.)
Living Words 9: The Call to Courage
March 3, 2024
Fear is part of life. There are many things that could be real or imagined threats to us. But we need to face our fears or they will crush us. Where do we find the courage we need to face our fears and live life with confidence? In our Lord God who promised to be with us wherever we go. (Based on Joshua 1:1-11).
Living Words 8: Living in God's Abundant Love
February 25, 2024
Living a self-directed life is like assembling a complex piece of furniture without the instructions. The end product will not be as functional or beautiful as the manufacturer intended. Our affections need to be focused on the epitome of greatness, goodness and love: Yahweh. And when we love him with all our heart, soul and strength, we want to live as he directs us. That's when we experience the abundant life he wants to give to us. (Based on Dt. 6:1-12.)
Living Words 7: Conquering Giants
February 18, 2024
The ability to feel fear is something that God put in us to help protect us, but he did not intend that it control us. When fear is directing our thoughts, feelings, and actions, it can negatively impact our health and keep us from stepping into the abundant life that God wants to give us. But how do we overcome our fears? By remembering that the Lord is with us. (Based on Num. 14:1-9, 26-35.)
Living Words 6: The Lamb that Saves and Sets Free
February 11, 2024
There are times in all our lives when we come up against challenges that are too great for us to handle. We are helpless and it seems like things are hopeless. But then God steps in and rescues us in a surprising way: a defenseless lamb gives up its life to save us and set us free. (Based on Ex. 12:1-13.)
Living Words 5: From Frustration to Freedom
February 4, 2024
A common misconception about life with God is that everything is awesome once you begin your journey with him. It isn't. In fact, following God can lead you into times that are harder than anything you have ever experienced before. But it is in those hard times that we are drawn deeper into our relationship with God and we are then better prepared to embrace the good things he has for us in the future. (Based on Exodus 5:22-6:12.)
Living Words 4: Encountering the Holy in the Ordinary
January 28, 2024
It is easy for us to become so preoccupied that we live as if God has nothing to do with our lives. We may say that we believe in God, but we rely entirely on natural forces to make our way in this world. And with a "head down" perspective, we miss out on better knowing God and what he is doing in and around us. Thankfully, God does come into our ordinary lives and he enables us to live life with our head up so we can see the holy in the ordinary. (Based on Exodus 3:1-17.)
Living Words 3: From Pit to Purpose
January 21, 2024
We tend to measure success by results, but when we chase results, we can miss what is truly important. The place to start is by finding our purpose, a purpose that fits with who we are and which we can fulfill regardless of whether our circumstances go up or down. Through the life of Joseph, we can see that God wants to give us a purpose that will lead us into an abundant life with him both now and forever. (Based on Genesis 37 and following.)
Living Words 2: The Journey of Faith
January 14, 2024
Sometimes we get to choose the path we are on and sometimes we don't. But what about those times when God calls us onto a path that's different from what we would have chosen? We remember God's faithfulness and the many ways he blesses those who follow him down through the generations. (Based on Gen. 12:1-9).
Living Words 1: In the Beginning
January 7, 2024
Untethered from God and the roots he gives us in creation, we can feel formless and empty with darkness enveloping our soul. But the same Holy Spirit that was present at creation is freely available to us through Jesus, and the Spirit can recreate our inner being so that we see God and our life in a new and better way. (Based on Gen. 1:1-5, 1:24-2:3.)