The path toward true greatness requires rethinking what it means to be great. We can do this by laying hold of the help and example of Jesus who was greatly honoured, precisely because He was willing to humble Himself.
Trials are an unavoidable part of life. But they’re all the more painful when we don’t see them coming. For God’s people, the Bible describes both salvation and suffering as gifts of a gracious God who loves us. Understanding God’s purpose in trials can give hope and strength in the face of our challenges.
Many people face death with fear and regret. But the Bible presents a way of living that results in hope, confidence and even anticipation in the face of death. This talk presents a clear path for anyone to examine their life in light of Scripture and find the confidence that God provides to face death.
When difficulties hit, it’s easy to blame God and ask why He allowed them. But it’s only as we start asking what His purposes in our suffering might be that we begin to grasp God’s good plan for us.
Gratitude changes people’s lives, but how can we get it? We tend to rest our feelings of thanks on comfortable circumstances but God can build gratitude in us as we reflect on what He’s done and anticipate what He’ll do. Our gratitude grows as we move from spectator to participant in the purposes of God.
Philippians 1:1-11 // [outline]
We need courage for many things in life, but perhaps nowhere more than in the area of parenting. It takes courage to trust God’s wisdom for our children, especially when others are steering us in other directions. But it’s that wisdom that can lead them into a life of blessing.
Sometimes we lack confidence. Other times, we’re so confident we take on battles we were never designed to face. Discerning between the world’s battles and the Lord’s battles helps us to know when to dig in and when to walk away.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “The only fight which is lost is that which we give up.” Too often we don’t have the courage to persevere because the task feels too big and our resources feel too small. But often God deliberately aims to make us feel overwhelmed in order that we would trust Him and see the victory that only He can bring.
Judges 7:9-25 // [outline]
Most of us have things we would like to accomplish but find ourselves held back by fear. But God is at work in our lives to move us to trust Him and follow where He leads. As we lay hold of His promises and trust in His victory, we find the courage to step out in confidence.
So often we pursue public victories, but they seldom come before we face our private battles. God’s grace gives us the courage to face our demons and deal with issues that would otherwise keep us from effectiveness.
Judges 6:25-32 // [outline]
When we experience a series of losses and things don’t seem to go our way, it’s easy for self-pity to take over. But an encounter with God can move us to hope and courage as we see what is possible with God’s strength working despite our weakness.
Judges 6:11-24 // [outline]
Selfishness hurts relationships and often spoils the good in our lives. But it’s difficult to recognize in ourselves and even more difficult to root out. This message looks at how we can relate to God in such a way that we can break free from the selfish patterns we’re prone to.
