Joy is a God-given gift. It’s something that extends far beyond choice. Ultimately, joy is what God wants for us. Christ being a part of our world is the greatest reason for joy. God’s ability to supply us with abounding grace directly relates to Christ's work on the cross and correlates to our willingness to abound in good works. We have security in Christ. In the Commandments, the sinner sees restriction but the saved see freedom.
Dec 23, 2024•26 min
We are called to be people of peace. After all, Christ is the Prince of Peace. It’s our job to pursue peace and perpetrate peace in the world. This isn’t always easy but it is necessary. Realizing the hope we have in Jesus allows us to find peace that is beyond the understanding of others. The only way to experience true peace is by accepting the free gift of grace from the shedding of Christ's blood. Each of us is searching for that missing peace. It turns out that Jesus is the missing piece, i...
Dec 08, 2024•25 min
We hope for a lot of things. I hope the Chiefs win. I hope that shirt goes on sale. I hope I get a raise. Hope used in this way is fleeting and frail. The hope of the Bible is foundational and life-altering. This is the hope we have in Jesus. This is the hope secured for us by Jesus. Biblical God-inspired hope, which is what we have in Christ, is an expectation, not a wish. Jesus was born to die, and his destruction is the security of hope. You've sinned, Jesus saves, Your faith guarantees it....
Dec 01, 2024•27 min
As Christians, gratitude should permeate our lives. Christians should be characterized by their expressions of gratitude. Our goal is to be distinct from non-Christians. Joy and happiness are not equal. Happiness is a measure of outer contentment. Joy is a measure of inner peace. Christians avoid needless conflict with this world. Joy is the pathway to peace.
Nov 24, 2024•28 min
Learning to be grateful when things don’t go our way. Few things make those without faith more angry than seeing those with faith remain faithful in the midst of trials. Choosing gratitude over grumbling is a matter of perspective. Pure gratitude doesn’t just say “thank you for the strength during my trial”, but “thank you for the strength from my trial.” It allows us to look for the lesson rather than just desiring for the pain to lessen. Good doesn’t exist outside of the blessing of God....
Nov 18, 2024•23 min
This week kicks off a new series on giving thanks. What are some of the basics of gratefulness? Our reason for gratefulness can be firmly found in the sacrifice of Christ. We all have something to be thankful for. God’s love endures where human love ends. Gratitude is a choice solidified by habit. Christians should be characterized by their expressions of gratitude.
Nov 11, 2024•33 min
We claim to be "one nation under God" and yet our nation doesn't reflect the fruits of the Spirit. How do we influence our nation to be a beacon for the Gospel and not continue down the road of pride and sin? As Christians, we need to be praying for our Nation! We are called to be change in the world. We have a responsibility to represent Jesus in the political arena. I will not excuse myself from the truth that my greatest responsibility isn’t to help win an election but to help win souls....
Nov 03, 2024•28 min
Just as Paul used his Roman citizenship to further the Gospel, how can we use our American citizenship to further the Gospel? Find common ground with the people you are speaking to. Be an upstanding citizen. Let the Gospel be the offense.
Oct 27, 2024•25 min
We are called to be citizens of Heaven, to transcend our Earthly citizenship. What does that mean for us today, especially with how politically charged our nation has become? How do we live in a way that puts our Heavenly citizenship above our status as Americans?
Oct 20, 2024•17 min
Chapter 9 and 10 show the natural response to the Goodness of God - celebration. We must celebrate the goodness of God and praise him for all he has done. You need not worry about what the enemy has planned for you. Just have faith that the reverse is going to occur. God influences others through your trials and impending victories. Motivation matters. Success is rooted in the Why. It’s important to remember all that has been accomplished on our behalf. If God doesn’t get praise for the good thi...
Oct 14, 2024•31 min
Esther continues to lay herself at the king’s feet, this time for the rescue of the Jews. In Chapter 8 we see that God not only hears his people, and spares his people, but blesses his people. This is God at work to bring about the redemption of his people. that God’s redemption isn’t simply about removing bad but replacing it with better. In this moment, we see that faith builds. Occasionally, we must participate in our own deliverance. The proper response to witnessing the work of God is to re...
Oct 06, 2024•29 min
Haman’s evil deeds are brought to light. God’s people will not be wiped out by the evil plans of others. Haman brought his destruction on himself, and again we see God’s work from the beginning. Esther shows us the way in which we should approach the Lord - with humility and hope. God sees, he hears, and he moves. A lack of appreciation for our blessings leads to our destruction. Someone out there is praying for the family you take for granted. The home you wish was bigger. The job that pays you...
Sep 29, 2024•25 min
Mordecai saved the king and Haman wanted to kill Mordecai. This chapter shows us the difference between those that seek to bring glory to themselves versus those who seek to serve the greater good. The invisible providence of God is at work when the rest of the world is sleeping. I don’t believe in coincidence, luck, or happy accidents. I do subscribe to a powerful God of purpose. Hello Big Head, welcome hot coals.
Sep 23, 2024•28 min
Esther risks her life to save others. But throughout the entirety of this book, we see God preparing her for this moment. And so it shouldn’t be any surprise that it works in her favor. This moment shows both the continued providence of God as well as the power of prayer and fasting. While we may be fearful of approaching earthly kings, we never have to be afraid of approaching God. While earthly kings often withhold good fortune in favor of self-preservation and glorification, we serve a God wh...
Sep 16, 2024•30 min
Mordecai becomes the villain but, because of God’s providence, he has an opportunity to rescue his people. He just Needs Esther to speak to the king, which could cost her her life. It’s okay to grieve for what’s been lost, even if it was given away for the right reasons. Grief without a plan leads to aimless wandering instead of purposeful progression. Sometimes fear gets in the way of you taking necessary risks. It’s important to surround yourself with people who will tell you hard truths. Hard...
Sep 09, 2024•26 min
They say if you live long enough, you either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain. Mordecai manages to experience both happenings in very quick succession. This passage shows us that you can do the right thing and have very different outcomes for your actions. Time reveals that God has Mordecai in this position as part of his larger providence for the remnant. It is naive to think that standing firm in our faith won’t at some point cost us. Haman’s inability to be sa...
Sep 02, 2024•26 min
Esther, in a series of fortunate events, finds herself in the favor of Hegai, leader of the harem. She shows through these events her God-given ability to listen to wisdom which leads to her being chosen as the new queen, ultimately saving her people. When our tempers control us, regret can’t take away the damage we cause. Good men raise good children. Blessing comes from inner beauty. Real wisdom and our ability to listen to the experience of others are related. Stop telling God that He can’t u...
Aug 25, 2024•28 min
The king is a jerk and Vashti wasn’t willing to play his game. While she is punished, the Bible doesn’t speak against her actions. Still, this moment is used by God to rescue his people. Riches, wealth, and status don’t make a man. God’s purpose was being fulfilled through earthly failure. Sometimes justified actions are met with unjust consequences. Godly male authority in the home is based on servant leadership, not brash decrees.
Aug 19, 2024•29 min
Noble women focus on eternal things, seek to serve the eternal king, and live with the goal of pleasing him. Noble women seek to serve others as a service to the Lord. Noble women are Christ-Centered, not self-centered. Noble women do not concern themselves with earthly outcomes in favor of heavenly outcomes. Noble women let the true Gospel rule their lives and will let it be the offense. Noble women serve others out of reverence for Jesus....
Aug 12, 2024•28 min
Noble women are constantly aware of pride and selfishness and strive to think of others more. Noble women understand that humility only adds to their strengths and is in no way a weakness. Noble women understand that God is in control so they don’t need the credit. Noble women understand that God values their humility more than their accomplishments. Noble women have the same mindset as Jesus, which elevates others above themselves. The biggest struggle women tend to have when it comes to selfis...
Aug 04, 2024•25 min
Bodies deteriorate, persons develop. Invest in that which lasts. Women must understand that their worth is not tied in any way, shape or form to their bodies. Beauty and physical charm aren’t bad, but they fade. Noble women are judged by that which is eternal, not that which is temporary. Noble women don’t let the world set beauty standards on their behalf. Bodies deteriorate, persons develop. Noble women invest in that which lasts and understand that their worth is not tied in any way, shape or...
Jul 28, 2024•38 min
The noble woman speaks faithfully, loving others with Godly wisdom, boldness, and kindness as a faithful “completer” of others. Noble women deliver wisdom for the betterment of others. A faithful speaker understands that the truth ultimately causes less harm than appeasing others. One of the greatest things that a wife can do for her husband is tell him the truth. Your words are powerful and important, but be careful of the fruit they bear.
Jul 21, 2024•29 min
A woman of noble character rejects the lies that satisfaction comes from anything or anyone other than God. A Noble Woman’s worth is solidified by her character. Character is defined as the mental and moral qualities distinctive of an individual. Noble woman of high character have one main thing in common, they are God seekers. Your identity should flow through God the Father and Christ the Son. When we seek God first, the significance of the anxiety inducing questions fades in light of his glor...
Jul 14, 2024•36 min
Men of God live differently than the rest of the world. Live open-handed. Do for one what you cannot do for all. Be kind and put yourself in someone else’s shoes before casting judgment. Pass the praise around. Seek opportunities to share admiration for others. Charity, mercy, and kindness make a man far more than self-reliance and cold-heartedness. Men of God live open-handed. Men of God treasure people more than treasure. Men of God will trade being uncomfortable in this world for the comforts...
Jun 30, 2024•27 min
Know and grow yourself, attend to weaknesses that are present and learn from mistakes. Also, count your blessings. Expect nothing and be thankful for everything. A man who continually repeats the same errors does a truly disgusting thing. When it comes to matters of faith, men of God avoid returning to a life before Christ. When we recognize what God has done for us, it encourages us to maintain our progress. There is no reason for a regenerated believer to yield to temptation....
Jun 23, 2024•31 min
Men respect their leaders and consider advice from the experienced. They face anxiety purposefully fearing only a future of regret. A lack of seeking counsel isn't about self-reliance but a lack of respect for what others have to offer. Seeking counsel gives us a different perspective. Seeking counsel instills confidence in us. Seeking counsel helps us avoid failure. Pride is evil because it prevents us from hearing the wisdom of others. It takes courage to step out and ask for help and to liste...
Jun 17, 2024•28 min
Men shoulder blame and carry the burdens of those who are weak. Men also create paths rather than follow them. Don’t allow yourself to be dismayed by critics - know who you are. We have a duty to protect and serve those who are weaker than us. In order to share in another’s burdens, we must have a heart for their healing. It’s not just the ability to bear someone else’s burdens - it’s about having the strength to share ours as well. Our strength is fortified by our confidence in who we are. For ...
Jun 09, 2024•28 min
Boys live, men sacrifice. Deliver on your commitments even if it isn’t fun for you. It’s important that as men we are measured in action and control our emotions and question our instincts. Men sacrifice and deliver on their commitments even if it isn’t self-serving. Ensuring that we take care of our responsibilities is motivated by a love that puts others first and by the love we desire. Hampton Keathley says, “This type of love is a ministry and not a manipulation.” Men of God deliver on their...
Jun 02, 2024•28 min
Your word should be fact. Tell the truth even if it hurts and live your values whether no one knows or everyone is watching. Honesty is the idea that we tell the truth even when it hurts. Part of being truthful is being truthful when you could hide the truth. Confession is built in truth and results in the mercy of God. Integrity is present when we live out our values outside of the presence of others. A person with integrity is a person literally without blame. Better for a man to be the person...
May 26, 2024•24 min
Matthew 6:33 says that when we diligently seek God, His Spirit will be with us and take care of our physical needs. This is what we as believers need to live everyday, seeking the Kingdom first and foremost, and allowing the Spirit to act, to perform miracles in our lives to show that Jesus, though ascended, is very much still active in our world today. The early Church depended on each other and on the Spirit in our Acts passage - we need to model that in the Church today. The Holy Spirit conne...
May 19, 2024•31 min
