Connecting with the Lord in the Midst of Parenting

Rosy Talarzyk

As parents, we are so focused on helping our children grow physically and spiritually, that sometimes we neglect our wellbeing. Rosy Talarzyk shares her experience learning to stay close to Jesus in the middle of the ups and downs of parenting. We need to continue to grow with the Lord as much as our kids do. Knowing God not just for what He can do for us but for who He is in His own right. Are you making maturity in your relationship with God a priority for you and your children's sake?

Paul and Pressing On to the End

Patrice McCormac
2 Timothy 4:9-22

In Paul's last imprisonment, just before he was to be executed, he asks Timothy to bring his books when he comes. In his last days Paul continued to have a spiritual mindset. He asked for help from a godly friend. He kept serving even in prison by ministering to the believers not in prison with him. He stayed in the Word. He entrusted himself to the Lord and he kept in close contact with Him.

Preparing for Christ's Return

Ryan Lowery
Matthew 25:14-40

God has blessed all of us with various "riches"--talents, money, time, and other resources. God has given us the role of steward--asking us to wisely use these gifts for His purposes, instead of just using them for our own purposes. In order to be wise stewards, we have to see God as a good and worthy lord of our life, who will recognize our sacrifices as we seek to be good stewards.

A "Post-Covid" Missiology:Three Ongoing Realities

Ed Stetzer
Matthew 25:14-40

Ed Stetzer, an expert in missiology, or the study of the church's mission to share the message of the Gospel, shares three realities of the Covid 19 pandemic that impact the church's work. First, Covid has caused a cultural convulsion that has rocked peoples' trust in institutions, politics, and even one another. Second, Covid is adding fuel to a Great Sort that is happening in society. People, in their disorientation are seeking security in groups who agree with their views, leading to an "us against them" mentality. Third, Covid is revealing layers of disengagement. Churches are finding their members either becoming more committed, or hanging on and waiting to see, or disconnecting altogether.

A Good Leader Is Hard to Find

James Rochford
1 Timothy 3:1-2

Requirements for leadership in the Christian church are not dependent upon charismatic personality, brilliant thinking, or phenomenal gifting. Fortunately, it is based on things under everyone's control; their character. The essentials of leadership are having good character, being a hard worker, and being trustworthy. People like to follow people with these qualities. All of these things can be learned!

Forgiveness

Ryan Lowery
Matthew 18:21-35

When Jesus told the parable of the unforgiving slave who was forgiven an insurmountable debt by the king but would not forgive a fellow slave a minor debt, He was using a creative story to give us God's perspective on us. When Peter asked Jesus how many times should we forgive others, Jesus used this story to ask Peter how many time would he like God to forgive him? Forgiveness is the willingness to absorb the consequences of wrong without retaliation. This is best demonstrated by what Jesus did on the cross for us.

The Stone the Builders Rejected

Mike Sullivan
Psalms 118

Psalm 118 is a processional psalm that Jewish pilgrims would sing as they walk toward the city of Jerusalem during the Passover Week. Every Jew would have been very familiar with this psalm. When Jesus entered the temple during His final week on earth, He applied this psalm to Himself by identifying Himself as the stone the builders rejected. The Jews knew the stone represented the victorious king of the Jews.

The Lord Is My Shepherd

Mike Sullivan
Psalms 23

While it is embarrassing to be compared to sheep as they do not have a sterling reputation for intelligence, the important point to remember is we have a shepherd. We have a Good Shepherd, Jesus, who leads us, protects us and teaches us to love people. Not only that, but like a good shepherd, He sacrificed His life for us.

Preparing Our Minds for Suffering

Conrad Hilario
1 Peter 4:12-19

Since suffering is inevitable in this world, Peter gives six principles for enduring suffering in ways that brings glory to God. Don't be surprised when you encounter suffering. Instead, rejoice in suffering, knowing that God will use it for your good. Make sure you avoid unnecessary suffering, such as suffering as the result of doing evil. When you do suffer, do not be ashamed of suffering for Christ. Entrust your soul to God who is your faithful Creator. Do what is right, for in due time you will receive your reward.