Posts with the category “pursue-the-promises”

We are kicking off our 12th and final promise in our Pursue the Promises all-church theme. In this week’s Blog post (video), Pastor Shane shares how we can talk to God and ask Him for guidance. We need His guidance when we face challenges or don’t know what to do, but also to live life well. What an incredible gift from the Lord!  Read More

“I believe music is a gift God has given to us and, if performed with the right heart, helps us get closer to Him, particularly when we sing songs of praise. When we sing with grace in our hearts, it allows His presence to be with us in a deeper way… [Yet] the gift that comes with singing songs of praise that is often missed is when we sing during times of hardship.” Read Pastor Lee’s full Blog post.  Read More

In this week’s Blog post, Karin Baker shares how peace isn’t the absence of external distractions, nor the avoidance of conflict. Instead, it is an inner peace that remains steadfast in life’s most difficult storms. She shares three tangible ways she strives to have this in her life, as well as links to several songs that resonate with the theme of finding peace amidst life's challenges.  Read More

Peace isn’t a wish granted automatically because we said “yes” to Jesus. Peace is a choice we make because we have said yes and choose to trust in Him and His ways no matter what! God’s Word reveals additional steps (beyond salvation and trust) that will help us to experience the fullness of His peace. Check out Cristen Crossley’s Blog post to read about four important steps.  Read More

In this week’s Blog post (video), which kicks off our November promise, Pastor Shane encourages us to hold on to the peace that only the Lord can provide. It might seem nearly impossible, but the “perfect peace” that comes from a relationship with the Lord is attainable for each of us that have a personal relationship with Him.  Read More

Likely each of us has gone through times where, while we know the Lord sees us, we don’t fully feel it. In this week’s Blog post, Erin Arva recaps a powerful story from a recent Sunday service that reinforces two things – the Lord does see you, and Jesus died and rose again for you to live life to the fullest. The promise of eternal life in John 3:16 should impact how we live today.  Read More

“I have found that the only tether that truly can anchor my soul and ground me in peace is my God and Savior Jesus Christ. He tethers me tighter and stronger than any human person or material thing ever could.” In this week’s Blog post, Melissa Ball reminds us that, when we are feeling overwhelmed by chaos in life, we can tug on the tether in Jesus and find it anchored securely in God.  Read More

In this week’s Blog post, Pastor Denny poses this question: What if John 3:16 was not true? He first offers a powerful breakdown of what it would look like if the promise found in this verse was not true…and then reiterates what it means for you and me because it is true. No matter what you’re facing today, the truth he shares will be an encouragement to you. You are so loved!  Read More

In this week’s Blog post (video), which wraps up our September promise, Pastor Shane encourages us to hold onto the presence of God. The presence of God…living with Him…is a moment by moment experience that we should strive to embrace. Doing this can have a profound impact on our lives.  Read More

“I believe the Lord had to draw me away from seeing His presence displayed one way so that I could learn about all the other ways He chooses to reveal Himself.” In this week’s Blog post, Sydney Wilson reflects on her time on the mission field and seeing the Lord move in miraculous ways…to the next season of her life when she sensed the Lord grow quiet. Yet, He was always there. He was just revealing Himself in new ways.  Read More

Pastor Dan recently had the privilege of participating in a CLA medical missions trip in Tanzania. In this week’s Blog, he shares a personal experience while there that really drove the point home that nothing can separate us from God’s love, protection, safety, comfort and blessings. This connects to this month’s key verse, Romans 8:38-39. We encourage you to take some time to commit it to memory. Through it all, God is there!  Read More

Pastor Katie uses beautiful imagery in this week’s Blog post as she compares God’s love to a rushing river. There is nothing that can block God’s love from flowing down to us. While life may throw us many things, it will never stop the powerful, ever-flowing love of our mighty God. She also shares three practical action steps to reinforce this truth in our daily lives.  Read More

The Lord’s presence gives us a profound sense of peace and comfort, knowing that we are never alone and that He is always watching over us. It’s amazing to know that nothing – absolutely nothing – can separate us from His presence, love and power. Check out Pastor Shane’s Blog post (video), which kicks off our September promise.  Read More

In today’s Blog post, Jamey McClintock shares some thought-provoking questions about hardships and God’s goodness. For example, what is our first reaction when trials come our way? Do we blame God? And might we be missing out on God’s power because we avoid the things He’s sent to strengthen us? Such good insight here!  Read More

Jesus is our sustaining power who helps us get through every day. Whether things are going well in our lives, or if we find ourselves in a challenging time, He helps us, is with us and cares so deeply about us. Plugging into Jesus as our “power source” is so important for finding strength, comfort and renewal. Read more in Pastor David’s Blog post.  Read More

In today’s Blog post, Dave Reed shares His firsthand experience how God uses what seems to be our weakest moments to propel us to the next chapter in His plan and purpose for us. Dave shares a personal story of a time he could barely leave his house due to anxiety. Yet he also shares three key takeaways and how God moved in His life.  Read More

This month’s verses (2 Corinthians 12:9-10) are like a breath of fresh air. While the concept of weakness might be countercultural, these verses show how we can draw upon God’s unlimited power, no matter what struggle or weakness we face. Take a few moments this week to listen to and reflect on Pastor Shane’s Blog post (video) on this month’s promise.  Read More

In today’s Blog post (video), Pastor Shane delves a bit deeper into this month’s promise – God promises to protect us. In this short video, Pastor Shane reflects on a familiar Bible story where the Lord was with three individuals in a fire. Do you believe God is with you…protecting you and your family? Make it your declaration today!  Read More

We are halfway through our Pursue the Promises 2024 all-church theme. Pastor Shane has been encouraging us to hold onto the promises of God and to anchor our lives to them. In this week’s Blog post, we share a summary of our promises so far, key Bible verses and some of our favorite highlights from our team’s Blog posts. Be encouraged today through these powerful truths!  Read More

As someone who thrives on security, Karin Baker understands how overwhelming it can be to navigate life's uncertainties. Check out her Blog post this week, which explores how God is our refuge and fortress, no matter what we face. She also shares four simple actions that will help us reinforce this truth, as well as two book recommendations that connect to this month’s promise.  Read More

We are halfway through our 2024 Pursue the Promises all-church theme. We encourage you to take a few moments and reflect on our July promise – God promises to protect us. Psalm 91:2 serves as a reminder of the unwavering protection and security we have in God. Pause and be encouraged today by Pastor Shane’s Blog post (video) that reminds us of this truth.  Read More

“Being raised Jewish, I knew there was a God, but where was He in my situation, in my grief, in my pain growing up? I could not see Him and, truth be told, I was mad at Him for a long time… And then Jesus met me where I was at in life.” Read more about Pastor Lee’s testimony, the power of God’s Word, and the impact of fellow believers living out their faith in this week’s Blog.  Read More

It can be so easy to question why God allows bad things to happen, can’t it? Here’s an excerpt from Sydney Wilson’s Blog post on this topic: “Here’s the positive thing – the solution to the burning questions we have about our suffering. God, just like Paul did for Rome, has given us the answer before the question.” Check out her full post to see what she means and read four powerful Biblical examples.  Read More

In this week’s Blog post, Cristen Crossley shares a powerful personal story about her cancer diagnosis, how the Lord was with her and how he used that challenging time in her life for good. She also shares why many people struggle with this month’s promise and what it really means.  Read More

As we head into summer and our sixth promise in our Pursue the Promises all-church theme, we are reminded that, even in the midst of difficult circumstances, God can bring about positive outcomes and use our trials to shape us into the people He wants us to be. Be sure to take a moment to listen to Pastor Shane’s Blog post (video) that kicks off our June promise.   Read More

As we wrap up May’s promise, our last Blog post for the month touches on how personal the Word of God is. Regardless of the “what-ifs” that worry us, God is good, steadfast and true, and His Word is personal. He cares about all that you’re facing. Take a few moments today to reflect on this promise and remember that the Lord is reaching His hand out to you.  Read More

The mark of God's people is not incapacitating fear, but rather contrite courageous confidence in God. In today’s Blog post, Pastor Denny shares some powerful truths and various key Bible verses related to this month’s promise, along with some humor (of course!). Only when we trust the reality of God's presence, protection and provision for our lives can we share the joy He intends for us.  Read More

God’s promise in Isaiah 41:13 is powerful. In the midst of our fear, He comforts us and promises to deliver us from all fear. Does that mean we’ll never experience fear again? No, but fear no longer has the power to control us. Take a few moments to read Pastor Dan’s post about how to tap into this amazing promise!  Read More

Isaiah 41:13 is likely one of the greatest promises in the Bible. Give your fears to God – He hears you and has promised to deliver you from fear. Check out Pastor Shane’s latest Blog post (video) that kicks off our fifth featured promise.  Read More

With April coming to a close and gardens in full bloom, Melissa Ball paints a vivid picture. Similar to how we tend a garden, we sow our prayers like seeds. We tend to our prayer seed by watering it with more prayers and pulling out weeds of unbelief. It takes persistence and, regardless of what we might see at the “surface,” our Creator is always working.  Read More

Be encouraged today by Dave Reed’s Blog post, in which he shares an authentic look at past challenges, the power of his wife’s prayers and the Lord’s faithfulness throughout. He also shares how he’s very intentional about connecting with the Lord every day for guidance and direction.  Read More

In this week’s Blog post, Pastor Katie reminds us that prayer is much more than a search bar and delivery system (after all, God is not Google). Prayer is an expression of sincere desire sparked out of a deep relationship with God – it's believing He is able and willing to answer our prayers. Read the full post.  Read More

Don’t stop trusting the Lord and praying – He hears you! Take a few moments to check out Pastor Shane’s latest Blog post (video) that kicks off our fourth featured promise.  Read More

As we wrap up our March promise, we encourage you to take a few moments to reflect on this question: Have you responded to Jesus’ invitation to come to Him and find true rest? In today’s Blog post, Pastor Shane delves a bit deeper into this promise.  Read More

Be encouraged today by Amy Stuter’s Blog post, in which she candidly shares going through two incredibly challenging times – first the death of her mother as a young girl, and then her youngest son’s cancer diagnosis. Yet even in the midst of weariness, she and her family found peace and rest in Jesus. He offers this same rest to you today!  Read More

In this week’s post, Erin shares wise words from her grandfather that she heard growing up that are still meaningful today. The rest that Jesus provides brings us closer to Him, reminds us of who He is, helps us live life to the fullest and replenishes us in whatever we’re facing. Check out this week’s post.  Read More

“…Doesn’t that sound like relief? You can take on Jesus’ yoke and walk with Him. If we take on His yoke, He forgives us of sin and will help us to navigate the situations of life in a way that is God-honoring.” Read Pastor Amanda’s full post.  Read More

Jesus gave His life for us so that we might live abundantly. He does not want us to live a wearied life, and we can find true rest in Him. Start your week by checking out Pastor Shane’s latest post, which kicks off our third featured promise.  Read More

As a new widow, Jamey shares how, even in the midst of a significant personal hardship, she has experienced the riches of Jesus. And these riches prevail no matter what we face. You will be encouraged today by her wise, insightful and candid post.  Read More

“…God's provision goes way beyond just the stuff we need. He's there to give us strength when we're feeling weak, to provide solutions to our problems and even to guide us out of tricky situations…” Check out Pastor Scott’s full post.  Read More