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The Lie I Believed

January 21, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Millennials, the generation that traded hard work for avocado toast and a subscription to Netflix. Don’t forget Gen Z. They’re glued to their phones, TikToking their lives away, incapable of holding a meaningful conversation unless emojis are involved. And now, we have Gen Alpha — the kids so tech-savvy they’ll probably code their homework into existence while asking Alexa and Siri to make their lunch. These generations, with their need for instant gratification and disdain for tradition, are clearly the reason the church is declining, right? Wrong.

For years, I believed the lie that these younger generations were destroying the church. It was easy to point fingers. Millennials, with their church-hopping and preference for podcasts over pews, seemed to have abandoned the faith of their parents. Gen Z’s obsession with inclusivity and questioning authority appeared to dilute the gospel. And Gen Alpha? Well, they’re too young to critique… but give them a decade, and surely they’ll ruin it in their own unique way.

This line of thinking gave me a convenient scapegoat for every challenge the church faced. Attendance drops? Blame Millennials. Disengaged youth? That’s on Gen Z. A lack of respect for church traditions? Just wait till Gen Alpha grows up. But then, something happened: I realized this mindset wasn’t just wrong. It was dangerous.

The truth hit me like a sermon I wasn’t ready to hear: these generations aren’t the problem with the church. They are the church.

Let’s take a closer look at these outcast generations. Millennials (born 1981-1996) value authenticity. They grew up watching institutions crumble and have little patience for hypocrisy or empty rituals. They want faith that’s real, messy, and transformative. Gen Z (born 1997-2012) grew up in a hyper-connected world and carry a deep burden for justice and inclusivity. They ask hard questions, not to tear down the church but to ensure it stands on a solid foundation. And Gen Alpha (born 2013 and later)? They’re growing up with unprecedented access to information and creativity. Their approach to faith may be digital and innovative, but it’s no less sincere.

The lie I believed blinded me to the beauty of these generations. Their priorities and quirks aren’t signs of a church in decline; they’re opportunities for a church reborn. But here’s the catch: unless we value these generations as the present church, we’ll never value the uniquenesses that they bring to the church, and they’ll always be on the outside.

When we treat younger generations as outsiders, we communicate that they’re not yet ready to lead, serve, or shape the future. But these generations don’t want to wait for their turn. They’re ready now. Millennials are planting churches, leading worship, and creating discipleship resources that impact a digital world. Gen Z is mobilizing social justice initiatives and finding creative ways to share the gospel online. Gen Alpha may be young, but their enthusiasm for learning and community lays a foundation we can’t ignore.

If the church is struggling, it’s not because these generations are present. It’s because we’ve failed to embrace them. We’ve clung to traditions that no longer resonate, resisted change, and dismissed their contributions as trivial or misguided. Instead of lamenting what these generations lack, the church should celebrate what they bring: innovation, passion, and a hunger for authenticity.

So how do we do this? Start by listening. Ask Millennials what they need from the church, and you’ll hear words like transparency, vulnerability, and community. Engage Gen Z in dialogue, and you’ll discover their fierce desire to see faith lived out in action. Pay attention to the Gen Alphas in your life; their questions and ideas often carry wisdom beyond their years.

It’s time to stop believing the lie. These generations aren’t the death of the church; they’re its lifeblood. They don’t just represent the future; they are the present. And unless we value these generations as the present church, we’ll never value the uniquenesses that they bring to the church, and they’ll always be on the outside. Invite them in. Honor their contributions. Build a church where every generation thrives — together.

5 Trends Most Likely to Disrupt the Institutional Church in 2025

January 14, 2025 / / 2 Comments

The institutional church is standing at the crossroads of tradition and transformation. Cultural shifts, technological advances, and evolving societal values are shaking the foundation of how churches operate. If church leaders fail to adapt, the disruption may leave them irrelevant.

Before we get all freaked out, listen carefully. I’m NOT saying the gospel becomes irrelevant. The challenge is the institutional church as the carrier of the gospel grows largely irrelevant in the eyes of the world when we miss these key moments in the cultural landscape.

Let’s dive into five trends most likely to disrupt the church in 2025 and how leaders can lean into these challenges with bold, proactive strategies.

1. Hybrid Church Fatigue

While the pandemic forced churches to move into an intentional online presence, many leaders have struggled to maintain momentum in hybrid ministry. All you have to do is tap into the local church live stream and you’ll quickly see that many online church offerings lack innovation and feel like a tired, secondary option. As a result, in many situations people are starting to disengage altogether.

Solution: Stop treating online ministry as an afterthought. Instead, invest in crafting compelling digital experiences tailored for an online audience. I know that sounds super techy so think of it like this.

The iPhone you’ve used for your livestream can quickly be updated to a more user friendly option giving different capabilities at a reasonable price. Provide some interactive elements to the worship service by at a minimum acknowledging those who are joining through the online platform. Try to foster a genuine online community by asking questions and taking prayer requests through your online channel whether it’s YouTube or Facebook this isn’t terribly difficult. We have to start thinking of Online Church not just as a livestream but as a mission field of its own. Assign dedicated staff (or volunteers) to oversee digital discipleship and rethink what it means to “gather” online.

2. The End of Casual Attendance

The days of casual church attendance are vanishing. People either commit deeply to a community or drift away entirely. We used to see people jump into worship every once in a while. That’s really not the case anymore. Most people are either fully committed to the life of the local congregation or they’re totally disconnected.

Solution: Focus on depth over breadth. Churches need to prioritize discipleship and connection over attendance metrics. Yes attendance is important because that’s an easy one to measure, but if all we measure is backsides in chairs on a Sunday we’re missing the greater meaning of what God calls us to be about as churches. Offer small groups, intentional discipleship gatherings, and opportunities for members to serve meaningfully. Create environments where people feel invested in the mission of the church rather than merely entertained on Sunday mornings.

3. Mistrust of Institutions

Institutional mistrust is rampant, and the church is not immune. Younger generations, in particular, are skeptical of hierarchical organizations, due to scandals and hypocrisy. Engaging in life changing relationships centered on Biblical teaching move beyond the institutional model and get to the heart of what many are longing for in our culture today.

Solution: Transparency and authenticity are non-negotiable. Share your financial reports openly even if they don’t look tremendous! We also have to own our past mistakes and model humility. Another really important method is to empower lay leaders and flatten decision-making structures to demonstrate that the church isn’t about power, but about people. Highlight stories of impact in your community to rebuild trust and show that your church is a force for good.

4. Cultural Polarization

The institutional church is becoming increasingly caught in the web of cultural and political polarization. Churches need to be extremely careful that aligning too closely with any specific ideology risks alienating half the congregation while diluting the Gospel.

Solution: Center your message on Jesus, not politics. Foster spaces for nuanced conversations that don’t demand uniformity but encourage unity. Equip your congregation to embody grace and truth in their lives rather than parroting talking points from the world gurus in the social media realm. Model what it means to “be in the world, but not of the world.” Serving people in real, life-changing ways bridges the polarization that we typically feel in this cultural climate.

5. The Volunteer Crisis

Volunteers are the lifeblood of any church, but burnout and apathy are driving people away from serving. Without volunteers, ministries grind to a halt. The refrain seems to be repeating over and over again. Volunteers have stepped away from their roles at seemingly record pace leaving church staff and any remaining volunteers to do increased workloads.

Solution: Rethink how you recruit and care for volunteers. Get people connected in service as fast as possible. The quicker people get connected in service the more the culture of the church shifts toward service as a whole. Focus on matching people’s gifts and passions with their roles, and celebrate stories as often as possible. Offer clear expectations, manageable time commitments, and regular encouragement. Most importantly, remember that volunteers are not a means to an end; service is a key aspect of discipleship.

Turning Disruptions Into Opportunities

These trends may feel like threats, but they’re also tremendous opportunities if we allow them to be. The Gospel doesn’t change, but the methods of delivering it must evolve. Here are three overarching principles to guide your leadership:

  1. Innovation Requires Risk: Safe leadership leads to stagnation. Don’t be afraid to try new things, even if they fail. Failure brings the opportunity for growth. Build a culture where experimentation is celebrated.
  2. Mission Over Method: Keep the mission front and center. Methods can and should change, but the call to love God and love others remains constant. We have to be ready and willing to release what’s not working while holding firmly onto the gospel message.
  3. Relational Connection Is Key: Programs don’t change lives; people do. Invest in relationships at every level of ministry.

The disruption facing the institutional church in 2025 is real, but so is the opportunity to rise above it. The question is: will you adapt and thrive, or resist and decline? The choice is yours. I’d love to connect with you to chat through these disruptions and what they mean for your ministry context.

Jesus Should Not Be First

January 13, 2025 / / 1 Comment

Jesus does not want to be first in your life. That might sound shocking, but it’s the truth. Jesus doesn’t ask for first place—He demands the only place. Why? Because He’s not interested in being a slice of your life’s pie chart. He’s not satisfied with being another line item on your endless to-do list. He’s not here to share space with your career, hobbies, relationships, or even your family.

The first commandment makes it painfully clear:
“You shall have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3)

The Hebrew here is intense. “Before me” literally means “in My face.” God’s saying, “Don’t you dare put anything in My face that tries to compete with Me.” He’s not interested in your priorities; He’s claiming everything.

Here’s the harsh reality: we’ve turned our lives into idol factories. We’re constantly elevating good things—family, work, fitness, finances—into god things. And we love to rank them:

  1. God
  2. Family
  3. Career
  4. Hobbies

That’s a nice, neat little list isn’t it? It feels spiritual. It feels balanced. But it’s a lie. If Jesus is just a “first among equals,” you’ve completely missed the point. He’s not “first.” He’s everything.

Let me say it another way: If Jesus isn’t your everything, He’s nothing. He doesn’t share the throne. He’s not a consultant for your life plan. He’s the King who demands full allegiance.

The Danger of “First”

When we say Jesus is “first,” what we really mean is, “I’ll give Him a little time, energy, and attention, but I’ve got other stuff to do.” We check the box by going to church, reading a quick devotional, or tossing a few bucks into the offering plate. Then we get back to building our own kingdoms.

But Jesus doesn’t want a piece of your life—He wants the whole thing. That’s why He said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)

Deny yourself. Not rearrange your priorities. Not carve out a little Jesus time. Not give Him first dibs. Deny yourself. That means your dreams, your goals, your plans, and yes, even your family, take a back seat to Him.

“No Other Gods” Means NO Other Gods

If we’re being honest, we all have gods in our lives. Some are obvious, like money, success, or relationships. Others are sneakier, like control, comfort, or even religion and tradition. And every single one of them is a direct violation of this first commandment. God doesn’t want your idols managed—He wants them destroyed.

Jesus says it this way. “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” (Matthew 6:24)

There’s no middle ground. You can’t serve Jesus and your career. You can’t serve Jesus and your ego. You can’t serve Jesus and your comfort. You can’t serve Jesus and your tradition. It’s Him or nothing.

So what does it look like to live with Jesus as the only? It’s simple, but it’s not easy:

  • Surrender daily. Start each day by laying your plans, desires, and ambitions at His feet. One way to do this is through prayer. Just start your day with Lord today I need… Then fill in the blank and let God take it from there. Only caveat is that blank has to be something you cannot touch, so no Porsche or Lambo friends!
  • Hold everything loosely. Your family, career, possessions, and even traditions are gifts from God, not gods themselves. Treat them accordingly. When these things help you serve God, they are good things. When they distract you from God, they are god things.
  • Obey without excuses. Stop bargaining with Jesus. When He calls, answer. When He commands, act. No more excuses. It’s time for full on devotion.

Living this way will wreck your life—in the best way possible. It will strip away the false gods you’ve been clinging to and replace them with the only One worth worshiping.

Ok, so here’s the bottom line. Jesus doesn’t want to be first in your life. He wants to be the only. The first commandment isn’t a suggestion; it’s a declaration of war! War against every competing affection in your heart.

So stop ranking Him. Stop fitting Him into your schedule. Stop treating Him like a task to check off. Tear down the idols, clear the stage, and let Him reign as the one true King.

Because if Jesus isn’t the only, He isn’t anything.

Stop Non-Viting and Start Inviting

January 10, 2025 / / 0 Comments

The need for evangelism in churches has never been greater. People are desperate for hope, searching for meaning, and drowning in the chaos of life. The church has the answer: Jesus. Yet, too often, we fumble the ball when it comes to the most crucial part—inviting people into the life-changing power of the Gospel.

Too many believers think they’re doing evangelism when they say, “You should come sometime.” That’s not evangelism. That’s not even inviting. It’s non-viting.

Non-Vitation: The Lazy Evangelism Killer

Non-vitation is the ultimate cop-out. It sounds good in the moment, but it’s vague, noncommittal, and accomplishes nothing. You know the line, maybe you’ve even used it:

  • “You should come to my church sometime.”
  • “We’ve got great messages; you’d like them.”
  • “Yeah, my church is doing some cool stuff. You should check it out.”

The problem? There’s no invitation! No date, no time, no event, no urgency. You might as well be inviting them to the grand opening of a coffee shop that doesn’t exist.

Non-vitation is why people nod politely and then never show up. It’s why churches see empty pews and declining attendance. It’s why the Gospel is sitting on the sidelines while the world spirals out of control.

Invitation: The Evangelism Game-Changer

It’s time to ditch non-vitation and embrace invitation. Invitation is specific, personal, and compelling. It’s not “you should come sometime.” It’s “Hey, I’d love for you to join me this Sunday at 10:30. We’re talking about hope in hard times, and I think it could really encourage you.”

But invitation doesn’t stop there. It’s not just about getting them in the door. It’s about being there for them when they show up and investing in the relationship. If you invite someone to church, make sure you’re available to meet them at the entrance. Sit with them. Explain what’s happening in the service. And when it’s over, join them for lunch. That’s how relationships are built. That’s how the Gospel becomes real to someone.

I mean look – Jesus didn’t say, “Hey, you should come check out the kingdom of God sometime.” He said, “Come, follow me.” His invitations were personal and direct. They required a response. And guess what? People followed.

Why Evangelism Matters Now More Than Ever

The need for evangelism in churches has never been more urgent. Our world is fractured. Families are struggling. Anxiety, depression, and hopelessness are at an all-time high. The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.

Evangelism isn’t just a “nice idea” or a box to check on your Christian to-do list. It’s the heartbeat of the church. Without it, we’re just a holy huddle, a club for the already-convinced.

People need Jesus, and they need you to invite them to meet Him. That’s not someone else’s job. It’s yours. If you’re waiting for a sign, this is it.

Three Steps to Stop Non-Viting and Start Inviting

  1. Be Specific:
    Stop being vague. Name a date, a time, and a place. “Come to Easter service at 9 AM,” or “Join me for our family movie night this Friday.” Make it easy for people to say yes.
  2. Be Personal:
    People don’t just want generic flyers or mass emails. They want you. A personal invitation from someone they know and trust is 10 times more powerful than any social media post or billboard.
  3. Be Relational:
    Don’t stop at the invite. Free up your schedule to be there when they arrive. Sit with them. Answer their questions. Take them to lunch afterward and build the relationship. Evangelism isn’t just about attendance; it’s about connection.

Every non-vitation is a missed opportunity. Every vague, half-hearted “you should come sometime” leaves someone stuck in their pain and searching for answers. That’s the cost of non-vitation.

But the reward of invitation? Lives changed. Hearts healed. Families restored. That’s what happens when you step up and say, “Come and see.”

Let’s Get Serious

Friends, we can’t afford to sit back and hope people wander in. We can’t rely on programs, social media ads, or the “cool factor” to do the work for us. Evangelism is our job. Discipleship isn’t discipleship without inviting others into the journey.

So stop non-viting. Start inviting. Be specific. Be personal. Be relational. The world is waiting, and Jesus is ready to change lives.

What are you waiting for? Make the invitation today.

3 Ways to End the Year with Grace

December 30, 2024 / / 0 Comments

As the year winds down, it’s natural to reflect on the 12 months that are now in the rearview mirror. For some of us, it feels like we just blinked and suddenly December is over! For others, this year might have felt like climbing a steep hill—slow and challenging. Wherever you land on that spectrum, the way we end one year and begin another matters more than we might realize. It sets the tone for our lives, families, and our faith journeys.

Here are three simple ways to finish this year well and start the new one on the right foot (or the left one if you’d prefer):

1. Reflect and Celebrate God’s Faithfulness

Psalm 77:11 says, “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.” (ESV) Reflection is a spiritual discipline that allows us to pause and recognize God’s faithfulness in our lives. Even in the hardest seasons, there are moments of grace worth celebrating.

Take some time this week to write down your “God Moments” from the year. Maybe it was an answered prayer, a new relationship, or even finding peace in a difficult situation. Share these moments with your family or friends. Celebrate them! I’ve heard it said that we replicate what we celebrate.

Ending the year in gratitude prepares our hearts to embrace the new year with hope and trust in God’s continued faithfulness. Gratitude isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a transformative practice that reshapes how we see the world and God’s work in it.

2. Clear the Clutter

Hebrews 12:1 reminds us to “lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely.” (ESV) That’s not just a verse for Lent; it’s an invitation for daily living. As you prepare to step into the new year, consider what might be cluttering your life—both spiritually and physically.

Spiritually, is there unforgiveness you need to let go of? Habits that pull you away from God? Relationships that need mending? Take time to pray and release those burdens to God.

Physically, go through that closet, garage, or junk drawer you’ve been avoiding. It’s amazing how decluttering our spaces can create mental clarity and a sense of renewal. Plus, donating items you no longer need blesses others and reflects Christ’s generosity.

Starting the year with a clean heart and clean spaces makes room for God to do new and exciting things in your life.

3. Set Intentional Goals with God in the Center

Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” (ESV) Goals are great, but goals without God’s guidance often leave us feeling frustrated or aimless. As you look ahead, take some time to pray over your plans for the new year.

What areas of your life need more of God’s presence? Maybe you want to deepen your prayer life, read through the Bible, or serve in a new ministry at church. Write down your goals and ask God to lead you in them. Don’t forget to include your family in this process. Talk about what goals you can pursue together, like family devotions or serving your neighborhood. Then share them with someone who can hold you accountable. A goal worth making is a goal worth accomplishing!

And remember: grace over perfection. The goal isn’t to have it all figured out by January 1st or December 31st for that matter. It’s to walk faithfully with Jesus one step at a time.

Looking Ahead

As we prepare to welcome a new year, let’s do so with hearts full of gratitude, lives freed from clutter, and goals anchored in God’s plans. No matter what this past year has held, God has been with us every step of the way, and His promises remain sure as we step into the future.

May this be the year where we grow deeper in our faith, love our neighbors more intentionally, and see God work in ways we couldn’t even imagine. Let’s finish strong and step boldly into what God has for us next.

Happy New Year, friends! Let’s make it one that honors Him in every way.

Merry Christmas

December 25, 2024 / / 0 Comments

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, I find myself overflowing with gratitude for each of you. This past year, we’ve seen God’s hand moving powerfully in and through our church family. Together, we’ve lived out our mission to help busy families experience the grace of Jesus, and we’ve done so in ways that truly embody the joy and hope of this Christmas season.

This year has been one of growth and transformation. Our worship services continue to bring strangers into our community, and we’ve watched them become family. Our KidConnect Worship and Littles Connect Sunday school have taken on a new face, introducing more young hearts to Jesus’ love. We’ve supported parents with new ministries, and Delco Youth is reaching more young people than ever, helping them find meaning and hope in Christ. These aren’t just ministries—they’re evidence of God at work.

We’ve also laid some strong foundations for the future. With three full-time and one part-time staff members, our team is more equipped than ever to meet the needs of our growing church family. We’ve also been actively preparing for some significant ministry enhancements, which will serve both our members and our wider community. Our focus on families reflects a heart for bringing people closer to Jesus.

As we look forward, I’m excited about the blessings God has in store for us at Living Word Galena. Our vision to become a community focused church is coming to life. I see it in every smile, every hug, every handshake, and every story of transformation shared within these walls. The new year holds so much potential—not just in numbers, but in lives changed by the grace of Jesus.

Christmas reminds us that God stepped into our world to bring hope, peace, love, and joy. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let’s also celebrate the ways we’ve seen His light shine through our church family this year. Thank you for being part of this mission, for your prayers, your service, and your love for one another.

May this Christmas season be filled with His presence and the new year overflow with His blessings.

Pastor Derrick

More Than Wrapping Paper and Eggnog

December 23, 2024 / / 1 Comment

Every year, Christmas rolls around with its usual fanfare: twinkling lights, jingle bells, peppermint mochas, and of course, the annual question of what exactly is Aunt Edna allergic to again? While these traditions are great, they can sometimes overshadow the deeper meaning of Christmas. So let’s strip away the tinsel, and get to the heart of it: Christmas is about the ultimate gift—the birth of Jesus as our Savior.

The Real Reason for the Season

In Luke 2:10-11, the angel announces to the shepherds:
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.”

Christmas is the story of how God didn’t just hang out in the comfort of heaven but stepped into our messy, chaotic world. Jesus came to save us from sin, restore our relationship with God, and bring hope to a weary world. Spoiler alert: this is way more important than whether or not your Amazon packages arrive on time.

John 3:16 sums it up: For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

God didn’t just send a card or a gift basket; He sent His Son. Jesus is the ultimate gift—better than the sweater you’ll get from your grandma (even if it has sequins).

So, What Does Christmas Mean for Us?

It’s easy to nod along and say, “Yes I know, Christmas is about Jesus,” but what does that look like in your daily life? Here are three practical applications to help you live out the true meaning of Christmas this season:

1. Celebrate with Purpose

Christmas isn’t just a time to throw a great party (although those can be fun). It’s a chance to reflect on God’s gift to us and share that joy with others. Start a tradition of reading the Christmas story as a family (Luke 2:1-20 is a great place to start). Or maybe pause before tearing into the presents to thank God for the gift of His Son.

Most definitely enjoy those festivities! Jesus didn’t come so we’d be miserable; He came so we’d have joy. Go ahead and eat that extra Christmas cookie, but let your joy come from something deeper than frosting. And that’s saying something! I’ve seen how much frosting some of you blob on your cookies.

2. Be a Giver, Not Just a Getter

God gave us His best in Jesus. Following His example means shifting our focus from what we want to how we can bless others.

This doesn’t have to mean maxing out your credit card. It could look like giving your time, lending a listening ear, or even forgiving someone who’s hurt you. After all, Jesus didn’t wait for us to deserve His gift before giving it.

Acts 20:35 reminds us: It is more blessed to give than to receive.

3. Shine Jesus’ Light even in the Chaos

Ok let’s face it—Christmas can bring out the best and worst in people. (If you’ve ever been elbowed in a Black Friday sale, you know what I mean.) Followers of Jesus are called to be light in the darkness and the chaos.

What if you used the long checkout line as a chance to show patience? Or reached out to someone who’s lonely this season? Even a simple “Merry Christmas” with a smile can point someone to the joy of Jesus.

Matthew 5:16 says: Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Don’t let the busyness of the season snuff out the light of Christ in you.

Keeping Christ in Christmas

In the end, the true meaning of Christmas isn’t found in perfect decorations, one of those Pinterest-worthy dinners, or even the Hallmark Channel’s latest movie marathon. It’s found in the humble birth of Jesus—a Savior who came for you and me.

So this Christmas, just keep it simple. Celebrate Jesus with joy. Give like He gave. Shine His light wherever you go. And if your turkey burns or the kids knock over the tree? Laugh it off and remember: the first Christmas happened in a stable.

Now that’s a reminder to keep things in perspective.

Merry Christmas!

Prince of Peace

December 23, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Christmas can often times feel anything but peaceful. Between crowded stores, tangled lights, and family squabbles, “peace on earth” might sound like wishful thinking. But Isaiah reminds us that Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He ushers in a peace that allows the crowds, lights, and squabbles to have a different kind of hit.

Jesus didn’t come to fix the chaos of our to-do lists—He came to bring peace to our hearts. His peace goes beyond temporary calm; it’s the assurance that no matter what happens, God is in control. Imagine the stillness of that first Christmas night—the Prince of Peace, born in a stable, quietly changing the world.

Reflection: Where do you need the Prince of Peace to bring calm this season?

Application: Pause. Take a deep breath, and invite Jesus’ peace to settle over your heart in the middle of the busyness.

Joy-filled Suffering

December 19, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Joy in suffering? At first, it sounds as out of place as a snowstorm in July. But Paul shows us that even in hardship, joy is possible because suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope.

The Christmas story isn’t free from struggle. Mary and Joseph faced rejection and uncertainty, yet their journey brought them to the joy of Jesus. Advent reminds us that joy isn’t found in perfect circumstances—it’s found in knowing Jesus is with us, even in life’s messiest moments. And it’s even better when we have a church family that’s willing to meet us in that very same messiness of life.

Reflection: How can you lean into joy, even when life feels hard this season?

Application: Look for glimpses of Christ’s presence in your challenges. Joy isn’t the absence of struggle; it’s the presence of hope in the midst of struggle.

Unlikely Joy

December 18, 2024 / / 0 Comments

The angel’s announcement to the shepherds wasn’t just good news—it was great joy for all people! Imagine being one of those shepherds, sitting in the dark fields when the sky explodes with light and music. That kind of joy isn’t quiet; it’s the kind that makes you jump up, shout, and run to Bethlehem.

Christmas is a reminder that the good news of Jesus is for everyone: the busy parent, the lonely neighbor, the overworked employee, and the wide-eyed child. It’s the kind of joy that transforms ordinary nights into holy moments.

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the good news this season?

Application: Share the good news of Jesus with someone, whether it’s through words, actions, or a simple invitation to church.

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