Deuteronomy 6:1-9 (HCSB)The Greatest Command 6 “This is the command—the statutes and ordinances—the Lord your God has instructed me to teach you, so that you may follow them in the land you are about to enter and possess. 2 Do this so that you may fear the Lord your God all the days of your life by keeping all His statutes and commands I am giving you, your son, and your grandson, and so that you ...  Read More

GOD WORKS THROUGH HARD TIMESWhen going through difficult times, remember that Christ understands suffering. He loves you so much that He suffered on the cross for you.KEY TRUTH: Bad things happen to good (Godly) people (2 Corinthians 11:22–33; 2 Corinthians 12:7–10)KEY TRUTH: Our sin brought suffering, but God uses it for good for His people (Genesis 3:6, 16–24; Romans 5:3–5; James 1:2–4)KEY TRUTH...  Read More

1. What’s an example of something in your life that you’ve hidden away because it wasn’t “the best part of you”?  What are some practical ways we can allow God to use these “faulty” parts?2. What uncertain times have you faced in this lifetime? What spiritual fruit did you grow in through these trials looking back and how has God used it?3. How can we be intentional in our week to remain in His wi...  Read More

Psalm 46:1-3  (HCSB)God Our Refuge For the choir director. A song of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. 1 God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble. 2 Therefore we will not be afraid, though the earth trembles and the mountains topple into the depths of the seas, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with its turmoil. SelahAlly Jacks...  Read More

Proverbs 15:1-12  (HCSB)15 A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath. 2 The tongue of the wise makes knowledge attractive, but the mouth of fools blurts out foolishness. 3 The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, observing the wicked and the good. 4 The tongue that heals is a tree of life, but a devious tongue breaks the spirit. 5 A fool despises his father’s discipline, but a ...  Read More

Isaiah 41:10-13 (HCSB)10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand. 11 Be sure that all who are enraged against you will be ashamed and disgraced; those who contend with you will become as nothing and will perish. 12 You will look for those who contend with you, but you will not fi...  Read More

James 1:1-15  (HCSB)Greeting1 James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ: To the 12 tribes in the Dispersion. Greetings. Trials and Maturity 2 Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. 5 Now if a...  Read More

James 1:12,  2 Corinthians 12:9-10  (HCSB)12 A man who endures trials is blessed, because when he passes the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. 9 But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. 10 So...  Read More

GOD CALMS OUR FEARSWhen fear and anxiety arise, quickly focus on and act on the truth of God’s Word.KEY TRUTH: Recognize the difference between good fear and bad fear (Numbers 13:27–33)KEY TRUTH: Know how to deal with fear, and how to help the fearful (Philippians 4:4–9)KEY TRUTH: Know how to take refuge in God in fearful situations (Psalm 46:1–11)FAMILY CONNECTION: CONTINUE THE DISCUSSION AFTER C...  Read More

1.  In John 14:3 Jesus says He has prepared a place for you, and He will come back and take you to be with Him. What are you most looking forward to in eternal life? How is that different than now?2. In John 14:14 Jesus says we can ask for anything in His name. What are you asking God for? Remember, it must be according to God’s will. What do you correctly ask for? Where are your   motives/request...  Read More

John 16:25-33 (HCSB)Jesus the Victor25 “I have spoken these things to you in figures of speech. A time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures, but I will tell you plainly about the Father. 26 In that day you will ask in My name. I am not telling you that I will make requests to the Father on your behalf. 27 For the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have belie...  Read More

John 14:23-31 (HCSB)23 Jesus answered, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. 24 The one who doesn’t love Me will not keep My words. The word that you hear is not Mine but is from the Father who sent Me. 25 “I have spoken these things to you while I remain with you. 26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit—the Father wil...  Read More