Psalm 23:4  (HCSB)4 Even when I go through the darkest valley,I fear no danger, for You are with me;Your rod and Your staff—they comfort me.Nathan PuttyHere we have David describing how God protects and cares for us even in the darkest of times. Again, David would have been speaking from personal experience. A certain fight with Goliath comes to mind. Sticking with the shepherd analogy, David uses...  Read More

Psalm 23:1-3  (HCSB)The Good ShepherdA Davidic psalm.1 The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.2 He lets me lie down in green pastures;He leads me beside quiet waters.3 He renews my life; He leads me along the right paths for His name’s sake.Nathan PuttySo, David would have been painfully aware that literal green pastures were not readily available where he was from. Of course, David is s...  Read More

KNOWING GODThe creation around us declares that God exists and is glorious and powerful.KEY TRUTH: Creation Reveals God, Its Creator (Psalm 19:1–6)KEY TRUTH: God’s Word Reveals His Attributes (Psalm 19:7–11)KEY TRUTH: Knowing God Better Makes Us Want to Be Blameless Before Him (Psalm 19:12–14)FAMILY CONNECTION: CONTINUE THE DISCUSSION AFTER CHURCH!What does the word psalm mean? What do the psalms ...  Read More

 The Psalmist says “the heavens declare the glory of God.” How does creation speak of God’s character beyond just it’s beauty? What emotions or spiritual insights does nature stir in you?The passage suggests that Scripture speaks continuously, but without words. How does this challenge the way we think about communication with God? Are there ways we may need to begin listening differently?2.  In 1...  Read More

Hebrews 4:11-13  (HCSB)11 Let us then make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall into the same pattern of disobedience.12 For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the ideas and thoughts of the heart. 13 No creature is hidden from Him, but a...  Read More

2 Timothy 3:14-17  (HCSB)14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed. You know those who taught you, 15 and you know that from childhood you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in rig...  Read More

Psalm 19:12-14  (HCSB)12 Who perceives his unintentional sins?Cleanse me from my hidden faults.13 Moreover, keep Your servant from willful sins;do not let them rule over me.Then I will be innocentand cleansed from blatant rebellion.14 May the words of my mouthand the meditation of my heartbe acceptable to You,Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.Neil AndrewsKnowing God is not just about witnessing His gl...  Read More

Psalm 19:7-11  (HCSB)7 The instruction of the Lord is perfect,renewing one’s life; the testimony of the Lord is trustworthy, making the inexperienced wise.8 The precepts of the Lord are right,making the heart glad; the command of the Lord is radiant, making the eyes light up.9 The fear of the Lord is pure,enduring forever;the ordinances of the Lord are reliableand altogether righteous.10 They are ...  Read More

Psalm 19:1-6  (HCSB)The Witness of Creation and ScriptureFor the choir director. A Davidic psalm.1 The heavens declare the glory of God,and the sky proclaims the work of His hands.2 Day after day they pour out speech;night after night they communicate knowledge.3 There is no speech; there are no words;their voice is not heard.4 Their message has gone out to all the earth,and their words to the end...  Read More

NAVIGATING SOCIAL MEDIA AND SCREEN TIMEDon’t let social media pull your focus to the things of this world. Stay focused on things above.KEY TRUTH: Believers Should Be Good Stewards of the Time They Spend on Social Media (Colossians 3:1–17)KEY TRUTH: Believers Should Choose to Honor God Through Their Social Media Usage (1 Corinthians 10:23-24, 31-33)KEY TRUTH: God Will Hold Us Accountable for Our W...  Read More

How do you feel social media influences your own thoughts or behaviors, and do you think it challenges you in any of these areas? Does your “freedom in Christ” change the way you post? If not, why?So, on social media, let’s ask ourselves: Are our words building others up, or are they damaging? Are we speaking life or promoting division? What does our "fruit" say about us? Do your social platform p...  Read More

Matthew 12:33-37 (HCSB)A Tree and Its Fruit33 “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. 34 Brood of vipers! How can you speak good things when you are evil? For the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart. 35 A good man produces good things from his storeroom of good, and an evil man produces evil things from his st...  Read More