Simeon and Anna

Gary DeLashmutt

Luke 2:25-38

Simeon and Anna can give us a picture of what our lives can be like as seniors. We don't have to wait around to die or live for self, but can have a spiritually vibrant life faithfully serving God.

The Armor of God

Scott Risley

Ephesians 6:10-24

A spiritual battle rages around us that is a battle for truth with eternal consequences. We are called to stand firm not by our own strength but in the Lord's. We are to take up the full armor of God to withstand the schemes of the devil. We are to rely on God's truth, His righteousness, the peace that comes from the Gospel, faith, salvation, the Word, and prayer.

The Full Armor of God

Conrad Hilario

Ephesians 6:10-24

Paul warns his audience that their struggle is not against other humans but evil spiritual forces, namely Satan. We need to be prepared to fight with the Word of God's truth, relying not on our own righteousness but on Christ's righteousness. The full armor of God consists of truth, righteousness (Christ's), gospel of peace, faith, salvation, the Word of God and finally, prayer.

The Walk of Wisdom

Scott Risley

Ephesians 5:15-17

Six practical tips for learning God's Will: 1, Make sure you have a relationship with God. 2, Understand the different types of decisions. 3, Be willing to follow His lead. 4, Knowing God's Word is essential. 5, Pray and listen. 6, Seek the counsel of others. Walking wisely means making the most of the time God has given you. Knowing God's will is a great treasure, available only to those who really want it. It is worth it!

How Do I Know God's Will for My Life?

James Rochford

Ephesians 5:15-17

The Bible gives five means for discovering God's will for your life. Growing in your knowledge of the Bible allows you to know God's nature and values which reveals His will for us. Praying is how we access "the counsel of the Lord." We can ask Him! God has given us the ability to reason which is another way to discern God's will. Seeking mature advice from other Christians is a wise way to discover God's will. Our personal desires can also reveal God's will for our lives. He created each of us for a purpose and implanted desires in our hearts that fit that purpose.

Parenting Goals:Parenting Desires

Bev DeLashmutt

John 13:34

Bev DeLashmutt discusses the important differences between goals and desires in parenting. A goal is an achievements that a person works toward to accomplish a sense of well-being. Desires may not be under your control to achieve. Godly goals are achievements that reflect God's purpose for your life that do not depend upon people or circumstances beyond your ability to control. Having godly goals will give you a foundational sense of success, fulfillment, happiness, confidence, peace and enjoyment but will not necessarily eliminate the frustrations, disappointments, fears, and heartaches of parenting.

A Man of Great Faith

Patrice McCormac

Nehemiah 2

Nehemiah is a great example of faith from the Old Testament. He demonstrated biblical faith by being willing to act according to God's Word with complete dependence upon God. His first step of faith was to pray to God. He viewed his circumstances in light of who God is. He then waited on God to direct him. He looked to God to determine the value of his step of faith.

God Chose You

Chris Risley

Ephesians 1:8-23

Against all reason, God chose to love you! He loves you not because of anything you have done but because He created you. He wants YOU, not the things you can do for Him. Once you heard the message of forgiveness, and believed it, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. God wants you to know how much He loves you and He will help you to believe Him.

Opening the Eyes of Your Heart

James Rochford

Ephesians 1:15-23

Opening the eyes of your heart involves transitioning from propositional truth of knowing God in a head-knowledge sort of way to a personal knowledge of God that goes deep into your heart. We need God's enlightenment to understand the depth of these truths. We can access this enlightenment of the heart by prayer, meditation and recognition and redirection throughout the day.