An Enlightened Heart

Ryan Lowery

Ephesians 1:15-23

The author Paul prays for the believers in Ephesus to grow in their understanding of God. First, that they understand the hope or conviction of his calling. Secondly, that they recognize the rich inheritance they are for the Lord. And finally, that they see the greatness of his power. Paul prays that through a greater understanding of these things the Ephesians will increase in their confidence in God's promises.

The Blight of Envy

Conrad Hilario

Psalms 73

The Psalmist Asaph explores the attitude of envy. Asaph expresses his envy for a life like that of the prosperous wicked. Asaph saw change in his view through the following: 1. Realizing the cost of envy, 2. Taking his envy to God, and 3. God correcting Asaph's perspective. Asaph is able to celebrate God's goodness after agreeing with God on his will; rejoicing in the deliverance from envy.\r\n\r\n\r\n

Freedom from (Material) Anxiety

Gary DeLashmutt

Matthew 6:25-34

Jesus invites us to live a worry-free life through exercising faith in his promises about our material possessions.This kind of faith has three roles in the lives of believers: 1) it argues with our anxious thoughts in light of what God says; 2) it actively seeks God's kingdom and righteousness; and 3) it focuses on the present instead of the future. Developing this faith is the key to a more anxiety-free life, and it's clear from the Bible that God is our Father who promises to take care of us in this life and the next.\r\n

Trusting God or Trusting Your Fears

Scott Risley

Psalms 27

David calls on us to put our trust in God in the midst of fear/times of trouble or uncertainty. David's remedy for overcoming anxiety in our lives is to turn our focus away from ourselves and our problems, and fix our hearts on God. As we draw near to God and meditate on His perfect character, we will learn to be still before Him, and to trust in His timing. God is our fortress, He will never forsake us, therefore we have no reason to be afraid. \r\n\r\nWill you listen to your fears or will you have the courage to wait on Yahweh?

The Paradox of Fulfillment (Part 1)

Jim Leffel

Matthew 5:1-12

There is great suffering in this world and we have become people who are trying to hide from it and deny it. We turn away from God, but He is the one who we can take comfort in. He is asking for us to place our worries on Him. We must be willing to let our hearts break.

Unshakeable Contentment

Ryan Lowery

Philippians 4:12-22

Paul expresses his gratitude to the Philippians for their generosity to support him financially. He expresses his ability to learn contentment in whatever the circumstances. Four principles are seen that have helped Paul be content: 1) being grateful for what he has; 2) remembering wealth is not a means to an end; 3) actively guarding the heart against greed; and 4) understanding generosity as a means to worship God.

Standing Firm in the Lord

Ryan Lowery

Philippians 4:1-9

Paul is concerned about the Philippians resorting to legalism by way of false teachers, and encourages them to stand firm and united against this teaching. Paul expresses several ways a church can stand firm: 1) fight the urge to live in disharmony with one another; 2) stand firm in the Lord together with others; 3) keep an eternal perspective; 4) let God's work in your life be known to others; 5) pray rather than be anxious; and 6) make time for the things that matter most.

Adoration and Liberation

Adam Spitznagle

Psalms 27:1-14

Our adoration of God is hindered by the focus of our own hearts. When we are distracted by our pride, our cynicism, or our fears of this world, we are creating barriers that keep us from seeing who God is and living a life of adoration towards Him. As we learn to adore God for who He is, we will be continually freed to pray through life with clarified emotional and relational freedom.

Dealing With Negativity

Dennis McCallum

Romans 8:5-7

Christians are called to forbear with one another's faults and to cultivate a positive mindset. For most believers though, negativity is natural and accepted, \r\nbut this casual attitude blinds them to the truth that negativity is self-fulfilling and a serious sign of unbelief. In contrast, believers with positive mindsets focus on what is good and choose to be grateful in the midst of difficult circumstances, and this mindset provides relief from anxiety and self-absorption. A video testimony from Joe Botti is included.