Acts 9 - When Passion Misses The Mark
Ever feel like you're pouring your energy into something, but it's just not hitting the mark? Our deepest passions can sometimes be misdirected, even when we think we're doing good. True fulfillment comes from aligning our zeal with Jesus and loving His body, the Church, as we love Him. To realign your passion and find purpose that truly satisfies, reflect on where your energy is truly going, serve others in your community, and seek guidance from trusted mentors.
June 29, 2025
Honoring Fatherly Instruction
This Sunday we walked through Proverbs 1 and were reminded that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. Wisdom isn't just knowing the right things—it's living them out. The book of Proverbs gives us insight for real life, helping us navigate decisions with clarity and character. It's full of timeless principles, not rigid promises, and it calls us to grow in discernment, especially when it comes to who we listen to.<br><br>We also talked about the value of both fatherly and motherly instruction—wisdom isn't gendered. But what do we do when that instruction is flawed? The Bible calls us to honor our parents, but that doesn't mean following harmful or foolish advice. We can honor the relationship without blindly embracing every word. Our ultimate source of truth is our Heavenly Father, who gives wisdom generously and guides us with love.<br><br>And here's the good news: even if your earthly examples fall short, God never does. He speaks through His Word, shows us how to live through Jesus, and empowers us by His Spirit. He doesn't just tell us what to do—He walks with us as we learn. Keep seeking Him, because what you look at, you become like. And there's no better example than Jesus.
June 22, 2025
Proverbs 31 Man
What does it truly mean to be a godly man?<br><br>Proverbs 31:1-9: In it, King Lemuel shares wise instruction from his mother, a woman who clearly cared deeply about the kind of man and leader her son would become. She urges him not to waste his strength on women who destroy kings, and warns against the dangers of alcohol for those in positions of leadership — not because wine and beer are inherently evil, but because they can cloud judgment and lead to injustice. Instead, she calls him to a higher purpose: to be a voice for the voiceless, to stand up for the oppressed, and to judge with fairness and compassion.<br><br>Our culture offers countless, often conflicting answers. Some define manhood by strength, dominance, or success. Others by emotional detachment or self-sufficiency. But the Bible gives us a more complete and compelling vision.<br><br>Take David, for example — both a mighty warrior and a deeply emotional songwriter. He defeated Goliath with courage, yet also poured out his soul in psalms filled with honesty, grief, and worship. Or look at Jesus — strong and authoritative, boldly confronting the hypocrisy of religious leaders. Yet He also washed His disciples' feet, wept at the tomb of a friend, and lived with humility, simplicity, and sacrifice.<br><br>The point is clear: biblical manhood is not one-dimensional. It's not just about being tough or gentle, strong or kind — it's about being all of those things when they reflect the character of God. A godly man is one who walks in wisdom, leads with integrity, speaks up for the vulnerable, and serves with humility.<br><br>This is the vision Scripture gives us — one of strength paired with grace, leadership marked by service, and a life defined by righteousness, not recognition.
June 15, 2025