Church in the Way of People
We love the unique way God has called and enabled this ministry to serve in the mountains we call home. Because of our distinctive mission field, we have the privilege of bringing the Gospel directly to people—right where they are—through the shared context and passion of both our church and our community. Shared experiences build relationships, and relationships are often the very means God uses to draw people to Himself and bring the gospel into their lives. We view community as “common unity”: the joys and passions our good Father has gifted us to share and celebrate together.
Letting Go of Resentment
Resentment leads you to self-destructive choices, causing you to suffer far more than those you resent. It breeds misery and rarely brings about the resolution you seek. So why cling to resentment any longer? Let go today. Choose forgiveness, and embrace the freedom that comes with it. Release the burden of grudges and experience the peace that forgiveness can bring into your life.
Living Dangerously
Naturally, most humans are risk-averse. If bad weather blows up before a hike, I will most likely cancel my hike. If I heard that sketchy people were hanging around my destination, I’d most likely change my plans. Sometimes, God does guide us toward safety and protection. But this is where His wisdom comes in, because sometimes, He calls us to walk straight into the perceived danger.
Walking in Prayer
When words fail, movement describes our hearts. Grief can weigh heavy or joy can overflow, making stillness impossible. Dancing or walking can transform into unspoken prayer. Our bodies convey our emotions, even when raw.
The Purpose of Blessings
There's no denying it, you and I are blessed immensely. From physical provisions like food, clothing, homes and transportation to a heavenly Father who loves us, gave his son for us and everything in between...we have so much to be thankful for.
The Power of Repetition in His Word
There’s no need for complicated methods or extensive notes. Instead, learn some basics of understanding Scripture and start reading! The key is to let God's Word dwell in you richly. This approach is accessible to us all and has incredible potential for change. I challenge you to embark on this journey, to dwell in the Bible, and may you discover the treasures within His Word and experience its life-changing impact.
Selfish or Faithful?
All our time, money, actual “talents,” and other resources belong to God. I need to ask myself, am I squandering these? Or am I investing them in a way that will grow glory to God and love for him around my family, community and the world? This will look different for each unique individual. However, I’d encourage us all to pray and ponder this about our own lives so we can be called, “good and faithful servant."
The Gift of Mercy
Healing begins when we bring our brokenness to God and cry out for His mercy. James 5:16 encourages us: “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” God yearns to forgive and make us whole again. Are there burdens you need to lay down? Consider writing a prayer, pouring out your heart to God, expressing your regrets and asking for His mercy.
Satisfy Us with Your Love
Even in our afflictions God wants to satisfy us with his love. In God’s love we can always find satisfaction, if we choose, because his love for us never fades away. He proved his unfailing love for us through Jesus who laid down his life so that we could take up ours and experience an everlasting satisfaction in Him.
The Joy of Nurturing Faith
Remember, the impact of your love and encouragement brings joy not only to you but also to God, as He sees His children flourishing. Let this joy inspire you to nurture those in your life, knowing that as they walk in truth, you share in their journey of faith…
Power with Restraint
In a similar way, Jesus used gentleness. He knew the law inside and out - he came up with it - and had full power to execute it. But many times we see him restrain his power and instead enact forgiveness, like when He forgives an adulterous woman in John 8:1-11. The teachers of the law are ready to stone her. But Jesus says, "If anyone is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." Not surprisingly, they all disperse.
Underfoot of the Father
You and I were created for relationship. Created by a Loving Heavenly Father who desires a relationship with us and in whom all our desires are met…
Generous Love
As I sit and reflect, I am incredibly grateful for the way God continually provides for my family and for the community of believers we are a part of who (not perfectly but) faithfully demonstrate His generous love toward others. Thank You Lord!
Miracles Happen When We Pray
Jesus promised that when we gather in His name, He is present with us. This is not just a comforting thought; it’s a powerful truth. Prayer in unity invites God’s presence, allowing us to witness the miraculous power of His love and grace…
Don’t Choose Jealousy
Today, we use the phrase “stay in your own lane,” or “keep your eyes on your own paper,” to remind ourselves that life is not a competition. But in moments of frustration, do my eyes lift to God?
Faith in Unseen
The beauty of a relationship with Christ is we don't need to "see" - for we can have confidence in a God who loved us so much to send His Son to die and rise from the grave for us. Faith is not in what we can see - nor in what we can understand…
How Great Thou Art
This past weekend, we had the opportunity to attend the Snowboarders and Skiers for Christ conference at Mt. Hood. Getting to experience the grandeur of the mountain and surrounding area was certainly a highlight! Massive snow covered trees, rays of sun filtering through
Embracing the Challenge of Growth
Life presents us with comforts and challenges, often leading us into complacency. I recall a time, not long ago, when I eagerly embraced new challenges and stepped out in faith. Now, I find myself tethered to my comfort zone, cocooned in familiar routines. It’s in these moments of stagnation that we must evaluate our growth trajectory.
Unfairness of Grace
There is a famous parable Jesus tells in Matthew 20:1-16 about the owner of a vineyard, who hires workers early in the morning, again at nine, again at noon, again at three, and again at five. When the work day comes to an end, the owner pays them all the same: one denarius. The workers who worked a full day complain about the unfairness of the situation, but the owner of the vineyard answers them…
Thermometer or Thermostat?
I once heard someone use this thermometer vs. thermostat analogy in a discussion about attitude and behavior, and it really resonated with me.
In our daily lives, we face situations that feel beyond our control. Some people act like thermometers, merely reflecting their environment—joyful when things are good and discouraged when they aren't. Others function like thermostats, intentionally setting the emotional tone in their lives. The difference between a thermometer and a thermostat reveals an important truth: