In parenting More is caught than taught. 1. Parents are responsible for helping their teen build a solid FOUNDATION. How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. 10 With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! 11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. P…

'If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave ev…

The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. John 10:10 NLT For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 NL…

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come. ” He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the …

Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 NLT To win the world is to display the greatest love. God loved us so much that He gave! There is no greater love than to lay down your life for the well-being of others. The key to Joy is unconditional kindness to all people which is true co…

Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 NLT To belong is to be loved and to give love. Your identity is shaped when a community brings you in and validates that you belong and when you validate for others that they belong. However, the greatest validation that brings peace, securit…

Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 NLT Faith is what brings meaning to life. God has a sovereign purpose in all things. That as God’s children we must trust that Jesus is who He says He is, salvation is real, the Word of God is true, and that nothing can separate us from the l…

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. Psalms 1:1-3 NLT All…

“So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say? I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it i…

The Lord gave another message to Jeremiah. He said, “Go down to the potter’s shop, and I will speak to you there.” So I did as he told me and found the potter working at his wheel. But the jar he was making did not turn out as he had hoped, so he crushed it into a lump of clay again and started over. Then the Lord gave me this message: “O Israel, c…

PATHWAYS 2/5/2024 Week 5: The Case for Community LACK OF COMMUNITY CAN LEAD TO: Heart disease High blood pressure Immune disorders Mental health issues (higher stress & anxiety) Cancer Suicide PEOPLE WHO ARE CONNECTED WITH OTHERS HAVE: 50% increase in life longevity Strengthened immune system and fighting diseases Lower levels of anxiety & depressi…

Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God. 2 Corinthians 7:1 NLT But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”…

To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing. —Martin Luther King JR You live fully in me and now I live fully in them so that they will experience perfect unity, and the world will be convinced that you have sent me, for they will see that you love each one of them with the same passionate love that you h…

This is what the Lord says to the people of Judah and Jerusalem: “Plow up the hard ground of your hearts! Do not waste your good seed among thorns” Jeremiah 4:3 NLT The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. Psalms 51:17 NLT So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God …

And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? Matthew 16:26 NLT “While true Grace is the full justification of the sinner, cheap Grace is the justification of continued sin. The Christian continues too often to model himself on the world standards in nearly every possible sphere o…

“Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” Matthew 1:23 NLT Jesus had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges …

“What do you Expect – Power of Expectations” EXPECTATION “…My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” John 10:10 NLT EXPECTATION Expectations, with the right heart, are the breeding ground of miracles FRUSTRATION DISAPPOINTMENT ANGER If we aren’t careful, we could begin to project our frustration, disappointment, and anger towards God …

Late in the afternoon the twelve disciples came to him and said, “Send the crowds away to the nearby villages and farms, so they can find food and lodging for the night. There is nothing to eat here in this remote place.” But Jesus said, “You feed them.” “But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. “Or are you expecting us t…

Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her…

Blessed Life – Week 4 The Principal of the First What is up family? We are in week four of our series the blessed life based on a book with the same title written by pastor Robert Morris and this book radically changed my life! At the beginning of this series Pastor Mike made a challenge for you to not miss a week of this series because I truly bel…

Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths. You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! Psalms 119:1-5 …

Life is good for the one who is generous and charitable, conducting affairs with honesty and truth. Psalms 112:5 TPT Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT “I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are…

Blessed are those who act justly, who always do what is right. Psalms 106:3 NIV Remember me, Lord, when you show favor to your people, come to my aid when you save them, that I may enjoy the prosperity of your chosen ones, that I may share in the joy of your nation and join your inheritance in giving praise. Psalms 106:4-5 NIV You should remember t…

What am I doing?! – Purpose “Why am I here” Purpose Do you feel like you are living in the purpose God designed you to live in? 1. You’re blatantly living in sin “don’t let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely t…

YOU WILL ONLY RISE UP TO THE LEVEL OF YOUR IDENTITY Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. James 1:2 NLT YOU MUST SWITCH FROM PITY TO POTENTIAL IF YOU ARE GOING TO GROW IN LIFE. 'These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gol…

THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD LIES BEHIND EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENS 'I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. Romans 7:19 NLT WHY DOES IT FEEL LIKE THERE IS INEQUITY IN THE WORLD? And I saw something else under the sun: In the place of judgment—wickedness was there, in the place of justice—wickedness was …

THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD LIES BEHIND EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENS And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.” Genesis 2:16-17 NIV There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity u…

Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. Hebrews 12:15 NLT “Unforgiveness is like drinking poison yourself and waiting for the other person to die.” -Marianne Williamson 'Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eye…

Life of Community – Critical Need for Community Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. John 13:35 NLT LOVE IN ACTION “Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!” Ro…

Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. John 13:35 NLT Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:13 NIV When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Romans 12:13 NLT You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more …

Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions. Matthew 7:20 NLT Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. Matthew 7:21 NLT 'Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outsid…

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless tho…

We need to learn how to walk in freedom so we make ourselves fully available to walk in His purpose for our lives “In a well-furnished kitchen there are not only crystal goblets and silver platters, but waste cans and compost buckets—some containers used to serve fine meals, others to take out the garbage. Become the kind of container God can use t…

The Word of God “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105 NLT 330,222,422 Americans as of 2020 9% = 29,720,018 Approx. 205,000,000 proclaimed believers of Jesus in America 29,720,018 = 14% Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I…

Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God…. 2 Corinthians 2:15 NLT And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. Mark 12:30 NLT “I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find ac…

REASONS WE STRUGGLE BECAUSE OF WHAT WE’VE DONE TO OURSELVES BECAUSE OF WHAT OTHERS HAVE DONE TO US BECAUSE OF THE DEVIL HAS A PLAN FOR OUR LIVES “The problem is most people overestimate or underestimate spiritual warfare. Funny how the devil likes when we over believe or under believe just don't bible believe” C.S. Lewis Be strong in the Lord and i…

A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart. Luke 6:45 NLT Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21 NKJV We all make many mistakes. For if …

Forgiveness Forgiveness The pain you ­­feel today is the pain you can heal today Bitterness “…And make sure no one lives with a root of bitterness sprouting within them which will only cause trouble and poison the hearts of many.” Hebrews 12:15 TPT Forgiveness is a choice Why is it so hard to forgive others? 1. We have the wrong idea of forgiveness…

THE ACT OF GIVING UP CONTROL TO JESUS IS ACTUALLY THE BEGINNING OF FREEDOM! Trust in the lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT You are good and do only good; teach me your decrees. Psalms 119:68 NIV Come close to God, and God will c…

My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Proverbs 4:20-23 NLT SPIRITUALLY OUR HEARTS REVEAL THE HEALTH…

Freedom God desires for you to live in freedom “For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters.” Galatians 5:13 “Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling. For you have been called by God.” Ephesians 4:1 NLT You can’t lead a life that is worthy of the calling God gave you if yo…

Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 NLT 3 PARTS 1. THE SOUL MIND WILL EMOTIONS “So fear the Lord and serve him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped when they lived beyond the Eup…

Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Genesis 2:8-9 NLT Tree of Life TREE O…

WE CAN LIVE IN FREEDOM EVERYDAY Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. And t…

WHEN ANGER LEADS TO ACTIONS THERE TENDS TO BE NEGATIVE REPERCUSSIONS And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subj…

The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. John 15:19 NLT "It is impossible to please all men; there will always be those who criticize you, no matter what you do. So focus on doing what is right, and let the rest go." Epictetus Ma…

We are multipliers! We are a Great Commission Church and we are an equipping center for disciples. We are multipliers! Individually, we are all responsible to disciple those younger in their faith and invite those far from Jesus into a life-giving community. We are multipliers! Corporately, we are called to plant churches, pastor cities, and father…