February 19, 2023 Message Big Idea Often work is seen as a necessary evil, something to be begrudgingly done and completed as soon as possible. Yet, what if God intended something different for humanity? What if, in fact, humanity was meant for good labor and the fall corrupted our relationship to work? This yields a more robust theology of work in which any …
Practicing Self-Examination This week, commit to a process of self-examination about your work. This is a practice of submitting yourself to the Holy Spirit and asking him to make you aware of ways that you engage work in a way that dishonors God, others, and yourself. This could involve a brief reflection on the day before you head home and/or …
February 12, 2023 Message Big Idea What is the first thing you do upon waking? How does that shape your view of the day? Of yourself? Of God? What we do first thing in the morning says a lot about our true priorities. To what or to whom will we give the first fruits of each day’s time and attention? …
Here are four morning routines to help you start your day with God: Invest in a Bible Reading Plan. One of the common reasons why people don’t read the Bible is because they simply don’t know where to start! If you’re having trouble with where to start, don’t fret. Invest in a Bible reading plan. It can be a good way …
February 5, 2023 Message Big Idea Sometimes we encounter ‘great’ and powerful storms in our lives which stir up visceral fear and doubt. Yet, there is one who can speak ‘great’ calm into our situations, at a word, bending reality to His divine will. In light of this, how can we not respond in ‘great’ fear and awe at the …
The Bible reminds us that every good thing comes from heaven above (James 1:17) and the spiritual practice for this week involves recalling to your mind and heart the particular good things you have experienced throughout your day. This practice helps you to see God’s grace in your life even during the tough times and when practiced over time, fosters …
January 29, 2023 Message Big Idea Celebration is not typically included among the common Christian practices or virtues. Yet, we have much to celebrate, even within our daily rhythms of ongoing work. God, in the creation narrative, modeled how to slow down and take pleasure in one’s work. We too should form a habit of celebration, making time daily for …
January 24, 2023 – Pastor Bill Yaccino The hurried nature of our day can quickly leave us frantic, anxious and weary. We may end our day wondering where the stillness and peace of the morning went. But consistently planning and experiencing selah pauses throughout our day will do much to break the grip of hurry, remind us of God’s nearness, …
The Breath Prayer can help us learn to pray unceasingly. It is a way to have on our lips what is always on our heart. In Hebrew the word ruach has three meanings: “wind,” “breath,” and “Spirit.” The best known Breath Prayer is called the Jesus Prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.” (Luke …
January 15, 2023 – Pastor Mark Albrecht Message Big Idea – The Sabbath can be a contentious topic in Christian discourse. It can be implemented as a rigid and laborious practice. On the other hand, it can be rejected as archaic and unneeded. But Christ specifically notes that the Sabbath was made for our needs. Furthermore, we are still called …
