LESS OF WHAT YOU DON’T NEED AND MORE OF WHAT YOU DO! Part OneBetter is one handful with tranquility, than two handfuls with toil, and a chasing after the wind. Ecclesiastes 4:6Be on your guard against all kinds of greed. Because life does not consist in an abundance of possessions. Luke 12:153 THOUGHTS ON ‘ONE HANDFUL IS ENOUGH’Throw OutIt becomes …

November 24. 2024I WANT TO BE BLESSED BY GOD“For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.” Matthew 5:451. BELIEVE GOD WANTS TO BLESS YOUR LIFE “And God blessed them.” Genesis 1:28“For the eyes of the Lord move side to side, backward and forward throughout the earth that He may strongly…

Feels Like Home-pt 3The Power of MissionJesus said, “…GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19, 20 NLT“Jesus traveled th…

November 10, 2024FEELS LIKE HOME pt 2The Power of ServiceJesus said, “For even I, the Son the of Man, came here not to be served, but to serve others, and to give My life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28 NLTChristian: Those who are like Christ. “Before the Passover celebration, Jesus…now showed the disciples the full extent of His love…the Fath…

FEELS LIKE HOMEPart 1WHAT’S our business and HOW’S business?“A man prepared a great fest and sent out many invitations. When all was ready, he sent his servant around to notify the guests that it was time for them to come. But they all began making excuses…so his master said, ‘Go out into the country lanes and behind hedges and urge anyone you find…

UNSTUCK: From Fatigue“Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustio…

UNSTUCK: Failure1. EVERY PERSON HAS SOME FAILURERomans 3:23 “For everyone has sinned; we ALL fall short of God’s glorious standard.”2. EVERY FAILURE HAS WITHIN IT A CHOICEI’m either going to allow this failure to be HURTFUL and get stuckORI’m going to allow it to be HELPFUL and move forwardHow do we choose to let failure block us, stop us, hurt us …

UNSTUCK: Comfort ZoneCOMFORT ZONES AREN’T ALWAYS COMFORTABLE.What they really are is FAMILIAR.“We fix our gaze on the things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things that we cannot see will last forever.” 2 Corinthians 4:18The Christian life is many things, but BORING isn’t one of them.“In the Messiah, Christ…

UNSTUCK: From Fear1. We fear pain-- 2. We fear loss-- 3. We fear humiliation/embarrassment-- 4. We fear people--“For God has NOT given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7“Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.” Proverbs 9:10WHAT DOES IT M…

Cues From The Kingdom: Principles from JesusPart 2, How To Live A Satisfied Life?“I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.”John 10:1098% of people die unfulfilledGod wants you to live an abundant life!1) Find Your BurdenBurden definition: your main responsibility. A specific aim or task. What impact do you want to make in this w…

Cues From The Kingdom: Principles From JesusHow Do I Love People I Don’t Like?“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on …

Pastor Brad Johnson takes questions from the congregation.

WHAT CATCHES THE HEART AND WHAT CATCHES THE EYE OF GOD—CommitmentTHE POWER OF COMMITMENT My Commitments:Show my values Shape my life Determine my destiny “The eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those who hearts are fully committed to Him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9Every Commitment has a PRICE Luke 14:26 "If you want to be My follower…

WHAT CATCHES THE EYE AND HEART OF GODPart 9 - PurposeActs 13:36 "David served God's purpose in his generation." YOU KNOW YOU HAVE NOT YET FOUND THE PURPOSE FOR LIFE IF……Life seems useless Ecclesiastes 1:2-4 "Life is useless, all useless. You spend your life working but what do you have to show for it? The world just stays the same." …Life seems tir…

WHAT CATCHES THE EYE AND HEART OF GODFaith pt 2“For the eyes of the Lord roam throughout the earth, so that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.” 2 Chronicles 16:9 (New American Standard Version)“Without faith it is IMPOSSIBLE to please God” Hebrews 11:61. FAITH IS BELIEVING WHEN I DON'T SEE IT “Some things you have to belie…

WHAT CATCHES THE EYE AND HEART OF GOD?Part 7Surprises-part two1. IT’S SURPRISING THAT GOD SPEAKS TO USDeism and TheismDeism suggests--God created the world much like clock maker would create a clock, and God wound it up and tossed it out into the universe to just let it run on its own. Theism suggests--God created the world much like a Father with …

Finding JoyThe Message In Our Messes“I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have pl…

Finding JoyHeaven PerspectiveYour focus and perception change your actions and outcomes.No one is more influential in your life than you are because no one talks to you more than you do.“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is e…

WHAT CATCHES THE EYE AND HEART OF GODPart 6 – Surprises!He loves SURPRISES!1. It’s Surprising That God Let’s Us Choose Him, or Not!“The Lord gave this message to Jonah, son of Amittai; ‘Get up and go the great city of Nineveh! Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are.’ But Jonah got up and went in the opposite d…

WHAT CATCHES THE EYE AND THE HEART OF GODFaith“Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.” Hebrews 11:1FAITH IS NOT HOPING THAT GOD CAN!IT IS KNOWING GOD WILL!And faith is SEEING what the human eye cannot see. 1. Even Small Faith Can Have Huge Impact“Jesus told them. "I tell…

What Catches the Eye and Heart of GodGratitude“Let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving.” Psalm 107:22“It is good to give thanks to the Lord” Psalm 92:1WHEN ARE WE TO GIVE THANKS?1. Give thanks for all the good that’s in your life “Everything good comes from God. Everything perfect comes from Him.” James 1:17“Give thanks to God, for He is good.” P…

Transforming Habits: Small Changes, Eternal ImpactOur decisions determine our direction, but our habits ensure we stay the courseMany people have decided to do great things but haven’t developed the habits to do them.“An Encounter with Jesus sets you free, but habits with Jesus keep you free” “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I …

WHAT CATCHES THE EYE AND HEART OF GODMercy and CompassionLet me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart.Matthew 11:291. A PREVAILING CHARACTERISTIC OF GOD IS HIS MERCYAND COMPASSION“I Am the God of compassion and mercy” Exodus 34:6“The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angryand filled with unfailing love.” Psalm 103:8“He ha…

WHAT CATCHES THE EYE AND HEART OF GOD?Part Two-HumilityTHE PROMISES OF GOD FOR THE HUMBLE:Proverbs 22:4 “True humility and fear of the Lord leads toriches, honor and a long life.”Proverbs 11:2 “Pride leads to disgrace, but with humilitycomes wisdom.”Proverbs 15:33 “Humility precedes honor.”James 4:10 “Get on your knees before the Master; it’s theon…

What Catches God’s Eye…and His Heart?Part 1 - Love1. GOD MADE YOU TO LOVE YOU“You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous” Psalm 139:13, 14“Yes, you have been with me from birth; from my mother’s womb you have cared for me. …

5-Minute MinistryThe 3 Goals of Today’s Message:1. Re___________________ how you see yourself as a believer2. Re___________________ how you perceive ministry3. Re___________________ how you live your life1. How you see yourself:- Christian culture caste system (unbiblical): clergy vs laity- We assume that if we’re not ordained, we can’t do legit mi…

TALK TO MEpart fourIf you spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, l…

TALK TO ME!Part 3I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (see John 15:1-17)To practice the presence of God, to get really good at hearing God’s voice, we must learn to remain in God.1. Pay Attention to all My Thoughts“May the words of my mouth and the medit…

Talk to MePart 2, What Does God Say?Genesis 6:1-22(MSG): 8 But Noah was different. God liked what he saw in Noah.9-10 This is the story of Noah: Noah was a good man, a man of integrity in his community. Noah walked with God. Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth.11-12 As far as God was concerned, the Earth had become a sewer; there was violen…

TALK TO ME“The Power of a Whisper”Get better at hearing God’s promptings and get bolder about doing what He says.The Story of a Man Named Paul Giving His Life to Follow Jesus—Acts 9:1-19God can open our ears to hear in surprising ways.Our obedience to God’s whispers influence others to listen also.We may not fully know all the good for God that hap…

WHEN YOU NEED GOD TO SHOW UP:Stories of God Meeting Our Financial Needs…as Elijah arrived at the gates of the village, he saw a widow gathering sticks and he asked her, “Would you please bring me a little water in a cup?” As she was going to get it, he called to her, “Bring me a bite of bread, too.” But she said, “I swear by the Lord your God that …

Family ValuesPart 2 - Our InteractionsIf you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care—then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to t…

Family ValuesPart 1 - About MarriageThe reason our marriages don’t end up where we want them to because they didn’t start where God intended them to. “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh” Genesis 2:24 (NIV)“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not p…

ACCEPTING YOUR STATUS AS A CHILD OF GOD“When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! I will go home to my father and say, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a…

Believe for MORE!!EASTER 2024If Christ hasn’t been raised, then our preaching is uselessand your faith is useless. 1 Corinthians 14:15The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives inyou. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, Hewill give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit livingwithin you. Romans 6:10-11If all the…

Becoming BeYOUtiful YouPart 9, Gentleness“…when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…” Galatians 5:22, 23 NLT“Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon yo…

Becoming BeYOUtiful You, Part 8 - Faithfulness“…when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…” Galatians 5:22, 23 NLTFAITHFULNES IS…Love that hangs on “It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, and your f…

Becoming BeYOUtiful YOU Part 7 - Goodness“…when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control…” Galatians 5:22,23 NLT“Every GOOD and perfect gift is from above, coming from the Father” James 1:17 NIVTo Live a BeYOUtiful Life, I …

Becoming BeYOUtiful YouPart 6 - KindnessKindness is the foundation of a good heart and with a good heart, a good life will follow.“…when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…” Galatians 5:22,23 NLT“…love is kind…” 1 Co…

Becoming BeYOUtiful YouPart 5 - Patience“When the Holy Spirit controls your life, He will produce in you: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22“Dear brothers and sisters, when trouble comes your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is te…

Becoming BeYOUtiful YouPart 4 - Peace“…when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…” Galatians 5:22, 23 NLT1.Storms hit everyone- even the Followers of Jesus“Don’t worry about anything” Philippians 4:6 NLT“…Do not be anx…

Part 3 of Pastor Brad's series "Becoming BeYOUtiful You." Today's focus: Joy.