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We can become really good at saying the “right things”. It sounds good, maybe looks great on paper; it makes us and those who hear or read it feel better about the issue at hand. But what about when we fail to act in a way that supports what we say? I’ve always been fascinated and saddened at the same time, with large institutions who engage causes they hold high while failing… Read More
This trimester I am leading one of our Life Groups through a series that digs deeper into the Lord’s Prayer as a model for us to approach communication with God. It has honestly been a fascinating and encouraging process for me as I study in preparation. The questions I find myself asking and evaluating, thinking through my own approach to prayer. For some time I have been convicted with how I approach… Read More
For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken. Psalm 62:1-2 Today there are people who find themselves all over the spectrum of emotion and thought. Honestly, I think that’s true for many days before. We either find ourselves excited for the future, afraid, angry, concerned. Maybe just numb. As a follower… Read More
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 The Christmas season is one of my two most favorite times of the year. As Christmas day has passed, I reflect on the thoughts that may have been on Mary’s heart. Her pregnancy at an… Read More
We just finished a mini-series on prayer at our Church. It’s been an enriching time of study and reflection in my personal life, as I have evaluated my own prayer life in light of Scripture, and the examples laid before us by Jesus, Paul, even Old Testament Prophets. I don’t want to rehash those messages here, but you can listen to them at our YouTube page. And he withdrew from them about… Read More
There is a prayer I have for all of my kids, and I think it’s one most parents who are followers of Jesus have for their kids as well. God, empower them be the influence. It’s simple. But it could change the world. And honestly, being influential in the life of my kid’s beyond just being the parent is something I am still learning. Speaking life isn’t always the tendency I have,… Read More
It can be easy to fall into the mindset of thinking everything becomes easier once you decide to follow Jesus. But as we’ve been finding out, it really isn’t. If anything, following Jesus can make life a lot harder. But the blessing that comes with obedience is far better than that of disobedience. Materialism is something everyone battles, even the most generous giver. Putting our desires behind those of Jesus and those… Read More
I said before that I think we are more comfortable talking about issues surrounding sex within the Church than mental health and illness. But that doesn’t mean talking about sex and the issues around that topic are a walk in the park. In fact, for some of us, it can be incredibly difficult because of past choices and experiences. Sexual purity is something that has been preached for centuries from the Church,… Read More
I’m not sure if there is another topic that has been as uncomfortable to talk about in the Church as mental health and illness. I think we are even more comfortable talking about issues surrounding the topic of sex, than we are about mental health. This conversation gives you a deeper look into the lives of myself, and Pastor Dalton, as we process with Pastor Alex our own battles with depression and… Read More
Luke Wagner
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