The Greatest CommandmentsDear Church Family and Friends,  We get easily confused and distracted from the things that are most important.  We need constant reminders to stay focused on what is central to life and relationships. Reminders and simple summaries are helpful.  Jesus gave us a simple summary of what is most important.  He wrapped up everything that was taught in the Law into two simple s...  Read More

The Greatest CommissionDear Church Family and Friends,  We are in a crisis of purpose.  Humanity's recognition that we need one has led to the adoption of a lot of temporarily worthy causes.  On the other end of the spectrum, lots of efforts that have no sane foundation are being undertaken with passion in popular culture.  Our timeless purpose, a mission worth living for, comes from outside of us...  Read More

Remember & Return!Dear Church Family and Friends,  We are forgetful, stubborn creatures.  How many of you remember the last non-negotiable directive of your boss?  Of your wife or husband?  Of a parent?  If you do remember, where are your heart and actions right now in regard to that issue?  Are you honoring that directive, desire, or request?  Why not?  God has given all of humanity a sense of wh...  Read More

Three verbs that will change your lifeDear Church Family and Friends,  Have you ever experienced a high-end massage chair? A family friend has a zero-gravity massage chair with amazing features. The chair can heat up or cool down. It can compress your arms, legs, and feet, and has a variety of massage options. The long drive on the 91 freeway to get to gatherings at his house is well worth it– onc...  Read More

"The Parenting Journey" Part 6Dear Church Family and Friends,  Most guys have a hard time with traffic.  Unconsciously, we want to "win" and get to our destination faster than others around us.  Someone cutting in front of us, driving stupid, or sitting at a green light in front of us while looking at a cell phone triggers something in us. Yet, we are also keeping our eye on the yellow truck on th...  Read More

"The Parenting Journey" Part 5Dear Church Family and Friends,  We are very prone to imitate those we view as our heroes or people we admire and want to be like.  Children do the same thing.  Think of the boy who dresses up as Spider-Man and is casting webs all over the house to rescue his toys from injustice.  Or imagine the girl who dresses as a princess and sings, "Let it Go," as she slams the d...  Read More

"The Parenting Journey" Part 5Dear Church Family and Friends,  At a very basic level, most parents intuitively know that they are to teach their children.  But how do we do that effectively?  Clearly, not every parent has instructed their children well. God is the ultimate parent.  God instructs us not just to give us information but to illuminate and motivate us in a way to live.  He patiently wo...  Read More

"The Parenting Journey" Part 4Dear Church Family and Friends,  This message explores the biblical foundation of discipline, framing it not as a punishment to be avoided, but as essential training for a life of righteousness. Drawing heavily from Hebrews 12 and Proverbs, the message emphasizes that while discipline may feel painful or unpleasant in the moment, it is a sign of God’s love and a neces...  Read More

"The Parenting Journey" Part 3Dear Church Family and Friends,  Ever feel lost and alone on the parenting journey?  It is easy to get isolated and overwhelmed with the dynamics that happen with our kids.  We can feel troubled in those same ways with extended family, friends, co-workers and others around our life even if we are not presently raising children.  Jesus promises the presence and power o...  Read More

"The Parenting Journey" Part 2Dear Church Family and Friends,  We are in week two of “The Parenting Journey” series, and this week we focus on a powerful word, KINDNESS. Healthy relationships have a better chance of thriving when they are laced with kindness. This is especially the case when raising children. Biblical kindness is a “Fruit of the Spirit;” and like a muscle, it can be exercised and ...  Read More

"The Parenting Journey" Part 1Dear Church Family and Friends,  Think about a time that you had to take an involved or long trip--one that demanded that you prioritize what you needed to take.  Remember how there were a lot of good options for what to bring, but only room for what was most important?  God prepares us for the parenting journey first and foremost by identifying the parenting essentia...  Read More

"Questions" Part 4, Jesus and Politics Dear Church Family and Friends,  How has political division in our nation affected you and your family?  Have you ever wondered how God views peoples' polarization over politics?  About the impact of those disagreements on our relationships in the family of God?   About our relationships with others in the world around us?  Jesus' authority and kingdom transc...  Read More