Matthew 5:13-16 Think for a moment about the people who live closest to you. The people across the street. The families on your kids’ sports teams. The students you sit beside at school. The coworkers you see every day. Over time, they probably know more about you than you realize. They hear how you talk. … Continue reading Shine Where You Are: What It Means to Be Salt and Light
Who’s My Neighbor? The Good Samaritan Is About More Than Being Nice
Luke 10:25-37 Last week we kicked off our series Street Lights, which is about shining the light of God's love in Jesus Christ right where He has placed us: our neighborhoods, our schools, our workplaces. Our anchor passage is Matthew 22:37-39: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and … Continue reading Who’s My Neighbor? The Good Samaritan Is About More Than Being Nice
Battle-Ready Prayer
Ephesians 6:18–24 In every major military conflict throughout history, communication has been the difference between victory and defeat. A soldier cut off from headquarters becomes vulnerable and disoriented. Without communication, he loses valuable intel on the enemy's position and can't receive revised battle plans from the Commander. That image captures something painfully true about the … Continue reading Battle-Ready Prayer
Stand Firm In Christ
Ephesians 6:10-17 It was a perfect beach afternoon. My four-year-old niece Harper and five-year-old nephew Asher were beside me, hands clasped in mine, staring down the incoming Atlantic. We'd been jumping waves together — laughing, shrieking with joy, as their little legs kicked up white foam as I lifted them above each wave. Then I … Continue reading Stand Firm In Christ
Growing Up In Christ
Ephesians 4:7-16 One of the beautiful things about mothers is how they nurture and celebrate growth. First steps. First words. Learning to read. Learning to take responsibility. Mothers promote maturity — because they know that a healthy life is one that keeps growing. At some point, children are expected to outgrow pacifiers, diapers, whining, and … Continue reading Growing Up In Christ
Jesus Entered Jerusalem To Save Us
A reflection on Mark 11:1-10 Palm Sunday is one of the most dramatic moments in the Gospels — crowds lining the streets, garments thrown on the ground, palm branches waving, voices rising in a chorus of praise. But beneath all of the fanfare lies something profound. Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem was a deliberate revelation of … Continue reading Jesus Entered Jerusalem To Save Us
From Death to Life by God’s Grace
A Reflection on Ephesians 2:1–10 When a jeweler wants to display a diamond, he lays down a piece of black velvet cloth and sets the diamond on it. The contrast reveals the diamond's brilliance. The darker the backdrop, the more brilliantly the gem shines. That is exactly what the Apostle Paul does in Ephesians 2:1–10. … Continue reading From Death to Life by God’s Grace
The Lavish Grace of the Father
A reflection on Ephesians 1:1–6 Do you remember what it felt like to wait to be picked on the playground? For some kids, it was never really a wait at all. They were tall, fast, likable—chosen first, every time. And somewhere deep down they started to believe: of course I’ll be chosen. I deserve it. … Continue reading The Lavish Grace of the Father
Responding to recent violence in the U.S.
Dear Southland Church, We have witnessed horrific acts of violence in the news this week. As our hearts and minds grapple with these terrible events, I want to offer five biblical ideas for you to prayerfully consider with me. I hope they guide you to follow Jesus closely during this moment. First, Pray for the … Continue reading Responding to recent violence in the U.S.
