"The amount of growth I’ve experienced from being terrified to go to a group where I didn’t know anyone, to having group be the highlight of my week, is not something I could’ve comprehended a year ago."...
“I know God is not done with me yet and I need to trust in His plan. The love he has for His children will never end and it is so strong.”-London White...
“As we remember Lester and countless others who endured so much, we’re reminded that the greatest acts of love often come through sacrifice.”...
"God knew I needed a deeper relationship with Him, and He graciously led me here through my fiancé. I’ve never felt more seen, known, and connected."...
“What we think makes North Valley so special is how much the staff cares for the congregation. From the first moment that we came, we felt seen and welcomed.”...
"Becoming a part of the worship team really saved me from who I am as a person. It’s held me accountable given me a purpose; it’s helped me feel fulfilled in my faith.“...
“If fear is holding you back, it is not of the Holy Spirit. Don’t be scared to do what God has called you to do—He will reward it!”...
“I am constantly reminded of how good God is and how many beautiful people there are in life who don’t judge me. I cannot believe the joy I get from serving… It reminds me that ‘it’s Jesus, others, and you.’”...
“Being part of the community has been such a huge part of our journey. It’s brought us closer as a family and made us so much bolder in our faith.”...
"It’s incredible how the messages resonate and stay with you throughout the week, and seeing my family members run towards service with God-given talents is powerful."...
The United States Code, the list of all the laws passed by the federal government, is 22 million words long. That doesn't include all of the state, county, and city laws that apply to you. You might also have professional standards, HOA regulations, and house or family rules to obey. Do you feel oppressed yet? That's a lot of rules! So many you couldn't possibly read them...
Keep ReadingEveryone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. 1 John 5:1-2 Yesterday I wrote about what life can be like in a close, happy family. Not every family is like that, and to those with a pai...
Keep ReadingSome of you visited family or friends last week for Thanksgiving. Maybe you met a new little baby who belongs to a loved one. Even if you had never met that baby before, you could probably say you loved him or her. How? The baby never did anything for you. You didn't know if you would get along with the child. But you love the parents, so you also love the child....
Keep ReadingI know a mother who, every year when her kids left for college, would give them a “mom talk,” reminding them to work hard, but more importantly to love God, love their churches, and obey God. Eventually her children started pre-empting her talk by giving themselves the “mom talk.” They knew it so well, they could recite it themselves....
Keep ReadingUltimately, John says love is what keeps us from fear. When we love God (shown by confessing Christ and obeying him) and love your neighbors, these are the signs that we abide in God and they give us confidence in our salvation....
Keep ReadingDo you have lepidopterophobia? That’s fear of butterflies. Some people really are afraid of butterflies, but clearly butterflies aren’t objectively threatening or dangerous. For most people, fearing tiny colorful winged insects seems pretty ridiculous....
Keep ReadingJohn summarizes the gospel here again in this verse. This time he emphasizes the idea of telling others - testifying. But who is “we”? John has previously referred to himself and the other apostles and disciples (the church leaders) as “we.” And that would makes sense here....
Keep ReadingYou can use the word “love” for a lot of things. The way you feel about your family. Your tennis score. Your favorite food. An attraction to a crush. Even some harsh discipline might be “tough love.”...
Keep ReadingWhen a group of my old friends get together, we talk about things like “shimmy pops” and “the gator car.” Does that make any sense to you? I doubt it. We have our own shared language of inside jokes, phrases, and topics that remind us of the experiences we have had together. Maybe your friends or family have your own “secret language” that only makes sense to y...
Keep ReadingWe all know the saying “out of the mouths of babes”...
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