Messages of Faith

Thinking back across my life…I have had many leaders. Whether it be my parents, in sports in High School, jobs I have had, or places in the church.

I am a millennial. Many will blame the troubles of the world on “my people.”

Growing up as a child I lived in a perpetual state of “loneliness.” For any child, there are two sources of acceptance in life.

Back in fifth grade, I had an absolutely amazing teacher. Her name was Mrs. Koehler. I always loved going to school during fifth grade because I knew she was going to greet me there!

Here is a crazy thought…when you are in Christ, you are like an alien. You may be thinking, “what an absurd and odd thing to say?!”

If we think and meditate through the years of our lives, likely we can think of plenty of examples in which we knew what we were supposed to be doing, but we sought our own path.

As I sit down to write this, my mind is struggling with many emotions. In the past 72 hours since the moment of this being written, we have seen senseless murder, school shootings, a political assassination, and riots across our country.

Speaking from personal experience, people-pleasing is one of the most dangerous and overlooked sins one can struggle with.

As a child of divorced parents, I would go every other weekend to my father’s home.

Psalm 46:1-3 (ESV) 1 God is our refuge and strength,   a very present help in trouble.

My childhood was one of great abuse. My older brothers and I went through it all.

There are times when I feel overwhelmed by my sin. I know that what I’m thinking or saying or doing is sinful, but I do it anyway.

Mercy and grace. These are such lovely words, aren’t they? I would like to be described like that:

Acts 20:26-28 (ESV) 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, 

James 1:14-15 (ESV) 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 

You know, I so want to love God with all my heart. I want to be loyal, obedient, kind, patient, filled with joy. I know God loves me.

Isaiah 6:8 - 9 ESV - And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.”

Jesus was asked what is the greatest commandment. He replied, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.

There was a time in my life when I didn’t recognize the person staring back at me in the mirror.

Last night, I laid in bed thinking  about forgiveness. As I thought about all the sin in my life that Jesus has forgiven me for, it just...