Within every home, heart, family and community lies secrets. Our news and society are constantly trying to expose secrets. I wanted to take a moment to tell you some really good secrets. They are as follows:
We have people in our country who donate their personal time, gas in their vehicles, wear and tear, just to provide us emergency fire and medical service. Every week we pray for them in church and are grateful for their service to our communities. 

We have people in our communities who are preserving the history of our areas. We have many experts from all walks of life. Mechanics, farmers, welders, contractors, gardeners, cheese makers, doctors, CPA’s, teachers, administrators, police officers, truck drivers and more. We value the dynamics you add to our lives.
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Most importantly we have you. There is a secret behind why God put you in our community. Do you know what it is? We want to help you and support you in discovering it. Feel free to reach out to us, attend a service, bible study or just call. I pray God’s blessings over your life and home. May He expand your influence, friendships, prosperity, and happiness.

The Christmas season is so joyful and fun. This is especially true when we watch little children have some of their first Christmas experiences before they have the expectation of receiving. I love their wonder and amazement. Their excitement and joy bring smiles to our faces and it drives us to some extent when we give them the presents that start this joy.
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Buying the present doesn’t make us happy, watching them smile when they open it does. Studies show that smiles release endorphins stimulating happiness. Can you imagine a world where we all contribute to each other’s happiness? You have the power to make a difference and it starts with a smile. This brings me to Colossians 3 which says, “14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.”
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Now back to the smile. Commit to smile more at others. Be the first to release the endorphins regardless of what they do and how they make you feel. It is contagious, you will make a difference and the result will be a more harmonious society. May you have a blessed day and keep smiling all year long. 

​“Work smarter, not harder.” This phrase I have heard so many times. Many lives are based on this philosophy. Though the concept does have merit, how far is too far? We live in a world of information, expectations, and sadness. Sometimes our personal pursuits take us down dark alleys. I want to encourage everyone, no matter your path. This entire world works better when we all work together. Shortcuts can be long-cuts and cheap can be expensive. Take a moment to give outside of yourself. Do something that isn’t for you. Invest in someone else for no other reason than personal satisfaction. We work with many resources in northern Colorado and across the world. There are opportunities to help all around you.  

We look at the world around us and realize there are multiple compositions of formulas. Many people say there is no formula with Christianity. Yet there is a sinner’s prayer for salvation, but is that a requirement? We have been studying various church theologies in bible study and have answered many questions or traditions people have grown up with which aren’t necessarily in the bible. This gave us a foundational understanding of why some people get burnt out on religion and church. I strive to teach a biblical overview, not the traditions brought up through the church and there is a difference.

At the end of the day the bible says in Romans 10:13, “Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.” There is no fancy formula for this to happen. If you want it, you can have it and that settles it. The Christian walk through life can be difficult to navigate. We walk beside you as you pursue your purpose. I pray you have a blessed day.   

We often think about our memories and what is in store for the future. Sometimes the realities of our desires which have gone unfulfilled captivate us. We aren’t as busy and the depression can creep in and take our joy. That unexplainable aching doesn’t have to be the way of life. Jesus came so that our lives could be full, meaning, full of joy, peace and happiness. It doesn’t mean He gives us every single thing that we want, but it does mean, the major desires will still be met. So don’t be afraid to dream that dream even if it feels like there isn’t any progress. God is the ultimate orchestrator and things are going on everyday that you will never see, preparing you for the blessing and the fulfillment of the dream.

In the meantime pray this prayer everyday: Jesus I ask you to take me from surviving to thriving. May your favor rest on me and my works. Provide me abundance and show me others to bless. Fill my heart with peace and joy. Give me direction and help me fulfill my purpose in life. Thank you for taking care of me. In Jesus’ name, amen.   

We often think about our memories and what is in store for the future. Sometimes the realities of our desires which have gone unfulfilled captivate us. We aren’t as busy and the depression can creep in and take our joy. That un-explainable aching doesn’t have to be the way of life. Jesus came so that our lives could be full, meaning, full of joy, peace and happiness. It doesn’t mean He gives us every single thing that we want, but it does mean, the major desires will still be met. So don’t be afraid to dream that dream even if it feels like there isn’t any progress. God ultimately orchestrates and things are going on everyday that you will never see, preparing you for the blessing and the fulfillment of the dream.
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In the meantime pray this prayer everyday: Jesus I ask you to take me from surviving to thriving. May your favor rest on me and my works. Provide me abundance and show me others to bless. Fill my heart with peace and joy. Give me direction and help me fulfill my purpose in life. Thank you for taking care of me. In Jesus’ name, amen.   

​Can you imagine never getting a “lucky break”, never getting to really be happy? Have you found it seems as though your life is a constant struggle? Though the Bible is clear that we will have trials in life, it is also clear that God’s children will be blessed and highly favored. This means struggle, sadness, and misery are not part of God’s perfect will for you.

At the end of every service I explain an opportunity for the Christian transformation. This is more than just asking Jesus to live in your heart. The transformation helps you begin a new life with favor, blessings, joy, peace and happiness. I am thoroughly convinced the key to a happy and fulfilled life involves a walk with Christ. This entails coming to church, where you can grow in Christ and have fellowship with one another.  

If you feel something is missing, you are invited to experience God. I am certain you will be blessed, and you will begin to experience God in a new way with us. I pray God continues to guide your steps and reveal Himself to you so you may have a happy life filled with joy.  

Y​ou are called to make a difference. Regardless of religious stance, doctrine beliefs, or no beliefs, we all can agree that we are people. Every day in some fashion or another we affect other people’s lives. We have the choice to create a positive impression or negative impression. Whether we like certain people, agree with them, or want to be around them, we can always love them. Make it your quest to spread the “nice bug”. Wave at cars when they pass. Smile at others in the grocery store. Help the person who just dropped something. Take the extra minute to ask a person why they are sad and most of all take care of yourself spiritually. If you aren’t in a good place, it is really hard to help others.

I have a spring blessing for you to pray and believe. It will leave you with a little difference in your life.
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Jesus, may you bless and hold me close. Reveal yourself and protect my thoughts so I’m not distracted. Remind me of your help as I walk through this season. I ask for your favor, miracles, and strength when I am weak. Thank you for your grace and surrounding me with amazing love. I ask for divine approval, open doors, perfect peace and unspeakable joy. In Jesus’ name, amen.    

Hold your friends close but hold God even closer. God sent us people to share in joy, sorrow, work, play, and just for a great day.  People offend us as well. This doesn’t mean they are bad, but it does mean they aren’t perfect. Some of the most painful statements have been said with a different intention versus the interpretation.

Cut those in your relationships some slack, we are all in this together. See others how God sees them to include giving them the grace you would like. Then press into God. Let Him heal your hurts and touch you with His hand. He will never leave you or forsake you. He is your burden carrier. He gives you strength when you are weak. He wants to be your best friend. 

Part of moving down the road is recognizing the resources you have available to you. Remember we are incomplete, it’s not all about you. We are in this together and we all must head in a joint direction. We need each other our survival and the fruit we bear depend on it. 

It is impossible to do it alone. We need each other to make it. 

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Hebrews 10:23-25 NIV

Goats, sheep, cattle and many other mammals are herd animals. They rely on a relationship with one another for a level of mutual benefit. This same type of behavior is common in humans as well. Think about it for a second, what difference does it make in your day when someone smiles at you or acknowledges you in a positive manner. How does it feel when they don’t?
We all have to head in a joint direction. There are tons of self-help books and messages about self-focus. Though personal reflection is important, there is a tremendous importance on the group dynamic in our lives.

“So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart. But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the people of Ashdod heard that the repairs to Jerusalem’s walls had gone ahead and that the gaps were being closed, they were very angry. They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it. But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat. Meanwhile, the people in Judah said, “The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall.” Also our enemies said, “Before they know it or see us, we will be right there among them and will kill them and put an end to the work.” Then the Jews who lived near them came and told us ten times over, “Wherever you turn, they will attack us.” Therefore I stationed some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places, posting them by families, with their swords, spears and bows. After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.” When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to our own work. From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor. The officers posted themselves behind all the people of Judah who were building the wall. Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other, and each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked. But the man who sounded the trumpet stayed with me. Then I said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, “The work is extensive and spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall. Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!” So we continued the work with half the men holding spears, from the first light of dawn till the stars came out. At that time I also said to the people, “Have every man and his helper stay inside Jerusalem at night, so they can serve us as guards by night and as workers by day.” Neither I nor my brothers nor my men nor the guards with me took off our clothes; each had his weapon, even when he went for water.”
Nehemiah 4:6-23 NIV

Our survival and fruit depend on each other. God knew we couldn’t be alone. That is why in the beginning He designed Eve, family, marriage and more. Battles are won with armies. Farmers are most successful with coops. We need each other to survive just as much as we need each other to grow.  

“Now the king of Aram was at war with Israel. After conferring with his officers, he said, “I will set up my camp in such and such a place.” The man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Beware of passing that place, because the Arameans are going down there.” So the king of Israel checked on the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places. This enraged the king of Aram. He summoned his officers and demanded of them, “Tell me! Which of us is on the side of the king of Israel?” “None of us, my lord the king,” said one of his officers, “but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.” “Go, find out where he is,” the king ordered, “so I can send men and capture him.” The report came back: “He is in Dothan.” Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city. When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked. “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. As the enemy came down toward him, Elisha prayed to the Lord, “Strike this army with blindness.” So he struck them with blindness, as Elisha had asked. Elisha told them, “This is not the road and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will lead you to the man you are looking for.” And he led them to Samaria. After they entered the city, Elisha said, “ Lord, open the eyes of these men so they can see.” Then the Lord opened their eyes and they looked, and there they were, inside Samaria. When the king of Israel saw them, he asked Elisha, “Shall I kill them, my father? Shall I kill them?” “Do not kill them,” he answered. “Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them so that they may eat and drink and then go back to their master.” So he prepared a great feast for them, and after they had finished eating and drinking, he sent them away, and they returned to their master. So the bands from Aram stopped raiding Israel’s territory.”
2 Kings 6:8-23 NIV

Together as a team, we will continue to change the world for Christ. We will also learn from one another while nurturing one another.

 “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.”
Proverbs 12:15 NIV

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”
Romans 15:5-7 NIV

“As iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens [and influences] another [through discussion].”
PROVERBS 27:17 AMP

Though sparks may fly we ultimately help each other become masterpieces God intended. 

“Samson said to the servant who held his hand, “Put me where I can feel the pillars that support the temple, so that I may lean against them.””
Judges 16:26 NIV
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So, the person holding onto you and walking beside you may be the precursor to your miracle. Let them help you glorify God. We need each other in church and our lives. Everyone has a significant impact on someone else. We can be the miracle answered prayer or prayer warrior for our brothers and sisters. No matter how far down the road you are on with your specific purpose remember your brothers and sisters are somewhere near. God put them in your life for a reason.  

• Take the help 
• The advice
• The miracle
• The blessing 
• And use it to carry out the purpose only you can do. 

God will fill in the gaps.