One of the best ways to connect in church is to serve. When you serve with others, you don’t just make a difference—you make friends.When you contribute, you connect. Don’t just attend a service—be of service.
Plans vs. Opportunities
Sometimes we hold so tightly to our plans that we miss the opportunities God is placing right in front of us. Plans can be helpful maps, but they make terrible masters. If God opens a better path, it’s not only okay to change direction—it’s wise to follow His lead. You can’t step into a new … Continue reading Plans vs. Opportunities
When to Walk Away
There comes a point in a heated conversation when the best way to respond is to walk away. Nobody makes good decisions when they’re angry. Take a break—even if the other person doesn’t want to. Go for a walk. Take a few deep breaths. Talk to the Lord and a few trusted friends about the … Continue reading When to Walk Away
Conviction vs. Condemnation
There are times when feeling bad is actually good. That inner discomfort when we do something we shouldn’t, or fail to do something we should, isn’t shame—it’s conviction. It’s God’s Spirit gently alerting yours. Conviction isn’t condemnation.It’s course correction.
God is Not a Means to an End
In the gospels, when Jesus cleared the temple, He didn’t do it He lost His temper. He did it because the religious leaders lost their way. We're supposed to serve God's purposes, not the other way around. When we use God to satisfy our greed, we injury the very people He came to save. God … Continue reading God is Not a Means to an End
Religion and Resentment
The Parable of the Prodigal Son isn’t just a story of God’s grace for the rebellious—it’s also a gentle reminder for the religious. You can do all the “right things” and still have a heart that's far from God and hard toward others. When we start comparing or keeping score, bitterness blinds us to our … Continue reading Religion and Resentment
Jeff McClung 