What happens when we fail? When the hook sets deep and we’re caught in sin? Hebrews offers hope: we have a High Priest who empathizes with our weakness. Jesus faced every temptation we face, yet without sin. He doesn’t merely sympathize—He understands.Because of that, we can approach God’s throne of grace with confidence. At His throne, we find two things we desperately need: mercy—when we fall—an...

Temptation often comes disguised as shortcuts. That’s exactly how Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness. After forty days of fasting, Jesus was hungry. Satan tempted Him to satisfy His appetite, to prove His identity through pride, and to claim power without the cross.Each temptation appealed to something real. Hunger isn’t wrong. God’s protection is real. Authority belongs to Christ. But Satan tw...

Confidence is a good thing—until it makes you careless. Paul reminds the Corinthians that Israel experienced God’s miracles, yet still fell into idolatry, immorality, and grumbling. Spiritual privilege doesn’t equal spiritual immunity. “So if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” (1 Cor. 10:12).Overconfidence is one of temptation’s greatest traps. When we think, I’ve go...

Temptation is universal. Every one of us has moments when something looks good, feels right, or promises satisfaction—but beneath the surface lies danger. James 1:13–16 compares temptation to fishing bait. The lure is bright, shiny, and convincing, but it hides a deadly hook.The mistake many of us make is believing that God tempts us. James is clear: God never tempts anyone. Temptation is not from...

In Numbers 20, the Israelites are in a familiar place — complaining.They’ve hit a crisis: no water. And once again, the people are wishing they’d never left Egypt. You can almost hear the sarcasm dripping in their words: “Why did you bring us to this terrible place? It has no grain or figs, grapevines or pomegranates. And there is no water to drink!” (Numbers 20:5).Welcome back to the “Back to Egy...

Have you ever been given a task that seemed impossible… but the person assigning it didn’t seem worried at all? That’s the scene in Numbers 13.God tells Moses, “Send some men to explore the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites” (Numbers 13:1-2). Did you catch that? Their mission was to explore the land — not conquer it, not secure it, not figure out a battle plan. God’s job was to g...

If you’ve ever been around kids in the back seat on a long trip, you know the phrase: “Are we there yet?” It starts as a question, but after a while, it becomes a complaint.Israel knew that feeling. In Numbers 11, the people were in the wilderness — saved from slavery in Egypt, headed toward the Promised Land — but stuck in the in-between. And in the in-between, they started to grumble.The Gift Th...

If there’s one thing we humans like, it’s a plan. We like our calendars filled, our steps mapped, and our futures neatly penciled in. But the life of faith doesn’t always give us that luxury. Sometimes God calls us to move without telling us where we’re going, or to wait without explaining how long it will be.Israel knew that tension all too well.In Numbers 9:15–23, we see a remarkable description...

Have you ever felt stuck wondering if you’re supposed to share your faith? Or afraid to talk about Jesus because you don’t know what to say or how people will react? You’re not alone. Many believers wrestle with these questions, but Jesus gives us clear direction—and encouragement—in Matthew 28:18–20:  “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. T...

Have you ever told the truth in a way that didn’t feel loving? Or loved someone but avoided telling them what they really needed to hear? If so, you’re not alone. Most of us have swung to one side or the other. But when truth and love are pulled apart, something important breaks down—our relationships, our growth, and our ability to reflect Jesus.Ephesians 4:15–16 shows us a better way:  Instead, ...

Have you ever felt stuck wondering if you’re supposed to share your faith? Or afraid to talk about Jesus because you don’t know what to say or how people will react? You’re not alone. Many believers wrestle with these questions, but Jesus gives us clear direction—and encouragement—in Matthew 28:18–20:  “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. T...

“This is the name by which he will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior.” – Jeremiah 23:6 (NIV)At some point, most of us wrestle with the question: Am I good enough? We compare ourselves, regret past decisions, or feel the weight of trying to do everything right. The truth is, on our own, we will never measure up—but we were never meant to.In Jeremiah 23, the prophet looks ahead to a coming Ki...

“But the Lord said to him, ‘Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die.’ So Gideon built an altar to the Lord there and called it The Lord Is Peace.” – Judges 6:23–24 (NIV)Peace can feel elusive in today’s world. News cycles are filled with conflict, our schedules are overloaded, and our thoughts often race with fear, regret, or anxiety. But in Scripture, God reveals Himself with a powerful...

He said, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes… I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.” – Exodus 15:26 (NIV)Pain is something none of us escape. Whether it’s physical, emotional, or spiritual, we’ve all carried brokenness in one form or another. But Scripture introduces us to Jehovah Rapha—“...

“She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: ‘You are the God who sees me,’ for she said, ‘I have now seen the One who sees me.’” – Genesis 16:13 (NIV)We all have moments when we feel invisible—overlooked, misunderstood, forgotten. We wonder if anyone really sees us or understands what we’re going through. But in Scripture, we encounter El Roi, “The God Who Sees.” He is not distant or indiffe...

“So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, ‘On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.’” – Genesis 22:14 (NIV)Provision is one of the deepest longings of the human heart. We want to know that our needs will be met—financially, emotionally, physically, spiritually. We want security, stability, and hope for the future. In Scripture, we meet a God who does ...

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” – Deuteronomy 6:4–5 (NIV)When God revealed His name as Yahweh in the Old Testament, it wasn’t just a title—it was a declaration. Yahweh, the personal name of God, is used over 6,000 times in Scripture. It means “I Am Who I Am” (Exodus 3:14). He is not d...

If you could ask Jesus to teach you just one thing, what would it be?That may sound like a huge decision. After all, Jesus walked on water, healed the sick, multiplied food, preached with power, and confronted darkness. If you had front-row access to all of that, what would be the one thing you’d ask Him to teach you?The disciples had that kind of access. And what did they ask?“Lord, teach us to p...

One of the greatest compliments a preacher can receive is this: “It felt like you were preaching directly to me.” It’s not the preacher—it’s the Holy Spirit, speaking through God’s Word, cutting to the heart. But can I be honest? Sunday’s message might have tempted you to think, This isn’t for me. Someone else needs to hear this more than I do.But hang with me. Listen to God’s Word. This might be ...

We weren’t made to do life alone. From the beginning, God created us for connection—with Him and with one another. That truth is beautifully echoed in Ecclesiastes, a book that explores life’s meaning in a world that often feels uncertain and fleeting. One of the most profound insights it offers is this: relationships are what make life rich.1. Relationships Provide Support, Warmth, and Security“T...