Jesus is the answer. We must behold Christ as supreme if we are going to overcome our addictions. As we behold Him in the first place, we are being transformed. As we behold Him and have the mind of Christ, He will help us see how to serve Him and serve others, taking the focus off of our self-comfort and self-pleasure.

“What surprised us was how welcoming everyone was our first Sunday. We then visited an MC for the first time and people were calling, texting, and inviting us to things. It felt like family.”

Even when you know the right answers in your head, your heart can’t quite believe the truth you’ve been taught. I’m convinced that one of the most beautiful aspects of our faith is that we get to remind each other of important truths we know but may have temporarily forgotten.

We cannot abandon truth in the name of grace and we cannot abandon grace in the name of truth. One leads to the self righteousness of the Pharisees while the other leads to a license which ultimately denies our great God and Savior.

What could it look like to these children, parents, and social workers who see the Church stepping in and loving and serving them unconditionally and sacrificially during what is likely the hardest, darkest, and lowest time of their life?

Recently I’ve been pondering this question for our Sunday morning gatherings? “Do I come to just spectate or do I participate?”

The Enemy would have you do anything but turn and run to the Father in these times, but I am convinced that God, in his divine grace, shows us through secular ways as well as Biblical that He desires us to come to him and seek refuge from the storm.

When I feel like a failure as a mom, I don’t have to wallow in shame. I also don’t have to dig in a try harder to be “enough.” I have to remember the gospel.

So, we will remember and proclaim that we can be with God forever by grace through trusting in His good work on our behalf – all because of what Jesus did (Ephesians 2:8). What can we do as God’s people to prepare for all of this?

Whether you’re an introvert or not, stewarding your energy resources well - knowing your limits and taking the time to recharge - is important. Running on fumes leaves us vulnerable to misbelief, burnout, and even sin. Yet …

“These classrooms used to be filled with children. It breaks my heart for these halls to be silent now. We would love for them to be full of children again.”

As we process and reflect on God’s grace through our day-to-day lives, we are more ready to tell our family, friends, and neighbors about the good things He has done for us.