Authentic worship demands more than emotional experiences or Sunday morning rituals—it requires costly sacrifice that transforms every aspect of our lives. King David's story in 2 Samuel 24 reveals this profound truth when he refused Araunah's offer of free land, oxen, and wood for building an altar. David declared he would not sacrifice to the Lord burnt offerings that cost him nothing, understanding that worship without sacrifice demonstrates nothing meaningful to God. This principle challenges our modern understanding of worship, which often focuses on feelings and music rather than surrender and obedience. True worship isn't dependent on our emotions or circumstances but on our willingness to honor God regardless of how we feel or what we're facing. When we worship only during good times—when we have plenty of money, strong relationships, and good health—that worship costs us nothing and therefore means nothing. Real worship emerges when we choose to honor God through financial struggles, relationship problems, health challenges, and other difficulties. Costly worship transforms our daily lives by turning every job into an act of service to God, every financial decision into stewardship, and every relationship into an expression of His love. This kind of worship invites God's presence and mercy into our circumstances, not as a transaction but as the natural result of authentic surrender. God desires our worship not from ego but from love, knowing we need His protection and provision in ways we cannot provide for ourselves.

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Parenting presents a unique challenge unlike any other responsibility in life. While we can control outcomes in work, exercise, or finances, parenting involves investing in human beings who will ultimately make their own choices, creating both reward and heartache for parents. The rapid pace of parenting decisions means we need wisdom and principles already embedded in our hearts rather than time to consult manuals. As Christian parents, we must understand that our children are on loan from God, and we'll give an account for how we've stewarded this responsibility. God measures our parenting success not by worldly achievements like grades or sports, but by our faithfulness to His calling. Our primary purpose is to point our children toward their Creator, prioritizing their spiritual development above all else. The foundation comes from Deuteronomy 6, which instructs us to first have God's commandments on our own hearts before impressing them on our children through constant conversation woven throughout daily life. Biblical parenting requires viewing it as a calling rather than convenience, leading with love instead of laziness, and focusing on stewardship rather than ownership. This means having the courage to say no when other parents say yes, standing against cultural pressures, and making spiritual conversations natural and frequent. For children, the call is to honor parents throughout life, understanding that parental guidance aims to protect and teach God's ways. Even for parents of adult children, the responsibility continues through prayer, trusting that seeds planted in childhood cannot be escaped, even if temporarily abandoned.

Our mission is to multiply God’s Kingdom through being and making disciples everywhere.
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Marriage presents unique challenges because it unites two imperfect people who are still growing in their faith and struggling with sin. Rather than viewing marriage as a path to personal completion or happiness, God designed it as a tool for spiritual growth and holiness. The difficulties in marriage aren't signs of failure but opportunities for transformation into Christ's image. Scripture provides clear guidance for marriage roles in Ephesians 5, where both spouses are called to mutual submission out of reverence for Christ. Wives are instructed to submit to their husbands as the church submits to Christ, while husbands must love their wives with the same sacrificial love Christ showed the church. When husbands truly love sacrificially, wives naturally respond with respect and submission, creating a healthy dynamic that reflects the gospel. Building a flourishing marriage requires intentional daily effort, much like maintaining physical fitness. Most marriages fail not from major catastrophes but from countless small neglects and distractions. Success comes through three key practices: prioritizing your spouse by giving them your best rather than leftovers, protecting your heart from dangerous comparisons and temptations, and continuously pursuing each other through dating, communication, and prayer. With God as the third strand in the marriage cord, couples can weather any storm by focusing on their own spiritual growth rather than trying to change their partner.

Our mission is to multiply God’s Kingdom through being and making disciples everywhere.
Be. Make. Multiply.

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