The Only Preparation That Matters

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we’re committed to being the change as Jesus has changed us through “Just 3” – Study, Share, and Serve. But how do we stay prepared for life’s greatest challenges? Luke 21 gives us Jesus’s answer, and it might surprise you.

The Question of Readiness

How do we stay prepared for trials, loss, and uncertainty? What’s the secret to remaining faithful when everything falls apart? Jesus gives us clear instruction in Luke 21:36: “Stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place and stand before the Son of Man.”

The answer is simple but profound: Pray.

The Same Advice for Every Season

Notice something powerful: the same advice Jesus gives for enduring suffering in verses 12-14 is the same advice He gives for staying prepared now. It’s not a complicated formula. It’s not a seven-step program. It’s relationship.

Be in such close relationship with the Father that when crisis comes—when you lose a faithful spouse after years together, when a family member isn’t getting better, when your world is shaking—you still know the voice of your Father and hear His comfort.

More Than Just Emergency Prayers

This isn’t about crisis prayers. Jesus says “stay awake at all times, praying.” This is about constant, intentional, vigilant relationship with God.

Think about it: you can’t suddenly develop deep intimacy with someone in a moment of crisis. Relationships are built over time, through consistent connection and communication.

The same is true with God. If we only pray when we’re desperate, we won’t recognize His voice when we need it most. But if we’ve been walking closely with Him all along, His presence becomes our anchor when storms come.

Living “Just 3” as Preparation

Our mission at Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes isn’t just a catchy phrase—it’s the practical outworking of Jesus’s command to stay awake and pray:

Study – Regular engagement with God’s Word keeps us spiritually alert. We’re not just reading; we’re listening for God’s voice, learning His character, understanding His promises.

Share – When we share our faith with others, we’re actively remembering and rehearsing what God has done. This keeps our testimony fresh and our hope alive.

Serve – Love in action keeps us connected to God’s heart. As we serve others, we experience His presence and power working through us.

The Ultimate Question Answered

Luke 21 answers a fundamental question: Will I give God my all?

The answer is yes—not because we’re super spiritual, but because He is the only one, the only thing, that truly lasts.

Everything else will pass away:

• Our comfort zones will be disrupted
• Our plans will change
• Our health will fail
• Our relationships will end
• Our possessions will decay

But God remains. His Word stands forever. His promises never fail. His love never ends.

Why Prayer Changes Everything

When we’re in constant prayer—in ongoing relationship with God—several things happen:

1. We gain perspective – We see our circumstances through God’s eyes rather than our fear
2. We receive strength – God’s power flows through connection with Him
3. We find peace – His presence brings comfort that circumstances cannot steal
4. We stay focused – Prayer keeps our eyes on what matters eternally

Be Ready, Be Vigilant, Be Intentional

Jesus’s call is clear: be ready, be vigilant, and be intentional in your relationship with God.

Ready – Don’t wait for crisis to develop your prayer life. Build that foundation now.

Vigilant – Stay spiritually alert. Don’t let the distractions of this world lull you into spiritual sleepiness.

Intentional – Relationship with God doesn’t happen accidentally. It requires purposeful commitment to prayer and His presence.

What Lasts Forever

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we’re convinced that the only thing worth building our lives on is the only thing that will never crumble: our relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Jobs will come and go. Health will fluctuate. Relationships will change. Circumstances will shift. But God remains the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

When we give God our all—when we stay awake in prayer, when we live out “Just 3” with intentionality—we’re not just preparing for future trials. We’re experiencing the abundant life Jesus promised right now.

Your Invitation Today

The question isn’t whether trials will come. They will. The question is: will you be prepared?

Start today:

• Commit to daily prayer – Not just asking for things, but listening for God’s voice
• Study God’s Word consistently – Build a foundation that will hold when everything shakes
• Share your faith actively – Keep your testimony fresh and your hope alive
• Serve others sacrificially – Experience God’s presence through love in action

Don’t wait for stability to be faithful. Don’t wait for comfort to draw close to God. Stay awake at all times, praying.

Because when everything else fades away, your relationship with God is the only thing that will remain.

Will you give God your all? He’s the only one who truly lasts.

When Trials Become Testimonies

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we believe in being the change as Jesus has changed us through “Just 3” – Study, Share, and Serve. But what happens when life falls apart? When suffering comes, how do we live out this mission? Jesus gives us a radical perspective in Luke 21 that transforms how we view our hardest moments.

The Promise of Persecution

Jesus doesn’t sugarcoat reality. In Luke 21, He warns His followers: “You’re going to be put on trial, thrown in jail. Even your loved ones will betray and abandon you for my name’s sake. Some of you might even be put to death.”

Not exactly an encouraging recruitment speech, right?

But then comes verse 13 with a stunning twist: “This will be your opportunity to bear witness.”

In other words: when everything falls apart, tell people how great I am. In your moment of suffering, this is what I’ve called you to do.

Our Natural Tendency

Let’s be honest. When life gets difficult, our natural tendency is to turn inward. We think:

• “Why is this happening to me?”
• “How am I going to fix this?”
• “Woe is me!”

We focus on our problems, our pain, our need for solutions. This self-focused response is completely natural—and completely opposite to what Jesus calls us to.

A Revolutionary Perspective

Jesus is calling us to keep our eyes fixed on Him, even in suffering. He’s presenting a revolutionary idea: Have you ever thought of evangelism—sharing the good news with someone else—as a way to help you through your own suffering?

This flips our entire perspective. Jesus is saying:

• Don’t wait for stability to be faithful
• Don’t wait for safety to speak
• Don’t wait for comfort to witness

The world sees suffering as a disqualification from ministry. Jesus sees it as a microphone to His glory.

Why This Matters

It’s not in spite of suffering that we see God’s goodness—it’s often through it. When we share Christ in our pain, something powerful happens:

1. We remember what’s true – Speaking truth to others reminds us of truth when circumstances lie to us
2. We shift our focus – Looking outward to help others pulls us out of the spiral of self-pity
3. We display God’s power – Our witness in suffering shows that our hope isn’t in circumstances but in Christ

Living “Just 3” in Suffering

This is where our mission becomes transformative:

Study – When we’ve built a foundation in God’s Word before trials come, we have truth to stand on when everything shakes

Share – Evangelism in suffering isn’t just about helping others find Christ; it helps us remember why we have hope

Serve – Love in action during our own pain demonstrates that our faith is real and our God is sufficient

The Example of Christ

Jesus practiced what He preached. After betrayal, false trials, beatings, and while hanging on the cross—bearing the weight of the world’s sin, fighting for His next breath—what did He do?

He brought glory to His Father. He cried, “It is finished!” In His moment of greatest suffering, He completed the work of redemption.

This is the God we serve. If our Savior suffered and used that suffering for eternal good, maybe we should reconsider how we view our own discomfort.

Your Suffering Has Purpose

Whatever you’re facing today—health battles, family conflict, financial pressure, grief, uncertainty—Jesus is inviting you to see it differently.

Your trial isn’t a disqualification. It’s a microphone.

Your pain isn’t wasted. It’s purposeful.

Your suffering isn’t the end of your story. It’s a chapter that can bring glory to God and hope to others.

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we’re committed to walking through suffering together, reminding each other that our hope is secure in Christ, and using our trials as opportunities to bear witness to His goodness.

Don’t let suffering silence you. Let it amplify the message of hope you carry.

Ever feel like everything around you is falling apart? Your health is uncertain, your family is struggling, or your future looks shaky? You’re not alone. In fact, Jesus promised His followers that difficult times would come—but He also gave us something far greater than temporary comfort.

When Suffering Becomes Your Microphone

In Luke 21, Jesus paints a sobering picture: temples destroyed, nations in turmoil, believers facing persecution. Not exactly the motivational speech we’d hope for on a Sunday morning. But here’s the twist—Jesus doesn’t see suffering as disqualification. He sees it as opportunity.

“This will be your opportunity to bear witness,” Jesus tells His disciples in verse 13. When life gets hard, when everything seems to crumble, that’s precisely when our faith speaks loudest. We naturally turn inward during trials, asking “Why me?” But Jesus invites us to look outward instead, using our struggles to point others toward eternal hope.

Think about it: When you see someone facing cancer with unexplainable peace, or a grieving widow who still smiles with genuine joy, don’t you wonder what they have that you don’t? That’s the power of witnessing through suffering. It’s not about having all the answers—it’s about trusting the One who does.

We Weren’t Made for This World

Here’s a truth that sounds harsh but becomes incredibly comforting: this world isn’t our home. We’re ambassadors, citizens of a kingdom still to come. Jesus redefines life itself in Luke 21, saying some will be put to death, yet “not a hair on your head will perish” (verse 18).

How can both be true? Because physical death isn’t the end for followers of Jesus. We were created for eternity, for unshakable relationship with God. C.S. Lewis captured this beautifully: “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.”

Every loss we experience, every disappointment, every broken dream points us toward something greater. We grieve differently because we grieve with ultimate hope. This light and momentary affliction—though it doesn’t feel light or momentary when we’re in it—cannot last forever.

Stay Awake and Pray

So how do we prepare for uncertain times? Jesus gives surprisingly simple advice: “Stay awake at all times, praying” (Luke 21:36). Not memorizing the perfect evangelism script. Not waiting until life stabilizes. Just staying close enough to God that we recognize His voice above the chaos.

When the world shakes, followers of Jesus don’t place their faith in things that don’t last. Our faith rests in the only thing that does—Christ Himself. And because He endured the cross, because death couldn’t hold Him, we have the promise that He’s coming back to make everything right.

Your Next Step

What do you need to surrender today? Maybe it’s fear about a medical diagnosis, anxiety about your kids, or worry about your finances. Whatever you’re clinging to won’t last anyway—but the relationship you gain by releasing it to God lasts forever.

Don’t wait for comfort to witness. Don’t wait for stability to be faithful. Trust that God has more of Himself to give you, right now, in the middle of your mess.

Prayer: Father, thank You that suffering magnifies Your glory. Help us surrender our will to Yours, trusting that You’re making all things new. When our world shakes, anchor us in the only thing that lasts—relationship with You through Jesus. Give us courage to witness even in our pain, knowing our redemption draws near. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Discovering the Life You Were Made For

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, our mission is simple yet transformative: be the change as Jesus has changed us. We live this out through “Just 3” – Study to love and know God, Share to know and love others, and Serve as love in action. Today, we’re exploring a profound truth that will revolutionize how you see your relationship with God.

The Longing That Points to Eternity

C.S. Lewis once wrote, “If I find within me a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, then I find it extremely plausible that I was not made for this world.” Have you ever felt that deep longing? That sense that there must be something more?

You’re right. There is.

We were made for something greater than this temporary world. Second Corinthians 4:16-17 reminds us that “our light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” This isn’t just about heaven someday—it’s about experiencing God’s presence and purpose right now.

The Invitation to Go Deeper

In Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia, there’s a powerful moment when Aslan the Lion calls to his friends with a deep, kind voice: “My friends, what are you doing out there? Come further up and further in. I have better yet in store.”

This is Jesus’s invitation to each of us today.

Many Christians settle for a surface-level relationship with God. We’re content with Sunday services and occasional prayers. But Jesus is calling us to something far greater. He’s the bridge that restores our relationship with the Father—the relationship we were created for from the beginning.

Don’t Settle for Less

Here’s the transformative truth: Jesus has more of Himself to give you. Not just in eternity, but here and now.

This is where our “Just 3” mission becomes intensely practical:

Study – When we consistently engage with God’s Word, we discover layers of truth we never knew existed. Each time we open Scripture, God invites us further up and further in.

Share – As we share our faith with others, we deepen our own understanding of God’s goodness. Evangelism isn’t just about helping others; it transforms us too.

Serve – When we love others through action, we experience God’s heart in ways that Bible study alone cannot provide.

The Life Available Now

Too many believers are living in the “stable” when God has prepared a palace. We’re settling for crumbs when He’s offering a feast. We’re standing at the door when He’s inviting us into the throne room.

Jesus doesn’t want you to wait until heaven to experience abundant life. John 10:10 promises, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” That’s present tense—now, today, in the midst of your current circumstances.

What’s Holding You Back?

The question isn’t whether God has more for you. He does. The question is: what are you holding onto that’s preventing you from receiving it?

Maybe it’s fear. Maybe it’s comfort. Maybe it’s pride or self-reliance. Whatever it is, it’s not worth missing out on the deeper relationship God is offering.

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we’re committed to helping people take that next step—to go further up and further in with God. We don’t want anyone to settle for less than everything God has for them.

Your Next Step

Don’t settle for where you are today spiritually. God is calling you deeper. He’s inviting you to experience more of His presence, more of His power, more of His purpose for your life.

The invitation is clear: “Come further up and further in.”

Will you accept it?

Start today by committing to “Just 3” – Study God’s Word with fresh expectation, Share your faith with someone who needs hope, and Serve someone in practical love. As you do, you’ll discover that God always has more of Himself to give.

The abundant life isn’t waiting for you in heaven. It’s available right now. Come further up and further in.

When Worship Looks Different

Have you ever had your plans completely disrupted? Maybe a snowstorm canceled your Sunday service, an illness kept you home, or unexpected circumstances changed everything you anticipated. In those moments, it’s natural to feel anxious or worried. But these disruptions often reveal a deeper question we all face: Who’s really in control of our lives?

The Authority Question That Changes Everything

Luke 20 presents a powerful confrontation between Jesus and the religious leaders who questioned His authority. “Tell us by what authority you do these things,” they demanded. But their question wasn’t about theology—it was about control. They wanted to know: Who gave you the right?

Jesus responded brilliantly, turning their trap back on them by asking about John the Baptist’s authority. The religious leaders couldn’t answer without condemning themselves, so they avoided the question entirely. Their response reveals something crucial: people don’t reject Jesus because they lack information; they reject Him because they fear where obedience might lead.

The Parable That Hits Home

Jesus then told a parable about vineyard tenants who rejected the owner’s servants and eventually killed his son. The religious leaders understood—this story was about them. They had rejected prophet after prophet, and now they were rejecting God’s beloved Son.

The cornerstone they rejected would become the foundation of everything. As Jesus declared, quoting Psalm 118:22, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” There’s no neutral ground with Jesus—we’re either broken before Him in repentance or broken by Him in judgment.

Caesar’s Coin and God’s Image

When the leaders tried to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar, He asked for a coin. “Whose image is on it?” Caesar’s, they answered. “Then give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

Here’s the profound truth: that coin bore Caesar’s image, so it belonged to Caesar. But you bear God’s image (Genesis 1:27). Your life, your body, your worship, your future—all of it belongs to Him.

Seeking First the Kingdom

Matthew 6:31-33 reminds us not to be anxious about life’s necessities. Instead, “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” When circumstances change, when plans fall apart, when we’re not in control—God still is.

Real life with Jesus means:

• Submitting to His authority completely
• Responding to His grace with gratitude
• Giving God what already belongs to Him—everything

The Choice Before Us

The hardest truth? You’re the only one who can make this choice. Will your life be built on the cornerstone of Christ, or will you stumble over Him? Will you surrender control, or will you keep trying to manage everything yourself?

Whether you’re worshiping in a church building or your living room, whether life is going according to plan or completely off-script, the question remains: Who has your deepest allegiance?

God doesn’t want partial surrender. He wants all of you—your worries, your plans, your control, your life. And when you give Him everything, you discover the peace that comes from knowing He’s been in control all along.

Who’s really in charge of your life today?

Jesus’ encounter with Zacchaeus is a powerful illustration of His desire for a personal relationship with each of us. At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we are reminded that Jesus meets us where we are, inviting us into a transformative relationship that changes everything.

Jesus’ Invitation to Zacchaeus

Despite Zacchaeus’ social status and the crowd’s judgment, Jesus initiated a relationship with him. He called Zacchaeus down from the tree, demonstrating that no one is too far gone or too insignificant for His love. This invitation extends to us today, as Jesus seeks to know us intimately and walk with us through life’s challenges.

In Revelation 3:20, Jesus says, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” This verse highlights Jesus’ desire for a personal relationship with each of us, inviting us to open our hearts to Him.

The Importance of Relationship

Jesus’ invitation is not just about salvation; it’s about relationship. John 15:15 says, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends.” Jesus desires to know us deeply and to be a part of our lives.

This relationship is transformative, offering us hope, healing, and purpose. As we grow in our relationship with Jesus, we are empowered to live out our faith and share His love with others.

Our Response to Jesus’ Invitation

At Lakeview Christian Church, we respond to Jesus’ invitation by committing to “Just 3”: Study, Share, Serve. We study to know and love God, share to know and love others, and serve as love in action. This commitment reflects our desire to grow in our relationship with Jesus and to live out our faith in tangible ways.

Studying Scripture helps us understand God’s character and His will for our lives. Sharing our faith allows us to build relationships and extend the same grace to others. Serving others is a tangible expression of our faith, demonstrating the love of Christ in action.

Conclusion

Jesus’ invitation to relationship is a gift that transforms our lives. As we respond to His call, we are empowered to live out our faith and share the hope we have found in Him. Let us embrace this invitation, trusting that Jesus will meet us where we are and lead us into a deeper relationship with Him. At Lakeview Christian Church, we are committed to being the change as Jesus has changed us, living out the Gospel in every aspect of our lives.

The mission of Jesus is clearly articulated in Luke 19:10: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” This verse encapsulates the purpose of Jesus’ coming and serves as a guiding principle for Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes. As His Church, we are called to continue this mission, reaching out to those who are far from God.

The Purpose of Christmas

Christmas is a celebration of Jesus’ birth, but it is also a reminder of His mission. Jesus came to find those who were lost and reunite them with the Father. This mission is not just a historical event but a living reality that continues through His Church.

The story of Zacchaeus is a perfect example of this mission in action. Despite Zacchaeus’ reputation and the crowd’s judgment, Jesus sought him out and offered him a new life. This encounter demonstrates that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love and that Jesus’ mission is to bring hope and healing to all.

Our Role in Jesus’ Mission

As the bride of Christ, Lakeview Christian Church embraces the mission to seek and save the lost. We are called to be obedient, standing ready when opportunities arise to share the hope we have found in Jesus. It is in these moments of obedience that human action intersects with divine intervention, leading to life change.

Obedience is a key component of our faith journey. When we respond to God’s call, we open the door for transformation, both in our lives and in the lives of others. Whether we witness the change or not, we trust that God is at work, just as He was in the life of Zacchaeus.

The Power of Obedience

Obedience requires us to step out in faith, trusting that God will use us to accomplish His purposes. It may not always be easy, but it is essential for fulfilling our mission as His Church. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commands us to “go and make disciples of all nations,” reminding us that our mission is to share the Gospel with the world.

Conclusion

The mission of Jesus is ongoing, and we are invited to participate in it. By embracing our role as His Church, we can make a difference in the lives of those around us. Let us be obedient to His call, trusting that He will use us to bring hope and healing to a broken world. As we celebrate Christmas, let us remember the true purpose of Jesus’ coming and commit to living out His mission in our daily lives.

Ever wonder if God is reaching out to you in the midst of your daily routine? The story of Zacchaeus offers a profound lesson on how Jesus meets us where we are, inviting us into a transformative relationship. This sermon on spiritual growth and hearing God’s call reminds us that no one is beyond reach, and hope is always within grasp.

Zacchaeus’ Unexpected Encounter

Imagine being Zacchaeus, a man despised by his community for his role as a chief tax collector. Despite his wealth, Zacchaeus was curious about Jesus, a man whose teachings and miracles had captivated many. But Zacchaeus faced a challenge—his short stature made it difficult to see over the crowd. Undeterred, he climbed a sycamore tree, positioning himself to catch a glimpse of Jesus.

In this moment, Jesus did something remarkable. He looked up, called Zacchaeus by name, and invited himself to Zacchaeus’ home. This simple act of reaching out to someone considered an outcast reveals Jesus’ heart for the individual. He sees beyond our circumstances and desires a personal relationship with each of us.

The Power of Solitude and Reflection

Zacchaeus’ story highlights the importance of solitude and reflection in our spiritual journey. By climbing the tree, Zacchaeus created a space to encounter Jesus away from the crowd’s judgment. In our own lives, finding moments of solitude allows us to hear God’s voice more clearly. When was the last time you paused to listen for God?

Solitude is not about isolation but about creating an environment where we can connect with God. It’s in these quiet moments that we can reflect on our lives, recognize our need for change, and respond to Jesus’ invitation to draw closer to Him.

Responding to Jesus’ Call

Zacchaeus’ response to Jesus was immediate and joyful. He came down from the tree and welcomed Jesus into his home, choosing to ignore the crowd’s murmurs. This act of faith led to a profound transformation. Zacchaeus pledged to give half of his possessions to the poor and repay anyone he had wronged fourfold. His actions demonstrated a heart changed by grace.

Like Zacchaeus, we are called to respond to Jesus’ invitation. Whether it’s overcoming past mistakes or letting go of pride, Jesus meets us in our mess and offers a path to redemption. What is your response to Jesus’ call today?

Practical Steps to Embrace Hope

1. Create Space for Solitude: Set aside time each day to be alone with God. Use this time for prayer, reflection, and listening.
2. Seek Community: Surround yourself with others who encourage your spiritual growth. Share your journey and learn from one another.
3. Act on Your Faith: Like Zacchaeus, let your faith lead to action. Consider how you can serve others and make amends where needed.

A Call to Action

As we reflect on Zacchaeus’ story, let us be inspired to embrace the hope and transformation Jesus offers. Whether you’re exploring faith for the first time or seeking to deepen your relationship with God, know that Jesus is calling you by name. Will you respond?

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for meeting us where we are and calling us into a deeper relationship with You. Help us to create space for solitude and reflection, to hear Your voice clearly. May we respond to Your call with joy and faith, just as Zacchaeus did. Transform our hearts and guide us to live out Your love in our daily lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

By embracing these steps and reflecting on Zacchaeus’ story, we can find hope and purpose in our spiritual journey. Let this be a season of transformation and renewed faith as we draw closer to Jesus, our living hope.

In the heart of the Gospel lies a profound truth that is often misunderstood, even within church walls. At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we are reminded that grace is not about our perfection but about Jesus’ unconditional love. This message is beautifully illustrated in the story of Zacchaeus, a man whose life was transformed by an encounter with Jesus.

The Distortion of Grace

Many people believe they must “get right” with God by fixing their own lives before approaching Him. This distortion of grace suggests that we need to be perfect to receive God’s love. However, the Gospel tells a different story. Romans 5:8 states, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus meets us in our mess, offering grace that transcends our imperfections.

This misconception can lead to a cycle of guilt and shame, where individuals feel unworthy of God’s love. Yet, the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19 is a powerful reminder that Jesus seeks us out, regardless of our past or present circumstances. Zacchaeus, a tax collector despised by society, was not beyond the reach of Jesus’ love. Jesus’ approach to Zacchaeus shows us that grace is not about our worthiness but about God’s unconditional love.

Jesus’ Unconditional Love

The phrase “Jesus loves” is often followed by conditions or qualifiers, but the truth is simple and profound: Jesus loves—period. This love is not contingent upon our actions or our ability to clean up our lives. It is a love that meets us where we are and invites us into a transformative relationship.

In John 3:16, we read, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This verse encapsulates the essence of the Gospel: God’s love is available to all, regardless of their past or present.

Our Response to Grace

At Lakeview Christian Church, we are called to “Be the change as Jesus has changed us.” This means embracing grace and allowing it to transform our lives. We are encouraged to study the Bible, share our faith, and serve others, reflecting the love of Christ in all we do.

Studying Scripture helps us understand the depth of God’s love and the grace He offers. Sharing our faith allows us to build relationships and extend the same grace to others. Serving others is a tangible expression of our faith, demonstrating the love of Christ in action.

Conclusion

The Gospel is a message of grace, not perfection. Jesus meets us where we are, offering love and acceptance. As we embrace this truth, we are empowered to live out our faith and share the hope we have found in Jesus. Let us remember that grace is not something we earn but a gift we receive, and let us extend that grace to others as we live out our mission at Lakeview Christian Church.

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the simple yet profound act of giving thanks. As highlighted in a recent sermon at Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, the story of the one leper who returned to thank Jesus serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of gratitude. This single act of returning to give thanks not only changed the leper’s life but also offers us a blueprint for daily living.

Start Your Day with Gratitude

How often do we pause to thank God for the gift of a new day? Each morning, as we place our feet on the floor, we have an opportunity to express gratitude for the life and breath we’ve been given. This simple act of acknowledging God’s blessings can set a positive tone for the day ahead. As Psalm 118:24 reminds us, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

End Your Day with Reflection

Before we close our eyes at night, it’s important to reflect on the day and thank God for His guidance and provision. This practice not only fosters a heart of gratitude but also prepares us to be a blessing to others. As we rest, we can ask God to renew our strength for the coming day, echoing the words of Psalm 4:8, “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”

Strengthen Relationships Through Gratitude

Gratitude isn’t just about our relationship with God; it also extends to those around us. Whether it’s a spouse, parent, friend, or teacher, expressing thanks can strengthen and deepen our relationships. As Colossians 3:15 encourages, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

Be the Change: Study, Share, Serve

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, our mission is to “Be the change as Jesus has changed us.” We do this through “Just 3”: Study, Share, Serve. By studying God’s Word, sharing our gratitude with others, and serving our community, we embody the transformative power of gratitude in action.

Conclusion

Gratitude is more than a fleeting feeling; it’s a daily practice that can transform our lives and the lives of those around us. As we cultivate a habit of thankfulness, we draw closer to God and reflect His love to the world. Let us be like the one leper who returned, giving thanks and experiencing true transformation.