Church In The Valley - Alhambra Campus

Often, we have a plan worked out that we want to see materialize – we want it real bad. Examples: a dating relationship that works out; a business plan that succeeds; a ministry effort that multiplies and blesses many. We make a plan and set out to work it. Along the journey to accomplish anything worthwhile there will be roadblocks and challenges and discoveries that we need to alter our plan. In these moments… The right question to ask: Am I choosing real faith or just demanding that God to help me do what I want?

Many times, inner turmoil is connected to a decision we are facing. This can be a warning signal that we need to slow down and make sure that the choice we are about to make lines up with God’s will that He has already revealed in His Word. The right question to ask: Is there a tension I need to pay attention to? (Andy Stanley) Is there a moral or ethical dilemma (something inside, like a gut check) that is causing you to hesitate because it doesn’t seem like the right way to go? If so, the wrong choice may break through a guardrail that is found in Scripture to protect us from unnecessary pain and trouble. There is much guidance and protection found as we obey what we know to be God’s will in Scripture (Psalm 119:105; 119:168)

Every decision you make becomes a part of your story. Over and again, we are faced with a choice between something that looks like it will bring immediate satisfaction (or is expedient) or in taking the long road that we know to be God’s will trusting Him to work out His purpose for us. The right question to ask: What story do I want to tell? In the story of Joseph, we see a man who chose to do what is right before God in faith rather than do in the moment what would seemingly give Him a personal advantage (Genesis 39:8-10; 40-41). Faith is always a core part of making good decisions – He will never guide us in a way that eliminates our need to exercise faith (Hebrews 11:6)

When we are faced with a decision that surprises us (positive or negative), a difficult but crucial thing is to discover what’s real underneath all of the swirling thoughts and emotions. The right question to ask is: Am I being completely honest with myself? We are constantly in danger of self-deception (Jeremiah 17:9) and must do whatever it takes to get the facts (Proverbs 18:13) and refuse to rely on our own insight (Proverbs 3:5-7).

Jesus came to give His life as a ransom for many, this was His purpose for living (Mark 10:45). When He faced the reality of the price He would pay on the cross, He surrendered to God’s will. By His example, He showed us what to do when we face hard choices in life. He asked the right question and surrendered to God’s will. The right question to ask: How does this fit into my purpose for living? On this Easter Sunday, we will celebrate the resurrection. The resurrection is a historical event that can be investigated and proves that Jesus has the power to fulfill His purpose to ransom us. The resurrection also proves that He has the power to help us fulfill our purpose for living if we will surrender to God’s will.

Genuine friendships and family relationships thrive when the truth is spoken in an atmosphere of love. This message will provide a practical guide for speaking the truth in an atmosphere of love.

Love does not keep a record of wrongs but learns to let go of offenses and be patient with others. Learn how to choose genuine forgiveness.

Love is not rude but chooses to show respect and honor to others. We will uncover the key signs that indicate you are showing respect for those around you.

Humility is a state of mind that expresses itself in our words and deeds. Learn how this underrated quality is a key to loving others in practical ways.

Envy is resenting God’s goodness to others and ignoring God’s goodness to me. In this message, we will look at how to get past resentment to love the people around you.

If I don’t live a life of love, nothing I say, know, believe, give or accomplish will matter. God wants us to live a life of love and will show us how to if we trust Him.

Faith is the gateway for God’s power to work through our lives – to accomplish His work in us and through us.

Often, our minds are consumed with worry about the future. Jesus tells us that living for the right things today and refusing to be anxious about the future is key to overcoming worry.

Our emotions are tied to devotion. Whatever we want the most out of life is the lens we use when we look out at life and it shapes the way we experience life. Jesus explains the connection between devotion and the emotion tied to worry. If you devote yourself to serve God and rely on Him, He gives everything you need to deal with fears and worries.

If we choose to live for the temporary our worries get magnified. Jesus shows us the importance of living today for the things that will last that will bring maximum meaning to life.

Jesus shows us how to overcome the unpleasant effects of worry in our lives. He tells us to pray about our concerns knowing that the Father is aware of our needs and loves us. When we worry, God is someone we can trust and go to for help.

Looking backward in gratitude, looking forward in faith.

There are clear rewards and added value when we choose to be committed to living life in a church community. • We are consistently reminded of godly character and attitudes which have a high value (Colossians 3:16-17; 1 Timothy 4:7-8). • We find examples with good life outcomes to imitate (Examples of those commended in NT; Hebrews 13:7). • We multiply our effectiveness in key areas of life (family life; work; ministry, etc.) as we live life together (Ephesians 4:16)

There are many so called reasons to isolate yourself from others due to pain, pride or a wrong perspective. In this message, you will learn to identify the barriers to fellowship and the key attitudes to choose to maintain it.

God made us with a deep need to be connected in fellowship with others. Understand how God made us for fellowship and how joys are multiplied when we walk through life together.