Immature Vs. Mature

“Judas held back and dried up. Mary poured out and she filled up.” (John 12:3–8)Such a powerful reminder from this message at Journey Church. When we cling tightly to what we think we can’t lose, we end up empty. But when we pour out our worship, our time, our love,...

Whatever you give thanks to God for increases the value. Whatever you take for granted decreases the value.

Gratitude changes everything. When you learn to live a grateful life — it becomes natural to live a generous life. And when you live with gratitude and generosity… he result is a BLESSED life. Not because God is a vending machine…But because your heart is aligned with...

“Your consistency will become your character.” — Pastor James The habits you build today shape who you’ll become tomorrow. Stay faithful, stay steady, and let consistency build the character Christ desires in you.

“The longer you stay immature, the harder life feels — and the longer you’ll stay that way.” — Pastor JamesSpiritual immaturity keeps us stuck. Growth may be uncomfortable, but staying the same is even harder. God is calling us higher — to grow in wisdom, faith, and...

"We teach what we know, but we reproduce what we are." To understand that our actions and character impact others more than our words. Key Scripture: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” — 1 Corinthians 11:1 Ask: Who has influenced your faith more...

"Yes means 'okay'. No is an answer. Remember, God knows best. Not yet is an answer." To trust that God’s responses (“Yes,” “No,” or “Not Yet”) reflect His perfect wisdom. Key Scripture: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares...

"Don’t base your faith upon what the answer is, base your faith on the fact that Jesus did answer." Trust in Jesus’ faithfulness, not in the specific outcomes of His answers. Key Scripture: “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things...

"Our weakness can never trump God’s strength." Scripture:“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) In our weakest moments, God’s strength is at its greatest. Our limitations are not obstacles to God—they are...

Scripture: “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17) Key Thought: In a world that values “my truth,” God’s truth remains unchanging and eternal. Our personal feelings and experiences are valid but must be surrendered to His perfect wisdom....

“Satan wants us to think our past is fixable; God wants us to know our past is forgivable.”  The Deception of "Fixing" the Past Satan’s Lie:We can fix our past by trying harder, covering up, or denying mistakes. This keeps us in guilt and striving. Scripture:Romans...

What is re-framing? The facts of the situation or circumstance are the same, but the filter is different. The facts don’t change, but our attitude and outlook does. Re-framing could just as easy be called refocus. Why is it so hard to re-frame or re-focus? Many times,...

We have to train our mind to focus. It takes intentionality and consistency = success. (Joshua 1:7-9, NKJV) What we meditate on we do, and if we meditate on the right things long enough it leads to the right actions and we will prosper and have good success. What area...

Think on what’s true. (Philippians 4:8-9, NIV) True. (John 17:17; John 8:32, NIV). Freedom from sin and deception. Free to live a full life. Noble. Choosing thoughts and actions that uplift rather than degrade. Our acts will follow our thoughts. Right. Basing our...

Think on what’s true. (Philippians 4:8-9, NIV) True; (John 17:17; John 8:32, NIV) Freedom from sin and deception. Free to live a full life. Noble; Choosing thoughts and actions that uplift rather than degrade. Our acts will follow our thoughts. Right; Basing our...

Fruitful. (Psalm 92:12-15, NIV; 2 Corinthians 4:16, NKJV) Fruit of other Christians. (John 14:6, NKJV; John 10:10, NKJV; Matthew 6:33) The real key to happiness is found in intimate relationships, not intentions. Saved + Intimate relationship = Joy When we are...

Acknowledging the reality. (2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV) This does not mean we won’t have seasons of fear, but that God does not want us to live in fear. The lack of acknowledging the truth can bring anxiety and stress. Learn to focus on what we know, not what we don’t know....

Remember the start position and focus on your growth. (Philippians 3:12-14, NCV) Having the right goals and dreams brings passion, purpose, and privilege. Start a gratitude notebook and write down the opportunities you have. Practice an attitude of gratitude....

What does the Bible say brings happiness? Wisdom and knowledge bring joy. (Ecclesiastes 2:24-26, NKJV) The right relationship with God brings joy. (Psalm 16:11, NKJV) Trusting in God brings happiness. (Proverbs 16:20, NKJV) Learn to be content with what you have. (1...

There is no perfect marriage. (Romans 3:23, NIV) No marriage is happy all the time. (Ecclesiastes 3:1,4, NIV) Stop being historical. (Philippians 3:13-14, NIV) 3 positives for every negative. (Ephesians 4:29-32, NCV; Proverbs 16:24, NIV) Separation for reconciliation....

Your spouse and your happiness. (Proverbs 18:22, NKJV) Your mate is God’s second greatest gift next to Jesus Christ as your Savior. Don’t focus on trying to change your mate, focus on you becoming the right person. The extreme feeling of Joy will fade. Falling in love...

Regret: Sorrow over something that happened to you or something you did. (2 Corinthians 7:10, NKJV, NIV) Wrong regrets or worldly sorrow bring death. Material and worldly-focus vs. spiritual focus will lead to emotional and spiritual death. (Philippians 3:13-14, NIV)...

Prioritize your health. If you’re not healthy, those you lead won’t be healthy. Unhealthy people hurt people. Don’t just get healthy, stay healthy. If you’re not growing, you can’t grow people. You are either the lid, or lid lifter. Growing people earn, learn...

Happiness is a byproduct of seeking Jesus. Most people seek things, but the byproduct is emptiness. The world seeks happiness by looking to people, places, power, fame, looks, etc. only to find emptiness. The #1 reason people go from job to job, church to church, and...

Consistently and intentionally connect with God on a regular basis. You can’t have Godly discernment or wisdom without consistently and intentionally connecting with God. Admit you don’t know what you don’t know. The more we learn, the more we know we need to learn...

Royalty is humble and patient. (Ephesians 4:1-32, NIV) Live worthy of what you have been given. Humility is putting Christ first, others second, and yourself last. (Mark 12:30-31, NKJV) This means knowing, accepting, and being ourselves to the glory of God. When we...

The responsibility of pastors and staff. (Ephesians 4:11-16, NKJV; Hebrews 13:17, NKJV) Train them for a task. Develop them to be better people. Disciple them in being a better follower of Christ. The danger of not doing your part. You will miss out. You will not be...

Consistently and intentionally connect with God on a regular basis. You can’t have Godly discernment or wisdom without consistently and intentionally connecting with God. Admit you don’t know what you don’t know. The more we learn, the more we know we need to learn...

Ephesians 1:2-20, CEV, TPT, Passion, NKJV Christ will be kind to you and will bless with peace. He will bless you with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realm. The same love God has for the Beloved, Jesus God has for us! Total cancellation of our sins. We get...

What and who would you go to prison for? (Ephesians 3:1-2, NKJV, ESV) Paul was so passionate about his calling that nothing, including prison, was going to stop him. (1 Peter 4:12-13, NKJV) The inner man gets his peace, power, and fullness through love. Love, not...

Passion will give the vision energy. Passion gives not only starting power, but staying power. If your passion is right you actively support what you’re passionate about. Passion during stress. We don’t need to reduce stress, we need to increase our passion about the...

  You must connect with Jesus. It’s not about proximity with God, it’s simply being available to God. We can’t get much closer than having Him living in us and promising never to leave us. (Hebrews 13:5-6, NKJV; Revelation 3:20, NKJV) If you’re a Christian, even when...

The main cause of conflict. (Ephesians 4:26-27, CEV; James 4:1-2, NCV) The main cause of fights and arguments come from selfish desires that war within us all. The flesh is natural and the spirit is supernatural. The real cure is when you come to the point that you...

The motivation factor in your marriage can’t be your mate, but the Lord! (Matthew 6:33, NKJV; Matthew 22:36-40, NKJV) Men are superior to women. (1 Peter 3:7, NKJV) You need a mission mindset. (Psalm 127:1, NKJV) Calendar guarantee – you get older; Growth guarantee –...

Relationship Truths. Independent: Living as one, but both living separate lives. (1 Peter 3:7, NKJV) Co-dependent: Dependent on one another, if one crashes they both crash. Excessive caretaking. Difficulty setting boundaries. Low self-esteem. Fear of abandonment....

The condition of your heart greatly determines your actions, reactions, behavior, and joy in spite of your circumstances and situations. (Proverbs 4:23, NKJV) If you have any issues in life, it’s really a heart issue. Hard hearts hurt others, humble hearts help...

Learn how to communicate better. Release what you think you know. Intentionally release what you think God is going to tell you and listen for His voice. Receive - open your heart. Receive with an open heart before you respond in the conversation. Receive God’s Word...

Your expectations need to come from God. (Psalm 62:5, KJV) If your expectations come from anyone other than God, you will live a roller coaster of a life. God is going to take care of you. Love your wife, kids, and friend but your expectations need to come from God...

Be careful when answering your children. Children’s first impression of God will be their parents, apart from transformation. God’s Word spoken to them with the wrong attitude will breed rebellion, not rewards. (Ephesians 6:4, TLB; James 1:26, ESV) Questions for you:...

Jesus understands how we feel in any situation. (Matthew 27:45-46, NLT) Jesus might not deliver us from the problem and pain, but He will never leave us or abandon us. (Hebrews 4:15-16, NKJV; Lamentations 3:22-23, NKJV) He will remove the pain or the problem. Give us...

Step 1: Unfollow negativity Social media us the #1 source of negativity and negative contagious emotions. Unfollow any accounts that bring negativity, spur bad feelings or don’t inspire you. (1 Corinthians 15:33, CEV) Step 2: Cancel plans. Open your calendar and look...

Love louder. (1 Corinthians 13:13, NKJV; 1 Corinthians 13:1-2, CEV) It doesn’t matter how good you teach, preach, sing, or how much faith you have, if you don’t have love, it’s worthless. Love louder, more than anyone else in the room. Be wiser. (Ephesians 5:17, NKJV;...

God speaks to us. (Luke 1:26-35, NKJV) How to Know God’s Will: God’s Word. God’s Principles. God’s authorities. God’s sovereignty. How to make a Godly Decision: Will this choice bring glory to God? Is this a decision Jesus would make? Will I be proud of this decision...

  God is the hero, not Jonah. (Jonah 3:5-6, NKJV; Jonah 3:9-10, NKJV, NLT2; 2 Chronicles 7:14, NKJV) It’s God who does the miracles, not us. What God wills and wants, it will happen. What God really wanted was not to punish and destroy, but to love and forgive. (Jonah...

The Lord was with Joseph from the pit to the palace. (Genesis 39:2, NKJV) The Lord was with Joseph in his job, but he still had problems. The Lord was with Joseph in prison and showed him favor. (Genesis 39:21-23, NKJV) The Lord was not only with Joseph, but He also...

God’s Word tells us to allow God to love us. (1 John 3:1, AMP, CEV, NCV) The reason that the world does not know us is because it does not know Him. On the good days and bad days God still loves you and you need to allow God to love you. Consequences of not allowing...

We are called to fight spiritually more than physically. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5, NIV) We may not do it more because we feel that’s just the way it is and we will have to live with it. Salvation is free, but peace has a price and most people don’t want to pay the price....

Pray that God will give patience in the process. (Psalm 40:1-2, GW, NLT2) You can know what the process is, even if you don’t fully understand it. (Jeremiah 29:11, NKJV, NLT2, CEV) Because you know the purpose of the process, it helps you have patience. Be still and...

The goodness of God is beyond description. (Psalm 106:1-5, TLB; Psalm 106:5, TLB) Thank Him for loving us continuously and forever. Thank Him for His mercies that are new every morning. Thank Him for sending His Son to die for our sins. Thank Him for giving us the...

Your purpose is what you live out, not what you just talk about. Even though we have purpose and favor, it does not mean we will not have problems. Jesus had a purpose with favor. (Luke 2:52, NKJV; Hebrews 12:2, NKJV) When our pain has purpose, it makes it easier to...

God’s favor is still with us even in the bad times. (Psalm 30:5, NKJV, ESV) Make sure you activate the favor of God. The Holy Spirit never leaves us, but there are things we can do that grieve the Holy Spirit: (Ephesians 4:25-32, NKJV) Bitterness. Rage. Anger. Harsh...

A true wife brings strength and joy. (Proverbs 18:22, NKJV, AMP; Proverbs 14:1, NCV) A wise woman applies God’s Word and principles to the marriage which strengthens it. A true and wise woman knows that marriage will need repairs and will help do her part to keep it...

  Grow from the inside out, be bigger on the inside than the outside. (Psalm 119:11, NKJV) Allow God’s Word to transform you. (Romans 12:2, NKJV; Luke 6:45, NKJV; Matthew 23:25, NKJV) Qualities of leaders who grow from the inside out. They value people more than...

Abraham’s response to God’s representatives help us understand why he finally received the favor he had been waiting on. (Genesis 18:1-15, NCV) When God comes into your presence, do you want to beg Him to stay? Do you see yourself as God’s servant rather than God...

Continue to ask God for His favor. (Psalm 90:16-17, NRSV) Can we grow in God’s favor? Yes How do we grow in God’s favor? Salvation and Wisdom. (Proverbs 8:35, NKJV, AMP) Wisdom is knowing the mind of God in a matter and then knowing how to apply it on a day-to-day...

Stop being goal-oriented and be more growth-oriented. Getting promoted past your personal growth is a land mine waiting to happen. Happiness is a by-product of oneness. Trying to be special because of achievement won’t bring happiness, it brings separation, fear, and...

Consistency is most important at home. First with your mate: Trust is built by the right actions and reactions repeated over a long period of time. (Luke 16:10, NCV) Second with your children: If you tell them you’re going to do something, do it! (Ephesians 6:4, TEV)...

It’s not desire that causes us to win, grow, or be successful. It’s the design. You have to have both desire and design. Desire starts the fire, but design takes you to the finish line. Desire is about passion, but design is about the pattern. Areas to grow in:...

Every leader needs and wants loyalty. You can’t get loyalty and longevity mixed up with productivity. Business does not equal productivity. You can’t get trust mixed up with truth. You want to trust them or you really don’t need them. You can’t allow the truth about...

God is large and in charge. (Isaiah 46:9-11, NIV; Psalm 115:3, NIV; Daniel 4:35, NIV) He is large enough and in charge enough to take care of whatever we are facing. (Colossians 1:17, NKJV, CEV) God’s permissive will still gives us freedom of choice. (Romans 12:2,...