As long as I can remember I have been encouraged to try my best. Regardless of the outcome, whether in sports or academics or even in relationships, the same mantra has been reiterated over and over again - just try your best. I get it, whether it's trying hard even when we don't quite grasp the complexities of an equation, or whether it's playing hard when we aren't the most naturally gifted athlete, what can often be encouraging after a tough test or a rough game can be the phrase we have heard so often, "At least you tried your best."

While that might help us in some areas of life, it can be destructive when it comes to our faith. So much of the "if I just try my best" attitude can distract and alter our understanding of what it means to rely on God. In following Jesus, it becomes more a matter of faith, of trust, and of relying on what God has done, and on what God is continuing to do. Not trying to earn, please, or even appease God somehow by our actions. But rather, letting our actions flow from the love we have for God and for others.

Trying to please God by all the things we 'do' or all the things we 'don't do' becomes an easy trap for many of us to fall in to. Trying becomes then the anti-relying danger that many of us fall prey to when navigating the challenges of living out our faith.

What is interesting is that much of the New Testament is rooted in this very discussion. Many of the earliest followers of Jesus struggled to find the right balance between relying on what God has done and what God continues to do and what effect that has on what we do. I take some comfort in knowing the Apostle Paul struggled with this reality. In Galatians 2:19-21 he writes,

"For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me. So I died to the law—I stopped trying to meet all its requirements—so that I might live for God. My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die."

There is a bold invitation in the message of Jesus to reorient how we understand this idea of "trying our best," maybe we should think more in terms of "relying our best." I know that doesn't sound quite right, but you get the idea. Our faith is rooted in trust and a belief that I can't earn God's approval or love, that it is a gift, and that our proper response should be one of total reliance.

I look forward to seeing you all this Sunday as we continue with our new series "Thrive."

- Bradley

We finished out Guardrails strongly, talking about finances and God’s design for your finances. We saw how God honored the request from Solomon to give to him wisdom for ruling the population of Israel. We saw how God as well said, “Because you have a heart for wisdom these other things that you didn’t seek instead will be yours as well.” Solomon penned the distilled wisdom into the Proverbs and we saw what an insight they are. We should seek God’s wisdom. We should work hard. We should live generously. Those were all brought to us from God’s word being opened by Bradley this last Sunday. 

This week we start into a new series out of Galatians called Thrive. God desires your life to thrive. He sent Christ for you to have freedom. Freedom from sin. Freedom from death. Freedom from the law. We’ll be looking at the book of Galatians for this outstanding study. As we open up God’s word, won’t you be open to it? Won’t you allow yourself to be shaped by it? Won’t you let God speak to you? 

It’s not by accident that you are here in God’s presence. He’s got a plan for your life and knowing Him and following Him are at the core of that relationship. God sent His one and only Son to this earth to establish a saving relationship with you. Will you accept that? Will you follow that? Will you seek Him? He’s sought you and He wants you to thrive in Him. That’s what we’re going to be talking about this Sunday.

-Scott

Guardrails are for your protection. God placed guardrails in His word to keep you away from spiritual trouble. This past week Bradley opened God’s word and encouraged us to guard our hearts from evil. He spoke out of Proverbs 4 that tells us to “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” That instruction is similar to the words of Christ who says to “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” When you do this God adds to your stature. You grow in wisdom and knowledge and in so doing you protect your life.

This week we’ll look at God’s guardrails connected to money. Money is a vital asset in our current world and the system of this world. How does it work? Is there ever enough money? Should you pursue money at all? How should you handle the money you earn? The scriptures give us insight as to how to handle money and how to view money. We’ll be talking about these situations this weekend. 

On a personal note, the elders came and prayed over me Tuesday night connected to my upcoming surgery. They anointed me with oil and poured out their hearts before the Lord. What a joy it is to have godly leaders who try to live out the scriptures. Melody and I appreciate the prayers very much. 

Can’t wait to worship with you this Sunday.

See you then,

Scott