Raising children in the fear and admonition of the Lord is not just a tradition or a formality, but a sacred vow and a spiritual responsibility. Parents are called to be on the front lines of their children's spiritual formation, modeling authentic faith at home and in public, and ensuring their children are surrounded by a loving, faith-filled community. The church is also called to support families, praying for protection, guidance, and spiritual growth for every child, so that each one may come to know Christ personally and be equipped to stand firm in their faith. [34:34]
Ephesians 6:4 (ESV)
"Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."
Reflection: What is one intentional step you can take this week to model authentic faith for your children or the children in your church community, both at home and in public?
A life transformed by Christ naturally raises questions in those around us, as the aroma of Christ becomes evident through our actions, attitudes, and love. When we live out our faith authentically, even without eloquent words or formal evangelism, others will notice the difference and be drawn to ask what has changed in us. Our testimony, no matter how simple, can be a powerful tool in leading others to Christ, as God uses our everyday interactions to plant seeds of faith and bring about eternal impact. [49:25]
Matthew 5:16 (ESV)
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: Who in your life has noticed a difference in you because of your faith, and how can you be more intentional this week in sharing your story or inviting them into a conversation about Jesus?
Every believer is called to be a minister of reconciliation, representing Christ and extending His invitation to be reconciled to God in every sphere of life. This calling is not limited to pastors or missionaries overseas, but is the daily mission of every Christian—at work, at home, and in the community. Our lives are like trailers for the gospel, and through our words, actions, and relationships, we have the privilege and responsibility to point others to the hope and restoration found in Jesus. [01:17:35]
2 Corinthians 5:18-20 (ESV)
"All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."
Reflection: Where has God placed you as an ambassador for Christ, and what is one way you can intentionally bring reconciliation or share Christ’s love in that environment this week?
There is a vital difference between knowing facts about Jesus and truly learning Christ, allowing His life and teachings to shape who we are and how we live. To be called a Christian is to be a "little Christ," living in such a way that others see Jesus in us. This requires intentional time spent in the Gospels, seeking to understand and imitate Jesus’ compassion, mercy, and Spirit-led responses, so that our knowledge of Him becomes transformative and missional. [59:08]
Philippians 3:10 (ESV)
"That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death."
Reflection: Set aside a specific time this week to read a Gospel account of Jesus’ life—how does what you read challenge you to live more like Him in a specific area of your life?
Developing spiritual habits such as blessing others, sharing meals, listening to the Spirit, learning Christ, and journaling about how we point others to God’s kingdom helps us become more intentional and effective in our witness. These habits, formed over time, shape us into people whose lives naturally alert others to the reality and reign of Christ, even in ordinary settings. By reflecting on and recording how God is at work through us, we grow in awareness, gratitude, and readiness to be used by Him in surprising ways. [01:13:29]
Colossians 4:5-6 (ESV)
"Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."
Reflection: What is one new spiritual habit you can begin this week—such as journaling, blessing someone, or intentionally listening for the Spirit’s prompting—that will help you alert others to the presence and reign of Christ in your life?
Today’s focus is on the vital role each of us plays in shaping the next generation and in living lives that naturally draw others to Christ. Children are not just the future of the church—they are the front lines of spiritual warfare today. Our commitment to them, both as parents and as a church body, is a sacred trust. We are called to raise them in the fear and admonition of the Lord, to be present in their lives, and to model authentic faith at home and in public. This is not a tradition or a formality, but a vow before God and one another to be spiritual guardians and examples.
The power of a life transformed by Christ is unmistakable. When we truly encounter Jesus, others notice—even if we don’t have the words to explain it. The story of Beverly and her neighbor Mary Lou illustrates how a single day of genuine faith can ripple out to touch entire families and generations. Our lives are meant to be “questionable”—so distinct in love, joy, and hope that people are compelled to ask, “What is it that you have?” This is the heart of evangelism: not just preaching, but living in such a way that the aroma of Christ is evident to all.
We are all missionaries, whether we cross oceans or simply cross the street. Our workplaces, neighborhoods, and daily routines are our mission fields. The BELLS habits—Bless, Eat, Listen, Learn, Sent—are practical rhythms that help us live out this calling. Blessing others, sharing meals, listening for the Spirit’s voice, learning Christ (not just about Him), and seeing ourselves as sent people—these are the habits that form a missional life. It’s not about perfection or having all the answers, but about being available, authentic, and Spirit-led.
Journaling how we alert others to the reign of God helps us process, pray, and grow. Even when our efforts seem fruitless, God is at work in ways we may not see for years. The ministry of reconciliation is entrusted to every believer, and our lives are the “trailers” that invite others to want to see the full story of Christ. Let us embrace this privilege, form these habits, and trust that God will use our ordinary faithfulness to bring extraordinary results.
Deuteronomy 6:4-7 (ESV) — > “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”
2. 2 Corinthians 5:17-20 (ESV)
> “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”
3. Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)
> “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
WE ARE NOT ON EARTH FOR ANY OTHER REASON. GOD, AFTER WE GET BORN AGAIN, COULD JUST SUCK US UP. BUT HE LEFT US HERE TO BE THE SWEETER ROME OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF HIM IN EVERY PLACE. HE LEFT US HERE TO SURPRISE THE WORLD WITH THE LIFE THAT WE LEAD. [00:55:01] (16 seconds) #LiveToRevealGod
ISN'T SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT THE CHRISTIAN TESTIMONY? IT NEVER LOSES ITS POWER. THIS TESTIMONY ABOUT MARY LOU COMING TO CHRIST HAS AS MUCH POWER OR MORE TODAY THAN IT DID THE DAY SHE WAS SAVED. DO YOU KNOW THAT THAT TESTIFIES TO THE EXISTENCE OF GOD, TO THE REALITY OF GOD, TO THE POWER OF GOD? [00:55:34] (20 seconds) #TimelessTestimonyPower
IF YOU LEARN CHRIST, YOU LIVE LIKE CHRIST. THE NAME CHRISTIAN IS LITTLE CHRIST. AND IT'S BECAUSE THEY WERE LIVING LIKE CHRIST, THEY GOT THE TAG CHRISTIANS. BUT IF YOU LIVE WITH JUST KNOWLEDGE ABOUT CHRIST AND DON'T LIVE IT, WE 'LL NEVER GET THE TAG CHRISTIAN. WE 'LL PROBABLY GET THE TAG HIP -hypocrite or legalist. [00:59:28] (22 seconds) #LiveLikeChrist
SOME PEOPLE WHO KNOW THE MOST ABOUT JESUS LIVE THE LAST LEAST LIKE HIM AND THAT'S A TRAGEDY BECAUSE WHATEVER WE GOT ABOUT JESUS NEEDS TO COME INTO THIS LIFE AND WE NEED TO LIVE IT AND HE DOESN'T LIVE LIKE US. [01:03:21] (17 seconds) #KnowledgeNeedsAction
WE SHOULD LEARN CHRIST IN SUCH A WAY THAT WE WOULD BE EXCITED TO TALK ABOUT EVERY ASPECT OF HIS LIFE AND MINISTRY ON EARTH, SHOWN IN THE GOSPELS, AND THEN WE'D BE WILLING TO DIE FOR JESUS. SEE, THAT'S WHERE WE SHOULD BE THERE. [01:12:47] (16 seconds) #DieForJesusPassion
IF I WERE TO LOOK AT A TRAILER OF YOUR LIFE, WHAT WOULD IT SHOW? YOU KNOW, THE TRAILER IS WHAT THEY SHOW TO GET YOU INTERESTED IN GOING TO THE MOVIE. RIGHT? WE'RE TALKING ABOUT MOVIE TRAILERS HERE. SO, WHAT WOULD BE IN YOUR MOVIE TRAILER AND WOULD IT ATTRACT ANYBODY? [01:16:04] (16 seconds) #LifeTrailerImpact
``EVERYTHING BEAUTIFUL IN MY LIFE CAME BECAUSE I GOT BORN AGAIN. EVERYTHING BEAUTIFUL IN MY LIFE CAME AS A CONSEQUENCE OF OBEYING CHRIST. AND I NOTICED THAT SOME PEOPLE WHO'VE RECEIVED THINGS THAT NORMALLY WE WOULD THINK WERE BEAUTIFUL, THOSE BEAUTIFUL THINGS ACTUALLY DESTROYED THEM BECAUSE THEY WEREN'T IN CHRIST. [01:18:35] (20 seconds) #BornAgainBeauty
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