The Pacific Southwest Conference is offering a discount for couples who register for "Weekend to Remember." Please use the discount code PSWC when registering and receive $100 off. The marriage retreat will be in Phoenix June 16-18....
Of all the emotions that a human can feel, fear is possibly the most impactful. Fear can seamlessly compel a person to act in ways that are not beneficial to their well-being. Fear is of the enemy......
It‘s true we often suffer some great disappointments, some expectations or plans we might have not always materialized. We may even feel like God’s left us hanging and that an illness or injury has taken him away from us. But remember, He is faithful. And the real upside of this is if we remain faithful we will live eternally with Him someday. ...
Love isn’t just for Valentines Day -- it’s what gets me up everyday. Love isn’t just for that one special someone -- it’s for everyone. The chance to care for and encourage those around me is an honor. Measure all things in your life by the “Rule of Love”. What would God have you do? What does love require? What breaks your heart, and what one thing can you do to help?...
Truth be told, I am not an elite athlete. When I was in kindergarten, I flunked “skip” (not sure how my self-esteem survived that report card, but that is another story). While early on, I was too uncoordinated to skip, I did play baseball, soccer, real football, and basketball when I was growing up. However, I was never endowed with the physical gifts to become what I call an elite athlete. What I do know though, is that God equipped me with the gifts to enjoy those sports and become the best athlete I could ever be....
There are many differences between God, as the Bible describes Him, and the Force of Star Wars but there’s a line from Han Solo in the new movie that sums it up. One of the new characters talks about how he’s going to do something that seems impossible and Han asks him how. The young man says, “I’ll use the Force,” and runs off. Han yells after him, “That’s not how the Force works, kid!” That’s not how a personal, caring God works either....
The plans of man will always fail, but the plan of God has already won its battle. If Christians are to actually make an impact in the world then they must collectively turn to the truths found in scripture alone. They must become engulfed in the transformative power of God through His word provided in the bible......
I hunger for simplicity. I want to approach God in childlike faith, wonder, and awe. I long for more than just spiritual life but spiritual health ...
Is global missions a waste of time? After all, why worry about Colombia when there is so much need in Chandler? Why spend ourselves on people we don’t know, when there are so many people without Christ we do know? In this weeks article Pastor Brandon tackles these important questions and gives a fresh insight into the heart and strategy of our Missionary God. ...
Keep ReadingPicture Jesus swollen and tattooed with bruises, stripped of his clothes, adorned with a crown of thorns, with pieces of metal pounded through his hands and feet. He hangs vulnerable and in pain in front of enemies and followers and his mother Mary. In the midst of this great suffering, Jesus looks down at his mother and says, “Woman, behold your son.â€...
Keep ReadingHow many of you could easily make two columns and file your life experiences under either the header “Mountaintop†or “Battleground?†Both are common metaphors we use to speak about our spiritual journey. The mountaintop is a prevalent faith metaphor for those sublime times in which we acknowledge that life with God is good. A mountaintop vista m...
Keep ReadingI know. It’s too late to dream of a white Christmas. Quite honestly, snow never occurs in my dreams (just my nightmares). No, I’m dreaming about the “dream church†these days â€" the kind of church that changes lives and makes an impact. The kind of church that makes God smile. I’m seeing glimpses of it here at Hope these days. Allow me ...
Keep ReadingIn the midst of our noisy and busy world it's easy for prayer to take a backseat. Many believers feel they are in the prayer rut--they know they should be praying but they are lacking the tools and time. In today's blog post Pastor Brandon introduces us to an ancient church prayer practice called The Examen. This tool offers a simple way reviewing your day with the Lord an...
Keep ReadingSpring is in the air and Easter eggs are everywhere! It's my favorite time of the year. I can't wait for my yard to start to grow and bloom again. People say we don't have seasons here in Phoenix but I think we do. ...
Keep ReadingI have a close friend who is a very unique individual (you know who you are!). He is an Irish (not Swedish Covenant pastor and an accomplished writer and artist. He doesn’t drink coffee or play golf; he watches “The Simpson’s,†listens to the Rolling Stones and is a war-and weapons buff. Several years ago, he and I visited Gettysburg where he rega...
Keep ReadingDid you ever attend church camps as a kid? I did. I have fond memories growing up of camps. Winter and summer camps were always high points in the year. I loved getting away from home, clearing my mind, and hearing powerful preaching, moving music and having late night conversations with other Christians. I would usually come down the hill refueled, refreshed and renewed....
Keep ReadingAs we enter a new year, it is a great time to sit for a moment in between thankfulness and expectation. As I communicated with one of our pastors, we were able to celebrate the number of people who came to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior during the Christmas services. I could sense in this pastor’s excitement a great expectation of what is to come....
Keep ReadingThere is nothing more uplifting than the message of scripture. For my article this month, I want to pass along some of my favorite passages from the prophet Isaiah. Spend some time reading, listening and meditating on the encouragements and challenges that are here....
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