Happy Easter! Today we celebrated the most significant event in human history - Jesus rising from the dead and defeating death forever.

Here's the truth that changes everything. You were created for eternity, not just this temporary life. While we're all on a default path to hell because of sin, Jesus offers us a free gift: eternal life in heaven through faith in Him. Romans 6:23 reminds us, "The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

This isn't about being good enough or earning your way to heaven. It's about trusting in Jesus' resurrection and accepting His sacrifice on the cross. If you've never settled where you'll spend eternity, today is your day to get right with God.

Life can feel uncertain, due to finances, relationships, health, and the future. But here's what you can count on: in the end, God prevails. No matter what you're facing today, you don't have to sit on the edge of your seat in anxiety wondering how things will turn out. God has already told us the ending.

Esther discovered that when everything seemed stacked against her, God was working behind the scenes the entire time. Even when an irrevocable order threatened to destroy her people, God's purpose prevailed. That's the same promise available to you today.

This Easter, we celebrate the ultimate proof that God wins: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He's already overcome sin and death. The victory is won. Your eternity is settled.

Ever feel powerless when life gets uncertain? Like you're drowning in debt, worried about your kids' decisions, or watching conflict dominate the headlines? You're not alone.

Esther's story is about a young woman who faced impossible odds but discovered something life-changing: God's power works best when we stop trying to control everything ourselves. Esther fasted, prayed, and made the courageous choice to obey God completely, even when it meant risking her life. And God showed up in powerful ways behind the scenes.

Here's the truth: "God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God" (Romans 8:28). He's working in your story too, even in the uncertain moments you can't understand. When you call out to God, cultivate spiritual habits like prayer and fasting, and commit to complete obedience, you'll experience His power in ways you never imagined.

Life feels uncertain right now, doesn't it? Financial worries, relationship struggles, questions about the future... sometimes it feels like we're just drifting without an anchor.

This week we started a powerful new series in the book of Esther, and here's the beautiful truth we discovered: God is working behind the scenes even when you can't see it. Esther's story reminds us that our lives are never out of God's control, even when they feel out of ours.

Romans 8:28 promises that "God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose." That includes the hard things you're facing right now. God's providence means He's actively arranging both the good and the bad to accomplish His perfect purposes in your life.

Stop trying to control everything and surrender to the One who's already got you. Esther's incredible story shows how God provides even when it seems there's no way forward.

When your back is against the wall and you're running out of everything, you can be sure that God will show up.

God is Jehovah Jireh: the God who provides. Like Queen Esther facing an impossible choice between her own safety and saving her people, we all face moments of deep uncertainty. But God doesn't leave us empty-handed.

In uncertain times, God provides His promises to steady you, His purpose to steer you, His people to support you, His power to strengthen you, and His presence to sustain you. As Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:33, when we seek His kingdom first, He gives us everything we need.

Stop trying to figure it all out on your own. Draw near to the God who never runs out of resources, never abandons His children, and is always present to sustain you... even when you can't see the outcome.

We all make commitments to get healthier, but how many of us actually stick with them long-term? This week we wrapped up our Bod for God series with the most important question: How do we sustain these changes for life?

The answer isn't just willpower. It's about understanding that your body was created by God and for God. When you start each day with Him, turn to others for support, identify your commitment killers, create a realistic routine, and keep trusting God when you want to give up, everything changes. As Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, "You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body."

This isn't about perfection. It's about small, steady steps that honor the One who gave everything for you. Don't give up on yourself, and don't give up on God. He's right there with you, ready to give you the strength you need.

Ever feel like you're drowning in stress, anxiety, or dark thoughts? You're not alone. Even biblical heroes like Elijah, David, and Paul battled depression and despair. But here's the good news: Jesus offers us something the world can't give: true peace of mind and heart.

Remember: "I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give, so don't be troubled or afraid." (John 14:27)

Your mental health matters to God. Let Him fill you with His peace today.

When was the last time you stood up without pain? For millions of Americans, that simple act is a daily struggle. But here's the truth: God created your body as a temple, and what you do with it matters—spiritually and physically.

This week at The Journey, we explored Daniel's courage to honor God with his body, even when everyone around him chose differently. He faced with the king's rich diet and chose instead to honor God through his eating choices—vegetables and water for ten days. His courage wasn't just about food; it was about recognizing that his body belonged to God. His story reminds us that managing our physical health isn't just about diets and exercise—it's a spiritual discipline. As 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

Start by committing to healthy habits as worship, creating a personalized eating plan, crafting realistic exercise goals, and tracking your progress. Remember: small daily decisions over time build the healthy habits that help you complete the mission God has for you.

Want to make a change in 2026 but struggling to stick with it? You're not alone: 90% of New Year's resolutions fail by year's end. But here's the truth: with God, everything is possible.

Last week we kicked off our Bod4God series with a powerful reminder that your body was created BY God and FOR God. The change you need doesn't start with the perfect diet or exercise plan; it starts with the right motivation and a transformed attitude. As Jesus said in Mark 7, real change happens from the inside out.

Here's your challenge: stop procrastinating. Reframe your attitude. Set a bold goal. Surround yourself with supportive people. And most importantly, commit your actions to the Lord daily. Proverbs 16:3 promises that when you do, your plans will succeed.

Your body isn't just yours—it belongs to God. That's the powerful truth we explored as we kicked off our new "Bod for God" series!

Did you know that what you do with your body is actually a spiritual issue? The Bible says your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, created by God and for God. That means the choices you make about your health, diet, sleep, and even sexual purity matter to Him. As 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us: "You must honor God with your body."

This isn't about achieving the perfect physique—it's about getting healthy so you can fulfill the purpose God created you for. Whether you need to remove temptations, develop discipline, or completely dedicate your body to God, now is the time to make that commitment.

Have you ever experienced the joy of finding something precious you thought was lost forever? That's exactly how heaven feels when someone comes home to Jesus.

"The Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost" (Luke 19:10). Jesus told three unforgettable parables—the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son—to show us that God relentlessly pursues every person with love. And when just one person returns to Him? Heaven throws a party!

Here's the truth: The best use of your life is helping people find Jesus. It starts with prayer, continues with courageously sharing your faith, and trusts God with the results. We have services every Sunday. Who will you bring?

We have the answer. This Sunday, Pastor Jason unpacked Jesus' powerful parable of the Good Samaritan, challenging us to see compassion in a whole new light.

The story reminds us that love isn't just for those who are easy to love—it's for everyone God places in our path. The Samaritan crossed cultural boundaries, stepped out of his comfort zone, and sacrificed his own resources to help someone who probably hated him. That's the kind of radical, compassionate love Jesus calls us to show.

Here's the truth: You and I were once like that beaten man on the road, broken by sin. But Jesus—our Great Savior—didn't pass us by. He stopped, He sacrificed, He saved us. Now He's inviting us to do the same for others. "When you did it for one of the least of these, you were doing it to me" (Matthew 25:40).

What opportunity to show compassion is God putting in front of you today? Don't wait—start now.

The quality of your life in 2026 will be determined by the quality of your relationships.

Jesus gave us the second greatest commandment: "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39). But how do we actually do that with the people closest to us? Start by praying for them daily. Serve them in love. Speak words of encouragement instead of complaint. Forgive quickly. Share your faith openly. And enjoy life together!

Your relationships with your spouse, children, friends, and coworkers have the greatest impact on your happiness and peace. When you love others consistently, you reflect Jesus to a broken world. Who are the 12 people closest to you? This week, make them your prayer list and watch God transform those relationships.

Looking back, was there ever a time when you felt closer to God than you are right now? A time when your faith was stronger, when you prayed more, when you felt more peace and joy?

Here’s the incredible news: God wants nothing more than for you to get back on track with Him. In Jeremiah 15:19, He promises:

“If you return to me, I will restore you so you can continue to serve me.”

When Jesus was asked about the most important commandment, His answer was simple but profound: LOVE. Love God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.

But what does that actually mean? How do we love God completely?

Think of your heart as a home with different rooms. When you invite Jesus in, He wants access to every room - your phone (your focus and attention), your kitchen (your appetites and desires), your living room (your daily time with Him), your office (your skills and talents), your bedroom (your thought life), your gym (your friendships and activities), and yes, even that locked closet where you hide your hurts and secret sins.

The truth is, you can’t keep your heart clean on your own. You’ll exhaust yourself running from room to room trying to maintain it all. That’s why Jesus wants the ownership papers to your heart. He wants to take over completely.

Even when we try, partial surrender keeps us stuck. God doesn’t want just a part of our heart—He wants the whole thing. He wants to clean it, restore it, and make it a dwelling where His Spirit can move freely.

When you hand over control to Jesus, freedom, peace, and joy follow. Restoration isn’t just about fixing what’s broken—it’s about inviting Him to transform every corner of your life, making all things new.

What if 2026 was the year you finally returned to God so He could restore you? What if this was the year you stopped holding back and gave Him complete access to every area of your life?

He’s standing at the door of your heart, knocking. Will you let Him in?