Our greatest joy in life is leveraging our lives to really know God. We are determined to encourage each other to see all circumstances and relationships as opportunities to know God more. “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” John 17:3

You are given some amazing gifts from God when you accept His free gift of salvation that comes through Jesus Christ. You receive unconditional love forever, life forever, the opportunity to talk to God anytime, Scripture to learn from Him, a family called the church, and the Holy Spirit – God Himself. We are determined to encourage each other to use and make the most of these gifts. “By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.” 2 Peter 1:3

Not everyone that God puts in your life will be exactly like you. They may be older or younger. They may look different. They may have different gifts. They may have a different amount of money. They may even be difficult to relate to. But, in all of these differences, God brings us together as a family united with Him at the center. We are determined to celebrate our differences and work on finding our unity in Jesus Christ. “Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.” Colossians 3:10-11

You will find that as you move closer to God, He will stir your heart to care more about other people and challenge you to reconcile relationships. We are determined to work on getting better at trusting God with our relationships and using them for growth. By doing so, we learn how to love others as Christ has loved us. “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:34-35

We often see life change in us and others because people are generous and open with their hearts. God moves us toward generosity because it’s in generosity that our hearts open to others and God. It’s all about the relationship and that is what changes people’s lives. We are determined to work on being open hearted and open handed people. “As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you.” 2 Corinthians 9:13-14

There really isn’t. When you experience what it’s like to be used by God in helping someone know Jesus, you will believe it too. There are a lot of great things God has given us, but a front row seat to seeing Him change someone’s life is the best! We are determined to keep encouraging each other to experience that joy by helping people know Jesus. “Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.” Mark 5:19-20