"If you live for their approval, you'll die by their opinion."

Living for people’s approval is exhausting but living with God’s approval is freeing. Pastor Mike Francisco reminded us that you don’t have to earn what God has already given. In fact, God doesn't see things the way you see them, God looks at the heart.

"Offense is an event but bitterness is a decision"

Offense can be unavoidable… but staying offended is choice that ultimately determines our trajectory and health. On Mother’s Day Colleen explored the power of forgiveness and how holding onto hurt only holds us back. Freedom begins when we choose to release what we’ve been carrying.

"Control is a cheap substitute for trust."

Mike talked about worry, while exploring Jesus' words from Matthew 6, and our natural response to try and control outcomes. We saw that surrender isn’t losing it’s learning to trust God with what we were never meant to carry. The tighter we grip, the more we miss what God is doing.

"God's not asking for adequacy, He's looking for availability."

God never asked Moses to be enough, He simply asked him to trust. Our inadequacy doesn’t push God away; it creates space for His power to show up. If you’ve been holding back because you don’t feel ready or capable, this is your reminder: God isn’t looking for your perfection, just your availability. What step might He be asking you to take this week?

"Christ restores the least and sends them to reach the lost."

After denying Jesus three times while Jesus was on trial, Peter carried deep shame and regret. Something we’ve all experienced in life.

Jesus didn’t just forgive Peter; He also gave him purpose. “Feed my sheep,” Jesus told him, inviting Peter into the mission of the kingdom. Our failures don’t disqualify us they become part of the story God uses to bring hope to the world.

"The risen Christ still seeks the lost"

Two discouraged disciples walked away from Jerusalem. The risen Jesus met them, listened to them, and blew their minds. Even when we feel lost or confused, Jesus still comes looking for us.

"Jesus came for the least and lost and the cross has no power over Christ"

Easter begins on the cross where Jesus was crucified between two criminals, mocked by crowds, and seemingly abandoned. What looked like defeat was actually the clearest picture of God’s love for humanity. The climax of Scripture is at the empty tomb on Easter morning when Jesus proves he is the Christ, and no one is beyond his reach.

"The Kingdom of Jesus begins where the world stops looking"

The crowds expected a conquering king who would overthrow Rome and restore national power. Instead, Jesus arrived on a humble colt, surrounded by ordinary people and welcomed by those society often overlooked. From the very beginning, Jesus showed that His kingdom operates differently than the kingdoms of this world.