Everyone wants to be happy. It’s built into us. But the problem comes when our pursuit of happiness leads us away from holiness. Culture tells us, “Do what makes you happy,” but Jesus never said that. He didn’t die on the cross to make us comfortable—He came to make us holy, whole, and free. When we chase happiness at all costs, we settle for momentary pleasure instead of eternal purpose. This week, we’ll look at one of the most powerful stories in Scripture—when Jesus meets a woman caught in adultery—and discover that the path to true joy is not through self-gratification but through surrender and grace.
THE BIG IDEA: Holiness is the pathway to true happiness and joy.
Forgiveness is one of the most difficult commands Jesus ever gave—and one of the most freeing. Yet, many of us carry deep pain caused by others’ betrayal, lies, or abuse. Forgiveness sounds great until it’s our wound that needs healing. Jesus challenges our assumptions and excuses about forgiveness. He never said, “You don’t need to forgive them.” In fact, He taught that forgiveness is not optional—it’s essential for our own freedom. So how do we forgive the unforgivable? And why would God ask us to?
THE BIG IDEA: Forgiveness for those who hurt you may not change them, but it always changes you.
We often pray small, safe prayers—but what if God is inviting us to pray bold, audacious ones? In Joshua 10, Joshua faces an impossible battle, yet he prays one of the boldest prayers in all of Scripture: “Sun, stand still.” It’s a prayer so big that, if God didn’t answer, Joshua would look foolish. But that’s exactly the kind of faith that honors God—faith that believes He can do what only He can do.
THE BIG IDEA: God takes full responsibility for the life wholly devoted to Him.
We all face problems in life—walls that feel too big to climb and battles that seem impossible to win. Today, we find God giving His people one of the strangest battle plans in history: march, stay silent, blow horns, and shout. No swords. No siege. Just obedience and faith. Before the walls of Jericho ever fell, the victory was already secured—because God had declared it. This story reminds us that when we follow God’s plan, even when it doesn’t make sense, the victory is won before the battle begins.
THE BIG IDEA: When we follow God’s plan, the victory is won before the battle has begun.
We want God to do it all. We want God to do it all so that we won’t have to do nothing. But God will only move in
harmony with how we obey. God doesn’t speak until we start moving to obey. God doesn’t show us our next step to take until we step out and obey. We want God to show up and move for us. We want Him to obey for us. But that would alleviate our part in this process, because God only hits a moving target.
THE BIG IDEA: God won’t move to save until you move to obey.
Everything—even good things—have to come to an end. The death of Moses left a huge hole in the hearts of God’s people. Yet even though Moses is dead and gone, Moses did some very intentional things to make sure that his leadership left a legacy, long after he was pushing up daises. Moses replaced himself long before he ever died, so that God’s work never missed a beat.
THE BIG IDEA: Leaving a legacy involves replacing ourselves with Faithful, available, & teachable people.
Everything—even good things—have to come to an end. The death of Moses left a huge hole in the hearts of God’s people. Yet even though Moses is dead and gone, Moses did some very intentional things to make sure that his leadership left a legacy, long after he was pushing up daises. Moses replaced himself long before he ever died, so that God’s work never missed a beat.
THE BIG IDEA: Leaving a legacy involves replacing ourselves with Faithful, available, & teachable people.
Have you ever been so close to something amazing, only to walk away because you were too scared? Israel was just eleven days away from the land God had promised them—but they spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness. Why? Because fear, excuses, and small thinking kept them from stepping into God’s best. Many of us settle for “good enough” instead of risking for “God’s best.” Are we content living on the edge of God’s promises rather than trusting Him fully to enter in?
BIG IDEA: Grasshopper Thinking is when we allow attitudes and problems to cause us to doubt what God can do.
Has God ever felt distant, as if something is blocking your connection with Him? Or maybe God feels distant even when you’re trying to do all the right things. You’re not alone. A truth that we sometimes overlook: What’s often missing isn’t more effort, but a reverent awe and worship of God.
THE BIG IDEA: A shallow view of God produces a shallow life. Awe of God is the key to meeting with God.
We often think of a “hard heart” as something only villains in the Bible had—like Pharaoh. But the truth is, a hardened heart can happen to any of us. Every time we know what God wants us to do but refuse to do it, our hearts grow a little harder. Pharaoh’s story in Exodus reveals a dangerous progression: stubbornness, pride, and resistance to God lead to devastating consequences. The good news is that God longs to soften our hearts and give us a new spirit. The question is—are we willing to let Him?
THE BIG IDEA: Our heart becomes hardened when we know what to do but don’t do it.
Have you ever wondered why life feels so dry, empty, or stalled—as if God hit the pause button on your
purpose? Desert seasons are confusing and lonely, and they often make us question if God has forgotten us. But what if the desert isn’t punishment, but preparation? What if the emptiness you feel is the very place where God is trying to speak the loudest?
Moses spent 40 years in obscurity before he ever heard God's voice from a burning bush. Sometimes the desert feels like wasted time, but it’s actually where God is shaping you for what’s next.
THE BIG IDEA: Don’t shortcut the desert, because that’s the place where God speaks.
Have you ever felt like you needed to make things happen—because if you didn’t, nothing would? Sometimes
when we see an opportunity or feel a calling, we push forward in our own strength, on our own timeline, and by
our own methods. That’s exactly what Moses did in the first half of his life. He was highly educated, powerful,
and destined for leadership—yet when he rushed God's plan, he ended up running for his life and hiding in the
desert. We all have that temptation to take a “God idea” and carry it out with “me-driven” timing. But when we do, we often leave behind wreckage, regrets, and covered-up consequences. So, how do we avoid getting ahead of God? And what can we learn from Moses’ failure and God’s grace?
THE BIG IDEA: When you’re full of self, there’s no room for God to move.
God is involved in the events of our lives–both the big and the small. Hard times don’t remove God’s promises, harsh treatment doesn’t escape God’s attention, and heavy tests don’t overshadow God’s concern.
THE BIG IDEA: God is involved in the events of our lives– both big and small.
If the student doesn't learn, you can always expect the teacher to repeat the lesson. That's what God's doing when He repeats Himself to Jonah. Why? Because Jonah still isn’t learning.
THE BIG IDEA: Legalism whispers, “They don’t deserve a turnaround.” Grace shouts, “Neither did you.”
Have you ever got turned around and started going the wrong way? All of us have sometime in life. It takes someone to get us to stop and have a turnaround for us to quit going in a downward spiral.
THE BIG IDEA: God’s correction isn’t rejection it’s redirection.
We've all experienced situations where things weren't going well and we needed a turnaround. From one of the most infamous stories in the Bible, we'll discover the key to navigating a successful turnaround, regardless of what we’re facing.
THE BIG IDEA: God allows turnarounds for everyone going the wrong way.
Life can often feel chaotic, uncertain, and exhausting. In a world that constantly pushes us to strive harder, perform better, and control everything, the image of a Shepherd quietly and faithfully leading His sheep is easy to overlook. Yet, Psalm 23 presents a radically different picture of God—not as a distant ruler, but as an intimate Shepherd who provides, protects, and personally cares for us. When was the last time you allowed God to shepherd you—not just to believe in Him, but to let Him lead you, guide you, protect you, and provide rest? If you’re tired, anxious, or wondering if God sees you? Then this Psalm is for you.
THE BIG IDEA: You can trust the Shepherd.
What if someone really knew the real you? Not the polished version you show the world—but your deepest flaws, struggles, mistakes, and shame. Would they still love you? Now take that question even deeper: If God knew the real me, would He still want me? Many of us live under the weight of guilt and the fear of being "found out." But what if the very things you think disqualify you are the places where God wants to meet you with grace?
THE BIG IDEA: God knows absolutely everything about you—and still wants everything to do with you.
We’ve all been wronged, betrayed, or misunderstood—and when that happens, the temptation to strike back is strong. Whether it’s clapping back online, cutting someone off, or plotting revenge in our minds, we often think payback will bring peace. But what if the real test of our character isn’t how we act in the spotlight, but how we respond in the shadows when no one else is watching.
THE BIG IDEA: Mercy in the dark reveals the heart.
In our fast moving world, with lots of distractions that pull us away from God and an abundant life that God has for us. How do we get on and keep on track in pursuing God’s best?
THE BIG IDEA: Don’t get stuck—meditate & chew on God’s Word regularly.