Posts with the tag “discernment”
Wrestling with Hard Passages
by Tree Church Everyday on May 6th, 2026
The Bible doesn't hide humanity's ugliness. Many troubling passages are descriptive, not prescriptive—they show us the consequences of sin, not God's endorsement of evil. Israel's history serves as a warning and instruction for us. When we encounter difficult texts, we must distinguish between what Scripture records and what it celebrates. God allows us to see the chaos that results when "everyone did what was right in his own eyes." These passages remind us why we need God's objective standard rather than our subjective feelings. Today, when you face a confusing verse, ask: Is this showing me what happened, or what should happen? Let Scripture's difficult moments drive you toward deeper dependence on God's wisdom. Read More
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Examining With Purpose
by Tree Church Everyday on April 21st, 2026
The Bereans didn't blindly accept Paul's teaching—they examined the Scriptures daily to test what they heard. This is biblical deconstruction: careful evaluation with the goal of finding truth, not just tearing down. God invites your honest questions. He's not threatened by your doubts. But examination requires intention. Are you deconstructing to discover what's true, or simply to justify walking away? There's a profound difference. Today, bring your hardest question to God. Write it down. Then commit to genuinely seeking His answer through Scripture, prayer, and trusted community. Don't pull blocks randomly from your faith—examine them carefully, remove what's false, and intentionally replace it with truth that makes you stronger. Read More
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2026
January
Don’t Stop Short of JesusThe Cross Is God’s Invitation to YouRemembering the OwnerThe OwnerThe Illusion of Self-Made SuccessActs 26:12–23 | Paul’s Encounter with JesusActs 26: 1–11 | Agrippa Grants PermissionInvited From The OutsideSurrender Creates PeaceWhen Blessing Becomes ForgetfulnessWhat A Pastor Means When They Say... | The Branch Living as Stewards, Not OwnersCreated for RelationshipThe Heart Behind the GiftSurrender GainsThe StewardFaithful StewardsOne Percent BetterEverything Belongs to GodThe Evaluation Is ComingActs 26:24-32 | Agrippa Parries Paul's ChallengeRedefining Success | The Branch The EvaluationHow You View God Determines EverythingThe Economy of Kingdom InvestmentChoose Your Category WiselyAnchored in Steadfast LoveActs 27:1-3 | Paul Sails for RomeDiscerning Between Good And Evil | The BranchLoved Enough to Be DisciplinedThe Steadfast Love of GodReturning to God’s WayCrying Out from the DepthsLiving with Wise Awareness
February
Partnering with God’s MissionBuilding Kingdom FruitTHE GIVER | PASTOR ANTHONY LOMBARDIWorship Through SacrificeNavigating God's Calling Within MarriageTrusting God’s ProvisionActs 27: 13-20 | The Storm at Sea | TCBSActs 27: 4-12 | From Caesarea to Fair HavensFrom Self-Focus to Kingdom-FocusFrom Death to LifeThe Answer Is a PersonEmpowered for MissionActs 27:21–26 | TCBSTHE CHURCH | PASTOR MATTHEW JOHNSONDesigned for CommunityAnger, Justice and Psalms of Judgment | The BranchHeaven Invading EarthBetter Together PURPOSED RELATIONSHIPS | PASTOR MATTHEW JOHNSONLifted When You FallWarmth in the ColdProtected by the CordWhen to Wait, When to Work | The BranchOne Body, One MissionWhere Your Treasure IsThe Antidote to AnxietyINVEST HEARTS AND FINANCES | PASTOR MATTHEW JOHNSONReturn to MeActs 27: 39-44 | The Shipwreck | TCBSTreasures That LastThe Heaps of Hezekiah
March
The Good News We Cannot Keep Silent EVANGELISM | PASTOR MARY JOHNSONEncountering Jesus Changes EverythingLove Compels Us to ShareActs 28:1-6 | Paul Ashore on Malta | TCBSPlaced with PurposeYour Story, His GloryThe Upside-Down KingdomEvangelism | The BranchThe Death of the Kingdom of SelfActs 28: 7-10 | Ministry in Malta | TCBSServing as Worship THE DETHRONING OF SELF | PASTOR MATTHEW JOHNSONNo Excuses, Only ObedienceThe Privilege of PartnershipDenying Self to Find LifeTHE STRENGTH OF SURRENDER | PASTOR MATTHEW JOHNSONListening to the Spirit's VoiceThe Authority of God's WordActs 28: 11-16 | Paul's Arrival at Rome | TCBSSubmitting to One Another in LoveHonoring God-Ordained AuthorityThe Immigration Debate Christians Can't Avoid | The BranchCounting the Cost of SurrenderBuried with ChristBAPTISM | PASTOR MATTHEW JOHNSONActs 28:17-22 | Paul Preaches at Rome Under Guard | TCBSRaised to New LifeBaptized into One BodyFilled with the Holy SpiritThe Power of TogetherPersonal Devotion and the Power of GatheringJesus’ Secret to Strength