First Baptist Church, Jefferson City, Mo

We encourage others when we are generous with our time and possessions. Scripture: Acts 4:32-37

Through his tender touch and tough truth, Jesus shines his light into our dark, broken lives. Scripture: Matthew 4:12-23

In his suffering and death, Jesus removes our sin and shame. Scripture: John 1:29-36

A faith encounter with Christ erases our strange notion of a loveless God. Scripture: John 1:1-5, 10-18

Even in infancy, Jesus posed a threat to the proud and offered hope to the humble. Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

In times of confusion and doubt, God’s best gifts slip in the backdoor. Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

The Christ event—his birth, life, death, resurrection, priestly intercession—has us covered in every way! Scripture: Hebrews 2:10-18

The Good News of the Incarnation opens us up to a brand new world in which the impossible becomes possible. Scripture: Matthew 11:2-11

Nothing is as freeing as hearing the truth and taking responsibility for our choices. Scripture: Matthew 3:1-12

The habit of gratitude allows the light of Christ to shine clearly from our lives. Scripture: Philippians 2:12-15

Jesus ministered with his hands, as illustrated in the scriptures chosen. We need to live our lives in an attitude of open, rather than clenched, hands, so that we can give and receive. Scriptures: Matthew 8:2-3; Luke 4:40; Mark 10:13-16; Matthew 14:29-31; John 20:27; Luke 24:50-51

It's human nature to resist being in charge. But think of the blessings when we have more trust in God, and less in our desire to be in charge! Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30

Our wallets may often give evidence of where our hearts are. Scripture: Luke 12:13-21

Imperfect servants, God has a job for you — perfect people need not apply.Scripture: Acts 10:1-16

Even after we fail Jesus, his love offers us a path to repentance and fresh mission. Scripture: John 21:9-23

Our pride and need to be in control lead us into dark places spiritually. Scripture: John 18:1-27

As in Simon Peter’s experience, our spiritual journeys are filled with successes and failures. Scripture: Matthew 4:18-20; 16:13-23

How do we align our beliefs and behavior between what we say and who we are? Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:11-16

The mechanics of prayer are simple, but require practice and discipline. Scripture: Philippians 4:4-7

“Yes” is only one of God’s many possible answers to our prayers. Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:2-10; Revelation 5:6-8