Live Free with Josh Howerton

Too often we judge others based on what we see in them while letting things slide in our own lives. God wants us to live in humility, but too often we try to be the judge and think we have all the answers. Our lives are short, and it matters what we do with them. He’s the one ultimately in control of our lives, not us… and that’s a really good thing! For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

We jump back into the book of James and chapter 4 this week. Pride is a dangerous thing that leads to broken and dysfunctional relationships. We need to learn how to humble ourselves with God and others. When we humble ourselves and follow the example of Jesus, God will lift us up. Where might God want you to humble yourself this week? For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

James tells us that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. God loves us so much that He wants what’s best for us. He will help us resist the temptation of the enemy. The same power that raised Christ from the dead will help us! As you head into the weekend, come close to God and stand firm on the words He has placed in your heart. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Today, we move into chapter 4 of James. The Bible is full of relational conflicts, and we all face conflicts in our lives, too. James asks us what causes our quarrels and then points out that our conflicts rise up from the sin within us. God loves us so much that He is rightfully jealous when we allow these passions within us to guide our actions instead of His Spirit. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

As we have seen by looking at James, our words reveal what is going on in our hearts. Pride and jealousy come out in our words and actions. But God does not want that to define His people. He wants us to respond with gentleness and humility to each other. May we be peacemakers for Christ in our lives this week. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

God wants to speak words of life and truth into your heart. His words combat the painful lies the enemy uses to try and tear us down. The enemy wants us to use our words against others to cause division. But the Spirit wants to fill our hearts so words of life flow out of us. The mouth speaks what the heart is full of. Who can you speak life into today? For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Words can heal or wound. They can build up or tear down. They can encourage or bring despair. James tells us that our tongues are as powerful as a bit in a horse or a rudder on a ship. What comes out of our mouths has great power. How are you using your words? Where can you use them to heal, not harm, this week? For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

As we wrap up the week, we zoom in on James 3:10. James calls out how wrong it is to bless and curse out of the same mouth. They can wound and cause destruction. You have probably been wounded by someone’s words. You have probably wounded someone else. Thankfully, Jesus can bring healing and teach us how to use our words to bless, not curse. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

In today's culture, there's a danger in thinking that our faith is merely private and personal. However, true faith demands outward expression for others to witness. Our actions, not just our beliefs, demonstrate our righteousness before God. James draws from Old Testament narratives to illustrate how faith was lived out authentically. How can you emulate their example and actively live out your faith this week? For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Faith alone isn't sufficient unless it produces good deeds. However, these deeds alone do not secure our salvation; rather, we are saved solely by faith through grace. Yet, grace does not grant us the license to act without restraint. The true faith that saves changes our hearts, so we want to live it out. We share the grace we’ve received with others to point them to Jesus. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

James tells us not only to listen to the Word but also to be doers of the Word. He uses a specific example of not favoring people who look important over those who may be deemed 'less than.' We are all one body, children of God in Christ. He loved us, so we also ought to love one another. This is our faith in action. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Join us this week as we delve back into the book of James. When James was writing, he lived in a society with a stark class system, where it was evident who were the "haves" and who were the "have-nots." Even today, we may find ourselves categorizing people as "those people." However, this is not the way Jesus intends for us to live. As His followers, He calls us to love everyone and to avoid showing favoritism. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

The book of James encourages us to humbly accept the Word of God daily, but not passively. God does not want us to treat His Word as a menu or a search engine where we can pick and choose what we like. His Word is a mirror that reflects our reality back to us. It shows us who we are and how we can respond in a way that honors God. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Jump in with us today as we continue to walk through the book of James. God is not the one responsible for the temptations we face. We all have desires and appetites that can be distorted by sin, leading us to destruction. Each of us struggles with something. What are you tempted with this week? Pray and ask God to help you stand firm in Him. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

If we put our identity in things that fade away, we will fade away, too. When we put our identity in Jesus and look to Him for everything, we will live forever with Him. There is a crown of life in Heaven for those who trust in Him. Jesus persevered to the cross, so He will help us persevere with Him today. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

James, the half-brother of Jesus and leader in the early church, wrote a letter to persecuted believers, encouraging them to persevere. We rarely mature when everything is running smoothly in our lives. God uses trials to refine us so that He and others can see the reflection of Jesus in us. No matter what situation God places you in, go all in with Him and ask for wisdom. God will give it to you! For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Are you at a point in your life where you’re just trying to hang on? Join us this week as we start walking through the New Testament book of James. James, the half-brother of Jesus, wrote to a group of people in the midst of tremendous trials and his first message was this– persevere. Jesus promised that in this world we will have trials. We have a choice on how we will respond. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Ephesians 2:10 tells us that we are God’s masterpiece. God grows us up and wants us to show Him publicly to others. We are on display to the world, and people are watching. When you are out in the community, your words and actions can either draw people to the Lord or push them away. How are you displaying God this week? For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Do you know the unique shape God has given you? Join us today as we talk through the acronym S.H.A.P.E. to learn how we can contribute to God’s kingdom. Every person who accepts grace and believes in Jesus has been given special spiritual gifts from God. We may all be shaped differently, but we all have the same high calling. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Jesus told a story about a generous master who entrusted servants with wealth, and they had to decide what to do with it. God has given us so much, and He wants us to use it in a way that honors Him and blesses others. Don’t miss the unique circumstances He has placed you in. What has God given you and how are you using it for Him today? For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Proverbs 13:20 and 1 Corinthians 15:33 remind us that who we associate with can impact us deeply, growing us closer or further from God. It’s not always easy to move away from an environment pulling you down, but it’s worth it. The small, courageous steps deepen our faith and opens us up for God to grow and strengthen us. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Almost always, other people play a pivotal role in someone’s testimony. Other people affect us deeply, whether through a conversation or just watching them live their lives. God uses human relationships to grow us closer to Him. However, we may also choose relationships that can pull us in the other direction. Which way are your relationships growing you? For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Are you teachable? Do you have good, receptive soil where God’s Word can take root and grow? People with good soil are humble, open, and thankful. The fruit of the Spirit can grow in good soil which then impacts everyone around. God can produce an abundant crop in us when we joyfully receive the seed of Scripture and fertilize it with gratitude. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

In Jesus’ parable from Matthew 13, He talks about the seed of God’s Word landing on soil covered in thorns and weeds. He said the cares of the world and deceitfulness of riches choke out the good things God wants to grow in us. Do you have any weeds in your life that are choking out the seeds of Scripture trying to grow in your life? For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Join us today as we revisit Jesus’ parable in Matthew 13. Sometimes, we can be the rocky soil He talks about. We hear God’s Word but don’t let it take root in our lives. However, when we allow the Holy Spirit to grow deep roots in us, we can stand up against the enemy’s lies and schemes. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

In Matthew 13, Jesus told a story about a teacher sowing the Word of God. The seed of Scripture landed on a variety of different types of soil. The first type of soil was hard and unreceptive, which can be us sometimes. The next time you sit to listen to someone sowing Scripture, pray and ask God to give you a soft heart ready to receive what He wants you to hear. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

It’s God’s job to transform us. Our job is to remain in Him. Our faith grows a little stronger each time we say “yes” to the Holy Spirit. God also prunes us when necessary to facilitate further growth. He uses pivotal moments that are not always fun to change us so that we’ll never be the same and to help us grow closer to Him. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Worry does not work, yet, too often, we give in to it. We do not have control, but we are held by the One who is sovereign over all. God is still on the throne, no matter what is happening. He is worthy of our worship, and as we get to know Him more and more, we will be filled with awe and wonder. What is one way you can worship and wonder today? For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

When hard things happen, do you respond with a victim’s mindset or with a victor’s? It can be easy to compare ourselves to others and their lives, but God wants us to keep our eyes on Him. Instead of being jealous of what others have been given, we can choose to be thankful for all the amazing gifts He has given us. He is the one who will lead us triumphantly. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

We all experience pressure in our lives. Sometimes it’s a good thing; sometimes it feels bad. What can we do when we experience the pressure of fear, anxiety or lack of control? In the presence of God, we can experience the fullness of joy and peace that surpasses all understanding. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

When was the last time you did not understand what God was doing? Even the disciples experienced this while present with Jesus. Just like them, we sometimes have to choose to comply with what He wants us to do instead of clearly understanding the purpose behind it. Even when things are murky, we can trust the wisdom of our good and loving God. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Have you ever felt as if there was a battle being waged inside you? We start this week by talking about the two systems operating inside all believers: the Spirit and the flesh. Even though the flesh is not in charge of us anymore, it is still tempted. Thankfully, we are under new management and the Holy Spirit can help us choose to walk in the way God has for us. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

When confronted with our weaknesses, we often try to fix ourselves under our own power. But that just won’t work. Our pride, anger, envy, or procrastination are not enemies we can defeat on our own. We need help. Thankfully we have a God who is with us and wants to fight for us. Take time to ask the Holy Spirit to lead you and empower you to follow His will. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Procrastination may feel like a small sin, but it can cause big problems. It prevents us from loving well and damages relationships. Where have you seen this happen in your life? Stop making excuses. Face your fears. Establish a plan. Trade relief for victory. Start today. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

“Tomorrow” might be one of the most dangerous words in the English language because it blinds us to the here and now. It may give us a strange sense of power to put things off until the next day, but it may also increase our stress levels. Procrastination comes from indecision, perfectionism, fear, control or laziness. What are you putting off today? For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Who do you compare yourself to? Why? Comparison will always lead to either despair or pride. God created you to be you, not for you to try and be someone else. Even though it may be difficult, God calls us to rejoice with those who rejoice. God has given you amazing things that envy makes you blind to. Ask Him to help you see and be content with the good gifts in your life. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Envy is resenting God’s goodness in other people’s lives while ignoring His goodness in yours. Envy is found in multiple lists of sins throughout the New Testament, including right next to murder and drunkenness. It rots our bones and robs our joy. Comparison never leads anywhere good, but gratitude for God’s goodness leads to life. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

What do you do when you feel anger rising inside you? Proverbs 15:1 and Proverbs 21:23 warn us to watch our words when we are angry. Instead of spouting off whatever hurtful words come to mind, the Holy Spirit can help us respond with a gentle answer when we come to Him and admit our weakness. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

James 1:19-20 warns us to be slow to anger. Our anger is often a reaction to a different emotion going on inside us. When you start to feel anger, pray and ask God to show you what is happening in your heart. Reflect and remember the results that may come from your choices. Ask the Holy Spirit for the self-control to wisely respond to whatever is going on around and inside you. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

This week, we have been looking at the Fatal Four, four deadly opponents that want to take us out. God has righteous anger that comes from sin, injustice and evil. You might experience that, too. However, mismanaged anger causes damage wherever it flares up. Be aware that the enemy wants to keep fanning that flame, so we burn our relationships down. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Pride wants to run rampant in our lives, but God offers us a strategy to defeat it. Philippians 2 shows us the one who lived a perfectly humble life: Jesus. Jesus left everything He deserved and lowered Himself to death on a cross, a death He did not deserve. God calls us to watch His way of life and mindset so that we can model our lives after Him. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

What do you think is the number one thing that stands in the way of our relationship with God and others? Pride. Self-importance is at the root of every other sin, and it cheats us out of the good things God offers us. We may think it builds us up, but it turns us into toddlers who only know the word “mine.” For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

On this Good Friday, listen in and be reminded of what Jesus’ love looks like. The light of the world, the Son of God, was crucified for you and me. He died and was buried, but that was not the end of the story. Death could not hold Him, and He defeated the grave. Take time to praise Him for this life-giving love and consider who you need to share it with today. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Today, as Easter approaches, we look at events leading up to the most important moment in history. While in the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed and was then betrayed. He knew what was coming and allowed Himself to be arrested, undergo a series of illegal trials and endure tremendous suffering. What love Jesus has for you! For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

For the last few days, we’ve been hanging out with Jesus and listening in as He gives His final words to His disciples. In John 17, Jesus prays to His Father, giving thanks for the disciples and those who would come after them. On the night He was arrested, Jesus prayed for you! He prayed for us to be unified so we could be a beacon of hope to the world, pointing to Him. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Sometimes, our lives can change course with just a few words. To illustrate this, Jesus explained to His disciples that He was the true vine. For them to live the full life He wanted for them, they needed to remain in Him. The job of the branch is just to stay connected and bear fruit, but it cannot do that apart from the vine. Imagine how God could work in and through you when you remain in Him. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Join us this week as we look at some of the last words Jesus spoke to His disciples. In John 14, He told them, “Trust in God, and also trust in me.” He knew that what was coming would be hard for His disciples, and He wanted them to trust in the reliability of God. Jesus calls us to trust Him with every trouble we face in life, knowing that He will always be with us. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Have you ever failed so badly that recovery seemed impossible? The apostle Peter experienced that, too. Instead of hiding in shame, Peter ran to Jesus. Jesus still bore the marks of suffering and death, but His resurrection brought grace and forgiveness to Peter. No matter what you have done, there is hope. Jesus is waiting for you to run to Him. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Just as Jesus prophesied, Peter denied knowing Jesus three times when less than 24 hours prior, he promised to be faithful. Matthew’s account of this story tells us that Peter was grieved and owned his failure. He stayed with the group instead of letting failure isolate him. Are you letting failure or embarrassment keep you from others? Who is one person you can reach out to today? For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

The disciples were distraught when Jesus revealed He was going where they could not follow. Peter pridefully promised that he would remain by Jesus' side no matter what. Jesus knew the weakness in Peter’s heart and prophesied Peter’s denial. Yet nothing would take Jesus’ love away from Peter, and nothing can take it away from you. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive