Live Free with Josh Howerton

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

At the Last Supper, Jesus left His disciples with a few final words as He prepared to go to the cross. He called them to love each other as He had loved them. Following His resurrection, they lived out this command, loving others in such a way that love became the defining feature of the early church. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Join us today as we start the week in John 13. During the Last Supper, Jesus forewarned His disciples of an impending betrayal against Him. As He sat with the disciples, Jesus knew that it was Judas who would betray Him. Despite Judas' efforts to retreat into the darkness to hide, he was still seen by God. No sin, no matter how secretive, can be hidden from the One who sees all. Do not linger in hiding. Embrace the light, for in it, you will find God’s love waiting for you. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

We close out the week by looking at John 13, where Jesus demonstrated His deep love for the disciples, including Judas, who succumbed to temptation and betrayed Him. Jesus knew what was coming yet still took on the role of a servant by washing all the disciples’ feet. May we follow the example of our humble servant King and serve those we are around this week. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Despite all the amazing things Jesus said and did, many people still did not believe He was their promised Messiah. Their doubt was prophesized back in Isaiah. It is our choice to stay in the dark or walk toward the light Jesus offers. Jesus loves you and desires you to come to Him no matter where you are or what you’ve done. Will you take Him up on that offer today? For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Jump in with us today as we continue to look at the way John describes Passover Week in his Gospel. After the Triumphal Entry, we see the Pharisees seeking to preserve their own lives while Jesus was seeking to lay His down for the sake of the world. He had a love for the Father and the whole world in mind as He humbly walked toward His death. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

While the people surrounding Jesus sang praises to Him with the anticipation of political salvation, Jesus wept. Too often, we can get swept up in the crowd and forget what is truly important. Are you seeking the applause of heaven or the applause of the crowd today? For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

The applause and praise from others drive too many of us daily. However, that was not true with Jesus. Although He was tempted in every way we are, He did not give in to sin. The people praising Him as He entered the city on the first Palm Sunday could not grasp what He had come to do. They praised him like a conquering king, but His victory could only come through His humble sacrifice and death. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

As people headed to Jerusalem for the Passover, many would stop to see Jesus and Lazarus in Bethany. They had heard of the amazing miracle and wanted to see it themselves. Because of this, the Pharisees were plotting to murder both men, all in the name of God. Their actions would set in motion the epic events of Passion Week. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

In John 12, we see Jesus back in Bethany at the house of Lazarus, Martha and Mary. During dinner, Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume as an act of worship and gratitude. In contrast, Judas had a heart hardened by greed, and he criticized her actions. Will you approach Jesus with a heart of greed or gratitude today? For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

When we are so self-focused, we miss out on the good things in life. Some of the people who had seen Lazarus' resurrection reported it to the Pharisees. The Pharisees were trying to preserve their selfish interests and missed seeing Jesus for who He is and what He was there to do. Are you missing out on Jesus and the life He has for you? For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Even in the face of death, Martha and Mary believed that Jesus is the resurrection and the life. Seeing the grief, sadness and pain experienced by His dear friends in this world caused both anger and tears to well up in Jesus. He approached the tomb, had the stone rolled away from the entrance and proved He is who He says He is by raising Lazarus back to life! For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

John 11 tells us an amazing story about Jesus and His dear friends Lazarus, Martha and Mary. Although He loved them, Jesus stayed where He was when He heard the news that Lazarus was sick until the time was right. When He finally arrived, Martha came to Him in grief because Lazarus had died. With compassion, Jesus reminded her that He is the resurrection and the life and asked her, “Do you believe this?” We need to ask ourselves the same question today. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

As we read through the Gospel of John, we can see that Jesus made it very clear who He was and that He came from the Father. However, the Pharisees did not believe Him. Despite everything He said and did, they continued to stand against Him and even tried to stone Him. But His time had not yet come. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is so committed to caring for us, His sheep, that He was willing to lay down His life for us. Have you ever stopped to consider that as He told this story to the Pharisees, He knew that the suffering He would endure on the cross was coming? Not only that, but He also knew the resurrection was coming and that redemption would then be available to all. That is some really good news from the Good Shepherd. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

In John 10, God was standing right in front of the Pharisees, but they did not recognize Him or His voice. Jesus told them a parable about how a good shepherd will care for his sheep, and the sheep will listen to and obey their shepherd’s voice. Jesus has come to give us life to the fullest if we will listen to His voice, the voice of our Good Shepherd. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

As the Pharisees continued interrogating the man Jesus had healed from blindness, his faith in what Jesus had done for him grew deeper. Eventually, the Pharisees, the ones who were supposed to bring the people to God, threw the man out of the synagogue. They were blind to the truth of who Jesus is. Take time to pray that God will open your heart to who He is today. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

This Monday, we jump back into John 9 to see Jesus heal a man who had been born blind. It was an amazing miracle, but not everyone was excited. The Pharisees were upset and questioned the healed man. Despite their intimidation, the man told the truth of what happened and pointed to Jesus. What healing has Jesus done in your life that you can tell others about this week? For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Join us today as we wrap up our week in Joshua 5. God led the Israelites into the Promised Land, but it would not be easy. They faced the massive wall of Jericho and had to remember the promises of God. What promises of God can you focus on when you face walls in your life? For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

For 40 years, God miraculously provided manna for the Israelites. After they celebrated Passover, the manna ceased because God began doing a new thing. Sometimes, God wants to do new things in our lives too. Tune in today to learn how we can correctly respond when we get too comfortable and God makes a change in your life. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

After their season of healing, the Israelites celebrated the first Passover in the Promised Land. The Passover points to Jesus, the sacrificial Lamb who paid the price for our sins. Every day, we are reminded that everything is about Jesus and this world needs Him. Ask God to help you know how you can live more for Jesus today. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

As we continue looking at Joshua 5, we see that the people of Israel needed a time for healing. It was part of God’s purpose for Israel. We too often need seasons of healing from hurts or sins in our lives. The degree to which we are willing to embrace the pain of recovery is the degree to which we will truly recover. Where do you need healing and wholeness today? For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive