Live Free with Josh Howerton

The holidays can be hard for some people. Maybe you are one of them. Romans 8:28-30 focuses our hearts and minds on God to remind us that even in a world full of challenges, He is the ultimate good. He will use the “not good” things in life to develop our character and make us more like Jesus. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Jesus works through us! We hear that and move too quickly past it. The God of the universe does His work through you. We see an example of that today in the story of Jesus feeding the crowd. What are the gifts God has given to you to provide for others? For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Have you ever had just a little faith? We know we should believe more but struggle to trust fully. Big idea: Power comes not from the amount of faith but the object of faith. Our Good Father is ready and able to answer our little faith. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Do you have friends that carry you to Jesus? What a gift it is to have those around you willing to take you to the Healer. Find those friends and be that friend to others. Miracles happen when we believe and surround ourselves with those who do as well. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Would you do whatever Jesus says to do? Jesus’s first miracle shows He is worth obeying. No matter how odd, unconventional or counter-cultural the path, Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and we can trust Him. You have no idea what He has waiting for you on the other side of obedience. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

If the tomb is empty, anything is possible. We, as believers, trust in the greatest miracle: the death and resurrection of Jesus. If God can do that, why do we doubt? Strengthen your faith as Pastor Joby encourages us in today’s episode. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

God wants to put you on display. He wants to showcase the miraculous works He has done in your heart. People are watching you even in the mundane, everyday tasks of life. Let His work shine through. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

When the pressure is on, whatever is inside of us comes out. Isn’t that convicting? We cannot be filled with the Holy Spirit and resentment at the same time. If we allow the Spirit to work, He will gently take us to the cross. Here we can see our need for forgiveness allowing us to embrace gentleness and let go of bitterness. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Which will you choose: gentleness or harshness? Both have the power to change our course and influence others around us. The Holy Spirit can direct us and help us toward the gentleness that leads to blessing. He can get into the details of our lives and smooth away the jagged edges that are so natural to our behavior. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Is gentleness not in your DNA? God wants to shape you into a passionate person who is under control. Our unnecessary roughness can be smoothed by placing ourselves under the control of His Spirit. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

When was the last time you did a review of your character? Do the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians look like you? Gentleness is one of the fruits that is often overlooked. When we look to Jesus, we find our model for living with gentleness. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Is there anything more contagious than joy? Living with a thankful heart not only changes us but spreads to others around us. May we be a people who spread the contagious gift of joy by living life counting all of our blessings. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Are you looking for opportunities to be thankful? Gratitude can find opportunities in every circumstance. God is kind; our seed of gratefulness can grow into full fledged joy. The more we thank, the more we see to be thankful for. Pursue joy by looking for every chance to practice contentment. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

How much do we miss by going too fast? Slowing down allows us to see what otherwise we would miss: the good gifts God has for us. Giving space to appreciate His work is the only way we can consistently practice gratitude. How can you slow down today? For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Gratitude has the power to keep you from the comparison trap. Simply learning to name each of the gifts God has given us changes our whole outlook. Wouldn’t you want to be full of joy, peace and contentment? Allow God to change you by counting out all you already have in Him. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

What is a spark to all your sin? Ingratitude. What is the solution? It's learning to be content in all circumstances. Join us this week to learn the secret to having gratitude, no matter your situation. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Tune in as Pastor Derwin Gray shares his personal testimony and faith journey. Thanks to a persistent and faithful man who shared his faith over and over, the Gospel transformed Pastor Derwin’s perspective of Christianity from moral improvement to seeking a personal relationship with God. You won’t want to miss this episode! For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Are you experiencing a crisis, pain or tragedy? In today’s episode, Pastor Derwin Gray speaks encouragement and truth of how to find strength, hope, and meaning when the storms of life strike. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Pastor Derwin Gray shares a personal story of how he saw the power of the Gospel come to life as he shared his testimony with his coach. The Gospel brings people together and can create transforming life change. As you tune in today, will you accept Pastor Derwin’s challenge to share your testimony with others? For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

What if being challenged doesn't break us, but instead breaks open new possibilities within us? Join us as Pastor Derwin Gray share a story from high school and the coach's impact on his potential by giving him a second chance. This episode provides a powerful reminder to inspire others to achieve their best for God’s glory. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

What does God see when He looks at you? Pastor Derwin Gray shares how placing your trust in Jesus results in a powerful exchange, like receiving a new 'outfit' from God. This dynamic change leads to worship and freedom from shame. Tune in as Pastor Derwin shares an encouraging word out of Galatians 3:27. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

While we pick up stones to condemn, Jesus stoops down to offer compassion. None of us are sinless, and we are all in need of grace. Jesus wants us to understand how much He loves us so that we choose Him over our sin. In Him, we can walk in the newness of life. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Join us today as we zoom in on a short story from the Gospel of John. Just as Jesus stooped down to care for a woman caught in adultery, He is with us in our sin and mess. He is not standing over us, like Pharisees, judging and shaming us. Jesus offers grace and lifts us out of the pit. Will you accept His grace today? For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

King Xerxes released a second decree allowing the Jewish people to defend themselves and they soundly defeated their enemies. All throughout this story, God was working behind the scenes to place the right people in the right place at the right time. God is also at work in your life and is the ultimate Hero in your story. Where do you see Him working this week? For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Esther finally revealed her Jewish heritage to the king and begged for the life of her people. Haman’s true nature is also revealed, which leads him to being hung on the very gallows he built for Mordecai. As we reflect on this story, pray and ask the Lord to help keep you humble and honest so that you honor Him in all that you do. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

In the middle of a sleepless night, King Xerxes was reminded of when Mordecai saved his life. The king asked Haman what he should do to honor someone. Because of his pride, Haman assumed the king wanted to honor him. How do you think he felt when he found out it was Mordecai? Listen in to hear how Haman was humbled while Mordecai was honored. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Courage isn’t the absence of fear but moving ahead in spite of the fear. Esther courageously approached the king to invite him and Haman to a series of strategically planned banquets. Haman’s pride continued to grow along with his hatred of Mordecai, so he built a gallows to hang him. Something would have to give. Will it be Haman’s pride or Esther’s courage? For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Esther asked her people to pray for her as she prepared to approach the king. She had kept her identity a secret but was willing to lay it all on the line, including her own life, for them. The enemy wants us to submit to our fear, but God is bigger than anything we might face in our lives. We can trust Him no matter what we are going through. What fears do you need to hand over to God this week? For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

God will always accomplish His plan and He invites us to be a part of the story. Esther had a choice to make. Would she try to keep herself safe or be courageous and speak up on behalf of her people? God gives all of us opportunities where we must decide whether or not we are going to trust Him. Where is He asking you to be brave today? For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Mordecai, Esther’s cousin, discovered a plot against the king and ultimately saved the king’s life. Haman, one of the king’s officials, hated Mordecai because he would never bow when Haman walked by. He didn’t want to just punish Mordecai but the entire Jewish population. He convinced the king to issue a decree declaring all Jews would be killed on a specific date. Who could rescue them? Was Esther made queen for such a time as this? For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Join us as we binge another story from the Old Testament: Esther. King Xerxes of Persia threw a party that lasted for months which ended in the banishment of the queen. Xerxes went on a hunt for a new queen and a beauty pageant was held with girls from all over the kingdom. Esther, a lowly Jewish girl, got swept up into the festivities and won the heart of the king. Tune in as Pastor Mike teaches through the story. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

We are all in need of God’s grace, but do you ever believe some people are more worthy of it than others? Jonah was thankful when God showed him mercy, but he was angry when He showed the same mercy to Nineveh. God’s grace gives all of us what we do not deserve, and that is not fair. Thank God today for not being fair with you. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

After Jonah was spat out of the fish, God gave him the exact same instructions: go to Nineveh. Jonah didn’t want to go to “those people” because Nineveh was the capital city of Israel’s violent enemies. But God loves even “those people” and will forgive anyone when they repent and turn to Him. No matter what you have done, come to God with a humble, repentant heart and He will forgive you. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

What do your prayers sound like when you feel like you are in the depths? Jonah cried out to God from the belly of the fish because he knew that salvation belonged only to the Lord. Listen in today to learn how to write your own prayer thanking God for how He has rescued you. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Jonah’s attempt to escape God landed him in the belly of a big fish. It may have felt like punishment to Jonah, but that fish was God’s way of rescuing him. The three days Jonah spent in the fish point to a greater Rescuer, One who will always be with us when we feel like we’re in too deep. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Are you a runner? Jonah was. Instead of going in the direction God called him to go, he ran the opposite way. No matter how fast we are or where we go, we can never hide from God… and that is a really good thing! Tune in today for the first episode of the Greatest Fish Story Ever Told. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Anyone else feeling tired or worn out today? Pastor Carlos Erazo reminds us that Jesus calls all who are weary to come to Him for rest. Nothing we do can make Him love us more. He loves us for who He has created us to be. Therefore, we are free to follow God’s own example of Sabbath and rest in Him, so we can live devoted and not drained. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

It has been scientifically proven that loneliness is detrimental to our health. This is not a new revelation. In the very beginning, God said it is not good for humans to be alone. He calls us to be devoted, not disconnected from the believers around us. Join us today as Pastor Carlos Erazo talks about the value of deep relationship with others. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

How can we live devoted and not discouraged in a world full of bad news? Pastor Carlos Erazo reminds us that as followers of Jesus, we have an infinitely different perspective on circumstances than the rest of the world. Everything in this life, even the really hard situations, will be used by God for our good. This is a purpose filled promise for us that can help us live devoted every day. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

We are called to be devoted, not deformed. The world is trying to get us to conform to what it says is good, but which is ultimately broken. In contrast, God’s Word can transform us to be more like Jesus. Are you letting the world or the Word form you this week? Tune in as Pastor Carlos Erazo shares an impactful message. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

In today’s culture, our attention is the new currency. What has our attention has our devotion. Jesus calls us to be devoted to Him, not distracted. So how do we live devoted to Jesus in a world of distractions? Join us today with Pastor Carlos Erazo to hear why Jesus wants us to focus on His kingdom, not our own. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

God loves you. You! Do you believe that? He does. That’s why He gave His one and only Son. The words Jesus spoke to Nicodemus at night are true for us today. Jesus died for our sins and came back to life so we can be forgiven when we believe in Him. No matter who you are or what you have done, come to Him and receive His love and forgiveness. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

What are you willing to risk to be associated with Jesus? Nicodemus, the rule-keeping super-religious leader, laid it all on the line by publicly partaking in the burial of Jesus. When the other disciples fled, Nicodemus carefully tended to the body of our Savior who paid the ultimate price for our sins on the cross. Tune in today as Pastor Mike unpacks this story. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Jesus wants to connect with people and help them understand His truth. With Nicodemus, Jesus points to well-known stories from the Old Testament and explains how He is the fulfillment of them all. As the truth took hold in his heart, Nicodemus transitioned from questioning Jesus at night to defending Him in broad daylight. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Some of us approach God with walls up, thinking we know better. But He wants us to come to Him like Nicodemus did, with honest questions and an open heart. Small seeds of faith get planted when we recognize that Jesus speaks to our heads and our hearts. Listen for Him today. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Does your mind spin with thoughts or anxiety when you’re trying to sleep? Nicodemus, a member of an exclusive first-century religious country club, approached Jesus at night with a series of questions. Jesus did not turn him away but listened and responded. Jesus wants us to come to Him with our thoughts, doubts, and wonderings, too. So the next time your mind races with questions at night, bring them to Jesus. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

John the Baptist faithfully spoke out in truth, but his courageous convictions earned him powerful enemies. On the surface, his death may look like a tragedy, but he lived with eternity in mind. May we live with our eyes on Jesus, boldly following His lead with the knowledge that we will spend eternity with Him. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Have you ever had doubts about God? You are not alone. John the Baptist sat in prison and wrestled with doubts, too. He did what we all need to do when those questions come up: take them to Jesus. Let God and His Word speak to you in seasons of doubt so He can remind you of His good and perfect character. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

What does it take to be the G.O.A.T. in Jesus’ eyes? John the Baptist courageously said what needed to be said, but never took the credit for himself. John knew he had to decrease so Jesus could increase. How can you go low and respond with humility while lifting high the name of Jesus this week? For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

From his birth, John the Baptist was called by God for a special mission and stood out from the world around him. Guess what… You are God’s limited edition, too! You were uniquely created by God on purpose and for a purpose. What is the one-of-a-kind calling God has for your life? For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive