Not everything we hear leads us closer to God. REAL discernment means staying grounded in His truth and allowing His Word to guide our hearts and decisions. When we stay close to Jesus, we can recognize what is true and walk confidently in His ways.

REAL love reflects the heart of Jesus. When we choose to love others through our words and actions, we shine His light into the world. Loving like Jesus is one of the clearest ways we can show others who He is!

God calls us to walk in the light, not hide in the darkness. REAL fellowship grows when we stop pretending, confess our sins, and allow God’s truth to shape our lives. As we walk in His light, we experience the forgiveness, grace, and genuine connection He desires for us.

In 1 John 1:1-4, John points us to the Jesus he saw, heard, and knew personally. The same Jesus invites us to know Him today. As we begin our new REAL series, take some time to reflect on what it means to truly know the risen Jesus.

Caleb’s story reminds us that faithfully serving God isn’t just for one season of life. At 85, he was still ready to follow where God led. As long as God gives us work to do, we can use it for His glory. May we keep showing up, trusting Him, and serving faithfully in every season.

Lydia’s story reminds us that our work is about more than earning a living; it’s an opportunity to glorify God. In Acts 16, she used what God had given her - her work, her home, and her resources - to serve others and support His mission. May we be willing to do the same, using whatever is in our hands for His glory.

We welcome Dr. Kenneth M. Jones from Cedarville University this week.

This week, we’ve been spending time in Daniel 9, seeing Daniel’s heart for God through prayer and repentance. This Sunday, we’ll look at another part of Daniel’s life in Daniel 1:18-20 and 6:1-5. Daniel lived and worked in a culture that didn’t honor God, yet his faith shaped the way he lived, worked, and carried himself.

Nehemiah reminds us that God-honoring work starts with a heart that is surrendered to Him. He prayed, trusted God, and then stepped forward to do what was needed. Whatever work God has placed before us, we’re called to do it faithfully; not for recognition, but for His glory.