In John 15, Jesus uses the analogy of a vineyard to describe the life of a disciple. Jesus is the vine, and we are the branches.

Dave DeSelmAugust 17, 2025abiding in Christ, rest, joy, fruitfulness, John 15Comment

244 Counterfeit Gods: Wrestling with God

With the powerful hold idols have over us, is there any hope that we might dethrone these counterfeit gods?

Dave DeSelmAugust 10, 2025idols, idolatryComment

243 Counterfeit Gods: Money Talks

You’ve probably heard the saying “Money talks.” What would money say to you if it wanted to be your idol? And what might God say in contrast?

Dave DeSelmAugust 3, 2025idols, idolatry, money

242 Counterfeit Gods: The Search for Love

An idol is anything more important to you than God, anything that absorbs your attention and affection more than God, anything you seek to give you what only God can give.

Dave DeSelmJuly 27, 2025idols, idolatryComment

241 Counterfeit Gods: Good Things Gone Bad

In that pursuit of happiness, it never enters our minds that getting our heart’s desires could, in fact, be the worst thing that ever happened to us.

Dave DeSelmJuly 20, 2025idols, idolatryComment

240 Counterfeit Gods: The Idol Factory

The Old Testament prophet Ezekiel wrote, “These men have set up idols in their hearts.”

Dave DeSelmJuly 13, 2025idols, idolatryComment

239 A Passion for His Presence: Where Worship Sacrifices

We are wrapping up our series on the topic of worship with some honest talk, because here’s the thing: worshipping God from the heart isn’t always easy.

Dave DeSelmJuly 6, 2025worship, the heart of worship, how to worship, sacrifice of praiseComment

238 A Passion for His Presence: How Worship Changes Us

Psalm 73 is one of my favorites because it’s just so true to life. Here we have a guy named Asaph who was a worship leader in his day.

Dave DeSelmJune 29, 2025worship, the heart of worship, how to worshipComment

237 A Passion for His Presence: What Worship Entails

What is it that God is calling us to when He says, “Come and worship”? Let’s seek to answer that question by looking first at some Biblical Examples of Worship.

Dave DeSelmJune 15, 2025worship, the heart of worship, how to worshipComment

236 A Passion for His Presence: When Worship Deteriorates

What is worship? Here are a few definitions: Worship is the total adoring response of man to the Eternal God.

Dave DeSelmJune 15, 2025worship, the heart of worshipComment

235 A Passion for His Presence: Why Worship Matters

Worship is basic to everything else in the walk of faith. Seeing God for who He really is and responding to Him as he truly deserves is at the center of everything

Dave DeSelmJune 8, 2025worship, why worship mattersComment

233 Philippians: Think—Do

We have been given the incredible offer by God to not only find forgiveness, but to experience transformation. We have been made different to make a difference.

Dave DeSelmMay 25, 2025spiritual growth, Philippians, Paul, thoughts, think, transformation, thought lifeComment

232 Philippians: A Gentleness Known to All

What are you known for? Your wit, appearance, talent, or success? Perhaps you’re known for your sharp tongue or short fuse. Or maybe it’s for your biblical knowledge and wisdom.

Dave DeSelmMay 18, 2025spiritual growth, Philippians, Paul, peace, gentleness, Luke 7Comment

231 Philippians: The Word on Worry

In this passage, the Apostle Paul makes one of the most extraordinary statements of this entire letter: “Do not be anxious about anything.” Anything?

Dave DeSelmMay 11, 2025spiritual growth, Philippians, Paul, worry, anxiety, prayer, peaceComment

230 Philippians: The Porcupine Dilemma

How do you pursue the dream of extending God’s Kingdom when you have to do it with actual, real-life people – people who can so easily rub you the wrong way?

Dave DeSelmMay 4, 2025spiritual growth, Philippians, Paul, relationships, relational breakdown, reconciliationComment

229 Philippians: Running the Race

One of Paul’s favorite metaphors for the transformational journey everyday disciples are on was the footrace.

Dave DeSelmApril 27, 2025spiritual growth, Philippians, Paul, running the race, press on, discipline, devotion, spiritual transformationComment

228 Easter: Why Are You Crying?

She is mentioned more than any other character in the events surrounding the death and resurrection of Jesus, yet she is often overlooked. Her name is Mary Magdalene.

Dave DeSelmApril 20, 2025spiritual growth, Easter, Mary Magdalene, resurrection, hopeComment

227 Philippians: Making the Cut, pt. 2

The Apostle Paul knew what it was like to live under the “performance plan” – to try to be good enough, to jump through all the religious hoops in order to be “righteous” before God.

Dave DeSelmApril 13, 2025spiritual growth, Philippians, Paul, circumcision, performance plan, faithComment

226 Philippians: Making the Cut, pt. 1

Our world revolves around “the performance plan.” If we work hard enough, perform well enough, and impress the powers that be sufficiently enough...we’ll make the cut.

Dave DeSelmApril 6, 2025spiritual growth, Philippians, Paul, circumcision, performance plan, faithComment