The Power of Motherhood: Lessons from Moses' Family

The value of motherhood often goes unrecognized. Studies show that if stay-at-home moms were paid for their work, they would earn around $185,000 annually. Working mothers spend over 100 hours weekly between job and home responsibilities, leaving only 1-2 hours daily for themselves.

What Makes a Biblical Mother? Learning from Jochebed

Moses' mother Jochebed demonstrates key qualities of godly motherhood. Her name means "God is glory," reminding us that God is glorified through motherhood - even in mundane daily tasks.

How Did Jochebed Show Courage and Faith?

Despite Pharaoh's decree to kill Hebrew boys, Jochebed protected Moses by:

• Hiding him for three months

• Creating a waterproof basket

• Placing him strategically in the Nile

• Trusting God with his future

What Was the Impact of Jochebed's Parenting?

Jochebed raised three remarkable children:

• Moses: Led Israel's exodus, received God's law, wrote the Pentateuch

• Aaron: Became Israel's first high priest

• Miriam: Served as a prophetess and worship leader

How Can We Be Spiritual Mothers?

Motherhood extends beyond biological children. We can mother through:

• Discipleship

• Mentoring younger women

• Fostering/adoption

• Opening our homes

• Providing spiritual guidance

What Should We Avoid in Spiritual Parenting?

Key lessons include:

• Don't force children to copy your exact relationship with God

• Focus on pointing toward right rather than just avoiding wrong

• Allow children to develop their own authentic faith

• Be present even when imperfect

Life Application

This week, consider:

• How can you show appreciation to the mothers in your life?

In what ways might God be calling you to "mother" others spiritually?

Are you creating space for those you influence to develop their own authentic relationship with God?

Challenge:

• Identify one person in your life who needs maternal guidance or support. Commit to intentionally investing in them through prayer, presence, and practical help this week.

Remember: Whether through biological motherhood or spiritual nurturing, God is glorified when we pour into others with sacrificial love and faithful guidance.

-Pastor Chris Bower

The Power of Prayer: 5 Essential Disciplines for a Stronger Prayer Life

Prayer is a fundamental aspect of Christian faith, yet many believers struggle to maintain a consistent

prayer life. Just as physical fitness requires discipline and dedication, spiritual fitness through prayer

demands the same level of commitment.

• Why Do Christians Struggle with Consistent Prayer?

Consider this striking parallel: 87% of Americans own running shoes but don't run. Similarly, many

Christians have access to prayer—direct communication with God—yet fail to utilize this powerful

spiritual tool. The key difference between those who maintain a strong prayer life and those who don't

comes down to one word: discipline.

• 5 Key Disciplines for Effective Prayer

1. Make Sure Jesus is Involved

2. Pray for Things Only God Can Give

3. Listen and Do What He Says

4. Pray Even When It's Hard

5. Exercise Faith Through Action

• Life Application

This week, challenge yourself to develop a more disciplined prayer life by:

1. Setting aside specific times each day for prayer

2. Creating a prayer journal or using a prayer guide

3. Acting on the spiritual nudges you receive during prayer

Ask yourself:

• Am I praying according to God's will or my own desires?

• What big prayers have I been afraid to pray?

• How can I better position myself to hear God's voice?

• What actions is God asking me to take based on my prayers?

• Remember, prayer isn't just about ritual—it's about developing a deeper relationship with God through consistent, faithful communication. Start today by implementing these disciplines into your prayer life and watch how God moves in response to your faithful prayers.

Pastor Chris Bower

The Power of Gratitude: Transforming Your Life Through Thankfulness

Living with gratitude isn't just about saying "thank you" - it's about developing an attitude that can transform your entire life. For Christians, thanksgiving shouldn't be limited to one day in November, but should be practiced daily as a spiritual discipline.

How Does Gratitude Change Your Perspective?

Consider the story of Zacchaeus, a wealthy chief tax collector whose entire worldview changed after one grateful encounter with Jesus. His transformation was so complete that he went from being a taker to becoming a generous giver, offering half his possessions to the poor and pledging to repay those he had cheated.

When we approach life with gratitude, we shift from an attitude of "What can I get?" to "What can I give?" This fundamental change in perspective affects everything from our relationships to our resources.

Can Gratitude Break Negative Thinking?

The story of "Negative Thomas" demonstrates how gratitude can break cycles of negativity. Initially skeptical and pessimistic about Jesus's resurrection, Thomas's encounter with the risen Christ transformed him from a doubter into one of the most passionate evangelists, eventually taking the gospel to India.

Being Thankful in Difficult Circumstances

First Thessalonians instructs believers to "give thanks in all circumstances." This doesn't mean being thankful FOR difficult situations, but rather finding reasons to be grateful IN them. This attitude keeps our hearts tender and open to God's work in our lives, even during challenging times.

What Happens When We Lack Gratitude?

Romans 1:21 warns that ungratefulness can lead to:

1. Futile thinking
2. Darkened hearts
3. Spiritual disconnection

Without gratitude, we risk developing hardened hearts and losing sight of God's goodness in our lives.

Life Application

• This week, challenge yourself to develop an attitude of gratitude by:

• Starting each day by listing three things you're thankful for

• Looking for opportunities to express appreciation to others

• Finding reasons to be grateful even in difficult situations

Ask yourself:

• Am I more focused on what I'm lacking or what I've been given?

• How can I express gratitude to those who impact my life?

• In what ways can I turn my complaints into thanksgiving?

Remember: Gratitude isn't just about feeling thankful - it's about choosing to acknowledge God's goodness in all circumstances and allowing that recognition to transform your perspective, break negative patterns, and keep your heart tender toward both God and others.

Pastor Chris Bower

The Power of Jesus's Blood: A Message of Hope and Redemption

The blood of Jesus represents the ultimate sacrifice and foundation for successful living as Christians. Through His blood, we find redemption, cleansing, and the power to overcome life's challenges.

What Does the Blood of Jesus Do For Us?

There are three primary powers that come through Jesus's blood:

1. The Power to Rescue

The blood of Jesus has the power to rescue us from sin and spiritual death. Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sin (Hebrews 9). Jesus's sacrifice paid for our forgiveness and rescued us from the curse of sin.

2. The Power to Cleanse

The blood doesn't just cover our sins - it completely obliterates them. When we accept Jesus's sacrifice, we are made clean as if we had never sinned. As Isaiah 1:18 says, "Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them white as snow."

3. The Power to Conquer

Through the blood of Jesus and our testimony, we can overcome Satan's accusations and attacks. When we have a true salvation experience, we gain the power to stand against the enemy and declare "that's not who I am anymore."

How Do We Access This Power?

To access the power of Jesus's blood, we must:

Have genuine salvation through believing in our hearts, not just mental agreement

Accept His cleansing power rather than trying to clean ourselves up first

Stand firm in our identity as new creations in Christ

Break free from chains of our past through His power

Life Application

Take time this week to examine your relationship with Jesus:

Have you experienced true salvation, or just mental agreement with Christian beliefs?

Are there chains from your past still holding you back from walking in freedom?

How can you better stand in your identity as a new creation in Christ?

Challenge yourself to:

Identify any areas where you feel bound by past sins or struggles

Declare God's truth over those areas daily

Share your testimony of God's redemption with someone who needs hope

Live each day celebrating the resurrection power available through Jesus's blood

The power of Jesus's blood is not just for Easter Sunday - it's available every day to rescue, cleanse, and help us conquer life's challenges.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Chris Bower