Speaker: Heath McCoy

This week’s message from Luke 24 reminds us that Jesus walks with us even when we don’t recognize Him. Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we can be so focused on our destination—whether it’s marriage, career, healing, or purpose—that we miss the miracle of His presence on the way. Scripture reminds us that our identity is formed, and our joy discovered, not just there but here. Jacob encountered God multiple times while fleeing, not arriving. Most of Jesus’ miracles happened during the journey, not at the destination. The miracle you’re longing for may not be waiting for you at the finish line. It may be unfolding as you walk.

David – a man after God’s own heart – had a dysfunctional family. When David’s son, Absalom, killed his brother, and later tried to overthrow the kingdom, we see how David’s passivity led to worse and worse situations. It’s a tragic story that we don’t have to repeat. If you feel dysfunction in your family or relationships, do the things David didn’t do: tackle issues head on, fight for unity and vision, and trust God with the things beyond your control.

David’s story reminds us that even those who walk closely with God can fall. When confronted by the prophet Nathan, David didn’t justify or hide his sin—he confessed, repented, and returned to God with a broken and humble heart (Psalm 51). Though his sin brought consequences, it also led to restoration and legacy, proving that failure is never final with God. We are not defined by our messes, but by how we respond to them. The gospel is a story of redemption—of a God who makes all things new when we turn back to Him.

The world often tells us what’s “reasonable” and we start to believe we can’t expect more. In 1 Samuel, Saul tells David he’s too young to fight Goliath. Similarly, in Acts, a lame man sits outside the temple gate daily, hoping for spare change. Sometimes we settle for what feels safe, familiar, or “good enough.”
But giants don’t fall at the feet of the reasonable. God invites us to believe for the ridiculous—the miraculous, the immeasurable, the Ephesians 3:20 kind of life.  Don’t let comfort or feelings of unworthiness keep you outside the gate. Jesus has already declared your worth. Step into more than you can ask or imagine!

At the height of his leadership, David seeks out anyone left from Saul’s house. He finds Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s disabled son, and instead of casting him aside, restores his inheritance and gives him a permanent seat at the king’s table—treating him like royalty despite his brokenness and inability to offer anything in return. This act of grace foreshadows the grace of God, which is not earned by merit but given freely. As we reflect on Pentecost and consider how to pray and fast for our community, we are reminded that grace transforms lives. God’s grace saves, sustains, and calls us to approach Him boldly. In response, we can embrace grace for ourselves and extend it, just as God did for us.

David’s journey to kingship reminds us that true promotion comes from God, not our own striving. Though anointed at a young age, David waited 15 years to be crowned king, refusing to take matters into his own hands. Instead, he lived in full submission to God—asking for guidance, embracing small beginnings, and faithfully serving even when only given a portion of the kingdom. His story teaches that spiritual promotion is not about rushing ahead, but about surrendering our plans, trusting God’s timing, stewarding what’s in front of us, and staying committed to service no matter the title.

What’s worth fighting for? If God has spoken it over… read more

David’s story in 2 Samuel 6 reminds us that God’s presence once dwelled in the Ark but now lives within us, calling us to prepare our hearts and lives to meet Him. We must learn to pause intentionally in His presence, like David’s reverent sacrifices every six steps, and not rush through spiritual moments. Rather than just reflecting our environment, we’re called to change it—bringing God’s presence, joy, and hope—by praising Him and practicing His presence daily.