Grow In Faith

Welcome to the Rhythms of Faith devotional series! In this episode, Pastor Aaron from Crossroads Campus introduces the powerful spiritual practice of fasting—a discipline as old as religion itself. Discover how fasting has been woven into the fabric of faith from biblical times to today, and learn why it’s more relevant than ever for deepening your relationship with God. 🌟 What You’ll Learn: The...

Join Pastor Jamie Morrison of Vernon Hills Church as he unpacks the transformative practice of the Prayer of Examen - a simple yet profound way to review your day with God. Far from being a harsh self-assessment, this ancient practice helps you discover the divine footprints in your daily journey. In this enlightening episode, learn how to: Recognize moments of "consolation" - times when...

Discover how to transform ordinary moments into sacred encounters with Pastor Jamie's guide to "cued prayers." Building on ancient monastic traditions, this episode shows you how to weave prayer naturally into your daily activities - no monastery required! Drawing inspiration from Benedictine monks and missionary Frank Laubach's "game with minutes," Pastor Jamie offer...

Learn the gentle art of breath prayers with Pastor Jamie Morsin in this calming episode of Rhythms of Faith. Building on yesterday's prayer fundamentals, Pastor Jamie introduces a centuries-old practice that turns everyday moments into sacred pauses. In this episode, discover how to create "pocket prayers" that move with the rhythm of your breathing. Learn to pair powerful truths ab...

Join Pastor Jamie Morrison of Vernon Hills as he breaks down common misconceptions about prayer and shares five practical keys to developing a meaningful prayer life. Using a heartwarming reference to the movie Ratatouille, Pastor Jamie reminds us that just as "anyone can cook," anyone can pray – regardless of their spiritual background or eloquence. In this episode of Rhythms of Faith,...

In this compelling final episode of our Bible study week, Campus Pastor Jamie Morrison shares a fascinating parallel between the movie "Yesterday" and the importance of Scripture memorization. Through this creative lens, he challenges us to consider: what if we were suddenly the last person who remembered God's Word? Drawing from over three decades of personal experience, Jamie offe...

Experience the powerful story of the Pool of Bethesda in a completely new way as Campus Pastor Jamie Morrison guides us through an immersive biblical meditation practice. In this moving episode of Rhythms of Faith, learn how to engage all five senses to bring Scripture to life and discover yourself within its pages. Through a vivid journey into John 5, you'll learn how to: Engage your senses...

In this soul-stirring episode of Rhythms of Faith, Campus Pastor Jamie Morrison introduces us to Lectio Divina, a transformative approach to Bible reading that's both ancient and accessible. Through a guided meditation of Philippians 4:4-7, Jamie demonstrates how this "divine reading" method can deepen your connection with Scripture in ways you've never experienced before. Lear...

In this enlightening episode of our Rhythms of Faith series, Jamie Morson shares a fascinating parallel between detective work and Bible study through a clever Sherlock Holmes camping story. Using this memorable illustration, he reveals five practical tips that can transform your daily Bible reading from a routine task into a deeply meaningful experience. Discover how to: Read slowly and observe l...

In this final episode of our serving series, Lake Forest Campus Pastor Paul Fowler challenges us with a powerful truth from Matthew 5:16 - that our everyday actions can illuminate God's love to others. Through compelling examples like the Good Samaritan, Pastor Paul reveals how authentic service goes far beyond scheduled volunteer hours. Key Insights: Why true service transforms both ordinary...

In this powerful episode of Rhythms of Faith, Lake Forest Campus Pastor Paul Fowler unpacks the transformative message of Ephesians 2:1-10, revealing the beautiful paradox of grace and service. If you've ever wondered whether your service makes a difference or struggled with the relationship between faith and works, this devotional is for you. Pastor Paul explores: The profound truth about gr...

Join Lake Forest Campus Pastor Paul Fowler in today's Rhythms of Faith devotional as he explores the fascinating world of spiritual gifts. Have you ever wondered what unique abilities God has given you to serve others? In this enlightening episode, Pastor Paul breaks down 1 Corinthians 12 to reveal how each of us is uniquely crafted for service. Discover: Why knowing your spiritual gifts is e...

In this powerful episode of our Rhythms of Faith series, Lake Forest Campus Pastor Paul Fowler unpacks the profound connection between spiritual formation and serving others. Through three compelling parables from Matthew 25 – the Ten Virgins, the Talents, and the Sheep and Goats – Pastor Paul reveals why service isn't about earning God's love, but rather a natural response to understand...

In this pivotal episode of "Rhythms of Faith," Pastor Paul Fowler explores how spiritual formation goes beyond mere belief to active obedience. Trace the biblical journey from Eden's single command to Christ's law of love, and discover how following God's commands deepens our relationship with Him. Learn why spiritual practices aren't about earning salvation but about...

Pastor Paul Fowler reveals how to deepen your knowledge of God beyond mere scripture memorization in this compelling episode of "Rhythms of Faith." From ancient Israel's practices to modern spiritual disciplines, discover how to transform biblical knowledge into authentic relationship with God. Key insights: Why priests knew scripture but didn't know God Practical spiritual for...

Join Pastor Paul Fowler as he explores the biblical metaphor of "walking with God" in this powerful episode of our "Rhythms of Faith" devotional series. Drawing from Genesis to Revelation, discover how this timeless concept transforms into practical spiritual disciplines like prayer, silence, and seeking divine guidance. Learn how the journey of walking with God evolved from th...

Join Pastor Paul Fowler of Christ Church Lake Forest as he kicks off our "Rhythms of Faith" devotional series exploring the transformative power of spiritual formation. In this introduction, discover how everyday practices shape who we become and learn practical ways to deepen your relationship with God. While Senior Pastor Mike Woodruff is on sabbatical, our campus pastors will guide yo...

In this final episode of our "Advent Unpacked" series, we explore one of Jesus' most powerful self-descriptions: "I am the Good Shepherd." Through a fresh examination of John 10, we discover why the Bible consistently uses sheep and shepherd imagery, and why it's far more profound than just a rustic metaphor. Unlike the modern tendency to identify with powerful, indep...

Through the powerful lens of missionary martyrs and grieving widows, today's "Advent Unpacked" devotional brings fresh perspective to the familiar Christmas narrative. We explore how the extraordinary love shown by missionaries' families toward those who killed their loved ones helps us better grasp the magnitude of God's love in sending His Son. Drawing from Paul's p...

Discover the profound depth of divine love in today's "Advent Unpacked" devotional. We dive deep into one of the most quoted yet often misunderstood verses in Scripture: "God is love" (1 John 4:8). Moving beyond Hallmark sentiments and warm feelings, we explore what this powerful statement actually means for our faith journey during Advent. This episode unpacks the revolut...

Join us in our "Advent Unpacked" devotional series as we explore the profound meaning of love during this special season. In this enlightening episode, we delve into how love threads through Scripture - from individual words to entire books - and discover why it's one of the four central themes of Advent alongside hope, peace, and joy. Our pastor unpacks the fascinating history of h...

Ever feel like you've heard the Christmas story so many times you could tell it through the eyes of the nativity camel? In today's deeply personal message, we explore how even pastors can struggle with "Christmas fatigue" - and how to rediscover the profound wonder of the incarnation. Through the lens of faith development and personal experience, we'll explore: The journey...

In a season often painted with twinkling lights and cheerful carols, there's a profound truth we often miss: "Advent begins in darkness." Drawing from Fleming Rutledge's powerful insight, today's message explores the deeper, often overlooked dimension of the Advent season - its acknowledgment of our world's brokenness and our longing for Christ's return. This raw...

What if everything we know about celebrating Christmas is backwards? In today's reflection, we explore the fascinating contrast between our modern holiday rush and the ancient practice of Advent. While we fill December with feasts and festivities, our spiritual ancestors chose fasting and reflection. This thought-provoking message explores: The historical tension between celebration and conte...

In a world of endless ads, algorithms, and holiday frenzy, what's really shaping your heart this season? Join us as we explore how the ancient tradition of Advent offers a radical alternative to our modern Christmas rush. Drawing from Augustine's timeless wisdom and the rich history of the Medieval church calendar, we'll discover how this sacred season of waiting was designed to tra...