Live Free with Josh Howerton

Join us this week as we delve back into the book of James. When James was writing, he lived in a society with a stark class system, where it was evident who were the "haves" and who were the "have-nots." Even today, we may find ourselves categorizing people as "those people." However, this is not the way Jesus intends for us to live. As His followers, He calls us to love everyone and to avoid show...

The book of James encourages us to humbly accept the Word of God daily, but not passively. God does not want us to treat His Word as a menu or a search engine where we can pick and choose what we like. His Word is a mirror that reflects our reality back to us. It shows us who we are and how we can respond in a way that honors God. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Jump in with us today as we continue to walk through the book of James. God is not the one responsible for the temptations we face. We all have desires and appetites that can be distorted by sin, leading us to destruction. Each of us struggles with something. What are you tempted with this week? Pray and ask God to help you stand firm in Him. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydriv...

If we put our identity in things that fade away, we will fade away, too. When we put our identity in Jesus and look to Him for everything, we will live forever with Him. There is a crown of life in Heaven for those who trust in Him. Jesus persevered to the cross, so He will help us persevere with Him today. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

James, the half-brother of Jesus and leader in the early church, wrote a letter to persecuted believers, encouraging them to persevere. We rarely mature when everything is running smoothly in our lives. God uses trials to refine us so that He and others can see the reflection of Jesus in us. No matter what situation God places you in, go all in with Him and ask for wisdom. God will give it to you!...

Are you at a point in your life where you’re just trying to hang on? Join us this week as we start walking through the New Testament book of James. James, the half-brother of Jesus, wrote to a group of people in the midst of tremendous trials and his first message was this– persevere. Jesus promised that in this world we will have trials. We have a choice on how we will respond. For more informati...

Ephesians 2:10 tells us that we are God’s masterpiece. God grows us up and wants us to show Him publicly to others. We are on display to the world, and people are watching. When you are out in the community, your words and actions can either draw people to the Lord or push them away. How are you displaying God this week? For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Do you know the unique shape God has given you? Join us today as we talk through the acronym S.H.A.P.E. to learn how we can contribute to God’s kingdom. Every person who accepts grace and believes in Jesus has been given special spiritual gifts from God. We may all be shaped differently, but we all have the same high calling. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Jesus told a story about a generous master who entrusted servants with wealth, and they had to decide what to do with it. God has given us so much, and He wants us to use it in a way that honors Him and blesses others. Don’t miss the unique circumstances He has placed you in. What has God given you and how are you using it for Him today? For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Proverbs 13:20 and 1 Corinthians 15:33 remind us that who we associate with can impact us deeply, growing us closer or further from God. It’s not always easy to move away from an environment pulling you down, but it’s worth it. The small, courageous steps deepen our faith and opens us up for God to grow and strengthen us. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Almost always, other people play a pivotal role in someone’s testimony. Other people affect us deeply, whether through a conversation or just watching them live their lives. God uses human relationships to grow us closer to Him. However, we may also choose relationships that can pull us in the other direction. Which way are your relationships growing you? For more information, visit lakepointe.chu...

Are you teachable? Do you have good, receptive soil where God’s Word can take root and grow? People with good soil are humble, open, and thankful. The fruit of the Spirit can grow in good soil which then impacts everyone around. God can produce an abundant crop in us when we joyfully receive the seed of Scripture and fertilize it with gratitude. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailyd...

In Jesus’ parable from Matthew 13, He talks about the seed of God’s Word landing on soil covered in thorns and weeds. He said the cares of the world and deceitfulness of riches choke out the good things God wants to grow in us. Do you have any weeds in your life that are choking out the seeds of Scripture trying to grow in your life? For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Join us today as we revisit Jesus’ parable in Matthew 13. Sometimes, we can be the rocky soil He talks about. We hear God’s Word but don’t let it take root in our lives. However, when we allow the Holy Spirit to grow deep roots in us, we can stand up against the enemy’s lies and schemes. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

In Matthew 13, Jesus told a story about a teacher sowing the Word of God. The seed of Scripture landed on a variety of different types of soil. The first type of soil was hard and unreceptive, which can be us sometimes. The next time you sit to listen to someone sowing Scripture, pray and ask God to give you a soft heart ready to receive what He wants you to hear. For more information, visit lakep...

It’s God’s job to transform us. Our job is to remain in Him. Our faith grows a little stronger each time we say “yes” to the Holy Spirit. God also prunes us when necessary to facilitate further growth. He uses pivotal moments that are not always fun to change us so that we’ll never be the same and to help us grow closer to Him. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Worry does not work, yet, too often, we give in to it. We do not have control, but we are held by the One who is sovereign over all. God is still on the throne, no matter what is happening. He is worthy of our worship, and as we get to know Him more and more, we will be filled with awe and wonder. What is one way you can worship and wonder today? For more information, visit lakepointe.church/daily...

When hard things happen, do you respond with a victim’s mindset or with a victor’s? It can be easy to compare ourselves to others and their lives, but God wants us to keep our eyes on Him. Instead of being jealous of what others have been given, we can choose to be thankful for all the amazing gifts He has given us. He is the one who will lead us triumphantly. For more information, visit lakepoint...

We all experience pressure in our lives. Sometimes it’s a good thing; sometimes it feels bad. What can we do when we experience the pressure of fear, anxiety or lack of control? In the presence of God, we can experience the fullness of joy and peace that surpasses all understanding. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

When was the last time you did not understand what God was doing? Even the disciples experienced this while present with Jesus. Just like them, we sometimes have to choose to comply with what He wants us to do instead of clearly understanding the purpose behind it. Even when things are murky, we can trust the wisdom of our good and loving God. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydri...

Have you ever felt as if there was a battle being waged inside you? We start this week by talking about the two systems operating inside all believers: the Spirit and the flesh. Even though the flesh is not in charge of us anymore, it is still tempted. Thankfully, we are under new management and the Holy Spirit can help us choose to walk in the way God has for us. For more information, visit lakep...

When confronted with our weaknesses, we often try to fix ourselves under our own power. But that just won’t work. Our pride, anger, envy, or procrastination are not enemies we can defeat on our own. We need help. Thankfully we have a God who is with us and wants to fight for us. Take time to ask the Holy Spirit to lead you and empower you to follow His will. For more information, visit lakepointe....

Procrastination may feel like a small sin, but it can cause big problems. It prevents us from loving well and damages relationships. Where have you seen this happen in your life? Stop making excuses. Face your fears. Establish a plan. Trade relief for victory. Start today. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

“Tomorrow” might be one of the most dangerous words in the English language because it blinds us to the here and now. It may give us a strange sense of power to put things off until the next day, but it may also increase our stress levels. Procrastination comes from indecision, perfectionism, fear, control or laziness. What are you putting off today? For more information, visit lakepointe.church/d...

Who do you compare yourself to? Why? Comparison will always lead to either despair or pride. God created you to be you, not for you to try and be someone else. Even though it may be difficult, God calls us to rejoice with those who rejoice. God has given you amazing things that envy makes you blind to. Ask Him to help you see and be content with the good gifts in your life. For more information, v...