Pastor Bria Bradshaw

Colossians 3:12-13 (ESV) Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

“Because the Bible emphasizes healthy relationships so highly, it’s sad that there are so many believers who have hurting or broken relationships. Many Christian homes have been shattered by divorce. Some who stay married are unhappy. Their homes are a tense battle ground, not a loving refuge. Many Christian parents are at odds with their kids and the kids with their parents. On the church level, some bounce from church to church, leaving a trail of damaged relationships behind. I know of Christians who won’t speak to other Christians because of misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and wrongs that have taken place. Sadly, the loving families, genuine friendships, and healthy relationships that we want most out of life often elude us.”
- Commentary on Colossians 3:12-13

Your relationships need a healed you.

Unhealthy: That was so long ago. It doesn't matter now.
Healthy: What happened then impacts what happens now.

Unhealthy: My life is fine. It didn't really bother me.
Healthy: I may not see what God can see.

Unhealthy: I’m a new creation in Christ. I’ve put that all behind me.
Healthy: The old is made new by acknowledging my need for healing not ignoring it.

Mark 8:22-26 (ESV) And they came to Bethsaida. And some people brought to [Jesus] a blind man and begged him to touch him. And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, “Do you see anything?” And he looked up and said, “I see people, but they look like trees, walking.” Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. And he sent him to his home, saying, “Do not even enter the village.”

1. Let Jesus lead your healing journey.

Mark 8:23 (ESV) And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village…

Ask the Lord, “Where do you want to lead me?”

2. Let Jesus do what He wants and how He wants.

Mark 8:23-25 (ESV) “...and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, “Do you see anything?” And he looked up and said, “I see people, but they look like trees, walking.” Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again…

Ask the Lord, “Will you do for me what I can’t do for myself?”

3. Let Jesus show you what you haven’t seen in a while.

Mark 8:25 (ESV) …and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.

Ask the Lord, “What do you want to restore that I haven’t seen in a while?”

4. Go where Jesus tells you to go next.

Mark 8:26 (ESV) And he sent him to his home, saying, “Do not even enter the village.”

Ask the Lord, “Where are you sending me from here?”

We're Still Learning Pt. 2 | February 8, 2026
Pastor Wes Morris

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NLT) Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.
Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

√ BECAUSE WE CONFUSE PROXIMITY WITH CONNECTION.

√ BECAUSE WE AVOID HARD CONVERSATIONS.

Hebrews 12:15 (NLT) Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.

√ BECAUSE WE LET HURT GO UNHEALED.
Colossians 3:13 (NIV) Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

√ BECAUSE BEING VULNERABLE FEELS RISKY.
Acts 2:42-47 (NLT) All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.

A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.
They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.


LEARNING TO GROW TOGETHER

I. WE CHOOSE ONE PLACE TO BE CONSISTENTLY CONNECTED.
Acts 2:46 (NIV) Every day they continued to meet together…
Psalm 92:13 (NIV) Those who are planted in the house of the Lord will flourish in the courts of our God.

II. WE SHOW UP FOR EACH OTHER.
Philippians 2:3-4 (MSG) If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care - then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.

III. WE ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER.
I Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT) So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

Pastor Wes Morris

James 1:19-20 (NIV) My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

✓ IT’S TRAINING US TO REACT, NOT REFLECT.

Numbers 20:1-12 (NLT) In the first month of the year, the whole community of Israel arrived in the wilderness of Zin and camped at Kadesh. There was no water for the people to drink at that place, so they rebelled against Moses and Aaron. The people blamed Moses and said, “If only we had died in the Lord’s presence with our brothers! Why did you make us leave Egypt and bring us here to this terrible place?”

Moses and Aaron turned away from the people and went to the entrance of the Tabernacle, where they fell face down on the ground. Then the glorious presence of the Lord appeared to them, and the Lord said to Moses, “You and Aaron must take the staff and assemble the entire community. As the people watch, speak to the rock over there, and it will pour out its water."

So Moses did as he was told. Then he and Aaron summoned the people to come and gather at the rock. “Listen, you rebels!” he shouted. “Must we bring you water from this rock?” Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with the staff, and water gushed out. So the entire community and their livestock drank their fill.

But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust me enough to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving them!”

✓ IT’S BUILDING IDENTITY AROUND OUTRAGE.

Ecclesiastes 7:9 (NIV) Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.

✓ IT CAN STUNT OUR EMOTIONAL AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH.

I Peter 2:21-23 (TLB) Christ, who suffered for you, is your example. Follow in his steps: He never sinned, never told a lie, never answered back when insulted; when he suffered he did not threaten to get even; he left his case in the hands of God who always judges fairly.

I. WALK IN HUMILITY.

Proverbs 18:13 (NIV) To answer before listening - that is folly and shame.

Proverbs 18:13 (GNT) Listen before you answer. If you don't, you are being stupid and insulting.

II. PRACTICE PATIENCE.

Proverbs 14:29 (NIV) Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.


III. CHOOSE LOVE.

Ephesians 4:2 (NLT) Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.

Pastor Wes Morris

Psalm 62:1-2 (NIV) Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

√ WE BUILD OUR SECURITY ON TEMPORARY THINGS.

I Corinthians 3:11 (TLB) No one can ever lay any other real foundation than that one we already have—Jesus Christ.

√ WE COMPARE OUR JOURNEY TO OTHERS.

Ephesians 6:4-5 (TLB) Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.

√ WE CARRY BURDENS WE WERE MEANT TO SURRENDER.

Psalm 55:22 (NIV) Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.

I Corinthians 15:58 (NKJV) Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

I. “BE STEADFAST” - ROOT YOUR LIFE IN GOD.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 (TLB) But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and has made the Lord his hope and confidence. He is like a tree planted along a riverbank, with its roots reaching deep into the water—a tree not bothered by the heat nor worried by long months of drought. Its leaves stay green, and it goes right on producing all its luscious fruit.

II. “IMMOVABLE” - ANCHOR YOUR LIFE IN TRUTH.

Ephesians 4:15-16 (MSG) God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love—like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. He keeps us in step with each other. His very breath and blood flow through us, nourishing us so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love.

III. “ALWAYS ABOUNDING” - LIVE FOR SOMETHING BIGGER THAN YOURSELF.

I Peter 4:10 (CEV) Each of you has been blessed with one of God's many wonderful gifts to be used in the service of others. So use your gift well.

Pastor Bria Bradshaw

Luke 2:36-38 (NIV) There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.


√ COMFORT

Comfort and ease will never produce strong & steady faith.

√ FAMILIARITY

I. RECEIVE OUR STRENGTH FROM GOD

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭28‬-‭31‬ ‭(ESV‬‬) “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

Prayer of Dependence - God, I need your strength today. I’m done trying to do this on my own.”

II. REMAIN IN JESUS CHRIST.

John 15:5 (NIV) “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

Prayer of Surrender - God, I yield to your plans today. I’m done trying to do this my way.

Pastor Wes Morris

Psalm 9:7-10 (NIV) The Lord reigns forever, executing judgment from his throne. He will judge the world with justice and rule the nations with fairness. The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.

Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.


√ TRUST GROWS FROM KNOWING GOD, NOT CONTROLLING OUTCOMES.

Exodus 3:13-14 (NIV) Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” God said to Moses, “I am who I am.”

Proverbs 18:10 (NIV) The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

√ SEEKING GOD IS HOW TRUST BECOMES STEADY.

Jeremiah 29:12-13 (NIV) Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

√ TRUST TAKES TIME.

Psalm 27:13-14 (TLB) I am expecting the Lord to rescue me again, so that once again I will see his goodness to me here in the land of the living.

Don’t be impatient. Wait for the Lord, and he will come and save you! Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait and he will help you.

I. PRACTICE DAILY DEPENDENCE ON GOD.

Psalm 9:10 (NIV) Those who know your name trust in you...

II. RELEASE CONTROL IN ONE SPECIFIC AREA.

Matthew 6:25-27 (NLT) That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?

27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?


III. MAKE ROOM FOR GOD IN THE MIDDLE.

Isaiah 43:2 (NIV) When you pass through the waters, I will be with you…

Pastor Wes Morris

Psalm 1:1-3 (ESV) Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.


√ GROWTH HAPPENS BEFORE YOU CAN SEE IT.

Matthew 6:6 (NIV) When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.

Matthew 6:6-13 (MSG) Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.

The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They’re full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don’t fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need.


√ DEPTH DETERMINES STABILITY.

Matthew 7:24-25 (NIV) Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.


√ WHAT YOU’RE ROOTED IN DETERMINES WHAT YOU PRODUCE.

Psalm 1:3 (ESV) He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.

I Corinthians 15:58 (NIRV) My dear brothers and sisters, remain strong in the faith. Don’t let anything move you. Always give yourselves completely to the work of the Lord. Because you belong to the Lord, you know that your work is not worthless.

I. CREATE SPACE FOR GOD EVERY DAY.

Matthew 6:33 (NLT) Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.


II. CHOOSE SPIRITUAL DEPTH OVER DISTRACTIONS.

Psalm 119:37 (NLT) Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word.

Psalm 119:37 (TLB) Turn me away from wanting any other plan than yours. Revive my heart toward you.


III. STAY PLANTED IN GOD’S PRESENCE.

Psalm 92:12-14 (TLB) But the godly shall flourish like palm trees and grow tall as the cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted into the Lord’s own garden and are under his personal care. Even in old age they will still produce fruit and be vital and green.

Pastor Bria Bradshaw

Matthew 1:18–25 (ESV) Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

Matthew 1:22-23 (ESV) All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).

If Us Without God is the greatest devastation, then God With Us is the greatest restoration!

✓ Us without life

✓ Us without power

✓ Us without identity

1. Prepare Him Room

We prepare…

• Surrender - Yield to His Power
• Submit to His Authority

Ask the Lord - Where within me is without you as the Source?

2. Receive the King of Heaven

• Give up the throne of our lives

Ask the Lord - Where within me is being ruled by anyone or anything other than you?