The Power of Persevering Encouragement // Acts 15:36-41

Have you ever thought of breathing as a gift from God? In this final episode of The Daily Drive for 2024, Pastor Breaux  shares a heartfelt reflection about winter, Christmas, and the title of Jesus that means the most to him: Emmanuel, "God with us." Even in the cold, dark seasons of life, we are reminded of God’s closeness—just a breath away. With each exhale, we can see evidence of His presence, proof of His proximity. Take a deep breath this Christmas season and remember that the breath of the everlasting God rests in your lungs, waiting to bring His light into the darkness.   ➡️ For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

What does it mean to seek God? In Athens, Paul meets a culture full of idols and introduces them to the “unknown God”—the Creator who gives life and breath to everything. Pastor Breaux shares how Paul met people where they were, inviting them to seek the God who is not far from any of us. Today, let’s stand by the door, ready to guide others to the God who gives us life and hope.   ➡️ For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

How do you respond when life feels like a prison? In Acts 16, Paul and Silas show us the power of worship and prayer even in the darkest moments. After being beaten and shackled for their faith, they sang praises to God at midnight, leading to a miraculous prison break and the transformation of a jailer’s entire family. Join us as Pastor Breaux  shares how God’s power can set us free and use our struggles to bring others closer to Him.   ➡️ For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

What happens when religious traditions clash with the gospel of grace? Today, Pastor Breaux unpacks Acts 15, where the early church faced a pivotal moment. Some Jewish believers wanted to impose old rituals on Gentile converts, but Peter, Paul, and James affirmed that salvation is through faith in Jesus alone—Jesus plus nothing else. This decision brought great joy to the church and set the foundation for how we approach faith today.   ➡️ For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Does faith always lead to miracles? In today’s episode, Pastor Breaux walks through the story of Paul and Barnabas in Lystra, where faith led to the miraculous healing of a man who had never walked. While faith doesn’t always produce a miracle, it always precedes one. Paul reminds us to trust in the greater miracle—the new life Jesus offers. However, the miraculous moment led to challenges, as Paul and Barnabas were mistaken for gods and faced persecution. Even so, they pressed on, preaching the good news and walking by faith.   ➡️ For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Who is the real enemy we face in life? Today, we look at a powerful moment in Acts 13 where Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, confronts a sorcerer who tried to stop the spread of the good news. This encounter reminds us that our battle is not with people but with the darker spiritual forces at work. Paul’s courage and conviction encourage us to stand firm, put on God’s armor, and resist the schemes of the enemy. Let's keep our hearts strong, be gracious with others, and walk in the victory Christ has given us.   For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

What happens when we live for the approval of others? Today, we dive into Acts 12, where King Herod’s hunger for public approval leads him to do unspeakable things—even executing James and imprisoning Peter. But as Peter sits on death row, the early church prays earnestly, and God intervenes in a miraculous jailbreak, showing that His power goes beyond any earthly authority. This story is a reminder that we’re meant to live for God’s approval, not human applause, finding our worth and security in His love alone. Let’s take encouragement from Peter’s faith and God’s unstoppable power today.   For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Have you ever felt like giving up on someone who let you down? Today, we explore how Barnabas, the “Son of Encouragement,” refused to write off John Mark, even after he abandoned their first missionary journey. While Paul saw him as unreliable, Barnabas chose to believe in Mark’s potential and took him under his wing. This act of perseverance led to Mark’s future as a key figure in spreading the Gospel and as the author of the second book of the New Testament. Barnabas’s commitment to lifting others up, even in failure, challenges us to look beyond mistakes and see the growth that God is working in others.   For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Do you have someone who believes in you when others don’t? Today, we look at Barnabas, a true encourager, who saw the potential in people, even those others doubted. When the early church was hesitant to accept Saul (later known as Paul), Barnabas took a chance on him, vouching for his transformed life and mentoring him in ministry. Through Barnabas’s example, we’re inspired to look for the good in others, encourage them in their journey, and recognize their God-given potential. Let’s choose today to be intentional about uplifting those around us, offering the same encouragement that God so freely gives to us.   For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Have you ever noticed how generosity can change not only others' lives but your own? Today, we dive into the story of Barnabas, known as “the Son of Encouragement,” who demonstrated the power of a generous and other-centered life. In Acts, we see Barnabas journey to Antioch, where he witnesses God’s transformative work and encourages new believers. His faith and generosity show us that a truly fulfilling life focuses on serving and uplifting others. Join us as we explore why the best way to fill ourselves up is to pour ourselves out for others.   For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive