Port City Community Church Podcast

What if your true calling isn't just about what you do from 9 to 5? Most of us tie our identity to our job titles, and while there's nothing wrong with finding meaning in our work, there's so much more to discover. Your vocation—your true calling—is about who you're becoming, not just what you're producing. It's about bringing beauty and nourishment into the world through the unique way you love, serve, and create. Instead of scrambling to protect what's ours or prove our worth through achievement, we can learn to receive life as a gift and share it generously. Whether you're a teacher, accountant, parent, or artist, your deepest purpose isn't defined by your resume—it's found in becoming the kind of person who creates peace, builds trust, and helps others flourish. That's a calling worth embracing, and it starts right where you are today.

We're all on a journey to build relationships that stand on solid ground. When Christ's love becomes our guiding light, it creates a shared identity that brings us together, encouraging us to show up authentically. While our faith journey is deeply personal, it ripples outward into our communities. The grace we've received comes with responsibility—we're called to share it freely with others. There's something profoundly beautiful about living peacefully with one another. When we offer ourselves as a gift, inviting others into our lives and creating space to connect on this foundation of grace, we breathe value into each other. This exchange of love requires trust, but it opens the door to an experience of peace that transforms how we see ourselves and those around us.

In the depths of our restless souls, we constantly seek a foundation that can withstand life's turbulent storms. True inner peace is not found in temporary substitutes or external achievements, but in the transformative grace of divine forgiveness. When we surrender our struggles and embrace God's unconditional love, we discover a profound sense of freedom that transcends mere relief. This peace becomes our anchor, allowing us to stand firm amid life's challenges, filling the void we've long tried to numb or escape. It's in this sacred connection that we find our true worth—not through our own efforts, but through the merciful embrace of a love that renews, restores, and ultimately sets us completely free.

There's a profound peace available that many of us overlook. When we understand that being at peace with God forms the foundation for all other peace in our lives, everything begins to shift. It's unbelievably good to rest in this relationship—not constantly striving to earn forgiveness, but simply accepting it as the gift it is. This isn't about maintaining a perfect record or making endless promises we can't keep. Rather, it's about daily dependence on a love that gives freely. The beautiful reality is that in Christ, we've been reconciled and made right with God. This peace doesn't require perfection from us but invites us into a way of living where faith becomes more than mental agreement—it becomes trust that empowers us to take steps forward, even when uncertain.

The Gospel invites us into a remarkable story—not of easy comfort, but profound transformation. Through Jesus Christ, we discover a hope that mends our broken relationship with God and offers healing for everything else. Rather than retreating into our isolated circles when challenges arise, we're called to live differently. Together, we can create flourishing communities through cooperation rather than competition. By following Jesus' way, seeing the world through His eyes, and joining His redemptive work, we participate in restoring all things. This journey isn't always easy, but it leads to a life richer and more meaningful than we could imagine on our own.

What if the sorrow and brokenness we've come to accept as reality are actually being undone? At Easter, we find the ultimate pivot point in human history. The cross—once a symbol of defeat and shame—has been transformed into a beacon of hope. The empty tomb whispers a revolutionary truth: death itself has been overcome. In Jesus's sacrifice and resurrection, we discover not just a spiritual concept but an invitation to experience a new kind of reality where everything sad is becoming untrue. This Easter story isn't merely about a historical event; it's about God reaching across the divide to restore relationship with us, offering authentic freedom and purpose that transforms our everyday lives. It's an accessible, tangible hope—unbelievably good news that speaks to our deepest longings for meaning and wholeness.

God's original design for humanity was a life of close relationship with Him. When we chose to pursue life apart from God, we experienced what Scripture calls "the fall." Yet God's love never wavered. Through Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross, we see God's true nature—loving, self-giving, and transformative. Jesus didn't just demonstrate God's love; He dismantled the broken systems of this world and initiated a new creation. This rescue mission invites us back to our original purpose: living as beings created in God's image, entrusted with authority and purpose. At the heart of this relationship is authentic freedom—the ability to choose to trust God and live in His love. Our story begins and ends with God's desire for connection with us.

In Jesus, we discover what it truly means to be human. He invites us not into a religion of rules, but into a relationship of love. At the center of this invitation stands the cross—a powerful symbol of both sacrifice and victory. Through His suffering, Jesus broke the chains of sin and death, proving that love is stronger than any darkness we face. When we follow Him, we begin to see ourselves and others differently. The cross reminds us that healing comes through wounds, that victory sometimes looks like surrender, and that God's way of restoring the world turns our expectations upside down. This isn't about checking religious boxes; it's about walking daily with the One who loved us enough to die for us, whose resurrection power now reshapes every part of our lives.

In Christ, we find the freedom of being fully known yet fully loved. His sacrifice wasn't just another religious ritual—it was the ultimate game-changer that ended our endless striving for God's approval. Jesus invites us from rule-following into relationship-building. We don't want mere tolerance; we crave genuine connection. That's what Christ accomplished—not just forgiveness but complete restoration with God. We've been made holy through His sacrifice, while still being transformed daily. We don't work for salvation; we simply receive it by trusting Jesus' finished work. This isn't complex theology—it's the heart of Christianity as relationship, not religion, putting broken things back together.

Have you ever noticed how life seems to unravel when we try to control everything ourselves? In Christ, all things are held together, but when we pull away, things gradually fall apart. At its core, sin isn't just about breaking rules—it's about trust and authority. We struggle to believe God knows best, so we take matters into our own hands. When things go wrong, our instinct is to hide, blame others, or justify our actions. But there's another way. Jesus offers forgiveness that bridges the gap our sin creates. When we confess, we're not just admitting wrongdoing; we're expressing trust in His forgiveness. This trust allows us to experience true freedom and redemption. The beauty is simple: forgiveness reconnects us to Him, allowing us to live in the wholeness we were designed for.

The cross stands not as a mere decision but as a powerful collision where heaven meets earth. Through Jesus's resurrection, we discover that the cross wasn't defeat but victory revealed—a moment where God demonstrated boundless love, absorbed sin, and offered forgiveness. This isn't distant theology but an invitation to participate in Christ's victory, walking the path of discipleship where what Jesus did for us becomes inseparable from what he does in us.  As we journey forward, our security isn't found in theological certainty but in the beautiful reality that God honors even our imperfect faith. Jesus confronted the world's broken systems while bringing the redemption of shalom—and now invites us to join in this transformative way of living.

What if Christ truly became the most important person in your life? Everything would change. You'd find yourself willing to step outside your comfort zone for His sake, invested fully in building God's kingdom rather than your own. When obstacles arise, you'd be not deterred but determined, pushing forward with sole dependence on God's perfect provision rather than your own strength. Your passion for Jesus would become obvious to everyone around you, naturally spilling over into genuine love for the people He died to save. This transformation would mobilize you to address the brokenness in our world with compassion and purpose. And rather than treating church as an optional addition to your busy life, you'd be engaged in God's family as if your very life depended on it—because in many ways, it does. What if?

God designed us to reflect His image through love. Many of us understand being a Christian without grasping what it means to truly follow Jesus. Instead of using Him to validate our agendas, we're called to be disciples—friends of Jesus who are empowered to love others. When we realize that God's very essence is love, we understand that loving others isn't just a nice behavior but our deepest purpose. This love gives freely, values others deeply, and always looks outward. And it starts with a simple truth: we love because He first loved us. His love flows through us, changing how we see the world and everyone in it.

Following Jesus means becoming both a friend and apprentice, growing in love through His training. This relationship transforms our character and helps us embrace God's concerns as our own. As disciples, we take on new responsibilities that change how we see the world and work with others. The journey involves deliberate training of heart and mind as God guides us toward our unique calling—a path that's both challenging and deeply fulfilling.

Think of discipleship as starting an amazing friendship with Jesus - one that grows deeper as you follow His lead. Just like learning from a close friend who inspires you, following Jesus naturally shapes who you become. He invites you into this relationship not just to teach you about love, but to actually empower you to love others in ways you never thought possible. As you trust His way of doing things and let His influence work in your life (both in obvious and subtle ways), you begin to understand more about God's heart and purpose. This journey of friendship with Jesus isn't just about following rules - it's about experiencing a life-changing relationship where love is both the teacher and the lesson. The more you know Him, the more you're transformed by His love, and the more naturally you begin to share that love with others.

At its heart, walking with God is about building a genuine, transformative relationship. Just as close friends naturally begin to share values, interests, and perspectives, following Jesus shapes who we are at our core. This journey isn't about making perfect promises or checking religious boxes – it's about learning to depend on God daily and allowing that connection to naturally flow into how we treat others. When we choose to be friends and followers of Jesus, He trains and empowers us to love in ways that impact not just our own lives, but the lives of those around us. Together, we're creating something beautiful: a community of people experiencing life with God and sharing that life with the world.

Imagine a book that's more than just ancient text—a living, breathing story of love that spans generations. The Bible is like a personal letter from God, breathed with intention and preserved through time, inviting us into an intimate conversation about hope, redemption, and purpose. It's not just a collection of writings, but a roadmap that reveals God's heart and ultimately points us to Jesus—the ultimate expression of God's love. Through its pages, we're invited to sit at the feet of the greatest teacher, learning not just about God, but experiencing His transformative presence in our everyday lives.

Our journey of healing reflects God's redemptive narrative—a profound transformation from brokenness to wholeness. As image-bearers, we're designed for deep connection, not just with each other but with our Creator. Trauma may fragment our sense of trust, but Christ's healing power invites us to integrate our wounded parts, allowing our bodies to become vessels of grace. Through faith, we can rewrite our story, moving from fragmentation to restoration, trusting that God's love can mend what seems irreparably broken.

Our minds are wired to trust God, yet we often get tangled up in our struggles and doubts. The beautiful truth is that real change starts the moment we choose to believe. It's not about just getting God's attention – it's about embracing the deep love He already offers. When we let His forgiveness work in our hearts, we find ourselves drawing closer to Him naturally. After all, Christ has set us free to trust completely, to rest in His faithfulness, and to experience the peace that comes from a heart fully surrendered to God. It's that simple: we're made for this kind of trust.

In our rush through life, it's easy to miss what matters most. Our hearts aren't deceitful because they're bad – they simply respond to whatever we trust. That's why guarding our hearts is so crucial, not by building walls, but by creating space for God to work in us. Sure, we often struggle between what we do and what we really want to do, but there's always hope. When we learn to trust God instead of listening to voices of condemnation, we slowly become more of who He created us to be.

Deep within us lies an innate understanding that we were created by and for God, designed for a greater purpose than our daily routines suggest. While regret often feels like an easier path to change, it only offers temporary relief rather than true transformation. Real change requires disrupting our normal patterns. The concept of My One Word isn't about making promises to improve—it's about adopting a perspective that helps us see God's active work in our lives, giving us a lens through which we can discover our authentic purpose and relationship with Him.

Waiting is hard in a world that craves instant results. We're challenged to see something worth pausing for, to let God reshape our desires and expectations. It's not about calculating potential outcomes but about trusting that the journey itself matters. The One we're waiting for is worthy of our patience, even when the waiting feels uncomfortable. Our trust transforms the waiting from a frustrating delay into a meaningful experience of growth and anticipation.

We're constantly bombarded by pressures that dictate our rhythm, often causing us to react without truly seeing. We chase deadlines, notifications, and expectations, losing sight of what genuinely matters. But there's a profound invitation to pause, to look deeper, and allow our experiences to stir our hearts. By paying attention to what we encounter and developing a mindful lens, we can break free from restless patterns and discover a more intentional way of living—one where we're not merely responding to external demands, but actively engaging with our inner landscape and the world around us.

In the hustle of daily life, Advent offers a gentle reminder to pause and breathe. It's an invitation to find stillness amidst chaos, to quiet our restless minds and stop the constant pressure to produce. Like a deep breath in a crowded room, this season encourages us to simply be—to open ourselves to grace, to anticipate hope, and to remember that our worth isn't measured by our productivity. In these moments of stillness, we reconnect with something greater than ourselves, experiencing the profound peace of Immanuel, "God with us," who meets us exactly where we are.

In our daily struggles, holiness isn't about achieving perfection, but about cultivating a heart of devotion and surrender. It's recognizing that we are already forgiven and loved, and choosing to make ourselves available to God's purpose in each moment. Through trust and abiding, we bear His image – not by flawless behavior, but by embracing redemption and experiencing the freedom to offer our true selves, imperfections and all.

Imagine justice not as a harsh punishment, but as a healing journey of restoration. At its heart, justice is about rebuilding relationships—first with God, and then with each other. Forgiveness is the key that unlocks this transformative process. When we embrace forgiveness, we begin to understand a deeper kind of justice that isn't about retribution, but about rebuilding trust and creating wholeness. Through Christ, we are offered a remarkable gift: the freedom to live fully, not weighed down by past mistakes, but lifted up by grace and the possibility of true reconciliation.

At the heart of Christianity stands a remarkable paradox: Jesus, who shapes the world through gentleness and humility rather than force or power. His way offers us a fresh path to live as God intended, restoring broken relationships and bringing genuine peace. While this path often puts us at odds with society's usual ways of doing things, it transforms us in beautiful ways – turning our fierce passions into deep compassion for others. This isn't just about feeling sorry for people from a distance. Real compassion gets up close, crosses barriers, and actively works to remove walls between people. Unlike rigid rules that simply make demands, Jesus offers grace that reaches out to us first. This gentle approach helps us navigate between extremes – neither raging at the world nor giving up on it. In the end, following Jesus means learning to care deeply for others, just as He did. It's that simple, and that challenging.

In these divisive times, it can be easy to get swept up in the toxicity of political rhetoric and the false promise that our vote alone can bring about the change we so desperately desire. But the way of Jesus calls us to a radically different path. The Kingdom of God is here and available to us now if only we dare to embrace it. Christ did not come to accommodate our cherished assumptions, but to usher in a new and revolutionary way of being. Instead of seeking salvation through the ballot box, we must turn our gaze inward and allow the transformative power of God's love to reorient our priorities and heal the divisions in our society. This is the way forward - not through partisan politics, but through the subversive, steadfast witness of those who choose to follow in the footsteps of the one who upended the status quo.

When God designed the church, He didn't just create another organization—He formed a family. It's a place where we truly belong, grow together, and help each other heal. This family has a bigger purpose than just ourselves: we're called to show the world who God is, not only through our own lives but through future generations. As we learn to trust each other and live in God's love, we're not just dreaming about a better future—we're creating one. And that's the beautiful thing about God's family: it's where our children and their children will learn to know Him deeply, just as He knows us.

Over the past 25 years, Port City Community Church has witnessed God's unwavering faithfulness through countless steps of obedience, rather than chasing worldly success. We've learned that approaching challenges with expectation can deepen our faith, even in life's storms. Often, when we felt lost or uncertain, God was silently at work, turning seemingly foolish decisions into powerful testimonies of His grace. Our commitment to following Jesus has not only transformed us individually but has also fostered a more personal, tight-knit community. As we continue to pursue God's Kingdom, we're constantly amazed by how it reshapes our lives and perspectives. The memorials we've built along the way serve as powerful reminders, keeping us focused on God's faithfulness and inspiring us to remain steadfast in our journey with Him.

In our daily lives, we're called to live out our faith moment by moment. This journey isn't about perfection, but about allowing our encounters with God to shape us. Through Jesus, we have constant access to God's presence, giving us a clear picture of His loving nature. As we draw closer to Him, we find that our relationship with God becomes the wellspring from which all other aspects of life flow. This connection isn't meant to burden us with rigid rules but to free us to live authentically. By embracing this path, we can reflect God's heart in our actions and relationships, offering a glimpse of His love to those around us. Faithfulness isn't about always doing everything right, but about living from a place of freedom and trust in God's guidance.

Life often feels like a series of interruptions, with countless demands shaping how we see the world. But when we encounter God, it's like a collision between our way and His, inviting us to rethink our direction. Instead of living for fleeting successes, we're called to a deeper purpose—a return to shalom, a peace that reorients our hearts to God's Kingdom. His presence reshapes our expectations and challenges us to stop settling at the threshold, stepping instead through the door He opens. Encountering God isn't just about what we should do, but about how we live each day, faithfully trusting Him in the present moment.

This past Sunday, Geoff Banks continued our teaching series, "Everyday Encounters," with a message on encountering God in our brokenness. After Sunday gatherings, we asked for questions and feedback regarding the message on social media. On Monday, we sat down with Geoff to discuss what encountering God looks like and how it might differ from what we expect. We hope you enjoy!

Many of us have preconceived notions about what it means to encounter God. We often expect a profound, unmistakable experience—a sudden rush of emotion or a dramatic revelation. In our search for these powerful moments, we might inadvertently turn our relationship with God into a formula, chasing after memories of past experiences or trying to recreate them. However, it's important to remember that God often works in unexpected ways. Our struggles and imperfections, rather than being obstacles, can actually become the fertile ground where God's work takes root. The divine doesn't shy away from our brokenness; instead, it's through these very cracks that God's light can shine through, shaping us for a greater purpose. Ultimately, encountering God isn't just about what we feel or gain personally, but about how we're transformed to serve others and fulfill a higher calling.

This past Sunday, Carson Goslee started our new teaching series, "Everyday Encounters," with a message on encountering God at work. After Sunday gatherings, we asked for questions and feedback regarding the message on social media. On Monday we sat down with Carson to have a conversation about what encountering God at work can practically look like. We hope you enjoy!

Have you ever felt like you were just going through the motions at work, unable to connect with a deeper sense of purpose? The truth is, you can't rush your way to a life of genuine faith. Your perspective on work and the world around you flows out of your underlying posture - the attitude and mindset you bring to each day. When we adopt a posture of faith, surrendering ourselves to be consumed by God, something miraculous happens. We start to encounter God during our daily grind. Rather than seeing our jobs as mere obligations, work becomes a place where our souls can truly thrive. Imagine what it would be like if you approached each workday acutely aware of God's presence, ready to join Him in the important work He is doing all around you. That kind of encounter has the power to transform the most mundane tasks into sacred moments.

Faith isn't just about having a list of beliefs—it's about trusting God enough to act on those beliefs in our daily lives. Like a gardener cultivating good soil, we nurture our faith by staying close to God, listening, and following His guidance. This journey isn't always easy; our faith is tested in each challenge we face. But as we learn to trust God step by step, we begin to bear fruit, bringing His love into the world in ways that nourish others. We may not always understand everything about God's Kingdom, but by remaining open and receptive, we can experience His peace and hope, even in difficult moments. Remember, faith doesn't magically solve our problems, but it does help us find grace as we navigate life's ups and downs.

Truly understanding the way of Jesus requires more than just learning about Him - it demands that we integrate His teachings into the very fabric of our lives. Too often, we try to fit Jesus into our existing routines and priorities, when we should be allowing His reign to shape and define how we live. True understanding goes beyond mere information; it is a formative process that transforms us from the inside out. As we patiently allow His truth to take root, it bears the fruit of God's love in our lives. But if our actions fail to align with this love, it's a clear sign that we have yet to fully grasp the depth of His message. The way of Jesus is not meant to complement our lives, but to be the very foundation upon which we build.

In our journey through life, we often find ourselves navigating a complex landscape of emotions and beliefs. It's crucial to recognize that while our feelings are valid, they don't always reflect the full truth of a situation. Our emotions, powerful as they are, can sometimes float freely without a solid anchor, leaving us feeling adrift. This is why it's essential to ground our feelings in something more substantial - a foundation of truth. Interestingly, we humans have the remarkable ability to create realities based on what we believe, even if those beliefs aren't entirely accurate. This underscores the importance of seeking genuine truth, which, at its core, is deeply relational. It's not just about cold facts, but about connections - with ourselves, others, and ultimately, with God. No matter where we find ourselves on this journey, God extends an invitation to trust Him from that very spot, without preconditions. As we learn to distinguish between fleeting emotions and enduring truth, we discover that real truth is life-giving. It doesn't just inform us; it transforms us, bringing vitality, purpose, and a sense of grounded freedom to our lives.

Our minds naturally categorize the world around us, shaping how we view life and our expectations of it. We often approach faith and God's Kingdom with this same mindset, hoping for predictable outcomes if we follow the right formula. However, the Kingdom of God operates in mysterious ways that challenge our desire for control. It invites us to embrace a more open, receptive stance—one where wonder and imagination flourish. This approach requires slowing down, and recognizing that true understanding goes beyond mere intellectual knowledge. It asks us to be responsible with the insights we gain and to examine how our beliefs impact the world. By doing so, we cultivate a richer, more nuanced faith that can engage with life's complexities and brokenness, rather than trying to fit everything into neat, preconceived categories.

We are all on a journey of becoming, shaped by what captures our attention and the encounters we experience. The Gospel—the good news of Jesus Christ's life, death, and resurrection—offers more than just a moral roadmap to an eternal destination. It invites us into a transformative process of redemption, where forgiveness paves the way for renewal. As we explore questions of faith, whether through skepticism or curiosity, we're called to embody a new kind of life under God's rule. This formation happens as we encounter God, coming as we are and learning to see Him. Ultimately, it's within the context of belonging that we truly become who we're meant to be, reflecting the image of God and participating in the renewal of all things.

Life moves quickly, and we often rush from one thing to the next without pausing to reflect. But taking time to honor what has happened, to mark endings, and to find closure is crucial for our well-being. Just as seasons naturally transition, we too need to embrace the rhythms of beginnings and endings. By deliberately stopping to rest, like observing a Sabbath, we create space to process our experiences and trust in God's care. This practice of conclusion allows us to fully appreciate the present and move into the future unburdened by the past, helping us live the rich, intentional life that God intends for us.

Spiritual practices, when done consistently, become habits that keep us connected to Jesus. Over time, these habits shape our desires, gradually transforming us into individuals who naturally want to live more like Jesus. This process shows how our daily practices can have a profound impact on our spiritual growth and character. Our desires guide our actions, but these desires are influenced by our habits. In turn, our habits are formed by the practices we engage in regularly.

Where we invest our time and attention shapes who we become. Designed for relationships with God and others, the depth of these connections hinges on our willingness to invest time. If we're too busy for God, we're busier than He intends. To live as God designed, we must reassess our priorities and intentionally invest our time where it truly matters. Resetting our connections means consciously deciding to nurture our relationship with God and our community, ensuring our time impacts what matters most.

Mike and Clay sit down for a conversation about their reflections on Sabbath Sunday, and how we as a community can make the Sabbath a deliberate and rhythmic reset amid the pressures and demands of our busy lives. 

You are listening to our weekday Summer Podcast series where we are using this summer as a RESET — an opportunity for us to return to what matters most! This week, we are exploring what it means to "leverage your life." Today's reading centers around 1 Corinthians 15:58 and Galatians 6:9. Living fully and dying empty isn't about grand gestures or momentous achievements. It is about making steady progress each day on the things that truly matter. It is recognizing that you have a unique contribution to make to the world - one that only you can fulfill. Your days are numbered, and with each passing moment, you have an opportunity to plant seeds for tomorrow in the soil of today's decisions. For more information or resources for Sabbath Sunday, check out portcity.church/summer!

You are listening to our weekday Summer Podcast series where we are using this summer as a RESET — an opportunity for us to return to what matters most! This week, we are exploring what it means to "leverage your life." Today's reading centers around James 1:2-4 and Romans 5:3-5. How do we leverage these heavy things? It starts with our response. Will we let disappointment have the final word, or will we choose to see it as an invitation to deeper intimacy with God? Will we allow our weaknesses to define us, or will we let them be the very places where God's power is displayed? The beautiful thing is that when we bring our honest struggles to God, something shifts. Our circumstances may not change immediately, but we do. We begin to see our difficulties not as obstacles to avoid, but as opportunities for growth and transformation. For more information, check out portcity.church/summer!

You are listening to our weekday Summer Podcast series where we are using this summer as a RESET — an opportunity for us to return to what matters most! This week, we are exploring what it means to "leverage your life." Today's reading centers around Matthew 5:13-16. In Jesus' time, it was a preservative, a purifier, and a flavor enhancer. When Jesus calls us the "salt of the earth," He is saying we have the power to preserve what is good, purify what is corrupt, and bring out the best in the world around us. But here's the kicker: salt is only effective when it is in contact with what it is meant to season. You can't influence from a distance. For more information, check out portcity.church/summer!

You are listening to our weekday Summer Podcast series where we are using this summer as a RESET — an opportunity for us to return to what matters most! This week, we are exploring what it means to "leverage your life." Today's reading centers around Proverbs 20:5 and Ephesians 1:17. The way to find "your thing" is by first doing "a thing." Start somewhere. Lean in. God is far less concerned about the specifics of what you are doing than He is about your authenticity, availability, and willingness to be used by Him. Think about the things that make your heart come alive. What are your gifts, talents, and passions? How could you use them to advance God's Kingdom rather than just your own agenda? This isn't about adding more to your already busy life. It is about taking what you are already doing and offering it to God, making it available for Him to use. For more information, check out portcity.church/summer!

You are listening to our weekday Summer Podcast series where we are using this summer as a RESET — an opportunity for us to return to what matters most! This week, we are exploring what it means to "leverage your life." Today's reading centers around Romans 12:1-2. The path of leverage isn't one of striving or manufacturing results through self-effort. It's a journey of trusting God more fully with who you are and what you have. It is an ongoing process of becoming aware of everything He has entrusted to your care - your personality, talents, wealth, platform, family, community - and asking "God, what do you want to do with this?" For more information, check out portcity.church/summer!

In a world desperately seeking hope and healing, we have been given a new identity and a divine calling that surpasses our wildest dreams. This calling isn't just a gift; it's an invitation to participate in God's kingdom. By offering our lives to God, we unlock the power to leverage them for His purposes. Grace becomes our fuel, empowering us to contribute meaningfully to God's redemptive work. As we loosen our grip on worldly concerns, we find ourselves held by something greater. Our faithfulness, expressed through our lived experiences, becomes a powerful force for change. In this broken world, we're challenged to dream big while remaining dependent on God, using our God-given identity to bring healing and build His kingdom.