Monthly Archives: February 2025

Scottsdale Bible Study: Finding True Treasure in Arizona.

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Welcome, everyone, to our Scottsdale Bible study! Tonight, we’re diving into some powerful themes: the allure of worldly riches, the true cost of living, and the enduring nature of spiritual treasure. Scottsdale, as we know, is a city often synonymous with upscale living. Luxury spas, championship golf courses like TPC Scottsdale, and the vibrant Fifth Avenue Shopping District draw people in. It’s consistently ranked high as a desirable place to live in Arizona. But as we explore tonight, the glittering surface can sometimes mask deeper questions about what truly constitutes a “high quality of life.”

(Discussion Point 1: The Illusion of Abundance)

Scottsdale is a city of distinct sections, from the more affordable areas of South Scottsdale to the opulent estates of North Scottsdale, like Silverleaf at DC Ranch. Camelback Mountain provides a stunning backdrop, while Chaparral Park offers a natural escape. But let’s consider this: does the external beauty and material wealth of a place guarantee inner peace and true fulfillment? Matthew 6:19-21 reminds us, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be.”  

  • Question: How does this passage challenge our understanding of “the good life,” especially in a place like Scottsdale where material wealth is so visible?
  • Question: Can a focus on acquiring earthly possessions, even in a beautiful setting, distract us from seeking true spiritual wealth?

(Discussion Point 2: The Real Cost of Living)

While Scottsdale boasts a high quality of life in many respects, the cost of living is significantly higher than the national average, and housing prices are nearly double that of Phoenix. This raises the question: what are people willing to pay for a certain lifestyle? Beyond the financial burden, what other costs might be involved in pursuing a life of luxury? Think about the time commitment required to maintain a certain standard of living, the potential for stress and anxiety related to finances, and the impact on relationships. Luke 12:15 warns, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”  

  • Question: How can we balance enjoying the good things in life with the need to be wise stewards of our resources?
  • Question: Where do we draw the line between comfortable living and excessive materialism? How can we avoid falling into the trap of measuring our worth by our possessions?

(Discussion Point 3: Finding True Treasure)

The Bible is filled with stories of people who sought fulfillment in worldly things, only to find them fleeting. King Solomon, in Ecclesiastes, explored the pursuit of pleasure, wealth, and knowledge, and ultimately concluded that they are “meaningless, a chasing after the wind” (Ecclesiastes 2:11). True treasure, the Bible tells us, is found in a relationship with God. It’s about seeking His kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). It’s about developing spiritual qualities like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These are the treasures that truly enrich our lives and have eternal value.

  • Question: What are some practical steps we can take to shift our focus from earthly treasures to heavenly ones?
  • Question: How can we cultivate a heart of gratitude for what we have, regardless of our financial circumstances? How might that gratitude impact how we interact with others in our community?

(Discussion Point 4: The Beauty of God’s Creation)

While Scottsdale’s man-made attractions are impressive, we also have the privilege of experiencing “pristine natural beauty” at places like Butterfly Wonderland, OdySea Aquarium, and Paradise Earth. These natural wonders remind us of the incredible artistry and power of God. Psalm 19:1 states, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”

  • Question: How does spending time in nature connect you to God?
  • Question: How can we be better stewards of God’s creation, recognizing its value and fragility? How can we avoid the trap of consuming and exploiting the natural world for our own selfish purposes?

(Conclusion)

As we conclude our study tonight, let’s reflect on where we’re investing our time, energy, and resources. Are we chasing after the fleeting allure of worldly riches, or are we seeking the enduring treasures of a life lived in relationship with God? Let’s strive to live with a balanced perspective, appreciating the good gifts God has given us while keeping our hearts fixed on the eternal. Let’s remember that true abundance is not found in possessions, but in the peace and joy that come from knowing and serving our Creator.

Poppy’s Inspiring Sermon on Faith in Flagstaff, Arizona.

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Brothers and sisters, today, we gather in the heart of Flagstaff, a city nestled high in the Coconino National Forest, where the grandeur of creation is on full display. This land, surrounded by towering pines and crowned by the San Francisco Peaks, serves as a testament to the power and majesty of our God. Here, in the cool mountain air, amidst the changing seasons, we are reminded of the unchanging nature of our Lord. Just as Flagstaff experiences winter’s snow, summer’s warmth, and autumn’s vibrant hues, so too do our lives pass through seasons. But let us not be troubled, for the Lord walks with us in every season, guiding our steps and strengthening our hearts.

The Word of God tells us in John 14:17, “He dwells with you and will be in you.” This is the promise of the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, who abides in us through trials and triumphs alike. No matter the storms that come, be it the monsoons of July or the blizzards of December, we are never alone. The world may not recognize Him, but we do. We feel Him in the whisper of the wind, in the rustling of the pines, in the laughter of our children, and in the hope that carries us forward.

In Matthew 16:28 – 17:4, we read of Jesus’ radiant glory, shining like the sun, His raiment white as light. This moment of divine revelation was witnessed by Moses and Elijah, confirming the kingdom of God. We are called today to witness the same light, to see beyond the trials of this world, and to recognize the eternal promise that awaits us. Just as the great plateau upon which Flagstaff rests is a beacon of beauty in the Southwest, so too should our faith be a beacon in a world that often walks in darkness.

Some of us may struggle with doubt, uncertainty, or even fear. Perhaps you’ve heard the voices of those who question the gifts of the Spirit, particularly the practice of speaking in tongues. As Paul reminds us in I Corinthians 13:1, without love, even the most powerful words are but clanging cymbals. The Spirit is not about division or controversy; it is about unity, love, and the power of God flowing through His people. Love is the evidence of the Spirit’s presence in our lives.

The beauty of mercy is that it surpasses justice. We all deserve justice for our sins, yet God, in His infinite mercy, offers us grace. We stand in awe of that mercy when we look upon the rugged beauty of this land, just as we stand in awe of His love when we witness lives changed, hearts healed, and souls redeemed.

In Revelation 11:8, we see the stark reality of a fallen world. We hear of destruction, of sorrow, and of the price paid for sin. But let us not be disheartened. The vision John saw in Revelation 15:2, the sea of glass mingled with fire, reminds us of the refining work of God. Just as fire purifies gold, so too does the Lord refine us through trials, making us ready for His kingdom.

I recall a mother who once called a pastor in Tucson, begging for prayer over her child whose finger was set to be amputated. In her moment of desperation, she did what we all must do—she turned to God. Prayer is powerful. Faith moves mountains. Just as Humphreys Peak rises above this city, so too can our faith rise above our circumstances if we place our trust in Him.

The prophet Isaiah foresaw the upheaval of the earth, the staggering of nations, the darkening of the sun and moon (Isaiah 13:13; 24:20). Jesus Himself spoke of these events preceding His return. We do not know the day or the hour, but we do know this: He is coming. Are we ready? Are we walking in His light, in His truth, and in His love?

We must not be like those who give grudgingly, as Paul warned in 2 Corinthians 9:7. Instead, let us give cheerfully, not just of our finances, but of our time, our love, and our faith. As we gather in this beautiful city, where the skies stretch endlessly above and the forests whisper His name, let us remember: the world is watching. Just as Israel realized too late that they had forsaken the Lord, let us not wait until calamity strikes to turn to Him.

When Paul spoke of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22, he said it was love. Love is what pours forth when the Spirit overflows within us. Let that love be our testimony. Let it be the force that draws others to Christ. Though the world may present sin as something enticing, Proverbs 14:12 warns us that its end is death. But we have a Savior who offers life.

Even now, the world is moving toward a time of reckoning. Oil, wars, and world powers shift like sand, but our foundation is firm. The Euphrates River, mentioned in Revelation 16:12, may dry up, but our faith will never run dry if we root ourselves in Him. The call is urgent: “Now is the time to awake out of sleep, for now is our salvation nearer than we believed” (Romans 13:11).

Flagstaff, as we stand in this place of beauty, where mountains meet sky and forests stretch wide, let us be reminded of the glory of God. Jesus takes the scroll in Revelation 5, claiming what is rightfully His. And so, let us claim our place in His kingdom.

Let today be the day we surrender fully to Him, with joyful hearts, with faith unshaken, and with love overflowing. Let us shine like the peaks that rise above this city, so that all who see us will see Him.

Amen.

A Dream about Faith in Phoenix, Arizona.

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Harper walked through the vibrant streets of Phoenix, a city alive with movement and filled with towering buildings that reflected the golden rays of the sun. In her dream, she felt lighter than ever before, as if she were gliding instead of walking. The air was warm but not unbearable, a pleasant breeze whispering through the palm trees lining the streets. Everything around her seemed familiar, yet different—brighter, more vivid, almost as if she were stepping through a world painted by faith itself.

She found herself near the Desert Botanical Garden, where towering cacti and blooming desert flowers swayed gently in the wind. In the distance, the hum of the city’s heartbeat pulsed—cars moving, voices echoing, the sound of a distant basketball game where fans cheered wildly for the Phoenix Suns. Yet despite the movement, there was a deep stillness within her spirit, a quiet pull toward something greater.

As she ventured further, she came upon a path she had never seen before. It stretched far into the horizon, lined with trees that seemed to glisten under the sunlight. A voice, neither loud nor soft but commanding and full of peace, echoed in her mind, “Walk forward with faith, Harper.” Without hesitation, she stepped forward, her heart filled with a sense of purpose.

As she walked, the scenery began to shift. The bustling city streets melted away, and suddenly, she stood in an open desert, stretching as far as her eyes could see. The sky above her swirled with hues of orange and purple, and in the distance, she saw a great mountain standing tall against the horizon. The air was filled with an indescribable presence—a mixture of power and peace.

A figure appeared at the base of the mountain, cloaked in radiant light. Though Harper could not see their face, she felt an overwhelming sense of love and familiarity. The figure gestured toward the mountain. “Climb,” the voice instructed.

Harper hesitated. The mountain was steep, and she could see no clear path to the top. “How can I?” she asked. “The way looks impossible.”

“Do not rely on what your eyes see,” the voice responded. “Faith will be your guide.”

Taking a deep breath, Harper placed her foot on the rocky surface. With each step, she found herself feeling stronger, lighter, as though unseen hands were lifting her. The climb that once seemed impossible now felt effortless. As she ascended, she saw glimpses of her past—moments of doubt, fear, and hardship—but each memory dissolved in the golden light surrounding her.

Finally, she reached the summit, and what lay before her took her breath away. Below, Phoenix stretched far and wide, a city bustling with life. But above, the sky opened into something beyond human comprehension—a vast expanse of radiant light, filled with warmth and peace. In that moment, Harper understood. Faith was not about knowing the path or seeing the entire journey ahead; it was about trusting the One who guided her.

A gentle voice echoed again. “The greatest rewards come to those who believe without seeing. Walk in faith, and you will never walk alone.”

As the words settled in her heart, Harper felt herself being drawn back. The desert, the mountain, and the radiant figure all faded away, and suddenly, she was back in the heart of Phoenix, standing among its streets and skyscrapers. The sounds of the city returned—the distant cheers of a basketball game, the hum of light rail cars, and the murmur of people moving through their daily lives.

Harper awoke with a start, her heart still racing from the dream. But something within her had changed. The doubts that once clouded her mind had lifted. She knew, beyond any shadow of a doubt, that faith was not about certainty—it was about trust. No matter the obstacles ahead, she would move forward, knowing that she was never alone.

The sun began to rise over Phoenix, casting a golden glow over the city. Harper smiled. A new day had begun, and with it, a renewed spirit of faith. She was ready to walk forward, not by sight, but by faith alone.