Neighborhood Church Visalia

Perseverance

We all face trials and hardship, and the temptation to give up when life gets hard is all too real. But what if the challenges we encounter aren’t just obstacles to overcome but opportunities for our faith to grow stronger?In Part 4 of Note To Self, Forrest Jenan explores the idea of perseverance and how it’s not merely about surviving tough times–it’s about learning how to thrive in them.Could pain, uncertainty, or frustration you’re facing right now be a part of something bigger–working to reshape your faith in ways you can’t yet see?

Self-Control

Everywhere we turn, we’re encouraged to indulge and satisfy our every desire. There’s a different path to consider—one where self-control is not just an outdated virtue but a gateway to spiritual growth and connection.In Part 3 of our Note To Self series, Brian Ross explores how our cravings and impulses might be holding us back from a deeper and more meaningful relationship with God.Could it be that the very practices we tend to avoid—like fasting, silence, and limiting our media intake—are simple things God uses to lead us to the freedom we crave?

Knowledge

We live in a world that celebrates knowledge–science, reason, and human achievement–but what if we’re missing something deeper?In the second part of Note To Self, we explore Peter’s letter, where he calls us to add knowledge to our faith. Not just any knowledge, but a king that goes beyond the physical world and opens our eyes to spiritual reality happening all around us.How do we break free from the modern spell that makes us think this world is all there is and align our understanding with a deeper, divine reality?

Goodness

It’s easy to lose focus on what truly matters. The same way we need reminders to run an errand or make that appointment, we need spiritual reminders to keep out hearts aligned with Jesus.Peter’s letter to early followers of Jesus speaks directly to this challenge, reminding them–and us–that following Jesus requires intentional growth and daily reminders of who we are called to be.What does it look like to build faith and cultivate the kind of goodness that reflects Jesus, even in a world that may not understand or accept it?

The Pain Paradox

Pain is the last place we want to be but when we can push through by following His lead, pain can lead to freedom.