Live Free with Josh Howerton

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

There are a number of things that can kill our joy including resentment, regret, fear. If we struggle with any of these things, we can take them to the cross and lay them at the feet of Jesus. Because He is Lord and always on the throne, we can trust that He has a plan and is in control. Let go of the things robbing your joy and cling to Jesus, the only source of true and perfect joy. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

James, Jesus’ brother, encourages us to consider it joy when we face trials and struggles. Even in the midst of our crisis, God is working on our character and making us more like Christ. The joy that comes out of our sufferings is rooted in the fact that the one who loves us and will ultimately overcome the brokenness in the world is with us through every hardship we face. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Does God want you to be happy? Think about this: God is the happiest being in the universe. He invented laughter. He calls us to rejoice and delight in Him. God gave us His Word, and there are over 2,000 verses that include words like joy, happiness, rejoice, feasting, and pleasure. Pray and ask God to help you find lasting joy and happiness in Him alone and not seek out lesser things.  For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

There is no news in all of history as impactful as the announcement of Jesus’ birth. The message of Jesus is not primarily just good advice, it is good news that changed the world. As opposed to all the other religions around the world, we don’t have to work our way to God. In fact, the good news of Jesus is that God came to us! He came to shed His own blood in order to make a way for us to be with Him forever. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

When you think about God, do you imagine a list of to-dos, or do you see Him as someone you get to enjoy? God never wants us to try and earn His love. He already loves us more than we can even know, and He wants to give us good gifts. Just as the angels proclaimed to the shepherds in Luke 2, God has good news for us about the most amazing gift that will bring us great joy. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Have you ever felt questioned for breaking the status quo? Today, we follow Peter’s return to Jerusalem after sharing the Gospel with Gentiles in Caesarea, only to face skepticism from fellow believers. Peter explains the vision he received from God and the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit among the Gentiles, revealing that God’s love and salvation are for everyone. This encounter is a powerful turning point, marking the inclusivity of the early church and affirming that it is the Holy Spirit—not race or tradition—that unites us as one family in Christ. Let’s live with gratitude today, knowing that the door to God’s kingdom is open to all. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Have you ever wondered if God’s love truly embraces all people? Today, we witness a pivotal moment as Peter fully embraces his mission to share Jesus with people outside his own culture and tradition. Entering the home of Cornelius, a Roman centurion, Peter delivers the message of Jesus’s love and resurrection to Gentiles, a step that breaks centuries-old boundaries. The Holy Spirit’s powerful presence among Cornelius’s household is a testament to God’s desire for unity and inclusion. Peter’s journey encourages us to break down any personal or cultural walls that separate us from others, offering God’s love to everyone we meet as we live out the truth of one faith and one family. For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive