Synthesis Church Tipton

06/23/2026

He never said he would keep the rain from falling; it is going to fall. But you’re covered as long as you’re holding the umbrella properly.

06/23/2026

The northern tribes of Israel in Amos' time seemed like they were doing all the right things. They offered sacrifices to God and were exact in their religious observations. And yet, the book of Amos is written to them as a warning—a warning that destruction that would befall them if they refused to change?

Why?

Because they had neglected the true heart of loving and worshiping God.

While they were doing many of the "right" things, it's what they weren't doing that drew God's ire. They failed to take care of the poor and needy. They turned their eyes away from injustice. Many had turned to idols for help and prayer.

Through Amos, God told the people of Israel that it is just as important to be righteous inwardly as it is outwardly.

We cannot say we love God and others when we fail to help people who are within our power to help.

While they were doing many of the "right" things, it's what they weren't doing that drew God's ire. They failed to take care of the poor and needy. They turned their eyes away from injustice. Many had turned to idols for help and prayer.

Through Amos, God told the people of Israel that it is just as important to be righteous inwardly as it is outwardly.

We cannot say we love God and others when we fail to help people who are within our power to help.
Just as James 1:27 tells us, true religion includes helping orphans, widows, and those who are in distress.

James goes on to write that faith without works is a dead faith (James 2:26). In short, faith is both believing in the Lord and doing the things He has told us to do.

Take some time to think about your own life: How much time do you prioritize on your own spirituality versus serving others?

What ways can you begin to take steps toward serving in your church, your neighborhood, or your school in order to help those in need. All of these are ways that our faith becomes complete in Christ as we follow after Him.

06/23/2026

Sometimes it really is simply about who you know. Or is it who knows you?

06/22/2026

There are plenty of things that fight for our attention. Our time and schedules get filled with people and responsibilities—each with their own needs and urgency.

In Jesus' famous sermon in Matthew 6, He spends time talking about the various things in life that we give our attention to. Jesus tells us that instead of spending our time worrying about our basic desires in life, we should seek His Kingdom and His righteousness. If we do that, then everything else will be taken care of.

So what does it mean to seek God's kingdom and God's righteousness?

God's kingdom is about God's rule and reign over all of creation. His kingdom began in Jesus' ministry on earth and is now expanding and continuing through the Church. The work of the kingdom is to continue to tell others about the hope of Jesus, and to teach all the things Jesus has commanded us.

To seek God's righteousness is to desire to live the way God intended. It is to live according to God's commands, which requires that we make decisions that align with God's Word.

Jesus says that if we do these two things-seek God's kingdom and His righteousness—then every other area of our life will make sense. When we don't prioritize God's desires for our life first, then we will end up worrying about things that are temporary.

Living a life according to God's Word ought to be our greatest priority, because God's Kingdom will last forever.

Think about how you spend your time. Do you worry about things that are outside of your control? Consider how you can live for God's kingdom rather than the things of earth. In what ways can you reprioritize your life in order to seek righteousness? Rather than worrying about things in life you can't control, pray for God to meet your needs.

06/21/2026

Ephesians 6:4 - Fathers, don't stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Happy Father’s Day to all the awesome dads out there!!

06/21/2026

06/21/2026

Happy Fathers Day!

06/21/2026

A Good Father:
What emotions come to mind when you think about an earthly father? Regardless of what your relationship with your dad was like, your Heavenly Father is more incredible than you could possibly fathom.

"The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him."
Psalm 103:13 NLT

Inspired by the Holy Spirit, David, the writer of this Psalm, is trying to convey the depth of God's compassion. And what example does he turn to? A good father.

When his kids are babies, a good father holds them, feeds them, clothes them, and provides for their every need.

When they're children, a good father teaches them, plays with them, disciplines them, and comforts them.
When they're teenagers, a good father listens to them, guides them, forgives them, and empowers them.

"Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" Matthew 7:9-11 NIV

There's not much that can rival a parent's love for their child. But, still, it's merely a shadow of God's great love for you!

So if you're feeling lost, He wants to lead you towards life.

If you've messed up, He wants you to experience His mercy.

If you're heartbroken, He wants to wrap you in His comfort.

If you're defeated, He wants to remind you who you are—His child.

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" 1 John 3:1 NIV

Right now, process what it means to have a good, compassionate Father. Are there any untruths or half-truths that have kept you distant from God? Ask Him to 1» help break down the walls you've built, and restore your childlike trust in Him.