Jesus is with Us: In Our Darkness & During Our Temptations

Audio Version Old Testament Isaiah 50:4–9a Psalm Psalm 31:9–16 New Testament Philippians 2:5–11 Gospel Mark Mark 15:1–39 Jesus enters Jerusalem triumphantly. He is welcomed as the King of Israel. How quickly this all changes for Jesus, His disciples and subsequently for us as well. We wave our palms, shouting Hosanna in the highest. Next thing … [Read more…]

Respond, Step out and Trust Jesus

Audio Link [youtube:http://youtu.be/lW2vcgw0pa0] 1 Kings 19:9–18 Psalm 85:8–13 Romans 10:5–15 Matthew 14:22–33 Our God comes to us in many shapes and forms.  God loves us and wants the best for us always.  God loves all of humanity and wants the best for all of God’s creatures.  Do you believe that God the Father loves you, … [Read more…]

What If?

Audio Version Romans 7:15-25a Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 What if we follow Jesus, leave our families as He told others, and follow Him. What if we let the dead bury the dead?  There are so many “what ifs” that Jesus presents us.  Today’s reading in Matthew is no different.  What if we recognize the flute being … [Read more…]

Giving, A Mark of Discipleship

 Sixth Mark of Discipleship: Giving Audio Link   Psalm 37:4,21-22,25-26, 29-29   4     Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. [1] 21   The wicked borrow, and do not pay back, but the righteous are generous and keep giving; 22   for those blessed by the Lord shall inherit … [Read more…]

Vision, Being the Light to the Nations

Video Link Audio Link Isaiah 60:1–6 Ephesians 3:1–12 Matthew 2:1–12 Today is the Epiphany of the Lord. The easy route to take today would be to tell you about the Wise Men who visited Jesus, Joseph and Mary and show how the Isaiah and Matthew text can be tied together. I am not going there, … [Read more…]

The Purpose of Christmas: Time for Celebration

Based upon the Book, The Purpose of Christmas, by Rick Warren Audio Link Video Link Genesis 1:26-27 Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, 4b, 5d, 8a Luke 2:8-14 John 3:16-17       On this first Wednesday of Advent, we receive good news worth a celebration, one where we anticipate that upon the birth of God incarnate in Jesus of Nazareth, we … [Read more…]

Give or not to Give

It is a strange thing indeed to sit down with someone who walks into church and is looking for assistance.  I am not new to speaking with strangers or evaluating needs or truth, but this was in a prior “life”. Someone walks in, who I have given gift cards before and now wants money for … [Read more…]

Your Are Your Stuff

Link to Audio Version Ecclesiastes 1:2 Ecclesiastes 1:12–14 Ecclesiastes 2:18–23 Psalm 49:1–12 Colossians 3:1–11 Luke 12:13–21 When the last Austin Powers movie was released there was a lot commercials and hype around the movie. Hearing or reading about it seemed unavoidable.  One of Mike Meyers’ co-stars commented on what the actor was like as he … [Read more…]

Faith: Trusting in the Promise

Romans 4:1-5, 13-16 1 What then are we to say was gained by Abraham, our ancestor according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” … [Read more…]