The Wisdom of Generosity
Generosity. Most of us if asked would define ourselves as generous. But what limits have we put on our generosity? To whom are we generous? Is there room for one more in our home, or two, or three, tonight? Who has permission to "raid" your fridge? Would you loan your car to a neighbor? Often times we will respond to those questions with comments about being responsible etc. There is great wisdom, and great refreshment, and great benefit to being generous. It requires great faith to be generous.
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- Jul 14, 2019The Wisdom of Generosity
The Wisdom of GenerosityGenerosity. Most of us if asked would define ourselves as generous. But what limits have we put on our generosity? To whom are we generous? Is there room for one more in our home, or two, or three, tonight? Who has permission to "raid" your fridge? Would you loan your car to a neighbor? Often times we will respond to those questions with comments about being responsible etc. There is great wisdom, and great refreshment, and great benefit to being generous. It requires great faith to be generous.
- Jun 30, 2019Warning Signs for The Path (Selected Proverbs)
Warning Signs for The Path (Selected Proverbs)
As we venture out on vacations and trips this summer we will find signs along the way. Signs provide guidance and warnings. We always do well to pay attention to them. As we look again at the instructions of a father and mother to their child we will note some very important warning signs that a wise person would do well to note and act upon. - Jun 23, 2019The Importance of the Heart (Proverbs 3:5-6; 4:23)
The Importance of the Heart (Proverbs 3:5-6; 4:23)
Repeatedly in the Proverbs we are instructed about the heart. We are to protect our heart for it is the place in which we develop trust. It is in the heart where decisions are make, commands are stored, and knowledge is acquired. It becomes quite clear that in Proverbs we are talking about more than an organ that pumps blood. We will focus on two very important aspects of the heart that in many ways guide all other references; trusting and guarding. If we can learn to protect our hearts and trust God in our heart we can choose the path of wisdom. - Jun 16, 2019To Whom Do You Listen?
To Whom Do You Listen?
The paths of life in the Proverbs are very clear. There is the way of wisdom and the way of folly. There is no middle ground in Proverbs. The question is to whom do you listen? We will look at the necessity and value of listening to the various sources of wisdom that are available in Proverbs. God uses many people in our lives to impart skill for living. It is our choice to take heed. - Jun 9, 2019Five People You Meet in Proverbs
Five People You Meet in Proverbs
We can all think of people we have met in our lives that are the kind of folks we want to emulate. We can all think of people we have met who are the kind of individuals we would rather forget. We all know people who are somewhere in between those extremes. We can learn from them all. We will look at the wicked, the mocker, the fool, the sluggard, and the simple and see what we can learn from each one. More importantly we will need to look inward and see what God may want to change in each of us. - Jun 2, 2019Preparing for the Journey (Proverbs 1:1-7)
Preparing for the Journey (Proverbs 1:1-7)
No matter where we are on the journey of life, we find that we can use some direction. Living in the information age means that there is always something new to learn. How do we make sure we are focused on the right things? How can be make sure we are moving in the right direction? Oddly enough we find that a collection of instructions and sayings gathered some 3000 years ago can still keep us on the right path. It is our responsibility to understand God’s wisdom and then choose wisely. - May 26, 2019Free to Engage Culture
Free to Engage Culture
For years we have heard of “culture wars.” The problem with that phrase is it creates an unhealthy “us against them” mentality. What we find in the Bible is a reminder that we are not to run from culture, but we are to engage the culture and be difference makers. We will consider how to do that from God’s Word today. - May 19, 2019Free to Be Real (3 John)
Free to Be Real (3 John)
Authenticity. It is one of the key terms of our age. It is a term that focuses on being true to who one is, being genuine, being real. But how does one know if they are truly being authentic? Today we will look at an often neglected letter of the New Testament and see some characteristics of authentic living. - May 12, 2019Free To Let Go (Ephesians 4:25-32)
Free To Let Go (Ephesians 4:25-32)
It is Mother’s Day. The life of a mom is often characterized by letting go. Mom’s are invested in teaching and training their children to grow and one day leave the “nest” and strike out on their own. But it is not an easy process. There are things we each need to release as we grow in our relationship with Christ. Today we will learn that there is great freedom and great reward in learning to let go. - May 5, 2019Free to Serve (Luke 10:25-37)
Free to Serve (Luke 10:25-37)
Who did you help this coming week? Who did you ignore that could have used a helping hand? Coming to the aid of another person in need is always, time consuming, possibly financially costly, and rarely with immediate reward. In this most familiar of all stories we are each brought face to face with the question, “Who is my neighbor?” We are indirectly faced with a deeper question: “Do I love others in the same way God loves me?” - Apr 28, 2019Free to Change (Colossians 3:1-17)
Free to Change (Colossians 3:1-17)
I can’t change you. You can’t change me. All attempts to the contrary will end up in frustration and potentially broken relationships. But God gives me all I need to be able to make changes in my own life. We all want to grow and improve and as we live in resurrection reality we find that real change is possible. We are free to change, but we still need to have a desire to change. Making positive changes in my life is my responsibility. - Apr 21, 2019What if it never happened (1 Cor 15)
What if it never happened (1 Cor 15)
Easter Sunday is an important day in our faith history. It is the day we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Death has been conquered. Hope is alive. And yet, in our passage today, Paul addresses the objection that this event never happened. Let that sink in a minute. What if the resurrection never happened? What difference would that make in the way you are living your life today? We will take a look at Paul’s response and discover that we must celebrate the fact of resurrection. - Apr 14, 2019Who are your really looking for? (Matthew 21:1-22)
Who are your really looking for? (Matthew 21:1-22)
What are you looking for? Hope? Freedom? Purpose? The list could go on. On a Sunday morning 2000 years ago, the people in Jerusalem may have added Messiah to the list. In their minds Messiah was all the above and more, But they weren't looking for Jesus. He did not fit their idea of a Messiah. Does Jesus fit the description of who we are looking for on this Palm Sunday? - Apr 7, 2019Six Days Left: Living as one who is accountable (Matthew 25:31-46)
Six Days Left: Living as one who is accountable (Matthew 25:31-46)
When was your most recent performance review? For those in school when was you most recent quiz, or exam? We have things like performance reviews and exams to hold us accountable; to help us to our best. Sometimes we need to remember that Jesus also holds us accountable. It is expected for those who follow Jesus to be people of compassion, mercy, and grace. Jesus will expect us to give an answer for how we lived this way. Today, I need to consider how I am preparing for my eternal performance review. - Mar 31, 2019Six Days Left: Investor v. Consumer (Matt 25:14-30)
Six Days Left: Investor v. Consumer (Matt 25:14-30)
Are you invested or are you a consumer? Have you ever thought of the difference? How about when it comes to following Jesus? What is the difference between someone who is invested into the mission of Jesus and someone who just wants to enjoy the benefits? Jesus told an interesting story about three people and two of them were fully invested. How can we be invested in the mission of Jesus in ways that really make a difference?