In the book of James, we read about a small part of our body that has great power! This small part of our body has the strength to bring about achievement or destruction. What part do you think it is?
As we walk through life, there are going to be people who disappoint us and let us down. Though we realize that no one’s perfect, some people may even go out of their way to make our life a struggle. Maybe you know a few people like that.
What is your Declaration Of Beliefs, or your Manifesto? Not sure? Here’s a few questions to guide you. What are your core beliefs? What beliefs do you hold in your heart and know to be true?
Our culture is becoming increasingly sexualized. There are few who would deny that statement. As a pastor, I feel like I get a front-row seat to the results of this culture at least weekly, as I interact with people on a personal level, from all walks of life.
In our lives, work or school, family life or social settings feel overwhelming. Sometimes it’s the layering of all those things that become too much. Add to all of that our goals and aspirations that we feel called to reach, but then they might fall apart as well. In these moments, life feels impossible!
This morning, reading through Psalm 118, there were a couple of verses sparked my interested. “Let those who fear the LORD say: ‘His love endures forever.’ When hard pressed, I cried to the LORD; he brought me into a spacious place.” (Ps. 118:4-5)
As I scrolled through the latest posts, I was introduced to the incredible talent of a 10-year-old, blind, autistic boy named Christopher Duffley. This remarkable boy was adopted into a Christian home early on, but then God took over!
God is working in our world constantly, showing up in so many unique ways. What if we spent just a bit of time each week posting a proclamation about the numerous God moments in our lives? How would our social feeds change if we highlighted Him instead of ourselves?
Just about everyone has some general dreams and aspirations. For some people, it might be as simple as learning the family business or as lofty as becoming the President of the United States. For others, their dreams include riches or popularity. Still, others have no desire for either of those things but instead, dream of serving God or fellow man in some capacity.
Psalm 130 often appears under the heading, “A Song of Ascents”. These Psalms or songs of ascents were common songs that were sung by everyday people as they ascended to the city of Jerusalem from the countryside. Songs of ascent would bring the minds of the people into focus before they entered the city to give sacrifices at the temple.
Do you know what Ska is? Gen-Z and younger Millennial readers have already started Googling for answers. Gen-Xers and older Millennials have already slipped into nostalgia. And Boomers will have a recollection, but only through their children’s experience. Wherever you’re at, bear with me for a moment.
Our Preaching Team has been going through a few of the Psalms. The passage I’ve been given this week is Psalm 130. Many translations title it “A Song of Ascents”. Take a moment to read through the verses below.