In Hebrews 12:1-2, the writer talks about running with patience.  That sounds crazy doesn’t it? We run because we want to finish the race as quick as we can, what is he talking about? There are races that are sprints where we go as fast as we can and there are marathons where you have to pace yourself.  We often try to live as though our lives are made of one sprint right after another when actually our life is a marathon that we just need to keep moving towards our goal.  Those who live their lives in “the fast lane” burn out and never seem to complete the race they started.  Patience is a trait that we must learn because we are not born with it.

(Excerpted from the pastor’s introduction.)

Cindy speaks of what it means to have the power of God.

Tim speaks of the Father’s love illustrated in the story of the prodigal son from Luke 15:11-32.

We know how diamonds are formed in nature.  Linda explains the significance of how God forms diamonds in us.

She began by showing the video which appears below.

God is gracious and merciful.  He loves us and gives us the freedom to direct our lives as seems best to us.  But we should never forget that He is God.  We should at least be asking Him to guide us in our decision making.  We must be willing always to allow Him to redirect us.  To presume that we know best is the height of arrogance and can lead to big trouble.  Our text is from James 4:13-17.

Priscilla shows us that we should strive to leave a legacy of love for God and others.  She began with the video below, which is presented separately due to recording quality.

I talk this week about being angry.  Jesus has a whole lot to say about this in the Sermon on the Mont.  Our scripture verses are in Matthew 5: 21-26.  Jesus is speaking about our selfish anger not righteous indignation.  It is not wrong to get angry, God was angry many times as well as Jesus when he was on earth, but our anger should be godly anger, anger that motivates us to overcome injustice and extend mercy.

(Excerpted from Pastor David’s Introduction)

Pastor David interviews this month’s honored member

Our scripture verse is in Matthew the 5Th Chapter vs 14-16.  Jesus is talking to his disciples and tells them they are the light of the world.  Are you kidding me? This motley crew of Farmers and fishermen and tax collectors are the light of the world?  Jesus is the only one that could see them for what they really were or should I say would become.  Here is the good news, Jesus sees you the same way! He sees the good in you and he wants you to share that with the world.  He wants us to shine a light on the dark parts of this world, he wants us to bring light to the dark areas in people’s life.  See that is who we are, not that we are the light but we are a reflection of Christ light.

Excerpted from Pastor David’s introduction

We’re blessed to have another student from Dallas Theological Seminary’s Agape program joining us this term.  In our usual fashion we have put her center stage.  Linda spends some time getting to know Shannon Gianotti during our Sunday School segment this week.