12.29.19 Practicing the Presence. Luke 2:33-40 The Redemption practice of the Firstborn was meant to remind us of the redemption that God had provided to Israel through His Presence in their lives. We all have certain rituals or celebrations, ex. birthdays. Anna the Prophet stayed in prayer, she recognized Jesus as the Redemption of Israel. Practice the Presence of God in our lives, choosing a discipline of abstinence. Maybe fasting or giving up cell phone time. Choose to be encouraging instead of sarcastic. Notice God in your life more.

Return of the King: Jesus is Here! Luke 1:39-56 If Jesus the Son in the Flesh became a real person to come to you, don't you think that the Holy Spirit will do everything in His power to make Jesus a real person in your heart and life? Christmas, that time when we celebrate that God entered this world for our benefit to redeem us and draw us nearer to Him.

12.15.19 Scorched Earth. John 4:7-12 Return of the King

Do you remember how you felt when you discovered that the world was not perfect? Did it affect you in a adverse way? Sin holds us captive and wants to keep our minds there. We want to be set free. We think Jesus will free us, but we get caught up again and gain. He crosses all boundaries to get to us. When He does, everything changes, including the power sin has to hold us. The Light breaks through the darkness.

12.8.19 Get Some Rest Guest Speaker Randal Carr . Genesis 2,Pslm 62:5

When we neglect rest we start to suffer in energy, contentment, we lose discernment in recognizing God's presence in our lives. Resting and sleeping are not the same. This resting is the quiet undisturbed, state of simple peace. God rested after He created the Earth and He speaks of keeping the Sabbath as a day of rest. Take time to rest, be still, and contemplate all that He is at work in You and around you.

12.1.19 Return of the King: The Lion King. Isaiah 32:9-17 It is easy to become complacent a take everything for granted when times are good. We stop looking for the Hope that is found in the coming King. Everything is brought down by complacency. We are not in control. God's restoring of justice comes through the King and His Spirit is poured out on His people. When He returns things will be made right. It is something to Hope for.

11.25.19 The At of Thankfulness. When you greet people, how do you take inventory of your life? Busyness keeps us from being able to see God in the world around us and captivates our vision. We stay focused on anxieties and fears. Slow down and practice the Art of Thankfulness. Repetitive complaining will attract things for you to complain about. Repeated gratitude will attract things for you to be thankful for. Practicing the Art of Thankfulness grows the Heart.

11.17.19 Why We Serve. Guest Speaker Shawn Tyler. Why are you here? Is it habit, choice, want, or going through the motions? "Every man is worth just so much as the things are worth that he busies himself with. " Take inventory of what is really valuable in your life, and be about the Father's business.

11.10.19 Do What? Why We Preach. 2 Timothy 4:1-8

Preaching has been a way for the people of God to encounter God for a very long time. It is useful to Teach, Reproof, Correct, and Exhort. Preaching is meant to challenge and think about the way we live. It should shape our doctrine rightly, it should remind us of who we are in Christ.

11.3.19 Do What?: Why We Sing. Ephesians 5:17-21, Romans 12:1-2

Music is a powerful tool to connect & express in ways our experiences that we cannot explain. We sing for each other. Singing is a whole expression of our Love. We sing because we are filled with the Spirit. Singing demonstrates & expresses our unity in Christ. Singing puts the focus on Christ.

10.27.19 BE and Do James 5:13-20

We do certain things because of what we have been made into through Jesus. One of the most difficult things to is own that you messed up. But true wisdom is to live out your lives in community , the one you were made to be...the church. Be doers of the Word, because of who you are in Christ.