11.4.18 Gods at War: God of Power. Luke 10:38-42 Power comes in many forms. OCD, Loud talking, getting the last word, etc. We all use some form of power for control. The problem is the god of Power will always ask for more. As we gain In power, we lose our empathy, are more likely to pigeonhole people, and struggle to see other's perspective. The problem is Worship is not power, it is submission to God.

In this message we explore how easily money can grab hold of our attention and keep us from trusting God.

In this sermon we explore how easily love and relationships can get out of order. Like the buttons on our shirt, we often place certain relationships in the wrong place.

10.14.8 God's at War-God of Pleasure 1 Corinthians 10: 12- 14 Be Honest about the "Golden Calves" in our lives that we need to push out of the way to see God clearly. Then we can see His Grace and Love for us. So much of what happens in our lives calls us to sacrifice something. Time, effort, money, marriage vows, family time, etc.. sometimes everything we have. "The more we chase pleasure, the less likely we are to catch it!" It becomes our Idols. Idolatry worships the gifts in place of the Giver.

10.7.18 Gods at War. Joshua 24:14-18. How do you know if you love something more than God? You know it's an idol if you think you can never be happy without it. What leaves you feeling disappointed or complaining? Where do you go when you're hurting & needing comfort. Whose encouragement means the most to you? The Creator wans to be first in your life.

6.16.18 Addiction and the Church's Response. Psalm 13:1b-6, Exodus 34:6-7 No matter what the addiction has been, it has been criminalized and it has pushed people away from the church. Over 20 million Americans over the age of 12 have some sort of addiction, excluding tobacco. On average, it takes 7 times of Rehab to break an addiction. "For a hundred years now we've been singing war songs when we should have been singling love songs to addicts. The opposite of addiction is not sobriety but connection". Be connected, emotionally steadfastly, love those who are struggling.

9.9.18 Mental Health: Dealing with Depression & Anxiety. Psalm 6. It is easy to assume that we all interact the same way. No matter who you are(counselor, Minister, etc.) or how strong you are, mental health issues can affect you or someone you love. Many of the psalmists were going through dark moments. Psalm 42 or 23. You are not wrong & it is not a sin to struggle with issues. They can often be signs of things not right in your life. We are not alone, we have one another & a God that is there with us.

8.26.18 Simply Conflict. Genesis 45: 1 -15. Conflict is all around us. How do you deal with it? How did Joseph get to reconciliation after conflict with his brothers? Unresolved conflict keeps us from being able to interact with God in a healthy way. Focusing on reconciliation of a relationship instead of resolution of the problem can help lead to a healthy outcome.

8.19.18 Simply Series. "Simply Time" Genesis 40: 1-8 Oftentimes what we don't know grows into fears and that fear grows into controlling our lives. Fear of self-worth, others expectations, etc. When you stay busy to avoid dealing with these fears, you tend not to focus on the relationships closest to you. They are easy to neglect and use as an excuse to not invest in others and grow. Intentionally engage, not just connected while not being "present" with others. Create space to have time , intentionality and presence.

8.12.18 Simply Mine: Learning the Art Of Contentment. Genesis 37: 12- 36.We expect to be rewarded based upon our performance & when we aren't, we lose our value of self. We love to trade in for the "Next Best Thing". Yet we are called to live our lives in Sacrificial Love. In God's Love we find our identity being shaped and formed, learning to find contentment in the Love of Christ. Let go of discontentment in helping others find value. You will then feel value.