Clinton Methodist Church

February 22, 2026 – Return to Me – Joel 1:10-12; 2:12-13, 21-24

Return to Me: A Journey through the Minor Prophets. I will be preaching through the minor prophets in the Old Testament in worship for the next several weeks. We will do a deep dive into this section of Scripture that is filled with some great imagery and themes that relate directly to Lent. These prophets of God were interesting characters. The narrative arc of this series is the journey from sin to repentance to restoration. This is the pathway to transformation and all the good things that God has for us – full salvation, freedom, healing, greater peace, abundant life, etc.

One more thing about worship. In both worship spaces, a “Lenten tree” has been set up by our creative design team led by Tara Holmes, Lorraine Gilbert, and Sarah Beth Rowland. Why a tree? Because Scripture says the righteous are like trees planted by streams of water. Because repentance leads to new growth. Because what looks bare in winter doesn’t stay that way.

Over the next 40 days, this tree will transform to mirror the inner journey we make during Lent. And by Holy Week, we’ll see what God has grown among us.

Joel 1:10-12 

10 The fields are destroyed,the ground mourns,because the grain is destroyed,the wine dries up,the oil languishes.11 Be ashamed, O tillers of the soil;wail, O vinedressers,for the wheat and the barley,because the harvest of the field has perished.12 The vine dries up;the fig tree languishes.Pomegranate, palm, and apple,all the trees of the field are dried up,and gladness dries upfrom the children of man. 

Joel 2:12-13

12 “Yet even now,” declares the Lord,“return to me with all your heart,with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;13 and rend your hearts and not your garments.”Return to the Lord your God,for he is gracious and merciful,slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love;and he relents over disaster. 

Joel 2:21-24

21 Fear not, O land;be glad and rejoice,for the Lord has done great things!22 Fear not, you beasts of the field,for the pastures of the wilderness are green;the tree bears its fruit;the fig tree and vine give their full yield.23 “Be glad, O children of Zion,and rejoice in the Lord your God,for he has given the early rain for your vindication;he has poured down for you abundant rain,the early and the latter rain, as before.24 The threshing floors shall be full of grain;the vats shall overflow with wine and oil. 

February 15, 2026 – Encounter God’s Voice – 1 Kings 19:11-13

1 Kings 19:11-13 describes God revealing Himself to the prophet Elijah not in the expected displays of power (great wind, earthquake, fire) but in a “gentle whisper” (or “still small voice”), teaching that God’s presence is often found in quiet, subtle ways, requiring humility and attentiveness to hear, even amidst spiritual exhaustion and chaos, prompting Elijah to ask, “What are you doing here?”.   

The Scene: 

 The Manifestations (vv. 11-12): 

 Elijah’s Reaction

 Meaning & Interpretation: 

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

Elijah Meets God at Horeb

11 He said, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind, and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake, 12 and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire, and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. 13 When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then there came a voice to him that said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

February 8, 2026 – Encounter God’s – Psalm 63

Psalm 63 is a psalm of intimate longing, composed by David while in the Judean wilderness. He expresses an intense spiritual thirst for God’s presence,, comparing it to a dry land, while finding comfort in God’s love, which he deems “better than life”. The psalm shifts from praising God for past protection to confidence that his enemies will be destroyed, affirming his ultimate trust in divine refuge.

Often interpreted as a, guide for navigating life’s “wilderness” seasons, the psalm emphasizes turning to God for spiritual sustenance when physical or emotional circumstances are barren.

63 O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you;
    my soul thirsts for you;
my flesh faints for you,
    as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
2 So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary,
    beholding your power and glory.
3 Because your steadfast love is better than life,
    my lips will praise you.
4 So I will bless you as long as I live;
    in your name I will lift up my hands.

5 My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food,
    and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips,
6 when I remember you upon my bed,
    and meditate on you in the watches of the night;
7 for you have been my help,
    and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.
8 My soul clings to you;
    your right hand upholds me.

9 But those who seek to destroy my life
    shall go down into the depths of the earth;
10 they shall be given over to the power of the sword;
    they shall be a portion for jackals.
11 But the king shall rejoice in God;
    all who swear by him shall exult,
    for the mouths of liars will be stopped.

February 1, 2026 – Encounter God’s Presence – 2 Chronicles 15:1-4; James 4:8 

2 Chronicles 15:1-4 and James 4:8 emphasize that God rewards those who actively seek Him with His presence and guidance, while warning that abandoning Him leads to being abandoned. Both passages call for purification, covenant faithfulness, and a heart committed to turning toward God in times of distress or to receive His grace. 

Key Aspects of the Texts:

This theme underscores the necessity of proactive faith, encouraging individuals to remove spiritual obstacles (idolatry/sin) and depend on God for peace and guidance. 

2 Chronicles 15:1-14
Asa’s Religious Reforms

15 The Spirit of God came[a] upon Azariah the son of Oded, 2 and he went out to meet Asa and said to him, “Hear me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin: The Lord is with you while you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you. 3 For a long time Israel was without the true God, and without a teaching priest and without law, 4 but when in their distress they turned to the Lord, the God of Israel, and sought him, he was found by them. 5 In those times there was no peace to him who went out or to him who came in, for great disturbances afflicted all the inhabitants of the lands. 6 They were broken in pieces. Nation was crushed by nation and city by city, for God troubled them with every sort of distress. 7 But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.”

8 As soon as Asa heard these words, the prophecy of Azariah the son of Oded, he took courage and put away the detestable idols from all the land of Judah and Benjamin and from the cities that he had taken in the hill country of Ephraim, and he repaired the altar of the Lord that was in front of the vestibule of the house of the Lord.[b] 9 And he gathered all Judah and Benjamin, and those from Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon who were residing with them, for great numbers had deserted to him from Israel when they saw that the Lord his God was with him. 10 They were gathered at Jerusalem in the third month of the fifteenth year of the reign of Asa. 11 They sacrificed to the Lord on that day from the spoil that they had brought 700 oxen and 7,000 sheep. 12 And they entered into a covenant to seek the Lord, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and with all their soul, 13 but that whoever would not seek the Lord, the God of Israel, should be put to death, whether young or old, man or woman. 14 They swore an oath to the Lord with a loud voice and with shouting and with trumpets and with horns.

James 4:8
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

January 25, 2026 – Finding Real Community – Romans 12:3-8

Romans 12:3-8 means that Christians should have humble, sober self-judgment, recognizing they are part of one body (the Church) with diverse, God-given spiritual gifts (like prophesying, serving, teaching, giving, leading, showing mercy) that must be used actively and lovingly for the good of others, not for personal pride. It’s a call to worship God by serving His people with the unique abilities He’s assigned, promoting unity and purpose within the community of faith.

Key Principles:

In Practice:

Gifts of Grace
3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members,[a] and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads,[b] with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

January 18, 2026 – Guardians of the Digital World – Nehemiah 4:10-14

Nehemiah 4:10-14 describes the Jews facing opposition while rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls: they felt overwhelmed by the work and debris, while enemies plotted a surprise attack, threatening to kill them and halt the project. Nehemiah responded by dividing the people, stationing them with weapons in exposed areas, and giving a powerful speech to the nobles and people, urging them not to fear, but to remember God’s greatness and fight for their families and homes, blending faith with practical defense.

Key Points of Nehemiah 4:10-14:

Overall Theme: The passage highlights the blend of faith and action, showing how to combat fear and opposition by trusting God while taking wise, protective measures to defend oneself and one’s family.

10 In Judah it was said,[a] “The strength of those who bear the burdens is failing. There is too much rubble. By ourselves we will not be able to rebuild the wall.” 11 And our enemies said, “They will not know or see till we come among them and kill them and stop the work.” 12 At that time the Jews who lived near them came from all directions and said to us ten times, “You must return to us.”[b] 13 So in the lowest parts of the space behind the wall, in open places, I stationed the people by their clans, with their swords, their spears, and their bows. 14 And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.”

January 11, 2026 – When the Socials Become Joy Stealers – 2 John 1:12; Acts 2:42-47

Today’s message really makes a point about how important it is to be in person and connected with others, pointing out that technology can’t always make us feel like we’re truly connected. Jimmy tells a story about a medical emergency that shows how much being there for someone and having others support can mean. Even though we’re surrounded by technology, it turns out that loneliness and feeling isolated are actually getting worse, which really shows how much we need to connect with each other in real life.

The message is all about how we should focus on building community and connection, especially when we’re so busy with technology and distractions. It suggests doing things on purpose to make our relationships stronger, like calling instead of texting, praying together, and visiting people who need it. Jimmy wants the church to be a place where everyone feels welcome and loved, where they can find joy in community and feel God’s presence.

2 John 1:12 encourages believers to communicate face-to-face rather than writing to avoid deceit, while Acts 2:42-47 describes the vibrant, communal life of the early church, characterized by devotion to teaching, fellowship, meals, and prayer, sharing resources, and experiencing daily growth with God’s favor, illustrating true Christian community built on love, generosity, and shared faith, with the Lord adding to their number daily.

2 John 1:12 Summary 

Acts 2:42-47 Summary 

Connection & Overall Theme

2 John 1:12; Acts 2:42-47
English Standard Version

Final Greetings

12 Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete.

Acts 2:42-47
English Standard Version

The Fellowship of the Believers

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe[a] came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

January 4, 2026 – Letting Go to Follow – I Kings 19:19-21

In 1 Kings 19:19-21, Elijah anoints Elisha as his successor by throwing his cloak on him while Elisha is plowing with 12 yoke of oxen; Elisha responds by slaughtering the oxen, burning their equipment for fuel, sharing the meat with his people, and then following Elijah to become his devoted servant and apprentice. This passage symbolizes a powerful call to abandon one’s comfortable life for a divine purpose, marking the passing of the prophetic mantle. 

Key Events in 1 Kings 19:19-21:

Meaning & Significance:

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

Elisha Becomes Elijah’s Disciple

19 So he set out from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat, who was plowing. There were twelve yoke of oxen ahead of him, and he was with the twelfth. Elijah passed by him and threw his mantle over him. 20 He left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, “Let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you.” Then Elijah[a] said to him, “Go back again, for what have I done to you?” 21 He returned from following him, took the yoke of oxen, and slaughtered them; using the equipment from the oxen, he boiled their flesh and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out and followed Elijah and became his servant.

December 28, 2025 – The Christmas Question – John 1:1-18 ESV

John Chapter 1 introduces Jesus as the divine “Word” (Logos), present with God at creation, who became flesh to bring light, life, and truth to humanity, even though many rejected Him, while those who accepted Him gained the right to become children of God, and it details John the Baptist’s testimony, pointing to Jesus as the Lamb of God, leading to the calling of the first disciples like Andrew, Peter, Philip, and Nathaniel.

Here’s a breakdown of key themes in John 1:

In essence, John 1 serves as a profound theological prologue, establishing Jesus’s divine identity and mission to bring humanity into a relationship with God.

English Standard Version
The Word Became Flesh

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life,[a] and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.

9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own,[b] and his own people[c] did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son[d] from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) 16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.[e] 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; God the only Son, who[f] is at the Father’s side,[g] he has made him known.

December 21, 2025 – Love on Display – Matthew 1:18-25

Matthew 1:18-25 explains the miraculous, virgin birth of Jesus, highlighting His divine identity as God’s Son and the promised Messiah, who will save His people from sin, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy (Isaiah 7:14) about “Immanuel” (God with us) through Joseph’s faithful obedience to an angel’s dream. This passage establishes Jesus’s unique nature, His saving mission, and God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His redemptive plan.

Key Meanings & Themes:

In essence:
This passage transitions from Jesus’s genealogy (Matthew 1:1-17) to His miraculous origin, showing how God’s promises were fulfilled through Jesus’s divine conception and Joseph’s faithful role as His earthly father, establishing Jesus as the promised King and Savior.

1 Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King:
peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!”
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
join the triumph of the skies;
with th’angelic hosts proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”

Refrain:
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King”

2 Christ, by highest heaven adored,
Christ, the everlasting Lord,
late in time behold him come,
offspring of the Virgin’s womb:
veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
hail th’incarnate Deity,
pleased with us in flesh to dwell,
Jesus, our Immanuel. [Refrain]

3 Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
born that we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth,
born to give us second birth. [Refrain]

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

The Birth of Jesus the Messiah

18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah[a] took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be pregnant from the Holy Spirit. 19 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to divorce her quietly. 20 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:

23 “Look, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,”

which means, “God is with us.” 24 When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife 25 but had no marital relations with her until she had given birth to a son,[b] and he named him Jesus.