Do you ever feel you are on the right track only to find you have somehow veered off course? Does that mean you can still be a really useful follower of Christ? Peter, the rock on which Jesus proclaimed He would establish the church, had a bumpy start

Who did Jesus hang out with the most? Religious leaders? Prominent government officials? No. Jesus spent time with those deemed "sinners" by the ruling class. The righteous didn't think they needed a savior, so he went to those who knew they needed help.

When adversity strikes, the faithful pull together and stand with God. Throughout our history as a people and as a country, there are numerous cases of heroes fighting for others.

A man who lived his life cheating and using the corrupt tax system, to gain earthly wealth, comes to salvation. When Zacchaeus heard Jesus was coming to Jericho he just had to see him. Being the small man he was, he climbed a tree to get a better view.

Israel’s first (Earthly) ruler was given God’s grace, but what did he do with it?

Has my life taken any turns recently? When was the last time I changed my mind or how I feel about what is important to me? How have my experiences recently affected my beliefs? Is my attitude different than it was once?

Today we begin a brand new sermon series all about turnarounds. Jonah is a well known figure because of his travels in the belly of a whale. What we forget though is the frustration he had with God for making him serve and preach.

We are called to share the life changing story of God's people and His son Jesus Christ. We remember what God has done for us, and live into the hope. When our family, friends and community forget, we help them remember.

Love drives us to do some pretty crazy things. Love motivates, it communicates and it gives us hope to carry on. The love of God breaks from the heavens like the morning sun. His love shines on us and brings light to the dark places in our lives.

Happy Mother's Day. We thank God for the blessing of moms. They cleaned up after us, they took care of us and stood up for us. May this day be a day of remembrance and joy.