For the fourth prayer in the sermon series, Pastor Cana goes to 1 Kings 8:22-30, where King Solomon prays publicly on behalf of Israel. Praying to God in a formal way as a community can draw us to a single focus and give us a chance to declare what we believe together.

For the third prayer in the sermon series, Pastor Cana goes to Exodus 3:11-14 and 4:10-15, which gives us the example of Moses speaking to God with honesty as he is given the task of leading the Israelites out of Egypt. Because God knows our hearts and minds, He hears our casual prayers just as well as any other prayer. We know that praying honestly can mean praying in our own voice and in genuine reflection of our hearts.

A break from sermon series, Pastor Cana brings us to Acts 9:36-42, where Tabitha (Dorcas in Greek), is resurrected by God’s will that her community may learn from her life and imitate her as she imitates Christ. God can give our work and lives impact, even in small and quiet action. We are encouraged to live our one life for God’s impact.

The next prayer in the summer sermon series, Pastor Cana brings us to Joshua 7:6-13, where Joshua, Moses’ successor, leads the Israelites against their enemies, but the broken covenant results in their defeat. Joshua prays in anguish. God responds when we speak to Him honestly, even after defeat and we can take inspiration that God is with us whether we win or lose.

Kicking off the summer sermon series on prayer, Pastor Cana opens to 2 Kings 19:14-19, where King Hezekiah of Judah prays for deliverance as Assyria brings threat of conquest, swords VS. Judah’s faith in God. God can deliver His People and we can pray to ask Him for it.

Pastor Cana uses 1 Peter 3:8-14 to introduce the 5th Fruit of the Spirit, kindness. God’s Spirit grows kindness in our hearts as a response to the love we have been given by God. We are asked to choose kindness over niceness (there is a difference!) and to prepare for the Spirit to grow kindness in us through true awareness of self and others.

Jennie Straight uses Matthew 5:17-23 to discuss the fulfillment of the law and anger. Jesus came to fulfill the law of God, which is not the same as the laws of the pharisees. For instance, God’s law of “do not murder” not only prohibits killing, but also consuming, unrighteous anger. Our anger should be from injustice to others or dishonoring God. Are we twisting God’s law for our desires? We are challenged to consider our reasons for our anger.

This Pentecost, Pastor Cana reads from John 16:4-15, which shows Jesus telling His disciples of greater things when the Holy Spirit comes to them. Because of Jesus’ departure, the Holy Spirit is present to teach and guide us in the way of truth.

Deuteronomy 15:7-11 gives instructions to pre-nation Israel for how to be God’s people, specifically, giving to those in need and cancelling debt in the Sabbath (seventh) year. Pastor Cana explains that the chain of generosity begins with God and it is our responsibility to continue the chain and help the poor willingly and without judgement, whether with our money, resources, time, skills, or emotional support.

The fourth Fruit of the Spirit Pastor Cana is focusing on brings us to James 5:7-11, where James writes to Christians struggling with social exile to assure them that their endurance and patience will pay off when the Lord comes again. God’s compassion guarantees if we are patient, there will be blessing.