How do you pursue happiness? This is a big deal that needs to be figured out because evidently, one of our purposes in life is to pursue and find happiness. It’s such a big deal that Thomas Jefferson, the main author of the Declaration of Independence embedded it into this revolutionary document. If you have forgotten, this is what is says: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. So do you think Jefferson was just randomly grabbing three things to throw in at the end?  According to his statement, he believed that these three rights came from God, going as far as saying it's "self-evident" (obvious) that God gives us the rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. How does one pursue happiness?  Well, in our culture there are a number of seemingly legitimate options.  One really doesn't need to list them or describe them because most of you have given them a test drive or you're on a particular happiness path right now.  The better question might be, how's it going?  Experiencing happiness? Here's one other question to consider: Is it possible to pursue God and find happiness?

In this series we have been talking about the journey of discipleship; following Jesus, being transformed by Jesus and on mission with Jesus.  We've talked about the ups and downs, the commitment, and obedience, but there's an elephant in the room that needs to be addressed; does following Jesus make one happy?  In this episode we will take a look at Psalm 128 and see if a life committed to pursuing the LORD actually makes people happy.  Do you want to learn more?  Make sure and listen to this sermon as we take another step on our journey of Long Obedience in the Same Direction.   

Would you consider yourself a "DIY" expert? Do you love watching all the fixer upper episodes on HGTV?  I have to admit that I'm not a "DIY" expert, I'm a "can someone help me" expert when it comes to home improvement projects. In this sermon, we will take a look at Psalm 127, as we continue the journey toward Long Obedience in the Same Direction.  We will look at how God desires us to weave him into the fabric of our homes, communities, work and children. Discipleship isn't design to just happen on Sunday mornings.    There is the temptation for us to try to just work harder and spend more time to pursue success, both personal and professionally...but without God actively involved it will be in vain.

Do you want to learn more about how to weave God into every area of your life? Check out part eight of Long Obedience in the Same Direction.   

Humans are "wired" to experience joy.  What exactly is joy you ask?  Joy is the emotion evoked by well being, success, good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires.  So take a moment and consider this: When was last time you experienced joy?  In 2018 a report came out stating that the life expectancy of Americans dropped for the second year in a row.  In a surprising statement from Dr. Steven Woolf, a co-author of this report, there were two causes for this drop: the opioid crisis and despair.  Simply put, Americans weren't finding much joy in living.  We were created for joy, yet most people weren't finding it.  One of the reasons is because so many folks have become dependent on supplementing with "cheap joy". "Cheap joy" can be found in a number of places, for example there is joy found in purchasing that item you have been dreaming about, and it's all fine and good until the credit card bill comes the following month.  There is joy found in having a favorite sports team that wins the big game...only to have them lose every game the next seasons.  There is joy found in beginning a new relationship with someone who "checks all the boxes", until they turn out to be a jerk!  If our only source of joy can be so fickle, no wonder people find themselves constantly dealing with hurts, habits and hang ups!  So where do we find our joy?  Is it possible that the one who created us, can also supply us with joy?

In Psalm 126, the psalmist focuses in on the ebb and flow of joy as God's people pursue him.  Sometimes the joy is overwhelming, like a dream.  In other seasons, the joy is absent, like walking through a desert.  Following God is literally like a roller coaster, but here's the strange paradox of joy: it's best experienced after a season of struggle. So here is what we learn, no matter what season of life you find yourself in, trust in the Lord...and the joy will come. 

"The LORD had done great things for us, and we are filled with joy." ~ Psalm 126:3

Do you want to learn more about how this can work in your life?  Give a listen to part seven of Long Obedience in the Same Direction.   

In 1887, Anthony Showalter's hymn, "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" was first published.  This steadfast song has a familiar and comforting line in the chorus:

Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms

The main idea is that when we put our faith in Jesus, we are safe and secure.  It's an interesting lyric considering all of the Christians who have been martyred because they follow Jesus.  It actually seems a bit misleading, unless we are talking about a different type of "security."   Every Christian has had a misstep in their lives; a moment of failure, sin or doubt.  In those moments there is a thought: "Have I messed up so bad that God's done with me?"  Or maybe a more theological way of saying it is this: "How do I know my faith is secure?"  If you have ever watched a rock climber, there are definitely moments where your heartbeats a bit faster.  You see how precarious their situation is; how one misstep or slip could cost them their lives.  This is why climbers are hooked into a safety rope.  As they make their way up the rock face, they will stop and hook into a crack or crevice...or manually drill a bolt into the rock.  They do this so if they do make a mistake, they won't fall very far--they are safe and secure from all alarms.

In Psalm 125, the psalmist is reminding God's people that in the ups and downs of their journey with God, they are safe and secure.  Here is what he writes:  

Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.

Do you want to learn more about the security God provides?  Make sure and listen to this sermon as we take another step on our journey of Long Obedience in the Same Direction.  

No matter how well you prepare and plan for a road trip, you still can't stop the hazards of the road.  Unpredicted thunderstorms, road construction, pot holes, bad drivers and flat tires are all a harsh reminder that life happens.  That's such an odd phrase, "Life happens."  What does that even mean?  It simply means that life is composed of good times and bad times and we all intuitively know it.  So, if life happens is a thing, that means you better have road side assistance! A life devoted to following Jesus is much the same.  There will be days that are relatively free of difficult circumstances--and then there will be days where that is all you experience.  If we are paying attention, Jesus even said as much: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world." ~ John 16:33  An immediate question arises from Jesus' poignant statement; "What is the point of following Jesus if it guarantees trouble?  That's a fair question indeed.  So what is the answer?  Maybe the answer comes by first acknowledging that every road in life will have trouble (life happens).  So by deciding to follow Jesus we are choosing the path where roadside assistance is provided.  Simply put: When life happens, Jesus will help you.

In Psalm 124 we find King David writing a song about how God has helped his people in the past.  David does this because when the hazards of life spring upon people, they typically want to give up in despair as opposed to remembering the past; all of the times when God faithfully helped.  Remembering how God has helped us in the past gives us the hope we need to live with confidence that God will help us when the next "flat tire" comes along. Do you want to learn more about how you can learn to trust God and experience his help?  Make sure and listen in as we take another step on our journey of Long Obedience in the Same Direction.

If you live in America, you probably consider yourself free.  In many ways, you are correct.  When compared with other political regimes around the world, the protected rights you have in this country are unlike any other country on the planet.   However, technically you're not free.  You see, everyone has a master.  So you may be free to do whatever you want today, yet at some point your master is going to come calling, whether it's your boss at work, the pile of bills on your table, or the IRS from that "free" country you live in.  Everyone has a master.   Maybe your master is the TV show you binge, or the food you crave, or the caffeine/sugar you must consume.  You will do whatever it takes to have it, whether it means rearranging your schedule or spending money you don't have.  There are some masters you serve that are destructive.  They may not feel that way initially, however once hooked they have a way of enslaving you; alcohol, a wide variety of drugs, pornography, even abusive relationships.  Here's the point: We all have masters.  We need to choose our masters well.

Psalm 123 is a Psalm that reflects back on all of the masters Israel has had in their past; Pharaoh, Assyria, and Babylon just to name a few.  These masters oppressed God's people, were arrogant and contemptuous towards them.  Yet, despite their struggle, they chose to "lift up their eyes" to the Lord.  In other words, they chose to seek and serve Him, why?  They  chose to serve God because he was merciful towards them.   How are we to break free from our "masters"?  We must choose everyday to serve God and live in the mercy He provides.  Do you want to learn more?  Give a listen to part four on our journey of Long Obedience in the Same Direction.   

A young, strapping lad decided he wanted to be a lumber jack.  His first day on the job he gets up early, grabs his axe and heads to the job site before the other men, to get a head start.  His first day on the job he amazingly fells twenty trees!  The next day we wants to do even more, so he gets up even earlier and heads out to improve his output.  However, this day is much different.  He only drops fifteen trees.  He's not sure what went wrong. On the third day, the young lumber jack is determined to get back to his first day achievement and he throws every ounce of strength into his task.  Yet, he still comes up short...but by a lot!  He is only able to chop down ten trees.  The disappointment overwhelms him and he is ready to quite. A grizzled old veteran sees the disappointment on the young jack's face and he pulls him aside for a teaching moment.  The old veteran says; "Youngster, while you're out here bright and early whacking away at these here trees, the rest of us are in the workshop sharpening our axes.  It's really hard to get much done if our tools aren't sharp!" From that day forward, the young lumber jack made sure his axe was razor sharp before he went to work.

A lot of folks, maybe even you, head off into a new work week full of hopes, goals and dreams only to find your efforts squashed by Wednesday.  Others of you may have thought that your faith journey of following Jesus would look a lot different by now.  You work so hard, you do your best, but you just seem to come up short. Question.  Are you sharpening your faith?  To achieve our hopes and dreams, to grow in our relationship with Jesus we need to be intentional about sharpening our faith.  According to Psalm 122, this happens when we worship together as God's people. There are a lot of reasons, and excuses people give for not coming to Sunday morning worship services.  It's unfortunate because they are missing out on an essential discipline in living life to the fullest.  In this episode, we will talk about how weekly community worship sharpens our lives and our faith.  Don't miss out on part three of Long Obedience in the Same Direction!

Have you ever been on a trip and have a flat tire in the middle of nowhere. The next thing that you’re probably thinking is where am I going to find help all the way out here.  We have to ask for help a lot of times throughout our life. Parenting kids, dealing with finances, dealing with loss and navigating difficulties in our relationships with others.  We also need help as we journey in our relationship with Jesus. Our biggest struggle is that sometimes we become disappointed, worried about the dangers and distracted that we don’t seek out the one who is ready to help.

In this sermon we will continue our long journey in the same direction, by examining where the Psalmist gets his help from as we study Psalm 121. 

We love things that are hand crafted and skillfully designed; built to last.  Our favorite foods are slow roasted and aged to perfection.  The best things in life take time. The journey of becoming like Jesus is the same; slow aged, hand crafted, skillfully designed and built to last.  A life of faithful faith takes time.   It's unfortunate, but some think that a faithful Christian life can be quickly replicated much like the meal one cooks in the microwave. As Jesus himself pointed out in the parable of the sower, seed that falls on rocky soil springs up rapidly...but quickly withers when the hot sun comes out, because there are no roots.  Developing roots, takes time.  So, here's the truth: If you want to go where God is leading you in 2022, you need to commit to a long journey of obedience to Jesus.

In Jesus' day, a faithful Jew would strive to take three trips to Jerusalem to visit the temple; the Feast of Passover in the spring, the Feast of Pentecost in the early summer, and the Feast of Tabernacles in the autumn.   To appreciate this journey of worship, one must understand the topography of Israel.  Whenever someone traveled to Jerusalem they literally traveled up.  The city, and specifically the Temple was one of the highest points in the land.  So to help them on their journey up to the Temple they had a series of Psalms they would sing called The Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134).  These psalms not only gave them something to sing while they traveled, but each psalm reminded them of their journey of faithfully following God.  In this brand new series for 2022 we are using these 15 psalms of ascent.  Each week we will focus on one truth we need to be obedient to on our journey of becoming like Jesus.  Do you want to learn more?  Give a listen as we begin a journey of long obedience in the same direction. 

The early church often referred to Jesus as "The Good Shepherd".  They saw Jesus in the beautiful and powerful words of Psalm 23.  It's not hard to argue with their observation!  We are like sheep who seem to continually find ourselves in trouble...we need a good shepherd to save us.

In this sermon podcast, our guest preacher Alex Steele will walk through this favorite Psalm to remind us that following Jesus is the best way to live life, even when we walk through the "valley of the shadow of death."  You don't want to miss out on this helpful teaching!