How do you respond to a crisis? freak out panic calmly assess the situation? pray ask for help grin and bear it Different challenges or crises will require different responses, depending on the urgency of the situation. Last week we began our study in the book of Ruth. If you remember, Naomi, her husband…

Running on Empty In 1977, Jackson Browne, a German-born, American musician, released what may be his best known song - “Running on Empty.” The lyrics seem to auto-biographically talk about Browne and his frenzied journey toward adult-hood. Rather than being full of life and fuel for the future- he’s…

I’ve had the privilege of going to many different cemeteries and grave sites in the course of ministering to families in funeral and memorial services. I’ve even been to the graves of several of my own family members. On those occasions at cemeteries, I’ve taken some time to look at the markers and reflect…

It’s challenging to think through an easter series - the story is the same and while the message is just as impactful today as it was nearly 2000 years ago it’s easy for us to get lulled into a re-run. But when we look closely at some of the things that Jesus did and taught - it seems like there are…

The Freedom of Forgiveness Psalm 32 Introduction In Shakespeare’s famous play Macbeth, there is a part of a scene. Doctor: What is it she does now? Look how she rubs her hands. Gentlewoman: It is an accustom'd action with her, to seem thus washing her hands. I have known her continue in this a quarter…

Intro: There are seasons in life in which we find it easy to worship, easy and enjoyable to spend time with God - when circumstances are good, when we have friends aplenty, and resources abound. But how can we delight in God when life is hard? How do you enjoy Him when he seems to be allowing or even…

Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations (5645 Ironside’s Shoes in Heaven) When he was a boy, Dr. Harry Ironside, a Canadian Bible teacher, used to help his “widowed mother by working during vacations, Saturdays, and [after school] for a Scottish shoe-worker [or Cobbler] who was a Christian. [The Cobbler]…

Introduction Since the beginning of the year, we’ve been considering how we can have a “Disciplined Delight in the Trinity” through various spiritual disciplines or practices. We’ve discussed slowing down a bit in how we take in and meditate on scripture so that we can relish in God and His revelation.…

Sermon Passage: Philippians 4:1-23 How do we find joy in Christian Living? By standing firm in the Lord (v.1) By living in harmony in the Lord with believers (vv. 2-5) By praying instead of being anxious (vv. 6-7) By focusing our mind on godly virtues and living in obedience . (vv. 8-9) By being content…

Over the last several weeks, we’ve been discussing various ways that we can have a “Disciplined delight in the Trinity.” We’ve looked at taking in scripture through reading, hearing and studying it. We’ve discussed meditating on Scripture. We’ve considered how we can commune with God in prayer and respond…