Our minds and souls are filled with static from a world driven by hurry, worry, and stress. Jesus experienced similar dynamics and consistently withdrew to solitary and quiet places to pray. Jesus' relationship with the lonely places fostered his relationship with his Father and this made all the difference for him. It can make all the difference for us too.

Jesus offers us "life to the full" but so often anxiety gets in the way of this. Jesus desires to free us from anxiety to live a fuller and richer life. Today we'll discus Zak Mucha, a psychotherapist, about naming our anxieties.

Rather than a fearless leader, King Ahasuerus is presented as someone who needs his palace, property, and people to make him feel powerful. Insecure and afraid, the King hides behind a facade of royalty. What do we do with insecurity - within the people we know and especially within ourselves? What do we hide behind and how can Jesus lead us out of hiding.

Every good story needs an antagonist, a foil who stands in contrast to the main character. That is Haman in the book of Esther. Angry, impatient, egotistical are some of the best words to describe Haman. What do we do when confronted with a Haman - a person or a situation that stands in our way, serving as our atagonist? What do we do when one Haman we face is looking at us in the mirror?

Have you ever known someone who is brave one moment and then fearful the next? Or inspirational then arrogant? This sums up Mordecai; yet he is known as a great mentor. Mentors are vital and at the same time mentors are human. God's handprint is often seen through imperfect people - Mordecais like us.

Guest Speaker - Marcus

In Matthew 10:16 Jesus challenges us to "be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." Perhaps more than any other person in the Bible, Esther fits this description. While Vashti reminds us to say "No" to the hellish voices within us and in this world, Esther shows us how to say "Heaven, Yes!" to God's invitations in our world.

The only thing the disciples asked Jesus was, "Lord teach us to pray" and yet so often prayer is the hardest thing for us to do. Prayer is our gift from God to receive God's prayer, wisdom, and guidance. Jesus has given us a framework to get started. Today we're asking Jesus "Lord, teach us to pray."

Following Jesus has many benefits, but avoiding trials is not one of them. All of us will find ourselves in a season of trial. It will transform us, but how? Today we're asking Jesus how to respond in a way that our trials can be used for good.

Message from Dori Gorman on Jul 16, 2017

It's safe to assume that we all love peace. But Jesus tells us to make peace. While loving peace is easy, making peace is hard work. It demands that we embrace healthy conflict. That is the example that Jesus set for his followers and today we hope to follow his lead by becoming peacemakers.