This week we ask ourselves the question "Why do we divide?” The first step to this is admitting that we are inherently divisive people. Once we acknowledge this, we can consider the ways in which we can address this issue. Scripture points us to the fact that God can use the things that would normally divide us for His glory.

Why Do We Collide?

What is at the root of all of the conflict that we witness and experience in life? Why can’t we just all get along? This question reminds me of a bumper sticker - “Forget about world peace, try using your **** turn signal!” God’s word tells us that the heart of the matter is a matter of the heart. The good news is that God is in the business of reclaiming and healing human hearts.

Why Do We Hide?

Remember playing "Hide and Seek" as a kid? The mad dash to find a good spot, the excitement mixed with fear of being found? And what if you were the seeker? You probably looked in every nook and cranny as you sought out those you were playing with.  What if life mirrored this game? We all carry something we hide from people, what would happen if you were found out?

Throughout the Summer, we have explored the ancient biblical writings that we call Psalms. From lament, to worship, to awe at the character and power of God that is revealed in creation, we have connected with the world of the Psalms and seen our own lives reflected there. This week, our pastors, Grant, Melody and Josh will help us to reflect upon the series by considering three words: Authenticity, Worship & Response.

This week we consider The Shema: "Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one".  God is unique in who He is and how He interacts with us.  God doesn't change but depending on what we are going through our response to him does. We will consider the tension between what we are experiencing and who God is

Ever see something at the store and say..."Yes!  That's it!" 

What if they said EXACTLY what is happening in our lives? What sign would you buy??

There is a familiar pattern throughout most of the Psalms. Even within those texts which express the deepest of human suffering there is usually some turn towards hopefulness and trust. This week’s Psalm contains no such turn. What are we to make of a Psalm like this? How might we pray these words? What do they tell us about God, ourselves and how we might live a life of faith when it is darkest?

What do you do when you feel distant from God? When you cannot feel His presence? How do you respond when God is silent? When God is hidden from you? 

Scripture ensures us that God will never leave us nor forsake us. And Psalm 19 teaches us that God continually makes Himself known to us in two ways: through the world He made and through Scripture He inspired.

Let’s reflect upon Psalm 19 and discover how we can experience God Revealed though the beauty of the world that He made.

This week, through a prayer of David, we will work through the tension of being in a relationship with the all-knowing and all-powerful God. This beautiful/terrifying reality is foundational to how we view God and our faith journey.

We have been studying the “Song Book” of the Bible for the last few weeks. Psalm 40:3 says, “He put a new song in my mouth”. Psalm 98:1 says, “Sing to the Lord a new song”. This week we're studying Psalm 100 which links our singing with our worship of our God. “EVERYBODY SING”!