Before diving into our preaching text for this morning, I want to pause to offer some clarity on the language in this letter to Ephesians. Cultural and social contexts are so important as we clue in to what God is up to, working in and through the ways of the ancient world to unveil God’s reconciling…

God calls God's people together in unity, to come around and support the chosen King, David. So we are called to unite, to heal, to seek restoration, and come to the table as one people.

Will the invitation to fight the giants of our lives lead us to retreat or invite our courage? Will we turn towards the struggle in authenticity and humility to be a part of God's liberating work?

God looks at our hearts and moves us forward into a new vision of the world where restoration is possible.

Give us a king, who will take care of us.

Give us a president, who will fix it all.

Give us a pastor, who can hold and represent our spiritual longings.

Give us a parent, who can keep us safe and healthy.

Give us a partner, who can journey in love with us.

Give us any and all of these things — and we’ll be set.

Except, we’re not. Except, we still long for more.

May our prayer today be different: Give us yourself, God. Give us wholeness in a way nothing else can. Give us forgiveness and cleansing, in a way we can never do for ourselves. Give us meaning, connected with the great purposes of God’s restoration of all things.

Samuel’s Calling and Prophetic Activity 3 Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the LORD under Eli. The word of the LORD was rare in those days; visions were not widespread. 2 At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his room; 3 the lamp of God…

22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; 23 and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope.…

The skies show us a glimpse of how God moves and calls us to change and grow in the world.

The River of Life 22 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 through the middle of the street of the city. On either side of the river is the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month;…

God calls us out into the wild places to discern our purpose, hear God's voice, and take the next steps in our journey with God.