Moving the Ark of the Covenant was a harrowing experience for King David. When he finally brought it into Jerusalem, he was so overcome with joy that he danced before the Lord with all his might. That sacred joy is rooted in the fruits of the Spirit and the promise of hope. How do you celebrate the truth of God's love and grace? 2 Samuel 6.

This week we talk about taking the "self" out of "selfie" so that we can die to ourselves and live for Jesus. Jesus says multiple times, "Whoever wants to follow me must deny himself, and take up his cross daily." Romans 12:1-8.

The Apostle Paul's call to "die daily" is not so much about denying our own needs but about clearing space in our loves so that Christ might love in us. What needs to be cleared out of your life to make room for God? Get busy dying so that we might get busy living.

Most of us at Shepherd were aware that Pastor Karl took an extended renewal leave or sabbatical this summer. Why did he need this time? What did he do during is 3 months? What did he learn? What is next for Shepherd? Find out in this "press conference" the answers to these and other question.

After a 3 month sabbatical, Pastor Karl returns to Shepherd of the Hills to explore the "sacred selfie;" not the curated self we post and see on social media, but the true self - broken, imperfect. Scripture reminds us that we are enough just as we are. Want to go further? Forget your self; follow Jesus.

Outwardly most of us live "curated lives;" we put our best selves forward on social media, and then we end up judging ourselves by other's curated lives. Jesus has a simple answer: stop judging! Matthew 7:1-5.

Whether the young boy mentioned in Mark 9 suffered from demonic possession or epilepsy, it took powerful prayer and a powerful hope to heal this boy. As with anyone struggling with mental illness, our response is to see the person as something beyond a label or diagnosis and welcome them to belong to our community.  Mark 9:14-29.

The people have returned to the land, but all is in ruins. The prophet Isaiah promises that Israel will be restored and that the people shall write "I am the Lord's" on their hand. To belong to God requires that we put God ahead of all else: our work, our devices, our family, even ourselves. Isaiah 44:1-8

Living systems work best when they function according to their design. The ultimate question for Christians is "Am I living in a way that I was designed for?" Paul's answer is simple; trust in Christ because He is the center of everything. Colossians 1:9-23.

The hit song "Do You Hear the People Sing" from "Les Mis" is less of a song of a call to arms than an invitation to be part of something bigger. Peter's message to the Roman centurion is just the same: come be part of God's Kingdom. God's grace is available to ALL who accept the invitation. Romans 10:34-43.