We all want freedom. We want to do what we want, wherever we want, with whoever we want. But, how often does that kind of freedom lead us to bondage? Why do we misuse freedom so often? [Judges 19-21]

We all know the Christmas story. But, what happened leading up to it? What do we need to know before we read about Jesus' birthday? [Matthew 1]

Lyrics: Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, holy holy is He / Sing a new song to Him who sits on heaven's mercy seat / Clothed in rainbows of living color, flashes of lightning rolls of thunder / Blessing and honor strength and glory and power be to You the only wise King // Filled with wonder, awestruck wonder at the mention of His name / Jesus your name is power, breath and living water, such a wonderous mystery // Holy holy holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is, and is to come / With all creation I sing praise to the king of kings, You are my everything and I will adore you. [Revelation 4, 5]

Lyrics: My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly trust in Jesus name // When darkness seems to hide His face, I rest on His unchanging grace. In every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil // When He shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in Him be found // Christ alone, Cornerstone. Weak made strong in the Savior's love. Throught the storm, He is Lord, Lord of all.

Lyrics: Great is the Lord God almighty / Great is the Lord on high / the train of his robe fills the temple / and we cry out highest praise // Glory to the king of kings / Glory to the Son, glorious Son // Lift up your heads open the doors / Let the king of glory come in and forever be my God [Psalms 24:7]

When you have a mess, the first options aren't usually the best ones. Getting back at the person who wronged you, lashing out, taking risky gambles - first options often make messes messier. Doing the right hting is more difficult. Doing the right thing doesn't offer quick, simple fixes. Doing the right hting begins with following Jesus. [1 Samuel 24]

Jesus commanded us to love our neighbors. This means, we are called to enter into other people's messes. What are some of the barriers that keep us from appoaching people in messes? What are the limits to loving others? [Matthew 22:37-40]

We are in a messy election year. Politics isn't an emotionally neutral topic. It has the power to divide us instead of bring us together. How can God bring beauty out of these ashes? [Isaiah 61:3a]