We have an awful sense of direction in life and unfortunately so often go our own way. Thankfully, our God lovingly and patiently reminds us that we have a "Lifeline."
Detours can be difficult, frustrating and scary. But when we remember what we have seen from God all along the way, we'll be better prepared to embrace what's ahead. What's ahead is worth it, even if it means taking "The Scenic Route."
The plans we have are no longer based around fear but around a sure and certain hope!
Even when our tests are compounded, God shows that He loves us so much that He compounds His promises - to give us a perfect scapegoat that takes away our sin and the perfect promise of a savior, our Savior, Jesus.
Sometimes life is in pieces...
...and to make things worse...
...you know it's your own fault.
In those broken seasons, you can always look back to the One who is "Putting the Pieces Back Together."
God promises that He will lead you and He will guard your hearts. This week - believe God. Because He never goes back on His word!
Remember...
...to step forward into what God has placed in front of you! God has given you "The Bridge" so you can "Discover the Other Side of Your Story."
Can Anyone Actually Help Us?
With all the challenges in life, we may wonder if there's anyone who can actually help us, who can actually do the job. Thankfully, God has given us A Greater Prophet!
1) When God sends a messenger to us, He wants us to listen!
2) Whoever is called by God to speak on His behalf is to say nothing more or nothing less than God says.
3) Jesus not only spoke God's Word perfectly but embodied God's Word.
4) Jesus is the leader that actually leads us to the promised land, that actually solves the problems of life!
5) God is calling us to be His prophets to this generation, to speak the truth that there is a Greater Prophet who brings light into this dark world!
We are constantly being bombarded with messages. We get to choose whether or not to listen. There is a better message from A Greater Prophet that we get to listen to again and again every day!
The Christmas Day sermon with sermonettes from Deuteronomy 17:14-20, 1 Samuel 2:9-10 and 1 Corinthians 15:25-27.
What is Love?
Every time I hear the question "What is love?" I (Pastor Krause) immediately think of Chris Kattan and Will Ferrell bobbing their heads to the song of the same name by Haddaway. It became famous as part of the SNL "Roxbury Guys" sketches. (I'm guessing this ages me a bit!) It's not a very good picture of love as the lyrics go on to say "Baby, don't hurt me no more". We will get a better picture of love as we conclude the first part of our mini-series on Christian Character(s) related to the SHEMA, and as we get ready for the second part of the study looking at the marriage relationship. This week's lesson is Deuteronomy 10:12-13 and our theme is "Love: It's Not What You Think".
What did you think would happen? It always amazed me [Pastor Krause] as my sons were growing up and I would warn them about the consequences of their actions if they did not listen, that they would then complain about getting themselves into trouble. We're kind of like that with God. God prescribes a path for our lives here, we often don't listen, and then we complain when life takes a turn.This week we begin a new phase of our Christian Character(s) study. For the next 2 months we will be looking at some of the more intense directions God gives about being His children.This week we start with Deuteronomy 6:5 and look at the characteristic of "muchness".