What’s involved in being a disciple? Renouncing all that we have? It’s tough! How can we avoid failure? Jesus gives us hope that we can follow Him in spite of our human frailties. Let’s listen. We welcome our guest pastor this week, Pastor Gary Byers, Pastor Emeritus at Zion Lutheran Church, Belleville IL
What defines our comfort zone? What about those outside our comfort zone? Jesus’ ministry focused on those outside the accepted comfort zone. May we follow His example, show compassion like He did, and reach out to others without thought of what’s in it for us.
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 We are indeed all a piece of work, God’s work and his wonderful creation! May we rejoice in that knowledge and assurance!
Words are powerful – they can tear down and build up. The destructive power of God’s word is intended to provide healing to excise the tumor and allow living tissue to heal. God’s word is a hammer, tearing down and rebuilding. His refiner’s fire consumes the lies and the liar, but He gives us refuge…
When we are at the end of our rope, we often find trouble there, unannounced. Panic may follow. How can we find peace instead of panic? By placing our trust and faith in God, and let him catch us.
Like Solomon, we may ask this question of ourselves and of God. Was Solomon just having one of those days? As mortal beings we cannot see beyond our earthly life, but these questioning feelings can help prepare us for his mighty work and our eternal life with him. Let’s listen.
To climb the ladder of success takes confidence, but humility and confidence go hand in hand. Humility comes from knowing everything is a gift from God–while confidence comes from knowing that we are God’s people. May we humble ourselves and pray that God can forgive our sins.
How do we handle distractions? Where Martha was focused, Mary was distracted. Jesus remained focused on his task and our salvation. May we stay focused on His Word and prevent the distractions of the world from keeping us from following Him!
When discussing the tale of the Good Samaritan, the lawyer asks who is my neighbor, but he does not ask who is my God? How would we answer that question? Let’s listen…
Long-ago advice for marital spats – we (especially husbands!) have two choices… do you want to be right? do you want to be happy? As Jesus sent his disciples to be guests, let us not set out to prove anything, instead may we show His love in how we live.