october-26-2008

Matthew 22:34-36

Our Collect (prayer) this morning says, “Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command…”  When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus responded with the two great commandments summarizing the law: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind; love your neighbor as yourself.”  This was an entirely uncontroversial answer.  Yet Read the rest of this entry »

october-19-20081

Matthew 22:15-22

Are we using all that God has given us for His purposes, or are we “sitting” on His resources?  As Jesus’ opponents try to trap Him, He not only manages to confound them, but give us an important principle for Christian living.  We are to give to God what belongs to God; we are to be faithful stewards of all that God has given us.  As we give significantly to God, we recognize that God is the giver of all good things, we express our trust in His ability and desire to provide, and we express our gratitude for all that He has given us.

october-12-2008

Philippians 4:1-9

We are commanded to live free from anxious fear.  But how?  Paul gives us three powerful tools for living free from anxiety.  We are to trust God’s love for us, rejoice and give thanks, and set our minds on the things of God.

october-5-2008

Philippians 3:4b-14

We all too often live with chains that bind us to our past, to regrets, and to false expectations.  We are called to lose our chains and live in the freedom of Christ as we run the race of this life to our heavenly prize of being with Jesus in eternity.