Tag: hope

OUT OF THE CHAOS 09.10.2020

When I read scripture, I remind myself that most of scripture (a few chapters in the Old Testament address nations that oppressed Israel) was written to people who professed to follow God and live in obedience to his commands. The Old Testament is the theological history of the nation of Israel and the promise of …

OUT OF THE CHAOS 09.09.2020

One of the most difficult practices to develop is stillness; stillness not only in our bodies but in our minds. Calming and quieting ourselves so we can listen. Moses told the Israelites to stay calm and watch. What would they see? The Lord at work! Psalm 46 is also an invitation to be still. The …

OUT OF THE CHAOS 09.08.2020

13But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. . . .  14The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” Exodus 14:13-14 Perhaps you are like me. Attempting to craft a battle plan to wage war against the “enemy” in your life. This scripture is an invitation to …

OUT OF THE CHAOS 09.07.2020

Friday I sent a message to my five most trusted friends that said: “I am not okay. Depression is knocking at the door, standing on the porch waiting for me to invite it in. I spend time with Jesus, I rehearse truth. But this is lonely and I need someone to know. I need to …

OUT OF THE CHAOS 09.04.2020

I am finishing this week with an invitation. An invitation to come clean. It’s okay to not be fine. No longer do I need to say “I’m fine!” It’s okay to say, “I need help.” This song spoke so deeply to me this week and I think it will speak to you as well. Here’s …

OUT OF THE CHAOS 09.03.2020

The Greek word translated sin means to “miss the mark.” As in archery, there is a target and the best shot is right in the center of that target. To sin simply means I missed the target. The Greek word translated confess means to “say the same thing as.” It is agreeing with what God …

OUT OF THE CHAOS 09.02.2020

21This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. 22Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and …

OUT OF THE CHAOS 09.01.2020

22A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength. Proverbs 17:22 17The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. Psalm 51:17 As these scriptures point out, there are two kinds of broken spirits. One is helpful; one is not. …

OUT OF THE CHAOS 08.31.2020

Yesterday our sermon was the second in a series entitled, “Talking Points.” The series addresses the difficult subject of politics and religion. Really! Doesn’t every family have a few topics they quietly agree to not talk about and the top two have to be religion and politics, right?! Well, Senior Pastor Jay Shetler is bursting …

OUT OF THE CHAOS 08.27.2020

It is said that truth is truth no matter where you find it. On my flights home yesterday, I read a novel and it contained these wise words. “When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you.” I find that to be true. I have worked tirelessly to make friends with myself. …