Sermon Leftovers

JOHN 8:29 ...he who sent me is with me... Every time James Bond was given a new assignment, he visited his friend Q before embarking on the mission. Q would have several new gadgets, weapons, and other surprises that would empower 007 to complete the task he had been given. Jesus didn't rely on Q, but He did acknowledge that He had been given everything He needed. One day, while teaching, He explained to the people that He was able to accomplish His mission because the One who had sent Him was always with Him. Because God was always with Jesus, Jesus was able to do exactly what God wanted. We have the same promise! Just before Jesus went back to the Father, He commissioned the disciples go out and be His representatives in the world. Then He told them that He would be with them, to the very ends of the earth. Because Jesus is always with us, we are always able to do exactly what He wants us to do. Be confident today. Use your words, attitude, and action to represent J

My personal reading today took me to Luke’s version of the beatitudes. This list of short statements is a powerful reminder that God doesn’t see the world as I do. I am often quick to evaluate a situation based on the immediate outcomes. Have I increased my wealth? This is good. Is my belly full? This is good. Am I happy? This is good. Do people like me? This is good. The beatitudes remind me to not judge so quickly. God is less concerned about whether or not my life situation make me more comfortable and He is far more concerned with whether or not my life situation brings me closer to Him. Regardless of what happens around you today, whether it seems good or seems bad, try not to jump to a conclusion. Instead of focusing on how you feel about the situation, take time to consider how God might be using this situation to shape you into the image of Jesus and to draw you closer to Himself. (You can read the verse below) Luke 6:20-22 Blessed are you who are poor, for yo

Why can our kids not stop texting and driving? I spend a good amount of time on the road and I am continuously shocked by how many young people are driving down the highway with both hands on their phone and their eyes staring squarely down at their phone. This, in spite of a massive campaign against distracted driving and a collective conscience which agrees this is a miserable idea. My guess is that most of them either know someone or know of someone who has been in an accident caused by distracted driving. Yet an incredible number continue to text and drive. Why? We have programmed them that way I cannot help but think this is the result of an overdeveloped need for immediate gratification and an unquenchable thirst for positive affirmation. For years, we’ve told ourselves and we’ve told our children, “You don’t have to wait. You can have it now.” It’s not just microwave ovens and Jimmy Johns that have promoted this myth. It’s credit cards, sales that last “one day only”, su