- May 31, 2009 • “No Leg to Stand On” — Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:1-19)
The story of Adam and Eve and the forbidden fruit is a simple one: Eve is tempted by the snake, she takes the forbidden fruit, eats it, and things pretty much go downhill from there. But the story is also about the work of Satan in the world and his plans to thwart God’s good intentions for us and the creation. Satan’s plan includes doubt, deception, and deflection.
- June 7 • “It’s Time to Move” — The Call of Abram (Genesis 12:1-9)
When God called, Abram moved -- from a place of security and safety and familiarity, to a place that was unfamiliar. He moved physically from his home and spiritually in his relationship with God. And as he moved God protected him, guided him, and provided for him along the way. Is God calling you to move, physically, emotionally, vocationally, spiritual? If so, it just may be time to move and trust God in the time of transition.
- June 14 • “Moses and the Burning Bush” (Exodus 3:1-22)
Moses asked God "Who am I, that I should do all this?" God's response wasn't about who Moses was, but who God was and what He could do through Moses. Like discovering a burning bush while tending sheep, God's call on our life is sometimes unexpected. If we spend too much time worrying about our qualifications, we will do nothing. But, if we focus on God's power in our lives, we might find that we can do anything.
- June 21 • “Signs, Signs, Everywhere a Sign” — Gideon’s Fleece (Judges 6:1-6,11-40)
Wouldn’t it be neat if we could get miraculous signs from God whenever we want to know his will for our lives? In the Bible, a man named Gideon asked God for some clear and miraculous signs, and he got them. We all want clear signs from God, but how does God really direct and guide us? He can do it through the scriptures and things called circumstantial signs.
- June 28 • “Fool Me Twice” — Samson and Delilah (Judges 16:4-21)
Delilah often gets a bad “rap” for manipulating and deceiving Samson and causing his downfall. While she was responsible for deceiving and betraying him, this was at the end of a number of poor life choices by Samson. We would do well to learn from Samson about making the same mistakes over and over again.
- July 5 • “Elijah and the Prophets of Baal” (1 Kings 18:16-40)
It's a showdown! God versus Baal. Elijah is about to convince King Ahab and the people of Israel that God will provide for their needs. The test is in place, the prophets of Baal should succeed. Our idols may not be as obvious as Baal, but we try everything before we trust God. The sacrifice He looks for? The moment we trust Him, God can release His power in us.
- July 12 • “The Most Powerful Weapon” — David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17:1-11,22-26,33-51)
In the story of David and Goliath, the "weapons" of Goliath – his armor, swords, spear, javelin, height, strength, intimidation – seemed to be powerful. However, his weapons were no match for the powerful weapon of faith that was wielded by a young shepherd boy named David. Our faith and trust in God can be more than just a resource, but a powerful weapon to help us face the ‘giants’ we face in life.
- July 19 • “Trial By Fire” — The Fiery Furnace (Daniel 3:1-7,13-30)
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego knew that God had the power to physically protect them from the superheated fires of the furnace. But they also knew how God chose to work in their situation was unclear to them. These three men decide that showing their unwavering devotion to God was the most important thing they could do. They faced a literal “trial by fire”, and its uncertain outcome, with an attitude of faith.
- July 26 • Daniel in the Lion’s Den (Daniel 6:1-24)
What do other people have that you wish you could have? Is it a car, house, newest electronic gadget, bank account, or spouse? In the Bible, some of Daniel’s co-workers envy his administrative skills and his position as a powerful leader under the rule of King Darius. Their envy has some deadly consequences. We all have feelings of envy, but counting our blessings is the best way to get the upper hand over them.
- August 2 • “Attitude Adjustment” — The Prophet Jonah (Jonah 4:1-11)
Jonah was one of the most effective prophets of the Bible. His eight word sermon caused an entire city of people to repent and believe in God. You would have thought Jonah would have been happy with the results of his preaching, but he wasn’t. In fact, he needs a serious attitude adjustment. Is your prickly attitude in need of an adjustment as well?
- August 9 • Jesus Feeds the 5,000 (John 6:1-15)
Through the actions of Jesus, we get an accurate representation of how God works in the world, and in our lives. Jesus took limited resources (5 small barley loaves and 2 fishes) and fed over 5000 people, to the people’s amazement. What area of your life do you need God to take your limited resources, and stretch them beyond your imagination?
- August 16 • “Home 4 Good” — The Parable of the Lost Son (Luke 15:11-32)
If you’ve ever travelled to a distant land, you know the experience can broaden your horizons. But your journey can also be a reminder that you are far from home and the love of your family and friends. In the Bible, there is a story of a young son who leaves home and travels to a distant land to ‘find himself’. It’s through this experience that he learns more about the love of his earthly father, and we learn about the extravagant love of our Heavenly Father.
- August 23 • Jesus Walks on Water (Matthew 14:22-33)
- August 30 • “Give Peace a Chance” — Jesus and Thomas (John 20:24-31)
For 40 days after his crucifixion, Jesus appears to his disciples in various places to prove to them he is alive, and teach and guide them. In two of these resurrection appearances, Jesus speaks the words “Peace be with you,” three times. Of all the words Jesus said, the writer of the gospel of John believes these words of peace are most important. Jesus blessed his early followers with peace, and he promises the same for us as well.
- September 6 • “A New Perspective” — Saul’s Conversion (Acts 9:1-19)
Saul was on a mission – to arrest Christians, and take them to Jerusalem for trial. While traveling to the city of Damascus, Saul has a dramatic vision of the resurrected Jesus and his eyes are blinded. Later, Saul is healed, his eyesight is restored, and he sees his life and mission differently — from God’s perspective, not simply his.