Week 1 Rise Up: For Such a Time as This. September 30—October 4
Esther left the comfort and safety of the palace to save her fellow Israelites. She did not allow the culture to undermine her faith and she risked her life in the unfolding of God’s plan of redemption. God continually calls us out of our comfort zone into the faith zone. For over 200 years, generations…
United Series, Week 5: When Division Becomes Multiplication – September 23-27
Many of us dislike confrontation and conflict, but we often find it unavoidable. Sometimes a conflict may result in separation. How we part ways with others in a relationship, a business agreement, or even a church, matters and also shows our true character. In the Book of Acts we read about a situation between Paul…
United Series, Week 4: Love is Loyal – September 16-20
Loyalty is a key component of unity and it’s difficult to achieve without sacrificing one’s own preferences and desires. It requires putting aside selfishness, greed, and ambition, and instead focusing on a greater purpose. The story of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz portrays love and loyalty at its best. Ruth’s devotion to Naomi caused her to cast…
United Series, Week 3: Keep Calm and Carry On – September 9-13
How we respond to others when we feel we have been wronged reveals our heart condition. Some common responses include expressing anger, seeking retaliation and holding grudges. While understandable, these are not the behaviors Jesus would encourage. He spoke of and modeled the importance of being peacemakers and peacekeepers. King David once found himself in…
United Series, Week 2: Breaking the Ice of Unforgiveness – September 2-6
Forgiveness may be the hardest thing many of us do in our lifetimes, but because none of us is without sin, forgiveness is essential if we want to love and be loved in this life. Unforgiveness is one of the deadliest forces in the world; it causes much pain and suffering and creates division. Forgiveness…