Sermons

Dear Friends,

Fall is here with its beautiful colors and cool weather.  Some like this change but others do not because they love the summer heat and sun.  As we journey through life, one of the main constants we have is change.  Some love and invite change while others dread it.  No matter how you feel about it, change is something we all need to face.

Pastor Joe has been speaking on Change.  This week he and Sue are visiting their son in Korea, so I will be continuing this theme with a Sermon titled, “Are You Prepared”?  This message is important because in my time as a Pastor and Army Chaplain I have seen firsthand what happens when change comes, and people are not prepared.  Balanced preparation is something God calls us to for our own good.  This Sunday I hope you can come and join us in person or on Facebook live stream as we explore the different ways God wants us to be prepared.

See you Sunday!

In Christ,
Pastor Scott

• Do you like change or not? Why?
• What earthly threats do you fear? Why do you fear them?

Read the verses below. How does God want you to handle scary change?

Philippians 4:6-7: 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 6:10-18: 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Read the verses below. What does God say about making plans?

Proverbs 16:3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.

Proverbs 16:9 In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.

Luke 14:28 Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?

Psalm 143:8 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.

Proverbs 15:22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed.

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

• How has making a plan helped you deal with scary change?
• What does God want you to do today in preparing for or dealing with scary change?
• How can we pray for you?