Parenting

Embracing the Struggle: Frustration - September 26th, 2021 (Sermon)

This is the final part of our four part series "Embracing the Struggle: Keeping Faith When Life Isn't Simple or Easy." In the midst of all of our lives, we must confront expectations that we have of others and the world around us. Without realising it, we walk into situations every day filled with expectations about how we should be treated or interact with each other, but it is an all too familiar feeling that these expectations are not met and then we leave frustrated, not knowing what to do or where to turn. How do we have conversations with each other about our expectations? How do we have conversations with God about our expectations? King David expresses this in the Psalms and we are given clues about how to handle these complex feelings we must all confront.

Psalm 39 For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David. 1 I said, “I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth while in the presence of the wicked.” 2 So I remained utterly silent, not even saying anything good. But my anguish increased; 3 my heart grew hot within me. While I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue: 4 “Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. 5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure.[b] 6 “Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom; in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth without knowing whose it will finally be. 7 “But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you. 8 Save me from all my transgressions; do not make me the scorn of fools. 9 I was silent; I would not open my mouth, for you are the one who has done this. 10 Remove your scourge from me; I am overcome by the blow of your hand. 11 When you rebuke and discipline anyone for their sin, you consume their wealth like a moth— surely everyone is but a breath. 12 “Hear my prayer, Lord, listen to my cry for help; do not be deaf to my weeping. I dwell with you as a foreigner, a stranger, as all my ancestors were. 13 Look away from me, that I may enjoy life again before I depart and am no more.”

Embracing the Struggle: Guilt - September 12th, 2021 (Sermon)

Our lives are filled with so many things that we would love to do, but with work, and other important demands on our lives, it can be difficult to come to terms with the finitude of our time, energy and resources. When we bring these complex feelings to God, we are met with grace and an intimate friend who's love and acceptance allows us to forge new beginnings. This is part two of our four part series "Embracing the Struggle: Keeping Faith When Life Isn't Simple or Easy."

Psalm 25:9-10 "The humble He guides in justice, And the humble He teaches His way. All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth."

The Action of Love - August 29th, 2021 (Sermon)

Our lives are filled with moments that demand us to demonstrate love to one another, but in an increasingly fast-paced, disconnected world it can be difficult to know what to do. Join us as we explore what the Bible says about living in love!

"Be doers of the word, and not merely hearers[...]" James 1:22