Sermon from 1/12/2014

2013 Word – Perspective

Most annoying words of 2013 – Whatever , Selfie , hashtag (#) , YOLO

2014 Word – Refresh

2014 Scripture -

Psalm 23 Revisited

The clock is my dictator, I shall not rest. It makes me lie down only when exhausted. It leads me into deep depression, it hounds my soul. It leads me in circles of frenzy for activities’ sake.  Even though I run frantically from task to task, I will never get it all done, for my “ideal” is with me. Deadlines and my need for approval, they drive me. They demand performance from me, beyond the limits of my schedule. They anoint my head with migraines, my in-basket overflows. Surely fatigue and time pressure shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the bonds of frustration forever.

Psalm 23 NIV

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

“To keep the lamp burning we have to keep putting oil in it.” – Mother Teresa

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• Be refreshed – we are FORGIVEN
  
• Ephesians 1:6-8 So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.
  

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• Be refreshed – we have FELLOWSHIP
  
• Hebrews 10:25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage on another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
  

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• Be refreshed – we have a FUTURE
  
• 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!