Conflict and Character – Genesis 25:19-34

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Conflict and Character – Genesis 25:19-34

If you remember nothing else from today’s text and my comments, remember how verse 21 starts: “Isaac prayed to the Lord for his wife…” Married or not, we are all in relationships with people – family, friends, and acquaintances. Prayer connects us with God and with each other. When we pray for each other – including our enemies – we create opportunities for forgiveness, for healing, and for growth.

Each week our worship service starts with a “Peace Quote” to encourage us to have peace in our lives and create peace for others. Prayer is where that peace starts, grows, and bears fruit – first within us, and then for others.

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Here I Am! A Life of Obedience – Genesis 22:1-19

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Here I Am! A Life of Obedience – Genesis 22:1-19

Today’s text is an ancient Bible story – the legend of Abraham obeying God’s command to sacrifice his son Isaac. It’s a troubling story that challenges how we understand our relationship with God. It challenges how we approach Scripture and how we let it guide our thinking. And it challenges us to reexamine our desire to follow God’s lead while also using our God-given common sense. In today’s case, the main point is that when God speaks to us, we need to listen and follow God’s lead. And when we do, God provides what we need.

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Trusting Our Creator – Genesis 21:1-21

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Trusting Our Creator – Genesis 21:1-21

Some of the best advice ever given to me is this: “Don’t worry about the details; focus on learning the concepts. When you understand the concepts, you’ll be able to figure out the details regardless of the situation.”
The concepts in this week’s story are: 1) God is the Creator of All, 2) God is Approachable, 3) Do not be Afraid, 4) God Never Abandons Us
Actively LOOK for ways to include people who are marginalized or rejected. WORK to include them in... everything. If we do that, if we reach out to others the way God reached out to Hagar, we will be beacons of hope, we will be light in the darkness, and we will certainly create the “Peace on Earth” we pray for each week!

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