Pastor Scott Hackler  on  11/8/09

                     2nd in this series

Biblical perspective on the aspects of giving.

Invest wisely with your treasure and talent! 

PLEASE NOTE:  #1 is not available due to recording difficulties (sorry Jane!)

Pastor Scott Hackler  on  10/25/09

                     4th in this series

Waves can be begin with small ripples. In this series we learn about ways that change can begin.

Great waves of renewal can begin with small actions! 

PLEASE NOTE:  #3 is not available due to recording difficulties

Pastor Scott Hackler  on  10/11/09

                     2nd in this series

Waves can be begin with small ripples. In this series we learn about ways that change can begin.

Great waves of renewal can begin with small actions! 

Pastor Scott Hackler  on  10/4/09

                     1st in this series

Waves can be begin with small ripples. In this series we learn about ways that change can begin.

Great waves of renewal can begin with small actions! 

Joe Williams Duea  on  9/27/09

                     3rd in this series

It's back to School time. While the kids learn thier basics we are setting out to  learn the 'three Rs' that help us re-energize our faith

Please note the middle R is missing due to technical difficulty with recording.

Pastor Scott Hackler  on  9/13/09

                     1st in this series

It's back to School time. While the kids learn thier basics we are setting out to  learn the 'three Rs' that help us re-energize our faith

Do what it takes to restore the power of faith! 

Pastor Scott Hackler  on  9/6/09

                11th (final) in this series

In order to know where we are going we have to know where we've been. This series examines the narratives that form our personality and our destiny.

Examine who you are then let God make you more! 

Pastor Scott Hackler  on  8/30/09

                10th in this series

In order to know where we are going we have to know where we've been. This series examines the narratives that form our personality and our destiny.

Examine who you are then let God make you more! 

Pastor Scott Hackler  on  8/23/09

                9th in this series

In order to know where we are going we have to know where we've been. This series examines the narratives that form our personality and our destiny.

Examine who you are then let God make you more! 

Mr. Joe Duea on  8/16/09

                8th in this series

In order to know where we are going we have to know where we've been. This series examines the narratives that form our personality and our destiny.

Examine who you are then let God make you more! 

Reverend Alva Caldwell on  8/9/09

                7th in this series

In order to know where we are going we have to know where we've been. This series examines the narratives that form our personality and our destiny.

Examine who you are then let God make you more! 

Pastor Scott Hackler on  8/2/09

                6th in this series

In order to know where we are going we have to know where we've been. This series examines the narratives that form our personality and our destiny.

Examine who you are then let God make you more! 

David Feiser (Trinity PHD candidate)  on  7/26/09

                5th in this series

In order to know where we are going we have to know where we've been. This series examines the narratives that form our personality and our destiny.

Examine who you are then let God make you more! 

Pastor Scott Hackler on  7/19/09

                4th in this series

In order to know where we are going we have to know where we've been. This series examines the narratives that form our personality and our destiny.

Examine who you are then let God make you more! 

Pastor Scott Hackler on  7/12/09

                3rd in this series

In order to know where we are going we have to know where we've been. This series examines the narratives that form our personality and our destiny.

Examine who you are then let God make you more! 

Reverend Alva Caldwell  on   7/5/09

                2nd in this series

In order to know where we are going we have to know where we've been. This series examines the narratives that form our personality and our destiny.

Examine who you are then let God make you more! 

Pastor Scott Hackler on  6/28/09

                1st in this series

In order to know where we are going we have to know where we've been. This series examines the narratives that form our personality and our destiny.

Examine who you are then let God make you more! 

Pastor Scott Hackler on   6/14/09

               4th in this series

Based on exodus this series examines the biblical precedent for letting God lead us out of our problems and circumstances

God can lead us out of slavery! 

Pastor Scott Hackler on   6/7/09

               3rd in this series

Based on exodus this series examines the biblical precedent for letting God lead us out of our problems and circumstances

God can lead us out of slavery! 

Pastor Scott Hackler on   5/31/09

               2nd in this series

Based on exodus this series examines the biblical precedent for letting God lead us out of our problems and circumstances

God can lead us out of slavery! 

Pastor Scott Hackler on   5/24/09

               1st in this series

Based on exodus this series examines the biblical precedent for letting God lead us out of our problems and circumstances

God can lead us out of slavery! 

Joe Williams Duea on   5/10/09

               5th in this series

God created us with different talents and gifts we are uniquely created for unique missions

Find and use your unique gifts! 

Pastor Scott Hackler on   5/3/09

               4th in this series

Jesus taught lessons on balancing life.  To be most effective we need to find our way towards a balanced life.

Persue a life with balance!

Pastor Scott Hackler on   4/26/09

               3rd in this series

If a grape is to be productive it needs to be connected branch to vine. If we a fruitful in the spirit it is because we are like a branch connected to God the vine.

Get connected!

Pastor Scott Hackler on   4/19/09

               2nd in this series

The Cards in the game of life were reshuffled when Jesus was reserected from the tomb! In this series we learn about what it means for us to have 'a New Life', a life that ends in rebirth in Christ and has us reunited with God for our eternal life in heaven.

Persue a life with Passion!

Pastor Scott Hackler on   4/12/09

               1st in this series

The Cards in the game of life were reshuffled when Jesus was reserected from the tomb! In this series we learn about what it means for us to have 'a New Life', a life that ends in rebirth in Christ and has us reunited with God for our eternal life in heaven.

Jesus has arisen! Arisen indeed!

Pastor Scott Hackler on  4/5/09

Holy Week is the time to prepare your heart to recieve the gift that you could never pay for.

See http://joylutheran.org/ for Joy!s schedule of Holy Week services!

Pastor Scott Hackler on   3/29/09

    6th (and final) in this series

This series looks into the reason and inspiration to LOVE those people we meet AND live with.

Jesus and God are an example of how we should strive to love others.

Pastor Scott Hackler on   3/22/09

                 5th in this series

This series looks into the reason and inspiration to LOVE those people we meet AND live with.

Jesus and God are an example of how we should strive to love others.

Pastor Scott Hackler on   3/15/09

                 4th in this series

This series looks into the reason and inspiration to LOVE those people we meet AND live with.

Jesus and God are an example of how we should strive to love others.

Pastor Scott Hackler on   3/8/09

                 3rd in this series

This series looks into the reason and inspiration to LOVE those people we meet AND live with.

Jesus and God are an example of how we should strive to love others.

Pastor Scott Hackler on   3/1/09

                 2nd in this series

This series looks into the reason and inspiration to LOVE those people we meet AND live with.

Jesus and God are an example of how we should strive to love others.

ASH WEDNESDAY MESSAGE is here

This series demonstrates the importance of loving people around us.

The first message delivered on 2/22/09 by Pastor Scott Hackler was not recorded.

To listen to Northpoint Churches podcast of the 1st message in the "Love" series  click here:

http://northpointchurch.org/Sermons/?p=episode&name=2009-02-05_01112009__tim_bycroft__love_matters_most.mp3

Pastor Scott Hagen on   2/15/09

With an introduction by Pastor Scott Hackler

                 3rd in a series of 3

Hospitality is often overlooked in todays busy world. This series helps us identify our hospitality gifts and implement doing things for others.

Give of yourself to others and the benefits may also be yours!

Pastor Alva Caldwell on2/8/09

                      2nd in a series of 3

Hospitality is often overlooked in todays busy world. This series helps us identify our hospitality gifts and implement doing things for others.

Give of yourself to others and the benefits may also be yours!

Pastor Scott Hackler  2/1/09

                       1st in a series of 3

Hospitality is often overlooked in todays busy world. This series helps us identify our hospitality gifts and implement doing things for others.

Give of yourself to others and the benefits may also be yours!

Pastor Scott Hackler  1/25/09

                                3rd in a series of 3

What is of importance in the New Year?  This series investigates the things worth drawing on your blank slate.

Resolve to do what is most important this year.

Pastor Scott Hackler  1/18/09

                                2nd in a series of 3

What is of importance in the New Year?  This series investigates the things worth drawing on your blank slate.

Resolve to do what is most important this year.

Pastor Scott Hackler  1/11/09

                                1st in a series of 3

What is of importance in the New Year?  This series investigates the things worth drawing on your blank slate.

Resolve to do what is most important this year.

Pastor Scott Hackler  1/4/09

                                This is the only podcast in this series

This message focuses on where we find Jesus and God. Pastor Scott will illustrate how watching the signs will help us see what we might otherwise miss.

Remeber the reason for the season.

Pastor Scott Hackler  12/21/08

                                3rd in this series

Fear at Christmass?

Remebering the reason for the season is important to our mission!

Pastor Scott Hackler  11/14/08

                                2nd in this series

Find out what all the hubbub misses in this Joyous Christmas season.

Remebering the reason for the season is important to our mission!

Pastor Scott Hackler  11/30/08

                                1st in this series

Find out what all the hubbub misses in this Joyous Christmas season.

Remebering the reason for the season is important to our mission!

Pastor Scott Hackler  11/23/08

                                3rd in this series

It's all about perspective. God's view is different than our own.

Our view can be changed by knowing about God's view!

Pastor Scott Hackler  11/16/08

                                2nd in this series

Instructions on how to be the 'little people' who do great things for the kingdom.

God wants you deep in the zone!

Reverend Scott Hagan on 11/2/08

                                    1st in this series

Generosity and benevolence are two of the attributes good parents model for thier children.

God Gave the ultimate example of sacrificial love!

Pastor Scott Hackler on 10/26/08

                                                            3rd in this series

The return of the one lost sheep to the flock is reason to celebrate! Today we celebrate the lost ones who are found in a football like exuberance.

One more soul saved for Gods team is enough reason to throw a party!

Reverend Al Caldwell on 10/12/08

                                                            2nd in this series

Whats in a name? What name were you given? How have you 'lived into ' this name?   What name does God call you by? Todays message reflects on the names we are 'Tagged' with.

God said 'I have called you by name. You are mine'   what more is there to know?

Pastor Scott Hackler on 10/5/08

                                                            1st in this series

Comfort is examined in this message series. What are you comfortable with. Where is your comfort zone?

If God calls be ready to leave your rut. Use His power to be His witness

Pastor Scott Hackler on 9/28/08

                                               4th of 4 in this series

If Jesus lived in our house he might make more of the 'adventures' that we are presented with. This lesson shows us that some of the most meaningful circumstances occur by chance. (or is it chance at all?)

Be mindful of the adventures in your life. Use the circumstances you are given to make the connections that matter.

Pastor Scott Hackler on 9/21/08

                                               3rd in this series

Connections made at critical junctions affect us and those people we relate with. A missed knot may be a missed opportunity.

Take care with your relational time with others. Use the circumstances you are given to make the connections that matter.

Pastor Scott Hackler on 9/14/08

                                               2nd in this series

We need to make connections to God and to people to srengthen our faith. This message focuses on our connection to people who surround us.

It's time to make the real time connections that bind us together with our loved ones. Put down the cell phone and instant messages and TALK in person to your loved ones.

Pastor Scott Hackler on 9/7/08

                                               1st in this series

We need to make connections to God and to people to srengthen our faith. This message focuses on our connection to God via prayer.

God has an unlimited plan for your communications with him. No need to ask 'can you hear me now?'  HE can!

Pastor Scott Hackler on 8/24/08

                                               2nd in this series

Sometimes doing things takes a 'leap of faith'. What seems hard or impossible can be done with Gods help.

This series aims to teach further reliance on Gods promise to support His mission in our life.

The first step can look large. Sometimes the first step requires we just jump in! Just Jump!

Pastor Scott Hackler on 8/10/08

                                               8th and final in this series

When we find ourselves in 'water' over our heads we depend on our creator to give us the strength we need.

Grace is the only thing that can change us permently. We can become transformed and take on the image of Christ.

Learn more about Gods character to know more about His unyielding Grace.

Reverend Alva Caldwell on 7/27/08

                                               6th in this series

When we find ourselves in 'water' over our heads we depend on our creator to give us the strength we need.

"...if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 17:20

Grow your faith!

Reverend Alva Caldwell on 7/20/08

                                               5th in this series

When we find ourselves in 'water' over our heads we depend on our creator to give us the strength we need.

Reverend Al compares elements of community and wisdom to seeds. The path to truth is a journey repeated by every generation.

God has provided the tools for our own discernment of truth. There is a singular truth that unites us!

Pastor Scott Hackler on 7/13/08

                                               4th in this series

When we find ourselves in 'water' over our heads we depend on our creator to give us the strength we need.

Adobe culture portrays humans as sacred clowns. We tend to make the same selfish mistakes repeatedly. God knows us and forgives us ccompletely.

God will forgive all of our mistakes! If you don't believe that just ask Him yourself!

Pastor Scott Hackler on 7/6/08

                                               3rd in this series

When we find ourselves in 'water' over our heads we depend on our creator to give us the strength we need.

How many times do we forgive our brother for doing the same wrong to us? Jesus says seventy times seven.

God will forgive all of our mistakes! If you don't believe that just ask Him yourself!

Jane Jebsen on 6/29/08

                                               2nd in this series

When we find ourselves in 'water' over our heads we depend on our creator to give us the strength we need.

Todays message reflects on the fire of the holy spirit at pentecost.

If God ordains it God will sustain it!

Pastor Scott Hackler on 6/22/08

                                               1st in this series

When we find ourselves in 'water' over our heads we depend on our creator to give us the strength we need.

This message reflects on being pulled from deep waters

God will lead you out from turbulent times!

Pastor Scott Hackler on 6/15/08

                                               3rd of 3 in this series

The Power we can receive comes from allowing Jesus into our lives.

Tap into the power created for us in the name of Jesus.

Jane Jebsen on 6/8/08

                                               2nd of 3 in this series

The Power we can receive comes from allowing Jesus into our lives.

Tap into the power created for us in the name of Jesus.

Pastor Scott Hackler on 5/25/08

                                               1st of 3 in this series

The Power we can receive comes from allowing Jesus into our lives.

Tap into the power created for us in the name of Jesus.

Pastor Scott Hackler on 5/4/08

                                               3rd of 4 in this series

This series will identify the caracteristics of the Joy! congregation and the goals and dreams set by Joy!s vision team.

Jesus is the standard of moral and leadership caracter.

Reverend Alva Caldwell on 4/27/08

                                               2nd of 4 in this series

This series will identify the caracteristics of the Joy! congregation and the goals and dreams set by Joy!s vision team.

Jesus is the standard of moral and leadership caracter.

Pastor Scott Hackler on 4/20/08

                                                      1st  is a series of  4

This series will identify the caracteristics of the Joy! congregation and the goals and dreams set by Joy!s vision team.

Jesus is the standard of moral and leadership caracter.

 Reading John 20:19-31                   2nd of 4 in this series

Jesus isn't a thing of the past! Jesus is here with us. Right Here! Right Now!                         

Jesus will meet adversity with us! 

Email Pastor Scott your own WIJD! 50 words or less at WhatisJesusDoing@joylutheran.org

Reading Luke 24:13-35                  1st of 4 in this series

Jesus isn't a thing of the past! Jesus is here with us. Right Here! Right Now!

Easter is a good time to take stock of what Jesus and Faith are all about!

Witness Jesus at work in the world.

Pastor Scott Hackler on 3/16/08          6th of 6 in this series

Reading: Luke 19:29-40

God accepts all of us (Whoever),  Wherever we are, and Whenever needed.

Give grace universally to the people you interact with.

Reverend Al Caldwell on 3/9/08          5th of 6 in this series

Reading: John 3:1-21

There are numerous glimpses in the bible of what eternal life might look like. Heaven and hell are very real and worthy of philosophical struggle.

Spend some time condsidering Heaven and it's alternative! Jesus offers the ticket needed to enter heaven SALVATION!

Please note: The message titled "We Believe" is not available due to technical difficuties.

Pastor Scott Hackler on 2/24/08          3rd of 6 in this series

Readings: John 3:16

The Scripture of John tells us in no uncertain terms how God feels about us. He Loves... He Gave...we Believe...we Live!

Our condition requires immeadiate attention

Jesus offers a heart exchange.

Gods love includes complete forgivness!

Pastor Scott Hackler on 2/17/08          2nd of 6 in this series

Readings: John 3:16, Deuteronomy 7: 7-8, Ephesians 5: 2

The Scripture of John tells us in no uncertain terms how God feels about us. He Loves... He Gave...we Believe...we Live!

Human love is often based on the emotion of feeling in love.

Gods love is without restrictions, It is an Agape love.

Gods love explains why Jesus came.  It's free... take it!

Pastor Scott Hackler on 2/10/08          1st of 6 in this series

Reading: John 3:16

The Scripture of John tells us in no uncertain terms how God feels about us. He Loves... He Gave...we Believe...we Live!

It's a roadmap and a plan for our salvation. 26 words have the power that has and will change your life.

Understand Gods will and way. No past is bigger than God given future! 

Pastor Scott Hackler on 2/3/08          5th of 5  in this series

           Note: 4 of 5 is not available due to technical difficulties 

Reading from Numbers 13:25 -14:9

In most cases the majority will rule to keep the status quo. In these cases the vocal minority favors change. Know that the 'easy path' may not be the right one. God makes His plans possible.

Seek Gods will even when change makes it look like difficult going.

Pastor Scott Hackler on 1/20/08          3rd of 5  in this series

Reading from Judges  16:23-30

Where does power come from? Samson seemed to derive power from his hair. In the end all his power came from God.

Find God at the center of your power. There is no stopping you in the mission He has prepared for you!

Pastor Scott Hackler on 1/13/08                        2nd of 5  in this series

Reading from Matthew 16:13-20, 22-23, 24-25, 17:4, 5:13-14

Sometimes people and churches struggle to know thier own identity. ReNew your identity by learining to see the DNA God gave you.

Explore your identity and the identity of your church. Then LIVE IT. Help you and your church be the best!

Pastor Scott Hackler on 1/6/08                        1st of 5  in this series

Reading from Titus 2:3-4, Romans 12:2, Matthew 18:20, Isiah 11:6-9, John 17:20-21

Winter drags on after the holidays. It's time to ReNew relationship with God and His people.

Form relationships in your community. Take care of each other as an apostle!

Pastor Scott Hackler on 12/30/07     

Reading from Jeramiah 31 

In Romans 7: 15 Paul states "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do."

Many resolutions that we make on New Years Eve. Involve being less of this or that. God resolves to make you more!

Find out what resolutions God has made for YOU!

Pastor Scott Hackler on 12/24/07    

Reading from Luke 2: 1-20

The preparation for Christmas is finished! Get the three gifts we should recieve from God.

Take a moment to find the true gift of Christmas!

Pastor Scott Hackler on 12/23/07     3 of 3

Reading from Luke 1: 5 and 68-79

Jesus came to give God's gift to the world

HOPE is the gift we can all open EVERY DAY!

Pastor Scott Hackler on 12/16/07     2 of 3

Reading from Matthew 25: 31-40

According to Mr Fred Rogers  your neighbors are "the people that you meet each day"

Love your neighbor by giving them what they need. Attention.

Give with the gift of Compassion!

Pastor Scott Hackler on 12/9/07     1of 3

Reading from Genesis 33:1-10

Christmas gifts provide only temporary Joy.

The gifts of Forgiveness, Respect, and Patience have much longer lasting effects.

Give the kind of gifts marked 'Open Before Christmas'!

Pastor Scott Hackler on 12/2/07     4 of 4

Reading from Matthew 7: 24-27

Learn to use what you have been given by God to impact the people he has placed in your life

Do you invest your gifts by building on rock or sand?

Pastor Scott Hackler on 11/25/07     3 of 4

Reading from Matthew 25: 14-18

Psalm 24 says:

1 The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it,
       the world, and all who live in it;

 2 for he founded it upon the seas
       and established it upon the waters.

Begin living the "all in" frame of mind!

Pastor Scott Hackler on 11/18/07     2 of 4

Reading from Luke 14:1-14

If our Life intersects with God He is influencing our story; and if we are intersecting with others, he wants to influence them through us. 

 Look for opportunities to be Christ to people through your actions and conversations.

Reverend Alva Cauldwell on 11/11/07     1 of 4

Reading from Matthew  22: 34-40 

Our life is on loan from God. Love is a 'breath of life' we all give.

 1-1-1 principle: 1 hour each week of Worship, Personal growth, Service.

Pastor Scott Hackler on 11/4/07     4 of 4

Reading from Luke Chapter 10

We are the modern day disciples of Jesus. We can be the lucky recipients of heavens vision when we act on the behalf of Jesus.

The power God gives us to carry out His mission is awsome!

Pastor Scott Hackler on 10/28/07     3 of 4

God Uses the 'small people' to do great things throughout the bible.

Small actions can build into great waves of good.

Put a 'drop' into the ocean of need.  See the tide turn when God goes to work!

Jane Jebsen on 10/21/07             2nd in a series of 4

Reading Mark 8:22-25 (NLT)      

Learn to look through the lens of Christ.

What Keeps you from serving others?

Don't join a church! BE THE CHURCH!

Jane Jebsen on 10/14/07             1 in a series of 4

Reading Luke 10:25-37        

We are saved by Grace alone!  We learn to serve out of gratitude.

learn to accept the opportunities for a 'devine detour'

Join a "Faith in Action" small group today!

Pastor Scott Hackler on 10/7/07   

Exclaimation = Joy!

The exclaimation point came into use in the 14th century. The literal definition of the ancient word exultatio is Joy!

Pastor Scott reveals the facts uncovered in Joy!s TCI survey and visioning sessions.

Pastor Scott Hackler on 9/30/07   4th in a series of 4

Readings from Romans Chapter 5:1-5

Dare to live by embracing suffering, knowing gifts will come from it. Teach and model it. 

Pastor Alva Caldwell on 9/23/07   3rd in a series of 4

Reading from Acts 2:40-47 

Rituals are an important aspect of living in community. Develop rituals and patterns that will strengthen your relationships

Pastor Scott Hackler on 9/16/07   2nd in a series of 4

Readings from 1Corinthians Chapter 12

Each person is important in God's eyes and vital to the well being of all.

Pastor Scott Hackler on 9/09/07   1st in a series of 4

Reading from Matthew 26:36-46 

Commitment is essential for healthy families and friendships.

Pastor Scott Hackler (on right) invites an old friend to Joy!Fest (Rev. Prudencia is not pictured)

with Pastor Herberto Prudencia on 8/19/07  

When God provides rain Joy! people move the party indoors.  This years Joy!fest raised the roof at 749 Hunt club Rd. Over 400 school supplies packs were outfitted. Joy! ministry partner Segrado Corazon and Pastor Herberto Prudencia joined us for the day. William Smith and the Renewed Voices for Christ praised in music. Food and Fun were had by all.

If you missed it you should plan better for next year!

Reading: Luke 7:11-17

God, in full power, is present in Jesus. Jesus' compassion meets us in pain and even death.

Basic Focus: Compassion. God's power.

To Know: Jesus, the Author of Life, meets us in our pain and struggle. He has power to change things.
To Feel: The love of God that transforms our lives from death to life.
To Do: Rely on and lead others to the compassionate and powerful presence of Jesus.

• To Know: Jesus Christ battles the powers of evil and promises to bring all of those powers to a complete end.
• To Feel: Hope in Christ's promises that give us what we need to endure this life..
• To Do: Seek greater faithfulness. Develop a confident faith to meet the challenges of this life.

1. This life is not the big event. They know that this life will be swallowed up by eternal life.
2. The eternal life we inherit is without suffering. It is devoid of pain represented by the wiping away of tears, it is a place where Jesus has thrown a tent of protection around us that causes all the pain and suffering to disappear. It is also a place where sin and evil have been eliminated, and therefore the sources of pain are gone.
3. The last promise that is pivotal for us as Christians is the reality that in heaven we will not know hunger or thirst, but only an unending source of living water. So much of our human life is about our hungers and thirsts, some of them just our physical needs and some of them other needs in our lives. The place we are going will no longer have those thirsts so we can spend our time in service to God and in the satisfaction of a filled and fulfilled life in eternity.

• To Know: We live in the promise and hope of heaven where we will no longer suffer or need to worry about our human needs in this world.
• To Feel: Relief that this life is temporary and that heaven will be wonderful.
• To Do: Stay focused on The Lamb of God, the shepherd, who leads us to springs of living water.

• To Know: We will be blessed by what is revealed ("Revelation") about Jesus Christ who is the beginning and the end.
• To Feel: We have hope each day in Christ who is our beginning and end.
• To Do: Meet life's challenges head on. There is nothing too great for Christ.

1. ...be reconciled with family
2. ...become a whole person and “meet yourself"
3. ...to find the great treasure buried in your own home & family

Scripture Focus:  Luke 13:1-9

Is your first reaction in tough times to blame?  If it is you join a whole culture looking for someone on whom to hang all of the struggle and pain.  When you see someone suffering, is your tendency to blame them for the suffering they face?  Again, you will find yourself in the heart (or lack of heart) of the culture. This is the easy road.  On this road we cut out people from our lives who do not produce what we want.  On this road we can also cut ourselves from life with others or life with God because of our failures.

The road less traveled is the road of mercy.  It seeks not to blame but to help.  It looks for forgiveness and readily gives others mercy in time of need.  Not only can we see Jesus do this in the Gospels but we experience it as we are joined to his death and resurrection. What is so important to people of faith is that we know the one who will give it when no one else can or will.

Jesus is the gardener who takes on the fate of all humanity, our suffering and our death, head on. He not only tends to the tree, but dies on a tree. He suggests that being cut off from God is a terrible fate, and then he endures that fate with us and for us. By joining us in our suffering, Jesus does not answer the questions about why we suffer. Instead he lives it. He shows us that it does not have the last word. Beyond our hope and comprehension is something greater still, of which by his death we can only catch a glimpse. For this purpose he tends the unproductive tree and dies with it, with us.  

To Know:  Jesus will not give up on you, he doesn't want you to be cut off from God.

To Feel:  The love of God as Jesus meets us in our sinfulness, or in our pain and struggle.

To Do:  Receive mercy, give mercy, live mercifully.

Scripture Focus: Luke 13:31-35

There is a lure in taking risk.  Youth culture is focused on the X games and extreme sports where one's life and health is at stake in order to feel alive and receive the adulation of friends. Danger meets us as we travel on busy streets and yet we engage in the risk.  We follow financial schemes that put our assets at risk.  We take a chance that by accepting the new job or starting a new business we will have a better and more fulfilling life.  Fear is met either by the devaluing of life or by the thrill of living on the edge.  Is this really the life we want to live? 

There is a lure in avoiding any risk.  Many of us avoid accidents by driving back roads and byways.  We avoid the pain of broken relationships by avoiding relationships.  We seek the safe way in work, money, family and even faith.  Fear is met by controlling every circumstance and encounter.  Is this really life? 

The road less traveled entrusts our lives to God who wants to keep us safe in his care as a hen would her chicks.  This is a way that celebrates the risk taken so that others will meet the power of God and God's kingdom of love.  We travel this road blessed as God's messengers. 

To Know:  Jesus risks his life as he lives out his ministry all the while knowing that he has the power of God behind him.  While we may also meet hostility as we  follow Jesus, we are in the care of God.

To Feel:  The calming trust of God's loving care.

Scripture Focus:  Luke 4:1-13

When we are moved from those places and passages that are comfortable we find ourselves in wilderness.  We seldom travel this road of our own choosing.  It comes when things in our life break down or unexpected forces take over. It comes when the road before us seems unclear and we diverge from the original path.   

There are two paths in the wilderness.  One is a self reliant path.  You look for strength within you and with all of your wisdom and cunning try to find a way out.  You seek for the easy way, the path of least resistance and find yourself covering the same ground again and again.  Fear grows. Defensiveness grows.  Physical forcefulness grows.  But exhaustion leads to despair as you move deeper into wilderness with no hope. 

The other path looks always for resources outside you.  It is the path that recognizes weakness and knows that the wilderness cannot be conquered alone.  You look for wisdom beyond yourself.  You know that the tests you face are temporary.  You look for strength from the depths of faith and rely on promises given by the one who faced the deepest challenges of the wilderness.   

To Know:  We are weak and need God's help.

To Feel:  Hope that God is present and your guide.

Scripture Focus: Joel 2:12-13, 15-17

The road most traveled is the road of recognition and self-glory.  We want to receive credit for a job well done.  We feel like we must offer lavish praise upon people in order to receive their best.  We know also that when recognition is not available we can avoid doing the right thing.  We become discouraged when no one notices our good work and feel unappreciated to the point of giving up.  

The less traveled road is the road of humility that does what is right when no one is looking.  We trust that our treasures are in heaven and thrive in pleasing God as we serve our neighbor.  On this road we practice our faith without a fanfare knowing that the immediate reward comes in having a life worth living; a life of God given identity and purpose. 

To Know:  We will never receive accolades enough to fill the empty places in our lives.

To Feel:  The good and faithful things we do are received by the God who loves us.

Scripture Focus: Luke 9:28-36<

Scripture Focus: Mark 2:1-12

Imagine the scene...a huge crowd gathered around Jesus, making it impossible to get anywhere near him...the room and surrounding area completely full of people wanting either his healing touch, to hear him preach, or simply to be in his presence. You can almost feel the crush of the crowd. And then some men, determined to help their friend, get creative about how they are going to get him close to Jesus. Not only do they fight the crowd, carrying a cumbersome load, but they, when met with difficulty, refuse to give up. All for the sake of their friend who so desperately needs their help.

Are there people in your life who would do that for you? Maybe they already have. Are you a friend like that? What about to those you don't know? Are you one who goes the extra mile for people in need? Do you see the incredible need to connect with others in faith, both to share and receive. 

Sometimes it's easier to turn the other way and pretend we don't need others; but we were created by God to be in community. In community we are nurtured for growth and given support to become the person God wants us to be.  We are not created to do it alone.  We are also called to be in community so that we can give to those who need our witness and help. The life of faith is meant to be done in community.  "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another." Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)  

Scripture Focus: Luke 5:1-11

Jesus is clear about the purpose of his disciples.  They will fish for people.  It is our calling.  The net we cast is the Word of God that reaches the eyes and ears of people.  It is important that we grow to maturity in our faith life so that we see beyond our needs (catching fish to simply sustain our own lives), to the needs of the other's body and soul.

Jesus is also clear that we will not fish for people on the side of the boat that we think should be fished, but where he directs us.  We impact others in many ways not the least of which is to put our resources where Jesus tells us to put them into an effort to reach the people of around us. 

Scripture Focus:  Luke 4:14-21

The first thing Jesus does after his trial in the wilderness was to go to the temple to worship and there he read the scripture.  Jesus reveals himself as the one that the prophet spoke of in Isaiah 61.  We learn that his words are powerful and that he teaches with authority, even for those who don't know him.

First things for followers of Jesus are worship, scripture reading and prayer.  Last week I focused on worship.  On this day we will focus on the practice of reading scripture and praying�habits that build a real faith for real life.  Through the reading of scripture we know God more fully.  Prayer gives us a way of speaking to God and makes us more aware of God's presence and power.

Scripture Focus:  John 2:1-11

John 2:1-11 is part of a larger section in the Gospel of John that has come to be known as "The Book of Signs." It runs from the middle of chapter 1 all the way through the end of chapter 12 and is full of interactions between Jesus and groups and individuals that all point to the bigger, wider, grander coming of the Kingdom of God. The last verse in this section--verse 11--adds even more intensity to the story as the wedding at Cana begins both Jesus' public ministry in general and his demonstration of miraculous signs in particular. "Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him."

Jesus' signs reveal his glory.  We will use the idea of signs to think about our identity as followers of Jesus.  As Jesus becomes known by what he does in these signs, our identity is made known in what we do.  Our actions are also signs that reveal who we are. 

We will begin to unfold the adult discipleship theme described by the acronym L.I.F.E. 

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 43:1-7; Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

Jesus' identity is revealed through John's prophetic words and then by a voice from heaven.  He comes with power to judge (fire).  It sounds threatening, and yet we discover that his judgment is filled with mercy and love.  It is that judgment that shapes us and gives us identity.

In our baptism that judgment is made known.  Like Jesus, we are assured that we are known fully, treasured deeply, loved completely. We are identified with Christ in baptism.  God comes to us and says to us, "You are my child, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."

Leftovers - whether you love them or throw them away - they are a part of our daily lives!  The same is true for Christmas.  Our culture would have us believe everything is done and over with once December 25^th passes and all the presents are opened.  But after all the rush of December, there are Christmas leftovers... What are they?

What remains after Christmas Day?  As Christians we need to realize there are some significant gifts which remain with us and the most important one is the baby who will grow to be our Savior.  Will we lose Him as we throw away the wrappings and bows?  Will He be boxed away with all the decorations?  Will he be relegated to the back, lower shelf of the refrigerator until some future day?

This weekend as we look to the wise men and their gifts - the late-comers to the Christmas party - we will see the magnificence of the gifts left for us even after Christmas is "over"

At this time of year we all are looking out for what is somehow lacking in the lives of our loved ones so that we may run out to the local mega-mall and purchase it.  But as we try and make up through shopping for the physical things we lack, let's never forget that the ultimate lackings in our life are not physical but spiritual.

An impact is a forcible contact between two or more things.  When God moves forward there is an impact.  God meets darkness and evil with light and love.  Jesus' impact on our lives comes as our sin, struggle, hurt and pain, meet his goodness, healing, mercy and hope. When those who accept the adventure into a life with God meet the world, we will meet the same things God meets.  We feel the impact on our lives.  The challenge is to move forward with God knowing that what lies ahead will be real life even when the impact includes joy and sorrow, hurt and healing, death and life.   We will remember stories like: sending of the 70 (Luke 10:1-20), references to the many encounters Jesus had with people.

On this Sunday we will be receiving stewardship commitments.  We are offered an opportunity to focus on what the journey ahead requires of us.  What do we need for the journey and what must we leave behind?  Excess baggage will surely slow us down and having the right tools and getting in shape will bring unimagined joy to the journey.  We get in shape by walking with God in worship, prayer and reading scripture.  We find meaning in the walk as we look for opportunities to give and receive love and care.  We lighten our load by giving with outrageous generosity.  When we let go of the grip we have on our things we find new energy and a freedom that makes the journey a joy.  4 of 5 part series