Scripture Focus: Revelation 5:11-14

Worship is falling down before our Creator and humbly recognizing all that we have and all that we are is a gift from God. Worship is giving Yahweh thanks and praise for the abundant life and eternal life we can have in Jesus Christ. Worship to God is our response that we can live every waking moment. Worship to God is our response that we can live in our homes. Worship to God is our response that we can gather as a community of believers to remember what Jesus Christ has done on the cross for each one of us. And worship will continue for all eternity around the throne of God because God is worthy of our praise.

• To Know: The Lamb of God is worthy of our worship in every moment of our lives.
• To Feel: The grateful response to God that results in our worship.
• To Do: Worship!

Scripture Focus: Revelation 1:1-8

The introduction of the book comes with a blessing. We will be blessed to read this book. While we may be unsure about our reading of Revelation, we are promised that it will be a blessing.

From the one who existed before time began and who will remain into eternity, we have grace and peace offered to us today. John wants victorious disciples to know that through Christ, God will provide enough grace and enough peace for each day.

Jesus Christ—the Alpha and Omega—is the beginning and the end. Jesus is the beginning of all our endings and the ending of all our beginnings. To say that Jesus is the end of all my beginnings is to joyfully acknowledge that apart from him I am nothing and that the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End, the Christ and LORD of all loves us, knows us, and calls us by name; and because he is the beginning and the end, our past is redeemed, our present makes sense, and our future is secure! He is the Alpha and the Omega, the one who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.

• 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.

Sermon Text: Luke 24: 1-12

Easter means our faith isn't futile, our failures aren't fatal, and our death isn't final.

• Faith: Jesus is alive. Our faith isn't futile. If it's false, it's foolish. If it's true, it is the foundation for a life that is powerful and positive and productive forever.
• Failures: We are an Easter people. We follow a living Lord. We believe in the redeeming power of God. Our failures aren't fatal; they are opportunities to learn and grow into the likeness of Christ.
• Death: Easter means that our death isn't final. Jesus was not held by the prison of death, and in his resurrection, he paves the way for those who believe in him to inherit eternal life. Because he died and rose again, so can we.

To Know: Jesus death and resurrection gives us a powerful, positive, productive life forever.

To Feel: Our failures are overcome by Easter

To Do: When you trust that your faith isn't futile, that your failures aren't fatal, and that your death isn't final -- then you can have a passion for living.

Sermon Text: Luke 19:28-40

What is success? It is the end for which we strive. It is the affirmation toward which we live that we believe once attained, will finally make it all worthwhile. The success of God is revealed as our Lord rides into Jerusalem on a donkey. It is the agenda of life and peace, the agenda of redeeming love. All the success of that first Palm Sunday, the power and acclaim given to Jesus, was held accountable to the cross which was to follow. Jesus willingly sets aside the temporary exaltation of women, men, and even children for the sake of God's eternal agenda. The story could have turned out so differently. He could have seized the moment, struck while the iron was hot, and taken control of the city. There was so much good that could have been done that he didn't doÃïÂit was because the immediate was held accountable to the ultimateÃïÂthe temporary to the eternal.

• To Know: Jesus gave up success (by the world's definition) in order that success would be about the changed lives of all who would know him through his death and resurrection.
• To Feel: The love of God through Jesus determination toward the cross.
• To Do: Seek the true and eternal success of a life of faith.

Jane Jebsen, who leads Joy!'s adult discipleship ministry, discusses the NextStep worship experience that will launch at Joy! on Saturday, April 14. The opening message series is titled, "Amazed!"

The word, "amazed," is used 39 times in the gospels and the Book of Acts. This message series will look at what is amazing about faith in Jesus, according to the Bible. Come and explore whether you find faith in God to be amazing, or unremarkable--and how the answer to that question impacts your life.

Judas and Mary show us diverging roads. Judas travels the road of greed. Mary is on the road of generosity. We can only imagine the tension in that room with Mary, Judas and the others. There was a discomfort with the actions and extravagance of Mary, but Jesus was calm. He received her gift as an incredible act of love. Surely they knew Jesus life was threatened. She must have been overwhelmed by some certainty that Jesus would die, so her deep love spilled out as the nard was poured. When Judas saw it, he was disgusted. To him it was a wasteâhe could see nothing good in her actions. To this day, of course, we see these two in marked contrast. Mary gives humbly from what she has and Judasâ greed tries to control not only his wealth, but the gift anyone else would give. Mary couldn't help herself...Hers was a response of love.

• To Know: We have a need to give.
• To Feel: The love of God that inspires our giving.
• To Do: Give generously. Tithe.

The Prodigal Son: Luke 15:11-32

Guest Pastor Al Caldwell invites us to return home to:

1. ...be reconciled with family
2. ...become a whole person and âmeet yourself"
3. ...to find the great treasure buried in your own home & family
   ]]> sermons Mon, 19 Mar 2007 19:01:00 GMT http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=194211# Joy! Lutheran Church ( Contemporary Reverent Joy Worship ) No http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=190946# 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.

   ]]> sermons Sun, 11 Mar 2007 04:23:00 GMT http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=190946# 00:32:03 forgiveness, repent, turn, toward, God, Jesus Joy!Cast The Road Less Traveled - Pastor Scott Hackler Clean http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=190863# 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.

   To Do:  Live life boldly, but also retreat into God's care for safety.
   ]]> sermons Sat, 3 Mar 2007 21:58:00 GMT http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=190863# 00:26:59 safe, care, God, Jesus, risk Joy!Cast The Road Less Traveled - Pastor Scott Hackler Clean http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=190847# 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.

   To Do:  Look for strength from the depths of faith and rely on promises of God
   ]]> sermons Sun, 25 Feb 2007 20:50:00 GMT http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=190847# 00:26:14 strength, faith, promises, God, Jesus, weak, help Joy!Cast The Road Less Traveled - Pastor Scott Hackler Clean http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=190844# 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.

   To Do:  Engage authentically in the marks of discipleship. 
   ]]> sermons Wed, 21 Feb 2007 20:42:00 GMT http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=190844# 00:33:07 unappreciated, give up, authentic, disciple, discipleship, empty, God, Jesus, neighbor Joy!Cast The Road Less Traveled - Pastor Scott Hackler Clean http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=186287# Scripture Focus: Luke 9:28-36<

   The transfiguration of Jesus marks a turning point.  We get to see the identity of Jesus in context with Moses and Elijah during a mystical moment, but when this event ends he walks with his disciples down the mountain and into life on the flatlands.  They are now walking to Jerusalem and the cross.

   Jesus is committed to his purpose of redemption and through all of the days ahead will unfold that purpose before his disciples.  He will teach, heal, send his apostles as witnesses of the kingdom, pray, suffer, die and rise.  His disciples become prepared for their ministry and their memories will serve as the message of Jesus' love for humankind.

   We are disciples of Jesus who walk on the flat lands.  It is real life and Jesus wants us to face life with a confident faith.  It takes our commitment to grow the strength of our faith.  Worship, prayer, scripture reading, Christ-centered relationships, giving and serving are at the heart of building a LIFE worship living.  Pursue that LIFEâLove God and show him through your commitment to weekly worship and daily Bible reading and prayer.  Impact others through giving and serving.  Find time for fellowship and stay engaged to an authentic life. 

   ]]> sermons Sun, 18 Feb 2007 06:28:00 GMT http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=186287# 00:40:50 real life, testimony, hard times, discipleship, giving, serving, Jesus, Christ, faith, commitment Joy!Cast Pursuing Life - Pastor Scott Hacker Clean http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=180907# 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)  

   ]]> sermons Sun, 11 Feb 2007 16:01:00 GMT http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=180907# 00:32:30 fellowship, relationships, small groups, friends, sharing, real faith, receive, give Joy!Cast Pursuing LIFE - Pastor Scott Hackler Clean http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=180483# 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. 

   Giving is a response to Jesus' call to fish.  All that we are and all that we have is being asked of us to reach others.  We give (money, time, talents) in response to the one who gives us purpose.  We give generously because of the one who has generously given us our lives and everything that sustains us (full nets).  We give because it is a vital part of fulfilling our purposes as Jesus' fishers.]]> sermons Mon, 5 Feb 2007 00:03:00 GMT http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=180483# 00:26:01 fishing, fishermen, money, time, talents, net, people, give, others, focus Joy!Cast Pursuing LIFE - Pastor Scott Hackler Clean http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=176514# 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 prayingÃïÂhabits 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.
   

   
   ]]> sermons Mon, 29 Jan 2007 17:48:00 GMT http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=176514# 00:33:54 scripture, praying, bible, know God, learning, quiet time, love Joy!Cast Love God Enough to Know God (focus on reading scripture and praying) Clean http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=170944# 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. 

   • Love God (Worship, Scripture Reading, Prayer)
   • Impact Others (Give, Serve)
   • Find time for Fellowship (Relationships)
   • Engage Authentically (Commitment) 
     
   ]]> sermons Sun, 14 Jan 2007 21:53:00 GMT http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=170944# 00:34:02 Love, god, impact, fellowship, engage, discipleship, life, signs, jesus, kingdom Joy!Cast Pursuing LIFE - Pastor Scott Hackler Clean http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=168733#

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

   We begin a new year with expectation.  We think about what has happened in our past and we hope for change.  We wonder what will unfold before us.  The people in the reading from Luke had the same feelings.  What unfolded before them is God's love in the person of Jesus.

   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."

   ]]> sermons Sun, 7 Jan 2007 17:01:00 GMT http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=168733# 00:27:54 Isaiah 43, Luke 3, baptism, judgment, love, my child, glassblower, artist, god, jesus, mercy, bad habits, new years, resolution Joy!Cast Pursuing LIFE - Pastor Scott Hackler Clean http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=167976# 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"

   ]]> sermons Mon, 1 Jan 2007 07:14:00 GMT http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=167976# 00:29:30 leftovers, baby, jesus, aftermath, Christmas, after Joy!Cast Pastor Jane Jebsen Clean http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=165299# ]]> sermons Wed, 27 Dec 2006 17:26:00 GMT http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=165299# 00:25:24 Christmas Eve, gift, presents, undescribable, Luke 2:1-20 Joy!Cast Pastor Scott Hackler Clean http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=164653# Perhaps we need Santa at Christmas to help us be merry and joyous because we have a flawed understanding of Jesus. From today's gospel text we learn that the first reaction to Jesus' presence on earth, of God-in-our-midst, was joy. John the Baptist jumps for joy in the womb of Elizabeth as he first connects to the joy of Jesus' presence, still in Mary's womb. This is a joy so tremendous, joy so utterly overwhelming that it must somehow escape the bounds of earth itself and jump towards the heavens]]> sermons Sun, 24 Dec 2006 17:17:00 GMT http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=164653# 00:22:19 joy, Christmas, Santa, Claus, traditions, Mary JoyCast! Pastor Scott Hackler Clean http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=162433# Go Tell It on the Mountain, Silent Night
   Hark the Herald Angels Sing
   O Come, O Come Emmanuel
   Lesson 1     Isaiah 9:2,6-7
   Emmanuel/Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
   Lesson 2     Isaiah 11:1-9 "The Branch From Jesse"
   Lo How A Rose (JN)             
   Lesson 3     Isaiah 40: 1-5 "Comfort for God's People"
   Prepare the Way of the Lord
   Lesson 4     Luke 1:26-38  "The Birth of Jesus Foretold"
   The King of Us All
   Lesson 5     Luke 2:1-7 "The Birth of Jesus"
   O Little Town of Bethlehem             
   Infant Holy, Infant Lowly
   Lesson 6      Luke 2:8-16 "The Shepherds and the Angels"
   Angels We Have Heard On High
   The First Noel
   Lesson 7    Matthew 2:1-11 "The Visit of the Magi"
   We Three Kings      
   Lesson 8     John 1:1-5, 10-12, 14  "The Word Became Flesh"
   Joy to the World
   O Holy Night
   O Come All Ye Faithful
   ]]> programs Sun, 17 Dec 2006 14:15:00 GMT http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=162433# 00:48:55 Bethlehem, Angels, Faithful, Holy, Prepare, Jesse, Jesus, Sing, Carols, Lessons, Bible, Christmas Joy!Cast Lessons and Carols Service Clean http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=159764# Making Holiness is a part of everything Christians do. When making holiness is a part of every action, every thought, every plan, time is transformed into something magical and mysterious. Days cannot slide by as a sludgy sea of fast-food dinners, commuter traffic jams, endless loads of laundry, boring social studies papers, looming deadlines, and tedious meetings. When we make holiness an ingredient in every minute we live, our days take on the brilliance and color of the Christmas tree lights adorning our holiday trees.]]> sermons Sun, 10 Dec 2006 01:01:00 GMT http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=159764# 00:27:00 Luke 1:68-79, holy, holiness, righteousness, walk, path, go JoyCast Pastor Scott Hackler Clean http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=157418# 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.
   ]]> sermons Sun, 3 Dec 2006 01:29:00 GMT http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=157418# 00:23:47 I Thessalonians 3:6-13, 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13, I Corinthians 13, 1 Corinthians 13, gifts, Christmas, love, presents, success Joy!Cast Pastor Scott Hackler No http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=155198# 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.
   ]]> sermons Sun, 26 Nov 2006 00:19:00 GMT http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=155198# 00:31:22 Matthew 28:18-20, Luke 10:1-20, Life, impact, King Saul, Jonathan, Armor Bearer, Elijah, Howard Jones Joy!Cast Pastor Scott Hackler Clean http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=153142# 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
   ]]> sermons Sun, 19 Nov 2006 05:18:00 GMT http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=153142# 00:24:47 2 Corinthians 8:1-7, freedom, joy, stewardship, offering, donation, commitment, packet Joy!Cast Pastor Scott Hackler Clean http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=150738# God does not intend us to go on our journey alone, rather with and among others.  In relationships we are strengthened by the two way street of support and influence.  It is the foundation for a journey in which we are able to move from comfort and safety to adventure, from risk to true reward. 3 of 5 part series
   ]]> sermons Sun, 12 Nov 2006 05:16:00 GMT http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=150738# 00:34:14 I Samuel 14, Matthew 4, trust, trust God, act, move, seize the moment, seize the day, adventure,travel, journey Joy!Cast Pastor Scott Hackler Clean http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=148233# Have you wondered what your faith would be like if you would have been moved earlier from neutral to drive or from passive to active.  The secret to seizing divine moments in this adventure is that we must move, do something, even the wrong thing and trust God.  We must recognize the uncertainty ahead of us as well, but not let uncertainty determine how we will live.  Instead we can live in uncertainty and enjoy the surprises. There are many things over which we have no control, but we can control how we will live.  In this reading Jonathan trusts God and acts while his father Saul is stuck.  Three words come from Jonathon that are for us, "Come, let's go." To follow Jesus is to move with God beyond mere belief and into trusting action. 2 of 5 part series
   ]]> sermons Sun, 5 Nov 2006 02:51:00 GMT http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=148233# 00:35:29 I Samuel 14:1-2, 11-23a, trust, trust God, act, move, seize the moment, seize the day, adventure Pastor Scott Hackler The secret to seizing divine moments in this adventure is that we must move and trust God - I Samuel 14:1-2, 11-23a Clean http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=145803# The potential of a moment is released by choices.  God shows these people two paths to follow.  One journey parts ways with God and the other lets God part the way.  One leads to death and the other to life.  God cannot be more clear in this declaration, "Choose Life...Walk in his ways...then you shall live."  1 of 5 part series]]> sermons Sun, 29 Oct 2006 04:00:00 GMT http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=145803# 00:27:25 Deuteronomy 30:11-20, Adventure, Choice, Life Pastor Scott Hackler Choose Life...Walk in his ways...Then you shall LIVE. Clean http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=145806# ]]> help Sat, 28 Oct 2006 15:52:00 GMT http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=145806# No http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=145545# ]]> help Sat, 28 Oct 2006 14:55:00 GMT http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=145545# No http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=145805# ]]> help Sat, 28 Oct 2006 10:22:00 GMT http://joycast.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=145805# No