Pastor Mike, Sermons, www.yuma1st.org

People Need the Lord

Prayers of the People for Sunday, October 17, 2021

Special music for the week by Sheryl Clifton.

Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling

Ironically, humans are some of the most fragile beings on earth, yet our influence on the earth is astounding. Compared to other creatures on earth, we are very slow at running or swimming, we can’t jump very high, and we have limited endurance in various climates. Yet we have managed to map the furthest corners of the earth, both above and below the surface of the ocean; we have built machines that can move us faster than any other creature, across the land or through the air; and we have been able to leavethe earth and explore the moon and will likely visit Mars soon. Despite our innate weaknesses, humanity has tremendous potential to significantly change the entire earth.This week we will reflect on a passage in the Letter to the Hebrews that discusses God’s empowerment of humanity, and the role Christ has played. The author of this letter recalls Psalm 8 where the question is posed, “What are human beings that you are mindful of them, or mortals, that you care for them?” Although we have our limitations and detractions, God loves us so much that God sent Christ to experience life and death so that we could experience salvation and be called brothers and sisters of Christ. Join us in worship this Sunday as we celebrate the many gifts God has given us.

Finding Our Place

Prayers of the People for Sunday, September 26, 2021

This week we continue in the Gospel of Mark where we had left off last Sunday. Jesus and the disciples had arrived at Capernaum after a long journey, and Jesus had gathered them together to teach them what it means to be first in the kingdom of God. Following this lesson, Jesus continues to address concerns raised by the disciples and emphasizes the importance of faithfully following his teaching. He warned them thatthey would experience hardship and face difficult decisions. But the benefits of entering the kingdom of God far surpass any sacrifice we must make in this life.God does not cause suffering or create problems for us, but they happen. When confronted with life’s challenges, Jesus teaches us to always prioritize the choice that we believe God wants us to take even if it causes us to suffer in this life. We are not expected to literally maim or blind ourselves, but we are expected to be willing to sacrifice our personal comforts that stem from activities or systems that work against God. Consistently failing to follow Christ’s teachings dilutes our faith and muddles our identity as Christians. Instead, Christ urges us to show our true colors as his followers and let his light shine through us.

Keeping the Faith

Prayers of the People for Sunday, September 19, 2021

Honest, down-to-earth messages that help us find meaning for our daily lives!

hubhopper

Pastor Mike, Sermons, www.yuma1st.org

hubhopper