Traditional | 11 a.m. | 08.09.2026

[music] [music] Heat. >> Heat. Heat. >> Heat. Heat. [music] [music]

[music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Hallelujah. Heat.

Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat. heat, heat. heat, heat. [music] Oh, Oh, [music] [music] [music] heat, heat.

>> Praise to Oh, >> Praise to Oh, [music] father of father of God God God mighty [music] mighty [music] mighty [music] and and and He all He all He all [music] praise to [music] praise to [music] everyone and and I [music] promise promise I see [music] spord spord [music] [singing] [singing] all is we [music] adore all is we [music] adore all is we [music] adore you.

you. you. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Oh >> Oh >> Oh my go [music] [music] >> Praise him. We are [singing] amazed.

>> Praise him. We are [singing] amazed. >> Praise him. We are [singing] amazed. We have seen wonderful [music] things. We have seen wonderful [music] things. We have seen wonderful [music] things. The love of Jesus is to be a country. The love of Jesus is to be a country. The love of Jesus is to be a country. You can see his face. We [music] are you You can see his face. We [music] are you You can see his face. We [music] are you praise praise. [music] praise. [music] We praise his name. [singing] We are We praise his name. [singing] We are We praise his name. [singing] We are amazed. We praise. We have seen the amazed. We praise. We have seen the amazed. We praise. We have seen the mira. [music] mira. [music] mira. [music] The love of Jesus is the king that sets The love of Jesus is the king that sets The love of Jesus is the king that sets us free. We see his face. We are us free. We see his face. We are us free. We see his face. We are [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] to give praise. >> of [music] Jesus is living in me. >> of [music] Jesus is living in me. Let's live together with this [music] Let's live together with this [music] Let's live together with this [music] today. [music] [music] praise to the king. We are amazed. Give praise to the king. We are amazed. Give praise to the king. We are amazed. Give praise. We have remarkable things. The praise. We have remarkable things. The praise. We have remarkable things. The love [music] of Jesus is the king that love [music] of Jesus is the king that love [music] of Jesus is the king that sets us free. We see his face. [music] sets us free. We see his face. [music] sets us free. We see his face. [music] We are We are We are praise.

praise. praise. You praise your praise. We are You praise your praise. We are You praise your praise. We are praise. We have seen our face. The love praise. We have seen our face. The love praise. We have seen our face. The love of Jesus is the king that sets us free. of Jesus is the king that sets us free. of Jesus is the king that sets us free. We see his face. We are We see his face. We are We see his face. We are praise. praise. praise. We are We are We are praise. Give [music] praise to We are praise. Give [music] praise to We are praise. Give [music] praise to We are [singing] [singing] [singing] praise. We have seen [music] things. The praise. We have seen [music] things. The praise. We have seen [music] things. The [singing] love of Jesus is the key that [singing] love of Jesus is the key that [singing] love of Jesus is the key that sets us free. [music] We see his face. sets us free. [music] We see his face. sets us free. [music] We see his face. We are to give praise. We need [music] We are to give praise. We need [music] We are to give praise. We need [music] space. We are praise. Won't you give space. We are praise. Won't you give space. We are praise. Won't you give praise? praise? praise? We need [music] We need [music] We need [music] our our our praise. praise. praise. Praise Praise Praise [applause] just wonderful. I want to invite you to just wonderful. I want to invite you to stand as you are able as we join in our stand as you are able as we join in our stand as you are able as we join in our affirmation of faith saying together the affirmation of faith saying together the affirmation of faith saying together the common creed uh 881 in our himynel the common creed uh 881 in our himynel the common creed uh 881 in our himynel the apostles creed begins like this. I apostles creed begins like this. I apostles creed begins like this. I believe in God the Father Almighty, believe in God the Father Almighty, believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord, who was Christ, his only son, our Lord, who was Christ, his only son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontious the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontious the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontious Pilate, was crucified dead, and buried.

Pilate, was crucified dead, and buried. Pilate, was crucified dead, and buried. The third day he rose from the dead. He The third day he rose from the dead. He The third day he rose from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and siteth at the ascended into heaven, and siteth at the ascended into heaven, and siteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. right hand of God the Father Almighty. right hand of God the Father Almighty. From then he shall come to judge the From then he shall come to judge the From then he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the quick and the dead. I believe in the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness the communion of saints, the forgiveness the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, of sins, the resurrection of the body, of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. and the life everlasting. Amen. and the life everlasting. Amen. [music] Glory Glory to the Father [music] to the Father [music] to the Father [music] and to the Son and to the Holy and to the Son and to the Holy and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. Ghost. Ghost. As it [music] As it [music] As it [music] in the beginning in the beginning in the beginning is [music] is [music] is [music] shall be shall be shall be world [music] without end. Amen.

Please be seated. Please be seated. Well, good morning everyone. I'm so glad Well, good morning everyone. I'm so glad Well, good morning everyone. I'm so glad you're here and you're worshiping with you're here and you're worshiping with you're here and you're worshiping with us today. Welcome to those of you us today. Welcome to those of you us today. Welcome to those of you worshiping on live stream as well. We're worshiping on live stream as well. We're worshiping on live stream as well. We're so glad you're a part of our service and so glad you're a part of our service and so glad you're a part of our service and uh invite you to just um allow yourself uh invite you to just um allow yourself uh invite you to just um allow yourself to feel like you're here with us and and to feel like you're here with us and and to feel like you're here with us and and really be a part of the service today. really be a part of the service today. really be a part of the service today. Um, I do want to say that if you are Um, I do want to say that if you are Um, I do want to say that if you are here in the uh sanctuary after the here in the uh sanctuary after the here in the uh sanctuary after the service, I really would love it if you service, I really would love it if you service, I really would love it if you came out to the gathering room. We have came out to the gathering room. We have came out to the gathering room. We have some refreshments out there, coffee and some refreshments out there, coffee and some refreshments out there, coffee and lemonade and um uh little little uh lemonade and um uh little little uh lemonade and um uh little little uh little pretzel things covered with little pretzel things covered with little pretzel things covered with chocolate, white chocolate. They're chocolate, white chocolate. They're chocolate, white chocolate. They're really good. So, and you just kind of really good. So, and you just kind of really good. So, and you just kind of pop them in one at a time. Anyway, uh pop them in one at a time. Anyway, uh pop them in one at a time. Anyway, uh it's a you'll you'll enjoy being out it's a you'll you'll enjoy being out it's a you'll you'll enjoy being out there and and have that opportunity to there and and have that opportunity to there and and have that opportunity to connect. If I haven't had the chance to connect. If I haven't had the chance to connect. If I haven't had the chance to meet you, I would love to do that. Maybe meet you, I would love to do that. Maybe meet you, I would love to do that. Maybe there's something I can tell you about there's something I can tell you about there's something I can tell you about St. Luke's Church or uh answer a St. Luke's Church or uh answer a St. Luke's Church or uh answer a question or maybe there's something I question or maybe there's something I question or maybe there's something I could be praying about in your life. Um could be praying about in your life. Um could be praying about in your life. Um I would would love to just make that uh I would would love to just make that uh I would would love to just make that uh that introduction. If you would uh that introduction. If you would uh that introduction. If you would uh register your attendance, if you're here register your attendance, if you're here register your attendance, if you're here in the sanctuary, well, for everybody in the sanctuary, well, for everybody in the sanctuary, well, for everybody can use St. Luke's app. That's the best can use St. Luke's app. That's the best can use St. Luke's app. That's the best way to do that. And then after uh if you way to do that. And then after uh if you way to do that. And then after uh if you are here in the sanctuary, there's a are here in the sanctuary, there's a are here in the sanctuary, there's a card in your pew pocket that says card in your pew pocket that says card in your pew pocket that says welcome and you can put your contact welcome and you can put your contact welcome and you can put your contact information on that and drop it in the information on that and drop it in the information on that and drop it in the offering plate later in the service. Um offering plate later in the service. Um offering plate later in the service. Um if you are uh online there is on our if you are uh online there is on our if you are uh online there is on our website platform there is a little tab website platform there is a little tab website platform there is a little tab that says check in and that helps us a that says check in and that helps us a that says check in and that helps us a lot if you'll do that. Uh a whole lot of

lot if you'll do that. Uh a whole lot of lot if you'll do that. Uh a whole lot of things I want to uh lift up uh to you things I want to uh lift up uh to you things I want to uh lift up uh to you today. First, you you notice the organ today. First, you you notice the organ today. First, you you notice the organ console has returned, and this is not console has returned, and this is not console has returned, and this is not its permanent place. Um, he's not going its permanent place. Um, he's not going its permanent place. Um, he's not going to be playing from down here, but uh the to be playing from down here, but uh the to be playing from down here, but uh the the they're ready to put it back the they're ready to put it back the they're ready to put it back together in the next couple of weeks. Uh together in the next couple of weeks. Uh together in the next couple of weeks. Uh we'll be we'll be putting it back we'll be we'll be putting it back we'll be we'll be putting it back together and just pray that all goes together and just pray that all goes together and just pray that all goes well and it all works fine because it's well and it all works fine because it's well and it all works fine because it's it's going to be so exciting to have our it's going to be so exciting to have our it's going to be so exciting to have our our organ back with us again. Um and uh our organ back with us again. Um and uh our organ back with us again. Um and uh we'll get to hear Jim do his magic on we'll get to hear Jim do his magic on we'll get to hear Jim do his magic on it. um every Sunday. Um next week is a it. um every Sunday. Um next week is a it. um every Sunday. Um next week is a big Sunday. It is our uh uh kickoff big Sunday. It is our uh uh kickoff big Sunday. It is our uh uh kickoff Sunday. Um our our uh children will be Sunday. Um our our uh children will be Sunday. Um our our uh children will be going to their new Sunday school going to their new Sunday school going to their new Sunday school classes. Um, which which reminds me to classes. Um, which which reminds me to classes. Um, which which reminds me to [clears throat] tell you that if you [clears throat] tell you that if you [clears throat] tell you that if you have children or grandchildren who are have children or grandchildren who are have children or grandchildren who are participating in our programming, if you participating in our programming, if you participating in our programming, if you would make sure to fill out the student would make sure to fill out the student would make sure to fill out the student participation form or children's participation form or children's participation form or children's participation form, there's something in participation form, there's something in participation form, there's something in the bulletin about that that because the bulletin about that that because the bulletin about that that because they use that to assign those kids to they use that to assign those kids to they use that to assign those kids to classes and make sure we have enough classes and make sure we have enough classes and make sure we have enough teachers and and it just makes the teachers and and it just makes the teachers and and it just makes the mayhem of next Sunday go so much better.

mayhem of next Sunday go so much better. mayhem of next Sunday go so much better. So, please uh take time to do that. Um, So, please uh take time to do that. Um, So, please uh take time to do that. Um, that makes a big difference. But uh next that makes a big difference. But uh next that makes a big difference. But uh next Sunday we have uh Kona Ice and uh coffee Sunday we have uh Kona Ice and uh coffee Sunday we have uh Kona Ice and uh coffee on the lawn with music and it's there's on the lawn with music and it's there's on the lawn with music and it's there's a photo booth and it's just a fun time a photo booth and it's just a fun time a photo booth and it's just a fun time as we begin the fall season um with as we begin the fall season um with as we begin the fall season um with kickoff Sunday. Uh we have uh a little kickoff Sunday. Uh we have uh a little kickoff Sunday. Uh we have uh a little backpack tags that the kids can take and backpack tags that the kids can take and backpack tags that the kids can take and put on their backpacks to remind them put on their backpacks to remind them put on their backpacks to remind them that they're loved as they head off to that they're loved as they head off to that they're loved as they head off to school. Um uh we have a new sermon school. Um uh we have a new sermon school. Um uh we have a new sermon series that's beginning on called faith series that's beginning on called faith series that's beginning on called faith supplements. What are the things you supplements. What are the things you supplements. What are the things you need to put into your life to make it need to put into your life to make it need to put into your life to make it whole and fulfilling and joyous? Um and whole and fulfilling and joyous? Um and whole and fulfilling and joyous? Um and we're going to talk next week we're going to talk next week we're going to talk next week specifically about fun. How to have some specifically about fun. How to have some specifically about fun. How to have some fun in your life. And so uh just pretend fun in your life. And so uh just pretend fun in your life. And so uh just pretend that I've asked you what do you do for that I've asked you what do you do for that I've asked you what do you do for fun? And I wonder if you can come up fun? And I wonder if you can come up fun? And I wonder if you can come up with a good answer. Um, so anyway, next with a good answer. Um, so anyway, next with a good answer. Um, so anyway, next week is going to be a wonderful Sunday. week is going to be a wonderful Sunday. week is going to be a wonderful Sunday. Um, let me just remind you that we do Um, let me just remind you that we do Um, let me just remind you that we do have our Christian community service have our Christian community service have our Christian community service center back to school drive. We center back to school drive. We center back to school drive. We participate in that every fall. Uh, for participate in that every fall. Uh, for participate in that every fall. Uh, for $75, you can provide a backpack full of $75, you can provide a backpack full of $75, you can provide a backpack full of school supplies, uniforms, all the school supplies, uniforms, all the school supplies, uniforms, all the things that kids need so that as they things that kids need so that as they things that kids need so that as they head into a new school year, they feel head into a new school year, they feel head into a new school year, they feel prepared. And if you can remember what prepared. And if you can remember what prepared. And if you can remember what it was like to have all your new school it was like to have all your new school it was like to have all your new school supplies and be, you know, your new supplies and be, you know, your new supplies and be, you know, your new school clothes and ready to go, uh, how school clothes and ready to go, uh, how school clothes and ready to go, uh, how much difference that makes as you head much difference that makes as you head much difference that makes as you head off into the year. So, I I want to off into the year. So, I I want to off into the year. So, I I want to encourage you if you feel called to to

encourage you if you feel called to to encourage you if you feel called to to help support that. Um, as as well, we help support that. Um, as as well, we help support that. Um, as as well, we have new choirs. Our choirs are not new have new choirs. Our choirs are not new have new choirs. Our choirs are not new choirs. We have our choirs beginning choirs. We have our choirs beginning choirs. We have our choirs beginning again. It's a great time to step in. again. It's a great time to step in. again. It's a great time to step in. It's one of our our our most um if It's one of our our our most um if It's one of our our our most um if you're looking for community, one of the you're looking for community, one of the you're looking for community, one of the best ways to do that is to join our best ways to do that is to join our best ways to do that is to join our choir. Um and the joy of being able to choir. Um and the joy of being able to choir. Um and the joy of being able to make music together, but also build make music together, but also build make music together, but also build these relationships. Just want you to these relationships. Just want you to these relationships. Just want you to think about it. If you've been thinking, think about it. If you've been thinking, think about it. If you've been thinking, I wonder if I should join the choir. Um I wonder if I should join the choir. Um I wonder if I should join the choir. Um look at the bulletin information and look at the bulletin information and look at the bulletin information and you'll find some important things uh uh you'll find some important things uh uh you'll find some important things uh uh that are going on there. Um, and and that are going on there. Um, and and that are going on there. Um, and and finally, I just want to say we have uh finally, I just want to say we have uh finally, I just want to say we have uh new artists in the um Rotunda Gallery. new artists in the um Rotunda Gallery. new artists in the um Rotunda Gallery. Nick and Katie Gonzalez will be there Nick and Katie Gonzalez will be there Nick and Katie Gonzalez will be there and uh or they'll be there after the and uh or they'll be there after the and uh or they'll be there after the service. They have some amazing things. service. They have some amazing things. service. They have some amazing things. There's some uh incredible woodwork that There's some uh incredible woodwork that There's some uh incredible woodwork that Nick's done, some photography he's done, Nick's done, some photography he's done, Nick's done, some photography he's done, these these collage things that are just these these collage things that are just these these collage things that are just incredible that Katie has has done. I I incredible that Katie has has done. I I incredible that Katie has has done. I I don't know if you're here. I see you're don't know if you're here. I see you're don't know if you're here. I see you're in the same place you were before. Stand in the same place you were before. Stand in the same place you were before. Stand up this time. You just waved last time.

up this time. You just waved last time. up this time. You just waved last time. Uh we're glad to have you with us. Uh we're glad to have you with us. Uh we're glad to have you with us. [applause] Nick and Katie, Nick and Katie have been Nick and Katie, Nick and Katie have been a a part of our church forever. Uh and a a part of our church forever. Uh and a a part of our church forever. Uh and so we're we're so honored to have them so we're we're so honored to have them so we're we're so honored to have them in in the uh in the gallery. Okay. Uh in in the uh in the gallery. Okay. Uh in in the uh in the gallery. Okay. Uh today we are continuing our series of today we are continuing our series of today we are continuing our series of sermons called Push Pause. How do you sermons called Push Pause. How do you sermons called Push Pause. How do you just just stop long enough? Uh and today just just stop long enough? Uh and today just just stop long enough? Uh and today we're talking about stopping long enough we're talking about stopping long enough we're talking about stopping long enough to decide what really matters, to decide to decide what really matters, to decide to decide what really matters, to decide what counts. So listen uh for first to what counts. So listen uh for first to what counts. So listen uh for first to this anthem and then our scripture will this anthem and then our scripture will this anthem and then our scripture will be read this morning.

Peace Peace to to to you. [music] is [singing] is [singing] [music] deep deep [music] of a [singing] gentle light [music] to of a [singing] gentle light [music] to you. you. you. who s [singing] who s [singing] who s [singing] for the healing light [music] for the healing light [music] for the healing light [music] on you. on you. on you. Deep peace [music] [singing] to you. [singing] to you. Deep [music] peace, Deep [music] peace, Deep [music] peace, deep [singing] >> [music] >> [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] >> of the morning >> of the morning >> of the morning [music] [music] [music] to you.

to you. to you. Deep Deep Deep on the earth [music] to you. on the earth [music] to you. on the earth [music] to you. Peace. [singing] Peace. [singing] Peace. [singing] [music] Deep Deep [singing and music] [singing and music] [singing and music] shining star [music and singing] [music and singing] to you. for the living [music] for the living [music] on you. on you. on you. Deep [music] Deep [music] Deep [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] gentle gentle gentle to you. to you. to you. [music] [music] [music] Deep peace Deep peace Deep peace of Christ of Christ of Christ to to to [music] Peace. Peace. [music] Deep. [music] Deep. [music] [singing] >> Our scripture reading for today comes

>> Our scripture reading for today comes from the Gospel of Luke first from from the Gospel of Luke first from from the Gospel of Luke first from chapter 12. chapter 12. chapter 12. Sell your possessions and give alms. Sell your possessions and give alms. Sell your possessions and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not Make purses for yourselves that do not Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in wear out, an unfailing treasure in wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no heaven, where no thief comes near and no heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. moth destroys. moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your For where your treasure is, there your For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. heart will be also. heart will be also. And from Luke chapter 10, now as they And from Luke chapter 10, now as they And from Luke chapter 10, now as they went on their way, he entered a certain went on their way, he entered a certain went on their way, he entered a certain village where a woman named Martha village where a woman named Martha village where a woman named Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named welcomed him. She had a sister named welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary who sat at Jesus' feet and listened Mary who sat at Jesus' feet and listened Mary who sat at Jesus' feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was to what he was saying. But Martha was to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks. So she distracted by her many tasks. So she distracted by her many tasks. So she came to him and asked, "Lord, do you not came to him and asked, "Lord, do you not came to him and asked, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do care that my sister has left me to do care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to all the work by myself? Tell her then to all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, help me." But the Lord answered her, help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, "Martha, "Martha, Martha, Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many you are worried and distracted by many you are worried and distracted by many things, but few things are needed.

things, but few things are needed. things, but few things are needed. Indeed, only one. Indeed, only one. Indeed, only one. Mary has chosen the better part which Mary has chosen the better part which Mary has chosen the better part which will not be taken away from her." will not be taken away from her." will not be taken away from her." The word of God for the people of God. The word of God for the people of God. The word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. A place [singing] A place [singing] where sin can where sin can where sin can more more more [singing] to the [music] heart of God. [singing] to the [music] heart of God. [singing] to the [music] heart of God. Oh [singing] Jesus Oh [singing] Jesus Oh [singing] Jesus bless [music] [music] [music] the heart of God. [music] the heart of God. [music] the heart of God. [music] Hold us to wait before [music] Hold us to wait before [music] Hold us to wait before [music] thee [singing] Oh gracious and loving God, we choose to Oh gracious and loving God, we choose to be grateful this morning.

be grateful this morning. be grateful this morning. We come before you aware that so many of We come before you aware that so many of We come before you aware that so many of your gifts surround us before we even your gifts surround us before we even your gifts surround us before we even notice them. We are like fish who don't notice them. We are like fish who don't notice them. We are like fish who don't know how to be thankful for water. know how to be thankful for water. know how to be thankful for water. Thank you for the breath in our lungs, Thank you for the breath in our lungs, Thank you for the breath in our lungs, for water to drink, food to eat, shelter for water to drink, food to eat, shelter for water to drink, food to eat, shelter over us, over us, over us, the comfort of familiar voices, the comfort of familiar voices, the comfort of familiar voices, the gift of work and rest, the gift of work and rest, the gift of work and rest, and the quiet mercies that carry us from and the quiet mercies that carry us from and the quiet mercies that carry us from one day to the next. one day to the next. one day to the next. Forgive us when we rush past these Forgive us when we rush past these Forgive us when we rush past these blessings as if they are ordinary. When blessings as if they are ordinary. When blessings as if they are ordinary. When in truth, every good thing comes from in truth, every good thing comes from in truth, every good thing comes from you. you. you. God, you taught us to seek first your God, you taught us to seek first your God, you taught us to seek first your kingdom and your righteousness and all kingdom and your righteousness and all kingdom and your righteousness and all other things would be added to us. other things would be added to us. other things would be added to us. We confess that we do not always know We confess that we do not always know We confess that we do not always know what that looks like in the choices what that looks like in the choices what that looks like in the choices before us. before us. before us. We are often pulled by fear, busyiness, We are often pulled by fear, busyiness, We are often pulled by fear, busyiness, comfort, comfort, comfort, pride, and the noise of the world.

pride, and the noise of the world. pride, and the noise of the world. Teach us to listen to your voice. Teach us to listen to your voice. Teach us to listen to your voice. Give us wisdom to recognize your way, Give us wisdom to recognize your way, Give us wisdom to recognize your way, the courage to follow it, and the the courage to follow it, and the the courage to follow it, and the humility to admit when we need to be humility to admit when we need to be humility to admit when we need to be redirected. redirected. redirected. Let your kingdom shape our priorities, Let your kingdom shape our priorities, Let your kingdom shape our priorities, our conversations, our generosity, our conversations, our generosity, our conversations, our generosity, and our love for our neighbors. and our love for our neighbors. and our love for our neighbors. God, we pray today for all who are God, we pray today for all who are God, we pray today for all who are hurting, for the grieving, the lonely, hurting, for the grieving, the lonely, hurting, for the grieving, the lonely, the sick, the anxious, the sick, the anxious, the sick, the anxious, the displaced, the displaced, the displaced, and those carrying burdens no one else and those carrying burdens no one else and those carrying burdens no one else can see. can see. can see. Meet them with your mercy and surround Meet them with your mercy and surround Meet them with your mercy and surround them with your care. them with your care. them with your care. We pray for our world, for peace where We pray for our world, for peace where We pray for our world, for peace where there is violence, for justice where there is violence, for justice where there is violence, for justice where there is oppression, there is oppression, there is oppression, for compassion where there is division, for compassion where there is division, for compassion where there is division, and for hope where despair has taken and for hope where despair has taken and for hope where despair has taken root.

root. root. Make us instruments of your grace. Make us instruments of your grace. Make us instruments of your grace. God, we ask all these things, not in our God, we ask all these things, not in our God, we ask all these things, not in our own name, but in the name and character own name, but in the name and character own name, but in the name and character of your son Jesus, who intercedes for us of your son Jesus, who intercedes for us of your son Jesus, who intercedes for us with you, and who taught us to pray with you, and who taught us to pray with you, and who taught us to pray together, saying, Our Father, who art in together, saying, Our Father, who art in together, saying, Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth kingdom come, thy will be done on earth kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our as it is in heaven. Give us this day our as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. >> As we forgive those who trespass against >> As we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but us, and lead us not into temptation, but us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the deliver us from evil. For thine is the deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory kingdom, and the power, and the glory kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen. forever. Amen. forever. Amen. Our hymn of preparation is on page 354. Our hymn of preparation is on page 354. Our hymn of preparation is on page 354. In your himnel, I surrender all. and In your himnel, I surrender all. and In your himnel, I surrender all. and we'll sing the first and last verses. we'll sing the first and last verses. we'll sing the first and last verses. But let me say, a good singer is an But let me say, a good singer is an But let me say, a good singer is an informed singer. And if you would like informed singer. And if you would like informed singer. And if you would like to know where Prehistoric Man and our to know where Prehistoric Man and our to know where Prehistoric Man and our first hymn this morning intersect, check first hymn this morning intersect, check first hymn this morning intersect, check out the QR code on the back of your out the QR code on the back of your out the QR code on the back of your bulletin, and you will be a better bulletin, and you will be a better bulletin, and you will be a better singer for it. We're going to stand and singer for it. We're going to stand and singer for it. We're going to stand and sing the first and fifth verses. Would sing the first and fifth verses. Would sing the first and fifth verses. Would you stand, please, and sing with me?

All to him I All to him I give. [music] give. [music] give. [music] I will ever love and trust in I will ever love and trust in I will ever love and trust in his presence. his presence. his presence. [music] I surrender all. I surrender all. [music] [music] [music] All to me, my blessed Savior. [music] All to me, my blessed Savior. [music] All to me, my blessed Savior. [music] I surrender all. Oh to [music] Jesus [singing] Oh to [music] Jesus [singing] I surrender I surrender I surrender now I feel the s [music] jo [singing] of all salvation. jo [singing] of all salvation. Glory [music] Glory [music] Glory [music] glory to his name. glory to his name. glory to his name. I [music] I [music] I [music] surrender all. surrender all. surrender all. I surrender [music] all to thee. My blessed Savior.

to thee. My blessed Savior. I surrender I surrender I surrender all. [music] You may be seated. You may be seated. Our [clears throat] ushers are going to Our [clears throat] ushers are going to Our [clears throat] ushers are going to come forward as we present to God our uh come forward as we present to God our uh come forward as we present to God our uh morning offering. Uh this is one of the morning offering. Uh this is one of the morning offering. Uh this is one of the ways you can support the ministries of ways you can support the ministries of ways you can support the ministries of St. Luke's financially. Uh but it's St. Luke's financially. Uh but it's St. Luke's financially. Uh but it's really more than that. This is uh our really more than that. This is uh our really more than that. This is uh our offeratory is a way to remember that offeratory is a way to remember that offeratory is a way to remember that worship is what we offer God, not what worship is what we offer God, not what worship is what we offer God, not what we receive. So as we worship, we are we receive. So as we worship, we are we receive. So as we worship, we are offering ourselves, we are offering our offering ourselves, we are offering our offering ourselves, we are offering our whole lives to God. So as we uh have our whole lives to God. So as we uh have our whole lives to God. So as we uh have our offeratory today, I really hope you will offeratory today, I really hope you will offeratory today, I really hope you will think about all the ways you can make an think about all the ways you can make an think about all the ways you can make an offering to God. Offer your praise, your offering to God. Offer your praise, your offering to God. Offer your praise, your gratitude, offer your uh your hard work, gratitude, offer your uh your hard work, gratitude, offer your uh your hard work, offer your energy, your your time. Um offer your energy, your your time. Um offer your energy, your your time. Um all all of those things are intended to all all of those things are intended to all all of those things are intended to be a part of worship, how we offer be a part of worship, how we offer be a part of worship, how we offer ourselves to God. Our offeratory today ourselves to God. Our offeratory today ourselves to God. Our offeratory today is called a doxology for a new day. The is called a doxology for a new day. The is called a doxology for a new day. The word doxology we always at the end of word doxology we always at the end of word doxology we always at the end of this at the offeratory we'll sing what this at the offeratory we'll sing what this at the offeratory we'll sing what people think of as the doxology. Uh people think of as the doxology. Uh people think of as the doxology. Uh there are many doxologies the word the there are many doxologies the word the there are many doxologies the word the word doxologist doco meaning praise and word doxologist doco meaning praise and word doxologist doco meaning praise and uh uh uh logi or logi the meaning from the word a logi or logi the meaning from the word a logi or logi the meaning from the word a word. So a doxology is just a word of word. So a doxology is just a word of word. So a doxology is just a word of praise and uh this is this one is a a praise and uh this is this one is a a praise and uh this is this one is a a word of praise for a new day. Let's

word of praise for a new day. Let's word of praise for a new day. Let's continue in worship. You [music] are God.

You [music] are God. We [singing] are your children. For [music] For [music] by love, by love, by love, we [singing] we [singing] we [singing] are your home. [music] You are God. [music] You are God. We [singing and music] are your We [singing and music] are your We [singing and music] are your children. Holy [singing and music] one, Holy [singing and music] one, your heart are he below. he below. Praise God above [music and singing] the Praise God above [music and singing] the Praise God above [music and singing] the heavenly host. heavenly host. heavenly host. Creator Christ and Holy Ghost. Creator Christ and Holy Ghost. Creator Christ and Holy Ghost. [music] [music] [music] Amen. [singing] Amen.

[singing] Amen. [music] Amen. [music] [music] >> Praise God. [singing] Oh, [music] [singing] Oh, [music] praise God. All creatures [singing] praise God. All creatures [singing] praise God. All creatures [singing] here. here. here. [music] Praise God above the [singing and music] Praise God above the [singing and music] heavenly heavenly heavenly host. host. host. Cator [music and singing] Cator [music and singing] Cator [music and singing] Christ Christ Christ and Holy and Holy and Holy Ghost.

Ghost. Ghost. [music] [music] [music] Oh, hallelujah. [singing] hallelujah. [singing] [music] You are God. [music] You are God. [music] We [singing] We [singing] We [singing] are your children. [music] holy one, [music] holy one, [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] holy one. holy one. holy one. [music] Your heart Amen. Amen. [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] [music] [music] Amen. [music]

[music] >> Praise God. >> Praise God. >> Praise God. Blessings. [music and singing] Praise. Praise. [music] Let us pray. Let us pray. God, I know that you have something for God, I know that you have something for God, I know that you have something for each of us this morning. And so I pray each of us this morning. And so I pray each of us this morning. And so I pray that your spirit would soften our hearts that your spirit would soften our hearts that your spirit would soften our hearts to receive it and then would give us to receive it and then would give us to receive it and then would give us courage to live it. Amen.

courage to live it. Amen. courage to live it. Amen. If your house was on fire, what would If your house was on fire, what would If your house was on fire, what would you take out of it? you take out of it? you take out of it? That question kind of has a way of That question kind of has a way of That question kind of has a way of distilling and clarifying what it is distilling and clarifying what it is distilling and clarifying what it is that we think is important. that we think is important. that we think is important. I would wager that none of you would say I would wager that none of you would say I would wager that none of you would say the fancy kitchen countertop appliance the fancy kitchen countertop appliance the fancy kitchen countertop appliance that you hemmed and hawed about buying that you hemmed and hawed about buying that you hemmed and hawed about buying or the clothes in your closet or the clothes in your closet or the clothes in your closet or even the artwork on your walls. or even the artwork on your walls. or even the artwork on your walls. Most people say certainly uh kids and Most people say certainly uh kids and Most people say certainly uh kids and pets if they're not out already, photo pets if they're not out already, photo pets if they're not out already, photo albums, things that are irreplaceable. albums, things that are irreplaceable. albums, things that are irreplaceable. There's something about an emergency There's something about an emergency There's something about an emergency that helps us to really see what it is that helps us to really see what it is that helps us to really see what it is that we know deep down in our bones that we know deep down in our bones that we know deep down in our bones anyway is the most important. It brings anyway is the most important. It brings anyway is the most important. It brings it up for us. But fortunately for us, it up for us. But fortunately for us, it up for us. But fortunately for us, most of us don't live in that emergency most of us don't live in that emergency most of us don't live in that emergency state. We live in a series of ordinary state. We live in a series of ordinary state. We live in a series of ordinary unremarkable Tuesdays.

unremarkable Tuesdays. unremarkable Tuesdays. Fortunately for us, we aren't making Fortunately for us, we aren't making Fortunately for us, we aren't making those decisions um in a burning house, those decisions um in a burning house, those decisions um in a burning house, but we are making decisions about things but we are making decisions about things but we are making decisions about things that are important to us with the hours that are important to us with the hours that are important to us with the hours that we hand over every single one of that we hand over every single one of that we hand over every single one of those ordinary Tuesdays. those ordinary Tuesdays. those ordinary Tuesdays. The ways that we choose to spend our The ways that we choose to spend our The ways that we choose to spend our time, what we choose to focus on. time, what we choose to focus on. time, what we choose to focus on. Last week, Tom talked about how the Last week, Tom talked about how the Last week, Tom talked about how the practice of Sabbath demonstrates that we practice of Sabbath demonstrates that we practice of Sabbath demonstrates that we have freedom to stop and freedom to have freedom to stop and freedom to have freedom to stop and freedom to choose. And so this week, I want us to choose. And so this week, I want us to choose. And so this week, I want us to talk about that. This idea that when we talk about that. This idea that when we talk about that. This idea that when we stop and pause, we can reorder our stop and pause, we can reorder our stop and pause, we can reorder our lives. That we might use that freedom to lives. That we might use that freedom to lives. That we might use that freedom to choose what our priorities are. choose what our priorities are. choose what our priorities are. That word priorities right there is That word priorities right there is That word priorities right there is actually kind of a tricky one. For about actually kind of a tricky one. For about actually kind of a tricky one. For about 500 years in the English language, we 500 years in the English language, we 500 years in the English language, we have used the word priority. have used the word priority. have used the word priority. One, first in rank, first in order. It One, first in rank, first in order. It One, first in rank, first in order. It wasn't until the 1940s that we wasn't until the 1940s that we wasn't until the 1940s that we pluralized the word priorities, pluralized the word priorities, pluralized the word priorities, which is um completely butchering it which is um completely butchering it which is um completely butchering it because it is a word that means one because it is a word that means one because it is a word that means one only, first. And all of the sudden we only, first. And all of the sudden we only, first. And all of the sudden we have many firsts, many ones, many have many firsts, many ones, many have many firsts, many ones, many onlyies. It is no wonder that we feel onlyies. It is no wonder that we feel onlyies. It is no wonder that we feel worn out and worn thin because we are worn out and worn thin because we are worn out and worn thin because we are trying to keep up with a whole bunch of trying to keep up with a whole bunch of trying to keep up with a whole bunch of things when we really can only keep up

things when we really can only keep up things when we really can only keep up with one thing and then let everything with one thing and then let everything with one thing and then let everything else flow from that. So when we talk else flow from that. So when we talk else flow from that. So when we talk about priorities or our priority, what about priorities or our priority, what about priorities or our priority, what we're really asking is what is it that I we're really asking is what is it that I we're really asking is what is it that I value the most? When two things are in value the most? When two things are in value the most? When two things are in conflict, two good things in conflict, conflict, two good things in conflict, conflict, two good things in conflict, which one takes precedence? What is the which one takes precedence? What is the which one takes precedence? What is the thing around which I want to center my thing around which I want to center my thing around which I want to center my life so that everything else takes its life so that everything else takes its life so that everything else takes its proper and proportional place? proper and proportional place? proper and proportional place? Jesus gives us a way to find out what we Jesus gives us a way to find out what we Jesus gives us a way to find out what we really prioritize in the scripture that really prioritize in the scripture that really prioritize in the scripture that you heard read first. this morning. He you heard read first. this morning. He you heard read first. this morning. He says, "Where your treasure is, that is says, "Where your treasure is, that is says, "Where your treasure is, that is where your heart will be. That is what where your heart will be. That is what where your heart will be. That is what you will end up prioritizing. That is you will end up prioritizing. That is you will end up prioritizing. That is what you will bend your life toward." what you will bend your life toward." what you will bend your life toward." And treasure is not just financial. It's And treasure is not just financial. It's And treasure is not just financial. It's not just about money. It's about time not just about money. It's about time not just about money. It's about time and attention and all of the resources, and attention and all of the resources, and attention and all of the resources, the currencies that we spend all day the currencies that we spend all day the currencies that we spend all day long without even giving it a second long without even giving it a second long without even giving it a second thought.

thought. thought. Because a priority, our treasure is like Because a priority, our treasure is like Because a priority, our treasure is like a GPS. It points us to a destination and a GPS. It points us to a destination and a GPS. It points us to a destination and then our entire life bends toward that then our entire life bends toward that then our entire life bends toward that destination. It routes itself there. destination. It routes itself there. destination. It routes itself there. So you know what your priority, you know So you know what your priority, you know So you know what your priority, you know where your heart is when you know what where your heart is when you know what where your heart is when you know what you have set as your priority, what you have set as your priority, what you have set as your priority, what you've set as your treasure. How do you you've set as your treasure. How do you you've set as your treasure. How do you know that? The old adage, you know, know that? The old adage, you know, know that? The old adage, you know, about if you want to know what someone about if you want to know what someone about if you want to know what someone values, look at their calendar doesn't values, look at their calendar doesn't values, look at their calendar doesn't quite hold up the way that it used to quite hold up the way that it used to quite hold up the way that it used to because so much of our lives are lived because so much of our lives are lived because so much of our lives are lived in that unscheduled, uncalindered time in that unscheduled, uncalindered time in that unscheduled, uncalindered time that happens on our phones, right? We we that happens on our phones, right? We we that happens on our phones, right? We we think, "Oh, I'm just going to pull my think, "Oh, I'm just going to pull my think, "Oh, I'm just going to pull my phone out and check social media real phone out and check social media real phone out and check social media real quick." And then 30 minutes later, we quick." And then 30 minutes later, we quick." And then 30 minutes later, we find that we're still scrolling it. Or find that we're still scrolling it. Or find that we're still scrolling it. Or you think, "I'm just going to watch one you think, "I'm just going to watch one you think, "I'm just going to watch one replay of that game on the ESPN app." replay of that game on the ESPN app." replay of that game on the ESPN app." And next thing you know, you've watched And next thing you know, you've watched And next thing you know, you've watched all of Sports Center. Or you think, "I'm all of Sports Center. Or you think, "I'm all of Sports Center. Or you think, "I'm just going to check a few work emails just going to check a few work emails just going to check a few work emails while dinner is cooking." And then the while dinner is cooking." And then the while dinner is cooking." And then the rice is stuck to the pot and your kids rice is stuck to the pot and your kids rice is stuck to the pot and your kids are screaming because they're hungry and are screaming because they're hungry and are screaming because they're hungry and you haven't even finished your work you haven't even finished your work you haven't even finished your work emails.

emails. emails. I wonder what you would find about your I wonder what you would find about your I wonder what you would find about your treasure if you check the screen time treasure if you check the screen time treasure if you check the screen time report on your phone each week. report on your phone each week. report on your phone each week. When Jesus went to visit Mary and When Jesus went to visit Mary and When Jesus went to visit Mary and Martha, he told Martha um that Mary had Martha, he told Martha um that Mary had Martha, he told Martha um that Mary had chosen the better part because Martha chosen the better part because Martha chosen the better part because Martha was distracted by her many tasks. It was distracted by her many tasks. It was distracted by her many tasks. It doesn't say in the scripture that Martha doesn't say in the scripture that Martha doesn't say in the scripture that Martha was committing sins. It doesn't say that was committing sins. It doesn't say that was committing sins. It doesn't say that um hosting well is a sin, that serving um hosting well is a sin, that serving um hosting well is a sin, that serving well is a sin. What happened to Martha well is a sin. What happened to Martha well is a sin. What happened to Martha is that one good task added to another is that one good task added to another is that one good task added to another good task and another good task good task and another good task good task and another good task distracted her more and more from the distracted her more and more from the distracted her more and more from the purpose that she had. She had invited purpose that she had. She had invited purpose that she had. She had invited Jesus into her home and then she Jesus into her home and then she Jesus into her home and then she completely missed that he was there completely missed that he was there completely missed that he was there because all of her good tasks. because all of her good tasks. because all of her good tasks. In Proverbs 14 it says, "There is a path In Proverbs 14 it says, "There is a path In Proverbs 14 it says, "There is a path before each person that seems right, but before each person that seems right, but before each person that seems right, but it ends in death." There is a path it ends in death." There is a path it ends in death." There is a path before every single one of us that seems before every single one of us that seems before every single one of us that seems right, but it ends in death. Martha right, but it ends in death. Martha right, but it ends in death. Martha thought that she was on the right path.

thought that she was on the right path. thought that she was on the right path. She was doing precisely what a good host She was doing precisely what a good host She was doing precisely what a good host should do. Many of us do precisely what should do. Many of us do precisely what should do. Many of us do precisely what we believe a good employee should do. We we believe a good employee should do. We we believe a good employee should do. We do precisely what we believe a good do precisely what we believe a good do precisely what we believe a good mother should do, precisely what we mother should do, precisely what we mother should do, precisely what we believe a good um neighbor should do, believe a good um neighbor should do, believe a good um neighbor should do, precisely what a good business owner precisely what a good business owner precisely what a good business owner should do. That's what's so dangerous should do. That's what's so dangerous should do. That's what's so dangerous about misplaced priority is because it about misplaced priority is because it about misplaced priority is because it doesn't seem like sin. It seems like doesn't seem like sin. It seems like doesn't seem like sin. It seems like diligence. It seems like responsibility. diligence. It seems like responsibility. diligence. It seems like responsibility. It seems like what we should be doing. It seems like what we should be doing. It seems like what we should be doing. But many of us are just one busy season But many of us are just one busy season But many of us are just one busy season and one good task away from becoming and one good task away from becoming and one good task away from becoming like Martha. And it happens to us the like Martha. And it happens to us the like Martha. And it happens to us the way it happened to her as well. Bit by way it happened to her as well. Bit by way it happened to her as well. Bit by bit by bit. bit by bit. bit by bit. And so Jesus tells Martha, Mary has And so Jesus tells Martha, Mary has And so Jesus tells Martha, Mary has chosen the better part. Jesus doesn't chosen the better part. Jesus doesn't chosen the better part. Jesus doesn't say that there's no other good parts, say that there's no other good parts, say that there's no other good parts, but that Mary has chosen the better part but that Mary has chosen the better part but that Mary has chosen the better part and everything flows from that. Jesus is and everything flows from that. Jesus is and everything flows from that. Jesus is not one more thing on our list of not one more thing on our list of not one more thing on our list of priorities.

priorities. priorities. Jesus is the priority Jesus is the priority Jesus is the priority and that is our better part. Seek ye and that is our better part. Seek ye and that is our better part. Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his first the kingdom of God and his first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all of these things righteousness and all of these things righteousness and all of these things will be added to you. It doesn't say will be added to you. It doesn't say will be added to you. It doesn't say that you can't seek other things that that you can't seek other things that that you can't seek other things that there's not good stuff out there. says, there's not good stuff out there. says, there's not good stuff out there. says, "Seek first the kingdom and then "Seek first the kingdom and then "Seek first the kingdom and then everything else takes its right everything else takes its right everything else takes its right position, its proper position in position, its proper position in position, its proper position in relation to that." relation to that." relation to that." In the parable of the great banquet, In the parable of the great banquet, In the parable of the great banquet, Jesus tells a story of a man who invites Jesus tells a story of a man who invites Jesus tells a story of a man who invites people to his home for dinner and they people to his home for dinner and they people to his home for dinner and they accept his invitation and then one by accept his invitation and then one by accept his invitation and then one by one by one start begging off. I've just one by one start begging off. I've just one by one start begging off. I've just bought a field and I need to go look at bought a field and I need to go look at bought a field and I need to go look at it. I've just bought a herd of oxen and it. I've just bought a herd of oxen and it. I've just bought a herd of oxen and I need to go make sure that they are in I need to go make sure that they are in I need to go make sure that they are in good shape. I've just gotten married and good shape. I've just gotten married and good shape. I've just gotten married and so I can't come to dinner. so I can't come to dinner. so I can't come to dinner. taken by themselves. These are things taken by themselves. These are things taken by themselves. These are things that we would say make for a that we would say make for a that we would say make for a well-ordered, well-ordered, well-ordered, respectable life. That somebody has respectable life. That somebody has respectable life. That somebody has possessions that they want to ensure are possessions that they want to ensure are possessions that they want to ensure are in good shape. That they have a vocation in good shape. That they have a vocation in good shape. That they have a vocation oxen and they are being responsible by oxen and they are being responsible by oxen and they are being responsible by checking on them by on their vocation checking on them by on their vocation checking on them by on their vocation that uh they got married. that they are that uh they got married. that they are that uh they got married. that they are prioritizing relational health and their prioritizing relational health and their prioritizing relational health and their relationship.

relationship. relationship. Possessions and vocation and Possessions and vocation and Possessions and vocation and relationships in and of themselves are relationships in and of themselves are relationships in and of themselves are not bad thing. But this parable is about not bad thing. But this parable is about not bad thing. But this parable is about what has become an ultimate thing. This what has become an ultimate thing. This what has become an ultimate thing. This is this is not about time management is this is not about time management is this is not about time management about squeezing Jesus in on the margins about squeezing Jesus in on the margins about squeezing Jesus in on the margins and seeing if you have the ability to do and seeing if you have the ability to do and seeing if you have the ability to do that. This is a parable about that. This is a parable about that. This is a parable about disciplehip about whether or not you disciplehip about whether or not you disciplehip about whether or not you have decided that following Jesus is the have decided that following Jesus is the have decided that following Jesus is the first and the most important thing and first and the most important thing and first and the most important thing and then whether everything else can flow then whether everything else can flow then whether everything else can flow from that. from that. from that. I think vocation our work is one that I think vocation our work is one that I think vocation our work is one that many of us struggle with. I know that I many of us struggle with. I know that I many of us struggle with. I know that I am responsible for misordering work and am responsible for misordering work and am responsible for misordering work and I believe a lot of us have that issue. I believe a lot of us have that issue. I believe a lot of us have that issue. We don't know when to stop. Proverbs We don't know when to stop. Proverbs We don't know when to stop. Proverbs 23:4 says, and this is the CEB version, 23:4 says, and this is the CEB version, 23:4 says, and this is the CEB version, the common English version. Uh, and it the common English version. Uh, and it the common English version. Uh, and it says that do not work just to get rich. says that do not work just to get rich. says that do not work just to get rich. Be smart enough to know when to stop. Be Be smart enough to know when to stop. Be Be smart enough to know when to stop. Be smart enough to know when to stop. When smart enough to know when to stop. When smart enough to know when to stop. When we are working hard, look, working hard we are working hard, look, working hard we are working hard, look, working hard is good. In Colossians 3, it says, "Work is good. In Colossians 3, it says, "Work is good. In Colossians 3, it says, "Work with all of your might." But it also with all of your might." But it also with all of your might." But it also says, "As unto the Lord, not for human says, "As unto the Lord, not for human says, "As unto the Lord, not for human masters."

masters." masters." So when when we are working and we So when when we are working and we So when when we are working and we cannot stop, it is often because we're cannot stop, it is often because we're cannot stop, it is often because we're working unto human masters or or ones working unto human masters or or ones working unto human masters or or ones that we have put on ourselves to get that we have put on ourselves to get that we have put on ourselves to get rich, to get a flashy title to um rich, to get a flashy title to um rich, to get a flashy title to um because we think that we are invaluable because we think that we are invaluable because we think that we are invaluable and nobody can do it without us, it's and nobody can do it without us, it's and nobody can do it without us, it's not because we are working as unto the not because we are working as unto the not because we are working as unto the Lord. Lord. Lord. And so if we find ourselves in this And so if we find ourselves in this And so if we find ourselves in this position of thinking, I I really can't position of thinking, I I really can't position of thinking, I I really can't get out from under how much work I feel get out from under how much work I feel get out from under how much work I feel like I have or that I have to prioritize like I have or that I have to prioritize like I have or that I have to prioritize it or that it's getting in the way of it or that it's getting in the way of it or that it's getting in the way of God and my family and other things. We God and my family and other things. We God and my family and other things. We might not be practicing um we might not might not be practicing um we might not might not be practicing um we might not be smart enough to stop on our own and be smart enough to stop on our own and be smart enough to stop on our own and we need God to help stop us. We need we need God to help stop us. We need we need God to help stop us. We need Jesus in the center so that things flow Jesus in the center so that things flow Jesus in the center so that things flow in their proper way. in their proper way. in their proper way. What God wants us to do is to nourish What God wants us to do is to nourish What God wants us to do is to nourish our soul health, nourish our our soul health, nourish our our soul health, nourish our relationship with God as our primary relationship with God as our primary relationship with God as our primary thing through through prayer. Like even thing through through prayer. Like even thing through through prayer. Like even if it's brief prayers peppered if it's brief prayers peppered if it's brief prayers peppered throughout your day, through time with throughout your day, through time with throughout your day, through time with other Christians, through serving other other Christians, through serving other other Christians, through serving other people, through reading scripture, these people, through reading scripture, these people, through reading scripture, these are the ways that we take care of our are the ways that we take care of our are the ways that we take care of our soul health. And we wouldn't think twice soul health. And we wouldn't think twice soul health. And we wouldn't think twice about taking care of our physical health about taking care of our physical health about taking care of our physical health by getting sleep. Uh, in fact, we by getting sleep. Uh, in fact, we by getting sleep. Uh, in fact, we wouldn't go a few days without sleeping wouldn't go a few days without sleeping wouldn't go a few days without sleeping and then expect our bodies to work the and then expect our bodies to work the and then expect our bodies to work the same way. We wouldn't live in isolation same way. We wouldn't live in isolation same way. We wouldn't live in isolation and expect that our relationships would and expect that our relationships would and expect that our relationships would survive. And for some reason, we think survive. And for some reason, we think survive. And for some reason, we think that we can put our soul health, we that we can put our soul health, we that we can put our soul health, we think that we can put Jesus as just

think that we can put Jesus as just think that we can put Jesus as just another thing on our priority list, our another thing on our priority list, our another thing on our priority list, our priorities, priorities, priorities, and have the same results that we hope and have the same results that we hope and have the same results that we hope to have. But it doesn't work that way. to have. But it doesn't work that way. to have. But it doesn't work that way. In Matthew 19, a rich young man goes to In Matthew 19, a rich young man goes to In Matthew 19, a rich young man goes to Jesus and he asked how he can inherit Jesus and he asked how he can inherit Jesus and he asked how he can inherit eternal life. This is a man who if you eternal life. This is a man who if you eternal life. This is a man who if you stopped him on the road before he met stopped him on the road before he met stopped him on the road before he met Jesus and said, "What is important to Jesus and said, "What is important to Jesus and said, "What is important to you?" He would say, "The things of God." you?" He would say, "The things of God." you?" He would say, "The things of God." Because the first thing he tells Jesus Because the first thing he tells Jesus Because the first thing he tells Jesus is, "I have kept all of the is, "I have kept all of the is, "I have kept all of the commandments. I have kept all of the commandments. I have kept all of the commandments. I have kept all of the laws. I have lived in your way. Now, how laws. I have lived in your way. Now, how laws. I have lived in your way. Now, how do I inherit eternal life?" do I inherit eternal life?" do I inherit eternal life?" He thinks his values are in the right He thinks his values are in the right He thinks his values are in the right place. But Jesus says to him, "Sell your place. But Jesus says to him, "Sell your place. But Jesus says to him, "Sell your possessions, give them to the poor, and possessions, give them to the poor, and possessions, give them to the poor, and you can follow me." And Jesus and and you can follow me." And Jesus and and you can follow me." And Jesus and and this man walks away sad because he had this man walks away sad because he had this man walks away sad because he had many possessions. And he couldn't do it. many possessions. And he couldn't do it. many possessions. And he couldn't do it. What he thought he valued, what he would What he thought he valued, what he would What he thought he valued, what he would have said, he valued, and what it turns have said, he valued, and what it turns have said, he valued, and what it turns out he actually valued were two out he actually valued were two out he actually valued were two different things.

different things. different things. I wonder for us as well as we're sitting I wonder for us as well as we're sitting I wonder for us as well as we're sitting here this morning thinking about what here this morning thinking about what here this morning thinking about what the screen time report on our phone the screen time report on our phone the screen time report on our phone would tell us or what the amount of would tell us or what the amount of would tell us or what the amount of energy that we give to our work would energy that we give to our work would energy that we give to our work would tell us or how we feel about our tell us or how we feel about our tell us or how we feel about our possessions would tell us about what we possessions would tell us about what we possessions would tell us about what we think we value and what it turns out we think we value and what it turns out we think we value and what it turns out we actually value. And so if we recognize that in And so if we recognize that in ourselves, if we recognize that maybe we ourselves, if we recognize that maybe we ourselves, if we recognize that maybe we have not had a match between those have not had a match between those have not had a match between those things, what is it that we're going to things, what is it that we're going to things, what is it that we're going to do about it? Because look, if it was as do about it? Because look, if it was as do about it? Because look, if it was as simple as saying, um, I want to put God simple as saying, um, I want to put God simple as saying, um, I want to put God at the center of my life and so by gosh, at the center of my life and so by gosh, at the center of my life and so by gosh, I'm just going to do it. I'm going to I'm just going to do it. I'm going to I'm just going to do it. I'm going to have the best of intentions and this have the best of intentions and this have the best of intentions and this week that is how it's going to work. week that is how it's going to work. week that is how it's going to work. Well, we wouldn't be having this Well, we wouldn't be having this Well, we wouldn't be having this conversation because then good conversation because then good conversation because then good intentions would be enough. But we know intentions would be enough. But we know intentions would be enough. But we know they're not. We know that we actually they're not. We know that we actually they're not. We know that we actually have to make a commitment and figure out have to make a commitment and figure out have to make a commitment and figure out how we're going to follow through on it. how we're going to follow through on it. how we're going to follow through on it. And so I want to offer to you the idea And so I want to offer to you the idea And so I want to offer to you the idea of not just setting a priority, but of not just setting a priority, but of not just setting a priority, but setting posteriorities.

setting posteriorities. setting posteriorities. That's something that Peter Ducker, who That's something that Peter Ducker, who That's something that Peter Ducker, who is the great management consultant of is the great management consultant of is the great management consultant of the 20th century, came up with this idea the 20th century, came up with this idea the 20th century, came up with this idea that a priority is the thing that we that a priority is the thing that we that a priority is the thing that we make time for. It is the first thing in make time for. It is the first thing in make time for. It is the first thing in our life. But we cannot achieve our our life. But we cannot achieve our our life. But we cannot achieve our priorities unless we have posteriorities priorities unless we have posteriorities priorities unless we have posteriorities which are the things that we are going which are the things that we are going which are the things that we are going to stop doing so that we have time for to stop doing so that we have time for to stop doing so that we have time for the thing that we want to do. What are the thing that we want to do. What are the thing that we want to do. What are the things that you are going to stop the things that you are going to stop the things that you are going to stop doing that are good things so that you doing that are good things so that you doing that are good things so that you have time for the best thing? That is a have time for the best thing? That is a have time for the best thing? That is a hard question for us to answer. You hard question for us to answer. You hard question for us to answer. You start making a list and you think, but start making a list and you think, but start making a list and you think, but that's that's a good thing. That's a that's that's a good thing. That's a that's that's a good thing. That's a good thing. They're all good things. But good thing. They're all good things. But good thing. They're all good things. But what are the good things that you need what are the good things that you need what are the good things that you need to put down on your list or say, "I'm to put down on your list or say, "I'm to put down on your list or say, "I'm not going to do this so I have time for not going to do this so I have time for not going to do this so I have time for the best thing." the best thing." the best thing." Maybe your posteriority looks like Maybe your posteriority looks like Maybe your posteriority looks like saying, "I'm not going to always try to saying, "I'm not going to always try to saying, "I'm not going to always try to have a perfectly ordered and clean have a perfectly ordered and clean have a perfectly ordered and clean house." Not because orderliness is not house." Not because orderliness is not house." Not because orderliness is not important, but because maybe time for a important, but because maybe time for a important, but because maybe time for a walk with your spouse after dinner is walk with your spouse after dinner is walk with your spouse after dinner is more important, or time with your kids.

more important, or time with your kids. more important, or time with your kids. Maybe you say, uh, my posteriority is Maybe you say, uh, my posteriority is Maybe you say, uh, my posteriority is that I'm not gonna watch that next show that I'm not gonna watch that next show that I'm not gonna watch that next show on Netflix that just stop starts without on Netflix that just stop starts without on Netflix that just stop starts without me having to do anything. me having to do anything. me having to do anything. Not because entertainment is bad, but Not because entertainment is bad, but Not because entertainment is bad, but because two or three hours a night takes because two or three hours a night takes because two or three hours a night takes up some of the time that you might spend up some of the time that you might spend up some of the time that you might spend reading scripture or praying or calling reading scripture or praying or calling reading scripture or praying or calling a friend that you need to catch up with. a friend that you need to catch up with. a friend that you need to catch up with. Maybe a posteriority is I'm not going to Maybe a posteriority is I'm not going to Maybe a posteriority is I'm not going to try to keep up with everybody else, with try to keep up with everybody else, with try to keep up with everybody else, with the Joneses, with social media, with the Joneses, with social media, with the Joneses, with social media, with kids activities, with all the stuff that kids activities, with all the stuff that kids activities, with all the stuff that is a life that I did not even choose for is a life that I did not even choose for is a life that I did not even choose for myself, that I wouldn't grab on the way myself, that I wouldn't grab on the way myself, that I wouldn't grab on the way out of a burning building, but that I am out of a burning building, but that I am out of a burning building, but that I am somehow living every day. Now, somehow living every day. Now, somehow living every day. Now, maybe a posteriority is as simple as maybe a posteriority is as simple as maybe a posteriority is as simple as saying, "I'm not going to check my phone saying, "I'm not going to check my phone saying, "I'm not going to check my phone before this time in the morning or after before this time in the morning or after before this time in the morning or after this time in the evening." I don't know this time in the evening." I don't know this time in the evening." I don't know what they are for you. Maybe there's what they are for you. Maybe there's what they are for you. Maybe there's some questions you could ask yourself some questions you could ask yourself some questions you could ask yourself this week as you think about those this week as you think about those this week as you think about those questions like, "What am I doing just questions like, "What am I doing just questions like, "What am I doing just because everybody else is doing it?"

because everybody else is doing it?" because everybody else is doing it?" or if my family is really as important or if my family is really as important or if my family is really as important to me as I say that they are, what is it to me as I say that they are, what is it to me as I say that they are, what is it that I would stop doing? Or what would my life look like if I Or what would my life look like if I genuinely believed that God had given me genuinely believed that God had given me genuinely believed that God had given me the time to do what God had called me the time to do what God had called me the time to do what God had called me to? Not what all is on my plate. Not do to? Not what all is on my plate. Not do to? Not what all is on my plate. Not do I have time for all of my priorities, I have time for all of my priorities, I have time for all of my priorities, but do I have the time for the thing to but do I have the time for the thing to but do I have the time for the thing to which God has called me and then which God has called me and then which God has called me and then everything else that flows from there. everything else that flows from there. everything else that flows from there. Look, we were not meant to have 15 Look, we were not meant to have 15 Look, we were not meant to have 15 firsts. We were meant to have a first firsts. We were meant to have a first firsts. We were meant to have a first and then everything else would find its and then everything else would find its and then everything else would find its rightful place. rightful place. rightful place. One of the joys and privileges of my One of the joys and privileges of my One of the joys and privileges of my job, of our job, is that we get to visit job, of our job, is that we get to visit job, of our job, is that we get to visit with folks near the end of their lives. with folks near the end of their lives. with folks near the end of their lives. And we get to hear what they're proud And we get to hear what they're proud And we get to hear what they're proud of, what they're pleased about, what of, what they're pleased about, what of, what they're pleased about, what they regret, what they wish had happened they regret, what they wish had happened they regret, what they wish had happened differently, what they worry about as differently, what they worry about as differently, what they worry about as they near the end.

they near the end. they near the end. To a tea, people say they wish they'd To a tea, people say they wish they'd To a tea, people say they wish they'd prayed more and worried less. They wish prayed more and worried less. They wish prayed more and worried less. They wish they had spent more time with family and they had spent more time with family and they had spent more time with family and friends and less trying to climb a friends and less trying to climb a friends and less trying to climb a ladder at work. Nobody says, "I wish ladder at work. Nobody says, "I wish ladder at work. Nobody says, "I wish that I had spent less time on my that I had spent less time on my that I had spent less time on my relationship with God." Further relationship with God." Further relationship with God." Further reflection, I did that too much. reflection, I did that too much. reflection, I did that too much. We're not in a hospital room right now. We're not in a hospital room right now. We're not in a hospital room right now. We're not in a burning house. We're We're not in a burning house. We're We're not in a burning house. We're living an ordinary day with presumably a living an ordinary day with presumably a living an ordinary day with presumably a series of ordinary days ahead of us. series of ordinary days ahead of us. series of ordinary days ahead of us. Take these ordinary days and decide how Take these ordinary days and decide how Take these ordinary days and decide how you're going to give your best hours. you're going to give your best hours. you're going to give your best hours. What is it that you want to be your What is it that you want to be your What is it that you want to be your priority? priority? priority? God, I pray that you would give us God, I pray that you would give us God, I pray that you would give us perspective. perspective. perspective. Help us to see our lives as you see them Help us to see our lives as you see them Help us to see our lives as you see them and help us to see you as our priority. and help us to see you as our priority. and help us to see you as our priority. Draw us near to you and help clear away Draw us near to you and help clear away Draw us near to you and help clear away everything that crowds you out.

everything that crowds you out. everything that crowds you out. We pray this in your name. Amen. We pray this in your name. Amen. We pray this in your name. Amen. I'd like to invite you to stand as we I'd like to invite you to stand as we I'd like to invite you to stand as we close together with hymn 451. Be thou my close together with hymn 451. Be thou my close together with hymn 451. Be thou my vision. Be [music] my vision, oh Lord of my Be [music] my vision, oh Lord of my heart, heart, heart, brought [music] me all to be brought [music] me all to be brought [music] me all to be thous thous thous [music] [music] [music] or sleeping thy presence my life [music] [music] [music] with thee and thou with me and the holy [music] and the holy [music] mercy my heart mercy my heart mercy my heart go of heaven [music]

go of heaven [music] go of heaven [music] my treasure. Yeah. May I May I jo I hope you will all join us next Sunday I hope you will all join us next Sunday for kickoff Sunday and the beginning of for kickoff Sunday and the beginning of for kickoff Sunday and the beginning of our new sermon series about faith our new sermon series about faith our new sermon series about faith supplements. I know there's somebody supplements. I know there's somebody supplements. I know there's somebody that would probably benefit from hearing that would probably benefit from hearing that would probably benefit from hearing that sermon and being in community. And that sermon and being in community. And that sermon and being in community. And so I hope that you will be praying this so I hope that you will be praying this so I hope that you will be praying this week about who that might be and that week about who that might be and that week about who that might be and that you will invite them. Now receive this you will invite them. Now receive this you will invite them. Now receive this benediction and coral response. Go benediction and coral response. Go benediction and coral response. Go knowing that God goes before you. So go knowing that God goes before you. So go knowing that God goes before you. So go with great peace. May the grace of the with great peace. May the grace of the with great peace. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you now and forever. Amen.

[singing] [singing] Jesus Jesus Jesus send me Jesus send me Jesus send me Jesus send me [music] send me [music] send me [music] [singing] Jesus Jesus [singing] [singing] [singing] Jesus me Jesus me Jesus me [singing] Jesus [singing] Jesus f me Jesus f me Jesus f me Jesus fill May Jesus [singing] fill May Jesus [singing] fill May Jesus [singing] will be Lord. [music] Heat.

Heat. [bell] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] >> Heat. Heat.

>> Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music]