Traditional | 9:45 a.m. | 08.09.2026

[music] [music] [bell] [music] [music] [bell] >> Thank you.

>> Thank you. [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] might be glory. glory. [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] >> Please remain. standing as you are able >> Please remain. standing as you are able as we affirm our faith together in the as we affirm our faith together in the as we affirm our faith together in the Apostles Creed. I believe in God the Apostles Creed. I believe in God the Apostles Creed. I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and Father Almighty, maker of heaven and Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord, who was conceived by the son, our Lord, who was conceived by the son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontious Pilate, was suffered under Pontious Pilate, was suffered under Pontious Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. The third crucified, dead, and buried. The third crucified, dead, and buried. The third day he rose from the dead and he day he rose from the dead and he day he rose from the dead and 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. and the life everlasting. and the life everlasting. Amen. >> Heat. >> Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] >> You may be seated.

>> You may be seated. Brothers and sisters in Christ, through Brothers and sisters in Christ, through Brothers and sisters in Christ, through the sacrament of baptism, we are the sacrament of baptism, we are the sacrament of baptism, we are initiated into Christ's holy church. We initiated into Christ's holy church. We initiated into Christ's holy church. We are incorporated into God's mighty acts are incorporated into God's mighty acts are incorporated into God's mighty acts of salvation and given new birth through of salvation and given new birth through of salvation and given new birth through water and the spirit. All of this is water and the spirit. All of this is water and the spirit. All of this is God's gift offered to us without price. God's gift offered to us without price. God's gift offered to us without price. And today we present for holy baptism And today we present for holy baptism And today we present for holy baptism Rose Cornelius Christopher, daughter of Rose Cornelius Christopher, daughter of Rose Cornelius Christopher, daughter of Seth Daniel Christopher and Carrie Seth Daniel Christopher and Carrie Seth Daniel Christopher and Carrie Cornelius Christopher. Parents, in Cornelius Christopher. Parents, in Cornelius Christopher. Parents, in presenting Rose for holy baptism, do you presenting Rose for holy baptism, do you presenting Rose for holy baptism, do you confess Jesus Christ as your savior, put confess Jesus Christ as your savior, put confess Jesus Christ as your savior, put your whole trust in his grace and your whole trust in his grace and your whole trust in his grace and promise to serve him as your Lord in promise to serve him as your Lord in promise to serve him as your Lord in union with the church, which Christ has union with the church, which Christ has union with the church, which Christ has opened to people of all ages, nations, opened to people of all ages, nations, opened to people of all ages, nations, and races. If you do, say, "We do." and races. If you do, say, "We do." and races. If you do, say, "We do." >> Wonderful. and will you nurture her in >> Wonderful. and will you nurture her in >> Wonderful. and will you nurture her in Christ's holy church that by your Christ's holy church that by your Christ's holy church that by your teaching and example she may be guided teaching and example she may be guided teaching and example she may be guided to accept God's grace for herself to to accept God's grace for herself to to accept God's grace for herself to profess her faith openly and to lead a profess her faith openly and to lead a profess her faith openly and to lead a Christian life if you will say we will Christian life if you will say we will Christian life if you will say we will >> you guys come on up this way.

>> you guys come on up this way. >> you guys come on up this way. >> Hey Rose, how are you doing? >> Hey Rose, how are you doing? >> Hey Rose, how are you doing? Hi Rose. Looks to me like you have a whole Rose. Looks to me like you have a whole bunch of cousins and stuff. And what name is given this child? And what name is given this child? >> Oh, you were so happy a minute ago. Rose >> Oh, you were so happy a minute ago. Rose >> Oh, you were so happy a minute ago. Rose Cornelius, I baptize you in the name of Cornelius, I baptize you in the name of Cornelius, I baptize you in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy the Father and the Son and the Holy the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit and pray God's blessings on you Spirit and pray God's blessings on you Spirit and pray God's blessings on you all the days of your life. Amen. all the days of your life. Amen. all the days of your life. Amen. Look at those folks back there. And Look at those folks back there. And Look at those folks back there. And Rose, this is your new Christian family. Rose, this is your new Christian family. Rose, this is your new Christian family. Mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers in Mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers in Mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers in the faith. This is our new daughter. the faith. This is our new daughter. the faith. This is our new daughter. Welcome her into our family. Y Y [applause] >> beloved of the household of God, I >> beloved of the household of God, I commend to your love and care, Rose, commend to your love and care, Rose, commend to your love and care, Rose, whom we this day recognize as a member whom we this day recognize as a member whom we this day recognize as a member of the family of God. Will you endeavor of the family of God. Will you endeavor of the family of God. Will you endeavor so to live that she may grow in the so to live that she may grow in the so to live that she may grow in the knowledge and love of God the Father knowledge and love of God the Father knowledge and love of God the Father through our Savior Jesus Christ. With through our Savior Jesus Christ. With through our Savior Jesus Christ. With God's help, we will proclaim the good God's help, we will proclaim the good God's help, we will proclaim the good news and live according to the example news and live according to the example news and live according to the example of Christ. We will surround this child of Christ. We will surround this child of Christ. We will surround this child with a community of love and forgiveness with a community of love and forgiveness with a community of love and forgiveness that she may grow in her service to

that she may grow in her service to that she may grow in her service to others. We will pray for her that she others. We will pray for her that she others. We will pray for her that she may be a true disciple who walks in the may be a true disciple who walks in the may be a true disciple who walks in the way that leads to life eternal. way that leads to life eternal. way that leads to life eternal. >> Let us pray. Gracious and loving God, um >> Let us pray. Gracious and loving God, um >> Let us pray. Gracious and loving God, um we thank you that your pervenient grace we thank you that your pervenient grace we thank you that your pervenient grace has been poured into Rose's life since has been poured into Rose's life since has been poured into Rose's life since the moment you created her. And we pray the moment you created her. And we pray the moment you created her. And we pray now that as as we mark her as belonging now that as as we mark her as belonging now that as as we mark her as belonging to you, seal her with your love, claim to you, seal her with your love, claim to you, seal her with your love, claim her as a part of this family of faith, her as a part of this family of faith, her as a part of this family of faith, that you would continue to pour that that you would continue to pour that that you would continue to pour that grace into her life. God, when she turns grace into her life. God, when she turns grace into her life. God, when she turns away, when we pray, God, that you will away, when we pray, God, that you will away, when we pray, God, that you will draw her into a relationship of love draw her into a relationship of love draw her into a relationship of love with you and that when she turns away, with you and that when she turns away, with you and that when she turns away, as all of us are prone to do, that you as all of us are prone to do, that you as all of us are prone to do, that you would pursue her and with that same would pursue her and with that same would pursue her and with that same love, draw her right back to you again. love, draw her right back to you again. love, draw her right back to you again. And God, we thank you that you are a God And God, we thank you that you are a God And God, we thank you that you are a God who welcomes not just Rose, but all of who welcomes not just Rose, but all of who welcomes not just Rose, but all of us home with open and loving arms. God, us home with open and loving arms. God, us home with open and loving arms. God, be with these parents and this extended be with these parents and this extended be with these parents and this extended family. Be with us as a church family family. Be with us as a church family family. Be with us as a church family that we might live out our faith in that we might live out our faith in that we might live out our faith in front of Rose that as she is shaped and front of Rose that as she is shaped and front of Rose that as she is shaped and formed by this community. She cannot formed by this community. She cannot formed by this community. She cannot help but see what kind of God you are.

help but see what kind of God you are. help but see what kind of God you are. An amazing God, a forgiving God, and a An amazing God, a forgiving God, and a An amazing God, a forgiving God, and a God who changes lives. We pray in the God who changes lives. We pray in the God who changes lives. We pray in the name of Christ our Lord. name of Christ our Lord. name of Christ our Lord. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Very good. Thank you. Amen. Very good. Thank you. Amen. Very good. Thank you. While our baptism family returned to While our baptism family returned to While our baptism family returned to their seats, this is my opportunity to their seats, this is my opportunity to their seats, this is my opportunity to welcome you to St. Luke's. I'm so glad welcome you to St. Luke's. I'm so glad welcome you to St. Luke's. I'm so glad uh to that you are here today and that uh to that you are here today and that uh to that you are here today and that you're worshiping with us. I want to you're worshiping with us. I want to you're worshiping with us. I want to welcome those of you who are worshiping welcome those of you who are worshiping welcome those of you who are worshiping with us on live stream as well. We're so with us on live stream as well. We're so with us on live stream as well. We're so glad that you are here and a part of our glad that you are here and a part of our glad that you are here and a part of our service. Um uh we do want to challenge service. Um uh we do want to challenge service. Um uh we do want to challenge you to really uh lean in to the worship you to really uh lean in to the worship you to really uh lean in to the worship today and um and and worship, not just today and um and and worship, not just today and um and and worship, not just watch. Um if you're here in the space, watch. Um if you're here in the space, watch. Um if you're here in the space, come out to the gathering room after the come out to the gathering room after the come out to the gathering room after the service and enjoy some fellowship time service and enjoy some fellowship time service and enjoy some fellowship time and and uh some refreshments as well. and and uh some refreshments as well. and and uh some refreshments as well. And connect with somebody. Maybe say And connect with somebody. Maybe say And connect with somebody. Maybe say hello to uh somebody you haven't met hello to uh somebody you haven't met hello to uh somebody you haven't met before or or reconnect with a friend. if before or or reconnect with a friend. if before or or reconnect with a friend. if I haven't had the chance to meet you, I I haven't had the chance to meet you, I I haven't had the chance to meet you, I would love that opportunity and I'll be would love that opportunity and I'll be would love that opportunity and I'll be out there afterwards and and would love out there afterwards and and would love out there afterwards and and would love to uh to say hello to you. Um if you to uh to say hello to you. Um if you to uh to say hello to you. Um if you would register your attendance, you can would register your attendance, you can would register your attendance, you can do that on St. Luke's app. You can do do that on St. Luke's app. You can do do that on St. Luke's app. You can do that um if you're here in the in the that um if you're here in the in the that um if you're here in the in the sanctuary. There's a card in your pew sanctuary. There's a card in your pew sanctuary. There's a card in your pew pocket that says welcome and you can put pocket that says welcome and you can put pocket that says welcome and you can put your information on that and and uh drop your information on that and and uh drop your information on that and and uh drop it in the offering plate later in the it in the offering plate later in the it in the offering plate later in the service. And if you're on our website service. And if you're on our website service. And if you're on our website platform online, there is a little tab platform online, there is a little tab platform online, there is a little tab that says check in. And I want to that says check in. And I want to that says check in. And I want to encourage you to do that. I have a a encourage you to do that. I have a a encourage you to do that. I have a a whole host of things I just want to lift whole host of things I just want to lift whole host of things I just want to lift up. First of all, you you probably

up. First of all, you you probably up. First of all, you you probably couldn't miss the organ console and it's couldn't miss the organ console and it's couldn't miss the organ console and it's back. Uh that's so exciting. And so now back. Uh that's so exciting. And so now back. Uh that's so exciting. And so now it just needs to get up here. Uh unless it just needs to get up here. Uh unless it just needs to get up here. Uh unless you're you're not going to play from you're you're not going to play from you're you're not going to play from down there. Uh um but uh so but that down there. Uh um but uh so but that down there. Uh um but uh so but that means it's we're almost there. We're means it's we're almost there. We're means it's we're almost there. We're almost there. The inards are going to be almost there. The inards are going to be almost there. The inards are going to be put in um in the weeks to come. And so put in um in the weeks to come. And so put in um in the weeks to come. And so just pray that all goes well uh because just pray that all goes well uh because just pray that all goes well uh because we're almost there. It's really an we're almost there. It's really an we're almost there. It's really an exciting time, but come check it out. Uh exciting time, but come check it out. Uh exciting time, but come check it out. Uh because you may not ever have had the because you may not ever have had the because you may not ever have had the chance to look at it. So after the chance to look at it. So after the chance to look at it. So after the service today, just head on over there service today, just head on over there service today, just head on over there and take a look at it. I do want to and take a look at it. I do want to and take a look at it. I do want to remind you of Christian Community remind you of Christian Community remind you of Christian Community Service C Center's back to school Service C Center's back to school Service C Center's back to school program where we buy backpacks for and program where we buy backpacks for and program where we buy backpacks for and school supplies and uniforms for uh school supplies and uniforms for uh school supplies and uniforms for uh students in HISD. And um $75 provides students in HISD. And um $75 provides students in HISD. And um $75 provides all of those things and it makes such a all of those things and it makes such a all of those things and it makes such a difference in young people's uh uh difference in young people's uh uh difference in young people's uh uh lives. Um I do want to just um lift up lives. Um I do want to just um lift up lives. Um I do want to just um lift up that uh kickoff Sunday is coming next that uh kickoff Sunday is coming next that uh kickoff Sunday is coming next week. That's a big day. And um we week. That's a big day. And um we week. That's a big day. And um we started a new sermon series called faith started a new sermon series called faith started a new sermon series called faith supplements that talk about all the supplements that talk about all the supplements that talk about all the things like like what goes into a life things like like what goes into a life things like like what goes into a life that makes it worthwhile that makes it a that makes it worthwhile that makes it a that makes it worthwhile that makes it a good life and um uh just what are those good life and um uh just what are those good life and um uh just what are those those things we want to make sure that those things we want to make sure that those things we want to make sure that we haven't taken out of our life but we haven't taken out of our life but we haven't taken out of our life but that we make sure and put them in and that we make sure and put them in and that we make sure and put them in and why God wants that. So I hope you'll why God wants that. So I hope you'll why God wants that. So I hope you'll come for that. We'll have Kona Ice out come for that. We'll have Kona Ice out come for that. We'll have Kona Ice out on the lawn uh coffee out on the lawn.

on the lawn uh coffee out on the lawn. on the lawn uh coffee out on the lawn. Some great music. It's just kind of a Some great music. It's just kind of a Some great music. It's just kind of a fun time to kick off our our kids come fun time to kick off our our kids come fun time to kick off our our kids come back to their Sunday school classes. Um back to their Sunday school classes. Um back to their Sunday school classes. Um it's just a really special day. Which it's just a really special day. Which it's just a really special day. Which reminds me that that it is important if reminds me that that it is important if reminds me that that it is important if you have children for you to fill out you have children for you to fill out you have children for you to fill out the Sunday school participation form. the Sunday school participation form. the Sunday school participation form. The little link is on the back of your The little link is on the back of your The little link is on the back of your bulletin. Look at that. It because they bulletin. Look at that. It because they bulletin. Look at that. It because they and don't do it on Thursday. Do it and don't do it on Thursday. Do it and don't do it on Thursday. Do it today. uh if you haven't done it because today. uh if you haven't done it because today. uh if you haven't done it because they assign the kids to their classrooms they assign the kids to their classrooms they assign the kids to their classrooms and they know which way to go and it and they know which way to go and it and they know which way to go and it makes such a difference if you'll uh makes such a difference if you'll uh makes such a difference if you'll uh you'll work on that. Um uh we do have you'll work on that. Um uh we do have you'll work on that. Um uh we do have choirs that are going to be beginning choirs that are going to be beginning choirs that are going to be beginning soon. If you haven't been in one of our soon. If you haven't been in one of our soon. If you haven't been in one of our choirs, it's one of the the best if choirs, it's one of the the best if choirs, it's one of the the best if you're looking for community. Choosing you're looking for community. Choosing you're looking for community. Choosing to sing in one of our choirs is one of to sing in one of our choirs is one of to sing in one of our choirs is one of the best places to do that. As you work the best places to do that. As you work the best places to do that. As you work side by side, you build these side by side, you build these side by side, you build these relationships. It's really a marvelous relationships. It's really a marvelous relationships. It's really a marvelous thing. And there's information about thing. And there's information about thing. And there's information about that in your uh in your bulletin as that in your uh in your bulletin as that in your uh in your bulletin as well. Um and and finally, we have uh new well. Um and and finally, we have uh new well. Um and and finally, we have uh new artists in our Rotunda Gallery. Uh Katie artists in our Rotunda Gallery. Uh Katie artists in our Rotunda Gallery. Uh Katie and Nick Gonzalez. Uh their art um will and Nick Gonzalez. Uh their art um will and Nick Gonzalez. Uh their art um will their members here deeply engaged in the their members here deeply engaged in the their members here deeply engaged in the life of the church. And I was over there life of the church. And I was over there life of the church. And I was over there just a few minutes ago and I was like, just a few minutes ago and I was like, just a few minutes ago and I was like, "Wow, this stuff is really interesting, "Wow, this stuff is really interesting, "Wow, this stuff is really interesting, very cool. You really need to go check very cool. You really need to go check very cool. You really need to go check it out." They'll be in the gallery after it out." They'll be in the gallery after it out." They'll be in the gallery after the 11:00 service. Arcadia and Nick here the 11:00 service. Arcadia and Nick here the 11:00 service. Arcadia and Nick here in this service. There they are. Thank in this service. There they are. Thank in this service. There they are. Thank you. You guys can They're back there. Uh you. You guys can They're back there. Uh you. You guys can They're back there. Uh we're glad that you're here. And uh some we're glad that you're here. And uh some we're glad that you're here. And uh some really interesting things over there I

really interesting things over there I really interesting things over there I found really intriguing. So I hope found really intriguing. So I hope found really intriguing. So I hope you'll go check those out. All right, you'll go check those out. All right, you'll go check those out. All right, with all of those things, um we we are with all of those things, um we we are with all of those things, um we we are excited about the the year ahead and excited about the the year ahead and excited about the the year ahead and we're excited about today's worship. So, we're excited about today's worship. So, we're excited about today's worship. So, [snorts] uh, let's continue our service, [snorts] uh, let's continue our service, [snorts] uh, let's continue our service, um, as we hear our scripture read this um, as we hear our scripture read this um, as we hear our scripture read this morning morning morning >> from Luke chapter 12. Sell your >> from Luke chapter 12. Sell your >> from Luke chapter 12. Sell your possessions and give alms. Make purses possessions and give alms. Make purses possessions and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an for yourselves that do not wear out, an for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no unfailing treasure in heaven, where no unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. thief comes near and no moth destroys. thief comes near and no 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. And from Luke chapter 10. And from Luke chapter 10. Now as they went on their way, he Now as they went on their way, he Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village where a woman entered a certain village where a woman entered a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him. She had a named Martha welcomed him. She had a named Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary who sat at Jesus' feet sister named Mary who sat at Jesus' feet sister named Mary who sat at Jesus' feet and listened to what he was saying. But and listened to what he was saying. But and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks. Martha was distracted by her many tasks. Martha was distracted by her many tasks. So she came to him and asked, "Lord, do So she came to him and asked, "Lord, do So she came to him and asked, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me you not care that my sister has left me you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself?

to do all the work by myself? to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me. But the Lord Tell her then to help me. But the Lord Tell her then to help me. But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, answered her, "Martha, Martha, answered her, "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. Mary has chosen the Indeed, only one. Mary has chosen the Indeed, only one. Mary has chosen the better part which will not be taken away better part which will not be taken away better part which will not be taken away from her." from her." 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. >> [singing] >> [singing] [music] >> to the heart of God. >> to the heart of God. A place [singing and music] A place [singing and music] A place [singing and music] where sin can [singing] [singing] live to [music] the heart of God. live to [music] the heart of God. live to [music] the heart of God. Oh [singing] Jesus, Oh [singing] Jesus, Oh [singing] Jesus, bless [music] before before [singing] [singing] [singing] near [music] to the heart of God.

Oh gracious and loving God, we choose Oh gracious and loving God, we choose gratitude this morning, gratitude this morning, gratitude this morning, we come to you aware that so many of we come to you aware that so many of we come to 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're like fish who don't notice them. We're like fish who don't notice them. We're 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 and food to eat. for water to drink and food to eat. for water to drink and food to eat. for shelter over us the comfort of for shelter over us the comfort of for shelter over us the comfort of familiar voices, familiar voices, 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. God, forgive us when we rush past these God, forgive us when we rush past these God, 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 teach us to seek first your God, you teach us to seek first your God, you teach 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. And other things would be added to us. And other things would be added to us. And 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 or busyness We are often pulled by fear or busyness We are often pulled by fear or busyness or comfort or pride or the noise of the or comfort or pride or the noise of the or comfort or pride or the noise of the world.

world. world. Teach us to listen for your voice. Teach us to listen for your voice. Teach us to listen for 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, the courage to follow it, the courage to follow it, and the humility to admit when we need and the humility to admit when we need and the humility to admit when we need to be redirected. to be redirected. to be 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. 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 sick, the sick, the anxious, the anxious, 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 for peace We pray for our world for for peace We pray for our world for for peace where there is violence and justice where there is violence and justice where there is violence and justice where there is oppression where there is oppression where 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 despo despair has and for hope where despo despair has and for hope where despo despair has taken root.

taken root. taken 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 Christ, who intercedes of your son Jesus Christ, who intercedes of your son Jesus Christ, who intercedes for us with you, and who taught us to for us with you, and who taught us to for us with you, and who taught us to pray together, saying, Our Father, who pray together, saying, Our Father, who pray together, saying, Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy art in 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. And forgive us our daily bread. And forgive us our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses trespasses trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against 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. forever. forever. Amen. Amen. Amen. I want now to invite our ushers to come I want now to invite our ushers to come I want now to invite our ushers to come forward as we present to God our morning forward as we present to God our morning forward as we present to God our morning offering. just these are a way that we offering. just these are a way that we offering. just these are a way that we support the ministries of St. Luke's, support the ministries of St. Luke's, support the ministries of St. Luke's, but maybe more importantly, they are a but maybe more importantly, they are a but maybe more importantly, they are a reminder in the midst of our worship reminder in the midst of our worship reminder in the midst of our worship today that uh worship is about what we today that uh worship is about what we today that uh worship is about what we offer God. And we offer our praise, we offer God. And we offer our praise, we offer God. And we offer our praise, we offer our gratitude, we offer our offer our gratitude, we offer our offer our gratitude, we offer our thanksgiving, but we also offer our thanksgiving, but we also offer our thanksgiving, but we also offer our time, we offer our money, we offer our time, we offer our money, we offer our time, we offer our money, we offer our energy. All of that is to be an offering energy. All of that is to be an offering energy. All of that is to be an offering to God as as part of our worship. So, to God as as part of our worship. So, to God as as part of our worship. So, let's continue now as our staff singers let's continue now as our staff singers let's continue now as our staff singers make an offering on our behalf.

[music] >> You are God. >> You are God. [music] [music] [music] We are your children You are God. You are God. We [music] are your children. Holy one Holy one [singing and music] [music] [music] belongs. [singing] [music] [music] [singing] eternal truth attend eternal truth attend [music] [music] [music] your precious song from [singing] sunshine sunshine Lord, [music] you are [music] you are [singing] [singing] [singing] we are your children. [music] [music and singing] [music and singing] We are you

one one [music] [music] [music] heart of creatures he belongs. creatures he belongs. Praise God. [music] We need your voice and holy ghost. We need your voice and holy ghost. [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. [music] [music and singing] [music and singing] Praise God.

Christ Christ our holy [music] [music] [music] Hallelujah. Holy one. Holy one. [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] [music] [music] Holy one. Lord, Lord, your heart. [music] your heart. [music] your heart. [music] [singing] Amen. Amen. [music] [music]

[music] >> Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Join me in prayer.

Join me in prayer. 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. And so I pray that you would each of us. And so I pray that you would each of us. And so I pray that you would soften our hearts with your spirit so soften our hearts with your spirit so soften our hearts with your spirit so that we might receive it. And then I that we might receive it. And then I that we might receive it. And then I pray that your spirit would give us pray that your spirit would give us pray that your spirit would give us courage so that we might live it. Amen. courage so that we might live it. Amen. courage so that we might 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 on the way out? you take on the way out? you take on the way out? That question sort of has a way of That question sort of has a way of That question sort of has a way of clarifying for us what is really clarifying for us what is really clarifying for us what is really important. I don't think that any of you important. I don't think that any of you important. I don't think that any of you would answer uh all of the clothes in would answer uh all of the clothes in would answer uh all of the clothes in your closet or the fancy kitchen your closet or the fancy kitchen your closet or the fancy kitchen appliance that you sort of hemmed and appliance that you sort of hemmed and appliance that you sort of hemmed and hawed about buying or even the artwork hawed about buying or even the artwork hawed about buying or even the artwork on the walls. on the walls. on the walls. You would, as most people would You would, as most people would You would, as most people would certainly answer kids and pets if certainly answer kids and pets if certainly answer kids and pets if they're not out already, or photo they're not out already, or photo they're not out already, or photo albums, the things that are albums, the things that are albums, the things that are irreplaceable irreplaceable irreplaceable because in an emergency, under pressure, because in an emergency, under pressure, because in an emergency, under pressure, we know what's really important to us.

we know what's really important to us. we know what's really important to us. Now, look, fortunately, most of us do Now, look, fortunately, most of us do Now, look, fortunately, most of us do not live our days in an emergency and not live our days in an emergency and not live our days in an emergency and under pressure. under pressure. under pressure. Most of us live Most of us live Most of us live >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> unremarkable >> unremarkable >> unremarkable ordinary days. ordinary days. ordinary days. But it is on those unremarkable But it is on those unremarkable But it is on those unremarkable ordinary Tuesdays that we hand over our ordinary Tuesdays that we hand over our ordinary Tuesdays that we hand over our best hours to things that we would not best hours to things that we would not best hours to things that we would not think twice about grabbing on the way think twice about grabbing on the way think twice about grabbing on the way out of a burning house. out of a burning house. out of a burning house. If you want to know what I treasure, If you want to know what I treasure, If you want to know what I treasure, don't ask me what I would grab if my don't ask me what I would grab if my don't ask me what I would grab if my house was on fire. Watch me. Watch how I house was on fire. Watch me. Watch how I house was on fire. Watch me. Watch how I spend my time and my money on a normal spend my time and my money on a normal spend my time and my money on a normal ordinary Tuesday. ordinary Tuesday. ordinary Tuesday. Last week, Tom talked about pushing Last week, Tom talked about pushing Last week, Tom talked about pushing pause, taking Sabbath as a declaration pause, taking Sabbath as a declaration pause, taking Sabbath as a declaration that we have freedom. Freedom to stop that we have freedom. Freedom to stop that we have freedom. Freedom to stop and freedom to choose. And so this week, and freedom to choose. And so this week, and freedom to choose. And so this week, I want us to talk about that freedom to I want us to talk about that freedom to I want us to talk about that freedom to choose. that um we have the ability to choose. that um we have the ability to choose. that um we have the ability to push pause in our lives so that we can push pause in our lives so that we can push pause in our lives so that we can stop and reorder things and choose what stop and reorder things and choose what stop and reorder things and choose what it is that is most important to us, what it is that is most important to us, what it is that is most important to us, what our center is, what our priorities are.

our center is, what our priorities are. our center is, what our priorities are. Now, there's a interesting word there, Now, there's a interesting word there, Now, there's a interesting word there, right? Priorities. For much of our um right? Priorities. For much of our um right? Priorities. For much of our um use of the word priority in the English use of the word priority in the English use of the word priority in the English language was in the singular. The word language was in the singular. The word language was in the singular. The word is about 500 years old in English. It is about 500 years old in English. It is about 500 years old in English. It comes from the Latin prioritess which comes from the Latin prioritess which comes from the Latin prioritess which means first in rank or first in order. means first in rank or first in order. means first in rank or first in order. It was not until the 1940s that we It was not until the 1940s that we It was not until the 1940s that we pluralized a word that means first one pluralized a word that means first one pluralized a word that means first one only. Now we have priorities. So only. Now we have priorities. So only. Now we have priorities. So theoretically we have a bunch of things theoretically we have a bunch of things theoretically we have a bunch of things that we are saying are all first in that we are saying are all first in that we are saying are all first in rank, first in order. We have health rank, first in order. We have health rank, first in order. We have health priorities and work priorities and priorities and work priorities and priorities and work priorities and family priorities and we have made family priorities and we have made family priorities and we have made social priorities for ourselves. All social priorities for ourselves. All social priorities for ourselves. All kinds of things that we have named as kinds of things that we have named as kinds of things that we have named as first in rank, first in order. It is no first in rank, first in order. It is no first in rank, first in order. It is no wonder that we are feeling this sense of wonder that we are feeling this sense of wonder that we are feeling this sense of being stretched so thin and burned out being stretched so thin and burned out being stretched so thin and burned out and unable to keep up with everything and unable to keep up with everything and unable to keep up with everything because we have done the impossible. We because we have done the impossible. We because we have done the impossible. We have said that we are supposed to do a have said that we are supposed to do a have said that we are supposed to do a whole bunch of things at the same time whole bunch of things at the same time whole bunch of things at the same time in an equal measure because they are all in an equal measure because they are all in an equal measure because they are all first in our lives.

first in our lives. first in our lives. When we talk about priorities When we talk about priorities When we talk about priorities or a priority, what we're really saying or a priority, what we're really saying or a priority, what we're really saying is what is it that you value the most? is what is it that you value the most? is what is it that you value the most? What is it when push comes to shove? What is it when push comes to shove? What is it when push comes to shove? When two good things are in conflict When two good things are in conflict When two good things are in conflict with one another, what will take with one another, what will take with one another, what will take precedence? And how will you determine precedence? And how will you determine precedence? And how will you determine that? that? that? What is the one thing that should be What is the one thing that should be What is the one thing that should be first in rank, first in order in our first in rank, first in order in our first in rank, first in order in our lives that would take the center, that lives that would take the center, that lives that would take the center, that would help us to put everything else in would help us to put everything else in would help us to put everything else in its proper position around it. its proper position around it. its proper position around it. Jesus gives us a way to test ourselves Jesus gives us a way to test ourselves Jesus gives us a way to test ourselves on that. You heard it in the scripture on that. You heard it in the scripture on that. You heard it in the scripture that was read this morning. It says that was read this morning. It says that was read this morning. It says where your treasure is, your heart will where your treasure is, your heart will where your treasure is, your heart will be also. So where is where is your be also. So where is where is your be also. So where is where is your treasure? I don't just mean financial treasure? I don't just mean financial treasure? I don't just mean financial treasures. I mean where where are the treasures. I mean where where are the treasures. I mean where where are the currencies that you spend all day long currencies that you spend all day long currencies that you spend all day long without thinking about them, without without thinking about them, without without thinking about them, without giving a second thought to where your giving a second thought to where your giving a second thought to where your time goes, to where your attention goes, time goes, to where your attention goes, time goes, to where your attention goes, to where your energy goes because that's to where your energy goes because that's to where your energy goes because that's where your heart is.

where your heart is. where your heart is. I think that um you know we you've often I think that um you know we you've often I think that um you know we you've often heard the phrase if you want to know heard the phrase if you want to know heard the phrase if you want to know what somebody cares about take a look at what somebody cares about take a look at what somebody cares about take a look at their calendar. I don't know that that their calendar. I don't know that that their calendar. I don't know that that has quite as much truth now as it used has quite as much truth now as it used has quite as much truth now as it used to because so much of our lives is not to because so much of our lives is not to because so much of our lives is not lived in the calendared time. So much of lived in the calendared time. So much of lived in the calendared time. So much of what we get caught up in is unscheduled what we get caught up in is unscheduled what we get caught up in is unscheduled and uncalled and not on purpose. So much and uncalled and not on purpose. So much and uncalled and not on purpose. So much of that is because we carry phones in of that is because we carry phones in of that is because we carry phones in our pockets and in our purses. How many our pockets and in our purses. How many our pockets and in our purses. How many times have you found yourself pulling times have you found yourself pulling times have you found yourself pulling out your phone just to catch up a little out your phone just to catch up a little out your phone just to catch up a little bit on social media and 30 minutes later bit on social media and 30 minutes later bit on social media and 30 minutes later you are still scrolling? you are still scrolling? you are still scrolling? Or you just want to watch one more Or you just want to watch one more Or you just want to watch one more replay of the game on the ESPN app and replay of the game on the ESPN app and replay of the game on the ESPN app and next thing you know you've watched all next thing you know you've watched all next thing you know you've watched all of Sports Center. or um you you're just of Sports Center. or um you you're just of Sports Center. or um you you're just going to respond to a few work emails going to respond to a few work emails going to respond to a few work emails while dinner's cooking and then next while dinner's cooking and then next while dinner's cooking and then next thing you know the rice is stuck to the thing you know the rice is stuck to the thing you know the rice is stuck to the bottom of the pot and your kids are bottom of the pot and your kids are bottom of the pot and your kids are screaming because they're starving.

screaming because they're starving. screaming because they're starving. I wonder what you would find if you took I wonder what you would find if you took I wonder what you would find if you took your phone out and looked at the screen your phone out and looked at the screen your phone out and looked at the screen time report from last week. time report from last week. time report from last week. So much of our lives is unscheduled and So much of our lives is unscheduled and So much of our lives is unscheduled and uncalendared and not on purpose and we uncalendared and not on purpose and we uncalendared and not on purpose and we are handing over without thinking about are handing over without thinking about are handing over without thinking about it the best hours of our lives. Two it the best hours of our lives. Two it the best hours of our lives. Two things that we wouldn't have chosen on things that we wouldn't have chosen on things that we wouldn't have chosen on purpose. purpose. purpose. Our second text today was about when Our second text today was about when Our second text today was about when Jesus went to visit Mary and Martha at Jesus went to visit Mary and Martha at Jesus went to visit Mary and Martha at their house and Martha is scurrying their house and Martha is scurrying their house and Martha is scurrying around and doing all kinds of things and around and doing all kinds of things and around and doing all kinds of things and Mary is sitting at Jesus's feet. And Mary is sitting at Jesus's feet. And Mary is sitting at Jesus's feet. And look, the text does not say that Martha look, the text does not say that Martha look, the text does not say that Martha was committing sins. That serving is not was committing sins. That serving is not was committing sins. That serving is not a sin. Being a good host is not a sin. a sin. Being a good host is not a sin. a sin. Being a good host is not a sin. But what happened to Martha was that she But what happened to Martha was that she But what happened to Martha was that she got one good task and then another good got one good task and then another good got one good task and then another good task and another good task away from the task and another good task away from the task and another good task away from the thing that she was supposed to be thing that she was supposed to be thing that she was supposed to be focused on. that she and her sister had focused on. that she and her sister had focused on. that she and her sister had invited Jesus to their house and then invited Jesus to their house and then invited Jesus to their house and then she had completely missed the purpose of she had completely missed the purpose of she had completely missed the purpose of him being there because of one good him being there because of one good him being there because of one good task.

task. task. In Proverbs 14, it says, "There is a In Proverbs 14, it says, "There is a In Proverbs 14, it says, "There is a path before each person that seems path before each person that seems path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death." There is a right, but it ends in death." There is a right, but it ends in death." There is a path before each of us that seems right, path before each of us that seems right, path before each of us that seems right, but it ends in death. There is a path of but it ends in death. There is a path of but it ends in death. There is a path of being a good employee, of being a good being a good employee, of being a good being a good employee, of being a good mother, of being a good business owner, mother, of being a good business owner, mother, of being a good business owner, of being a good colleague or a good of being a good colleague or a good of being a good colleague or a good neighbor that seems right, that is like neighbor that seems right, that is like neighbor that seems right, that is like Martha, diligent and purposed, but it Martha, diligent and purposed, but it Martha, diligent and purposed, but it ends in death because we have our ends in death because we have our ends in death because we have our priorities priorities priorities instead of having a priority. Instead of instead of having a priority. Instead of instead of having a priority. Instead of centering our lives like Mary did around centering our lives like Mary did around centering our lives like Mary did around the one thing that mattered, Jesus said the one thing that mattered, Jesus said the one thing that mattered, Jesus said to Martha, Mary has chosen the better to Martha, Mary has chosen the better to Martha, Mary has chosen the better part. Jesus didn't say that there are no part. Jesus didn't say that there are no part. Jesus didn't say that there are no other good parts and this is the only other good parts and this is the only other good parts and this is the only part. Jesus just said this is the better part. Jesus just said this is the better part. Jesus just said this is the better part. You choose me first and then part. You choose me first and then part. You choose me first and then everything else falls in order. Jesus everything else falls in order. Jesus everything else falls in order. Jesus does not want to be one on our list.

does not want to be one on our list. does not want to be one on our list. Just one of many things on our list. one Just one of many things on our list. one Just one of many things on our list. one of our priorities. of our priorities. of our priorities. When we make Jesus, following Jesus, When we make Jesus, following Jesus, When we make Jesus, following Jesus, loving Jesus, being in a relationship loving Jesus, being in a relationship loving Jesus, being in a relationship with Jesus the priority of our lives, with Jesus the priority of our lives, with Jesus the priority of our lives, everything else falls into place from everything else falls into place from everything else falls into place from that, gains its proper place from that. that, gains its proper place from that. that, gains its proper place from that. Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and all of these things will be given to all of these things will be given to all of these things will be given to you. put things in proper order and then you. put things in proper order and then you. put things in proper order and then you will understand the value of the you will understand the value of the you will understand the value of the work that you have been given and the work that you have been given and the work that you have been given and the family that you have to tend for tend to family that you have to tend for tend to family that you have to tend for tend to and all of these other things that are and all of these other things that are and all of these other things that are important as well. important as well. important as well. In the parable of the great banquet, In the parable of the great banquet, In the parable of the great banquet, Jesus tells the story of a man who is Jesus tells the story of a man who is Jesus tells the story of a man who is hosting a feast and he invites all of hosting a feast and he invites all of hosting a feast and he invites all of his neighbors and they accept his his neighbors and they accept his his neighbors and they accept his invitation and then they begin to invitation and then they begin to invitation and then they begin to decline one by one by one. I have just decline one by one by one. I have just decline one by one by one. I have just bought a field and I need to go check on bought a field and I need to go check on bought a field and I need to go check on it. I have just bought a herd of oxen it. I have just bought a herd of oxen it. I have just bought a herd of oxen and I need to go test them out. I've and I need to go test them out. I've and I need to go test them out. I've just gotten married and so I can't come just gotten married and so I can't come just gotten married and so I can't come to dinner.

to dinner. to dinner. All of these things taken on their own All of these things taken on their own All of these things taken on their own are good things. They are pieces of what are good things. They are pieces of what are good things. They are pieces of what we would define as a well-ordered life. we would define as a well-ordered life. we would define as a well-ordered life. The man who owns the field has right The man who owns the field has right The man who owns the field has right respect for his possessions and he wants respect for his possessions and he wants respect for his possessions and he wants to make sure his possessions are taken to make sure his possessions are taken to make sure his possessions are taken care of. The man who has all of the oxen care of. The man who has all of the oxen care of. The man who has all of the oxen has a vocation. That's his job. And so has a vocation. That's his job. And so has a vocation. That's his job. And so he is making sure that he is being a he is making sure that he is being a he is making sure that he is being a good business owner. The man who has good business owner. The man who has good business owner. The man who has just gotten married is is prioritizing a just gotten married is is prioritizing a just gotten married is is prioritizing a relationship. Relationships are a good relationship. Relationships are a good relationship. Relationships are a good thing. But here's what this parable is thing. But here's what this parable is thing. But here's what this parable is about. It is about what has become about. It is about what has become about. It is about what has become ultimate in your life. Not that vocation ultimate in your life. Not that vocation ultimate in your life. Not that vocation and possessions and relationships are and possessions and relationships are and possessions and relationships are bad things, but that they are not the bad things, but that they are not the bad things, but that they are not the ultimate thing and that they should not ultimate thing and that they should not ultimate thing and that they should not get in the way of the ultimate thing. get in the way of the ultimate thing. get in the way of the ultimate thing. This is about this is about disciplehip, This is about this is about disciplehip, This is about this is about disciplehip, not about time management. It's not not about time management. It's not not about time management. It's not about squeezing a little bit more Jesus about squeezing a little bit more Jesus about squeezing a little bit more Jesus into your life, but about whether or not into your life, but about whether or not into your life, but about whether or not Jesus comes first so that everything Jesus comes first so that everything Jesus comes first so that everything else can flow from that.

else can flow from that. else can flow from that. I think one of the ones that many of us I think one of the ones that many of us I think one of the ones that many of us struggle with is vocation, our work. struggle with is vocation, our work. struggle with is vocation, our work. That when we misorder the seriousness That when we misorder the seriousness That when we misorder the seriousness with which we take our work, it affects with which we take our work, it affects with which we take our work, it affects everything else in our lives. I know everything else in our lives. I know everything else in our lives. I know that I am guilty of this because so that I am guilty of this because so that I am guilty of this because so often we don't quite know when to stop. often we don't quite know when to stop. often we don't quite know when to stop. Proverbs 23:4, and this is the CEB Proverbs 23:4, and this is the CEB Proverbs 23:4, and this is the CEB version, but it says um do not work to version, but it says um do not work to version, but it says um do not work to get rich, be smart enough to know when get rich, be smart enough to know when get rich, be smart enough to know when to stop. to stop. to stop. It's not saying do not work hard. In It's not saying do not work hard. In It's not saying do not work hard. In fact, all of scripture tells us work fact, all of scripture tells us work fact, all of scripture tells us work hard. Colossians 3, work with all of hard. Colossians 3, work with all of hard. Colossians 3, work with all of your heart, but it says as unto the your heart, but it says as unto the your heart, but it says as unto the Lord, not for human masters. The Lord, not for human masters. The Lord, not for human masters. The motivation matters. For whom are you motivation matters. For whom are you motivation matters. For whom are you working? For what are you working? Most working? For what are you working? Most working? For what are you working? Most of us and what this proverb is warning of us and what this proverb is warning of us and what this proverb is warning against um we work for misordered against um we work for misordered against um we work for misordered values. We work because we feel like values. We work because we feel like values. We work because we feel like nobody can do things without us. We work nobody can do things without us. We work nobody can do things without us. We work because we are chasing a flashy title. because we are chasing a flashy title. because we are chasing a flashy title. We work because of the money or the We work because of the money or the We work because of the money or the rewards or the possessions that come rewards or the possessions that come rewards or the possessions that come because of it. And if you hear that and because of it. And if you hear that and because of it. And if you hear that and you think to yourself that you can you think to yourself that you can you think to yourself that you can relate to that, then that is a sign that relate to that, then that is a sign that relate to that, then that is a sign that you might be misordered in your priority you might be misordered in your priority you might be misordered in your priority of what is most important and that we of what is most important and that we of what is most important and that we must be wise enough to know when to must be wise enough to know when to must be wise enough to know when to stop.

stop. stop. All of this is these things come at the All of this is these things come at the All of this is these things come at the expense of our spiritual health. when we expense of our spiritual health. when we expense of our spiritual health. when we would not dream of skipping sleep for would not dream of skipping sleep for would not dream of skipping sleep for three nights and then expecting our three nights and then expecting our three nights and then expecting our physical health to be in perfect order, physical health to be in perfect order, physical health to be in perfect order, right? We would not dream of living in right? We would not dream of living in right? We would not dream of living in isolation and expect that our mental isolation and expect that our mental isolation and expect that our mental health and our relationships would stay health and our relationships would stay health and our relationships would stay intact. intact. intact. Why do we dream uh that we can ignore Why do we dream uh that we can ignore Why do we dream uh that we can ignore prayer, that we don't have to spend time prayer, that we don't have to spend time prayer, that we don't have to spend time in Christian community, and that we in Christian community, and that we in Christian community, and that we don't need to serve other people, and don't need to serve other people, and don't need to serve other people, and that our spiritual health will stay that our spiritual health will stay that our spiritual health will stay intact. intact. intact. What God is saying to us is, "Put me What God is saying to us is, "Put me What God is saying to us is, "Put me first. Put me at the center. And I will first. Put me at the center. And I will first. Put me at the center. And I will give you the perspective for all of give you the perspective for all of give you the perspective for all of these other things so that you can live these other things so that you can live these other things so that you can live fully in the way that I have made you to fully in the way that I have made you to fully in the way that I have made you to live." live." live." And so I wonder And so I wonder And so I wonder as you are sitting here and as you are as you are sitting here and as you are as you are sitting here and as you are listening to this, if you are having a listening to this, if you are having a listening to this, if you are having a nudging in your spirit that maybe the nudging in your spirit that maybe the nudging in your spirit that maybe the thing that you say is most important is thing that you say is most important is thing that you say is most important is not actually the thing that you live out not actually the thing that you live out not actually the thing that you live out as most important. That maybe what you as most important. That maybe what you as most important. That maybe what you would claim as the center is not what would claim as the center is not what would claim as the center is not what the screen time report on your phone the screen time report on your phone the screen time report on your phone would report as the center.

would report as the center. would report as the center. In Matthew 19, the rich young man comes In Matthew 19, the rich young man comes In Matthew 19, the rich young man comes to Jesus and he asks how he can inherit to Jesus and he asks how he can inherit to Jesus and he asks how he can inherit eternal life. And this is a man that if eternal life. And this is a man that if eternal life. And this is a man that if you stopped him on the way and asked him you stopped him on the way and asked him you stopped him on the way and asked him what was important to him, he would have what was important to him, he would have what was important to him, he would have said the things of God. Because the very said the things of God. Because the very said the things of God. Because the very first thing he tells Jesus is, I have first thing he tells Jesus is, I have first thing he tells Jesus is, I have kept all of the commandments my life. I kept all of the commandments my life. I kept all of the commandments my life. I have kept your laws. Right? I he's he is have kept your laws. Right? I he's he is have kept your laws. Right? I he's he is knows the things of God. He loves God. knows the things of God. He loves God. knows the things of God. He loves God. And so he wants to inherit eternal life. And so he wants to inherit eternal life. And so he wants to inherit eternal life. And Jesus says to him, "Okay, sell your And Jesus says to him, "Okay, sell your And Jesus says to him, "Okay, sell your possessions. give them to the poor and possessions. give them to the poor and possessions. give them to the poor and then follow me." And he went away sad then follow me." And he went away sad then follow me." And he went away sad because he had many possessions. because he had many possessions. because he had many possessions. The things that he thought he valued The things that he thought he valued The things that he thought he valued that he would have told you were that he would have told you were that he would have told you were important to him clearly were not the important to him clearly were not the important to him clearly were not the things that he lived by. things that he lived by. things that he lived by. They weren't actually what dictated his They weren't actually what dictated his They weren't actually what dictated his life when push comes to shove. And I life when push comes to shove. And I life when push comes to shove. And I wonder for us as well, if we were to wonder for us as well, if we were to wonder for us as well, if we were to really evaluate what it is that dictates really evaluate what it is that dictates really evaluate what it is that dictates our life when push comes to shove, what our life when push comes to shove, what our life when push comes to shove, what our priority is, if it would really be our priority is, if it would really be our priority is, if it would really be the thing that we say that it is.

the thing that we say that it is. the thing that we say that it is. And so if we recognize that in ourselves And so if we recognize that in ourselves And so if we recognize that in ourselves and we have a desire to really place God and we have a desire to really place God and we have a desire to really place God in the center of our lives, what do we in the center of our lives, what do we in the center of our lives, what do we do about it? Because we know good do about it? Because we know good do about it? Because we know good intentions are not enough. We wouldn't intentions are not enough. We wouldn't intentions are not enough. We wouldn't be having this conversation if good be having this conversation if good be having this conversation if good intentions were enough. intentions were enough. intentions were enough. We actually have to make space in our We actually have to make space in our We actually have to make space in our lives. lives. lives. Peter Ducker, the great management Peter Ducker, the great management Peter Ducker, the great management consultant of the 20th century, wrote consultant of the 20th century, wrote consultant of the 20th century, wrote about having a priority, the thing that about having a priority, the thing that about having a priority, the thing that you make time to do first. And he also you make time to do first. And he also you make time to do first. And he also wrote about having posteriorities. He wrote about having posteriorities. He wrote about having posteriorities. He said you cannot have a priority without said you cannot have a priority without said you cannot have a priority without posteriorities. Posteriorities are the posteriorities. Posteriorities are the posteriorities. Posteriorities are the things that you are going to stop doing things that you are going to stop doing things that you are going to stop doing so that you have time to do your so that you have time to do your so that you have time to do your priority. priority. priority. That's hard for us to determine the That's hard for us to determine the That's hard for us to determine the things that we are going to stop doing things that we are going to stop doing things that we are going to stop doing especially because many of them are good especially because many of them are good especially because many of them are good things. What are the things the good things. What are the things the good things. What are the things the good things that you are going to stop doing things that you are going to stop doing things that you are going to stop doing so that you have time for the best thing so that you have time for the best thing so that you have time for the best thing in your life?

in your life? in your life? I wonder if maybe a posteriority for you I wonder if maybe a posteriority for you I wonder if maybe a posteriority for you is I am not going to always try to have is I am not going to always try to have is I am not going to always try to have a perfectly clean and ordered house. Not a perfectly clean and ordered house. Not a perfectly clean and ordered house. Not because orderliness isn't important, but because orderliness isn't important, but because orderliness isn't important, but because maybe taking a walk with your because maybe taking a walk with your because maybe taking a walk with your husband or wife after dinner is more husband or wife after dinner is more husband or wife after dinner is more important. Maybe spending time with your important. Maybe spending time with your important. Maybe spending time with your kids is more important. And that cannot kids is more important. And that cannot kids is more important. And that cannot be of high value if you are doing all be of high value if you are doing all be of high value if you are doing all these other things. Maybe a posteriority these other things. Maybe a posteriority these other things. Maybe a posteriority for you is I am not going to watch that for you is I am not going to watch that for you is I am not going to watch that next show on Netflix that starts without next show on Netflix that starts without next show on Netflix that starts without me thinking about it. Right? Not because me thinking about it. Right? Not because me thinking about it. Right? Not because entertainment's bad, but because two or entertainment's bad, but because two or entertainment's bad, but because two or three hours a night of it takes away three hours a night of it takes away three hours a night of it takes away some of the time that we might have some of the time that we might have some of the time that we might have spent reading scripture or in prayer or spent reading scripture or in prayer or spent reading scripture or in prayer or visiting with a friend who we needed to visiting with a friend who we needed to visiting with a friend who we needed to catch up with. catch up with. catch up with. Maybe a posteriority for you is I am Maybe a posteriority for you is I am Maybe a posteriority for you is I am going to stop trying to keep up with going to stop trying to keep up with going to stop trying to keep up with everyone with social media, with the everyone with social media, with the everyone with social media, with the Joneses, with kids activities, with all Joneses, with kids activities, with all Joneses, with kids activities, with all of the stuff that I didn't choose, but of the stuff that I didn't choose, but of the stuff that I didn't choose, but is running my life.

is running my life. is running my life. Maybe a posteriority is as simple as I'm Maybe a posteriority is as simple as I'm Maybe a posteriority is as simple as I'm not going to look at my phone before not going to look at my phone before not going to look at my phone before this hour in the morning or after this this hour in the morning or after this this hour in the morning or after this hour in the evening. What are the hour in the evening. What are the hour in the evening. What are the things, the good things that you are things, the good things that you are things, the good things that you are willing to put as posteriorities in your willing to put as posteriorities in your willing to put as posteriorities in your list so that you can live your priority? list so that you can live your priority? list so that you can live your priority? Here's some questions that you might ask Here's some questions that you might ask Here's some questions that you might ask yourself. yourself. yourself. What am I doing just because everyone What am I doing just because everyone What am I doing just because everyone else is doing it? else is doing it? else is doing it? If I truly believe that my family was as If I truly believe that my family was as If I truly believe that my family was as important to me as I say they are, what important to me as I say they are, what important to me as I say they are, what would I stop doing? would I stop doing? would I stop doing? Or maybe this. Or maybe this. Or maybe this. How would it change my life if I How would it change my life if I How would it change my life if I genuinely believe that God had already genuinely believe that God had already genuinely believe that God had already given me the time and the ability to do given me the time and the ability to do given me the time and the ability to do everything to which God called me to do? everything to which God called me to do? everything to which God called me to do? Not to which the world called me to do, Not to which the world called me to do, Not to which the world called me to do, not to which all of my priorities called not to which all of my priorities called not to which all of my priorities called me, but the priority of God and what God me, but the priority of God and what God me, but the priority of God and what God has called you to do. What if you knew has called you to do. What if you knew has called you to do. What if you knew you were really equipped for that?

you were really equipped for that? you were really equipped for that? Look, we were not meant to live with 15 Look, we were not meant to live with 15 Look, we were not meant to live with 15 firsts. firsts. firsts. We were meant to have one first and let We were meant to have one first and let We were meant to have one first and let everything flow from that. One of the privileges of my job of our One of the privileges of my job of our jobs is that we get to visit with folks jobs is that we get to visit with folks jobs is that we get to visit with folks near the end of their lives. We get to near the end of their lives. We get to near the end of their lives. We get to talk to them. People want to often share talk to them. People want to often share talk to them. People want to often share with us the things that they are proud with us the things that they are proud with us the things that they are proud of, the things that they had wished that of, the things that they had wished that of, the things that they had wished that they' done less of, the things they wish they' done less of, the things they wish they' done less of, the things they wish they had done more of. And I will tell they had done more of. And I will tell they had done more of. And I will tell you the recurring theme there is pray you the recurring theme there is pray you the recurring theme there is pray more worry less. Right? Family more, more worry less. Right? Family more, more worry less. Right? Family more, work less. work less. work less. People do not wish that they had spent People do not wish that they had spent People do not wish that they had spent less time in their relationship with less time in their relationship with less time in their relationship with God. People don't wish that they had God. People don't wish that they had God. People don't wish that they had spent less time ordering their life in a spent less time ordering their life in a spent less time ordering their life in a way where everything had flowed from it. way where everything had flowed from it. way where everything had flowed from it. We are not sitting in a hospital room We are not sitting in a hospital room We are not sitting in a hospital room right morning. This morning we are not right morning. This morning we are not right morning. This morning we are not in a burning house. We have the in a burning house. We have the in a burning house. We have the privilege of an ordinary Tuesday in privilege of an ordinary Tuesday in privilege of an ordinary Tuesday in front of us where we will give our best front of us where we will give our best front of us where we will give our best hours.

hours. hours. So we get to choose now. What is it that So we get to choose now. What is it that So we get to choose now. What is it that I want to live for? What do I want to be I want to live for? What do I want to be I want to live for? What do I want to be in the center of my life? in the center of my life? in the center of my life? God, I pray that you would grant us God, I pray that you would grant us God, I pray that you would grant us perspective, perspective, perspective, that we might see our lives as you see that we might see our lives as you see that we might see our lives as you see them, see our calling as you see it for them, see our calling as you see it for them, see our calling as you see it for us. And I pray that we might see you us. And I pray that we might see you us. And I pray that we might see you clearly, that you would draw us to you clearly, that you would draw us to you clearly, that you would draw us to you and help us to clear away all of the and help us to clear away all of the and help us to clear away all of the other things that crowd you out. other things that crowd you out. other things that crowd you out. We ask this in your name. Amen. We ask this in your name. Amen. We ask this in your name. Amen. I invite you to stand with me as we sing I invite you to stand with me as we sing I invite you to stand with me as we sing together our closing hymn, 451, Be Thou together our closing hymn, 451, Be Thou together our closing hymn, 451, Be Thou My Vision. My Vision. My Vision. [music] Hallelujah.

Hallelujah. [music] [music] [music] sing forever. Glory forever. Glory [music] glory. Yeah.

glory. Yeah. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] >> I hope you'll join us next week for >> I hope you'll join us next week for kickoff Sunday with Kona Ice and a new kickoff Sunday with Kona Ice and a new kickoff Sunday with Kona Ice and a new sermon series. Tom will kick us off by sermon series. Tom will kick us off by sermon series. Tom will kick us off by talking about the faith supplement of talking about the faith supplement of talking about the faith supplement of fun and how we need to incorporate fun fun and how we need to incorporate fun fun and how we need to incorporate fun into our lives. And so I hope that you into our lives. And so I hope that you into our lives. And so I hope that you will invite somebody to join you for will invite somebody to join you for will invite somebody to join you for that as well. Go knowing that God goes that as well. Go knowing that God goes that as well. Go knowing that God goes before you. So go with great peace. May before you. So go with great peace. May before you. So go with great peace. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the love of God and the fellowship of the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you now and the Holy Spirit be with you now and the Holy Spirit be with you now and forever. Amen.

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

Heat. [music]