Contemporary | 11:15 a.m. | 08.09.2026

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

>> Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Heat. Heat. N. >> Good morning, St. Luke's. Will you

>> Good morning, St. Luke's. Will you please stand in worship with us? We worship the God who [singing] was We worship the God who [singing] was worship. worship. worship. We worship the God who ever [music] will We worship the God who ever [music] will We worship the God who ever [music] will be. be. be. He opened the prison doors. [music] He He opened the prison doors. [music] He He opened the prison doors. [music] He parted the raging sea. My God, he holds parted the raging sea. My God, he holds parted the raging sea. My God, he holds the victory. There's [music] joy in the house of the There's [music] joy in the house of the Lord. There's joy in the house of the Lord. There's joy in the house of the Lord. There's joy in the house of the Lord today. And we won't be quiet. Lord today. And we won't be quiet. Lord today. And we won't be quiet. We shout out your praise. There's joy in We shout out your praise. There's joy in We shout out your praise. There's joy in the house of the Lord. Our [music] God the house of the Lord. Our [music] God the house of the Lord. Our [music] God is surely in this place. And we won't be is surely in this place. And we won't be is surely in this place. And we won't be quiet. quiet. quiet. We shout out your praise. We sing to the God who heals. We sing to We sing to the God who heals. We sing to the God who saves. We sing to the God the God who saves. We sing to the God the God who saves. We sing to the God who makes.

who makes. who makes. Cuz he [music] hung up on that cross. Cuz he [music] hung up on that cross. Cuz he [music] hung up on that cross. Then he rose up [singing] from that Then he rose up [singing] from that Then he rose up [singing] from that grave. My God still rolling stones away. There's [music] joy in the house of the There's [music] joy in the house of the Lord. There's joy [singing] in the house Lord. There's joy [singing] in the house Lord. There's joy [singing] in the house of the Lord today. And we won't be of the Lord today. And we won't be of the Lord today. And we won't be quiet. quiet. quiet. We shout at [music] your praise. There's We shout at [music] your praise. There's We shout at [music] your praise. There's joy in the house of the Lord. Our God is joy in the house of the Lord. Our God is joy in the house of the Lord. Our God is surely in this place. And we won't be surely in this place. And we won't be surely in this place. And we won't be quiet. quiet. quiet. and shout out your praise. Cuz we were the beggars, Cuz we were the beggars, now we're royalty. now we're royalty. now we're royalty. We were the prisoners, [music] We were the prisoners, [music] We were the prisoners, [music] now [singing] we're running free. We are now [singing] we're running free. We are now [singing] we're running free. We are forgi, [music] forgi, [music] forgi, [music] accepted, redeemed by his grace. Let the accepted, redeemed by his grace. Let the accepted, redeemed by his grace. Let the [singing] house of [music] the Lord sing [singing] house of [music] the Lord sing [singing] house of [music] the Lord sing praise.

praise. praise. Cuz we were the better Cuz we were the better Cuz we were the better now we'll see. [singing] now we'll see. [singing] now we'll see. [singing] We were the prisoners. We were the prisoners. We were the prisoners. Now we're running free. We are forgi, Now we're running free. We are forgi, Now we're running free. We are forgi, accepted, redeemed by his grace. Let the accepted, redeemed by his grace. Let the accepted, redeemed by his grace. Let the house [music] of the Lord sing praise. There's joy in the house of the Lord. There's joy in the house of the Lord. There's [singing and music] joy in the There's [singing and music] joy in the There's [singing and music] joy in the house of the Lord today. house of the Lord today. house of the Lord today. And we won't be quiet. And we won't be quiet. And we won't be quiet. We shout out your praise. There's joy in We shout out your praise. There's joy in We shout out your praise. There's joy in the house of [singing] the Lord. Our God the house of [singing] the Lord. Our God the house of [singing] the Lord. Our God [music] is surely in this place. And we [music] is surely in this place. And we [music] is surely in this place. And we won't be quiet. won't be quiet. won't be quiet. We shout [music] out your praise. We shout [music] out your praise. We shout [music] out your praise. There's joy in the house of the Lord. There's joy in the house of the Lord. There's joy in the house of the Lord. There's joy in the house of love today. There's joy in the house of love today. There's joy in the house of love today. [music] And we won't be quiet. [music] And we won't be quiet. [music] And we won't be quiet. We shout out your praise. [music] We shout out your praise. [music] We shout out your praise. [music] is joy in the house of the Lord. Our God is joy in the house of the Lord. Our God is joy in the house of the Lord. Our God is surely in this place and we won't be is surely in this place and we won't be is surely in this place and we won't be quiet.

quiet. quiet. We shout out [music] your praise. Amen. Good morning, St. Luke's. Amen. Good morning, St. Luke's. Good morning. And good morning to those Good morning. And good morning to those Good morning. And good morning to those of you who are worshiping with us of you who are worshiping with us of you who are worshiping with us online. And I do picture [music] you online. And I do picture [music] you online. And I do picture [music] you worshiping with us um from your living worshiping with us um from your living worshiping with us um from your living rooms or vacations or wherever you are. rooms or vacations or wherever you are. rooms or vacations or wherever you are. And it is such an honor. Um, so a little And it is such an honor. Um, so a little And it is such an honor. Um, so a little bit of announcement that you would never bit of announcement that you would never bit of announcement that you would never know if I didn't tell you is that for know if I didn't tell you is that for know if I didn't tell you is that for the past honestly almost three years and the past honestly almost three years and the past honestly almost three years and [music] [music] [music] in the past few weeks for many many many in the past few weeks for many many many in the past few weeks for many many many hours our media team have been working hours our media team have been working hours our media team have been working hard to completely revamp the hard to completely revamp the hard to completely revamp the behindthe-scenes sound system for us for behindthe-scenes sound system for us for behindthe-scenes sound system for us for Sunday mornings. So there is a whole Sunday mornings. So there is a whole Sunday mornings. So there is a whole column of wires [music] back there, column of wires [music] back there, column of wires [music] back there, hundreds and hundreds of thousands of hundreds and hundreds of thousands of hundreds and hundreds of thousands of wires. There is an in-ear system that we wires. There is an in-ear system that we wires. There is an in-ear system that we use up here and all of it has [music] use up here and all of it has [music] use up here and all of it has [music] been overhauled and upgraded and I just been overhauled and upgraded and I just been overhauled and upgraded and I just want to say the biggest thank you to our want to say the biggest thank you to our want to say the biggest thank you to our media team [music] and everybody who's media team [music] and everybody who's media team [music] and everybody who's been involved. Um it is huge. [music] been involved. Um it is huge. [music] been involved. Um it is huge. [music] Obviously if we sound better it's just Obviously if we sound better it's just Obviously if we sound better it's just because we're improving. It's not the because we're improving. It's not the because we're improving. It's not the sound system. Just just know [music]

sound system. Just just know [music] sound system. Just just know [music] that. Um but just a huge thank you guys. that. Um but just a huge thank you guys. that. Um but just a huge thank you guys. the team that goes into making this the team that goes into making this the team that goes into making this Sunday morning something that can Sunday morning something that can Sunday morning something that can [music] really speak to your heart is is [music] really speak to your heart is is [music] really speak to your heart is is huge and they work tirelessly and so huge and they work tirelessly and so huge and they work tirelessly and so we're [music] so grateful. Let's we're [music] so grateful. Let's we're [music] so grateful. Let's continue worshiping with this new sound continue worshiping with this new sound continue worshiping with this new sound system. [laughter] Christ was my [music] firm [singing] Christ was my [music] firm [singing] found, the rock [singing and music] on which I the rock [singing and music] on which I stand when everything around me is shen. Well, I've never [music and singing] Well, I've never [music and singing] been more glad that I put my faith in been more glad that I put my faith in been more glad that I put my faith in Jesus Jesus Jesus cuz he's never let me [singing] down. cuz he's never let me [singing] down. cuz he's never let me [singing] down. He's faithful [music] through He's faithful [music] through He's faithful [music] through generations. So why [music and singing] would he fill So why [music and singing] would he fill out? He won't.

He won't. He won't. [music] See, I've still got joy in chaos. See, I've still got joy in chaos. [music] I've got peace that makes no sense. I've got peace that makes no sense. [music] [music] [music] I want to be going under. [singing] I'm not held by [music] my own strength. I'm not held by [music] my own strength. Cuz I built my life on Jesus. He's never let me down. He's faithful He's never let me down. He's faithful [music] [music] [music] in every season. So why would he feel [music] So why would he feel [music] now? He won't. He won't fail. He won't fail. [music] [music] [music] He won't fail.

Sing with us. Rain came and wind blew, Sing with us. Rain came and wind blew, but [singing] my house was built on you. but [singing] my house was built on you. but [singing] my house was built on you. I'm safe with you. [singing] I'm safe with you. [singing] I'm safe with you. [singing] I'm going to make it through. I'm going to make it through. I'm going to make it through. We cannot but my [music and singing] house was but my [music and singing] house was built on you built on you built on you and I'm safe with you. I'm going and I'm safe with you. I'm going and I'm safe with you. I'm going [singing] to make it through wind wind but my [music] house was built on you. but my [music] house was built on you. but my [music] house was built on you. And I'm safe with you. I'm [music] going And I'm safe with you. I'm [music] going And I'm safe with you. I'm [music] going to make it through. Yeah, I'm [music] to make it through. Yeah, I'm [music] to make it through. Yeah, I'm [music] going to make it through. going to make it through. going to make it through. Cuz I'm standing strong on [music] you.

Cuz I'm standing strong on [music] you. Cuz I'm standing strong on [music] you. Yeah, I'm going to make it through. Yeah, I'm going to make it through. Yeah, I'm going to make it through. Cuz my [music] house is built on you. Cuz my [music] house is built on you. Cuz my [music] house is built on you. Christ is my firm [music] foundation, the rock on which I stand. When the rock on which I stand. When everything around me [music] is shen, I've never been more glad that I I've never been more glad that I [music and singing] put my faith in [music and singing] put my faith in [music and singing] put my faith in Jesus Jesus Jesus cuz he's never let [singing] me [music] cuz he's never let [singing] me [music] cuz he's never let [singing] me [music] down. He's faithful through generations. So why [music] would he fall out? So why [music] would he fall out? He won't. [music] We are in week two of two in our little We are in week two of two in our little mini series called Push Pause. And so mini series called Push Pause. And so mini series called Push Pause. And so you may have noticed we pushed pause on you may have noticed we pushed pause on you may have noticed we pushed pause on all the graphics of the screens so we

all the graphics of the screens so we all the graphics of the screens so we could really hone in our focus during could really hone in our focus during could really hone in our focus during this series. And we're also changing up this series. And we're also changing up this series. And we're also changing up the prayer time. And so last week, if the prayer time. And so last week, if the prayer time. And so last week, if you were with us, you heard um and you were with us, you heard um and you were with us, you heard um and participated in a breath prayer. And participated in a breath prayer. And participated in a breath prayer. And we're going to do that again this we're going to do that again this we're going to do that again this morning. So take whatever posture feels morning. So take whatever posture feels morning. So take whatever posture feels good to you. Close your eyes. If you're good to you. Close your eyes. If you're good to you. Close your eyes. If you're confident you're not going to fall confident you're not going to fall confident you're not going to fall asleep. If you're not confident you're asleep. If you're not confident you're asleep. If you're not confident you're not going to fall asleep, then um just not going to fall asleep, then um just not going to fall asleep, then um just pick a neutral spot on the wall pick a neutral spot on the wall pick a neutral spot on the wall and pay attention to your breathing. and pay attention to your breathing. and pay attention to your breathing. Deep breath in Deep breath in Deep breath in and out. [snorts] In In and out. In we pray aba. In we pray aba. Out we pray it's all yours. Out we pray it's all yours. Out we pray it's all yours. Aba on the inhale. aba.

aba. It's all yours, Keep that breath and that prayer going Keep that breath and that prayer going in whatever feels normal and natural for in whatever feels normal and natural for in whatever feels normal and natural for your deep breathing. and keeping that going. and keeping that going. Whatever you want to lay down at God's Whatever you want to lay down at God's Whatever you want to lay down at God's feet this morning, whatever you're feet this morning, whatever you're feet this morning, whatever you're saying to God, it's all yours about, saying to God, it's all yours about, saying to God, it's all yours about, whatever the it is, if you want to whatever the it is, if you want to whatever the it is, if you want to take further action on that in addition take further action on that in addition take further action on that in addition to breathing it out, surrendering it to to breathing it out, surrendering it to to breathing it out, surrendering it to God, you're welcome to come up and light God, you're welcome to come up and light God, you're welcome to come up and light a candle or to spend some time in the a candle or to spend some time in the a candle or to spend some time in the kneelers or stay right where you are.

kneelers or stay right where you are. kneelers or stay right where you are. And let's continue in that breath, that And let's continue in that breath, that And let's continue in that breath, that prayer. Aba prayer. Aba prayer. Aba It's all yours. Where's

Where's the Together we breathe. Aba, Together we breathe. Aba, it's all yours.

it's all yours. it's all yours. And together, let's pray the prayer And together, let's pray the prayer And together, let's pray the prayer [music] that Jesus taught us to. Our [music] that Jesus taught us to. Our [music] that Jesus taught us to. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom [music] come, thy thy name, thy kingdom [music] come, thy thy name, thy kingdom [music] come, thy will be done on earth as it is in will be done on earth as it is in will be done on earth as it is in heaven. heaven. heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And Give us this day our daily bread. And Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses forgive us our trespasses forgive us our trespasses as we [music] forgive those who trespass as we [music] forgive those who trespass as we [music] forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into against us. And lead us not into against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. temptation, but deliver us from evil. temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power For thine is the kingdom and the power For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. and the glory forever. and the glory forever. Amen. Amen. Amen. Now, I'd [music] like to invite Miss Now, I'd [music] like to invite Miss Now, I'd [music] like to invite Miss Lorie and all of our kids to come up for Lorie and all of our kids to come up for Lorie and all of our kids to come up for children's time.

Hello everybody. Hello everybody. >> Oh, I know it's already peeking out, >> Oh, I know it's already peeking out, >> Oh, I know it's already peeking out, isn't it? isn't it? isn't it? >> Hi everyone. >> Hi everyone. >> Hi everyone. >> Peeking out. >> Peeking out. >> Peeking out. >> I know it is peeking out. So, what's the >> I know it is peeking out. So, what's the >> I know it is peeking out. So, what's the question? question? question? >> What's in the back? >> What's in the back? >> What's in the back? >> And what is peeking out? A backpack >> And what is peeking out? A backpack >> And what is peeking out? A backpack and a dog. and a dog. and a dog. >> Oh. Oh, yeah. Shh. Don't Don't reveal >> Oh. Oh, yeah. Shh. Don't Don't reveal >> Oh. Oh, yeah. Shh. Don't Don't reveal that to the audience yet. We're not that to the audience yet. We're not that to the audience yet. We're not quite ready. Okay. Let's get this out. quite ready. Okay. Let's get this out. quite ready. Okay. Let's get this out. Yes. A backpack. Okay. So, what I want Yes. A backpack. Okay. So, what I want Yes. A backpack. Okay. So, what I want to do is I want to fill this backpack. to do is I want to fill this backpack. to do is I want to fill this backpack. So, I brought some other stuff that I So, I brought some other stuff that I So, I brought some other stuff that I want to fill it with and I need your want to fill it with and I need your want to fill it with and I need your help. So, I'm going to pass it to you help. So, I'm going to pass it to you help. So, I'm going to pass it to you and I want you to hold it and then we're and I want you to hold it and then we're and I want you to hold it and then we're going to put it back in the backpack going to put it back in the backpack going to put it back in the backpack here in a minute. Does that make sense? here in a minute. Does that make sense? here in a minute. Does that make sense? Okay. So, the first thing I see in here Okay. So, the first thing I see in here Okay. So, the first thing I see in here are let's see. Go fish, a game, and a are let's see. Go fish, a game, and a are let's see. Go fish, a game, and a toy. Okay. Yes. I'll let you hold that. toy. Okay. Yes. I'll let you hold that. toy. Okay. Yes. I'll let you hold that. I'll let Nox hold this. So, you know I'll let Nox hold this. So, you know I'll let Nox hold this. So, you know what? Toys are important to me. Games what? Toys are important to me. Games what? Toys are important to me. Games are important to me because it's are important to me because it's are important to me because it's important to have fun and play. Don't important to have fun and play. Don't important to have fun and play. Don't you think so? you think so? you think so? >> Yeah. Yeah. Awesome. Okay, let's see >> Yeah. Yeah. Awesome. Okay, let's see >> Yeah. Yeah. Awesome. Okay, let's see what else we have in here. Oh, what's what else we have in here. Oh, what's what else we have in here. Oh, what's this? this? this? >> A water bottle. >> A water bottle. >> A water bottle. >> A water bottle. Oh, well, this is >> A water bottle. Oh, well, this is >> A water bottle. Oh, well, this is important to me. Why is this important important to me. Why is this important important to me. Why is this important to me? to me? to me? >> Because you need to drink water. >> Because you need to drink water. >> Because you need to drink water. >> You have to drink water and stay >> You have to drink water and stay >> You have to drink water and stay healthy, of course, and hydrated. All healthy, of course, and hydrated. All healthy, of course, and hydrated. All right, let's see what else I have in right, let's see what else I have in right, let's see what else I have in here. Oh, here. Oh, here. Oh, >> football.

>> football. >> football. >> A football. You know why I put this in >> A football. You know why I put this in >> A football. You know why I put this in here? here? here? >> Why? Because especially in the fall, >> Why? Because especially in the fall, >> Why? Because especially in the fall, football is important to me. I love to football is important to me. I love to football is important to me. I love to watch football. Do you guys like watch football. Do you guys like watch football. Do you guys like football, too? football, too? football, too? >> Or maybe another sport, right? Okay. >> Or maybe another sport, right? Okay. >> Or maybe another sport, right? Okay. Will you hold that for me? Awesome. Will you hold that for me? Awesome. Will you hold that for me? Awesome. Okay. Let's see. What's this? Okay. Let's see. What's this? Okay. Let's see. What's this? >> Oh, a blanket. >> Oh, a blanket. >> Oh, a blanket. >> A blanket. Well, I put this in here. Do >> A blanket. Well, I put this in here. Do >> A blanket. Well, I put this in here. Do you want to hold that one for me? It's you want to hold that one for me? It's you want to hold that one for me? It's really soft. I put that in there because really soft. I put that in there because really soft. I put that in there because rest is important, right? We have to get rest is important, right? We have to get rest is important, right? We have to get rest to keep our bodies healthy and have rest to keep our bodies healthy and have rest to keep our bodies healthy and have enough energy. Okay. And there's one enough energy. Okay. And there's one enough energy. Okay. And there's one more thing. Let me pull that out. It is more thing. Let me pull that out. It is more thing. Let me pull that out. It is >> Bible. >> Bible. >> Bible. >> The Bible. The Bible's important to me. >> The Bible. The Bible's important to me. >> The Bible. The Bible's important to me. This is where I learn about God and who This is where I learn about God and who This is where I learn about God and who he is. And this I love coming to church he is. And this I love coming to church he is. And this I love coming to church and worship. So, that's important to me, and worship. So, that's important to me, and worship. So, that's important to me, too. Blakeley, can you hold one more too. Blakeley, can you hold one more too. Blakeley, can you hold one more thing? So many things. Okay. So, now we thing? So many things. Okay. So, now we thing? So many things. Okay. So, now we need to get all of these things inside need to get all of these things inside need to get all of these things inside the backpack. Okay. Are we ready? Let's the backpack. Okay. Are we ready? Let's the backpack. Okay. Are we ready? Let's start with this. Okay. Put that in. start with this. Okay. Put that in. start with this. Okay. Put that in. Okay. We'll do this. Okay. We'll do this. Okay. We'll do this. Okay. That's great. How about that water Okay. That's great. How about that water Okay. That's great. How about that water bottle? I definitely need that. Okay.

bottle? I definitely need that. Okay. bottle? I definitely need that. Okay. Well, you know what? It's too big for Well, you know what? It's too big for Well, you know what? It's too big for that. I already tried that. That's a that. I already tried that. That's a that. I already tried that. That's a really good idea, though. Okay. Here's really good idea, though. Okay. Here's really good idea, though. Okay. Here's this. Okay. And this this. Okay. And this this. Okay. And this might be might be might be >> Oh, dear. What's the problem? >> Oh, dear. What's the problem? >> Oh, dear. What's the problem? >> The backpack. >> The backpack. >> The backpack. >> There is not enough space. Now, maybe I >> There is not enough space. Now, maybe I >> There is not enough space. Now, maybe I could cram it down in there, but then I could cram it down in there, but then I could cram it down in there, but then I kind of worry that it's going to be too kind of worry that it's going to be too kind of worry that it's going to be too heavy and I'm not going to be able to heavy and I'm not going to be able to heavy and I'm not going to be able to hold it, right? So, I think for a hold it, right? So, I think for a hold it, right? So, I think for a minute, let's stop because you know what minute, let's stop because you know what minute, let's stop because you know what I'm realizing? I'm realizing? I'm realizing? There are a lot of things that matter to There are a lot of things that matter to There are a lot of things that matter to me. There are a lot of things that are me. There are a lot of things that are me. There are a lot of things that are important to me. My family, my friends, important to me. My family, my friends, important to me. My family, my friends, having fun, sports, having fun, sports, having fun, sports, all I can't That's true. I can't put my all I can't That's true. I can't put my all I can't That's true. I can't put my family in there. They really wouldn't family in there. They really wouldn't family in there. They really wouldn't fit, would they? Wow. Um, all of those fit, would they? Wow. Um, all of those fit, would they? Wow. Um, all of those things are so important to me, but I things are so important to me, but I things are so important to me, but I have to think about which thing matters have to think about which thing matters have to think about which thing matters most to me, right? Because everything most to me, right? Because everything most to me, right? Because everything can't take up the same amount of space.

can't take up the same amount of space. can't take up the same amount of space. Just like how this backpack has limited Just like how this backpack has limited Just like how this backpack has limited space, right? I can't fit everything in. space, right? I can't fit everything in. space, right? I can't fit everything in. >> Our lives have limited space, too. We >> Our lives have limited space, too. We >> Our lives have limited space, too. We only have so much time and so much only have so much time and so much only have so much time and so much attention. So what we have to do is we attention. So what we have to do is we attention. So what we have to do is we have to think about what matters to us have to think about what matters to us have to think about what matters to us and then we have to make space for it. and then we have to make space for it. and then we have to make space for it. And do you know what that's called? It's And do you know what that's called? It's And do you know what that's called? It's a it's a big word. Let's see if you know a it's a big word. Let's see if you know a it's a big word. Let's see if you know it. Have you ever heard of the word it. Have you ever heard of the word it. Have you ever heard of the word priorities? priorities? priorities? Oh, is this the first time? Am I Did I Oh, is this the first time? Am I Did I Oh, is this the first time? Am I Did I teach you a new vocab word today? teach you a new vocab word today? teach you a new vocab word today? Exciting. No. Some of you have heard it Exciting. No. Some of you have heard it Exciting. No. Some of you have heard it before. A priority, it's what matters to before. A priority, it's what matters to before. A priority, it's what matters to us and something that we have to make us and something that we have to make us and something that we have to make space for. So that brings us to our space for. So that brings us to our space for. So that brings us to our Bible story today that I want to talk to Bible story today that I want to talk to Bible story today that I want to talk to you about because I think it is so good you about because I think it is so good you about because I think it is so good about helping us to remember to always about helping us to remember to always about helping us to remember to always make space for what matters most. Okay. make space for what matters most. Okay. make space for what matters most. Okay. So there are a lot of characters, but So there are a lot of characters, but So there are a lot of characters, but I'm going to talk about three people in I'm going to talk about three people in I'm going to talk about three people in particular. So the first one is a woman particular. So the first one is a woman particular. So the first one is a woman named Martha. And Martha is so busy. She named Martha. And Martha is so busy. She named Martha. And Martha is so busy. She has an important guest coming over. So, has an important guest coming over. So, has an important guest coming over. So, probably in your house when you have an probably in your house when you have an probably in your house when you have an important guest coming over, what do you important guest coming over, what do you important guest coming over, what do you need to do?

need to do? need to do? >> Clean up your house. >> Clean up your house. >> Clean up your house. >> Clean up your house. Get all your food >> Clean up your house. Get all your food >> Clean up your house. Get all your food and snacks ready. Organize everything and snacks ready. Organize everything and snacks ready. Organize everything and all of those things. They're not and all of those things. They're not and all of those things. They're not bad, right? And probably some of them bad, right? And probably some of them bad, right? And probably some of them have to be done. That makes sense. So, have to be done. That makes sense. So, have to be done. That makes sense. So, there is another person in the story and there is another person in the story and there is another person in the story and her name, another woman, and her name is her name, another woman, and her name is her name, another woman, and her name is Mary. [snorts] Mary. [snorts] Mary. [snorts] And she learns who the special guest is. And she learns who the special guest is. And she learns who the special guest is. Do you have any guesses? Yes. Do you have any guesses? Yes. Do you have any guesses? Yes. >> Jesus. >> Jesus. >> Jesus. >> Jesus. You got it absolutely right. So, >> Jesus. You got it absolutely right. So, >> Jesus. You got it absolutely right. So, she stops and realizes what matters most she stops and realizes what matters most she stops and realizes what matters most to her in that moment is sitting down to her in that moment is sitting down to her in that moment is sitting down and listening to everything that Jesus and listening to everything that Jesus and listening to everything that Jesus has to say. So Jesus in the story talks has to say. So Jesus in the story talks has to say. So Jesus in the story talks to Martha and says, "Oh, oh, at least it to Martha and says, "Oh, oh, at least it to Martha and says, "Oh, oh, at least it landed that way. That was good." landed that way. That was good." landed that way. That was good." talks to Martha in the story and says, talks to Martha in the story and says, talks to Martha in the story and says, "Do you see how Mary stopped and "Do you see how Mary stopped and "Do you see how Mary stopped and realized what was most important and put realized what was most important and put realized what was most important and put all of her attention onto that?" Okay.

all of her attention onto that?" Okay. all of her attention onto that?" Okay. So, this week, what I would love for you So, this week, what I would love for you So, this week, what I would love for you to think about, and you need to think to think about, and you need to think to think about, and you need to think about it with your family, right? about it with your family, right? about it with your family, right? Because we all work together as a big Because we all work together as a big Because we all work together as a big team. These two important things. What team. These two important things. What team. These two important things. What matters most? And then how will we make matters most? And then how will we make matters most? And then how will we make space for it? And I have to tell you the space for it? And I have to tell you the space for it? And I have to tell you the second part is the hardest part. How are second part is the hardest part. How are second part is the hardest part. How are we going to make space for it? But I we going to make space for it? But I we going to make space for it? But I want you to talk about the that with want you to talk about the that with want you to talk about the that with your family. But most importantly, what your family. But most importantly, what your family. But most importantly, what I want you to remember from this story I want you to remember from this story I want you to remember from this story and all the stories that I tell is that and all the stories that I tell is that and all the stories that I tell is that guess what? You matter to God. God made guess what? You matter to God. God made guess what? You matter to God. God made you. God loves you. God knows you. And you. God loves you. God knows you. And you. God loves you. God knows you. And the best part is that God always has the best part is that God always has the best part is that God always has space and room and time for each and space and room and time for each and space and room and time for each and every one of you. That's what I want you every one of you. That's what I want you every one of you. That's what I want you to remember today. How much God loves to remember today. How much God loves to remember today. How much God loves you. All right, let's go ahead and say a you. All right, let's go ahead and say a you. All right, let's go ahead and say a prayer. Put our praying hands together prayer. Put our praying hands together prayer. Put our praying hands together and you'll repeat after me. Dear God, and you'll repeat after me. Dear God, and you'll repeat after me. Dear God, >> Dear God, >> Dear God, >> Dear God, >> thank you for loving us. >> thank you for loving us. >> thank you for loving us. >> Thank you for loving us. >> Thank you for loving us. >> Thank you for loving us. >> Thank you for Jesus.

>> Thank you for Jesus. >> Thank you for Jesus. >> Thank you for Jesus. >> Thank you for Jesus. >> Thank you for Jesus. >> Help us know what matters. >> Help us know what matters. >> Help us know what matters. >> Help us know what matters. >> Help us know what matters. >> Help us know what matters. >> And make space for it. and make space >> And make space for it. and make space >> And make space for it. and make space for it. for it. for it. >> We love you. >> We love you. >> We love you. >> We love you. >> We love you. >> We love you. >> Amen. And friends, I'll see you next >> Amen. And friends, I'll see you next >> Amen. And friends, I'll see you next week. And bring your backpacks next week. And bring your backpacks next week. And bring your backpacks next week, okay? We're going to do something week, okay? We're going to do something week, okay? We're going to do something special with them. special with them. special with them. >> All right. >> All right. >> All right. You know, one of the things that I know You know, one of the things that I know You know, one of the things that I know matters a lot to Miss Lori is that those matters a lot to Miss Lori is that those matters a lot to Miss Lori is that those of you with children, fill out the of you with children, fill out the of you with children, fill out the Sunday morning participation form and uh Sunday morning participation form and uh Sunday morning participation form and uh so that she can get you plugged into the so that she can get you plugged into the so that she can get you plugged into the right classroom and all of that. And right classroom and all of that. And right classroom and all of that. And don't make it like on Thursday don't make it like on Thursday don't make it like on Thursday afternoon. Please do it today if you afternoon. Please do it today if you afternoon. Please do it today if you haven't done it if you have children. haven't done it if you have children. haven't done it if you have children. All right, that was an ad hoc All right, that was an ad hoc All right, that was an ad hoc announcement. I was not uh programmed. announcement. I was not uh programmed. announcement. I was not uh programmed. Um hey, uh this is uh the time for you Um hey, uh this is uh the time for you Um hey, uh this is uh the time for you to check in and let us know that you're to check in and let us know that you're to check in and let us know that you're here. Uh you please use St. Luke's app here. Uh you please use St. Luke's app here. Uh you please use St. Luke's app to do that. There's also uh a card in to do that. There's also uh a card in to do that. There's also uh a card in your uh in the pocket in front of you if your uh in the pocket in front of you if your uh in the pocket in front of you if you would like to do that and you can you would like to do that and you can you would like to do that and you can drop it in the offering plate u as that drop it in the offering plate u as that drop it in the offering plate u as that uh comes by. Um this is our time in uh comes by. Um this is our time in uh comes by. Um this is our time in which we think about um all the ways we which we think about um all the ways we which we think about um all the ways we can support St. Luke's Ministries, but can support St. Luke's Ministries, but can support St. Luke's Ministries, but it's also the time we think about all it's also the time we think about all it's also the time we think about all that we have to offer God. What are all that we have to offer God. What are all that we have to offer God. What are all the things that we have to offer God and the things that we have to offer God and the things that we have to offer God and how will [music] we choose to do that how will [music] we choose to do that how will [music] we choose to do that this week? So I want to invite our this week? So I want to invite our this week? So I want to invite our ushers to come now as we uh present to ushers to come now as we uh present to ushers to come now as we uh present to God our our morning offering.

getting caught in that rush of doing so getting caught in that rush of doing so much. I'm feeling kind of worn [music] much. I'm feeling kind of worn [music] much. I'm feeling kind of worn [music] out. All this checking out. All this checking out. All this checking and trying to be flawless [singing] has me spinning my head, catching my has me spinning my head, catching my breath. too afraid to [music] slow down. breath. too afraid to [music] slow down. breath. too afraid to [music] slow down. I tell myself to keep this up. That God I tell myself to keep this up. That God I tell myself to keep this up. That God wants more than just my love. But I've wants more than just my love. But I've wants more than just my love. But I've been complicating [singing and music] been complicating [singing and music] been complicating [singing and music] things. It's just like me to overink. things. It's just like me to overink. things. It's just like me to overink. Got [music] to keep it real simple. Keep Got [music] to keep it real simple. Keep Got [music] to keep it real simple. Keep it real simple. Bring everything right it real simple. Bring everything right it real simple. Bring everything right [music] back to ground zero. Cuz it all [music] back to ground zero. Cuz it all [music] back to ground zero. Cuz it all comes down to this. Love God [music] and comes down to this. Love God [music] and comes down to this. Love God [music] and love [singing] people. We're living in a love [singing] people. We're living in a love [singing] people. We're living in a world that keeps breaking. But if we world that keeps breaking. But if we world that keeps breaking. But if we want to find a way to change it, well, want to find a way to change it, well, want to find a way to change it, well, it all comes down to this. Love God and it all comes down to this. Love God and it all comes down to this. Love God and love people. This is freedom. love people. This is freedom. love people. This is freedom. The key to the kingom can be found, love can be loud. Love is can be found, love can be loud. Love is what it's all about. I tell what it's all about. I tell what it's all about. I tell [music and singing] myself to keep this [music and singing] myself to keep this [music and singing] myself to keep this up. That all God wants is just my love.

up. That all God wants is just my love. up. That all God wants is just my love. No more complicating [singing and music] No more complicating [singing and music] No more complicating [singing and music] things. No more need to overink. Got to things. No more need to overink. Got to things. No more need to overink. Got to keep it real simple. Keep it real keep it real simple. Keep it real keep it real simple. Keep it real simple. Bring everything right back to simple. Bring everything right back to simple. Bring everything right back to ground zero. Cuz it all comes down to ground zero. Cuz it all comes down to ground zero. Cuz it all comes down to this. Love God and love people. We're this. Love God and love people. We're this. Love God and love people. We're living in a world that keeps breaking. living in a world that keeps breaking. living in a world that keeps breaking. [music] But if we want to find a way to [music] But if we want to find a way to [music] But if we want to find a way to change it, well, it all comes down to change it, well, it all comes down to change it, well, it all comes down to this. Love God and [music] love people. this. Love God and [music] love people. this. Love God and [music] love people. Love [singing] is patient. Love is kind. Love [singing] is patient. Love is kind. Love [singing] is patient. Love is kind. It rescues hearts and changes lives. It rescues hearts and changes lives. It rescues hearts and changes lives. Love is [music and singing] all we need Love is [music and singing] all we need Love is [music and singing] all we need to make things right. Got to keep it to make things right. Got to keep it to make things right. Got to keep it real simple. It's really It's really simple. We got to [music] keep it real simple. We got to [music] keep it real simple. Keep it real simple. bring everything Keep it real simple. bring everything Keep it real simple. bring everything right back to ground zero. Cuz it all right back to ground zero. Cuz it all right back to ground zero. Cuz it all comes down to this. Love God and love comes down to this. Love God and love comes down to this. Love God and love people. We're living in a world that people. We're living in a world that people. We're living in a world that keeps breaking. But if we want to find a keeps breaking. But if we want to find a keeps breaking. But if we want to find a [music] way to change it, well, it all [music] way to change it, well, it all [music] way to change it, well, it all [singing] comes down to this. Love God [singing] comes down to this. Love God [singing] comes down to this. Love God [music] and love people.

Keep on loving. Keep on loving. Keep on loving. Keep on loving. Love God and love people. Our first scripture reading this morning Our first scripture reading this morning is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 12. is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 12. is from the Gospel of Luke, 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. For where your treasure moth destroys. For where your treasure moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. This is, there your heart will be also. This is, there your heart will be also. This is the word of God for the people of is the word of God for the people of is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. Our second God. Thanks be to God. Our second God. Thanks be to God. Our second scripture we will talk about in just a scripture we will talk about in just a scripture we will talk about in just a moment. I'm going to pray for us. God, I moment. I'm going to pray for us. God, I moment. I'm going to pray for us. God, I I pray that you would make all of our I pray that you would make all of our I pray that you would make all of our hearts ready to receive what it is that hearts ready to receive what it is that hearts ready to receive what it is that you have for us today. you have for us today. you have for us today. I pray that your spirit would lead us, I pray that your spirit would lead us, I pray that your spirit would lead us, would form us, and would give us would form us, and would give us would form us, and would give us courage. Amen.

courage. Amen. courage. 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? Asking that question is kind of a quick Asking that question is kind of a quick Asking that question is kind of a quick way under pressure to gauge what it is way under pressure to gauge what it is way under pressure to gauge what it is that's important to you. that's important to you. that's important to you. So, I don't think that you would say So, I don't think that you would say So, I don't think that you would say your closet full of clothes. I don't your closet full of clothes. I don't your closet full of clothes. I don't think that you would say the fancy think that you would say the fancy think that you would say the fancy countertop appliance that you hemmed and countertop appliance that you hemmed and countertop appliance that you hemmed and hawed about buying. hawed about buying. hawed about buying. I don't think you would probably even I don't think you would probably even I don't think you would probably even say the art that's hanging on the walls. say the art that's hanging on the walls. say the art that's hanging on the walls. I think most people certainly would say I think most people certainly would say I think most people certainly would say their kids and their pets if they're not their kids and their pets if they're not their kids and their pets if they're not out already or photo albums. out already or photo albums. out already or photo albums. the things that you cannot replace. the things that you cannot replace. the things that you cannot replace. Most of us under pressure know Most of us under pressure know Most of us under pressure know immediately what it is that we would immediately what it is that we would immediately what it is that we would grab. We don't even have to think twice. grab. We don't even have to think twice. grab. We don't even have to think twice. Fortunately, we don't live our lives Fortunately, we don't live our lives Fortunately, we don't live our lives under that kind of pressure. under that kind of pressure. under that kind of pressure. Fortunately, every day is not lived like Fortunately, every day is not lived like Fortunately, every day is not lived like that as an emergency. Most of our days that as an emergency. Most of our days that as an emergency. Most of our days are ordinary, unremarkable, are ordinary, unremarkable, are ordinary, unremarkable, just another Tuesday.

just another Tuesday. just another Tuesday. But it is those ordinary and But it is those ordinary and But it is those ordinary and unremarkable days where we hand over our unremarkable days where we hand over our unremarkable days where we hand over our best hours to the things that we would best hours to the things that we would best hours to the things that we would not think twice about grabbing on the not think twice about grabbing on the not think twice about grabbing on the way out of a burning house. way out of a burning house. way out of a burning house. If you want to know what it is that I If you want to know what it is that I If you want to know what it is that I value, don't ask me that question. Just value, don't ask me that question. Just value, don't ask me that question. Just watch me on a normal day. See what it is watch me on a normal day. See what it is watch me on a normal day. See what it is that I give my life and my hours over that I give my life and my hours over that I give my life and my hours over to. to. to. Last week we talked about pushing pause Last week we talked about pushing pause Last week we talked about pushing pause in our lives to take Sabbath and that in our lives to take Sabbath and that in our lives to take Sabbath and that that um that is something that shows us that um that is something that shows us that um that is something that shows us that we have the power to stop and the that we have the power to stop and the that we have the power to stop and the power to choose. And so this week I want power to choose. And so this week I want power to choose. And so this week I want us to talk a little bit about uh how we us to talk a little bit about uh how we us to talk a little bit about uh how we choose and what we choose when we push choose and what we choose when we push choose and what we choose when we push pause. What it is that we have the pause. What it is that we have the pause. What it is that we have the freedom to choose with our lives. freedom to choose with our lives. freedom to choose with our lives. how we set in order our priority or how we set in order our priority or how we set in order our priority or priorities what will be central in our priorities what will be central in our priorities what will be central in our lives and then how everything gains its lives and then how everything gains its lives and then how everything gains its proper place from that. So the first proper place from that. So the first proper place from that. So the first thing is that word priorities right thing is that word priorities right thing is that word priorities right there the word priority in the singular there the word priority in the singular there the word priority in the singular came into use in the English language came into use in the English language came into use in the English language about 500 years ago. It's from the Latin about 500 years ago. It's from the Latin about 500 years ago. It's from the Latin prioritus and it means first in rank or prioritus and it means first in rank or prioritus and it means first in rank or first in order. So, first in importance, first in order. So, first in importance, first in order. So, first in importance, the word priorities is a newer word. It the word priorities is a newer word. It the word priorities is a newer word. It it didn't come about until the 1940s.

it didn't come about until the 1940s. it didn't come about until the 1940s. So, uh if you actually look, Google has So, uh if you actually look, Google has So, uh if you actually look, Google has this cool tool called the Ingram Viewer. this cool tool called the Ingram Viewer. this cool tool called the Ingram Viewer. And it shows you how often a word is And it shows you how often a word is And it shows you how often a word is used in print in all of the books, this used in print in all of the books, this used in print in all of the books, this massive library that's been digitized by massive library that's been digitized by massive library that's been digitized by Google Books. And you can see the word Google Books. And you can see the word Google Books. And you can see the word priorities didn't really start to gain priorities didn't really start to gain priorities didn't really start to gain usage until the 1940s. Imagine that. A usage until the 1940s. Imagine that. A usage until the 1940s. Imagine that. A word that was meant to be one, was meant word that was meant to be one, was meant word that was meant to be one, was meant to be first, was meant to be only, was to be first, was meant to be only, was to be first, was meant to be only, was not pluralized until eventually we took not pluralized until eventually we took not pluralized until eventually we took over and um and our lives got so crazy over and um and our lives got so crazy over and um and our lives got so crazy that we couldn't help but have that we couldn't help but have that we couldn't help but have priorities. So, it is no wonder that we priorities. So, it is no wonder that we priorities. So, it is no wonder that we are feeling this sense of being are feeling this sense of being are feeling this sense of being stretched thin when we're trying to make stretched thin when we're trying to make stretched thin when we're trying to make all of these different things. Our um we all of these different things. Our um we all of these different things. Our um we now have work priorities and family now have work priorities and family now have work priorities and family priorities and um physical health priorities and um physical health priorities and um physical health priorities and we have all kinds of priorities and we have all kinds of priorities and we have all kinds of different priorities and we are acting different priorities and we are acting different priorities and we are acting like they can all be equal in rank and like they can all be equal in rank and like they can all be equal in rank and in order.

in order. in order. Jesus gives us a way to find out what Jesus gives us a way to find out what Jesus gives us a way to find out what our priorities actually are. In our our priorities actually are. In our our priorities actually are. In our first reading this morning, he says, first reading this morning, he says, first reading this morning, he says, "Where your treasure is, your heart will "Where your treasure is, your heart will "Where your treasure is, your heart will be there." Also, treasure isn't just be there." Also, treasure isn't just be there." Also, treasure isn't just financial resources. Our treasure is all financial resources. Our treasure is all financial resources. Our treasure is all of the currency that we spend without of the currency that we spend without of the currency that we spend without even thinking about it. Our time and our even thinking about it. Our time and our even thinking about it. Our time and our attention and all of our other types of attention and all of our other types of attention and all of our other types of resources. These are the treasures that resources. These are the treasures that resources. These are the treasures that we have stored up. So if you want to we have stored up. So if you want to we have stored up. So if you want to know where my heart is, all you have to know where my heart is, all you have to know where my heart is, all you have to do is look at me and see how I'm do is look at me and see how I'm do is look at me and see how I'm spending my time. You know the old spending my time. You know the old spending my time. You know the old adage, if you want to know what's adage, if you want to know what's adage, if you want to know what's important to someone, you look at their important to someone, you look at their important to someone, you look at their calendar. I don't really think that that calendar. I don't really think that that calendar. I don't really think that that holds as true for us anymore as it used holds as true for us anymore as it used holds as true for us anymore as it used to because so much of our lives is to because so much of our lives is to because so much of our lives is uncalled, is unscheduled. Um it's uncalled, is unscheduled. Um it's uncalled, is unscheduled. Um it's accidental because we live it on our accidental because we live it on our accidental because we live it on our phones. How many times have you thought, phones. How many times have you thought, phones. How many times have you thought, "Oh, I'm just going to do a quick "Oh, I'm just going to do a quick "Oh, I'm just going to do a quick catchup on social media and then you catchup on social media and then you catchup on social media and then you find yourself still on your phone 30 find yourself still on your phone 30 find yourself still on your phone 30 minutes later or you're just going to minutes later or you're just going to minutes later or you're just going to watch one replay on the ESPN app and watch one replay on the ESPN app and watch one replay on the ESPN app and then next thing you know, you know, then next thing you know, you know, then next thing you know, you know, you've watched two the last two days of you've watched two the last two days of you've watched two the last two days of Sports Center. How many times have you Sports Center. How many times have you Sports Center. How many times have you thought, I'm just going to reply to a thought, I'm just going to reply to a thought, I'm just going to reply to a couple of work emails while dinner is couple of work emails while dinner is couple of work emails while dinner is cooking and then you realize that the cooking and then you realize that the cooking and then you realize that the rice is on the bottom of the pan and rice is on the bottom of the pan and rice is on the bottom of the pan and your kids are fighting because they are your kids are fighting because they are your kids are fighting because they are starving.

starving. starving. it. If you want to know where your it. If you want to know where your it. If you want to know where your treasure is, I mean, where your heart treasure is, I mean, where your heart treasure is, I mean, where your heart is, just look at the things that you do is, just look at the things that you do is, just look at the things that you do in all of your daily non-thinking time. in all of your daily non-thinking time. in all of your daily non-thinking time. Uh, look at the screen time report on Uh, look at the screen time report on Uh, look at the screen time report on your phone for last week, and it will your phone for last week, and it will your phone for last week, and it will tell you where your treasure is. tell you where your treasure is. tell you where your treasure is. Our second reading this morning is about Our second reading this morning is about Our second reading this morning is about Mary and Martha from Luke 10. Now, as Mary and Martha from Luke 10. Now, as Mary and Martha from Luke 10. Now, as they went on their way, he entered a they went on their way, he entered a they went on their way, he entered a certain village where a woman named certain village where a woman named certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him. She had a sister Martha welcomed him. She had a sister Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary who sat at Jesus's feet and named Mary who sat at Jesus's feet and named Mary who sat at Jesus's feet and listened to what he was saying. But listened to what he was saying. But 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 said, "Lord, do So she came to him and said, "Lord, do So she came to him and said, "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? [snorts] to do all the work by myself? [snorts] to do all the work by myself? [snorts] 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,"Martha, Martha, you are answered,"Martha, Martha, you are answered,"Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things, worried and distracted by many things, worried and distracted by many things, but few things are needed. Indeed, only but few things are needed. Indeed, only but few things are needed. Indeed, only one. Mary has chosen the better part one. Mary has chosen the better part one. Mary has chosen the better part which will not be taken away from her."

which will not be taken away from her." which will not be taken away from her." Look, the text doesn't say that Martha Look, the text doesn't say that Martha Look, the text doesn't say that Martha was doing anything sinful. The text was doing anything sinful. The text was doing anything sinful. The text doesn't say that Martha's hosting was a doesn't say that Martha's hosting was a doesn't say that Martha's hosting was a sin or that the way that she was serving sin or that the way that she was serving sin or that the way that she was serving was a sin. What the text says is that was a sin. What the text says is that was a sin. What the text says is that Martha was pulled by one good task and Martha was pulled by one good task and Martha was pulled by one good task and then another good task and then another then another good task and then another then another good task and then another good task further and further away from good task further and further away from good task further and further away from where she meant to be. That um she was where she meant to be. That um she was where she meant to be. That um she was she was the one she and her sister had she was the one she and her sister had she was the one she and her sister had invited Jesus into their home and she invited Jesus into their home and she invited Jesus into their home and she was the one that totally missed him. And was the one that totally missed him. And was the one that totally missed him. And I think many of us are just one busy I think many of us are just one busy I think many of us are just one busy season away, one good task away from season away, one good task away from season away, one good task away from where Jesus calls us to be. But we don't where Jesus calls us to be. But we don't where Jesus calls us to be. But we don't even notice it happening because it's even notice it happening because it's even notice it happening because it's like the way it happened to Martha. It's like the way it happened to Martha. It's like the way it happened to Martha. It's just bit by bit by bit. In Proverbs 14, just bit by bit by bit. In Proverbs 14, just bit by bit by bit. In Proverbs 14, it says, "There is a path before each it says, "There is a path before each it says, "There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in person that seems right, but it ends in person that seems right, but it ends in death." There is a path before each of death." There is a path before each of death." There is a path before each of us that seems right, but it ends in us that seems right, but it ends in us that seems right, but it ends in death. That's because we look at things death. That's because we look at things death. That's because we look at things and when we have misplaced order, when and when we have misplaced order, when and when we have misplaced order, when we have set at priorities instead of a we have set at priorities instead of a we have set at priorities instead of a priority, Jesus as Mary did when she priority, Jesus as Mary did when she priority, Jesus as Mary did when she knelt at his feet, it ends in death. But knelt at his feet, it ends in death. But knelt at his feet, it ends in death. But we don't see it. This is what makes it we don't see it. This is what makes it we don't see it. This is what makes it so difficult and dangerous because it so difficult and dangerous because it so difficult and dangerous because it looks to us like all of these things looks to us like all of these things looks to us like all of these things that we set as our priorities look like that we set as our priorities look like that we set as our priorities look like diligence and they look like hard work diligence and they look like hard work diligence and they look like hard work and they look like responsibility in so and they look like responsibility in so and they look like responsibility in so many ways. They look like the things many ways. They look like the things many ways. They look like the things that Martha saw as her duties, but it

that Martha saw as her duties, but it that Martha saw as her duties, but it ends in death. Jesus says Mary has ends in death. Jesus says Mary has ends in death. Jesus says Mary has chosen the better part. She doesn't say chosen the better part. She doesn't say chosen the better part. She doesn't say Mary has chosen the only possible good Mary has chosen the only possible good Mary has chosen the only possible good part and there's no other parts. It's part and there's no other parts. It's part and there's no other parts. It's that Mary has ordered her life around that Mary has ordered her life around that Mary has ordered her life around the better part and then everything the better part and then everything the better part and then everything flows from that. flows from that. flows from that. That is what Jesus is telling Martha. That is what Jesus is telling Martha. That is what Jesus is telling Martha. That's what Jesus is telling all of us That's what Jesus is telling all of us That's what Jesus is telling all of us is that he's not just to take some place is that he's not just to take some place is that he's not just to take some place on a list. He's not to be one of our on a list. He's not to be one of our on a list. He's not to be one of our many priorities. Jesus is the center and many priorities. Jesus is the center and many priorities. Jesus is the center and then everything else gains gains their then everything else gains gains their then everything else gains gains their proper place around Jesus whenever we proper place around Jesus whenever we proper place around Jesus whenever we place him in the center. place him in the center. place him in the center. In the parable of the great banquet, In the parable of the great banquet, In the parable of the great banquet, Jesus tells of a man who invites a bunch Jesus tells of a man who invites a bunch Jesus tells of a man who invites a bunch of people to his house for a dinner. And of people to his house for a dinner. And of people to his house for a dinner. And the people that accepted the invitations the people that accepted the invitations the people that accepted the invitations begin to beg off one by one by one. The begin to beg off one by one by one. The begin to beg off one by one by one. The first says, "I've just bought a field first says, "I've just bought a field first says, "I've just bought a field and I need to go and inspect it." The and I need to go and inspect it." The and I need to go and inspect it." The second one says, "I've just bought oxen second one says, "I've just bought oxen second one says, "I've just bought oxen and I need to go test them out." The and I need to go test them out." The and I need to go test them out." The third says, "I've just gotten married, third says, "I've just gotten married, third says, "I've just gotten married, so I can't come."

so I can't come." so I can't come." And on their face, these are all things And on their face, these are all things And on their face, these are all things that we would say are pieces of a that we would say are pieces of a that we would say are pieces of a responsible and well-ordered life. The responsible and well-ordered life. The responsible and well-ordered life. The man that just bought the field, he is man that just bought the field, he is man that just bought the field, he is making sure that his possession is taken making sure that his possession is taken making sure that his possession is taken care of. He is being a responsible owner care of. He is being a responsible owner care of. He is being a responsible owner of possessions. The person that bought of possessions. The person that bought of possessions. The person that bought the oxen is being a responsible business the oxen is being a responsible business the oxen is being a responsible business owner. His vocation is important to him owner. His vocation is important to him owner. His vocation is important to him and so he's checking on the oxen. Or the and so he's checking on the oxen. Or the and so he's checking on the oxen. Or the person, this one I think gets a lot of person, this one I think gets a lot of person, this one I think gets a lot of us. The person that says, "I've just us. The person that says, "I've just us. The person that says, "I've just gotten married." is prioritizing a gotten married." is prioritizing a gotten married." is prioritizing a relationship. They're saying family relationship. They're saying family relationship. They're saying family relationships are important. relationships are important. relationships are important. But this is a parable about um what has But this is a parable about um what has But this is a parable about um what has become ultimate in our lives. This is become ultimate in our lives. This is become ultimate in our lives. This is not a parable saying that possessions or not a parable saying that possessions or not a parable saying that possessions or vocation or relationships are not vocation or relationships are not vocation or relationships are not important and that we should not try to important and that we should not try to important and that we should not try to give them their due and give them the give them their due and give them the give them their due and give them the right attention. It's a parable asking right attention. It's a parable asking right attention. It's a parable asking us what has become ultimate to us. So, us what has become ultimate to us. So, us what has become ultimate to us. So, it's not about time management. It's it's not about time management. It's it's not about time management. It's about disciplehip.

about disciplehip. about disciplehip. Maybe vocation got you in that one. Uh Maybe vocation got you in that one. Uh Maybe vocation got you in that one. Uh maybe you thought to yourself, I I maybe you thought to yourself, I I maybe you thought to yourself, I I struggle with that. I know I personally struggle with that. I know I personally struggle with that. I know I personally do. I find myself often out on the deep do. I find myself often out on the deep do. I find myself often out on the deep end of um letting work misorder my life. end of um letting work misorder my life. end of um letting work misorder my life. In Proverbs 23:4, In Proverbs 23:4, In Proverbs 23:4, um and this is the CEB version, it says, um and this is the CEB version, it says, um and this is the CEB version, it says, "Do not work just to get rich. Be smart "Do not work just to get rich. Be smart "Do not work just to get rich. Be smart enough to know when to stop. enough to know when to stop. enough to know when to stop. be smart enough to know when to stop. be smart enough to know when to stop. be smart enough to know when to stop. Now look, working hard is a good thing. Now look, working hard is a good thing. Now look, working hard is a good thing. Colossians 3 tells us work with all of Colossians 3 tells us work with all of Colossians 3 tells us 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. So it's the Lord, not for human masters. So it's the Lord, not for human masters. So it's the motive that's really important there. I motive that's really important there. I motive that's really important there. I think many of us struggle to stop with think many of us struggle to stop with think many of us struggle to stop with work. We aren't smart enough to know work. We aren't smart enough to know work. We aren't smart enough to know when to stop because our motivations are when to stop because our motivations are when to stop because our motivations are misordered. We are working to get rich, misordered. We are working to get rich, misordered. We are working to get rich, to gain possessions, or maybe to gain a to gain possessions, or maybe to gain a to gain possessions, or maybe to gain a flashy title. And we need to be wise flashy title. And we need to be wise flashy title. And we need to be wise enough to know that we are working for enough to know that we are working for enough to know that we are working for the Lord, not for all of these other the Lord, not for all of these other the Lord, not for all of these other things. But it's hard when our when we things. But it's hard when our when we things. But it's hard when our when we have things out of order to actually have things out of order to actually have things out of order to actually know when to be able to stop.

When we neglect, when we neglect to put When we neglect, when we neglect to put Jesus in the center, when we neglect the Jesus in the center, when we neglect the Jesus in the center, when we neglect the health of our souls, which can be health of our souls, which can be health of our souls, which can be achieved by praying even brief prayers achieved by praying even brief prayers achieved by praying even brief prayers that you lift up, by spending time in that you lift up, by spending time in that you lift up, by spending time in community with other Christians, by community with other Christians, by community with other Christians, by serving other people, by reading serving other people, by reading serving other people, by reading scripture, when we neglect that, um it's scripture, when we neglect that, um it's scripture, when we neglect that, um it's no wonder that we end up in this no wonder that we end up in this no wonder that we end up in this stressed out place. We would not deny stressed out place. We would not deny stressed out place. We would not deny ourselves sleep for three days on end ourselves sleep for three days on end ourselves sleep for three days on end and then expect our bodies to function and then expect our bodies to function and then expect our bodies to function perfectly normally, right? We would not perfectly normally, right? We would not perfectly normally, right? We would not um live in complete isolation and then um live in complete isolation and then um live in complete isolation and then expect that all of our relationships expect that all of our relationships expect that all of our relationships would survive. But for some reason, we would survive. But for some reason, we would survive. But for some reason, we prioritize our career health and our prioritize our career health and our prioritize our career health and our mental health and our relational health mental health and our relational health mental health and our relational health and our physical health and our social and our physical health and our social and our physical health and our social health and all of these other things. health and all of these other things. health and all of these other things. And we do not prioritize our spiritual And we do not prioritize our spiritual And we do not prioritize our spiritual health in the same way. And what God is health in the same way. And what God is health in the same way. And what God is saying to us is put me at the center and saying to us is put me at the center and saying to us is put me at the center and I will help you with all of these other I will help you with all of these other I will help you with all of these other things. I will give you the perspective things. I will give you the perspective things. I will give you the perspective for all of these other things so that for all of these other things so that for all of these other things so that you know what order they will go in.

you know what order they will go in. you know what order they will go in. That vocation is still really important That vocation is still really important That vocation is still really important because I have made you with gifts so because I have made you with gifts so because I have made you with gifts so that you can pour yourself out and work that you can pour yourself out and work that you can pour yourself out and work to benefit the kingdom. that I have to benefit the kingdom. that I have to benefit the kingdom. that I have given you a family to tend and to care given you a family to tend and to care given you a family to tend and to care for. That relational health is for. That relational health is for. That relational health is important, but it is ordered in its important, but it is ordered in its important, but it is ordered in its importance. importance. importance. And so I wonder And so I wonder And so I wonder if you were to take a moment right now if you were to take a moment right now if you were to take a moment right now to think about what it is that is to think about what it is that is to think about what it is that is especially important to you and what you especially important to you and what you especially important to you and what you have been living the center of your life have been living the center of your life have been living the center of your life around, right? what what people would around, right? what what people would around, right? what what people would see if they looked at the screen time see if they looked at the screen time see if they looked at the screen time report on your phone or watched you on a report on your phone or watched you on a report on your phone or watched you on a normal Tuesday when you hand over your normal Tuesday when you hand over your normal Tuesday when you hand over your normal hours to things without thinking normal hours to things without thinking normal hours to things without thinking if that would line up with what it is if that would line up with what it is if that would line up with what it is that you say you've centered your life that you say you've centered your life that you say you've centered your life around around around would your values and your actions would your values and your actions would your values and your actions actually line up that the story in actually line up that the story in actually line up that the story in Matthew 19 of the rich young man that Matthew 19 of the rich young man that Matthew 19 of the rich young man that goes to Jesus is one that I think is goes to Jesus is one that I think is goes to Jesus is one that I think is illuminating for us because if you illuminating for us because if you illuminating for us because if you stopped that young man on the way to see stopped that young man on the way to see stopped that young man on the way to see Jesus and said, "What's important to Jesus and said, "What's important to Jesus and said, "What's important to you?" He would surely tell you the you?" He would surely tell you the you?" He would surely tell you the things of God. In fact, the first thing things of God. In fact, the first thing things of God. In fact, the first thing he says to Jesus is, "I have kept all of he says to Jesus is, "I have kept all of he says to Jesus is, "I have kept all of the commandments my whole life. I've the commandments my whole life. I've the commandments my whole life. I've done all the right things. I've thought done all the right things. I've thought done all the right things. I've thought about you. I've behaved. I've lived about you. I've behaved. I've lived about you. I've behaved. I've lived under the laws that you gave. So, how under the laws that you gave. So, how under the laws that you gave. So, how can I inherit eternal life?" And then can I inherit eternal life?" And then can I inherit eternal life?" And then Jesus says to him, "Sell your Jesus says to him, "Sell your 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 follow me." And the man went away sad follow me." And the man went away sad follow me." And the man went away sad because he had a great many possessions.

because he had a great many possessions. because he had a great many possessions. what he thought about himself, that he what he thought about himself, that he what he thought about himself, that he was a person who lived by the was a person who lived by the was a person who lived by the commandments and the law and cared about commandments and the law and cared about commandments and the law and cared about the things of God did not match what he the things of God did not match what he the things of God did not match what he actually did when push came to shove. I actually did when push came to shove. I actually did when push came to shove. I wonder for all of us too, how much of wonder for all of us too, how much of wonder for all of us too, how much of what we think about ourselves, what we what we think about ourselves, what we what we think about ourselves, what we say is the center of our lives really is say is the center of our lives really is say is the center of our lives really is dictating the rest of our lives. dictating the rest of our lives. dictating the rest of our lives. And so if you want to make a change, if And so if you want to make a change, if And so if you want to make a change, if you want to say, you want to say, you want to say, "I want to put God in the center of my "I want to put God in the center of my "I want to put God in the center of my life and let everything flow from that." life and let everything flow from that." life and let everything flow from that." What is it that you need to do? What is What is it that you need to do? What is What is it that you need to do? What is it that we need to do differently? it that we need to do differently? it that we need to do differently? Because I'll tell you what, I know good Because I'll tell you what, I know good Because I'll tell you what, I know good intentions is not the answer. If good intentions is not the answer. If good intentions is not the answer. If good intentions was the answer, we wouldn't intentions was the answer, we wouldn't intentions was the answer, we wouldn't be having this conversation right now. be having this conversation right now. be having this conversation right now. I think we have to do some intentional I think we have to do some intentional I think we have to do some intentional work. Peter Ducker who is a great work. Peter Ducker who is a great work. Peter Ducker who is a great management consultant you know wrote a management consultant you know wrote a management consultant you know wrote a lot of the early books on business lot of the early books on business lot of the early books on business management in the 20th century wrote management in the 20th century wrote management in the 20th century wrote about having a priority and having about having a priority and having about having a priority and having posteriorities.

posteriorities. posteriorities. So he wrote about having a priority that So he wrote about having a priority that So he wrote about having a priority that thing that we want to make time for that thing that we want to make time for that thing that we want to make time for that we want to prioritize what am I going to we want to prioritize what am I going to we want to prioritize what am I going to make time for but he wrote about the make time for but he wrote about the make time for but he wrote about the idea of posteriorities as well. What is idea of posteriorities as well. What is idea of posteriorities as well. What is it that I am willing to put at the it that I am willing to put at the it that I am willing to put at the bottom of my list or stop doing so that bottom of my list or stop doing so that bottom of my list or stop doing so that I have time for the priority that I have I have time for the priority that I have I have time for the priority that I have made? made? made? What is it that you are willing to say I What is it that you are willing to say I What is it that you are willing to say I am not going to give more of my time and am not going to give more of my time and am not going to give more of my time and energy to that even if it is a good energy to that even if it is a good energy to that even if it is a good thing? Because many things that belong thing? Because many things that belong thing? Because many things that belong on our posteriority list are good things on our posteriority list are good things on our posteriority list are good things in our lives, but they're not the best in our lives, but they're not the best in our lives, but they're not the best thing and they get in the way of us thing and they get in the way of us thing and they get in the way of us doing the best thing of doing what God doing the best thing of doing what God doing the best thing of doing what God called us to. called us to. called us to. Maybe a posteriority looks like this. Maybe a posteriority looks like this. Maybe a posteriority looks like this. Maybe it is I'm not going to try to keep Maybe it is I'm not going to try to keep Maybe it is I'm not going to try to keep my house perfectly clean all the time. my house perfectly clean all the time. my house perfectly clean all the time. An orderly house is a good thing, but An orderly house is a good thing, but An orderly house is a good thing, but not if it gets in the way of spending not if it gets in the way of spending not if it gets in the way of spending time with your kids or taking a walk time with your kids or taking a walk time with your kids or taking a walk with your husband and wife or being with your husband and wife or being with your husband and wife or being intentional about making time for a intentional about making time for a intentional about making time for a Bible study that you've been wanting to Bible study that you've been wanting to Bible study that you've been wanting to join, right? Maybe maybe a posteriority join, right? Maybe maybe a posteriority join, right? Maybe maybe a posteriority is I'm not going to watch another show.

is I'm not going to watch another show. is I'm not going to watch another show. You know, the next show on Netflix that You know, the next show on Netflix that You know, the next show on Netflix that starts without me doing anything starts without me doing anything starts without me doing anything because entertainment's not bad, but two because entertainment's not bad, but two because entertainment's not bad, but two and three hours a night might take away and three hours a night might take away and three hours a night might take away some of the time that you meant to spend some of the time that you meant to spend some of the time that you meant to spend reading scripture or having a catchup reading scripture or having a catchup reading scripture or having a catchup conversation with somebody in your life conversation with somebody in your life conversation with somebody in your life that might need to hear from you. that might need to hear from you. that might need to hear from you. Maybe a posteriority is I'm going to Maybe a posteriority is I'm going to Maybe a posteriority is I'm going to stop trying to keep up with everybody stop trying to keep up with everybody stop trying to keep up with everybody else with the Joneses, with social else with the Joneses, with social else with the Joneses, with social media, with kids activities, media, with kids activities, media, with kids activities, with possessions, with the titles at with possessions, with the titles at with possessions, with the titles at work, because you have accidentally work, because you have accidentally work, because you have accidentally started um following a life that you did started um following a life that you did started um following a life that you did not intentionally choose, that on the not intentionally choose, that on the not intentionally choose, that on the way out of a burning house, you would way out of a burning house, you would way out of a burning house, you would not intentionally choose. not intentionally choose. not intentionally choose. 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 look at my phone before a certain time look at my phone before a certain time look at my phone before a certain time in the morning or I'm not going to look in the morning or I'm not going to look in the morning or I'm not going to look at my phone after a certain time in the at my phone after a certain time in the at my phone after a certain time in the evening. evening. evening. Maybe some of the questions that you Maybe some of the questions that you Maybe some of the questions that you could ask yourself when you're trying to could ask yourself when you're trying to could ask yourself when you're trying to think about what your posteriorities think about what your posteriorities think about what your posteriorities would be or what is it that I am doing would be or what is it that I am doing would be or what is it that I am doing right now just because everyone else is right now just because everyone else is right now just because everyone else is doing it.

Or if I really said my family was as Or if I really said my family was as important to me as I claim it is. If if important to me as I claim it is. If if important to me as I claim it is. If if I really believed and sub in whatever if I really believed and sub in whatever if I really believed and sub in whatever if I really believed X was as important to I really believed X was as important to I really believed X was as important to me as I claim it is, what would I stop me as I claim it is, what would I stop me as I claim it is, what would I stop doing? doing? doing? So I have time for that thing. So I have time for that thing. So I have time for that thing. What about this? Um What about this? Um What about this? Um what would my life look like if I truly what would my life look like if I truly what would my life look like if I truly believe that I had the time that to do believe that I had the time that to do believe that I had the time that to do everything that God had called me to do? everything that God had called me to do? everything that God had called me to do? Not if I believed I had the time to do Not if I believed I had the time to do Not if I believed I had the time to do everything that's on my plate, everything that's on my plate, everything that's on my plate, everything I've added as priorities, but everything I've added as priorities, but everything I've added as priorities, but everything that I believed that God had everything that I believed that God had everything that I believed that God had called me to do. called me to do. called me to do. Look, we were not meant to have 15 first Look, we were not meant to have 15 first Look, we were not meant to have 15 first things. We were meant to have one first things. We were meant to have one first things. We were meant to have one first thing and then let everything else in thing and then let everything else in thing and then let everything else in our lives flow from that. our lives flow from that. our lives flow from that. One of the privileges of my job, of our One of the privileges of my job, of our One of the privileges of my job, of our jobs, is that we get to sit with people jobs, is that we get to sit with people jobs, is that we get to sit with people near the end of their lives, that we get near the end of their lives, that we get near the end of their lives, that we get to talk to them about their lives. And to talk to them about their lives. And to talk to them about their lives. And people will want to tell you that they people will want to tell you that they people will want to tell you that they regret certain things or they wish that regret certain things or they wish that regret certain things or they wish that they had done things differently.

they had done things differently. they had done things differently. They'll tell you what they're proud of They'll tell you what they're proud of They'll tell you what they're proud of in their lives, what has brought them in their lives, what has brought them in their lives, what has brought them joy. All of this reflection. And I will joy. All of this reflection. And I will joy. All of this reflection. And I will tell you that people do not say at the tell you that people do not say at the tell you that people do not say at the end of their lives, I wish that I had end of their lives, I wish that I had end of their lives, I wish that I had worried more. They say, "I wish that I worried more. They say, "I wish that I worried more. They say, "I wish that I had prayed more." You know, they don't had prayed more." You know, they don't had prayed more." You know, they don't say, "I wish I had spent less time with say, "I wish I had spent less time with say, "I wish I had spent less time with my family." They say, "I wish I'd spent my family." They say, "I wish I'd spent my family." They say, "I wish I'd spent less time chasing the stuff that I less time chasing the stuff that I less time chasing the stuff that I thought I was supposed to chase." thought I was supposed to chase." thought I was supposed to chase." Friends, we are not in a hospital room Friends, we are not in a hospital room Friends, we are not in a hospital room right now. We are not in a burning right now. We are not in a burning right now. We are not in a burning house. We are not in an emergency state. house. We are not in an emergency state. house. We are not in an emergency state. We are living on an ordinary Sunday. We We are living on an ordinary Sunday. We We are living on an ordinary Sunday. We will live some ordinary Tuesdays. What a will live some ordinary Tuesdays. What a will live some ordinary Tuesdays. What a privilege that we get to ask ourselves privilege that we get to ask ourselves privilege that we get to ask ourselves right now. If I could do it all over right now. If I could do it all over right now. If I could do it all over again or if I could do it differently, again or if I could do it differently, again or if I could do it differently, what would I put first? what would I put first? what would I put first? What would I put at the center? God, I pray that you would grant us God, I pray that you would grant us perspective. [music] perspective. [music] perspective. [music] That we might see our lives the way that That we might see our lives the way that That we might see our lives the way that you see them. That we might see you as you see them. That we might see you as you see them. That we might see you as the most important thing [music] in our the most important thing [music] in our the most important thing [music] in our lives. And that then everything might lives. And that then everything might lives. And that then everything might flow from that. And so I pray that flow from that. And so I pray that flow from that. And so I pray that [music] you would draw us nearer to you [music] you would draw us nearer to you [music] you would draw us nearer to you and you would help clear out everything and you would help clear out everything and you would help clear out everything that we are carrying that we would see that we are carrying that we would see that we are carrying that we would see it in [music] its right place. Amen.

>> In Christ alone >> In Christ alone my hope is found. my hope is found. my hope is found. He is [music] my light, my strength, my He is [music] my light, my strength, my He is [music] my light, my strength, my song, this cornerstone. song, this cornerstone. song, this cornerstone. This solid ground This solid ground This solid ground firm through the fiercest firm through the fiercest firm through the fiercest [music and singing] drought and storm. [music and singing] drought and storm. [music and singing] drought and storm. What heights of love, what depths of What heights of love, what depths of What heights of love, what depths of peace. When fears are still, when peace. When fears are still, when peace. When fears are still, when striving [singing and music] striving [singing and music] striving [singing and music] cease. cease. cease. My comforter, My comforter, My comforter, my all in [singing and music] all. my all in [singing and music] all. my all in [singing and music] all. Here in the love of Christ I [music] Here in the love of Christ I [music] Here in the love of Christ I [music] stand. stand. stand. Would you join us?

There There his body [music] laid. his body [music] laid. his body [music] laid. Light of the world my darkness Light of the world my darkness Light of the world my darkness [music and singing] sang. Then bursting [music and singing] sang. Then bursting [music and singing] sang. Then bursting forth in glorious [singing and music] forth in glorious [singing and music] forth in glorious [singing and music] day. day. day. Up from the grave he rose Up from the grave he rose Up from the grave he rose [singing and music] again. And as he stands in victory, And as he stands in victory, sin's [music] curse has lost its grip on sin's [music] curse has lost its grip on sin's [music] curse has lost its grip on me. me. me. For I am his and he is mine. For I am his and he is mine. For I am his and he is mine. bought with the precious [music] blood bought with the precious [music] blood bought with the precious [music] blood of Christ. of Christ. of Christ. Oh. No guilt in life, no fear in death.

No guilt in life, no fear in death. This is the power of [singing] Christ in This is the power of [singing] Christ in This is the power of [singing] Christ in me. me. me. From life's [music] first cry till final From life's [music] first cry till final From life's [music] first cry till final breath, breath, breath, Jesus commands my destiny. Jesus commands my destiny. Jesus commands my destiny. [music] [music] [music] No power of hell, no scheme of man No power of hell, no scheme of man No power of hell, no scheme of man can ever [music] pl me from his hand can ever [music] pl me from his hand can ever [music] pl me from his hand till he returns. till he returns. till he returns. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> calls me home. >> calls me home. >> calls me home. Here in [singing] the power of Christ I Here in [singing] the power of Christ I Here in [singing] the power of Christ I stand. stand. stand. Oh Okay. So, before we go, just a few Okay. So, before we go, just a few things that uh we uh want to lift up for things that uh we uh want to lift up for things that uh we uh want to lift up for you today um that are important. Next you today um that are important. Next you today um that are important. Next week is the blessing of the backpacks week is the blessing of the backpacks week is the blessing of the backpacks and kickoff Sunday. So, if you have and kickoff Sunday. So, if you have and kickoff Sunday. So, if you have kids, bring your backpacks and you get kids, bring your backpacks and you get kids, bring your backpacks and you get we got a a wonderful little tag that's we got a a wonderful little tag that's we got a a wonderful little tag that's going to go on them uh to remind the going to go on them uh to remind the going to go on them uh to remind the kids that they're special and that they kids that they're special and that they kids that they're special and that they are deeply and dearly loved. It's going

are deeply and dearly loved. It's going are deeply and dearly loved. It's going to be a fun day. We have Kona Ice out on to be a fun day. We have Kona Ice out on to be a fun day. We have Kona Ice out on the um lips and on the south uh parking the um lips and on the south uh parking the um lips and on the south uh parking lot area and coffee on the branches uh lot area and coffee on the branches uh lot area and coffee on the branches uh lawn lawn lawn >> in here. >> in here. >> in here. >> What? >> What? >> What? >> And breakfast tacos in here. >> And breakfast tacos in here. >> And breakfast tacos in here. >> And breakfast tacos in here. There you >> And breakfast tacos in here. There you >> And breakfast tacos in here. There you go. Got to have that. And uh so I hope go. Got to have that. And uh so I hope go. Got to have that. And uh so I hope you'll you'll uh make sure and be here you'll you'll uh make sure and be here you'll you'll uh make sure and be here for that. Don't forget Christian for that. Don't forget Christian for that. Don't forget Christian Community Service Center is uh right now Community Service Center is uh right now Community Service Center is uh right now we're in the a period in which we are um we're in the a period in which we are um we're in the a period in which we are um helping to support CCSC's back to school helping to support CCSC's back to school helping to support CCSC's back to school drive and uh for $75 you can provide a drive and uh for $75 you can provide a drive and uh for $75 you can provide a backpack that has all the school backpack that has all the school backpack that has all the school supplies and uniforms and the things supplies and uniforms and the things supplies and uniforms and the things that the kids are going to need as they that the kids are going to need as they that the kids are going to need as they head into the school year. And I don't head into the school year. And I don't head into the school year. And I don't know, I always say I I can still know, I always say I I can still know, I always say I I can still remember having my um trapper keeper and remember having my um trapper keeper and remember having my um trapper keeper and how exciting it was to go off to school how exciting it was to go off to school how exciting it was to go off to school feeling like I had my act together. And feeling like I had my act together. And feeling like I had my act together. And uh so that's what this is for is helping uh so that's what this is for is helping uh so that's what this is for is helping uh these students do that. We'd love to uh these students do that. We'd love to uh these students do that. We'd love to have you um uh help us with that. And um have you um uh help us with that. And um have you um uh help us with that. And um uh what's the other one? I forgot. Uh uh what's the other one? I forgot. Uh uh what's the other one? I forgot. Uh maybe that's it. Um we do hope that maybe that's it. Um we do hope that maybe that's it. Um we do hope that you'll be here. We have a new sermon you'll be here. We have a new sermon you'll be here. We have a new sermon series that we're starting on faith series that we're starting on faith series that we're starting on faith supplements, the other things that we supplements, the other things that we supplements, the other things that we need to add into our um into our lives need to add into our um into our lives need to add into our um into our lives to make them full and whole and uh and to make them full and whole and uh and to make them full and whole and uh and transformative. So, uh with that in transformative. So, uh with that in transformative. So, uh with that in mind, uh hear this benediction. Go bear mind, uh hear this benediction. Go bear mind, uh hear this benediction. Go bear witness to the love of Christ in this

witness to the love of Christ in this witness to the love of Christ in this world so that those to whom love is is a world so that those to whom love is is a world so that those to whom love is is a stranger will find in you generous stranger will find in you generous stranger will find in you generous friends. The grace of the Lord Jesus friends. The grace of the Lord Jesus friends. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, communion of Christ, the love of God, communion of Christ, the love of God, communion 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. Let's sing. [music] We will worship the Lamb We will worship the Lamb [singing and music] of glory. [singing and music] of glory. [singing and music] of glory. We will worship the King of Kings. We will worship the King of Kings. We will worship the King of Kings. [music] [music] [music] We will worship the lamb of glory. We will worship the lamb of glory. We will worship the lamb of glory. We will worship the king. And with our We will worship the king. And with our We will worship the king. And with our hands lifted high, [music] we will hands lifted high, [music] we will hands lifted high, [music] we will worship and sing. And with [singing] our worship and sing. And with [singing] our worship and sing. And with [singing] our hands lifted high, we come before you hands lifted high, we come before you hands lifted high, we come before you rejoicing. [music] With our hands lifted rejoicing. [music] With our hands lifted rejoicing. [music] With our hands lifted [singing] high to the sky. When the [singing] high to the sky. When the [singing] high to the sky. When the world wonders why, we'll just tell them world wonders why, we'll just tell them world wonders why, we'll just tell them [music and singing] we're loving our [music and singing] we're loving our [music and singing] we're loving our king. We'll just tell them we're loving king. We'll just tell them we're loving king. We'll just tell them we're loving [music] [music] [music] our king.

Amen. Everyone have such an amazing week Amen. Everyone have such an amazing week and we will see you back here next and we will see you back here next and we will see you back here next Sunday.