26 May 2024 - ENCS

Pastor Josh continued the series on Matthew today

About value, based on chapter eighteen he did say

Who is the greatest in heaven the disciples did ask

Calling a little child, Jesus Christ took them to task

Jesus said that only those who have faith like a child

Will end up in heaven and with the Lord be reconciled

For children are also willing followers, seemingly lowly

Jesus came not to lead but to serve, as we often see

Ergo, we must take care not to cause others to stumble

Although we have much power, we must remain humble

Watching where we go, what we do, and what we say

From sources of temptation, we must clearly stay away

The real message of the lost sheep in verse thirteen

Is the lone sheep’s isolation presents dangers unseen

God is our shepherd who doesn’t want any to perish

So saving lost sheep is something we should cherish

The shepherd’s voice often comes through other sheep

By sharing God’s word with others, His plan we do keep

Pastor Josh then showed how to do so with the SQ App

In “Proclaim", “The Good News” button we should tap

We should value little and lost ones, and lowly positions

Avoiding sights, words, and places with tempting conditions

We can receive the love of God, our Shepherd from above

Then with the rest of the world, show and share His love 

24 May 2024 - Freedom

Pastor Josh Harris led a session entitled “Freedom” last night

We were made for freedom, as in Genesis two Josh did cite

Freedom enables us to choose life, per Deuteronomy thirty

As the alternative has implications for one's generational tree

Being rightly related to God is known as spiritual freedom

Being rightly related to others is called relational freedom

And being rightly related to ourselves is physical freedom

While being rightly related to resources is financial freedom

Through God’s truth and God’s spirit, His freedom we see

Per John eight verse thirty two, His "truth will set us free”

"For where God’s spirit is, there is freedom” is thus seen

In Second Corinthians chapter three verse number sixteen

Spiritual freedom releases us from spiritual disobedience

Also from spiritual oppression which we may experience

Alternatively it enables us to follow Jesus wholeheartedly

And to experience fruitfulness by  loving others willingly

Spiritual freedom in turn empowers freedom relationally

From unforgiveness and bitterness which are far from holy

Also from relational dysfunctions which are hard to survive

But to forgiveness and walking in love, per Ephesians five

For physical freedom, spiritual freedom also does empower

Taking us away from anxiety, stress, and pasts that are sour

Instead into the peace of God, per Philippians chapter four

As well as to power, love, self-discipline, and so much more

Spiritual freedom also does empower freedom financially

Financial aspects include time, energy, as well as money

From addictions, habits, and false refuges Josh did tell

But into serving others and stewarding God’s grace well

19 May 2024 - ENCS

The Matthew series was continued by Pastor Vicki

Saying that “What Ifs” often lead to much anxiety

In Matthew chapter seventeen from verse fourteen

Vicki said three such “What Ifs” can be clearly seen

First is what if our faith isn't enough, Vicki did sayeth

Remember that miracles require having an active faith

Jesus continues to show compassion and His grace

Through which our weaknesses He does displace

The genuineness of faith matters more than the size

As First Peter one verse seven more than just implies

The second example is what if the call gets too difficult

In verse twenty two, Jesus said his death would result

As Christians there is a call to suffer, not just be blessed

There is also a call to go through pain, often as a test

We must answer a call to step out of our comfort zone

Remember that Jesus promised hope as His capstone

Vicki said the final one is what if it does not make sense

The annual tax Peter did not want Jesus to dispense

God’s authority is above worldly systems, it is true

But we should not offend with the things that we do

Instead we should demonstrate maturity in authority

For God’s provision for our submission we will see

This sermon resonated with me in many different ways

Especially given what has been going on for many days

The suffering and the pain I often struggled to endure

Only served to confirm that in God’s hands I am secure

12 May 2024 - ENCS

Pastor Josh continued the series from gospel Matthew

Talking about what Mountaintop Moments actually do

Josh focused primarily on chapter number seventeen

When the story of the Jesus’ Transfiguration is seen

Up the mountain, Peter, James, and John Jesus took

Jesus shone like the sun as the three disciples did look

“This is my Son whom I love and I am well pleased”

God’s voice said these words on which they seized

Jesus told them not to be afraid but also not to share

For like John the Baptist, He would suffer - beware!

Life is a journey with highs but is at times demanding

Greater encounters lead to greater understanding

In conclusion our faith is affirmed, anchored, aligned

Our relationship remembered, reset, restored, refined

Our ministry gains more conviction and commitment

And most importantly, we become more competent

Reflections

As some of you know, the past month has been a bit rough

The inside of a hospital room, I have seen more than enough

Like my energy levels, my weekly poems ground to a halt 

Missing several good sermons I wish I had been able to exalt

Not using my computer for a week was a shock to the system

But perhaps I needed the time to refocus and get some wisdom

In that vein, Jimmy Nedham’s song keeps coming into my mind

“Clear The Stage” lyrics are ones with which I should be aligned

“Take a break from all the plans that you have made

And sit at home along and wait for God to whisper

Beg Him please to open up His mouth and speak

And pray for real upon your knees until they blister"

…

'Cause I can sing all I want to

Yes, I can sing all I want to

And we can sing all we want to

We can sing all we want to

We can sing all we want to

And still get it wrong

Worship is more than a song

Clear the stage and set the sound and lights ablaze

If that's the measure you must take to crush the idols”

Your prayers really have helped me through this test

As I try to learn the meaning of the words patience and rest

I guess what I am really saying as I attempt to wax lyrical

Nothing is more important than health, physical and spiritual