Perspectives
Highs, Lows, & Everything in Between
What Are You Doing Here?
April 21, 2024 • Pastor Tim Veenstra • 1 Kings 19
Elijah experienced the epic mountain top victory on Mt. Carmel, defeating the prophets of Baal and revealing YAHWEH is the ultimate authority in heaven and on earth. However, immediately following this great victory, we see the great, faith-filled prophet plummet. Elijah hits an all-time low. Elijah’s story offers us perspective into how we should approach our own low valley moments.
More Than Meets the Eye
April 14, 2024 • Pastor Peter Damaska • 1 Kings 18:16–46
It seems like nothing could be worse than nothingness. Seriously, what good could ever come out of being alone, being in the dark, being out of the loop, being the last one standing? How can something come out of nothing? In counterintuitive ways, God repeatedly teaches Elijah a valuable lesson—a lesson that gives him the perspective he needs to face what is in front of him.
Ravens, a Starving Widow, and Untamed Prayer
April 7, 2024 • Pastor Tim Veenstra • 1 Kings 17
Elijah is one of the most well-known Old Testament figures in the Bible. On the Mount of Transfiguration, Elijah shows up as the representative of all the prophets who came before. As prominent as he is, the Scriptures give us only a few snapshots of the events of his life. But one thing is for sure: Elijah knew how to pray untamed prayers. Do you?
Thank You, Jesus
March 31, 2024 • Pastor Tim Veenstra • Exodus 15:1–18
If anyone has a reason to praise or to have a heart overwhelmed with gratitude, it is the follower of Jesus. Thank You, God, for loving us so much that You sent Your Son, Jesus. Thank You, Jesus, for dwelling among us, teaching us how to live, and ultimately for taking our sin and our shame to the cross. Thank You for the promise of Your Spirit and for future resurrection. We have a reason to praise. Thank You, Jesus!
Invited to the Movement
March 24, 2024 • Pastor Peter Damaska • Exodus 35:3–4, Matthew 21:1–6
It’s an (almost) impossible thing to imagine that the God of the universe is interested in people like us. And not only is He interested, but He extends an invitation to us to participate! What could we possibly offer that would please Him? The answer may surprise you, but it won’t disappoint you.
Trust and Obey. Who, Me?
March 17, 2024 • Pastor Peter Damaska • Exodus 20, Exodus 19
Common to each of us is the experience of comparison. And if you’ve ever disqualified yourself from something (either publicly or privately), your reasons likely stem from seeing yourself not as good as ______________. (You fill in the blank.) But we are invited to much more than the habit of personal/early disqualification. Today’s snapshot of Moses at Mount Sinai is filled with encouragement for those moments we want to back away from what is coming our way.
Out-n-In
March 10, 2024 • Pastor Tim Veenstra • John 17:13–19, Exodus 4:24–26
Life is full of highs, lows, and everything in between. Moses, one of the key figures of the Old Testament, gives us access to his story, both the highs and the lows. Do you see your story in his story? Stuck between different worlds, Moses is faced with a decision. To what or whom will he identify himself with and how will that affect every part of his life?