Who’s at the center of things? Is it you or Jesus? Are you self-centered or Christ-centered?

How do you think I would feel as a lifelong fan of the Brew Crew if I knew someone who didn't care about baseball whatsoever but was able to go to the first World Series game the Brewers have been in since 1982 while I (as was also the case in 1982) did not have the opportunity to go?

Why is it sometimes so difficult to forgive? This weekend, we'll hear Jesus teach about another important attribute of greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven: a forgiving heart.

Have you ever found yourself in the midst of a big project and were overwhelmed with all that had to be done? The lack of time, resources and talent seemed to make its completion impossible. When that happens, it is so good to have others come alone not only to encourage you, but also to help you accomplish the project.

I always thought it was kind of ironic that we have a holiday called “Labor Day” on which we celebrate workers by not working. However, the whole concept of celebrating workers by not working goes back to God’s pattern in creation when He set aside the seventh day as a day of rest for the benefit of the humans who were charged with taking care of the world.

Have you ever stopped to think about why you care about people you don’t even know? Perhaps part of it is sharing the common human experience of living in a world terribly affected by sin and tragedy. But for us as Christians, there is something much deeper.

In all things, we will focus on living daily in His grace, and not keeping it to ourselves—but telling HIS story to invite people to know Jesus, and provide opportunities to grow in His love.

We all know it is impossible to walk on water. Peter did as well, yet he had just witnessed what Jesus had done with five loaves of bread and two fish. With God all things are possible.

Jesus did not offer a wide variety of food, but only fish and bread. Everyone was satisfied with what was offered.

If you happened to read last week’s Call to Worship, you may recall that I told a story about one of our cats. This week, I want to share a story about our dog Jingles, who, according to the information we received when we adopted her from HAWS, turned 13 on July 27.

There is good and evil in this world, and there is a big waiting game going on before Judgment Day because our gracious Lord doesn’t want to lose anyone.

No matter how hard you try to work the soil and get rid of rocks and weeds, they keep popping up.

Have you ever found yourself unable to sleep in the middle of the night because your mind is racing in various directions? Have you ever found yourself “overtired” and have a hard time relaxing? How about feeling guilty because there is so much to do but you just can’t seem to accomplish it or feel overwhelmed by it all?

On Tuesday, July 4, we will celebrate our nation’s 247th birthday. While no nation has a perfect history since all nations are made up of sinful human beings, we as a nation have enjoyed remarkable blessings throughout our history, beginning with success in the Revolutionary War which seemed to indicate Divine intervention.

What a fantastic promise of the Lord’s care and the ultimate eternal victory we have in Christ Jesus. But before the victory is won the battle rages. In this weekend’s Old Testament reading we’ll hear the prophet Jeremiah lamenting the fact that the word of the Lord brings him insult and reproach all day long. In the Gospel reading Jesus tells the Twelve that they will be hated by everyone because of Him. If that’s the case, why would someone want to follow Jesus?

How often have you heard the phrase, “If you’re going to talk the talk, walk the walk”? This Sunday is Father’s Day, and for those of us who are dads, it may be a day not only to celebrate with family, but also to reflect on how we’re doing as dads.