After David's major sin, he was deeply broken, but counted on the zeal of the Lord to forgive and cleanse him, But that wasn't license to sin more, it was a reminder to be honest, humble and aggressive against further sin. Psalm 51 is an important call for us to have to approach with even the "little", everyday offenses that we may not take as seriously. The Lord wants to teach us wisdom, and we will learn that more as we ask Him to cleanse us, keep us close to Him and make us consistent.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYBK90XxCZE

What we say can either escalate or de-escalate a conversation and relationship, depending on our word choice, tone, attitude and body language. Are we refreshing--trying to promote truth, wisdom and calm, or depressing--wounding people and breaking their spirit? Instead of causing strife, we need to guard our mouths, and have a heart and mouth that advances righteousness.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfxMsIRdCPQ&t=5609s

After 40 years of living in the wilderness with his in-laws, Moses went back to Egypt and brought Israel out. Though his father in-law almost certainly has plenty of objections, he sensed the Lord's leading and yielded to it. When Moses came back with the people, he then spoke truth in love, challenging Moses to be wise in his actions. His faith, wisdom and boldness are an example of the powerful encouragement and influence we can have on others.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKPV86GdRIQ&t=3985s

Psalm 118 is the center chapter in the Bible, and is full of praise, thanks and victory as it points toward Jesus and the Gospel. Within it are 6 powerful truths that call believers to remember all that He has done in our lives--salvation, strength, righteousness, mighty things and even discipline. Our response can only be "joyful shouting", not only to show our unashamed gratitude, but also to lead others to know how wonderful the Lord is.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ntiv6jZoso

We tend to remember people and events with an emotional bias--either idealizing how things were, or overemphasizing negative experiences. We usually do that latter out of fear or incomplete faith, and that can make us discontented. So while Isaiah told Judah they would go into captivity, he also assured them the Lord would eventually bring them back and restore them. Remembering the Lord's goodness changes our perspective about the future, and fills us with confident hope and stirs us to seek Him to do a fresh work.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MX3cgyodIxU

There are important parallels between the covenant in our relationship with the Lord as believers, and the marriage covenant. In both cases, lack of commitment and infidelity will severely damage the health of the relationship. So it is vital that we are unwavering in the exclusivity of our love and devotion in both, while holding a holy jealousy that nothing will steal our heart away.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5gdhQGRsj8

Every believer has a calling from the Lord, whether our daily commitment, short-term or full time. So it's vital that we are able to discern the Lord's hand and leading, and be willing to pivot to serve Him. That may be uncomfortable, but like Elisha, our response needs to be immediate and joyfully sacrificial, because the Lord will use us in a powerful way when it is.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0h9sOFGJmk&t=6189s

A warning given by the Lord to an evil city 3200 years ago has implications for us today, in how it gives us a full picture of the Lord. It's uncomfortable but important to remember that the Lord is the Holy One Who has to judge sin, because any "user friendly" view of Him avoids that Truth. But the Lord is also good, kind and gracious, offering salvation to all, knowing those who are His and serving as our Stronghold. So when life is difficult and disappointing, we can rest and find joy in His provision.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pZJWXBwVV4

When you have a crisis or trial, do you get despondent and give up, or deepen your dependence on the Lord. An unbelieving widow in 1 Kings 17 endured three painful tragedies, but when the prophet Elijah called her to seemingly unreasonable faith, according to God's miraculous promise, she boldly believed in the Lord's provision, and experienced a profound expression of His goodness and care. This challenges us not to linger in "why?", but to be confident that the Lord will work. 

Often we people help us, we infer negative ulterior motives that aren't true. This can lead us to unnecessarily alienate relationships. When we realize our mistake, it's far better to apologize and seek forgiveness, unlike a man named Hanun, who dug in his heels against King David and escalated the situation. When offended, we need to recognize how often we've been the offender, and offer forgiveness that it being sought, instead of hypocritically holding people to an unfair standard.  Video of this service is also available:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHpwJhAg30E&t=2394s