January 27, 2023

Dear Road Church Friends,

Lately my messages have been centering on the Beatitudes and what it means to live a good and happy life. This week’s scripture has something to say about that. The prophet Micah has an answer to the people who ask, “What does God want from us?”

    SCRIPTURE: Micah 6:1-8         SERMON: What Does God Want?

The Lord says: “O my people! What have I done to make you grow tired of me? How have I wronged you?  

Do you remember that I delivered you from Egyptian slavery by giving you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam to lead you through the wilderness?

Do you remember on your journey through the wilderness the times I rescued you from your enemies?

Do you remember how you were able to cross the Jordan into the Promised Land on dry ground?

I know what you are thinking: What does God want from us? Does he want us to bring year old calves to be burnt offerings? Will a thousand rams be enough? How about ten thousand jars of fragrant oil? Should I sacrifice my firstborn son to pay for my sins?

Then the prophet said: “The Lord has already told you the one good thing he wants from you: Promote justice, Be faithful, and Walk humbly before your God.”

PASTORAL PRAYER

Dear Lord, we come to you now, confident of your goodness and grace.  We release into your hands those we love and care for; those who are in need; and those whose names nudge us to prayer.  We also release into your care the burdens that weary us and the worries that pursue us.  We ask you to soothe the fears and pain of those who are ill; defend us against the anxieties that rob us of our peace; guide our decisions and give  strength to those who must carry on, and  courage to those who must start over.  We ask that those who mourn may sense your nearness and be comforted. We pray that you will bestow upon our relationships a spirit of reconciliation and good will that we might savor our friendships and family.  We offer you praise for all that delights us.  We bring to you all that is on our hearts, even those prayers which remain unexpressed.  Amen.

IN THINE OWN HEART

Though Christ a thousand times in Bethlehem be born,

If he’s not born in thee thy soul is still forlorn.

The cross on Golgotha will never save thy soul,

The cross in thine own heart alone can make thee whole.

by Angelus Silesius

Blessings to you all. 

Pastor Norm

Our service on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DJs0ZDTtbZ0