Preacher Paul's Blogs

  The Green-Eyed Monster: Favoritism and Jealousy This Sunday I'll be preaching on the dangers of favoritism and jealousy from Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28. This passage tells the sobering story of Joseph and his jealous brothers, who scheme to kill Joseph out of hatred for their father Jacob's preferential treatment of him. As we'll see, favoritism breeds jealousy, and jealousy unchecked leads to destructive actions and broken relationships. Joseph's brothers harm both Joseph and themselves by giving in to envy's poison. Their story serves as a warning for us today. Though favoritism and jealousy are ancient problems, they continue to damage our families, friendships, churches, and workplaces. My prayer is that God would search our hearts and root out any jealousy toward others we harbor. May we celebrate each person as God's beloved child with their own gifts to offer. As we prepare to gather in worship, reflect on times you've experienced the pain of favoritism....

  Transformed by God's Touch Friends, this Sunday I'll be preaching on Genesis 32:22-31 and Jacob's dramatic all-night wrestling match with God. This vivid story shows us what can happen when we authentically encounter God in the messiness of life. Jacob was transformed by clinging to God's blessing through vulnerable struggle. In the same way, God desires to meet us in our fears and brokenness… if we'll let God. As we open our hearts to God's presence, we too can be forever changed. Questions to consider: What "wounds" do you bear from past encounters with God? How can you make space for God to transform you in new ways? I pray we all limp a little more blessed after Sunday's message. Let's cling to God together as we seek encounter and blessing.

  The Inescapable Presence: Jacob's Divine Encounter This Sunday, we will delve into the depths of the biblical account of Jacob, who exhibited unwavering patience and faith during his fourteen-year wait to marry Rachel. This story is a testament to the power of endurance and the grace that lies in waiting, offering us a profound perspective on patience in our own lives. The sermon will discuss how our modern society, driven by technology and instant gratification, has eroded our patience. We will contrast this with the steadfast faith and perseverance of Jacob, who trusted in God's perfect timing even amidst long periods of waiting and deception. Through this lens, we will explore how seasons of waiting are not passive moments but transformative periods that shape our character, deepen our trust in God, and prepare us for what lies ahead. In closing, I would like you to contemplate on two questions this week as you prepare your hearts and minds for the upcoming sermon: Wha...

  The Inescapable Presence: Jacob's Divine Encounter As we continue our summer series, "Family Reunion," we delve further into the first families of the Bible. This Sunday, we find ourselves journeying once again with Jacob in Genesis 28:10-19. His is a narrative marked by moments of cunning deceit, sibling rivalry, and profound divine encounters. We follow Jacob into the wilderness, to a place where the divine and earthly realms meet, a place where God's pervasive presence is undeniably felt. Jacob's encounter with God, commonly known as "Jacob's Ladder," is a transformative episode in his life. It marks his transition from self-reliance to trusting in the divine providence of God. Jacob's experience underlines an important truth for us all - there is no place we can hide from God's presence. It also beautifully illustrates how God meets us in our most challenging moments, affirming His promises, and reminding us of His unwavering commitme...

On this day, as we celebrate the 257th birthday of our great nation, it is a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the blessings we have received from God. The history of the United States is interwoven with the guiding hand of Divine Providence, nurturing the progress and prosperity we enjoy today. We echo the words of our Thomas Jefferson, who declared, "The God who gave us life gave us liberty at the same time." These profound words remind us of the priceless freedom we possess in this remarkable land. It's a freedom secured through the courageous sacrifices of our ancestors, who fervently fought, tirelessly toiled, and ceaselessly prayed to ensure we relish these cherished liberties. As we gather with family and friends to commemorate this historic day, let's take a moment to remember that our independence was not achieved easily. It was forged in the fires of sacrifice and determination, blessed, and protected by the grace of our Almighty God. We have so many reas...

  Family Rivalry: Reconciliation Beyond Conflict As we continue our summer sermon series, "Family Reunion," we are excited to explore Genesis 25: 19–34, which brings us the story of Isaac's twin sons, Jacob and Esau. It's a story that speaks volumes about the nature of sibling rivalry, favoritism, and conflict within families, yet, it is also a story of God's grace working through our flaws and leading us towards reconciliation. In this sermon, we will delve into the complications of sibling rivalry as we see in Jacob and Esau's story. We will examine how parental favoritism fuels the existing rivalry, pushing them further apart. But amid the deceit and trickery, we find God's grace at work. God's hand, working through their flaws, leads the brothers towards reconciliation, proving that God's covenant of love and grace extends even to our imperfect relationships. As we prepare for the sermon, consider these questions: How have your own familial exp...