Scared?  Jesus Gets It

So, what is it that you find scary this morning?  And how much are we influenced by the things that we find scary?  We don't always like to talk about the things that unnerve us, and sometimes may even like to pretend they are not there, but the truth is that anxiety and fear are more of an influence in our lives than many of us would like to admit.  It is what keeps the insurance industry in business, and it is what drives many of the decisions that people make, both individually and in larger groups.  It is not that taking precautions is a bad thing, but when the things that we fear become the driving forces in our lives, things can easily go off track.

The week we are spending some time reflecting on the story of a group of disciples hunkered down and locked in to a room on the evening of the resurrection for fear of the Jewish leaders.  They had reasons to be afraid.  But even more, they had reasons for joy.  Despite the locked doors, Jesus comes to them that evening with an offer of peace, and in the course of that encounter their fear is turned to joy, and what seemed like a very uncertain future became clear - or at least clear enough for them to know what they were going from here.  In the wounds of Jesus, and in the Spirit He shares, they are able to see the way ahead.

That's what Pastor Ken invites you to reflect upon in the sermon this week.  If you would like to listen to the sermon again, or perhaps for the first time, you can access our sermon library here.  If you prefer the livestream version, you can find that here.   

Do It Anyway

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered.  

Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.  

Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, 

you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.  

Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you.  

Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.  

Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous or critical.  

Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, will often be forgotten.  

Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it may never be enough.  

Give your best anyway.

 - excerpts from an inscription attributed to Mother Teresa