Pastor Scott Podcast: Recent Episodes

Scott Lawrence

Sermons, messages, and reflections from Pastor Scott Lawrence. Pastor Scott pastors three rural churches in the farmlands of Western Pennsylvania.

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greenockumc.com

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What makes Methodism different?

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greenockumc.com

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greenockumc.com

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greenockumc.com

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greenockumc.com

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greenockumc.com/donate

Acts Summer Reading Plan Part 5 (final one)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZYZEQjwu2JLGeHtpeIbLRV-i1XWKrSod/view?usp=sharing

Acts Summer Reading Plan Part 4

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nDUQImB3ftVL2ikMOu9pxk_uGQhtZ88z/view?usp=drive_link

Acts Summer Reading Plan Part 3

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JXXUoE15M9WDPryZE8yWGZCOD1gnJORX/view?usp=sharing

Acts Summer Reading Plan Part 2

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PGh4XXe0CyQhTvrLhwFiA0Kkz8k9pW4X/view?usp=drive_link

Acts Summer Reading Plan Part 1

https://drive.google.com/file/d/13QwK1roT4SHJ39rzteK17slzFPGC7kiI/view?usp=sharing

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greenockumc.com

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Acts Summer Reading Plan Part 3:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JXXUoE15M9WDPryZE8yWGZCOD1gnJORX/view?usp=sharing

Acts Summer Reading Plan Part 2:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PGh4XXe0CyQhTvrLhwFiA0Kkz8k9pW4X/view?usp=drive_link

Acts Summer Reading Plan Part 1:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/13QwK1roT4SHJ39rzteK17slzFPGC7kiI/view?usp=sharing

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greenockumc.com

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www.greenockumc.com

Acts Summer Reading Plan Part 2:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PGh4XXe0CyQhTvrLhwFiA0Kkz8k9pW4X/view?usp=drive_link

Acts Summer Reading Plan Part 1:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/13QwK1roT4SHJ39rzteK17slzFPGC7kiI/view?usp=sharing

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www.greenockumc.com

Acts Summer Reading Plan Part 2:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PGh4XXe0CyQhTvrLhwFiA0Kkz8k9pW4X/view?usp=drive_link

Acts Summer Reading Plan Part 1:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/13QwK1roT4SHJ39rzteK17slzFPGC7kiI/view?usp=sharing

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What do we do next?

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Acts Scripture Reading Plan + Map

https://drive.google.com/file/d/13QwK1roT4SHJ39rzteK17slzFPGC7kiI/view?usp=sharing

Acts Journal Bible

https://a.co/d/15gEEVv

Acts For Everyone Commentary

https://a.co/d/eyYAfSc

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Summer Resources:

Acts Scripture Reading Plan + Map

https://drive.google.com/file/d/13QwK1roT4SHJ39rzteK17slzFPGC7kiI/view?usp=sharing

Acts Journal Bible

https://a.co/d/15gEEVv

Acts For Everyone Commentary

https://a.co/d/eyYAfSc

Whole Bible Journal Bible

https://a.co/d/hZeCXMP

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www.greenockumc.com

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What makes Jesus’ rising from the dead unique?

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Church Website:

www.greenockumc.com

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Support These Messages Through Any Kind of Donation:

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Church Website:

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Happy Easter!!!

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A short meditation/reflection.

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Forgiveness and reconciliation (or not?)

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Forgiveness and justice.

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Lent Worksheet:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/129jMO_vRP6LrpqCk9DNt2-14rEho7mFN/view?usp=sharing

Church Website:

www.greenockumc.com

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Lent Worksheet:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/129jMO_vRP6LrpqCk9DNt2-14rEho7mFN/view?usp=sharing

Church Website:

www.greenockumc.com

Online Giving:

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What is Lent, why do we do it, and how can you have a meaningful Lent this 2025?

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www.greenockumc.com

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Whose feet do you not want to touch?

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Church Website:

www.greenockumc.com

Online Giving:

https://secure.myvanco.com/L-ZNHH

Four Square Card:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/18oP87Pi3RuAMS8MXNUvBRO0_sL2ZOluh/view?usp=sharing

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Four Square Card:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/18oP87Pi3RuAMS8MXNUvBRO0_sL2ZOluh/view?usp=sharing

Church Website:

www.greenockumc.com

Online Giving:

https://secure.myvanco.com/L-ZNHH

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I put these out on our church’s YouTube channel every week. For the next few weeks, I’ll put them out on the podcast as well. Let me know if they’re helpful! I don’t want to overload your podcast feed.

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Four Square Card:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/18oP87Pi3RuAMS8MXNUvBRO0_sL2ZOluh/view?usp=sharing

Church Website:

www.greenockumc.com

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Let me pump you up for the New Year.

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A few ideas as you head into the New Year.

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God with us in the goo.

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Let’s enter Christmas week on a high note.

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The most basic fact about you—that you are alive—is one of the greatest miracles of all. Your birth, Jesus’ birth, and the new birth.

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Here's the link for your 28 Day Advent Devotional on Awesome Christmas.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QUiT04c8cog5WtCXNsQKyH4H0saZi60c/view?usp=sharing

Christmas Eve Worship, December 24, 7:00pm

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Here's the link for your 28 Day Advent Devotional on Awesome Christmas.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QUiT04c8cog5WtCXNsQKyH4H0saZi60c/view?usp=sharing

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It’s that time of the year again!

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A mini-sermon before we turn to the holidays.

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I’m a bit under the weather, but here’s your weekly message!

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Our differences are real, but they are not ultimate in Christ.

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What is Jesus’ call on our lives as we lead up to this election?

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Give Our Online Giving A Test Drive!

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Is your life in good order?

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I’m not preaching today, so instead of a sermon you get a 10 Minute Pause. Blessings today!

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Faith and work.

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Don’t do faith alone.

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(How To Not Go Crazy This Fall)

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Day 5

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Day 4

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Day 3

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Day 2.

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10 Minutes to just be in the presence of God.

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Hit Pause

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The (broken) pattern of Luke 15.

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What is the opposite of a church that celebrates?

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It’s hard being an older brother.

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What is the core message of Christianity?

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What kind of vibe should a church have? I guess it depends. But for our church I’d like our dominant energy to be joy.

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Here’s what’s next. Becoming a Luke 15 Church.

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God has plans for you (singular). But what about you (plural)? As in, does God have a plan for your larger community?

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I want to get know you. Why? Because we cannot love what we do not know.

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My first sermon at Greenock United Methodist Church. God bless!

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It's hard to believe, but this is my last sermon with you all.To wrap it all up, I've got 10 (or 11?) final stories that capture my 10 years here.I cannot thank you enough for letting me be your pastor. Truly, these have been 10 of the best years of my life.  God bless you until we meet again!To follow some my work, you can sign up here.https://pastorscottlawrence.weebly.com/

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Sometimes the last place you want to go is the exact place you need to go.This message is 10 years in the making.  It's one of the most important lessons I can pass on to you.The Pastor Scott Farewell Tour continues with my second to last message.To follow some of the work, you can sign up here.https://pastorscottlawrence.weebly.com/

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If I could pick ONE THING to leave you with before I head out at the end of the month, it would be this.Here's today's message, "And Then The Power Went Out."For those interested in following my work and journey forward:https://pastorscottlawrence.weebly.com/

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The Pastor Scott Farewell Tour has begun!These next four sermons are the best I got.Today's message is especially near and dear to my heart.  This is my own journey pursuing one of the most life-changing decisions I've ever made in regards to my own personal health.Hint: It's not running, eating spinach, or doing weird breathing exercises.  It was something much more difficult than all that.For those interested in following my work and journey forward:https://pastorscottlawrence.weebly.com/

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Why doesn't God use angels instead of humans to spread the gospel?Seems like a more efficient way of doing things to me.Today we're looking at the story of Pentecost, the giving of the Spirit, and this reality that Jesus has intentionally chosen YOU (yes you) to be on his team and to do his work in the world.Happy Pentecost Sunday!

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Happy Mother's Day!Keeping a family together is hard work. This includes a church family.Today we're reflecting on one difficult, but essential, practice of faith. 'One another-ing one another.'

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A little mini-sermon on healing, the impact of childhood adversity, the role of the church, and 6 basic steps to help in the healing of your body.

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Why do opposites attract?Because sometimes those are the people who can grow you the most.The same can be true about a church as well.  Here's today's sermon on loving those different than us, Zebra heads, the greatest writing on love ever, the UMC General Conference, and more.

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The next two weeks are big for our larger United Methodist Church.  What do we do when:Person A reads a passage in the Bible one way.Person B reads the same passage in a totally different way.Both people come to two very different beliefs.Today we’re looking at big church decisions, church disagreements(!), a bit of church history, and our larger United Methodist General Conference that starts this week.

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Here’s a mini-sermon on:singing, a traumatic experience I had in third grade singing, and why I’ve changed my mind on the importance of singing.

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What is the gospel?Today, we're looking at one image of the gospel we often jump over. The New Exodus of Jesus. Jesus rescuing you out from 'Egypt' in order to take you somewhere new.

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Happy Easter!Today is the biggest day of our whole church calendar. If you can't make it to an in-person service, here's our Easter Sunday Message: how to embrace resurrection even when facing a cross.  Believing that the worst case scenario is not the last case scenario.Christ is risen!  He is risen indeed!

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If you can't make it to a Good Friday service today, here's a 15 minute reflection to take in the day.This is one of the most important days of our church calendar.  I hope you can find some time to draw near the cross.There's also a song below to listen to as well.https://youtu.be/7O7ZygaUvsA?si=zGtLjodCuK7WZTPn

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Here's a short reflection on what Maundy Thursday is and why it's so inspiring.Blessings this Holy Week!Stay and Wait Meditative Songhttps://youtu.be/mtOdZ75Qwdc?si=immm-oqnu1tvMXD8

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Happy Palm Sunday!Today is the start of what we call Holy Week, one of the most important weeks of the whole year.I've got 3 tips for you on how to have more meaningful Holy Week. One of them involves a cannonball.Holy Week Scripture PlanMon Matthew 21: 1-17Tues Matthew 22: 33-46Wed Matthew 26: 1-16Thur Matthew 26: 17-75Fri Matthew 27: 1-56Sat Matthew 27: 57-66

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"But I just can't forgive THEM."This is something I hear from people, and I get it. Forgiving those who have wronged us, or worse, wronged our loved ones can seem next to impossible.But as the old quote goes, "To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you."Today we're covering the practical first few steps of forgiving as God has forgiven us.P.S. I mention an evidence-based workbook for becoming a more forgiving person (in less than two hours!!) Here's a link to access that free resource.https://www.evworthington-forgiveness.com/diy-workbooks

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How much ‘bread’ is enough bread?According to some diets, zero amount of bread. But when the Bible talks about bread, it’s more than just literal bread. It’s our daily, basic needs.So how much is enough? Can we live with LESS, but still experience MORE of life?

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This is a big one.“For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven…” Ecc 3:1.This July it will be time for one season to end and a new season to begin.I love you all!

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"I don't know where to start."This is how people sometimes feel about prayer.Today we’re covering a simple starting point. One that can kickstart a 5 minute practice of simple, but meaningful prayer.Daily Text:https://PastorScott.flocknote.com/DailyText

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Do you know what happens when you start breathing too quickly?You have a panic attack.We need deep, calm breaths for our body to function properly.The same is true for our soul. Prayer is the breath of the soul and when we’re not praying deeply enough our soul can begin to suffocate.Here’s today’s message on deepening your prayer life so that your soul can begin to breathe again. Lent Daily Texthttps://PastorScott.flocknote.com/DailyText

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Let's talk about money $$$.Few things drive our lives and our larger world than money.But it's really hard to have a HEALTHY relationship with God while having an UNHEALTHY relationship with money.Today we're looking at the antidote. Intentional (not random) giving.Want a Daily Text Message to keep you focused during Lent?https://PastorScott.flocknote.com/DailyText

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Fasting.Sounds super fun, right?But there is some profoundly powerful about learning how to say NO to all these things we think need in order to say YES to the only one we do need.Today’s message: the power of both feasting AND fasting.Lenten DevotionalDuring Lent I'm encouraging people to grab a copy of the below book.  It gives you a reading, a scripture, and some reflections for each day of Lent.  It is a little tricky to find so you have to buy it used or as an eBook.  If you're having trouble getting it, just let me know.  If you're in one of our small groups, I already ordered you a copy.https://a.co/d/j4UZMP8

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Most people wouldn’t mind being stronger.Stronger physically, stronger mentally, stronger financially.But is there a way to make your soul stronger?I think Jesus’ answer would be yes. Today we’re laying out our PRE-HAB plan for the next several weeks leading up to Easter. Book of Faith 40-Day Lenten Journey https://a.co/d/iT7IhFy

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There's a part of the Christmas story we almost always skip over right after the Wise Men come.There's a reason why.We don't tend to like the darker aspects of life.But isn't it into the darkness that light comes?  Today we're reflecting on why need to recognize both light and dark when it comes to 2024.

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2024 is a big year. We've got a presidential election, political turbulence around the world, and the shenanigans of our elected officials.How do we as Jesus-followers think about current events and that explosive word...politics?Today we'll look at two not-so-great approaches compared to the kingdom approach of Jesus. 2024 might be a bumpy ride, how do we spiritually buckle up now to make sure we're ready to follow Jesus?

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How’s your 2024 going so far? Is it looking up, down, or same-old same-old?Here’s a short New Year sermon for you on the pattern of true change.We need you. Especially in 2024.To go up to the mountain-top, you first have to go down to the valley. And once you’re up at the top, you can’t stay there forever. You have to come down to your God-given work in the world.

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Getting really good gifts is fun. Giving really good gifts can be even more fun.This Christmas Eve we're reflecting on gifts we actually WANT to give and how giving really good gifts can tie you to the actual purpose of Christmas. Merry Christmas everyone!

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Today you can get two messages for the price of one.  Merry Christmas to you!This is the Christmas Eve MORNING message.  I'll be preaching this at our three churches Sunday morning.Around 12:00pm, I'll then send out the Christmas Eve EVENING message for those who can't make it in-person.The big day is nearly here.  Take some time to go a little bit deeper so that you might be truly ready to hear this good news of great joy.

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You wanted something for Christmas.And you didn't get it.What do you do with that? Today we're reflecting on some of our more serious wants and desires...and how we keep moving forward when we don't get them.

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Dear Santa:My doll had a very bad accident. She smashed her head between a door so now she hasn't any head. Please bring her a head. --Olga 1903There is this strong connection between Christmas and giving gifts.But what happens when you get a gift you don't want or like or need?  Today we're reflecting on why gifts you DON'T want can be the most important thing to getting your soul ready for Christmas this year.

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Countdown to Christmas: 22 DaysWhat gifts you would like this year? Not your kids, not your grandkids, not your neighbor kids, but you. What do you want for Christmas?I've got one suggestion to add to your list for your soul.Plus, a letter to Santa from 1899.

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We've got four weeks until Christmas.Is it possible to make the most of these next few weeks so that YOU (not just your kids or grandkids) can experience the power of Christmas.The answer: YES.  It just takes 5-10 minutes each day leading up to Christmas.  Here today's message on how not all time is created equal.Advent Jesse Tree Devotional Recommendation:https://a.co/d/bPGAgTK

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How is Thanksgiving this week??The holiday season is upon us. Before things get too crazy, why don’t you take twenty minutes to think about how to experience something different this Christmas?I’ve got two super practical suggestions for you this week. The Advent Jesse Tree Devotionalhttps://www.amazon.com/Advent-Jesse-Tree-Devotions-Christmas/dp/1426712103/ref=sr_1_1?crid=UOHZJUPZ5VNQ&keywords=advent+jesse+tree+lambert&qid=1700333329&sprefix=advent+jesse+tree+lambert%2Caps%2C80&sr=8-1Neck Pillowhttps://www.amazon.com/Shoulder-Cervical-Traction-Alignment-Chiropractic/dp/B07QSFJ8S2/ref=sxin_17_pa_sp_search_thematic_sspa?content-id=amzn1.sym.9e5188ef-9cc8-48bb-b834-24761033aedf%3Aamzn1.sym.9e5188ef-9cc8-48bb-b834-24761033aedf&crid=22310UMUEGC07&cv_ct_cx=neck%2Bpillow%2Bcervical&keywords=neck%2Bpillow%2Bcervical&pd_rd_i=B07QSFJ8S2&pd_rd_r=c9010c3b-444e-4c76-b35b-60bb076da00a&pd_rd_w=wXvYw&pd_rd_wg=C4HgE&pf_rd_p=9e5188ef-9cc8-48bb-b834-24761033aedf&pf_rd_r=0ZGYXBN8KX6VGVERNWJX&qid=1700333400&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=neck%2Bpillow%2Bcervi%2Caps%2C77&sr=1-3-364cf978-ce2a-480a-9bb0-bdb96faa0f61-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9zZWFyY2hfdGhlbWF0aWM&th=1

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Do you have any enemies?Most of us would probably say, no.  But are there any people or groups of people you could never pray for or be kind toward or bless?And if you do have some actual enemies, why would you EVER follow Jesus' teaching on loving someone who doesn't deserve it?Here is today's message on the difficult--but essential--challenge of loving everybody, always.

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Is violence ever okay for a follower of Jesus?We live in a fairly violent world, so this seems like a pretty important question.When Jesus calls us to "turn the other cheek," is he inviting us to become a walking, talking doormat? Or is there something more he's getting at?Today's Message: Jesus' teachings on violence and his answer to a tough issue.

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When was the last time you told a lie?Is lying ever justified? How often do we lie to ourselves about all sorts of things?Today we're reflecting on truth-telling, promise-keeping, how literal Jesus is being here, and living in a world that rewards people fudging the truth.

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Today's message is a tricky one.How do we approach Jesus' teachings on divorce with both compassion and challenge?The answer is to actually see what he was getting at and who he was preaching to.There is compassion and challenge for all.

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Life can be crazy. Life can be overwhelming. Life can be scary. Life can be obnoxious. Life can be great. Life can be good. Life can be a lot of things.So how do we experience the love, joy, peace, and purpose of God in all of that?By recognizing God in JUST THIS.

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What's the difference between love and lust?Jesus is all about the first, not so much the second.Especially today with the videos, shows, and pictures that are all around us today.Is there a difference between being attracted to someone and lusting after them?Here's today's message on love and lust, attraction and attachment, and the principle of the second glance.

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How well do you deal with anger?Some people are total hot-heads.  They yell and stomp and make everyone uncomfortable around them.But then there are the 'quiet angry' people.  These are the people who bottle it all up, bite their tongues,  force a smile, and then burn from the inside-out with the resentment they carry.Both are problems according to Jesus.Here's today's message on letting go of that anger and taking the first step toward freedom.

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Why do we read the Bible?We always hear pastors and church people going on and on about the Bible.  So what does the Bible do that The Lord of the Rings doesn't?Spoiler: The written word connects us to the LIVING Word...the Word that matters most.

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Salt.Do you know anyone who uses way too much salt on their food?Most people need to use less salt.  But Jesus seems to want the opposite.  More salt.Here's today's message on why we need you to be the salt of the earth, the preserver of what is good.

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Double take: to look at something a second time because the first time you looked you missed something.Today we're going to double take the vision for your life.Do you need to look closer at God's vision for you?

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There's a lot of noise in our world. Especially in our heads.How do you quiet your mind, your to-do list, your nerves, your world for even just a few moments?In today's message I'll teach you a pretty simple prayer that opens you up to what really matters in life.

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Making and keeping good habits can be really hard.

But if you want to change your life, you have to change your habits.

Here's your message on change, growth, habit stacking, and how to actually, practically deepen your life in Jesus.

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Everyone is different, and everyone is needed.

That is one of the core principles of the church.

And when we take that seriously, you help make IMPOSSIBLE things happen.

Here's our message on donuts, pinky fingers, being a member of things, and the body of Christ.

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You are 1 of 8,000,000,000 people.

That's A LOT of people.

Here's today's message on why that's a good thing to know.

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"Your comfort zone doesn't keep you safe, it keeps you small."

Here's your Sunday message on why the last place you want to go is sometimes the exact place God is sending you to go.

Because nothing ever changes if we aren't willing to change some things up.

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You're getting vacation mode Pastor Scott today.

That means you're getting my Snoopy shirt, Dad hat, and thoughts about how to maintain your spiritual life when you're out of your normal rhythm.

Here's a 6 Minute mini-sermon on Something Over Nothing.

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I wrote this message while sweating through my shirt with Lyme’s Disease.

How do we help those who are struggling?

We lay down on the floor next to them.

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What really matters to you?

And how do we focus more on that rather than all of this other nonsense?

Today, we're taking a break from our SENT series this week for a short bonus sermon on living life more devoted and less distracted.

Blessings today!

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When someone begins to pray, what do you typically do with your eyes?

If you're like most people, you close them.

Today, I'm going to show you how to do the opposite.

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Happy 4th of July weekend!

A lot of people will be gathering with family and close friends to celebrate.

As you think about those closest to you, I've got a fun (weird??) challenge for you this week that will draw you closer to them this week.

It will sound strange, but trust me, it's worth it.

Keep that fire of faith alive this week!

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Why are you here?

What drives you? What gets you out of bed in the morning? What brings you joy and meaning and purpose?

Today we're figuring out your 'why.'

As in why are you here today and does any of this matter to God?

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Churches often complain, "why don't people come to church anymore?"

(hint: there's a lot of reasons).

But what if churches asked a better question instead?

A question that gets us out of our holy huddles and out into people's actual real lives.

Are you a Tabernacle or a Temple?  Are you sent or are you settled?

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It’s been a very heavy week in one of our churches.

So I thought I would give you some thoughts on something very personal to me.  

What happens when your faith doesn’t work?

What happens when you have a prayer you've been praying for months and the exact opposite goes down? 

What happens when something terrible occurs and you can't possibly understand why.  And if you’re honest, you really feel like God has let you down or failed you and it’s making you feel like walking away from faith.

Like I said it's been a heavy week.  But today we’re looking at what some call the season of perplexity and how to walk your way through it.

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Does God have something for you to do this summer?

Some kind of 'summer job' like reaching out to someone you've lost touch with?

Or finding your purpose in life?

Or inviting someone to worship or doing something totally brand new?

Today we're starting a new sermon series on your summer job. What it means for you to follow Jesus THIS summer.

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Just. Breathe.Many of us feel rushed, stressed, overwhelmed, weirdly anxious or unable to just stop and find peace.Today, I just want you to take a few deep breaths with me.Both physically and spiritually.Here's today's message on breathing in the Spirit and this lesser known holiday called Pentecost.

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Where is Jesus right now?  Like literally.  Physically."When Jesus had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight."Wait, what?  Jesus floated up into the clouds and disappeared into heaven?Why didn't he just stay here on earth?  Wouldn't that make things like faith a lot easier?Today we're covering Jesus' ascension and why he left and what that means for you.

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Will there be golf in heaven?What about gardening or farming or sports or music or art?Today we're looking at our 'work' in heaven and how that shapes why you're here today.Happy Mother's Day!

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Have you ever wondered where heaven is?Is it some far-off place in outer space, or is it right here among us? And what does it look like? Do you imagine fields of grass, towering trees, and wild animals roaming free?  How do you envision heaven?But maybe more importantly, does any of that really matter for your day-to-day life?Does our vision of heaven impact the way we raise our kids, go to work, deal with problems, and work through the 'stuff' of life?Today we're reflecting on the connection between heaven, the earth, and your life today.

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Will you have fingers in heaven?What about toes or feet or eyes or hair?Today we're reflecting on whether or not you will have a body in heaven and how that impacts how you live today.

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What makes you different than a ghost?Really think about that for a moment.It might change how you view yourself this week.  Here's today's message on what makes you…you.

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Easter is not just a day, but an entire season in our church calendar. A season of 50 days of new life, new birth, and new creation.To celebrate we have a special guest for you. That's right everybody. My wife Kristi is joining us as we think about how you might take on some practices of fun, joy, new life, and resurrection this Easter SEASON.

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Today is the big day!!! Happy Easter!Do you know what all four stories of Easter in the Bible have in common? Doubt. That's right. Doubt. The early disciples couldn't believe that Jesus really was alive.Here is today's message on resurrection, hope, doubt, wavering faith, and encountering the RISEN Jesus! Happy Easter!

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Holy day reflection.

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Happy Palm Sunday!Today is the perfect day to take some time to get your soul ready for Good Friday and Easter.Holy Week Scripture ReadingsMon Mark 11: 12-25Tues Isaiah 53: 1-12Wed Mark 14: 1-11Thur Mark 14: 12-42Fri Mark 14: 43-15:41Sat Mark 15: 42-47 Ideas To Observe Good Friday1. Read the suggested scripture reading Before Noon: Mark 14:43-15:32 Around Noon: Mark 15: 33-412. Fast until 3:00pm3. Observe 3 hours of electronic silence from 12pm-3pmTurn off all lightsNo phone, computer, Ipad, t.v., musicReflect on the below verse:“When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon.” Mark 15: 334. Be present with someone in need or anyone going through any kind of sufferingMake a phone callDrop off a giftStop by to visit5. Attend a Good Friday Service

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Why do we watch movies, t.v. shows, and things like March Madness? Because we love good stories. Good stories make us feel alive and the best of them can change the way we think and act.Today we’re covering some of the stories of Jesus that point us to the very DIFFERENT STORY God is inviting you into today.

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Trivia Question: What was Jesus' last name?Another trivia question: Why does that matter?Another trivia question: No, really why does that matter when it comes to your life?We're 3 weeks out from Easter and today we're covering one of the most central images we're given of Jesus. Long Awaited King.

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If God is always angry at you, disappointed with you, frowning upon you...you may need to course correct.If God never has a call for you to change, grow, repent or to admit wrong doing...you may need to course correct.Here's your message on the joy of confessing our sin, receiving forgiveness, and moving forward in the grace and power of Jesus.

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"We cannot change what we cannot confront." Pastor Craig GroeschelMost of us want to be the best possible people we can be.  But sometimes to grow, we have to be able to see what we can't always see.Today's message on Godly confrontation, owning what we need to own, and moving forward in grace.

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Every so often it's good to hear a cautionary tale about pride, power, desire, and sin.As we hear in our story today, no one is beyond making terrible choices. Not me. Not you.Today is the first Sunday of Lent. Our journey back to God through the cross has begun.

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What would make you give up food for a day? What about t.v. or social media or your to-do list for a day?This Wednesday we are entering the season of Lent. Lent is our annual time of re-directing our lives back toward what really matters. One tradition of Lent is learning to give something up so that we can take on something else more meaningful.It's not always easy, but it is necessary if we want to have God shake things up and interrupt life as usual.

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A message on doubt, struggle, and refusing to give up.

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There's a lot of good in the world. But there's also a lot of wrong in the world as well. Violence, injustice, evil, sin. What do you do with all of that?What does God do with all of that?Today's message reflects on the very tricky topic of evil and violence and the very different path you are invited to walk.Blessings!

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Are friends really that important?Who are your friends?  Do you have any close friends?Do you need some new friends?That's a lot of questions, but today we're going over all things friendship...and the reason you actually need some good friends.Blessings!

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We all know what it's like to face a giant.  Something or someone that makes us feel small.But we also all know what's it like to want to step forward and face that giant head on.Today we go over the classic of classic bible stories as we think through how to live in courage and boldness.

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Naps, storms, crowds, and your life.

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Is God inviting you to make any big moves this 2023? Like BIG moves? Today we start a new series following the life of David…a guy who went after the big moves of God.

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Happy New Year! To celebrate, Kristi joins us to chat about whether New Year's Resolutions are a good idea, our words of the year, Instagram posts, and of course John Wesley and Jesus.  Plus, a special guest joins us as well.Let's go 2023!

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Our Christmas Eve/Day message on joy, surprise, Sprinkles, shepherds, stank face, and a pump up story.

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We are only 7 DAYS away from Christmas! How ready are you? Like spiritually ready? Take some time to get your soul ready with today’s message on the meaning of Christmas and white actually makes a difference in your life here in 2022.

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What’s your favorite Christmas song? What about your least favorite Christmas song? Today we’re going over the ORIGINAL Christmas Carol and how it might help you experience the wonder and joy and power of Christmas this year.

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We're 3 weeks out from Christmas...where's your Christmas Spirit level at? Today we're tackling how to find the joy, wonder, mystery, and awe of Christmas ESPECIALLY if you're just not feeling it this year.Plus sledding, stars, snowball slingshots, Josh Groban, and more!

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We are a little under one month away from Christmas and our theme this year is “Let’s Go Christmas!” How can we experience the our wonder, mystery, joy, and amazement of Christmas this year? It starts with a simple no complaint challenge.

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If you feel like you never have enough time, this message is for you. If you feel like you’re not using your time to the best of your ability, this message is for you. Today we’re looking at time. And the weird paradox that you both have an abundance of time and a scarcity of time.

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Dis-ease: that nagging feeling that there has to be something more to your life than what you're currently experience.  

That feeling that something is off, missing, or that it's time for something new.  

Today we're covering the feeling of dis-ease, the cure, and a guy named Robby and his shopping carts.

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"Despair is the belief that tomorrow will be just like today." --Rob Bell  

Sometimes you feel on top of the world.  Other times you find yourself in a rut feeling like there just has to be something more to life.  

Sometimes we wonder if things really can change in our actual everyday lives.  

Today we're starting a BRAND NEW sermon series on the book of Ecclesiastes looking at despair, depression, hope, joy, and looking for something new.