SON OF THE COVENANT

Do you remember the scene from “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” where Indie is over the edge of the cliff and the Holy Grail is right at his fingertips?  Indie is at that crisis moment where everything he has ever been looking for is jjuusstt wwiitthhiinn rrreeeaaaccchhh, but his life is hanging by a thread.  And then his father calls him by name, “Indiana, let it go.”

Clasp hands, pull to safety, and a happy ending!

If only the difficult choices could be that easy (and if only there was theme music!). 

One of the highlights of yesterday’s message was the moment of discovery that the covenant God offers us is so huge that it takes two hands to hold on to.  If you are going to cling to the covenant, you must let go of everything else.

For Mephibosheth it meant letting go of the “dead dog” mentality.  What does it mean for you?  Is there anything you are holding on to that is keeping you from embracing the grace and peace God’s covenant offers?

Shame?  Fear?  Unforgiveness?  Sin?

I believe your Father in Heaven is calling you by name today.  He is inviting you to let go of your disappointment and embrace His covenant.

Clasp hands, pull to safety, and a happy ending!

Podcast

Follow the link to access Pastor Eric’s message on Mephibosheth from last Sunday at http://efcsweetwater.com/index.php?nid=11648&s=gl

You Heard it at EFC

Been trying to remember one of those awesome songs we sang?  Here is our worship list from yesterday, for those of you who just absolutely need a copy for yourself.  You can find them for purchase on itunes.com.

1. “Everlasting God” by Chris Tomlin – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhMdWjL2kiU
2. “Friend of God” by Israel Houghton – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1nkeSUnYgU
3. “Amazing Love” Hillsong – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0XFqyGMNMU
4. “Never Let Go” by Matt Redman – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIAdgLR1ZGw
5. “Blessed By Your Name” by Matt Redman – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NL3NFhmxQxs
6. “Grace Like Rain” by Todd Agnew – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcGJb-mPMmg

 Sunday Preview

Next Sunday is Missions Sunday.  I look forward to providing seed to our sowers as we bless the nations!  We will also provide an opportunity to give toward our youth as they prepare to head to camp.

 Our hero focus for Sunday is Joshua.  There is one line in the Bible that sets him apart to lead a nation.  Do you know what it is?

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THE VOICE OF WISDOM

The Voice of Wisdom

I am convinced that life would be so much easier if it came with a sound track.  The music would give us the clues we needed not to miss the big moments.  We’d know when it wasn’t safe to head down into the basement, and when to stay out of the water.  We could clue in to the romantic moments when the soft piano began to play in the background.  And every time we heard that pop theme song, we’d know that our decisions in the next scene would be key turning points in the plot of our life.  But, alas, many of the key moments of our life go by so quietly that we miss them.

 As Mindy shared from 1 Samuel 25 yesterday, I was amazed by the fact that Abigail didn’t miss her moment.  Many of the circumstances in life are beyond our control, but there are moments in time when the quiet soundtrack tells us that our destiny is in our hands, and our actions in those moments have tremendous consequence.  The story of Abigail is defined by what she did with her moment.  Her decisive action and the wisdom of her words saved her household and protected a king.  You may not have the fight song playing in the background, but you have the whisper of the Holy Spirit –will you be ready when your moment arises?

Out of curiosity, what theme song would you chose for this season of your life?   

Podcast

Follow the link to access Pastor Mindy’s message from last Sunday at http://efcsweetwater.com/index.php?nid=11648&s=gl

You Heard it at EFC

Been trying to remember one of those awesome songs we sang?  Here is our worship list from yesterday, for those of you who just absolutely need a copy for yourself.  You can find them for purchase on itunes.com.

1. “Friend of God” by Israel Houghton — http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7z5cgajl1Kg
2. “Jesus Forever” by Anthony Skinner — http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQFZsIIoPBU
3. “I Love Your Presence” by Anthony Skinner — http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Cc_QatcPvc
4. “How Marvelous” by Chris Tomlin and Matt Redmand — http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFpLS7ucUQE

 On The Radar

Pathways For Pilgrims— our artists will have prints and cards available this Sunday.  Proceeds from art sales support those participating in short term mission trips.

Sunday Preview

Next Sunday, we will meet one of the most unlikely heroes found on the pages of the Scripture.  The story of Mephibosheth is one of covenant, deception, depression, and promise.  You can get to know his story in the book of 2 Samuel chapters 9, 19, and 21.

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A FAITHFUL FRIEND

How many homes have been destroyed by rivers that overran their banks?  How much destruction has been wrought by flames that went unchecked?  How many lives have been broken by men and women who refused to walk in accountability?

In the book of 1 Kings in the Bible, you will find a heartbreaking sentence.  In Chapter 1, starting in verse 5 we read, “Now Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith, put himself forward and said, “I will be king.” So he got chariots and horses ready, with fifty men to run ahead of him.  (His father had never interfered with him by asking, “Why do you behave as you do?” He was also very handsome and was born next after Absalom.)”

Here we discover an amazing young leader whose life is falling apart because he has never been held accountable for his actions.  What will be the story of your life?  Will you harness the great strength that is within you and bring it into submission to your will and under the accountability of those you trust?  Or will your life be the story of “what could have been?”

I strongly encourage each of you to listen to last Sunday’s message (05/24/09) about the faithful friendship of Nathan as he confronted King David.  If you were present Sunday, listen again and allow the message to penetrate your heart.  If you missed last Sunday, listen twice and determine to catch what the Hoy Spirit is saying to you.  Click on the podcast link below and begin to allow the purpose of your life to be influenced by the voices of those who love you.

Podcast

Follow the link to access  Pastor Eric’s message from last Sunday at http://efcsweetwater.com/index.php?nid=11648&s=gl

You Heard it at EFC

Been trying to remember one of those awesome songs we sang?  Here is our worship list from yesterday, for those of you who just absolutely need a copy for yourself.  You can find them for purchase on itunes.com.

1. “Beautiful One” by Tim Hughes
2. “We Believe” by Brian Johnson
3. “Your Favorite One” by Misty Edwards
4. “Nothing is Impossible” (not available online)

On The Radar

Our Children’s Ministry will be providing brisket sandwich bagged lunches after church for $5 this Sunday, which will include a sandwich, chips, drink, and dessert.  Proceeds from the lunch will help our children get to Kid’s Camp this summer.  Come hungry!

We have a Ladies’ Fellowship scheduled this Friday from 7 pm – 9pm at the church.  Fellowship, laughter, and ministry are on the agenda.  Bring a snack and a friend!  Childcare will be provided.

Little Brandon is officially becoming a Ferguson this Wednesday at the Taylor County Courthouse.  Welcome to the family little buddy!

Sunday Preview

Next Sunday Pastor Mindy will be sharing about “The Voice of Wisdom” as she introduces our newest hero.  You can prepare for the message by reading the story of Abigail found in 1 Samuel 25.

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