Clinton Methodist Church

Clinton Methodist Church
  • 4.5 (10)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

100 Mt Salus Dr. Clinton MS 39056

Episodes

  1. 6D AGO

    You Promised: You Will Find Rest

    You Promised: You Will Find Rest May 10, 2026 – You Promised: You Will Find Rest – Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus promises His disciples rest in Matthew 11:28–30. This Sunday we will continue our series on the promises of God as we explore what it means to truly enter into Christ’s rest. Does the promise of rest appeal to you? I know it does to me. April and May can be exhausting months filled with celebrations, programs, graduations, recitals, ballgames, and constant activity. Our tanks can get depleted. What do you do when you realize you are not the Energizer Bunny? What if you could go from exhaustion to energized without consuming endless amounts of caffeine?  I hope you’ll join us Sunday as we celebrate the special women in our lives, consume moderate amounts of caffeine, and discover the rest Jesus promised. Matthew 11:28-30 is a personal invitation from Jesus to find spiritual rest by replacing the heavy, legalistic burdens of self-righteousness with a “yoke” of discipleship that is gentle and, through faith, sustainable. He calls the weary to come directly to Him for soul-refreshment, promising partnership rather than empty performance. Verse 28: The Invitation & The Promise “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened…”: Jesus addresses those exhausted by the legalism of the Pharisees (who added over 600 regulations to life) and the general weight of sin, stress, and anxiety. “…and I will give you rest.”: He offers immediate spiritual rest and eternal relief, not just temporary physical relaxation. Verse 29: The Method (The Yoke) “Take my yoke upon you…”: A yoke was a wooden beam used to connect two oxen. Taking Jesus’ yoke means submitting to His leadership and partnering with Him, rather than trying to carry life’s burdens alone. “…and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart…”: Jesus contrasts himself with the harsh, demanding religious leaders. He is a gentle master who understands our humanity.”…and you will find rest for your souls.”: The result of following Him is internal peace and deep, spiritual rest. Verse 30: The Assurance “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”: “Easy” implies “well-fitting.” Following Jesus is not about trying to be perfect, but relying on Him. The work He gives is light because He pulls the load with us. Key Takeaways Surrender, Don’t Strive: The key to rest is switching from our own, heavy self-reliant efforts to His gentle guidance. A “Yoked” Relationship: We are not asked to do things for Jesus alone; we are paired with Him, making the burden sustainable. Come as You Are: There is no need to “clean up” before approaching Him; the only qualification is being “weary” Matthew 11:28-30 New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Tags:

    22 min

  2. APR 26

    You Promised: To Hear Our Cry for Help

    You Promised: To Hear Our Cry for Help April 26, 2026 – You Promised: To Hear Our Cry for Help – Luke 18:1-8 Luke 18:1-8 features the Parable of the Persistent Widow, where Jesus teaches the necessity of praying consistently without losing heart. It contrasts a corrupt, indifferent judge—who eventually grants a widow justice just to stop her pestering—with a righteous God, who is eager to answer the persistent prayers of His people. Key Aspects of the Parable: Core Message: The purpose is to teach believers to pray continuously and never give up, even when answers seem delayed. The Characters: The widow represents the vulnerable needing justice, while the unjust judge represents the opposite of God’s character. God vs. The Judge: Unlike the selfish judge, God is just and loves His people. If a corrupt judge answers, how much more will God act on behalf of His chosen ones? Persistent Faith: Jesus equates persistent prayer with true faith and questions whether he will find this persistent faith on earth upon his return. Luke 18:1-8 New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition The Parable of the Widow and the Unjust Judge 18 Then Jesus[a] told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. 2 He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. 3 In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Grant me justice against my accuser.’ 4 For a while he refused, but later he said to himself, ‘Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.’ ”[b] 6 And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7 And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? 8 I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” Tags:

    29 min

  3. APR 19

    You Promised: You Will Hear My Voice

    You Promised: You Will Hear My Voice April 19, 2026 – You Promised: You Will Hear My Voice – John 10:22-30 In John 10:22-30, Jesus is questioned by Jewish leaders during Hanukkah at the Temple regarding his identity as the Messiah. He states that his works, done in his Father’s name, already testify to who he is, but they do not believe because they are not his sheep. Jesus promises his followers eternal life and security, declaring that no one can snatch them out of his or the Father’s hand, concluding, “I and the Father are one”.  Key Themes and Details: Setting: Winter during the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah) in Solomon’s Porch at the Temple. The Confrontation: People demand to know if Jesus is the Messiah (“Christ”) to test or accuse him. The Shepherd’s Sheep: Jesus explains that his sheep recognize his voice, he knows them, and they follow him. Divine Security: Jesus promises his sheep never perish and are safe in his and the Father’s hands. Unity with God: Jesus claims divine unity, stating he and the Father are one in purpose and essence.  John 10:22-30 NRSV Jesus Is Rejected by the Jews 22 At that time the Festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. 24 So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah,[a] tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus answered, “I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me, 26 but you do not believe because you do not belong to my sheep. 27 My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, in regard to what he has given me, is greater than all,[b] and no one can snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 The Father and I are one.” Tags:

    18 min

  4. APR 12

    You Promised: I Am with You

    You Promised: I Am with You April 12, 2026 -You Promised: I Am with You -Matthew 28:16-20 Matthew 28:16-20 (the Great Commission) records Jesus meeting his disciples on a Galilean mountain, where he declares his universal authority. He commands them to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Trinity and teaching them his commandments, while promising his presence until the end of the age. Key Elements of the Passage: The Meeting (v. 16-17): The eleven disciples meet Jesus in Galilee; while they worship him, some still express doubt. The Authority (v. 18): Jesus declares that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him. The Command (v. 19-20a):The core instruction is to “make disciples” of all nations—not just converts, but followers who learn to obey his teachings. This includes baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Promise (v. 20b): Jesus assures his followers that he will be with them always, even to the end of the age, empowering them for this mission. This passage acts as the climax of Matthew’s Gospel, shifting from Jesus’s earthly ministry to a worldwide, ongoing mission for the church. Matthew 28:16-20 New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition The Commissioning of the Disciples 16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him, but they doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit 20 and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Tags:

    24 min

  5. APR 5

    Alive in Christ

    Alive in Christ April 5, 2026 – Alive in Christ – Matthew 28:1-10 This passage from Matthew describes the Resurrection of Jesus, detailing the discovery of the empty tomb by Mary Magdalene and another Mary, the angelic announcement of Jesus’s rising, and Jesus’s subsequent appearance to the women with instructions for his disciples. The Resurrection of Jesus (Matthew 28:1-10) The Discovery at the Tomb • Timing: After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week (v. 1). • Witnesses: Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb (v. 1). • Divine Intervention: ◦ A great earthquake occurred (v. 2). ◦ An angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled back the stone from the tomb, and sat on it (v. 2). ◦ The angel’s appearance was described as “like lightning and his clothing white as snow” (v. 3). ◦ The guards shook with fear and “became like dead men” (v. 4). The Angel’s Message • Reassurance: The angel told the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified” (v. 5). • Confirmation of Resurrection: • “He is not here, for he has been raised, as he said.” (v. 6) • Invitation: The angel invited them to “Come, see the place where he lay” (v. 6). • Instruction for Disciples: • “Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” (v. 7) Jesus Appears to the Women • Women’s Response: They “left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to tell his disciples” (v. 8). • Jesus’s Greeting: “Suddenly Jesus met them and said, ‘Greetings!’” (v. 9). • Women’s Worship: They came to him, “took hold of his feet, and worshiped him” (v. 9). • Jesus’s Command: Jesus reiterated the message: • “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers and sisters to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” (v. 10) Matthew 28:1-10 New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition The Resurrection of Jesus 28 After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning and his clothing white as snow. 4 For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he[a] lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead,[b] and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” 8 So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers and sisters to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” Tags:

    27 min

  6. MAR 27

    Palm Sunday 2026

    Palm Sunday 2026 March 29, 2026 – Palm Sunday This Sunday our Sanctuary Choir will present their annual Palm Sunday music program. There will be one combined worship service in the sanctuary at 11:00 a.m. It is our hope that you will experience the presence of the Holy Spirit through this music and narration as we enter Holy Week in preparation for Easter Sunday morning. Bring a friend to church with you and we hope to see you there! One service this Sunday at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary. I hope you will help us pack out the Sanctuary for our Palm Sunday musical program presented by our choir and guest orchestra. The children will be processing in with palms. It’s going to be an uplifting and worshipful start to Holy Week. Sunday school will be at 10:00 a.m. Tags:

    46 min

  7. MAR 22

    Prisoners of Hope

    Prisoners of Hope March 22, 2026 – Prisoners of Hope – Zechariah 9:9-17 The Book of Zechariah: Embracing the Vision of Hope Main Takeaway: The book of Zechariah, written during Israel’s post-exilic period, prophesied a humble, victorious king who would bring eternal peace and restoration. This prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who through His covenant blood, offers profound hope to a people who often feel trapped by circumstances. Believers are called to be “prisoners of hope,” gripped by God’s promises and vision for complete flourishing and renewal, culminating in the Resurrection. The Book of Zechariah: Embracing the Vision of Hope Context and Background Last of the minor prophets discussed in the series. Written during the post-exilic period in Israel, after 70 years of exile, during the return home. People’s Experience: Grew up hearing stories of “good old days” (freedom, glorious temple, a king). Only known life under foreign rule, heavy taxation, foreign kings and soldiers. Questioned: “Is this all that there’s ever going to be?” Grandparents recounted Jerusalem’s fall 70 years earlier: temple burned, king taken, security stripped away. Current reality: No king, no freedom, not the hoped-for restoration. Waiting for God to fulfill His promises, for their king to return, for things to be made right. Zechariah’s Prophecy of the Coming King (Chapter 9) Zechariah speaks into this “long, weary, season of waiting.” Chapter 9 begins: > “Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion, for your king is coming.” Description of this King: Different from kings who exploited power or brought war. Called righteous and victorious. Comes in humility. Comes to save and bring peace, not to crush or dominate. Will “speak peace over the nations.” His rule will stretch “from sea to sea,” signifying a rule beyond Israel’s borders, including creation restored and all the world. Questions lingered for generations: “Who is this king?” and “When will he come?” The Fulfillment in Jesus Christ 400 years passed between Zechariah’s prophecy and its fulfillment. A man came riding into Jerusalem on a donkey (not a war horse). People remembered Zechariah’s prophecy, gathered, waved palm branches, and cried out: > “Hosanna, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” Matthew’s Gospel plainly states that Jesus is the king Zechariah prophesied about. Tension/Misconception: People expected political overthrow. Jesus came to overthrow a deeper, sinister evil present since the Garden. People wanted immediate freedom. Jesus came to bring eternal restoration. How the King accomplished this: Not through force, but through covenant. Zechariah 9:11: > “because of the blood of my covenant with you” God’s actions are rooted in His covenant, promises, loyalty, faithfulness, and eternal love. This pattern began with Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and continues through Jesus. Cost of the covenant: Jesus shed His blood. Through His blood: Prisoners are set free, sins are atoned for, forgiven, and cleansed, and lives are restored. Trust: What God promises, God fulfills. If the King has come, the covenant is secured. The Concept of “Prisoner of Hope” Zechariah 9:12: > “return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope.” Addressed to people who were surrounded, oppressed, struggling, and waiting. A strange phrase, but it signifies that something has changed: they now have hope. Hope is based not on our circumstances but on who the King is. Speaker’s Personal Testimony: Approximately three years ago, considered leaving the church and ministry due to dysfunction, discouragement, and tiredness. Couldn’t shake a specific calling and vision received in college (Tulsa, Oklahoma) for the church. Understood the meaning of being a “prisoner of hope”: gripped by something more powerful than disappointment with the church. Implications of being a Prisoner of Hope: If you belong to Jesus, you are not a prisoner to your situation, but a prisoner of hope. Your story is not over yet; your struggle is not final. Your future (and the future of the church) does not depend on human effort, but on the King who sits on the throne. Hope allows one to see beyond what is right now to what God is doing. Hope always points forward, lifting eyes to God’s ultimate plan. God’s Vision for Flourishing and Abundance Zechariah offers a vision of flourishing, not just survival. God will rescue His people “like a shepherd rescues his sheep.” God does not abandon; He fights for and gathers His people. His people “will sparkle like jewels in a crown” (restored and radiant, God’s treasured possession). A day of abundance is coming: overflowing grain, wine, joy, and gladness among God’s people. This signifies life flourishing again, complete renewal, and a reversal of situations, not just partial restoration. The full restoration Zechariah saw comes into view on Easter morning through the Resurrection. The Resurrection is God’s declaration that restoration is a promise He will fulfill, not merely a dream. Call to believe and be gripped by this hope: You are not prisoners of your past, pain, or current circumstances. You are a prisoner of hope because your King has come and is coming again. Hope will give way to sight; waiting will give way to a breakthrough of joy. Everything God has promised will be made new. Invitation and Benediction Invitation to Reclaim Hope: Kneel at the altar, asking God for a vision beyond current experience. Repent of things holding one back. Open hands to God in obedience. Trust God and allow the Holy Spirit to move hearts. Benediction (Ephesians 3:20-21 adapted): “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we can ask or imagine, according to the power that is at work in us. To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations. This glory in the church extends through all generations, forever and ever. Zechariah 9:9-17 - ESV The Coming King of Zion 9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. 10 I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the war horse from Jerusalem; and the battle bow shall be cut off, and he shall speak peace to the nations; his rule shall be from sea to sea, and from the River[a] to the ends of the earth. 11 As for you also, because of the blood of my covenant with you, I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit. 12 Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope; today I declare that I will restore to you double. 13 For I have bent Judah as my bow; I have made Ephraim its arrow. I will stir up your sons, O Zion, against your sons, O Greece, and wield you like a warrior’s sword. The Lord Will Save His People 14 Then the Lord will appear over them, and his arrow will go forth like lightning; the Lord God will sound the trumpet and will march forth in the whirlwinds of the south. 15 The Lord of hosts will protect them, and they shall devour, and tread down the sling stones, and they shall drink and roar as if drunk with wine, and be full like a bowl, drenched like the corners of the altar. 16 On that day the Lord their God will save them, as the flock of his people; for like the jewels of a crown they shall shine on his land. 17 For how great is his goodness, and how great his beauty! Grain shall make the young men flourish, and new wine the young women. Tags:

    26 min

  8. MAR 15

    How Can I Give You Up?

    How Can I Give You Up? March 15, 2026 – How Can I Give You Up? – Hosea 11:1-11 Notes on God’s Love, Sin, and Restoration in Hosea Main Takeaway: The Book of Hosea illustrates God’s persistent, costly, and amazing love for His unfaithful people, mirroring Israel’s covenant with God as a marriage and emphasizing sin as a betrayal of love, ultimately pointing to Christ’s restorative power and promise of redemption. The Sinai Covenant: A Wedding Analogy God established a covenant with Israel at Mount Sinai after their exodus from slavery. This covenant was likened to a wedding ceremony in the wilderness. God declared His love and identity: > “I am the Lord your God who brought you out of Egypt.” Israel responded like a bride at the altar, pledging: “We will serve you. We will be your people. We will be your bride. And we will be faithful.” God, however, foresaw Israel’s future unfaithfulness to this covenant. Hosea’s Story: An Illustration of God’s Love and Israel’s Sin By Hosea’s time, Israel had broken their covenant, sacrificing to Baals and burning incense to images. Sin is defined as not just breaking rules, but breaking relationships – a betrayal of love and faithfulness. It involves trusting something else for what only God can provide. To illustrate Israel’s unfaithful nature, God commanded Hosea to marry Gomer, a promiscuous woman. Hosea loved Gomer, they built a life, and had children together, but she was unfaithful and left him, returning to her old life. Gomer eventually ended up abandoned, exploited, and enslaved. God then commanded Hosea: > “Go again, Moses. I want you to go and love her again.” Hosea found Gomer alone at an auction block, being sold into slavery. Hosea redeemed her, paying a price of 30 shekels to buy back his unfaithful wife, illustrating God’s redemptive love. The Profound Ache and Nature of God’s Love Hosea’s story vividly pictures God’s love for Israel despite centuries of betrayal and broken promises. God’s heart is described as broken, changing within Him, and filled with compassion (Hosea 11). The God of the universe experiences an ache for His people and for sinners, demonstrating His non-indifferent love. God’s Love is Amazing: He would have been perfectly justified to walk away, but He refuses to let us go. He is bound to us in covenant love and will not abandon us; He pursues us, calling us back no matter how far we wander. God’s Love is Costly: It does not just forgive sins; it pays the price to redeem. This directly parallels Jesus Christ stepping forward to pay the debt of humanity’s sin (death), a debt He did not owe. God’s Love is Persistent: God tells Hosea to love Gomer “again and again.” This mirrors God’s persistent grace in our lives, which comes again and again despite our failures, wanderings, and falls into sin. His grace is relentless and always draws us to Himself Hosea 11:1-11 NRSV God’s Compassion Despite Israel’s Ingratitude 11 When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. 2 The more I[a] called them, the more they went from me;[b] they kept sacrificing to the Baals and offering incense to idols. 3 Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk; I took them up in my[c] arms, but they did not know that I healed them. 4 I led them with cords of human kindness, with bands of love. I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks.[d] I bent down to them and fed them. 5 They shall return to the land of Egypt, and Assyria shall be their king, because they have refused to return to me. 6 The sword rages in their cities; it consumes their oracle priests and devours because of their schemes. 7 My people are bent on turning away from me. To the Most High they call, but he does not raise them up at all.[e] 8 How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart recoils within me; my compassion grows warm and tender. 9 I will not execute my fierce anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim, for I am God and no mortal, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come in wrath.[f] 10 They shall go after the Lord, who roars like a lion; when he roars, his children shall come trembling from the west. 11 They shall come trembling like birds from Egypt and like doves from the land of Assyria, and I will return them to their homes, says the Lord. Repentance and Restoration People return to God not solely out of fear, but because they are loved. It is the kindness of God that leads to repentance (Romans). Repentance is turning toward God to love Him in return, a response to His love drawing us back, not a prerequisite for His love. God’s love is the power that sets us free, not a reward for self-improvement. It seeks to change and restore. God promises: “They shall return” and “I will bring them home” from exile. The entire Bible is a story of God’s determination to restore what sin has broken. The ultimate demonstration of this restorative love is Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. Easter morning declared God’s love to be more powerful than sin and death. This resurrection power will ultimately restore everything God has made. God’s Enduring Question Even after centuries of betrayal, God asks: “How can I give you up?” (Hosea 11) The answer: “He won’t.” God’s amazing and pursuing love refuses to give up on us. Tags:

    21 min

  9. MAR 1

    Religion Isn’t Enough

    Religion Isn’t Enough March 1, 2026 – Religion Isn’t Enough – Micah 6:1–8  Micah 6:1–8 is a “prophetic covenant lawsuit” where God, acting as prosecutor, brings a case against the people of Israel (specifically Judah) for their unfaithfulness and injustice. The passage highlights the contrast between empty, ritualistic religion and true spiritual devotion. Key Sections:  The Lawsuit (vv. 1-5): God calls the mountains as witnesses and asks, “My people, what have I done to you? How have I burdened you?”. God reminds them of His faithful, saving acts (delivering them from Egypt, guiding them through the wilderness, and protecting them from Balak and Balaam). The People’s Response (vv. 6-7): The people respond by asking how they can appease God, suggesting increasingly extravagant sacrifices—from calves to thousands of rams, and even contemplating child sacrifice. The Requirement (v. 8): Micah answers that God does not want extravagant, transactional sacrifices. Instead, He requires three things: Do Justice: Act in a just, fair, and righteous way toward others. Love Kindness (or Mercy): Show steadfast love and mercy, as God has shown to them. Walk Humbly with God: Live in a dependent, attentive, and faithful relationship with God. Key Themes:  Ethical Behavior over Ritual: Micah emphasizes that acts of justice and kindness are more important than empty religious rituals. Memory as Resistance: Recalling God’s past deeds helps the community fight against the temptation to ignore God’s laws. True Religion: The passage presents a, or the, summary of the Old Testament’s ethical demands: a life that reflects God’s mercy and justice. Micah 6:1-8 God Challenges Israel 6 Hear what the Lord says:     Rise, plead your case before the mountains,     and let the hills hear your voice. 2 Hear, you mountains, the case of the Lord,     and you enduring foundations of the earth, for the Lord has a case against his people,     and he will contend with Israel. 3 “O my people, what have I done to you?     In what have I wearied you? Answer me! 4 For I brought you up from the land of Egypt     and redeemed you from the house of slavery, and I sent before you Moses,     Aaron, and Miriam. 5 O my people, remember now what King Balak of Moab devised,     what Balaam son of Beor answered him, and what happened from Shittim to Gilgal,     that you may know the saving acts of the Lord.” What God Requires 6 “With what shall I come before the Lord     and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,     with calves a year old? 7 Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,     with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression,     the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?” 8 He has told you, O mortal, what is good,     and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness     and to walk humbly with your God? Tags:

    8 min

  10. FEB 22

    Return to Me

    Return to Me February 22, 2026 – Return to Me – Joel 1:10-12; 2:12-13, 21-24 Return to Me: A Journey through the Minor Prophets. I will be preaching through the minor prophets in the Old Testament in worship for the next several weeks. We will do a deep dive into this section of Scripture that is filled with some great imagery and themes that relate directly to Lent. These prophets of God were interesting characters. The narrative arc of this series is the journey from sin to repentance to restoration. This is the pathway to transformation and all the good things that God has for us – full salvation, freedom, healing, greater peace, abundant life, etc. One more thing about worship. In both worship spaces, a “Lenten tree” has been set up by our creative design team led by Tara Holmes, Lorraine Gilbert, and Sarah Beth Rowland. Why a tree? Because Scripture says the righteous are like trees planted by streams of water. Because repentance leads to new growth. Because what looks bare in winter doesn’t stay that way. Over the next 40 days, this tree will transform to mirror the inner journey we make during Lent. And by Holy Week, we’ll see what God has grown among us.   Joel 1:10-12; 2:12-13, 21-24 Joel 1:10-12  10 The fields are destroyed,the ground mourns,because the grain is destroyed,the wine dries up,the oil languishes.11 Be ashamed, O tillers of the soil;wail, O vinedressers,for the wheat and the barley,because the harvest of the field has perished.12 The vine dries up;the fig tree languishes.Pomegranate, palm, and apple,all the trees of the field are dried up,and gladness dries upfrom the children of man.  Joel 2:12-13 12 “Yet even now,” declares the Lord,“return to me with all your heart,with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;13 and rend your hearts and not your garments.”Return to the Lord your God,for he is gracious and merciful,slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love;and he relents over disaster.  Joel 2:21-24 21 Fear not, O land;be glad and rejoice,for the Lord has done great things!22 Fear not, you beasts of the field,for the pastures of the wilderness are green;the tree bears its fruit;the fig tree and vine give their full yield.23 “Be glad, O children of Zion,and rejoice in the Lord your God,for he has given the early rain for your vindication;he has poured down for you abundant rain,the early and the latter rain, as before.24 The threshing floors shall be full of grain;the vats shall overflow with wine and oil.  Tags:

    36 min
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100 Mt Salus Dr. Clinton MS 39056

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