We will be starting a new series on Sunday called “Breaking Free.” It is a series based on the book of Exodus. You may be familiar with this epic story (made famous in popular movies like “The Ten Commandments”) of Moses confronting the Egyptian king, demanding the release of the enslaved Israelites. It is a timeless story that really speaks to our current day circumstances. You may feel like there is nothing you need to break free from. If that is the case, praise God. But I want to encourage all of us to think outside the box. The reason God wants the people freed is so they can worship God. As we prepare for this journey, be thinking about those things that keep you from worshiping God fully. Worship is not meant to be just a one-hour-on-Sunday experience. We are called to make worship of God our daily lifestyle. What things in your life are preventing you from doing that? It may be busy-ness, perfectionism, materialism, debt, anxiety and worry, shame and guilt, unforgiveness, or addiction (to any number of things).
As we prepare to start this series, I want to encourage you to do three things this week. Do only what you can and don’t stress about what you can’t do. I know we are all extra busy this week with Peach Festival preps, but for those of us who have the time, it will be well worth it.
- Read the end of Genesis.You may recall we spent several weeks in Genesis with the story of Abraham. In our last episode, Abraham handed the baton to his son Isaac, after securing a wife (Rebekah) for him. Isaac and Rebekah become the parents of twins Esau and Jacob. Jacob, who is renamed “Israel,” eventually becomes the father of twelve sons. Jacob’s second youngest son Joseph is the link between the stories of Genesis and Exodus. With that background, you can pick up the story of Joseph. If you can manage it, I suggest you read chapters 37, 39-50 (skip 48-49 if you are pressed for time). If you read about 2 chapters a day (they are short), you will be able to get it done this week.
Monday 37, 39
Tuesday 40-41
Wednesday 42-43
Thursday 44-45
Friday 46-47
Saturday 48-50 (skip 48-49 if you are pressed for time)
Again, don’t stress over it. I will catch everyone up on Sunday, but you will be better prepared for the Exodus story if you’ve read the story of Joseph.
- Bring your Bible to church on Sunday.We will be covering lots of scripture and I want to encourage you to be reading along in your own Bible, so you can make notes, underline things that are important to you, etc. If you do not have an easy-to-read Bible, please take one from the pew. I would much prefer to see them in your hands at home rather than sitting in the pews unused.
- Inviteyour friends, neighbors, and family members to church!
I look forward to this journey with you!
Pastor Linda