Author: Ginger Hertenstein Conley
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10/14/18 – Old Fashioned Faithfulness
This week in our church, a couple celebrated their 70-year wedding anniversary. No, that was not a typo! Seventy as in 7-0. Can you imagine the changes they have experienced over that many years? Then there are the changes in understanding about this thing called marriage. How do you do it? How do you stick…
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10/7/18 – World Communion Sunday!
When is the last time you have received a gift? How about the last time you gave a gift? When you purchased the gift was it a quick decision? Or, was it well thought out? It probably depended on the person and the occasion! This month we begin a new series with the prophet Malachi.…
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9/30/18 – The Results of Constant, Thankful Prayers
We have talked about many aspects of prayer in the last several weeks. We have covered big topics–how to pray for our governmental officials; overcoming strongholds like worry, pride, falsehood, and trusting in ourselves; praying in the Spirit; spiritual warfare; fasting; forgiving others before you pray. We have discussed unanswered prayer. This week we finish…
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9/23/18 – Silent God, Unanswered Prayer
How has life been for you this week? Great or a trial? Peaceful or stressful? To be complained about or satisfied with? Has your week affected your prayer life in a positive way? Whether a good or bad week, we are encouraged to pray. Even in complaint the Psalmist prayed. In fact, in those complaint…
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9/16/18 – How to be Freed from Bondage
To say “how to be freed from bondage” is to make a brave statement. Does it pique your curiosity? Do you think fat chance? Would you prefer to sit this one out? I hope not! In fact, I would invite everyone to come to worship on Sunday to see what Jesus feels so strongly about;…
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9/9/18 – Where Fair-Weather Christianity Stops
I asked a wise friend, “what is wrong with the church?” If you go to seminars, workshops, and conferences you will likely hear about all kinds of programs that deepen discipleship, that teach church staff how to grow their churches, and materials to purchase for building the latest program. But my friend’s simple response to…
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9/2/18 – One-on-One and Short Prayers Please, says Jesus
Are you ever intimidated about prayer? Is praying in public to you kind of like public speaking, the number one fear in America? Do you go to sleep in church meetings when others pray long prayers? Does the spontaneous nature of group prayer unnerve you? If so, you are in luck this Sunday. Our worship…
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8/26/18 – Overcoming Strongholds
For years Israel was given the promise of land, but when they got to the edge of it, they found that it was filled with giants–or at least they looked like it! The people of Israel already owned the Promised Land, but now they had to fight and conquer to actually possess it. It took…
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8/19/18 – Let Anger and Rudeness Cease! Instead Pray
One of Martin Luther’s motivations for prayer was our great need for help. “As we feel our need, the distress impels us,” he said, and we don’t have to force ourselves to pray, we will pray “spontaneously.” I don’t remember his quote exactly. But wouldn’t it be a great idea to apply Luther’s advice to…
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8/12/18 – Our Biggest Question about Prayer
When you consider the topic of prayer, it is something that most people believe in. Ask almost anyone if you can pray for them and they will more than likely say ‘Sure!’ At the same time, praying creates tensions. Will God answer the prayer for me? Am I good enough? What if I caused my…