Even if someone believes there is a God, they often wonder if He cares about them or for them. Suffering can make us question God’s goodness. The Bible, though it does not answer every question about suffering, is honest about the human struggle with suffering. This is what we see in history’s most famous sufferer – Job. The Question: “Is God Good?” …

We live in a world that saps us and drains us at every turn. If it’s not the demanding work schedule, it’s the cost of living. If it’s not the cut-throat competition, it’s the hair-pulling traffic. And if it’s not strife in the news or on social media, it’s strife in our relationships. Isn’t there something that can fill us up rather than wear us down? Yes there is, but it’s not a something, it’s a Someone. Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10). The enemy wants to destroy your life, but Jesus died to give you life - eternal life! May your life be full in Him.

We live in a world that saps us and drains us at every turn. If it’s not the demanding work schedule, it’s the cost of living. If it’s not the cut-throat competition, it’s the hair-pulling traffic. And if it’s not strife in the news or on social media, it’s strife in our relationships. Isn’t there something that can fill us up rather than wear us down? Yes there is, but it’s not a something, it’s a Someone. Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:11, ESV). Come and be filled by the joy that only comes through Jesus, the Son of God.

God is God. You’re not. Your favorite (or least-favorite) politician isn’t. Not even Morgan Freeman (of Bruce Almighty fame) can claim that honor. God is God. Cancer isn’t God. Divorce isn’t God. Chronic pain isn’t God. Not even death gets to be God. God is God. And He is all-powerful and utterly unique.  “Come, behold the works of the LORD, how he has brought desolations on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. ‘Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!’ The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress” (Psalm 46:8-11). Oh how blessed we are to know and be known by our Real. Present. God.

Psalm 46:1 sets the stage for our next few weeks: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”  In this short verse we encounter our Real. Present. God.  Today we will focus on the first word, “Real.”  That word has several potential connotations, but we will explore two of them in particular.  First - we understand something to be “real” if it is physical, earthly, tangible and actual.  This life that we live is real - not fiction and not fantasy.  Second - we desire and need “real” relationships - ones that are authentic, candid, honest, frank and vulnerable.  We certainly seek that with each other, but especially with our Real. Present. God.

As Christians, we have the greatest message of hope in the world. Especially on this Pentecost Sunday, we are reminded that Jesus has given us His Holy Spirit to empower us to go and share the hope that lives in us with the world. When one person declares what Jesus has done for him, it changes the whole community in which he lives. How can we change our neighborhoods, family, and even the world with the message of the gospel?  

We are motivated by expectations. We give and serve but we expect something in return. We may start without expectations but at some point, we ask, “What’s in it for me?” As we follow Jesus and put his words into action, He calls us to serve without expecting anything in return. This is the true heart of a servant?