Missing Peace
September 1, 2024
Philippians 4:4-7
The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
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The peace of God that surpasses all understanding is the ultimate sense of completeness. Each piece of life fits into place. What was once a jumbled mess forms a whole, bringing order into the chaos of our lives. There is a sense of rest rather than anxiety. We find ourselves thankful and rejoicing.
Many things can rob us of the peace we are offered in Jesus Christ. Because we think we need to rush, we fail to take the time to pray. Our insatiable hunger for more keeps us from finding peace with what we have. When things don’t turn out the way we want, we question God's nearness. Because we pursue our own will rather than seeking God’s, we do not achieve either.
Like the old Footprints in the Sand poem - Our own urgency often keeps us from seeing what God has already done and is doing, especially when we think we’re all alone.
Over the last couple of weeks, we've been studying this passage from Philippians from many angles: rejoicing in the Lord, gentleness, the nearness of the Lord, not worrying, praying, and thanksgiving.
- Gentleness is living among others in the same patient, loving manner as God loves us.
- The nearness of the Lord is the awareness that we are not forgotten and that even when things feel dark and lonely, God is with us.
- Not worrying about anything but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, letting our requests be made known to God is to trust in God rather than ourselves. To rely on God’s ability rather than our own.
- Thanksgiving is mindfulness of what God has done in the past, is doing in the present, and is yet to do in the future.
- Rejoicing in the Lord is to celebrate his awesome presence and faithful love, rejoicing in the same things in which the Lord rejoices.,
This is the path to the peace of God that surpasses all understanding, a peace guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Worshipping In-Person and Online
We are worshipping in-person at the church, live-streaming to wherever you are, and a recording will be available on YouTube later in the day. We will continue to offer these three ways to join us in worship.
In-Person Worship Begins at 9:30 am!
We are committed to offering worship opportunities for everyone during this time when it may be reasonable for some people to join in public gatherings, and yet still be too great of a risk for others.
- In-Person: Meeting in-person at the church at 9:30 am, (Fully vaccinated people have the option to not wear a mask. We do ask everyone to remain careful.).
- Live Video: Live-streaming the service to YouTube. Stream will start around 9:20 am with worship starting at 9:30 am. Don't worry if you join late, you can rewind to the beginning.
- Recorded Video: Available either immediately or later in the day on YouTube
Please "Subscribe" to our YouTube channel for easiest access to both live and recorded services. Click on the "Subscribe" button at this page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZuJHskSKoLnYRsGTt3clUA/videos?view=0&s...
You can sign up for emails with church news and worship information at the following link : http://eepurl.com/gW5eBj
Welcome to Oviedo Presbyterian Church
We are a family of Christ followers known for our love of Christ, love for one another, and reaching out to those in need. We value authenticity above formality, and honest relationships above token handshakes. We don't pretend to be perfect, and we don't expect that you are either.
If you just want to get lost in the crowd, we may not be the right place for you!
A church is not a building or something you attend, it is something you become a part of. If you want to be more than a number, to love and be loved, to grow in your faith, and to share your gifts and talents, we invite you to check us out.
Whether you are a seasoned saint or a questioning seeker, there is a place for you.
Our Sunday morning worship has a touch of tradition but without being stuffy. We worship in new songs of praise as well as hymns that have withstood the test of time. We preach and teach the Word of God in honest ways that connect with real life and real people. Like God’s love, we minister across the generations, rather than targeting just one. We believe that worship is something that we participate in rather than just watch.
Some of our older members dress in suits or dresses while some of the youth wear jeans. If you wear something "corporate casual" you'll fit right in. Who you are is more important that what you wear! Come as you are, we do!
