The Gift of Gratitude

The Gift of Gratitude Thankfulness is often considered something we do when we have everything we want or need. Instead, the real power of thankfulness is when things are difficult. Thankfulness is not only the result of having reason to be grateful, it is also the path to discovering reasons for gratitude.

When we take even a moment to think of what we can be thankful for, it opens our eyes and heart to sparks of hope, even when things are dark. Then, having seen one thing for which we are grateful, we begin to see others, which together bring a little light to dark times and places.

Through Prayer

The Apostle Paul was in prison when he wrote the following words:

It is easy to sing happy songs about Jesus when things are going the way we want, but God's great desire for us is to know that we can rejoice even when things look the darkest.

Trusting God

If we are experiencing even a fraction of the stress, anger, and frustration that fills the internet, social media and news, it would drive us mad.

In the book of Daniel, King Nebuchadnezzar, having claimed himself sovereign, was inflicted with a severe mental illness, even eating grass like a cow. Then, after a length of time, he looks to God and says,

"I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever.

His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation."

Recognizing that God is in control, not him, he regained his sanity and praised God who is sovereign.

May the same be true for us.

The sermon for this sermon is shared by Rev. Bill Westlund. Bill and Katie have been a part of Oviedo Pres for many years. Bill is a retired Presbyterian pastor, former army chaplain, and the current president of Victorious Ministry Through Christ.

Bill Westund recorded this video before our recent election, and its message of hope and opportunity, in the midst of COVID-19 and chaos, is needed.

Scripture passages for this Sunday:
* Colossians 1:15-20
* Daniel 4:27-37

This worship service is produced through the combined efforts of Hope Presbyterian Church at Lake Nona and Oviedo Presbyterian Church and we pray that God will use it to bless people far beyond our congregations. We are very grateful to all who contribute to these services.

Please share them with your friends and families.

Direct link to video: https://youtu.be/gDkSXsWo2EQ

Saint? Who me?

Today is All Saints Day, a time to remember Christians who have gone before us, and their example of faith, love, humility and service revealing what it means to be a Christian.

As protestants, we talk more about the multitude of saints with a small "s" than the elite with a capital "S." Nancy and I know a pastor who would greet his congregation every Sunday saying, "Good morning saints." They would reply, "Good morning." Then he would say, "Good morning sinners." The very same people that answered as saints then respond, "Good morning."

Christians are both,  saints and sinners. We are sinners who have been made holy by Jesus. 

Today's sermon is shared by Rev. Karen Estes who was a seminary classmate of Nancy Graham Ogne and she and her family are part of the Oviedo Pres family.

Scripture passage for this Sunday:
* Luke 19:1-10

This worship service is produced through the combined efforts of Hope Presbyterian Church at Lake Nona and Oviedo Presbyterian Church and we pray that God will use it to bless people far beyond our congregations. We are very grateful to all who contribute to these services.

Please share them with your friends and families.

Direct link to video: https://youtu.be/wsWQV5pNMAU

Bridging the Divide

All of us bear wounds and scars from things others have said or done to us. And, if we are honest with ourselves, we have hurt others too. As people that are still a work in progress, it is not a question of if we will hurt each other, but when.

To those who are more comfortable avoiding conflict, Jesus says go. To those who want to punish people who have hurt them, Jesus says seek resolution.

To all of us, Jesus calls us from retribution and into the ministry of reconciliation.

Scripture passage for this Sunday:
* Matthew 18:15-17
* Philippians 1:12-18a

This worship service is produced through the combined efforts of Hope Presbyterian Church at Lake Nona and Oviedo Presbyterian Church and we pray that God will use it to bless people far beyond our congregations. We are very grateful to all who contribute to these services.

Please share them with your friends and families.

Direct link to video: https://youtu.be/5ZHPDIcucjk

Growing Up

We often think of childhood as something we are to grow out of, but Jesus, as he often does, reveals that the kingdom of Heaven is different than human sensibilities. He invites a child to come to him and teaches his closest and most devoted followers that true greatness is found in becoming humble like the child.

Rather than growing out of childhood, the humble heart of a child is something we are called to grow into.

Scripture passages for this Sunday:
* Matthew 18:1-5
* Philippians 1:3-11

This worship service is produced through the combined efforts of Hope Presbyterian Church at Lake Nona and Oviedo Presbyterian Church and we pray that God will use it to bless people far beyond our congregations. We are very grateful to all who contribute to these services.

Please share them with your friends and families.

Direct link to video: https://youtu.be/wVeCGwSu3HU

Joy Amid Despair

Scripture passages for this Sunday:
* Psalms 145, 3-5, 10
* Philippians 1:1-6

The Apostle Paul is in prison and yet experiences joy and gratitude, particularly as he remembers and prays for his beloved brothers and sisters in Christ in Philippi. When most of us would be filled with despair, he is filled with joy.

This worship service is produced through the combined efforts of Hope Presbyterian Church at Lake Nona and Oviedo Presbyterian Church and we pray that God will use it to bless people far beyond our congregations. We are very grateful to all who contribute to these services.

Please share them with your friends and families.

Direct link to video: https://youtu.be/Apwmd3qfh_M

Lens of Grace

Scripture passages for this Sunday:
* Matthew 20:1-16

There are many perspectives for seeking, loving and serving God, the best allow to see and celebrate who God truly is, rather than who we want him to be. Unfortunately, us humans often miss out on fully experiencing God's love and grace because we seek God through our expectations rather than God's nature.

Jesus tells the Parable of the Laborers to reveal God's great generosity. The vineyard owner infuriates workers who were paid exactly what they were promised when others were given the same pay for far less work. The vineyard owner chose to be generous with all of his workers. Rather than being angry, the first workers could have been happy with what they were paid and celebrated with the recipients of the owners generosity.

Jesus concludes, "Or are you envious because I am generous?’ So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

This worship service is produced through the combined efforts of Hope Presbyterian Church at Lake Nona and Oviedo Presbyterian Church and we pray that God will use it to bless people far beyond our congregations. We are very grateful to all who contribute to these services.

Please share them with your friends and families.

Direct link to video: https://youtu.be/2WSziBfrEpI

Out of Our Comfort Zone

Scripture passages for this Sunday:
* Matthew 16:21-28
* Romans 12:9-21

This worship service is produced through the combined efforts of Hope Presbyterian Church at Lake Nona and Oviedo Presbyterian Church and we pray that God will use it to bless people far beyond our congregations. We are very grateful to all who contribute to these services.

Please share them with your friends and families.

Direct link to video: https://youtu.be/4NnJNYe3QIs