Sermon Recap 5-6-12

Morning: The sermon, "Operation: Snag-a-Man," focused on Ruth 3:1-18. In this passage, we faith often takes the initiative. Ruth 3 opens with Naomi awakened to the grace of God as displayed through Boaz in the life of Ruth. Her grief clouded mind is clearing up and she recognizes Ruth's worth and her own responsibilities to Ruth. Here are some principles that we can glean from this passage:

1. When you recognize God's invisible hand, don't be afraid to act. In other words, when you see God at work in your life, take the initiative.

2. Part of trusting God is submitting to those in authority over you. It doesn't mean you can't think for yourself, or that you are to allow someone to lead you to do evil.

3. The righteous are as bold as a lion. When pursuing the glory of God, be bold.

4. Value good character.

5. Waiting on the Lord doesn't mean we don't do anything. While we wait, we do what we know we should be doing.

What do we do with it?

• Realize, and trust, that God is at work in your life.
• Take a chance, and trust God with the results.
• Taking a risk for God is not the same thing as participating in risky behavior.
• Cultivate and maintain good character.

Evening: We had VBS clinic at 5:00. It focused on Day Three: Amazing! God's Power Over Sin! The Bible story, "God sent Jesus," draws on Luke 2:21-38 and 1 Cor. 15:3-4. The life application is: "I can believe that God sent Jesus, and I can accept God's gift of forgiveness." We had business meeting at 6:00.