Posts by Bob Rhodes (Page 2)

Introduction As we conclude our Uncommon Wisdom series, we turn to the story of Esther—a powerful narrative of courage, timing, and divine providence. This week, we reflect on Esther’s brave decision to speak out for her people, even at the risk of her own life. Her story invites us to consider the moments when we are called to act with courage and conviction, trusting that God has placed us exactly where we need to be “for such a time as…

Introduction As we continue our Uncommon Wisdom series, this week we turn to a passage that often gets a lot of attention, especially around Mother’s Day—Proverbs 31. But this Sunday, we’re looking at it through a different lens. Proverbs 31 isn’t just a checklist for the perfect wife; it’s a celebration of strength, wisdom, and leadership, particularly from women. This passage describes a woman who is not only a capable and hardworking homemaker but also a shrewd businessperson, a compassionate…

Introduction As we continue our Uncommon Wisdom series, this week we turn our attention to Proverbs 1, where Wisdom is personified as a woman crying out in the streets. She offers a bold, no-nonsense call to those who are lost, urging them to listen and follow her guidance. This passage challenges us to consider what it means to truly hold onto wisdom in our daily lives. In this part of Proverbs, Wisdom doesn’t mince words about the consequences of ignoring…

Introduction This week, we’re exploring the wisdom of Proverbs, specifically looking at how these ancient sayings guide us in making choices. Proverbs offers practical wisdom for everyday living, reminding us that our decisions reflect our values and shape our lives. Think of it like being on a road trip (remember our Advent worship series?) with a trusty compass; we might always not have a turn-by-turn GPS, but we have a sense of direction that helps us navigate life’s complexities. The…

Introduction Welcome to the first Sunday of September, where we begin a new series on Uncommon Wisdom. This week, we dive into the poetic beauty of the Song of Solomon. This week’s text invites us into a celebration of love and the joy of God’s creation. As we consider this passage, we are reminded that there is a time for singing and rejoicing, even in the midst of all that life can bring. Let us embrace this time of renewal…

Introduction We are at the end of our Worship with Rejoicing series. As we conclude we explore 1 Kings 8, where we see the grandeur of the temple dedication and Solomon leading the people in worship and prayer. The Ark of the Covenant is placed in the temple, and the glory of God fills the space. This moment is a powerful reminder of God’s presence among the people. However, Solomon’s prayer reveals that this encounter with the divine is not…

Introduction We are nearing the conclusion of our Worship with Rejoicing series. As we come to the end of a worship service, we often hear the words of benediction—a sending forth, a blessing. But what does it mean to be blessed as we go back into the world? The passage from 1 Kings today recounts the transition of leadership from King David to Solomon, a pivotal moment where wisdom, guidance, and blessing were deeply sought. Solomon’s request for wisdom is…

Introduction As we near the end of our Worship with Rejoicing series, we turn our focus to the “Prayers of the People.” In our scripture passage, we encounter David in a moment of deep sorrow as he learns of the death of his son Absalom. This passage reveals the profound emotions that prayer can express—anguish, grief, and the weight of intercession. It reminds us that prayer is not just about the words we speak but also about the deep cries…

Introduction In week 4 of our Worship with Rejoicing series, we step into a powerful narrative from the story of King David that reveals the weight and impact of God’s word in our lives. Following last week’s difficult text about David and Bathsheba, the King is confronted by the prophet Nathan. In the narrative, we witness a moment of deep conviction and repentance that underscores the transformative power of acknowledging our failures and seeking forgiveness. The prophet’s confrontation with David…

Introduction The call to confession is a vital part of our worship service, inviting us to come before God with honesty and humility. It’s a time to acknowledge our shortcomings and seek God’s forgiveness and grace. In 2 Samuel 11:1-15, we encounter one of the most well-known and troubling stories of King David’s life. David’s actions, leading to the adultery with Bathsheba and the arranged death of her husband Uriah, reveal the depths of human weakness and the necessity of…

Introduction The call to worship is an invitation to come before God with hearts open and ready to experience God’s presence. It is a moment that transitions us from our everyday lives into a sacred space where we can connect with the Divine. In 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, we see King David, settled in his palace, expressing a desire to build a house for God. This passage highlights the importance of intentionality and reverence in our approach to worship. As we…

Introduction Worship is the heartbeat of our faith community. It’s a time when we gather to celebrate, reflect, and connect with God and each other. In the story of King David, we find a powerful example of what it means to gather for worship. As the Ark of the Covenant is brought to Jerusalem, David leads the people in joyous celebration, dancing before the Lord with all his might. This scene captures the essence of worship as a communal and…