9-18-2022 - Just Wait - Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4
Well, good morning, everyone. If you want the microphone to work you have to put batteries in it. So it's great to have everyone here this morning. It's great to have you Gathering online with us for. Worship this morning on Todd to ditch on the pastor Here. Concord you and seeing like to welcome everyone to worship today. Got a couple announcements today. Don't forget impact, his back is, happens of five starts at 5 p.m. every Sunday evening, we will meet in the fellowship, hall for dinner and then break off into our small group starting at 5:30 with the younger people, being over here with Cody. And then the adults being over to admin building for an adult Bible study will be having a new adult Bible study Series start up soon. So once we have that it will kind of promote that. But for now, we'll just be kind of studying books of the Bible or answering questions that people may have like someone named Marty typically has in his Bible questions to be asked. So, if you have any questions biblically just bring them on Sunday evening or pass. It along to me in I will answer when discussing on Sunday evening in Bible study. For next couple weeks choir. Practice on Wednesday at 7 p.m. So everyone that was like to help out with choir. Please be here at 7 p.m. on Wednesday. Evenings, they'll meet in the choir y'all need in the choir room, unless y'all get too large. And then we'll meet out here, and Sarah will be really happy. So, please, if you would like to sing with the choir they love to have you, I'd like to thank Bob Fallon for coming out this week and cutting the grass here at the charge. It looks great and thank you for doing that and taking the time to come up here. If you have not gotten your upper room, make sure you're good on their own. In the narthex. If your name is not on the list and you would like one, make sure you up added to it so that we can add that up. We're trying to make sure we don't order too many but we also have enough for everyone that wants one. In your bulletin and the sea. You'll find the upcoming events. We only have a couple meetings. Coming up, make sure you mark your calendars. If you're on one of these committees, we have nominations which will be next Monday. September 26th at 6:30 p.m. in the admin building sparc meets October 3rd at 6:30 p.m. trustees, October 10th at 6:30 Finance, October 13th. And then I'mma Council October 24th all at 6:30 and all in the admin building. If you don't know, if you're on that, on one of those committees, you can see me, I know, Nominations for the guy in the letter talking about our meeting and the date and time. So but if you don't know, just see me and I can make sure to get you the updated information regarding
Then we have some other meetings, qnasl was Bishop, Sue regarding what's going on in United Methodist Church. Then the split if you want to call it the device, if you want to call it the leave if you want to call call the number of different names by number different groups. She's got two more in art, District's plus mini and other districts. But these are the closest ones to us right now tomorrow evening at 7 p.m., she'll be at New Beginnings, UNC and Kennesaw Georgia. Again, that September 19th at New Beginnings, UMC and Kennesaw. And then on the 29th at 6:30 p.m. she'll be at Kennesaw first UMC and Kennesaw the one I can't install first. Is a larger one as is going to be our district and the Northwest District that I think is what they call it. It's a larger charge. So they were doing to churches and that's why I was up that direction. So if you like to be there for those I don't know if they'll be broadcast if they are I'll put I'll share them on our Facebook page. I know the past and the number that she's already done, they haven't broadcast. I don't know if it's the church's decision. The Bishop's decision, the district's decision or what, but they have not been broadcast online. Some would you like to know more information about that or other you can go on the north Georgia to UMC website and they have other Opportunity to secure the bishop, but I think she's going to be in Gainesville. Watkinsville Evans, Georgia. I can't remember the other Peachtree City AMC, so that would probably be the closest one outside of these two to us. So if you're going, let me know. I'm just going to learn this. Now, I'm planning on attending both of those. So if you like to ride with me, you're more than welcome. But understand that if we stick around and talk with Pastor friends, icy up there at those meetings and get home a little later. So but you're more than welcome to participate in that. Are there any other now? So yes, sir, October October 22nd at 9 a.m. Men's breakfast. Thank you David. I'm glad you said that October 22nd is a Saturday 9 a.m. will have a men's breakfast in the fellowship hall if you like to know more information or like to help out so you David so you can get you plugged into that. Do you need any help right now? Or is it just organizing it? And then
Bacon egg. So if you want to help out with the food and cooking, you just see David so that we can get together and have a good Fellowship on October 27th. I'm looking forward to that.
Yeah, it'd be great if we could get numbers just so we can make sure we have enough food. So if you're going to plan on attending reach out to David let him know. Seeing this morning's them an email or text message if you don't have a way to contact or reach out to me and I'll let David know or give you Davis number to reach out to him. So Are there any other announcements?
You know, you had a great meeting last week, had the two ladies from hospice care, come in. If you'd like some information because you weren't able to attend, there's they left a bunch of information over in the admin. Building on the tables. You're more than welcome to go over there and get some if you they left business cards and phone numbers, if you'd like to reach out to them and contact them to find out information about that, please feel free to contact and we had some numbers asked about outside of their this region that they serve and they said they'd make some phone calls and contact. Some people to try to get them in touch with people to help out. So they're also willing to help out in that in those cases. So please, if you have any questions about Hospice Care, go get that information and you can reach out to them and ask them.
Throwing an ounce, other announcements. We have a couple birthdays this week. I invite you to reach out to them this week. Jamie Jones. Who's birthday is today. I saw that on Facebook that's I added that in. I didn't know. I don't know if it's for sure but it her face on Facebook. It's her birthday. So Megan Carroll Marty Reeves and Heather seek. So make sure you reach out to each of them this week and wish them happy birthday. No, invite you prepare your minds and hearts for worship this morning.
No, invite you to stay in for this, morning's call to worship, which can be found in your bulletin or on the screen, please Stan.
We Gather is God's people bringing our fears and pain knowing that when our Spirits have grown cold,
We Gather is God's people hanging or broken hearts on the branches of the tree of life knowing that while friends may turn against us,
We Gather as God's people hungering for healing & Hope knowing that, even when life is no picnic,
No, invite you to turn in your home or to the screen as we sing Our opening. Hymn, my hope is built on nothing less, which can be found in the hymnal on page 368
Now, and invite you to profess. Your faith has found in the statement of faith of the Korean Methodist Church found in the hymnal page, 884 or on the screen friends. What do we believe? We believe in the one, God creator and sustainer of all things, father of all Nations, the source of all goodness and Beauty, all truth in love. We believe in Jesus Christ. God manifest In the Flesh, are teacher example and Redeemer the savior of the world. We believe in the Holy Spirit, God present with us for guidance, for comfort and four string, we believe in the Forgiveness of sins in the life of love and prayer and then Grace equal to every need. We believe in the word of God contained in the Old, and New Testaments has a sufficient rule. Both of faith in practice. We believe in the church, those who are knighted in the Living, God, lord for the purpose of worship and service. We believe in the rain of God, as the Divine will realize the human society. And in the family of God, where we are all brothers and sisters, we believe in the final Triumph of righteousness in the Life Everlasting in.
Maybe see that. Now we come to the time in service, where we take our Joys and concerns the Lord. And I asked the congregation, what are your Joys and concerns this morning?
All say, it's great to see Lynn back in service after having knee surgery.
And walking without a cane as I'm sure the doctor would probably say otherwise, but it's great to have you back and worship this morning continued prayers for many who are dealing with covid-19 Glenda. Castillo, send me a message this week that Alex has kept covid. Infant has a lot of the symptoms but hasn't tested positive and no number of members in our community who have had it in the still recovering from it, so be in prayer for them during this time. Are there any others? Yes, joycelyn answer back, it's great to have you all back. I know you all been kind of under the weather and fighting some things but it's great to see y'all both back in church this morning. Oh, Jim and Ina, Donell Jones. I know call me this morning. Jim wasn't doing it feeling. Well, kind of having dizzy spells. She's like, I don't know why blood pressure is fine, I'm checked. Everything is fine but we're just not going to come and church just to make sure everything's okay. So be a continued prayers for Jim. And I know during this time Are there any others?
Was, were you prepared to go to the Lord in prayer? I invite you to sing, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, which is on the screen or in your henna on page 349.
As we go to the Lord in prayer and brought you first to go silently, looking at the prayers, the silent prayers of your hearts and offering them to God and then we'll have the Pastoral will close with the Lord's Prayer. Let us pray.
Oh Lord. Our God. How Majestic is your name?
You are a Creator, Our Redeemer and our sustainer. And we come to you this morning with thankful hearts. Thankful for beautiful weather and a chance to get outside. Thankful for the opportunity to gather and worship of you. Thankful. That we can turn to you and offer prayers.
Praying for our neighbors and our friends who are dealing with so much. Praying for healing and Recovery.
Forgot. We've lifted up silent prayers of our hearts
You know, them by name. You know what they are going through. What they need?
We ask that you provide a healing hand for them. To comfort them during this time. To cover them in your grace and peace.
Let them feel the prayers up and lift it up. Over cover them this morning.
Forgot, we looked at names allowed this morning. Who are dealing with illness? Who are dealing with pain, who are dealing with recovery and grief? The questions and anxieties.
We ask that you lay your healing hands upon them.
To comfort them, Lord.
To remind them that they can lay those anxieties and worries at your feet.
And you will provide a joke. That is light.
Forgot. Even in the midst of all this pain and suffering that exists around us
Find joy and healing as friends return. To worship with us.
We know that you are still feeling today is still active and we are thankful for that Lord
We're thankful for your son. And the words that he taught us to pray saying, Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come thy will be done on Earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread and forgive us. Our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into temptation, but Deliver Us from Evil. For thine is the kingdom. The power and the glory forever. Amen.
At this time, I like to invite the ushers and act lights Ford for this morning's offline.
Let us pray.
Oh, god of mercy and Grace. We come to you thankful for all that you have poured out upon us. And we returned a small portion back to you this morning, Lord. We ask that you lay your hands on these ties and offering and bless them so that they may grow. So we may do Great and Mighty things for your kingdom. This growth here on Earth 4th in your son. Jesus name we pray. Amen.
I wish Lila would clean like the clean up like that at home. She's taking the handles that Amy is back into the choir room.
It's also worried cuz she hasn't come back yet. So
I'd ask how many of you have ever heard of j.r.r. Tolkien.
What how have you do you know the name? What series?
Still, I don't know if I've heard that one.
How about Lord of the Rings? Or The Hobbit he did write a number of other things and short stories and academic reviews. in the past couple in the last month, Amazon Prime came out with a new
Update or prequel to The Lord of the Rings, series called the power, the Lord of the Rings, the power rings of power, write the Lord of the Rings, the rings of power. As I said, it's a prequel to The Lord of the Rings franchise and I began watching it cuz I do like Lord of the Rings. And it's interesting to me is Syfy. So I like that type of stuff. I'll admit I have not read Lord of the Rings. So if you have, you got me beat there. What? Thumbs-down? You didn't like it. Oh, I'm sorry.
it was easier to watch the movie than want read the book, so, I'll try to get around the reason for you and Cody, but in the opening scene of the Rings of power, You fine. A young girl making a origami boat. And some kids mocking her on the other side and she pushed the boat into a stream. And the boat transforms in the Stream into like one of them, it reminds me of a Viking ship with the dragon front in the wings in the back. And as of traveling down the stream, the kids are on one side watching and she's on the other watching to go and then the kids on that Far Side. Start throwing rocks at it. Trying to sync it. and they finally sinking, and she gets upset and course, runs across and starts attacking the main boy that was causing all the problems and her brother comes along and calls her way and sit down and has the talk with her. This is what the brother says to her. That really caught my attention this week and I want you to hear it. He said. Do you know why a ship floats? And a stone cannot.
because the stone only sees downward, The darkness of the water is vast in the irresistible.
The ship feels the darkness. striving moment-by-moment to master her and pull her under But the ship has a secret. For unlike the stone, the ship. Is not the ship's. Gays is not downward but up. Fixed upon the light that is got that guides her. Whispering of grander things, then Darkness ever knew.
it was a powerful message as I heard it and I Was preparing the sermon and thinking about our scripture and I was like, whoa, wait,
and it's opening monologue. The spirit speaking to me.
But I know you sooner thinking, what does this have to do with habakkuk and our text today and then our sermon title, just wait.
Want to bite you. The turn with me to the Old Testament, to have a cook. How many of you could say, you could find it really easily in your Bible right now. A couple of us can it's a small book. It's towards the end of the Old Testament.
So, if you get to go on a little bit further, if you get, the Malachi has gone too far.
And we're going to be reading from chapter 11 through 4 and then chapter 2 verses 1 through 4. Not invite you to get your personal Bible out few Bible. Open the Bible app.
And hear these words recorded by habakkuk.
the Oracle that habakkuk the prophet saw, Lord, how long will I call out for you for help? Can you not? Listen, I cry out to you violence. but you don't,
Why do you show me? Injustice and look at English, so that Devastation and violence are before me. There is a Strife, there is strife and conflict abounds. Instructor instruction is an effective Justice does not endure because the wicked surround the righteous Justice becomes warped. No chapter 2 verses 1 through 4 of habakkuk. I will take my pup. I will position myself on the Fortress. I will keep watch what the Lord says to me, and how he will respond to my complain. Then the Lord answered me and said, write. And make it plain upon a tablet. So that the runner can read it. there is still a vision for the point of time, if it does not Eve, If it delays, wait. For this surely coming. It will not be late. Some people's desires are truly audacious. They don't do the right thing, but the righteous person will live. Honestly, this is the word of God of dogs. Thanks be to God. Let us pray. Oh, Great and Mighty hooks. We thank you for these words from your profit.
Set a reminder, Lord. That's your plan is still in effect. Will happen at the right time.
Help us hear that reminder.
Help us hear the words.
That you speak to us.
Lookout. We ask now that the words I speak in the meditations of our hearts be acceptable to you and let you on high and glorify you, and if they do, not let them be quickly, forgotten force in your son, Jesus name, we pray and all of God's children said, amen. Albuquerque is a small profit in the Bible. Small book for Chop, three or four chapters long really quick to flip through. If you're just glancing through
He's part of a group called The Minor Prophets.
The 12 prophets found the come after Daniel.
but they just because they're called, minor doesn't mean they don't have good scripturally sound teachings in them.
And their prophecies are just as important for us as Isaiah and Daniel Elijah and all the prophets that came before them.
But we typically don't read through I'm doing. I mean, how many of you could say, you've actually read habakkuk before?
A small handful.
But it's just as important to find information in here for us.
we we only used 8 verses from this morning, the three chapters are in habakkuk, but there's a lot of information within those eight verses
When you read about how to cook, you find that Scholars, really don't know when it was written. they have this idea that was century.
They kind of have an idea of what his audience was, but then there's an argument that they don't really know.
But it doesn't change the important. I mean, it's one of the books of the Bible that should be important enough for us to read it. And if we truly believe that all scripture is inspired is inspired word of God.
The news when these Minor Prophets, these three chapters are just as important.
But we took it, we glanced over these books, don't we? We speed reading in our if we're reading through the Bible because they're smaller folks, we don't need to know as much information. We've heard about them, but we've never studied them. May be honest, how many of you have ever heard a sermon on habakkuk before?
but the prove the importance of how you can find the words that were said, in chapter 1, verses 1 through 4 and another book of the Bible, Some of those words were recorded by our psalmist.
In fact.
If you go to the songs, you'll find a number of them where the psalmist cries out. Why do you allow this violence to surround us? Lord. This isn't Justice is surrounding us.
Seems like how to cook is. Referencing the psalmist here when he opens up saying those things, doesn't it?
It seems like have a cookie sitting in our world today, doesn't it? You look around, you turn on the news, you turn on the TV, you read the newspaper. You look at the different news articles and you see violence and Injustice, you see, pain and suffering.
How many people ask why God do you allow this to happen?
Where are you in all of this?
Shootings illness War terrorism. So many violent Acts.
and it's hard for us to move or go throughout a day without seeing this around us, isn't it?
It's almost like this violence is Injustice. As pain is suffering. Is just trying to pull us in
or as the opening monologue from, the power of the Ring says that darkness is striving moment-by-moment to master Us in the pool us under
just as the pools, the stone down.
It's hard to avoid.
And work drained, mentally aren't we?
And struggling to get through the day.
We ask questions of God.
Where is God in all of this?
Why isn't God doing something about this violence?
Is God not listening? May be honest. How many of you had those questions lately? I know I have. Where is God in all this?
I've been asked some of those questions.
But what are we to do?
And Havoc 2124, tells us what we should do.
I'm just like his audience habakkuk is saying that God is still at work. And we need to just wait.
We need to keep our eyes. A mind on what is in front. And continue to work toward being and creating Disciples of Christ.
Just like the shift that is talked about in the power of the Rings intro scene. The ship floats because its focus isn't on the darkness that surround it. The focus is on the light that comes from the love. It knows that is constantly pulling being pulled down.
But it has to fight against that.
Life for us is a reminder. The God has a plan.
And has not yet abandoned the ship for us.
God is still with us.
Well, as it may not feel God is constantly active in the world today. We know that God is active. We know that God is among us even with all the violence that exists around us.
God, cries at the violence and Injustice that exist in our world.
When we were pulled into the dark Gods heartbreak.
So may I ask, why doesn't God do something about this?
Why doesn't God in the Bible is why doesn't God cause people you happy? And Loving not violent.
That would make God more of a puppet master, wouldn't it? Directing us on which way to go and how to live our lives.
Verses giving us free will.
An opportunity to turn towards God and show our love for him. Personally, I would love I would rather live with free, will of them be controlled by a puppet master. How about you?
Knowing that every decision you make is because someone's or something is telling you that you have to do it.
I would rather know that I'm following the lights.
And fighting against the darkness. Then, you know, someone's holding me away from Darkness.
We've knowledge that the violence Injustice and darkness is pulling on us today.
The we know. God is leading us to greater things.
and the Darkness could ever handle, or we could ever imagine
friends. Well, it's hard. We just have to wait.
We need the man, our positions. And focus on spreading the good news of the Gospel in proclaiming God's Kingdom.
And continue to focus on the light. That is directing us. Alita's leading us on into Glory.
Are you ready?
God's timing is perfect.
While we may not like it. What will you may think we're ready for god is perfect in his timing.
And it's calling us to wait, instead of a rush that timing.
But I have to say that doesn't mean sitting still.
All too often we take just wait. Means sit back and relax.
Habakkuk. When a man his place on the Fortress.
Time for us to me in that place.
Make the cycles of Jesus Christ for the transformation of this world. Let us pray. Lord, God is hard for us to wait.
It's hard for us.
Pacific back. But we know your timing is perfect. Lord.
We are following the light fighting against the darkness as much as we can.
Or we call on you, the continue the guide us. To push a back against the violence in the pain that surrounds us.
But also be patient. For your comfort, your son's coming.
We all saw this through your son Jesus Christ, and it's in his name, we pray. Amen.
Not invite you to stand as we sing. Our closing hymn wonderful, Words of Life, which can be found in the Hilton on page, 600, or on the screen. Please stand.
Now you go in the world know that Christ goes before you preparing the way.
As you prepare to go. I prepare for the coming of Christ, be patience. Be patient and knowing that God's timing is perfect. Be patient and willing to follow the light that leads on the glory.
Be patient and loving to all that you me while you fight off the darkness that exist in our world. So you can go into the wall, loving all that you meet. Go along with God's heartfelt compassion to direct your actions. As you make disciples of Jesus Christ, for the transformation of this world, going the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.