Consider this

 When trouble comes, it is easy to become worried and anxious. However, there is always a reason to be hopeful.  

Money isn't evil, but it can be dangerous. Here (in part) is what Jesus had to say about money and how we ought to handle it.    

                    The word “repent” is in desperate need of a makeover! To start with, it is a churchy word that most people do not understand and then, for a long time, the church has assigned it the wrong tone.                 Repent means “to turn around” or “reset” or “start again”.   Therefore, it should be a good and hopeful word. In fact, it was the first word that Jesus said when he began teaching: “Repent for the kingdom of God is near!” (Matthew 4:17). Mark also records these words, but he expands on them by stating, “Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. ‘The time has come,’ he said. ‘The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!’” (Mark 1:14-15). Twice the word repent is tied to the idea of good news!                 Unfortunately, for many, the word repent is not good news. Instead, it is often

 If we think about the resurrection only at Easter or funerals, we are missing a huge blessing!  

 When Jesus came into Jerusalem like a king, the people thought they were seeing what they needed. What they needed was to see something else.  

 When life gets turned upside down, it is easy to wonder, "What am I going to do now?" We want answers. We feel uncomfortable when life seems out of control. However, we must remember that there is often another step in the process between what was and what will be. (video = 3 minutes)

                  In any project that we undertake, it is useful to gather the essential ingredients ahead of time.   If you are going to bake a cake, you better have flour, milk, eggs, and salt on hand.   Otherwise, you might create something, but it will not be a cake.   If you want an engine to run, you must have air, fuel, and a spark.   Neglecting one of those key ingredients will result in failure.   Having what you need is a key to success.                 Oddly, though, when it comes to spiritual things, many people do not make any preparations at all.   They go to church as passive spectators and hope that whatever happens is useful to them.   This passive attitude is underscored when people then talk about whether they “Got something from the service” or whether they were “fed” or not.    Understood correctly, though, faith

 We have misunderstood and have not valued repentance enough. This lesson is an attempt to change that situation.