As we head toward our annual Thanksgiving holiday, it seems fitting to consider what our faith means to us during this time of year. People tell me they are praying and concerned about many things in their lives: families, community, country, and the world. Yet, I also hear many stories about the goodness and faithfulness of God. Someone has said, “The most intense moments of thankfulness are often not found in times of bounty. Instead, thankfulness is often most meaningful during periods of difficulty.” Does that ring true for you?

Do you find yourself out of time to do the things you want to do? Do you let the busyness of life crowd out relationships that are most important to you? At times, do you experience financial tension because the bills seem to surpass the income? Do you sometimes struggle with destructive behavior that leaves you feeling disappointed again? In the series titled 'More Margin', we are going to see how God can help us build room, space, and buffers in our life so that we can focus on the things that really matter to us the most.

Do you find yourself out of time to do the things you want to do? Do you let the busyness of life crowd out relationships that are most important to you? At times, do you experience financial tension because the bills seem to surpass the income? Do you sometimes struggle with destructive behavior that leaves you feeling disappointed again? In the series titled 'More Margin', we are going to see how God can help us build room, space, and buffers in our life so that we can focus on the things that really matter to us the most.

Do you find yourself out of time to do the things you want to do? Do you let the busyness of life crowd out relationships that are most important to you? At times, do you experience financial tension because the bills seem to surpass the income? Do you sometimes struggle with destructive behavior that leaves you feeling disappointed again? In the series titled 'More Margin', we are going to see how God can help us build room, space, and buffers in our life so that we can focus on the things that really matter to us the most.

It's a battle out there! The new school semester has started for children, students, and families. Our economic, social, and political realities continue to create uneasiness and uncertainty. Each of us is trying to navigate our particular challenges and life responsibilities, and that isn't easy. We also have our own hurts, hang-ups, or habits we are often wrestling with. On top of that, we have a spiritual enemy scheming to trip us up and cause our downfall. We talk about this in this series, "Armor of God," based on Ephesians 6 to help us be equipped for the battle.

It's a battle out there! The new school semester has started for children, students, and families. Our economic, social, and political realities continue to create uneasiness and uncertainty. Each of us is trying to navigate our particular challenges and life responsibilities, and that isn't easy. We also have our own hurts, hang-ups, or habits we are often wrestling with. On top of that, we have a spiritual enemy scheming to trip us up and cause our downfall. We talk about this in this series, "Armor of God," based on Ephesians 6 to help us be equipped for the battle.

It's a battle out there! The new school semester has started for children, students, and families. Our economic, social, and political realities continue to create uneasiness and uncertainty. Each of us is trying to navigate our particular challenges and life responsibilities, and that isn't easy. We also have our own hurts, hang-ups, or habits we are often wrestling with. On top of that, we have a spiritual enemy scheming to trip us up and cause our downfall. We talk about this in this series, "Armor of God," based on Ephesians 6 to help us be equipped for the battle.

It's a battle out there! The new school semester has started for children, students, and families. Our economic, social, and political realities continue to create uneasiness and uncertainty. Each of us is trying to navigate our particular challenges and life responsibilities, and that isn't easy. We also have our own hurts, hang-ups, or habits we are often wrestling with. On top of that, we have a spiritual enemy scheming to trip us up and cause our downfall. We talk about this in this series, "Armor of God," based on Ephesians 6 to help us be equipped for the battle.

It's a battle out there! The new school semester has started for children, students, and families. Our economic, social, and political realities continue to create uneasiness and uncertainty. Each of us is trying to navigate our particular challenges and life responsibilities, and that isn't easy. We also have our own hurts, hang-ups, or habits we are often wrestling with. On top of that, we have a spiritual enemy scheming to trip us up and cause our downfall. We talk about this in this series, "Armor of God," based on Ephesians 6 to help us be equipped for the battle.

It's a battle out there! The new school semester has started for children, students, and families. Our economic, social, and political realities continue to create uneasiness and uncertainty. Each of us is trying to navigate our particular challenges and life responsibilities, and that isn't easy. We also have our own hurts, hang-ups, or habits we are often wrestling with. On top of that, we have a spiritual enemy scheming to trip us up and cause our downfall. We talk about this in the series, "Armor of God," based on Ephesians 6 to help us be equipped for the battle.

Philippians 4:6-7 In the face of hardships Jesus enables you to have a hopeful perspective. Living Jesus’ servant lifestyle brings great satisfaction and joy. Following Jesus gives us a different outlook. Today: Life in Christ gives us a different perspective on worry.

Now what? In the face of hardships Jesus enables you to have a hopeful perspective Mind-shift: Living Jesus’ servant lifestyle brings brings great satisfaction and joy. Following Jesus often calls for a different outlook. Finally, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is not troublesome to me, and for you it is a safeguard. Philippians 3:1

In the face of hardships Jesus enables you to have a hopeful perspective A change in our Perspective often requires a mind-shift. Paul encouraged the Philippians to be mindful of their thinking and attitude. If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Philippians 2:1-2 (NIV)

Throughout everyday life there are times when we encounter difficulties. None of us are immune. Either we know someone going through them or we ourselves have been there. Sometimes the challenge is short lived and other times the hardship is ongoing. In tough times we often ponder: Now What? What’s next? How should we react? In the midst of it all, our relationship with Jesus makes a huge difference. In His letter to the Philippians, the Apostle Paul demonstrates a unique “Perspective” in the midst of his struggles. The power of that “Perspective” for our own lives is the focus of this new message series.

One of our favorite days of the year is this Sunday, when we get to hear from our Students about their experiences with God lately.

Executive Director of Restore Hope here in Tulsa, Jeff leads our UM extension ministry with a mission to "Restore families in financial crisis to economic and spiritual vitality." His sermon titled "What Would You Do?" based on Matthew 13:31-52 will undoubtedly be a relevant message that we all need to hear. During these times, as we strive to keep "the main thing the main thing," I am particularly pleased about the partnership we have established with Restore Hope.