January 31, 2021
“You Are Strong”
Dr. Jim Everette
Strengthening Our Core Series
When the song of the angels is stilled and the shepherds are back with their flock, the star in the sky is gone and the kings have returned home, the hard work of Christmas begins, and so does the dubious work of our adversary. 

With what aspect of life do you wrestle as you seek to live in the day-to-day reality of following Jesus? What evidence do you see of the battle in your life? Our church? Our nation? The world? What would it mean for you to "stand strong" on these battlefields? What is at stake if you don't? As you consider your armor, what parts are solid? Are there any rusty parts? Missing parts? What are you going to do about it?  
In our physical bodies, it takes a strong core to be steady and to find balance. The same is true in our spiritual life. When we focus on our center – when we focus on Jesus who IS our Center – our spirits are steadied and our lives are strong. Over the next several weeks we will be reading from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians and remembering together who we are as God's people, who we are at our core. 
RESPOND THROUGH REFLECTION
As you consider your armor, what parts are solid? Are there any rusty parts? Missing parts? What are you going to do about it?  
RESPOND THROUGH GIVING
Trusting in God with all we have, we give to support the work of God's church because we believe in our mission to share God's love with our community and world in the name of Jesus. Give online or by mail. Giving allows us to keep being the church, even in the absence of our physical presence. Mail to: 411 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28401. How To Give Online
RESPOND THROUGH CONNECTING
Do you have questions about being in a relationship with God? We would love to talk with you and help you begin or deepen your faith journey.
RESPOND THROUGH PRAYER
God of every land and nation, you have created all people and you dwell among us in Jesus Christ. Listen to the cries of those who pray to you, and grant that, as we proclaim the greatness of your name, all people will know the power of love at work in the world. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.