Have you ever spent time praying for something and nothing seems to happen? Do you ever struggle with the apparent silence of God to some of your requests? Do you ever just give up praying for something because God just doesn’t seem to be answering? Lord, make my marriage better; but it doesn’t seem to get better. Lord, help me with these struggling finances; but they are still a mess. Lord, help find a cure for my sickness; but you just feel worse. If you have, you are not alone. I am sure all of us have faced times when prayer did not seem to be having any effect on our situation. Maybe we have faced a time of injustice and we have prayed only to be met with what seems to us as the silence or indifference of God. What is happening in this silence? Why is God not listening? Or is God listening and we just don’t see or understand the work that is going on?
In our focus scripture this Sunday God asks Moses a question, “Is there a limit to my power?” (Numbers 11:23[a]) A simple question really, but one of the most important questions we can ever answer. Your answer to this question— “The Question” will determine the size of your faith. The obvious answer to this question is no— of course there is no limit to God’s power—God is omnipotent which means by our understanding that there is nothing that God cannot do. And yet, many of us pray as if our problems, our challenges, our prayers are much bigger than God could ever possibly deal with or answer. Are your problems bigger than your God? —Or is your God bigger than any, and all your problems put together? Join us this week at Sedona United Methodist Church as the Rev. Fred Mast continues a summer series of messages focused on prayer in a message entitled “How Big Is Your God?” based on the narrative found in the 11th chapter of the Book of Numbers. Sunday mornings we enter the spirit of worship at 9:30 am featuring meaningful and uplifting music, special times of prayer and passionate life changing messages designed to move you closer in your relationship with Jesus Christ and others. Immediately following worship, you are encouraged and invited to stay and join us in our Fellowship Hall for the friendliest and best fellowship time anywhere featuring delicious snacks and great coffee and always friendship.
Sedona UMC will be offering a new six-week adult study beginning July 10th, based on the New York Times Bestselling Book “The Circle Maker—Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears” by Mark Batterson. In this study we will hear the Legend of the Circle Maker who through the power of a single prayer saved a generation and changed the course of history. We will look at the trials and tribulations faced by the Israelites as they journeyed toward the promised land of milk and honey. We will study what the scriptures teach us regarding the power of prayer and how we can apply these biblical truths in our own lives. Two studies are planned—Tuesday mornings at 10 am at the church (110 Indian Cliffs Rd.), and Tuesday afternoons at 2 PM at the Gathering Place (1835 W. State Rte. 89A) in West Sedona. The entire community is welcome and invited—Please Call the church office for more details (928)282-1780.
We offer several weekly book and bible studies: Wednesday’s our Men’s Bible Study at 9am; and Thursday’s our Women’s Bible Study at 9:45am. So many great missions, ministries and events happening at Sedona UMC—Visit our website at us on www.sedonaumc.org and “Like” us on Facebook. We would love to pray for you!—Prayer requests may be submitted online or by calling us at 928-282-1780. We are conveniently located at 110 Indian Cliffs Road off the Back O’Beyond roundabout on Route 179 in Sedona. All are welcome at Sedona UMC—Come and grow with us!
