Sermon Series – Finding God in Oz
The Wizard of Oz is a powerful allegory for so many of our foundational Christian beliefs. Walk with us as we Find God in Oz.

Message: We’re Off to See the Wizard 
Scriptures: Psalm 115:1-11; Exodus 20:1-6
Offered 10/16/16 at Trinity United Methodist Church, Sarasota Florida

Who or what do you… worship, trust, anchor your salvation? – Lisa Degrenia

A person will worship something, have no doubt about that. We may think our tribute is paid in secret in the dark recesses of our hearts, but it will come out. That which dominates our imaginations and our thoughts will determine our lives, and our character. Therefore, it behooves us to be careful what we worship, for what we are worshiping, we are becoming. ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

What is it to have a God? What is God? The answer: a God is that to which we look for all good and in which we find refuge in every time of need. To have a God is nothing else than to trust and believe him with our whole heart. As I have often said, the trust and faith of the heart alone make both God and an idol. If your faith and trust are right, then your God is the true God. On the other hand, if your trust is false and wrong, then you have not the true God. For these two belong together, faith and God. That to which your heart clings and entrusts itself is, I say, really your god. The purpose of this commandment, therefore, is to require true faith and cling to him alone. The meaning is: “See to it that you let me alone be your God and never seek another.” In other confidence of the heart, and these fly straight to the one true God and words: “Whatever good thing you lack, look to me for it and seek it from me, and whenever you suffer misfortune and distress, come and cling to me. I am the one who will satisfy you and help you out of every need. Only let your heart cling to no one else.” – Martin Luther, The Large Catechism

Song suggestions-
Give Us Clean Hands by Charlie Hall (CCLI Song #2060208)
Faithful by Rend Collective (CCLI Song #5769355)
Jesus Calls Us (United Methodist Hymnal #398)
Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above (United Methodist Hymnal #126)

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I’m excited to now offer mp3’s of my Sunday messages. A huge thank you to Leon and my brothers and sisters at Trinity United Methodist Church, Sarasota for all their help in making this possible. If you’re ever in Sarasota, please drop by for worship Sundays at 9am or 10:30am, or drop by during the week for a chat or small group. You and those you love are always welcome.

© 2016 Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia
Contact Lisa for posting and publication considerations.