Introduction:   Think about where you were 18 years ago…that was 1989.  Did you have any illness?  Were you experiencing life challenges?  Did you need God’s compassion?  Whether you answered yes to one question or all 3, consider the reflection title of “Healed and Set Free” as the focus for today’s word.  Let us go to God first through scripture and then through prayer.  Hear the word of God from Jeremiah 1: 4-10 and listen to the word of the Lord from the Luke 13 through the Bible Experience.  This is God’s word, let us pray.
Prayer:  Gracious Father I come with a spirit of thanksgiving upon my lips, offering thanks to you for your mercy, love and grace.  Help me to call upon our Lord for guidance; call upon Jesus Christ for his undying love and call upon the Holy Spirit for wisdom.  Allow your spirit to move upon me to decrease me behind the cross to allow only your words for your people to come forth.  Then cover each of us with your Spirit to open our ears so that we might receive your Holy Word.  Gracious Lord, nurture us through your Word, teach us to accept the freedom, which is granted to us through salvation and release us from fear and unforgiveness so that we may receive your Power.  O’ Lord, allow your message to add a blessing to all who seek you this day.  Let us know that your love is enough. In your precious son Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.