The Comparison Trap

The Story of David

By Rev. David Bonnema, January 22, 2023

9:30am

Welcome - Rev. David Bonnema

Opening Songs - “Great Things”/“Good Good Father”- Clint Lanford

Time of Greeting

3rd Grade Bible Presentation

Children’s Message

Sermon - “The Comparison Trap” - Rev. David Bonnema

List examples of times you’ve compared yourself to others:

And Jonathan made a solemn with David, because he loved him as he loved himself. —1 Samuel 18:3

What was Jonathan’s pact with David?

While Jonathan serves as an example of trusting in God’s plan, Saul serves as an example of the dire results of jealousy.

This made Saul very angry. “What’s this?” he said. “They credit David with ten thousands and me with only thousands. Next they’ll be making him their king!” So from that time on Saul kept a eye on David. —1 Samuel 18:8-9

Three Ways To Avoid The Comparison Trap 1. Celebrate the of others as if it were your own. 2. Refuse to compare your story with someone else’s unique story. 3. Trust that God is doing good in your life too!

Song - “Revelation Song”

Offering - Rev. Dana Seiler

Prayer of Thanksgiving and the Lord’s Prayer

Closing Song - “Holy Spirit”

Benediction


11:00am

Prelude - Jeff Perks

Welcome - Rev. David Bonnema

Call to Worship - Rev. Dana Seiler

  • Leader: We have come today in search of joy.
  • People: How can we find joy in this broken world?
  • Leader: We can find joy in our relationships with one another.
  • People: We can find joy in our achievements and accomplishments.
  • Leader: We can also find joy in Jesus Christ, since joy comes from God.
  • People: We will celebrate the gift of joy as we worship today.

Hymn - “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” - #464

Prayer of Confession
God of Joy and Love, we come to You today as broken people. We cannot see ourselves as worthy, because we compare ourselves to others and find ourselves lacking. We try to be as good as, as pretty as, as smart as, but fail to be the very best of what You made us. Teach us to be satisfied with who we are, with all the gifts and talents you have given to each of us. Remind us that we are Your children, created in Your image and we are enough, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Declaration of Forgiveness

Passing of the Peace

Anthem - “We Are Singing For the Lord is Our Light” Hopson - Unity Choir

Sermon - “The Comparison Trap” - Rev. David Bonnema

List examples of times you’ve compared yourself to others:

And Jonathan made a solemn with David, because he loved him as he loved himself. —1 Samuel 18:3

What was Jonathan’s pact with David?

While Jonathan serves as an example of trusting in God’s plan, Saul serves as an example of the dire results of jealousy.

This made Saul very angry. “What’s this?” he said. “They credit David with ten thousands and me with only thousands. Next they’ll be making him their king!” So from that time on Saul kept a eye on David. —1 Samuel 18:8-9

Three Ways To Avoid The Comparison Trap 1. Celebrate the of others as if it were your own. 2. Refuse to compare your story with someone else’s unique story. 3. Trust that God is doing good in your life too!

Anthem - “With All Your Heart” - Martin

Offering

Prayer of Thanksgiving and The Lord’s Prayer

Doxology

Affirmation of Faith - The Apostles’ Creed: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. He descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Closing Hymn - “Joy in the Morning” - STF #2284

Benediction

Postlude