We all go through seasons of dryness when the joy and excitement of new life seem to be a distant memory. Actually we feel like God has abandoned us and life as we know it has come to an end. If you've never felt that way, hang on because it is a basic human experience. Moses is defeated, rejected and alienated from his adopted family and the community of his origin. He travels to Midian, takes a wife and builds a new family, but its not the same. Moses has a son and names him Gershom which means "I am a foreigner in a foreign land." My life is over and I will never be the same. Deserts can Define You - Sometimes God does his best work in the desert of our experience. When we have control of the reigns, we push God out of the wagon, but when life seems off course, we realize how much we need help Deserts can be Self-Induced - Moses ran to Midian to get away from the problems surrounding him. Most of our problems stem from our irrational attempt to deny that bad choices produce bad consequences. Moses' expectations didn't match the situation and he fled. Many people flee behind protective walls of money, power, and privaledge. But they all can be deserts of love and acceptance. Deserts can also Refine you -   God speaks most clearly and loudly in the moments when all other voices have long since faded away. As long as we insist on following other lesser gods, Yahweh will not push himself upon us. Life will take care of that all in good time.   Join the conversation and find the three keys to survive Life in the Desert.   Sermon Slides Sermon Notes 09.07.14 Living in the Desert [notice] PODCAST [/notice]