The Heart of Repentance

Week of March 21, 2025

36 Then one of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him. And He went to the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to eat. 37 And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, 38 and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke to himself, saying, “This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.” Luke 7:36-39 (NKJV)

As we begin our journey toward Easter, we must start with this fundamental truth. Before we can fully celebrate the resurrection, we must first come to Jesus with a heart of repentance.

This woman, known as a sinner, enters the home of a Pharisee, kneels at Jesus’ feet, washes His feet with her tears, and anoints them with expensive perfume. Her response was an act of deep repentance. She recognizes her sinfulness and she also recognized that Jesus was the only One who could forgive her.

Repentance is more than feeling guilty about our sins, it is a turning away from them and turning toward Jesus. Her actions teach us:

                    1. Repentance Requires Humility

                    2. Repentance Comes with Brokenness

                    3. Repentance Brings Forgiveness

Her actions teach us to take time for self-examination. Come to Jesus with honesty and humility and rest in His forgiveness.

“Heavenly Father, as I prepare for Easter, cleanse my heart and renew my spirit. Thank You for Your grace and mercy. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

God Bless, Pastor Rick

Seeing People the Way Jesus Does

Week of March 14, 2025

36 “But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” Matthew 9:36-38 (NKJV)

Jesus saw people differently than we often do. When He looked at the crowds, He didn’t just see a mass of people, He saw individuals. He saw their pain, their brokenness, and their need for a Savior. And instead of looking away or judging them, He was moved with compassion.

We live in a world where people are more disconnected, anxious, and spiritually lost than ever before. But hopefully, we also see them as people God loves very much. Consequently, Jesus has called us to be disciples in action. The above scripture teaches us that the harvest is plentiful. There are people longing for hope and truth, but the workers are few. God needs every believer to step onto their local mission field. The Bible teaches us to see people the way Jesus does. When we intentionally open our eyes, we’ll begin to notice the people God has placed in our lives – people who need an invitation.

Would you pray this prayer with me?:

“Father, help me to see people the way You do. Give me a heart of compassion. Father, who are You calling me to reach? Use me as a worker in Your harvest field and prepare the hearts of those who need to know You. In Jesus Name, Amen.”

God Bless, Pastor Rick

Living in God’s Presence

Week of March 7, 2025

Life is full of uncertainties and challenges. We often find ourselves seeking direction, whether it’s in our relationships, careers, or personal growth. The good news is that God doesn’t leave us to navigate life alone. He promises to guide us and to direct our paths, and it is through seeking His presence that we find purpose and direction. What does it mean to follow His lead each day? Here are some practical ways to live out your faith in an uncertain world.

Seek God’s Presence – In Psalm 25: 4-5, David prays, “Show me Your ways, teach me Your paths.” Our primary calling is to seek God’s presence above all else.

Trust in God’s Guidance – Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart…” Trusting God means surrendering your wisdom and acknowledging that His ways are higher than our own.

Hearing God’s Voice – Isaiah 30:21 reminds us that God will guide us if we listen. God is not a distant God, but the key to listening is carving out space in your life to hear from God. Are you taking time to be still before God?

Walk in Faithful Obedience – When you seek God’s presence, you put your trust in His guidance, and you hear His voice, you must be willing to walk in faithful obedience. Is there an area that God is calling you to step out in faith? For those who do, He will make your path straight and lead you into His perfect will.

God Bless, Pastor Rick