A Season of Waiting and Hope

Week of December 6, 2024

“The people who walked in darkness
Have seen a great light;
Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death,
Upon them a light has shined.” (Isaiah 9:2, NKJV)

As this year is drawing to a close, the world around us seems to move faster. Our schedules fill up with gatherings, shopping trips, and preparations for family visits. In the midst of it all, the Christmas season invites us to pause, reflect, and wait.

Now, waiting is not easy; it feels counterproductive in a culture that thrives on instant gratification. The people of Israel waited for centuries, longing for the Messiah to come. They lived in hope even when their circumstances were bleak. When Christ was born, their waiting turned to joy, and the Light of the World stepped into the darkness. Everything changed.

Let’s never forget that our waiting is never in vain. Whether we are waiting for an answered prayer or clarity regarding a matter, God’s timing is perfect. God is still at work in the hearts of God’s people. He will provide light that overcomes any darkness that you may be facing.

Set aside moments for stillness. Find some time to sit quietly and pray. Focus on His presence. God has a good word just for you.

God Bless, Pastor Rick

Thanksgiving

Week of November 29, 2024

15 “And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, 16 and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan.” (Luke 17:15-16, NKJV)

Thankfulness is foundational to the Christian life. Thankfulness is a response that comes from looking at our blessings and realizing who the source is. We have much to be thankful for.  We are forgiven from our sin, saved for eternity, and we are children of the Most High God. There could be no better reason for a grateful heart.

Lepers in Jesus’ day were social outcasts. Ten lepers came face to face with Jesus and they pleaded for Him to show them mercy. Jesus said go show yourself to the priest. As they obeyed, they were healed. These men had been ostracized by the very people they loved. Can you imagine the joy that must have filled their hearts as they realized their healing?

One of the lepers, a Samaritan, came back and thanked Jesus. Samaritans were normally shunned by the Jews, but Jesus healed him, too. He asked this Samaritan where are the others? Ten had been healed. Ten were filled with joy. Ten would be reunited with their families. But only one considered the source of the blessing and stopped to give thanks.

We have been spiritually healed, for those who have received Jesus Christ as Savior. We are free to enjoy the Christian life. We must not make the mistake of the nine and rush off so quickly that we forget the source of our blessing. No, we will remember this Thanksgiving and give thanks to our Most High God.

God Bless, Pastor Rick

Discipleship

Week of November 22, 2024

“Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.” (Colossians 1:28, NKJV)

Christian discipleship is the process of following Jesus Christ in faith and learning to live according to His teaching and example. It involves a commitment to grow in spiritual maturity and to emulate the character of Jesus. The Apostle Paul said he would urge every person God placed in his life to come to a full experience of the person of Christ (Col. 1:29). He was not satisfied that people would become partially like Christ. He wanted the fruits of the Spirit to be expressed through their life.

We can mistake Christian activity with becoming like Christ, but Christian activity and Christ-likeness are not the same things.

Now, Christian activities should be an expression of our relationship with Christ. Encouraging someone to just attend Christian activities is not true discipleship. Our goal is to lead those around us who have come to faith in Christ to become fully devoted followers of Christ.

If God has put new Christians under your care, you have an obligation to minister to them until they have reached Christian maturity. Here are some steps you can take: live out your faith consistently, pray for them, invite them to study scripture, encourage them to take steps of faith, and be a mentor to them. God will be working in their heart.

God Bless, Pastor Rick