Prepare The Way

Week of December 13, 2024

3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord; Make straight in the desert A highway for our God.  4 Every valley shall be exalted and every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked places shall be made straight and the rough places smooth; 5 The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”  (Isaiah 40: 3-5, NKJV)

As Christmas approaches, the world around us is full of activity – shopping, decorating, preparing, and travel. But as a reminder, the true meaning of Christmas calls us to prepare in a much deeper way. This season is about the preparation of our hearts for the coming of Christ.

Isaiah speaks of preparing a highway for our God. It conveys the idea of removing obstacles to create a smooth path. Christmas is a time to examine our own lives and invite the Holy Spirit to smooth out the rough places so He can dwell more fully in our hearts.

The prophet tells us when this is accomplished, then the glory of the Lord will be revealed. Have you allowed the wonder of His glory to fill your life this season? Or has the busyness or maybe worldliness dimmed your vision of Him? This is why we must remove the obstacles of life to create a smooth path.

Finally, the prophet says the promise is to all the people. His birth is good news for the poor, brokenhearted, the weary, and the lost. Who in your life needs to hear the message of God’s love?

A prayer to prepare:

Lord Jesus, as we approach Christmas, help us to prepare our hearts for your coming. Remove the obstacles that hinder our relationship with You.  May Your glory shine brightly and be revealed in us and through us, drawing other to You. In Christ’s Name, Amen.

 God Bless, Pastor Rick

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