Forgiveness

Week of February 28, 2025

“And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.”  Matthew 6:12(NKJV).

Few things are more precious to receive than forgiveness.  After carrying the burden of our sin, it is liberating to know that the one we have wronged has forgiven us.  Jesus told His disciples to ask God for forgiveness every time they prayed.  Jesus knows that we would daily incur debts against God, because we fall short of God’s standard.  A day does not go by that we do not need to ask God to remover our debt against Him. 

Jesus taught us that we should expect forgiveness from God as we forgive those who sin against us.  God said he will forgive us in the same way we forgive others.  God’s nature is forgiveness.  If we are to be His disciples we should follow His example.  Jesus did not say that some offenses are unworthy of our forgiveness.  If you choose to withhold forgiveness from someone, your worship and prayers are futile.  Ask God to make you aware of those dark corners in your life where you might be harboring resentment.  An awareness of our own need for forgiveness will put the offenses of others in the proper light.  Remember this; you are most like God when you forgive.

God Bless, Pastor Rick

Endurance In Faith

Week of February 21, 2025

“1Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 1:1-2, NKJV)

The Bible describes life as a race that requires endurance. There are times of joy and triumph and there are also times of struggle and suffering. Whatever the case, God calls us to endure.

I encourage you to stay the course, trusting that God is faithful. Always remember others before us have run the race all the way to the finish line. In fact, the scripture says we are surrounded by a Great Cloud of Witnesses. Men and women who remained faithful, despite trials.

Endurance means continuing even when we feel like giving up. It means choosing faith over fear, hope over despair, perseverance over quitting. The key to endurance is not in our own strength, but in our focus. Hebrews 12:2 tells us to keep our eyes on Jesus. When we fix our eyes on Jesus, our perspective changes. Instead of focusing on our problems, we focus on our Savior.

Maybe today, you feel like giving up. Prayers seem unanswered, your efforts seem unrecognized, burdens feel overwhelming. I want to remind you that God sees you. He is still with you. Galatians 6:9 says, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”

Your endurance is not in vain. Keep pressing on. The race is not always easy, but the reward is eternal.

God Bless, Pastor Rick

God’s Great Grace

 Week of February 14, 2025

 “And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9(NKJV)

We often find ourselves in situations that make us feel inadequate.  The reason for these feelings can vary from the size of the situation or maybe the responsibility attached to it. Or it could be the possible consequences and how they will affect your life. It may even be that someone else has placed a heavy weight upon your shoulders.

When you find yourself in these types of circumstances, do not rely on your own abilities.  Jesus has made it very clear that we can do nothing without Him.  With Him, all things are possible.  It is in that truth, “with Him all things are possible” there lies the answer to all our fears and doubts.

Whatever you do in your life, first take it to God in prayer and lay all your expectations and fears before Him.  He tells us He is a friend; He invites you to seek His help in prayer.  By allowing Him to work through you, you will achieve the kind of success that would be unattainable in your strength.

God Bless, Pastor Rick