August Thoughts

As Summer rolls on into the month of August, we can hopefully continue to enjoy the wonderful weather and the beautiful surprises that have come our way through the spectacular thunderstorms. God’s incredible creation has been evident all around us and, once again, we can’t help but acknowledge the Creator of it all. He has made Himself known to us not only through what we see around us but also through His Word!

Because of this, we also continue rolling through our series “Summer in the Psalms”. I hope that you have enjoyed the overview of some of these fabulous poems/songs. We have been reminded of the fact that “this book was given to us by God as a reminder that worship is at the center of everything”. 

Now, more than ever, we need the sure reminders of truth that are found in the Scriptures. We have no other hope than hope in our God. We come to His Word expecting to hear, to learn, and to grow. We cannot and must not stay the same. May these “songs” that were written so long ago continue to ring in our ears, hearts and minds in the days ahead as reminders of truth that God has for us. 

July Thoughts

Can you believe it…summer is already here! This time of year brings us beautiful sunny weather and a chance to maybe take life at a little slower pace. Rest, we all can use some of that from time to time. But as we do that this coming summer, let’s not forget the important things that God puts in front of us.

We are called together as a body of believers to worship God and serve Him while loving and encouraging one another along the journey. Hebrews 10:23-25 (NIV) remind us of this:

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,

not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing,

but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

This summer, let’s take these words to heart. We must continue to do these things while enjoying some down-time for recharge and refreshing. God is still busy at work, even in the summer, let’s not miss out on all that He is doing - and then, let’s join in!

June Thoughts

As we enter this sixth month of the year we have much to be thankful for!

First, a good spirit is present in our church. This is evident as we meet together each Sunday, but also was seen in our recent Annual Meeting as we celebrated all that God has been doing in the past year, as we selected leadership positions for the year ahead, and as we approved a budget to guide us as we seek to fulfill the ministry that God has for us.

Next we are thankful for the decreasing COVID-19 cases and the relaxing of some of the guidelines. We are grateful for God’s protection to those in our church and community. In the past few weeks we have seen a steady increase in our attendance and ministry opportunities are now being added to our calendar.

Also, we are praising God for His work in His people here in the Candor area. We enjoyed a very special National Day of Prayer on May 6th as 38 brothers and sisters in Christ gathered at McNeil Pavilion to spend time praying together. We look forward to more opportunities like this in the coming months.

As we move into the coming summer months let’s submit ourselves to God and His leading in our personal lives and the life of this, His church. Will you pray with me for a continual sighting of new faces that join us for worship, for consistent, joyful giving, and for willing hearts to serve Him in the ministry opportunities we have?

On Sundays, we have recently looked at Spiritual Warfare and Prayer. Remember that the battle is ever-present around us and we are to be praying people - honest prayers about everything that are continually lifted to our Great God. We need Him and His forgiveness, love, guidance, and power each and every day! What a mighty God we serve!

May Thoughts

“April showers bring May flowers”, we’ve all heard the saying. As I write this there is the sound of steady, much needed rain. The brilliant colors that will come out in the coming month will be exciting to see. Isn’t it interesting that in our walk with Jesus we also see this parallel thought.

Some things need to happen first so that other things may follow. As we recently examined in our Sunday messages, VICTORY in the daily, spiritual battle we face doesn’t come unless we are STRONG, PUT ON the whole armor of God, and STAND FIRM. In the messages of coming weeks we will also discover that the underlying need for these things is PRAYER. I mentioned this quote in week 2, “Prayer is the very spiritual air that the soldier of Christ breathes. It is the all-pervasive strategy in which warfare is fought.”

We pray first and always - it enables us to be strong, put on the armor and stand firm - and the ultimate end is the glorious blooms of victory that God has promised.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, giving thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 (ESV)

Jesus' Last Week - Friday - Last Supper to Last Words

A daily look at the last days of Jesus.

Jesus' Last Week - Thursday - Preparation for the Passover

  A daily look at the last days of Jesus.

April Thoughts

Spring is here - April is here - Easter is here. What a wonderful time of the year!

We have entered a season that is full of newness. The days are thankfully longer and warmer. Sunshine and blue skies replace the dark and cloudy skies of winter. Trees that were empty now fill with new leaves, grass that has been  brown now changes to green, and plants that haven’t been seen for months now burst forth out of the ground. Newness surrounds us — hope springs anew!

In 1 Timothy 1:1 we read this statement - “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope.” Paul declares that his calling as an apostle (literally, “one sent on a mission”) was by the command of God and because of Jesus Christ being our hope!

This hope is evident in three ways: 1) in the past - our hope for salvation was purchased through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1-2) which we celebrate during the Easter season; 2) in the present - our hope to be daily changed by the indwelling work of the Spirit of Christ (Colossians 1:27); and 3) in the future - our hope to see Jesus when He comes again (Titus 2:13).

Through this past year where things have been so challenging we need to be reminded that our hope is not in this world but is in Jesus alone. Hope springs anew! Let’s not get distracted by all that is going on around us, but rather let’s keep our eyes looking up and looking ahead. We are not defeated, we are not hopeless, OUR HOPE REMAINS IN JESUS!

Jesus' Last Week - Wednesday - The Plot & The Betrayal

  A daily look at the last days of Jesus.