Pastor’s Thoughts Jan3 thru Jan18 2025
STAND FIRM: Sometimes things “feel true” that aren’t actually true.
When you’ve struggled long in a particular area of life, it’s tempting to believe that you’re just circling the same mountain. But as you follow Jesus, He’ll faithfully lead you up the mountain.
When old hurts surface and you wonder if you’ll ever heal…just remember this…you’re still standing, and you’re not the person you once were. God is in the process of redeeming your story.
When it feels like you’ve been held back, consider that maybe God has pulled you back like an arrow…so He can release you into your next place of promise.
The story we tell ourselves matters. How we frame our hardships is of utmost importance in how we fare in battle. As born again believers, we are a part of the conquering army of the Most-High God. The devil will not have the last say. In fact, his ultimate defeat is certain…and it’s only a matter of time. Let’s have the courage to press on…in Jesus’ Name…PRESS ON! ❤️
James 1:12: “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” –Susie Larson
NO SHORTCUTS: One day, when we stand with our Heavenly Father, we will see the awesome purpose in the path we have traveled. If we continue to trust and follow His leading, we will see how each twist and turn in His path was designed to navigate us through the jungle and keep us moving toward a closer relationship: “As for God, His way is perfect; the Word of the Lord is flawless” (Psalm 18:30). His way is perfect and without flaw; but, by God’s sovereign will, we are given the freedom to choose whether to follow. Many times we see what appears to be a shorter route, and we leave His path. These perceived shortcuts are filled with weeds that entangle us and slow our walk with Christ to a pathetic crawl; “But the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful” (Matthew 13:22). All our time spent away from God’s path clearly hinders our relationship and diminishes our ability to produce anything of lasting value for the Lord.
Psalm 1:1-3: “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His Law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.” To remain on God’s path and continue to bear good and lasting fruit, we must be wise regarding the counsel we seek. Many people willingly give advice on following a “successful” path and yet ridicule any path directed by God. This counsel must be avoided since the very definition of success is in error! A truly successful path IS the path directed by God!! Staying free of the weeds requires an active pursuit of God; “on His Law he meditates day and night.” If we do not consume ourselves with the ways of God, we will, by default, become consumed by the ways of the world. Jesus made a similar statement to His disciples: “I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit” (John 15:5). Remaining in the vine is a process of clinging to Christ and loving Him with ALL our heart. Our life then becomes defined and consumed by the life of the vine. As we allow God’s Word to flow through our life – as we become planted by the stream of His water – we develop deep roots. These roots become a solid anchor which will not be pulled up during the storm nor dragged along by the swift currents of temptation. God’s path is perfect and His burden is light; but remaining on His path and staying free of weeds requires commitment, perseverance, discipline…and a strong reminder that there are NO shortcuts! ❤️ —Steve Troxel
2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.” Fear has a way of creeping into our lives, whether through uncertainty about the future, challenges in relationships, or doubts about our own abilities. In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul reminds Timothy—and us—that fear does not come from God. Instead, God equips us with three divine gifts: power, love, and a sound mind. These gifts are not dependent on our circumstances…but flow directly from the Holy Spirit dwelling within us…empowering us to live courageously and faithfully. The mention of “power” speaks to the strength we have through God to face life’s difficulties. “Love” calls us to respond to others with compassion and selflessness, even in moments of fear or frustration. Finally, “a sound mind” reminds us that God provides clarity, self-control, and wisdom…helping us navigate challenges with faith rather than anxiety. This verse challenges us to step out of fear and embrace the identity God has given us—bold, loving, and grounded in His truth! ❤️
Prayer: Lord, thank You for reminding me that fear is not from You. Help me to walk in the power, love, and sound mind You have given me. Teach me to trust Your presence in my life and to face every challenge with courage and grace. May my life reflect Your strength and love to those around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.—Cathy C. Charles
Following God’s Will: A Lesson from the Garden of Gethsemane: In one of the most powerful moments in Scripture, Jesus teaches us what it truly means to surrender to God’s will. In the Garden of Gethsemane, as He faced unimaginable pain, He prayed: “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). This act of submission wasn’t easy—it came with deep anguish and personal sacrifice. Yet Jesus trusted the Father’s plan, showing us that following God’s will requires humility, faith, and courage. We’re often faced with moments when our desires clash with God’s direction. Following His will may feel uncomfortable or uncertain, but it leads to greater purpose and fulfillment. Jesus’ prayer is a model for us all: aligning our hearts with God’s plan, even when it comes at a cost, knowing that His ways are always higher (Isaiah 55:8-9). As we seek to follow God’s will in our lives, let this truth guide us: True freedom and purpose come when we surrender our plans to God’s perfect purpose. The question is, do you trust in God’s will for your life? ❤️—Liz Nova “The safest place to be…is in the willing God”
THE LIGHT WILL BREAK IN: God makes all things new! One day… He will restore all things. He will redeem every aspect of your story. He will once-and-for-all renew your strength and revive your heart. He will give you a new body that will not decay…health that will never diminish…and joy that continually overflows! That day is coming. But even now, He is working on your behalf! Are you looking for Him? He’s moving in your midst, tending to prayers you prayed some time ago. Are you listening? He speaks words of wisdom and revelation to those who revere Him. Do you believe He’s more powerful than the enemy of your soul? He intends to restore what the enemy has stolen. May faith rise up this very hour! May you embrace a joyful heart…not because of what your eyes see…but because of what your heart knows — that God is good…He is for you…and He will not fail you. He is mighty to save and He has set His affection on YOU! ❤️ Revelation 21:5-7 “And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He *said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.” Then He said to me, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.”–Susie Larson
GUIDANCE: Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.Psalm 119:105 All of us are too inexperienced to try to make it through life without a guide. God’s Word is that guide. Psalm 119 unfolds many of the features of God’s Word…showing how dynamically and practically it will assist us in all of life’s circumstances. However, no single verse clearly illustrates this more than verse 105…which shows how God’s Word lights the way…giving direction for each step (“to my feet”) and giving wisdom for long-range plans (“to my path”). Joshua links the regular application of God’s Word to life as the most certain way to both success and prosperity in living (Josh. 1:8). Further, Psalm 119:130 notes the wisdom God’s Word gives to the “simple,” reminding us not to make decisions based on humanistic ideas or senselessness. Proverbs 6:23 reminds us that the reproofs of God are essential for our lives. Let God’s Word guide, correct, instruct, lead, teach, and confirm. Do not hasten ahead without it! ❤️–Jack Hayford “If we are to obtain fullness of power in life and service, we must feed upon the Word of God. There is no other food so strengthening.”–Billy Graham
WE ALL FACE BATTLES—AND WE ALL NEED HOPE: In life, everyone carries their own unseen struggles—challenges at work, pressures at home, or battles within the heart. It’s easy to feel isolated, as if no one else truly understands what we’re going through. But the truth is…none of us are alone in facing difficulties. In John 16:33, Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” This is a reminder that while challenges are inevitable…we are never without hope. Jesus, who has already conquered the greatest battles, offers peace, strength, and rest for our souls. What does this mean for us? Victory is possible: The struggles you face today don’t define you. With God, you have the strength to overcome and grow through every challenge. Let’s be people who share hope and encouragement…not just in words…but in action! As we navigate our personal and professional lives, let’s anchor ourselves in the truth that we don’t walk this journey alone—Jesus is with us, every step of the way. The question is…do you find strength in Jesus when facing life’s battles?—Liz Nova “Remember that everyone you meet has their own battles. None of us have it all together. We all need Jesus. We are all a work in progress. KEEP GOING!”
DON’T FORGET: Don’t forget the moment God changed your life. Don’t forget the moment He challenged you to join the fight. Don’t forget that you have a specific role to play in bringing Faith, Hope and Love to a world in need. May you challenge others to remember…and not only remember…but to act, pray, serve, and give. May you challenge them to take whatever skills and resources God has provided and use them to meet the needs of others. May we each remember that He loved us first…and equipped and called us to love others! NEVER FORGET THE MOMENT…GOD CHANGED YOUR LIFE! ❤️—Tim Tebow Foundation
FIX YOUR EYES ON JESUS: “O our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You.”” 2 Chronicles 20:12 Take time to worship the Lord…ESPECIALLY…when it feels like overwhelming odds are against you. Do what King Jehoshaphat did when his enemies joined forces and amassed a formidable army to destroy Israel. In the natural, Jehoshaphat knew Israel had no chance of winning the battle. But he chose to do something you and I need to learn to do whenever we are besieged by our enemies. He cried out to the Lord, saying, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (2 Chron. 20:12 NIV). Jehoshaphat then placed not commandos but worshipers at the head of his army, and this is what they sang: “Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever” (2 Chron. 20:21 NIV). Instead of despairing because of their enemies, they chose to fix their eyes on the Lord, giving thanks to Him and singing of His love. This happened long before the cross of Jesus. How much more can you and I sing of His love, which never fails, which endures forever! And do you know what happened? The Lord defeated Israel’s enemies by turning them against each other, and Jehoshaphat’s troops did not even have to lift a finger to fight. Instead, when they came to the place that was supposed to be their battleground, their enemies were already dead, and all they ended up doing was collecting so much plunder that it took them three days to collect it all. In Jesus’ name, may this happen to you too. When you are overwhelmed by challenges,…and you don’t know what to do or even how to feel…just cry out to the Lord and tell Him, “Lord, I don’t know what to do, but my eyes are on You.” That’s the most powerful posture you can take, with your eyes fixed not on your enemies…but on your Savior. As you focus on His love that endures forever, the Lord Himself will fight your battle for you (2 Chron. 20:15). May you be so conscious of His perfect love that every fear is driven from your life…and may you walk away so much stronger than before your enemies tried to come against you! ❤️—Joseph Prince
BE A LIGHT: Do you hear Him calling? God is actively at work IN YOU…so He can work through you! Are you listening? Do you hear His call for you to be His hands and feet today? Who can you help today? And don’t stop there…who else can you help? You might be the only reflection of Jesus that someone sees today. Let your actions and responses be filled with peace, love, joy, hope and grace…so those you meet you will see Jesus in you…and want to get to know HIM! ❤️ Colossians 3:17 NIV And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. —Rick Walters
THE GIANT IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY: When David faced Goliath, it wasn’t just a battle—it was an opportunity. To everyone else, Goliath was an obstacle too big to overcome. But to David, he was a giant too big to miss. David saw what others couldn’t: this was his chance to glorify God and demonstrate the power of faith. In life, giants show up in many forms—fear, doubt, challenges that seem insurmountable. But what if these giants are your opportunity? An opportunity to trust God…to grow…and to see His power work through you. Just like David, you’re not meant to face these challenges alone. The key is perspective. Don’t let the size of the giant intimidate you; instead…LET THE GREATNESS OF YOUR GOD INSPIRE YOU!! With faith, courage, and reliance on Him…the very thing that looks like defeat can become the stage for victory. What “giant” are you facing today? Remember, it’s not just a challenge—it’s your opportunity to step out in faith and see God move! ❤️“If God is for us, who can be against us?”Romans 8:31—Liz Nova “If God puts a Goliath in front of you…He must believe that there is a David inside of you.” Psalm 18:29 “For by You I can run upon a troop; And by my God I can leap over a wall.” David’s declaration in Psalm 18:29 is a powerful testimony to God’s enabling strength in the face of obstacles. The imagery of breaking through or climbing over a wall reflects the challenges and barriers that life often places in our paths—situations that seem insurmountable by human effort alone. David acknowledges that his victories are not due to his own strength but are made possible by God’s divine help. This verse invites us to reflect on the truth that God empowers His people to overcome challenges and fulfill His purposes in their lives. This verse shifts our understanding of obstacles. Instead of viewing them as barriers that defeat us…we can see them as opportunities for God’s power to be displayed. Through His help, walls that once seemed impossible to overcome…become stepping stones to greater faith and victory. Whether these walls represent personal struggles, fears, or external challenges, God’s strength enables us to press forward. Trusting in Him doesn’t just remove barriers…it equips us to face them with courage, perseverance…and the assurance that He is with us every step of the way! ❤️Prayer: Lord, thank You for being my strength and help in the face of life’s challenges. Teach me to trust in Your power and to see every obstacle as an opportunity for Your glory. Help me to rely on You, knowing that through Your help, I can overcome any barrier. May my life be a testimony of Your faithfulness and strength. In Jesus’ name, Amen.—Cathy C. Charles
PEACE: Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble. Psalm 119:165 Peace is the ever elusive, all-consuming desire of every person. It always seems just beyond our reach and an impossible goal in a world gone mad. Yet, this Scripture gives a promise for peace that can be easily realized by anyone. It says that if we love God’s Word, we will have peace. The word for “peace” used here is the well-known Hebrew word shalom. We tend to think of shalom merely as a simple greeting. It does, of course, mean peace, safety, and tranquility. Yet, inherent in the meaning of the word is completeness, wholeness, health, prosperity, fullness, rest, and harmony. Thus, peace is much more than the absence of war and conflict…it is the wholeness that the entire human race seeks. Where do we need the wholeness of God’s peace in our lives? As we fall in love with His Word, peace will naturally be the by-product! ❤️—Jack Hayford Thinking of you all this morning…and praying the following scriptures over you ❤️ “that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:16-21