✟ Living in the Present and Trusting God for the Future

Scripture Reading
“Don’t brag about tomorrow, since you don’t know what the day will bring.” Proverbs 27:1 (NLT)

Each of us has, at one time or another, spoken confidently about what we will do “tomorrow.” We plan our schedules, set our goals, and imagine how things will unfold — yet how often do we pause to consider that tomorrow is not promised? We speak as if the future were something we owned, something we could command into existence. But Scripture gently reminds us otherwise.

Jesus illustrated this truth in the parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16–21). The man’s fields produced a bountiful harvest, and he decided to build larger barns to store his crops. He said to himself, “You have stored up enough for years to come. Eat, drink, and be merry!” But God said to him, “You fool! This very night your soul will be required of you.” The man had prepared for every possible future — except the one that truly mattered.

Proverbs 27:1 serves as a wise and humbling reminder: “Don’t brag about tomorrow, since you don’t know what the day will bring.” It calls us to a life of humility, dependence, and faith — to live in the present moment, trusting the God who holds tomorrow in His hands.

To brag about tomorrow is to presume upon life — to speak as though we are the authors of time itself. This is not merely pride in our plans; it is arrogance toward the sovereignty of God. When we boast about the future, we place confidence in our own strength and wisdom rather than in the Lord’s divine providence.

James echoes this warning in his letter:

“Look here, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.’ How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? ... What you ought to say is, ‘If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.’” — James 4:13–15 (NLT)

Such wisdom reminds us that our every heartbeat is a gift, and our tomorrows are shaped not by our calendars but by God’s will.

Life is unpredictable — and that unpredictability is both humbling and freeing. We cannot foresee the twists and turns of a single day, much less the unfolding of a lifetime. Illness may strike, opportunities may vanish, and circumstances can change in the blink of an eye. Yet, this is not a call to despair; it is a call to trust.

Our limitations invite us to rest in the limitless knowledge of God. He alone sees the end from the beginning. What may seem uncertain to us is already written in His perfect plan.

From this simple yet profound verse, we draw several essential lessons for daily living.

Each day we awaken is a sacred gift. Every plan we make should begin with the humble acknowledgment that it is God who directs our steps. Pride whispers that we are in control, but wisdom bows before the throne of the Almighty and says, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”

So many lose today while fretting over tomorrow. We become anxious about what may happen instead of being thankful for what is happening. Christ’s words in Matthew 6:34 still speak clearly:

“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”

Live fully in the present. Speak kindly, serve generously, love sincerely, and forgive freely — for these are the moments that glorify God.

Trusting God for tomorrow doesn’t mean living carelessly; it means living faithfully. When we release our anxiety about the future and entrust it to God, we find peace. As the hymn reminds us, “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.” Our confidence is not in what we can plan, but in who He is — the same yesterday, today, and forever.

This proverb doesn’t condemn planning; it condemns presumption. God calls us to plan prudently but hold those plans loosely. Joseph in Egypt planned wisely under divine guidance — storing grain not in arrogance but in obedience. We, too, can plan diligently while saying with humble hearts, “If the Lord wills.”

Proverbs 27:1 invites us to live humbly and gratefully in the now. Tomorrow is uncertain, but God’s faithfulness is not. The future is a mystery, but His promises are sure.

So, let us embrace today with thankful hearts. Let us surrender tomorrow to the One who knows it completely. Every sunrise is a new opportunity to live by faith and to walk in step with the Spirit.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.” — Proverbs 3:5–6 (NLT)

As you reflect on this message, I encourage you to take time each morning this week to thank God for the day before you. Commit your plans, hopes, and dreams to Him, and remember that each moment is a gift meant to be lived for His glory.

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So, I say to you, “May the Lord strengthen your faith and use it for His glory, as you walk humbly in His presence.”

✟ Salvation for All: Rahab, Zacchaeus, and the Grace of God

When we think about the people God chooses to save and use for His purposes, our human minds often assume He would pick the righteous, the strong, and the respectable. Yet Scripture tells us again and again that God’s grace is extended to those whom society rejects. He sees not just what a person is, but what they can become when His grace transforms their lives.

Today we turn our attention to two very different individuals: Rahab the prostitute in the Old Testament and Zacchaeus the tax collector in the New Testament. Both were labeled sinners by the world. Yet both experienced God’s mercy in powerful ways, showing us that salvation is available to all—no matter what you have done or where you have been.

Rahab lived in the fortified city of Jericho. Her profession was known to all: she was a prostitute. In human eyes, Rahab’s name and reputation would have been synonymous with shame. Yet when two spies sent by Joshua came to Jericho, they found refuge in Rahab’s house.

When questioned by the king’s men, Rahab hid the spies under stalks of flax on her roof and sent the soldiers away on a false trail (Joshua 2:4–6 NLT). Why would she risk her life for foreigners? Because she believed in the God of Israel. She confessed,

“I know the Lord has given you this land. … For the Lord your God is the supreme God of the heavens above and the earth below.” (Joshua 2:9, 11 NLT)

That was faith. She had heard of the mighty works of God—how He dried up the Red Sea and gave victory over powerful kings—and she chose to believe.

As a sign of her faith, Rahab tied a scarlet cord in her window, marking her house for salvation (Joshua 2:18–21). When Jericho fell, the walls collapsed all around—but Rahab’s house stood. She and her family were spared (Joshua 6:25).

Think of it: a woman whose past was filled with sin and shame was not only saved but also grafted into God’s people. In time, she became the mother of Boaz (Matthew 1:5), placing her directly in the lineage of Christ Jesus.

Rahab’s story reminds us that God can redeem anyone, no matter their past. Faith transforms shame into honor.

Centuries later, another unlikely person encountered the living God in the form of Christ Jesus. Zacchaeus was a wealthy man, but his wealth came through corruption. As a chief tax collector for Rome, he had cheated his own people. He was despised and labeled a traitor.
Yet when Jesus came to Jericho, Zacchaeus longed to see Him. Being a short man, he climbed up a sycamore tree just to catch a glimpse (Luke 19:3–4). That small act revealed a deeper hunger in his heart.

What happened next must have stunned the crowd. Jesus stopped under that tree and called him by name:

“Zacchaeus! Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.” (Luke 19:5 NLT)

The people grumbled, saying, “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner” (Luke 19:7). But salvation had come to Zacchaeus’ house that day. Overwhelmed by grace, Zacchaeus stood and declared:

“I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!”
(Luke 19:8 NLT)

Jesus responded,

“Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” (Luke 19:9–10 NLT)

A corrupt man was transformed in a single encounter with Christ. His heart was changed, and his actions followed.

Rahab and Zacchaeus lived worlds apart—one a prostitute in ancient Canaan, the other a tax collector in the days of Rome. Yet their stories share the same truth:

• God’s grace is greater than our sin.
• Faith must be demonstrated through action.
• Rahab hid the spies and tied the scarlet cord.
• Zacchaeus gave away his wealth and made restitution.
• God delights in saving those society rejects.
• Salvation is not about what you have done, but about what God can do in you.

Rahab and Zacchaeus remind us that God looks at the heart. He does not define us by our past failures, but by the faith we place in Him and the transformation that follows.

If Rahab could be redeemed from prostitution and Zacchaeus could be transformed from corruption, then there is hope for everyone. No one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy.

Today, the scarlet cord still hangs—not from Rahab’s window, but from the cross of Christ. His blood is the sign of salvation for all who believe. As Paul wrote in Romans 10:13 NLT:

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

So I ask you: have you placed your faith in Christ? Do you believe that His grace is greater than your past? Today can be your day of salvation. Do not let shame or guilt keep you from the One who came to seek and save the lost.

Let us take this message to heart and also into the world. Just as Rahab extended protection and Zacchaeus showed repentance, we too must live out our faith in action. Share Christ with those who feel unworthy. Remind them that no one is beyond God’s grace. Encourage them with the truth that salvation is not about what you have done, but about what God is doing in you through Jesus Christ.

So, I say to you, “May the Lord strengthen your faith and use it for His glory, as you walk humbly in His presence.”

✟ Rejoicing Over the One Who Returns

In Luke 15:3-7, Jesus said, "If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.' In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away.”

When Jesus spoke these words, He was addressing religious leaders who could not understand why He would spend time with sinners. They were focused on the “ninety-nine” — those who appeared to be doing fine — while Jesus was focused on the one who was lost, hurting, and far from safety.

A couple of weeks ago, my wife and I experienced something that made this parable come alive in a very personal way. We feed a group of feral cats, and over time, they have become very dear to us. We watch over them, worry for them in extreme heat or cold, and do our best to make sure they have food and water.

One day, two small kittens came to us. They had been brought by one of our other feral cats, a black-and-white one we named Eliot. We soon discovered they had been abandoned by their mother. She had done the best she could to feed them and had weaned them, but then went into heat and left them on their own. We named the kittens Hondo and Smitty, after characters from John Wayne movies.

One day, Smitty disappeared. For two days, I could not find him. I was sick with worry. Every time I went outside, I looked for him. I prayed daily for his safety and return. I searched where I thought he might be, but there was no sign of him.

The burden on my heart for that one little kitten was heavy. I still fed the others, but my thoughts were always on Smitty. Would he make it? Was he hurt? Would I ever see him again?

This is a glimpse of the shepherd’s heart in Jesus’ parable. When one sheep goes missing, the shepherd does not shrug and say, “Well, at least I still have ninety-nine.” No—he leaves the ninety-nine in safety and goes searching until he finds the lost one. That’s the relentless love of God—He notices when we are missing, and He will not rest until we are found.

Then, one morning, Smitty came to breakfast with his brother Hondo and the other cats we feed. The moment I saw him, my heart leapt. I was in tears. I thanked God for answering my prayers and bringing him back. The worry and heartache of the past two days were replaced by pure joy.

That’s exactly what Jesus describes in the parable. The shepherd doesn’t scold the sheep for wandering. He doesn’t keep his distance. He joyfully lifts it onto his shoulders and carries it home. Then, he calls his friends and neighbors and says, “Rejoice with me!”

When a sinner returns to God, heaven throws a celebration. Angels rejoice. The Father’s heart is full. There is no cold reception, no list of demands—just open arms and joy.

When I saw Smitty safe and sound, I wanted to tell my wife right away. I wanted her to rejoice with me. That’s exactly what the shepherd does—he shares the news because the joy is too big to keep to himself.

Jesus tells us that heaven celebrates over one sinner who repents. Think about that—when you came to Christ, heaven celebrated you. The love of God is so personal that your return home caused a party in glory.

This parable isn’t just a beautiful picture of God’s love—it’s also a call for us to reflect that same love.

• We must notice when someone is missing from the flock.
• We must care enough to go searching.
• We must pray for the lost with the same urgency I felt for Smitty’s return.
• And when they do return, we must celebrate without reservation.

The church should never be a place where returning sinners feel judged or unwelcome. It should be a place where joy overflows because someone has come home.

When I saw Smitty again, I was reminded in a fresh way of God’s love for each of us. If a small kitten can stir such deep love and concern in my heart, how much more must the Creator of the universe love His children?

If you are the one who has wandered away, know this: the Shepherd is looking for you right now. He hasn’t given up. And when you return, He will rejoice over you with singing.

And for those of us already in the fold—let us carry the Shepherd’s heart into our relationships, loving people enough to search for them, pray for them, and celebrate when they return.

So, I say to you, “May the Lord strengthen your faith and use it for His glory, as you walk humbly in His presence.”

✟ Do Not Grow Weary: The Reward of Faithful Goodness

The Apostle Paul’s words to the Galatian believers remind us of an unchanging truth: God’s justice cannot be mocked. Just as a farmer reaps what he plants, our actions—good or bad—will produce a harvest in due time. This principle is not only about avoiding sin; it is also about faithfully doing good, even when the world offers no applause.

In our fast-paced, results-driven culture, we are often tempted to look for immediate rewards for doing good. Yet, the Kingdom of God operates on a different timetable. The seeds we plant today in kindness, generosity, and compassion may not yield an instant return, but in God’s perfect timing, they will produce a harvest far greater than we can imagine.

Paul draws a sharp contrast: those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will reap decay and death, but those who live to please the Spirit will reap eternal life.

When we sow to the flesh, our efforts are self-serving. They may produce temporary satisfaction, but the end result is emptiness. Conversely, when we sow to the Spirit—living in obedience to God’s Word, motivated by love and humility—the harvest is everlasting.

Think of it this way: if a farmer plants weeds, he cannot expect a field of wheat. Likewise, if we plant selfishness, we cannot expect a harvest of righteousness.

Paul knew the human heart. He understood that doing good can be exhausting, especially when it seems unnoticed or unappreciated. But here’s the key: we are not doing good to impress others; we are doing it to honor the Lord.

Our reward is not determined by public recognition but by God’s promise—“at just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” The timing of the harvest belongs to Him, and His timing is always perfect.

This is where the story of the poor widow speaks so powerfully. In Luke 21:1–4 NLT, we read:

“While Jesus was in the Temple, He watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins. ‘I tell you the truth,’ Jesus said, ‘this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.’”

The widow’s act was not grand in the eyes of men, but it was precious in the eyes of the Lord. She gave without expecting anything in return, purely out of devotion. That is the heart of doing good—it’s not about the size of the gift, but the sincerity and sacrifice behind it.

Paul concludes with a call to action: “Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.”

This is not a selective kindness; it is a consistent, Spirit-led lifestyle.

• Doing good to everyone means we show love to friend and stranger alike, even those who have wronged us.
• Doing good especially to the family of faith means we bear one another’s burdens, support one another in times of need, and strengthen the witness of the church.

Opportunities to do good are everywhere if we are willing to look for them. Sometimes it is a word of encouragement, a helping hand, a meal for someone in need, or a quiet prayer for a hurting soul. Other times it may mean sacrificial giving, much like the widow’s offering—hidden from the crowd, but seen by God.

The Christian life is not a sprint; it is a lifelong planting season. Every act of kindness, every prayer lifted for another, every selfless deed is a seed planted in the soil of eternity.

We must not let discouragement stop us from doing what is right. Your labor in the Lord is never in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58 NLT). You may not see the harvest today, but God has promised that in due season, it will come.

So, let us go on doing good—not for applause, not for personal gain, but because it is what honors Christ. Like the widow, let us give all we can—not just from our surplus, but from our hearts—trusting that the God who sees in secret will reward in His time.

So, I say to you, “May the Lord strengthen your faith and use it for His glory, as you walk humbly in His presence.”

✟ To Know and Not Do: The Sin of Inaction

We live in a time when knowledge is abundant. Bibles are easily accessible, devotionals are everywhere, and sermons stream daily into our homes. Yet despite this wealth of information, there remains a dangerous gap—a gap between knowing what is right and actually doing it.

Many Christians sincerely believe they are walking in faith because they know the Word. But Scripture makes it clear: knowledge without action is not enough. The Apostle James warns us plainly in James 4:17:

“Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.”

This is not a verse meant to be glossed over. It is a divine spotlight shining on the sin of omission—the sin of seeing what needs to be done and choosing to do nothing. It is not enough to simply be a good Christian. One must act as a good Christian.

James writes to believers who were already struggling with double-mindedness and spiritual complacency. They spoke of faith but failed to live it out. And so James confronts them—and us—with truth: when we are aware of what is good, right, and godly, and we choose not to do it, we sin.

This goes beyond wrongdoing. This is the refusal to do right.

We often think of sin as committing evil acts, but James teaches that sin also lives in our reluctance to act. When God opens a door for kindness, compassion, forgiveness, or generosity—and we close it—we commit a silent rebellion.

James reinforces this truth earlier in his letter:

“But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.” — James 1:22 (NLT)

God is not interested in passive faith. He calls for active obedience. It is not the hearing alone, but the doing, that marks a faithful disciple.

Jesus tells a parable in Luke 10:30–37 that masterfully illustrates the message of James 4:17. In the story, a man is attacked by bandits and left half-dead along the road.

“By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side.” — Luke 10:31–32 (NLT)

These two religious figures, men who knew the Law, saw the need—but took no action. They weren’t guilty of striking the man—but they were guilty of doing nothing to help.

Then a Samaritan—a cultural outcast to the Jews—comes along:

“When he saw the man, he felt compassion for him.” — Luke 10:33 (NLT)

“Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds… put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn…” — Luke 10:34 (NLT)

Jesus concludes with a question:

“Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man…?”

The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.”

Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.” — Luke 10:36–37 (NLT)

This parable is not just a story—it is a mirror. How many times have we walked by someone in need, offered polite words, and moved on? We know what is right. But we fail to do it.

Doing nothing may feel safer. It may be easier. But it is not righteousness. It is sin.

When we ignore the prompting of the Holy Spirit to encourage someone, to give, to serve, or to speak truth in love—we are not choosing neutrality. We are choosing disobedience.

The world is watching how Christians act. Our witness is not defined by how many verses we quote or how often we attend services. It is defined by what we do when we see someone hurting, hungry, or lost.

“If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?” — 1 John 3:17 (NLT)

It is time for each of us to examine our lives: What good have I failed to do? Who have I walked past? What have I ignored because it felt inconvenient?

God is not asking us to do everything, but He is asking us to do something. One act of obedience can change a life.

Paul reminds us:

“Let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone…” — Galatians 6:9–10 (NLT)

Be a Christian of action. Be a neighbor. Be the Samaritan in a world full of passersby.

We do not stand before God ignorant of what is good. His Word is clear. His example in Christ Jesus is vivid. His Spirit prompts our hearts.

So now we must choose. Will we be hearers only—or doers of the Word? Will we know what is good—and do it?

Let us no longer be satisfied with being informed. Let us be transformed—and let that transformation take shape in action.

I encourage you to pause and reflect: What act of goodness have you delayed? Who needs your compassion today? What have you been putting off that God has clearly asked you to do?

Start now. Be the one who does what is right—not merely one who knows it.

And as you take steps of faith, remember those in your community who need help. Reach out to a struggling family. Volunteer your time. And consider making a donation to your local food pantry or ministry. When we give in love, we live out the Gospel.

For the Lord Himself said in Matthew 25:45 (NLT):

“I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.”

So, I say to you, “May the Lord strengthen your faith and use it for His glory, as you walk humbly in His presence.”

Mid-Week Message - What Would You Have Done?

“Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.”  Luke 24:5-7 (NLT)

If you had been there when Jesus was arrested, what would you have done?  How would you have reacted?  Would you have stepped up to defend Him or would you have sunk into the background out of fear?  

If you had been there during His trial, would you have spoken up for Him?  Would you have shouted for His innocence or been silent as the crowd screamed for Barrabas to be released?  Would your belief that Jesus was the Christ have allowed you to rush to His aid?  

If you had been there as He was forced to carry His cross to the place of His death, would you have offered to help Him carry it or stood back in horror and tears as you witnessed His struggle while so terribly wounded?

If you had been there as the hammer pounded the nails into His flesh, seen the crown of thorns pushed cruelly down into the skin of His brow, seen the mocking and the insults hurled at Him, seen Him denied a fresh drink of water and then witnessed the spear thrust into His side, how would you have handled it?  

The Easter story is one most of us grew up with.  We know what happened to our Savior.  It has become something that is talked about almost matter-of-factly.  We understand it was God's way of uniting us to Himself by providing His Son, His perfect Lamb, as the sacrifice which bought our forgiveness and freedom.  We know, but do we experience it?  Is it personal?  

Now, what if you had been there with the women who discovered His body missing?  What would have been your reaction?  Would you have remembered that He said He would rise again and rejoice, or would you have assumed it had been stolen?  I can't think of anything more glorious than the open tomb of the Son of Almighty God.  I would like to think that I would have fallen to my knees at that moment and begun praising.  But I would also like to think that I would have stood up for Him, fought for Him, been willing to lose my own life for Him.  

Easter is a time of personal reflection as we remember all He did out of His love for each of us.  It is wonderful to know the story, to read the scriptures, to hear the sermons.  However, in order to really appreciate it, we need to place ourselves there.  We need to take part and allow it to become more than a story.  We need for it to be personal and real.  May God bless you as you experience His love on Easter and every day.  

The Simplification of Life

As we continue our journey through the “Four Pillars of a God-Centered Life,” we now turn to a pillar that challenges both our hearts and habits—the simplification of life. In previous messages, we reflected on the necessity of keeping God as our central focus and the sacred responsibility of nurturing our families. Today, we consider how the condition of our spiritual lives is often reflected in the condition of our physical and emotional surroundings. A cluttered life—whether filled with possessions, noise, or obligations—can cloud our vision and pull us away from the peace God longs to give.

Over the past two weeks, my wife and I undertook the task of decluttering our home. It began as a practical effort but soon became a spiritual exercise. We uncovered items stored for years—things that once met temporary needs but had since sat unused, benefiting no one. As we sorted and reflected, the Lord laid it on our hearts to donate these items to Goodwill so that others might be blessed through what we no longer needed. It was a humbling revelation to see how many things we had accumulated in moments of convenience or want, only to forget them with time. This process opened our eyes to the deeper truth: we often carry more than we need, and much of it hinders us from drawing closer to God.

Simplifying life is not about living with less for the sake of minimalism. It is about living with purpose, with focus, and with a heart set on what truly matters. As we explore this third pillar, let us ask the Lord to show us what needs to be released—not just from our closets or calendars, but from our hearts—so that we may walk more freely and faithfully in His presence.

The world around us often celebrates excess—more accomplishments, more possessions, more connections, more noise. Yet Scripture calls us to something far more enduring and life-giving: simplicity rooted in godly contentment. This is not about denying ourselves joy or comfort, but about aligning our lives with the gentle rhythm of God’s design. Simplicity is not merely a lifestyle choice; it is a spiritual discipline—a deliberate act of surrender that says, “Lord, I need You more than anything else.”

The wise words of Proverbs 15:16 speak directly to this truth: “Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it.” In other words, a life marked by humble reverence for God, even if lacking in material abundance, is far richer than a life burdened by the anxiety and distraction that often accompany earthly gain. In Ecclesiastes 4:6, we read, “Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.” These verses point us to the heart of simplicity—not just having less, but embracing what matters most.

In its truest form, simplicity draws us nearer to the Lord. It clears away what is unnecessary so that we may hear His voice more clearly. It opens space in our hearts and schedules for prayer, reflection, and worship. It loosens our grip on what is passing so we can take hold of what is eternal. Simplicity is not loss—it is gain in its purest and most liberating form.

A cluttered life is not merely an overfilled closet or an overcrowded schedule—it is often a reflection of a restless heart. When we seek fulfillment in possessions, accomplishments, or constant activity, we unknowingly distance ourselves from the stillness where God speaks most clearly. Clutter is not just physical; it can be emotional, mental, and spiritual. It distracts, divides, and dilutes our devotion.

There was a season in my life when my wife and I found ourselves caught in what I now recognize as a spiritual hamster wheel. We prayed earnestly for better jobs, for more income, and for greater provision. But those prayers, though sincerely offered, were often rooted in a desire to acquire more—to purchase what we didn’t truly need, to fill our home and our lives with things that only served us for a season. We asked for more, only to find ourselves praying again for even more. It became an endless cycle, and in time, the Lord graciously revealed the truth to us: we were not being good stewards of what we already had.

We had received blessings, but we had not always honored the Giver. We had wasted much while asking for increase. We had pursued abundance while neglecting contentment. In hindsight, we see how this pursuit weighed down our lives and crowded out our sense of peace. It was only when we began to let go—both physically and spiritually—that we discovered what true freedom and simplicity in Christ really meant.

The Lord does not oppose provision or growth. But when our desires outrun our gratitude, and our prayers become demands rather than petitions, we lose sight of the Giver and focus only on the gifts. Jesus Himself warned us of the “deceitfulness of riches and the cares of this world” (Mark 4:19), which can choke out the Word and render our spiritual soil unfruitful. The danger of a cluttered life is not just the mess—it is the missed opportunity to abide in the presence and sufficiency of our Savior.

At the heart of simplification lies a question every believer must ask: What truly matters? Not what appears urgent, impressive, or comfortable—but what holds eternal value? In a world that constantly demands our attention and encourages endless accumulation, we must return to the quiet wisdom of God’s Word, which calls us to walk humbly, live purposefully, and treasure what draws us nearer to Him.

True simplicity is not about poverty or deprivation—it is about prioritization. It is about placing eternal things above temporary ones. Jesus gently yet firmly instructed Martha in Luke 10:41–42, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better...” Mary sat at the feet of Jesus, while Martha was caught up in the busyness of service. Both were doing something good, but only one chose what mattered most in that moment: being with the Lord.

When we simplify our lives, we make space for worship. We clear out the noise to hear God’s voice. We relinquish our grip on the temporal to embrace the eternal. This means evaluating every area—our time, our finances, our possessions, our relationships—and asking: Does this draw me closer to Christ or pull me away from Him?

For my wife and me, this process began with sorting through physical items, but it quickly led to deeper spiritual inventory. As we made space externally, we found clarity internally. We discovered we had more time—time to focus on the things that truly matter. We began setting aside intentional moments in the morning and evening to pray, read devotionals, and share in the Word of God together. We also found joy in simple, meaningful experiences—like going out for ice cream and simply sitting together in conversation. These moments, small as they may seem, have become sacred, drawing us closer to one another and to the Lord.

We made the decision to cancel our cable service, recognizing that hours once lost to television could now be redeemed through worship and connection. In its place, we began playing worship music and hymns—sounds that now fill our home with peace and keep our hearts aligned with the first pillar: keeping God at the center. Our conversations, enriched by this spiritual environment, have also deepened our relationship as a couple, drawing us back to the second pillar: the importance of family.

By simplifying, we have not lost—we have gained. We have reclaimed time, space, and attention for what matters most: God, one another, and the purpose to which He has called us.

As we bring this message to a close, we now look ahead to the fourth and final pillar in this spiritual framework: Being Healthy to Serve God. Just as simplicity clears the path for greater focus and fellowship, so too does it open the door to intentional stewardship of our physical and emotional well-being. When our lives are free from unnecessary burdens and distractions, we are better positioned to care for the bodies God has given us—not for vanity, but for vitality in service to Him.

Health—physical, mental, and spiritual—is often overlooked in discussions of discipleship, yet it plays a vital role in fulfilling our calling. When we are fatigued, overextended, or physically unwell due to poor habits or neglect, our ability to serve with strength and joy is diminished. Simplifying our lives gives us the margin to rest, reflect, and make healthier choices—not only for ourselves, but for the people God has called us to love and serve.

As we prepare to explore this final pillar, I encourage you to prayerfully consider how the three we have already discussed—focusing on God, strengthening family, and simplifying life—all contribute to a life that is ready and able to serve the Lord with energy, clarity, and devotion.

Beloved, I invite you now to pause and reflect: What in your life is weighing you down or pulling you away from the presence of God? Are there habits, possessions, obligations, or distractions that consume your time, your energy, or your peace? The Lord is not calling you to a life of constant accumulation, but to a life of purpose, freedom, and fellowship with Him. Simplifying is not about deprivation—it is about devotion. It is a spiritual act of faith that says, “Lord, I trust You to be my portion and my provider.”

I encourage you this week to prayerfully examine one area of your life where the Lord may be calling you to let go. It may be something physical, like a possession you’ve been holding onto unnecessarily. It may be something mental or emotional, such as a worry, a pressure, or an unhealthy commitment that burdens your spirit. Release it into God’s hands and ask Him to fill that space with His peace and presence.

Start small but start intentionally. Choose one step—perhaps setting aside time for evening prayer, turning off the television to read Scripture, or reconnecting with a loved one through undistracted conversation. Let that simple act become an open door through which the Lord may pour out His wisdom, peace, and joy.

Do not be afraid to live with less if it means living with more of Christ.

As we conclude this message on the simplification of life, let us take heart in the still, reassuring voice of our Heavenly Father, who gently calls us to lay down the heavy and unnecessary burdens we have picked up along the way. In Psalm 46:10, we are commanded with loving clarity: “Be still, and know that I am God.” In the stillness, in the letting go, in the quieted heart—there we rediscover the wonder of His presence.

Let us not fear simplicity, but embrace it as a sacred invitation to walk more closely with our Creator. Let us choose what is better, as Mary did, and sit at the feet of our Savior, unburdened by the many distractions of the world. May your home, your schedule, your mind, and your soul find peace in the presence of the Lord.

May the Lord strengthen your faith and use it for His glory, as you walk humbly in His presence.

Loving as God Loves

Love is a word that is often spoken but seldom understood in its fullest depth. In our human nature, we find it easy to love those who are kind to us, those who bring joy into our lives, and those who share our values. However, love becomes far more challenging when it is directed toward those who oppose us, mistreat us, or even seek to harm us. The world teaches us that love should be given to those who deserve it, while hatred and resentment are justifiable toward those who have wronged us. Yet, Jesus calls us to a higher standard, one that defies human instinct and reflects the very heart of God. In Matthew 5:43-45, He challenges us with these radical words: “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.” With this profound teaching, Jesus shifts our understanding of love from an emotion driven by circumstances to an action rooted in obedience to God. This kind of love is not based on merit but is an outpouring of divine grace—a love that extends beyond our natural inclinations and mirrors the very character of our Heavenly Father. Today, let us examine this command to love our enemies, understanding why Jesus calls us to this difficult yet transformative way of living and how we, as His disciples, can embody the love of God in a world that desperately needs it.

From the very beginning, humanity has struggled with the concept of love beyond reciprocity. The common understanding among the Jewish people in Jesus’ day was shaped by a selective interpretation of the Law. The command to "love your neighbor" (Leviticus 19:18) was well known, but many had added their own justification for hating their enemies. The religious leaders of the time permitted a mindset that categorized people—some were worthy of love, while others could be despised. This created a culture where love was conditional and often limited to those within one's own circle, whether that be family, friends, or fellow Israelites.

But Jesus shattered this distorted view by presenting God’s standard: "But I say, love your enemies!" This command is radical because it calls us to extend love to those who have no claim to it. Jesus does not merely suggest avoiding hatred; He calls for an active, intentional love toward even those who oppose us. This love is not based on how we feel but on a conscious decision to reflect the nature of God. Jesus reinforces this command by telling us to pray for those who persecute us. Prayer is a powerful act because it not only intercedes for the other person but also transforms our own hearts. When we pray for those who hurt us, we allow God to work within us, softening resentment and replacing it with His divine love.

Jesus provides the ultimate example of this love. On the cross, in the midst of excruciating suffering, He prayed for His executioners, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). In that moment, Jesus demonstrated the very essence of divine love—undeserved, sacrificial, and overflowing with grace. If we are to follow Him, we must learn to love not just those who are easy to love, but also those who challenge us, hurt us, or oppose us. True discipleship is not measured by how well we love our friends, but by how well we love our enemies.

Jesus does not call us to love our enemies simply as an act of moral virtue; rather, He ties this command directly to our identity as children of God. He declares, “In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:45, NLT). This means that loving our enemies is not just an expectation but a defining characteristic of those who belong to God. Just as a child naturally resembles their parent, so too should believers reflect the nature of their Heavenly Father. And what is that nature? It is a love that is impartial, boundless, and undeserved.

Jesus illustrates this truth by pointing to God’s providence: “For He gives His sunlight to both the evil and the good, and He sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.” In other words, God does not withhold His blessings based on human merit. He does not reserve the warmth of the sun or the life-giving rain only for the righteous while punishing the wicked with barrenness. Instead, He extends His grace to all, regardless of their response to Him. If God, in His perfection, shows love to both the just and the unjust, how much more should we, as His followers, seek to imitate that love in our daily lives?

Loving our enemies is not just an act of obedience; it is a witness to the world. When we love as God loves, we stand apart from the ways of this world. In a culture driven by division, retaliation, and self-interest, Christ-like love is a beacon of God’s presence. It speaks of a higher reality, a kingdom not ruled by hatred but by grace. When believers choose to forgive rather than seek revenge, to pray rather than curse, and to extend kindness rather than hostility, they point others to the transformative power of the Gospel. This kind of love is not easy, nor is it natural, but it is divine. And when we live in this way, we reveal to the world that we are indeed children of our Father in heaven.

Loving our enemies is a command that is easy to understand but difficult to practice. It goes against our natural instincts, which seek justice, retribution, or self-preservation. However, Jesus does not give us this command without also showing us how to live it out. Love, in the biblical sense, is not merely a feeling but an active choice to reflect God’s grace and mercy. Below are five practical ways we can cultivate and demonstrate love for those who oppose us:

The first step in loving our enemies is to bring them before God in prayer. Jesus specifically commands us to “pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). When we pray for our enemies, we surrender our bitterness to God and allow Him to work in both their hearts and ours. Prayer softens the soil of our hearts, making room for forgiveness and healing. It also reminds us that our enemies, like us, are people in need of God’s grace.

Forgiveness is at the heart of loving our enemies. Holding onto resentment only hardens our hearts and distances us from God’s love. Ephesians 4:32 instructs us, “Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” True forgiveness does not excuse wrongdoing, but it releases us from the burden of hatred and entrusts justice to God.

Jesus did not merely tolerate sinners; He actively showed them love. Loving our enemies means looking for ways to be kind, even when kindness is undeserved. Proverbs 25:21-22 echoes this truth: “If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them water to drink. You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads, and the Lord will reward you.” Kindness has the power to disarm hostility and reveal the love of Christ in a tangible way.

The world tells us to fight back when wronged, but Jesus teaches us to respond with peace. Romans 12:17-18 reminds us, “Never pay back evil with more evil... Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.” Our words have the power to either fuel conflict or bring healing. Choosing peace does not mean we ignore injustice, but it does mean that we respond in a way that reflects Christ’s love rather than our own anger.

The greatest motivation for loving our enemies is remembering that we were once enemies of God. Romans 5:8 declares, “But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” If God loved us at our worst, how can we refuse to love those who wrong us? Following Christ means embracing His way of love, even when it is difficult.

Loving our enemies is not about changing them—it is about allowing God to change us. When we follow these biblical principles, we move beyond human nature and step into the divine calling to be true children of our Father in heaven.

Loving our enemies is one of the most challenging commands Jesus gives, yet it is also one of the most powerful ways we can reflect the character of God. The world tells us that love should be reserved for those who deserve it, but Jesus calls us to a higher standard—one that mirrors the unconditional love of our Heavenly Father. When we choose to love our enemies, pray for those who persecute us, and extend kindness even to those who oppose us, we step into the divine nature of God’s love. This kind of love is not weak; it is transformative. It is the same love that led Jesus to the cross, where He prayed for His executioners and bore the sins of those who rejected Him.

So now, the question is not whether we understand this teaching, but whether we will live it. Who in your life is difficult to love? Is there someone who has wronged you, hurt you, or stands against you? Will you choose today to pray for them, forgive them, and love them as Christ loves you? The path of love is not easy, but it is the path of the cross—the path that leads to true freedom, healing, and a deeper relationship with God.

As you go forward, commit to this call of Christ. Be a living testimony of His grace in a world desperate for His love. Choose to love beyond what is natural, and in doing so, reveal the heart of our Father in heaven.

May the Lord strengthen your faith and use it for His glory, as you walk humbly in His presence.

Faith That Amazes

Faith is a remarkable thing. It has the power to move mountains, change lives, and even amaze Jesus Himself. In Luke 7:1-10, we encounter a story of a Roman centurion whose faith stands out in an extraordinary way. This man, a Gentile and a person of great authority, reaches out to Jesus with a request to heal his beloved servant. What makes this moment so profound is not the request itself, but the humility and trust with which the centurion approaches Jesus. His faith is so genuine, so unshaken, that Jesus marvels at it, declaring it to be greater than any He has seen in Israel. As we delve into this passage, we must ask ourselves: What kind of faith amazes Jesus? And more importantly, how can we cultivate such faith in our own lives?

The story begins with Jesus entering Capernaum after delivering a powerful sermon on the mount, filled with teachings about love, mercy, and the kingdom of God. It is here that a Roman centurion—a man of influence and authority—finds himself in need of help beyond his own capacity. His servant, whom he values deeply, is gravely ill and on the brink of death. In an extraordinary move for a Gentile soldier, the centurion turns to Jesus, a Jewish teacher, for aid.

This request is remarkable not only because of the centurion’s position but also because of the cultural dynamics at play. The centurion, a representative of the oppressive Roman regime, is respected by the Jewish elders, who advocate on his behalf. They appeal to Jesus, highlighting the centurion’s generosity and love for the Jewish people, as evidenced by his role in building their synagogue.

In this moment, we see a powerful display of humility. Despite his authority, the centurion does not presume to approach Jesus directly. Instead, he sends intermediaries, recognizing the sanctity of Jesus’ position and his own unworthiness. This sets the stage for a profound demonstration of faith, revealing the centurion’s understanding of Jesus’ divine authority and his own dependence on it.

The heart of this passage reveals a request that goes beyond a mere plea for healing—it is a testament to humility, compassion, and an extraordinary understanding of authority. The centurion’s servant, described as “highly valued,” is gravely ill, and this Roman officer, a man of power and influence, is deeply moved to act on behalf of someone who, in his culture, would have been considered insignificant. This act alone speaks volumes about the character of the centurion, showing us a man who values the lives of those under his care, breaking the mold of what we might expect from a military leader of his rank.

Rather than using his authority to demand Jesus' intervention, the centurion chooses a path of humility. He sends Jewish elders to plead with Jesus on his behalf. These elders describe him as a man worthy of Jesus’ attention, citing his love for the Jewish people and his role in building their synagogue. Yet, when Jesus begins to come to his home, the centurion sends another message—one of profound humility: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof.”

This moment highlights the centurion’s remarkable self-awareness and respect for Jesus. He recognizes that his earthly authority pales in comparison to the spiritual authority of Christ. In a world where power often leads to pride, the centurion chooses to demonstrate humility, compassion, and reverence, revealing a faith that sees beyond worldly status to the true source of healing and hope.

At the center of this narrative is the centurion’s extraordinary faith, a faith that astonishes even Jesus. Unlike many others who sought Jesus’ help, the centurion demonstrates a profound understanding of authority—both his own and that of Christ. As a military officer, he knows the power of giving orders and having them obeyed without question. He applies this understanding to Jesus, recognizing that just as his commands are carried out by his soldiers, Jesus’ word has the authority to command sickness and restore health.

This unique perspective reflects a deep trust in Jesus’ divine power. The centurion’s faith does not rely on physical evidence or the Lord’s physical presence. He believes that Jesus can heal his servant with a mere word, even from a distance. Such faith is striking in its simplicity and strength, revealing a heart that trusts fully in who Jesus is and what He can do.

Moreover, the centurion’s humility is inseparable from his faith. Despite his high position, he does not see himself as deserving of Jesus’ attention. He openly admits, “I am not worthy to have You come under my roof.” This acknowledgment of unworthiness stands in stark contrast to the entitlement or pride often associated with people in positions of power. The centurion’s faith is not only strong but also marked by reverence and submission to the authority of Christ.

This combination of humility and trust is what amazes Jesus. The centurion’s faith transcends cultural and religious boundaries, showing that true faith is not about proximity to religious traditions or status—it is about recognizing the authority and sufficiency of Christ and surrendering to it with unwavering trust.

The centurion’s faith elicits a remarkable reaction from Jesus—one of amazement. Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus perform miracles, teach profound truths, and respond to the needs of the people. Yet, in this instance, it is Jesus who marvels, saying to the crowd, “I tell you, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel!” This statement carries immense weight, as it highlights the uniqueness of the centurion’s faith, even compared to those who were part of God’s chosen people.

What makes Jesus’ response even more powerful is its universality. The centurion is a Gentile, a Roman, and an outsider to the covenant promises of Israel. Yet his faith surpasses that of those who should have been closest to God. This moment underscores a central truth of the Gospel: faith in Jesus transcends boundaries of nationality, culture, and religious background. It is not heritage or status that pleases God, but genuine, humble trust in His power and authority.

As Jesus declares the greatness of the centurion’s faith, He acts upon it. Without ever entering the centurion’s home or laying His hands on the servant, Jesus heals him with a word. The servant, who had been near death, is restored to health at that very moment. This miracle emphasizes the power of Jesus’ word, which does not require physical presence to bring about transformation.

In this response, we see both Jesus’ compassion and His divine authority. He honors the centurion’s humility and faith, demonstrating that His power is not limited by distance or human constraints. For us, this serves as a powerful reminder that Jesus hears our prayers, responds to our faith, and works in ways that go beyond what we can see or imagine.

The story of the centurion and his faith offers profound lessons for our lives as followers of Christ. His example challenges us to examine the nature of our faith and our approach to Jesus in times of need.

The centurion’s faith was marked by three key qualities: humility, trust, and recognition of Jesus’ authority. He did not approach Jesus with entitlement or self-righteousness but with a deep sense of his own unworthiness. His faith relied not on physical proof but on the assurance that Jesus’ word alone was sufficient. This kind of faith is what pleases God—a faith that is simple, steadfast, and wholly dependent on Him.

The centurion’s actions were driven by compassion for his servant. Despite his high rank and the cultural norms of the time, he deeply valued the life of someone who might have been seen as expendable. This teaches us the importance of interceding for others—lifting their needs to God in prayer and taking action to support them. As believers, we are called to show Christ-like love by caring for the vulnerable and advocating for those in need.

The centurion understood something that many in Israel failed to grasp: Jesus’ authority is absolute. He trusted that Jesus’ word held the power to heal and restore, no matter the circumstances. Today, we are reminded to place our full trust in Jesus’ sovereignty over every aspect of our lives. Whether we face illness, uncertainty, or challenges, we can have confidence that Jesus has the power to intervene and bring about His perfect will.

The centurion’s story invites us to grow in faith and live out our trust in Jesus through our actions and prayers. It reminds us that genuine faith is not about external status or proximity to religious traditions but about an internal posture of humility, trust, and surrender to the One who holds all authority.

As we reflect on the centurion’s extraordinary faith, we are left with a challenge: How can we cultivate such faith in our own lives? The centurion’s story reminds us that faith begins with humility, grows through trust, and is strengthened by a recognition of Jesus’ authority. It is not enough to merely acknowledge these truths—we must live them out daily.

This week, take a moment to evaluate your own faith. Are you approaching Jesus with humility, or do you find yourself relying on your own strength and resources? Are you trusting Him fully, even when you cannot see the outcome, or are you holding on to doubt and fear? Like the centurion, choose to believe in the power of Jesus’ word and submit to His authority in every area of your life.

Additionally, consider how you can demonstrate faith through love and compassion for others. The centurion acted on behalf of his servant, interceding with urgency and care. Who in your life needs your prayers and support today? Reach out to them, lifting their needs before God and offering tangible help where possible.

Finally, let this passage inspire you to trust Jesus with boldness. Whether you are facing a personal challenge or interceding for someone else, believe that He hears you and has the power to act. Faith is not passive—it calls us to step forward in trust, knowing that the One we rely on is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask or think.

May we each strive to have the kind of faith that amazes our Lord and brings healing, hope, and glory to His name.

The story of the centurion’s faith reminds us that true belief in Jesus is not about position, nationality, or religious affiliation—it is about the posture of our hearts. The centurion, a man of authority and power, recognized his own limitations and placed his trust in the ultimate authority of Jesus. His humility, compassion, and unwavering faith serve as a model for us all, challenging us to trust in Christ with the same boldness and sincerity.

As we leave today, let us carry this story in our hearts, striving to cultivate a faith that pleases and amazes Jesus. Let us approach Him with humility, intercede for others with compassion, and trust in His authority to work in ways we cannot yet see.

This week, may your faith be strengthened as you seek to honor Christ in every aspect of your life. May you trust Him fully, serve others selflessly, and glorify His name in all you do. And as you walk forward in faith, may you find peace and assurance in knowing that the One you trust is faithful and able to do far more than you can imagine.

“Go,” Jesus said to the centurion’s messengers, “because you believed, it has happened.” May these words echo in our own lives as we step out in faith and trust the authority of Christ.

So, I say to you, "May the Lord strengthen your faith and use it for His glory, as you walk humbly in His presence this week."

Mid-Week Message - The Gift of Jesus

 "And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them."  Luke 2:6-7 (NLT)

Christmas is only a week away.  It seems to have come so quickly this year!  I'm sure there are millions of children that would argue with me over that.  I remember being a child and waiting for this most fabulous day.  It did seem to take forever then.  Being an adult changes so much.  But I like to think back on those days and remember not only my own young anticipation but that of my daughter as well.  Can you remember?  One of the things that took place in school was writing a paper on "What I Want for Christmas."  I guess teachers knew it was all we were thinking about anyway so we might as well use those thoughts for a little creative writing assignment.  If you are a fan of the movie "A Christmas Story" then you may associate this with Ralphie's Christmas theme.

Since I am now the one that does the buying and wrapping of the presents, the anticipation is a little different but still very real.  It is such a joy to watch my daughter unwrap her gifts.  I always get her some things that she needs but try hard to make sure there are some items that are just for pure enjoyment.  So now our tree stands with presents beneath, waiting for Christmas morning when the paper will be removed and the gifts will be revealed.  How I hope they bring the joy that I intended when I chose them.  

As for me and what I want for Christmas, well, mostly I want my family to be happy.  I want for their lives to be fulfilling and for them to be content enough to not have any regrets but not so content that they stop reaching for whatever God still has for their futures.  For my husband and my child I wish for a deep and abiding love of their Lord and Savior and for them to always walk in His footsteps.  And for myself, I long to feel His presence and am just grateful that He never lets go of my hand.

When I read the scriptures that give account of the birth of Jesus I find myself in total awe and I close my eyes and place myself there beside the manger.  Mary was able to cradle the great I AM in her arms.  Oh, what that must have been like.  This first gift of Christmas, this tiny newborn infant, was looked upon by animals and shepherds.  He didn't arrive wrapped in bright paper with ribbons and bows to be placed beneath a sparkling Christmas tree.  Instead, He was heralded by angels and drew wise men to His side by a star unlike any other.  This tiny King had no palace but rather a stable where He was laid in hay.  His wore no fine robe.  Why, He didn't even have a nice soft baby blanket.  He was swaddled in strips of cloth. Yet, I can think of no more noble birth ever.  

Next week, as we gather with our families to open presents, can we just stop briefly to remember that first gift?  It is because of Him that we have this meaningful time.  Had he not left His place beside His father and taken on human form on earth, there would be nothing to celebrate.  Because He did we have the assurance of redemption and eternal life beside Him.  If I were to write an essay on what I want for Christmas, it would simply say, "More of Jesus" because there is nothing on this earth that could ever outweigh my desire for Him.  

I pray that each of you has a very Merry Christmas and that you are enveloped by His love.  No matter what you may be going through, His grace IS sufficient and He will walk every road you face beside you.  Never let go of His hand and keep your eyes and mind firmly set on the King of Kings, the Lord of All, the tiny baby who came to give His life for you.  God bless. 

Mid-Week Message - Just an Ordinary Day

 "You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected."  Luke 12:40 (NLT)

Today is an ordinary day for my family and it probably is for yours as well.  We woke up, took the dog outside, had breakfast and began our everyday activities.  This afternoon I may run a couple of errands, maybe stop for coffee and then head home to begin preparing dinner.  Nothing out of the ordinary has happened so far and for that, we are grateful.   

On a clear day in September 2001, thousands of people in New York were getting ready for what they thought would be an ordinary day.  They got up, had breakfast, got children ready for school and did whatever else they normally did each morning.  It didn't turn out to be an ordinary day though.  Terrorists in hijacked planes destroyed the World Trade Center, crashed into the Pentagon, and killed another planeload of passengers in a field.  That day changed this nation forever.  We found out that we are not as protected as we assumed and while fears were ignited, so was a unity that the citizens of this country had not experienced since its early years.  

There was another ordinary day that changed the world.  It took place over two thousand years ago when a young virgin girl and her betrothed husband sought a place to stay in Bethlehem where they had traveled to take part in a census.  After what had to have been a grueling trip, they just wanted a bed for Mary, who was due to give birth.  No one knew what was about to happen.  The other citizens were taking care of their personal needs.  I'm sure they didn't even take notice of the couple.  All the rooms were taken so the best that could be provided for them was a stable.  Here they settled themselves for the night but before that night was over. the ordinary day became extraordinary as the time came for the girl to give birth to the Son of God.

The ordinary day certainly changed for a group of shepherds who became the first to receive the announcement of Christ's birth.  It wasn't an ordinary occurrence for angels to appear before them.  Nor was it ordinary for them to leave their flocks in the field to worship a newborn.  Imagine, the King of Kings arrived on earth as a helpless infant and the announcement wasn't delivered to royalty but to lowly keepers of sheep.  Only later do we see the significance as Jesus likens Himself to a Shepherd and His followers as His sheep.   

Sometimes, the unexpected happens.  Life is full of unexpected moments.  Sadly too many of them cause extreme grief.  However, those that bring joy are moments we look forward to.  As Jesus was born on an ordinary day, so one day He will return.  He has told us that no one knows the time or day except the Father.  That means that He will return on an ordinary day when we are doing ordinary things in our ordinary lives.  We will wake up, have breakfast, get ready for the day and be doing all the things we normally do.  There will be weddings and births and deaths and then, there He will be, coming in glory.  This time the announcement will be delivered in person and every knee shall bow before Him, no one will be excluded.  We don't know when it will happen but we have been warned to be ready.  May your ordinary day be blessed and may we all be ready for the out of the ordinary return of our Savior.  God bless!  

Mid-Week Message - The Wonder of Christmas

 "But the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.'"  Luke 1:30-32a  (NIV)

I am a very sentimental mother of one.  That sentimentality comes out in full force during the Christmas season.  Every memory of my daughter's early years comes flooding back.  I can still see her little eyes as she watched the blinking lights on the tree, her surprise as she entered the living room on Christmas morning and hear her exclamation of excitement when she saw a red blinking light on top of a tower and decided that it was Rudolph. Shopping, decorating the house, hanging the stockings and everything else preparing for the day are still all done with her in mind.  My "baby" is 31 years old now, however, the advent calendar that I bought for her so many years ago still hangs every year, including having candy in all the pockets.  

Yes, being a mother has given me great joy.  Because of that, I cannot hear any of the Christmas story without wondering about Mary.  Here is this young girl, greeted by an Angel (not exactly an everyday occurrence) who tells her that she is going to conceive a child.  Not just any child, but the Son of God.  And while the Angel tells her not to be afraid, I can't even imagine what must have been going through her mind.  I know she was chosen of the Lord and must have had incredible faith, but she was also human.  What were her initial thoughts and feelings?  I can just feature her standing in front of the mirror and saying, "What just happened?" Whatever the process was for her, we can hear the joy of her soul later in the chapter.  If she had fear or apprehension, she was able to put it aside and glorify God while she was with Elizabeth.  

Scripture shows us that children are special to the Father.  Psalm 127:3 tells us that, "Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him."  The fact that He sent His son to earth in the manner He chose amazes me.  He entered the world the same way we all do, through human birth.  He who has all power was a newborn helpless infant. He was totally dependent on imperfect earthly parents.  He cried when He was hungry.  He had to learn to walk.  He experienced the discomfort of teething, skinned knees and tummy aches.  As His mother, I am sure that Mary watched the same expressions on His face and heard excitement in His voice the way we do with our children.  

The wonder that little ones experience during this season is a wonder that we all should share in.  The very first Christmas gift was a baby.  This baby left His place in Heaven for each one of us. His birth was for the whole world but it was a personal gift to me and to you.  It came with hope, purpose and salvation.  Because of Him, we have an eternal reason to raise our voices in song.

As we all prepare for this season, let's keep Jesus as our primary focus.  With each gift we purchase and wrap, we can say "thank you" for the first gift, the perfect gift.  When we hang our ornaments and enjoy the lights on our homes and trees, let us remember that He is the source of true beauty and the Light of the World.  And as we set up and admire our nativity scenes, we should pay close attention to the participants and wonder what they wondered.

Mid-Week Message - The Gift That Matters Most

"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."  Luke 2:10-12  (KJV)

This is a busy time of year.  People are shopping, planning, decorating and wrapping.  It is the time of getting together with friends and family, exchanging gifts and sharing memories.  Stores are watching their bottom line and hoping that the sales for the season will be high.  Employees in every field are hoping for a Christmas bonus to help pay for all they have spent to make the holiday a happy one.  

As adults are rushing to get everything ready, children are making lists and writing their letters outlining what they want the jolly old man in red to bring them on Christmas Eve.  Images of elves and flying reindeer fill their minds as they hang their stockings by the fireplace and help in hanging ornaments.  And as they dream of waking up on that special morning, their hearts are full of anticipation and their minds focused on how much fun they are going to have.  

Seasonal music is something I look forward to.  There is something about it that touches me like no other tunes I listen to.  And I never miss the television specials, even if I have seen them every year since I was a child.  I allowed my daughter to believe in Santa Claus when she was young.  It had been magical for me and I wanted her to experience that.  However, I also made sure she knew that Christmas was about Jesus' birth and that without Him there would be no Christmas.  When she asked if Santa was real, I told her this, "Santa is real as long as you choose to believe in him.  When you stop believing, he stops existing.  Jesus, on the other hand, is real whether you choose to believe in Him or not.  Jesus is not just a story.  He is living and with us all the time.  He is the one that stays with us and loves us and forgives us when we do something wrong."  

I, like any parent, have made many mistakes.  It is sometimes difficult to make the perfect choices for your child.  Many moms and dads choose never to allow their young ones to believe in a man from the North Pole who makes toys for good girls and boys and delivers them by coming down the chimney.  Personally, I don't find fault either way.  The most important thing we can do for our offspring is to teach them what the Bible says and introduce them to the Savior.  They will outgrow fairy tales but the Truth will stay with them all their lives.  

It is our job to make sure they know the difference between fantasy and reality.  Of course, the very best way to do that is by modeling what we teach them by living authentic Christian lives.  They need to attend church with their parents and they need to hear them praying at home.  They need to witness us reaching out to those in need and to know that we rely on the Lord for our own needs to be met.  They need to be shown what gratitude truly is and to know the difference between charity and greed.  Scripture should be a regular part of their daily intake.  Just as they need a healthy diet physically, so they need to be raised spiritually healthy.  

When I became a parent I experienced love greater than I had ever dreamed possible, and I have felt pain much more deeply as well.  No matter what gifts I put under that tree for my daughter each year, the greatest legacy I can leave her with is the knowledge that her mother loved Jesus with her whole heart, mind and soul and to have done everything possible to develop that in her as well.  To point our sons and daughters to the Lord and equip them as best we can to live a sincere Christian life is undoubtedly the greatest gift we can bestow.  God bless. 

Mid-Week Message - Christmas is About the Baby

"But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.'"  Luke 2:10-11  (NIV)

Through the years I have written and performed a variety of skits for the church that I attended.  For one dealing with Christmas, I brought in a huge bag of Christmas related items and my cell phone.  As I unpacked the items one by one, I carried on a conversation on the phone about how stressed I was about getting everything done in time and would reference the item that I held in my hand.  

One of those items was a baby doll.  As I handled it, I wondered out loud how it had gotten in my bag, and I moved it out of sight.  But there was a person in the audience whose job it was to put the baby back where I would see it.  As I kept moving it and it kept reappearing, my stress grew and I asked why the baby kept getting in my way.  

Preparing for Christmas can be a stressful time.  As we decorate our homes, shop for gifts, plan the meal for the big day, attend parties and deal with anxious children, our nerves can become frazzled.  Aside from the special preparations, all of our regular needs and concerns need to be tended to as well.  It is extremely easy to get so wound up in the "doings" of the season that we forget what it is truly supposed to be about.

Today's verse recounts when the angel appeared to the shepherds to announce the birth of the Christ child.  Can you imagine what that must have been like?  What an honor it was that God chose these men to receive the news.  I can safely say that was a moment that none of them ever forgot nor stopped talking about.  For them, life became all about that birth. 

It is far too easy to lose our focus on what is most important at this time of year.  We get so busy fulfilling what we perceive to be the expectations of the season.  But, when we take the time to stop, spend some time in the Scriptures reviewing the birth of Jesus, then we can be reminded that there is really only one reason to celebrate.  

In my skit, as I picked up the baby doll over and over again and cast it aside, my intent was to show how quick we can be to allow the material part of the season to push aside what is most important.  While we enjoy them, the ornaments, lights and bright colored packages are temporary and will be forgotten once they are all put away.  Christmas is about our Lord Jesus Christ, who left His majestic throne in Heaven and was born as an infant.  He was the ultimate gift and should be the object of our focus.  

It's all about the baby. 

Mid-Week Message - The Best Gift

  "And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."  Luke 2:10-12  (KJV)

This is a busy time of year.  People are shopping, planning, decorating and wrapping.  It is the time of getting together with friends and family, exchanging gifts and sharing memories.  Stores are watching their bottom line and hoping that the sales for the season will be high.  Employees in every field are hoping for a Christmas bonus to help pay for all they have spent to make the holiday a happy one.  

As adults are rushing to get everything ready, children are making lists and writing their letters outlining what they want the jolly old man in red to bring them on Christmas Eve.  Images of elves and flying reindeer fill their minds as they hang their stockings by the fireplace and help in hanging ornaments.  And as they dream of waking up on that special morning, their hearts are full of anticipation and their minds focused on how much fun they are going to have.  

Seasonal music is something I look forward to.  There is something about it that touches me like no other tunes I listen to.  And I never miss the television specials, even if I have seen them every year since I was a child.  I allowed my daughter to believe in Santa Claus when she was young.  It had been magical for me and I wanted her to experience that.  However, I also made sure she knew that Christmas was about Jesus' birth and that without Him there would be no Christmas.  When she asked if Santa was real, I told her this, "Santa is real as long as you choose to believe in him.  When you stop believing, he stops existing.  Jesus, on the other hand, is real whether you choose to believe in Him or not.  Jesus is not just a story.  He is living and with us all the time.  He is the one that stays with us and loves us and forgives us when we do something wrong."  

I, like any parent, have made many mistakes.  It is sometimes difficult to make the perfect choices for your child.  Many moms and dads choose never to allow their young ones to believe in a man from the North Pole who makes toys for good girls and boys and delivers them by coming down the chimney.  Personally, I don't find fault either way.  The most important thing we can do for our offspring is to teach them what the Bible says and introduce them to the Savior.  They will outgrow fairy tales but the Truth will stay with them all their lives.  

It is our job to make sure they know the difference between fantasy and reality.  Of course, the very best way to do that is by modeling what we teach them by living authentic Christian lives.  They need to attend church with their parents and they need to hear them praying at home.  They need to witness us reaching out to those in need and to know that we rely on the Lord for our own needs to be met.  They need to be shown what gratitude truly is and to know the difference between charity and greed.  Scripture should be a regular part of their daily intake.  Just as they need a healthy diet physically, so they need to be raised spiritually healthy.  

When I became a parent I experienced love greater than I had ever dreamed possible, and I have felt pain much more deeply as well.  No matter what gifts I put under that tree for my daughter each year, the greatest legacy I can leave her with is the knowledge that her mother loved Jesus with her whole heart, mind and soul and to have done everything possible to develop that in her as well.  To point our sons and daughters to the Lord and equip them as best we can to live a sincere Christian life is undoubtedly the greatest gift we can bestow.  God bless.