Part of your journey with Jesus will bring you to the bittersweet realization that you are no longer in control. In our salvation, God accepts responsibility for us by adopting us as his children and makes us holy and blameless through Christ’s sacrifice. Our soul was purchased on the cross, and the receipt for that purchase was discovered in the empty tomb three days later. 

Because of that purchase, we no longer identify with ourselves or adhere to the culture’s motto, “do what makes you happy.” No, the life of a saint is about giving up our rights and doing what pleases our heavenly Father. And because God has transformed us into new creations through salvation, whatever pleases him is going to please us at our core.

The best part of giving up your rights is realizing that you are not in control (which relieves a lot of pressure unless you are a control freak like myself). You have no control over what the future holds or the trials he allows in your life. Your job is to focus on him, remain faithful to where he has placed you, and allow nothing to interfere. The sooner you realize this, the sooner you will understand how light Jesus’ burden really is.

Let me end with this: our lives as humans are like a feather in the wind. The feather is entirely dependent on the wind for movement. If we listen carefully, the Spirit’s gentle whisper will lead us where God sovereignly directs our lives. Our job is to give ourselves the opportunity to listen to that voice through silent prayer and reading God’s word, and to be faithful stewards who bear fruit wherever he has placed us, particularly as spiritual leaders in our families. God’s job is to mature us so that we can bear more fruit as we go through trials and spend time with him. 

“The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever” – Westminster Confession

Pastor Chance

We may have a close friend(s) with whom we share wonderful experiences and memories. But the best friendship we will ever have is with Jesus Christ.

Can you believe it? That the God of the universe has chosen to have a deep, intimate friendship with us. Jesus said this:

“No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.” – John 15:15

A good friend is trustworthy, loyal, gentle, caring, forgiving, wise, humble, selfless, and encouraging. Jesus was all of this to us and he intends to build us so we can be that type of friend to others. Furthermore, we can rejoice in knowing that God smiles down on us because of Jesus’ perfect work in our hearts, and that he is always present with us.

Today, take some time to reflect on your relationship with Jesus. The more time you spend with him, the more you will be able to hear God’s voice, become like him, and share his light with those in your life, which is your primary purpose in life no matter where he places you. Think about this: “How can I show the love of Jesus in someone’s life today?”

Let me conclude with this powerful quote:

“A Christian gazes in the face of God daily, to only emerge as a beacon of hope in the darkness of others.” – Oswald Chambers.

Seize the day,

Pastor Chance

You see, Johnathan could have chosen a different path of selfishness and disobedience to the Lord. He could have betrayed David and taken the throne himself after his father’s reign. But no, Johnathan decided that loyalty to his friend is more important than anything else. They formed an inseparable bond through shared memories, adversity, and a love for the Lord.

When they saw each other for the last time, it was clear how much love they had for each other.

“As soon as the boy was gone, David came out from where he had been hiding near the stone pile. Then David bowed three times to Jonathan with his face to the ground. Both of them were in tears as they embraced each other and said good-bye, especially David.” – 1 Samuel 20:41 NLT

Everyone, no matter who they are, needs a Johnathan in their lives. Someone we can turn to for advice, comfort, and even prayer together. We all need someone to encourage us, provide insight, or correct us when we are wrong. In fact, the endless laughs and memories we shared with them were the best parts of our lives. So take this time to reflect on the Jonathans in your life. It could be a close friend, a relative, or your mother. Whoever it is, if they are still alive, contact them and express your love and appreciation. If not, thank God that he brought them into your life.

Allow me to end with this, one of the best ways God uses us to change lives is to be a Johnathan to someone else. Go and be a Johnathan to someone today!

God’s greatest blessings are through the bonds that he forges through true friendship.

Unity in Christ,

Pastor Chance

Paul’s advice to Timothy really hits home:

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord.” – 2 Timothy 1:7-8.

When we commit fully to Jesus, letting go of fears about losing friends or influence, we embrace a spirit of power and love. This “all-in” attitude leads us to live boldly for Christ, unconcerned with seeking approval from others, and eager to share the gospel.

Remember, Christ made His sacrifice for us openly. Why should we live our faith in secret? The only approval we need is God’s, which we already have through Christ. Live in that empowerment, be true to yourself, follow His path, love God, show Gods love to others, and speak about Jesus with passion. Watch the incredible impact it will have on your life and those around you.

Unity in Christ,

²⁸Her children arise and call her blessed;
    her husband also, and he praises her:
²⁹“Many women do noble things,
    but you surpass them all.”

This scripture isn’t just praising her industrious nature but highlighting her enduring impact on those closest to her. Her husband and children both praise and honor her for this.  

As we prepare to praise and honor the mothers this weekend, let us draw inspiration from these scriptural examples to appreciate the mothers in our own lives. The role of a mother is not confined to what she does, it extends to the spiritual and familial legacy she imparts. A mother’s love is a reflection of God’s love—unconditional, forgiving, and boundless. Let us remember the hands that have held us, the prayers that have covered us, and the love that has nurtured us. Let’s give thanks for these hands, prayers and nurturing that our mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures, who have been our first teachers, our unwavering supporters, and our guiding lights have imparted to us.

“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her” (Proverbs 31:28). This Sunday, let those words resonate not just in our gatherings but in our actions and interactions with our dear and cherished mothers. Bless them, praise them, and honor them as the bearers of love and life, reflecting the very heart of God.

And for those like me who may be experiencing this first Mother’s Day since your moms passing, I pray this prayer for us, paraphrased from 2 Corinthians 1: 3-5, “May the God of all comfort”, comfort you during this day, and may the memory of your mother serve as a blessing and a reminder of the goodness of God towards you in your life. That as we go through life and “we share in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ!”

Happy Mother’s Day.

Psalm 42:8 “By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me—a prayer to the God of my life.”

Daily Guidance

The verse begins with the assurance that “by day the Lord directs his love.” This is a powerful reminder that God’s love is not a passive or distant affection but an active and guiding force in our lives. During the daylight hours, when we are most active and engaged with the world, God’s love is at work, leading us through our decisions and interactions. It suggests a personal God, deeply involved in the intricacies of our daily lives. As believers, we are called to recognize and rely on this guidance, trusting that God’s love seeks our good and His glory.

Nightly Comfort

The verse transitions from the activity of day to the quiet of night, saying, “at night his song is with me.” Nighttime can often bring with it an increase in worries and loneliness. Here, the Psalmist experiences God’s song—possibly a metaphor for God’s words, promises, or the soothing presence of the Holy Spirit—as a comforting and calming influence during the vulnerable night hours. This song is not only a source of solace but also serves as a prayerful response to the God of his life. It reflects an intimate, communicative relationship with God, where His reassurances echo in the believer’s heart.

Prayerful Response

The phrase “a prayer to the God of my life” underscores a life oriented towards constant communion with God. It acknowledges God as the central figure in the Psalmist’s existence, not just as a helper or guide but as the very essence of life itself.

This calls us to consider our own relationship with God: Is He merely a part of our life, or is He foundational to every aspect of our existence?

Let’s integrate the truths of Psalm 42:8 into our lives, and consider how we can be more attentive to God’s guiding love throughout our busy days. In what ways might we become more aware of His presence and direction? Similarly, how can we cultivate a practice of night-time reflection and prayer, letting God’s song comfort and settle our hearts before sleep?

By engaging with this Psalm, we invite a richer, fuller experience of God’s constant presence, which directs, comforts, and sustains us from dawn until dusk.

Remember Jesus Loves you, and so do I!

Pastor Will

² And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.

Paul admonishes Timothy, his spiritual son, to repeat/share these teachings, “the directions” (see where I am going) he had given him and shared with the church in Ephesus. To take what he told them, repeat it to others to make sure they are heading the right way. Then to take it to the next level, he tells Timothy to entrust these teachings and directions to other trustworthy, reliable, and qualified people who would be able to do the same. Indirectly, Paul is also telling us to do the same, what we are hearing from the word on Sunday mornings, in our personal study time, bible studies, we should be taking what we learn and passing it on to others.  Practically this can look like sharing it with our spouses, our children, our friends, accountability group members, neighbors, coworkers, with the purpose of them taking these truths to others.

In a more structured setting this looks like a discipleship process where you would go through a process of discipleship with someone who would be your “Paul” – the teacher/disciple, and you would be the Timothy – the learner/disciple who will put into practice what is being taught.  This isn’t the end of the equation though; it should be a continuous feedback loop.  Paul talks about 4 generations of information passing, From him(1) to Timothy(2), Timothy(2) to trust worthy people(3), and from those trust worthy(3) people to others(4) who would continue the process. 

It’s Teacher Appreciation Week, did you know?  

I should have known, as my precious daughter was putting stickers and last-minute touches on her card for her teacher at our Advent Early Childhood School. As the hosts continued talking, they celebrated a teacher for all the sacrifices she had made for her students, I was reminded of some amazing teachers that I have had through the years.  Did you have any special teachers that maybe encouraged you, were able to turn boring subjects into the most captivating and interesting?  Teachers who never gave up on you even when you might have given up on yourself.  I have had a few, as I’m sure you have too.  Teachers are a gift from God, Listen to what Paul says in Ephesians 4:11-13 about them. 

 ¹¹ So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors, and teachers, ¹² to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up ¹³ until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Teachers are a gift from Christ himself.  To equip us, prepare us, to train us for works of service so that we as the body of Christ here on earth could be built up, matured, reaching our greatest potential in Christ.  Yes! That’s what teachers do.  They are used by God to draw this out of us.  Our school’s vision is to create confident, capable, Christian leaders, from infants to kindergarten to elementary and middle school, our teachers are the best at doing making this vision a reality. Many times, doing it with limited resources, but as any teacher will tell you, it’s a calling, it’s a part of who they are, and they do this for the love of their students. So today as you go through the motions and get on with your day, take a moment to thank God for the teachers you have had in your life, and maybe drop a card, a note, a gift to one of those teachers who impacted your life.  If you have time stop by one of the Advent Schools, and let a teacher know just how appreciated they are, for answering the call-in doing Gods works in forging the next generation. Our teachers deserve it, not just for a week, but every day!

And remember Jesus Loves you, and so do I!

Pastor Will

Scripture: Psalm 118:24 — “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

In the heart of Psalm 118 lies a profound declaration of faith and joy that’s resonated through the ages: “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” This verse is a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty and the gift of each new day. It calls us to embrace the present with joy and gratitude, regardless of our circumstances.

Firstly, acknowledging that “this is the day the Lord has made” invites us to recognize the divine hand in the creation of each day. Every morning we’re presented with a fresh canvas, a new beginning fashioned by God’s creative power. This realization should inspire, awe and wonder as we consider that the same God who orchestrates the universe’s rhythms also crafts each day for us.

Moreover, this scripture encourages an attitude of rejoicing. Rejoicing is an active, intentional choice. It is choosing to focus on God’s goodness and faithfulness rather than the burdens or challenges we might face. This joy does not ignore reality but sees beyond the immediate to the eternal and unchanging nature of God. In a world where uncertainty and pain are all too common, our joy becomes a testament to our faith in God’s providence and promises.

Being “glad” in each day also speaks to a posture of gratitude. When we pause to consider the myriad ways God sustains and provides for us—through the beauty of nature, the support of friends and family, or the quiet moments of solace—we cultivate a thankful heart. Gratitude shifts our perspective from what we lack to the abundance we have in Christ.

Furthermore, this verse is strategically placed in a Psalm that recounts deliverance from distress. It is a victory song that celebrates God’s salvation and steadfast love. By rejoicing in each day, we are invited to remember God’s past faithfulness as an assurance of future grace. Each day becomes an opportunity to witness the unfolding of God’s redemptive work in our lives and in the world.

Lastly, “This is the day the Lord has made” serves as a call to action. It urges us to live intentionally, not passively. Each day is laden with opportunities to serve, love, and grow. By rejoicing and being glad, we actively participate in God’s purposes, making the most of the time given to us. Whether it’s through acts of kindness, pursuing justice, or spreading the gospel, we are invited to contribute to the kingdom work entrusted to us.

Psalm 118:24 is not merely an expression of hope but a declaration of a lived reality. As followers of Christ, we are called to embrace each day with joy, gratitude, and purpose, knowing that it is God who creates, sustains, and redeems. So whether you are stepping into a case of the “Mondays” or just dealing with a monotony of issues of any day, let us step into each new day with confidence, rejoicing and being glad, for it is indeed the day the Lord has made. This attitude transforms how we live our daily lives, turning ordinary moments into extraordinary opportunities for grace and witness.

And remember Jesus loves you, and so do I! 
Pastor Will 

Paul writes the following of how we should live our lives.

1 Thessalonians 5:13–21 (ESV): Be at peace among yourselves. 14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. 15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good.

I have found that many talk about doing the right thing but few follow through on it. Few have the courage to walk through the fire without throwing a few stones along the way. We tend to be a mixture of good and bad in the decisions we make. I have concluded that it is because it is hard to do the right thing. Yet Paul encourages us to be leaders who shake the lazy into good works, tell the cowards that the fight is worth fighting, give aid to the weak, continue to pray even when heaven is silent, always be positive, use wisdom in all decisions, give thanks for the bad and some of the good and do all these things with an unusual amount of patience. Sound fun? Nope. Yet there is a higher calling and a higher power. Paul reminds us that there is the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen us and there are the prophecies and sacred scriptures to encourage us in our endeavor. My prayer for you is that you will be a Ruby who is willing to walk peacefully through the fire knowing that the battle is already won.

Pastor Aaron Kruse