February 10, 2025

Scripture: 1 John 4:19 – “We love because He first loved us.”

Why are we here? This question is asked in many ways—about life, purpose, and faith. As a church and school community, we don’t have to look far for the answer: Love is why we are here. God’s love is the foundation of all we do. Before we ever knew Him, He loved us first. He sent Jesus to show us the depth of that love, and because of that, we are called to love one another.

As we begin this week reflecting on love, let’s remember that love isn’t just a feeling; it’s an action. It’s how we care for our neighbors, students, and congregation, encourage one another, and serve our community. May we reflect God’s love in all we do.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us first. Help us to live in Your love and reflect it to those around us. May our church and school be a place where Your love is seen, felt, and shared. Amen.

Partnering Together,
Shahna Clark 

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February 7, 2025

Jesus said to his disciples: “…I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear.” (Matthew 6:25)  Now I don’t worry much about my clothes or hair or what’s for lunch. But I have my own worries and I am sure that you do as well. So when Jesus says, “Don’t worry,” it is hard to be obedient. 

But Jesus is concerned that by worrying about worldly things we will neglect heavenly concerns. He wants us to trust him so that we will be free to do his Father’s will and experience the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. So this is his advice and assurance:  “But above all pursue his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33) If we focus on the Kingdom other things will seem far less important in comparison. The pursuit of happiness does not compare to living in the joy of the Kingdom. As the hymn says, “worldly things will grow strongly dim.” We will find that many of our wants are not really our needs.

Does this mean we don’t have to work for a living or plan for the future? No. Just don’t worry so much about work or the future. Does this mean everything will always be perfect? No. Don’t worry about perfect and rejoice in whatever God sends. Even in the worst times we will face, worrying doesn’t help much. Seeking God’s Kingdom will bring us his peace in the storms and hope for eternity in His love.

Pastor Andy


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February 6, 2025

Jesus commands us to have new attitudes. During his short time of ministry, he showed us his attitude as a guideline for us to follow. He humbly washed their feet. He was compassionate to those in need. He was patient with his disciples. He welcomed the children to him. He was kind to the sick and diseased. Paul tells the Philippians to have “the same attitude toward one another as Christ Jesus had.” (Phil 2:5)

I’ve always been fond of his commands to “be salt” and “be light.” To be salty as a disciple is to bring flavor to the dull and hopeless diet of life. As salt, we are to cleanse and preserve all we come into contact with. The people we meet should feel that we have enhanced and improved their lives through our faith. If not, then what good are we to anyone?

To be light is both a privilege and a responsibility. Jesus has passed his light to us to shine in a world of darkness. How wonderful it is when we can share the good news of grace and mercy, act with humility and love, and bless God’s children in the midst of troubles and trials. And how sad it would be if we neglected to shine our lights and put them under a basket. 
 
Pastor Andy

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February 5, 2025

We need to be careful not to draw the line between the Old and New Testament too darkly. The idea that God was only a stern judge and that people were over burdened with laws in the Old Testament is not completely correct. Read it closely and see a God of grace and mercy who seeks to bless his children even when they fail again and again. Jesus’ death for our sins was the final and complete act of salvation that proved that God was always and will always be love. 

So when Jesus begins the Sermon on the Mount where he will address some of the Ten Commandments he wants to be very clear:

Matthew 5:17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have not come to abolish these things but to fulfill them. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth pass away not the smallest letter or stroke of a letter will pass from the law until everything takes place.

As he speaks about those commandments he doesn’t diminish them – he makes them harder! He points out that hatred can lead to murder and that lust can lead to adultery. He doesn’t settle for “an eye for an eye” but commands us to “turn the other cheek.” He has set us free, not from the laws, but for the laws. Knowing that he has given his life for us and will always have our back, we seek to obey his commands and those of his Father.
 
Pastor Andy

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February 4, 2025

There are so many questions we might have for Jesus: Why did you heal some people but not other people? What is heaven really like? Why did you pick Judas to be a disciple? But there is no doubt about what he considered the “greatest commandment.” When he was asked, this is what he said:

“Jesus replied: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments (Matthew 22:37-40)

By linking these two commands that were found in different places in the Old Testament, he lifted up the love for neighbor to a higher standard than it had previously occupied.  By saying “as yourself” he was telling the disciples that they should care for others well being as they cared for their own well being. By stating that these two commands were the foundation for all the rest, he made obedience simple, even if it is not always easy. When in doubt – love.

Most importantly Jesus made love the central ethic of Christianity. When people say that all religions end up with the same positive attitude toward humanity I’m not so sure. But with Jesus, there is no question that we are to obey the command to love. He couldn’t have made it any clearer.
 
Pastor Andy

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February 3, 2025

We are all familiar with the game of “Simon Says.” A leader, Simon, gives out commands to a group of players. “Simon says, ‘Touch your nose.’” The players then obey the command. But if Simon gives out a command without saying “Simon says,” they can be “out” if they obey that command. This fun game, that does not require a digital screen, teaches some important skills. The players need to carefully listen to Simon. They learn to follow directions. They learn discernment. They learn about accountability to the rules. And most importantly they learn obedience to an authority.

What if we approached the commands of Jesus Christ in the same way? What if  discipleship was treated as a serious game of “Jesus Says?” After all, Jesus told his disciples:

Then Jesus said to those Judeans who had believed him, “If you continue to follow my teaching, you are really my disciples. John 8:31

 And… “If you obey my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.” John 15:10-10

Are we committed to obey his commands? Do we even know all of his commands?  This week I will share some of the commands of Christ with the understanding that we are commanded and expected to make every effort to do what “Jesus Says.”
 
Pastor Andy

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January 31, 2025

“I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.” – 1 Corinthians 1:10

“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” – 1 Peter 3:8

Aloha again! Imagine yourself at a luxury resort—crystal-clear waters, warm sun, and a gentle breeze carrying the scent of paradise (like an average day in Boca Raton, haha). People from all walks of life are there, each with their own story. Some came to rest, some to celebrate, and others to heal. No one stops to ask if their reasons are the same; they simply share in the beauty before them.

This is the Church—God’s embassy on earth, filled with people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We don’t need to think alike in every detail, but we are called to have a deep love and care for each other.

Let’s not confuse love with tolerance. True unity is agreeing on the most important things and lovingly addressing any hindrances while understanding that we may not agree on every little thing, just like players and coaches.

Called to Unity, Not Uniformity

Jesus’ disciples were a picture of diversity: Peter, the impulsive fisherman; Matthew, the tax collector; Simon the Zealot, who despised Rome (and likely Matthew too); and Thomas, the skeptic. Sounds like our pastoral staff, haha. By every earthly standard, they and we should have been divided. But Jesus didn’t call them or us to rally around just opinions—He called them to rally around the truth of Himself. Today, some of us have certain theology, politics, backgrounds, quirks, opinions, or beliefs about worship style, but we all need to understand the bigger picture: the desire for God to build community in unlikely places, feed the sheep, and “so that the world may see and believe the Father sent me.”

The worst thing that kills unity is when we say, “If you don’t agree with me, then you are not a real follower or this place is doomed.” Real maturity realizes that unity is so precious to Jesus and only the most extreme circumstances of heresy or unrepentant immorality should lead to disunity.

My challenge to all of us is to embrace the journey at this resort. You might have to grab a shovel, get your hands dirty, and face some disappointments. Yet, when the Saints gather despite the odds, marriages are healed, mistakes are forgiven, wisdom is shared, encouragement abounds, blessings flow, joy is spread, laughter fills the air, eulogies bring comfort, and God is glorified. We come to realize that a life surrounded by people who love Jesus brings more good to our lives and families than we could ever imagine. Enjoy your stay!

Sincerely,

Your Advent Resort Team!


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January 30, 2025

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” — Ephesians 4:2-6

A Taste of Heaven on Earth

Aloha! Imagine walking into a place where people love unconditionally, serve without hesitation, and stand in unwavering unity. A place where humility replaces arrogance, patience replaces irritability, and peace silences conflict. That is the Church—not just a building, but a living, breathing representation of heaven.

The world thrives on division and self-interest, but God invites us to something greater: one body, one Spirit, one hope, one faith, one baptism, and one Lord. We were not meant to face life alone. In the Church, we laugh together, cry together, worship together, and grow together—a family united by something greater than blood: Christ’s love. I often thought to myself, “I’d be better off alone,” but that’s what Satan said before he fell from Heaven, and what Adam and Eve said before the fall. Being a “lone-ranger” Christian is never a good thing; God always uses individuals who work together for a common goal to accomplish his will on earth. In essence, without the church, we tend to be weaker, isolated, and less effective. “A cord of three strands is not easily broken” . Most of us want to do great things for God in this world, but we are unwilling to take the first step of loving and living life with our neighbor. Come on!

Unity Is Our Culture

The Miami Heat is known for its culture of excellence and unity. This culture of unity does not occur by chance. It takes daily difficult decisions requiring humility, patience, and a love that bears ALL THINGS. We say we want it until it is time to put it into practice, at which point it becomes difficult! Furthermore, Jesus did not simply save us as individuals; He saved us as a community. When we fight for each other rather than against one another, we show the world what heaven is like.

This is more than just a community; it’s a celebration of God’s reign on earth. The Church is a slice of paradise, where heaven meets earth. Please enjoy your stay!

Pastor Chance


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January 29, 2025

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they believe and trust in you.” – Isaiah 26:3.

Peter had faith. He stepped off the boat. His feet touched the waves, and he briefly followed in the footsteps of Jesus. But then, the wind howled. The sea churned. His gaze shifted from Christ to chaos, and he sank.

We often think of faith as the absence of fear, but faith is not the denial of storms—it is fixation on Christ in the midst of them. Peter’s circumstances took over as soon as his attention was diverted. The same holds true for us. When we let fear, anxiety, or uncertainty take precedence over Jesus’ presence, we begin to sink. Paul, even writes after he tells us to not be anxious he replaces fear with focusing on “What is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” – Philippians 4:8.

Isaiah 26:3 does not promise a life without storms; rather, it promises perfect peace in the midst of a storm if we do the very thing God wants to build in us, absolute dependence on him. In your walk with the Lord, I hope you understand that peace does not come from controlling outcomes or relying on our own. It is found only in Christ. Our steadfastness is not about striving, but about staying. Staying focused on Jesus. Staying grounded in His Word. Staying surrendered in trust.

My question to you is where are your eyes today? Are they riding the waves of your circumstances, or on the One who commands the sea? The world will always be unsteady, but those who keep their eyes on Jesus will walk in unshakeable peace. Please memorize this verse, it may come in handy!

Reflection:

What circumstances in your life feel overwhelming right now?

Are you more focused on the wind and waves or on Christ?

What would it look like today to fix your eyes on Him?

Prayer:

Lord, I confess that I often take my eyes off You and let the storms of life shake me. Help me trust You more deeply, to keep my mind steadfast on Your truth, and to rest in Your perfect peace. When the waves rise, remind me that You are greater still.
 
Amen.
 
Pastor Chance

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January 28, 2025

Living Beyond the Mountain

“Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up on a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched Jesus’s appearance was transformed” – Mark 9:2

We’ve all experienced “mountain top moments,” right? When everything seems clear, God appears close, and life feels extraordinary. Our students feel this every year at our summer camp called RUSH. In your life, perhaps it was during a retreat, a moving worship service, or an answered prayer that left you speechless. In those moments, it’s easy to want to stay there—away from the world’s noise and struggles.

But here’s the thing: God never allowed the 3 disciples to stay on the mountain during the transfiguration, and he won’t let you stay on it either. Why? Because the true test of our faith is not how high we can climb, but how well we descend and live in the valleys, the ordinary places of life. We are not just made for the beautiful sunrises, experiences, or mountaintop feelings in life. They are supposed to inspire us to go down and “Lift up the people in darkness” in the valley’s of ordinary life.

In Mark 9:14-18, following Jesus’ glorious transfiguration on the mountain, He returned to a crowd where a father begged Him to release his son from a demon. As soon as the four (Jesus, John, James, Peter) descended from the mountain, they were swamped with work. In our lives, as soon as we experience a spiritual high, the enemy attempts to kill it and our inner being is put to the test. It is up to us to use that inspiration to prepare for the difficult work ahead, just as Jesus did.

In essence, God calls us to live our faith even in the midst of chaos, struggles, and mundane routines. That is where we demonstrate our strength, character, and trust in Him.

But, let’s be honest, our hearts long for the mountain. We whisper, “If I could just stay in that holy moment, I’d never doubt, never struggle, never fail.” However, that desire can lead to spiritual selfishness. Those moments aren’t meant to keep us comfortable; they’re supposed to change us. The mountaintop experience is about who we become, not what we learn.

So, instead of asking, “What is the point of this experience?” ask: “How is God shaping me through this?” The mountaintop is not an escape; rather, it is a preparation. And the valley? That is where God’s purpose unfolds.

Allow the mountain to inspire you, but let the valley grow you. That is where genuine faith is lived, lives are transformed, and God’s glory shines brightest.
 
Pastor Chance

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