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

6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you— 7 for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. 8 For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. 9 For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, 10 as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith? 

11 Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, 12 and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, 13 so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. 

 The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (1 Th 3:6–13). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Have you considered that your friendships with others can be a lighthouse for their lives? It can point others to the Lord with love and affection or it can bring sadness and heartache. A lighthouse only works well when the light is turned to shine out. If the bulb is turned inward the lighthouse really does not work very well. May the light of Christ shine out of you to encourage others in their faith journey. 

Pastor Aaron Kruse

6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. 9 It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. 10

 The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (2 Th 3:6–10). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Who are you imitating? Who are you spending time with in your life? Are you spending time with people who love Jesus and are committed to sharing the good news of love and peace? Or are you spending time with “brothers who are walking in idleness”? I believe Paul encourages us to stay away from these brothers or sisters because they are not spending time reading the Bible and knowing the long established doctrines of the church. Instead they are watching TV or staring at social media that is telling them about the values of the world rather than the values of God and how to live a life that displays the love of Christ. Learning to live as one in the world and not as one of the world is a challenge but Jesus showed us a better way to live and to model to others. Be an imitator of Christ and a model to others. Walk worthy of a life of a higher calling that shows Christ in all that you do. In living this life you will have the opportunity to lead others to know Christ.

Pastor Aaron Kruse 

2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. 

5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. 

 The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Col 4:2–6). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

I remember attending Via De Cristo 100 a couple of years ago and one of the leaders pointed to this little chapel and he said that chapel is the engine to a great weekend. Every minute of this weekend, someone is in that chapel praying for you. 

Prayer makes a difference both for those we are praying for and for ourselves. A prayer life filled with thanksgiving, confession, and intercession for others helps to move our lives from selfish concerns for our own lives to grateful and loving hearts for others. As you continue in prayer may your life be a shining light for others. May it transform your life and the lives of others. May your thoughts be for the concern of others to know Christ and may your words bring hope and life to others.

Pastor Aaron

Paul is encouraging the church in Thessalonica of staying strong in the faith and the love they have toward each other. The persecution of others and the struggle of daily life could steal their faith and love. Let’s look at our text today. 

Paul’s Longing to See Them Again

17 But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, 18 because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. 19 For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? 20 For you are our glory and joy. 

3 Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, 2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, 3 that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. 4 For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. 5 For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain. 

Timothy’s Encouraging Report

6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you— 7 for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. 8 For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. 9 For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, 10 as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith? 

11 Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, 12 and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, 13 so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. 

 The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (1 Th 2:17–3:13). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Are you feeling discouraged in your faith? Is there something that is keeping you from loving another person? You are not alone. There are things in life that can cause us to question our faith and there are people who require extra grace from us. This should not be an excuse to give up on the church. Instead Paul encourages us that he was struggling for the church. I want to remind you that there are pastors and saints who are struggling for you. They are praying for you and encouraging you to keep the faith and the love so that their joy may be complete and that your joy may be exceeded when you finish the race of life and hear the savior say “Well done!” Be encouraged, Jesus loves you. Run the race well.

Pastor Aaron Kruse

Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life.
I’m back home in the house of God for the rest of my life. (Psalm 23)

No matter where I’ve gone, I have yet to find a place I’d rather live than home, sweet home. There are many amazing sites but none that can take the place of being home with my family, my dogs, my church and my guitars. What a beautiful thought that this whole life is really just like a very nice trip. When the trip is over, we are all going home to God. The home he provides us is greater than any we have ever known. Thomas asked Jesus, “but we don’t know the way, Lord.” He said, maybe after a chuckle, “Yes you do! I am the way, the truth and the life.” The Shepherd who is always with us one day will lead us all home.

Pastor Andy

You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head;  my cup brims with blessing. (Psalm 23)