“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.

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

“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!

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

“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:

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.

In 2011, Zanesville, Ohio, I saw something wild … literally. Fifty exotic animals, including lions, escaped a private zoo and roamed the streets. Imagine driving home and seeing a lion on the side of the road. Crazy, right?

In Proverbs 22:13, Solomon uses a similar picture: The lazy person says, “there is a lion outside! I might be killed in the public square!” The point? Excuses. This person creates an unlikely scenario to avoid responsibility. And we do it too. Maybe our excuses sound like:

– “Maybe I am too old (or young).”

– “I am too busy.”

– “I don’t have enough.”

These excuses hold us back, like imaginary lions prowling in our minds, fear, insecurity, or doubt keeping us from what God is calling us to do. But here’s the truth: The King of the universe is far greater than any excuse you can make.

What lions are you letting stop you? Fear? Doubt? Insecurity? Remember, God doesn’t call the qualified He qualifies the called. Step out in faith today. The King of the universe is on your side, and with Him, there is no lion too big to face.

“The lion(s) of this world are not match for the Lion of Judah”

What are your lions?

Pastor Chance

Impact! The new teachings of Jesus have had the greatest impact the world has ever seen.  It was immediate, and has been enduring, it continues today, and will continue until the Lord returns. The amazing thing about this, is we are invited to be a part of its continuing impact as live are transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ. Let’s consider todays scripture.

Spreading the Impact

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” -Matthew 5:14

In Mark 1:28, we see that Jesus’ teaching and authority spread quickly because of the transformative power of the Gospel. As His followers, we are called to be light in the world, sharing His truth and reflecting His love to others. Think of how a single match can light a candle, which can then light another, spreading fire and illumination one igniting at a time. This is how the gospel spreads—through lives transformed and shared.

• Identify one person in your life who needs encouragement or truth.
• Pray for them and look for an opportunity to share Jesus’ love and teaching with them.

Let’s Pray together, Lord, use me as a light in the world. Help me to reflect Your truth and share Your love with those around me so they too can experience the power of gospel in their lives. I’m Jesus precious name we pray, Amen.

As always Jesus loves you and so do I

Pastor Will

As we see the freedom that Jesus’ power unleashes in our lives, we should live in constant amazement of the grace and love and the newness of life Jesus offers us daily. Let’s look at today’s scripture.

Living in Amazement

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!” – Romans 11:33

The people in the synagogue in Mark 1:27, were amazed by Jesus’ teaching and authority. When we pause to reflect on who He is and what He has done, it should leave us in awe. His wisdom and power are beyond comprehension, yet He chooses to work in our lives. I don’t know if you have had the pleasure to visit the Grand Canyon, Kristan and I did a few years ago, what a sight!   Whether you have or have not, imagine standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon, or gazing at the stars on a clear night. The wonder and amazement you feel at creation pale in comparison to the awe we should feel at the Creator’s love and authority.

• Spend time in worship today, reflecting on God’s greatness.
• Write down three ways Jesus has amazed you in your life.

Let’s pray together, Jesus, Your wisdom and power leave me in awe. Help me to never lose my sense of wonder at who You are and what You have done. In your name we pray, Amen.

As always Jesus loves you and so do I

Pastor Will 

We’ve learned how submitting to Jesus’ authority begins to reveal darkness in or lives, today we will talk about the power that Jesus unleashes in our lives to continually overcome the darkness and be set free. Today’s devotional will take us a little deeper in how to apply this in our lives. 

Freedom Through His Power

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” -John 8:36

The man in Mark 1:25-26 was controlled by an unclean spirit, bound in a way that he could not free himself. The moment Jesus commanded the spirit to leave, the man experienced true freedom. This wasn’t just a symbolic gesture, this was real, tangible deliverance. Similarly, many of us experience bondage in our lives. It may not be possession, but it could be fear, addiction, anger, anxiety, or guilt, anything that would present itself against truly being free in Christ. These chains hold us back from living the abundant life that Jesus desires for us. The good news is that Jesus’ power is still at work. When He sets us free, it’s a complete and lasting freedom.

Imagine a bird trapped in a cage. If the door is suddenly opened, the bird might hesitate, unsure if it’s truly safe to leave. In the same way, we often hold onto things that Jesus has already freed us from—fear, guilt, or unhealthy habits. Consider the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt. Though they were physically free, they often longed to return to Egypt because they struggled to trust God’s provision in the wilderness (Exodus 16:2-3). True freedom isn’t just about leaving behind captivity; it’s about trusting Jesus to lead us forward.

• Identify What Holds You Back:
• Take a moment to reflect on areas in your life where you feel stuck or weighed down. Is it fear, a recurring sin, shame, or something else? Write these down.
• Declare Jesus’ Power:
• Speak the truth of John 8:36 over your life: “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Pray for His power to break these chains.
• Take a Step Toward Freedom:
• Freedom isn’t always instantaneous. Consider one small, tangible step you can take today to walk in the freedom Jesus offers. For example, confess a struggle to a trusted friend, forgive someone, or replace negative self-talk with Scripture.
•  

Let us pray, Lord Jesus, thank You for the freedom You offer through Your power. Help me to trust in Your ability to break every chain that holds me back. Give me the courage to leave behind the things that no longer have power over me because of Your victory. Teach me to walk in the freedom You’ve given me, one step at a time. In Your name, Amen.

As always Jesus loves you and so do I

Pastor Will