We live in a world obsessed with greatness. Aim higher. Climb further. Achieve more. Be someone. If you ask our culture what greatness looks like, the answers come quickly — success, influence, recognition, achievement, promotion, visibility, money. Worldly greatness is climbing the ladder, being admired, having followers, being noticed.

Even as Christians, we can quietly begin to measure our lives the same way the world does. Because deep down, most of us genuinely want to matter. We want to be significant. We want to make a difference with our lives. And that desire itself isn’t wrong.

But Jesus takes our understanding of greatness and turned it completely upside down when He told the disciples, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant (Matthew 20:26).”

Imagine a stepladder and a towel before you. The ladder represents the world’s way of greatness: climb higher. Get ahead. Be seen. Make your achievements shine. But the towel represents the way of Jesus: kneel lower. Serve quietly. Lift others up. Give instead of grab.

But then Jesus said a very profound statement, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many (Matthew 28).”

Jesus doesn’t just redefine greatness – He embodies it. The Son of Man, the rightful King, the One who holds all authority in heaven and on earth, and yet He comes not demanding service, but offering it. Not grasping for position, but giving His life. In fact, His path of service leads all the way to the cross. And the cross is not weakness. It is the greatest act of servant love the world has ever known.

Most of us will never have large platforms or impressive titles. Most of us won’t be known beyond our local community. But every single one of us has daily opportunities to serve powerfully in the name of Jesus! Remember that greatness in God’s kingdom often looks like ordinary, unseen faithfulness like, listening even when you’re tired. Forgiving when you’ve been hurt. Helping without being asked. And serving without the applauds. 

When our identity rests in being seen by others, we need the ladder. But when our identity rests in Christ, the towel no longer feels like a burden – it becomes a joy. And the reason this is so refreshing and powerful is because we don’t serve to achieve security in this world, we serve because we are already secure in Christ!

On Sunday night, I ended my sermon giving our newly ordained Deacon, Kent, a towel that was in an old, wrinkled plastic shopping bag. I reminded him, as I remind all of us, that life and ministry are messy, and our lives are called to reach the messy and then let God do His work through us!

God bless you,

Pastor Paul

“I commit you to God and to the word of His Grace, which can build you up.”
Acts 20:32

Because Jesus Christ broke out of the grave, there has been an outbreak of grace all over this world! And because Jesus broke the grip of the grave, every believer lives in the grip of grace!

As God’s child by blood, Jesus continually pours into your life abundant grace for all occasions and all situations that you face. Grace (unmerited favor) is always working to lift you up above your burdens and brokenness and into His blessings.
 
We need to see grace as the propellant that keeps us moving forward through the hills and valleys of our lives.
 
Do you have disappointments in your past that have stifled your faith and caused you to get stuck in your tracks? There are times when the spirit of fear whispers in your ear, "You are never going to overcome the obstacles that try to paralyze us." Have you ever felt like life was leading you to a dead end? If this is you, God wants to reintroduce you to His grace as an untapped source of power and strength.
 
Never forget that grace is never fueled by fear, driven by doubts, or measured by our performance, but by God’s presence!

God’s grace gives us the contentment to stop and wait on God without fearing what’s coming next in life. Grace provides the precise measure of inspiration and motivation to do only what is assigned for the current circumstance. You have more grace than you will ever need for any predicament or problem.
 
While we may fail to step forward, remember, grace is never fixed on the past or preoccupied with tomorrow, but rests securely in the present so we can feel like God has a grip on our grief and guilt. Grace is truly a unique treasure that holds your life together.
 
God’s grace establishes boundary lines that surround us with His protection, provision, and power. It works like an electric fence that the enemy cannot cross! It declares a protective blood barrier that keeps every believer safe from the evil one.
 
Never allow your past or your pain to determine your future. Don’t worry about what others are doing – or what you should have done. Listen carefully to the voice of grace that will bring you joy and breathe peace into your soul. You do not have to strive in your flesh for things to happen, let grace establish your steps and let it open the doors to your future.
 
With the resurrection of Jesus Christ behind us a few days now, the power of God is always before us moving us into His path. Let's experience the power of God’s grace in refreshing ways. It’s His grace that leads us out of the wilderness, empowers our walk, and brings us into a new place with His promises.
 
Pressing On Together,
 
Pastor Dave

“Remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”
Luke 23:43

On Good Friday, I invite you to look again at the cross. Let’s not take this Friday casually because the cross is where everything broken in humanity meets the restoring power of God.
 
Most of us view the crucifixion from the ground up with Jesus in the middle, thieves on both sides, religious leaders mocking, and disciples fleeing in fear. At first thought some would say that this scene looks like a total loss and defeat.
 
But in the middle of that all that suffering and shame, a powerful moment unfolds before our eyes – one thief overcomes his mockery with adoration as he sees Jesus for Who He is – the Son of God!
 
He looks at a beaten and bleeding man crowned with thorns and says, “Lord!” And by faith he sees what the others can’t – a Savior with nails in His hands and a King crowned with thorns on His head. Yes. by faith that morally rotten thief saw a King who was dying first and then reigning later!
 
That thief makes an extraordinary request, “Remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” That word remember is deeper than we realize. It does not simply mean to think about someone again. But it literally means to put back together what has been torn apart. In essence, that thief was saying to Jesus, “Your death is my only hope because sin has torn me into pieces. I have been separated from God, so when You come into Your kingdom, put me back together.”
 
And thank God that Jesus answers this mess of a man, this hurting human with the power of amazing grace that came with a promise, “Today you will be with Me in paradise.”
 
At Calvary, Jesus allowed His body to be broken and His blood to be poured out. The Bible tells us that the life of the flesh is in the blood. When blood is separated from the body, death occurs. But when blood is in the body life occurs! Spiritual life comes into us as God takes the broken pieces of our lives and restores our soul, renews our minds, and rebuilds are dreams.

Just as Jesus spoke to the thief way back then, He speaks to you today with these words, “The power of grace will meet you right where you are. Let Me do the heavy lifting of removing the stain of sin and straighten the mental maze! Trust Me to put all the pieces of your life back together as My masterpiece!”
 
Pressing On Together,
 
Pastor Dave

“My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear.” Psalm 38:4

Life has its overwhelming moments and sometimes we feel like we can’t escape their suffocating effects. Sometimes we are at great loss wondering why such situations comes our way. Overwhelming moments have the capacity to do one of two things; they either crush our spirit to make us feel defeated or they drive us to discover our inner strength in Jesus.
 
The plain truth is that no power on earth, whether sin or sorrow, human or hellish can crush your spirit and triumph over you unless you let it! The believer does not need to live permanently in brokenness that’s brought on by any external forces or internal feeling.
 
Satan and his minions try to conquer us through fear because this is their most powerful weapon, and they try use it every day against us! As long as we entertain fear in all of its hideous dimensions, then we will feel overwhelmed by fear. Too many times, fear is at the root of people becoming overwhelmed. We fear for our lives, for our children’s safety and for our friend’s well-being. Mental fear is debilitating fear, and it can consume us if we let it!
 
The Bible has something important to say to believers with this “spirit of fear” and timidity, “For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
 
David had more overwhelming moments in his life than probably anyone else in Scripture and that was because he had a very colorful life. He was the youngest of many siblings, a shepherd, an adulterer, a struggling father, a king, and a warrior.
 
Let his encouraging words sink deep into your spirit and mind, “Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed then You will lead me to the Rock.” (Psalm 61:1-2)
 
The next time you feel overwhelmed by life and the “perfect storm” that hits the shores of your life with its showers of sorrows, remember that God is your reliable source for power, provision and protection. King David would agree with this truth! And because God worked for him, let God work for you in your times of tension and seasons of struggle.
 
Pressing On Together,
 
Pastor Dave

“My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me all day long, ‘Where is your God?’” Psalm 42:3

Self-hatred is a terrible experience. It’s been said, “The hardest part of shaving every day is looking at the man in the mirror.” For those who struggle with self-hatred, that daily encounter with self can be very painful. So what are we to do if we find ourselves hating who we are?
 
I think the greatest thing we can do is look upward before we look inward! The God who took on flesh was crushed physically, emotionally, and spiritually so we can be redeemed.

The Holy Spirit has chosen to dwell within you, never to leave or forsake you, even in your worst failures. God does not make mistakes! Think about it, God willingly embraced a profound cost in order to be in fellowship with us. Doesn’t that count for something in our lives?
 
So once we have lifted our eyes to Christ, we can ask the hard question: Why do I hate myself? Is it because of what someone has done to us or because of what we have done to others? Self-hatred often arises in relation to sin! Sometimes it’s the fruit of being sinned against; sometimes it's the result of sin that we have committed.
 
If we are carrying the weight of someone else’s sin against us, the only path forward is forgiveness. Forgiveness is often slow and costly, yet we are called to do it. Words spoken like, “You are worthless” or "I hate you" can lodge deep in the soul. Yet to continue granting those voices authority is to give them power they do not deserve. Forgiveness does not mean minimizing the harm, but it does mean maximizing the healing by way of the cross.
 
Even as you read this, the Holy Spirit may be pressing on your conscience, and that discomfort is the beginning of your healing! Satan tells us that forgiveness is unnecessary or that it can be done tomorrow or next week! Both are lies. True repentance humbles pride, cleanses the conscience, and restores joy. Forgiving others and yourself is painful but it's full of promises that can bring sweetness to the soul and worthiness to our thoughts.
 
Self-hatred is a deeply penetrating feeling. Keep in mind that your feelings can alert you to truth – truth that Jesus said can set YOU free in many ways! Self-hatred can come from lingering sin, a suffering conscience, or from crippling shame.

When the heart falters, we must lean on God’s word to us and our worship to Him! We must never be intimidated to cry out and sing out in times of confusion and chaos. But for sure, as we walk with God through the valley of pain and suffering, our hearts often follow where our faith leads us!
 
Pressing On Together,
 
Pastor Dave

“How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever?”
Psalm 13:1

The phrase, “dark night of the soul,” has been around for hundreds of years. It represents a deep season of struggle when we may even feel abandoned by God. The cave of personal darkness can bring a season of hopelessness.
 
Let’s be real, the greatest of believers have suffered from it at times. It was the place that made King David soak his pillow with tears. It was the place that made the prophet Jeremiah sour in his struggle, and it was the place that made Job ponder his pain. Let's also be honest, this is no ordinary cave of darkness, but many times it’s linked to a crisis of faith. The cave of emotional darkness is real.
 
We can spend weeks or months in this dark place, not only mentally, emotionally, but spiritually. It’s a battle with discouragement and darkness that can come from the enemy of our soul! I have come to realize that among our greatest weapons available in the dark night of the soul is choosing to remember that God has the final say over the darkness.
 
Remember this – between the darkness and the light, there is a space that can be filled with fear or faith, worry or worship.
 
Dark seasons reveal what we actually believe, not just what we say we believe! The phrase, “dark night of the soul,” captures a moment when the floor drops out from underneath us and when we realize we don’t have control. Believe it or not, this can actually be a good thing. Many times it's only when we hit rock bottom that we turn to the Rock at the bottom.
 
The hard but liberating truth is this – the place of a wound often becomes the greatest place of worship! It’s easy to talk about the goodness of God when life is easy. It’s easy to say we trust Jesus when the bills are paid, the relationships are great, and the body is healthy. But when the wheels fall off, and the storm comes, that’s when worship becomes real. That’s when we discover whether our faith is just a slick slogan or an awesome anchor.
  
As you come into this high season for your faith, how is your faith? Strong or shaky? Courageous or compromised? Let’s take this season to the next level! And if you are experiencing a dark night in your soul then I encourage you to let the light of the world shine brightly in your soul today!
 
Pressing On Together,
 
Pastor Dave

“My earthly life clings to the dust; revive and refresh me according to Your word.”
Psalm 119:25

Thomas Tomkins was an English weaver living in London. He had come to love the Scriptures after hearing them read in English and that alone placed him in danger when Queen Mary banned private reading and studying of the Bible.
 
In 1555 he was brought before Bishop Edmund Bonner and ordered to abandon what he believed about Christ and the Lord’s Supper. The demand was simple: return to the teachings of Rome and live. Thomas answer with, “My conscience was bound to the Word of God.” To the authorities of the Catholic Church saw his refusal a serious thing because it showed that the word of God was giving a common man a stubborn faith.
 
The Church decided that more had to be done to Thomas, so they took a lit candle and placed it up against his right hand, the hand with which he had signed his confession of faith with. As his flesh slowly burned, the pain was meant to break him. Witnesses recorded that he endured the torment remembering the suffering of Jesus. Thomas said at this moment, “The One who died for me was worthy of any cost I might bear in return.”
 
When they finally withdrew his severely burnt hand from the hot burning candle, they placed a pen in that same hand and demanded him to write a statement recanting his faith in the word of God. But instead Thomas took the pen in his burnt hand and signed his confession again – choosing faithfulness to the Bible. The moment after he sign the letter, Thomas looked at the crowd that gathered around him and said loudly for all to hear, “Conviction shaped by grace is stronger than fear shaped by threats.”
 
At that moment, he was sentenced to death on March 16, 1555. He was led to the place where many believers were executed. The fire that had tested his hand now tormented his body. Those who watched saw not only another execution, but the strength in a man that didn’t come from education or position, fame or fortune, but from his confidence in Christ and the security found in the Scriptures!
 
His story reminds us that faithfulness to the word of God is not proven in comfort but in crisis!

As we continue our Five Faith Fasts for the next 4 Sundays, we want to be confident that God’s word can sustain our lives through the good times and the hard times.
 
Pressing On Together,

Pastor Dave

“Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift!”
2 Corinthians 9:15

I don’t need to convince anyone of the fact that people experience moral failings. Every human being is inherently wired with a conscience that experiences incontestable right and wrong. Every one of us, “show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness” (Rom. 2:15).
 
But with this fact, we must remember that God is able to move a person from moral brokenness to redemptive beauty! This is where God’s grace provides new beginnings and genuine fulfillment. God always offers forgiveness followed by the opportunity and the resources to start again. Jesus Christ provides the inner resources that gives us the beauty that God intends for all of us.
 
Sin causes emotional weight, and that weight is removed by God’s forgiveness as characterized by inward peace and grace that is not a temporary or therapeutic fix. The deep seated peace and grace of God is not conjured up by human invention. The great American pastor and theologian Jonathan Edwards explains this perfectly, “These are principles which are of a new and spiritual nature, vastly nobler and more excellent than all that is in natural man.” The power of God’s peace and grace is only applied by the work of the Holy Spirit by way of repentance!
 
The experience of God’s forgiveness has transcended time, cultures, and it has persevered over philosophical and psychological thought throughout history.
 
I think it’s incredible how God’s grace can strengthen us to go the extra step – forgive ourselves from our self-inflicted burdens. C. S. Lewis commented in a personal letter to a friend, “I think that if God forgives us we must forgive ourselves. Otherwise it is almost like setting up ourselves as a higher tribunal than Him.”
 
The beauty of God’s forgiveness is this – it’s absolutely free! As Paul shouted, “Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift” (2 Cor. 9:15). So why is God so generous? What’s the catch? Nothing at all! In fact, it shows us that He loves us unconditionally! Paul explained it this way, “God showed His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Roman 5:8).

God desires that we be renewed in our minds and that we walk in the path He intends for us, “for to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace” (Roman 8:6).
 
And that’s the greatest news for the greatest sinner!
 
Pressing On Together!
 
Pastor Dave

Christ is referring to His church that knows He's standing at the heart's door, but they will not rouse themselves from their spiritual lethargy to open it. By implication, they will not invite Him into their daily lives. As unbelievable as it sounds, there are still those in His church who will keep Him on the outside looking in!
 
But notice that Jesus used the word “if” to remind us that there is hope—hope that any of His followers can change and choose to open the door to Christ rather than ignore Him. Are we opening ourselves up to Christ so that our eternal relationship with Him can be bold and dynamic? God has given us everything we need to succeed in opening our heart’s door to His best.
 
So are we opening the door? Here are some easy tests:
 
Are we diligently praying, studying, meditating, fasting, and not allowing our deceitful and sleepy natures to accept excuses for failure?

Are we opening our minds and hearts during services by being alert and eager?

Are we wise or foolish virgins (Matthew 25:1-12)? Have we been lulled to sleep and see no need for urgency (II Peter 3:4)?
 
God knows the true answers to each of these questions. Do we?

Even in our struggles and sorrows we can overcome spiritual lethargy. As I've said in a sermon recently, "In times of despair, worry, or disappointment, the simplest yet most potent solution is to look up and remember who God is. His greatness surpasses our challenges and His might overshadows our weakness."
 
These relationship-building tools are our Christian responsibilities. They are the daily, little things given to us that tell God the real intentions of our hearts.
 
The one who gives careless attention to these responsibilities is a lazy Laodicean. We need to open our heart’s doors to Christ as never before because, as Romans 13:11 says, “So knowing the time, it is high time to wake up out of sleep, for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.”

Standing in the gap!
 
Pastor Paul

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:12-13

Just like the palm tree in hurricane winds – it may bend near the ground, but when the storm passes, it rises again. That’s you! The storm that hit your house, the winds that blew against your mind, your family, your marriage and your heart – but by the grace of God, you are still standing!
 
You were knocked down, but not destroyed. And I dare you to declare to yourself and to the world, “I’m getting back up by the grace of God.”
 
Noah faced the storm of all storms! As people rejected the grace of God and desperate hands scratched at the door to get in, the one door was finally shut. But inside, with no steering wheel, no anchor, and no sails, Noah had no control – just faith! Sometimes God allows storms that you can’t steer, can’t fix, and you just have to ride it out by faith. But remember, even in those storms, God is in control!
 
Some of you are in that same place – you’ve peeked out the window, but you haven’t stepped back into life. The flood is over, but you’re still sitting in the ark.
 
But hear me: it’s time to come out! It’s time to rebuild. I know the house is gone. I know the loved one is gone. I know your life is full of debris. I know the memories hurt. But if God helped you build once, He’ll help you build again.
 
Peter was in a prison—locked up, chained down and bound. But the angel of the Lord came, struck him on the side, and said: “Rise up quickly!” And the chains fell off. God is saying that to someone today. You’ve been in a prison of fear, betrayal, rejection and depression. But the storm didn’t break you. You're bent, but not broken!
 
Someone today has been living with yesterday’s pain. But I remind you, quit dragging around what’s already under the blood. If it’s under the blood, it’s gone. If it’s under the blood, you’re forgiven.
 
The pain that you thought would kill you, it didn’t. The failure you thought would finish you, but you’re still here. You’re bent, but not broken.
 
So rise up, rebuild, restore, and return to the life God has given you. God’s not finished and guess what – your story is not over!
 
Pressing On Together,
 
Pastor Paul

“Cast away all the transgressions that you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit.” Ezekiel 18:31

I share this verse to demonstrate God’s desire for us to be set apart from the world, the flesh, and the devil. He longs for us to be holy in spirit and healthy in mind. And to take the members of our bodies and place them under God's subjection.

Isn't it a wonderful thing that God enables us to turn from our sin? He wants each of us to live a life full of joy and be free from the bondage that Satan chains us to.

I love the phrase, “get a new heart and a new spirit.” A new heart and a new spirit is the beautiful gift that only Jesus Christ can give us. And He does that through the redeeming power of His blood.

Choose today to accept that gift. Choose each moment of the day to accept that gift that comes to us with no cost. Refuse the chains of Satan, which cost us everything and stops us from living with an abundant attitude in Christ!

As I journey through healing and recovery, thoughts of giving up enter my mind from time to time. And that's when I hear the voice of Satan telling me, "This is who you are and who you will always be!"

My identity is not in my past – I'm a new man in Christ! My identity is in the promises of God. I like what C.S. Lewis said, "The past is frozen and no longer flows, and the present is all lit up with eternal rays." Why should I continue to mourn over that which I hated? The way I see it, my future is looking pretty bright and powerfully blessed as I walk in the confidence that God's word gives me daily. How can I fail in this healing if God is for me and not against me?

Today, I rejoice that I have been set free from my past and unchained from the old man's nature. When I stop and think how many times I let the grief for the old nature draw me back, it sickens me. No longer will I miss or mourn the flesh that once ran so prevalent in me, but I choose to rejoice in the blood that has washed me clean!

I'm reminded of a time when God offered the children of Israel a huge choice in order to overcome 40 years of wilderness living. He said, "I am giving you the choice between life and death." In the very same way, God put the same deal on the table for me. For over 40 years I wandered in my wounds, but now I am walking in the victory found only in God's healing. 

You too can be renewed in your mind and choose life. May you walk in freedom today and accept the new life that God offers. We serve a big God and we worship a loving God! This is why I can say, "I want to live abundantly in 2026!"

If you are under the bondage of addiction or the burden of hurts, then join us on Mondays @ 6pm for Celebrate Recovery as we offer hope to anyone struggling with hurts, habits, and hang-up.

Let's live with an abundant attitude this year!

Mark Lauer

Every year on January 1st, here on this earth, we celebrate a new calendar year around the world and is often, by many, considered a day to make new starts in life. I often find it unfortunate that many wait specifically for this day to make these new starts. Did you know that we have the most amazing God who tells us that every day is made new? We find this in Lamentations 3:22-23 “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.”

We start fresh every morning when we wake up! A new start, a clean slate, a new beginning. We don’t have to wait for a year to celebrate the wonderful work that God does every day in our lives. And similarly, 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us that old things have passed away, and all things have become new, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

We can have a New Day Celebration every day! I am glad that we do not have to wait for another year to start afresh. Or to wait a year, to resolve to let go of past hurts, hang-ups or addictions. And when we find ourselves falling short of our goals, we don’t have to until next year to start over and pick up the pieces. We can do that right here and now! Today and every day! Seeing that today coincides with a new year, we can do both. We can commit to the changes today and ask God to help us to carry these changes, these commitments or resolutions, into this new year.

I would like to pray over all of us who might have set for themselves a new goal of getting in shape, eating right, quitting this or start that. Or perhaps you have committed to making amends with someone you have hurt or to let go of the hurt someone has inflicted on you. Or possibly you have laid something at the foot of the cross as this new year begins.

This is my prayer for all of us, "God grants us the wisdom and the perseverance to make the desired changes and to hold fast to the resolutions that You have for us as this new year begins. Encourage us to enter this year with the assurance of Romans 8:37 'Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.'”

May God richly bless and keep you this new year!

Mark Lauer

“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” 
Matthew 6:14-15

As we begin a new year, let's give the gift that keeps on giving all year long - forgiveness!

Let me tell you about a Montana man, Walter Breuning, who is the world's oldest man. He recently celebrated his 114th birthday.
 
Walter was born on Sept. 21, 1896, in Melrose, Minnesota, and moved to Montana in 1918, where he worked as a clerk for the Great Northern Railway for 50 years. He was asked, “What is the secret to a long life?” To that he responded, “Don't forget to forgive along the way; it's the balm that soothes the soul.”
 
Why is his statement such good wisdom? Because…Forgiveness is our highest need from God and our greatest seed for others.
 
We need our sins forgiven by God in order to experience a healthy relationship with our heavenly Father, but at the same time we must plant the seeds of forgiveness into the lives of those who have hurt us. Let’s face it, we don’t live in a perfect world, and until we are in heaven we will have to overcome offenses, hurt feelings and bad experiences that linger in our minds on a daily basis.
 
I think Peter was bold enough to ask for all of us, “Lord, how many times do I forgive?” He was really asking “What’s the limit – about 7 times?” He knew that according to rabbinical law you can give the person 3 strikes and after that you can fire bomb their house!
 
In verse 22, “70 times 7” – what a mind blower! Remember I mentioned that 7 is the number for perfection and 10 is the number for completion - so to a Jew, perfection multiplied by completion was infinity!
 
So is the limit 490 times? No! Simply put, if you can forgive 490 times, forgiveness is now a healthy habit! So think about it this way, forgiveness is a great habit that releases hatred! In reality Jesus is saying, forgiveness is a perfect act that brings completion and closure to an area of life!
 
So maybe you’re thinking to yourself, “How did Jesus arrive at this incredible equation?” Easy, Peter was appealing to the law and Jesus was appealing to love – so forgiveness has nothing to do with the law, but everything to do with love! This is because the law has limits and love has no limits!
 
Now in our opening verses above, how does this tie into this? First, Jesus is not saying to his disciples (and to us) that there comes a time when God stops forgiving our sins! If we are a child of God, you are covered by the blood of Jesus that continues to cleanse us. So to misinterpret Matthew 6:14, 15, it will mess up your theology of God.
 
I suggest to you that there is a better way to understand Jesus’ words. He was powerfully teaching that the day we no longer experience forgiving others the wrongs done to us, that’s the day we stop experiencing God’s forgiveness of our own sins!

The key word is “experience” – it’s one thing to express that you are forgiven; but it is a whole other matter to experience forgiveness in our daily walk with Him! We need to desperately experience His forgiveness every day because out of our thankfulness and gratitude we extend forgiveness to others! Never dismiss this point because that’s when we are more forgiving of ourselves!
 
“Let’s go to Calvary to learn how we may be forgiven, then let’s linger there to learn how to forgive.” Charles Spurgeon
 
So I remind all of us as we start a New Year together, every day we are starting out with a fresh slate or a full slate in our relationships – which describes you today!
 
Forgiving Together,
 
Pastor Dave

This Christmas season we've seen unfolding crises across our country and around the world. A quick glance at any news feed reveals alarming headlines that reveal just how broken our society is because secular humanism is rising and biblical morality is declining. Dangerous elements of Islam are spreading across many countries including America. Strangely, socialism and corruption are being celebrated in many of our cities.
 
Especially at Christmas, our personal lives only add to the noise. Phones buzzing. family gatherings, and daily responsibilities seem to multiply. Daily deadlines, decisions, and digital demands create dangerous distractions. The result is a busy life that looks active on the surface but then drifts quietly from the presence of God.
 
In the midst of it all, many Christians find their hearts growing anxious and distracted. During this season, it's easy to become overwhelmed, angry, fearful and consumed by the constant clamor of our culture.
 
But on the flip side of all this is God! He is calling us to something better. Hebrews 12:1-2 reminds us, “Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.” The Christian life isn’t a sprint of scattered effort, it’s a long race of faithful focus.
 
Hebrews 12 begins with the reminder to “lay aside every weight.” Not every distraction is a sinful activity, but every distraction takes our eyes off Christ. Some distractions are obvious: temptations and misplaced priorities. Others are subtle: overcommitments, comparison, and even good things that crowd out the best things.
 
So let's ask ourselves: is this helping me run the race God has given me, or is it slowing me down? Here's a personal question – is the thing in my life a weight taking me down or is it a wing lifting me up to God?
 
The difference between the spiritually fruitful and the spiritually fatigued is often found in our focus.
 
King David wrote, “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek Him.” For David, the presence of God was not a depressive duty but a daily delight.

In a world of endless activity, daily time in God’s Word and prayer is how we return to what’s real. Make that time non-negotiable. Everything else in life gains clarity when we start with Christ. I have to remind myself as I scroll through the news, answer messages, and start thinking about my day - first pause to worship my Savior and meditate on His sufficiency.
 
Keep in mind that worship reshapes our perspective and prayer rearranges our priorities. God’s presence doesn’t remove our pressures, but it sure does remind us of who holds them. And that’s comforting to me this Christmas.
 
Merry Christmas!
 
Pastor Dave

Interesting that Jesus was born in the city of Bethlehem. We know that this city is important for several reasons. Jacob buried Rachel in Bethlehem. Ruth and Boaz lived in Bethlehem. David was born in Bethlehem. And we know that Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem fulfilled the Messianic prophecy of Micah 5:1.
 
In Hebrew, the city’s name means “house of bread.” Bethlehem, the “house of bread” reminds us that Jesus is the Bread of Life (John 6:48).
 
There’s also another interesting fact about Bethlehem. The numerical value of the word “house of bread” is 490. In Matthew 18:21-22, Peter came to Jesus and asked, “How many times do I have to forgive someone who has wronged me? Up to seven times?” Jesus responded with, “No, not up to seven times, but seventy times seven!” Of all the numbers Jesus could have picked, why seventy times seven? Why 490? Because forgiveness and bread are connected.
 
Jesus connects forgiveness and bread in the Lord’s Prayer (Matt. 6:9-13), when He said, “Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Matt. 6:11-12). And then forgiveness and bread are even in our remembrance of the death of Jesus. When we observe communion, we follow the words of Jesus, “This is My body, which is for you. Do this in memory of Me.” The bread used at the Last Supper symbolized His broken body. It reminds us of the forgiveness that He purchased for us.
 
There are some other connections between bread and forgiveness, especially if we dig further into the significance of that number 490. The word “nativity” also has the Hebrew numeric value of 490. This numeric insight makes perfect sense, since Jesus was born in a manger in the city of Bethlehem so that we might be forgiven.
 
And here’s something more. The number 490 is also the numeric value of the biblical Hebrew word “tamim” which means “complete” “perfect” or “finished.” A person who can’t forgive will always live an imperfect and incomplete life! It's a life that lacks a proper understanding of the finished gracious work of the cross.
 
As we thank God for Bethlehem, the house of bread, where His Son, the Bread of Life was born, I pray that we all experience the sacredness of this season. May we know deep in our hearts that we who have been forgiven much are to love much!
 
Merry Christmas!
 
Pastor Dave

"Joy unspeakable and full of glory"
1 Peter 1:8

“Joy to the world!” What a great truth to remember in an old hymn! And then consider the rest of that stanza, “The Lord is come; Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing.” Those are refreshing and even rejuvenating words for today’s weary world.
 
I have heard the phrase, “A gloomy Christian is a contradiction in terms” many times over the years, and I wonder how much truth is in that phrase. I don't think anything has hurt the church throughout the years more than the idea that a sour and sullen believer is the norm.
 
Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes said, "I would have entered the ministry if clergymen I know didn't look and act so much like undertakers."
 
Joy is one of the most powerful signs of the presence of God in us, not just at Christmas time, but all year long. You see, a joyful believer is a beautiful believer. When somebody has authentic joy it's attractive and people want to know where it came from. Think about this – a joyful Christian is a powerful representative of the good news.
 
Paul wrote the book of Philippians, the epistle of joy, when he was in a Roman prison. Yet joy runs throughout the book. Even in the worst possible circumstances, Paul had the joy of the Lord.
 
Joy is interesting because it’s never found through direct pursuit – it's a byproduct of pursuing Christ. As long as you live for self, you'll never find it. But when you turn your life over to Christ and live for Him, you'll find true joy.
 
One of the keys to Paul's joy is that whatever negative experience he was facing, he looked for how God was working through it. When something bad happened, he would think "What's God up to?" Remember, when life happens unexpectedly, God is working supernaturally.
 
There are always two sides to every event in our lives. There's the factual side: we want to know the who, what, where, and how. But then there's the actual side: the why. Why did this happen? Paul lived his life looking for the actual side of every event: What's God up to? And as he discovered the will of God, he was joyful.
 
And that's why he could write, "I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel" (Philippians 1:12). Then, in Philippians 4:4, he says, "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!"
 
The byproduct of seeking the Lord and surrendering to Him is "joy unspeakable and full of glory." It’s an experience every believer can have. If we decide to look for God’s purpose, even in the bleakest times, we will find joy every day of the year!
 
Merry Christmas!
 
Pastor Dave

"Preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 1:13

Think about this, God designed our emotions to be gauges, not guides! They’re meant to report to us, not dictate us! The pattern of our emotions will give us a reading on where our hope is because they are wired into what we believe and value. That’s why emotions like a delight (Psalm 37:4), affection (Romans 12:10), fear (Luke 12:5), anger (Psalm 37:8), and joy (Psalm 5:11) are emotions that reveal what our heart loves, trusts, and fears in life.

But because our emotions are wired into our fallen natures as well as our regenerated natures, sin and Satan will mess with them and will use them to try and manipulate us to act faithlessly. Emotions aren’t the boss of our thinking. I think we all have to constantly fight against our emotions and remind ourselves that our lives should not be driven by feelings over faith, but faith over feelings. Sarah Hahn writes, “Feelings are inconsistent. They are unreliable. We cannot base our relationship with God on some wavering feeling.”

The writer of Hebrews puts it straight for us in Hebrews 11:6 “Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe He exists and rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”

Here’s a perfect illustration. What if a farmer went out to work his farm based on the way he feels at the moment? Do you think he would get much done? A farmer’s work is hard! Living by faith is also hard! It takes a lot of effort to follow God, trust God, and listen to God as we walk by faith! Let’s face it, if we let our feelings dictate our day we wouldn’t accomplish much in our faith journey.

Feelings will also hinder us from running the Christian race in a way that’s pleasing to God or consistent with His word. Becoming entangled in our feelings only loosens our grip on the faith promises we have in God’s word. When the days are dark and grim we need God's promises to guide us as we trust Him. Our own John Miller once said, “We can’t lose our faith in the hard days because God promises us that the good days will come back.”

So regardless of how we feel on any given day, “let us run with perseverance the race that is marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of faith…” (Hebrews 12:2).

God bless you,

Pastor Paul

"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."  2 Corinthians 5:17

In A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, Jacob Marley is the deceased business partner of Ebenezer Scrooge. Marley’s ghost visits Scrooge on Christmas Eve at the beginning of the story. And then the memorable scene comes when Mr. Marley holds in his hands clanging chains and he says to Scrooge, “I forged these chains link by link.”
 
My mind got to thinking about these chains. How were these chains forged? And are we forging chains link by link in our lives?
 
One must consider that these links are being formed by acts of sin. And they can be forged by the pride of life, the love of money, greed and other worldly pleasures that consume us and control us.
 
Keep in mind that forging requires heat which then changes the metal’s internal structure. With that image in your mind, think about sin for a moment. Are not the links we forge, forged by our sin? Does the forging of sin in our life make our hearts tough? The links that we forge are forged from the fires of hell itself and Satan is at the controls turning up the heat.
 
I see his big fiery darts as sin being forged by the heat of sin. With that nagging continual sin, we forge our links when we allow sin to prevail in our lives. And because forging strengthens metal and reorganizes the internal structure, do you see why breaking the chains of sin becomes difficult – but not impossible!
 
There is One, to whom even the flames of hell must bow! Yes, at times He gives the fire permission to burn, but Jesus Christ is able take even the hardest of chains and reforge them into something beautiful.

But sometimes God will turn up the heat! We allow links to be forged in the fire of sin, but then to be free from the chains we must submit to the Refiner’s fire! Keep this in mind - the fire that breaks the chains of sin and bondage has the power to transform us into a new creation.
 
As I think about the links that Mr. Marley forged and the sound of the weight of those dragging chains, I wonder how many links were in my chain before I met my Chain Breaker?

Satan's desire for us to be forged in sin and molded to this world, but God's desire is for us to be forged by the fire of the love that He has for us. Thank God that His desire for us is to break the chains of condemnation so we can conform to Christ.
 
God bless you,
 
Mark Lauer

Sometimes life feels like it’s crushing you, the pressure is heavy, the breaking seems unfair, and the pain feels endless. But in those very moments, God is not breaking you to destroy you, He’s shaping you to bless you.
 
Grapes must be crushed to make sweet wine.
Diamonds form under intense pressure.
Olives are pressed to release pure oil.
A seed must break open before new life can grow.
 
In the same way, God uses our pain to produce something precious. Our trials and hurts aren’t wasted, they are the process by which His glory is revealed in us. This is exactly what the apostles Paul said, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
 
When life feels like it’s pressing you down, remember, the pressure has a purpose. Every tear, every setback, every season of breaking, every hurt is preparing you for something beautiful that could only come through surrender. Just as the olive must be pressed for oil, you must sometimes be pressed to see God’s power released in your life. 
 
So don’t give up! What you place in God’s hands, He will transform. Your brokenness is not the end of the story - it’s the beginning of His masterpiece.
 
Here are some scriptural lessons:
 

• Pain has purpose: God uses hardship to refine your faith. (1 Peter 1:7)

 

• Brokenness leads to growth: The seed cannot bear fruit until it’s planted and broken. (John 12:24)

 

• God works in the pressure: Pressure reveals power, and God’s strength is made perfect in weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

 

• Nothing is wasted: What feels like loss is often God’s preparation for blessing. (James 1:3-4)

 

• Surrender brings strength: When you give it all to Him, He turns your pain into purpose. (Psalm 34:18)

 
So there is encouragement for us! We may not see it now, but one day we’ll look back and realize: every crushing, every pressing, every breaking, every hurt was God working something beautiful in us. So hold on – our pain in God’s hands becomes power in His purpose!
 
I’d like to close with a prayer for us, “O God, in our moments of pain and breaking, help us to remember You are there to shape us and bless us. Remind us, Lord, that every tear, every setback, every season of hardship and every hurt, has purpose in Your hands.
 
Just as grapes must be crushed to make sweet wine and diamonds form under pressure, let our struggles produce beauty and strength within us. Teach us to surrender our brokenness to You, trusting that what seems like loss is often Your preparation for greater blessing.
 
Draw us close, comfort us and let Your love be our anchor as we walk this journey of recovery together.”

In Jesus’ Name, Amen!
 
God bless you,
 
Janice Delisle

“You have multiplied, O Lord, Your wondrous deeds and Your thoughts toward us! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told.” Psalm 40:5

I have many scars on my body. As a rough-and-tumble kind of guy, (use to be) anyway, I wore my scars as badges of honor. Many scars, each with a story, and ironically enough, it seems the more tragic the event, the more memorable the scar.
 
I like to think that our spiritual scars are the same way. Those horrible marks left behind after every failure and every fall. The scars that we obtain as we push our way through the fires of life or press on through the field of thorns. Our spirits are marred with reminders of both battles fought and victories won. And just as with physical scars, the more harsh the trial, the more memorable the scar, and that’s a good thing.
 
When we look at our scars, our minds are drawn back to the time when we received those marks. Sometimes those memories bring with them grief or regret, but more often than not, they carry with them a sense of awe. We stare at those scars and think, “Yep, that was a bad situation, but I made it through.”
 
According to the dictionary, a scar is “a mark left by a healed wound, sore, or burn.” The mark remains, but the wound itself is healed. Not only that, but we now have a visible reminder of our victory over that circumstance.
 
The Lord wants us to see our spiritual scars in the same light. He doesn’t want us to focus on our marks so that we can analyze our mistakes or relive our past. No, He wants us to view our scars, remember the events that caused them, and then bask in the victory and healing that He allowed. He wants us to smile at our scars and say, “Yes, that was one really tough situation, but I made it through, to God be the glory!”
 
Our spiritual scars speak of our perseverance. They are a testimony of battles won in the power of God. But most of all, our scars are reminders of God’s grace! For by His grace we pressed on in the fight!

Let’s always remember that Jesus is not ashamed of His wounds and scars. His resurrected body showed them! His wounds are a visible reminder of how He demonstrated His loved for us, and how much compassion He has for our woundedness.
 
The prophet Isaiah put it perfectly for us when he prophesied that Jesus was, “wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement for our peace was upon Him. By His stripes we are healed.” Jesus was physically wounded for our spiritual healing! Sin no longer can wound us, sin can no longer scars us because the blood of Christ cleanses us from all our sins!
 
So let’s look back on our lives. Yes, we have been through a lot. But as a believer in Christ, each battle scar turns into a battle cry for the love of God that runs deeply through our lives.
 
God bless you,
 
Pastor Paul

“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”
Psalm 30:5

At our lowest mindset and our darkest moments, we can pray for the strength to endure it all. God’s Word reminds us that He is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. We can trust that God’s favor will come with the light. Remember, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning!” God’s favor and love can bring us out of the darkness and into the light.
 
In the midst of darkness, we can hold on to hope! The Bible encourages us, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). We can trust that God has good plans for us, even in the darkest of times.
 
We can pray for the strength to endure through the darkness, knowing that God is our helper and our guide. As the Bible says, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). We can trust that God is with us, even in the darkest moments.
 
God's Word will guide and comfort all of us in times of darkness. We can confidently find strength and hope in His promises, knowing that He is our refuge, helper, and guide. Let’s make up our minds to trust in His good plans for us and pray for the strength to endure, knowing that His favor will come with the light!
 
God bless you,
 
Pastor Paul

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of God will stand forever.” Isaiah 40:8

Does it feel like our world is coming apart at the seams – morally, culturally, and spiritually. Chaos dominates the headlines, outrage fills our social media, and the pace of change in our world is making us feel disoriented and discouraged.
 
Is there any hope of a strong anchor for our emotions? Is there any help for our roller coaster feelings? These are great questions, and I believe that there is an answer for us! It’s an ancient answer to our anxieties, it’s a relevant answer for our regrets, it’s a healing answer for our hurts, and it’s a penetrating answer for our problems!
 
The Bible is our answer! It’s our light in our season of darkness. It’s our guide to get us out of guilt. It’s our peace that overwhelms our perplexities. And it’s our salve for the scars of our sin. Above all, the Bible is our source of salvation through the Savior sent to us from heaven. Jesus Christ was the Word in the flesh, and He was God in the flesh so He could put the Father’s love on full display like a bright neon sign that shined from the cross.
 
The Bible provides us permanence in a world defined by drastic change. Our lives are ruled more and more by apps that are outdated in a month. New and improved software constantly stress us out. I want to encourage you that the words of Jesus carry authority over our ever spinning thoughts. Jesus’ words don’t scroll away, expire or needs updating. They have endured for two thousand years because they answer the questions every generation asks: “What is right and wrong?” “What gives meaning to life?” “How do we endure suffering and still find hope?”
 
The Bible offers us a solution for our ever increasing sense of isolation. We are now living in a culture of isolation that is leading us into a loneness never experienced by a society. The letters of Paul, the Psalms of David, and the stories of those who walked with Jesus remind us that faith isn’t only an individual experiment, but our faith is a shared experience! The Bible tells us that we are not alone in our loss, our failure, and our sorrow.
 
The Bible invites reflection instead of reaction. Our digital life rewards speed. We tend to scroll through the Bible without reflecting on the power of the word! The Bible calls us to quietness and humbleness. When we pause and listen to Scripture it helps us resist the distraction that tempt us. The Bible gives us permission to breath while facing anxieties that try to suffocate us.
 
As you may have heard that Bible sales are way up with all ages in America. Now I realize that skeptics may call this a fad, but history shows us that this is when the culture comes back to a firm foundation of faith. After wars, pandemics, and cultural revolutions, I think Americans are starting to realize that texting and scrolling leave us with the same old emptiness and loneliness. The time tested truth and wisdom in the Bible help us rediscover the moral and spiritual grounding we need in order for our lives to be fulfilling.
 
God bless you,
 
Pastor Dave

“He uncovers mysteries hidden in darkness; He brings light to the deepest gloom.”
Job 12:22

I want to share a story I recently read that touched my heart.

“A couple weeks ago, I walked in from the store with my arms full and a brand new candle in my bag. As I struggled to get it all on the counter, the candle fell out of the bag and onto the floor. My brand new candle was ruined as the glass shattered. Frustrated, I was ready to throw the whole thing away. My husband refused to let me do so. He said, ‘It will still light; it will still serve its’ purpose.’ Immediately, I began to argue, ‘But it’s broken and ugly! It’s just not the same.’ I walked away and when I came back, he had placed the candle on the counter and lit the wick, and immediate my heart was drawn to the light and not the brokenness.”

This story made me think about how God’s light shines through our brokenness. In a world that prizes strength and self-sufficiency, the idea of being broken can be daunting and depressing. But the Bible offers a different perspective on this subject that helps us experience how God can use our brokenness and His light as a pathway to healing and wholeness.

Jesus assures us that when we mourn over our brokenness, He promises to comfort us as He said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” He is the wellspring of life, and in His light, we gain insight and wisdom. In a world that often distorts truth and seeks to deceive, we can find clarity and discernment by seeking God’s light. It's through His revelation and illumination that we can accurately align our lives with His will.

The apostle John powerfully writes, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” This truth underscores the power of light to overcome and dispel darkness. In a world filled with sin and spiritual darkness, Jesus brings hope, redemption, and salvation. The darkness in our lives can be overcome by the light of Christ, and we can find guidance and strength in Him.

When we become followers of Christ, a transformation occurs. We were once in spiritual darkness, but through Jesus, we are now filled with His light. As children of light, we are called to live in a way that reflects the nature of God. We are to walk in righteousness, love, and truth, shining Christ’s light to the world and leaving the darkness behind.

Despite our trials, God promises restoration. Our brokenness isn’t the end, but a process where God shapes us for His purpose.

Let’s be reminded that even in brokenness, there is still goodness to be found. We simply must be willing to not throw the brokenness away and allow God's redemption to take place. 

God bless you!

Janice Delisle