“In Christ we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our sins, according to the riches of His grace.” Ephesians 1:7

Imagine standing in a slave market in ancient Ephesus. Chains clinking and bidders shouting. A life—someone’s son, someone’s daughter—is sold for silver. Now imagine a stranger steps forward, pays the full price, and then turns to the slave and says, “You are free.” That’s redemption. That’s what Jesus has done for us. He didn’t buy us to own us as slaves—He bought us to set us free from sin, death, and hell.

The first word which appears in the New Testament translated “redemption” is a word which in Greek means “to buy something, to make a purchase.”

If you go into a store and buy something, then that item becomes yours. So the New Testament is teaching us, “Jesus Christ, by His blood, by exchanging His life for ours, has paid the price for us.” This means that we now belong to Him. We are not our own. We were bought with a price.

There’s another word in the New Testament which is translated “redemption.” It’s a word that has a deeper meaning. It means to be “bought out of the market.” It means that when a person bought a slave on the auction block, the person then took possession of that slave and that slave was then bought out of the market. He could never be put up for sale again. And that meant that the person who bought the slave, also had the right to hand that slave a legal document which declared that he never had to be a slave again and could never again be put up for sale as a slave.

For believers this is the greatest news! We can never be gripped by the wiles of Satan again. We can never be controlled by anything or anyone else in life, because Jesus Christ has bought us out of the market of sin. He has taken full possession of our lives, and He is in control of us.

What the Bible is saying to us is simply this: the ground at the foot of the cross is absolutely level and that under Jesus Christ, all human beings stand equal. There is no one superior and inferior.

Let that teach us that we can never disparage or despise anyone sailing through life or struggling through life.

There is no joy like the joy of being freed from our shackles of sin and shame. That’s why Paul said, “In Him, through His blood, we have redemption.” So let’s share that message with the world!

In Christ, yes, we are redeemed!

Pastor Paul

In Daniel 3, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego found themselves standing in front of a golden image while everyone around them bowed. The music played, the command was clear, and the consequence was terrifying: bow down or be thrown into the fiery furnace. Their "even if" faith was not formed in that moment; it had been built through smaller choices of obedience long before the fire was ever lit.

When the king gave them one more chance to bow, they answered with courage and surrender: “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace... But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods” (Daniel 3:17–18). That is the heart of “even If” faith.

The furnace was real, and the heat was intense. Yet when Nebuchadnezzar looked into the fire, he did not see three men destroyed. He saw four men walking in the midst of the fire, unharmed, and the fourth was like the Son of God (Daniel 3:25). God did not abandon them in the place that was meant to destroy them. His presence was revealed right there in the smoke.

That is what makes this story so powerful for us today. Sometimes the fire looks like grief, family conflict, sickness, financial pressure, rejection, disappointment, or waiting on God. And sometimes God does not remove the fire as quickly as we hoped. But the promise of His Word is still true: “When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned” (Isaiah 43:2).

And when they came out, the miracle was complete. Their bodies were unharmed, their hair was not singed, their clothes were not burned, and there was no smell of smoke on them. Everything remained intact except the ropes that had bound them. In the same way, God can use hard seasons to loosen fear, control, bitterness, shame, false security, or anything that has been holding our hearts captive. The trial may touch our story, but it does not get to name us. By His grace, we can come through the fire not carrying the smell of smoke, but carrying the fragrance of His grace.

Their testimony did not end when they walked out of the furnace. When Nebuchadnezzar saw that the fire had not harmed them, his outlook changed. The same king who had demanded worship for a golden image began to acknowledge the power of the Most High God. Their faithfulness became a witness. What was meant to destroy them became a testimony that pointed others to God’s power, presence, and faithfulness.  

The fire could not destroy what belonged to God; it could only burn away what held them captive.

Here's my encouragement for you today: If you are standing before a fire, trust God with the outcome. If you are walking through the fire, look for His presence. Ask yourself: What modern-day idol may be asking for the trust, loyalty, fear, attention, or obedience that belongs to God alone?

If we refuse to bow to the idols of this world, and stand with faith, we too can come out refined, unbound, and carrying the fragrance of His grace.

God Bless you!

Janice Delisle

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
James 1:2–3

I want to share a picture that has been on my heart: the mighty redwood tree. When I think about a redwood, I think about strength, beauty, endurance, and something that did not become majestic overnight. It grew slowly. It endured seasons. It stood through storms. And in the redwood forest, even fire can become part of the story of new life.

I used to think of fire only as something that destroys. And fire can destroy. But redwoods are known for being able to survive fire because of their thick protective bark, and they can sprout again after damage. Fire can clear away debris and expose soil where new seedlings may take root. So while it may be too simple to say that every redwood seed pod only opens because of fire, the larger truth still speaks clearly: what looks like devastation can become the ground where new life begins.

We know about the heat of temptation. We know about the pain of trials. We know what it feels like when an old habit calls our name, when shame speaks louder than grace, when fear tells us we will never change, or when life gets so hot that we wonder if we can stand.

I can look at my own life and recognize that some fires have looked like temptation. Some have looked like fires of trials. Some have looked like consequences from choices I made, and some have looked like pain I never asked for. But as I keep walking with God in recovery, I am learning that the fire does not have to have the final word.

When temptation comes, it often exposes what is still tender, wounded, or unhealed in us. Temptation may reveal where we are tired, isolated, resentful, afraid, or trying to stay in control. There have been times when temptation exposed something in me that I did not want to see. It showed me where I was reaching for an old pattern instead of reaching for God.

Temptation and trials refine us by teaching us dependence. They teach us to pray honestly. They teach us to ask for help. They teach us to choose obedience one day at a time. They teach us that it's not just about stopping an old behavior; it is about becoming a new person in Christ.

Like a redwood, we may not see growth right away. Some days all we may see is smoke, ash, and damage. But recovery teaches us to keep showing up, keep surrendering, keep telling the truth, keep staying connected, and keep trusting the One who brings life out of burned places. The redwood reminds us that life can rise after fire. God can bring humility out of failure, compassion out of pain, wisdom out of mistakes, and testimony out of brokenness. What the enemy meant for destruction, God can use for redemption.

In the hands of Jesus, the trial is not the end of the story. The temptation is not the final word. The fire may be real, but so is the Gardener. And He knows how to grow something strong, beautiful, and lasting from ground we thought was ruined.

Blessings!

Mark Lauer

“Be strengthened in the renewing of your mind.” 
Romans 12:2

We love to sing the great line “The bombs bursting in air” to celebrate our nation’s freedom, but sometimes we can have thoughts bursting in our mind that keep us bound to negative, repetitive, and destructive thoughts.

There is within us a mind field and there are explosive thoughts going off every day on it. The greatest battle is not fought with nuclear weapons that have the power to transform our planet, but nuclear thoughts that have the power to deform our thinking! 

The mind is a battleground between good and evil, healthy and hurtful thoughts and every day we choose what side we are on! Our success or failure in life is determined by controlling the explosive thoughts in our minds.

Think about your mind field – the greatest enemy that you’re going to face is YOU. You can be the judge and jury over your thoughts – but how’s that working for you?

Someone has said that “If you change your thoughts you change your life.” That’s so true! But think about this – someone owns the thoughts in your mind because someone put them there. You may be thinking, “What do you that mean, Pastor Dave?” Well, someone long ago said something to you, or did something to you, and it still haunts you today! So that person owns that thought – but you own your behavior and your attitude. 

Think of your brain as being compartmentalized with 15 drawers that YOU choose to pull out every day. And those
15 drawers could be: worry, fear, anger, doubt, hate, suspicion, imagination, co-dependent, depression, insecurity, unforgiveness, addiction, suicide, self-hate, control.

The longer we think negative thoughts the more destructive thoughts become and then we give them explosive power. How many of you know that thoughts gives us life or death, honor or horror. 

But it was with triumphant thinking that Joseph defeat the explosive thoughts of hatred, betrayal, and abuse in order to land on the throne of Egypt. The woman at the well demonstrated triumphant thoughts after her encounter with Jesus.

You will never change what you don’t confront. You need to learn to believe that God can help change your circumstances at any moment! 

You are child of the Most High God, and the royal blood of heaven is flowing through you! Don’t allow the past to confront you day after day! Don’t allow your past to control you day after day! God created a special person – remember, God never creates a nobody in His kingdom. 

Listen, your negative thoughts control your tomorrow because you didn’t take authority over them today! So that means that your success is tied to your thoughts.

When God created you there’s no other human being on the earth like you. So act like it, talk like it, and think like it! Stop saying, “I can’t” and start saying, “I can do all things through Christ.” Stop saying “if” and start saying, “Nothing is impossible for God!”

If we aren’t careful, our past has a way of running faster than us and then we find our pesky past staring us in the face day after day! But remember… 

Philippians 3:13-14 “Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead”

“Those things” = all those thoughts in the 15 drawers! You see, with triumphant thinking we can stop the past from exploding in our face again – doesn’t that get old! With triumphant thinking we have the freedom to reach forward to what’s ahead.

I challenge you to pray this prayer that I've written for 30 days and expect God to defuse the mind field. “God, will you turn my mourning into dancing. Will you give me triumphant thoughts to overcome my past? Take my fears, negativity, insecurities, doubts and worries and exchange them for thoughts of joy and peace. I refuse to be afraid of Your healing in my life. Amen!”

Maybe you need to take a picture of that prayer and pray it every day and then watch the mental explosions defuse. So, I leave you with this thought – your past and your problems
are no match for the presence of God and the power of God!

God bless you!

Pastor Dave

We are blessed people who get to tap into one of Jesus’ most profound proposals when He said, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to Me. Get away with Me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with Me and work with Me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with Me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30

Jesus is offering all of us who will be honest about life’s struggles and stresses, and life’s pressures and pain a spiritual rest stop today and every day! Jesus says, “My yoke is easy, and My burden is light” – doesn’t that sound soothing to your struggling spirit right now?

Never forget that there’s nothing that we can earn from Jesus, but there’s a lot that we can learn from Jesus! If we will just get under His yoke of care, compassion, and control, He will teach us how to break the busyness in our life, how to break through the burdens in our life, and He will lead us to all His blessings! After all that’s what our Good Shepherd does!

Too many times we think God’s blessings are predicated on trying to get God to love us – that’s religion’s approach and living like that wears us out! You see God’s blessings are not His re-action towards us, but His action towards us! God does not change us to love us; He loves us so He can change us! Wow! That’s incredible!

I’ve learned that religion wants you to sit at its feet and learn its laws, Jesus want you to sit at His feet so you can learn from His love! A religious god is pathetic for your weary soul, but a relational God is powerful for your weary soul! One of the most powerful realities found in Christianity is the fact that believers are no longer slaves to a religion, but sons and daughters in a relationship!

I really believe that Jesus wants all of His followers to be secure in the fact that we can live the Christian life as long as we are yoked up to Him before the day gets started. For anyone who thinks it’s too hard to be yoked to Him, then let me propose this thinking to close with – with so many people living under the yoke of anger – do you really think that’s an easier yoke? With so many people living under the yoke of addiction – do you really think that’s an easier yoke? With so many people living under the yoke of shame – do you really think that’s an easier yoke? I’ve found that it’s so much easier to live under the yoke of grace!

So this week if we will look to Jesus, live for Jesus, and learn from Jesus, we’ll find our lives change dramatically! We’ll find the way He walks with us is relaxing, we’ll find the way He talks with us is renewing, we’ll find the way He leads you is refreshing, and we’ll find the way He blesses us is revolutionizing!

Pressing On Together,

Pastor Dave

“The God who encircles me with strength and makes my way blameless? He makes my feet like hinds’ feet, He sets me upon my high places.” Psalm 18:32-33

From Bible Study Tools, a hind is a deer or a mountain goat. King David uses a simile to talk about his own feet like that of a sure-footed animal that can navigate steep, rocky cliffs without stumbling or falling. He credits God with giving him strength and securing his path. Got Questions interprets “upon my high places” to mean the place “above our circumstances” in that remain secure in the Lord when we step out into the areas that He has called us to go.

For those of us actively pursuing the will of God for our lives, we follow His directions no matter what kind of terrain is set before us. Sometimes it feels as if we are on a smooth, concrete path with few obstacles. Sometimes it is more like traveling a twisting, rocky road. When we find ourselves in a place of difficulty, we can say a prayer inspired by King David and the Prophet Habakkuk, “Lord, please give me the feet to walk the path you have chosen for me.”

In Psalm 18, King David writes from a place of great victory. That was the day that the Lord delivered him from his enemies, including King Saul. David gives a great testimony of a time of trouble when he cried out to the Lord and the Lord heard his prayers. Then David praises God for the strength, security and the swiftness in one of his greatest battles!

In Habakkuk 1, the prophet complains to God that his prayers for relief from hardship and injustice are going unanswered. In Habakkuk 2, God promises to judge the wicked, and the prophet responds to God in Habakkuk 3. He first asks God to bring mercy, and then he makes a choice to look past his current circumstances which haven’t changed from chapter 1 and is determined to rejoice in the Lord. Habakkuk 3:18 says, “I will rejoice in the Lord, I will have joy in the God of my salvation.”

Even when everything in the natural appears to be going wrong, he says in verse 19 that God will make his footsteps sure and be in the “high places” of his circumstances!

The deer that roam the rocky cliffs have no problem navigating the treacherous terrain because they are built for it. In contrast, our paths are building us. Whether our path is smooth, straight, rocky or curved, God uses our experiences to conform us to His image. He knows what we need during our journey and beyond this world. God promises that He will give us His strength in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9), keep us from falling (Jude 24), and lead us to trust His ways (Proverbs 3:5-6). And through it all, His Word will be the light to our path (Psalm 119:105)

In this life when the road gets rough and we feel ill-prepared, we may not always be able to change the path, but we can always pray that God will give us the feet to walk His path. And whether we are in times of trouble or turmoil, or in seasons of sorrow and sadness, we can walk by faith knowing that our Savior is by our side!

Standing in the gap,

Pastor Paul

“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6  

Have you ever paused over a photograph and noticed how every part quietly speaks? The foreground catches the eye like the first note of a song. The middle ground carries the movement, the story unfolding between what is near and what is far. The background stretches behind it all, giving depth, beauty, and meaning. Alone, each part may seem simple; together, they become a picture worth remembering.  

So often, we do not see our lives with that kind of holy composition. We stare at one shadow in the frame, one hard season, one unanswered prayer, one unfinished place. We notice the smudges, the dim corners, and the places where the light has not yet reached. But God sees what we cannot. He sees the whole picture at once, and in Christ, He views us through the finished beauty of grace.  

In the foreground of the believer’s life stands salvation, bright and clear. This is the first thing God sees when He looks upon His child. He does not begin with our failures, fears, or weaknesses. He sees us through Jesus Christ. Because of the cross, we are forgiven, accepted, justified, and loved. We may see stains, but God sees the righteousness of His Son wrapped around us like light. In Christ, we are not merely repaired; we are made new. We are picture perfect because His grace has covered us.  

Then comes the middle ground, where the path winds through ordinary days. This is where life unfolds in steps rather than leaps, through growth, waiting, testing, learning, and trusting. The middle ground may feel uneven beneath our feet, but it is here that God shapes us. We may see delay, but God sees development. We may feel pressure, but God sees formation. We may stand in a season we would not have chosen, but He is using even that place to make us more like Christ. Nothing in this part of the picture is wasted in His hands.  

Finally, there is the background, the horizon of eternity. It reminds us that our story is not ending in the valley, the waiting room, or the wilderness. God does not only see where we are; He sees where He is taking us. He sees the morning when faith becomes sight, when every burden is laid down, and when His work in us is fully complete. The background of eternity gives meaning to the middle ground of today.  

Philippians 1:6 assures us that God finishes what He starts. He is not troubled by unfinished lines or shadowed spaces. He is not confused by the parts we cannot understand. The Artist already sees the masterpiece. What feels incomplete to us is fully known to Him, and what feels scattered in our hands is held together in His.  

Today, rest in this truth: God sees you through salvation, He is working in your present process, and He is leading you toward eternal glory. You may not see the whole picture yet, but you can trust the One who does. In Christ, you are not forgotten, unfinished, or beyond hope. You are His workmanship, held by grace, framed by mercy, and seen by Him as part of a beautiful, picture-perfect work He will complete.

God bless you!

Mark Lauer

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord."
Psalm 33:12

There are five unique areas that give America her identity. These areas have forged themselves into the very fabric of our nation for 250 years. May there be a renewed sense of excitement and expectation regarding all of them.

These key elements have shaped America's national identity and cultural heritage.

1. The American Flag: Also known as the Stars and Stripes, its 50 stars and 13 stripes represent the 50 states and the original 13 colonies. 
 
2. The Bald Eagle: Adopted in 1782, this majestic bird was chosen for its strength, freedom, and longevity. 

3. The Statue of Liberty: A gift from France in 1886, this landmark in New York Harbor represents freedom, democracy, and a historic welcome to legal immigrants. 

4. The Liberty Bell: Housed in Philadelphia, this bell famously rang for the reading of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and is still a symbol of liberty. 

5. The Providence of God: God and Christianity have played a fundamental role in making our great country. Our nation's founders viewed God as the ultimate source of human rights. And I believe that this belief brought a calm assurance to our them as they shaped our country's foundation.

Many of America's past leaders displayed humility before the God of the Bible, realizing their helplessness apart from Him. Abraham Lincoln was speaking in 1862 to a group pastors who hoped the Lord was on the Union's side. It was recorded that he said, "I do not care whether God is on my side; the important question is whether I am on God's side, for God is always right."

Our heroic Founding Fathers believed that God was present at Philadelphia — and they saw His handiwork in the process of forming the country. During the Constitutional Convention at a particularly fierce period of debate in June 1787, when agreement seemed far away, Benjamin Franklin spoke up. In a passionate and measured voice, Franklin reminded the Convention of what he had already seen God do for America.

As we celebrate America's 250th birthday let's remember Franklin's powerful words, "In the beginning of the contest with Britain, we had daily prayers in this room for divine protection! Our prayers were heard; and they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a superintending providence in our favor." And then he called for prayer.

In 1763, Founding Father, and our 2nd President John Adams, wrote, “America’s settlement was the opening of a grand scene and design in God’s providence.”

If America survives the coming years as a republic, we must invite God back into the fabric of our homes, government, schools and courts. And we must reject the false interpretation of the "separation of Church and State" where the two should never meet. Historically, this phrase was used, first by Thomas Jefferson, to assure Americans that government needed the support and wisdom of the Bible. 

Happy birthday, America!

Pastor Dave

"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me."
Psalm 23:4

We all experience dark times—seasons when grief is heavy, answers are few, and God feels silent. The Bible is filled with men and women who had midnight moments and God met them in their darkness. Believers throughout the centuries have endured difficult days (prison, despair, waiting, rejection, suffering), and in those moments, hope did not fail them because faith drove their decisions to trust God’s presence, promises, and purposes until morning comes.

Midnight is a time on the clock, but it’s also a season of the soul. The valley is real, but it is not permanent! God may not remove the night immediately, but He's always present in it. That's because nocturnal faith holds to His character until His light breaks through.

Every one of us experiences dark times. There is grief. There is betrayal. There is sickness. There is anxiety. There is depression. There are seasons of waiting. There are moments when you do the right thing and still end up hurt. There are times when you love God, but you can’t feel God.

Let's not pretend that the night is easy or that the dark times don’t consume us. But the hope that we have as believers is the promise that God is working behind the scenes.

We must trust that God has a purpose for our dark times. A faith that perseveres when there is no night at the end of that tunnel is a faith that sees you through the night. 

Scripture makes room for sorrow and sadness. God is not offended by our honest pain. Some of the strongest faith you’ll ever show is not shouting; it’s praying when you’re tired, showing up when you’re wounded, and trusting when you can’t track God.

Paul and Silas teach us that even in a dungy dungeon, while it's dark, God is in our midnight because strong faith worships even in the darkness. Our faith can be wounded but it can still worship! Nocturnal faith prays when you want to panic, praises when you want to quit, and is faithful when God hasn't opened a door yet. Remember, "At midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God...(Acts 16:25)."

So if you are walking through a dark season in your life, refuse panic decisions because God’s mercies are “new every morning.” His grace is sufficient. And His love is constant. 

I leave you with this prayer, "Lord, meet me in the midnight of my life. When I can't see the way, help me to trust Your heart. Teach me to pray, to praise, and to wait with hope. Break chains that only You can break, and use my night to bring light to others."

God bless you!

Mark Lauer

"For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9

Have you ever heard a song that made you gasp because the lyrics seemed to be speaking right to you? Recently, I heard the song “Sometimes It Takes A Mountain” by the Gaither Band. The chorus says, “Your love is so much stronger than whatever troubles me. Sometimes it takes a mountain to trust you and believe.”
 
Do we need mountains in our lives to be closer to Him? Do we believe God through the mountains of trials? Honestly, I feel like I have figuratively climbed Mt. Everest more than once. When someone recently asked me how my faith was being affected by the seemingly constant challenges, it made me pause. What would my transparent answer be? For sure, God continues to help me see that I am not patient enough. 

As a pastor, I preach about not reliving the past, and yet I find myself struggling to grow in this area. Never forget that from a father’s love, God patiently shows us that He wants us to live in the present and stop living at break-neck speed. In our fast paced society, this is really difficult, but we need to realize that if we live life too fast, we miss so much of Him and the ways He wants to take our lives.
 
Let me ask, when we don’t get the answers that we want, do we still trust God? Well, I know that I usually throw an inward hissy fit first and try to use my persuasive skills on God about why my way is better. When I stop and sit still, He calmly reassures me that His ways are better for me. And that’s what Isaiah writes, “I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you. (Isaiah 46:4)”
 
Let’s take the apostle Paul’s teaching seriously, “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)”
 
When I am struggling for every breath and my muscles are burning, the last thing I want to do while climbing a mountain is to thank the person who suggested the tortuous activity, that is, until I get to the top. When I see the stunning and jaw-dropping views, I look at my friend and say, “Thank you.”

When we look back at our trial's trail that we just came up and know it wasn’t easy, we need to thank God that we are now a much stronger and better person for the experience.
 
Standing in the gap,
 
Pastor Paul

“And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.” Acts 27:20

Pastor Dave shared in his sermon last Sunday that believers are unsinkable in their faith! And the Apostle Paul is a great encouragement for us.

Acts 27 gives a powerful insight to the Apostle Paul, along with a group of prisoners, soldiers, and sailors, who were on a ship bound for Rome. Their journey soon turns perilous, as fierce storms batter the vessel, obscuring the familiar markers of navigation—the sun by day and the stars by night. For many days, they are tossed upon the waves, trapped in a tempest that seems without end. In those moments, when they could neither see the sun nor the stars, they became hopeless.
 
This verse resonates deeply with many of us who have faced overwhelming trials, seemingly endless struggles, and moments of utter despair. In the gloomy depths of stormy seas, we find a remarkable metaphor for our own spiritual journeys.
 
This powerful imagery reminds us that there are times in our lives when we too cannot discern the light in our darkness. Perhaps it’s a season defined by emotional turmoil, financial difficulties, or health crises. The relentless challenges may feel like a tempest, overwhelming and unyielding, casting shadows over our faith and hope. Just as the sailors lose sight of the sun and stars, we can find ourselves lost in our circumstances and confusion, blinded by fear and despair.
 
Yet, if we take a closer look at this narrative, we see that Paul’s journey was not alone: he was accompanied by God. Even when the storm raged and hope seemed lost, God was intimately present. In the verses following this verse, we learn that even in despair, an angel appeared to Paul with a message of encouragement. The truth is that God does not abandon us in our darkest hours. He remains the constant amidst chaos.
 
Prayer is a critical lifeline in these tempestuous times. It is our direct line of communication with God, where we can express our fears, worries, and doubts. Even when it feels like our situations are hopeless, praying for strength and clarity can lead us through to the other side.
 
“In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

This verse teaches us to turn our anxieties into prayers. When we feel overwhelmed, we must lay down our fears at the foot of the cross. God is faithful and will carry our burdens as we seek His presence amidst turbulent storms.
 
So let's cling to the hope that even in the darkest nights of our souls, God is still at work. His light may be obscured from our view, and the storms may rage, but trust that He is navigating our ship. The sun will rise again, and His glory will shine afresh upon us!
 
Standing In The Gap,
 
Pastor Paul

“These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also.” Acts 17:6

It seems that our 21st Christianity is facing a contradiction. We proclaim that Jesus is Lord of all, but we seem to confine Him to our private space. We preach transformation, but pull back when that transformation disrupts public life. Do you get the idea that modern Christianity is extremely polite? Does it feel safe?
 
The charge against Paul and his friends was that they believed their faith was to be a very public faith. I believe that Paul knew that a silent faith was a dead faith. A private gospel was a apathetic gospel. Christianity does not turn the world upside down because it hides in the walls of the church.
 
Jesus declared Himself Lord not merely of hearts but of the heavens when He proclaimed, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me”. That declaration is the foundation of our public faith and the power of the gospel. Remember, Jesus is not our private Lord and our private King – He is Lord of all! If Christ is King, His authority cannot be confined to just our inner life, but to the public square!
 
As we are learning in our Sunday morning series, the 1st century church was unstoppable with it’s power and undeniable with the truth of the gospel. And those early believers knew that a Christianity in the closet was only good for the moths!
 
Silent saints do not make the Church loving and caring – they make it irrelevant. If Christianity is true, it must be spoken in the sanctuary just as much as it must be shared in the marketplace. If Jesus is Lord, He must be proclaimed in every town in every nation! The gospel of Christ saves in public as much as it saves in private!
 
Paul’s faith in a living Christ turned the 1st century world upside down refusing to accept the boundaries that the pagan culture tried to draw around it. Paul’s foundation in the resurrection of Jesus Christ turned his message from a whisper into a shout that is still heard around the world! The church that whispers it’s message has lifeless worship. A church that shouts its faith is publicly unstoppable.
 
God bless you,
 
Pastor Dave

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