Pastor’s Blog

Daily Devotion October 13, 2023

Posted on Oct 13, 2023 in Pastor's Blog |

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27, NIV).

Sheila was a bright, energetic teen. She was consistently named to the school’s honor roll. She was the high scorer for both her soccer and basketball teams. From an outsider’s perspective, Sheila led a charmed life.

Daily Devotion Oct. 12, 2023

Posted on Oct 12, 2023 in Pastor's Blog |

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32 NIV).

I have lost count of the number of adult siblings I have met who refuse to talk with one another at their parent’s funeral. Oftentimes, neither of the offended parties recalls the conflict that led to the family feud. Sadly, the inability to forgive can lead to a generational pattern of estrangement.

Daily Devotion October 11, 2023

Posted on Oct 11, 2023 in Pastor's Blog |

“The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So, he divided his property between them. Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living” (Luke 15:12-13, NIV).

Why do you believe in a myth? This was the question my eighteen-year-old son asked of me. From his birth, this young man was raised in a Christian home. He grew up in the church. Now, not only had he abandoned the faith of Jesus, but he was also rejecting its validity outright.

Daily Devotion October 10, 2023

Posted on Oct 10, 2023 in Pastor's Blog |

“ So encourage each other to build each other up, just as you are already doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11, TLB).

I hesitate to talk about marriage in the midst of a message series on parenting. Many parents are divorced. Some are single by choice. Marital issues are not their present concern.

Yet for those who are married, the relationship spouses have with one another impacts their children.

Daily Devotion October 6, 2023

Posted on Oct 6, 2023 in Pastor's Blog |

“Love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, and strength. Memorize his law and tell them to your children over and over again” (Deuteronomy 6:5-7, CEV).

My wife Cathy is an amazing mother. I marvel as to how easily she relates to our children and grandson. A few years ago, I overheard Cathy reading the children’s book, The Cookie Store Cat, to our twenty-two-year-old daughter. I wasn’t surprised. Courtney is still a child at heart and Cathy relishes the role of storyteller.

Daily Devotion October 5, 2023

Posted on Oct 5, 2023 in Pastor's Blog |

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other” (John 15:16-17, NIV).

Years ago, a friend of mine participated in a mission trip to the Republic of Haiti. One day, Rick was sitting on a bench beneath a tree. A young Haitian boy took a seat next to Rick. Rick fascinated the boy. He had never met an American.