PASTOR'S ARTICLES FROM 2022

We see a glorious sunset over the ocean as we watch the beautiful colors splash across the sky and the water simultaneously. Yet, we know that beauty can just as easily bring destruction and death when the flood waters rage.

Have you ever thought there aren’t enough hours in a day, enough money for the days of the month, or just felt overwhelmed by the complexity of life? Who hasn’t? To help people find the important answers to how to live life victoriously Jesus told parables. Simple stories that revealed deep truths about the Kingdom of God and what is important in life. Perhaps you have heard this modern day parable called the “Jar of Life.”

Most people need someone to take an interest in them, invest in them, and help them to grow as a disciple.

Why were the disciples so surprised that Jesus rose from the dead? Do you remember what Jesus told them at Caesarea Philippi? He said, 'the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again' (Mark 8:31). The Bible records a number of other times Jesus tells them he will suffer and die.

After celebrating Passover with His disciples Jesus took them to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. His prayer raises an important question for us to consider. 'Father, if you are willing, remove this cup of suffering from me! Yet not my will, but yours be done (Luke 22:42).' What do you suppose Jesus was praying about? Was Jesus uncertain of God's will? Was He scared?

I believe Jesus will go and prepare a place for each of us, then come again and take us to himself, so that where he is, there we may be also.

The Bible is full of examples of people who had great victories in the Lord, then rebelled against God and their faith burned out like a dead ember on a fireplace hearth.

We need structure and predictability just to remain sane. Our sanity literally depends on structure and predictability.

The love of comfort becomes our desire to get to a place in life where we can provide for all our needs so we don't need anyone else, and deceive ourselves into believing we don't need God.

Have you ever been through a time when it was hard to pray?

I invite you to do these spiritual exercises in preparation for the celebration of Easter in about forty days.

Many Christians think it is enough to witness to their faith by doing good deeds. Do you rely on your deeds too much to be your only form of evangelism?

The Jews had to let a few things die before they could walk into the Jordan River.

Like all emotions except love, we cannot make ourselves feel angry or stop ourselves once we are angry. It is a response to some event or thought.

What we need to pay attention to is of key importance here. Freedom depends on us establishing and re-establishing our rights, and one of those rights that helps to preserve freedom is the freedom of speech.

Today I want to challenge you to be better at forgiving. This is a challenge you must work at because forgiveness is so unnatural.

We encounter times in life where it seems telling the truth is going to be costly. But shouldn't we lie if someone's life is at stake?

For many years, I challenged myself and others to think of their faith in God as a first priority in life.

We are created to be together, encourage one another, love each other, and build meaningful relationships with each other that give life meaning, joy, and purpose.