God's Faithfulness in Every Season

Week of August 22, 2025

“Through the LORD’S mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23, NKJV)

“For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” (Psalm 84:11, NKJV)

Life is not static. It moves in rhythms and seasons, but in every season, one truth remains unshakeable: God is faithful. His mercy sustains us and His favor rests upon us.

Mercy means that God does not give us the punishment we deserve. The prophet Jeremiah, even while lamenting Israel’s suffering, boldly declared the above Lamentations 3 scripture. Every single day God presses “reset” on His mercy toward us. Yesterday’s failures don’t carry over.

God’s mercy spares us from judgment, but favor goes a step further. It is God’s goodness poured out over our lives. Favor means doors opening we could never open on our own, blessings we didn’t earn, and opportunities we could never manufacture.

So the good news is that whatever season you find yourself in, you can rest assured – His mercy covers your past and His favor surrounds your future.

So walk with confidence, knowing you are loved, forgiven, and blessed.

God Bless, Pastor Rick

God's Good Hand Is Upon Us

Week of August 15, 2025

“and a letter to Asaph the keeper of the king’s forest, that he must give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel which pertains to the temple, for the city wall, and for the house that I will occupy.” And the king granted them to me according to the good hand of my God upon me.” (Nehemiah 2:8, NKJV)

God’s hand is always upon His people, guiding, sustaining, and blessing.

When Nehemiah was called to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, he faced opposition, yet he testified, “The good hand of my God is upon me.” That phrase wasn’t just a nice expression – it was a declaration of faith. Nehemiah believed that the presence, power, and favor of God were active in his life. Because of that, he moved forward with courage.

In the same way, when God’s good hand is upon us, it changes everything. It is the hand that flung stars into space, carved valleys, and still takes time to guide our steps. Sometimes we only notice His hand in hindsight. But at this very moment, God is working on your behalf.

So remember, if you’re facing something intimidating, challenging, or difficult, you’re not walking it alone. The same God who placed His hand upon Nehemiah, has placed His hand upon you.

One day - maybe not today or tomorrow - but one day when you look back, you’ll be able to say with a grateful heart: the good hand of God was upon me every step of the way.

God Bless, Pastor Rick

You Are Who God Says You Are

Week of August 08, 2025

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;” (1 Peter 2:9, NKJV)

There’s a battle happening every single day, one that starts within us. It’s the battle of identity. Who am I really? Am I enough? Do I matter?

The world is constantly trying to define us by our past, our performance, and our failures. But if you belong to Christ, then your identity has already been settled; not by culture, but by the Creator.

The scripture says, “You Are Chosen.” You are not just a face in the crowd. You are a chosen by God. You may not have been picked first in life, but God has hand-picked you.

You are also “Royal.” In Christ, you are part of a royal lineage and you’ve been invited to live and lead as His representative on earth.

You are also “Set Apart,” a holy nation, the scripture says. What this is talking about is not perfection, but direction. We live our lives different from the world.

It also says, “His own special people.” It speaks of value and love. God treasures you. You are not an accident. You belong to God. So you can proclaim His praises. Our life is a living testimony of His grace.

“Father, thank You for reminding me of who I really am – not based on my past, not my feelings or failures, but Your truth. I’m chosen, royal, set apart, and deeply loved. Help me to walk in truth today, to silence the lies of the enemy, and to reflect Your light to those around me. In Jesus Christ name, Amen.”

God Bless, Pastor Rick