Redeeming the Time

Week of August 25, 2023

“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”  Ephesians 5:15-16

Every week we are bombarded with opportunities that entice us to invest our time and energy.  Many of these opportunities promise that the time we spend on them we will reap a great reward.  The unwise chase every opportunity not questioning whether that is the best choice and at some point the unwise wake up to the fact that they have squandered the investment of their time.  Foolishly spending our time in wasteful pursuits can cost you and others.

Often it’s not evil pursuits that rob us of our time.  Rather, the temptation is to sacrifice what is best for what is good.  The enemy loves to lure us with distractions, thus leaving us no time to carry out God’s will.  His temptation is to fill our schedule with good things which leaves us no time for God’s best.  From time to time we should take a close look at our schedules.  Maybe, it’s time to make some adjustments.  We need to be sure we are investing our time wisely.  Our time is our life and one day we will give account for our life.

God Bless, Pastor Rick

Standing With Others

Week of August 18, 2023

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.  For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.  But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.”  Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

          God designed us to cooperate.  Throughout the scriptures He speaks of His people as a community that accomplishes more together than separately.  God didn’t create us as isolated individuals who seek to achieve our goals.  Our success depends on our interdependence.  This is why He established the church and has given the Holy Spirit to empower the believer to do His work.  Our interdependence enables us to not face a crisis alone.  If we have cultivated supportive friendships we will find strength and comfort during those times.  Interdependence is also a safeguard for when we are lured by temptation.

If you are not part of a caring community of believers you are missing out on what God designed you for.  Link your life with others who are seeking God’s will and strive to be a source of support and encouragement that those around you need.

God Bless, Pastor Rick

Seeking Jesus

Week of August 11, 2023

 “And Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him.” (Mark 1:36, NKJV)

Simon Peter was known for some foolish behavior throughout the Gospels but he should also be understood as a man that was always seeking Jesus. Peter swam in his haste to get to Jesus and walked on water in order to reach Him. Peter followed Jesus during the night of His crucifixion and ran to the tomb when heard that Jesus had risen from the dead. Peter did not always say or do the right things but he did constantly seek after Jesus. Now because of his persistence to seek the Messiah the disciple Peter was continually growing in his faith.

What do those who know you best know you for? Do they see you searching for fame and fortune or are you known as a person who seeks after Jesus? We are told by the prophet Jeremiah, “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13, NKJV) I encourage starting each morning of your life by searching for Him with all of your heart. I believe that not only will you find Him but also others around you will come to know His saving grace as a result of your example and testimony.

God Bless, Pastor Rick