Be Kind

Week of March 1, 2024

 “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as in Christ God has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32

This verse describes the character that should characterize Christians as we relate to one another. This verse teaches that our actions should demonstrate kindness. What is kindness? It’s love expressed in practical ways, we put the needs of others over our own. We are aware and sensitive to the needs of others. When someone else is experiencing sorrow we grieve also. When someone else experiences a victory we don't envy them but we rejoice with them. 

When showing forgiveness is needed we forgive because we too have offended and have needed forgiveness. What happens when someone else fails us? Maybe you feel betrayed, maybe you feel anger. At that time we need to look closely at the cross and remember the forgiveness and grace that has been shown to us. We must set aside the attitude that leads to impatience and even criticism of others.

How did Jesus say that the world would know us? Not by miracles or our Bible knowledge, but by the love we show one another. Ask God to give you kindness and a forgiving spirit. I recently saw a plack that said this: “In a world where you can be anything - Be Kind.”

God Bless, Pastor Rick

Are You Delighting In The Lord?

Week of February 23, 2024

“Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.” Psalm 37: 4-5

I think we possibly have misunderstood this scripture. It does not mean that God will give us all the things we desire in exchange for delighting in Him. The emphasis in these two verses in delighting in the Lord and committing your way to the Lord. I believe when we do these things God changes what we desire.

That which we delight in shapes the nature of our desires. So if we delight in more and bigger possessions we won’t stop until we have enough to satisfy which is probably never enough. If we delight in God, if we abide in Him then our interactions with Him shape our hearts and we end up desiring and delighting in what he desires and delights in. In other words, you are satisfied with His will and plan.

We end up making choices to follow His lead, we take steps to follow through with those things He has directed us to do. Will you choose to focus on God so that your desires delight God? Ask this question, what do your joys and hopes say about your desires? Can you truly say that you are delighting in the Lord?

God Bless, Pastor Rick

I Have To Wait?

Week of February 16, 2024

“Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait I say, on the Lord. Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” Psalm 27:14

Have you discovered that waiting is incredibly difficult? We live in a society that doesn’t wait for anything. Or should I say, doesn’t like to wait for anything? God uses the discipline of waiting to teach us lessons that we probably wouldn’t learn any other way.

God can get our attention when he puts the breaks on our plans. What might he be saying when he does? Maybe I want you to go in a different direction. Maybe I want to bring additional clarity for the path you’re on. Have you ever been convinced that you were headed in the right direction but God stopped you in your tracks? You came to realize that God knew better, I was about to have a train wreck. God intervened, thank you Lord! Waiting can be difficult but I believe God is always working behind the scenes in areas that we know nothing about. God may be preparing a person or a situation so when we get out of the holding pattern he can work powerfully in our life.

Maybe you think that waiting is a waste. Never lose sight that God has a plan and is working in ways you probably don’t realize. Pursue God with all of your heart, God may just show you the reason he wants you to wait. Remember His timing will prove to be best for your life.

God Bless, Pastor Rick