God Sees

Week of January 3, 2025

“Then she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees; for she said, ‘Have I also here seen Him who sees me?’” – (Genesis 16:13, NKJV)

Hagar’s story is one of rejection and redemption. In Genesis 16, she flees into the wilderness, overwhelmed by the treatment she received from Sarai. She was alone and unsure of what the future held. Hagar encountered an Angel of the Lord who gave her assurance. In that moment, she named God, “El Roi” which means the God who sees.

She realized that even in her lowest and most forgotten state, she was not invisible to God. He knew her name, her situation, and her pain. This story teaches us that God sees our struggles. Do you feel overwhelmed? Be reminded that God sees your struggles. He understands every burden. This story also teaches us that God meets us where we are. Hagar wasn’t in a temple when she encountered God, she was in the wilderness. God’s presence is not limited to holy places. God will meet you where you are. One last truth this story reveals – God has a plan for you. God promised Hagar that her son, Ishmael, would grow into a great nation. Maybe you feel forgotten, but be assured that God sees you even if you are in the wilderness and He has a good plan for your life. Reflection on these thoughts can give you hope.

God Bless, Pastor Rick

The Gift We Didn’t Earn

Week of December 20, 2024

As Christmas draws near, our minds often turn to the giving and receiving of gifts. This tradition reflects the heart of the gospel. The Heavenly Father gave the greatest gift, His Son, Jesus Christ.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16, NKJV)

The gift of salvation was wrapped in the humility of a manger and sealed by the sacrifice of the cross. We could never earn it. It’s freely given.

The majesty of the season lies in the reminder that we don’t need to be good enough to receive God’s gift. Christ came for the broken, the weary, and the lost. He came for you and me, because He knew we would never achieve righteousness on our own.

As we gather with our families to celebrate Christmas, approach the manger with hearts full of gratitude. Reflect on the love of God. Remember the significance of this gift and God’s call on our lives. I pray it will change the way we live, love, and serve The Lord. In these next few days, be intentional about making room in your heart for Him, our Savior and King.

Merry Christmas, Pastor Rick

Prepare The Way

Week of December 13, 2024

3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord; Make straight in the desert A highway for our God.  4 Every valley shall be exalted and every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked places shall be made straight and the rough places smooth; 5 The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”  (Isaiah 40: 3-5, NKJV)

As Christmas approaches, the world around us is full of activity – shopping, decorating, preparing, and travel. But as a reminder, the true meaning of Christmas calls us to prepare in a much deeper way. This season is about the preparation of our hearts for the coming of Christ.

Isaiah speaks of preparing a highway for our God. It conveys the idea of removing obstacles to create a smooth path. Christmas is a time to examine our own lives and invite the Holy Spirit to smooth out the rough places so He can dwell more fully in our hearts.

The prophet tells us when this is accomplished, then the glory of the Lord will be revealed. Have you allowed the wonder of His glory to fill your life this season? Or has the busyness or maybe worldliness dimmed your vision of Him? This is why we must remove the obstacles of life to create a smooth path.

Finally, the prophet says the promise is to all the people. His birth is good news for the poor, brokenhearted, the weary, and the lost. Who in your life needs to hear the message of God’s love?

A prayer to prepare:

Lord Jesus, as we approach Christmas, help us to prepare our hearts for your coming. Remove the obstacles that hinder our relationship with You.  May Your glory shine brightly and be revealed in us and through us, drawing other to You. In Christ’s Name, Amen.

 God Bless, Pastor Rick