Seeing People the Way Jesus Does

Week of March 14, 2025

36 “But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” Matthew 9:36-38 (NKJV)

Jesus saw people differently than we often do. When He looked at the crowds, He didn’t just see a mass of people, He saw individuals. He saw their pain, their brokenness, and their need for a Savior. And instead of looking away or judging them, He was moved with compassion.

We live in a world where people are more disconnected, anxious, and spiritually lost than ever before. But hopefully, we also see them as people God loves very much. Consequently, Jesus has called us to be disciples in action. The above scripture teaches us that the harvest is plentiful. There are people longing for hope and truth, but the workers are few. God needs every believer to step onto their local mission field. The Bible teaches us to see people the way Jesus does. When we intentionally open our eyes, we’ll begin to notice the people God has placed in our lives – people who need an invitation.

Would you pray this prayer with me?:

“Father, help me to see people the way You do. Give me a heart of compassion. Father, who are You calling me to reach? Use me as a worker in Your harvest field and prepare the hearts of those who need to know You. In Jesus Name, Amen.”

God Bless, Pastor Rick

Living in God’s Presence

Week of March 7, 2025

Life is full of uncertainties and challenges. We often find ourselves seeking direction, whether it’s in our relationships, careers, or personal growth. The good news is that God doesn’t leave us to navigate life alone. He promises to guide us and to direct our paths, and it is through seeking His presence that we find purpose and direction. What does it mean to follow His lead each day? Here are some practical ways to live out your faith in an uncertain world.

Seek God’s Presence – In Psalm 25: 4-5, David prays, “Show me Your ways, teach me Your paths.” Our primary calling is to seek God’s presence above all else.

Trust in God’s Guidance – Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart…” Trusting God means surrendering your wisdom and acknowledging that His ways are higher than our own.

Hearing God’s Voice – Isaiah 30:21 reminds us that God will guide us if we listen. God is not a distant God, but the key to listening is carving out space in your life to hear from God. Are you taking time to be still before God?

Walk in Faithful Obedience – When you seek God’s presence, you put your trust in His guidance, and you hear His voice, you must be willing to walk in faithful obedience. Is there an area that God is calling you to step out in faith? For those who do, He will make your path straight and lead you into His perfect will.

God Bless, Pastor Rick

Forgiveness

Week of February 28, 2025

“And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.”  Matthew 6:12(NKJV).

Few things are more precious to receive than forgiveness.  After carrying the burden of our sin, it is liberating to know that the one we have wronged has forgiven us.  Jesus told His disciples to ask God for forgiveness every time they prayed.  Jesus knows that we would daily incur debts against God, because we fall short of God’s standard.  A day does not go by that we do not need to ask God to remover our debt against Him. 

Jesus taught us that we should expect forgiveness from God as we forgive those who sin against us.  God said he will forgive us in the same way we forgive others.  God’s nature is forgiveness.  If we are to be His disciples we should follow His example.  Jesus did not say that some offenses are unworthy of our forgiveness.  If you choose to withhold forgiveness from someone, your worship and prayers are futile.  Ask God to make you aware of those dark corners in your life where you might be harboring resentment.  An awareness of our own need for forgiveness will put the offenses of others in the proper light.  Remember this; you are most like God when you forgive.

God Bless, Pastor Rick