God Sometimes Whispers

Week of May 30, 2025

“11Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the LORD.” And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind and earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; 12and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.” (1 Kings 19:11-12, NKJV)

Have you ever asked God to speak to you in some undeniable way? Maybe a flash of lightning, a prophetic word to confirm the very thing your heart is struggling with? It’s a natural human desire. We want clarity. But most times, God’s voice comes not in the wind, the earthquake, or the fire, but in a gentle whisper.

Elijah the prophet witnessed the miraculous power of God on Mount Carmel, but then runs in fear from Jezebel’s threat.

He hides in a cave, consumed with fear. But God, in His mercy, doesn’t rebuke Elijah for his weakness. Instead, God ministers to him, provides food and water, and then calls Elijah to stand before Him.

God understands that even the strongest among us become weary. God didn’t come to scold Elijah. He came to meet with Him. Before God gave Elijah his next assignment, He tended to his soul.

The truth is this: God meets us in the cave if necessary. He fills up our emptiness. He whispers to us when our hearts are too weak for a shout.

Maybe that’s where you find yourself; feeling like life has backed you into a cave. But God still has a word for you. He still has provision for you. He still has a purpose for you.

God Bless, Pastor Rick

The Power of Remembering

Week of May 23, 2025

“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” (John 15:13, NKJV)

As we head in to Memorial Day weekend, it’s a time to remember. It’s a time set aside in our nation to honor the brave men and women who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. The Scripture is filled with commands to remember, to look back, to reflect from the past.

In Joshua 4, after the Israelites crossed the Jordan River, God instructed them to gather twelve stones from the riverbed and set them us as a memorial. Those stones weren’t just rocks, they were testimonies. They were visual reminders of God’s faithfulness, His provision, and His power.

You and I may not have literal stones stacked in our home, but we have memories, markers of God’s hand in our life. The time God provided when you didn’t know how the bills would be paid. The phone call that came at the just the right moment. The forgiveness that you received when you knew you didn’t deserve it. Each of these moments is a testimony, a marker.

This weekend, I challenge us to set aside a moment to pray for the families of those who have lost loved ones in service to our nation. To remember the One who died for our eternal freedom and to look back at your own life and identify a few “memorial stones” moments where God showed up for you.

Remembering shapes our present; it reminds us that the God who was faithful before will be faithful again. It gives us hope that what lies ahead is held securely in His hands.

God Bless, Pastor Rick

Eyes on the Road Ahead

Week of May 16, 2025

“Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” (Proverbs 29:18, KJV)

Have you ever asked this question: where do I go from here? How do I know which road to take?

The Bible reminds us that vision isn’t just about having big dreams or ambitious goals, it’s about having God’s direction for our lives. Our scripture reading warns us that without vision, people perish; they lose their way.

So seek God’s Vision for your life before your own. The world will offer countless options and career paths, but not every good thing is a good thing for you. Ask God, “What is Your vision for my life?” Life will try to pull your attention in every direction. A clear, God-centered vision keeps your heart anchored.

Vision isn’t just what you see in your heart – it’s what you dare to pursue in faith. Trust that God will guide your steps, even when the path isn’t fully clear. Walk in the light that God gives to you and then God will open additional light to you.

You may not know every detail of what’s next, and that’s okay. Stay faithful in the small things!

God Bless, Pastor Rick