God's Good Hand Is Upon Us

Week of August 15, 2025

“and a letter to Asaph the keeper of the king’s forest, that he must give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel which pertains to the temple, for the city wall, and for the house that I will occupy.” And the king granted them to me according to the good hand of my God upon me.” (Nehemiah 2:8, NKJV)

God’s hand is always upon His people, guiding, sustaining, and blessing.

When Nehemiah was called to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, he faced opposition, yet he testified, “The good hand of my God is upon me.” That phrase wasn’t just a nice expression – it was a declaration of faith. Nehemiah believed that the presence, power, and favor of God were active in his life. Because of that, he moved forward with courage.

In the same way, when God’s good hand is upon us, it changes everything. It is the hand that flung stars into space, carved valleys, and still takes time to guide our steps. Sometimes we only notice His hand in hindsight. But at this very moment, God is working on your behalf.

So remember, if you’re facing something intimidating, challenging, or difficult, you’re not walking it alone. The same God who placed His hand upon Nehemiah, has placed His hand upon you.

One day - maybe not today or tomorrow - but one day when you look back, you’ll be able to say with a grateful heart: the good hand of God was upon me every step of the way.

God Bless, Pastor Rick

You Are Who God Says You Are

Week of August 08, 2025

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;” (1 Peter 2:9, NKJV)

There’s a battle happening every single day, one that starts within us. It’s the battle of identity. Who am I really? Am I enough? Do I matter?

The world is constantly trying to define us by our past, our performance, and our failures. But if you belong to Christ, then your identity has already been settled; not by culture, but by the Creator.

The scripture says, “You Are Chosen.” You are not just a face in the crowd. You are a chosen by God. You may not have been picked first in life, but God has hand-picked you.

You are also “Royal.” In Christ, you are part of a royal lineage and you’ve been invited to live and lead as His representative on earth.

You are also “Set Apart,” a holy nation, the scripture says. What this is talking about is not perfection, but direction. We live our lives different from the world.

It also says, “His own special people.” It speaks of value and love. God treasures you. You are not an accident. You belong to God. So you can proclaim His praises. Our life is a living testimony of His grace.

“Father, thank You for reminding me of who I really am – not based on my past, not my feelings or failures, but Your truth. I’m chosen, royal, set apart, and deeply loved. Help me to walk in truth today, to silence the lies of the enemy, and to reflect Your light to those around me. In Jesus Christ name, Amen.”

God Bless, Pastor Rick

God Is Not Finished Yet

Week of August 01, 2025

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6, NKJV)

There is something encouraging about the simple truth that God finishes what He starts. No matter where you are in your journey - whether you are stepping in to something new, letting go of something familiar, or somewhere in between - God’s work in you is not done.

God never sees something as; “the best is behind us.” He’s always working, always building, and always growing His Kingdom. Often times in ways we can’t yet see. Just because something is shifting, doesn’t mean something is stopping. I rather choose to believe something greater is beginning.

Let this be a time where our hearts lean forward, not backward. Let faith rise, because God isn’t scratching His head wondering what comes next. He already knows and He’s preparing the way.

“Father, thank You that You are never finished working in our lives or in our church. We believe You are leading us into something good, something that brings glory to You and blessings to others. Help us to walk with faith, hope, and joy, knowing that the best is yet to come. In Jesus Christ name, Amen.”

God Bless, Pastor Rick