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“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 The truest, most wonderful love story of all is summed up in the words of John 3:16 and is demonstrated in Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross!  God sent Jesus to be our Redeemer. Jesus fulfilled that role when He took on the sins of the whole world and  died on the cross. But the love didn’t end there, Jesus overcame death and rose to life again and now lives eternally with the Father, giving us a way to salvation. This week when you are giving and receiving Valentine cards and gifts, think about the One that loves you the most, the One…

“Be still, and know that I am God…” Psalm 46:10a Psalm 46 begins by declaring that God is our “refuge and strength’’, always present in trouble. The psalmist praises God for His power and describes His almighty actions to protect His people when overwhelmed with trouble.  In verse 10 God responds by telling the people to be still and know that He is God. We too face troubles that seem to overwhelm us. Stresses are everywhere — family, relationships,  jobs, finances. It is easy to let the problems of the world overtake us. It easy to become burdened down with worry and doubt.  But, we too are called to be still and recognize the almighty God. God will speak peace to our hearts and minds in those still, quiet moments…

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12 Treat others like you want to be treated. How many times have we spoken these words to our children as they were quarreling, or being selfish over a toy? We call it the Golden Rule, indicating its importance. Many probably learned it as a child in Sunday School. But Jesus’ words are not just parenting advice or words to memorize in Sunday School. They are not just suggestions to guide children. They are not advice, suggestions or just words at all— this is a command spoken by our Lord to teach us how we should strive to interact with others.   He said in everything…

“By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35 People living in this area would probably say that the weather this past week was very trying. We had sub-zero wind chills, single digit highs, freezing rain, snow and frigid, high winds.  Businesses were closed, schools were closed and people were encouraged to stay off the roads. Events and activities had to be cancelled due to the weather. It was a tough several days. But through all of that, the love of God shone through. Churches and other organizations stepped up to open warming stations. Here people without heat could sleep, shower and get a hot meal. Individual businesses delivered food, medicine and other supplies to those in need. Coworkers  and some…

“I lift up my eyes to the hills—- where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2 “A little help here” is a phrase we might use when we get in a tight like trying to carry a heavy piece of furniture. Hopefully there will be someone close by that will lend a hand. Sometimes my granddaughter will call for help while playing a game or putting a puzzle together.  We find help on the internet when we are researching a particular topic. When we are sick , we look to doctors for help and we expect teachers to help our children learn. Our lives are filled with times for which we need help for one reason or another.…

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 God spoke this wonderful blessing to Moses and instructed him to pass it on to Aaron and his sons (the priests), who  were to speak it over the people of Israel. God intentionally wanted to bless His children.  How thrilling it must have been to hear these words for the first time! How  humbling it had to be to hear that God Almighty wanted to bless  and protect them; and that He wanted to shine His love upon them and surround them with His peace!  God loved His children very much. As God’s children today we are…

As we close out 2023 and welcome 2024 we will, no doubt, send and receive many well wishes. We wish for our friends and acquaintances a happy year, with good health and success in business and life. We wish them peace and joy, but most of all, we wish them blessings from our Father in heaven. Psalm 20:1-5 is a fitting message for us to share with everyone for the coming year. “1.May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. 2.May he send you help  from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion. 3. May he remember all your sacrifices  and accept your burnt offerings. 4. May he give you the desire of your heart  and make…

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11 For the people of old this was great news! The long awaited Messiah, Redeemer, and Savior had finally been born. Angels announced His birth, shepherds ran to see Him in a lowly stable and later wisemen traveled many miles to visit Him in an humble home. But still others did not accept Him or want to know Him. This and every Christmas season, the story of Jesus’ birth is told anew. Two thousand plus years later the message is still the same. God’s Son still calls people from all walks of life to come to Him. Those that will accept this invitation receive the free gift of salvation. Jesus came…

“Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” Luke 2:10 These were the words of the angel as the birth of Jesus was announced to the shepherds. Shepherds were considered to be a lower class of people, but God  sent His messengers to make sure that they knew that this Savior that was coming into the world was for them too. Jesus came to save everyone, not just the rich and powerful, not just the elite and famous, not just the well educated — no, Jesus came for everyone — even the lowly shepherds. This angelic message is still true today. Jesus still offers salvation to all that will come to Him.  Our station in life does not matter…

“Come and see what God has done, how awesome his works in man’s behalf.”  Psalm 66:5 Psalm 66:5  should be the message of every Christian! Believed to be written after a military victory, Psalm 66 reiterates the many miracles that God had poured out upon His people. In verse 5, the writer calls for all to “come and see what God has done”.  “Come and see” was echoed hundreds of years later when Jesus invited two of John’s disciples to follow Him; and again when Philip shared with his brother Nathanael that he had met the long awaited Messiah. (John 1:35-46) We too should be inviting others to come and see the mighty works of our God. We can do this by sharing the peace, joy and contentment that God…