Posts with the category “pastor”

When life feels overwhelming, we can find rest in the arms of our Shepherd. He carries us when we are too weak to carry ourselves. His care is not just for the strong or the capable but especially for the vulnerable, the weary, and the brokenhearted.  Read More

Isaiah 61 provides a profound declaration of the Messiah’s mission, a mission focused on bringing good news to the poor, healing the brokenhearted, and liberty to the captives. These ancient words reverberate with hope, reminding us that no matter how shattered life may seem, restoration is not only possible but promised.  Read More

Just as spring follows winter, the Messiah brings restoration where despair once reigned. We’ve all experienced seasons of waiting—times when we’ve prayed for renewal in our lives, families, or communities. Just as God fulfilled His promise to Israel, He is faithful to fulfill His promises to us today.  Read More

Isaiah 53 challenges us to live out our redemption by embodying Jesus’ love, kindness, and humility. Our lives become a testament to His sacrifice when we pursue justice, extend compassion, and embrace the call to be lights in a dark world. Jesus’ suffering wasn’t an end; it was the beginning of God’s work of redemption in the world, a work that continues through each of us as we live out our faith.  Read More

In our own lives, the presence of God through Jesus is just as real. This truth assures us that no matter what we face, we are never alone. Whether in the middle of a personal crisis, an illness, or a season of uncertainty, we can take heart knowing that God is with us. He walks with us, sharing in our struggles and offering hope that cannot be taken away.  Read More

At the core of walking with God is abiding in His love. Enoch’s life with God was not transactional; it was relational, rooted in God’s love and Enoch’s response to that love.   Read More

As we bring our sermon series on Micah 6:8 to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on what it truly means to walk humbly with our God. Over the past few weeks, we’ve explored how God calls us to act justly and to love faithfulness, each of which is deeply rooted in our relationship with Him. Today, we arrive at perhaps the most challenging and countercultural part of the verse: walking humb...  Read More

As we reflect on this call to love faithfulness, let’s take a moment to ask ourselves: Are there people in our lives from whom we have been withholding mercy? Are we willing to separate our need to be right from our responsibility to show compassion? In the midst of political tension, can we extend steadfast love to those who think differently than we do?  Read More

The Franciscan Blessing offers us a framework for living a deep and compassionate faith. It calls us first to look inward, to examine the places where we’ve settled for less than what God desires for us. It invites us to sit with discomfort, to confront the ways we’ve contributed to injustice, to allow our hearts to break for the suffering of others, and to believe that God can use us to make a difference.  Read More

This season of change may bring challenges, but it is also an exciting time of growth, refocusing, and deeper connection. As we embrace this cultural shift, may we do so with open hearts, ready to see the new things God is doing in and through us.  Read More

Justice is not just a lofty ideal or something reserved for legal experts or politicians. It is a way of life that God calls each of us to embody. The call to act justly is an invitation to align our hearts and actions with the character of God, who is both just and righteous. As we pursue justice in our personal lives, our communities, and our world, we reflect the heart of our Savior, bringing His light into the darkness.  Read More

In a world filled with injustice, God calls us to act justly. What does this mean? Acting justly means standing up for the vulnerable, advocating for fairness, and resisting the systems and practices that oppress others. It means seeing the image of God in every person, regardless of their social or political status, and treating them with the dignity and respect they deserve.  Read More

As all of us navigate the busyness of life, it can be easy to forget the importance of rest. We live in a world that constantly pushes us to do more, achieve more, and be more. However, God, in His infinite wisdom, established a rhythm of work and rest that is not only necessary but also sacred. The Sabbath is God’s gift to us, a time set apart for rest and renewal, not just physically but spiritually as well.  Read More

Paul’s words challenge us to examine our motives in everything we do. Are we working just to meet deadlines, earn a paycheck, or gain the approval of others? Or are we working with a higher purpose in mind? When we shift our focus from merely fulfilling duties to serving the Lord with all our hearts, our work becomes more than just a task—it becomes an act of worship.  Read More

From the earliest days of the Christian church, love has been the cornerstone upon which the community of believers was built. John reminds us in 1 John 3:11, “For this is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another.” This isn’t a new directive but a reaffirmation of what has been true since the beginning of time—love is the foundation of our relationship with God and with each other.  Read More

When we consider the role of light in our lives, we might think of it as something that simply helps us see, whether it’s a flashlight guiding us in the dark or sunlight nourishing the earth. However, God’s light is far more profound. It’s not just about visibility; it’s about revelation.  Read More

What John is describing here is a life that is found in Jesus Christ—a life that is not just about the quantity of years we live, but the quality of those years. It’s about living in a way that reflects the very nature of God, who is love, light, and life itself.  Read More

Living in a world where expectations, comparisons, and images consume our thoughts, the quest to find our true identity can feel overwhelming. Society constantly bombards us with messages that tie our worth to achievements, appearances, and popularity. However, as followers of Christ, we have a distinct advantage – our identity is rooted not in the ever-changing world, but in the unchanging person...  Read More

We were reminded again in today's sermon that Jesus is our hope, and the only hope for the world. In times like these, when life seems to throw one curveball after another, it's crucial for us to hold tight to the unwavering hope we have in Jesus Christ. He is our rock, our refuge, and the wellspring of our inspiration. As followers of Christ, not only do we get to embrace this hope ourselves, but...  Read More

In the Bible, we come across some pretty amazing stories that teach us valuable lessons. One such story that hits close to home is found in Luke 21:1-4. It's a short but powerful tale about a widow who was totally neglected by society. This story forces us to take a hard look at our own attitudes towards those in need and reminds us of the importance of compassion. Let's dig into the story and see...  Read More

Hey there! Let's dive into Luke 20:1-26 because it's packed with some seriously powerful lessons straight from the Word. In this passage, Jesus is faced with a bunch of religious bigwigs who come at Him with their questions, trying to discredit His authority. But guess what? Jesus doesn't back down. He responds with wisdom and grace, showing them who's really in charge. Luke 20:1-26The Authority o...  Read More

Luke 18:18-30 is a powerful passage of scripture that contains important teachings about salvation, wealth, sacrifice, and rewards. In this passage, Jesus encounters a rich ruler who is seeking eternal life and provides some profound insights about what it means to follow him. As we reflect on these teachings, we can gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus and how we...  Read More

As a pastor, I love diving into the stories of the Bible and discovering new insights and lessons that can inspire us in our daily lives. Today, I want to explore Luke 24:1-12 with you - the story of the empty tomb. This powerful story reminds us of the hope and transformation that can come from encountering the risen Jesus, and I believe there are some valuable lessons we can apply to our own liv...  Read More

Luke 16:19-31 is a parable that Jesus tells about a rich man and a poor beggar named Lazarus. It’s a story that has been retold and interpreted in many different ways, but at its core, it’s a warning about the dangers of greed and the importance of showing compassion for others. The Rich Man and Lazarus“There was a rich man who would dress in purple and fine linen, feasting lavishly every day. But...  Read More

Do you ever wonder about your purpose in life? It's a question that we all grapple with at some point, and it can be both daunting and exciting. The good news is that the Bible has a lot to say about our calling, and when we understand and embrace it, we can live with purpose and passion, knowing that we are making a difference in the world.So, what does the Bible say about our calling? Let's dive...  Read More

Luke 14:7-14He told a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they would choose the best places for themselves: “When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, don’t sit in the place of honor, because a more distinguished person than you may have been invited by your host. The one who invited both of you may come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this man,’ and then in humi...  Read More

Luke 13:22-30The Narrow Way22 He went through one town and village after another, teaching and making his way to Jerusalem. 23 “Lord,” someone asked him, “are only a few people going to be saved?” He said to them, 24 “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because I tell you, many will try to enter and won’t be able 25 once the homeowner gets up and shuts the door. Then you will stand...  Read More

As we can see from this passage, repentance and turning to God is not something that we do once and then forget about. It's a daily decision, a daily practice. We must strive to bear fruit in our lives, love and serve others, and trust in the power of God to work through us.  Read More

Ready for the Master’s ReturnLuke 12:35-5935 “Be ready for service and have your lamps lit. 36 You are to be like people waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet so that when he comes and knocks, they can open the door for him at once. 37 Blessed will be those servants the master finds alert when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will get ready, have them recline at the table, then...  Read More

The Bible teaches us to care for the poor, the widows, and the orphans. It reminds us that when we do so, we are doing it unto Jesus himself. And when we care for others, we are also serving God.  Read More

I'm putting together this post on Monday, January 17, 2023 after watching a fantastic win by the Dallas Cowboys last night. They played as if the whole world depended on it. The opponent they faced was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but more so the GOAT quarterback Tom Brady. Tom Brady had an undefeated record against the Cowboys   Read More

Luke 12:13-34 "13 Someone from the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” 14 “Friend,” he said to him, “who appointed me a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15 He then told them, “Watch out and be on guard against all greed, because one’s life is not in the abundance of his possessions.”16 Then he told them a parable: “A rich man’s land was very productive. 1...  Read More

The Gospel is the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. It is the message of God's love and grace that is offered to all people, regardless of their past or present circumstances.  Read More

My daughter is watching Star Wars right now (I have raised her right!) while I am putting the finishing touches on my sermon for Sunday. This got me thinking about how the two relate (do they really). Maybe, just maybe they do."May the Force be with you." This phrase, made popular by the Star Wars franchise, has become a cultural touchstone for millions of people around the world. But as Christian...  Read More

Marriage is a sacred bond between two people, a union that is both a joy and a responsibility. At its core, marriage is about love, commitment, and companionship. But it's also so much more than that. Marriage is the foundation upon which families are built, and families are the backbone of any healthy society. It is a relationship that requires patience, understanding, and a willingness to forgiv...  Read More

As I reflect on this year, I am again reminded of what a great community FBC is. Your love and impact on our local community continue to encourage the leadership and me at FBC. May we always remember that it is through the work of the Holy Spirit that we are able to do what we do.  Read More

Thanksgiving Greetings!The Psalmist writes in Psalm 95:1-2 "1 Oh come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before His presence with Thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with Psalms."Somehow, we have come to think of Thanksgiving as a “once a year” Holiday, but it's quite clear in the Word that it's much more than that!The idea of Thanksg...  Read More

Roe v. Wade has been overturned and for many friends and family I know that this is a time of celebration. If you feel like this is a win for life and the sanctity of the life God has created then you and I are thrilled that this decision has been handed down.I also know that I have friends and family that are concerned about this ruling and the impact that it will have on our communities and for ...  Read More

"...let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:16Let your light shine before others. These are the words of Jesus, the foundation of our faith. What does Jesus tell us to do here and why?Our life is to - ShineWhy - So others seeSee what - Our good worksTo what purpose - So they may give glory to GodPretty simple, i...  Read More