Our Declaration Of Dependence

  *"In the US, the Fourth of July is a national holiday when outdoor grills are heated up; beaches are packed, and cities and towns have parades, and fireworks displays, picnics, and patriotic celebrations. All of this is in remembrance of July 4, 1776, when the thirteen American colonies declared their independence." (RBC/ODB 7/4/2014) But I believe that it is time for us as Americans to declare our "dependence" on God. Jesus said, "I am the Vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."(John 15:5) When we look at out nation now, and see all the violence that has taken place in our homes, our schools, and businesses throughout the land, how can we say that "we don't need God!" If there was ever a time that we needed Him, it is now. We are to be grafted into the divine Vine, so we can receive the guidance and divine resources, to be the Nation God wants us to be. I am proud to be an American, but more than that, I am proud to be a Christian, and to be apart of God's wonderful family. Even though America declared independence from England in 1776; when the first people came to our New England shores, they knew, they could not have made it without God's help. And they made a strong clear statement, that to establish a new nation, they would have to be dependent on God, to start it, and maintain it. 

We still need to feel that way today. GP

Picture By ID 19997184 © Beaniebeagle | www.dreamstime.com 

Unhindered Gospel - Kelsie - New Hope Church

 Unhindered Gospel 

Good morning everyone! I am Kelsie/ Welcome back tp New Hope Church; and if you are a visitor, we are glad you came. Today we are wrapping up our Unhindered sermon series with our final sermon, "Unhindered Gospel." Over the past few weeks we've looked at how the final word of Acts leaves us with the greatest clue for how to live as followers of Christ in the modern world. "Unhindered" may be the last word of Acts, but it's the first word for those who put their hope, faith, and trust in the risen King Jesus.

Through Him we experience:

The Unhindered Kingdom

Unhindered Forgiveness

Unhindered Power

And as we'll see today, an unhindered gospel.

I want you tp turn  on your bibles tp Acts 28:30-31

"Therefore I want you to know that God's salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!" For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him." He proclaimed the Kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ---with all boldness and without hindrance!

Paul ends the book of Acts under house arrest. His life is restricted, his future is uncertain, but the Gospel os still moving. Paul was hindered, but the Gospel was not. People could restrict the messenger, but they could not stop the message. The fact that we are gathered om Moville, Iowa, talking about Jesus proves that the Gospel kept moving. God does not need perfect circumstances to keep His work moving.

Who would be the easiest to invite?

The gospel kept moving until it reached us. But it was never supposed to stop with us. Jesus has now entrusted that same good news to ordinary people like you an me. The question is: Who are we willing to share it with? I am going to do a little activity here, with a show of hands from you guys. I am going to name different people. Raise your hand if you would feel comfortable inviting that person to church.

A close friend

A family member

A friendly neighbor

A coworker you get along with

Okay, keep being honest. Now it is going to get a little more uncomfortable.

Someone you barely know

Someone who has turned you down before

Someone with a rough reputation

Someone who disagrees with you about everything

Someone who has been hurt by a church

Someone who makes you feel uncomfortable

Someone everyone thinks is "too far gone"

Your annoying neighbor down the street

The List could on on on

Did you noticed that fewer hands went up as the people more difficult? We say tje gospel is for everyone, but sometimes we only want to share it with the people who feel safe.

Being a light to all nations is a phrase found in the Old Testament, particularly in Isaiah 49:6 where God says to His servant, "It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth." 

Hundreds of years before Jesus came, God said through Isaiah that His salvation would reach to the ends of the earth. This was never going to be good news for only one group of people. Jesus came for the Jewish People and the Gentiles---for every nation, every culture, every background, and every kind of person.

And now, as followers of Jesus, we carry that light. We do that through the words we speak, the way we live, the way we serve, and the way we treat tje people around us.

The gospel is not only for people who grew up om church, know the right words, have a clean past, look like us, or already seem interested. The gospel is for everyone.

In a small town, we know people's history.

We know their mistakes

We know their family

We know their reputation

Sometimes we quietly decide who would never come to church or never respond to Jesus. Sound familiar?

The gospel is for everyone, and our job is is not to decide who deserves it. Our job is to live it, share it, and not get in the way.

My mom grew up in a time and a church culture where tattoos were not okay. Extra piercings were not okay. And I think, without even realizing it, she sometimes  made assumptions about people based on ho many tattoos or piercings they had. Then she had me for a daughter. I got tattoos, I got extra piercings. I started driving a motorcycle. Suddenly, the person who fit the image in her mind was not a stranger anymore. It was her daughter. She knew my heart. She knew my faith. She knew that having tattoos did not suddenly change who I was or how much I loved Jesus. And I think that forced her to reconsider some of the assumptions she had carried for years. Sometimes that's what it takes.We have a category in our minds about "hose kinds of people"---until someone we loves becomes one of "those people." Then we begin to realize that outside of a person tells us very little about what God is doing inside them.

We can look at tattoos, piercings, clothing, politics, reputation, or someone's past and believe we already know their story. But Jesus never reduced people to what others could see. Apparently, God can even use a tattooed, pierced, motorcycle-riding pastor's kid. And if God can use me, we need to be very careful about deciding who He cannot use. We may know someone's past, but we do not know what God is doing in their heart right now.

So what stops us?

I spent most of last week with my family in Branson, Missouri, and at Silver Dollar City. On the last day we were there, I finally got the chance to ride WildFire. Wildfire is not a calm little ride. It climbs high above the Ozark hills, drops fifteen stories, reaches around sixty-six miles per hour, and turns you upside down five different times. There was no line, so naturally, I took advantage ofi t and rode it four times in a row. Afterward, I met back up with with Alex and the kids. Jordan asked me. "If you're afraid of heights, how can you have so much fun on that roller coaster?" Then he asked me how he could learn not to be afraid like that. I explained that I really am afraid of heights. THe difference is that when I get on that roller coaster, I trust the ride. O trust that it has been designed and inspected. I trust the restraints holding me in place. I trust the park and the people operating it. The ride feels scary, but it was not created to hurt me. My fear does not automatically disappear. I still have to make the choice to sit down, pu;; tje restraint over me, and let the ride leave the station. I cannot expereince the excitement on the ride while standing safely outside the gate. At some point, I have to decide whether my trust is greater than my fear. That conversation made me think about how often fear holds us back from doing what Jesus asks us to do. 

We are afraid someone will reject us. We are afraid we will say the wrong thing. We are afraid they will ask a question we cannot answer. We are afraid the conversation will become uncomfortable.

Following Jesus does not mean we never feel afraid. Trusting God does not mean every part of the journey will feel safe, easy, or comfortable. It means we believe the One holding us is stronger that the fear trying to stop us. At some point, we have to decide whether we trust God enough to take the next step---even while we are still afraid. 

So I will ask gain: What stops us? What makes it hard to talk to someone about Jesus? 

The Priority Of Patriotism

 

The Christian Journeyman 

The Priority Of Patriotism 

Patriotism is often associated with fireworks, flags, and national pride, but Scripture teaches that the deepest form of patriotism begins not with outward celebration but with inward devotion expressed through prayer. 

As Americans approach July 4th, 2026, it is important not only to reflect on the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy but also to remember the spiritual responsibilities that come with citizenship. 

The Apostle Paul, writing to Timothy in 1 Timothy 2:1–4, urges believers to offer petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving for all people, especially for kings and those in authority, so that society may flourish in peace, godliness, and holiness. This instruction reveals that the priority of patriotism is not political passion but spiritual commitment. Paul reminds us that such prayer pleases God because His desire is for all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. When we pray for our nation, we align ourselves with God’s heart for peace, righteousness, and unity. This biblical foundation challenges us to consider patriotism not merely as loyalty to a nation but as obedience to God’s call to lift our country before Him. 

The summer of 1776 illustrates how deeply our national identity is tied to both struggle and hope. Delegates from thirteen colonies gathered to make a monumental decision, recognizing that the conditions in the New World had become unbearable under British rule. Their response was the Declaration of Independence, a bold statement of their desire to be a free nation. Yet even as we honor their courage, we must also acknowledge that the founders understood the importance of divine guidance. Many early American documents reflect a desire to preserve the freedom to worship God and to build a society shaped by biblical principles. As a nation, we once openly acknowledged God, sought His wisdom, and recognized His authority. But over time, America has drifted from those spiritual roots. We have pursued our own desires, elevated personal pleasure over moral responsibility, and allowed division, confusion, and moral decay to spread across our culture. Some may accuse such observations of being negative, but realism is not negativity—it is honesty. And honesty is necessary if we hope to see healing. America is struggling in many areas of its social, moral, and spiritual life, and ignoring the problem will not make it disappear. 

If there was ever a time to return to the priority of patriotism—prayer—it is now. Prayer is not a last resort; it is the first act of faithful citizenship. It acknowledges that God is the ultimate authority and that no nation can thrive without His guidance. When we pray for our leaders, we are not endorsing their decisions; we are asking God to direct their hearts, grant them wisdom, and restrain evil. When we pray for our fellow Americans, we are asking God to soften hearts, restore unity, and draw people to Himself. 

When we pray for our nation, we are participating in God’s redemptive work. This is why 2 Chronicles 7:14 remains so powerful: “If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.” This verse is not a political slogan—it is a spiritual invitation. God promises healing, but He attaches that promise to humility, repentance, and prayer. 

If we want to see America restored, strengthened, and united, we must begin on our knees. Patriotism is not merely loving our country; it is loving our country enough to pray for it, repent on its behalf, and seek God’s will above our own. As we celebrate Independence Day, let us remember that true freedom is found not only in national liberty but in spiritual surrender. 

Let us recommit ourselves to being a people who honor God, uphold truth, and intercede for our nation with sincerity and faith. This is the priority of patriotism, and it is the path to healing. 

Photo: debannja - Pixabay.com 

The Father He Didn't Have To Be

There are moments in life when a single lyric captures a truth so deeply that it lingers long after the music fades. Brad Paisley’s song "The Father He Didn’t Have to Be" holds one of those moments. In the chorus, he reflects on a man who stepped into the role of fatherhood not out of obligation but out of love, saying, “Lookin’ back all I can say about all the things he did for me, is I hope I’m at least half the dad that he didn’t have to be.” Those words speak to something powerful—the idea that real fatherhood is not defined by biology but by love, sacrifice, and presence. They remind us that the greatest fathers are often the ones who choose us, who step into our lives because their hearts lead them there.

That theme echoes beautifully in Scripture. Paul writes in Ephesians 1:5 that God “predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.” That single verse captures the heart of the gospel: God chose us. He wanted us. Long before we ever knew Him, long before we ever reached for Him, He had already reached for us. The apostle Paul is telling us that God’s desire to make us His children was not a reluctant decision or a last‑minute rescue plan. It was His joy, His intention, His good pleasure. God wanted a family, and He wanted us in it.

When we think about earthly fathers, we know they come in every shape and size. Some are biological fathers, some are stepfathers, some are mentors, uncles, grandfathers, or family friends who step into the gap. What makes a father is not the title but the heart behind it. A true father is someone who loves, protects, guides, and sacrifices. Someone who shows up. Someone who chooses you. That is why the song lyric resonates so deeply—it celebrates the kind of fatherhood that mirrors the heart of God. It celebrates the kind of love that says, “I’m here because I want to be.”

And when we look at God through that lens, His love becomes even more astonishing. Humanity turned away from Him, choosing sin and separation, yet God responded not with abandonment but with sacrifice. He gave His Son, Jesus Christ, to restore what was broken and to bring us back into relationship with Him. Through Christ, we are not merely forgiven—we are adopted. We are welcomed into God’s family with full rights, full love, and full belonging. That is the essence of spiritual adoption: God didn’t just save us; He claimed us.

Knowing that changes everything. As His children, we can trust that God is always caring for us, always watching over us, always opening the right doors and closing the wrong ones. He is not distant or indifferent. He is a Father who delights in guiding His children, a Father who knows what we need before we ask, a Father who walks with us through every season. When I look back over my own life, I can see moments when God provided, protected, redirected, and blessed me in ways I didn’t even recognize at the time. That is what a loving Father does.

God could have created humanity for countless reasons. He could have made us servants, spectators, or distant creations with no personal relationship to Him. But He didn’t. He created us to be His children. He wanted a family. He wanted closeness. He wanted us. And that truth should make every one of us feel profoundly valued. We are not accidents. We are not afterthoughts. We are chosen, loved, and adopted by the God of the universe.

So when I think about the song lyric—“the dad he didn’t have to be”—I can’t help but see a reflection of God’s heart. God is the Father He didn’t have to be. He chose to be our Father. He chose to love us. He chose to adopt us. And He continues to choose us every single day.

If you ever doubt your worth, remember this: God wanted you. God chose you. And God delights in calling you His child. That is the kind of Father He is.

Photo ID 5304675 © Woo Bing Siew | Dreamstime.com

What Divides A Family?

"Then He said: "A certain man had two sons, and the younger of them said to his father, "father give me the portion of goods that falls to me" So he divided to them his livelihood" (Luke 15:11-12)

There are many things that can divide a family; but one of the main divisive and destructive attitudes is that of selfishness.

The youngest son in the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15) had one thing on his mind, and that was how he might take care of number one--himself.
I know I may be reading between the lines, but I don't think I am too off course, to the lesson that Jesus was trying to get across.

This young selfish boy, didn't think about how, this taking of his inheritance, and leaving the family, would affect his father. Jesus doesn't mention a mother, but if there was a mother, she would have been devastated as well. He didn't think about his older brother, who was left to take care of his brother's part of the work load. No he only thought of himself.

The thing that we forget in a family, and that includes the church, (because the church is a family) is that everyone is important, and you have to take into consideration how your thoughts and actions will affect the lives of your loved ones.

It's not just about us, and we don't have to get our own way all the time.
If there are problems, we can work them out, so that the family as a whole will be the beneficiary of our efforts, not just us.

The Apostle Paul encourages us to "Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4) 
Our families will be blessed, when we do just that! GP

 Photo ID 42495337 © Leerodney Avison | Dreamstime.com

Realigning Our Relationships

 Realigning Our Relationships 

Our relationship with Jesus Christ is the most important because it anchors our identity, purpose, and eternal destiny in divine love and truth. Through Him, we receive forgiveness, grace, and a restored connection with God, which no earthly achievement or relationship can replace. Jesus offers peace in suffering, hope in uncertainty, and unconditional love that transforms our hearts and lives. He is not just a historical figure or moral teacher—He is the living Savior who walks with us daily, guiding, healing, and empowering us to live with meaning and compassion. In Him, we find the fullness of life both now and forever.

Realigning our relationships begins with our relationship with our Savior, and Lord Jesus Christ. If this relationship is solid, it will help our other relationships to be good as well. Realigning relationships through a biblical lens involves embracing principles of reconciliation, forgiveness, love, and humility. Here are some key insights drawn from Scripture:

1. Reconciliation Is a Divine Calling

- 2 Corinthians 5:18 – “God… hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.”  

  We're called to mend broken relationships just as God reconciled us to Himself through Christ.

- Matthew 5:24 – “First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”  

 Reconciliation is prioritized even above religious rituals.

Jesus prayed in His prayer in John 17, that we as His disciples, His followers, that we be one, as He and the Father are one. the apostle Paul writes to the church at Ephesus, that we are to "endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:3) 

2. Forgiveness Is Foundational

- Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind and compassionate… forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Forgiveness is not optional—it’s a reflection of divine grace.

- Matthew 6:14 – “If you forgive other people… your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”  

  Our forgiveness of others is tied to our own spiritual renewal.

We must remember at all times, in all our relationships, that we who are in Christ, are a forgiven people. That means that just as Jesus Christ brought about God's forgiveness by His sacrificial death on the cross, that we are to never hesitate to offer forgiveness to those who have harmed us, or have made it difficult for us in our lives. 

3. Practice Love as an Action

- 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 – “Love is patient, love is kind… it is not proud.”  

  Love is the glue that binds relationships—it’s active, sacrificial, and enduring.

- James 3:18 – “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”  

  Love leads to peace, and peace leads to spiritual fruit.

I remember this illustration of love and forgiveness: It is the sweet and appealing fragrance that a flower gives off when it is trampled. The strong natural tendency when we are hurt or harmed by others, is to get even, or to display a cold shoulder, vowing to never have anything to do with that person, or party ever again. But instead of doing what is natural, we must do what is super-natural, and show the love and forgiveness that God demonstrated toward us, through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. 

4. Build Trust and Honesty

- Open dialogue, consistency, and accountability are essential for trust.  

  Scripture encourages us to speak truthfully and listen actively to foster deeper bonds.

- James 1:19-20 "Therefore my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God." 

I am one who has, and at times still have anger issues. Sometimes over the littlest things. But I have learned that anger only makes things worse in the conflicts, and arguments we have with others. It is like pouring gasoline on a fire. 

Solomon writes: "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." 

5. Embrace Humility and Selflessness

- Philippians 2:3 – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition… value others above yourselves.”  

  Realignment often begins with putting others first and letting go of pride.

In the realignment of our relationships, we need to see what our attitude, and position should be in our relationships. Instead of the attitude of selfishness, and pride, there needs to be an attitude of humility, and placing ourselves in the position of servant-hood. To answer the question: How can I be a blessing to those around me? To those in my family, friends in the community, to everyone that we have contact with. When our attitude is right, so will our relationships.  

If you're navigating a strained relationship, these principles offer a road map toward healing. 

Realigning Our Relationships (Study Guide)

Will Our Life's Journey End?

 

Will Our Life’s Journey End?

Life raises questions that refuse to stay quiet. Among the most sobering is this: Does our journey end when our heart stops beating? Many today insist that once we die, we simply return to dust—no consciousness, no accountability, no eternity. Others believe we enter a kind of spiritual sleep, waiting in stillness until Jesus returns. But Jesus Himself speaks directly to this question in Matthew 7, part of His Sermon on the Mount, where He urges His listeners to enter the narrow gate. He contrasts two paths: one wide and easy, leading to destruction, and one narrow and difficult, leading to life. His words are not philosophical musings; they are a divine warning and a divine invitation.

When Jesus speaks of “life,” He is not referring to mere biological existence or moral improvement. He is pointing to eternal life—a life that begins now through a saving relationship with Him and continues beyond physical death. Eternal life is not simply endless time; it is a quality of life rooted in knowing God. In John 17:3, Jesus defines it plainly: “This is eternal life: that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.” The narrow road is not narrow because God is stingy with salvation; it is narrow because it requires surrender, trust, and a turning away from self‑rule.

Why should people take this seriously today instead of shrugging it off? Because apathy does not erase reality. If Jesus is who He claims to be—the Son of God, the Savior of the world—then His words carry eternal weight. Ignoring Him does not neutralize His authority; it only blinds us to the truth. The wide road is crowded not because it is right, but because it is comfortable. It demands nothing, challenges nothing, and promises everything—yet delivers destruction. The narrow road is found by few not because God hides it, but because many prefer convenience over conviction.

The consequences of rejecting Christ are not symbolic or temporary. Jesus uses the word “destruction” intentionally. It is not annihilation, nor is it unconscious sleep. It is eternal separation from God—the very source of life, joy, and hope. To reject Christ is to choose a destiny apart from Him. This is why the question “If you were to die tonight, do you know where you would be?” is not manipulative; it is merciful. It forces us to confront what we often avoid. Death is not theoretical. It is certain. And eternity is longer than the brief years we spend on this earth.

But Jesus does not leave us in fear. In John 14:1–3, He offers one of the most comforting promises in Scripture: “Do not let your hearts be troubled… I go to prepare a place for you… that you also may be where I am.” This is not poetic language. It is a declaration of our potential destiny—a prepared place for a prepared people. Heaven is not a vague spiritual cloudscape; it is the home of God, the fulfillment of every longing we carry, the restoration of everything broken.

So what is the key to obtaining this hope? Jesus states it plainly: “Believe in God; believe also in Me.” The key is not moral perfection, religious performance, or spiritual achievement. It is faith in Christ—a trust that He is who He says He is, that His death paid for our sin, and that His resurrection secures our future. Salvation is not earned; it is received. The narrow road begins at the foot of the cross.

In the end, the question is not whether our life’s journey will end. It will. The real question is what begins when this life ends. Jesus offers life—real, eternal, abundant. But He will not force it upon anyone. The wide road is easy because it requires nothing. The narrow road is life‑giving because it requires everything—our pride, our self‑reliance, our illusion of control.

Final Word: Your destiny is not a mystery God hides from you. It is a choice He places before you. The narrow gate stands open. Christ Himself is that gate. And He invites you—today, not someday—to enter and live.

Photo: Pavlofox - Pixabay.com 

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What Do These Stones Mean?

 

What Do These Stones Mean? 

 "Then he spoke to the children of Israel, saying: "When your children ask their fathers in time to come saying, "What are these stones?" (Joshua 4:21) 

Today is "Memorial Day" The responsibility falls on us as Parents, grandparents, and family members, to remember, and share the stories of our loves ones (who have gone on before) with our children & grandchildren. It is an opportunity to share concerning the many sacrifices they made, to secure the freedoms and opportunities we have today, and for the future. There must be an appreciation for what has been given. It is the right and honorable thing to do. 

God wanted His people to have an appreciation for what He did for them. The twelve stones (Joshua 4) provided from each tribe, was to be placed at Gigal, to remind the future generations, that God dried up the waters of the Jordan River, just like He did at the Red Sea, so the people could cross over. 

After they crossed the Jordan, they entered the promise land; and it would not be a vacation, but a time of battle, and a time of trust. For them to possess the land, they would have to take out the present inhabitants. That would be a challenge. But God would help them, if they would only put their faith in Him. Again the key word is Faith. 

As we stop and look at the stones of our loved ones, we read the information on each one; But what is not there, is the testimony of faith and courage that was demonstrated, while they were here. As we look at those stones, may we have in our hearts a feeling of appreciation, and share that appreciation, so future generations will have it too. 

It will be an inspiration for us, and for those in the future, to be counted as people of faith and faithfulness, to our awesome God. GP 

Photo: tislas/6 images/Pixabay License/Free for commercial use/No attribution required/www.pixabay.com

The Overwhelming Storms Of Trial

 

"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." (2 Corinthians 4:8-9) 

This week, we had a bad storm where I live, that was very brutal! The wind was going at 80 MPH, and did a lot of damage. There was no injuries in our little town, which we we're very thankful for. But there was a lot of damage to buildings, and especially to trees. Clean up is going on as I write this post-article: (5/20/2026) 

 It reminds us, that in life, we can feel the the severe stress and anxiety that the bad storms of life can bring. Like the apostle Paul, we can feel very overwhelmed, when the storms of life hit us so hard. 

The first line of the hymn: "It Is Well With My Soul" goes like this: "When peace like a river, attendeth my way. When sorrows like sea billows roll. Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well, with my soul!." In the midst of the flooding waters of trial, how can we say"It Is Well With My Soul?" 

In v.14, you will see Paul's answer to this question. "...knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus Christ will also raise us up with Jesus, and present us with you." Where is our hope, in our extreme time of trial? 

It is in our almighty God, who through His Son Jesus, will take care of us in the severity of this life, and raise us up to victory in the next. Abiding in the Lord's care, we can live above the flooding waters of stress and worry. 

This it what we can hang on to when the overwhelming storms of trial try to overtake us. "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." (Romans 8:37) 

In the midst of the storms of life, if Jesus is in our boat, we don't have to worry, but place ourselves completely in His loving care. GP 

 Photo: Hans/22778 images/Pixabay License/Free for commercial use/No attribution required/www.pixabay.com

Feeling Like We Belong

 

Feeling Like We Belong 

"Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God." (Romans 15:7) 

The apostle Paul encourages the Christians at Rome to think of others instead of themselves. As He writes in Romans 15:2 "Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification." 

When you walk into your church building for worship, do you have those who will greet you, visit with you, ask how things are going? Do they ask you how your week went? Do they take an interest in your welfare, both physically or spiritually? If you can say yes to all of these questions, I would say that you would have a strong feeling of belonging to a caring Christian fellowship. 

What happens in a lot of churches, is that certain members (and leadership included) talk and visit with only those people that are important to them. Those people that make them feel important, and have something in common with. In some of the larger churches, it feels like you are attending a concert, or a show, and there is no felt need, to get to know anyone, and establish a long term relationship. 

I believe the answer is found with the involvement of Christian leadership. We are to make sure that all the people feel welcomed when they come in the door of the church building. The pastor, as well as the elders, and church staff, are to make it a priority that an effort be made, to welcome new people, and that time is spent connecting with all the members of the church. 

As Paul says to the Christians at Rome, he says to us: "Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God." (Romans 15:7) 

Has Jesus ever excluded you? No, He died for the world, which includes you and I. In the verse John 3:16, instead of the word "World" you can put your name there. And in Matthew 18:20, "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them." 

And when we welcome others to ourselves, we are actually welcoming them to our Lord Jesus Christ. And it's for God's glory, not our own. 

Two questions in closing: Do you feel like you belong in the body of Christ? Do you make an effort to make others feel welcome in the Christian fellowship? This is a huge step in helping your church family have the unity, and stability the Lord wants us to have! GP 

Photo: congerdesign - Pixabay.com Free for use - Content License.

Who Do You Think You Are?

Who Do You Think You Are?  

Understanding Your Place in the Body of Christ!

The question “Who do you think you are?” can sound confrontational, but spiritually, it is one of the most important questions a believer can ask. Not in the sense of pride or self‑importance, but in the sense of identity, calling, and responsibility within the Body of Christ. The apostle Paul addresses this beautifully in 1 Corinthians 12, where he explains that every Christian has been intentionally placed by God into the Body, with a purpose that matters.

Paul uses the human body as his illustration because it is something we all understand. The body is made up of many parts—some visible, some hidden, some strong, some delicate—but all essential. The eye cannot do what the hand does, and the hand cannot replace the heart. Likewise, in the church, not everyone preaches, not everyone sings, not everyone leads. Some roles are public and celebrated; others are quiet, unseen, and often unappreciated. Yet Paul insists that the parts that seem less visible are often the most necessary.

This truth challenges the modern mindset that equates visibility with value. In the Kingdom of God, the opposite is often true. The intercessor who prays in secret, the volunteer who cleans the church, the giver who supports the ministry quietly, the encourager who strengthens others behind the scenes—these are spiritual lifelines. Just as the heart pumps without applause and the lungs expand without recognition, these believers keep the Body of Christ healthy and functioning.

But Paul also warns what happens when members of the body refuse to function in their God‑given role. When a part of the physical body stops working, the whole body suffers. A damaged nerve can affect movement. A weakened immune system leaves the body vulnerable. A malfunctioning organ can threaten life itself. Spiritually, the same is true. When believers refuse to serve, withdraw from fellowship, or compare themselves to others, the Body becomes weakened, divided, and ineffective. Ministry becomes lopsided. Burnout increases. The mission slows. The enemy gains ground.

This is why Paul emphasizes that God Himself has arranged the members of the body, “each one of them, as He chose” (1 Corinthians 12:18). Your role is not random. Your gifts are not accidental. Your presence in the church is not optional. You are placed, positioned, and purposed by the Lord.

And this leads to another essential truth: there are only two positions in the church—Master and Servant. Jesus Christ alone is the Master. Everyone else, regardless of title, gifting, or visibility, is a servant. Scripture is unmistakably clear about this. Jesus said:

- “You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am.” (John 13:13)  

- “A servant is not greater than his master.” (John 13:16)  

- “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” (Matthew 20:26)

Even Paul, one of the greatest apostles, introduced himself repeatedly as a bondservant of Jesus Christ. Leadership in the Kingdom is not about status but service. Authority is not about control but responsibility. The ground at the foot of the cross is level, and every believer kneels before the same Master.

When we forget this, pride creeps in. Comparison grows. Competition replaces cooperation. Instead of functioning as a unified body, we become a collection of disconnected parts. But when we embrace our identity as servants of Christ, unity becomes natural. We stop asking, “Why isn’t my role bigger?” and start asking, “How can I be faithful where God placed me?”

Paul ends his teaching in 1 Corinthians 12 by urging believers to pursue love above all else. This connects beautifully with the final word from Galatians 5, where he contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit. A church where every member serves in love, empowered by the Spirit, will naturally produce fruit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self‑control. These qualities strengthen the Body, unify believers, and reflect Christ to the world.

So, who do you think you are?  

According to Scripture, you are a chosen, necessary, Spirit‑gifted servant of Jesus Christ, placed by God into His Body for His purpose. Your role matters. Your obedience matters. Your faithfulness matters. And when every member embraces their calling, the Body of Christ becomes healthy, powerful, and unstoppable—just as God intended.

Photo: Moutard - Pixabay.com 

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

"Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding. The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him. Let your father and mother be glad; let her who bore you rejoice." (Proverbs 23:22-25)

 No one can calculate the amount of excitement, and anticipation for the future, a couple has, when they first become parents. It is the greatest feeling in the world. They hope that their child will grow up, and really make them proud.
Of course we know that, that isn't always the case.

There are so many sad stories out there, of children who rebelled against their parents, and got involved in things that brought destruction and death.
With Satan wanting to destroy families, and all the other evil, negative influences out there, Christian parents, have their work cut out for them.

We still need to hold on to this advice, and promise: "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6) As Christian parents, that should be our goal, and our hope, as we trust the Lord to help us, in raising our children.

 I want to say Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers, especially to my mother who is in heaven now! 

Happy Mother's Day Mom! 

Thanks for everything!  GP

 Photo - Patrick Patterson

Graduate In Christ

Graduate In Christ 

Graduation season always brings a special kind of excitement. Across the world, students walk across stages, receive diplomas, and step into new chapters filled with possibility. Families celebrate, friends cheer, and graduates feel the thrill of stepping into the next phase of life. It is a moment marked by accomplishment and anticipation. Yet as meaningful as these milestones are, there is a far greater graduation available to every person—one that surpasses any academic achievement. It is the moment a soul becomes a Christian. That moment, more than any ceremony or degree, marks the beginning of a transformed life.

In many ways, becoming a Christian is its own kind of graduation. It is the point at which a person recognizes, through the struggles and disappointments of life, what truly matters. It is the moment when someone steps up to a higher plane—not in pride, but in purpose. Before Christ, life can feel like a series of frustrations, failures, and unmet expectations. But in Him, we discover peace, fulfillment, and victory that the world could never offer. This is not a graduation earned through merit or effort; it is a gift received through faith. And it ushers us into a new life of growth, learning, and spiritual maturity.

The Apostle Paul described this beautifully when he wrote that believers should “grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ” (Ephesians 4:15). Paul’s words remind us that the Christian life is not static. It is a journey of maturing, deepening, and becoming more like Jesus. But this growth cannot begin until we take the first and most essential step: accepting Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. That decision is the most important one any of us will ever make. It is the doorway to a new life, a new identity, and a new purpose.

If we are honest, life teaches us some hard lessons. Many of us know what it feels like to live without Jesus—trying to carry burdens alone, searching for meaning in temporary things, and attempting to find peace in places that cannot provide it. When we finally come to Christ, it is as though we are enrolling in a new kind of education—one that reshapes our hearts and renews our minds. Jesus Himself invites us into this learning process when He says, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest… learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28–29). Those words—“learn from Me”—capture the essence of discipleship. It is, in a sense, the college of Jesus Christ.

When we place our lives in His hands, we step into a higher calling. We enter a place of spiritual education that surpasses anything the world can offer. Worldly knowledge has its value, but it cannot heal a wounded heart, restore a broken spirit, or give eternal hope. Christ offers an education of the soul—one that teaches us how to live with purpose, how to love with compassion, and how to walk in peace even when life is difficult. In Him, we learn how to navigate trials with faith, how to endure hardship with hope, and how to experience joy that circumstances cannot steal.

So the question becomes: Have we learned enough from the world to recognize its limits? Have we reached the point where we can say, “I need something more. I need Jesus to show me a new way”? If you are longing for happiness that lasts, for peace that remains, for fulfillment that does not fade, Christ offers all of this and more. He does not promise a life free from trouble, but He promises His presence, His strength, and His rest in the midst of it.

Graduation marks a new beginning, not an ending. And choosing Christ is the greatest beginning of all. It is the start of a life shaped by grace, guided by truth, and filled with purpose. So as we celebrate graduates everywhere, let us also celebrate the invitation Christ extends to each of us—the invitation to grow, to learn, and to step into the life He has prepared. So my question to those who have not accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord: What are you waiting for?

Photo: Clker-Free-Vector-Imag - Free for use under the Pixabay Content License - www.pixabay.com

Leaving Our Upper Room

"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be [a]witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) 

I heard a preacher this week talk about when Jesus showed Himself to the disciples in the upper room following the resurrection. He said that a lot of pages from Bible commentaries have dealt with how Jesus came through the wall, and left through the wall. But the greatest challenge was how Jesus got those disciples out those locked doors, to get the message of the gospel to the world. They were afraid, and did not want what happened to Jesus, to happen to them. 

Let's look at two questions concerning our work of evangelism today. 

1. What Is The Purpose Of The Church? 

 According to our text, Jesus told His disciples (and us today) that we are His witnesses. And even though we were not there to witness Jesus! resurrection, we can testify to how the Lord has been present in our lives, and has ministered to us, in our Christian walk. How will people know about Jesus, unless we tell them? How will they come to accept Him as Savior, unless we share how He has saved us, and keeps us in His providential care? The church is not to have it's focus on social activities, special programs, and activities. But we are to be involved in personal evangelism. Who can we influence for the cause of Christ. 

Are there not people in our families, in our social circles, at work, at school, who have not accepted Jesus Christ. Without a saving relationship with Him, where will they be in the eternal scheme of things? This is urgent, and we as the church, need to leave our upper rooms, and fulfill our calling to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

2. What Is The Phobia Of The Church? 

The church in America, as well as all around the world, needs to have a boldness to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. We know that in different places in the world, Christians are being persecuted for their faith. 

And we need to expect that if we take a bold stand for Jesus Christ, persecution in various forms will come our way. We are not called to crawl in a corner and not be heard. We are called to share the "good news' concerning Jesus Christ. That through our accepting of Him, we have freedom from our sins, and the hope of eternal life. The Lord is counting on us to be salt, and light for Him (Matthew 5:13-16). 

The apostle Paul told Timothy (and us) that..."God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7) We need to leave our upper rooms, and walk in the strength of the Lord, and boldly share concerning our faith, and the hope that we hold in our hearts. 

We are to influence our culture for the glory of God. It's time for us to leave our upper room. Jesus has died, and He has risen, and He is always with us, in our witnessing for Him. It's time church, to GO and Get To It! GP 

 Photo: fancycrave1/208 images/Pixabay License/Free for commercial use/No attribution required/www.pixabay.com

The Proving (By Beverly Lewis)

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