Pastor Devotional
11-13-24
Have Faith
This Youth Ignite Hailey and Harley both told how God prepared them for the death of their birth Dad by giving them their Dad Kyle. They encouraged us to believe that Dad Jesus is working to prepare and support us as well.
But in any given moment, we might not see God working. We might not feel his presence. We might see him working but don’t understand the outcome. This is where faith comes in; to believe that God is working even if we don’t perceive it.
Thomas Austin wrote a song titled London that talks about faith. Not faith in God, but faith that London exists even though he’s never been there. And I think it describes some of the same challenges we have in faith in God.
Here are some of the lyrics.
I’ve heard a lot of stories
That are set on London’s streets
Been moved to tears by songs
That sing of London in the spring
And I know facts can seem like fiction
And doubt can feel like faith
But since I’ve never been to London
Don’t expect me to explain
Why I say it’s real
But I’ve never seen it
I have my faith
Sometimes I mean it
I’ve heard it’s beautiful and busy
Full of people passing through
There are those that don’t believe it
But please don’t think I’m going crazy if I do
I might never see it
If it is a real place
And I might not even know it
If it looked me in the face
And it could be conspiracy’s
All this has ever been
But even if there is no London
I think it’s worth believing in
You can listen to the full song here: https://youtu.be/RBbAya6zYhY?si=uMztBaT7JXu2vf8M
Aren’t these the challenges of faith? Believing in God even if you don’t or have never see Him; believing even when other people think you are a little crazy for doing so; or wondering if you will even recognize Him if He was right in front of you? In the midst of the challenge of faith, the important thing to remember is what it is that we are believing in: a God that is present, loves us to the point of giving His life in the place of ours, and who is using every circumstance to bring us to greater peace and growth. I think He’s worth believing in.
- Pastor Kristen Zollbrecht
11-6-24
On the Right Side with What's Inside
Matthew 23:25-26 says, "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean."
Often before a person gives their life to God they are mostly worried about looking good on the outside. "Keeping up appearances" is the greatest goal - where you cannot reveal any weakness but instead only show strength. But when God enters the equation, He changes everything. It's ok to admit we don't have it all together. We are broken sinners, but He is our mighty Savior. He has everything together for us, and He promises to work within us to clean us up and make us stronger and stronger in better ways than for which we could have initially hoped.
God grinds down greed and self-indulgence and destroys it for us. In its place He builds us back with charity and self-sacrificing service. These qualities are so pure and beautiful, they are appreciated and revered by all. Best of all we know Who makes it possible and we give Him all the glory for it. Lord, thank You for changing everything within us for the better. Your way is the best. Today we give You our best knowing You will make it better.
- Pastor Michael Brackett
Have Faith
This Youth Ignite Hailey and Harley both told how God prepared them for the death of their birth Dad by giving them their Dad Kyle. They encouraged us to believe that Dad Jesus is working to prepare and support us as well.
But in any given moment, we might not see God working. We might not feel his presence. We might see him working but don’t understand the outcome. This is where faith comes in; to believe that God is working even if we don’t perceive it.
Thomas Austin wrote a song titled London that talks about faith. Not faith in God, but faith that London exists even though he’s never been there. And I think it describes some of the same challenges we have in faith in God.
Here are some of the lyrics.
I’ve heard a lot of stories
That are set on London’s streets
Been moved to tears by songs
That sing of London in the spring
And I know facts can seem like fiction
And doubt can feel like faith
But since I’ve never been to London
Don’t expect me to explain
Why I say it’s real
But I’ve never seen it
I have my faith
Sometimes I mean it
I’ve heard it’s beautiful and busy
Full of people passing through
There are those that don’t believe it
But please don’t think I’m going crazy if I do
I might never see it
If it is a real place
And I might not even know it
If it looked me in the face
And it could be conspiracy’s
All this has ever been
But even if there is no London
I think it’s worth believing in
You can listen to the full song here: https://youtu.be/RBbAya6zYhY?si=uMztBaT7JXu2vf8M
Aren’t these the challenges of faith? Believing in God even if you don’t or have never see Him; believing even when other people think you are a little crazy for doing so; or wondering if you will even recognize Him if He was right in front of you? In the midst of the challenge of faith, the important thing to remember is what it is that we are believing in: a God that is present, loves us to the point of giving His life in the place of ours, and who is using every circumstance to bring us to greater peace and growth. I think He’s worth believing in.
- Pastor Kristen Zollbrecht
11-6-24
On the Right Side with What's Inside
Matthew 23:25-26 says, "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean."
Often before a person gives their life to God they are mostly worried about looking good on the outside. "Keeping up appearances" is the greatest goal - where you cannot reveal any weakness but instead only show strength. But when God enters the equation, He changes everything. It's ok to admit we don't have it all together. We are broken sinners, but He is our mighty Savior. He has everything together for us, and He promises to work within us to clean us up and make us stronger and stronger in better ways than for which we could have initially hoped.
God grinds down greed and self-indulgence and destroys it for us. In its place He builds us back with charity and self-sacrificing service. These qualities are so pure and beautiful, they are appreciated and revered by all. Best of all we know Who makes it possible and we give Him all the glory for it. Lord, thank You for changing everything within us for the better. Your way is the best. Today we give You our best knowing You will make it better.
- Pastor Michael Brackett