Devotional written by Pastor Michael Bracket
April 27, 2024
True to Our Name
What does your name mean? I was surprised years ago to realize my middle name "Dean" actually means "church official." I had been in ministry for years at that point, and thought it was refreshing to realize my name was actually congruent with my life! Being somewhat "type A" I like it when things line up!
The name "Seventh-day Adventist" was chosen for us in 1860 by our church pioneers. They believed choosing this name would help us convey our two most impactful beliefs: 1. The Seventh-day Sabbath (Saturday) and 2. The Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Both of these beliefs were founded from deep Bible study and a desire to ultimately enter God's rest. They were at rest with their decision on what to name this new movement and the rest of the story since then has revealed their decision was a sound one! The Seventh-day Adventist Church has spread throughout the world by and large because we have been true to our name. We seek to share the message to the world that God is inviting us to rest with Him every week and ultimately once and for all at His soon return!
How are our lives today resonating with our name? Maybe your name would never personally line up with your vocation or calling today, but how are you personally lining up with our name "Seventh-day Adventist?" Are you passionate about helping others find rest in our Lord Jesus Christ? Will you join me today in praying for a revival for us all that we might be inspired to enthusiastically help finish the work God has given us in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20)?
I'm so grateful to be a part of this work with you today! I'm especially grateful that God calls us all by His name today and soon will call us each by name into His eternal kingdom when He comes!
The name "Seventh-day Adventist" was chosen for us in 1860 by our church pioneers. They believed choosing this name would help us convey our two most impactful beliefs: 1. The Seventh-day Sabbath (Saturday) and 2. The Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Both of these beliefs were founded from deep Bible study and a desire to ultimately enter God's rest. They were at rest with their decision on what to name this new movement and the rest of the story since then has revealed their decision was a sound one! The Seventh-day Adventist Church has spread throughout the world by and large because we have been true to our name. We seek to share the message to the world that God is inviting us to rest with Him every week and ultimately once and for all at His soon return!
How are our lives today resonating with our name? Maybe your name would never personally line up with your vocation or calling today, but how are you personally lining up with our name "Seventh-day Adventist?" Are you passionate about helping others find rest in our Lord Jesus Christ? Will you join me today in praying for a revival for us all that we might be inspired to enthusiastically help finish the work God has given us in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20)?
I'm so grateful to be a part of this work with you today! I'm especially grateful that God calls us all by His name today and soon will call us each by name into His eternal kingdom when He comes!
Devotional written by Pastor Evan Davies
April 6, 2024
I find the experience of the first women at the tomb interesting. The text reads,
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. (Luke 24:1-3)
Here’s what’s interesting to me: The women going to the tomb expected one thing but experienced another.
The text tells us, “...the women took the spices they had prepared…” which shows that they expected to anoint the dead, lifeless body of Jesus. But, as they arrived, they experienced something completely different. A risen, living,resurrected Lord. Friends this is the experience of every person who comes into contact with the Risen Jesus. An expectation, and a completely different experience.
When we first come to Jesus, we expect that we have to prove ourselves but experience a grace and acceptance that we’ve never experienced before. We
expect to work our way into the kingdom but experience that we are already in through faith in Jesus. We expect Jesus to be judgmental, and vindictive, but experience a God of love, who gave his life for us.
For those of us who have been walking with Jesus for a while, we think we have him figured out, and we expect him to be one way, but in our interactions with Jesus, we experience something more beautiful and more wondrous.
Here’s my invitation for you today: like the women at the tomb, go to Jesus. And as you do, prepare yourself to experience a love, a grace, a wonder, and a hope that you have never experienced before. 1
___________________________________
1 Art piece by Katy Olsen.
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. (Luke 24:1-3)
Here’s what’s interesting to me: The women going to the tomb expected one thing but experienced another.
The text tells us, “...the women took the spices they had prepared…” which shows that they expected to anoint the dead, lifeless body of Jesus. But, as they arrived, they experienced something completely different. A risen, living,resurrected Lord. Friends this is the experience of every person who comes into contact with the Risen Jesus. An expectation, and a completely different experience.
When we first come to Jesus, we expect that we have to prove ourselves but experience a grace and acceptance that we’ve never experienced before. We
expect to work our way into the kingdom but experience that we are already in through faith in Jesus. We expect Jesus to be judgmental, and vindictive, but experience a God of love, who gave his life for us.
For those of us who have been walking with Jesus for a while, we think we have him figured out, and we expect him to be one way, but in our interactions with Jesus, we experience something more beautiful and more wondrous.
Here’s my invitation for you today: like the women at the tomb, go to Jesus. And as you do, prepare yourself to experience a love, a grace, a wonder, and a hope that you have never experienced before. 1
___________________________________
1 Art piece by Katy Olsen.
Devotional written by Pastor Rose Andrykanus
March 23, 2024
“Surrender (v.) - choosing to let go of what you think you want, in order to receive what God knows you need.” - my smart friend, Pr Kevin Wilson.
Surrender is an interesting concept for type A personalities like myself. I see a need; I see a remedy. I want to fix it…yesterday.
A few months ago, I was dealing with some heavy things that were keeping me up at night so I reached out to one of my inner circle wisdom dropping friends back home. As I shared the angst I had in my heart, the doubts I was wrestling with and my fears that were holding me hostage, she interjected with the question, “Rose, what does “surrender” look like?
She then shared that for her, surrender means that “every day I give Jesus my plans, my dreams, my hopes and my resources. I trust Him. If I am trying to control something, it’s because I do not trust.”
Ummmm wow. Her answer hit me like a tonne of bricks.
The issue isn’t our ability to surrender, it’s our willingness to trust.
What are you holding onto that you are scared of letting go of because that may mean you enter the uncharted territory of the unknown? What incredible opportunities await us on the other side of surrender?
Jesus has gone before you; in fact, He’s already there. If He has done the bidding, He’s also done the enabling. He’s got you.
In order to surrender, you need to learn to trust. In order to trust, you need to pause and reflect on the times where you have seen Jesus in your past. You need to press pause to notice how He’s active in your present. Through this process, you are reminded that the same Jesus who has had your past and is beside you in your present, will pave a precious path for your future. You can cease control knowing He’s constructively working behind the scenes, and will continue to do so, whether or not you get the things you (think you) want. Remember, dear child, He is for you. He will fight for you, you need only to be still…and know that He is God.
Surrender is an interesting concept for type A personalities like myself. I see a need; I see a remedy. I want to fix it…yesterday.
A few months ago, I was dealing with some heavy things that were keeping me up at night so I reached out to one of my inner circle wisdom dropping friends back home. As I shared the angst I had in my heart, the doubts I was wrestling with and my fears that were holding me hostage, she interjected with the question, “Rose, what does “surrender” look like?
She then shared that for her, surrender means that “every day I give Jesus my plans, my dreams, my hopes and my resources. I trust Him. If I am trying to control something, it’s because I do not trust.”
Ummmm wow. Her answer hit me like a tonne of bricks.
The issue isn’t our ability to surrender, it’s our willingness to trust.
What are you holding onto that you are scared of letting go of because that may mean you enter the uncharted territory of the unknown? What incredible opportunities await us on the other side of surrender?
Jesus has gone before you; in fact, He’s already there. If He has done the bidding, He’s also done the enabling. He’s got you.
In order to surrender, you need to learn to trust. In order to trust, you need to pause and reflect on the times where you have seen Jesus in your past. You need to press pause to notice how He’s active in your present. Through this process, you are reminded that the same Jesus who has had your past and is beside you in your present, will pave a precious path for your future. You can cease control knowing He’s constructively working behind the scenes, and will continue to do so, whether or not you get the things you (think you) want. Remember, dear child, He is for you. He will fight for you, you need only to be still…and know that He is God.
Devotional written by Pastor Jim Bollin
March 16, 2024
Noise: Don't Let it Distract You
Isn’t the season of Spring wonderful? The sound of birds singing in the morning, people talking and playing outside, and even the churning hum of lawnmowers remind us that longer, warmer, dryer days are ahead. I’m not distracted by such noises. In fact, they motivate me to join in, and renew my commitment to life outside the house, to the ways of spring.
But not all noises work that way, especially in the life of us as Christians. There is the noise of politics, world events, school, career, hot topics in church, even the noise of family, all vying for our attention and all able to distract us from what should be our greatest commitment. That being to Jesus. In Matthew 10:38 Jesus told how deep our commitment is to be when He said, “And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.” To be clear, Jesus isn’t saying that things like school, or family aren’t important, just that our love for God must be of first importance, and not to let anything distract us from that reality. Then, when we place God first, all else falls into place. For example, loving God above my family will make it possible to love my family more fully. Jesus said it best in Matthew 6:33. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
As you enjoy the sounds and evidences of spring, know that life has many noises, some good and some not so much. May none of them distract you from the course God has set you on. That is the Jesus’ way.
But not all noises work that way, especially in the life of us as Christians. There is the noise of politics, world events, school, career, hot topics in church, even the noise of family, all vying for our attention and all able to distract us from what should be our greatest commitment. That being to Jesus. In Matthew 10:38 Jesus told how deep our commitment is to be when He said, “And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.” To be clear, Jesus isn’t saying that things like school, or family aren’t important, just that our love for God must be of first importance, and not to let anything distract us from that reality. Then, when we place God first, all else falls into place. For example, loving God above my family will make it possible to love my family more fully. Jesus said it best in Matthew 6:33. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
As you enjoy the sounds and evidences of spring, know that life has many noises, some good and some not so much. May none of them distract you from the course God has set you on. That is the Jesus’ way.
Devotional written by Pastor Jim Bollin
March 9, 2024
Check Your Contact Lenses
When Jesus spoke about not judging others, He used the image of focusing on the small flaws of others rather than the obvious ones we have (Matthew 7:3-5). Perhaps this modern day example will help illustrate.
How did she get 23 disposable contacts stuck in her eye? I don’t know, but that’s what happened to a woman in Newport Beach, California. A contact lens wearer for 30 years, she began to have pain in her right eye and scheduled an appointment with her eye doctor, Dr. Katerina Kurteeva. Thinking it was something small, Kurteeva first checked her eye to rule out a corneal ulcer or conjunctivitis. She also looked for an eyelash, piece of mascara, pet hair or other common object that could be causing the foreign body sensation, but didn’t see anything on her right cornea at all. She did notice a mucus discharge. Curious, she looked further, still nothing. Finally, with an instrument called a lid speculum Dr. Kurteeva discovered a couple contact lenses stuck together. Using a cotton swab she removed those only to discover the rest, stacked like pancakes in her upper eyelid. After much difficulty, all were removed and the patient was relieved of the pain.
Your questions might be like mine…How did she not know?...Didn’t she wonder where her lenses were going?…What was she thinking? Perhaps instead I should’ve thought, the poor woman...how painful…ouch!...I’m glad she finally found the answer.
There are two lessons here. First, in our lives we can get so used to our sinful habits
that we fail to acknowledge them until they become painfully obvious, and we are left with no solution of our own. It is only when we look outside ourselves and give our problem to Jesus our great Physician, that we find the relief we so desperately need. And with His instruments of grace, forgiveness, and righteousness, we are cleansed and made new.
Second, apparently the woman never suspected the problem was her contact lenses. She thought it was something else. Often, we look to blame our problems on something or someone else, and project our own failings on others by pointing out their flaws. We would do better to let Jesus take the plank out of our eye, and appreciate the hope that He alone gives. Then we can help others know He is their hope too.
How did she get 23 disposable contacts stuck in her eye? I don’t know, but that’s what happened to a woman in Newport Beach, California. A contact lens wearer for 30 years, she began to have pain in her right eye and scheduled an appointment with her eye doctor, Dr. Katerina Kurteeva. Thinking it was something small, Kurteeva first checked her eye to rule out a corneal ulcer or conjunctivitis. She also looked for an eyelash, piece of mascara, pet hair or other common object that could be causing the foreign body sensation, but didn’t see anything on her right cornea at all. She did notice a mucus discharge. Curious, she looked further, still nothing. Finally, with an instrument called a lid speculum Dr. Kurteeva discovered a couple contact lenses stuck together. Using a cotton swab she removed those only to discover the rest, stacked like pancakes in her upper eyelid. After much difficulty, all were removed and the patient was relieved of the pain.
Your questions might be like mine…How did she not know?...Didn’t she wonder where her lenses were going?…What was she thinking? Perhaps instead I should’ve thought, the poor woman...how painful…ouch!...I’m glad she finally found the answer.
There are two lessons here. First, in our lives we can get so used to our sinful habits
that we fail to acknowledge them until they become painfully obvious, and we are left with no solution of our own. It is only when we look outside ourselves and give our problem to Jesus our great Physician, that we find the relief we so desperately need. And with His instruments of grace, forgiveness, and righteousness, we are cleansed and made new.
Second, apparently the woman never suspected the problem was her contact lenses. She thought it was something else. Often, we look to blame our problems on something or someone else, and project our own failings on others by pointing out their flaws. We would do better to let Jesus take the plank out of our eye, and appreciate the hope that He alone gives. Then we can help others know He is their hope too.
Devotional by Pastor Michael Brackett
March 2, 2024
March 2, 2024
Troubling News or Good News
A couple of weeks ago we received troubling news Conference wide. The belt of our budget needs tightening this year. We are praying for our personnel in the ministry field who are facing tough decisions right now.
Troubling news unceasingly swirls today. That's hardly a headline. We expect it because it never seems to stop. Researchers say up to 70% of our thoughts are negative ones that swirl in our mind most of the time. Negative news grabs most of the headlines and is an easy way to capture attention.
I prefer good news, however. How about you? The Good News today is the Gospel of Jesus Christ! He has conquered every obstacle against us, defeating our worst enemy of all - death! This is worthwhile news - news to build a life around sharing. This news has the power to invigorate lives. It shines a bright light on any situation. What do we have to fear now? 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” With the Gospel of Jesus Christ we not only have forgiveness, we have power for living today!
What can we do with troubling news when we receive it? 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 says, “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” We can't stop troubling news, but we can demolish it each time by taking it captive to Jesus Christ. Bring all our troubling thoughts before our Savior. He Who can set any captive free, can help set our minds free from each negative headline that might captivate our mind for a time.
Soon, it's all going to be good news. No more troubling news will ever be reported again. How great will that be? Let's start practicing now. I want to think more about Jesus today and in the days to come. He is everything good. And He is an overwhelmingly good future in store for you and for me.
Troubling news unceasingly swirls today. That's hardly a headline. We expect it because it never seems to stop. Researchers say up to 70% of our thoughts are negative ones that swirl in our mind most of the time. Negative news grabs most of the headlines and is an easy way to capture attention.
I prefer good news, however. How about you? The Good News today is the Gospel of Jesus Christ! He has conquered every obstacle against us, defeating our worst enemy of all - death! This is worthwhile news - news to build a life around sharing. This news has the power to invigorate lives. It shines a bright light on any situation. What do we have to fear now? 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” With the Gospel of Jesus Christ we not only have forgiveness, we have power for living today!
What can we do with troubling news when we receive it? 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 says, “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” We can't stop troubling news, but we can demolish it each time by taking it captive to Jesus Christ. Bring all our troubling thoughts before our Savior. He Who can set any captive free, can help set our minds free from each negative headline that might captivate our mind for a time.
Soon, it's all going to be good news. No more troubling news will ever be reported again. How great will that be? Let's start practicing now. I want to think more about Jesus today and in the days to come. He is everything good. And He is an overwhelmingly good future in store for you and for me.
Devotional by Hannah Bollin
February 17, 2024
February 17, 2024
"Let it go, Let it goooo!
Can't hold it back anymore!"
A few hours after Pastor Rose asked me to write this, Olivia and I were rocking out with Elsa in the car (okay, it was mostly me). I smirked at the irony of hearing this song while I was thinking about the topic of surrender.
But as I listened, I realized it was actually a great take on surrendering: When Elsa finally lets go – of her concerns of what others will think of her, of her attempts to be perfect, of her need to control her every move – that’s when she becomes truly powerful.
Typically when we think of surrendering, we think it means we are becoming powerless, because we are no longer in control. But when we surrender to God, we allow Him to work through us. Only then can we start to do powerful things.
And surrendering to God means more than just surrendering our control or our will for our life. God wants us to surrender everything to Him – our worries and fears, our goals, our insecurities and doubts, our pain, our mistakes, our shame and guilt, our past. He wants us to let go of all of it, not because he wants to take things away from us, but so we are free to accept so much more from Him.
When we try to hold onto our lives and maintain control, we remain self-centered. Our focus stays on us, what we need to fix in our lives, what we need God to help us with. We obsess over whether we are good enough. We’re so distracted by our own concerns and making sure our lives are on track that we don’t notice those around us who might also be struggling, or see the opportunities God is putting in front of us. But if we can let it all go, trusting God to handle it, suddenly we’re freed up to allow God to use us.
Next time you’re Frozen by selfish distractions, choose to Let it Go (see what I did there?). Surrender everything to God, and He will make you powerful.
But as I listened, I realized it was actually a great take on surrendering: When Elsa finally lets go – of her concerns of what others will think of her, of her attempts to be perfect, of her need to control her every move – that’s when she becomes truly powerful.
Typically when we think of surrendering, we think it means we are becoming powerless, because we are no longer in control. But when we surrender to God, we allow Him to work through us. Only then can we start to do powerful things.
And surrendering to God means more than just surrendering our control or our will for our life. God wants us to surrender everything to Him – our worries and fears, our goals, our insecurities and doubts, our pain, our mistakes, our shame and guilt, our past. He wants us to let go of all of it, not because he wants to take things away from us, but so we are free to accept so much more from Him.
When we try to hold onto our lives and maintain control, we remain self-centered. Our focus stays on us, what we need to fix in our lives, what we need God to help us with. We obsess over whether we are good enough. We’re so distracted by our own concerns and making sure our lives are on track that we don’t notice those around us who might also be struggling, or see the opportunities God is putting in front of us. But if we can let it all go, trusting God to handle it, suddenly we’re freed up to allow God to use us.
Next time you’re Frozen by selfish distractions, choose to Let it Go (see what I did there?). Surrender everything to God, and He will make you powerful.
Devotional by Pastor Jim Bollin
February 10, 2024
February 10, 2024
Sinful pride, is there a cure?
In the 1970’s singer/songwriter Mac Davis wrote a song that talked about how hard it was for him to be humble because he was perfect in every way. We can’t
help but chuckle when we hear such absurdity, but in honesty humility doesn’t come easy for any of us. Pride is at the core of sin. Since the fall of man, pride is in our
DNA.
Thankfully, God the Father offered the cure for our sinful pride in His Son, and it is by trusting and following Jesus’ example that we can be changed. Listen to how
Paul put it in Philippians 2:5-8. “You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.”
Think about it. Jesus, our Creator and Redeemer, loved us enough to humble Himself for us to become one of us, lived a righteous life we couldn’t for us, died our death for us, rose for us in victory over sin and the grave, and has given us this promise; that if we believe in Him, His grace is sufficient for our salvation, our
justification, our sanctification, and our glorification. What a God, what a Savior what a friend!
If we desire to be healed from the disease of a sinful heart, we must humble ourselves and trust God completely, with everything about us so that we can be
obedient to His will. God knows best how to handle our rebellion, heal our brokenness, and restore our hope. The good news is that God never fails. Whenever I wonder if God can be trusted with control of my life I’m reminded of the words of Martin Luther and found them to be true. “I have held many things and lost them all. But that which I have placed in God’s hands, that I still
possess.”
Remember, God loves you and I love you and there’s nothing you can do about it.
Pastor Jim
help but chuckle when we hear such absurdity, but in honesty humility doesn’t come easy for any of us. Pride is at the core of sin. Since the fall of man, pride is in our
DNA.
Thankfully, God the Father offered the cure for our sinful pride in His Son, and it is by trusting and following Jesus’ example that we can be changed. Listen to how
Paul put it in Philippians 2:5-8. “You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.”
Think about it. Jesus, our Creator and Redeemer, loved us enough to humble Himself for us to become one of us, lived a righteous life we couldn’t for us, died our death for us, rose for us in victory over sin and the grave, and has given us this promise; that if we believe in Him, His grace is sufficient for our salvation, our
justification, our sanctification, and our glorification. What a God, what a Savior what a friend!
If we desire to be healed from the disease of a sinful heart, we must humble ourselves and trust God completely, with everything about us so that we can be
obedient to His will. God knows best how to handle our rebellion, heal our brokenness, and restore our hope. The good news is that God never fails. Whenever I wonder if God can be trusted with control of my life I’m reminded of the words of Martin Luther and found them to be true. “I have held many things and lost them all. But that which I have placed in God’s hands, that I still
possess.”
Remember, God loves you and I love you and there’s nothing you can do about it.
Pastor Jim
Devotional by Pastor Michael Brackett
February 3, 2024
February 3, 2024
Valuing the Undervalued & Appreciating the Unappreciated
John 4:39-42 says, "Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, 'He told me everything I ever did.' So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words many more became believers. They said to the woman, 'We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.'"
I imagine for two days, the Samaritans in that town of Sychar experienced heaven on earth. Jesus touched the heart of the woman at the well and through her testimony many came to Jesus. Jesus must have spoken the same way to them because they said they have "heard for themselves.” They heard so much from Jesus they understood His true mission - to save the world. He would save not just the Jews but the Samaritans and many others also.
This unexpected town of undervalued and underappreciated people now had great value and felt undeniably appreciated because they spent time with the Savior. Father in Heaven, who can I show value and appreciation to today for Your kingdom's sake? I want to be about Your awesome work today and every day.
I imagine for two days, the Samaritans in that town of Sychar experienced heaven on earth. Jesus touched the heart of the woman at the well and through her testimony many came to Jesus. Jesus must have spoken the same way to them because they said they have "heard for themselves.” They heard so much from Jesus they understood His true mission - to save the world. He would save not just the Jews but the Samaritans and many others also.
This unexpected town of undervalued and underappreciated people now had great value and felt undeniably appreciated because they spent time with the Savior. Father in Heaven, who can I show value and appreciation to today for Your kingdom's sake? I want to be about Your awesome work today and every day.
Devotional by Pastor Evan Davies
January 27, 2024
January 27, 2024
Luke 5:27 says, “After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And leaving everything, he
rose and followed him.”
Tax collectors in the gospels were hated people. They were Jews working for the Romans collecting taxes from their fellow brothers and sisters. Many times, they would collect more taxes than were needed, to enrich themselves. They were seen as thieves, liars, and traitors.
In his painting above, Pieter Brueghel captures well how tax collectors enriched themselves at the expense of others. You will notice that one woman is paying with
eggs, another person with a paper slip, most likely a deed to his land. Another man is paying with a bag of money, which is contrasted with the multiple bags of money hanging on the walls. When we look at the faces of the people, we can see frustration, anxiety, and grief.
I imagine that this was not too far off from what it was like in the gospels. And yet, it's a Levi, a tax collector, who Jesus invites to follow him. As I reflect on this story,
and this painting, I am reminded that the invitation and welcome of Jesus is wider than I expected. This story reminds me that if there’s room for Levi, there’s room for me.
There’s room for you.
There’s room for us all in the kingdom of God. 1
_________________________________
1 I have adapted this devotional from https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/luke-5-27-32-2022/.
rose and followed him.”
Tax collectors in the gospels were hated people. They were Jews working for the Romans collecting taxes from their fellow brothers and sisters. Many times, they would collect more taxes than were needed, to enrich themselves. They were seen as thieves, liars, and traitors.
In his painting above, Pieter Brueghel captures well how tax collectors enriched themselves at the expense of others. You will notice that one woman is paying with
eggs, another person with a paper slip, most likely a deed to his land. Another man is paying with a bag of money, which is contrasted with the multiple bags of money hanging on the walls. When we look at the faces of the people, we can see frustration, anxiety, and grief.
I imagine that this was not too far off from what it was like in the gospels. And yet, it's a Levi, a tax collector, who Jesus invites to follow him. As I reflect on this story,
and this painting, I am reminded that the invitation and welcome of Jesus is wider than I expected. This story reminds me that if there’s room for Levi, there’s room for me.
There’s room for you.
There’s room for us all in the kingdom of God. 1
_________________________________
1 I have adapted this devotional from https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/luke-5-27-32-2022/.
Devotional by Janelle Clouse
CAA Junior, Class of 2025
January 20, 2024
“He replied, ‘...Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it will move. Nothing is impossible for you.’” Matthew 17:20 (NIV)
Mountains have been seen throughout generations as a barrier, a trial. Snow capped giants made of jagged cliffs and sharp rock, the things that countries point to and say, “This is our border.” The largest tactile obstacle on Earth, that is what God says we will be able to move with faith.
But that is the point, is it not? With faith. We can’t do it on our own. We can’t shove our backs against the mountain side and scooch Everest out of our path. No, we are too weak. By ourselves we would be forced to climb until our legs gave out and our lips froze. But we are not alone – not if we have faith.
With God by our side we can scale our biggest obstacles, cross barriers and climb the cliffs of struggle without fear of falling. We can step out onto icy paths knowing that He will be there to catch us. At times we will falter in the face of fear and doubt, God never said any of this was easy, but He did say that it was possible to get through.
Though the mountains of trial seem insurmountable, faith gives us the strength to shove through and come out victorious. Victorious with God. Sanding tall, staring evil in the eye and smiling because we are backed by the strongest being in the world.
So, don’t be afraid to step up when you are called. Instead of doubting yourself, saying that you are not good enough, not talented enough, not tough enough, trust that God knows all your shortcomings even more than you do. Despite all of them, nothing is impossible. God is standing with you, giving you the strength you don’t have on your own. Through Him you can move mountains.
Devotional by Pastor Michael Brackett
January 13, 2024
January 13, 2024
2024 - The Year for More
What do you want more of this year? Today's culture gears us up for getting more. It's hard to turn down anyone who offers us more of anything! We especially want more of the good things of life. We want things that bring fulfillment and peace and lasting happiness. I want more in 2024! How about you?
I believe Jesus is offering us more of everything we never knew we always wanted. He is unique, counter-cultural, and wonderfully surprising. I believe Jesus gives us more than we ever bargained for in ways we might initially believe would bring us less. Here are just a few examples of what He can go:
After Jesus warned His disciples of the hardships He was about to endure with the cross He gave a principle for all His followers to be ready to do the same. He said in Matthew 16:24-26 says, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?"
Jesus prescribes more of Himself for our greatest gain. This past Sabbath we started a new sermon series entitled "Less Us; More Jesus." If we really want more, let's go find it! No one offers more than Jesus. It may initially seem like more of Jesus will bring us a more difficult life, but Jesus is always full of awesome surprises. Ultimately with Him we will experience eternity. And forever with Jesus will be a forever that is absolutely worth everything!
Let's make 2024 the year for more Jesus.
I believe Jesus is offering us more of everything we never knew we always wanted. He is unique, counter-cultural, and wonderfully surprising. I believe Jesus gives us more than we ever bargained for in ways we might initially believe would bring us less. Here are just a few examples of what He can go:
- Greater happiness from serving instead of being served.
- Greater happiness through humility instead of self-exaltation.
- Greater happiness from sacrifice instead of abundance.
After Jesus warned His disciples of the hardships He was about to endure with the cross He gave a principle for all His followers to be ready to do the same. He said in Matthew 16:24-26 says, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?"
Jesus prescribes more of Himself for our greatest gain. This past Sabbath we started a new sermon series entitled "Less Us; More Jesus." If we really want more, let's go find it! No one offers more than Jesus. It may initially seem like more of Jesus will bring us a more difficult life, but Jesus is always full of awesome surprises. Ultimately with Him we will experience eternity. And forever with Jesus will be a forever that is absolutely worth everything!
Let's make 2024 the year for more Jesus.
Devotional by Pastor Ben Moor
January 6, 2024
January 6, 2024
New Beginnings From God's Perspective
Here we are at the beginning of another calendar year—2024! What will this new year bring? It will bring good things, new discoveries, and experiences, and it will bring challenges and difficulties. But when we look at 2024 from God’s Perspective, it will enable us to step forward into this year with confidence in Him because He knows the future and has promised to journey with us through all the ups and downs of 2024.
Isaiah 43:18-19 says: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
God is inviting us to perceive the new things that He is going to be accomplishing for us in 2024. You may be facing health circumstances that seem impossible to overcome, or financial difficulties that seem like they have no solution. But God says that He can make “a way” where there is no way. He can bring flowing rivers of water into the desert, so we need not fear the future, when have God with us making 2024 a year of new possibilities for faith to grow and hope to carry us through to the end of this new year.
Our little church in Ellensburg, Washington was built during the difficult years following the depression and there was very little money to build a proper church building. But God somehow provided materials from other church building projects around the Upper Columbia Conference and volunteers were available to provide the manpower to raise up a little church building for God.
But by the early 1980’s the little church was very inadequate for the purpose of being an attractive place of worship. The women’s bathroom that was built under the exterior concrete landing of the upper main floor over the daylight basement, would leak and drip through the concrete into the bathroom whenever it rained, or the snow and ice would melt on the landing above. Also, the classrooms were small, and the pews were built from pew kits, and they were very uncomfortable. What could we do to have a new church?
So, at prayer meeting, the two or three people who attended, began praying that God would provide a miracle for a new church. One day, the pastor’s wife of the church our church rented to, told us of a very nice newer church that had been sold to a man who was going to remodel it into four rental apartments to provide income for his daughter’s college education. This pastor’s wife said to us, “That church was dedicated to God to be a church, not an apartment building. Why don’t you go and talk to the new owner of the building and see if he would be willing to trade his church building for your church building plus whatever cash you have saved for a new church and maybe borrow some extra funds to close the deal.” And that is what we did. We traded buildings and by the summer of that year, God had provided a nicer, larger, and more modern church building for our congregation to worship in.
God’s perspective of the future had plans in it we didn’t even know was a possibility. But He prepared our hearts to see His power, and He worked a miracle for us to have this new church.
In this new year, 2024, God has new beginnings for you, too. Trust Him to provide a new thing for you to experience and your faith will grow as you allow Him to lead you successfully through 2024!
Isaiah 43:18-19 says: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
God is inviting us to perceive the new things that He is going to be accomplishing for us in 2024. You may be facing health circumstances that seem impossible to overcome, or financial difficulties that seem like they have no solution. But God says that He can make “a way” where there is no way. He can bring flowing rivers of water into the desert, so we need not fear the future, when have God with us making 2024 a year of new possibilities for faith to grow and hope to carry us through to the end of this new year.
Our little church in Ellensburg, Washington was built during the difficult years following the depression and there was very little money to build a proper church building. But God somehow provided materials from other church building projects around the Upper Columbia Conference and volunteers were available to provide the manpower to raise up a little church building for God.
But by the early 1980’s the little church was very inadequate for the purpose of being an attractive place of worship. The women’s bathroom that was built under the exterior concrete landing of the upper main floor over the daylight basement, would leak and drip through the concrete into the bathroom whenever it rained, or the snow and ice would melt on the landing above. Also, the classrooms were small, and the pews were built from pew kits, and they were very uncomfortable. What could we do to have a new church?
So, at prayer meeting, the two or three people who attended, began praying that God would provide a miracle for a new church. One day, the pastor’s wife of the church our church rented to, told us of a very nice newer church that had been sold to a man who was going to remodel it into four rental apartments to provide income for his daughter’s college education. This pastor’s wife said to us, “That church was dedicated to God to be a church, not an apartment building. Why don’t you go and talk to the new owner of the building and see if he would be willing to trade his church building for your church building plus whatever cash you have saved for a new church and maybe borrow some extra funds to close the deal.” And that is what we did. We traded buildings and by the summer of that year, God had provided a nicer, larger, and more modern church building for our congregation to worship in.
God’s perspective of the future had plans in it we didn’t even know was a possibility. But He prepared our hearts to see His power, and He worked a miracle for us to have this new church.
In this new year, 2024, God has new beginnings for you, too. Trust Him to provide a new thing for you to experience and your faith will grow as you allow Him to lead you successfully through 2024!
Devotional by Michael Brackett
December 23, 2023
December 23, 2023
Glorious Gift
We used to love to watch Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. I bring this up hesitantly, because it’s never quite flattering to talk about watching TV, but this show, in my humble estimation, is worth talking about. Ty Pennington’s show won two Primetime Emmy Awards as it showcased families in need who were gifted a home makeover, often times completely renovating their dilapidated homes. There were many happy tears shed by the humbled families. Often times they were sent to Disney World while the renovations were taking place. Everything about the show seemed to touch the heartstrings of Americans, creating good vibes on a weekly basis for all to enjoy. Giving glorious gifts like a new home resonates with almost everyone.
God’s gift of Jesus Christ into the world resonates worldwide still today. Christmas is celebrated by committed Christians and even non-Christians. Giving glorious gifts to others still touches heartstrings today in every corner of the world. Yet Christmas wouldn’t be the same, wouldn’t be as popular, wouldn’t have gained such fame had it not been for Jesus. He is the reason for the season and for a very good reason at that.
Jesus alone gives the gift of eternal life. John 3:16 explains that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. God loves to give glorious gifts to the men and women of earth, and sending Jesus was the most glorious gift He could have ever given. Better than completely renovating our homes, Jesus can completely renovate our hearts. On top of this He is building us an eternal home!
As Christians today, can we touch the heartstrings of America and the world by showing more of this side of God today – the God who loves to give gifts to others? This New Year I’m praying God will help me do this every single day. Who will join me? Let’s create more good vibes by giving glorious gifts. Jesus, please shine through us even more this year! We want to show the world You are the most glorious gift anyone could ever receive.
God’s gift of Jesus Christ into the world resonates worldwide still today. Christmas is celebrated by committed Christians and even non-Christians. Giving glorious gifts to others still touches heartstrings today in every corner of the world. Yet Christmas wouldn’t be the same, wouldn’t be as popular, wouldn’t have gained such fame had it not been for Jesus. He is the reason for the season and for a very good reason at that.
Jesus alone gives the gift of eternal life. John 3:16 explains that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. God loves to give glorious gifts to the men and women of earth, and sending Jesus was the most glorious gift He could have ever given. Better than completely renovating our homes, Jesus can completely renovate our hearts. On top of this He is building us an eternal home!
As Christians today, can we touch the heartstrings of America and the world by showing more of this side of God today – the God who loves to give gifts to others? This New Year I’m praying God will help me do this every single day. Who will join me? Let’s create more good vibes by giving glorious gifts. Jesus, please shine through us even more this year! We want to show the world You are the most glorious gift anyone could ever receive.
Devotional by Pastor Jim Bollin
December 2, 2023
December 2, 2023
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Delivering the Daily Good News
When I was about 12 years old I had my very own, real newspaper route. It was an exciting, rewarding job that taught many valuable life lessons, like which dogs to avoid. (It was always the little ones that nipped your heels.) Now, I didn’t create the news, I just delivered it to all who subscribed to receive it.
During the week I delivered the “Oregon Journal,” an afternoon paper, and on Sunday morning at oh-dark-thirty, “The Oregonian.” Back then the papers would be delivered to my home where I rubber-banded them, stuffed them into my paper bag, and after draping the bag over the handlebars of my blue, five speed Schwinn away I went to deliver the news.
It took a while, but eventually I could sling the papers with precision to land on the porches of my customers. However, some were specific and asked me to place the newspaper on the porch or in the paper holder. It seems they didn’t want to retrieve a wet paper, or have their screen door damaged. Go figure. On occasion I would get a new customer added to my route and sometimes others would cancel their subscription. I guess not everyone wants to read the news.
As Christ’s followers we have the privilege of delivering the good news of God’s love for all. Sure, there is preparation, but a beautiful result of walking with Jesus is that it gets easier to share the good news with joy. And it helps when we remember Jesus, not us, is the good news. Doing so helps us to respectfully deliver the gospel by our words, and more importantly, by our lives. As we get more comfortable delivering the news
some will want to know more about Jesus and receive His saving news. When that happens, love them and praise God! But don’t be discouraged when others bark at you with their words, and nip at you by refusing the gospel. That’s okay, love them anyway. Keep living and delivering the good news! Because it is about Jesus and His love for you. It is His news that brings joy.
During the week I delivered the “Oregon Journal,” an afternoon paper, and on Sunday morning at oh-dark-thirty, “The Oregonian.” Back then the papers would be delivered to my home where I rubber-banded them, stuffed them into my paper bag, and after draping the bag over the handlebars of my blue, five speed Schwinn away I went to deliver the news.
It took a while, but eventually I could sling the papers with precision to land on the porches of my customers. However, some were specific and asked me to place the newspaper on the porch or in the paper holder. It seems they didn’t want to retrieve a wet paper, or have their screen door damaged. Go figure. On occasion I would get a new customer added to my route and sometimes others would cancel their subscription. I guess not everyone wants to read the news.
As Christ’s followers we have the privilege of delivering the good news of God’s love for all. Sure, there is preparation, but a beautiful result of walking with Jesus is that it gets easier to share the good news with joy. And it helps when we remember Jesus, not us, is the good news. Doing so helps us to respectfully deliver the gospel by our words, and more importantly, by our lives. As we get more comfortable delivering the news
some will want to know more about Jesus and receive His saving news. When that happens, love them and praise God! But don’t be discouraged when others bark at you with their words, and nip at you by refusing the gospel. That’s okay, love them anyway. Keep living and delivering the good news! Because it is about Jesus and His love for you. It is His news that brings joy.