My goal for this week is to 'listen well.' I want to truly get to know and understand people I haven't yet met. I want to make new friends. I want to write their names down so that I don't forget them. In fact, I'd love to make a new friend every day. I don't know about you, but if I'm not INTENTIONAL, my focus tends to be INWARD- entirely on myself. This is contrary to the Holy Spirit's leading. The greatest command is to "Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength." That's an UPWARD focus. The second greatest command is to "Love your neighbor as yourself." That's an OUTWARD focus. INWARD= SELF-ish UPWARD & OUTWARD= CHRIST-like Make a new friend today, and you will be blessed -Pastor Brad Written on December 31, 2024  Read More

Sometimes failure surprises us. Sometimes we expect it. But let's be honest- sometimes we INTEND to fail. We commit ourselves to eating healthy food... and then we scarf down a whole bag of chips. We commit ourselves to exercise... and then we curl up in a ball on the couch. We commit ourselves to cleaning the house or finishing a project... and then we watch a movie instead. Sometimes we INTEND t...  Read More

After Jesus ascended into heaven, what did the early church look like? What did people do? After seeing Jesus arrested and killed, much of the excitement about him died down. Most of those early followers simply walked away, including many who had witnessed miracles. But the TRUE church (a group numbering about 120) was very much alive. Acts 1:14 says, "They all joined together constantly in praye...  Read More

Time passes swiftly. I remember laying on the ground... groaning... very conscious of the fact that I might not survive... calling out to Jesus. I was never afraid- not even for a moment. After all, death has no element of fear for those who walk with Christ. I was by myself... 44 miles into the mountains... miles away from the nearest trail... no cell reception... no hope of rescue. In the middle...  Read More

For most of the world, each time that they say, "Goodbye," they part not knowing if they will EVER see each other again. For those who have surrendered their lives to Christ, things are much different. When true Christians part, they KNOW (not 'believe' or 'think' or 'hope')- they KNOW that they will see each other again. Why? Because those who belong to Christ will never die- NEVER.... NEVER. Not...  Read More

We not only celebrate Christmas, we celebrate the gift of one another. We were created to be FAMILY. We were created to live in COMMUNITY. The true richness of life is found NOT in wealth or possessions or pleasure-seeking. No, true riches are found only in RELATIONSHIPS. Way back at the beginning, God said, "It is NOT GOOD for the man to be alone." The first and most natural relationship for ever...  Read More

And so the morning came. For all the world (except for a special few) it seemed just like any other day.... but it wasn't like any other day... it was the day that changed the world. "For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." -Isaiah 9:6These words, wri...  Read More

A young bride- a faithful husband- a long journey- and a baby that was due at any moment.... so many things were uncertain.... so many questions unanswered....Joseph and Mary KNEW God. I mean, they really KNEW Him. And for the two of them, that was enough. So often in life when we NEED answers, the only answer that we receive from God is, "Trust me." This frustrates many people. It angers some. Bu...  Read More