Faith That Grows

 

October 24, 2025

Matthew 14:30–31 

“But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him.” 

 

It Sounds like the night was wild. The disciples were caught in a storm, straining against the wind in a small fishing boat. Then, through the darkness, they saw someone walking toward them on the water. Terrified, they thought it was a ghost. But then came a familiar voice: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

Peter’s responds, “Lord, if it’s You, tell me to come.” And Jesus did. For a few steps, Peter did the impossible, he walked on water. But then his eyes drifted from Jesus to the wind. That's correct "the Wind" not the waves is what caused fear to take over, and down he went.  Interesting isn't it?   After all wind is invisible, right? Ah, but its effects are visible, it moves the waves, rocks the boat, and pushes against Peter as he takes a couple steps on the water. So I believe when Matthew says Peter saw the wind, he’s describing Peter noticing the invisible force behind what was happening around him.

Peter’s fear didn’t arise from what he could see (the waves), but from sensing the power behind what he saw. I believe that is what we experience too, our fear often comes not just from visible problems, but from the unseen pressures, the “forces” we can not control or predict.

Peter suddenly became aware of the full force of what he was up against and that awareness overwhelmed him.  

What happened next is what faith looks like in real life. Jesus didn’t scold him for sinking. He reached out, caught him, and said, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” Not as condemnation, but as invitation. Faith wasn’t about perfection, it was about presence. I feel what Peter learned was that trust grows not from never falling, no, trust grows from being lifted again by the One who never lets go of us. Faith doesn’t mean you’ll never fear again. It means that, even when fear rises, you choose to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. Each step, becomes a lesson in His grace.

You see, faith matures through moments just like Peter’s, through the tension between fear and courage, failure and grace. It’s in those spaces that we learn trust is alive. Do you no what I mean? Sometimes faith looks like stepping out on the water. Other times, it’s crying out, “Lord, save me.” Both responses can grow us deeper into the heart of God.

I remember reading the words of a mountain climbing instructor who said, “The most important skill isn’t learning how to climb, it’s learning to trust the rope.” The rope remains steady, even when your grip falters. For us today, maybe the lesson is that faith isn’t about how tightly we cling but about the strength of the One who holds us.

I wonder, where might God be calling you (and me) to step out of the boat, not because we feel ready, but because we trust His voice?

Let's Pray

Jesus, help me look beyond the wind and waves and guide me to walk in faith toward You. When fear overwhelms me, reach out and pull me up again. Build my trust, not in my own strength to stay afloat, but in Your power to carry me through. Amen.

When Life Hurts

 

October 23, 2025

Job 13:15

“Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him.” 

Sometimes life hurts us in ways that words cannot fully express, a devastating loss, a life-altering diagnosis, or an unexpected disappointment. Painful experiences sure have a way of shaking even the firmest faith. This is where we encounter Job, a man who had it all and then lost it all, not because of any wrongdoing. 

Job’s world fell apart piece by piece. His wealth vanished. His family was taken. His body broke down. His friends misunderstood him. His prayers seemed to echo in the silence. Yet even in the ashes, Job held firmly to one thing, he trusted in the character of God. He did not pretend the pain wasn’t real. He cried, questioned, and lamented. But through it all, his heart whispered, “Even if everything else falls apart, I will still trust You.”

That’s what I would call costly trust. Its the kind of trust that is, as they say, forged in fire, not comfort. You know, sometimes faith doesn’t mean feeling strong; it means holding on when everything inside you wants to let go. And in the end, God met Job not with answers, but with His presence. Job discovered that trust isn’t about having all the explanations, it’s about knowing the One who still holds the world, even when ours feels shattered.

What pain or loss are you carrying today? How might God be inviting you to trust Him, not by ignoring the hurt, but by bringing it honestly into His presence?


Let us Pray

God, when life gets hard and I don’t understand why, stay close to me. Help me trust in Your goodness, even when it’s dark. Teach me to find peace not in what I can figure out, but in who You are. Give me deep roots of faith and hope that endures through the storm. Amen.

When the Walls Feel Too High

October 22, 2025

Joshua 6:2

The Lord said to Joshua, "See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men." 

Faith sometimes means facing an insurmountable obstacle and believing that God can overcome it. This was Joshua’s reality as he stood before Jericho, a heavily fortified ancient city with walls strong enough to repel any army. From a human perspective, the situation seemed to defy reason. Nevertheless, God instructed Joshua to march around the city for seven days and trust that the walls would collapse at His command.

It must have sounded absurd, walking in circles, blowing trumpets, and waiting. As the saying goes "faith often looks foolish before it looks victorious." Joshua’s obedience wasn’t based on strategy or logic; it was rooted in trust. Remember, He had seen God part the Jordan River. He had heard His promises. And now, he was called to believe that the same God who opened the waters could crumble the walls of Jericho.

Recently I saw a post that said, "Faith doesn’t always move instantly, sometimes it marches patiently." Each lap around Jericho was an act of confidence and trust, a declaration that God’s word was more reliable than their fears. I believe, when the people finally shouted on the seventh day, and the walls fell, it was not because of their noise, but because of their obedience.

I wonder, how many of us may be facing our own Jericho, something that feels too strong to overcome: a relationship that seems beyond repair, a dream that’s stalled, a heart that’s grown weary. Today, God’s invitation to you and me is the same one He gave Joshua: keep walking. Even when progress seems invisible, His promises are still solid.

---

Let's Pray

Lord, the walls in front of me feel overwhelming.
Sometimes I can’t see how they’ll ever come down.
But I choose to trust You, to keep walking, praying, and believing.

Give me the patience to follow You one step at a time,
and the faith to believe that no wall is stronger than Your promise.
Amen.

When You Don’t Know What’s Next

 

October 21, 2025

Hebrews 11:8 

“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” 

Faith isn’t about having things all figured out, it’s about learning to trust, one step at a time. This week our series explores snapshots of people who faced their own “trust issues” with God. Yesterday we started with Adam and Eve, today we turn our attention to Abraham. 

Abraham’s story begins not with certainty, but with a call, and a command that came with very few details. “Go,” God said, “to the land I will show you” (Genesis 12:1). Stand in Abraham's place for a moment. The call comes with No map, No coordinates, No timeline. Just a promise: I will show you.

That’s not an easy way to live, especially for those of us who appreciate plans, roadmaps, and understanding how events will unfold, however, this is precisely where faith becomes real, not in knowing all the details, but in trusting the One who does.

When Abraham left Haran, he walked away from everything familiar, his home, his security, even the gods of his ancestors. He chose to follow the voice of a God who called him into the unknown. Though he stumbled along the way, with moments of doubt, detours, and even laughter at God’s promises, he kept moving forward. Step by step, his faith took root and grew in the midst of uncertainty.

There is a saying that I have encountered that says, "Faith doesn’t erase uncertainty; it anchors us within it."

It’s like driving through fog, you can only see as far as your headlights reach, but that’s enough to keep moving forward. What we witness in Abraham is that while he didn’t know precisely where he was going, he did know who he was following. That made all the difference.

That’s what faith looks like, not knowing the full picture, but trusting God enough to take the next faithful step.

Let's Pray

Lord, there are times when I crave clarity more than I seek faith. Teach me to trust You even when I can’t see the path ahead. Help me take each step in obedience, knowing that You are already where I have yet to go. Amen.

When Trust Breaks

 

October 20, 2025

Genesis 3:1–13

3 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”

2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’”

4 “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5 “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.

8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”

10 He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”

11 And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?”

12 The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”

13 Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?”

The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

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“When Trust Breaks”

I believe that every broken relationship begins the same way, with a loss of trust.
We stop believing the other person’s words, or we start to question their motives. That’s exactly what happened in the garden of Eden. Before there was sin, before there was shame, there was doubt.

When the serpent came to Eve, did you notice he didn’t start with temptation, he started with suspicion. He planted the thought: “Did God really say…?” (Genesis 3:1). Just a few words, but they created the first fracture between God and humanity. You see, the serpent wasn’t just twisting God’s command; he was distorting God’s character.

The question underneath was this: Can you really trust that God is good?
If God is holding something back, the serpent suggests, then just maybe He doesn’t have your best in mind. Maybe you’d be better off taking control yourself.

That lie has persisted through every generation. We may not be in a flawless garden, like Eden, yet we still face the same temptation to see God’s way as restrictive, to believe He’s distant, and to interpret His “no” as a lack of care. The truth is when we lose trust in God’s heart, in God's character, we begin shaping our lives around our own control.

Look back at our reading today, for Adam and Eve, mistrust led to hiding.
When they heard God walking in the garden, they didn’t approach Him; instead, they hid. What we witness in this is that shame cast its shadow over the broken trust. But, and please do not miss this, what is striking is that God didn’t walk away from them. God came looking, calling out: “Where are you?”

That question wasn’t about location, what shrub or tree they were hiding behind, it was about relationship. It was an invitation to come out of hiding, to bring their fear and failure into the open so that healing could begin. See that is Gospel truth.

God still asks that same question today.
When our trust has been shaken, by disappointment, unanswered prayer, or the pain of the world, His invitation is not condemnation but conversation. God meets us not with punishment, but with pursuit. I believe that what we are to understand is that  God wants to restore trust, not demand perfection.

Let's Pray

God, it’s tough to trust You when life feels confusing. Like Adam and Eve, I’ve fallen for the lie that You’re keeping something good from me. Help me to trust in Your love and to see that every command and every “no” comes from care. Draw me out of hiding and teach me to walk confidently with You again. Amen.

Learning Gratitude from David

 

October 17, 2025

Psalm 28:7

The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.

When it comes to showing gratitude, few people in the Bible model it better than David. His psalms are filled with reminders of what it means to live with a thankful heart. Let’s take a look at a few lessons we can learn from him as we conclude our devotions for this week.

1. Gratitude Starts with God’s Goodness

David often pauses to thank God for His goodness and faithfulness. In Psalm 107:1, he writes, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”
He reminds us that gratitude isn’t just about what we have, it’s about who God is. Even when life feels uncertain, God’s love doesn’t run out. That alone is reason to give thanks.

 
2. Thankfulness in Every Season

David knew that gratitude isn’t just for the good days. In Psalm 34:1, he says, “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”
Notice that, at all times. Even when things were hard, David chose to praise. He didn’t wait for perfect circumstances; he let his heart lead the way. Gratitude like that helps keep us steady when life feels uncertain.

 
3. Gratitude Is Worship

For David, being thankful wasn’t just a nice idea, it was an act of worship. Psalm 100:4 says, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise.”
When we come before God with a thankful heart, we’re doing more than saying “thank you.” We’re acknowledging that everything we have and everything we are comes from Him. Gratitude opens the door to deeper worship.

 
4. Thankfulness in the Hard Times

David didn’t hide his struggles. His psalms are full of  honesty and emotion. Yet even in the middle of his pain, he found reasons to praise. In Psalm 30:12, he writes, “That my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.”
David’s example shows that gratitude isn’t something that disappears when life gets hard, it’s something that carries us through.

David’s life reminds us to make thankfulness a daily habit. Whether we’re celebrating victories or facing challenges, gratitude helps us see God’s hand at work. Like David, we can learn to keep a thankful heart, one that sees God’s goodness in every chapter of life.

It seems to me that when we live this way, our worship becomes richer, our days more meaningful, and our hearts more in tune with God’s incredible love and grace.

Let's Pray

We conclude our week with a prayer that is attributed to St. Patrick. I suppose, St. Patrick needs no introduction to most of us, he was a 5th-century Christian missionary and bishop, best known as the patron saint of Ireland. 

Almighty God, we thank you for creating the universe,
for making us in your image as the crown of your creation,
for sending us your Son, Jesus, to reveal yourself to us,
and for preparing a place for us to live with you forever.

Thank you, Christ, that you are before us and behind us.

We thank you for giving us a world vast in resources,
for enabling us to explore your world and its cultures,
for making us part of your redemption story,
and for prodding us to reflect to you all the glory of your creation.

Thank you, Christ, that you are beneath us and above us.

We thank you for your mighty power that works salvation:
you called us to a life set apart for you,
you saved us from the corrupting ways of sin,
and you brought us new life through your Son, Jesus, the Messiah.

Thank you, Christ, that you are on our right and on our left.

We thank you that you’ve called us to be servant-leaders in your world,
to be your agents of reconciliation, comfort, and healing,
and to live your gospel in our work, play, and worship
through the power and guidance of your Holy Spirit.

Thank you, Christ, that you are with us when we rest and when we rise.

Lord God, we thank you for the gifts of your Holy Spirit
that enable us to love each other, to act justly and love mercy,
and to live with joy, kindness, and gentle patience.
May each moment bring you glory.

Thank you, Christ, that you are in our hearts and in our minds.

Thank you for giving us a vision for a renewed heaven and earth,
where tears of pain and terrors of death are no more,
where all sorrow and suffering will cease,
and where the redeemed of the Lord and all creation will praise you forever.

Thank you, Christ, that you are in us and ever with us. Amen!

Posture of Trust

 

October 16, 2025

Philippians 4:6

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Ephesians 5:20

“Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

If you’ve spent time in Christian circles, you’ve probably heard the saying, "Prayer is more than a spiritual discipline; it is a sacred conversation." When gratitude becomes part of that conversation, everything changes. Anxiety loosens its hold, perspective expands, and our souls are reminded of who God is.

In every circumstance, whether our hearts are light with joy or weighed down by sorrow, we are invited to bring our prayers before God with thanksgiving. Gratitude in prayer is not about pretending everything is perfect or that we understand every reason behind what’s happening. Rather, it is a posture of trust, an acknowledgment that even when life feels uncertain, we are held by the One who is certain. We give thanks not because every question has been answered, but because we know the One who holds all answers, whose wisdom surpasses our understanding and whose goodness never fails. In both the celebrations and the struggles, thanksgiving becomes our act of faith, a way of saying, “God, I trust You here, too.”

Let's Pray

God of mercy and abundance, Teach me to pray with a grateful heart. When I’m weary, remind me of your faithfulness. When I’m rejoicing, let my praise overflow. In every breath, may I find a reason to thank you. Amen.

God's Gift of Family

 

OCTOBER 15, 2025

Psalm 68:6a

"God sets the lonely in families..." 

Exodus 20:12

"Honor your father and your mother..." 

 Ephesians 5–6

Husbands, love your wives... Children, obey your parents... Fathers, do not provoke your children..."  

God’s design for family is profoundly personal. Immediate families are the people we share our lives with—waking up together, sharing meals, raising children, and navigating challenges while growing together. These relationships are sacred spaces where love is refined, forgiveness is exercised, and grace is demonstrated in daily life.

In the Bible, God gives us clear guidance for how we are to treat one another within our households. Spouses are called to share mutual love and respect. Parents are entrusted with nurturing the spiritual growth of their children. Children are encouraged to honor and obey their parents. Siblings are meant to support and challenge one another toward growth. These roles aren’t about control; they’re about creating a home where Christ remains at the center.

Family is one of God’s most tender gifts, a sacred space where love is learned, grace is practiced, and belonging is nurtured. Whether biological, adoptive, spiritual, or chosen, family reflects the heart of God: a place where we are known, supported, and invited to grow.

But let’s be honest: family life can be messy. We hurt each other. We misunderstand. We carry old wounds. And yet, God meets us in the middle of it all. He uses our  families to shape our character, deepen our compassion, and teach us what it means to love unconditionally.

Today, whether your family is thriving or facing challenges, God is always present there. Here is what I have witnessed, in our own family, and in the many families I have known as a Pastor. God heals broken homes, strengthens tired parents, brings joy to reconciled siblings, and provides peace in every storm. Through Christ, we find the power to love with patience, humility, and hope.

For Our Reflection today,

Are there any relationships in your "household" that need healing, forgiveness, or deeper understanding?

How can your home become a place of spiritual growth and grace?

Let's Pray

Lord, thank You for the gift of my family. Thank You for the daily opportunities to love, serve, and grow together. Help me to be patient when tensions rise, gentle when words fail, and faithful in prayer for those closest to me. Heal what is broken, strengthen what is weary, and fill our home with Your peace. May our family reflect Your love to the world. Amen.

Thankful for Community

 

Hebrews 10:24–25

“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

After the feasting and gratitude of Thanksgiving, let's pause to recognize one of God’s greatest gifts: community. Now, I am not just thinking of the people we gathered with around our thanksgiving tables, our family members and friends,  but today I am reflecting on the spiritual family that God has provided for us, the community of  people we journey with through every season in life.

When we think about Christian community we are not just talking about beliefs, of course that is past of it, but Christian community is also about sharing burdens, joys, and purpose. It’s where we are truly known, challenged, comforted, and called. Whether it’s a lively congregation, an intimate small group, or a few loyal friends, these all reflect God’s heart: relational, restorative, and grounded in love.

Take a moment today to thank God for the people who have been there for you—those who’ve prayed for you, supported you, worked alongside you, and reminded you of your value in Christ.

Something to Think About

• Who in your life has helped you grow spiritually this year?

• How have you experienced God’s love through others?

• Is there someone you can encourage or reconnect with this week?

Prayer:

God of fellowship and belonging, thank You for the gift of community. Thank You for the people who reflect Your love, challenge me to grow, and walk with me in faith. Help me to be a source of encouragement to others, and to never take for granted the sacred gift of togetherness. Knit us closer in grace, and let our shared lives glorify You. Amen.

Say So

 

October 10, 2025

Psalm 107:1-9

1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever.

2 Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—
those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,
3 those he gathered from the lands,
from east and west, from north and south.

4 Some wandered in desert wastelands,
finding no way to a city where they could settle.
5 They were hungry and thirsty,
and their lives ebbed away.
6 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their distress.
7 He led them by a straight way
to a city where they could settle.
8 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind,
9 for he satisfies the thirsty
and fills the hungry with good things.

Some years ago, I bought a worship recording titled Give Thanks. In the middle of one medley came a simple song that stayed with me:

“Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
I’m redeemed, I’m redeemed, praise the Lord.”

Those words come straight from Psalm 107, a psalm that tells the story of God’s people — how He rescues, restores, and invites them to give thanks. It’s a song of God’s faithfulness and of the people's gratitude in response.

Psalm 107 begins:

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
His steadfast love endures forever.
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so—
those He redeemed from trouble.”

Throughout the psalm, a pattern repeats: “They cried to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress.” Over and over, God’s people find themselves lost, afraid, or burdened — and every time, God moves toward them in mercy.

That’s who God is. God’s nature is goodness itself. He hears our cries, steps toward us with compassion, and delivers us with steadfast love.

Psalm 107 also teaches us something about gratitude. True thanksgiving isn’t rooted in our circumstances, but in the unchanging character of God. When life is uncertain, we can still say, “Lord, You have been good before; You are good now.”

Even when we fail, He remains faithful. Scripture reminds us, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) He does not abandon His promises or His people.

And ultimately, Psalm 107 shows us that God is our Redeemer. He breaks chains, calms storms, forgives sins, and restores hope.

So, let the redeemed of the Lord say so. Tell their story. Give thanks to the God whose love endures forever.

So today's Psalm says, If God has made a way — say so. If God has opened doors — say so. If He’s been a friend when you were lonely — say so. If He’s held your family together, provided for you, or given you peace — say so. Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story.

So let us thank the Lord for His steadfast love 

and for His wonderful works among humankind.

Let us praise Him in the congregation of His people.
And let us — the redeemed of the Lord — say so.

Some good thoughts for us as we begin the Thanksgiving Weekend don't you think? Let’s tell our stories, give thanks for His faithfulness, and celebrate the God who redeems, restores, and remains with us always.
Amen.

The Life Everlasting

 The Life Everlasting

October 9, 2025

John 14:1–3

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.
My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

Revelation 21:1–5

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.
I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.
‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

1 John 5:11–13 

And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.
I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.



Today, as we conclude our reflections on the Apostles' Creed with the words, “I believe in the life everlasting,” we’re not just wishing for a happy ending. We’re affirming our trust in God’s unwavering promise: that death doesn’t have the final word, love has prevailed, and our future is safe in His presence.

Every heart longs for a place of belonging, where love is constant, peace is unbroken, and joy never ends. Jesus understood that longing when He spoke to His disciples on the night before His crucifixion. Their world was about to fall apart, yet He said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me… I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:1–3)

These words offer more than comfort; they convey a promise. Jesus is not only preparing a place for us, but He is also preparing us for that place. Heaven is not an escape from life but its ultimate fulfillment, the completion of God’s redemptive plan. Through faith, He is shaping us to dwell with Him forever.

When we read John’s vision in Revelation 21 it shows us the promise fulfilled: “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them.” You see, the story that began in Eden, (Genesis 3) where God walked with humanity, ends, or rather begins anew, with God once again living among His people. All sorrow, death, and pain have vanished. Everything once broken is now restored. Every tear is gently wiped away by the loving hand of the One who cares for us deeply.

But how can we be sure this hope belongs to us? 1 John 5 answers: “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” Eternal life isn’t something we earn or wait to qualify for; it’s a present reality for everyone who places their trust in Jesus. Having the Son means having life, both now and for eternity. It’s the confidence that our future home is secure because our lives are firmly rooted in Him.

So when your heart feels restless, when the world feels uncertain or painful, remember this: Jesus has gone ahead of us. He is preparing a place where all that is good and holy will last forever, a home with God, where every longing will finally be met. And even now, as we walk by faith, His Spirit whispers the same promise: You already belong. Our hope is not in our performance but in His promise.

From beginning to end, the Apostles’ Creed tells the story of salvation, of a God who creates, redeems, sustains, and restores.
To say “I believe” is not simply to recite doctrine; it is to step into this living story, to trust the Father who made us, the Son who saves us, and the Spirit who empowers us.

And it ends, this Creed does, not with finality, but with promise: “I believe in the life everlasting. Amen.” (Just a little reminder that word "Amen" does not mean "the End", no it means, "this is sure to be!" So go back and read the Creed and when you get to that last word say out loud "this is sure to be!" 

Let's Pray

God, we give thanks for the gift of everlasting life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Fill us with hope that transcends this life, joy that no circumstance can diminish, and faith that perseveres to the end. Guide us to live as people of eternity, anchored in Your love today and yearning for the day we will see You face to face. Amen.

The Resurrection of the Body

 

October 8, 2025

1 Corinthians 15:20–23

20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.
22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.
23 But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.

1 Corinthians 15:42–44

42 So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable;
43 it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power;
44 it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.
If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.

1 Corinthians 15:51–57

51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—
52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.
53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.
54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true:
“Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
55 “Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”
56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.
57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 3:20–21

20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,
21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

Death does not have the last word! That is what we say with the confession “I believe in the resurrection of the body.”  We affirm something breathtaking:  Christianity does not teach escape from the body but redemption of the body. God’s plan for salvation is not just about souls floating in heaven; it’s about the renewal of all creation and the raising of our very selves, body and soul, into eternal life.

Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 15 resonate with unwavering confidence: 

“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”

Those two words — “firstfruits” and “indeed”, anchor our hope. The resurrection of Jesus isn’t just a beautiful story or a comforting symbol. It’s the beginning of a new reality. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead has already begun its work in us. His resurrection is not only proof that death doesn’t win; it’s also the preview of what’s to come for all who belong to Him.

Notice Paul contrasts the weakness of our current bodies with the glory of our resurrection bodies:

“It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power.”

What is Paul suggesting? I believe he is declaring that every ache, limitation, and loss we face in this life reminds us that we are still waiting for full redemption. Our earthly bodies are like seeds, fragile and ordinary, but when Christ returns, they will burst forth into something imperishable, glorious, and Spirit-filled. As some have put it, "what is planted in the soil of mortality will bloom into eternal life."

That’s why Paul can mock death:

“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”

You see, the Gospel tells us that the cross has removed the sting of sin, and the resurrection has stripped death of its power. Christ’s victory isn’t merely something we observe from a distance; it’s something we actively participate in. As Paul reminds the Philippians,

“Our citizenship is in heaven… [and Christ] will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.”

Christian hope isn’t about escaping this world, it’s about transformation. It focuses on the renewal of everything, including ourselves. One day, the same Jesus who rose in power will make us completely alive, whole, and shining with His glory. That is the New Testament promise. 

If you have stood at a graveside, you will have witnessed this truth come alive. Perhaps you have seen a Pastor, or even family members of a deceased loved one, allow a handful of soil to slip through their fingers, making a cross on the exposed casket, and it is then that Paul’s gardening metaphor feels literal. 

A seed goes into the ground, and we wait. It looks like the end, but it’s not. Every Christian funeral is, in a sense, a sowing. As Paul says, “What you sow does not come to life unless it dies.” (1 Corinthians 15:36). In Christ, every grave becomes a garden! Resurrection follows death for those in Christ.

Pastor and writer Tim Keller, shortly before his own passing, said,

“If Jesus Christ was actually raised from the dead, if He really got up, walked out, was seen by hundreds of people, then you know what? Everything is going to be all right.”

That’s resurrection faith — quiet, confident, unshakable.

Lets Pray

Risen Lord, we give thanks that death has been conquered and that through Your life, we too shall live. We are grateful for the promise of resurrection—that our frail and mortal bodies will one day be raised in glory and power. Grant us hope in times of grief, strength in moments of weakness, and purpose in our daily endeavors. Guide us to live as resurrection people, embodying Your life, love, and victory until the day You restore all things. Amen.

The Forgiveness of Sins

October 7, 2025

Psalm 103:8–12 

8 The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
9 He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;
10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

Luke 7:36–50

36 When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table.
37 A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume.
38 As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.
39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.”
40 Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.”
“Tell me, teacher,” he said.
41 “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.
42 Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”
43 Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.”
“You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.
44 Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.
45 You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet.
46 You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet.
47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”
48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
49 The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”
50 Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

 

1 John 1:8–9


8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

When we say, “I believe in the forgiveness of sins,” we are declaring something deeply personal and profoundly hopeful. This is not just an idea, it is the heart of the gospel. Which is the story of God’s forgiving love and grace. 

Few things reveal God’s heart more clearly than His willingness to forgive. The Psalmist proclaims, “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love… as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:8, 12). Those words are not abstract poetry, they are a lived reality for anyone who comes to God with a repentant heart.

We see that reality embodied in Luke 7, where a woman with a broken past enters the home of a respected Pharisee. She carries with her a costly jar of perfume, but more importantly, a heart full of tears. While others judge her, Jesus receives her. Her tears of repentance become an act of worship. Jesus’ words to her—“Your sins are forgiven… your faith has saved you; go in peace”—reveal the depth of God’s mercy.

Forgiveness and love are inseparable. When we truly understand what God has done for us, we cannot help but respond with gratitude, humility, and compassion toward others.

The apostle John echoes this truth: “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves… but if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins.” (1 John 1:8–9). Confession isn’t about wallowing in guilt, beating ourselves up, it’s about stepping into freedom. God’s forgiveness doesn’t just cancel our debt; it restores our relationship with Him.

In a world quick to label and slow to forgive, the story of Jesus and the woman reminds us that grace is not earned—it’s received. We are invited to lay down our shame at His feet and to rise in peace, just as she did.

To believe in the forgiveness of sins is to live daily in that grace, to stop carrying what God has already taken away. 

 
Let's Pray

Gracious God, thank You for the incredible gift of forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Your grace is greater than our sin, and in Christ, we find true freedom. Help us to live as people who are genuinely free, free from shame, fear, and resentment, and free to extend forgiveness to others just as You have forgiven us. Let our lives shine with the joy of redemption, spreading the message of Your mercy to a broken world. Amen.