God, What Do You Want Me To Do?...

Marian Liautaud writes about how in 2011, a South African pastor and seasoned marathoner nicknamed "JVR" decided to run 100 miles with three other running mates as a means for recruiting 100 child sponsors for World Vision. The plan was to do the last 26.2 miles of their 100 mile goal at the Chicago Marathon that year. During the night, JVR started to show signs of fatigue. He wasn't keeping up, and unbeknown to him or his teammates, his kidneys were starting to shut down.

JVR finished the race, as did his other three running partners, but by the time he made it to the team's tent after the marathon, he was in trouble. Medics took him to the hospital where he spent the next two weeks in intensive care, his body struggling to recover from the stress it had experienced. JVR survived, but he admits that doing extreme challenges, even in the name of a great cause, may not always be worth it. Considering how the marathon was born—legend says the Greek messenger Pheidippides ran 26.2 miles from Marathon to Athens to deliver an important note, then collapsed and died—raising the stakes just to raise more money should not be attempted lightly. After the race JVR admitted, "A lot of me doing the 100 miles was about wanting to achieve. I am addicted to performance. When I meet God, he'll probably say, 'What were you thinking? I never asked you to do that.’”

JVR still runs marathons, but he says that he's learned to first ask God, "What is it that you want me to do, Lord? What role do you want to play in this part of my life? I want to ask God first before saying, 'I did all these things for a great cause. I ran all these races.”

Great causes are… Great! But as JVR reminds us, the most important question we can ask is, “What does God want me to do?” Many years ago, when I pastored in Florida, a woman came to me and began to outline a new ministry that she told me God had put on her heart. Then she asked, “Pastor, would you and our church take it on?” While it was a good ministry, and she was a superb member, I surprised her when I said, “I don’t think so.” Her faced showed a bit of consternation causing her to reiterate again why it was a wonderful ministry that I or our staff should take on. I then explained to her that I agreed it was a wonderful ministry, but the Lord had not put it on my heart. But, He had put it on her heart. And since He had given her the burden for that particular ministry, it most likely meant He had done so, not to hand off to someone else, but because He wanted her to initiate and oversee the work. In a moment, you could see a light go on for her and she responded, “I never thought of it like that.” I told her that I would be happy to be her cheerleader and encourage her if she pursued this work for God.

Well, she did take it seriously and began this work and oversaw its operation which for several years was a blessing to our community. She later thanked me for helping her understand God’s call and will for her work. Which leads me to my point: God has a will and He has a will for your life. But God’s call for your life may not always be God’s call for another’s life. And while there are somethings within God’s will we must all pursue, that is, somethings are God’s will for all of us… God has created us uniquely, gifting and calling us to carry out His designed plans for our lives. And that is why when God burdens your heart, and the burden is consistent with His Word, He is probably giving it to you for you to act on. So, don’t ask is this a good thing, and don’t ask who should I hand it off to (though you may need to enlist help), instead ask… “God what do you want me to do?” And remember, God is always trying to take you someplace new. I love being your Pastor!

For God’s Glory Alone,
Pastor Ray

Image credit: Unsplash 

Joshua David Stein, in an article for Men’s Health titled " How to Achieve NBA-Level Mental Fitness," wrote, Dr. Joe Carella, Sport Psychology Consultant with the NBA’s Orlando Magic addresses what to do "When you see yourself differently than your boss does."

Anyone who gets drafted in the NBA feels like they're going to be an all-star with a long career ahead of them. Perhaps you think of yourself as a primary scorer, the guy you give the ball to at the end of the game to make the bucket to win. The coach, however, sees you primarily as a defensive player. You can either fight or accept that.

I work with the players to accept their coach's vision and to develop the skills to excel in that role. If you don't take advantage of the opportunity you're given, you may regret it for a long time. Interestingly, this is much less of a problem with veteran players. When you're a rookie who might not want to recognize or accept your limitations, it's hard. Unfortunately, the guys who don't develop greater self-awareness are more likely to resist change, and their NBA careers are shorter and don't match their potential. But the players who find a way to be dependable while embracing the challenge of changing perceptions are the ones with long, fulfilling careers.

In the Christian life, God is our "Coach" and He ultimately decides what role we will play on His team. His design for our life is always the right one. We should not waste our time trying to be someone else but rather accept and lean into the role we have been crafted to fit. It is the best way to find true success. Like the Psalmist we should say, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.” (Psalm 139:14–15)

And that means that your created role and God’s will intersect for the purpose of His eternal plans. For example, in 1943, a young pastor was offered the opportunity to take over a popular Gospel Radio program called Songs in the Night. Since the cost of keeping the program on air was rather high, the pastor, who had a large vision to reach souls with the gospel, told his board that he would be willing to forgo part of his salary to help defray the costs involved. The suggestion was eventually accepted by the board.

The young pastor then approached a well-known Gospel singer, requesting him to sing and lead the choir on the program. After initially trying to back out, the singer eventually agreed to help out. That decision would change the course of his life and ministry forever! He later said, “It was the beginning – the humble beginning – of an unbelievable journey…It was exciting to be a part of something wonderful unfolding”. The Gospel singer was George Beverly Shea and the young pastor’s name was Billy Graham. And aren’t we all glad!

Accepting your God designed role might not turn you into the next George Beverly Shea or Billy Graham, but it will turn you into the useful servant for the Kingdom of God that He created you to be. And remember, God is always trying to take you someplace new. I love being your Pastor!

For God’s Glory Alone,

Pastor Ray

Image credit: Unsplash

I don’t remember the author, but he once told the story of an encounter he had with sea gulls: “Several years ago our family visited Niagara Falls. It was spring, and ice was rushing down the river. As I viewed the large blocks of ice flowing toward the falls, I could see that there were dead fish embedded in the ice. Gulls by the score were riding down the river feeding on the fish. As they came to the brink of the falls, their wings would go out, and they would escape from the falls. “I watched one gull which seemed to delay and wondered when it would leave. It was engrossed in the fish, and when it finally came to the brink of the falls, out went its powerful wings. The bird flapped and flapped and even lifted the ice out of the water, and I thought it would escape. But it had delayed too long so that its claws had frozen into the ice. The weight of the ice was too great, and the gull plunged into the abyss.”

How sad that even though the bird had plenty of time to fly away, because it delayed it paid the price. Now think of this story in terms of the Christian life. When we become overly enthralled with the things of this world, they can bring us down and cause our spiritual death. The finest attractions of this world become deadly when we become overly attached to them. If we cannot give up the things of this world and focus on Christ, we cannot be used by Him. Our eyes must be upward on Christ rather than downward on this world.

It has been said, “when things come between us and Christ, we express idolatry. But when Christ comes between us and things, we experience victory!” Knowing when and what to let go of can be one of life’s greatest challenges. We must not assume that the Christian life is simply a matter of giving things up. Christianity is not about living a joyless life of deprivation. But neither should we be naïve enough to believe that we can make meaningful progress in our faith while stubbornly holding on to the things that weigh us down. There are some things we must release if we are going to run well, walk faithfully, and follow Christ wholeheartedly.

It is the reason that the author of Hebrews wrote… “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1–2)

Those words paint a vivid picture of Olympic styled runners from the ancient Athenian games who wore long robes prior to their races but removed them before competing— for obvious reasons like not becoming tangled up or trying to run with extra weight. The goal is not simply to start the race but to run well and finish the race.

And that is precisely the picture the writer of Hebrews gives us concerning the Christian life. There are things that are sinful that we must lay aside, lest they take us over the “fall”. But there are also weights—things that we have latched onto that may not necessarily be sinful in themselves, but nevertheless hinder our progress with Christ. The question is not merely, “Is this wrong?” The question is, “Is this helping me run?” Some things may be perfectly legitimate and yet spiritually unhelpful. Some things may not be sinful, but they can consume our time, capture our affection, drain our attention, and gradually pull our eyes away from Jesus. So why must we learn when and what to let go of? Because God is always trying to take us someplace new. I love being your Pastor!

For God’s Glory Alone,
Pastor Ray

Image credit: Unsplash

Ludwig Nommensen traveled to begin mission work with a tribe in southeast Asia. The village chief welcomed Ludwig and said, "You have 2 years to learn our customs and convince us you have a message worth hearing." After 2 years, the tribal leader asked the missionary how Christianity differs from the moral rules and traditions of the tribe. "We already know what is right," the chief explained. "We too have laws that say we must not steal, or take our neighbor's wives, or tell lies."

The missionary replied, "That's true. But my God supplies the power needed to keep those laws." This startled the chief. "Can you really teach my people to live better?"
"No, I can't," responded Ludwig. "But if they receive Jesus Christ, God will give them the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit who will give them access to the strength they need to do what is right."

The chief invited him to stay another 6 months, during which Ludwig preached the gospel and taught villagers how the Holy Spirit works in the lives of Christians. "You can stay as long as you want," the chief finally announced. "Your God is better than ours, for your God walks with men and gives them strength to do the things He requires." They had structure, but no power to maintain it. And that is the way we are apart from the power of the Holy Spirit operating in our lives.

Or think about it this way, a house may be beautifully constructed, with lights, appliances, and everything necessary for living—but without electricity, none of it functions as intended. The wiring connects the house to a power source outside itself. The power doesn't originate in the house; it comes from the power plant.

The Christian life isn't merely about having the right structure, rules, habits, or religious activities. The Holy Spirit is God's power dwelling within the believer. We don't manufacture the power to live the Christian life; we receive it from the One who lives within us. The Bible says, “Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4) You see, Christianity isn't simply about trying harder; it's about Someone greater living inside you.

Now, the power you need can’t be purchased. In Acts 8 the story is told of a man name Simon Magnus who was amazed at the power of God operating in the lives of the apostles and sought to buy the power for himself. “Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, saying, ‘Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.’ But Peter said to him, ‘May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!’”
(Acts 8:18–20)

Here is the good news, while the power of the Holy Spirit can’t be purchased, it can be received! It is a gift that comes when you put your faith and trust in Jesus alone as your Savior. “And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” (2 Corinthians 1:21–22) Do you want power for living? Then allow the Spirit of God dwelling in you to be Lord over you! And if you do not know Christ, start there first.  And remember God is always trying to take you someplace new. I love being your Pastor!

For God’s Glory Alone,
Pastor Ray


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In an article titled “Gen Z is Finding Religion. Why?” Christian Paz writes… For most of the last 30 years, the story of religion in America has been a pretty steady one: a constant, and consistent, drop in religious affiliation every year. Starting in the 1990s, the share of Americans who identified as Christian, or identified with any religion at all, began to drop precipitously. At the same time, those with no religious affiliation — nicknamed “nones” — began to spike.

It appears that trend might be ending. Over the last five years, the share of Americans who are “nones” has stabilized at roughly 30 percent, across multiple tracking surveys — largely because of one group: Zoomers, or Generation Z. Sometime around or after the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, young Americans began to find, or at least retain, religious belief at higher rates than previous generations.

Gen Z seems to be the key. Recently, surveys have found that Zoomers are the only generation not losing their religious affiliation. Why? There’s no unifying explanation for this trend, but it extends beyond the United States. And that suggests that there might be some structural reasons Gen Z is rediscovering faith. Something about post-Covid seems to be bringing youth back specifically to Christianity…There are three potential explanations:

1. Loneliness: Gen Z seeks community and connection in faith to combat widespread feelings of isolation.

2. Distrust of Institutions: Turning to Christianity as a countercultural response to declining trust in government and mainstream culture.

3. Political and Social Shifts: Young men are becoming more religious, especially focused on Christianity and political conservatism.

And I would add a fourth…

4. Gen Z is hungry for truth. Contrary to what previous generations may have assumed, many are not skeptical of the Bible, the Church, or Christianity. In fact, many are searching for something they can believe in—something solid enough to build their lives upon.

Postmodernism, with its rejection of absolute truth, has left a generation standing on a shallow and shaky foundation. The promise that truth is relative and that everyone can simply create their own reality has proven to be bankrupt. It has failed to provide the common sense, moral clarity, and biblical answers that people need to navigate life, marriage, family, suffering, and the future. And that is why this moment presents such an incredible opportunity for the Church.

It has been since the Baby Boomers—my generation—that we have seen this kind of renewed interest in God, the Church, and Christianity. We are witnessing it right here in our own congregation.

We should rejoice! But we must also recognize the responsibility that comes with this opportunity. If people are searching for anchors, then the Church must be a place where anchors for the soul are the norm. We must be a people who know the truth, believe the truth, live the truth, and lovingly proclaim the truth. When people walk through these doors, they should encounter the love of God. But they should also discover something this world desperately needs… solid ground. They should discover that God's Word is trustworthy, that His truth does not shift with the culture, and that Jesus Christ is not merely another option among many—but the solid Rock upon which their lives can be built. The world has given this generation shifting sands. The Church must point them to the Rock.

And remember, God is always trying to take us someplace new. I love being your Pastor!

For God’s Glory Alone,

Pastor Ray

Image credit: Unsplash

In his book Come Before Winter and Share My Hope Charles Swindoll shares the following…
“During my days in New England, I heard of a teacher who quizzed a group of college-bound high school juniors and seniors on the Bible. The quiz preceded a Bible-as-literature course he planned to teach at the Newton (Massachusetts) High School, generally considered one of the best public schools in the nation. Among the most astounding findings he got from the students were:
Sodom and Gomorrah were lovers.
Jezebel was Ahab’s donkey.
The four horsemen appeared on the Acropolis.
The New Testament Gospels were written by Matthew, Mark, Luther, and John.
Eve was created from an apple.
Jesus was baptized by Moses.
The answer that took the cake was given by a fellow who was in the top 5 percent of the graduating class, academically.
The question: What was Golgotha?
The answer: Golgotha was the name of the giant who slew the apostle David.
If it were not so pathetic, it would be hilarious. Isn’t it amazing how pitifully illiterate John Q. Public is of the written Word of God? In a land filled with churches and chapels, temples and tabernacles, there is only an insignificant handful of fairly well-informed students of the Book of books. We have Scriptures in hardback, paperback, cloth, and leather . . . versions and paraphrases too numerous to count, red-letter editions along with various sizes of print on the page . . . Bibles as big as a library dictionary and as small as one frame of microfilm . . . yet the years roll by as one generation after another passes on its biblical illiteracy.”

How would you do if you took a Bible literacy test? I hope better than these students did. But recent studies give us pause for concern.

Consider the recent findings of the American Bible Society – State of the Bible survey (2026) which is one of the largest annual studies of Americans' interaction with Scripture, and reveals some notable findings from its 2026 report:
•Only 17% of Americans are considered "Scripture Engaged"—people whose lives are consistently shaped by the Bible.
•28% of Americans are classified as the "Movable Middle," meaning they are open to learning more about the Bible but are not deeply engaged with it.
•17% say they have read the entire Bible.
•Only 10% report never reading any of the Bible, while about one-third say they have read most or all of it.

These findings suggest that while many Americans have some exposure to Scripture, relatively few engage with it consistently enough for it to shape their beliefs, values, and daily decisions. Simply owning a Bible or occasionally hearing a passage read is not the same as allowing God's Word to transform the heart. Genuine spiritual maturity comes when we know the Scriptures, believe them, and live in obedience to them. That is why every follower of Christ must pursue a deep and growing understanding of God's Word. Biblical literacy is not reserved for pastors, theologians, or Bible teachers—it is essential for every believer who desires to know God, discern truth from error, and faithfully follow Jesus. My prayer is that today's message will not only increase your knowledge of Scripture but also deepen your love for the God who gave it and strengthen your commitment to live according to its truth.

And remember, God is always trying to take you someplace new. I love being your Pastor.

For God’s Glory Alone,
Pastor Ray


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In his book Heal Your Hurting Mind, Author and Pastor Craig Groeschel references Romans 8:5-6, “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” And then he adds, “If you find yourself in a mentally messy place, not experiencing the perfect peace that God desires for you, could it be that your mind is set on what your flesh (or sinful nature) desires? Is it possible you’re letting negative thinking control your mind instead of the Spirit of God?”

Or perhaps you are feeling like Elijah in a cave of despair. The Bible says, “There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (1 Kings 19:9). Christians are not exempt from a messy mentality or seasons of despair. The devil loves to seize on our vulnerabilities, use our circumstances, and attack our minds and emotions with lies, anxieties, and distorted truth. Though Christians are redeemed eternally, they still fight against their broken sinful nature which may include the need for biblical counseling and even appropriate medication, among other things.

Some of the greatest biblical characters faced these same kinds of battles… like David who wrote, “I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living. (Psalm 27:13 NASB) Or Elijah who, “… sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, ‘It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.”” (1 Kings 19:4, ESV)

In Elijah’s case, the Lord replenished him with food and told him to get some sleep. But this was only just the beginning, for God wanted to do a greater work in his life. He wanted to fill his spiritual tank, too. So, God asked Elijah, “What are you doing here?” We know that this question wasn’t about geography. After all, God is the one who sent him there.

No, the question concerned Elijah’s spiritual condition. God had a specific purpose in mind for these 40 days and nights with Elijah. There are at least three things it appears that God was trying to accomplish with Elijah. First God wanted to reestablish Spiritual Conversation. Elijah poured out his heart to the Lord: his faithfulness, his frustration, and even his self-pity. We see this pity when Elijah says that he is the only one left. God listened. Sometimes, God gets you into a cave so that every other voice will be quiet and you’ll finally talk with him honestly.

Second most assuredly God wanted Spiritual Restoration for Elijah’s soul and ministry. Again, God listened, but he also gave Elijah the truth he needed to hear: “Go, return on your way…” This means it was time to get back on the path. By correcting his perspective and renewing his mission, God restored Elijah.

Third, God brought Spiritual Reorganization into Elijah’s life. God changed how Elijah would serve him. He instructed him to anoint a new king, and he sent Elisha to assist him in the work. This was a needed refreshment because it meant that Elijah no longer had to carry the load of ministry alone.

So, if you are in a “cave of despair” or dealing with a “messy mind” let it become an opportunity and the very place God uses to restore, refresh, and reorient your life. So don’t despair! And remember, God is always trying to take you someplace new. I love being your Pastor!

For God’s Glory Alone,
Pastor Ray

Image credit: Unsplash

All students of scripture and prophecy should watch carefully the current events, treaties, and alignments going on in the middle east. This past week America and Iran, contrary to what we were told, did not sign a peace agreement, but rather a “memo of understanding” which halts war escalation for 60 days. That is not the same thing as a treaty with teeth. We are told that this will allow time to work out fine details. This memo however currently leaves out key issues such as Iran’s missile arsenal, support for regional proxy terrorists’ groups like Hezbollah, and aspects of Iran’s nuclear program which remain outside the scope of current negotiations… all of which Iran continues to declare they will not give up. In other words, “same old same old.”

This has raised giant red flags in Israel and should in America given Iran’s consistent history of saying what they need to say in order to delay opposition and buy time only to continue their efforts of terrorism and their agenda to destroy both Israel and America. Currently Iran’s missile stockpiles remain significant, their drone capabilities remain intact, and though its proxy network has been damaged it has not been dismantled and continues to launch missiles into Israel (a little reported fact in the media). Isarel is being told to stand down regarding its own defense and rebuked by our president who has gone as far as instructing Israel to let Syria (which itself is hostile to Israel) handle the matter instead. Meanwhile, in the end, Iran might emerge with significant economic relief, maintaining an extremely hostile regime, and without genuinely surrendering its long-term agenda.

President Trump has been one of the strongest Israeli supporting presidents in history. He recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, he relocated the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem, and he recognized Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights. These, among other things, have earned him high marks with Israelis and evangelical Christians. Yet this past week the president uttered remarks that should send a shiver down every Christian’s spine and have rightfully created concern among many prophetically aware Christians… "Israel would have been blown up a long time ago, had I not gotten involved," Trump declared. Elsewhere he stated, "Without me, there would be no Israel." Spooky!

While it is true that Israel has had no greater ally and friend than America for decades via our military aid, intelligence cooperation, political support before the world, and guaranteed defense in the middle east. It is also true that Israel’s existence depends on God and not a single political leader or nation. And that is an important distinction because neither Israel’s existence nor its survival started with Donald Trump. Long before Donald Trump, Israel survived Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome, Islam, the Crusades, and the Holocaust to name a few. And the reason is explained in scripture. Israel’s preservation is and has been an act of divine protection, not the result of any individual.  While God has historically used other nations and leaders to protect other nations, they are instruments in God’s hand and not the source—God is!

That is why in the context of scripture, the president’s statements go too far and should make Christians very uncomfortable given the statements elevate human accomplishment in place of God… and God has said, “I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols.” (Isaiah 42:8) And since that is true, America should pray that God doesn’t judge us and our leaders while He is delivering Israel.

The Bible makes clear that a day is coming when Israel will be isolated from the nations around her. Is the president’s reprimand of Israel a part of this trend? Time will tell. But for now, believers should let this be a reminder… that while we can appreciate political leaders who support Israel, and we can affirm wise policies, we must never confuse God’s instruments with God’s authority. Because as scripture teaches, when the day comes that Israel stands alone, it will not be Washington that rescues her! And remember, God is always trying to take us someplace new. I love being your Pastor!

For God’s Glory Alone,
Pastor Ray

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In an article titled "The Empire State Building Tracks Nearby Bees’ Buzzing," for the Wall Street Journal, Clara Hudson writes…

“The Empire State Building is now wired to detect the wingbeat of a butterfly and the song of a sparrow. If a skyscraper and artificial intelligence can be tuned to listen for every living creature, how much more does your loving Heavenly Father hear your prayers and your fears?

The Empire State Building in bustling Manhattan is now equipped with supersensitive microphones. These devices tune into bird calls and the slightest flutter of insects amid the cacophony of the concrete jungle.

The microphones are attached to a nature-monitoring device collecting minute details on the city’s flying wildlife. This data feeds into an artificial intelligence platform that can alert building owners of any concerning patterns. It is part of a real estate industry trend to track the surroundings of a property to anticipate how pollutants or window cleaning could harm living creatures.

Alex McLean is the chief executive of the company that oversees this monitoring platform. He notes that as an insect flies it creates a tiny audio frequency. His team is monitoring real-time data for any living thing coming into contact with that building.

While tracking tiny fluctuations around one building might seem insignificant, it feeds into a much bigger framework. McLean explained that one building is usually tied into a portfolio of thousands of buildings. When you multiply that single street corner in Manhattan by two thousand, it becomes a massive footprint.”

I am not sure if tracking Bee’s and Butterflies make any real difference to the concrete footprint of New York city, but if human technology can tune into the tiniest flutter of a single flying insect, then you can be confident that the Creator of the universe is tuned-in to the smallest details of your life.

How did Jesus address small things as it relates to us? In Luke 12:6-7 He said, “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.” He is a big, big God, and He does big things, but He also cares about the smallest of things.

You and I are relatively small things in the scope of His creation. But we are big to Him. Are you fearful today? “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10). Are you anxious and troubled today? “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6–7)

Today I’ll share another of “My Favorite” messages titled, “What Is God Saying When He is Silent?” I pray it will bless your heart. And remember, God is always trying to take us someplace new. I love being your Pastor!!!

For God’s Glory Alone,
Pastor Ray

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America is just a few weeks away from celebrating its 250th anniversary. The American experiment as it has been called is unlike anything in history. No other nation/state empire has ever been established for the express purpose of insuring freedoms on such a scale as America.  

The preamble to the constitution states… “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” Following the articles of the constitution are the first 10 amendments which are known as “The Bill of Rights” and chief among them is Religious Liberty as stated in the 1st amendment—“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances”.

With that in mind, you might be interested to know the heritage and position that our Southern Baptist Convention holds. In an article on Religious Liberty, Alex Ward lays it out as follows…

“And Jesus said to them, ‘Whose likeness and inscription is this?’ They said, ‘Caesar’s.’ Then he said to them, ‘Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’  Matt. 22:20-21(ESV)

A missional principle… The Baptist Faith & Message rightly declares, “A free church in a free state is the Christian ideal.” Defending religious freedom is part of the “DNA” of what it means to be a Baptist. For Baptists, religious liberty is a missional principle rooted in God’s character and his command to make disciples.

Lord of the conscience… In the same passage where Jesus reminds his disciples to render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, he also says that there are things which belong rightly to God, not Caesar. This is a reminder that God alone is Lord of the conscience, as he has created all people in his image (Gen. 1:27). The government should not interfere with the sincere religious convictions of individuals. Baptists have historically held that though the conscience is not infallible, recognizing that it can be malformed because of sin’s effects, it should be inviolable. When rightly formed by Scripture, individuals should live in accordance with conscience rather than do what they think to be sin (Rom. 14:1-12).

Submission to appointed authority… As a divine institution of God, Christians are to give obedience to government when it exercises its power justly within its sphere of authority. The command to give obedience to government is not a blessing of all the uses of government’s power, but a submission to the authority established by God (Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Pet. 2:14). However, Christians should resist commands from the government that call them to sin or reject the teachings of Christ. Most importantly, Christians must pray for all authorities and leaders—that they would further promote justice and justly govern society (1 Tim. 2:1-4).”

As July 4th approaches, let us be faithful to pray for our nation, its preservation and the protection of our religious liberties clearly articulated in the First Amendment. And remember that God is always trying to take us someplace new. I love being your Pastor.

For God’s Glory Alone,

Pastor Ray

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Many years ago, Harry A. Ironside, the great Bible teacher, was riding on a train in Southern California one Saturday when a gypsy got on and sat beside him. "How do you do, gentleman," she said. "You like to have your fortune told? Cross my palm with a silver quarter, and I will give you your past, present, and future."

"Are you very sure you can do that?" Ironside asked. "You see, I am Scottish, and I wouldn't want to spend a quarter and not get my full value for it."

The gypsy was very earnest. "Yes, gentleman," she said. "I can give you your past, present, and future. I will tell you all."

Ironside then said, "It is not really necessary for me to have my fortune told, because I have had it told already. It is written in a book. I have the book in my pocket."

The gypsy was astonished. "You have it in a book?" she said. “Yes," said Ironside, "And it is absolutely infallible. Let me read it to you." He then reached into his pocket, pulled out his New Testament and began to read from chapter 2 of Ephesians; "As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you follow the ways of the world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath." "That's my past," he said.

The woman had been startled when he pulled the New Testament from his pocket and now tried to get away. "That is plenty," she protested. "I do not want to hear more." "But wait," Ironside said. "There is more. Here is my present, too; ‘But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy made us alive in Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus…’"

"No more," the gypsy protested. "But you must hear my future, and you are not going to have to pay me a quarter for it. I'm giving it to you for nothing. It says, ‘In order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.’ By now the gypsy was halfway down the aisle of the train, saying, "I took the wrong man!"

It’s not a bad idea every once in a while, to remember the past you were redeemed from, the present you are redeemed to, and the future you are redeemed for. And then thank the Savior for His grace that makes it all possible.

Speaking of the past, Sunday I will begin a mini-series titled “Pastor's Picks: Some of My Favorites.” I’ve thought about doing this for few years, but the timing could not be more perfect. I just finished our series on Lessons for Life and was about to begin a new series that I have been working on for a while but have decided to move to August, after my return from my July break… I didn’t want to start that series for 4 weeks, take a break and then restart it in August. So, for the next 4 messages, I will rewind to 4 of my favorite sermons over the past 25 years… getting here was not easy as I have preached more than 2,000 sermons during that time, and I won’t say that these are my absolute favorites, just 4 of my favorites. I hope they will bless your heart and encourage your faith… Today is the first of the 4. I first preached it on July 15, 2001… I had only been your Pastor for 5 months at the time. I am looking forward to sharing an updated version. Sometimes a “blast from the past” is an inspiration for the present. And that’s important since God is always trying to take us someplace new. I still love being your Pastor!

For God’s Glory Alone,
Pastor Ray

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Many years ago, Al Capone virtually owned Chicago. Capone wasn’t famous for anything heroic. He was notorious for enmeshing the windy city in everything from bootlegged booze and prostitution to murder. Capone had a lawyer nicknamed "Easy Eddie." He was his lawyer for a good reason.
Eddie was very good! In fact, Eddie’s skill at legal maneuvering kept Big Al out of jail for a long time. To show his appreciation, Capone paid him very well. Not only was the money big, but Eddie got special dividends. For instance, he and his family occupied a fenced-in mansion with live-in help and all of the conveniences of the day. The estate was so large that it filled an entire Chicago City block. Eddie lived the high life of the Chicago mob and gave little consideration to the atrocity that went on around him. Eddie did have one soft spot, however. He had a son that he loved dearly. Eddie saw to it that his young son had the best of everything: clothes, cars and a good education. Nothing was withheld. Price was no object. And, despite his involvement with organized crime, Eddie even tried to teach him right from wrong. Eddie wanted his son to be a better man than he was. Yet, with all his wealth and influence, there were two things he couldn’t pass on to his son: a good name and a good example.
One day, Eddie reached a difficult decision. Eddie wanted to rectify wrongs he had done. He decided he would go to the authorities and tell the truth about Al "Scarface" Capone, clean up his tarnished name and offer his son some semblance of integrity. To do this, he would have to testify against the Mob, and he knew that the cost would be great. So, he testified. Within the year, Easy Eddie’s life ended in a blaze of gunfire on a lonely Chicago Street. But in his eyes, he had given his son the greatest gift he had to offer, at the greatest price he would ever pay.

STORY NUMBER TWO…
World War II produced many heroes. One such man was Lieutenant Commander Butch O’Hare. He was a fighter pilot assigned to the aircraft carrier Lexington in the South Pacific. One day his entire squadron was sent on a mission. After he was airborne, he looked at his fuel gauge and realized that someone had forgotten to top off his fuel tank. He would not have enough fuel to complete his mission and get back to his ship. His flight leader told him to return to the carrier. Reluctantly, he dropped out of formation and headed back to the fleet. As he was returning to the mother ship, he saw something that turned his blood cold. A squadron of Japanese aircraft were speeding their way toward the American fleet. The American fighters were gone on a sortie, and the fleet was all but defenseless. He couldn’t reach his squadron and bring them back in time to save the fleet. Nor could he warn the fleet of the approaching danger. There was only one thing to do. He must somehow divert them from the fleet. Laying aside all thoughts of personal safety, he dove into the formation of Japanese planes. Wing-mounted 50 caliber’s blazed as he charged in, attacking one surprised enemy plane and then another. Butch wove in and out of the now broken formation and fired at as many planes as possible until all his ammunition was finally spent. Undaunted, he continued the assault. He dove at the planes, trying to clip a wing or tail in hopes of damaging as many enemy planes as possible and rendering them unfit to fly. Finally, the exasperated Japanese squadron took off in another direction. Deeply relieved, Butch O’Hare and his tattered fighter limped back to the carrier. Upon arrival he reported in and related the event surrounding his return. The film from the gun-camera mounted on his plane told the tale. It showed the extent of Butch’s daring attempt to protect his fleet. He had in fact destroyed five enemy aircraft. This took place on February 20, 1942, and for that action Butch became the Navy’s first Ace of W.W.II, and the first Naval Aviator to win the Congressional Medal of Honor. A year later Butch was killed in aerial combat at the age of 29. His hometown would not allow the memory of this WW II hero to fade, and today, O’Hare Airport in Chicago is named in tribute to the courage of this great man. So, the if you find yourself at O’Hare International airport, give some thought to visiting Butch’s memorial displaying his statue and his Medal of Honor. It’s located between Terminals 1 & 2.

SO WHAT DO THESE TWO STORIES HAVE TO DO WITH EACH OTHER?
Butch O’Hare was Easy Eddie’s son. On this Memorial Day weekend our gratitude to all who gave their lives and all who serve for our freedom… THANK YOU!

Pastor Ray

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The phrase "Be afraid, be very afraid" was a tagline from the 1986 horror flick The Fly. Google the phrase and you'll get over 180 million results for that phrase. But the trick is to be appropriately afraid of the right thing. What people commonly fear is not always what should be causing that spike of adrenaline. Here are some examples reported by the Louthian Law Firm:

Are you afraid to fly? You have a 0.00001 percent chance of dying in an airplane crash. On the other hand, the car insurance industry estimates that the average driver will be involved in three or four car crashes in their lifetime and the odds of dying in a car crash are one to two percent.

Are you afraid of heights? It's the second most reported fear. Your chance of being injured by falling, jumping, or being pushed from a high place is 1 in 65,092. The chance of having your identity stolen is 1 in 200. Do you fear being killed by a bolt of lightning? The odds of that happening are 1 in 2.3 million. You're much more likely to be struck by a meteorite—those lifetime odds are about 1 in 700,000.

How about dogs? Their bark really is worse than their bite: Your chance of suffering a dog bite is 1 in 137,694. On the other hand, your chance of being injured while mowing the lawn is 1 in 3,623. How about sharks? You're much more likely to be killed by your spouse (1 in 135,000) than a shark (1 in 300 million). Won't ride a roller coaster? If you have the patience to stand in the line, the chance of a roller coaster injury is 1 in 300 million. But if you play with fireworks on the Fourth of July, you're really playing with fire: the chance of injury is 1 in 20,000.

So, what should we really fear? How about God! The Bible speaks frequently about the appropriate kind of fear toward God. It is a reverential kind of awe that recognizes who He is and who we are. But it is also a kind of fear that carries benefits. Listen to some of these scriptures about fearing God.

Psalm 110:10—“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!”

Proverbs 19:23—”The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.”

Job 28:28—”And he said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”
2 Corinthians 5:11—”Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience.”

Proverbs 14:27—”The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.”

Ecclesiastes 12:13—”The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”

And that’s just a few passages that remind us to never stop fearing our awesome God.

Don’t forget this Sunday evening we’ll gather for a church wide fellowship at the RFC with food trucks, games and inflatables for the kiddos. There will also be tables for you and your friends to fellowship around. Don’t miss it. I look forward to seeing you here and remember, God is always trying to take you someplace new. I love being your Pastor!

For God’s Glory Alone,
Pastor Ray

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Here's how several elementary school students answered the following questions about moms:

Why did God make mothers? • She's the only one who knows where the Scotch tape is. • Mostly to clean the house. • To help us out of there when we were getting born.

How did God make mothers? • He used dirt, just like for the rest of us. • God made my mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.

What ingredients are mothers made of? • God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world. . .and one dab of mean. • They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.

Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom? • We're related. • God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's moms like me.

In an article titled “Mothers of the Faith” the editor of CT magazine writes…

“The vast majority of American Christians were raised in the faith—and most can point to the influence of their moms. In a 2023 study, the American Bible Society found that a majority of believers remain in the same religious tradition as their mothers.
This agrees with a large body of mainstream social science research dating back to the 1970s that says the active faith of mothers is a strong predictor of religious transmission. Some of this may be attributed to the natural bond children have with their mothers. But there is also research that shows that moms take a more active role in faith formation in America.

For every ¬100 Americans raised by Protestant mothers:

99% of Christian teenagers talk about God with their mothers

71% of Christian teenagers read the Bible with their mothers

70% of Christian teenagers pray with their mothers

63% of Christian teenagers say their mothers encourage them to go to church

62% share the same faith tradition as adults

19% have no religion

11% joined another Christian tradition

4% are now Catholic

4% are other”

THANKS, MOMS!

And remember, God is always trying to take us someplace new. I love being your Pastor!

For God’s Glory Alone,

Pastor Ray

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David Roach, in an article titled “After 17 Years in a Chinese Prison, Missionary David Lin Is Free,” writes  about a Christian missionary named David Lin who “walked into a police station in Beijing, believing he was responding to a routine request. He would not walk out again as a free man for nearly two decades. The Chinese government accused him of fraud, tried him in a court that could not acquit him, and sentenced him to life in prison. For seventeen years, David Lin lived behind bars—malnourished, weakened by illness, cut off from his family, stripped of freedom and control.

From the outside, his story looked like pure loss. Years stolen. A wife left to survive alone. A daughter growing up without her father. And yet David Lin refused to interpret his suffering as accidental. He later said, “Without God’s permission, I cannot go to prison. Without God’s permission, I cannot come out.” For Lin, God’s sovereignty was not a doctrine for textbooks—it was the only way to survive a cell.

Inside prison, he prayed daily. When Bibles were taken away, he memorized Scripture. When fellow inmates were desperate, he listened. At one point, he hand-copied portions of the New Testament so others could read God’s Word. Guards noticed that wherever Lin was placed, violence dropped. Prison officials began moving him from cell to cell because his presence changed the atmosphere. Hardened men softened. Some came to faith. Others later led Bible studies themselves.

On the outside, nothing looked like progress. But God was ruling quietly. Laws shifted. Advocates emerged. Prayers accumulated—year after year, unseen. And then, at exactly the right moment David Lin was released in a prisoner exchange and reunited with his family.”

His story serves as a poignant reminder that regardless of our current circumstances, God has a purpose for us. No place is deemed useless by God. While you may not be in a prison right now, you might find yourself in a challenging, unjust, or undesirable situation. Regardless of the circumstances, let it become a place of ministry and learning until God intervenes or delivers you. Remember, every place can be a ministry opportunity!

Prayer Gathering this Wednesday… Remember we will gather in the worship center here at Ridgecrest this Wednesday evening at 6:00 PM for a special community prayer emphasis for The National Day of Prayer. All other activities will be cancelled so that our entire focus can be on praying for our nation. And remember, God is always trying to take us someplace new. I love being your Pastor!

For God’s Glory Alone,

Pastor Ray

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Nathan Guy, in an article for Christianity Today titled, “Some of Christianity’s Biggest Skeptics Are Becoming Vocal Converts” writes…

"Tom Holland did not set out to defend Christianity. As a historian of the ancient Greek and Roman world, Holland assumed that faith was a relic—useful once, perhaps, but now intellectually unnecessary. Then history began to argue back.
 
Immersed in the brutal moral universe of the ancient world, Holland noticed something unsettling: the values he instinctively cherished—human equality, compassion for the weak, dignity for the suffering—were utterly foreign to pagan antiquity. In Rome, power defined worth. Mercy was weakness. The strong ruled; the weak endured.

And yet Holland felt those ancient assumptions were wrong. But why?

The answer, he discovered, was Christianity. The idea that the poor matter, that suffering can be redemptive, that every human life has infinite value—these were not self-evident truths of reason. They were historical consequences of the cross.

In 2016, Holland publicly admitted he had been wrong about Christianity. While he stops short of a traditional conversion narrative, he returned to church and confessed that, morally and imaginatively, he was “thoroughly Christian.” Secular humanism, he realized, was living off borrowed capital—Christian ethics detached from Christian belief.

Holland’s journey reminds us that Jesus does not merely shape private devotion. He reshaped civilization itself. Even those who deny him often reason, hope, and protest injustice using categories he introduced. Sometimes the road to Christ runs not through emotion, but through history—when the evidence becomes too strong to ignore."

Isn’t it ironic that many of those who protest Christian values, who try to marginalize Christianity, who speak out for godless ideas and affirm godless morality do not even realize that were it not for Christianity they would have no such perverse freedoms? Remind them that they can’t do in Iran, Syria, Russia, or China just to name a few, what Christian values have enabled them to freely do in America.

Community Prayer for the Nation… May the 7th is the National Day of Prayer. Ridgecrest has been asked to host a city-wide prayer gathering on Wednesday, May 6th at 6:00 PM in our worship center. Churches from all over the area will gather. As a result, we will have no other events going on that evening and I am asking for the RBC family to be a part of this night of prayer for our city, state, and nation. Let us remember the words of 2 Chronicles 7:14 “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

Let’s be those people knowing that our nation is certainly in need of healing. And remember, God is always trying to take us someplace new. I love being your Pastor!

For God’s Glory Alone,

Pastor Ray

Only God Can Give Soul Peace….

Kyle Zunker shared his testimony in a 2024 issue of Christianity Today… It is a story of anxiety, fear, atheism and redemption:

“Kyle Zunker began suffering terrifying panic attacks in his late teens, which only worsened over time. By 2015, desperate for answers, he underwent an MRI while clinging to anxiety medication and hope. The scan was clear, leaving doctors puzzled and Kyle still searching for relief.

Seven years earlier, Kyle had left home for college. Though raised Christian, his faith was nominal and quickly unraveled. He writes, “I wanted to be the most successful and important person in the world. The more self-oriented my life became, the more I subscribed to intellectual arguments against the existence of God. By my early 20s, I was a staunch atheist.”

As he chased achievement, his health collapsed. His first panic attack at 19 left him desperate and overwhelmed. Anxiety became a constant presence, and he bounced from doctor to doctor, self-medicating to cope. He pinned his hope on passing the bar exam and proposing to his girlfriend, Hannah. When both dreams came true, he was shocked to find no peace: “If those hadn’t brought peace, then what could?”

Before their wedding, Kyle and Hannah often passed Pearl Street Church in San Antonio. Hoping to boost his respectability, he suggested they attend. Expecting to scoff, he was instead moved by a sermon on Genesis 22. Kyle recalls, “God’s instruction to Abraham was not a sadistic test; it prophetically foreshadowed the work of Jesus… God did not require Abraham to pay that price but chose instead to pay it himself.”

Over the next months, he read the New Testament and kept attending church, but anxiety persisted. One sleepless night, exhausted and broken, he finally prayed, “Thy will be done.” He writes, “Everything changed that night. The peace of God… changed my life. It gave me power over anxiety and fear, and my body began to heal as joy and hope replaced depression and despair.””

Our world is full of anxiety producing circumstances of which the devil loves to use as weapons of chaos in our souls. On the other hand, God wants to settle our souls with His supernatural peace. It is a peace that only He can provide to the life that is surrendered to His will. That is why Peter writes… “casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

And it is why Paul tells us “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7)

Paul’s words are a command followed by a result! Are you struggling with anxiety, worry, or fear today? Take it to God in prayer, give it to God to carry, and let His peace guard your heart and mind. And remember, God is always trying to take you someplace new. I love being your Pastor!

For God’s Glory Alone,

Pastor Ray

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Despite living in an age of advanced technology with an increasing confidence in human ability to solve problems, a growing number of people sense that history is moving toward a climactic and catastrophic conclusion. In a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of British Columbia, nearly one-third of Americans and Canadians believe that the world will end in their lifetime.

The study may be shocking to many who are not aware of the Bible’s teaching on these things, but for millions of Christians who have studied prophecy it is understood that history as we know it is indeed ending. The Bible clearly describes a creation event, a divine purpose through events and time (we call that history), and an approaching age that will culminate with Christ’s return and intervention.

The Bible describes that final era as one of global turmoil, wars, famines, and moral chaos. Even for those who do not believe the scriptures, it is hard to ignore how both modern headlines and advanced technology consistently affirm the prophetic teaching of the Bible.

Back to the study… The survey found that 28.9 percent of respondents believe that the world will end during their lifetime. And younger survey participants were more likely to hold that position. Those in the study who believe that the end will come at the hands of humans were also more likely to support drastic government measure to prevent it like enacting permanent martial law, devoting extreme amounts of national wealth, and even a willingness to overthrow existing political systems. On the other hand, Christians who live by the Biblical worldview and believe that the end will be the result of God’s divine redemptive plan were far less likely to support such radical responses.

What does all this mean? For Christians, where history is headed is not an apocalypse brought on through technology, environmental issues, or nuclear war—though these things may all play some part. The real culprit as taught by scripture will be what it has always been: the intensifying of human rebellion, spiritual deception, and global conflict until God steps in.

For secular culture, history’s direction is seen as a total catastrophe environmentally, technologically, and nuclear with no hope beyond. Christians, however, view the end as not the end of civilization but rather the culmination of God’s plan for history that ends with return, redemption, restoration and a renewed heaven and earth. Unfortunately, today many pastors avoid talking about prophecy out of personal ignorance or fear of controversy even though it is one of the most prominent subjects in the scripture. Pastors and Christian leaders must reevaluate the significance of teaching and talking about prophetic matters… it is “Watchman” work!

This is especially true since the secular worldview offers little hope. The survey also reminds us that even in our secular age, many people can’t help but feel that history is headed somewhere and that there is an end ahead. This increasing belief offers the Church an important opportunity to bring meaning to the future for those who do not know Christ: helping them see where history is really headed and helping them personally discover God’s plan of redemption.

And remember, God is always trying to take you someplace new. I love being your Pastor!

For God’s Glory Alone,
Pastor Ray

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Frank Jacobs in an article titled, Mongolia’s Forbidden Zone Is Guarding an 800-Year-Old Secret writes… When you drive north toward Ordos City in China’s Inner Mongolia province, you can’t miss the Mausoleum of Genghis Khan. The massive complex, rebuilt in the 1950s in the traditional Mongol style, houses genuine relics and is an important sanctuary for the shamanic worship of the legendary Mongol leader. But the Khan’s tomb is properly called a cenotaph—a monument to someone buried elsewhere—because it is empty.

While we can be certain his mortal remains are not there, we’re completely uncertain as to where they might be. And that’s odd. In life, he was the most powerful person on Earth. He was the Universal Ruler (“Genghis Khan”) of an empire that would eventually stretch from the Pacific Ocean into Eastern Europe, encompassing large swaths of present-day China, Russia, and the Middle East. Yet his grave is unmarked and remains undiscovered.

This is by design. Despite his exalted status, Genghis Khan retained the frugal, itinerant lifestyle of his youth, and indeed of most Mongols. So, it makes sense that he would want a humble, anonymous burial in his homeland. “Let my body die, but let my nation live,” he is supposed to have said.

In contrast, Jesus said…  “…Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking about the temple of his body. When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.” (John 2:19–22)

Just like He said, Jesus was raised from the dead, and eyewitnesses testified to His resurrection. People like Mary, Simon, John and the disciples as well as more than 500 people as referenced by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.” And Acts 1:3 says, “After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.”

So this Sunday we gather to celebrate the good news of eternal life that is offered to us because Christ is alive and seated at the right hand of God the Father. But listen, the power of the resurrection isn’t just for victory over the grave, it also provides power for you to live your life here and now… And his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms.”  (Ephesians 1:19-20)

But this mighty power is only available to those who have trusted Christ as their Savior. Have you? Would you like resurrected power in your life? Call on Him, put your trust in Him, and be born again to a living hope on this Easter Sunday. And remember, God is always trying to take you someplace new. I love being your Pastor!

Christ is Risen!
Pastor Ray

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How important is blood to life? In his digital work from Amazon, Doctor Horace Smith describes the importance of human blood:

Each drop of human blood contains over 5 million red cells … In an average lifetime, a person's red cells arranged in single file would reach from the earth to the sun and back five times!
Our bodies contain approximately 60,000 miles of blood vessels … Through this delivery system, blood provides everything our cells need to live, and they take away waste that would poison us. At the cellular level, capillaries are so small that they are about the size of a single red blood cell … To connect with all the cells in the body, capillary walls cover an area of about 70,000 square feet … The circulatory system is the epitome of consistency. Every day, the heart beats 100,000 times, and over an average lifespan, this amazing machine beats 2.5 billion times, pumping 60 million gallons of blood. During this time, the heart never takes time off. We can't afford for it to take a break—even a few minutes without blood supply causes severe brain damage or death. Virtually all other cells in the human body are stationary, but blood is mobile tissue, carrying nutrients to every part of the body … protecting us from harm and healing our wounds.

No wonder the Old Testament says that "The life of every creature is its blood" (Lev. 17:14). Today, we understand the significance of this truth even more deeply. There are no cells in the human body that can live without continual contact with life-giving blood. Every type of cell, from the ones that survive only moments to those that live for many years, owes its life to the flow of blood. All three types of cells in human blood—red cells, white cells, and platelets—perform functions that are essential to life.

Sunday, we begin “Holy Week”, celebrating the blood of Christ shed for our sins and culminating in our resurrection celebration next Sunday. Why are these two events so important? It is because the cross and the empty tomb are ever-present reminders of our need for redemption… “Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” (Hebrews 9:22), and our value to God and His love for us… ““For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16).

Because this is true, I hope you will join us for the various Easter celebrations between now and next Sunday. Sunday at 5 PM our choir and orchestra will bring a very powerful message in song titled, Majesty & Glory. On Friday we will gather at 10:30 or 12 noon, your choice, for our annual Good Friday luncheon. On Friday evening at 6:30 our contemporary worship team will present a night of worship. And then of course next Sunday morning we will fill this place for our great Easter celebration at 8:15 and 10:50 AM.

I pray that you will take it all in as we exalt and honor the greatness of our Savior. And remember, God is always trying to take us someplace new. I love being your Pastor!

For God’s Glory Alone,
Pastor Ray

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Joel Halldorf in an article for Christianity Today titled, “Not So Secular Sweden” describes some good news about the “Good News.” Halldorf, a Swedish historian describes a surprising resurgence of faith in Sweden which in the past several decades has been a picture of the secular future. Church attendance had hovered around five percent and belief in God had all but collapsed. Halldorf writes that religion wasn’t angrily rejected—rather, it was gently dismissed.

But things are changing. In recent years, Sweden has seen unexpected signs of change: open conversations about faith at intellectual dinner tables, and most surprising of all—young people showing up in churches. The author continues…

Across the Western world, similar signals are appearing. In Britain, journalists speak of a “quiet revival.” In France, the Catholic Church reports a stunning surge: more than 7,400 teenagers baptized at Easter in 2024. In the United States, Pew Research notes that the long decline of religious affiliation has flattened, especially among younger adults.

Globally, Gen Z is now more religious than their boomer parents—a reversal once thought nearly impossible. Musician Nick Cave observed that a decade ago, talking about God at a dinner table would get you laughed out of the room. Now, he says, people listen. There is “a kind of need” in the air.

Halldorf argues that there’s an erosion of faith in secular progress itself. When reason, technology, and prosperity stopped delivering hope, people didn’t stop longing. They started searching again. And in the Western world that search is becoming visible.

While we often hear pundits and pollsters reporting on the decline and death of faith, new indications, especially among the younger generation, are defying the expectations of the many who have predicted the end of Christian faith as we know it.

And that is especially significant given the fact that we have been told that the “good news” is as good as gone for most Americans… but it’s just not true. According to The Wall Street Journal in an article this past year titled “Are Americans Really Losing Their Religion”… “The biggest story in American religion is the dramatic rise of the “nones”—people who say they are atheist, agnostic or have no particular religious faith. Last year we conducted the largest-ever survey of nones, with 12,000 participants.

One-third of nonreligious people fall into a category we call the “dones,” because they are finished with religion altogether and want nothing to do with it. Then there are the “zealous nones,” because they are evangelical about their unbelief.

But the majority of nonreligious non-Americans have a more complicated attitude toward spirituality. 21% are called “nones in name only”: over half of this group says they pray daily, and a third attend some kind of religious service at least once a year. And 66% say they feel drawn toward spirituality.

The researchers conclude, “The majority of nonreligious Americans do yearn for some kind of connection with a higher power. This suggests that a religious revival is certainly possible in the U.S...” So don’t believe all the misinformation by those who wish to see the demise of religious faith. It’s not happening like they’d hoped. God has always had a people and always will! And remember that God is always trying to take His people someplace new! I love being your Pastor!

For God’s Glory Alone,
Pastor Ray

Image credit: Unsplash

I know you’ve heard about the National Spelling Bee. But have you heard about the National Bible Bee? In terms of memorization and recitation, it makes the National Spelling Bee look like a game of tidily winks.

In an article for the New York Times titled "Memorize Nearly 1,000 Bible Verses? For These Young Christians, It’s Game On.", Ruth Graham, (not to be confused with Billy Graham’s wife) writes…

“Daniel Chew, a 9-year-old from Sugar Land, Texas, memorizes Bible verses. Lots of Bible verses! At the National Bible Bee finals (Nov. 2024) under spotlights on a stage in Orlando, Fla., Daniel smoothly recited 19 verses from the New Testament book of Romans to win the finals for his age group at the 16th annual National Bible Bee.

He was one of about 360 children and teenagers assembled this week for a competition whose slogan is ‘To know God’s Word and make Him known.’

The Bee … demands astonishing feats of memorization that make the televised National Spelling Bee look like a game of tic-tac-toe. Competitors at Daniel’s level memorized more than 570 verses, which they were expected to be able to recite on command.

At the senior level, ages 15 to 18, participants memorize 938 Bible verses, adding up to more than 20,000 words. In some rounds of competition, making even a single error in a long passage — an errant plural or wrong verb tense — leads to elimination.”

It’s really an amazing accomplishment by these young people, and it gives new meaning to the passage that says… “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes! With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.” (Psalm 119:11–16)

Memorizing scripture is not just for the young. Each of us benefit when we hide God’s Word in our heart. So let me suggest a few steps to help you either begin that process or renew the process if you have gotten away from it.

1.Purchase a scripture memory card set if you would like an already organized process… the “Bible Verses Card Deck” available on Amazon.
2.Make your own 3x5 cards with verses you love or desire to learn.
3.Set a consistent time to daily review the verse or verses you are memorizing.
4.Put the verse card on the refrigerator, at your desk, on the mirror, etc. Any place that will keep it in front of you.
5.Don’t worry about the pace. It is better to learn a verse well before moving on to another. It may require a few days or even a few weeks. The important thing is, stay at it.
6.File the verses you learn and periodically pull them out for review.
7.And if you’re not afraid to hear your own voice, speak or sing the verse… it is amazing how well we learn songs, so apply the same repetition to memorization.

Well, what are you waiting for? Get started this week. And remember, God is always trying to take you someplace new. I love being your Pastor!

For God’s Glory Alone,
Pastor Ray

Image credit: Unsplash

Well, not an odd person by the normal definition. Brian Watman, in an article titled, "'Have a Nice Day,' the Conversational Irritant", posted in The Boston Globe wrote… “A psychological counselor reported an “ODD” experience with a client. The therapist had tentatively diagnosed the patient with ODD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder. You probably don’t have a psych dictionary on your apps, so here’s the Google definition of O.D.D., “A behavioral condition characterized by a persistent pattern of angry, irritable mood, argumentative and defiant behavior, or vindictiveness.”

At the end of the counseling session, the therapist had said innocently, “Have a good day.” The client responded angrily, “Don’t tell me what to do!!” That was the moment the therapist nailed the diagnosis!”

You may not have experienced an “O.D.D.” person, but we all may deal with a difficult or draining person from time to time, and of course, we’ve never been difficult or draining, right?

Paul writes to the Colossians reminding them that there was a time in their lives before they knew Christ when they walked in the ways of the world which are at odds with the ways of God. He reminded them and us that even in Christ we can drift back into the odd ways of our old life.

There is a lot of stress out there! And apart from the Lordship of Christ, it can squeeze us and capture our hearts and minds and cause to revert to the odd ways of the old life. It can make us defiant, angry, and irritable, among other things. I wonder, have you allowed the rebellion, defiance, and nature of the world to capture your heart and mind?

If so, take the counsel of the apostle Paul to the Colossians… “But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” (Colossians 3:8–10) This is more than a suggestion; it’s a command to counter the ever-present war with our old nature.

Notice Paul says to “put” old things off, and “put” new things on. It is the idea of changing your wardrobe. And implied is the fact that you can do it, and you must do it as a follower of Christ. But he doesn’t stop there, he goes on to tell us what to put on in verses 12-17… “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

So, if you’ve been feeling a little ODD lately, counter it by renewing your spiritual wardrobe and allow Jesus to be Lord of your life. And remember God is always trying to take you someplace new. I love being your Pastor!

For God’s Glory Alone,
Pastor Ray

Image credit: Unsplash

After the fall of the Syrian regime in December 2024, CNN reporter Clarissa Ward was led deep into a Syrian prison where the Assad regime imprisoned, tortured, and killed thousands of people. This particular prison held men condemned to death, usually for reasons they knew nothing about.

Ward and her guides came upon one locked cell with what looked like a pile of blankets against the wall. When the soldier carefully poked at it, a man emerged, frightened, hands in the air.

“You’re ok. You’re ok.” Ward tells him over and over as he grips her arm tightly with both hands. They start to walk outside.

The soldier says, “Thank God you are safe. You are free.” The man says he’d been in this, his third prison, for three months. His captors had fled four days before, leaving him without food or water.

Then they lead him outside. The reporter says, “After three months in a windowless cell he can finally see the sky.” “O God, the light,” he says, “O God, there is light! O God, there is light!”

A rebel fighter says, “There’s no more army, no more prisons, no more checkpoints.” The astonished man says, “Are you serious?” A paramedic came and another man who says, “You are safe. Everything you are afraid of is gone!

And that is what God has done for us! From slavery and bondage and from condemnation to death and hell. He delivered us. He set us free. And as Jesus said in John 8:36, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

There are many fearful things in this world, especially the fear of death. But we do not need to live as captive to these things. We no longer need to live under the control of fear because Jesus has overcome the grave. John put it this way in Revelation 1:17-18… “When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.”

Did you get that? Our savior holds the “keys of death and hades.” That means He is in control of life, death, and eternity! We were once captives to sin, and we were once condemned to death. But in Christ our shackles were unlocked, and our freedom was purchased… and everything you are afraid of is gone. Put your trust in Him today, give your fears to Him today, and renew your faith in Him today.

And remember that God is always trying to take you someplace new. I love being your Pastor!

For God’s Glory Alone,


Pastor Ray

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I love books! I’ve been a reader since I was a 10-year-old boy. That’s why I love to encourage others to read. Reading will inspire you; it will instruct you, and it will inform you. The fact is, not all readers are leaders, but you can be sure that all leaders are readers. In fact, a good leader will generally read between 2-3 books a month. Maybe you are not there, but if you want to keep growing why not make a goal of reading at least one book a month this year. So, with that in mind, I thought I would suggest some of my recent favorite books, in no particular order, for you to pursue in the months ahead.

The Bible should be at the top of your list… reading just 4 chapters a day will enable you to read the entire Bible in one year. (reading plans are available on our website)

Jim Cymbala’s FRESH WIND, FRESH FIRE.

R.T. Kendall’s DOUBLE ANOINTING. Kendall is one of my all-time favorite authors. He is very good at applying Biblica truth to practical Christian living.

R.T. Kendall’s THE PRESENCE OF GOD.  

Erwin Lutzer’s THE ECLIPSE OF GOD. Anything by Lutzer is worth reading. He is another of my favorite authors.

Ron Dunn’s SURVIVING FRIENDLY FIRE. Dunn was one of my favorite bible teachers.

David Barton’s THE AMERICAN STORY. This comes in two volumes—“The Beginnings” and “Building the Republic.”

Andy Andrews' THE SEVEN DECISIONS.

Tom Elliff’s A PASSION FOR PRAYER.

Os Guinness’ OUR CIVILIZATIONAL MOMENT.

Joe Rigney’s THE SIN OF EMPATHY.

Michael Youssef’s NEVER GIVE UP.

In addition to these, read a biography or two of great Christians to discover what made them great. Read thematically and categorically in areas like holiness, history (secular and Christian), relationship building, leadership, cultural analysis, and theology among others. Also, read a few trusted news sources to stay aware of what’s going on around you. I regularly read the Wall Street Journal, World Magazine, The Washington Examiner, and The Epoch Times, along with trusted web sources like the “Christianpost.com”, “foxnews.com”, and “WND.com” among others.

Here’s a revelation…If you do not read, you will never love reading. Reading is a discipline for growing Christians. I read multiple books at a time in different categories, that is my own system. Doesn’t mean it has to be yours. Find your own reading plan, just read! And remember, God is always trying to take you someplace new. I love being your Pastor!

For God’s Glory Alone,
Pastor Ray

Image credit: Unsplash