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From the Pastor's heart . . .

Embracing the Holy Spirit

 As we reflect on Augustine's profound truth that "the heart is restless until it finds its rest in God," we recognize the deep spiritual emptiness that many feel in our fast-paced world.  It is only in a relationship with our Creator that we can find true satisfaction and fulfillment.

The Holy Spirit desires to take up residence in your life, filling you with His grace, mercy, and goodness.  Embrace the divine presence, for it is through the Spirit that our hearts are transformed and our emptiness is filled.  As we enter this season, let us take the time to address our own spiritual emptiness.  It's essential to fill our hearts with God's love, grace, and truth so that we can pour into the lives of others.



By nurturing our relationship with Christ, we equip ourselves to serve and uplift those around us.  Let's commit to seeking His presence, allowing His Spirit to fill us, and then sharing that abundance with our community.  May you seek the Lord with all your heart and discover the profound peace that comes from resting in His love.  May this season be one of deep renewal and generous outpouring.

What does it mean to be a Christian?

To be a Christian means to accept the transformative work of salvation through Jesus Christ. Salvation is not just a ticket to heaven but a radical change in who we are and how we live. Through faith in Jesus, we are made new—our sins forgiven, our hearts transformed, and our purpose redefined. This inward change begins to manifest outwardly, as we grow in love, humility, and service. The power of the gospel is not only for our personal redemption but also equips us to become agents of change in the world around us. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to live out Christ's love, bringing hope and healing to a broken world.



To be the hands and feet of Jesus means to follow His example of selfless service and compassion. In Luke 4:18, Jesus declares that He has come "to proclaim good news to the poor... to proclaim freedom for the prisoners... and recovery of sight for the blind." These words reflect His mission to heal not only physical ailments but also spiritual blindness, oppression, and despair. As Christians, we are called to continue this mission by ministering to those in need, whether that’s offering physical help, emotional support, or pointing others to the hope of the gospel. Being the hands and feet of Jesus requires us to step out of our comfort zones, serve sacrificially, and make God's love tangible in a world that desperately needs it.

The Hands of Jesus

Christ has no hands, but our hands, to do His work on earth.

Christ is depending on us to do the very things which He did while upon earth.

If the gospel we preach does not have a social application, if it will not work effectively in the work-a-day world, then it is not the Gospel of Christ.

Billy Graham - The Hands of Jesus, June 29 Daily Devotion - Missions and Service

Make Room for Him

I am choosing to make space in my life for God’s work by releasing the burdens I’ve carried for so long. These worries, fears, and self-imposed expectations have weighed heavily on my heart, and I realize now that they have taken up room that could be filled by God’s peace and guidance. By laying down these burdens, I surrender control, acknowledging that I am not meant to carry everything on my own. I trust that God’s strength will support me, and in that trust, I find freedom and relief.

Beyond my personal burdens, I am also letting go of traditions and routines that may have once given structure to my faith but now feel like restrictions. While these practices have been meaningful, I don’t want them to become obstacles to experiencing the fullness of a living relationship with God. It’s easy to get comfortable in routine, but I believe that true faith often invites us to step outside of our familiar patterns and embrace the unexpected. In setting aside these traditions, I am creating space for God to work in ways that are fresh, new, and deeply personal.

Finally, I recognize that sometimes, even religion can create boundaries around how I view and experience God. By loosening my grip on fixed ideas of what faith should look like, I allow God to reveal Himself to me in His own way. I want my heart to be open, free of preconceived notions, and ready to receive His love and direction. In making this room for Him, I am inviting transformation, trusting that God’s plans are far greater than my own, and believing that He will lead me into a deeper, more authentic relationship with Him.

Still have a question?

Feel free to reach out to Pastor Max.