The unfathomable mystery of God is that God is a lover who wants to be loved – Henri Nouwen
What follows is an excerpt of something I wrote…
Pastor Avery continued, “what if God is bound by not tampering with human free will yet doing everything possible to love humanity into choosing goodness which is a result of having a relationship with God.
We choose (free will) to have faith in a God that yearns for an intimate relationship in the present and future to come, that shows up in creation.” Pastor Avery eyes lifted toward the cloudless sky as geese flying in formation passed by. “Within us (Holy Spirit) and in others (Godly people). God is all around us, isn’t that true love?”
With that both Avery and Pat sat very still hearing the rustling wind in the trees, watching several leaves take flight and dance nimbly on their journey earthward spinning and turning eventually coming to rest on the green grass still wet with dew on a beautiful fall morning. Pat imaged God as the tree, wind, and grass. The leaf was Pat, whether on the tree, in the wind or on the ground. God was with (and for) Pat and Pat was free to choose for God. God is a lover who wants to be loved.
If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31
God is for you in 2026 – are you for (loving) God?
Happy New Year, Pastor Michael
- New Year’s Day, January 1
- Epiphany, January 6
- Baptism of the Lord, January 11
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 19
A Purposeful New Year
The man who goes into the new year without some priorities governing his life and without some principles guiding his behavior, is prey to the tempting, unimportant and destructive things in life.
The new year is an opportunity to sort out the useless tasks and plan for the important; to review the failures and resolve to be successful; to take an inventory of causes and pledge life to purpose and service. These being done, the new will truly be new, different and better. — C. Neil Strait
Scripture Keys to a Wonderful New Year
H old fast to your faith (Hebrews 4:14)
A ssemble with the saints (Hebrews 10:25)
P ray earnestly every day (1 Thessalonians 5:17, 18)
P ray for great blessings (Malachi 3:10)
Y ield not to temptation (1 Thessalonians 5:22)
N eglect not your talents and opportunities (Galatians 6:10)
E xamine yourself daily (2 Corinthians 13:5)
W ork diligently for the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58)
Y ield your members to righteousness (Romans 6:11,16)
E xercise yourself in godliness (1 Timothy 4:7)
A im at sinless perfection (Hebrews 6:1)
R edeem the time (Ephesians 5:15, 16)
— Gus Nichols
The Foundation of Our Faith
Jesus’ resurrection is the very foundation of Christianity. If Christ had never been raised from the dead, we’d have no Christian faith.
God’s power was at work in Christ’s death and resurrection. “It was on the resurrection fact that the church was built,” said New Testament scholar James Stewart.
Paul understood that the resurrection was the bedrock of our faith: “And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:14, ESV). He continued, “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17, ESV).
The resurrection proves that Jesus is Lord and Savior. Its authenticity means that by faith in Christ, we are reconciled with God.
Billy Graham said the risen Christ is the bridge between us and God: “One of Christ’s hands holds the hand of God; his other hand holds ours.”
Precious Lord Take My Hand
Thomas Dorsey, a jazz musician from Atlanta, made a bold decision in 1926 to leave behind secular music and devote his talent to writing songs for the Lord. But following that call wasn’t easy. During the Great Depression, many church leaders criticized his soulful gospel style, calling it “the devil’s music.” Dorsey later joked, “I got kicked out of some of the best churches in the land.”
Then, in 1932, tragedy struck. While in St. Louis for a revival, he received a telegram that his wife had died suddenly during childbirth. His faith was shaken to the core, and grief nearly silenced him. Yet in his deepest sorrow, Dorsey turned back to what he knew best — music. Out of that heartbreak came one of the most beloved hymns of all time:
“Precious Lord, take my hand,
Lead me on, let me stand.
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn…”
Dorsey’s song reminds us that even in our valleys, God is near — guiding us, strengthening us, and using our pain to comfort others who walk the same road.
Faith in Action
A Christian is someone who makes it easier for others to believe in God — not through perfection, but through kindness, grace and love in everyday life. When people see Christ’s compassion in us, they’re drawn closer to Him.
