Walking By Faith

Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” – John 20:27

We live in a world that is full of doubt and unbelief; a world that needs proof before we will believe. In our world we live by sight not by faith. Thomas was a man from our world, not wanting to believe in the resurrection until he could actually see and touch the living Jesus.

How much are we like Thomas? Do our doubts arise when we don’t see God at work? Does our unbelief increase when we can’t see how God is answering our prayers? Following Christ is not about following by sight, but following by faith. Jesus calls us not to believe in him because of what we have seen, but to believe in him because God has given us the faith to believe what we have not seen. This is true faith and true faith leaves very little room for doubt and unbelief.

Prayer: Thank you God for the faith that you have placed within me. Help me to walk by faith and not by sight, so that my faith in you will grow every day. Amen.

Faith Tip: Are you waiting on a sign from God in order to believe? If so then stop waiting and walk by faith and fully trust and believe in God.

Written by Pastor Aaron

Resurrection Peace

While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” – Luke 24:36

It is interesting that the message that Jesus brings to his disciples after his resurrection is one of peace. It is not exactly the message one would expect from a person who has just suffered an excruciating death, descended into the depths of hell and then brought back to life again. We would expect maybe an account of what he just experienced, what he saw, what he felt, yet Jesus says to them, “Peace be with you.”

The message of the resurrection is peace. Jesus was raised again so that we could have peace in our life. Do you have peace or are you troubled by worries, doubts and fears? If you need peace in your life look to the Risen Lord. Remember that he has not only conquered death, but he is working in your life right now to conquer those things that bring you fear, worry and trouble. Jesus’ message to you today is, “Peace be with you.”

Prayer: I thank you God, that I can proclaim, “I serve a risen Savior. He is in the world today!” Help me in my unbelief so that I may believe those words deep in my heart and soul, so that I may experience the peace of the resurrection. Amen.

Faith Tip: Take some time to search your heart and mind today and see if there is anything that is causing you to worry, doubt or fear and then give that to God and take hold of His peace that passes all understanding.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

Lies That Blind Us to The Truth

While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’” – Matthew 28:11-13

When I read this story I am amazed. Here the Jewish chief priests and elders are presented with a truthful account of the resurrection from unbiased first-hand witnesses and they still won’t believe. Instead they are so set on getting there own way that they are blinded to the truth and make up lies to explain the truth away.

When God’s ways do not align with our ways we can often fall into the same trap. People will often explain away God’s blessings as just coincidences, or God’s creation as random chaos or God’s healing as the miracle of modern medicine. Random chance, luck, and coincidences are all just lies from the deceiver to try to make us believe that God doesn’t exist. Do not be blinded by lies, but believe in the truth of God.

Prayer: Lord, open my eyes that I may see glimpses of truth thou hast for me, so that I may stop believing in the lies of the deceiver. Amen.

Faith Tip: Jesus is risen! He is alive! The message of Easter still rings true and gives us reason to believe in God’s truth. What lies are you making up or believing in that is keeping you from the truth of God?

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

Easter Celebration

Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” – Luke 24:31-32

Yesterday was a wonderful time of worship as we celebrated the resurrection. The worship began with triumphant Easter hymns, led by piano, organ and brass. Followed by the Easter choir and praise songs by the band. We opened God’s word and heard an Easter message which was followed by welcoming eight new members into the church through professions of their faith in Jesus Christ and three baptisms. We were then sent forth singing “My Redeemer Lives!”

The Easter service was a joyful experience and we could certainly feel the presence of the Lord in that place. I have a feeling that I know how the disciples felt when their eyes were opened and they realized that Jesus was alive! Their hearts were burning and certainly our hearts were also burning as we celebrated the fact that our Redeemer lives!

Prayer: Thank you Lord for the resurrection. Thank you for the wonderful worship that we experienced yesterday to celebrate Easter. We pray for those who made profession of faith and for the three who were baptized. May you continue to draw all of closer to you. Amen.

Faith Tip: Although Easter is over, every day we can celebrate that Jesus Christ is risen! Keep the joy of Easter burning within you heart.

Blood Drive

“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” - Romans 1:20

Yesterday at our church the American Red Cross was set up to take blood donations throughout the day. This blood would be used to save lives. It’s a process that has been done for many years and there is no doubt that it has helped many people.

The blood of Jesus was given willingly to save lives. It flowed from his body which hung on the cross after being brutalized. Hours before, Jesus offered the cup to his disciples to whom he said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” It is clear that the blood of Jesus had the power to clean our sins away. Do not allow the world to confuse you in this fact, but stand strong in the victory.

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for the great sacrifice you made for me. I cannot imagine all that you went through for me. You are my all in all. Amen

Faith Tip: With Jesus, you are clean. Believe that today and live it out.

Written by Kathy Bruins

Jesus Holds on Tight

“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” - John 10:28-30

My dog, Charlie, loves to play a game with people where he will take a toy or a bone and come close to them giving the impression he wants them to have it. As soon as a person reaches for it, Charlie snaps his head away and prances around with his victory of holding on to the object. He does this with unsuspecting people at the dog park when he brings his Frisbee to them. They say, “Oh, how cute. He wants me to throw the Frisbee.” They soon find out it’s a different game he wants to play.

The victory is in Jesus who will allow nothing or no one to snatch us from his hand. Satan wants to play the game of temptation. If we allow Satan to grab us in temptation, there will be consequences in our life. However, when we are saved by the blood of the Lamb, there is no way Satan can take us from that—nothing will separate us from God.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the promise that we have total security in you. I pray that I live in the victory of being in your hand and not in Satan’s. Amen

Faith Tip: Don’t allow any temptation to overtake you today. God always provides a way out (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Written by Kathy Bruins

Taking the stinger out of death

Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. - 1 Corinthians 15:55-57

When reading a good story, it will build up to a climax where action and answers come together. Our emotions ride along on this uphill climb to the thrill of reaching the summit of the tale. A good storyteller will make sure that the message they are trying to convey to the reader or listener is clear as well as worth their time to read it.

That’s kind of the way it is with Holy Week. We hear and read about the miracles of Jesus, his acts of love and compassion to people, and the troubling words he says regarding his death and resurrection. The disciples are trying to understand, but are still struggling with the thought that Jesus was going to die. Many may think the crucifixion is the climax of the story, but it actually is the resurrection.

It is through the resurrection that God acted on man’s behalf. The stone was rolled away and the Spirit that raised Jesus from the grave is the same Spirit that will raise us into the presence of God. Sin was defeated. Victory is ours! Praise God!

The message is clear. Jesus is the way to take the sting out of death. The Great Author has made his message clear. It is truly worth taking the time to read.

Prayer: Lord, thank you so much for the great sacrifice you made to save me. I pray that I will relive the Easter story throughout the year and walk in your victory over sin. Amen

Faith Tip: Take time today to read this wonderful story and live in victory knowing that the stinger was taken out of death.

Written by Kathy Bruins

Holy Week Discovery

“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” - Romans 10:9-10


This Holy Week allows us to discover what we believe in our heart about God. What we believe forms the words of our mouth to speak. We do this not only in direct statements of our belief but also in our interactions with one another. Do we speak with the joy of the Lord in our heart, or do we speak as a nonbeliever?

This week, find opportunities to engage in the last days of Jesus through reading his word, praying, going to a Maundy Thursday or a Good Friday service. Walking through the Stations of the Cross may also allow you to ponder Jesus’ last week. You could also watch a movie like The Passion. Discover anew what it is that you truly believe and live that out all the days of your life.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank you for Jesus. I pray that Easter will not come and go without a change in me. Thank you for the victory of your son. Amen

Faith Tip: As you search and discover this week, begin in prayer.

Written by Kathy Bruins

Denying Christ

“Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times.” But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the others said the same. – Mark 14:29-31

As I read this scripture I can imagine Peter’s self-confident expression as he emphatically insists that he would never do such a terrible thing as deny his teacher, Lord and friend. I can also imagine the agreeing head-nodding coming from all the other disciples as they too agree that they would never dream of doing such a thing. It is easy for me to imagine, because I know that if I had been there, I would have done the same thing. “Deny Christ? Never!” I would exclaim. But, although I might exclaim it, like Peter and the rest of the disciples, deep down in my heart I know that on a daily basis I deny Christ in my thoughts, words and deeds.

Lent is a time for us to recognize those times when we have denied Christ in our lives. When we recognize that we are sinners, pride is replaced with humility, and self-reliance is exchanged with a trust in God. Recognition of our denial of Christ also brings us to the same place that Peter found himself, at the foot of the cross. It is at the foot of the cross where we must realize that although we have denied Christ, Christ never denied us. It is at the foot of the cross where we lay down our burdens, lay down our sins, accept God’s forgiveness and are made new again!

Prayer: Forgive me Lord for the times when I deny you in my life. Thank you that although I am unfaithful to you in my sinfulness, you remain faithful to me. Help me in my sinfulness to turn away from those things that deny you and draw me closer to the cross. Amen.

Faith Tip: Go to the foot of the cross today. Confess and repent of the many times that you have denied Jesus and accept God’s forgiveness.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

Prince of This World

I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me, but he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me. – John 14:30-31

When I read the creation story, I often wonder why God allowed Satan to enter the Garden of Eden. And when I read the book of Job, I wonder why God allowed Satan to cause so much suffering. Certainly, God could have prohibited Satan from coming anywhere near Adam and Eve and Job. As Jesus is preparing his disciples for his death, he provides a clue to Satan’s presence in this world.

Jesus’ words confirm the fact that Satan has no power over God and if God had wanted to he could have kept Satan from the garden and out of Job's life. But Jesus says that God allows Satan to come into the world for our own benefit. Sin for our benefit is a hard concept to accept and understand. But that is what Jesus says. God allowed Satan to come into the world so that we might learn.

And what is it that we learn through sin? We learn of God’s love, grace, mercy and forgiveness. We would not truly understand how deep the Father’s love for us without sin and we would never understand how amazing God’s grace is unless we realize how lost we truly are. Without sin we would never understand the importance and significance of Christ’s death on the cross.

Prayer: Lord, your ways are not my ways and sometimes it is difficult for me to see how my sinfulness brings me to a deeper understanding of your love. Forgive me when I allow sin to take me away from you, help me to draw closer to you so that I may be cleansed of my sins in the blood of Christ. Amen.

Faith Tip: Take an inventory of the sin in your life. Where is sin drawing you away from God? Use that inventory to become aware of your own sinfulness, repent, and experience the grace of love of God.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

Too Good NOT to Be True

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. – John 14:26-28

We have all heard the phrase, “It’s too good to be true.” An advertisement advertising a very low price, a sales pitch offering a deal that can’t be refused, a promise made that sounds so wonderful that you doubt it will ever be kept or a gift received as you look for any strings attached that might be used to yank it right back out of your hands. I am sure we have all had experiences where we have been burned in some way or another. So we become leery, guarded, mistrustful, and full of doubt when something sounds “too good to be true.”

The disciples, like us had these same experiences, so Jesus at the Last Supper eased their doubts and fears by telling them, “I do not give to you as the world gives.” These are comforting words to us as well. Much of our doubts and fears spring forth from wondering if God’s promises are true. And so we ask ourselves questions like, “Can God forgive me?”, “Will I go to heaven?”, “Does God really love me?” To those who follow Jesus, the answer is a resounding, “Yes!” The Lord does not give us forgiveness and then take it away. Jesus did not go to the cross for our salvation only to later take it back. God doesn’t offer his love only to snatch it out of our hands. Therefore, we do not need to let our hearts be troubled or be afraid, because God’s promises are too good NOT to be true!

Prayer: Thank you Lord for your sure and certain promises. Help me to remember that you do not give as the world gives. Keep me from my doubts and fear, by trusting in your promises. Amen

Faith Tip: Is there an area in your faith where you have doubts or fears? If so remember God’s promises and be assured that his promises are always true and will never be taken away.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

Remembering Christ's Sufferings

But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. – 1 Peter 4:13

Yesterday’s devotion reminded us of the new life that we have in Christ, but with that promise of life we must remember that as believers we also share in Christ’s death. Lent is a time to remind us that we participate in Christ’s sufferings.

You might wonder why we should dwell on Christ’s sufferings at all when the resurrection has already happened; when we can now proclaim that Christ is risen and he is alive! We can and we do proclaim this on Easter, but without Lent we would be celebrating the resurrection without remembering the cross. And without the cross the resurrection would lose its meaning; there would be no reason for an Easter celebration.

Lent is a time to help us participate in the sufferings of Christ. It is in Lent when we are reminded that we are sinners. That is why many Christians during Lent participate in some act of suffering by giving up something for Lent, participating in a time of fasting, a time of repentance or meditation on sin and weakness. When we use the time during Lent to remember the suffering that Christ endured and remember that we share these suffering with Christ, it provides greater significance to our celebration of Easter and makes it all that more special.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for the resurrection and the promise of life, but help me to also remember the cross. Help me to remember the sufferings that Christ endured and that I participate in also, so that I can truly celebrate the meaning of Easter. Amen.

Faith Tip: During the Lenten season do something that will help you participate in the sufferings of Christ. Give up something for a time, participate in the Holy Week services and activities at church, take time to fast or meditate. You will find that it will provide greater significance to your Easter celebration.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

The Promise of Life

Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. – John 14:19

The summer-like temperatures yesterday seemed to usher in the long-awaited arrival of spring. There are also many other signs providing clues to the presence of spring. The grass is green, the daffodils and tulips are beginning to peak through the ground and the bluebirds outside my window are sitting on their nest waiting for their eggs to hatch. Spring is a wonderful celebration of new life.

As Jesus prepared his disciples at the Last Supper he comforted them with the promise of life. In the shadow of death Jesus promised new life; a new life that would not only be for Jesus, but for all those who believed in him. Because of the resurrection of Jesus we have be given the promise of life!

As we prepare for the coming of Easter, God provides us with little reminders in his creation of this promise of life that we have in our risen Savior. So the next time you step outside, take time to notice the new life around you and thank God for the new life you have in Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for the promise of new life in the resurrection. Help me to prepare my heart, mind and soul in this season of Lent for the coming of Easter. Open my eyes to the wonderful signs of new life in your creation. Amen.

Faith Tip: Take a walk outside and enjoy the signs of spring and thank the Lord for the miracle of new life and the miracle of Christ’s resurrection.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

Trusting Like a Child

Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.” – Luke 9:48

Who is the greatest person we can think of in our time? Ideas such as a political figure, entertainer, or someone who has greatly given of themselves may come to mind. Would we even consider answering a small child? I think we would be as dumbfounded as the disciples were when Jesus presented a child as the greatest.

The difference is the way we think of greatness. We think of achievements that can only be done with the growing of our human experience. Jesus is thinking about faith. One thought pattern focuses on what we do and the other on what God does. God is the author of faith. If we look to God believing as a child would, no matter what the world tells us, our faith would grow and expand. Children have a capacity to believe in something strongly that adults seem to lose as they grow older. We want proof. God wants us to regain that child-like faith in him and trust.

Prayer: I believe you, Lord, when I read that you will always be with me and never forsake me. When the world tells me I am not worth it, I pray that I can trust you and stand firm against the world’s message. Amen

Faith Tip: Regain the wonderment children have and explore God. The truths you find are treasure to your soul.

Written by Kathy Bruins

Who is he?

Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say I am?”

They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life.”

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

Peter answered, “God’s Messiah.” – Luke 9:18-20

God was always out there somewhere in Lisa’s life. She knew when struggles came, she was to pray and hope for the best. She daily lived her days working full time and caring for her two school-aged children. Life was busy, but she got by.

At church, the pastor was reading the Scripture where Jesus was asking the disciples who they thought he was. The message the pastor gave showed the importance of knowing who Jesus is to us. So as a response, they passed out pieces of paper to the congregation for them to write down who Jesus was to them. Lisa stared at the blank piece of paper, and then stuck it into her purse.

We know who people are to us in the relationships we experience. Mother, father, friend, mentor, coworker, son, daughter, confidant, and more are some of the people we interact with in life. We relate to them according to the role they play in our life. What role does Jesus have in our life?

Prayer: I praise you, Lord, for the role you have in my life. I pray that our relationship grows stronger each day as you journey with me through life. Amen

Faith Tip: Determine the role Jesus has in your life. Is there a need for change?

Written by Kathy Bruins

Packing for the Day

When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He told them: “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt.” – Luke 9:1-3

Packing a suitcase is an art. Not only do we want everything to remain unwrinkled, but we would like to make sure we have everything we will need—without over packing. The “what if” questions start popping up in our mind. What if it rains and I’m stuck inside? Maybe I should bring books or needlework. What if we go to a fancy restaurant or theatre? I better make sure I have the right dress and shoes for that. The list continues and before we know it, we are dragging another suitcase out to fill.

God calls us to depend on him for all things. Yes, be prepared as led, but also be dependent on God for the unexpected, for he will provide. Can you imagine their first thoughts when Jesus sent the disciples out empowered with his authority and then telling them to take nothing on their trip? He gave them what they most needed, and wanted them to look to him for the rest. What do we most need today? Is it for the kingdom? What will God provide? Each day is full of opportunities for God to show his provision to you.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the great way that you take care of me. I pray that I can realize what I truly need for each day and depend on you for the rest. Amen

Faith Tip: Think about your basic needs for today and see how God has provided for them and for the unexpected times.

Written by Kathy Bruins

Lift Up Your Face

As she kept on praying to the LORD, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk and said to her, “How long are you going to stay drunk? Put away your wine.”

“Not so, my lord,” Hannah replied, “I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the LORD. Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief.”

Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.”

She said, “May your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast. – 1 Samuel 1:12-18

Have you ever had that experience of praying and fully trusting God with the answer? It is truly uplifting. You can be free from the burden of your request because God always answers prayer…always. Perhaps not the way we would like at times, but trusting God that his answer is the best.

The next time you pray about something that is heavy on your heart, be encouraged by remembering the promises of God’s love for you. Find a favorite verse and memorize it so that it will always be with you when you need it.

Prayer: Our Father, I do thank you for prayer. It is such a wonderful gift and forgive me when I take it for granted. I trust you with the answers to my prayers. Amen

Faith Tip: Pray and trust God. Lift up your eyes to the mountains where your help will come from (Psalm 121).



Written by Kathy Bruins

Healthy Choice

“A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up. Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.”
“The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.” – Luke 8:5-8, 14

The pastor preached about not being anxious, but he obviously has no concept of reality, Shana thought to herself as she sat in the pew. As the pastor continued to share God’s good news, Shana’s thoughts were elsewhere. The car needed new brakes. How was she going to pay for that? Her final exams were next week, too. Not to mention that the hours at her job were changing. Her stomach tightened as she wondered how she was going to do all this.

If we refuse to listen to what God has to say, we will not be empowered by his Spirit to follow Jesus in obedience and know that we will be provided for. Fully holding on to God’s promises takes an intentional choice by us. Either we believe or we don’t. We can’t half believe for that is really no belief at all. If we believe, we can mature in our spiritual journey, if we don’t, we are stuck where we are—we are choked. Living free and in abundance of what God has for us can be achieved…just watch the Master.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your promises. I pray that I will not lose my focus and look to the world rather than look to you who owns everything. Amen

Faith Tip: Is there an area in your life where you are not believing God and trusting him? Consider who is better at handling this, you or God.

Written by Kathy Bruins

Hope in Suffering

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. – Acts 8:28 This week our daily devotions have focused on suffering. Suffering is something that we don’t like to experience or even think about, but we can be assured that in the midst of suffering God is working to make our trials and troubles into something good. This might be difficult for us believe, especially when we are in the midst of our trials. However, when we look at Scripture we see it happening time and time again. Moses was a murderer hiding in the desert when God called him to be the leader of his people. The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for forty years before entering the land flowing with milk and honey. Jonah sat in the belly of a large fish, thinking he was going to die, when God used him to preach the message of repentance to the people of Nineveh. Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into prison only to be released by an earthquake and used by God to baptize their Roman jailer and his family. Jesus was beaten, mocked and crucified dying a horrible death on the cross only to be resurrected three days later to defeat death and bring the gift of eternal life! When we are in the midst of suffering, it is difficult to see how God is working to bring about good. But as the scripture tells us, when he love the Lord and put our trust in him, when can know beyond any doubt, that God will turn our mourning into dancing. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. We might not see it today, or as soon as we would like, but it is there to give us that glimmer of hope. It is that hope that carries us through our suffering. Prayer: Thank you God that you are a good God and that you work all things out for good. Help me to hold on to this promise, especially when I am in the midst of trials. Help me to love you and trust in you at all times. Amen. Faith Tip: Do you know someone today who is suffering? How might you be used by God in their life to bring them a glimmer of hope? Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson