Pastor’s Message August 6, 2026
About a month ago, my mom in Virginia called me and asked, “Why don’t you call me as often as you used to?” I tried to recall how long it had been since our last call. It had been about a month. Around the time the World Cup started, I called her to remind her to watch a game, but then I forgot to call her again. She simply wondered if we were doing well. The next week, I called her to check on her, and she thanked me for calling her, as if she were thanking her pastor.
We often discuss significant events to strengthen our relationship, such as charming occasions. However, changes in our daily lives are often driven by small acts of care we show to ourselves and others. What are some small things you can do to help yourself and those around you?
Growing up in church, I used to listen and sing hymns during worship since I was young. One hymn that stands out to me is “Sweet Hour of Prayer” from the United Methodist Hymnal 496. It says, “Sweet hour of prayer! That calls me from a world of care, and bids me at my Father’s throne make all my wants and wishes known. In seasons of distress and grief, my soul has often found relief, and oft escaped the tempter’s snare by thy return, sweet hour of prayer!”
Even small things, like a quick prayer, can help us and remind us of the One who blesses us. So, why don’t you say it now?
When we acknowledge our limitations with just “two loaves of bread and two fish,” Jesus says to us, “you have everything you need.” With God, all things are possible. In Christ, we have discovered a new hope that transforms our lives and brings us closer to the divine.
Pastor’s Message July 30, 2026
A few years back, someone approached me after worship to share his thoughts on my sermon. I had been talking about anger management, and it can mess our lives. He told me that it felt like I had just preached it for him that Sunday. It was wonderful to hear that God had touched his heart through me that day. You never know how God might use us to reach people.
I came across a story last week about a woman. There was this old man in her town who had a special habit. He would wander the streets of the town, and whenever he saw a child, he’d stop and give a picture of Christ to them. It’s an image of Jesus with a flock of sheep. The back of the picture has “Psalm 23” written in a shaky hand. Even after 40 years, she still has the picture.
In his own unique way, he was gently planting seeds of faith in the children on his street. She shared his dedication helped build a foundation for her own faith.
Isn’t it amazing how giving a child a picture of Jesus can lead them to faith? It’s like a tiny seed growing into a big shrub! Often, great good comes from small, seemingly unimportant beginnings.
We’re surrounded with joy, happiness and love, but most people have no idea. Today, let’s focus on the small acts we can do to nurture them, so we can witness the kingdom of heaven unfolding.
God is always with us. The Spirit created the church on Pentecost, and the same Spirit is shaping our lives each day. The Spirit gives us strength when we’re weak and reminds us that nothing can keep us from God’s love, which is ours through Christ Jesus.
Pastor’s Message July 23, 2026
I have a confession to make. When my father was pastoring in Waco, Texas, in the 90’s, I was around 23 years old. I attended his church, but I wasn’t particularly interested in church life as a young man. One Sunday, I was singing in the choir. After the anthem, while my father was preaching, I was looking at a magazine. Since I was in the very back seat of the choir loft, I thought no one could see me, but a college girl about my age did. After the worship, she jokingly said, “You’re ridiculous! How can you read a magazine during the preaching?” I can’t believe I’m now preaching every Sunday morning!
Fred Craddock shared a story about a time he received a call from a woman whose father had passed away. She was a teenager from one of the churches he had served as pastor twenty years prior. He remembered her always chatting with her friends, passing notes to boys, and drawing pictures on the bulletin during worship.
But when her father died, she reached out to her old pastor. “I don’t know if you remember me,” she began. “When my daddy died, I didn’t know what to do,” she continued.
“I cried and cried. But then I remembered something you said in one of your sermons…” Fred Craddock was stunned. She had remembered something he had said in one of his sermons?! It was enough for him to realize that you can never predict how a seed will grow or where it might take root.
I was raised on Bible stories and sermons, and it’s true that those words found me, brining comfort when I was at my lowest point.
What words resonate with you today? What words, insights do the Spirit bring to you today? Psalm 139:1-2 tells us about who we are before God: “Lord, you have examined me. You know me. You know when I sit down and when I stand up. Even from far away, you comprehend my plans. You study my traveling and resting. You are thoroughly familiar with all my ways. There isn’t a word on my tongue, Lord, that you don’t already know completely.”
God knows you and is familiar with all your ways. He loves you as a precious child, and His Word frees us from frustration, filling us with hope. Peace and hope are yours in the name of Christ.
Pastor’s Message July 16, 2026
Years ago, a member of the church I was serving came to share the most important spiritual advice she’d ever received. I was hoping and expecting her to mention one of my sermons, but she talked about her nail artist instead. This nail artist was from South Korea. While she was getting her nails done, she would share stories about her life, the difficulties she faced, and how she managed to overcome them. Her story really touched her, helping her see life in a whole new way.
God communicates with us in so many ways! It might be through the Bible or sermons, but sometimes, even your nail artist can be a channel for God’s message.
God often uses people and paths we might not expect to help us see the world in new and inspiring ways. Sometimes, God even uses conflicts in life to speak to us. For example, in Genesis, we see the story of Jacob and Esau, who were always struggling against each other. However, when God’s people turned to God, God brought them together in blessings, even amidst the conflicts.
Even when things get complicated, there’s a way to find wholeness in the end. Romans 8:6 reminds us, “To set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” What we focus on really matters. The attitude that comes from the Spirit brings wholeness.
Life without God’s word would be like life without spiritual guidance, meaning, and direction. God’s meaning is all around us. So, what’s inspiring you today? Where do you want to focus your mind?
Pastor’s Message July 9,2026
I came across an old story about a little boy who was helping his dad in the garden. Dad asked him to collect some rocks from a particular spot. As Dad watched, he saw the boy was having a tough time pulling up a big rock in the dirt. The boy tried his best, but finally gave up, saying, “I can’t do it.” Dad asked, “Did you use all your strength?” The boy looked a bit down and replied, “Yes, I used every ounce of strength I have.” The father smiled and said, “No, you didn’t. You didn’t ask me to help.” Then, the father walked over, and together, they pulled that big rock out of the dirt.
Often, we feel ready to tackle challenges and lead the way with our own skills. But life requires more than just our own efforts. In fact, we did not bring anything to our world with our abilities when we were born.
Isaiah 43:2-5 describes God’s boundless power, beyond what we can even imagine: “when you go through the waters, I will be with you; when you go through the rivers, they won’t sweep you away. When you walk through the fire, you won’t be burned, and the flame won’t touch you. I am the Lord your God, the holy one of Israel, your savior. I have given Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in your place. Because you are precious in my eyes, you are honored, and I love you. I give people in your place, and nations in exchange for your life. Don’t fear, I am with you. From the east I’ll bring your children; from the west I’ll gather you.”
Freedom and strength are found in being united with Christ.
Pastor’s Message July 2, 2026
About two weeks back, Miran and I caught up on an old film from almost 20 years ago—The Devil Wears Prada. It starred Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway, who played two key roles. Meryl Streep was a symbol of power in the fashion world while Anne Hathaway was hired as her assistant, dreaming of climbing the career ladder under her.
I wanted to share a scene that really caught my eye in the movie. Meryl, the boss, is going through a divorce, and Anne, her assistant, visits her in her fancy hotel room in Paris. The boss opens up about feeling defeated and worried about what the news and her enemies will say about her personal life.
That made me think about how we all want to protect our image, no matter how successful we are. What do you do when you feel defeated? Are you worried about your reputation?
Psalm 13:2 brings up a question we might all wonder: “How long will my enemy keep defeating me?” It can be tough to see God’s goodness when things are at our worst. But David reassures us on verse 6, “I will sing to the Lord because He has been good to me,” even when his enemies were celebrating his downfall.
What does it feel like when your enemy is thriving right before your eyes? And he’s not even someone with integrity, and all those years you’ve been trying to live by God’s word? The key difference between those who worry about their reputation and those who trust God’s promise is that we leave it up to God and rely on God who has been good to us and will work for us.