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.