Johnson, Rick & Danielle (8)

Scriptures: Matthew 18:4-5 (NIV) – “Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.”

1 John 3:1-3 (NIV) – “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.”

Message: This year, I am teaching third-grade math and science, and I have learned to understand how children operate. They are humble, honest, curious, and imaginative. Third graders thrive on affirmation and seek to impress others, making them proud. They ask many questions and can admit when they don't know something, even if they have been reminded multiple times!

As Christians, we are called to emulate the qualities of children. We should be humble and strive to please the Lord, making Him a proud Father. God encourages us to approach Him with our questions, fears, worries, and dreams. He wants us to acknowledge when we lack understanding, so that He can guide us to the truth.

Although there are times when we may pretend not to know what we should do, God's grace and mercy cover us. The Bible repeatedly reminds us not to fear, worry, and to be thankful, while emphasizing God's love for us over three hundred times.

As children of God, we must remember His unwavering love and presence in our lives. When we accept Christ as our Savior and Lord, we become part of God's family. He is our perfect Father, caring for us deeply. Let us approach the Lord with childlike humility, as it is written in Matthew that those who embrace this posture are the greatest in His kingdom.

Prayer: Dear God, guide us to humble ourselves before You like lowly children. May our faith reflect the innocence and trust of a child. We are grateful for Your promises and for being our Heavenly Father. Amen.

Danielle Johnson

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Scripture: Jeremiah 29:13 (ESV) – “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”

Message: As we journey through the season of Lent, we are reminded of the significance of seeking God with all our hearts. Lent is a time of reflection, repentance, and spiritual renewal. This is a time where we intentionally draw closer to God through prayer, fasting, and reflection. Jeremiah’s encouragement to the Israelites to see God and trust his plans amidst captivity and exile, can guide our hearts and minds during this season and beyond.

This verse promises that when people seek God with all their hearts, they will find Him. God responds to those who seek Him with sincerity and devotion. It reflects the heart of God that He desires a personal relationship with His people and responds to their heartfelt seeking. Just as the Israelites in exile were encouraged to seek God amidst their challenges, we too are called to seek God eagerly, especially as we prepare to celebrate the Easter season.

This Lenten season we are invited to reflect on these questions: “Are we pursuing God with a genuine longing to know him more deeply?”; “Are we willing to set aside distractions and worldly concerns to seek Him wholeheartedly?” Allow these questions to draw you closer to the heart of God this Lenten season, and lead you to the joyous celebration of Easter.

Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God provided the ultimate way for us to seek and find Him. Let us approach God with all our hearts, knowing that He eagerly awaits our sincere and devoted seeking, and that through Jesus, we can find the fulfilment of God's promises.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, as we journey through this season of Lent, help us to seek You with all our hearts. May You reveal more of yourself as we long to know You more deeply. Fill us with Your living water. Thank You for the gift of Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice and resurrection opened the way for us to find You. Allow us to be filled with gratitude for Your endless love and grace. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Danielle Johnson

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Scriptures: Matthew 2:9-10 (NIV) – “they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.”

Luke 2:20 (NIV) – “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”

Message: Last year was our year for attending weddings. Cyndi and I attended five, all out of State. Two of the weddings were interracial/ intercultural; both were very Christ centered. The only non-niece/nephew wedding, was for a neighbor’s friend’s daughter. She married a young man whose family was from India. A highlight of the reception was a beautiful dance performed for the newlyweds by the Indian women dressed in their colorful saris.

Although we were there to celebrate this couple’s wedding, it was Christ’s spirit that allowed us to embrace and appreciate the differences between the cultures. We live in a divided world brought on by Satan. Praise to God we have a Savior that unites us with joy and love, no matter our differences in culture or race.

From that moment in the stable, Christ brought together those with extreme differences in backgrounds and social status. Shepherds from the fields and wealthy men from distant kingdoms came together as one to celebrate His birth and His impact on the future of mankind.

In the eyes of Christ, we are not defined by our differences, but by our capacity to love and be loved. He unites us in our shared quest for spiritual fulfillment, reminding us that we are all children of the same divine Creator bound together by faith and devotion.

We are on Christ’s invitation list, and we need to make sure He is on ours!

Prayer: Dear God, help remind us of the gift of hope given to us by the birth of Your Son, Jesus Christ, given to bring us together to satisfy our longing for peace and unity. Remind us to welcome all in Your name, as, irrespective of country of birth and culture, we are all God’s children. Amen.

Rick Johnson

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Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:10 (NIV) - "That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Message: In this verse, Paul indicates that Christ's strength is made perfect in our weakness. The world tells us to hide our weaknesses, but the word of God states to boast of our weaknesses. The strength that God will provide in our weaknesses is much greater than any strength that we could muster on our own.

I have felt incapable and weak many times. For example, during my first year teaching high school, I have felt weak and lost. Did I handle this situation with the students well? How do I manage my classroom? With a lot of uncertainty praying for God's strength has helped me feel more at ease. I have seen God's strength provided to me through the help of coworkers.

When you feel weak and unable to carry on then call out to God for help. He is mighty and can do the impossible. He is bigger than any problem we face and knows exactly what we need to overcome our problems. God helped David defeat Goliath without a sword or armor. He can help us defeat anything when we have little or nothing to give. In Christ's weakest state, being crucified on the cross, God's power was on display. Christ defeated death and sin and was raised to life three days later. The cross is the perfect example of how God's power can change everything in your life.

Prayer: Almighty God, may Your power rest on us. Let Your strength be made perfect in our weaknesses. Transform our lives as we fully rely on You in difficult times. Bless us with Your peace and remind us that we are overcomers because of Christ. Bless us with eyes to see Your love, goodness, and power all around us. Thank You for everything You have given us. In Jesus name. Amen.

Danielle Johnson

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Scripture: Psalm 46:10 (NIV) - "He says, 'Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.'"

Message: For a couple hours on January 11, 2023 due to a computer glitch, the FAA grounds all flights in the USA. The last time this happened was September 11, 2001. Although the skies were quiet, I'm sure there was chaos in the terminals; confusion; anger. Frayed nerves and probably some harsh words were being exchanged. God bless those travelers that recognized this as a situation not in their control and used this time to remain calm and still. Perhaps even being peacemakers - "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." (Matthew 5:9). How often do we find ourselves in situations that are out of our control, but still react in a way that ends up compromising our character?

Contrast this with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ following Gethsemane. With God in control:

He easily could have wiped out the soldiers coming for His arrest, but He went in peace.

He could have swayed Pontius Pilate at His trial, but He raised no objection.

He could have withered the hands of those whipping and torturing Him. Cloaked in humility, He remained quiet in the midst of a hostile crowd while carrying a cross up the Via Dolorosa.

He could have caused the hammer to strike the centurion's thumb, but He laid still as the nails were hammered in His hands.

He could have rejected our sins for us to live in damnation, but He forgave us and provided eternal salvation, through His crucifixion at Golgotha and His Resurrection.

Prayer: Dear God, when we find ourselves in situations that are out of our control, remind us to use those moments as an opportunity to be still and to know You are in control. Help us reflect on the sacrifice Christ has made at the cross and that He is with us through life's toughest moments. Amen.

Rick Johnson

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Scriptures: John 14:12 (NIV) – “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.”

Joshua 1:9 (NIV) – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Message: The emerging use of analytics, algorithms and data tells us how worried companies are about making a mistake. They rely so much now on data when making decisions and determining their actions. Do we rely on data when stepping out of our comfort zone to do God’s work? The disciples who were fisherman, although they were experts, worried each day whether they would catch enough fish. Think about how they felt when Jesus asked them to follow Him. Certainly, something completely different and totally out of their comfort zone. If you feel called to visit the homeless, lead a bible study, witness to a co-worker, etc. Just Do It. And trust God to determine the result.

“A ship is always safe at the shore, but that is not what it is built for.”¹

Family Activity: John Wesley fasted every week from sundown Thursday, to sundown Friday, (liturgical day definition) and before receiving Communion. Wesley encouraged fasting from meat on Fridays. During Lent those ordained were required to fast both Wednesdays and Fridays. Discuss what fasting would be like and consider making a commitment to fast from meat one or two days a week.

Prayer: Dear Lord, it is with joy and elation that we can have peace and confidence knowing that the fruits from what we do for Your glory will bring extra blessing to those we serve and to our lives. Help us to step out of our comfort zone having faith in You to support us and guide us to be strong and courageous to do Your will. Amen.

Rick Johnson

1. “Salt From My Attic” by John A Shedd. 1928. Public Domain.

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Scriptures: Matthew 27:45-47 (NIV) – “From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ (which means ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’). When some of those standing there heard this, they said, ‘He’s calling Elijah’.”

Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV) – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Message: According to Matthew and Mark, Jesus’ final words are, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” In this moment there is the despair of death, but there is also hope for deliverance. Jesus still has trust in God. He has submitted to God’s will to his very last breath. Jesus' death on the cross shows us that God loves us so much by taking our place on the cross and dying for us. When Jesus took on the burden of the whole world’s sin He was separated from the Father. After Jesus died He became reunited with our Heavenly Father then resurrected three days later. God will never leave us nor forsake us because of what Jesus did. Deuteronomy 31:6 talks about how God goes before you; he will never leave you or forsake you.

Whatever hardship we face when it feels like we are all alone and no one is on our side, remember that this is not true. God is always with us. He is with us in our lowest places, in our highest places and everywhere in between. We can ask the Father for anything in the name of Jesus and He will give it to us. Maybe we need comfort, peace, joy, and wisdom while facing a hard trial. God will always be with us to strengthen and comfort us.

Jesus was separated from God while He took the weight of the world’s sins on His shoulders so we never have to be separated from God from now through eternity.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for always being with us and for us. Thank You for Your great love and protection. Help us look to You whenever we are facing trials of any kind. Strengthen us and guide us. Remind us that You are always near and we can come to You at any time. Thank You for Your powerful love and presence. Give us peace through every storm we face and remind us that we can conquer sin through Christ. We ask this in Your name. Amen.

Danielle Johnson

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Scripture: Luke 16:10 (NIV) – “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”

Luke 12:7a (NIV) – “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered.”

Message: It’s interesting how our world puts emphasis and attention on big things. Some must have a big car, a big house, a big diamond, etc. I remember one Christmas while growing up seeing a large, wrapped box and focusing my attention and curiosity on that present.... Who is that for? Is it for me? What is in it? Big things get our attention and can stir up different emotions.

Contrast this with how the Almighty God does not focus on big things. He used a stick in the hand of Aaron (brother of Moses) to devour serpents (Exodus 7:8-12). A staff in the hand of Moses divided a sea to save a nation (Exodus 14:15-28). He used a small stone from the hand of a young boy to defeat an enemy who grew to lead a nation (1 Samuel 17:40-50). He used a young girl, Mary, as the mother of His Son (Luke 1:26-38). Jesus revealed how the power of God can grow, even from faith the size of a mustard seed (Matthew 17:20).

But as children of God, we are not small in His eyes as He loves us so much that He gave us a Savior in the form of a newborn child. Even the hairs of our head are significant to our God (Luke 12:7a).

When we do the small things for God’s kingdom, He will use His power to make them big. Blessed be the power of God.

Family Activity: Read the stories of Aaron, Moses, David, Mary and the Mustard Seed and explore how God uses imperfect people to do His work in a mighty way and that, even the smallest faith – the size of a mustard seed (less than 1/8”), can grow beyond our human expectations with God.

Prayer: Dear God, remind us that even the smallest things we can do by faith to glorify Your kingdom will be pleasing in Your eyes. Amen.

Rick Johnson

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Scriptures: Psalm 37:23-24 (NLT) “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.”

Luke 1:38 (NLT) – “Mary responded, ‘I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.’ And then the angel left her.”

Message: As Christians, we walk by faith not by sight. Sometimes God may call us to step out in faith into an unknown situation, such as a new job, to join a missionary team, or to make a new friend with an unlovable person. All these situations can be extremely uncomfortable, unpredictable, and fearful.

Recently, I took a step of faith by starting a Bible Study for high school students where I teach. I have never led a Bible study for students, nor did I know if many students would attend. I am not gifted in theology, and have limited Bible knowledge and experience. I felt unqualified. But I trusted God to lead me, praying for wisdom and guidance. He led me to another Christian teacher who happily agreed to co-lead. The attendance and discussions have been great. A student shared that she has never opened a Bible, nor attended church, but was happy to participate in a Bible study. It is amazing what God can do with a step of faith.

The Bible records many people stepping out in faith. Mary took a step of faith when she responded faithfully to the news that she would conceive and give birth to the Messiah. She said, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” (Luke 1:38 (NLT)). She took another step of faith when she traveled to Bethlehem. The shepherds and wise men took a step of faith to follow the Star to Bethlehem, Jesus’ birthplace.

God rewards our steps of faith; He does more than we can ever imagine. Join me in taking your step of faith and see what God does. You will serve Him with His qualifications, not yours.

Prayer: Lord, give us the strength to take a step of faith. Bless us with wisdom, guidance, and peace as we step into the unknown. We praise You for Your faithfulness, goodness, and love. Remind us that You are holding our hand through the journey as You go before us. We love You, and thank You for the wonderful works You have prepared for us. Sustain us as we carry them out to completion. In Jesus name. Amen.

Danielle Johnson

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Scripture: Matthew 4:18-20 (ESV) - "While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.' Immediately they left their nets and followed him."

Message: This scripture is an account of when Jesus called His first disciples. Jesus approaches the men and says, "follow me." He uses a warm invitation and invites these men with simple words. There is no force or demand in His invitation. Jesus' presence alone is what enabled these men to follow Him IMMEDIATELY. They did not delay. They did not make up excuses. They did not tell Jesus, "Oh Jesus we will follow you after we finish fishing, cleaning the boat then taking the fish home to our families."

When you have a real and powerful encounter with Jesus you want to follow him IMMEDIATELY. He revealed the TRUTH to them. For He is the Way, the Truth, and the Light. These men knew in their hearts that this man was the Son of God, that He was the Truth and Light of this world.

They left everything to follow Him because He is worthy. There is no one or nothing like Jesus. He is perfect. He is love. His love is perfect. When we follow Him we are called to live a life that reflects His life. We learn to love selflessly and unconditionally and to obey His commands.

May this year be full of many more encounters with Jesus. May this year bring us closer to Jesus. As a follower of Christ, it is important to remember that we are the closest reminder of God to the rest of the world around us. The best way to be this example of love is spending time with LOVE Himself. To know God is to know love.

Prayer: Thank You God for the best invitation of all to be Your follower. Help us reflect Jesus more and more each day. Equip us with wisdom to be aware of our words and our actions so we can reflect Your love as people who have encountered God. Help us to have more encounters with You and to share Your love with others. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Danielle Johnson

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Scripture: Luke 22:44 (NIV) - "And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground."

Message: The stress and agony were so overwhelming, so powerful. Combine that with prayer so intense that His body reacted by sweating blood! Though He knew He was fulfilling the prophets by what He was about to go through, He also knew how much his Father hated sin. Could that have created doubt and fear that all this would be in vain, for naught? He loved us enough to take the risk.

I recall the time of my Dad's death. My siblings had already seen his body the day of his passing. Having to travel to Michigan, it was a couple of days before I could see him on the day of his viewing. As I was writing his eulogy, I was experiencing a feeling I have never had before. I felt a numbness in body. A fogginess in my head. There was a spinning feeling. Something was building up. When our family was brought in to the funeral room prior to the public viewing, that is when I lost it. To see my dad, my hero, my friend, a college All American and professional athlete lying still in a casket, was overwhelming.

Jesus came to earth to become one of us, to feel what we feel. However, His suffering went well beyond ours.

Instead of intense pain, doubt and sorrow that our Savior felt, Jesus wants us to feel the intense joy, confidence and celebration of His resurrection. He defeated sin so we can spend eternity with Him!

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for showing us the importance of prayer and giving us victory over sin. Amen.

Rick Johnson

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Scripture: Colossians 1:27 (NIV) - "To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."

Message: I just finished reading two books. The stories represented the extremes of humanity: the rise of Hitler's Nazism in Europe, entitled "The Long Night" by Steve Wick; and "The Day the World Came to Town 9/11" by Jim DeFede about the town's people of Gander, Newfoundland who cared for passengers from Europe diverted during the shutdown of US air space on 9/11.

The second book describes how people showed extreme of kindness to a group of strangers, putting their own lives on hold for five days. Jim DeFede describes numerous incredible and heartwarming accounts. My favorite was about Rabbi Sudak, an Orthodox Jewish Rabbi, who was traveling from London to New York to visit the gravesite of a longtime Jewish religious leader to pray and give thanks for his life.

Being a man of God, Rabbi Sudak trusted that his diversion to Gander was for a reason. During his stay a local elderly man, Eddie Brake, visited Rabbi Sudak. Eddie was born to Jewish parents who had him smuggled out of Poland in 1936 to escape Nazism. His adopted parents later moved from London to Newfoundland. In Poland, Eddie and his family had been beaten and abused by the police. His adopted family forbade Eddie from discussing, or acknowledging his past. Eddie was desperate to share his story. Rabbi Sudak was so moved by Eddie's story that he encouraged Eddie to visit schools to talk about the Holocaust and anti-Semitism. As Eddie left with a clear mission, Rabbi Sudak understood God's plan.

As we approach Christmas, the story of the citizens of Gander reminded me of the three wise men. During the time of Herod's evil rule, these men stopped what they were doing, trusted a God they did not know, sacrificed their time and treasure to follow a star in search of a King. These "Wise Men" found and recognized the Christ-child revealed as the hope of mankind.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for showing us how to be more like Christ through acts of kindness by those who trust in You. We praise You for Your Son Jesus who brought love to Your world at the first Christmas. Let me remember to start each day by putting my trust in Your wisdom to guide my path. Amen.

Rick Johnson

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Scripture: Matthew 2:9-10 (NIV) - "After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed."

Message: The Star of Bethlehem is a "key" detail in the Nativity Story of the Gospel of Matthew. The wise men from the East are inspired by the star to travel to Jerusalem. The star leads them to Jesus' Bethlehem birthplace, where they worshiped him and gave him gifts.

Imagine being one of the wise men following a star that leads to an amazing, and miraculous event in history. Imagine being able to meet our Savior the night He was born. The journey was long and challenging, but they knew the final destination was worth more than anything they could have ever imagined.

There are times in our lives when we look for our version of the Star of Bethlehem. We are looking for a sign from God that will lead us to the miracle we have been praying and waiting for. Even when we have the sign, it may not be an immediate answer to our prayer.

I am in a season of looking for direction and I want it to be as bright as the Star of Bethlehem. However, sometimes this is not the case. The story of the wise men traveling very far to see Jesus encourages me this Christmas season, that whatever I am waiting for will come and the journey to get there will be well worth it.

Whatever journey you are on this Christmas season, I hope you see all the bright stars that Jesus has already put in your path and be reminded of His presence, goodness, and faithfulness.

Prayer: Lord, let Your presence be made known so loud and clear to us this Christmas season. Open our eyes to Your goodness and love as we wait for our prayers to be answered. Remind us that You are in the waiting season with us and that there is purpose in the waiting. We love You. In Jesus name. Amen.

Danielle Johnson

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Scripture: Matthew 6:14-15 (NIV) – “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

Hebrews 10:17 (NIV) – “Then he adds: ‘Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.’”

Message: I did not watch many Mister Rogers Neighborhood episodes when I was younger, so there was not much desire to see the movie. I’m glad I did, though. Without revealing too much, the central message was about forgiveness, and whether to forgive or not comes down to simply making a choice. From the movie, I received an added perspective about God’s offer of free will.

Making the choice to forgive may be simple, but actual forgiving can be hard. After all, we are human beings. The movie illustrates what results when someone chooses not to forgive: anger; bitterness; resentment; holding a grudge; vengeance; hatred. And how the emotions spill over and affect our relationships, especially with those that are close to us. Satan delights in these negative emotions and uses them to drive us away from Christ.

Mr. Rogers knew that we can’t just “flip the switch” to forgive. He understood we must practice forgiveness. Transferring that hurt in another way, like pounding on the base keys of a piano, as Mr. Rogers did in his way.

Do we need to wait for the one that hurt us to ask for our forgiveness and say they’re sorry? Jesus did not wait.

While God allows us free will. He put the decision to choose forgiveness entirely on us. Jesus had NO choice. He forgave us and took away our sins through His torture and death on the cross.

Prayer: God, let this Lenten season be the opportunity for us to choose forgiveness and practice forgiveness by asking Your Holy Spirit to dwell in us. Amen.

Rick Johnson

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Scripture: Matthew 28:20b (NIV) – “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age”.

Message: Reading the gospels about Jesus after his resurrection, I find comfort that our Lord and Savior found some enjoyment just hanging out with his disciples…. and performing a few miracles. No worries about the Pharisees, or the Roman government. No pressure from the masses of people.

“He called out to them, ‘Friends, haven’t you any fish?’” (John 21:5); yelling to his disciples from the shore. Growing up in Detroit, that would be taken as playful smack talk. Especially, since Jesus already knew the response they would yell back...”No”. A Detroiter would have shouted back... “you should have seen the one that got away”.

Although the disciples were astonished it was Jesus and that he was resurrected, Jesus maintained a nonchalance and downplayed it by referencing the prophecy that was spoken and written in the Scriptures. The Son of God is to suffer and die for the sin of man then rise on the third day. Jesus fulfilled the prophesy! It was done! Over! Fulfilled!

And, with that He blessed them with His Holy Spirit and ascended to sit at the right hand of God.

Prayer: Dear Lord, it is with joy and elation that we can celebrate Your resurrection and victory over sin with You. Thank You for giving us Your Holy Spirit so that You will be with us always, even to the end of the age. Amen.

Rick Johnson

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Scripture: Exodus 4:10-13 (NIV) – “Moses said to the Lord, ‘Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.’ The Lord said to him, ‘Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.’ But Moses said, ‘Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.’”

Message: God saw tremendous potential in Moses, which obviously Moses did not see in himself. Even hearing God the Almighty say to him “I will be with you” (Exodus. 3:12), Moses still had reservations and continued to rationalize by admitting his weaknesses, questioning the “what ifs”, and pleading God to send someone else. We can understand why God got a bit angry and frustrated.

What happens when we receive that prompt, or nudge and recognize it is from the Holy Spirit? Perhaps it is a call to action to help someone in immediate need or distress, or to reach out to, or visit someone we think might be hurting, or shut in. Maybe a prompt to go on a mission trip, or start a bible study. We know these are great ideas. But do we realize that these prompts are also confirmation that God sees tremendous potential in us? And when we act on His prompt, we know that He is going to be by our side. And, He knows the incredible blessing and joy that we will receive. What an honor and blessing it is when we receive these prompts from God, knowing that the Almighty Creator sees a bigger potential in us than we see in ourselves.

Prayer: Dear God, thank You for speaking to us through Your Holy Spirit. Help us to ignore any excuses, or irrational thoughts that keep us from doing Your work. Let us serve You, knowing You will always be by our side. Amen.

Rick Johnson

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Scripture: Psalm 16:11 (ESV) – “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

Message: In this season of quarantine, I know a lot of our plans have been thwarted. There has been a lot of disappointment. Vacations have been cancelled, weddings have been cancelled and graduations have been cancelled. Life celebrations have been postponed, or have been modified. With all this change of plans it can be easy to think that life is a big letdown. This is not true.

To alleviate the pain, confusion and hurt that you may have experienced this season, focus on God’s sovereignty and how He is in control of our lives. When we focus on being in God’s presence every day this is where we receive joy, comfort, and satisfaction. Being in the presence of God is greater than any grand plan we could make for ourselves for the day in front of us, or in the days ahead. When you wake up instead of focusing on all the tasks you have to do today, draw your attention to God. He wants you to know how safe and secure you are in His presence. It is through awareness of God’s presence that you feel peace instead of negative feelings.

Walk consciously with God through each day. Switch your focus from the problem to God’s presence. God’s plans are perfect for our lives. We are not able to configure any plan that fits us best, only God can do that. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9 (ESV). God desires for us to meet with Him every day, to meditate on His Word and promises, and to rejoice about how mighty and good He is.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your presence. Thank You that we can come to You with every need, concern, and worry. Help us put more faith and time in being in Your presence. Help us to know You better and Your love deeper when we spend more of our time with You. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen.

Danielle Johnson

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Scripture: Psalm 16:11 (ESV) – “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

Danielle Johnson

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Scriptures: John 8:7 (ESV) – “And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, ‘Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.’”

Matthew 5:9 (NIV) – “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

Message: In the book “Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White”¹, Author Adam Hamilton reveals, in the most polarizing issues we face today, that contrasting sides are in agreement on 80% of the issue. However, it is that 20% difference that creates the excessive conflict and vitriol we often witness.

Although unpleasant, Jesus challenged the accusers in John 8:7 to realize the commonality of being a sinner, thus saving the woman from being stoned. Imagine the extreme backgrounds and circumstances between the shepherds and the magi the night of Christ’s birth. The magi, highly educated and most likely living in comfortable homes while the shepherds live in the fields tending to their sheep. Putting personal differences aside, they came together to share and stand on the same ground at the birthplace of our Savior.

Prayer: Dear Lord, what a great mission You have for us as Christians, to present the truth in Jesus Christ. Empower us with Your Holy Spirit so that we can become peacemakers through Christ in a divided society. Amen.

Rick Johnson

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Scriptures: Isaiah 9:6 (NIV) – “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Isaiah 26:3 (ESV) – “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”

Message: Before Christ was born, He had been named Prince of Peace. He came into the world to be a peacemaker and a peace giver. When we trust in Christ, we are freely given His perfect peace. This is the peace we should desire and strive for because it is nothing less than perfect since our Savior is perfect. There are so many ways we can feel at peace. Whether that is taking a long stroll, a bike ride, meditating, laying in the sun, or simply sitting still. These activities offer peace.

However, Christ offers us PERFECT peace. When you feel overwhelmed, remember to run to Christ. He is an everlasting rock in the midst of hardships. This Advent season should include more moments of us fixing our minds on Christ. He is the most important part of every season. When we focus our minds on the saving power of Christ, His forgiveness, His mercy, His grace, and His love, then we will have a more peaceful season.

Family Activity: During a Christmas service in 1747, Pastor Watteville, a Moravian Pastor, gave children a lighted candle tied with a red ribbon representing Jesus as the Light of the World. The candle and ribbon became known as a Christingle, German for Christ’s Light. The benedictory prayer was: “Lord Jesus, kindle a flame in these children’s hearts, that theirs become like Thine.” Today the Christingle includes: an orange representing the world; a red ribbon representing the blood of Christ; a candle representing the light of the world; 4 cocktail sticks with candies and fruit representing God’s love spreading to the corners of the world, the four seasons, and God’s bounty. Instructions.

Prayer: Lord, teach us to trust in You at all times. Especially when the unexpected storms of life come. We will expect peace in the midst of the storms. Remind us that You are near and that You hear our cries. Thank You for being with us and for us. Thank You for Your perfect peace. In Jesus name. Amen.

Danielle Johnson

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Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NIV) - "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Message: My Father was an athlete, who earned 12 varsity letters in high school, and was voted as the second greatest athlete from his high school during its 100 Year Centennial Celebration. He was an All-American college baseball player and professional baseball player in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. My Dad most likely experienced some great victories in the world of sports. Though not even close to his level, I enjoyed playing sports and experienced some of those thrills of victories, especially when sharing with teammates.

But no victory is worth celebrating more every day, than the resurrection of our Lord and Savior over sin. Knowing I will share eternity with my Christian teammates is the ultimate reward.

Prayer: Dear Lord, give me the faith to look beyond my own defeats to the victory You are preparing for me. Amen.

Rick Johnson

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Scripture: Isaiah 53:5-12 (NIV) - "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away. Yet who of his generation protested? For he was cut off from the land of the living; or the transgression of my people he was punished. He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it was Lord's will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand. After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors."

Message: It was the new associate pastor's turn to preach that Sunday. Cyndi and I, as a young couple, decided to move up to the second pew. The pastor stepped down from the altar to deliver his message often pacing from side to side. I did not expect the sermon to be about Christ's crucifixion; this was the first time I had heard explicit details of His torture. My eyes started to well up as the pastor spoke of how Christ was continuously beaten across His head, spit on; His beard pulled out by the roots, blindfolded, hit in the face and how the barbs from the whip (cat-o-nine tails) 39 times would rip away His flesh. The pastor's pacing shortened to the area just in front of us and I thought: "Pastor, why are you telling me this?.... go to the other side of the church not in front of me.... why did Jesus, my Savior, go through this extreme torture?....I don't deserve this man having to suffer and die for my sins."

Prayer: Dear Lord, keep the glory of Your Resurrection before me all the year through. Amen.

Rick Johnson

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Scriptures: Deuteronomy 4:29 (NIV) - "But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul."

Isaiah 55:6 (NIV) – “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.”

Message: Christmas mornings when our kids were young, I made sure I had a good seat to watch them approach the Christmas tree: to see their excitement when they found a gift with their name on it; to watch their anticipation and wonderment as they opened their gift. To observe their joy as they received their gift through their words of thanks and gratefulness and finally watching or playing with them as they use their gift; whether playing with a toy, or wearing an article of clothing. Although the Bible tells us to seek God (Isaiah 55:6), He makes it easy for us to find Him. Just as the Christmas tree showed where the kids would find their gift, God showed the wise men from the East the Star of Bethlehem so that they would find Jesus. Just like kids opening their presents, we open our hearts to receive His Holy Spirit and give thanks and praise as we glorify Him by our love and our actions towards others.

Family Activity: If you are in a home with children ask a child to read Christ's birth story from Matthew 1:18-15; 2:112. Discuss the mystery of the story, and especially Mary's song, Zechariah's song and the impact for the world of the Magi from a foreign country recognizing Jesus as the Messiah for everyone.

Prayer: Dear Lord, draw us ever nearer to You that we may be united through Your love. We pray for more hearts to be open to accept Your Holy Spirit this Advent season and to receive everlasting joy and peace. Amen.

Rick Johnson

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