Today is Valentine’s Day—a day when the world celebrates love. For some, it’s a day of romance, chocolates, and flowers, For others, it may be a reminder of loneliness or heartache. The world often defines love as a feeling, an emotion that comes and goes based on circumstances. Love, according to culture, is something we give when it benefits us and withdraw when it no longer serves our desires. But is that what love truly is?

Scripture tells us that love is so much more than an emotion. Love is not merely something God does; love is who He is. 1 John 4:8 tells us: “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” His love is not based on our worthiness, performance, or even our response. It is unconditional, sacrificial, and never-ending. Romans 5:8 reminds us, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Even when we were undeserving, God showed us love in the most powerful way—by giving His Son for us.

God’s love is radically different from the world’s love. The world says love those who love you back; God says love even your enemies (Matthew 5:44). The world says love when it’s convenient; God says love sacrificially. The world says love when it feels good; God’s love endures even in pain. Jesus didn’t just say He loved us—He showed it. Every action of His life was an expression of love, culminating in the greatest act of love: His death on the cross.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to love in this way. Not just with words, but with actions (1 John 3:18). Love is more than a Valentine’s card or a kind sentiment—it’s serving, forgiving, sacrificing, and choosing others above ourselves…over and over and over again. It’s extending grace to those who don’t deserve it and showing kindness even when it’s difficult. This kind of love doesn’t make sense to the world, but it is the love of Christ.

So today, on a day when love is celebrated, let’s examine our own hearts. Are we loving as Jesus loved? Is our love real, deep, and selfless, or is it merely surface-level and conditional? May we strive to love not as the world loves, but as God loves—genuinely, unconditionally, and sacrificially. Because in the end, true love is not found in a box of chocolates or a bouquet of roses, but in a God who gave everything to call us His own.

As a pastor, I experience criticism a lot. Whether it’s someone inside the church who thinks I should have handled something differently or someone outside the church who has issues with my biblical views or theology. I’ve come to realize that it’s just part of being a pastor. But the truth is, we all face criticism. We all experience hurt and pain from those around us. And the question is, how do we deal with those who hurt us?

Our natural response is often to retaliate. We want to defend ourselves, set the record straight, or even hurt them back. But Jesus offers us a radically different approach. In Matthew 5:43-44, He says, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

Let’s be honest, this is a difficult command to obey. Loving people who have wronged us feels unnatural, even impossible at times. But Jesus calls us to a higher way of life—a way that refuses to be overcome by bitterness and anger.

I’ve heard it said, “If you respond to mistreatment with love, you’ll keep the other person from controlling you.” That’s a powerful truth. We can’t control what other people do, but we can choose to not be controlled by our frustrations with their actions. In other words, we can choose how we respond. If we let resentment take root, we allow our emotions to dictate our response. But when we choose love, we can walk in freedom.

Jesus modeled this perfectly. As He hung on the cross, suffering at the hands of those who hated Him. He could have called down angels to destroy them. Instead, He looked out at His enemies and prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34). If Jesus could love in that moment, shouldn’t we seek to love when others hurt us? 

One of the most powerful modern day examples of this is found in the story of missionary Elisabeth Elliot. Her husband, Jim Elliot, was killed by the very people he was trying to reach with the Gospel. But instead of responding with hatred, Elisabeth chose forgiveness. She went back to the same people who had murdered her husband, shared the love of Christ with them, and saw many of them come to faith. Her life was a testament to the transforming power of love.

So, when we face criticism, when someone wrongs us, or when we’re tempted to respond with anger, we must remember the words of Jesus. Love your enemies and pray for them. And trust that God is the ultimate judge. Because when we choose love, we reflect His heart and find freedom from bitterness.

Who is someone you need to pray for today? Ask God to help you love them with His love, and trust Him to do the rest.

In Romans 8:5 (NLT), Paul tells us: “Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.” 

Our thoughts have incredible power over us. They can either lift us up or drag us down. When we allow ourselves to dwell on worries, fears, and the struggles of life, we can quickly find ourselves overwhelmed, discouraged, and stuck in a cycle of negativity. The enemy would love nothing more than to see us trapped in those thoughts and weighed down by the burdens of this world. But God desires something greater for us—He wants to transform our minds and renew our perspective.

The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in changing the narrative of our thoughts. When we surrender our minds to Him, He helps us see things from a new and fresh perspective. Instead of being controlled by fear, doubt, or worldly concerns, the Spirit directs our hearts and minds toward truth, hope, and peace. Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 10:5 that we need to: “take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” This means we have the power, through the Spirit, to filter our thoughts—rejecting the ones that bring us down and embracing those that align with God’s truth.

It’s like the gardener who pulls weeds from their flowerbed. If the weeds are left unchecked, they will choke out the wonderful plants and flowers. In the same way, when we allow negative and destructive thoughts to take root, they suffocate the joy and peace that God desires us to experience. But when we let the Holy Spirit work in us, He helps uproot the weeds and cultivate a mind that flourishes with His truth.

A great example of this is found in the life of David. In Psalm 42:5, he says: “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God!” David understood that his emotions and thoughts did not have to dictate his life. Instead, he made a conscious decision to turn his focus back to God. We, too, can choose to shift our focus and allow the Spirit to guide our thoughts rather than being dominated by the struggles of this world.

In Philippians 4:8 Paul encourages us to think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. When we think on such things, we create space for God’s peace to dwell in us. So today, if we find ourselves weighed down by anxious thoughts, discouragement, or frustration, remember that God has given us the power to overcome through His Spirit. 

We don’t have to let our mind be controlled by the worries of this world. Instead, we can invite the Holy Spirit to renew our thoughts, to help us see through the lens of faith, and to remind us of God’s goodness. And when we do, we’ll begin to experience the freedom and peace that come from thinking about things that please the Spirit.

In our church over the last few weeks, I’ve been talking about the importance of operating in the power of the Holy Spirit. God gave us His Spirit to help us live abundantly. When we choose to follow Jesus, He gives us the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, and empower us. However, if we aren’t actively engaging with and listening to the Holy Spirit, we risk wandering down roads that God never intended us to travel.

A powerful example of this is found in Acts 16:6-7: “They passed through the Phrygian and Galatian region, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia; and after they came to Mysia, they were trying to go into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them.” 

Here, Paul and his companions were intent on preaching the Gospel in Asia and Bithynia—good intentions, no doubt. But because they were seeking and listening to the Holy Spirit, they were redirected to where God was truly calling them. Had they ignored the Spirit’s guidance, they may have missed the greater plans God had for them.

How often do we find ourselves in places we shouldn’t be, simply because we didn’t pause to seek or listen to the Holy Spirit? Or even worse, how often do we ignore His leading because His plans differ from our own?

Jonah is a great example of this. God had called him to go to Nineveh, but Jonah had other plans. He ran in the opposite direction, boarding a ship headed for Tarshish. Jonah’s disobedience led to a storm, a shipwreck, and being swallowed by a great fish. It wasn’t until Jonah finally submitted to God’s will that he experienced God’s power working through him to bring the people of Nineveh to repentance. 

Jonah’s story reminds us that resisting the Holy Spirit’s guidance often leads to unnecessary pain and delay, while obedience brings about God’s purpose and blessings.

As followers of Jesus, we have to remember that the Holy Spirit is given to us for a reason. Romans 8:14 says, “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” Are we children of God? Then we need to be led by the Spirit and this means seeking His help, listening for His voice, and being obedient to His leading. 

I believe God’s plans for each of our lives are far greater than anything we could ever hope or imagine. Ephesians 3:20 frames this for us by reminding us of God’s great power and purpose. It says that God “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” 

If we have chosen to follow Jesus, His power is at work in us. And He can do immeasurably more than we could ever hope or imagine. But to experience this, we must surrender our plans, ideas, and desires, and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us to the places where God’s purpose for our lives can be fully realized.

Are we seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance? Are we listening to His voice and responding in obedience? My prayer is that we are people who are operating in the power of the Holy Spirit, trusting that He will lead us to places that will bring glory to God and fulfill His incredible purpose for our lives. -Amen

The year 2024 has been one of my most challenging years as a pastor. It was a year filled with many trials and difficult moments, and as the calendar turned to 2025, my prayer and hope was for the year ahead to be better than the one behind. But during a time of prayer this week, I was reminded of a simple yet profound truth that we’re called to give thanks in all circumstances.  

1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” That verse doesn’t say to give thanks for all circumstances, but in all circumstances. There’s a big difference, and as I pondered this truth, I realized something—I had allowed so much of last year to be consumed by the challenges I faced that I had failed to recognize the blessings God was pouring out along the way.

It’s so easy to let the hard times overshadow the good. We can become so focused on the darkness around us that we fail to see the beams of light that are peaking through. God is with us, and His light is always breaking through the cracks of our circumstances. In Psalm 119:105, it reminds us: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path”. Even in the darkest seasons, God’s light is guiding us, if we choose to look for it.

I know a pastor who keeps a gratitude journal. Every day, no matter how hard or ordinary his day has been, he writes down three things he’s thankful for. This simple task has given him new perspective. His difficulties don’t disappear, but he now sees God’s hand in the midst of them. That’s what gratitude does—it reorients our hearts, helping us focus not on what’s wrong but on how God is still working.

As I was reflecting on this truth, I began to thank God for the blessings I had overlooked—relationships that have been strengthened in the midst of trials, moments of joy that broke through the heaviness, loving people who had supported me in the difficulties and God’s faithfulness that has never wavered. And the same is true for all of us. We may not be able to change our circumstances immediately, but we can change how we respond to them. 

Gratitude invites God into our present moment, allowing His hope and strength to sustain us. It reminds us that even when life feels heavy, His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). So, as we step into this new year, let’s not just hope for better days. Let’s choose to be people who give thanks in every circumstance. Let’s turn our eyes toward Jesus, trusting that God is with us in the present and will lead us to brighter days. May gratitude shape our hearts, deepen our faith, and remind us that God is our unshakable hope—yesterday, today, and forever.

As we step into a new year, it’s a time for fresh beginnings and renewed focus. Ephesians 1:4-5 (NLT) reminds us of a profound truth: “Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.” These verses paint a beautiful picture of God’s heart—His longing for relationship with us and His desire to have us as part of His family. Before we took our first breath, God knew us, loved us, and planned a future for us.

This truth is a powerful anchor as we face the ups and downs of life. Whether we find ourselves on the mountaintops or struggling through the valleys, God is always with us. There is nothing we experience that escapes His attention. He walks with us through every joy and every sorrow, offering His guidance, comfort, and strength. As we reflect on the past year, we can see His faithfulness woven through the moments of triumph and the seasons of struggle.

God’s plan for each of our lives is good, and it is far greater than anything we could hope or imagine. A central part of His will is that we would not only know His love for us but also share that love with others. Every day, He places opportunities in front of us to be a light in a dark world and to help others discover the truth of His love and purpose for their lives. The question we must ask ourselves as we begin this new year is this: Are we living out God’s plan for our lives, or are we clinging to our own plans? Have we submitted our will to His and allowed Him to lead us where He desires?

The start of a new year is the perfect time for self-reflection. What are the areas in our lives that God is calling us to change? Maybe it’s letting go of a habit, attitude, or fear that’s holding us back. What are the things He’s calling us to press into more deeply? Perhaps it’s stepping out in faith, pursuing a dream He’s placed in our hearts, or investing in relationships that reflect His love.

Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us of God’s promise: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” As we enter this new year, let us trust in His plans and surrender to His will. When we put our faith in Him, He can take us to places we never imagined possible.

My prayer for this year is that we will seek God with all our hearts, lean into His purpose, and allow Him to guide us every step of the way. May we trust Him not just with the big decisions but with the small, everyday decisions as well. And may we be willing vessels for His love, shining brightly for the world around us. Let’s step into this new year with confidence, knowing that the One who chose us, loves us, and walks with us has incredible things in store for 2025.

As we begin to transition back to our everyday routines, many of us may find ourselves reflecting on the joy and warmth that the Christmas season brings. The extra holiday time with family comes to a close, presents have been unwrapped, wonderful meals savored, and the festive music has faded into the background. Yet, for those of us who have embraced the true essence of Christmas, this season is not confined to a single day on the calendar. Instead, it is a continual celebration, a daily reminder of hope, love, and the miraculous gift of Jesus. 

Today, I read of a powerful thought shared by John Eldredge in a devotional my wife shared with me. He beautifully articulated how it’s impossible for him to celebrate Christmas without his heart turning toward Jesus’ return. Something we often refer to as the “Second Coming”. And he went on to say: “But what struck me this Christmas was this: the Second Coming is actually…the Third Coming. Christ came to Bethlehem. And then He comes to dwell in you. The Second Coming is actually in you—right now.”

Colossians 1:27 describes this wonderful gift and mystery: “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” This profound truth means that we have the opportunity to embody the heart of Christmas every day. We carry within us the light of Christ, a light that shines brightly in a world that often feels dark and uncertain. Each moment becomes an opportunity to live out the joy of His birth, not just as a historical event but as a vibrant reality in our lives. 

As the world begins to wrap up the traditional Christmas celebrations, my prayer is that we, as a community of believers, can carry the spirit of Christmas into every day of the year. And I pray that we might be vessels of His love, grace, and truth, allowing His light to shine through us in ways that draw others into a relationship with Him. 

May we embody the hope and joy of Christmas in every season, not just in December. May we reflect the love of our Savior to a world in need. Together, let us commit to living out the heart of Christmas—fostering a lifestyle of joy, generosity, and grace—so that every day can be a celebration of His presence in our lives. 

Christmas is a season filled with many things, but at its heart, Christmas is about love—a love so deep, so unconditional, and so sacrificial that it changed the course of history. The true heart of Christmas is found in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This verse captures the essence of what we celebrate: the coming of Jesus into the world as the ultimate expression of God’s love for humanity.

The story of Christmas begins with God’s love for a broken and hurting world. In a humble stable in Bethlehem, Jesus was born—not in a palace fit for a king, but in a manger, surrounded by animals. This setting reflects the heart of God’s love: it’s not reserved for the elite or the perfect; it’s for everyone. Luke 2:10-11 tells us about the angel’s proclamation to the shepherds: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.” The message of Christmas is inclusive and universal, a reminder that God’s love reaches every corner of the earth.

Imagine the shepherds that night, ordinary people often overlooked by society. Yet, they were chosen to hear the good news first. This illustrates that God’s love isn’t based on status or worthiness; it’s a gift freely given. The shepherds’ response was to go and see Jesus, and their lives were forever changed. In the same way, the love of Jesus invites us to draw near to Him, to experience the joy and transformation that comes from knowing Him.

The love of Christmas is also sacrificial. Jesus didn’t come just to live among us; He came to save us. Matthew 1:21 says, “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.” The manger points to the cross, where Jesus would ultimately lay down His life for all of us. This is the greatest act of love. John 15:13 tells us: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends”. Christmas is a celebration of the beginning of God’s redemptive plan, a plan motivated by His deep desire to restore us to relationship with Him.

A beautiful illustration of this heart of Christmas is the story of a little boy who gave his mother a box as a Christmas gift. When she opened it, she found it empty. Surprised, she asked him why he would give her an empty box. The boy replied, “It’s not empty, Mommy. I blew kisses into it until it was full.” That small act reflects the reality of Christmas: the greatest gifts are not the ones we can hold in our hands but the ones given with love. God’s gift to us at Christmas wasn’t wrapped in paper but in flesh—Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us.

This Christmas, I pray we take time to reflect on the depth of God’s love. A love that came down to meet us where we are, a love that offers hope, peace, joy, and salvation.

This Sunday, we will light the third Advent candle which represents Joy. Christmas is a season filled with reminders of joy, but it’s important to remember that the joy we celebrate during Advent is not the fleeting happiness that comes from gifts, gatherings, or even warm traditions. The joy of Christmas is deeper—it’s rooted in the truth of who Jesus is and what His coming means for the world. 

In Luke 2:10-11, the angel proclaimed to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” This joy is not limited to a single moment in time, nor is it reserved for only a select group of people. It is for ALL people, in every corner of the world, in every season of life.

Joy is different from happiness. Happiness depends on circumstances—a holiday bonus, the right gift, or a gathering filled with laughter. Joy, on the other hand, is a fruit of the Spirit that comes from knowing we belong to Christ and that God is faithful to His promises. Even in hard times, joy is available to us because it is grounded in the unshakable truth of God’s love and salvation. 

Mary, the mother of Jesus, expressed this deep joy when she said, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46-47). Her joy wasn’t based on ease or comfort; she faced uncertainty, hardship, and sacrifice. Yet she rejoiced because she trusted in God’s plan and promises.

For those struggling during the Christmas season—whether from grief, loneliness, or difficult circumstances—this joy may feel distant. But the message of Christmas is that joy is not something we have to manufacture; it is a gift from God. As Nehemiah 8:10 reminds us, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” It is His joy in us that strengthens us to endure and even rejoice in the midst of trials.

This Sunday, as we light the Advent candle representing joy, let us remember that Jesus’ birth is not just a story of long ago. It’s the good news that God stepped into our world to save us, to redeem us, and to offer us unending joy. And let us reflect on the words of the angel: “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” 

This joy is for us, for our neighbors, and for the whole world. May the light of His joy fill our hearts and overflow into our lives as we celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

The Christmas season is a time of joy and celebration, filled with cherished traditions that bring warmth to our hearts. Many of us delight in decorating Christmas trees, stringing lights on our houses, and exchanging gifts with loved ones. These are fun and meaningful traditions that add to the festive spirit of the season. 

Yet, as we immerse ourselves in these activities, it’s important to remember that the heart of Christmas is not found in the twinkle of lights or the giving and receiving of presents. Instead, it’s found in the knowledge of His presence. The true essence of this season is Jesus Christ—our Savior, who came to be with us and to bring hope, peace, and salvation to the world.

The angel’s proclamation to the shepherds that first Christmas night reminds us of what we celebrate: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord”(Luke 2:11, ESV). These words declare the incredible gift that God has given us—His Son, born into the humblest of circumstances, to save us from our sins. This is the reason for the season, and it’s a truth too profound to be overshadowed by the busyness of holiday preparations.

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying Christmas traditions. In fact, they can help create lasting memories and bring families closer together. But they should never take the place of Jesus in our hearts. Think of the wise men who traveled far to worship Jesus. They brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, but the most significant part of their journey was their worship. They didn’t let the journey or the gifts overshadow the Savior. In the same way, our traditions and celebrations should be offerings of joy and gratitude that always point to Jesus.

This Christmas season, I pray we take time to reflect on what truly matters. Let’s make sure we don’t let the sparkle of the season blind us to its true light—Jesus Christ. Let’s take time to savor the wonder of His birth, the depth of God’s love, and the hope that His coming brings. And may everything we do this season, from stringing lights to giving gifts, draw us closer to Him. Because, the best way to celebrate Christmas is to celebrate Jesus, the greatest gift of all.