Lakeside Church

Forgiveness Is Sometimes a Daily Choice

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 14:14:58 +0000

Forgiveness Is Sometimes a Daily Choice
Scripture:
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” — Matthew 18:21-22 (NIV)

Devotional:
Forgiveness is often portrayed as a single moment—a decision made once and then forgotten. But anyone who has experienced deep hurt knows that isn't always how it works.
Sometimes you forgive someone, and then the next morning the pain returns. A memory resurfaces. You hear their name. Something reminds you of what happened, and suddenly the hurt feels fresh all over again. It can make you wonder, Did I really forgive them?

The answer may simply be that healing takes time.

Forgiveness is not always a one-time event. Sometimes it's a daily decision. Sometimes it's an hourly decision. Not because your first act of forgiveness wasn't genuine, but because the wound hasn't completely healed yet.

Peter thought forgiving someone seven times was generous. Jesus responded by saying, "Seventy times seven." Jesus wasn't giving us a mathematical limit. He was teaching that forgiveness is to become part of who we are.

This truth also applies to our own hearts. There are hurts that require us to repeatedly surrender them to God. Each time bitterness tries to creep back in, we have another opportunity to say, "Lord, I choose forgiveness again."

Forgiveness doesn't mean pretending the hurt never happened. It doesn't excuse sin or eliminate healthy boundaries. It doesn't always restore trust or every relationship. Instead, forgiveness means releasing the desire for revenge and placing justice into God's hands.

Every time you choose forgiveness, you're loosening the grip that pain has on your heart. You're refusing to let someone else's actions define your future. You're making room for God's peace to replace your bitterness.

Remember, God has done the same for us. Though we stumble repeatedly, His mercy is new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). As we experience His continual grace, we can extend that same grace to others—even when it's difficult.

If today the hurt resurfaces, don't be discouraged. It doesn't mean you've failed. It simply means you have another opportunity to trust God with your pain.

Forgive again.
Give it to God again.
And let Him continue the healing He has already begun.

Reflection Questions:

Is there someone I've forgiven, yet I still find myself wrestling with the hurt?
Am I mistaking recurring pain for a failure to forgive?
What would it look like to surrender this hurt to God every time it resurfaces?
Are there healthy boundaries I need to maintain while still extending forgiveness?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father,

Thank You for forgiving me over and over again through Your incredible grace. You know the wounds I carry and the people who have hurt me. Sometimes I feel like I've forgiven, only to find the pain returning.

Today, I choose forgiveness again.

Help me release my desire for revenge and trust You to bring justice in Your perfect way and timing. Heal the places in my heart that are still tender. Replace bitterness with peace, anger with compassion, and resentment with Your love.

Teach me to forgive as You have forgiven me—not because it's easy, but because You are changing my heart to become more like Christ. Give me wisdom to establish healthy boundaries where needed, while continuing to walk in love and grace.

May my willingness to forgive become a testimony of Your transforming power.

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Takeaway:
Forgiveness isn't measured by how many times you say, "I forgive." It's measured by your willingness to keep choosing grace every time the hurt tries to return. God honors every step of obedience, and He is faithful to heal hearts that continue to trust Him.

When You're Carrying Too Much

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 14:11:28 +0000

When You're Carrying Too Much
Scripture: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me... For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." — Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)

Reflection:
Many of us wear busyness like a badge of honor. We say "yes" because we want to help, meet expectations, or avoid disappointing others. Before long, our calendars are full, our energy is depleted, and our joy begins to disappear.

The problem isn't always that we're doing bad things. Often, we're doing too many good things.

God never intended for us to carry every responsibility. Even Jesus, during His earthly ministry, stepped away to pray, rested, and sometimes said "no" to the crowds because He remained focused on the Father's priorities (Mark 1:35-38). If the Son of God practiced healthy boundaries and intentional rest, how much more do we need them?

Moses learned this lesson the hard way. He tried to lead and judge the entire nation of Israel by himself until his father-in-law, Jethro, wisely told him, "What you are doing is not good... You and these people... will certainly wear yourselves out" (Exodus 18:17-18). Moses wasn't failing because he lacked faith; he was trying to do more than God had asked him to do.

Sometimes we confuse being needed with being called.

God's will for your life isn't measured by how exhausted you are. Faithfulness isn't about filling every hour—it's about being obedient to what God has actually asked of you.

When we take on too much, we often sacrifice the very things God values most: time with Him, our families, our health, and the ability to serve with joy. An overflowing schedule can quietly crowd out an overflowing heart.

Jesus doesn't invite us into a life of endless striving. He invites us into His rest. That doesn't mean life will be free from work or responsibility, but it does mean we don't have to carry every burden alone. He walks with us, guides our priorities, and gives us permission to release what isn't ours to carry.

Today, ask yourself:

Am I carrying responsibilities God gave me—or ones I picked up myself?
Have I been saying "yes" out of guilt instead of obedience?
What is one burden I need to surrender to Christ today?

Sometimes the most spiritual word we can say is "no" to something good so we can say "yes" to what is best.

Challenge for This Week:
Take 15 minutes to review your commitments.
Ask yourself:

Which responsibilities truly align with God's calling for me?
Which commitments are draining me without producing fruit?
Is there one thing I can let go of or delegate this week?

Then spend time in prayer, asking God to reorder your priorities so your schedule reflects His peace rather than your pressure.

Key Truth:
God never asks you to carry every burden—only the ones He has entrusted to you. When you walk with Christ, His strength is greater than your striving.

Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for reminding me that I was never meant to carry every burden. Forgive me for believing that everything depends on me. Help me to recognize the difference between what You have called me to do and what I have taken on myself.

Give me the wisdom to establish healthy boundaries, the courage to say "no" when necessary, and the humility to ask for help. Teach me to rest in Your presence and trust that You are at work even when I am not.

May my life be marked not by constant busyness but by faithful obedience. Help me to serve You with joy rather than exhaustion and to find peace in knowing that You are enough.

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Learning to Ask For and Accept Help

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:43:00 +0000

Learning to Ask For and Accept Help
A Devotion on Humility, Community, and God’s Design for Supporting One Another

Key Verse: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2

Opening Thought
For many of us, asking for help feels uncomfortable. We may think:

I should be able to handle this on my own.
I don’t want to burden anyone.
If I ask for help, people will think I’m weak.

At the same time, sometimes we struggle just as much with accepting help when it’s offered. Pride, fear, independence, or even embarrassment can make us resist the very support God places in front of us. But the truth is this: God never designed us to do life alone. From the very beginning, God created people for community. We were made to encourage, strengthen, and support one another.

God Uses Others to Help Us
Sometimes we pray and ask God for help, expecting Him to fix everything directly. Yet often, God answers our prayers by sending people. A friend who listens. A family member who steps in. A church member who offers support. Someone who simply says, “How can I help?” Rejecting help can sometimes mean rejecting the very answer God is providing. Even Jesus accepted help. As Jesus carried the cross toward Calvary, His physical body weakened. And God allowed someone else to step in.
“They forced a man coming in from the country, who was passing by, to carry Jesus’ cross…”
— Mark 15:21
If Jesus accepted help in His suffering, why do we think we must carry every burden alone?

Humility Means Letting Others Serve Too
Sometimes we love helping others but struggle when we need help ourselves. Why? Because receiving help requires humility. When we allow others to help us, we give them the opportunity to live out their faith and demonstrate Christ’s love. The body of Christ works together.
“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”
— 1 Corinthians 12:27
There are seasons when we are the helper. There are seasons when we need help. Both are part of God’s design.

Reflection Questions:

Why is it difficult for you to ask for help when you need it?
Have you ever rejected help because of pride or fear?
How might God be trying to care for you through the people around you?
Are you allowing others the blessing of serving you when needed?

Challenge This Week:
If you are struggling with something — emotionally, physically, spiritually, or practically — ask for help. And if someone offers help, instead of immediately saying “I’m fine,” pause and consider whether God may be caring for you through them. Remember: Strength isn’t always carrying everything alone. Sometimes strength is trusting God enough to let others help carry the load.

Closing Verse:
“Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”
— Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
We were never meant to do life alone.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for never asking us to walk through life alone. Forgive us for the times pride keeps us from asking for help or accepting the support You provide through others. Teach us humility. Help us trust the people You place in our lives and remind us that we are part of Your family, created to carry burdens together. Help us both serve others well and graciously receive help when we need it.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Loving the Unlovable

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 16:57:19 +0000

Loving the Unlovable: A Devotional of Grace
By: Janet Bartosh

Scripture:
“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” — The Gospel of Matthew Matthew 5:44

Reflection:
If we’re honest, there are people in our lives who are simply hard to love.
Maybe they’ve hurt us deeply. Maybe they’ve betrayed our trust, spoken against us, disrespected us, or repeatedly caused pain. In those moments, showing kindness can feel impossible. Offering grace can feel unfair. Forgiveness can feel undeserved.

And yet… this is exactly where God calls us to live differently.

The reality is that God did not wait until we deserved His love before He gave it.

“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” — Epistle to the Romans Romans 5:8

God extended grace to us when we were undeserving. He forgave us when we had rebelled against Him. He loved us long before we ever chose Him.

So when we refuse to extend grace to others because “they don’t deserve it,” we forget that neither did we.

This doesn’t mean excusing harmful behavior. It doesn’t mean pretending hurt didn’t happen. But it does mean choosing to reflect Christ instead of responding from bitterness.

Sometimes loving others isn’t about feelings.

Sometimes love looks like:

choosing not to retaliate
speaking kindly when anger feels easier
praying for someone you’d rather avoid
forgiving even when no apology comes
remembering that God is still pursuing their heart too

Jesus Christ showed compassion to those who mocked Him, betrayed Him, and crucified Him.
If we want to be more like Christ, we must learn to love even when it costs us something.
Because sometimes the people we least want to show grace to are the very people God is asking us to represent Him to.

Challenge for Today:
Ask yourself:
“Am I withholding grace from someone that God freely gave to me?”
Then take one step today toward showing Christ’s love — even if it’s simply praying for that person.
Because grace becomes most powerful when it is given where it feels least deserved.

Prayer:
Father,
There are people I struggle to love. There are hurts I carry that make forgiveness difficult. Help me remember the grace You have shown me. Teach me to love as You love, forgive as You forgive, and extend mercy even when it feels undeserved. Give me the strength to reflect Your heart instead of my hurt. Let others see You in the way I respond, even when it’s hard.
Amen.

S'more of God's Love

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 09:14:41 +0000

S'more of God's Love: A Camping Devotional

Scripture: Psalm 34:8
"Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him."

There are few things that say "camping" quite like a s'more. You gather around the campfire, roast a marshmallow to just the right golden-brown color, sandwich it between graham crackers and chocolate, and enjoy the sweet result.

What's interesting is that no one can truly explain a s'more to someone who has never had one. You can describe the gooey marshmallow, the melting chocolate, and the crunch of the graham cracker, but until they taste it themselves, they won't fully understand.

Our relationship with God is much the same way. We can hear stories about Him, read about Him, and listen to others talk about His goodness. But God invites us to do more than simply hear about Him—He invites us to experience Him personally.

David writes in Psalm 34, "Taste and see that the Lord is good." God wants us to know His love firsthand. He wants us to experience His grace, His forgiveness, His peace, and His presence in our lives.

A s'more is made of different ingredients that come together to create something special. In a similar way, God uses different experiences, people, and circumstances in our lives to draw us closer to Him. Sometimes life feels sweet like chocolate. Sometimes it feels uncomfortable like standing too close to the fire. Yet God works through it all to shape our faith and reveal His goodness.

As you enjoy a s'more around the campfire today, remember that God doesn't want to be a distant idea. He wants to be your Savior, Friend, and Refuge. He invites you to come close and discover for yourself just how good He truly is.

Discussion Questions:

What is your favorite part of a s'more?
What are some ways you have experienced God's goodness in your life?
Why is it important to have a personal relationship with Jesus rather than simply knowing about Him?
What is one way you can draw closer to God this week?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your goodness and love. Help us not just to hear about You, but to experience Your presence in our lives each day. As we gather around the campfire and enjoy time together, remind us that You are near and that Your love is sweeter than any treat we could enjoy. Help us trust You and share Your goodness with others. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Father's Day Devotional: Our Heavenly Father's Example

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 13:32:00 +0000

A Father's Day Devotional: Our Heavenly Father's Example
Scripture: Psalm 103:13

"As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him."

Fatherhood is one of God's most powerful illustrations of His love for His people. While no earthly father is perfect, God calls fathers to reflect His character through love, compassion, guidance, and faithfulness.

Psalm 103 reminds us that God's heart toward His children is one of deep compassion. He knows our weaknesses, understands our struggles, and loves us unconditionally. Fathers are given the privilege and responsibility of demonstrating that same kind of love in their homes.

A godly father is not measured by perfection, but by faithfulness. He leads by example, prays for his family, offers grace when mistakes are made, and points his children toward Christ. Whether through words of encouragement, acts of service, or simply being present, fathers have a lasting influence on the lives of those they love.

For those who are fathers, today is an opportunity to reflect on God's calling and to seek His strength for the journey. For those whose fathers have passed away, were absent, or fell short, we can find comfort in knowing that our Heavenly Father never leaves us nor forsakes us.

This Father's Day, let us thank God for the men who have invested in us, encouraged us, and helped shape our faith. And let us all look to our perfect Father, whose love never fails.

Reflection Questions:

How has God demonstrated His fatherly love in your life?
What qualities of our Heavenly Father can earthly fathers strive to imitate?
How can you encourage and support the fathers and father figures in your life today?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unfailing love, compassion, and faithfulness. Thank You for the fathers and father figures who have cared for, guided, and encouraged us. Strengthen fathers today as they lead their families and seek to honor You. Help us all to reflect Your love and grace in our relationships. Thank You that no matter our circumstances, we can always rest in the security of being Your children. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Mother's Day Devotional: A Legacy of Love

Mon, 11 May 2026 11:06:10 +0000

Scripture: Proverbs 31:28
“Her children arise and call her blessed…”

Motherhood comes in many forms, but at its heart is the beautiful calling to love, nurture, encourage, and sacrifice for others. Often, the work of a mother goes unseen—late nights, quiet prayers, endless giving, and the daily pouring out of herself for those she loves.

Yet God sees every act of faithfulness.

A mother’s influence is powerful not because she is perfect, but because she loves faithfully through the ordinary moments of life. The comforting words, the prayers whispered over children, the strength shown during difficult seasons—these become part of a lasting legacy.

Mother’s Day can also bring mixed emotions. For some, it is joyful. For others, it may carry grief, longing, loss, or heartache. Whatever this day holds for you, know that God is near. He is the One who comforts, strengthens, and reminds us that we are deeply loved.

Today we honor the mothers, grandmothers, spiritual mothers, mentors, and women of faith who reflect God’s compassion and care to those around them.

Reflection:
Who has been a godly influence in your life, and how can you encourage or thank them today?

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the women who love, serve, nurture, and encourage others so faithfully. Strengthen mothers who are weary, comfort those who are grieving, and bless every woman who reflects Your love to the people around her. Help us to honor and appreciate them not only today, but every day. Amen.

Holy Week Devotional: The Road of Redemption

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:36:01 +0000

Holy Week Devotional: The Road of Redemption
by: Janet Bartosh

Scripture Focus: Philippians 2:8–11
“…He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”

Holy Week invites us to slow down and walk with Jesus through the most sacred moments in history. It begins with celebration and ends in resurrection—but not without sacrifice, sorrow, and surrender along the way.

On Palm Sunday, crowds welcomed Jesus as King, waving branches and shouting praise. Yet many expected a conquering ruler, not a suffering Savior. How often do we do the same—celebrating Jesus when He meets our expectations, but struggling when He doesn’t?

As the week unfolds, we see Jesus teaching, serving, and preparing His disciples. At the Last Supper, He breaks bread and shares the cup, pointing to the sacrifice He is about to make. In the Garden of Gethsemane, we witness His humanity—He prays in anguish, yet chooses obedience: “Not my will, but Yours be done.”

Then comes Good Friday. The cross stands as the ultimate expression of love. Jesus takes on sin, shame, and suffering—not because He had to, but because He chose to. For us.
And then… silence. Saturday reminds us that God is still working even when we cannot see it.

But Sunday is coming.

The stone is rolled away. The grave is empty. Death is defeated. What looked like the end was actually the beginning of eternal hope.

Reflection:
Where are you in the Holy Week journey right now?

Are you praising on the mountaintop?
Wrestling in the garden?
Standing at the foot of the cross?
Waiting in silence?

Wherever you are, Jesus meets you there.

Prayer:
Lord, as I walk through Holy Week, help me not rush past the weight of the cross or the wonder of the resurrection. Teach me to follow You in humility, trust You in the waiting, and rejoice in the victory You have won. Amen.

Walking Forward With God

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 14:05:49 +0000

Walking Forward with God

Scripture:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5–6

Some days life feels uncertain. Plans change, challenges appear unexpectedly, and we can find ourselves wondering if we’re heading in the right direction. It’s easy to rely on our own understanding—our plans, our timelines, and our solutions.

But today’s passage reminds us that God asks us to do something different: trust Him fully.
Trusting God doesn’t mean we always understand what He’s doing. It means believing that His wisdom is greater than our own and that He sees the bigger picture when we only see a small piece.

When we place our trust in God and invite Him into every part of our lives—our work, our families, our worries, and our decisions—He promises to guide us. The path may not always be easy, but it will always lead where He wants us to go.
Today, instead of trying to control every outcome, take a moment to place your plans in God’s hands. Ask Him to guide your steps and trust that He is already working ahead of you.

Prayer
Lord, help me trust You with my whole heart today. When I feel uncertain or overwhelmed, remind me that You are guiding my path. Give me the faith to follow where You lead and the peace to rest in Your plan. Amen.

Are You Abusing Your Bible?

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 22:42:06 +0000

Do You Abuse Your Bible?
A devotion By Jeff Beman

2 Timothy 3:15-17

“15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God[a] may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

I was raised “old school”. We had a big family bible and I was taught that a Holy Bible was not to ever be marked on, or written in, other than the records of marriage and birthdays in the front. Pages were never to be dog-eared, and nothing was ever allowed to be placed on top of it. For that matter, kids were never to even touch the pages! In my family, I don’t remember that bible ever being read, except at Christmastime before dinner.

As an adult, it took me many, many years to stop revering the book itself, and be able to start revering the scripture it imparts. The underlining and highlighting and notes I have written in the margins would have been considered blasphemy by my grandmother back then. But I have come to believe keeping the Holy Bible away from the kids, away from daily use, and away from written explanations and ideas and references actually is more like sin than reverence.

How were you raised? How are you raising your kids? How is the word of God used in your family?

Prayer: Thank you, God that your word is so available in our world today. I am so grateful that I was able to change my views on how to respect the Bible. May we take your words to heart and teach our children and ourselves as we grow in faith. Forgive us for placing your holy scriptures on the top shelf to keep them safe, in good condition, and largely unread. And thank you God for those in our lives that lead us to a clearer understanding of you as we grow. AMEN

Being Ready For God's Word

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 18:12:14 +0000

Being Ready for God’s Word

This devotional was published in Turning Point, Wednesday, May 28, 2025

“Acts 17:11 [The Berean’s ] were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that
they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find
out whether these things were so.

Many churches have a tradition of standing as a congregation when the Word of God is read during the Sunday worship service. This practice may be based on Nehemiah 8 when Ezra the priest read God’s Word to the assembled crowd of Israelites in Jerusalem: “And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up” (verse 5).

Recommended Reading: Nehemiah 8:1-9

The people standing for the Word of God signified two things. First, it was an act of
honor. The people had returned to Jerusalem after seventy years of exile in Babylon,
and they honored God by honoring His Word (verse 6).

Second, it signified their willingness and readiness to shape their lives and practices
around God’s will for them. Their actions foreshadowed the actions of Paul’s Jewish
audience in the Berean synagogue as they searched the Scriptures to verify what
Paul was teaching them.

When you read the Word of God, do so with honor and a readiness to obey.”

Heavenly Father, we wish to honor and respect your Word and your will when we also stand for the reading of scripture. Help us to center our worship of you as we do that. In the Name of Christ- AMEN

God's True Will

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 14:33:51 +0000

God’s True Will
A devotion By Jason Ling

“You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” Mark 10:38 (NIV)

In Mark 10:32–40, we find Jesus walking resolutely toward Jerusalem. His disciples follow Him, amazed and afraid. He knows what lies ahead: betrayal, suffering, and the cross. Yet, in the middle of this moment of divine gravity, James and John approach Him with a bold request: “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.”

They were expecting glory. Jesus was preparing for suffering.

This is a picture of how easily our expectations can clash with God’s true will. James and John weren’t necessarily being selfish—they believed Jesus was the Messiah, and they wanted to be near Him. But they misunderstood what His glory looked like. They envisioned thrones; Jesus envisioned a cross.

How often do we do the same? We ask God for position, success, comfort—believing these are signs of His blessing. But sometimes, God’s will includes hardship, refinement, and a path that looks nothing like the one we had in mind. Jesus’ response—“You don’t know what you are asking”—is a loving but sobering reminder that God’s plan often leads us through surrender before glory.

Yet here’s the hope: Jesus doesn’t rebuke James and John harshly. Instead, He invites them deeper into His mission—yes, they will drink the cup and share in His baptism of suffering. But not as a punishment—as a participation in God’s kingdom.

What expectations have you placed on God that may not align with His will?
Are you willing to follow Jesus, even when the road leads through suffering before glory?
How can you better seek God’s presence over position?

Lord, forgive me when I come to You with my own expectations instead of seeking Your will.
Help me trust Your plan, even when it leads through valleys I didn’t choose. Teach me to value being close to You more than being honored by others. Let my life reflect Your glory—on Your terms, not mine. In Jesus’ name, amen

Loneliness

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 11:20:56 +0000

John 13:34
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

A few years ago, I reconnected with an old friend from high school that I hadn’t seen or heard from in about a decade. When I realized that he was still living in the area, I reached out through social media and invited him to come hang out for a guys night. It was a very low effort attempt to reconnect and, quite honestly, I had no clue if he even had a shred of interest in meeting up again. To my surprise, however, he took me up on the offer. Not only did we hang out, eat fried food, shoot some pool, and reminisce on old times, he actually shared with me that life had been very difficult recently. Separating from his wife, seeing his kids less, and struggling to find happiness despite the loneliness were at the top of his list of “what’s new”. Through that unlikely night out, we started a new weekly routine where we would get together and not only share a meal, but share about how our lives were actually going, and do our best to avoid the “its fine” response.

Loneliness can be far more crippling than we give it credit, and for a generation that has never been more connected through technology, we seem to be further apart now than ever. Sharing photos from your recent vacation with your 500 Facebook friends is cool, but it will never be as fulfilling or healing as finding that one person that you can trust, and share the hurt that you’ve been carrying around for months…or years. This is why the bible is full of verses that refer to the importance of community. This is the arena where we are able to lean on each other in our times of need and help each other grow and experience God’s truth.

My friend and I have, again, drifted apart and do not keep up with each other regularly, but as I grow in my faith, I look back on that time quite fondly. I appreciate how God nudged me to reach out even though the probability of rejection was high. I appreciate how He showed me that helping a friend can simply mean sitting and listening even when I have no advice, whatsoever, on how to help. Most of all, I appreciate how God can take these opportunities that seem random or insignificant and use them to demonstrate what His love looks like in the everyday situations of life.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the everyday opportunities that you provide where you give us the subtle nudges to demonstrate your love. We pray that you continue to help us lean into these situations and trust that you will guide us wherever it leads. Amen.

A Sabbath Invitation

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 09:28:48 +0000

A Sabbath Invitation
A devotion By Jason Ling

Devotional: "Rest for Your Soul — A Sabbath Invitation"

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

Summer is often filled with activity — vacations, gatherings, family trips, and a constant stream of things to do. Even though the season is meant to feel lighter, the pace can leave us feeling as weary as any other time of year.

But God offers something different: Sabbath.

Sabbath isn’t just a day off; it’s a sacred pause. A gift of rhythm. A divine invitation to stop striving and simply be — in the presence of the One who restores our souls.

In the Old Testament, God modeled rest on the seventh day of creation (Genesis 2:2-3). He wasn't tired; He was showing us that rest is holy, necessary, and good. Jesus echoed that call when He said, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27). It’s God’s way of saying, “You don’t have to earn rest — I give it freely.”

When we set aside time — even in the middle of summer’s chaos — to rest, to worship, and to simply be still, we’re reminded that we are not held together by our schedules or productivity. We are held together by God.

Pause today. Turn off the noise. Let the to-do list wait. Go outside. Breathe. Reflect. Pray. Sabbath can be a Sunday, or it can be a sacred hour carved out intentionally. In that space, God meets you with peace, rest, and restoration.

Sabbath is God’s way of giving you what the world cannot — true rest for your soul.

Prayer:
Lord, in the midst of all the activity around me, help me to pause and find rest in You. Teach me to embrace the Sabbath as a gift, not a burden. Restore my soul, renew my strength, and help me walk in the peace only You provide. Amen.

Joy In The Midst Of Struggle

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 14:04:54 +0000

Joy In The Midst Of Struggle
A devotion By Jason Ling

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds…” – James 1:2 (NIV)

When life becomes heavy with hardship, joy might seem like a far-off dream. Yet, the Bible tells us to "consider it pure joy" when we encounter trials. This is not a call to deny pain or put on a happy face. It’s an invitation to lean into a deeper, more resilient kind of joy—one that isn’t based on circumstances, but on Christ.

Joy is not the same as happiness.

Happiness depends on what happens to us. It’s a reaction to comfort, success, or good news. Joy, however, is a decision to trust that God is good—even when life is not. Joy is rooted in God’s presence, promises, and power.

Paul wrote from prison, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). His joy didn’t come from his surroundings—it came from his Savior.

Finding Joy in Struggle:

Look for God's presence in your pain. He is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18).
Remember God’s promises. Trials can refine us and produce perseverance, character, and hope (Romans 5:3–5).
Choose gratitude. Even in loss, there is always something to thank God for.

Reflection Question:
Where in your life do you need to choose joy today—not because things are easy, but because God is with you?

Lord, help me to find joy in You even when life is hard. Teach me to trust You in every season, and remind me that Your joy is my strength. May I be anchored in Your hope, not tossed by my circumstances. Amen.

Growing Up In Spirit

Sat, 31 May 2025 09:55:54 +0000

Growing Up in Spirit
A devotion By Jason Ling

Bible Verse:
"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen."
— 2 Peter 3:18 (NIV)

Reflection:
Summer often reminds us of growth—gardens flourish, days stretch longer, and life seems to slow down just enough to take a deep breath. In the same way nature matures, God calls us to grow spiritually, not just in age or experience, but in grace and knowledge.

Spiritual growth isn’t always about doing more—it's about becoming more like Christ. It's found in quiet prayer, in moments of worship, and in how we love others during both restful and busy seasons. Even the warmth of summer can be a time to renew our desire to know God more deeply.

Consider:
Are you growing in grace, becoming more patient, kind, and humble?
Are you growing in knowledge, spending time in God’s Word and learning more about His character?

Prayer:
Lord, help me grow this summer—not just outwardly, but inwardly. Let my heart deepen in love for You, and my life reflect Your grace. Teach me more of who You are, and who You are shaping me to be. Amen.

Write A Letter To God

Thu, 22 May 2025 13:09:36 +0000

Write A Letter to God
A devotional by Jeff Beman
Psalm 45:1 "My heart is over flowing with a good theme; I recite my composition concerning the King; my tongue is the pen of a ready writer."

Sometimes, when I try to pray, my mind goes blank, and my tongue twists us, and my prayer becomes a mess jumble of noise. The bible tell us the Holy Spirit will intercede for us when that happens. (See Romans 8:26) Praise God for that! But I am learning to write out my prayers, which lets my mouth and my brain get together, because it can only help me when I understand, myself, what I am telling and asking of the Lord.
If writing out your prayers seems strange, (and it did to me at first), remember that all of the prayers we read in the Bible were written down, which is why we can still use them as our own, today. Many of our hymns and worship songs are actually prayers that were written down, ... "The sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee."
If we take time to write out some of our prayers, we might discover areas of weakness that need to be strengthened and patterns of life that need to be corrected. We will have a record of how we prayed and we can see how God is working in our lives.
When our minds feel unfocus, a pen and paper can help us concentrate in God's presence. Try writing out some of your prayers and thin of them as letters to God. He knows how to read; and listen!

A prayer: Wonderous and Merciful God - We praise you for the permission and practice of being able to communicate directly with you! Accept our prayers as an offering to you, and may they truly be a sweet sound in your ears. Always in the name of Jesus we pray ... AMEN

Breakfast

Mon, 05 May 2025 18:19:29 +0000

Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord." John 21: 12

A few weeks ago, I was asked to share my favorite parable from the book of John with the members of Lakeside Youth. I chose John 21 in its entirety for a few reasons. The first is that I LOVE breakfast food. The second is that this parable shows God’s fatherly love to his people and how He is always more interested in showing grace and forgiveness rather than focusing on an “I told you so”.

In this chapter, Jesus appears to Peter and the other disciples for the third time after his resurrection, while they are fishing just a short distance from shore. It doesn’t take long before the disciples realize that it is Jesus. He invites them back to shore, and before they engage in any conversation, Jesus offers to serve them all breakfast with their recent catch. Everyone sitting around that fire knew that Peter had denied Jesus three times before he was crucified, and Jesus addresses this later in the story, but before he gets to that, He is far more interested in serving them breakfast and engaging in fellowship.

Now, this may not be the main lesson to take away from this parable, but after reading it again, this is what stood out to me. By doing this, he is demonstrating that even though he has a point to make with Peter, showing grace and mercy should always precede any version of an “I told you so” that may be coming…even if it’s well deserved. This is the type of fatherly love that we should all strive to demonstrate in our everyday lives.

This story has provoked two questions lately. Who has taken the time to serve me breakfast in the past, and who do I have the opportunity to serve breakfast to now? I offer these same questions to you today regarding this simple, yet incredibly meaningful gesture.

Lord God, we thank you today for your fatherly love, and how you are always slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Help us, oh Lord, to show that same love to others, for your glory and for the good of your kingdom. Amen.

Watch and Pray

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 08:16:44 +0000

”Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” Matthew 26:41

This week I’m reflecting on Jesus as he faced the cross praying in the garden of Gethsemane. The disciples were invited to “keep watch and pray” and not give in to temptation. The passage says, “the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Jesus invited the disciples to pray with him 3 times and they couldn't even stay awake.

It seemed that in Jesus' hour of need he was alone, in anguish, and distress. He said, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death.” (26:38) Picture this hour of grief. Jesus bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “‘My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.’” (26:39)

As he invited Peter, James, and John to watch and pray, he is asking the same for us. This time of prayer was preparation to walk through darkness, pain, and death. The Father was with Jesus and he carried him through it all to resurrected life! For the 3 times that Jesus invited the disciples to pray I’m reminded that Jesus was resurrected after 3 days.

What are you facing today? In what ways can you relate with this anguish and distress? Is it possible that Jesus is right there with you at this time? He knows the pain that you are feeling and wants to take your hand and walk with you through it.

There will be resurrection on the other side of what you are going through. Because of the anguish Jesus experienced, he can relate to our suffering. His strength came from his relationship with the Father, who is also the source of our strength.

I invite you to look to the Father in prayer as Jesus did. Depend on him. Ask him to be with you. He will be right there with you in your tears, and distress. He will bring new life to you through it all.

Jesus, I invite you to be with me in my time of anguish and distress. As I watch and pray, help me die to my own plans and say “your will be done.” Give me eyes to see the hope and joy in the resurrection to come. I love you O Lord, my strength! Amen.

Be Still and Know

Sun, 13 Apr 2025 12:16:11 +0000

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

This spring and in this season of my life, I’m finding myself to be very busy and it can sometimes feel overwhelming and begin to wear me down. I still set aside time for God but that time can easily begin to be a time that I mentally start listing all the things I have to get done today. I think for all of us it can be a real challenge to prioritize what is going on in our schedules and very difficult to turn off our busy minds to hear what the Lord may be saying.

I love psalm 46, specifically verse 10 where He says,”Be still and know that I am God.” What a comforting and important statement. “Be still” means stop and listen for a moment. Just how important is this listening? The word listen appears in the Bible about 331 times. You think maybe God is trying to make a point? Yes! It’s that important not only for our relationship with the father but for our own sanity and well being. I believe God knows this and desires it for us. Simply, be still, know and listen to his voice.

I think it is extremely valuable to me to just repeat the phrase, “Be still, and know that I am God. It is a reminder of how little control I have over the things around me and sometimes even the thoughts inside me. It's amazing to me as I write these words and repeat that simple phrase how peaceful I feel knowing that God truly has things under his care and control. That makes me feel grateful beyond belief and brings me a sense of peace that I can’t find anywhere else. He will be exalted in my home, nation and world. He is the one true King that brings meaning to our busy lives. We are only here for a short time but He will reign forever.

Dear Lord, please help each one of us, your children, quiet our minds and schedules and find rest in you. We know you can make our burdens lighter, but sometime can struggle turning it over to you. Please give us the strength to do that. We know only then can we find that peace that we can’t find on our own. We thank you Lord for all you do, amen.

Tax Time

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 19:54:54 +0000

"6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.” Romans 13:6-7

Here it comes again! April 15…the day in the United States that income taxes must be filed. Some of us don’t pay much attention, and some of us commiserate greatly over the amount of our resources we must contribute.

The first income tax in the U.S. began in 1862, during the civil war when the north instituted an income tax. The Confederate government did the same in 1863. The individual states started imposing income tax in 1911. It was then made a permanent part of our lives by the 16th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

The oldest tax I could find was in the Old Testament. King Solomon taxed the people. He established twelve districts to sustain the king for a month each by taxation (1 Kgs 4:7-19, 22-28). Solomon also conscripted labor from Israel (1 Kgs 5:13), taxed merchants and trade (1 Kgs 10:15), and received tribute from nations (1 Kgs 4:21).

As of 2023, one report shows 97 different taxes in the US Tax Code. Why must we pay all these taxes? Certainly, we all would want some of the public provisions that come from taxes, such as fire and police protection etc. But the reality is that our tax burden seems to grow with increase on top of increase, and sometimes spending by the government seems frivolous. We might wonder how much more we can afford before we “go under”.

The word of God tells us repeatedly to submit to our leaders and those put over us. God’s word tells us to “render unto Ceasar what is Ceasar’s”. In Romans 13 Paul tells us we must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. And that the authorities are ministers of God.

Isn’t it interesting that Paul equates paying taxes, revenue, honor, and respect as all the same? God loves a cheerful giver even in paying taxes.

Dear God - Please help us to understand your commands from your Word. Place your steadying hand on our leaders and give them wisdom in their leadership, and help them become good stewards of the resources given. AMEN.

God Always Provides

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 20:04:45 +0000

31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:31-33

I woke up this morning and had to take my dogs outside. This is normally a chore that has to be done and in the cold it is not a lot of fun. But today was different. The weather was fairly warm and the robins finally made it back and were singing up a storm. I started to wonder if they were finding food or materials for building nests. As I thought about how God supplies all that they need to survive I remembered that He does the same for each of us.

It seems I spend so much of my time rushing from place to place and appointment to appointment, that I begin to worry about things along the way. Where am I going to eat, how much gas I am burning, can I get all these things done, how am I going to afford the next sport my son is involved in. The list can go on and on. Jesus’s way of thinking is very different though. He assures us that God will provide and not to spend all this time worrying.

These verses in Matthew really stir in my heart how God truly does provide for all the little things in life. Unfortunately, I don’t always recognize or remember these words until after the fact. When I put God and his kingdom first all other things seem to fall into place much better than my way of worrying and rushing. This gives me hope. When I have hope my attitude changes, I’m more patient, thankful and, yes, even more productive.

My challenge to everyone today is to first seek God and His Kingdom and stop all the unnecessary worry. Be thankful to what and how God provides at just the right times and give Him praise for this wonderful world we get to spend time in, until He calls us home to Him.

Thank you God for all you provide and and how you can take the burdens of life and make them better when we seek you first instead of trying to impose our own will. We are grateful to you and all that you have done and continue to do. In Jesus name, amen.

Making Good Choices

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 19:45:30 +0000

As spring time approaches, I am reminded that I will soon be another year older. Psalm 90:12 says, “So teach us to number our days so that we may get a heart of wisdom”. This Psalm reminds me of how short my time on earth is compared to the eternity of God.

Sunday, after talking with my Dr. friend, he said, “Go and make good choices.” Christ asks us to choose Him above all else. No matter how old or young we are, our days are numbered. Are we making good choices?

The second part of Psalm 90:12 tells us that because our days are numbered, may we get a heart of wisdom. When we pursue this heart of wisdom, it is understanding God's ways. As we move through the Lenten season let us keep in mind that God has already written the days we will be here (Psalm 139:16). So let’s open our eyes and ears as we seek God for this short time we are here.

Prayer

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 20:36:04 +0000

Prayer is such an important part of our relationship with God. We have a communication system open between ourselves and God, and God calls us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). I would encourage you to be open to prayer at any time of the day.
Although a set time of prayer is important in our lives, too often we can put off prayer for our “prayer time”. Sometimes we run into people in town or someone calls us and they relay a story in their life or share an upcoming concern.

It is easy to say “I will pray for you!”, then with all the good intentions in the world, we forget. Next time you have an encounter like this, try asking them if you can pray for them right there. You may get some varied responses, but usually it is, “Yes, I would like that”. In doing this, not only do we lift them up to the Creator of the universe, but they know they are being prayed for which will often lift their spirits. As the recipient of the prayer, we often shed some of that feeling of being alone. For me, I know it is even easier to remember to pray for them in my scheduled prayer time if I have prayed with them in person!

Are you one of those people whom God can awaken in the middle of the night to pray for one of His needs here on Earth? If at night you cannot sleep, don’t count sheep--talk to the shepherd! God knows when I am finished praying and ready to go back to sleep. When God sees a need on earth, he often puts it in our path. We can step around it or over it. Or we can pray through it. Pray without ceasing.

“I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day.” 2 Timothy 1:3

Jesus Is Always the Same

Sun, 09 Mar 2025 17:16:22 +0000

“7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:7-8

We live in a world of change. Some changes are easy, like when we transition into Spring and Summer and warm weather. Some changes are hard, like losing our winter weight, or trying to break an old bad habit. Anyway you look at it, change happens.

Could you imagine a life without change where we are all stuck in the same old rut and same old view of the world? We would probably still be living in caves dreaming of the day we could plant our own food. I believe God orchestrates change so that we can all grow in knowledge and faith.

As a church, we are experiencing some changes. Some of these changes can seem really difficult as we transition leadership or even take on new roles in our community. Rest assured God has this under his watchful eye as he always has since our creation. No matter what growth or change occurs in our life, Jesus and his love for us remains the same.

Hebrews 13 reminds us that the message Jesus taught his first disciples is the exact same for us today. He lived, died and was resurrected to reunite us with our Heavenly Father, just as he always intended. God's plan is the same today and every day and we can hold fast to the fact that he will always be steadfast in his love for each one of us, helping us change and grow according to his will, if we simply accept that truth.

Father God, please walk with each one of us as we change and grow according to your will. Remind us that although the world around us may change, your message and love for us never will. Thank you for being the one security we can always
count on in our life. Amen.