Valentine’s Day is not a religious holiday, yet it has some religious connotations to it. The most basic meaning is the sharing of the gift of love. Love is a practice and attribute that is never to be taken for granted. Jesus reminds us of the significance and the power of love throughout his many teachings. “Love one another as I have loved you.” Of course, we cannot forget the impact of love as the Apostle Paul describes in his first letter to the Corinthians.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NIV)

The above statement is so beautiful and powerful and I believe that it embodies the goodness of Valentine’s Day. My love and prayers are always with you as you seek to be the church God desires you to be.

Always remember that God is love and that he seeks to embrace you in that love.

With God’s Love,

Pastor Nik

I understand that you had a great “Souper Bowl” yesterday in my absence. I also understand that there were some delicious soups and goodies to be sampled.

Congratulations to Larry Chamberlain for making the winning soup and any other winners that I may not know about.

Well, folks, I missed your soup, but I got to attend the Chili cook-off at Anderson Hills Christian Church following worship. We had six different varieties of chilis from which to choose and there was a first place and a second-place winner. Of course, we topped off the chili with many scrumptious desserts.

This leads me to my thoughts for this week. All of us like to be winners yet we know that that is not possible. Even Jesus’ disciples argued among themselves regarding who would have the seats of honor on either side of their Lord and Master. Jesus sensed this little spat and used it as a marvelous teaching opportunity. He ends it with this great statement, “Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:26-28, NIV)

Consider what it means to walk humbly with Jesus always at your side.

With God’s Love,

Pastor Nik

I have been reading a fascinating book on listening to God. Without directly quoting the author and breaking the copyright laws, allow me to share a couple of thoughts. When has God truly spoken and how can you confirm this? Beware of allowing your own thoughts and ideas to become what you determine must be God’s voice.

We already know that God speaks to us in varieties of ways through the scriptures. God may speak to us in the midst of nature: a gentle snowfall, the beauty of a flowering plant, the rustling of the grass or of leaves, the howling wind. Sometimes we can confirm God’s voice in the quietness that may surround us or in the singing of a gorgeous hymn or some other song.

Be listening for the many ways that God may speak to you.

With God’s Love,

Pastor Nik

In a little less than two weeks, you will be invited to make a most significant decision that will help to impact the direction in which God is calling this congregation. You will vote on the next settled pastor and I pray with all of my being that God will direct that vote in a positive direction.

For reasons of confidentiality and to assure that those who may employ social media does not broadcast the decision before its time you have been left in the dark. A few of you have expressed concern regarding this matter. Let me reassure you as Cliff Thompson did this past Sunday that the Search Committee has diligently carried out its work. They have thoroughly researched and interviewed the prospective candidate and are strongly recommending her to be the next settled pastor.

Trust, trust, trust the work of this committee. They will be able to answer any questions you might have regarding the candidate that they are recommending to you.

In the meantime, join me in prayer for this congregation and for our prospective candidate.

With God’s Love,

Pastor Nik