Pastor Paul's Paragraphs

      In the January 2002 Grace Notes, I wrote in part the following: "C.S. Lewis wrote, ‘"He who has God and many other things has no more than he who has God alone.'"

      Lamentations 3:22 - 23 says, "It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." (KJV)

      I love new beginnings, and that is what the New Year represents to me. Last year is gone, along with both my successes and failures. Now I am presented with days full of potential to seek, please and serve the Lord. In the midst of this New Year, the Lord is merciful and compassionate and faithful.

      As I reflect on 2005 and contemplate 2006, I am reminded of both God's faithfulness in the past year and His provision for the future. As I read the Word of God for my personal benefit and the benefit of those I am privileged to teach, I am further reminded of God's faithfulness in my past and His provision of my future.

      The one constant that I have come to rely on is the presence of God in my life. This world is full of change and in a constant state of unrest. Yet, God's Word states: "For I am the LORD, I do not change." (Malachi 3:6a) Over 6,000 times in the scriptures the name "LORD" is used of God. This name speaks of the "self- existing One" who rules with absolute authority and wisdom. Verse 4 of that popular 23rd Psalm states in part that "...thou art with me." Joshua 1:9 tells us, the LORD speaking, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

      As you work through each and every day of 2006, remember that God is ever present, faithful and full of mercy. The one constant that we have in this ever changing world is the presence of God in each and every moment of our lives. The Apostle John records for us in John 1:14a that "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us" and the Apostle Paul records in 1Corinthians 6:19 that "...your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you".

     Remember that God is ever present in your life.

     Happy New Year

      Pastor Paul

Kids Korner - Pastor Greg

      Happy New Year! I can hardly believe that 2006 is here! What happened to 2005? Or 2004, 2003, 2002 - you get the idea! I guess time really does fly the older you get!

      When the new year comes around, there is inevitably talk of "New Year's Resolutions." Some look forward to and embrace them, while others scoff at the idea of arbitrary commitment based on the calendar to lose weight, spend more time with the kids, or watch less TV. Regardless of how you feel about resolutions, consider this story:

      There was a couple who were sitting with a marriage counselor for their first session and the good doctor asked them to identify what seemed to be the root of their problems. The wife responded, "It all started when we thought it would be cute to think up each other's New Year's resolutions."

      Ouch! Whatever you think about resolutions, please don't do THAT! I have to admit there is something "fresh" about the beginning of a new year. After all, it is a NEW year. It's a time to look back over the past year and make adjustments. What will we do differently than last year? What will we do the same? It's a great time to examine and evaluate. As you go through the process and consider the year to come, allow me to share 2 verses of Scripture with you that can provide a wonderful blueprint for the coming year. Deuteronomy 10:12-13 says, "And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the Lord and His statutes which I command you today for your good?"

      What a challenge for us! Do I fear God? Does my attitude and life style reflect an awesome reverence for the God of the universe and Savior of my soul? Am I walking in all His ways? Or do I pick and choose those that are convenient for me? Do I love Him? Is my love for Him based solely on what He has done for me or because of Who He is? Do I even know Him well enough to have a developed love? How about my service? Am I a spectator in this great race of life or am I a participant? Am I into this for what I can "get" out of it or because of what I can "give" to others? Do I embrace the Word and hold it dear and precious for every part of my life? Or is it just part of my "church uniform?"

      Those are sobering questions indeed. I asked them all of myself this new year. They are for my "good" the verse says. And I definitely want this year to be "good". As I enter my 13th year of ministry (and my 4th year here - wow!), I have great expectation. Pastor Ben and Gloria's presence completes a ministry team of which I am excited to be a part. And, Lord willing, a new child will be born into our home this year. We look forward to the arrival of Gracy Elaine and we covet your prayers for her and for Tracy as April approaches.

      From our family to yours, we wish each of you a very blessed new year.

     Happy 2006

      Pastor Greg

The Month in Focus with Pastor Ben

      As I sit down to write this month's Grace Notes, I am recovering - however slow it may be - from a 2000 mile road trip to see my sister get married and have Christmas with my family in Washington. The wedding was great and there was no traffic in all of the 2000 miles, most of which were on the I-5. I actually got to experience some winter weather while in eastern Washington with snow on the ground and

     18-25 degree temperatures and we spent some time with family Gloria's and mine. It was a big trip which logged over 30 hours in the car with my other sister and her fiancé as well as countless cookies, bottles of water, pop, beef jerky, and other miscellaneous food items.

      At certain points during the trip, while I was driving and the other three were sleeping, I would think about all sorts of stuff but never once did I wonder if it was worth it. I never considered not going to my sister's wedding. We drove, by the way, so we could take my other sister and her fiancé (who could not fly) since their car was insufficient to go 2000 miles. Family is important. I'm back now and have pulled out a stack of papers, mail, and a few gifts from my box. I have a lot of stuff to filter through not to mention writing this article for the Grace Notes. Again, was being gone for a week worth it? Yes, it was because family is important.

      Not only is my biological family important, but my church family is important too. That's why I'm taking the time to write

     this; that is why I went into full time ministry. That is why I take the time to go through my mail, email, and other miscellaneous items that make it to my box and my desk. I am committed to seeing this family grow. My primary focus is the teens. We had 34 kids at our Christmas party on the 13th. That's a big family, but it's a fun family!

      By the time you read this, Christmas will be over and hopefully you spent it with your family. In fact it's probably already 2006 and we're looking forward to another year of life. It will be a year of change in your family and in our church family. My other sister is getting married in February. I know of a couple other weddings that will take place this next year. Families will be changing. But no matter what, family will always be important - both families. What are you planning on doing the next year to serve your biological family? What are you planning on doing this next year to serve your church family? Don't let life get in the way of the things that are important.

      Pastor Ben

40 Days of Prayer

Triple Cord Prayer Groups

"...A threefold cord is not quickly broken..."

( Ecc. 4:12 )

January 1 - February 9

Print the daily reading schedule (click here).

February Events

Missions Conference 2006

Calendar of Events

Click on the highlighted dates - the events are shown on the right.