 Growing the Kingdom
The well-known parable of the mustard seed illustrates how God's Kingdom starts small and grows over time. Though the mustard seed was the tiniest seed in Jesus’ era, the parable teaches us important lessons about spiritual and Kingdom development today. Jesus says, “It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.” Friends, the same growth potential that resides in the mustard seed resides within every believer’s heart. When you feel alone in standing tall for Jesus, remember that the same divine power at work in the tiny mustard seed is active within you. Stand tall and firm, rooted deep in God's Word, and do not be intimidated! If your efforts for the Kingdom seem small or insignificant, always remember there are other followers around us at all times. Your faith, no matter how small it may appear, can unite with others to accomplish far more for the Kingdom than you can imagine. So, let the Son shine upon you and through you, and continue nourishing your growth in God’s Word. Onward and Upward + Fr. Greg
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 Come To Me
Are you weary, burdened, and stressed out? If so, you are not alone! How do you manage stress? Do you watch a movie, have a hobby, or play a sport that helps you unwind? Nothing is wrong with those things, but they can't provide the rest or restoration you need. You can always take a nap; it can rest your body, but naps won't rest your weary spirit. There's only one thing that can rest and restore our weary souls. Only Jesus can provide the soul rest and restoration that de-stresses our weary lives. Friends, Jesus' invitation and promise in today's passage can offer the soul rest and restoration we need for our weary, overburdened, over-scheduled lives. Jesus says, "Come to me!" He doesn't say come to Church, come to Bible study, or a small group. True soul rest is only possible through a relationship with Jesus. What our weary souls need most is quiet time alone with Jesus. Finding a quiet place and then spending quiet time alone with our Lord is critical! As you sit with Him, pray, read your Bible, and listen to Him. If you're running on empty and need to recharge, go to Jesus; He promises the rest that our weary souls desperately need. Onward and Upward + Fr. Greg  Happy Independence Day!
For many, Independence Day is about fireworks and cookouts with family and friends. While there's nothing wrong with those traditions, it's important to pause and reflect on what Independence Day is about. For our founding fathers 250 years ago, Independence Day represented freedom for God-fearing people to seek "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness." What does independence and freedom look like today? Scripture tells us it looks the same as it did then. Independence and freedom can only be experienced today, as they were then, through the blood of Christ. Only through His body and blood are we "free indeed," not just politically free, but free from the bondage of sin and death. Friends, on this very special 250th Independence Day, God wants you to experience true freedom! Freedom from your sin, fear, worry, addictions, guilt, and shame. You will never find true freedom in a relationship, a job, or a political philosophy, nor will it come by making more money or building bigger barns! Friends, true freedom and independence only come through trusting Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Only then are we no longer a "slave to sin." So don't let sin keep you in bondage! Make this 250th Independence Day your personal Independence Day! Make it the day you confess and repent of your sins, and then you will be "free indeed" to celebrate Independence every day! Happy Independence Day + Fr. Greg  Stay Calm and Carry On!
Do you struggle with anger? We live in a world where sin is rampant, injustice is commonplace, and anger rages all around us. This growing trend can also lead believers to stumble into anger and sin. Although we can’t often change the situations around us, we can alter our responses. When we are hurt by someone else's words or deeds, we may be tempted to retaliate, but as followers of Jesus, we are called to model his life. "When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly" (1 Peter 2:23). Friends, today's Proverb emphasizes the value of being slow to anger. This is especially important when facing verbal attacks. Quiet listening protects us from speaking rashly and gives us the opportunity to seek God's wisdom and grace. When we are slow to anger, we can often gain a clearer understanding of the situation and the motives that a quick-tempered person might miss. A calm response is unnatural, but that shouldn't surprise us, since the one who modeled it was Jesus. As Christians, our character should mirror his. Preserving civility must take precedence over our need to be right. So, just pause, stay calm, and carry on. All things are possible with Jesus as our counselor and defender. Onward and Upward + Fr. Greg  Sheep Among Wolves
Most of us struggle when faced with opposition or rejection. As Christians, we should anticipate occasional rejection. After reminding us that not everyone will accept the Good News, Jesus warned His disciples—and us—about the harshness of that rejection. Some will respond benignly by ignoring us and our message, while others will harbor hostile, vengeful attitudes toward the Good News and those who share it. Jesus cautions us that we will be like sheep among wolves. Friends, as Christians equipped and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we need to be strategic and wise in our approach. We must not let opposition surprise or discourage us. When we are harassed, criticized, or challenged, we should model Christ’s character by showing patience and peace. Even Saint Peter, known for his temper and rashness, eventually learned to embody these qualities. He wrote, "Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then, even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior and give honor to God when He judges the world" (1 Peter 2:12). We must be fearless, but not foolish! Remember, the world is always watching us, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Onward and Upward + Fr. Greg  Unwavering Love
Let’s acknowledge that everyone experiences moments of doubt about God's unwavering love. When that happens, Saint Paul's words today offer encouragement and hope. Paul knew we might be tempted to believe God has forsaken us at times. He likely faced similar struggles himself. The Bible makes clear that difficulties, sorrow, and loss are common and that occasional doubts are natural. However, these challenges do not imply that God has abandoned us or stopped loving us. How can we trust in God’s love when doubt arises? Paul’s words in this passage offer the answer: God’s perfect love is revealed in Christ Jesus, our Lord! His unconditional love was shown when God sent Jesus to die for us, even while we were still sinners. When doubt about God’s perfect love creeps in, look to the cross—there we see His unwavering love poured out for us. That perfect love empowers us to live confidently for His Kingdom. Believing in His unwavering love should motivate us to persevere through every challenge. Remember God’s His love endures forever, and His mercies are new every morning. Onward and Upward + Fr. Greg  Trusting In Transition
Transitions are rarely easy! They often mark the end of one season of our story and the beginning of another. Our faith is often tested in transition when fear tries to creep in. The new territory is often unknown, so we tend to focus on the transition rather than the destination. We often question God's providence during those journeys. As I thought about this, I was reminded of God's directions to His people in this passage. They listened but didn't hear. Friends, God often says things we ignore or don't want to hear. The disciples heard Jesus tell them what would happen, but they didn't hear. If the passing decades have taught me anything at all, it's that life's occasional transitions are necessary for our continued spiritual growth. When we fight them, we fight the plan God has in mind for us. Folks, our transitions stretch and grow our faith and trust in God's perfect plan for us. Those journeys may take longer than we want, but we must forge ahead! So, hold fast to your faith, trust, and obedience in life’s transitions; God will never leave nor forsake you! Onward and Upward + Fr. Greg  Bearing Others Burdens
This world is full of people experiencing many hardships and burdens. Today's passage reminds us that we must share and bear one another's burdens. As faithful believers, we all have two common purposes on this earthly journey: to serve and glorify God! One shared ministry among all believers is to help one another, both practically and spiritually. Living out our common ministry calling requires both sacrifice and commitment. To accomplish this, we must have an acute awareness of others' needs. Friends, how can we pray and share one another's burdens if we are not sensitive to what they are facing? First, ask the Holy Spirit to help you tune into the struggles of others. Second, we must accept other believers as Jesus accepted us. That means being willing to share others' burdens, no matter who they are. Helping others is rarely easy or convenient. The Lord directs and delivers the priceless ministry of presence through each of us only if we are willing to surrender to His command to love our neighbor as ourselves. Bearing another's burden fulfills the law of Christ and it fills our hearts with joy! Onward and Upward + Fr. Greg  No Greater Love
Memorial Day marks the start of summer for many Americans with long sunny days, warm evenings, and picnics. Unfortunately, many fail to pause and reflect on this day’s most important meaning. We must never forget the sacrifice of all the men and women who answered our nation’s highest call, aware of the risks yet willing to lay down their lives to preserve our freedom. What extraordinary examples of service over self. Friends, on this solemn day, may we remember with sincere gratitude those who laid down their lives to defend the religious and civil liberties many take for granted. As Christians, let us never forget those brave men and women who fought and died for us. And let us never forget the greatest sacrifice ever made for all mankind by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who, in unconditional love, laid down his life to provide us freedom from sin and eternal victory in his presence. THANK YOU! Onward and Upward + Fr. Greg  Stay The Course
Flying in reduced visibility requires pilots to keep their eyes on the instruments to arrive safely at the desired destination. What are your eyes focused on today? It’s easy to lose focus in this world, obscured by sin, and miss our desired destination. In today’s psalm, David declares he has set eyes on the Lord. The enemy often places distractions before us to obscure our vision. To reach our heavenly destination, like David, we must always keep our eyes on the Lord for guidance. That is where focus, obedience, and steadfast faith kick in. Scripture tells us, “the just shall live by faith!” Friends, the secret to a confident, secure journey on this side of the veil is to keep our eyes fixed on the Lord, not on the storms and circumstances on the horizon. David said, “I shall not be shaken!” The secret to peace and unshakable faith is found in Christ alone. We find confidence and divine peace only in His presence. His presence is always available when we seek Him in prayer and faithfully obey His directions, empowered by our co-pilot, the Holy Spirit. So, trust the Lord and keep your eyes fixed on Him. He will provide the strength and confidence to enable us to stay on the course and safely arrive at our heavenly destination through the challenges of this earthly journey. Onward and Upward! Fr. Greg+ |