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Confidence In Change You can find Jesus’s final example of how to face the challenge of change in Matthew 26:55: “But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” Jesus knew that as daunting as it was, the change He was facing was not the first in His Father’s grand work in the universe. Throughout history, those God seeks and those that seek God have faced continual change. From Eden to life outside the garden. From freedom to slavery. From desert life to city and temple living. From judges to prophets to kings to rabbis. From law to grace. From death to life. God’s story and His active pursuit of you and me can not happen without change. For God’s word to be fulfilled, it must happen this way. This way is His way, and His way involves change. His way also involves you and me. Consequently, His way involves you and me facing change. Yet, like Jesus, we do not face change alone. The Father was with Him. The Father is with us. Take a moment to share honestly with God how you feel about the change you are facing. Accept and affirm God’s will in the midst of change. And take confidence in the fact that a sovereign God that works through change has also declared “I am the LORD, I do not change” (Malachi 3:6). Face your change today with the One who remains unchanging. Pastor Josh

Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it. – Proverbs 22:6 How would your day go if your child got to decide what to do? If you let your child plan a meal what would they pick? If it were up to them, would they ever get in the bathtub or get out? Children need structure. I’m not talking about a “Ms. Trunchbull” kind of structure. I’m talking about the kind of structure based on love. I am so thankful for the men and women who volunteer at church to tell our kids about God. Past and present teachers who are taking three hours a week to make a change in our kid’s lives. But what about the remaining 168 hours of the week? Who is teaching them and what are they teaching? Because Sean and I made the decision to be parents, God is holding us accountable for how they are raised. Would your baby every grow if you only gave her milk and not solid foods? What time would your 8 year old go to sleep if you never mentioned bed time? Would your teenager know how much you love them if you never said it out loud to them? Then how can we expect our children to grow in Christ if they only learn about God at church? Is your child able to decide where they want to spend their eternity and capable enough to make sure they get there? Children of all ages need to be consistently reminded of who God is and how much He loves us. Are you making the effort to talk to your child about God every day or only in the car ride home from church? Are your children learning by what you say to them or how you act in front of them? What are you training your child to be?

Clarity Have you ever opened the Bible and read it and just felt yourself more confused? It happens sometimes. There are things in there that I just can't comprehend. Especially just reading it just because without any prayer or expectations. We cannot look at reading the Bible as an obligation, but as an honor that we have something right in front of us that is key! It's our guide. Jesus has given us this to teach us about Himself and about how to navigate through this life. But how are you reading it? What's your motive behind it? Are you reading just because you've always been told to or are you reading it with intentionality to learn more about who Jesus is and about how to walk through this journey of faith? Let me make a suggestion to you who may struggle with reading and understanding. Psalm 119:18 "Open my eyes so that I may see wonderful things in your law." Ask Jesus to make Himself clear to you as you dive in! Ask Him to give you more of an understanding of what He is showing you through His Word! Be intentional about why you are doing it. Connect with the King of Kings as you read and study. Expect transformation as you dig in. He is faithful! Do your part and dive in intentionally! Pastor Josh Greer

Is marriage worth it? How do you know you are marrying the right person? How do you make it last? These are just some questions I have been asked over the years. I don't have the answers. All I know is how my marriage began and what God has done.

We had went to church together all of our lives, but because he only visited his grandmother on the weekends he never really got involved in our church youth group. I knew who he was but just from across the church during the preaching hour. Then one weekend we had a fund raiser dinner for our youth, and I really "noticed" him. I couldn't get over how good looking he was. I was just 14 at that time. I think he looked at me as just a kid and teased me a lot. That year he moved in to live with his grandmother and really became a part of our church youth group. I secretly wanted to get to know him for more than just a friend but he never really acted interested in that.

A couple of years went by and our church started a bus ministry. Somehow we ended up as the only two people left on the bus ministry and we would go out every Saturday and invite kids to church. He had a really cool car and it was fun doing this ministry together. Sometimes we would stop at the local Sonic Drive In after making the route and get a root beer. I had such a big crush on him and wanted him to ask me out. I don't know if I was the shy one or him, but finally after about a year it happened. We were driving by the local movie theater and "Ice Castles" was playing. I said "oh, I really want to see that movie"; which, much to my surprise, he asked if I wanted to go with him. Of course, I said "sure".

I remember looking out the big picture window in our house waiting to see him coming. When I saw his car about a mile away, my heart began beating so fast. I had never felt like this about anyone. That night we had a great time. We talked as if we had known each other forever. We saw each other every weekend from that time on. Some of my family began to tease me about if he had kissed me yet. Although we had started dating steadily, I began to think he was never going to kiss me. Months went by and no kiss. Then one weekend my family was leaving on vacation and we would miss the next weekend date. I remember he walked me to the door and put his arms around me and said he would miss me and then he kissed me. Oh, I cannot explain the joy I felt in that kiss. The waiting had made it so much sweeter and I knew that it was something very special.

We waited two and half years before we married. It seemed like a very long time when you are in love and want to be with that person every moment of every day. But he wanted a good job so he could provide for me. When he finally got a job at Sherwin Williams he felt it was time and he bought a ring. I tease him because he never really proposed marriage to me. But I didn't care, because I knew that we were both ready.

All my life I prayed God would help me find a godly man to marry. I wanted someone who would love and serve The LORD. I am so blessed that The LORD helped me wait for that man. In a world where marriage is considered a disposable thing, it takes work and determination to make it last. When a marriage is built on a foundation of loving and serving God it will last. We have not been perfect by any means; sometimes I wonder why he has put up with my temper and competitiveness. There are also times when I would like to ring his neck, LOL. But, working together in our church and striving to do God's will has brought us through almost 34 years of marriage together. There have been some very hard times through those years and some very joyous times. I wouldn't trade a single minute.

I remember when we were first married and it was a struggle to compromise and learn to be a couple instead of individuals, I would ask God to help me remember why I fell in love with him and what it was about him that attracted me. That has served to be a great way of keeping me from becoming bitter and negative when things don't go my way. Just remembering how God brought us together and that first kiss seems to always help me focus on what is really important and why this journey is worth everything. I will always be thankful for him and how God helped us wait for each other.

--Penny Boggs

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Independence Day

John 8:36 “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed”.

Thinking back on the last several days of the Independence Day holiday, I think of how blessed our country is. I am so thankful that our forefathers came to this country for religious reasons, not political or economic. We are blessed that the founding fathers, though not all practicing Christians, set this country up on Christian principles.

But I also think about my personal Independence Day. July 4th is special to me for the obvious reason, but I was also baptized on July 4th. I was saved a couple of weeks earlier at church camp and then baptized on Independence Day. I wish I could remember the date and the time of when I was saved, who the speaker was and all of the other details, but I don’t. I do know that Jesus gave me my freedom that day. I was a slave to sin but Jesus gave me my independence from sin. That doesn’t mean I am perfect, God knows I am not. I have done and said things that I am not proud of, but I know that through Jesus’ love and forgiveness my freedom is secure. But while I have my freedom from sin, I am totally dependent on Jesus. Only He can get me through the hard times and He also magnifies the good times.

So on this Independence Day think back on what God has done for your country but also think about your own personal Independence Day when Jesus saved you and gave you your freedom. If you haven’t experienced freedom from sin, make today your personal Independence Day by accepting Jesus’ gift of freedom.

—Craig Boggs

Independence Day

John 8:36 "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed".

Thinking back on the last several days of the Independence Day holiday, I think of how blessed our country is. I am so thankful that our forefathers came to this country for religious reasons, not political or economic. We are blessed that the founding fathers, though not all practicing Christians, set this country up on Christian principles.

But I also think about my personal Independence Day. July 4th is special to me for the obvious reason, but I was also baptized on July 4th. I was saved a couple of weeks earlier at church camp and then baptized on Independence Day. I wish I could remember the date and the time of when I was saved, who the speaker was and all of the other details, but I don't. I do know that Jesus gave me my freedom that day. I was a slave to sin but Jesus gave me my independence from sin. That doesn't mean I am perfect, God knows I am not. I have done and said things that I am not proud of, but I know that through Jesus' love and forgiveness my freedom is secure. But while I have my freedom from sin, I am totally dependent on Jesus. Only He can get me through the hard times and He also magnifies the good times.

So on this Independence Day think back on what God has done for your country but also think about your own personal Independence Day when Jesus saved you and gave you your freedom. If you haven't experienced freedom from sin, make today your personal Independence Day by accepting Jesus' gift of freedom.

--Craig Boggs

God's power

Today we honor the United States of America for adopting the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson said "It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God." In 1776, those solemn acts took form in a group of men who made a decision that would change the course of history and lead to their legendary state, but could have easily lead them to persecution and death. This courageous act of bravery and sacrifice permits us as U.S. citizens to celebrate our independence in any way we choose. For some, today is a holiday set aside to sleep in. For others, it is a day to cook their favorite food on the grill with friends and family. But for most, it is an opportunity to ignite explosives and watch them light up the world around us. Fireworks come in all shapes and sizes. People in factories who calculate and measure arcs, fuses, flash powder, and paper tubes in hopes of creating a memorable display of sights and sounds. Powerful fireworks that burst into the sky and interrupts the darkness is what calls us to gather each year on The Fourth of July. The Greek word for power is dunamai, which means "to be able." The English word for dynamite comes from that same root word. Where do we get our power? We learn in Ephesians 3:20 that we can do more than we can imagine because of God's power at work within us. Too often people look to money, possessions, activities and even other people as their source of power. But eventually the connection becomes weaker and weaker until we lose power altogether. Our worldly fuse goes out. When we rely on God's power, we are able to resist temptation, serve & love others, and to have hope. Are you relying on what's in the world to give you the power to be strong and courageous? Or is God your ultimate source? Are you declaring your independence from satan's darkness or are you letting God's light shine thru? Have a safe and happy 4th of July!

The Man

July 2

I’ve always wondered what it meant to be “The Man”. The term is always associated with being superior. I guess it could mean you are king for the day. What if it was the opposite? What if a police officer yelled at you and began to run after you while telling his partner, “There’s the man”. I think you would be wishing that you were not the man at the time. I have been called the man many times and sometimes it was not for the reason I was wishing it was for.

Jesus came to this earth the Son of God. He was the ultimate man. He was a brother to all. He was always welcoming you with open arms. Besides Christ, I feel there is no such thing as being “the man”. What is powerful one day is weak the next. This has been proven throughout history. It is nice to feel good, but we must always be humble. We must look toward heaven to achieve our ultimate prize. We must bow down to our creator, our Lord, our Savior. He awaits. Christ, our ultimate Lord

John 14:6

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Kevin Luper

Romans 12:10-12

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

I just want to say that our church has amazing people who serve side by side and it is wonderful to just take a moment to observe all that GOD has done in bringing us together. My heart is full of love for these that never lack the heart to serve. They show up and stay until the end; working when they are tired and encouraging each other, especially when life is hard.

It means so much to know there are people who never give up, who are there when needed and most of all have the servant’s heart to see the work is done. That is what God is looking for in a Disciple. He wants those who will never lose the “zeal” to see HIS work is done. You can tell that they love the LORD because they are so willing to serve and love each other.

LORD JESUS, may we never give up or become weary of doing good for You have promised we will reap a harvest. All to Your glory GOD we pray.

-- Penny Boggs

June 26

This week at kids camp we learned how to suit up by putting on the armor of God. Ephesians 6:10-18 tells us to be strong in The Lord and in his mighty power, so we can stand our ground against the demonic hosts of satan who are always assembled for mortal combat. Would a fire fighter go out on a call without his helmet and rubber boots? Would a police officer leave the station without his gun and bullet proof vest? Would Captain America go after Red Skull without his shield? Would Batman be as effective in Gotham City without his utility belt? Then why do we, as Christians think we can efficiently battle the devil without our spiritual ammo? When satan starts telling us that we aren’t good enough to be a disciple of Christ we take the helmet of salvation that protects our thoughts and the sword of the spirit which is the word of God and pray in all situations. When satan sends worry our way, we stand firm with the belt of truth buckled around our waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and ready our feet with the peace that only comes from God. When the army of darkness shoots flaming arrows at us we can extinguish them with the shield of faith. The devil becomes powerful when we give him power but as long as we suit up with the armor of God, we give Him the battle and claim victory in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

Are you prepared for battle? -Dana Robison

Be Still These words are very hard for me. Not because I don't believe that they are true, but because I'm not good at them. I love to be on the go. I love being busy. I love ministry and always enjoy doing many things. But here's what I've learned and am continuing to learn...you can do all the things that you think are God-honoring and not really be honoring Him. Jesus wants us to be still sometimes so that we can refresh, replenish, and listen to Him and the things that He has for us and the things He wants for His children! While I admit that pausing for a bit is hard for me, I will also admit that when I do, I feel like a whole new man because I actually spend ample time reading, praying, and connecting with the Father! It's been a wonderful yet busy summer so far. There has been some great things already take place! But for a little time, I'm going to pause and BE STILL and reconnect with Jesus. Not because things are bad, but so that I continue to stand firm in the faith and do the things that He has called me to! Take some time to be still. Get with your family and read God's word and pray together. Have a Bible study with friends. Take time away from your phone. Enjoy Jesus and enjoy the ones right around you. Most importantly, enjoy spending time with your Heavenly Father and listen to what He wants for you! Pastor Josh Greer

Why Is This?

June 25

A very rich man asked a friend, “Why is it that everybody is always criticizing me for being so tight with my money? Especially when everyone knows that I have made plans to leave everything I have to a charity when I die?” The friend paused and replied that it’s like the story of the pig and the cow. “What do you mean?” asked the rich man. So his friend told him.

The pig was talking to the cow one day about how unpopular he was. Also, that people were always saying how gentle the cow was and that he had such big and kind brown eyes. He couldn’t understand why they only referred to him in mean terms. He reasoned that the cow gave milk and cream, but that he actually gave more. He said, “I give bacon and ham. They even pickle my feet!” The cow replied, “Well maybe it’s because I give while I am still living.”

Reputations and generous acts of kindness toward others are commended during and after a person’s lifetime. Let people see your gifts as an extension of your life, not merely as a consequence of your death.

Matthew 6:20-21

20 But lay up for your selves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Kevin Luper

1 Kings 19:11-12: “The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

When a storm is approaching you can hear the thunder and the closer it gets the louder it is. Before you know it the storm is raging and the winds are blowing and you can hear and feel the chaos and power of it all around you. Then the storm begins to pass on and the thunder begins to roll away. You can hear the rumbles in the distance and you are left with a beautiful rainbow.

These past few months have been like the cycle of a storm for me. God was definitely working out something in my life but the enemy was brewing a storm and I could hear the thunder coming in the distance. The rumbles were a little scary and I tried to ignore them. But they just kept getting closer and louder. It wasn’t long until I was right in the middle of a huge storm and I was so scared. I felt the powerful lies of the enemy beating aginst me like the winds of a storm. My body literally shook with fear as he continually raged inside of me. I thought the storm would never pass.

The only thing I knew to do was cry out to my LORD. Every day I would cry out “help me God!” It just seemed like He was so far away. The thunder was too loud and I couldn’t even tell if He could hear me. But I just kept crying out to Him. Some days I would think the storm was about to pass and then the winds would pick back up and start pounding again. It just seemed like I was never going to get through it.

But as I continued to cry out, God did hear me. He was waiting for me to be still and listen. But the storm was raging so loud in me I couldn’t hear His gentle whisper - until I began to “believe” that He heard my cries. There comes a time when you have to “believe” that God’s promises are true even when everything in and around you is raging with fear and doubt.

One Sunday morning, as I was reading the Bible, God just spoke to my heart. It felt like He was saying, “You have done all I have asked you to do, but why don’t you believe I can do what I promised?” Just like The LORD said to Elijah “What are you doing here?”. God was asking me, “Penny, what are you doing here?” Why are you hiding in fear and running from the very thing I want to do in you?” That day the thunder began to trail away and the storm began to die.

I had heard God’s gentle whisper. I resolved to trust GOD and believe that He would do what He said He was going to do in me. There were still rolls of thunder from the enemy in the distance, but every time I heard it, I would say “the storm is passing”. Now, when I feel satan try to bring up those old fears and lies, I just remember that the thunder is getting farther away and the storm is no longer around me. And the thunder is still getting farther and farther away.

And the best part is, now I am looking at a beautiful rainbow God has left in my heart. A wonderful, beautiful, deeply colored love for HIM. I want to jump up and down and shout at the top of my lungs, “I BELIEVE HIM, I BELIEVE HIM. GOD IS SO FAITHFUL. HE WILL DO WHAT HE SAYS HE WILL DO!!!”

Next time satan tries to thunder and rage around me, I hope I will remember that my GOD is with me and I can trust Him to bring me through the storm. Maybe it will not take as long the next time and I will listen to The LORD’s gentle whisper, “I love you child and I am here with you”.

What about you? Do you hear the enemy thundering in and around you? Are you afraid? Cry out to JESUS! He will help you. He will calm the storm and whisper sweet and precious promises to you. You can trust Him to still the thunder and show you a rainbow!

--Penny Boggs

Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

I wish I was sharing a story about a time when I was strong and courageous. But unfortunately this one is going the other way.

The last part of this verse says the LORD will be with you wherever you go. My wife and I have had the privilege of going to Africa on mission trips 3 times. The first year we went I was working on the construction team reconstructing a school principal’s house. My construction team leader, Shad and I were standing in a small hallway looking at the ceiling that was about to collapse. We had a couple of African kids helping us. There names were Vincent and Albay, and they were around 14 years old. Shad took his tape measure and poked it in a hole in the ceiling. All of the sudden a bat came flying out of hole in the ceiling. Now you need to know that I am 6’1” tall and 225 pounds and Shad is about 6’4” and 250 pounds. Well, when the bat dropped out of the ceiling, the two big Americans were jumping up and down and swatting at it. But the worst thing was that we were screaming like little girls. The bat flew into another room. After laughing at us, Vincent and Albay courageously went into the other room and killed the bat with a stick. After they killed it they brought the bat to Shad and I. I think they were teasing us with it. After having a little fun with us, they threw the bat outside. Shad and I were not very strong and certainly not very courageous.

Later on in the week, we did get to talk to Vincent and Albay about Jesus. We couldn’t speak each other’s language, but we would say “Jesus” and point to our heart and then we would say “Jesus” again and point to their heart. Albay nodded that he had Jesus in his heart, but Vincent never did.

The school principal was saved while the team was there and said that Jesus would be taught in that school as long as he was there. We have heard through Facebook friends that the school principal is still there and still serving the LORD 5 years later.

So, even though sometimes we don’t act very strong and courageous, the LORD is with us working in spite of our weakness.

--Craig Boggs

Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

I wish I was sharing a story about a time when I was strong and courageous. But unfortunately this one is going the other way.

The last part of this verse says the LORD will be with you wherever you go. My wife and I have had the privilege of going to Africa on mission trips 3 times. The first year we went I was working on the construction team reconstructing a school principal’s house. My construction team leader, Shad and I were standing in a small hallway looking at the ceiling that was about to collapse. We had a couple of African kids helping us. There names were Vincent and Albay, and they were around 14 years old. Shad took his tape measure and poked it in a hole in the ceiling. All of the sudden a bat came flying out of hole in the ceiling. Now you need to know that I am 6’1” tall and 225 pounds and Shad is about 6’4” and 250 pounds. Well, when the bat dropped out of the ceiling, the two big Americans were jumping up and down and swatting at it. But the worst thing was that we were screaming like little girls. The bat flew into another room. After laughing at us, Vincent and Albay courageously went into the other room and killed the bat with a stick. After they killed it they brought the bat to Shad and I. I think they were teasing us with it. After having a little fun with us, they threw the bat outside. Shad and I were not very strong and certainly not very courageous.

Later on in the week, we did get to talk to Vincent and Albay about Jesus. We couldn’t speak each other’s language, but we would say “Jesus” and point to our heart and then we would say “Jesus” again and point to their heart. Albay nodded that he had Jesus in his heart, but Vincent never did. The school principal was saved while the team was there and said that Jesus would be taught in that school as long as he was there. We have heard through Facebook friends that the school principal is still there and still serving the LORD 5 years later.

So, even though sometimes we don’t act very strong and courageous, the LORD is with us working in spite of our weakness.

--Craig Boggs

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Truth

I absolutely love this verse of scripture. Jesus is declaring that He is the ONLY way, the ONLY truth, and the ONLY life! What great assurance and power comes from that!

But what is truth? One definition that I have come to love about truth is this; Truth: that which has fidelity to the original.

What is fidelity? A definition of fidelity is “the same as or equal to”.

So if we apply the definition of truth and fidelity to this verse of scripture, here’s how it may look…Jesus is truth, which means that He is the same as or equal to the Father! I love that because it’s just another way that His word speaks to me to teach just how powerful He really is! And He’s preparing a place for me and one day He is coming back for me! Does that not just get you all excited inside?!?!

I’m so thankful that even in such a corrupt world, my Heavenly Father loves me so much and cares enough to give me what the real TRUTH is all about!

My prayer for you is that as you consider “truth”, may we always hold it to what the Word of God really shows us it is. Truth is Jesus! Truth is the Gospel! Truth is that He is the only way to eternal life and the only way to have ABUNDANT Life!

Walk in the truth!

Pastor Josh Greer

Truth I absolutely love this verse of scripture. Jesus is declaring that He is the ONLY way, the ONLY truth, and the ONLY life! What great assurance and power comes from that! But what is truth? One definition that I have come to love about truth is this; Truth: that which has fidelity to the original. What is fidelity? A definition of fidelity is "the same as or equal to". So if we apply the definition of truth and fidelity to this verse of scripture, here's how it may look...Jesus is truth, which means that He is the same as or equal to the Father! I love that because it's just another way that His word speaks to me to teach just how powerful He really is! And He's preparing a place for me and one day He is coming back for me! Does that not just get you all excited inside?!?! I'm so thankful that even in such a corrupt world, my Heavenly Father loves me so much and cares enough to give me what the real TRUTH is all about! My prayer for you is that as you consider "truth", may we always hold it to what the Word of God really shows us it is. Truth is Jesus! Truth is the Gospel! Truth is that He is the only way to eternal life and the only way to have ABUNDANT Life! Walk in the truth! Pastor Josh Greer

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