10-12-2026

Good Morning!

            Hebrews 4:15; “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”

    Jesus was tempted.  This is one of the more frustrating sections of Scripture.  Many of us have trouble with Jesus being tempted.  We seem to struggle with the idea that the devil tempted Jesus with ideas like greed, lust, selfishness, arrogance, etc.  We don’t really like to think of Jesus being tempted; we can be very uncomfortable with it.  We like to think that he was more God so that somehow, he was immune to the devil’s attacks.  We like to think that, in many ways, our struggles are greater.  It is harder for me to not look with lust at someone other than my spouse.  It is a weakness for me.  My desire for money is something that I must be genetically predisposed to. (sounds good anyway)

    We like to think that it is somehow more difficult for me.  This is why God should be more patient with me.  The temptations are harder for me.  The struggle is tougher for me; my battle is greater than anyone else.  That is why I “slip” so easily.  It is why I can’t walk away from gossip; it is why I always give the “holy stare” when someone I don’t know comes into “my” church.  It is why I can think of everyone who should be listening to this sermon (besides me).  It is why I like to stare at the beautiful people.  It is why I think my parents, teachers, bosses are clueless idiots.  My temptations must be worse.

    Yet Scriptures tell us something different.  Jesus was tempted in every way as we are except, he did not sin.  As you read that statement or the verse for today.  It can be a statement of indictment or a source of comfort.  When we realize that our temptations are not unique or tougher on us than on someone else (even Jesus), our attempts to explain away or make excuses for our sins begin to look and sound very hollow.  Hopefully, it will also lead to a true repentance for those sins and the joy that we can truly experience when we hear God’s words of forgiveness.

    This verse can truly be a source of comfort because Jesus does know how hard it is.  Jesus knows how hard the devil tries, how the devil knows our weaknesses whether it is wine, greed, anger or lust and he launches attack after attack at them.  No amount of strength on our part, no amount of personal drive will ever prevail.  We need to turn to the only one to win; we need to turn to Jesus.  We do this best by staying in his Word, reading the Bible daily and joining that with prayer.  We do this best by seeking his mercy.  Our next best way is to avoid the places or people that “lead us into temptation.”  Go to God and away from sin.  Trust in God to mercifully provide for us a way out.

Dearest Jesus, you know what I go through.  You know how difficult it is for me to avoid temptation and when I try to battle on my own; I lose.  Lead me to rely on you and you alone.  Keep me safe in the shadow of your wings.  To you alone is the glory, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret    

10-11-2026

Good Morning!

   Haggai 2:9; “The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, says the Lord of hosts. And in this place I will give peace, declares the Lord of hosts.”

    We all want it; what the Eagles called “that peaceful easy feeling.”  The only problem is that we often don’t get it.  Most of us probably feel that there is little peace in our life and in our world.  We may desire peace; we may truly want peace but we seldom have peace.  We seldom have peace in our family; we seldom have peace in our job; we seldom have peace in our own mind and heart.  Peace is elusive and difficult to find.

    The problem is that the world tries to tell us what peace is and we listen to it.  Much like the way the mythical Sirens of the Odyssey would lead the sailors to crash on the rocks, so the world’s sweet and deceptive sound can lead us astray.  It can lead us to crash on the rocks.  We see possessions as being our peace; yet the more we have the more we want.  Just as an addict can never get enough; we can never feed our greed.  The world tells you that peace is found on your terms.  If someone is weaker or does not “aid” in the benefit of your welfare, then get rid of them or push them out of the way.  If someone is stronger than you, than figure out how to use them to better yourself.  Peace is often defined as victory; as being stronger, richer, and more popular than your neighbor.

    The real answer is that peace is found in God alone.  The world does not offer peace; it only offers strife and weariness.  We only have true peace when we live in God’s grace and recognize that our peace is from Him and comes to us when we see that, as our sins are forgiven so we must forgive the sins of others against us.  We will never have peace if we are seeking revenge or living in pain form past hurts.  Real peace only exists when we hear God’s Word and live according to his will.  True peace comes when we know and trust that all things work to the good of those who love God.  God has promised us salvation and comfort.  He has promised to hold us in his hand and to lead us safely home to him.

    So, in order to have peace, seek it each day.  Begin each day asking God for his peace.  Invite and invoke the Holy Spirit to give you peace in this world.  We will have this peace, not because of the world, but in spite of it.  We will have this peace because we find our hope and our true security in God’s mercy.  We will have God’s peace when we seek the mercy that he gives us and grabs hold of it knowing that his love will always sustain us.

God of all peace, into your hands we lay our hope.  Into your hands we place our desire for peace.  Because of Jesus, you give us the peace that passes all of our understanding.  We don’t know why or how but you give us peace when we seek your love and mercy.  It is your wonderful grace that gives us what the world does not give the peace with you.  Give us the strength of faith that we may be at peace with all those around us.  In the precious name of Jesus, our risen Savior we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret            

9-10-2026

Good Morning!

   Deuteronomy 2:7; “For the Lord your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He knows your going through this great wilderness… You have lacked nothing.”

     I find it fascinating when I read and look at the way GPS has completely changed our lives.  You can take out your GPS unit or your smartphone and know where you are to within a few inches depending on how much you are willing to pay.  So, a fisherman out in the middle of a lake can mark the spot where he is fishing on his phone and come back tomorrow to the exact same spot.  The spray plane applicator doesn’t have to throw toilet paper out the window to mark his spot in the field.  Add in drones and driverless vehicles which rely on GPS and it truly is amazing. 

    I think the thing that fascinates me the most is that you can put a GPS on your phone or your spouse’s phone or your child’s smartphone and track their movement.  So, you can “see” where they are at any time.  So, you can call your children and ask them why they are where they are instead of where they are supposed to be.  If you and your spouse are wandering a mall, or a park or a forest and you are separated; you can find each other easily.  If you are lost and in need of help, your location can be pinpointed with amazing accuracy and speed and help will be on the way.

    Yet long before GPS was even thought of, God’s children had a GPS; we had God looking out for us.  Not only does God know where you are; he knows where you are going, how it will be when you get there and what the outcome of your journey will be.  God knows the entire story of your life; the who, what, where, when, why and how.  But the God of all love and mercy is so much more than just knowing what is going on.

    God’s mercy places him in your life.  He not only knows what you are going through but he is experiencing it as well.  He knows your fears, your needs, your hopes, and your dreams.  He knows and experiences your heartache when a relationship is strained and breaking.  He knows and experiences the pain you feel as you worry about the health of a loved one.  He knows and experiences you fear as you wonder about your own health or finances.  He knows the wilderness that you are in because he is there with you every step of the way.  You never travel alone.

    Each step along the way, God has been with you providing you with what you needed.  You may have lacked your wants but your needs have been filled at all times as God walks with you in the wilderness of your life.  Trust in his promise of never leaving you; trust in his mercy to supply you; trust in his promise of peace and hope.  He will never leave you in the wilderness alone.

Father of all mercy, you supply all my needs.  Keep me in the knowledge of your loving grace.  Keep me content in the supply that you give me.  Keep me in your loving arms so that I may always know the comfort of your peace.  In the precious name of Jesus our risen Savior we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret

10-9-2026

Good Morning!

   2 Kings 6:17; “Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”

    Our verse for today is part of the story of the prophet Elisha.  One day, when the king of Syria was at war with Israel, the king sought to destroy Elisha.  It seems he didn’t like this pesky man of God interfering in his plans.  The king asked his counsel how many were on Elisha’s side and the counsel said that no one was.  So, the king sent an army to surround the city that Elisha was staying in.

   In the morning, Elisha’s servant looked out and saw all the enemy soldiers and was terrified.  He saw the incredible might of the Syrian army waiting outside the city gates and he was terrified.  “Alas, my master, what shall we do?”  He could only see the enemy.  So, Elisha prayed the prayer that is our verse for today.  “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.”  As Elisha finished this prayer, the young man looked around and saw the mountain was full of horses.  There were chariots of fire all around Elisha.  God was protecting Elisha and the young servant from harm.

    We can see a great truth here for us.  Our fear results when we focus on the enemy and not on God’s supply.  Our fear results when we see only with our physical eyes and not with our eyes of faith.  It is through the eyes of faith that we see the mountain full of horses and chariots to protect us.  God has promised to never let us face our enemies alone.   Even in the darkest of hours, we are not alone.  No matter what the enemy is; it might be health worries, job insecurities, perhaps you and your spouse are at the end of your rope and you are not sure if there is any ‘getting better’ left in you.  Perhaps you are sitting all alone in a waiting room somewhere and that is exactly how you feel; all alone.  Take heart, you are not alone.

    God invites you, he desires that you, he deeply wants you to look up and to focus on Him.  Look up and see the great army of God.  Even when our physical eyes see no hope, no possibility, no good thing in sight; we need to look up and see God’s protective arm.  He embraces us with his loving kindness and seeks to protect us.  God’s love is so much stronger than any enemy that we face.  God encourages you to look up with faith and to remember as the psalmist says, “My help comes in the Name of the Lord!”

Gracious God and Lord, open my eyes that I may see your army protecting me.  Open my eyes to the wonder of your mercy.  Open my eyes to the majesty of your grace that is so active in my life.  When my enemies attack, protect me and open my eyes.  Be with those who are most in need of your protective mercies.  Send your mighty angels to guard over them.  In the precious name of Jesus our risen Savior we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret    

10-8-2026

Good Morning!

               Acts 14:20; “But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe.”

“When you're down and troubled
And you need a helping hand
And nothing, whoa nothing is going right
Close your eyes and think of me
And soon I will be there
To brighten up even your darkest nights.”

     So goes the opening verse to Carole King’s “You’ve got a Friend.”  This ballad speaks of a kinship that goes beyond being close to each other.  It involves the promise that you can always count on me to come to your aid or rescue.

    Our verse is part of a story where the Apostle Paul was dragged from the city of Lystra by the Jews and stoned.  He is left for dead.  But soon the disciples gathered around him and he rose up and then entered the city.  The next day he went to Derbe, a different city.  An amazing story as it tells of the wonderful power which God gives to us when we gather together to aid a brother or sister in Christ.  We gather to pray, to uplift one another, to console one another, to offer the words of God’s comfort and hope.

    This is one of the blessings of God’s church here on earth; we are here to aid one another, to bear one another’s burdens.  This gives us two ways to view this.  First, we are our brother’s keeper.  We are to look after one another.  If we see our brother fading or being knocked down by the world and the devil, we need to gather around them, pray for them, strengthen them with God’s Word so that they can get back up and face the world all over again.  We are to be sure that no one faces the battles of this world by themselves.  We are there for aid, comfort, and support.

    We also can know that when attacks are at us and these attacks will occur, we will not have to face them alone.  We face them with God’s Spirit and the love and support of all the brothers and sisters in Christ.  The battles are not your alone or mine alone; they are ours together, because God’s Spirit is strengthened in us when we hold onto one, we seek out one another to receive the consolation that we seek.  God is with us all the time and we, as the church, like the disciples that surrounded Paul, are to be there for one another as well.

Gracious Father, you lift us up by the willingness of our brothers and sisters to come to our aid and comfort.  Lead us by your Spirit to lift up those around us who are in need.  Strengthen the brothers and sisters to stand up to the many struggles in this life.  Give us your mercy to live in peace.  In the precious name of Jesus we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret    

10-7-2026

Good Morning!

      Psalm 86:1; “Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.”

    I must make a confession; I get a little frustrated when I hear people say, “I have tried everything else, I guess all that is left is prayer.”  I must admit that this is somewhat frustrating to listen to because prayer should never be the last thing we turn to but it should be the first.  But if I am honest and admit that I, a poor, sinful creature, have had those same thoughts at different times in my life.  I have struggled with events and trials and put all my skills and know how to work to resolve the situation only to be frustrated by things and events beyond my control.  I can’t control the weather or how other people will act or react to a situation.  As I look at the situation, I find that there is actually very little that I can control and when I finally realize this, I pray.

    I have heard some people say that God never gives you more than you can handle.  Personally, I don’t really agree with this idea.  If God didn’t give more than I could handle, I wouldn’t really need prayer.  I could simply sit down, reason out what must occur and figure out the problem.  It would be much like a chess match where I planned my moves and I accomplished what occurred.  I could reach a point where I do not need God.  But of course, that never occurs; I always need God.

    It is when I sit and think, plan, calculate, delve into the inner working, and come up lost or short; it is at those times when I truly realize that I am poor and needy.  It is at times when I am looking at events and situations that leave me saying, “I haven’t got a clue” that I truly see that my only hope is God.  It is at this time that I remember to “call upon my Name and I rescue you” this is when God reveals his love for me.

    God doesn’t always reveal the answer, at least the one I wanted when I started, but what he does reveal is his love for me.  It might take a little while for my sinful human mind to see it but God’s love is there.  It might be hidden in the gentle refusal or in the harsh rejection but it is there.  God will hear you and he will answer you in his time.  We need to trust and we need to wait, wait for the Lord.  He has promised to deliver us from the devil and his attacks.  We have his promise to bring us into the kingdom of God through our baptism.  Being part of this kingdom lets us come before his throne of mercy and giving to us the promise of God listening, hearing, and answering our prayers.  Waiting to pray only prolongs our pain and discomfort.  Trust in God to hear and to answer your prayers.

Father, you hear us when we cry. You hear us even when we are slow to call upon your name.  In your mercy, you show your patience and loving kindness in our slowness to learn.  Move me by your Spirit to call upon your Name daily both with cries of despair and shouts of thanksgiving.  In you is our hope, in you is our life.  In the precious name of Jesus our risen Savior we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret

10-6-2026

Good Morning!

      Romans 4:3; “What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” (NIV)

      A few years ago, our church decided to get a credit card. It would be easier to keep track of where the money was spent and from which fund or account the money should come from. So, one day we received the actual credit card and called the number t activate it.  Apparently, we activated the card at the end of the billing cycle because about a week later we received our first credit card bill. It showed that the church owed $0.00; the minimum payment was $0.00 and that the average amount owed for the billing period was $0.00.  I showed the bill to my wife and we thought we should keep it and frame it.  We never received a bill from a credit card company that showed $0.00 owed.

    Now this statement showed $0.00 because it hadn’t been used but what if you received a statement from the credit card company that you used all the time and it said $0.00?  We oftentimes will hold our breath a little when statement comes in because we know there will be some big numbers on it; sometimes we even cringe when we see it.  It would really be nice if we could open that statement one time and read $0.00 owed and someone else paid it off.  I doubt that any of us will ever have a credit card bill work like this but we have a more important bill that does look like this; it is the bill we owe for the sins we have committed.

    When you and I sin, we owe God.  Sometimes what we owe is not money but we owe respect, faithfulness, loyalty, honor and the like.  We owe it to God to do his will and yet we fail.  We owe a penalty each time we miss the mark.  Each time we break one of God’s commandments, we are putting a charge against our credit card and someday the bill will come due.

    But because Jesus paid our debt, our faith in Jesus is credited as righteousness.  So, when God opens our bill and looks at what we owe, we owe nothing because it has already been paid.  Since we believe that Jesus died to pay for my sin; our account with God is given a credit of the righteousness that Jesus earned.  It counts as righteousness for us.  We are credited with more than enough righteousness so that our bill will always show a balance owed of $0.00.  The debt is paid and we are free of the requirement.  We are free to be God’s children.  We are declared to be saints because we owe nothing.  For us, faith is the credit we need because Jesus has paid for us all.

Loving Father, you sent Jesus to die for us so that we may receive the promised mercy of forgiveness. Refresh us daily with your love.  Strengthen our desire to do you will.  Strengthen our desire to serve you will our whole heart.  In the precious name of Jesus we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret