Over several weeks this fall, we, as a congregation went through a spiritual campaign called, “Transformed.” We used Romans 12:2 as our main Scripture verse which says to be “transformed by the renewing of our minds.” What does it mean to have a transformed mind?
Learning to think God’s way is a process. We did not come into this world with a clear perception about God and His Kingdom — or about our own selves, for that matter. We began with distorted views to accurately reflect His character and His Kingdom. In other words, we need wisdom — God’s wisdom — found in His Word.
That’s what these daily devotionals in 2018 are all about. They will be aimed at redirecting our thinking so that we understand ourselves, our world, and our God accurately. They are designed to move us further along the path of having our minds renewed and our lives transformed.
Although the focus in these devotionals is biblical wisdom, the Scripture readings will not be limited to what we normally consider the Bible’s “wisdom literature” — Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Song of Solomon and Ecclesiastes. Those books are the core of biblical wisdom, but God’s mind is found everywhere throughout the Scriptures. In every case, however, the daily Scripture reading is meant to help you reflect on hw your mind works.
So, as you read these wisdom devotionals throughout 2018, remember that the Word of God expresses the mind of God. His thoughts are available to us. So, let these devotionals help you dig deeper into His revelation. Let God’s Spirit shine the light of wisdom into your life and mind and change your thinking. But, most of all, let your mind be renewed and your life be transformed.
May you have a blessed New Years and may God bless you in 2018! The daily devotionals will begin tomorrow.

Pastor Ben

Sent from my iPad

Perhaps you are among the many people for whom Christmas is not a season of joy, but a trial and a challenge. For you, Christmas cheer and the reason for celebration have long since been lost in the fog of confusion, disappointment, or loneliness. It isn’t a season to be enjoyed — it has become a season to be endured. May be that’s why one’s perspective is so important. The perspectives of Mary and Joseph can help us to rediscover the marvelous reality that Christmas is not a season after all. It’s a gift — a gift expressing the extent to which our loving God was willing to go to make us His own.
For Mary & Joseph, there was wonder in those events. The wonder of who Christ is and the wonder of why He came are only the beginning. The wonder of what that can mean in our lives is beyond imagination.
In John 1:12 we read an important promise to us from the God of heaven:
“As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.”
Imagine, the Maker of heaven and earth is the One who makes it possible for us to know Him, to find forgiveness for all our wrongdoing, and to receive more than eternal life — to receive the privilege and wonder of becoming part of His family!
God did all that by sending His Son on that first Christmas. If you will talk to Him, admit your failings, express your needs, acknowledge His authority over your life, and accept the gift of forgiveness His Son has made possible, you can know the greatest of all wonders — the wonder of new life in Christ!
What better way to celebrate Christmas!
Have a wonderful & blessed Christmas Day!

We love you!
Pastor Ben & Torrie

Sent from my iPad