​Most of us face some troubles and anxieties at some point in our lives.  So did the disciples.  They were anxious and troubled that Jesus was facing threats and they too would face many formidable obstacles in life.  Jesus took time to listen to their troubled hearts.  And Jesus took time to quiet their fears and anxieties with this most powerful promise that come what may, God's Spirit would be with us and give us guidance and peace.  Jesus even refers to God's Spirit as the Counselor, or the Paraclete, which literally means "the one called alongside" who will encourage and help us.  Whatever you are facing today, take a moment and hear the comforting words of our Lord:
 
(verse of the week) 
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, Will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14.26, 27)
 
(prayer of the week)
Loving Lord, in the midst of troubles that feel like waves breaking over us and anxieties that sometimes feel like stormy winds blowing us on the seas, let us find the true peace that only you offer us, as you banish the storm and calm the seas for the disciples.  Help us to be at peace knowing you are our Captain, and your Spirit will enfold us in peace and hope.  Let us embrace your peace and share it with others, through Christ Our Lord, amen. 
 
Blessings –Pastor TJ
 
(quote of the week)
Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility--Augustine

​Are you anxious or frustrated your prayer seems to go unanswered?  Don’t lose heart.  Just because you do not yet see the answer to your prayers, does not mean God does not hear you.  Wait!  The Lord is working.  Waiting time is not wasting time.  Waiting time is time for God to mold us and strengthen us and deepen our relationship with Him.  God is at work.  Trust God!  God will see you through.  God is at work even though you might not be able to see it.  Hear again these encouraging words of the psalmist, David, who many times in his life experienced prolong periods of waiting on God’s plan and purpose:
 
(verse of the week) 
I would have lost heart unless I had believed
  That I would see the goodness of the Lord
 in the land of the living.
Wait on the Lord; be of good courage,
  And He will strengthen your heart;
  Wait, I say, on the Lord.  Psalm 27.13,14 (NKJV)
 
(Prayer of the week)
Loving Great Shepherd, lead me beside the quiet waters, and help me to find the green pastures for quiet rest.  Let me lean into your love and grace.  Restore my soul.  Renew my mind.  May I feel your arms of love around me.  As I rest in you, and you restore my soul, help me to learn to reflect your love to others that they may see your image in me.  Amen.
 
Blessings –Pastor TJ
 
(quote of the week)
Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm—Abraham Lincoln

All of us at some point will find it easy to stray from the path along which God is leading us.  Like a hiker distracted by some sound or sight, we easily find ourselves looking this way or that and straying from the path Christ has marked for us.  Life has its hills and valleys, but the most important thing is to focus on Christ and follow him as our guide.  Paul warned his listeners to be on guard and to stand firm in the faith—words that were used by those who stand watch in the military.  Likewise, we need to be vigilant, guarding our faith, keeping ourselves focused on our guide, the source of love itself, Christ Jesus.  In this Lenten season, we are reminded that Jesus faced many distractions, but was able to focus on the sacrifice he must make on the cross in Jerusalem.  Even the disciples tried to hold him back.  But with a heart of love, he remained focused on his divine destiny on Calvary.  Challenge yourself this week to keep your focus on Christ and his great love.
 
(scripture of the week)
Be on guard; stand firm in the faith; be men and women of courage; be strong.  Do everything in love.” (1 Corinthians 16.13)
 
(prayer of the week)
Loving Lord, help me to push aside the busyness and distractions of life, and focus on you.  Let my heart be open to the wonder of your love so great that you would share our life, and redeem humanity through Christ our Lord.  Amen.
 
(quote of the week)
 You have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you– Augustine

​Deep Roots
 
Most of us have challenged ourselves to grow personally and spiritually over the next year.  Whatever the challenges and obstacles we have faced; and whatever the joys we have shared, most of us would like to look back and see personal growth in our lives over the next year.  The secret?--Deep roots.  Deep roots come from regular worship and Bible reading, and taking time for prayer.  Come sunny skies or stormy nights, like a tree planted by the water we only grow stronger with time, when we nurture our life in God.   Listen to the psalmist:


(verse of the week)
Blessed is the one
  who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
  or stand in the way of sinners
  or sit in the seat of mockers.

But their delight is in the law of the Lord,
  and on God's law they meditate day and night.

They are like a tree planted by streams of water,
  which yields its fruit in due season
  and whose leaf does not wither.
  Whatever they do prospers. (Psalms 1.1-4)
 
(Prayer of the week)
Loving Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of another new day.  Help me to grow deep roots that will help my life stand the storms of time and bear fruit that will last for eternity.    Renew and strengthen my faith that I have a firm hope and confidence in your love and power.  Help me to find strength in your Word and your Spirit.  Help me to work for things that last for eternity.  May I show your love to someone today.  Amen!
 
Open your heart to God's amazing love!-Pastor TJ
 
(quote of the week)
Do small things with great love—Mother Teresa

This week marks the beginning of Lent.  Most of our culture knows more about Mardi Gras than Lent, just as most of us would prefer celebration over repentance.  But both have their place in the seasons of life.  Lent reminds us of the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness being tested by temptation and purified and empowered by prayer.  Lent comes right before Holy Week and Easter as a time for people to focus on faith and remember all that Christ endured on the cross that we might know true forgiveness and love.  It also reminds us of the good news of the hope of the resurrection and new life.  Ashes have long been a symbol of repentance and humility.  From early times many Christians have used the ashes of burned palm branches from the previous Palm Sunday, to mark the sign of the cross on their foreheads as a symbol of repentance and prayer and as a witness of their faith.  Even more important than the roots of these wonderful traditions, is the power of prayer.  It is easy to look around our world and see great needs that touch our hearts.  But let us discover anew the power of prayer.  There is no power equal to the power of believers gathering together to seek God and pray. Challenge yourself to a special time of prayer for yourself and the needs around the world.  Discover a fresh renewal as we pray for our world and for our lives that we may be filled with God's love and empowered by God's Spirit to reach out with a whole new passion to others in need.  Open your heart anew to God's love and power.  Discover the power of prayer!
 
 (Verse of the week)
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart.  (Jeremiah 29.11)
 
(Prayer of the week)
Almighty and Loving God, thank you for the privilege and power of prayer. Help me to discover in prayer your great love and help me to let your power touch my life that I may face the challenges and adversities of life with hope and peace, and be a light in your world. 
Amen.
Have a great week!—Pastor TJ
 
(quote of the week)
A little faith and a great God is enough-- Alf Stanway
​