E-News Article
Forever Changed
Following Jesus is not merely adopting a new set of beliefs; it is a journey of spiritual rebirth that results in an everlasting change. This transformation is rooted in the promise that “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17). The old self, governed by sin and worldly desires, gives way to a new life with an altered nature and renewed desires. This change is How COVID has affected us
The Wind Blows
“The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going.” My wife and I were recently on vacation in Estes Park, Colorado. We had a beautiful cabin located within the YMCA of the Rockies at the mouth of Rocky Mountain National Park. Each morning I sat outside on the porch with an amazing view of the Rocky Mountains. Most mornings were still, with practically not a sound except for an occasional How COVID has affected us
Insert Law & Order Song Here
My wife and I are in the habit of ending our days watching an episode or two of Law and Order. The first half of the show is about a couple of detectives trying to solve a murder and find a suspect. My favorite is Lenny. The second half of the show is about the prosecutor building the legal case and presenting the evidence to a jury in hopes of getting a conviction. As I sit here watching an episode, How COVID has affected us
Same Ol’ Same Ol’
School is back in session, the sweet corn is being harvested, football season is upon us, and the temperature just shrunk from the 70s and 80s to the 60s in what seems like a breath. Life seems to be spinning by faster and faster. And things are changing that quickly as well. Artificial Intelligence, the influence of the internet and social media, and the immediacy of information make my head spin. Because life is fleeting and because change is happening How COVID has affected us
When Kindness Needs No Defense
These days it feels like Jesus gets pulled into every argument, campaign, and narrative. His words are used to win points, to justify positions, or to back up agendas. But when we look at His life in scripture, we don’t see Him playing politics. We see Him washing feet, healing the sick, sitting with the broken, and even praying for His executioners. “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” — John 13:35 How COVID has affected us
Making Space for Intentional Prayer
This past Sunday, Andy challenged us with something so simple, yet so powerful—set an alarm on your phone as a reminder to pray. What a practical way to invite Jesus into the rhythm of our daily lives! One way to make it even more meaningful is to choose a time that connects with Scripture. For example, James 5:16 says, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Imagine setting your alarm for 5:16 each day, and when it How COVID has affected us
12:26 – Sharing Scripture With a Stranger
My wife and I recently traveled downstate to visit our son and daughter-in-law at their new apartment in Novi. One of the things we did while there was take them out for brunch to a wonderful restaurant called First Watch. As our friendly waitress was bringing our drinks, I couldn’t help but notice she had the date 12:26 tattooed on her throat. I was curious about it so when she moved on to another table, I Googled “12:26.” The first How COVID has affected us
You Don’t Clean Up Before a Shower
We don’t wash our hands before washing our hands. We don’t scrub the dirt off before stepping into the shower. We bring the mess with us—that’s the point. Too often, people think baptism is for those who have “got it all together.” They feel they need to stop sinning, clean themselves up, prove they’re good enough, and then step into the water. But that’s not what Scripture teaches. Romans 6:4 says, “We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into How COVID has affected us
Middle School on Mission
This Saturday, 18 of us will leave the parking lot of KCC and head to Crandon, Wisconsin, for our middle school mission trip. We will be working inside two area reservations (the Potawatomi and the Chippewa), pouring the love of Jesus into the kids through various games and activities. Our middle schoolers will get a taste of what it is like to be ‘on mission’ for Jesus. They will spend an entire week not thinking of themselves, but rather serving How COVID has affected us
Tell The Story Anyway
There’s a strange tension that comes with sharing your story, especially the messy parts. Maybe you’ve felt it. That little voice that says, “No one needs to hear this.” Or worse, “If they knew, they’d walk away.” But the truth is, your story – your testimony – might be the very thing God wants to use to reach someone who’s hanging on by a thread. “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of How COVID has affected us