Joseph Patty, Associate Director of Student Ministries, High SchoolActs 24:25“As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.”Genesis 18:25“Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?”Reflection:Paul is a prisoner, accused of a matter worthy of death by the Jews. So, in Acts 24, we find Paul laying his case before Felix, a Roman Governor with the power to have Paul killed. Instead of defending himself, Paul talks to Felix about faith in Jesus. It [...]

Matthew 6:26-27 (NIV) Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? Reflection: I had a recent conversation with friends about sleep habits: what it takes to help us fall asleep, how many times we wake up in the middle of the night, etc. One friend spoke about needing absolute silence. Another friend listed off the best shows on Netflix to [...]

Kristin Reynolds, Advancement Chair, Children’s Council Member, Member since 2000 Matthew 19:26 (NIV) Jesus looked at them and said, ”With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Reflection: When we hear the word powerful we might think of a world leader, or a baseball player hitting a grand slam, or even a Category 4 hurricane. Our human concept of power usually means a physical strength or a strong effect on someone or something. We think of using this power to obtain our wants and desires. More often than not we are relying on our own [...]

Jacel Dickson, St. Luke’s member and former Children’s Ministries team member Psalm 71:7-8 (NLT) My life is an example to many, because you have been my strength and protection. That is why I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long. Reflection: It is not lost on me how many miracles I’ve experienced, and I am fully aware of how good I am at taking credit for God’s work (save that for later). A few days ago a woman that has been coming to take my class at the gym stayed after to apologize for [...]

Peggy Roe, Member since 1970, Board of Trustees Genesis 17:1-5, 7, 15-16, 18 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless. 2And I will make my covenant between me and you, and will make you exceedingly numerous.”  3 Then Abram fell on his face; and God said to him, 4 “As for me, this is my covenant with you:  You shall be the ancestor of a multitude of nations.  5 "No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be [...]

Charity Autry, Member since 2008, Sunday School Leader, VBS Chair Ephesians 3:16-19 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of [...]

Chrissie Prichard, Member since 2007 and Outreach Committee Member Psalm 32:8-9 “I will instruct you and teach you about the direction you should go. I’ll advise you and keep my eye on you. Don’t be like some senseless horse or mule, whose movement can be controlled with a bit and a bridle. Don’t be anything like that!” Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; don’t rely on your own intelligence. Know him in all your paths, and he will keep your ways straight.” Reflection: “How much for the guided tour?” If you’ve ever traveled with me, [...]

Suzi Pitts, Director of Communications Lamentations 3:22-24 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;     his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning;     great is your faithfulness. 24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,     “therefore I will hope in him.” Reflection: Don’t you love the song, Great Is Thy Faithfulness? Did you know that it comes from Lamentations, which is a five-part poem of… lament? Such happy, loving praise to a faithful God. What’s impressive is that the prophet wrote this in the most devastating period in the life of Israel. Babylon [...]

Rev. Michelle Manuel and Quentin Manuel 1 Corinthians 1:20-25 20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are [...]

Steve Lufburrow, long-time church member; former teacher of the Genesis Class and Encounter Drummer/Singer 1 Thessalonians 3:9-10 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? Night and Day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith. Reflection:  Last month my wife and I were in line at Starbucks. During the pandemic the lines are very long so we packed our patience and waited. Finally, after 15 minutes in line we arrived at [...]