“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me.”  Exodus 20:2–3 (NKJV)

Although God spoke these words to the Hebrews who left Egypt, they can serve as a reminder that God has delivered us from our own “Egypt.”

As we remember and give thanks for His deliverance, may we never return to the idols we once followed (whether knowingly or unknowingly). Instead, may we walk faithfully with the Lord, trusting that He has far better things in store for those who belong to Him.

 - Pastor Keith

1 Corinthians 9:24 “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize?
Run in such a way that you may obtain it."

I love how Paul illustrates that we are on this earth to run; and to run a race you must train to compete. In the same way we go through this life with obstacles and trials that help train us and shape us into a Christian that lasts.

However, we don't just want to last; we want to win that prize to be with The Lord for all of eternity.    

- Joshua

Psalm 107:1 (NKJV) “Oh give thanks to the Lord for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.”

In this chapter, the Lord’s deliverance of His redeemed people, and His ability to satisfy a longing soul is illustrated. After crying out to the Lord in their distress, and experiencing deliverance- variations on verse 1 are repeated. It mentions those wandering in the wilderness, hungry and thirsty, with fainting souls; those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, bound in various ways; fools living in sin and afflicted as a result of their poor choices, and those tossed about in rough seas. A theme emerges: “Oh that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!” (Psalm 107:31).

This Psalm reminded me of the invitation for true rest, recorded in Mathew 11: 28-30 “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle and lowly.”   

 -Roy

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus." (Acts 4:13)

Throughout the bible over and over we see God work through ordinary people. The Holy Spirit gives us power to do things that accomplish God's will without a lot of fanfare or sensation. Certainly there are supernatural healings, but mostly it is this quiet power from God like it says in Acts 4. Perhaps it is simply encouraging someone with God's word or praying for them or maybe just listening.

Our preparation for being used by Him? Spending time with Jesus.  

-Bob

2 Kings 5:11,
I expected him to wave his hand over the leprosy and call on the name of the LORD his God and heal me!
Naaman went down to the Jordan River and dipped himself seven times, as the man of God had instructed him. And his skin became as healthy as the skin of a young child’s, and he was healed!

This is one of the many examples in the Bible which demonstrates obeying God from the start helps us find His blessing He has for us faster than if we do our own solutions first.

-Tim

Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

Is Bible study just a waste of time? One time Henry Ford hired an efficiency expert to evaluate his company. After several weeks, the expert made his report, which was favorable except for one thing: “There’s a man down your hall, and every time I go by, he’s just sitting there with his feet up on his desk. He’s wasting your money.”  Ford replied, “That man once had an idea that saved us millions of dollars. At the time, I believe his feet were planted right where they are now!”

Maybe it would be good for you to put your feet up and save yourselves a million dollars – or a million heartaches –or a million bad choices- by reading and meditating on the Word of God!    

-Pastor Mike

"And it came to pass at midnight that the Lord struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon, and all the firstborn of livestock.”  ‭‭Exodus‬ ‭12‬:‭29‬ ‭NKJV

After repeated warnings and opportunities to obey, Pharaoh’s hardened resistance to God’s will resulted in devastating judgment (the death of the firstborn). The difference between life and death that night was whether the blood of the lamb had been applied in obedience to the Lord’s command.

Thankfully, this sobering account also points us to hope. Just as the blood of the Passover lamb protected the firstborn of Israel, so Jesus Christ, our Passover Lamb, delivers us from future judgment and from the bondage of sin. Praise God that He not only desires a relationship with us, but also provides deliverance to all who are willing to receive the gift of salvation.  -Pastor Keith

John 14:2-3 “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so,I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”

God is going to prepare a place for you. But that's only half of the story. Not only has Jesus been preparing a place for us but He is preparing us for that place.
And once you are ready, you will be in God’s presence and enjoy what He has prepared for you forever. Until then, enjoy the process of being readied.  -Joshua

Psalm 75:36-38 NKJV “Nevertheless they flattered Him with their mouth; And they lied to Him with their tongue; For their heart was not steadfast with Him, Nor were they faithful in His covenant. But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, And did not destroy them. Yes, many a time He turned His anger away, And did not stir up all His wrath.”

In this chapter, an overview of the Israelites exodus from Egypt is provided, complete with many of the miracles that God performed. A pattern seemed to emerge where the Israelites vacillated between periods of faith and obedience, to periods of doubt and rebelliousness. In spite of this God blessed them by safely bringing them through the Red Sea, providing not only manna but quail to feed them, and causing water to spring forth from a rock.

Thank God for his ability to provide for them in spite of their shortcomings, and how encouraging that can be for us, as we struggle at times with things that distract us or try to hinder our walk. It reminds me of a verse Pastor Mike often references, that I believe we can all relate to- about God’s patience with the bruised reed, and the smoking flax- from Isaiah 42:3.    

-Roy

So it was, when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, that she found favor in his sight, and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther went near and touched the top of the scepter.” (Esther 5:2).

Even though God is not mentioned by name in this historical book, His fingerprints can be found throughout the whole story. Like many of the accounts found in scripture, the book of Esther depicts what we see today: the kingdom of Satan attacking God’s people.

  Notice it says Esther "found favor". This is where we see God was in control.
We also see the king in this verse responds by holding out to Esther his golden scepter. This is a picture of a true fact we have with our King. The King of kings, Jesus Christ.   Hebrews 10:19-22 says "Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."
 
We can readily approach the King, because of the sacrifice Jesus made for us, knowing God is fully in control.     -Bob

Psalm 111:1-4 (NLT) Praise the LORD! I will thank the LORD with all my heart as I meet with His godly people. How amazing are the deeds of the LORD! All who delight in Him should ponder them. Everything He does reveals His glory and majesty. His righteousness never fails. He causes us to remember His wonderful works. How gracious and merciful is our LORD!

It was so encouraging to discuss the many attributes of God as taught by Pastor Keith Wednesday night at the yogurt shop. It is refreshing to hear the power and majesty of God, discussed and witnessed, at work in our daily lives; by the young and the more
experienced.
Verse 9b sums this up very well. What a holy, awe-inspiring name He has!

-Tim

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Too often, we find ourselves celebrating—or even longing for—things that do not deserve our admiration. Rather than lifting us up, they quietly drain our joy. The Lord, however, never falls into that category.

He is not only worthy of our praise, He also counsels, encourages, and equips us as we pursue His will. As you step into this New Year, take an honest inventory of the things that distract your heart, and intentionally give more of your time to the Lord. You will not be disappointed; He richly rewards those who seek Him.

-Pastor Keith

Genesis 42:3-5 "So Joseph’s ten brothers went down to buy grain in Egypt. But Jacob did not send Joseph’s brother Benjamin with his brothers, for he said, “Lest some calamity befall him.” And the sons of Israel went to buy grain among those who journeyed, for the famine was in the land of Canaan."

Here we see a man named Jacob whose name is later changed to Israel. He is struggling to let his son go for fear of losing him. In this text, it is evident that Israel’s eyes are not focused on the Lord, but on losing another one of his sons. The name Israel is translated as “he struggles with God”. And here we see Jacob, again struggling to let go.

God sometimes allows tests and trials in our own life to see what we are willing to let go of in order to see how much we trust in Him.

 -Joshua

“What Child is this, Who, laid to rest, on Mary’s lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping? This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guards and angels sing: Haste, haste to bring Him laud – the Babe, the Son of Mary!”
(written by W. Chatterton Dix 1865)

It is easy to become a bit too busy and overwhelmed during the holiday season- scurrying about, shopping, decorating, and attending various festive celebrations, decked out in the requisite “ugly sweater”.

However, we need to stop and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.  JESUS.  Fully God, and fully man, born into the world in a humble fashion, and providing an eternal hope!    

--Roy

“After these things He went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax office. And He said to him "Follow Me". So he left all, rose up and followed Him.” (Luke 5:27-28)

Luke records this calling of Levi, who became known as Matthew, most likely after he became a follower of Christ. What is instructional for us is Levi's response to Jesus' simple call "Follow Me". First of all, he left everything. As a tax collector it is quite possible Levi was rich, many publicans or tax collectors were. However Jesus' call is focused on leaving behind the carnality of the world and pursuing a life that is spiritual and holy to Him. He indeed calls all of us to be "all in". Not half-hearted but a life that turns from the sins of the past and walks firmly after the new life bound in Christ.

We also see in this text Levi "rose up". He made a stand for Christ. But he didn't just stand there, it says he "followed Him".
Later in the narrative it speaks of Levi throwing a great feast for Jesus and he invites many people including his work associates (tax collectors) and in another gospel it says "sinners". What a great idea!

Not much else is written of Levi, also known as Matthew. However we have the gospel of Matthew written with the power of the Holy Spirit which speaks to us constantly of what actually happened during those few years Jesus walked the earth.

-Bob

Micah 5:2 NKJV
"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, [Though] you are little among the thousands of Judah, [Yet] out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth [are] from of old, From everlasting."

I was looking into the announcement about Jesus being born in Bethlehem. I found out that Bethlehem means “house of bread”. I find this interesting since in John 6:35 Jesus says He is the Bread of Life.

John 6:35 NKJV
And Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.

‘Tis the season to ponder what Jesus means to us and what He has done for us.

-Tim

Philippians 1:27, Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.

A friend told Plato of a terrible charge that had been leveled against the famous philosopher. Knowing it was not true, his friend said, "What are we going to do?" Plato replied, "We must simply live in such a way that all people will know it is false."

As true disciples of Jesus, we want to live such godly lives that we give no one an excuse to not follow Him too. We need to live our lives as Jesus did, in a way that we give glory to our Father in heaven.  As the old saying goes, “we need to walk the walk and not just talk the talk.”

We all need to live in a way that people say about us, “I don’t know what’s different about that person, but I want to be just like them.” As Francis of Assisi said, “Preach the Gospel everywhere you go, and if you must, use words.”

-Pastor Mike

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13, KJV)

Reflection
When Paul wrote that he could do all things through Christ, we have to understand it in light of his circumstances. Paul declares that he could find contentment (and even joy) in every situation. Though we may not be in the most desirable place, we should find contentment and joy, knowing that Christ will give us the strength to get through anything.




"BLB Daily Promise for (November 23rd)." Blue Letter Bible. 15 May, 2002. Web. 23 Nov, 2025. <https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/view.cfm>.

“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.”  ‭‭Lamentations‬ ‭3‬:‭22‬-‭23‬, ‭NKJV

When Jeremiah wrote these words, he was deeply grieved by the judgment that had fallen upon Jerusalem. Was God’s judgment deserved? Absolutely. His people had turned to pagan worship and even practiced child sacrifice.

Yet in the midst of such devastation, Jeremiah could still see God’s compassion. God did not completely destroy His people. Instead, because of His great love, He disciplined them — not out of cruelty, but for their good — so they might turn from their destructive ways and return to the one true God who loves them.

It’s good for us to be reminded through verses like these that God, in His great love, is slow to anger and full of compassion — even when we are not faithful.

-Pastor Keith

Genesis 30:22-24 “Then God remembered Rachel, and God listened to her and opened her womb. 23 And she conceived and bore a son, and said, “God has taken away my reproach.” 24 So she called his name Joseph, and said, “The Lord shall add to me another son.”

You see, this is a beautiful picture of who God truly is. He hears us, and in His perfect timing, He answers our prayers—just as He did for Rachel. It’s a powerful reminder that God is always at work in our lives. He sees what we’re going through and cares deeply for us. Like Rachel, we’re called to come before the Lord and make our requests known to Him.

It’s not always easy, but it is simple: we pray in faith and trust God to move. Our part is to believe, pray, and wait—giving Him room to work in His own way and in His own time.

    -Joshua

There’s a fountain free, ‘tis for you and me: Let us haste, oh haste, to its brink; ‘Tis the fount of love from the Source above, And He bids us all freely drink. Will you come to the fountain free? Will you come? ‘tis for you and me; Thirsty soul, hear the welcome call, ‘Tis a fountain open’d for all. [Hymn- There’s a Fountain Free]

I thought of this hymn when considering the question Pastor Keith put forth recently in his teaching- Are you a reservoir? Or a river?

While hoping to stay true to the intent of the analogy, I will elaborate on my understanding of this question.

As new believers, when we first come to saving faith, we are naturally reservoirs- meaning that we take in Biblical teaching, and like the Bereans of old in the book of Acts, receive the message with eagerness, examining the Scripture to verify the accuracy of what we have heard. Also in line with 1 Peter 2:2, in this reservoir stage, we can be compared to a newborn baby, desiring the sincere milk of the Word, to help us grow.

As we progress in our walk, and in our spiritual journey, at some point hopefully we can enter the river phase- where we are naturally not just taking in but pouring out into the lives of others. By God’s grace- we can be living and sharing the good news of the Gospel, being an example of God’s love to those around us. This phase seems related to what Jesus cried out in John 7, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”

Thus, we are called to be conduits of God’s love- not just drinking until we burst, but taking in- and sharing with those around us.

-Roy

For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? (Hebrews 9:13-14)

The sin offering is described in great detail in Leviticus, chapter 4. It included provisions for the priests, for the rulers, for the congregation and for the individual.

In order for the Messiah to bring the blessings of the New Covenant, the better way. He had to fulfill the Old Covenant. The point is, if the Old Covenant was capable of cleansing (although not complete), how much more shall the blood of Christ cleanse us?
Notice the language used here: "through the eternal Spirit". Jesus was the only man who pre-existed eternally before incarnating as Man. Of course He is God “in the beginning”, took on human form, and now is still God. Beginning and End. He has an endless life.
 
He "offered Himself" It's one thing to sacrifice an animal, it's totally different to sacrifice yourself. When you consider the animals were taken involuntarily and without understanding of what would happen to them. Christ gave Himself voluntarily and with full knowledge. Something I never thought about was the natural reaction as a human for self preservation. Jesus, in addition to all the other temptations He overcame, was the reflex to try and survive. As it says here, He was "without spot". 100% surrendered to the will of God.

We can be so thankful to be in the New Covenant with Jesus.
-Bob

Psalm 4:8 (NKJV) “I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.”

Recently, as I was traveling, I ran across this verse in my daily Bible reading. It is so very interesting to run across a verse that matches our current moment in our lives.
You see in full view, the point of putting our full-on trust in the Lord. You realize this kind of peace only comes from God.

You can pray to the Lord, “I realize this peace can only come from You. I am confident in You Lord, that this outcome will be the best result for me, even if I don’t know why”.     -Tim

Question: If you had the opportunity to give the whole world a gift (every person); What would you give that would be suitable?
Answers: (1) Books – But 2 billion people in the world can’t read. (2) Education – but many in the world are already educated. (3) Food – While 75% of the world are undernourished, 25% are overweight. Similar figures would relate to clothing, money and material possessions. (4) Medicine - You could not give this either, because you would disqualify the healthy.
So, what gift would you give? When you think about it, there is only one logical gift: A gift that is needed by everyone; Young or old, rich or poor, men or women, slave and free and all the rest! That gift is not an ‘it’ but a person: ‘Jesus’. And the gospel is the means of introducing someone to God’s greatest gift. 
  
2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

-Pastor Mike

“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”  Ephesians 4:31-32 NKJV

This passage is like going to the gym to work out your muscles (except spiritually). Daily, I need let go of bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking and also, at the same time, being kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave me.
 
What I’ve come to find out is the more I follow this passage the easier it becomes. Just like lifting 50 lbs every day; eventually it’ll get lighter and lighter. It’s our responsibility as believers to act and cultivate goodwill, rather than relying on God to remove these behaviors for us.

Stay motivated and keep pushing forward.

Love you all, Valentino Nevarez.