As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you: continue in my love. (John 15:5)
Billy Graham recounts a story he had heard about Dr. Karl Barth. Barth was a very influential writer and theologian in the mid 1900's. Graham was known for his powerful and clear preaching...Barth was known for his brilliance in tackling tough and complex theological issues. However a student once asked Barth what the greatest spiritual principle was. His response was surprising: "Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so." So simple. So powerful. So easy. So convicting.  

Salvation...belief...connecting the Christ...the Christian life...it's all so simple when you break it down. And yet it meets us, challenges us, confronts us amidst the complexities of life. Life isn't always simple, but God's grace and presence is close and immediate. Karl Barth knew that study was important...but there was no substitute for the simplicity of faith!  

What are you doing to press into that which you already believe in? There's more!
What are you doing to share that which you already have? There's a need!
What ways does the simplicity of God's grace need to meet the complexity of your life today? There's enough!

Find some way today to embrace the simple in the middle of the complex!
Serve...show up on Wednesday night...talk with Jesus about what's on your heart...do the simple things and see where God is at work!

As the facilitator of Grief Share at St. John’s, it has been a blessing to some alongside people who are grieving and help them find their way back to joy. It is not an easy journey and everyone handles it differently. And, depending on the specific circumstances surrounding death, it can be hard to know how to be a support to them. When you are not dealing with grief yourself, it can be difficult to know how to support friends and family who are struggling with grief. The lesson I have learned through my experience is to just be present, love them, listen to them, and respond to their needs based on your own resources and experience.

Washington Township is grieving the loss of a young boy, and many lives have been impacted. As a community of faith, we don’t have to know the circumstances and we may never understand the “why”. But there is one who knows, and He knows the needs of the family, the school community, and the township. He can lead us and give us the courage and wisdom to know how to respond and how to pray. It is moments like these that give us the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus and demonstrate the hope of the world when hope seems distant or non-existent. Pray for the family, first responders, students, and educational support staff who have all been affected. And as you pray, ask God to surround them with people who will do what needs to be done to bring healing and help meet their needs during this time. And if God places you in their mist, He will give you the wisdom, strength, and courage to be the light He has called you to be. When we ask Him, God will equip us with all we need to be Him to those in need.

~ Bill Yerkes, Assistant Pastor

Romans 15:5

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had.”

2 Kings 20:1-11
1  In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to him and said, “This is what the Lord says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover.”
2 Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, 3 “Remember, Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.
4 Before Isaiah had left the middle court, the word of the Lord came to him: 5 “Go back and tell Hezekiah, the ruler of my people, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the temple of the Lord. 6 I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city for my sake and for the sake of my servant David.’”
7 Then Isaiah said, “Prepare a poultice of figs.” They did so and applied it to the boil, and he recovered.
8 Hezekiah had asked Isaiah, “What will be the sign that the Lord will heal me and that I will go up to the temple of the Lord on the third day from now?”
9 Isaiah answered, “This is the Lord’s sign to you that the Lord will do what he has promised: Shall the shadow go forward ten steps, or shall it go back ten steps?”
10 “It is a simple matter for the shadow to go forward ten steps,” said Hezekiah. “Rather, have it go back ten steps.”
11 Then the prophet Isaiah called on the Lord, and the Lord made the shadow go back the ten steps it had gone down on the stairway of Ahaz.

In these verses we find Hezekiah gravely ill and seemingly near death. Isaiah comes to him and gives him advice on preparing for the end of his life. Hezekiah went to the Lord in prayer and poured his heart out before God and “wept bitterly.” Before Isaiah even left Hezekiah’s home, the Lord spoke to him and told him to go back and deliver God’s instructions for answering Hezekiah’s prayer. He would be healed and given more time to continue in his position of leadership, and God would bring freedom to him and his people.

Things were not as they seemed for Hezekiah. He was at rock bottom and uncertain there was anything left for him as the leader of his people. But God had other plans. Hezekiah’s dead end was God’s roundabout to redirect him and get him back on the right road.

Have you ever felt like Hezekiah? Defeated? Not certain what was coming next? There are two important things to take from his story. First, he had Isaiah, and God used Isaiah to fulfill his will in Hezekiah’s life. Who are you partnering with in your faith journey? Do you have someone to talk with? To pray with? And maybe even someone God will use to answer your prayers and show you the way forward. And second, Hezekiah trusted the Lord even when he thought there was nothing left, and he was open to the Lord’s leading through his trusted friend.

Brothers and sisters, we can’t say enough how important it is for us not to take this life journey alone. Ask God to lead you to the right person or the right small group to partner with you. Fall will bring new opportunities to grow your faith by meeting with others but begin now preparing your heart for what He may have in store for you in the next season. How might He be calling you to take a leap of faith so that He can do a greater work in you?

Recently, Tina and I toured the Acropolis in Greece. As the bus was nearing the cite, you could see the large columns towering over Athens. To see something in person you have only ever seen in textbooks (or google searches) is overwhelming. As we trekked up the steep hill towards the entrance, we were more and more overwhelmed at what we were experiencing. Just inside the Acropolis, we stopped at a location where several tour guides were explaining to their groups what they were seeing among the ruins. One tour guide (not ours) was showing his group the location where Paul preached a sermon during his second missionary journey.

If you look through Acts 17 you can read about this particular moment in Paul’s ministry. Paul was wandering around the city and noticing all of their objects of worship. Among them was an alter with the inscription “TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.”(Acts 17:23) Paul was there to witness to the people of Athens not just about the “Unknown God” but about what Jesus did when He came as God in the flesh.

On the nearby hill that was just beyond the wall, in the shadows of the Parthenon that was honoring the goddess Athena, Paul spoke these words: “Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill. 30 In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. 31 For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.” (Acts 17:29-31)

As Christians, it can be easy to feel overshadowed by the things of this world. It can be intimidating to be surrounded by so many reminders of the gods of this world so many choose to worship. But Paul reminds us here of the power of the message of the resurrected Christ to transform who we are and what we worship. The hill where Paul spoke to his listeners is without stone markers or statues, but it remains holy ground because it represents a place where people’s lives were changed by Jesus. Whatever challenges you may face in your walk with Christ, remember you walk daily with the living God who is active inside of your life and circumstances. Nothing can take the place of the power and strength he represents to you today. There’s power in the name of Jesus that requires nothing more than your daily dependance on Him.

By Rich Weinstein

He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. -Luke 24:17
Sometimes it can be very difficult to say goodbye, and farewells are not always happy occasions. A truth once again revealed to me personally when my mother went to be with the Lord earlier this year. The end of one chapter of life can make us sad as things are never quite the same again, but along with those endings come new beginnings.
Nostalgia and bitter sweetness are normal emotions that can be associated with endings. You feel regret for what you have lost, even if the conclusion is a happy one. It can be difficult to deal with those changes that occur if someone leaves you, or a door closes.
The above Scripture is an example of what two of Jesus’ followers experienced on the Road to Emmaus after His death. They were upset as they felt a treasured relationship had ended quickly and tragically. They did not realize it was Jesus who was talking to them. They did not understand the fact that endings can be the start of wonderful new beginnings.
Everyone loves to start over with a clean sheet. New days, new jobs, new responsibilities, new relationships, new stages of life all bring a sense of satisfaction as endings transform into new beginnings. The two disciples on the Road to Emmaus received a fresh start when they recognized it was Jesus speaking to them. He had risen!
Look at the endings in your life as new beginnings; new opportunities loaded with God’s blessings. These new beginnings are God’s way of helping you to wipe the slate clean and start anew.
As December ends and we turn the page of the calendar to reveal 2022, take the time to realize God has provided you with a clean sheet, an ending that starts a new beginning. When you look at that sheet this time next year, may it be one of your best works of art.

By Rodney  Boylan
I have been considering that TV stations and our radios or streaming services are flooded with so-called “Christmas movies”. What if, for a moment, we desired THE Christmas story? What if we prayed for God to break through and bring a special message to us directly from Heaven?
An angel broke through to Joseph in Matthew 1 v:20:
“But as he considered these things (divorcing Mary because she was with child before their marriage), behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.”
God needed to step into humanity. Heaven needed to cross-over to get us back on track. 
In Luke 1, Heaven steps in again. This time it’s Mary’s visit, and it’s not just any angel. From verse 26-38:
“In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, 'Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.' How will this be,' Mary asked the angel, 'since I am a virgin?' The angel answered, 'The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.' I am the Lord's servant,' Mary answered. 'May your word to me be fulfilled.' Then the angel left her."
One of the lead citizens of Heaven, a creature from a realm that is not normally open to mankind, steps in to proclaim the great message of both realms! Can we comprehend the magnitude of glory that happened in these two visits?  We know that the Holy Spirit is with us, unseen in this world. But to complete the salvation of the world, God opens the portal between the two places, Heaven and Earth. That reminds me of the carol where “Heaven and Nature sing.” The words marvelous and awesome are appropriate here, but please read those words slowly. I write them with every intention packed into them, with a glaze over my face of marvel and my mouth open in awe.
But, as they say, “you ain’t seen nothing yet.” Contrary to popular nativity displays, the Bible doesn’t say there were angels at the Nativity. The REAL BIG announcement was happening outside of Bethlehem in the fields where the shepherds were. Luke 2:8-14,
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.' Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.'
Maybe Gabriel wasn’t at this spectacle, but the shepherds didn’t just get one angel, they received “a great company.” The word “company” was used to describe a military encampment, (John MacArthur Study Bible). It may be safe to say that the shepherds were shocked AND outnumbered! It’s worthy to note that this “army” was used to bring an announcement of peace.
I just wondered why society has tried so hard for years to make movies, music, and TV shows about all the feel-goods of Christmas when the story about Heaven and Earth coming together to birth the Savior is far more exciting and glorious! Eventually the shepherds went and saw about what the heavenly host told them. They praised God and went back to their lives, but not they way they used to be. They were forever changed. 
This Christmas, may you seek Heaven on Earth in the company of your co-workers, your friends, and your families. May you be filled with the glory of God that enriches your spirit and changes your life.

By Jerry Frecon
As a little boy, I vividly remember my Grandmother telling me how blessed I was to have nutritious food to eat while many people had nothing. I was born and raised on a farm where we grew many crops and raised many animals not only for our own food but also to sell and give to many others.  As I reflect on these experiences, my education and becoming a Christian, I realized how truly blessed I was to live and work in agriculture. Being a witness each growing season, to the many creations and miracles of God’s work in both the plant and animal world, helped me distinguish good science from my faith. Too many times I have seen and experienced, during my working years, things that others contribute to chance or coincidence that could only be accomplished by the hand of God. Being able to distinguish the difference of coincidence and God, is to be blessed.
Another treasured blessing has been being a member of God’s church at St. John’s and participating for almost 40 years with brothers and sisters in Christ. As Paul said in his letter to the Ephesians- “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power to work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Our church body unites us and blesses us.” Ephesians 3:20
I have never been sure of what motivates people to give. Much is written in the word about giving as many of us have much more than we need. Jesus wants and admires sacrificial giving. He wants us to give time, money, and convenience. To have this attitude and to do this is a blessing. At St. John’s, so many have been blessed to be givers. I have been blessed to see and learn from them as have my children.  I feel much joy being a giver even though it is never enough.
Each day as I pray, the first thing I do is thank God for all the blessings He has given me; the blessing of my spouse, family and friends, all the food and goods He provides me, the blessing of good health of body and mind; the blessing of joy and peace. I am truly blessed to receive the greatest gift and blessing Christ has for us who believe.

By Kayla Harrison
Imagine sitting at a king’s feast eating good food, drinking the finest wine, and talking with those of nobility. You’re taking a bite of your bread when suddenly you see something strange out of the corner of your eye: a human hand floating in mid-air. The hand begins writing on the palace wall, and you watch as words are written out. As bizarre or fictitious as this story sounds, it’s real! Daniel 5 describes King Belshazzar’s feast and Daniel’s interpretation of the message the hand had inscribed on the wall, a message from God to the king that would tell him his time of ruling was coming to an end. (To see Daniel's interpretation, read Daniel 5:25-31).  
Before revealing what was written, Daniel tells him, “You have not glorified the God who holds your life-breath in His hand and who controls the whole course of your life” (Daniel 5:23c). Not only is this statement direct, it is full of truth about God — one that I think we often forget: God holds our life-breath in His hand and He has control over the course of our lives. Every breath that keeps us alive is in God’s hand.
Fast forward a bit to find out (spoiler alert!) Belshazzar is killed and Darius the Mede takes over as king. Daniel, at this time, had become an administrator for the kingdom, and the king wanted to put him in charge of the entire realm. However, others were upset. So, the other administrators and local rulers convinced the king to sign an edict saying that anyone who consulted another god or ruler besides Darius would be thrown into the lion’s den. When Daniel heard this news he went home and prayed to God, “as he had done before” (Daniel 6:10). 
 This is significant to note because Daniel didn’t start praying for the first time in months or suddenly freak out and beg God to do something. He did what he always did: spent time communing with God and thanking Him. Daniel’s reaction to the news showed how much trust he had that God was in control. I think a lot of times when we face scary or uncertain circumstances we immediately feel afraid and beg God to change what’s happening in our favor. Whether we realize it or not, every action and reaction we have shows what we believe about God. Most times, we live as though God can’t be trusted. 
Rest assured, though, that God is, in fact, in control of everything. Will it always work out how we want? No, but that would mean that we were in control and not God (what an unsettling thought to think of what life would be like if I was in control...me, who knows nothing about the future or how my choices will impact my life’s course). 
One of the most encouraging quotes I’ve heard lately comes from Jackie Hill Perry’s book Holier Than Thou: “If God is holy, then He can’t sin. If God can’t sin, then He can’t sin against you. If He can’t sin against you, shouldn’t that make Him the most trustworthy being there is?” When circumstances change, God is still the same as He’s always been, and He can be trusted to have control. 
 
Are we living like God is trustworthy?

By Mike Bill
This past Sunday, we kicked off the month of November by thinking about Thanksgiving…not the meal, but the habit…not the one day on the calendar we all look forward to, but the condition of our heart all 365 days of the year.  We made the statement that perhaps the focus of our Thanksgiving should be more than just the “Who’s” and the “What’s” we are thankful for, but rather the “How” of Gratitude...the manner in which we live out and express our thankfulness to God and others.
I hope you have been “practicing” this week!  Thanksgiving and gratitude take work and effort, and some intentional choices on our part.  Interestingly, there are some events coming up that also help us in this regard.  I don’t think it’s a coincidence that so much of what we do in November helps us practice and express our gratitude to God. 
Allow me to remind you of a few things coming up…and extend a PERSONAL INVITATION to you for these as well:

1. Yard Sale: Whether you are coming to lend a hand or purchase items, tomorrow’s yard sale is an excellent opportunity to connect with others and support missions at the same time. We would love to see you here in the FLC!
2. Diverse But Not Divided: Sunday at 1:30 PM, we have the privilege of hosting 8-10 other churches at St. John’s for a time of worship and Thanksgiving before God. The verses we are focusing on this month (Philippians 1:3-6) are also the central verses for our gathering. Help us make this event a success by showing up on Sunday. We are also still in need of some folks to help with hospitality. If you are available, simply show up at 1:00 PM.
3. Boxes…for our community, and for children around the world. The deadlines are approaching for both Operation Christmas Child (11/14) and our Social Concerns Thanksgiving boxes (11/21). You can still pick up a box, but it’s time to go shopping! These are both tremendous ways to give back for all that God has given to us.

 Gratitude is both a REFLECTION of your heart’s current condition as well as a HEART-FORMING HABIT that shifts and expands our walk with Christ.  In other words, gratitude is not just a passive activity for what and how you feel today…it is something we practice and implement in order to grow as followers of Jesus.  Practice Gratitude.  Be Thankful.  Show Appreciation.

By Alisa Branch
I was about nine years old when I first learned about indelible ink. I don’t remember the exact context, but I know it had something to do with the many carvings my dad (who was not a Christian!) created and hung all over our home. In his beautiful calligraphy, he had inscribed each with poetry, verse, or scripture. “Ye are of more value than many sparrows,” was one of the messages that streamed from those carvings right into my psyche during my critical formative years. The truths etched on my soul by those “life verses” have impacted my life profoundly.
I do not believe there is any “magic” in words. I do not subscribe to modern philosophies that endow words with a kind of mystical power containing an inherent authority to control life and direct its course in any absolute sense. I believe that only God has that kind of sovereignty and control. But I do believe that words can create indelible messages that touch our spirits with encouragement or discouragement, calm or strife, hope or despair. 
The God Who gave us language and the ability to communicate, knows that words are powerful.  We are told that “the tongue has the power of life and death” (Proverbs 18:21). In Deuteronomy 30:19, God set out two opposing paths and urged the people of Israel to choose life instead of death; blessings instead of curses. Earlier in Deuteronomy 11: 18-21, they had been told to write God’s words of (literal and spiritual) life and of blessing, on their “hearts and minds… that your days and the days of your children may be many…”
Solomon, under the Holy Spirit’s inspiration, echoes the counsel to internalize “life-giving” words, “Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them…Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Proverbs 4:21-24. And the apostle Paul tells the Colossian church to “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…” (Colossians 3: 16 NKJV)
In the chaos and confusion all around us today, words often spell curses rather than blessings, death rather than life. Yet, more than ever, over all the din, God calls His people to etch the words of life and blessing on our souls, on our hearts and minds, on our foreheads, on our doorposts, on our gates and on our children’s impressionable lives.
It is by choosing life-infused words that we distinguish ourselves as, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation,” and we “shine among them like stars in the sky as [we] hold firmly to the word of life.” (Philippians 2:15-16).
Words matter. Messages matter. Messages from songs, movies, media, and conversations – all have the power of life and death; and the power to choose is still ours. Choose life!

By Bill Yerkes
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another…”Hebrews 10:24-25
Perhaps I sound like a broken record. Probably only a portion of you reading this even know what a broken record sounds like. Either way, I find myself saying a lot these days how much I appreciate seeing everyone on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. In the beginning, I know we mentioned it almost every Sunday. It was like a homecoming each week as more and more of you returned to in-person worship. I found my spirit being lifted each week as our worship became more and more full. In addition, in more recent weeks, we have had many first-time visitors come through our doors. The office has had an uptick in phone calls and inquiries about the ministries of our church. God is doing a work in our midst!
The beauty of our fellowship goes well beyond just the number of people coming into our church building. The company we share and the memories we create during our time together have eternal benefits. Anyone who has ever sat one-on-one with a brother or sister and shared your inner most thoughts, feelings, and struggles can attest to the impact such a relationship has on your life. Maybe you have participated in a small group and have built lifelong relationships with other couples, families, or just people who are in the same season of life or faith as you. However you have experienced community here at St John’s, surely you can attest to the joy of the fellowship of believers.
Author James Bryan Smith in his book The Good and Beautiful God, reminds us how we were created in the image of a God who is in eternal community as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As we align our lives with Him, we feel the need to be in community with others. Our faith grows when we share it with others. In his book he writes, “spiritual formation happens most profoundly in the context of a group. Participating in a group allows the influence of others to spur us on and encourage us.”
You have blessed us immeasurably during this time of transition. As God has led us to reimagine ministry and move forward according to His will, you have been the pieces of the puzzle that complete who we are as a church. Ministry needs people to be the hands and feet of Jesus. May God continue to lead each of you individually into the part of our church family that will feed your faith and guide you in seeking His will in your life.

By Lani Cole-Mitchell
It’s that time of year where life gets busy, crazy, perhaps even chaotic. Holiday plans are in full scheduling mode and I, personally, feel a sense of urgency and need to embrace the celebration of this season with family and friends as best as I can since we all didn’t have that same opportunity last year. With all the planning and eagerness to make this the “Best Season Ever” are we trying to make up for lost time and actually missing God’s presence and message in all of this?
We, as Christians, know that we were created not only in God’s image and likeness, but more specifically, to be in relationship with each other. Those relationships are modeled by kindness, compassion, grace and love. Let’s be honest for a moment….I am sure there are situations where you were planning and preparing for a holiday event, and had every and all intention of doing so with a heart full of love and filled with the Holy Spirit. One comment, one action, one text could easily derail that. Oftentimes, especially during the holidays, emotions take over and we are so fixated on the planning and prepping that we often push aside God’s presence in that relationship and bring about other emotions such as anxiety, tension, pain and frustration. 
I was recently reading a devotion entitled “A Better Way” that my husband shared with me from the YouVersion Bible App. These questions dug deep and really made me stop and pause and reflect:
“Does that tension leave you feeling anxious, frustrated, or resentful?
At some point, we’ve all been there. Spiritual intimacy becomes a distant memory, and you’re not sure what to do or where to turn. What do you do when the work you’re trying to do for God is destroying the work He’s trying to do in you?”
So what can we do in those moments? How do we train ourselves to lovingly respond instead of quickly reacting? I turn to Micah 6:8 when faced with situations like this:
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
When we “stop in the name of love” (God’s love) and take a step back and ask God to be present as we work out the emotions we are experiencing, we are putting God first and bringing Him back in to that place where we inadvertently pushing Him out. Also, if we allow ourselves to be open to the perspective of the other individual, we may see things in a completely different light and ultimately come to a place of understanding and grace. Trusting that God is with us in all of these moments is crucial to nourishing strong and meaningful relationships with each other. I’m not saying that we shouldn’t pursue the truth and have open conversation with the person we may have issues with. What I am saying is that when approaching others, take some time first, think it through, pray over it, and allow the Holy Spirit to be present in the way you respond. Communication is key, and doing so in a loving, kind, and affirming way is a great way to allow God’s holiness to be a part of these difficult conversations.
Author, Lysa TerKeurst recently tweeted:
“When we’re walking through circumstances
that seem unfair or hurtful beyond what we can bear,
we must allow God to shift our perspective with truth.
In the midst of your wilderness, let God whisper His truth that He is good.
He is good to you. And He is good at being God.”
We also have a unique opportunity to come alongside each other, as a church, and be fully present with those who are experiencing difficulties in relationships. Life is not meant to be done alone as I alluded to earlier that we were created to be in relationship with each other. I encourage you to reach out to friends and family who may be struggling in certain relationships. Just simply listening and being a physical presence for someone can go a long way. Late author, Rachel Held Evans, shared these words: “…Christianity isn’t meant to simply be believed; it’s meant to be lived, shared, eaten, spoken, and enacted in the presence of other people. They reminded me, try as I may, I can’t be a Christian on my own. I need a community. I need the church.”
I’d like to share a prayer with you, friends, and hope you will turn to these words when needed most: Dear God, as the holidays approach, may we all take a moment to stop and listen to each other with open ears, minds, and hearts. May we lean into you, God, and trust that even though our emotions initially take over, you are present and walking alongside us. Help us to remember that what may seem like an inconvenience to others, is most likely a feeling of overwhelming and to put our trust in you, our good God. We are grateful that you continue to pursue us fiercely and love us through these moments. I pray that our actions are ones of response and not reaction, and that we are vulnerable, honest, and fully trust that you are working with us and through us in all that we do. Amen.

By Bill Wiley
Does something break your heart, something that might be drawing you in to help?  But then you have a “God, if only” conversation with Him.  I did.  More than once!
The Feed My Sheep Ministry had me on the fence for YEARS!  Every year, I would hear Tony Hoffman or Dan Detamore explain our ministry to the homeless in Camden, preparing and serving lunch for up to 200 people every Sunday. Then my “God, if only” conversation would start like this….”But God, in the Fall/Winter, I might miss Eagles games on Sunday;  you know I have been a fan since I was 6 years old.” Finally, in 2017 I gave in and started to help with Feed My Sheep.  I am blessed every time I go!  And, because of TV scheduling, I never missed an Eagles game that year!
Philippians 2:3 - Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.
There are incredible opportunities to serve at St John's. I encourage you to jump right in, be a blessing. I guarantee you’ll be glad you did!

By Tina Yerkes
Our words matter. But how we say them, matters most. The sentence, “You look nice.” can come across in a couple different ways. It can mean “Wow, you look fantastic!” or “Yeah, you look ok.” Our words matter but our tone… well, that is even more important.
One day, Jesus met with a woman as she was getting water from a well. He started up a conversation with her like He knew her. Now, He may have heard the stories told about her. He may have heard the people talking about her to their friends. But His tone, with her, was filled with kindness and compassion. Of all the people in the world who could have condemned or looked down upon her, it was Jesus. The One without any sin, the One who is God, the One who is always on the right side of any issue. But, He chose compassion. Read more about this encounter in John 4: 1-26.
One of the things Eddie talked about this past week was that we are supposed to encourage each other. Genuine care and compassion for each other. Investing in someone else, noticing when something they did or said was special or how they handled a delicate situation. These are the moments that make an impact within our relationships in our homes, in our work or school situations and even, in our church.
Consider your tone. Pause before you comment and if it’s not a comment that will be delivered in love, maybe refrain from saying it. Let’s be that cheering section for each other, even if you don’t see eye to eye on every topic. Jesus chose to be loving rather than being right. And don’t we want to be more like Jesus?

By Erika Davis
As I look out the window, I’m delighted by the beautiful sights before me. The weather is finally cooling off and the leaves are taking on their beautiful yellow, orange, and red tones that signal the start of the autumn and winter seasons. Part of the life cycle of a tree is to drop the leaves of one season to make room for the fresh, new growth in the next. Before it can grow and take in more sunlight, there is a period of release and rest. The cycle of a tree reminds me of how we grow in our spiritual lives.
Isaiah 43:18-19(NIV) says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
Our past is full of difficulties that weigh us down. If we desire to take the easy route, we hold onto these burdens and use them as a definition of our character. We say things like, “This is part of me now,” and, “If I let go, I’ll get hurt again.” We wear our past like a shield and cling tightly to our pain. If we look at the trees, how different would this season look if they had the ability to choose to hold on to their own leaves? As spring rolls around, we would see forests of dead, brown leaves, with no room for new buds to bloom. So to, when we hold on to former things, no room is left to grow.
Autumn doesn’t happen all at once. The leaves don’t all fall one day and the new growth starts the next. They fall gradually as they are released from the tree and the wind takes them away. Then, the tree lies dormant for the winter, conserving energy until it is time to grow again. God doesn’t expect us to release everything to Him all at once. Some difficulties take time to process and let go. Just like the wind helps the trees, sometimes we need help from a friend, a counselor, or a pastor to work through with what we are struggling.
Once we are able to let go, there is time for rest. We are not expected to immediately pick up the next task, but allow for God’s timing to spring up what is next. In this season of release and rest, I invite you to take time for personal growth. Spend some extra time caring for your relationship with God and relationships with others. Find a small group that fills you up with both! When the tree has time to conserve energy and rest, the fruit is so much sweeter come springtime.

By Dan Detamore
As I reflect on the past few weeks about various family health issues and of the friends that have gone on to heaven, I see the events that are happening within the world and think of all the changes and adjustments we have all been through. Changes that have affected every part of our lives, how we work, live and and even fellowship together. So much "bad stuff" that is happening that weighs us down and perhaps raises doubts of our faith and the God who we look up to. As an earthly father we love our families and we want to protect them. You read news stories about some fathers who did their best but were not able to do protect their loved ones. I cant imagine how a father or a parent feels when a child is no longer on this earth. 
In a recent devotional from Lani, she mentioned that music really helps in praise and worship, I agree. I am a definitely a fan of the old hymns and many of the new songs. I listen to music all day at home while I work and also when I am out walking in the afternoon, singing to the Lord. There is a song by Kari Jobe titled "What Love is This" , the words to the chorus are: 
What love is this
That You gave Your life for me
And made a way for me to know You
And I confess
You're always enough for me
You're all I need
Of course that song doesn't make me cry (that is a little Detamore humor!)  There are many verses in the bible that tell us that God is Love and its very evident that is the truth. John 3:16 is a  verse many people know. Another verse I often share is 1 John 4:9. The thought I have is do we really know God’s love? God’s unconditional love, how truly immense and never ending it is? Can we really define it with our earthly dictionaries? We show love to our spouses and children and at least most of our relatives and friends we like (humor again). What do you show to the stranger or someone who is different than you? 
My prayer for us all is to the One who knows unconditional love and sent His only Son to this earth...Please Lord - I am faithful, available and teachable for you to open my heart to know the fullness of your unconditional love. Amen!

By Eddie Keith
Are we living in the end times? Maybe yes, maybe no. What is definite is that every generation has believed that their time would be the end. That Jesus would return before the end of the current generation. I remember when Y2K came and went or when we waited to see if Mr. Camping was right. Do you remember those times in history where you thought this was the end and Christ was coming back? Think back to those moments for a minute. If it actually happened, would you have been ready? If Christ came back in all his glory, would you have been prepared?
As was shared yesterday by Pastor Mike, we need to be vigilant in our lives. Vigilance by definition is to keep a careful watch for possible dangers. The Apostle Peter reinforces that notion saying “be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8 KJV). Through this life, there are many dangers, toils and snares that can keep us from a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. Everyday, there are so many things trying to keep our attention. Not all of them are bad, mind you. But if you were to ask yourself today, how would you answer this question: “am I vigilant in my relationship with my Savior?”
In a world that is increasingly more distracted, I would add that we need to have constant vigilance when it comes to our relationship with Jesus Christ. Let’s face it, the end of the world will come… God only knows when that will be. Not only do we need to keep a careful watch, but we need to do it constantly. Our lives depend on it.

By Jack Broomell
The series that we kicked off youth group with this fall was called Rad. We threw it back to the 90s talking about Full House, Family Matters, some of language that was used (home skillet, fly, da bomb) and even talked about the trends of fanny packs, overalls, and neon. Being born in 94’ this was actually a really fun series for me to work through and talk about as it brought back a lot of memories from my early childhood. The Biblical themes we had were that radical people fight for peace, don’t play favorites, listen more than we speak and we watch our words. While “rad” meant cool in the 90’s, we focused on the idea that Jesus was radical during his time and changed the world.
The last lesson we had was that we watch our words. I started off doing my best interpretation of Steve Urkel’s famous quote, “did I do that???”. We all remember old sitcoms that often had a famous catch line that was constantly used in their shows. We got into how Urkel was an awkward kid but even he could be mean with his words in an exchange with someone in school. If even the most goofy characters can fall to using our words to hurt, what hope do the rest of us have?
The verse we dove into to kick off our discussion was James 3:1-12
Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
That kind of hurts doesn’t it? Not many of us should become teachers! Yet if we reflect we all might agree that our tongue can do more hurt than anything else. He gives us word pictures, the bit in a horse's mouth, the rudder in a boat or plane, and a spark that can start a fire. All of these are so accurate and powerful if we apply it to ourselves and our tongue.
So this week I want to challenge all of us to watch our words, not just through speech but through social media as well! Maybe even take time after reading this to reflect and write down some words based off these questions:
Write down at least one thing you said (hurtful or helpful)

• If hurtful, ask God to help you understand why you said it. For strength to be different and to make it right with who you said it to.
• If it was helpful, ask God to help use more of your words to love others like Jesus did.

It isn’t easy for us to reflect on what we say and how we say it but starting to analyze our speech each day is a start! Jesus was radical, and if we want to be radical like him we have to watch our words.

By Mike Bill
This past Sunday, we read in 1 Thessalonians 3 as Paul instructed the church at Thessalonica that they could live in such a way that it brings a smile to the face of God. What a picture! That our lives can bring joy to God…similar to the way a parent or grandparent is overjoyed at the seeing the identity forming and maturation taking place inside of their child or grandchild. Paul went on to describe two primary ways in which we can please Him: inside of our CHARACTER and through our LOVE.
That is our calling and mission as a church…to help create opportunities that develop our character and expand our love.
We’re in the middle of another week. Allow me to highlight a few opportunities in front of us…opportunities for fellowship and growth…opportunities where our character is shaped and our love is shown.

1. Wednesday Night Dinner: Come out and join us tonight. We’ve prepared the food and there is plenty of room around the table. Come and eat. Come and fellowship. And stick around at 7:00 as we learn and grow together. For a list of classes and groups, click here.
2. Sunday morning classes: While we do not offer a traditional Sunday School hour for all ages, we do continue to offer three environments to connect and grow. Scott Harrison leads a men’s class; our Gemstones class meets each week to discuss and make application to the morning’s message. And beginning this week, Kayla Harrison is launching a class for women about the holiness of God called Holy, Holy, Holy.
3. We want you to serve. Service is not just “helping the church get things done.” Service is an important part of your Christian walk. When we serve, we prioritize God inside of our schedules. When we serve, we get to know other believers. When we serve, we partner with God in the salvation of the world. A few weeks ago, we distributed this file. There are other ways to join in on the mission that God has for us. Please reach out if you desire to engage your faith for the sake of others, but perhaps are not sure where or how.

God delights in you as His child. Your life brings a smile to your heavenly Father. Let’s continue to live into that relationship…to value what God values and prioritize those things that God holds important. It’s His best plan for your life…and He knows you best.

By Mike Bill
What are you celebrating today?
It’s a question I was challenged with about a month ago through a podcast.
I’ve asked it at the end of each day ever since (I admit, some nights I fell asleep 3 seconds after I asked it of myself!)
I shared it with our congregation two weeks ago as a part of the message.
I asked it of our staff this past week during staff meeting.
I’m not sure why some statements, questions, or insights hit me more than others.  Sometimes it’s brand new, “earth shattering” information.  Sometimes it awakens a part of my mind or heart that was previously hard or disengaged.  Or sometimes I think that the perfect insight comes along at a time and place my life where I need it the most…and it sticks!
 Most people are not celebrating right now.
Controversy, frustration, disagreements…Yes, all around me
Trying to get back into a routine…Yes, for sure
Worries, fears, and anxieties…Certainly, so much seems uncertain
Busy, consumed, trying to keep up…Definitely sounds like much of my life
But celebration is important.  Taking the time to reflect, give thanks, and smile does a couple of things in my life:
It reminds me that God is in control, indeed still “on the throne” of my life and of this entire world.

1. It reminds me that it’s not ALL bad! The struggles are loud; the joys are often soft and able to be missed.
2. It reminds me that the horizon is bright for me, even if the road right in front of me is hard.
3. It reminds me that God was there in the events of today, even if I didn’t take the time to notice.

So today, not tomorrow, not next week, TODAY, what can and will you take time to be thankful for, happy about, and celebrate?
God is good, all the time…and all the time, God is good!

By Erika Davis
Since the beginning of September, I’ve been interning in the school counseling office at an elementary school in Washington Township. For the past month, I’ve been able to work with kids as little as 5 years old all the way up to 11 years old. We work through everything from academic struggles to general school anxiety, and I have found several techniques when working with the kids that I feel can apply to my personal spiritual walk.
One such technique is called “Freeze and Melt”. This skill is used to help students who are struggling with controlling their emotions in the classroom. The general idea is that when you feel like you want to scream or hit something, you “freeze” the problem by clenching your fists so tight that your arm muscles shake. After holding that squeeze for 10 seconds, you let the emotions “melt” away by slowly unclenching and relaxing your whole body. I’ve seen this technique work with kids across the board in controlling classroom outbursts.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” - Matthew 11:28
This practice got me thinking about how often we try to hold on to the struggles we face on a daily basis. With the school year really kicking off now and life getting busy, we grasp as tight as we can to our schedules and responsibilities. We often think that if we can just keep things under our control, we can handle it. We freeze our hands around every burden and chug along. For me, it’s been balancing school, internship, work, and being a mom. The age old, “God only gives us what we can handle,” plays as a mantra in my head. However, God never directed us to handle everything on our own. He gives us what we can handle, but He also gives us the tools necessary to handle those tasks. One of the most useful tools in our belt is our ability to cast our cares upon God and allow Him to bear our burdens.
There is something that happens when we physically practice something. Like kneeling during prayer, or raising our hands during worship, there can be a deeper connection with our thoughts when our physical body gets into it. My task for you this morning is to make a list of all the burdens on your plate. What roles are you playing in life right now? After you make the list, crumble the paper up in your fist and freeze. Squeeze that paper with all your might for 10 seconds. Then, give it to God. Let the paper fall away and in that act, surrender what you have been holding so tightly to.
Personally, I feel much more relaxed and capable after giving my burdens to God. I hope you can find rest this weekend in His power.

By Lani Cole-Mitchell
I’ve heard it said
That people come into our lives
For a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
 - Wicked, the Musical
The Tony Awards aired on Sunday evening, and it was a beautiful celebration of welcoming back live theatre after more than 18 months of darkened lights on Broadway. Musical numbers featuring singing and dancing were highlighted, and it was refreshing to watch as we emerge from the craziness of Covid. One number, in particular, brought back iconic duets from Rent, Showboat, and, of course, Wicked. Kristin Chenoweth (the original Glinda) and Idina Menzel (the original Elphaba) sang an emotional rendition of the song, For Good, of which I referenced a portion of the lyrics above. It was moving, inspiring, and beautiful to experience as they tearfully embraced when they finished the song.
Those lyrics have sat with me all week. It tells the story of two completely opposite people who were friends, became enemies, and back to friends with a beautiful theme of love, forgiveness, acceptance, and embracing change. (Side note: I highly recommend seeing this musical if you have the opportunity!) Why would I start a devotion with lyrics from a song that is clearly not Christian or referencing God in any way? I share these lyrics with you because if you peel back the "secular" layers, you will find an honest and authentic story of two people who overcame their differences, admitted mistakes, sought forgiveness and were ultimately changed for the better.
How many times in our lives have we looked back at relationships and peeled away the differences and saw the good in it? Is there someone in your life who you haven’t been in contact with that you miss? What created that divide in your relationship? Was it a difference in opinions which resulted in an argument? Whatever it was, can you in this moment push the negativity aside and think about the good in that particular relationship? Even if there is no reconciling, have you grown positively from it? Was there once joy, laughter, or even a learning experience?
While imprisoned in Ephesus, Paul wrote to the Romans. He was writing to a predominantly Jewish population of people sharing an overview of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Sadly, Paul never made it to Rome, but his letters did. In Romans 8:28, Paul wrote:
“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”
All things work together for good for those who love God according to HIS purpose
I emphasized and underlined those specific words for a reason. See, in the midst of relationships, especially when there is a falling out, we sometimes forget that God is still present. We internalize and take that pain, anger or hurt and twist it around for our purpose. We blame the other person regardless of who caused what, and often result in driving a wedge between what was once an amazing friendship.
The song continues:
Elphaba: And just to clear the air, I ask forgiveness, for the things I’ve done you blame me for
Glinda: But then I guess we know there’s blame to share
Both: And none of that seems to matter anymore
Maybe it’s time to take a deep breath, and reflect upon that faded relationship. Can you swallow whatever difference you may have, truly forgive, and see God moving and working in ways you didn’t expect? Let’s be truly honest, there may not be a chance for reconciliation. It’s possible that too much time has passed and/or the other person may not be ready. That is OK! See, when you allow God to be present in those really tough moments (like Paul writing to Rome from jail) you grow in ways that are truly unexpected. You grow in faith and character. The ability to embrace that moment is a gift.
People and relationships aren’t accidental. They are purposeful and meaningful, especially when God’s presence is known and accepted. Some relationships may stay strong, and some may fade, and my prayer for you this week is to acknowledge God’s presence in each of those relationships and know that you have the unique ability to learn, grow, and change for the better.
Who can say that I’ve been changed for the better?
I do believe I have been changed for the better
And because I knew you
Because I knew you
Because I knew you
I have been changed
For good
God, you know our hearts and you know us inside and out. In this time of prayer, Lord, we pray that the struggling relationships we may have reveal your love and grace. Help us to see your goodness even in the most difficult situations so that we may grow in faith and character. Not because of my will, but yours, and yours alone. We pray that you are present in all relationships and the focus of all that we do and all that we are. We ask this in your holy name. Amen.

By Tina Yerkes
Zacchaeus was a tax collector. That position was feared, hated, looked down upon. When he entered the room, he was the person that everyone avoided. Have you ever met someone that fits that description?
Jesus happened to be in his town. All Zacchaeus wanted was to see Jesus. Like everyone else in the crowd, he was there to catch a glimpse of this man that everyone was talking about. The crowds were big that day and the disciples, Jesus’ chosen followers, were with Jesus and there to protect Him from the masses. Zacchaeus tried to squeeze in, move through, jump up and down, all to see Jesus and was not able. So, he did what he could do. He climbed a tree. And Jesus saw him. 
Throughout the massive crowd, Jesus saw Zacchaeus. And spoke to him. And basically, invited himself over for dinner! I was listening to Pastor Larry Weathers II this week and he really opened up this passage for me. He said, “The people closest to Jesus didn’t allow Zacchaeus to get close to Him. He had to climb a tree.” We need to ask ourselves the hard question, ‘Are we the reason someone is not seeing Jesus?’
Need to talk more about this? Message me. Let’s walk through this together. I’m with you in this. How can our church, and church family, get out of our own way so our family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and strangers can see Jesus?
Dear Lord, help me to open my eyes to see You first, to listen to Your words and then to put them in action. If I am in the way of someone else, please help me to step back, help me to guide them closer to You and walk with them in this amazing journey You have set us on. Thank you that You speak to us and know us. Help us to be in the right place at the right time for someone else to know You too. Amen.

By Dave Clark
Have you ever tried to build a structure on the sand, near the water’s edge?  My brothers and did this when we were just young boys.  As the tide came in, the waves soon overwhelmed our creation.
This brings me to my question. In whom do you place your trust? More specifically, in times of great danger, are you trusting in a person, in something else, or in God?
Matthew tells us in Chapter 7:24-27 that Jesus said everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice, is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  Rain came, streams rose, the wind blew and yet it did not fail, because it had its foundation on the rock. On the other hand, Jesus said everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice in life, is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. Then rain came, streams rose, the wind blew and the house fell with a great crash. 
Many houses are built on sand near the ocean. We have seen storms tear them apart and fall into the sea. We also know tall buildings are constructed near the ocean and remain firm. The difference is that these have a strong foundation deep in the ground into solid rock. 
When times get really difficult, I think of 2 Samuel 22:2-3, He says “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.”
We can also take comfort in the words of the hymn writer:
“In every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil. On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.”
Yes, my faith is in Jesus, the solid rock. As the years go by and I try to grow deeper in my faith, I want to not just hear Jesus words, but to put them into practice daily.
Is the Lord your solid rock and deliverer, in whom you can take refuge?

By Margie Van Mater

I’m sure I can safely say that many if not most of us have struggled with the feeling of being out of control over the past year. Whether it was navigating on-line learning, dealing with the loss of a job, being isolated from or losing loved ones, or having to reschedule major life events, the pandemic showed us all that we are never truly in control.
My whole life, I have struggled with trying to be in control. I always volunteered to be involved in anything my kids were doing or to lead a project at work. I planned all the family activities and always made the decisions like what gifts to buy or what kind of birthday parties the kids should have. Nothing was ever a surprise to me and if I’m honest it was because I always felt I was the only one that could do it right.
One day God decided that I needed a reality check. Many years ago, my daughter had been involved with a young man and she had found out he was addicted to drugs. Her heart was crushed. She was torn between showing kindness towards him in his time of need and walking away from a bad influence. As a parent I was proud of her devotion and terrified for her safety all at the same time. My mind was frantic and chaotic trying to “control” the situation and help my child make the right decision. It was then that God showed me the scripture from Psalm 46:10 “BE STILL … and know that I AM GOD” and that’s how I received it, in all caps. God wanted me to STOP. Stop trying to control this and every other situation that I had no business carrying the burden or responsibility for. This was His fight and He had this.
Although Galatians 5:22-23 shows us that self-control is a fruit of the spirit, being IN control is for God alone. There is a peace unlike any other when we submit our control to God. We were never meant to carry all the burdens of this world as parents, family, friends or even coworkers.
Heavenly Father, thank you for always being in control so that we don’t have to be. Teach us to Be Still and listen for your voice when life seems too much for us to bear. You ARE God and always the way through the darkness. Amen.