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Always Ready: Living as a Beacon of Hope

As a pastor, I often find myself sitting across from people who are desperately searching for answers. They’re battling fear, grief, disappointment, and uncertainty — and they’re longing for something firm to hold onto. And if I’m honest, I understand that longing deeply. I’ve had my own moments of wondering where God is in the middle of the storm, of praying for light when the road ahead seemed dark.

In those moments, one verse has continued to shape my faith and my ministry:

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” — 1 Peter 3:15 (KJV)

This verse is more than a call to defend our faith — it’s a call to live it. It’s an invitation to center our lives on Christ so deeply that our hope becomes undeniable to those around us. And in a world where hopelessness is often louder than hope, that’s exactly what people need to see.

Hope Begins With Surrender

Peter begins with a command: “Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts.” In other words, set Christ apart as Lord — not just with your words, but in the very center of who you are. Hope isn’t something we muster up on our own; it’s born from a heart fully surrendered to Jesus.

I’ve learned that the strength of our hope is directly tied to the depth of our trust. When we try to control every outcome, hope becomes fragile. But when we release control and trust the sovereignty of God — even when we don’t understand His plan — hope becomes an anchor that holds firm.

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” — Romans 15:13 (KJV)

It’s not about having a pain-free life. It’s about knowing that even in the pain, God is faithful. And that confidence — that steadfast trust — is the soil where hope grows.

Hope That Is Seen Draws Others In

If you’ve ever spent time with someone who radiates hope, you know how contagious it can be. There’s something compelling about a person who walks through hardship with peace and joy that defy explanation. That’s the kind of hope Peter is talking about — the kind that makes people ask why.

I’ve seen this firsthand in hospital rooms, in counseling sessions, and even in the hallways of the church. People notice when we face trials differently. They notice when we respond to fear with faith and when we choose peace over panic. And often, that observation leads to a question: “How are you able to stay hopeful?”

That question is a holy opportunity — a moment to point someone to the source of our strength. And our answer isn’t a formula or a philosophy. It’s a Person. It’s Jesus.

“Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast…” — Hebrews 6:19 (KJV)

Hope Shared with Humility

Peter doesn’t stop at telling us to be ready to give an answer — he also reminds us to do so “with meekness and fear.” In other words, our testimony of hope should always be shared with humility, gentleness, and reverence.

I often remind our congregation that we don’t share hope to prove how strong we are — we share it to point to the One who is strong for us. Our goal isn’t to win debates; it’s to win hearts. And when we speak from a heart of humility and love, our words carry the weight of authenticity.

“Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” — Colossians 4:6 (KJV)

Living Hope in a Hopeless World

We are living in a time when hopelessness seems to dominate every headline. People are weary. They’re searching for meaning, for purpose, and for something that will not fail them. And this is where the church — where you and I — must shine the brightest.

The world doesn’t need another clever argument. It needs living, breathing examples of hope. It needs believers who can look suffering in the face and still declare, “God is good!” It needs the church to speak hope into despair and light into darkness.

Our hope is not rooted in circumstances, politics, or the temporary comforts of this life. Our hope is rooted in the resurrection — in the unshakable truth that Jesus Christ defeated death, conquered sin, and offers eternal life to all who believe.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” — 1 Peter 1:3 (KJV)

A Pastoral Challenge

If you claim the name of Christ, then hope isn’t optional — it’s essential. And it’s not meant to be hidden. It’s meant to be seen and shared.

So here’s my challenge to you: let hope shape the way you live this week. Let it shape the way you speak to others, the way you respond to hardship, and the way you love people who are struggling. Because every conversation, every moment of compassion, and every act of grace might just become the doorway through which someone encounters the living hope of Jesus Christ.

And when they ask — and they will — be ready to give them the reason.

Praying for you in His work,

Pastor Wayne

Listening to God: A Still Small Voice

Life is loud. From the constant buzz of our phones to the endless demands of work, family, and commitments, quiet is something we rarely experience. And yet, when we open Scripture, we see that God often chooses to speak in ways that are gentle, subtle, and easily missed if we are not paying attention.

The Whisper on the Mountain

The prophet Elijah knew something about listening for God. In 1 Kings 19, Elijah was weary, afraid, and ready to give up. He stood on a mountain, desperate for God to reveal Himself. Suddenly, a mighty wind tore through, followed by an earthquake, and then a fire—but the Lord was not in any of those powerful displays. Instead, God spoke in a “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12). It wasn’t the dramatic signs that carried His presence, but the gentle whisper.

That moment reminds us that God is not always found in the noise, the big events, or the dramatic gestures. More often, He meets us in the quiet—when our hearts are still enough to hear Him.

Why the Still Small Voice?

God’s whisper requires us to draw near. A whisper can’t be heard from a distance—it calls us closer. In the same way, His still small voice reminds us of our dependence on Him, inviting us to slow down, quiet our souls, and lean in to His presence. So often, we want God to shout directions, to give us signs in the sky or booming answers. But instead, He whispers. Why? Because He wants relationship, not just results. He wants us to linger with Him, not rush to the next task.

Learning to Listen

Listening for God’s still small voice doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intentionality:

Seek Silence – Turn off the noise, put aside distractions, and create space for God to speak.
Open Scripture – God’s voice is never separate from His Word. The more we dwell in His Word, the more clearly we recognize His whisper.
Pray with Stillness – Instead of filling every prayer with words, practice sitting quietly before God, asking Him to speak.
Stay Sensitive – God may whisper through His Spirit, through a verse that lingers in your heart, or even through the encouragement of another believer.

Finding God in the Whisper

The world shouts. Fear shouts. Anger shouts. But God whispers. And in that whisper, there is peace, clarity, and guidance for our weary hearts.

Perhaps today you need to pause long enough to hear it. Step away from the noise, silence the chaos, and lean in close. The same God who spoke to Elijah in a still small voice is still whispering to His children today. And if we will quiet ourselves long enough, we will hear Him say, “This is the way, walk ye in it” (Isaiah 30:21).

Praying for you in His work,

Pastor Wayne

The Alter: A Place of Surrender and Encounter

During our Wednesday night Bible study, we are watching a film centered on the power of prayer. In it, one of the main characters has a personal prayer closet where she goes to do her spiritual “fighting.” That scene reminded me of the importance of the altar. For many, the word altar brings to mind the front of a church—the steps where people kneel to pray. But the altar is so much more than a piece of furniture; it is a place of surrender, encounter, and transformation. All throughout Scripture, the altar was a sacred meeting place between God and His people, and it still carries that same deep significance in our walk with Christ today.

The Altar Is a Place of Surrender

In the Old Testament, altars were built as places of sacrifice. Abraham laid Isaac on the altar in obedience (Genesis 22). The people of Israel brought offerings to the altar as acts of devotion and repentance. Today, when we come to the altar, we may not bring lambs or bulls, but we bring our hearts. It is where we lay down our pride, our burdens, and our will, surrendering fully to God.

The Altar Is a Place of Encounter

So often in Scripture, the altar became the place where God revealed Himself. Jacob built an altar at Bethel after encountering the Lord in a dream (Genesis 28). Moses met God at the altar in the wilderness. When we come to the altar, we come with expectation—believing that God will meet us there. It is a place where His presence becomes real, where prayers are answered, and where lives are changed.

The Altar Is a Place of Healing and Restoration

Many who have knelt at the altar can testify that it was there they found healing, forgiveness, and peace. The altar is where we pour out our hurts, confess our sins, and receive God’s grace. It’s where broken hearts are mended and weary souls find rest. As James 4:8 reminds us, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.”

The Altar Is a Place of Community

The altar is not just personal—it is also communal. When people gather at the altar together, they carry one another’s burdens, intercede in prayer, and experience the strength of unity. The altar reminds us that we are part of the body of Christ, walking this journey of faith side by side.

The altar matters because it is where heaven and earth meet in the most personal of ways. It is where we come as we are and leave changed. My encouragement to you is this: don’t neglect the altar. Don’t let pride or fear keep you from coming. Whether it’s in the church, in your home, or in the quiet of your heart, make time to meet God at the altar.

This week, I challenge you to make the altar a priority. Kneel before the Lord, surrender your burdens, and allow Him to shape you, heal you, and fill you with His presence. The altar is waiting—and so is God.

Praying for you in His work,

Pastor Wayne

Lessons from the Flood in Genesis 6

The account of the flood in Genesis 6 is one of the most sobering yet powerful narratives in Scripture. It is more than a story of judgment; it is a testimony of God’s holiness, His justice, His mercy, and His covenant faithfulness. When we look closely at this passage, we find lessons that still speak to our walk with the Lord today.

The Reality of Sin and God’s Judgment

Genesis 6:5 declares, “And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Humanity had turned completely away from God, filling the earth with corruption and violence. God’s response reminds us that He is holy and just—sin cannot go unpunished. The flood shows us the seriousness of sin. Our choices matter to God, and rebellion against Him carries consequences. As Romans 6:23 echoes, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

The Grace of God in the Midst of Judgment

Even in the face of overwhelming wickedness, God’s grace shines through. Genesis 6:8 tells us, “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.” While the world drowned in sin, God provided salvation through the ark. This points us to Jesus Christ, the greater Ark, who saves all who enter into Him by faith. Just as Noah and his family were spared by God’s provision, so we are saved from the judgment of sin by trusting in the finished work of Christ on the cross.

The Call to Obedience

Noah’s example is one of faith and obedience. Genesis 6:22 records, “Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.” Though he had never seen rain, Noah trusted God’s word and built the ark. His obedience, in the face of ridicule and doubt, became the means of deliverance for his household. The lesson is clear: faith must be followed by obedience. James 2:17 reminds us, “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” Like Noah, we are called to walk with God in faith, even when the world does not understand.

God’s Covenant Faithfulness

After the flood, God established His covenant with Noah, placing the rainbow in the clouds as a sign of His promise (Genesis 9:13). The flood reminds us that God is not only a righteous Judge but also a faithful Keeper of His word. His promises can be trusted, for He is unchanging and true.

The flood in Genesis 6 is a powerful reminder of God’s holiness, humanity’s sinfulness, and the amazing grace that provides salvation. It warns us of judgment but also points us to hope in Christ. May we learn from Noah’s faith and obedience, turning our hearts to the Lord daily. For just as God delivered Noah through the floodwaters, so He delivers us through Christ, securing us in the ark of His eternal covenant.

Call to Action: Living the Lessons of the Flood

Examine your heart daily. Ask the Lord to reveal any sin and cleanse you so you may walk in holiness (Psalm 139:23–24).
Choose obedience, even when it’s hard. Like Noah, trust God’s Word above the world’s opinion.
Share the message of grace. Just as Noah warned his generation, point others to Christ, the only Ark of salvation.
Stand firm in God’s promises. Remember the rainbow—God keeps His word, and you can rest in His covenant faithfulness.
Live with eternity in mind. The flood reminds us of both judgment and salvation—let it stir us to live ready for Christ’s return.

Praying for you in His work,

Pastor Wayne

No More Excuses

Text: Exodus 3:7–10
Theme: When God calls, He also equips. Excuses reveal our fears, not God’s limitations.

God often calls ordinary people to do extraordinary things. In Exodus 3:7–10, God reveals His compassion for the suffering of His people in Egypt and declares that He will deliver them. Then, surprisingly, He says to Moses:

“So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” (v. 10)

This was not what Moses expected. He had settled into a quiet life in Midian, far removed from Egypt. But God’s plan brought him face-to-face with a divine calling—and Moses responded not with enthusiasm, but with excuses.

Let’s look at Moses’ excuses to serve—and how God answered each one.

1. Excuse #1: “Who am I?” – Insecurity

Exodus 3:11 – “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”

Moses feels unworthy, inadequate, and unqualified. He sees himself through the lens of his past—an exiled fugitive, not a leader.

God’s response (v.12): “I will be with you.”

God doesn't boost Moses’ self-esteem—He promises His presence.
Application: God’s calling is not about our ability; it’s about His presence. If God is with you, that's enough.

2. Excuse #2: “What if they ask Your name?” – Lack of knowledge

Exodus 3:13 – “Suppose I go… and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?”

Moses is afraid he won’t have the right answers. This is the fear of not knowing enough.

God’s response (v.14): “I AM WHO I AM.”

God reveals His eternal nature and sufficiency.
Application: You don’t need all the answers—just the confidence that God is who He says He is.

3. Excuse #3: “They won’t believe me” – Fear of rejection

Exodus 4:1 – “What if they do not believe me or listen to me?”

Moses anticipates failure. He’s worried about results and how people will respond.

God’s response (v.2–9): God gives him signs—the staff turning into a serpent, his hand becoming leprous and then healed, and water turning to blood.

God equips Moses with visible evidence of His power.
Application: When God sends you, He also gives you what you need to fulfill the task—spiritual gifts, authority, and confirmation.

4. Excuse #4: “I’m not a good speaker” – Self-doubt

Exodus 4:10 – “I have never been eloquent… I am slow of speech and tongue.”

Moses is focused on his weakness.

God’s response (v.11–12): “Who gave human beings their mouths?... Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”

God reminds Moses that He created him and knows his limitations—and still chooses to use him.
Application: Don’t disqualify yourself based on perceived limitations. God uses imperfect vessels for perfect purposes.

5. Excuse #5: “Please send someone else” – Reluctance to obey

Exodus 4:13 – “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.”

Now Moses is just unwilling. He’s run out of excuses and reveals the real issue: he doesn’t want to go.

God’s response (v.14–17): God gets angry but still makes provision—He allows Aaron to go with him.

Even when we resist, God’s purposes stand. He may accommodate our weakness, but He won’t cancel our calling.

Conclusion: God’s Call, Our Choice

God called Moses not because he was perfect, but because he was chosen. The burning bush was not just a miracle—it was a summons. And today, God still calls His people to serve in difficult, uncomfortable, even intimidating ways.

The real issue is this: Will you trust God's presence more than your excuses?

Call to Action

Are you saying, “Who am I?” — Trust God’s presence.
Are you afraid of not knowing enough? — Trust God’s revelation.
Are you afraid people won’t listen? — Trust God’s power.
Are you feeling inadequate? — Trust God’s design.
Are you unwilling? — Trust God’s purpose.

Closing Prayer

“Lord, forgive us for the excuses we’ve made. Help us to trust not in our ability, but in Your calling, Your power, and Your presence. Like Moses, may we move from fear to faith, from reluctance to obedience. Use us, Lord, for Your glory. Amen.”

Praying for you in His work,

Pastor Wayne

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