Subscribe to Pastor John’s blog.
SubscribeSunday we wrapped up our four part series on developing strong Spiritual Habits. In fact, we focused on ten habits for building spiritual life in 2024. You can revisit all four messages on our website, and also on our Youtube page. You can also listen to our church podcast feed.
The year was 1876, the end of U.S. Grant’s second term as president and, from his perspective, the country was on the brink of another Civil War. The man who committed every fiber of his being to ending that war now made it his mission to be the prince of peacemakers. He would see this election through with a unified nation, even if his party didn’t win.
I was at the Southern Seminary bookstore recently, a place I visit once a month or so to see what new books are out and what books might relate to the current needs of our church. When I brought my modest stack to the cash register, the young man working there asked if I was a pastor. We talked some about Valley View and then he asked where I went to seminary. I told him Phoenix seminary, and he asked, “Did you know Wayne Grudem?” I said “Yes, in fact he mentored me while I was there.” Then he asked, “What is something about him that not everybody knows that you really admire and respect?” Right away I knew how to answer this: “It’s his prayer life.”
Sunday I shared the story of my Great-Great-Great Uncle Emory Reese. He and his wife Deborah served as missionaries in Western Kenya from 1898-1923. Early in his work as a missionary Emory wrote his Dad a letter asking for advice. His Dad replied, “Do the littles. Do them well and watch them multiply in thy hands.” Luke 16:10 echoes this sentiment. “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much.” The little things we do every day really do matter. It may not seem so in the moment, but over time they add up and make a difference. This was true on the mission field one-hundred years ago, and it’s true today.
It’s the start of a new year, and what better time to try and build a new habit to help you grow closer to Christ in the coming year? 2023 was an amazing year and we saw God do so many powerful things at Valley View. I believe God has positioned us to be a part of reaching our community for Christ in powerful new ways in 2024!
No matter what you’ve been through in life, no matter what mistakes you’ve made, you can find a fresh start, a new beginning in Christ.
“The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot
grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will
yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will
be, by the better angels of our nature.”
I Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up.” Sometimes we don’t realize how our words might land on others. It helps to take a step back and think it through beforehand. As Christians we are called to work hard to be kind and encouraging to others in our relationships. I know that’s not always easy, but that’s when we’re called to be most intentional, especially when it’s not easy.
It has often amazed me how some people can be super competitive, while others couldn’t care less. For instance, Millionaire Richard B. Mellon famously said on his deathbed, to his brother, “Last Tag. You’re it.” Thus completing their seven-decade game of tag. That’s some dedication. Contrast that with those that quickly realize some things aren’t really worth competing over. It took me a while to realize this.
Queen Elizabeth was known for her deep and sincere faith. In a conversation with her chaplain, she said, “How I wish the Lord would come in my lifetime.” “Why?” asked the Chaplain. The Queen replied with a trembling voice full of emotion. “I should so love to lay down my crown at His feet.”
