Article by Dr. Les Hollon, Pastor, Trinity Baptist Church

The disciple John is the one and same person described as:  John the Apostle; brother of James; fishing partner of Peter & Andrew; son of Zebedee and Salome; the beloved disciple.

I believe the Apostle John is the same John who received “the Revelation” that became the New Testament’s closing book and became a respected leader in Ephesus who disciple many people in the Christian faith.  John was the closest disciple to Jesus and can give us a closer look into the inner Messiah.  John shared the relationship of what Jesus said and how those words shaped what He did.

John was as common a name in Jesus’ day as it is in our day … which is meaningful because John means “believed by God.”  John the Apostle was referred to in the New Testament as the beloved disciple because he lived out the meaning of his name.  John beautifully loved Christ which enabled him to love people as Christ loved people. Read More »

“When you remember me, it means that you have carried something of who I am with you, that I have left some mark of who I am on who you are.”  Frederick Buechner

Article by Mary Bea Sullivan

How often do we take time to remember the people who have made a difference in our lives?

Take a moment and think back to a time when you were going through a rough patch and someone stepped in to make a difference in a significant way …

Maybe it was a teacher who noticed you were having trouble “fitting in” and she helped you feel safe.  Or perhaps it was a neighbor who noticed you were sad and she took the time to listen to your troubles.  If we stop and think about it long enough the list of kindnesses we have received in our lifetimes are innumerable.

Wouldn’t it be nice just to remember a few?

So … go ahead.  Take just minute and REMEMBER someone who has been good to you.  What did he or she do that touched you deeply?  How did you respond to their kindness?  Have you ever told them how they made a difference?  Would you want to tell them again?

If you haven’t ever told that person the impact they have had on you, would you want to now?  If you do, feel free to let us know how it went.  Remembering … a way to relive the gift.  Acknowledging … a way to share the gift!

Who do you remember? Read More »

Article by Dr. Les Hollon, Pastor, Trinity Baptist Church

God is knowable and His ways are doable.  Living in the light of these two truths guides us into living the most exciting life possible.  We learn God’s will by trusting God and acting on what we learn through Him.  Then we are positioned to know the part of God’s will that had been previously unclear to us.

Growing up, I was told that the most exciting place to live was in the center of God’s will.  This advise got hold of me as a value to reassure and a truth to pursue.

Like many of you, I have entrusted myself in a relationship with God that shapes:

1) My mind in the quest to understand God’s will;

2) My heart to desire God’s will;

3) My body to enact what I know of God’s will;

4) My spirit to be empowered by God’s will. 

Seeking to know and do God’s will is always humbling because God’s ways and purposes are always bigger than we can ever fully comprehend. Read More »

Article by Kevin L. DeWitt

There is a close relative who appears - to the casual observer - to have most things our modern culture tells us we should aspire to. He has a beautiful home with a pool and a view, a lucrative retirement after a highly successful business career, an intelligent wife with her own professional career, and a life mostly of leisure …

And yet I know he is not content. In fact, he is one of the least content people I know.

He’s not alone. Many people feel that there is something missing from their lives. Despite having everything they need they aren’t happy, aren’t content, cannot find satisfaction.

Personally, I have been through several stages of discontentment in my life … and in fact, I’m in one now as I experience the frustration and fear of searching for a job in our tough economy.

But I also know that I have climbed out of these valleys more than once. Many times in fact. It isn’t easy. But I know from personal experience that it’s possible. And all the while, I try to be thankful for the many blessings God has seen fit to give me.

Thinking over these times in my own life, here are a few things I’ve learned we can do to bring contentment back into our lives. I don’t profess to be the expert - far from it! - just someone who is walking this path and trying to learn as I go:

• Change our attitude and perspective.

• Take some kind of positive action.

• Do something that gives meaning.

These things can be done all at once, one at a time, or in whatever combination works for you personally. They can work alone, or in tandem: Read More »

Article by Malcolm Marler

I park about 6 to 7 blocks from my work each day so that I get a little extra exercise.

Yesterday I was walking from my office to the car and I came upon a young woman in her 20’s who was singing at the top of her lungs.  It was a happy song she sang with her head tilted back not caring who could hear her.

It was a gift she was freely sharing.  I admired her confidence as she sang acapella.  I could hear her a half block away and I watched her free spirited body language as she walked with bold, long purposeful strides.

When she saw me about 10 feet from her, she did not skip a beat in her song.  I smiled and interrupted her and said, “Whatever you do in your life, don’t stop singing.  Thank you for sharing your song with the world.”

She smiled and stopped for a moment.  “I’m singing about California, I love California.  Have you ever been?” she asked.  “Well, yes, I have,” I responded.  “What part?” she said quickly as she cocked her head to one side.  “San Francisco,” I added.  “That’s where I am from,” as she walked away starting her song once again for the world to hear. Read More »