We often say that our church is "the little country church with a big heart." Since the church is comprised of many people coming together, then the heart of the church reflects the heart of the people who call our church home. I suppose a "big heart" means that we are a church overflowing with the love of God. We seek to love God with all our heart and then to love one another too. Love is certainly expressed to those with needs through prayer and gifts. The generosity of our church never ceases to amaze me. We truly have a big heart that often reaches deep into our pockets to help those in need. The "heart" means more than love, for it has become symbolic of who we really are, deep down. It is our character. It is what drives us. It is our DNA that determines what we do and why we do it. An athlete who is full of heart is full of determination and drive. He works hard to reach his goal and win the prize. If he falls down, he gets back up and into the game. How does our "big heart" define us? What is the DNA of our church? Is it that we have a heart for God? How would we know? Jesus said, "If you love me, you will keep my commands." Can we say we have a heart for God if we do not do what He says? Do we have a heart for others? Jesus said, "A new command I give you, love one another." Is our first inclination to run when seeing a need or is it to jump in and do what we can with what we have? We may not be able to help everyone, but we can help someone and if we make a difference in just one person, that is huge in the kingdom of God. A kindness given can go a long way in touching another person's heart. If you were on an ocean liner which came across another ship sinking, would you not want to save as many as possible? We live in a world where many are drowning in the sorrows of life without Jesus. Do we have a heart to reach as many as possible? My hope is that our "big heart" isn't big because we're full of ourselves, but it is big because we have a heart for God and people. A heart that obeys God, prays for others, gives to needs and is not afraid to roll up the sleeves to help or lovingly share the good news to those who are spiritually perishing. That kind of "heart" is by its very nature, a "Big Heart." This is our DNA as a church. Is it yours? Blessings, Pastor Pete

He Leads Us

God leads us. What an incredible thought. Psalm 23 describes it this way: "The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters..." Did you notice the personal nature of each thought? "The Lord is MY shepherd....He makes ME....he leads ME..." Have you made the Lord your Lord? There is a tremendous joy in knowing Jesus as "my shepherd." One advantage to the Lord shepherding us is that he leads us. One of the pictures described in Psalm 23 is that of a shepherd. Sheep know the voice of their shepherd. They trust the shepherd completely and will follow wherever he leads. Even when the shepherd leads, hardships and obstacles must still be crossed. The shepherd ensures that each one makes it through. Does it really matter where he leads as long as we are with him? There is tremendous joy in being in his fold. We may not know what is around the next corner, but that's ok, for we are with the shepherd. Just being in the presence of the shepherd gives us courage and peace, even in the face of danger. For when danger or times of uncertainty come, our Shepherd stands in front of us to protect with the promise to never leave us. He advances and we gain the victory. A song we sing from time to time in church is entitled "Shepherd of My Soul." The lyrics go like this: "Shepherd of my soul, I give you full control. Wherever You may lead I will follow. I have made the choice to listen to Your voice. Wherever You may lead I will go. Be it in a quiet pasture, or by a gentle stream, the Shepherd of my soul is by my side. Should I face a mighty mountain, or a valley dark and deep, the Shepherd of my soul will be my guide." Is the Lord your Shepherd? Are you listening to His voice? Are you following His lead? If so, then you can say, along with the Apostle Paul "If God is for me, who can be against me?" For Paul realized that nothing in this life could ever separate us from the love that God has for us. A love that would lead the Shepherd of our souls to lay his life down for us that we might live forever. If God would do that, then He is worthy of our following Him.