But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  

-Romans 5:8

A man once said, "Anything that is permanent can lose its' significance over time."

Is it possible that because of the popularity of the cross in our culture, we have forgotten the true significance of the pain and suffering Jesus experienced on our behalf?  Have we forgotten that Jesus was willfully beaten and pierced for our disobedience toward God?

I was overwhelmed this past week when I went back and reviewed the story of Jesus's life leading up to the crucifixion.  May I never forget the sacrifice He paid on Calvary for me! I don't want to ever lose my sensitivity toward the cross and become so calloused because of it's familiarity, that I fail to pause and remember to give thanks.  It was for us that Jesus died.  Yes! For me and you!  Will knowing what He did affect how I choose to live?  

This week, I challenge you to be aware of the times you see a cross, and each time you do, stop and give thanks.  If you see someone else wearing a cross as jewelry, clothing etc, I would encourage you to ask them,  "what significance does the cross of Christ have in your life?"

-Pastor Sidney

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

-Ephesians 3:14-21


What a moving day for us yesterday at Heritage!  I am so encouraged by what I see going on and what I sense God doing.  I have said this before, but I have to say it again, "I sit on the edge of my seat, wondering what God will do next!" What life will be radically changed not because of our goodness but because of our Heavenly Father's greatness?  

Father, not only are You able, but You are willing if we will throw aside our plans and say, "not my will, but Yours be done.  I declare today in faith, that I believe that You are up to something, and I want you to know that I want to be part of what it is. Today, we are reminded that You are an AWESOME GOD, and You patiently wait on us to turn to You and surrender our lives.  May we not forget how deep Your affections are for us and to the extent You went to demonstrate Your love.  Father, I know that You are up to something......I am waiting.....I trust You.......and to You be all the glory given!


-Pastor Sidney

Since we have been talking about using our time wisely, I thought I would share my devotional this morning with you:

"Jesus gave them this answer: 'I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by Himself; He can do only what He sees His Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.'" - John 5:19

Have you ever thought about a typical day in Jesus' life? Perhaps He might have had questions like these, "Who am I going to heal today? Who will I visit today? Which person will I deliver from demons this day?" etc. The demands on Jesus' time were great. Yet we see that Jesus allocated His time very deliberately. We don't get the idea that Jesus was flustered or stressed from the activity He was involved in. He often sought times of prayer and reflection away from the disciples. His life appeared to have a balance of quiet moments and active ministry into the lives He came in contact with.

How do we determine what we will be involved in each day of our lives? What keeps us in sync with the will of our heavenly Father for the daily tasks He calls us to? Jesus tells us that He was only involved in those things the Father was involved in. Nothing more, nothing less. So often we determine our participation in an activity based on whether we have the time to do it or whether we desire to participate. The real question we should ask is, "Does the Father want me to participate in this activity?"

"Lord, should I add this Bible study to my schedule? Should I spend an extra night out on this committee this week? Should I take on new business that will take me away from home more? Should my daughter be involved in music lessons?" These are the daily challenges for the world we now live in. We are an activity-based society that often encourages more and more activity, often in the name of Christian virtue.

Our lives will become less cluttered, less stressful, and more fulfilling when we follow the model Jesus provided. It may not always please everyone. Jesus never sought to please everyone. Ask the Lord each day this week how you and He are to spend your time. Yield your schedule to Him. Let Jesus direct your every activity. You may discover that He desires you to cut back some things in order to spend more time alone with Him. He will be faithful to show you. And you will become more fulfilled because you are centered in His will for you. 

(Copied from devotional book, Today God is First)

See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.

-Hebrews 3:12-13

As we sat in small group tonight, I was encouraged to sense the desire of those in our group to not only grow spiritually, but to also walk along side of one another in this journey of Faith. When the walls come down and we get seriously authentic, it is amazing how much we truly share in common: past mistakes, current pressures as well as future hopes and dreams. It is important to realize that as we are bombarded with the pressures of life, we need each other for daily encouragement. With all of the opportunities that come our way, there is no better investment of our time than being involved in a small group for spiritual growth, accountability, and encouragement because it is so easy to be distracted.

-Pastor Sidney

This is a response from a friend of mine to the unexpected death of a loved one.  It bears reading and pondering in our time of pain.


These things don't just "happen".   God isn't nonchalant regarding His sheep.  He gave His life for us, and He's not about to forget about us, or  turn His back on His children...and He doesn't allow His beloved servants to go through such brokenness, horrific heartache and pain without having a purpose.  A divine plan. He counts the cost, He knows the pain, and grieves right along with those who suffer such loss, and through it all, He assures us that He is there, waiting on the other side, ready to carry us to a place of true rest.  We pray that this family will experience His touch in a glorious way. May heaven come down and meet the family where they are.  May the Man of Sorrows, the very Shalom of God...The Prince of Peace,  walk into the room and abide there, with strength and comfort in this time of darkness.