Info

Most of us know that the hammer is both a tool of force and creation. Spiritually, it serves as a powerful symbol for God's work in our lives. The Lord declares in Jeremiah 23:29, “Is not My word… like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?” With loving purpose, God’s Word shatters our stony pride to make way for His grace.

In the hands of the Master Carpenter, this hammer is never reckless. Life’s hardest trials are purposeful blows, shaping us into something stronger for His Kingdom. The same tool that breaks us down also builds us up, fastening us securely to Christ, our firm foundation.This reminds us to consider our own impact. Let us use the “hammer” of our words and actions not to tear down, but to build up.

Let's...

Are you tired? We live in an “always on” culture. Go go go, say the voices around us. Our jobs, phones, friends, media, and the list goes on, are vying for our attention. Our focus gets stretched thin, and we get tired! So how do we rest? Is it beneficial to take a break from our daily routine and be silent? In the Bible, we read that God set the stage for rhythms of rest from the beginning of time. After God created the world and everything in it, Genesis 2:1-3, he rested after six days of work. Later in the Old Testament, we see a structured sabbath day, or day of rest, being established.  In the New Testament, we also see Jesus frequently resting and spending time with his father. Just as important as our physical bodies getting rest, our souls need rest as well. In Matthew 11:29, Jesus calls us to “soul rest” ... “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly...

We often find ourselves engaged in various repairing or restoring projects, be it home renovations, hobbies or other creative endeavors. Each project, with its own challenges and triumphs, offers a reflection of a deeper spiritual process. Just as we meticulously repair and rebuild physical projects, God works within us to mend our broken spirits and renew our souls. Psalm 147:3 says, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” As we let God restore our hearts, we experience a profound transformation. We move from brokenness to wholeness, from despair to hope.

God is the ultimate master craftsman, lovingly and skillfully working within us to bring about healing and renewal. By surrendering to His process and trusting in His plan, we can experience the transformative power of His love and grace, becoming reflections of His restored creation. 2 Corinthians 5:17...

All of August...

We all have 24 hrs. in a day, and it is our choice what we have room for in our schedules or hearts.  A long time ago, Jesus was born in a stable because there was no room for them in the inn; it was booked full. Later in Jesus’s life, Mary sat at Jesus’s feet listening to him when Martha was too busy. Jesus also gave us the parable of the good Samaritan, who made room and time in his schedule to help the needy when others had no time or room to help. Is our schedule so full of work, sports, online or hobbies, that we don’t have room for Jesus or time to read and study God’s word? Jesus said: Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part (time for Jesus), which shall not be taken away from her. Luk 10:42, May we have room for Jesus every day to study His word, pray, and serve those around us. - Ernie Zimmerman...

Spring is my favorite season because of the beauty from emerging new life. Yet, with this also comes undesirable growth: thorns, thistles, poison ivy, etc. It is amazing to consider how each plant only produces that for which its root is genetically coded: Root = Fruit. Hebrews 12:15 says “looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;”. By contrast, Galatians 5: 22&23 describes the beautiful fruits of the Spirit. God’s Grace that produces this fruit and His Grace is abundantly available for each person AS we choose to love Him, obey His Word and walk in a close relationship with Him. This is what allows God to change us and to direct every area of our lives. If we are not walking with Him, the roots of bitterness start growing, producing thorns, thistles, poison ivy, etc. which shows...