Tag: patience Page 2 of 5

Motivational Monday

On March 30, 2026

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends! We have a busy week this week at Spring Creek. Remember, we have the Maundy Thursday Service, Sonrise Service (remember, the men will feed you breakfast afterwards and I hear they throw down!) and Easter Sunday Service. I hope to see you at one or all the services!

Speaking of Easter. I’ve been thinking a lot about Easter lately—not just the celebration, not just the empty tomb—but what was left inside it. So you know the drill, let’s talk about it.

I have a very dear childhood friend who is a 46 year old mom, wife, teacher and sister in Christ who battled breast cancer. When I say she battled it, she fought it. And she fought it with pure grace and while wearing the armor of God. It was honestly beautiful. I can tell you stories for days that reflect her conviction for the Lord. This week, she had a setback. To be honest, we aren’t sure exactly what that setback is but we know there is something wrong. Could be something. Could be nothing. She physically is not her best and mentally, the stress is wearing on her. You know…fair. But this week, the Lord has shown her over and over and over again to lay down her burdens and to leave it.

When Peter stepped into the tomb, he didn’t just see that Jesus was gone… he saw the grave clothes. Folded. Left behind. (John 20:6–7)

And that detail stopped me. (The details in the Bible are always very intentional)

Because Jesus didn’t walk out of that grave dragging what had once held Him.

He left it there.

Here’s the question I can’t shake this week:

If the tomb is empty… why are we still wearing grave clothes?

I’m talking about the things we carry that God has already called us out of. The guilt from something we’ve already been forgiven for. The labels we picked up in a hard season. The habits we developed just trying to survive. The thoughts that whisper, “This is just who you are.” or “Why me?” Maybe those things made sense at one point. Maybe they even protected you.

But hear me gently— what helped you survive the grave was never meant to define your life outside of it.

In John 11:44, when Lazarus came out of the tomb, Jesus told the people around him, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”Even after he was brought back to life… he still needed help removing what had been wrapped around him.

That tells me something important:

Being brought out is one thing. Learning to live free is another.

Some of us are out… but we’re still wearing it.Still wearing shame. Still wearing fear. Still wearing old identities that no longer fit who God says we are.

And maybe it’s not because we want to—maybe it’s just because it’s familiar.

But Hebrews 12:1 reminds us to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.” You can’t walk in freedom while holding onto what buried you.

So maybe this week isn’t about striving harder or doing more.Maybe it’s about asking yourself: What am I still wearing that God already told me to leave behind?

And then—one piece at a time—letting it go.

Not perfectly. Not all at once. But intentionally.

Because 2 Corinthians 5:17 says that if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation. The old is gone, the new is here.

That’s not just a nice idea. That’s truth.

Friend, if God brought you out of it…you don’t have to keep wearing it.

The tomb is empty. And you were never meant to live dressed for it.

Love you all,

Jennifer

Motivational Monday

By Jennifer Robbins

On March 23, 2026

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends! This morning as I drove to work, NO ONE was on the road. Ya’ll. It was so nice. No school traffic. No one is about to run you over because they are more in a hurry than you. I wondered what was happening??! Why is no one working? Then, it hit me. Spring Break. And that immediately got me thinking about today’s motivation.

I am a planner that likes to wing it (does that make sense)? Anyway, I am not much of an overpacker or overthinker. But let me tell you who is…my mom and my sister! My sister is not as bad as my mother. My mother brings an entire pharmacy everywhere she goes for “you never know when you will need cortisone cream.” (like we far from the nearest Walmart 🙄). She is the queen of “just in case.” Just in case you need a bandaid. Just in case we suddenly become a completely different person who falls down while having a belly ache and a head ache, which has never happened in my 46 years*. But you never know! 😂

And then what happens?

She takes another piece of luggage for the “just in case items”. And nothing ever happens. And she ended up dragging around way more than she actually needed.

But isn’t it funny… how we do the exact same thing in life? Let’s talk about it.

We pack worry about things that haven’t even happened.
We carry guilt from things God has already forgiven.
We hold onto hurt that we were never meant to keep.
We take on responsibility that was never ours to begin with.

And then we wonder why we’re so tired.

Maybe we’re not just tired… maybe we’re overpacked.

The Bible tells us in Hebrews 12:1 to “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,.” That means some of the weight we’re carrying? We were never meant to keep it.

Some of us aren’t exhausted because life is hard…We’re exhausted because we’re carrying things God never asked us to carry.

We keep trying to fit it all in—fear, control, other people’s opinions, past mistakes—and then we’re surprised when we feel weighed down.

Spring break is a simple reminder: you can’t take everything with you. You have to choose.

So let me ask you—what are you holding onto that it’s time to leave behind? What would happen if this week, instead of trying to carry it all… you finally let some of it go?

Because here’s the truth: You were never meant to carry everything.

So maybe this week, we stop overpacking. Maybe we trust God enough to set some things down. And maybe… we finally travel a little lighter.

I hope you all have a wonderful, fun and safe Spring Break week!

Love you all,

Jennifer

*For the record, I adore my mother. I LOVE that she cares so much about other people’s needs. I wouldn’t trade that for the world.

Motivational Monday

By Jennifer Robbins

On March 16, 2026

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Yesterday at church we had our mission’s fundraiser and a time of fellowship together. There was food, conversation, laughter, and the simple joy of being in a room with people who love the Lord. Nothing flashy. Nothing complicated. Just people sharing a simple meal of soups and grilled cheeses and spending time together.

And it reminded me of something important. Let’s talk about it.

Yesterday, as most of you know, I was working at the mission’s lunch. I do this every year and honestly, I am exhausted afterwards. BUT! I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I genuinely enjoy cooking and serving everyone. But mostly, I enjoy talking and serving those who are also there to help. You usually get paired up with someone and you know them but you get to KNOW them when you work with them. And every year, I end up getting to know someone else even more than I did previously. Those very small details make me the happiest….truly.

So often we look for the big moments in life—the big blessings, the big answers to prayer, the big mountaintop experiences. But many times, God shows up in the quiet, ordinary moments along the way.

A conversation over lunch.
A laugh with a friend.
A shared table after church.

Those small moments are gifts.

Ecclesiastes 3:13 says, “also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man.”

God designed us for community, for fellowship, and for joy in the everyday parts of life. Sometimes the blessing isn’t the destination. Sometimes the blessing is the journey itself.

Psalm 118:24 reminds us, “This is the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

So this week, don’t rush past the ordinary moments looking for something bigger. Slow down. Enjoy the conversation. Appreciate the people around you. Be grateful for the small blessings that fill your day.

Because often, that’s exactly where God is working.

Thank you to everyone who attended yesterday. The OutReach Team really appreciates it.

Love you all,

Jennifer

Motivational Monday

By Jennifer Robbins

On March 9, 2026

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends! Just a quick reminder. We have our Missions Lunch this Sunday. I would love to see everyone there! What I love about the Mission Lunch is the opportunity to hear about what is happening with our missionaries and all over the world. AND!! You get to eat! To answer the question, NO! You don’t have to bring anything but yourself. Just come to church, bring a friend, hear the message and eat!! I hope to see you all there.

Yesterday while I was sitting in church, I was enjoying the message from Rev. Pounds. I am always looking for opportunities for my Motivational Mondays (in church, the grocery store, work, etc.) and he mentioned Judas. And I started thinking, Judas is a very main but not main piece of Jesus’s story. Jesus was so much more than what Judas did but yet without Judas, how would the story have been different? Why should we focus on Judas at all? Well, let’s talk about it.

Who was Judas Iscariot before he met Jesus?

Per most scholars, the last name Iscariot means, “man of Kerioth” which is a town in Judea. If he was from Judea, this potentially made him the only non-Galilean among the twelve apostles. Judas was a business minded individual who was into fish drying (sounds thrilling…) near the Sea of Galilee when he met the other disciples of Jesus. He was the treasurer of the disciples because he seemed capable of money handling. Although, later in the Bible, he was described as being dishonest with money. To put all of this in regular Jennifer words…he was just a guy trying to make it in life who was less than perfect but did not appear to be a “bad dude”.

For those who are unaware of who Judas was in the Bible, he was the one that betrayed Jesus. And Jesus knew he was going to be betrayed because he said at the Last Supper one of his disciples was going to betray him. Did he know it was going to Judas? Absolutely! In fact, John 6:64 says, “But there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.)”. If he knew he was going to be betrayed by this man, why in the world did he pick HIM to be a disciple? Well, it was part of the predetermined plan to our salvation. Basically, Judas agreed to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver which was about 4 months worth of work at that time. 4 months worth of work seems really insignificant when you gave up Jesus. Am I right?

This is a great history lesson Jennifer but this is Motivational Monday! I need motivation! I.got.you. Don’t get discouraged. I just need you to fully understand who we are dealing with here.

I feel like Judas didn’t start off “bad”. He wasn’t a criminal although he had his moments. He was around Jesus and he saw lots of miracles Jesus performed. He heard His teachings. Heck, he was even trusted with the money. But yet, he betrayed Him because his heart was somewhere else.

Have you ever gone through the motions of going to church but felt disconnected? Or maybe you had a situation where you had to make a decision to do what is right but you just couldn’t surrender? If you have ever felt this way, do you think you would feel differently if you heard the gospel come out of Jesus’s mouth directly? I think most of us would say, “Ummm…yeah!” I ask because Judas was there everyday and heard Jesus. And yet, he wasn’t changed. Being close to Jesus is not the same thing as belonging to Him.

You can go to church. You can surround yourself with good, christian people. You can write Motivational Mondays!! You can do all these things and still not surrender your heart. Literally, Judas heard it and saw it first hand and it wasn’t enough. He showed us it is possible to walk with Jesus but keep him at arm’s length. Real faith begins the moment we stop just being near Him—and finally surrender to Him.

If you are like me, you have probably not given Judas much thought except he’s the guy that got Jesus crucified. He was a sell out. And these thoughts are not untrue. But outwardly, he appeared to be one of Jesus’ closest followers but yet…he never surrendered. Have you?

Key Aspects of Surrendering Your Heart:

Acknowledge and Release Control: Recognize your limitations and actively choose to let go of the need to manage every outcome. This often feels uncomfortable but is described as a path to peace.
Daily Prayerful Surrender: Start each day by inviting God to lead, using simple prayers like “Lord, I give you this day”.
Submit to God’s Will: Shift from “my will” to “Your will,” acknowledging God’s authority over your life’s direction.
Study Scripture and Build Trust: Read the Bible to understand God’s character, which makes it easier to trust Him, especially during chaotic times.
Practice in Small Things: Surrender is not just for major crises; it includes letting go of the need to be right, managing your schedule, and releasing personal desires.
Be Honest and Vulnerable: Bring your true feelings, anxieties, and struggles to God rather than pretending everything is fine.
Surround Yourself with Support: Connect with others who are also learning to live a surrendered life to encourage you in the process.

Surrender is a daily practice, not a one-time event, and it involves allowing God to care for you so you can better care for others.

Love you all,

Jennifer

Motivational Monday

By Jennifer Robbins

On March 2, 2026

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends!! Y’all. I am LOVING this weather!! I love not being cold all the time! Now, I want to go ahead and warn you, I will complain soon over how hot it is. 75 degrees is about perfect weather in Jennifer’s world. 🙂

Do you consider yourself a good christian? Not perfect but you try. Do you get tired? And this could be spiritually but really it’s emotionally and physically. You are tired from everyday stuff. Well, let’s talk about it.

For the last couple of months, I have worked more Saturdays than not. I have been to the dentist so many times that my dental insurance is tapped out FOR THE YEAR. This week, my cat is having surgery and I have to go to the doctor. Not to mention, I worked until 6pm tonight. I am not telling you this to feel sorry for me. I am telling you this because it is just life. Nothing huge is happening (my cat’s surgery is very minor. Yes I’m worried about her but not overly). But I’ll say it, I’m tired. When I have week’s like this, this is when I will miss church on Sundays. I make excuses why I couldn’t come but they are just excuses. The root is, I am tired. I set my one day I have to worship to the side so I can rest. When I should be taking things off my plate so I don’t feel the need to rest on Sunday. It’s a choice. It’s my choice and there is no one to blame but me.

Most Mondays, I write these motivations. A lot of times, they are from my life. Minor issues that I can write about because I feel like it affects everyone day to day. There are some topics I write about, that I think I am pretty good on…like questioning God. I really don’t question Him for the most part at this stage in my life. But I do get tired. And sometimes I wonder if I am burning the candle at both ends because I don’t trust Him. Meaning, I don’t think He created us to bulldoze our way through life. Am I like this because I want to make sure we are financially ok? Or is it because I am trying to live life to the max? For me, it’s both. I am not going to be able to keep up this pace forever. Am I wearing myself out? Probably. Do I pray about it all the time? Absolutely.

“Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:30-31

“Even the youths shall faint and be weary..” Think about a child in your life. When you have tried to put them down for a nap, they INSIST they don’t need one. You can look at them and they are red and glassy. They are irritable. They need sleep but they fight it…and they are 3! I’m 46. Why do I think I can outdo a 3 year old with a gazillion times more energy than me??! Even youths, with all their energy and excitement, fall tired. One thing I have to tell myself, is it’s okay to be tired. I am not a failure. Even scripture backs me up here. God knows we will get tired.

“…but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength”. Well, that’s what we are supposed to do about it. We have limits. God doesn’t. We can’t do it all. But He can. God knows we will get tired and weary. God never tires. When we get tired, we don’t need to push through it. This is our opportunity to lean on Him for His endless and everlasting strength. Remember, everything that you are not, He is. He will pick up where you left off. Work with God as a team.

Maybe I’ll remember this since I wrote it down.

Love you all,

Jennifer

Motivational Monday

By Jennifer Robbins

On February 23, 2026

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends! Were you able to hear Pastor Scott’s sermon yesterday? I loved it. It really hit home for me and it was on a topic that I know I was good on. 😂 If you didn’t hear it, no biggie, just go to facebook and it’s posted there.

As for this week’s motivation…

This morning when I woke up, I had a lot on my mind. Nothing life changing or worth noting really. Just things that I needed to do today. For the record, it was a very average day. Nothing big happened (which is usually GREAT news!). But I wasn’t able to complete what I felt like was something I needed to accomplish. No different than most Mondays. But at 7:03am, I am making a mental checklist of trying to manage a week that hasn’t happened. I am trying to control the future. Does that resonate with you? Let’s talk about it.

We can give one hundred percent at a job and it still may not be enough. We can extensively prepare for an important event and plans may still go awry. We can love and care for others and still be misunderstood, even hated. We can raise our kids to follow Christ and they can still walk away from the faith. On a logical level, we can know that God is in control and we are not. Yet, how many of us tire ourselves out each day searching for answers and fighting for control over things that we physically can not change?

What does it look like to honestly surrender to God when we’re scared and overwhelmed by what could happen? Well, let’s be honest here. Surrender feels like we are giving in or worse, giving up. We think it’s a sign of hopelessness but as a christian, that can’t be further from the truth. Surrender is an opportunity for dependence. It’s an opportunity to actively dwell in the reality of our own inadequacy. Jennifer, you are really selling it here. 🙄 But, surrender is recognizing that He is the omnipotent God, who works all things for good (and we are flawed, limited, sinful beings unable to save ourselves).

“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.” Psalm 1:1-3

Okay, so why is surrender so hard? Well, there are three main reasons. First, it’s a lack of knowledge- meaning, we know the answer better than anyone (yep, including God!). Second, would be impatience. We want it fixed NOW! And third, we want it all pain free. We don’t want to suffer through anything. We just want to make it all go away as quickly as possible. And bonus reason! You have trust issues! You don’t fully trust He has your back.

Why should we surrender? It takes discipline. Discipline is part of our walk with Christ. Think about someone you trust. That relationship is intimate. Well, why would your relationship be different with God if you trusted Him? It strengthens that bond and forms intimacy. Surrender isn’t something that is a maybe…it’s a must. Especially in today’s world. There are so many things that are beyond our control.

My Monday didn’t go as planned. Let me rephrase that. Monday didn’t go as I planned it. It wasn’t a bad day. It wasn’t a good day. It was the day that God planned for me to have. Instead of being disappointed, I should feel relieved. Relieved to know that He is more than a safety net. He’s our harness.

Love you all,

Jennifer

Motivational Monday

By Jennifer Robbins

On February 16, 2026

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends! Today, I want to talk about something that impacts us ALL…some more than others. And that’s stress. Yep. Yep. Some days are better than others. Certain times of the year are more stressful. But what are we supposed to do about it? Well, let’s talk about it.

Okay, confession time. I think I do pretty well managing my stress. I’ve had ALOT of personal reflection, prayer and even outside therapy to help me personally help me. And, it has helped. But, I still get stressed…we all do. It could be about something that happened at work. Or a family issue that you deem as “dramatic’ but yet, it upsets you. It could be you have too much on your plate because you just can’t say no. Listen. I get it. In all of those cases, it is important to realize that stress has less to do with what’s happening to us and more to do with how we respond to uncertainty.

Fun fact. The Bible does not use the word “stress” one time. Even in Proverbs, where we get all of our practical wisdom, it doesn’t contain a single proverb about stress. Which I find interesting/funny, because Solomon (author of Proverbs) had hundreds of wives and concubines. I mean if anyone was stressed, he had to be stressed. What the Bible does talk about is the experiences that create stress like fear, exhaustion, grief, uncertainty, responsibility, conflict and danger.

Before we go any farther, I want to point out that stress is not a sin. In fact, we get stressed over things we value and love. Because if you didn’t care about it, then you wouldn’t care about the outcome. But the issue lies in how we respond to stress. Trying to control everything, blaming others, resentment, withdrawing (my personal favorite 🫤). All of these responses are heart level responses that need to be checked.

Does any of these sound familiar?

Distract ourselves with endless entertainment or busyness
Explode at those closest to us (because they feel “safe”)
Self-medicate with food, alcohol, shopping, or digital noise
Blame our spouses, children, coworkers, or circumstances
Turn inward and isolate from the very people who could help us
Try to control every detail of our situation
Catastrophize and assume the worst possible outcomes

I am not throwing any shade your way because I will 100% tell you, I am guilty of doing every single one of these. If you are guilty of any of these, did your response correct the issue? Right. It didn’t fix mine either.

So, now that we have nailed stress on the head! How did Jesus teach us to respond to stressful situations? Because you know He dealt with pretty heavy things while here on this Earth.

Hopeless Situation – The man at the pool of Bethesda, paralyzed for 38 years (John 5). Jesus steps in with healing and hope, showing us that no situation is beyond God’s reach.
Unexpected Crisis – The disciples caught in a violent storm (Mark 4). While they panicked, Jesus spoke peace over the chaos, reminding us that God’s power is greater than any storm we face.
Public Embarrassment – The woman caught in adultery (John 8). Jesus responded with both grace and truth, showing us how to extend compassion without compromising righteousness.
Impossible Demands – Feeding 5,000 people with five loaves and two fish (John 6). Jesus provided more than enough, demonstrating that God’s resources are never limited by our circumstances.
Constant Conflict – Confrontations with religious leaders who questioned His every move. Jesus stayed grounded in truth and in doing His Father’s will, not swayed by criticism or opposition.
Health Crises – Jairus’ daughter dying, friends sick and suffering (Mark 5, John 11). Jesus entered directly into people’s grief and brought healing and hope.
Ultimate Danger – Arrest, torture, and crucifixion. Even facing death, Jesus entrusted Himself entirely to the Father, praying “not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).
Overwhelming Responsibility – Discipling followers, teaching crowds, healing the sick, dealing with constant demands. Jesus regularly withdrew to pray and depend on His Father (Luke 5:16).

I think it’s fair to say, Jesus dealt with stress. But what Jesus showed is that God is present, compassionate and powerful. It’s not based on perfect circumstances and on perfect trust.

So, I am going to try to give you a roadmap on managing stress God’s way with some practical biblical wisdom.

Start your day with prayer – Before checking your phone or diving into your to-do list, spend time with God. Even five minutes can set a different tone for your entire day. Pastor Scott talked about this this past Sunday!
Practice gratitude – When stress focuses our attention on what’s wrong, gratitude redirects us to God’s faithfulness. Keep a simple gratitude list or make it part of your daily prayers.
Find community – Galatians 6:2 calls us to “bear one another’s burdens.” You weren’t meant to carry stress alone. Connect with other believers who can pray for you, encourage you, and offer practical help.
Take care of your body – Stress affects us physically. Getting adequate sleep, eating well, and exercising aren’t selfish—they’re stewardship of the body God gave you.
Set boundaries – Jesus Himself withdrew from crowds and demands to spend time with His Father (Luke 5:16). It’s not ungodly to say no to some things so you can say yes to what matters most.
Remember your identity – Stress often makes us forget who we are in Christ. You are deeply loved, completely forgiven, and eternally secure. These truths don’t change based on your circumstances.

I am telling you this because I need to hear it! I know that stress will never do away, at least, not in this world. But how many times have you been stressed to the max but yet, God showed us His sufficiency? The exact same God that calmed the storm for the disciples will bring peace to your storm. The same Jesus who cried with Mary and Martha in their grief, wants to comfort you.The same Spirit who strengthened the church in persecution wants to strengthen you in your pressures.

You are not forgotten nor alone. God will be in it with you and you can trust Him with whatever stressors you are facing.

Love you all,

Jennifer

Motivational Monday

By Jennifer Robbins

On February 2, 2026

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends! I’m back! Thank you so much for allowing me to get away and regroup. During this break, I realized I need to take smaller breaks (a week here and there) instead of a month-long break at a time. Listen I REALLY enjoyed my time regrouping but it felt weird. I guess I am just used to writing these on Monday and motivating myself! So let’s get back to it.

If you are like me, you sit back and question certain things. For instance, if God really forgives me when I sin, why can’t I just sin and ask for forgiveness? So, let’s talk about it.

I was sitting there the other day contemplating various things. I was thinking about people and things. And some of my thoughts were ugly. I actually had to stop and tell myself some of my thoughts were sinful. And then I thought, “Well, I’ll just ask for forgiveness.” Surely, I’m not the only one who does this right? I was always taught that you don’t sin but if you do, ask for forgiveness with your heart and you should be good. But, I don’t understand why is there a double standard? Meaning, God knew we needed a way to be forgiven but you shouldn’t commit a sin knowing you will ask for forgiveness and expect to be forgiven. In laymen’s terms, why is the hall pass conditional?

I think we can all agree that sin is destructive. Pride can ruin your reputation whether you are a Christian or not. Selfishness can ruin marriages and friendships. Paul warns Christians not to sin in their anger, he adds, “and give no opportunity to the devil” because sin invites Satan to wreak greater havoc in our lives. That’s why Proverbs warns: “An evil man is ensnared in his transgression, but a righteous man sings and rejoices” (Proverbs 29:6). Resisting temptation and doing what’s right doesn’t just please God, it’s good for you.

Sin is addicting. People think of addicts as those who drink too much or have a drug problem. But think about gossip, lies, envy and pride…all very addictive behaviors. That’s why Romans 6:16 says, “Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?” You are either growing in your addiction to sin or growing in your addiction to righteousness.

Lastly, sin hinders our fellowship with God. If you’re sinning, you ain’t praying. Can I get an amen? We need to remember how a Christian’s sin affects the heart of God. Paul urged the church in Ephesus, “do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God” (Ephesians 4:30) and the psalmist reminded us, “If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened” (Psalm 66:18). Notice that it’s not sin that we’ve regretted and asked for forgiveness for that’s a problem. But while we cherish iniquity or ungodliness, while we defend it, justify it and continue in it, it gets in the way of the relationship that God wants with us.

So, look. Everyone sins but it’s not ok; and, we can’t “make it ok” because we will be forgiven. Let me use losing weight as an example. You can’t lose weight when you have one hand in the cookie jar. You have to eat right and exercise. But sometimes, you mess up or maybe you thought that chinese food would be healthy. But it wasn’t, and you gained a pound or two you lost. No big deal because you just have to get back on the band wagon. But how are you going to lose weight when you eat nothing but cookies and cake?

This week your motivation is to stay mindful. Thoughts creep in. Sins sometimes not meant to be purposeful (and sometimes they are…). Stay aware of when and how this happens. Look at your emotions, before and after the sin and look for ways to combat this in the future. And God does love you. He loves you so much that He sent His Son to die for you. YOU! And all your sins. Don’t knowingly sin on His Son’s behalf.

Love you all and see you next week,

Jennifer

Motivational Monday

By Jennifer Robbins

On December 29, 2025

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. I hope you spent time with family and/or friends.

Just a reminder, we will be having our 7 days of prayer and fasting. Prayer time starts Thursday, January 1st in the Sanctuary and continues each morning through the following Wednesday, January 7th. The fasting part is left up to each individual. Fasting is going without food mainly, and/or going without some other activity that would be considered a sacrifice. It can be a total fast of food, or partial, like going without sweets, or meats, or snacks. The prayer time is usually no more than 45 minutes. Get there when you can and leave when you need to.

Thursday, January 1st—9:00am
Friday—7:00am
Saturday and Sunday —9:00am
Monday thru Wednesday—7:00am

That reminder is a great segway into today’s topic. The new year is a sign of a new beginning. I know a lot of you set resolutions. Personally, I don’t. I set goals. I know what you’re thinking…what’s the difference? The difference is how my brain works! 🙂 Goals are something I want to achieve and resolutions are disappointments if I don’t achieve them. Again, Jennifer’s brain. If you are like me, you set goals in different parts of your life (spiritually, financially, etc.). This year my goal is God first. So, let’s talk about it.

When it comes to my church family, I have a difficult time saying no. I tend to overthink everything. I think, “I say no to this, then someone else will have to pick up the slack. I’ll just do it.” Or, I feel like if I say no then in my crazy brain that equals, “I am not serving the Lord”. But in reality, I am pushing myself away from Him. Instead of enjoying my time serving, I am sometimes irritated and/or stressed instead of happy. When I become overwhelmed or overextended, I tend to shut down. I don’t have the right attitude and I miss church on Sunday mornings. Which makes me feel EVEN MORE guilty.

Let’s talk about some ways you can put God first this year.

First, read your Bible. I am 45 years old and had never read the Bible all the way though until 2 years ago. I read the Bible but not from cover to cover. Why? Well, frankly, it’s long. And have you ever read Numbers? There are parts that are boring and there are A LOT of parts I don’t understand. But just understand that the boring parts are usually references for other parts of the Bible. As for the parts you don’t understand…listen. If you don’t read it, you 100% won’t understand it. If we all understood it the first time we read it, then we wouldn’t study it, would we?

Second, spend time in prayer. When I wake up in the middle of the night (which is frequently these days), I don’t reach for my phone. I lay there and pray. And I’ll go ahead and tell God, “Hey God. I am going to pray myself asleep so I may not say Amen. But just know I meant it.” I feel like that covers me! But dedicate time for prayer. It’s amazing how blessed you will be through prayer.

Third, be careful what you take in. I have a love/hate relationship with social media. I despise all the negativity it can spread. But on the flip side, look at all the positivity it spreads. At the end of the day, you determine what you read, hear and see. Sure. There are times we see things that we didn’t sign up to see. But that’s where prayer comes into play, right? Your focus needs to stay on God. And if something isn’t pointing to Him, STOP! Stop watching. Stop reading. Stop listening. Just stop.

And lastly, set boundaries. This is where my story comes into play. By setting boundaries, it gives us time to worship and pray. Have you ever been in the middle in prayer and immediately thought of something you need to do? Maybe that’s just me. But you HAVE TO set aside time. It’s ok to tell others about your boundaries. When you tell them, explain why. THis is a perfect opportunity to witness to them.

I told you all of these things like I abide by them. Clearly, I don’t but I want to. I think I used this as a pep talk to myself. 🙂. So, for the month of January, I will be taking a break from Motivational Monday. Not because I don’t love you all, I just want to be properly guided by Him. If there is something I feel passionate to write, then I will. But if I don’t, I want you all to know why. I am trying to realign with Him. And I know you all understand.

Happy New Year and love you all,

Jennifer

Motivational Monday- Advent Series

By Jennifer Robbins

On December 15, 2025

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends! Today I wanted to continue our series on Advent. This past Sunday we lit the Joy candle and next will be Love. In our Motivational Monday’s, we talk about joy and love frequently but how does this play a part in the Christmas season? Well, let’s talk about it.

The third candle to be lit is the joy candle or also known as the “Shepherd’s Candle”. I’ve always been drawn to the shepherds in the Bible (probably because I’m just a regular person). If we look at this from the sheep’s perspective, what do they have that can defend them from predators? These fluffy, white poofs don’t have sharp teeth. They are really sweet and surprisingly intelligent. That’s why they flock together…for survival. But, if something comes after the flock that wants a snack, one of them is not going to win. They honestly depend solely on something or someone to protect them. The shepherd.

The shepherds were just ordinary people like me and you. The night of Jesus’s birth, they were guarding the sheep from predators.

“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

‘Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!’

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.” Luke 2:8-20

God chose these ordinary people to share the news of His son’s birth first. Not kings. While the difference is noticeable, it fits well with everything else we’ve seen about Jesus’ birth. Mary and Joseph didn’t stand out from the crowd. Again, they were plain ole people. Bethlehem was a small, unremarkable town. Jesus’ first cradle was a feeding trough. The list goes on.

His birth brought…joy. Of course, it’s a baby! All babies bring joy. This is true but His birth is different. He was bringing us salvation.

And does joy bring? Love.

The fourth (but not last) candle is the Love candle or the “Angel’s Candle”. An angel is a created being and not humans who passed away and became angels (Hebrews 1:14). They are messengers (Messengers: The word “angel” means messenger. They bring God’s words, instructions, and warnings, often appearing as men (Genesis 18, Acts 10), servants (Psalm 148, Isaiah 6, Revelation 4-5), protectors:, as seen with Elisha (2 Kings 6) and Paul (Acts 27), agents of judgment (2 Samuel 24, Acts 12), involved in Jesus’ life, fighters (Daniel 10, Revelation 12), and play eschatological role (Matthew 24, Revelation 16).

With all that scripture (and that’s just a smidgen), I think it’s safe to say, they are pretty important.

God sent His angels four different times to prepare people for Jesus’ arrival. In Luke 1:5-25, the angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah the priest to tell him that he would have a son (John the Baptist) whom God would use to prepare people for Jesus’ coming. Later, Gabriel came to Mary in Luke 1:26-38 to prepare her to become Jesus’ mother. Shortly thereafter, Joseph received a visit from an angel who told him about Mary’s miraculous pregnancy (Matthew 1:18-25). On the night Jesus was born, a whole company of angels announced His birth to a stunned group of shepherds (Luke 2:8-20).

So the angels brought the message of love…Jesus. The Bible affirms that and that his sending Jesus into the world was an act of perfect love (1 John 4:8-12). Jesus loved people, and yet he didn’t try to always be nice to people. Sometimes, he pushed people to consider what they really believed if they really wanted to follow him (Mark 10:17-27). Sometimes, he got them to admit their mistakes to see how much they needed God (John 4:1-42). Throughout his ministry, he maintained that the key to finding God was not to “follow your heart” but to follow him and obey his teachings.

This week, I want to challenge you to see the story of Jesus’ arrival in a fresh way. Pray that He will show you aspects you haven’t seen before and help you to see the familiar in a fresh light.

By His grace may our joy and love grow as the day we celebrate Jesus’ birth draws near.

Love you all,

Jennifer