The Bible contains many fascinating stories from Jesus’ life. One of the most interesting is found in John 5:1-15 about a man waiting to be healed at the Pool of Bethesda. Tradition had it that periodically, an angel would stir the water, and the first person into the pool afterward would be healed. more

2 Chronicles 7:13-14 When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people... if MY PEOPLE, who are called by MY NAME, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. more

“O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.” Psalm 136:1 Hesed is the Hebrew word that has been translated “steadfast love.” This Hebrew word is found 246 times in the Old Testament, and it describes God’s faithful love. It is unwavering, constant, and lasting. Lamentations 3:22-23 “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Let us give thanks for God’s steadfast love which reaches out to us again and again through his Son Jesus Christ. May God bless your week! Diane Cooke, Pastor, Presbyterian Churches of Willow Springs and Mtn. View. more

The evolution of the Christian church from its inception in the first century to its present-day form reveals significant transformations in practices, structure, and cultural integration. Despite these changes, the core beliefs have remained remarkably consistent. This essay explores the similarities and differences between the first-century Christian church and the modern-day Christian church. more

Local families are preparing for the school year with back-to-school sales and adding more items to their lists for children in need around the world. more

"You shall surely set a king over you whom the Lord your God chooses; one from among your brethren you shall set as king over you; you may not set a foreigner over you, who is not your brother." Deuteronomy 17:15 more

In the Bible we read that God called Moses to lead the Hebrew people (Exodus 3-4), Jeremiah (Jer. 1:4-10) and Isaiah (Isaiah 6:1-9) to be prophets. Jesus called the disciples to follow him (Mark 1:16-20). In Ephesians 4:1-3, Paul tells us that each of us is called by God. “I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” We have different gifts, yet we all have a calling. In I Corinthians 12:7 Paul says, “The Spirit has given each of us a special way of serving others.” No one else can do what you can do. In your job, in your family, in your neighborhood, you are called to live a life worthy of your calling as Christ’s own. May God bless your week! Diane Cooke, Pastor, Presbyterian Churches, Willow Springs and Mtn. View. more

Mark your calendars and get ready for an extraordinary experience! The Curry Street Church of Christ invites everyone to join us for our Vacation Bible School, happening from July 29 to July 31 at 7 p.m. each evening. This year, we're diving into the thrilling theme of "The Adventures of Paul." more

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime at Breaker Rock Beach! Every day is an unforgettable journey, from the morning waves crashing against the shore to evenings filled with bonfires and s'mores. Imagine catching a glimpse of an orca leaping through the surf or watching happy sea lions play among the rocks beneath magnificent pines. Race along the sand with your brightly colored kite, join friends to make the most amazing sandcastle, or gaze in wonder at the mysteries found in a glimmering tide pool. As the crowds come and go and the tides ebb and flow, Breaker Rock rises majestically as a symbol of strength, standing firm against the force of wind and waves. more

Local families are preparing for the school year with back-to-school sales and adding more items to their lists for children in need around the world. more

Last Friday, my wife and I took our grandson, J, to the St. Louis Aquarium. Since he is not yet two, we knew he would not get as much out of it as he will when he is a bit old-er, but we were convinced he would enjoy the day. more

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Mark 8:36 more

Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 121:1-2 reads, “I lift up my eyes to the hills—from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth.” Have you ever seen this morning prayer that circulated a few years ago? “Dear Lord, so far today I’ve done all right. I haven’t gossiped, haven’t lost my temper, haven’t been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish, or over-indulgent. But in a few minutes, God, I’m going to get out of bed and from then on, I’ll be needing your help. Amen.” May our prayer be, “Lord, help me today. No matter what I face, I can trust that you will be with me to be my refuge, strength, and help; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” May God bless your week! Diane Cooke, Pastor, Presbyterian Churches, Willow Springs, and Mtn. View. more

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jonny DeLuca and Brandon Lowe homered, eight Rays players drove in runs, and Tampa Bay pounced on some erratic Kansas City pitching to squeak out a 10-8 victory over the Royals on Thursday night. more

During the deadly September attack, casualties mounted, with both the capital and the White House being targeted. What few know is how the President secretly sent a Georgetown attorney to meet with our enemies in an attempt to secure the release of a prominent hostage. However, he was detained before his mission could be completed and had to watch the attack. During the battle, he could only pray as he sat helplessly aboard an enemy ship. more

Matthew 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. more

The phrase, “clothes make the man,” is an old saying that points out the fact that how we dress influences how others perceive us. We express respect when we dress up for a job interview or worship service. It’s true that we all like to be comfortable, but our own comfort is not the only thing that matters. The same thing is true of the ways we interact with others. In Colossians 3:12 we read, “As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” Our Lord wants us to choose these behaviors and leave some others behind…like anger, greed, arrogance, malice, slander, and lying. Instead, we should put on the virtues we see in Christ himself. Let’s remember the wisdom of Colossians 3:14, “Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. “That’s the wardrobe God intends for us. May God bless your week! Diane Cooke, Pastor, Presbyterian Churches, Willow Springs and Mtn. View. more

In certain segments of the Christian church, a contentious belief persists: if one's faith is sufficiently robust, medical intervention becomes superfluous. Adherents of this view hold that prayer alone can remedy every ailment, from mental health issues to broken bones and even fatal diseases. When prayer does not result in healing, the fault is often attributed to the individual's lack of true or strong enough faith. While miracles undoubtedly occur daily, with cures that defy scientific explanation, the notion that faith eliminates the need for medicine is, quite frankly, absurd and dangerous. more

Until recently, I knew little about the Korean Conflict except that the US entered the fight in 1950 to stop the spread of communism. I did not re-alize that while the Korean War lasted just over three years, it took the lives of millions of North and South Koreans and that UN forces also suffered 100,000 casualties. more

Luke 14:26 You cannot be my disciple, unless you love me more than you love your father and mother, your wife and children, and your brothers and sisters. You cannot follow me unless you love me more than you love your own life. more