In the New Testament, the Greek word for God’s love is agape’. In Romans 12:9, Paul says, “Let love be genuine.” Genuine means authentic, real, and sincere. Paul is saying let the love you have for others be the real thing, and I believe that in the words that follow, he is telling us how to express this genuine, authentic love in our lives. Verse 9 continues, “…hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good,” and it is strong language. Hate what is evil…hate what God calls evil…lying, greed, sin, selfishness, violence, sowing discord, wickedness. Cling to what is good, and verses 10-21 give us practical instruction. Verse 21 says, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Persevere in prayer, live peaceably with others, do not return evil for evil, serve the Lord. One after another, these statements reveal God’s love in action, and that is the love we as Christians are to express in our lives. May God’s genuine and authentic love be present in our words and actions. God bless your week! Diane Cooke, Pastor, Presbyterian Churches, Willow Springs and Mtn. View. more

Isaiah 30:21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” more

Election week has come and gone, and for many, it was a tense few days. It’s a familiar scene, watching votes roll in and feeling either relief or frustration depending on the outcome. But as I’ve written before, this time of year is a good reminder of something important: We mustn’t confuse patriotism with holiness. The hope of Christians lies in Christ, not in any politician or party. more

One of my favorite authors, Pastor Charles Swindoll, turned ninety earlier this month. He has written over seventy books; I have read many of them. I also heard him speak more than forty years ago when I was a student at the Moody Bible Institute. He is one of the most gifted communicators I ever heard. God used Swindoll’s gifts as a skillful communicator and superb storyteller to help inspire and shape my style of speaking and writing. more

Micah 7:5 & 7 Do not trust a neighbor; put no confidence in a friend. Even with the woman who lies in your embrace, guard the words of your lips... but as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. more

Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” (Matt.5:9) We live in a world that sorely needs more peacemakers. Our public and personal lives reveal a tragic lack of peace. We too often experience violence, destructive habits, and divisions in our families, communities, and nations. We cry out to God for help as we pray for peace, but God calls upon us to do more, to work for peace. Jesus said peacemakers will be called the children of God, and that’s because they will reflect the character of God in their actions. Remember St. Francis’ prayer: “Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.” When we share God’s love and mercy, peace spreads. May God bless your week. Diane Cooke, Pastor, Presbyterian Churches, Willow Springs and Mtn. View. more

Psalms 73:27-28 All-Powerful Lord God, those who stray far from you will be lost, and you will destroy those who are unfaithful. 28It is good for me to be near you. I choose you as my protector, and I will tell about your wonderful deeds. more

May the words of Psalm 25:4-5 be our prayer: “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” (NIV) We pray for God to guide us…our thoughts, our actions, our conversations, our decisions. God does guide us through prayer and through reflection on the words of Scripture. Jesus tells us what is most important… to love God with one’s whole being and to love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:36-40). The Ten Commandments provide the boundaries for a life of faith in community with others (Exodus 20:1-17). Turning away from sin (Galatians 5:19-21) and living lives that reflect the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-25) are ways to follow God’s guidance. May God guide us in his truth, and may God bless your week! Diane Cooke, Pastor of the Presbyterian Churches, Willow Springs and Mtn. View. more

Salem Praise and Worship Fellowship is excited to invite you to a night of soul-stirring Gospel music, featuring a powerful and passionate new servant of the Lord, Marcus Montana, also known as Tru-Serva. At 6 p.m. on Nov. 3, Tru-Serva will bring his inspiring testimony and dynamic music to our church, offering an evening that promises to be filled with hope, transformation, and praise. more

The Book of Enoch, an ancient text that has long been a subject of intrigue, continues to spark debate among scholars, theologians, and believers. Some see it as a lost treasure—a valuable piece of religious literature that sheds light on early spiritual concepts—while others view it with skepticism, wary of its mystical teachings and speculative content. Central to the debate is the lingering question: Should the Book of Enoch be included in the Bible? more

Honest people recognize the presence of both good and evil in our world. Dr. Jim Den-ison’s October 8, 2024, Daily Article, described the “utopia thesis.” Philosophers Anto-ny Flew and J. L. Mackie proposed that “an all-knowing, all-loving, all-powerful God could create a world in which people are free and grow to full spiritual maturity without the presence or necessity of evil and suffering. We cannot understand how he might do so, but we’re not God.” more

Jeremiah 17:5 Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD. more

The book of Galatians, written by the Apostle Paul, is one of the most theologically rich and thought-provoking letters in the New Testament. It’s a powerful, passionate plea to the early Christian churches in Galatia, and it centers around one fundamental issue: the relationship between faith and law in the life of a believer. Paul’s tone throughout the letter reflects his deep concern for the Galatians, and in deconstructing this epistle, we uncover themes of grace, freedom, identity, and how faith in Jesus transforms everything. more

Get ready for a fantastic evening of fun and excitement at HPCA's 3rd Annual Fall Carnival, happening today from 4-6 p.m. Everyone in the community is invited to join in on the festivities, and the best part? Admission and parking are absolutely free! more

With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah. 2 Chronicles 32:8 more

The story of Jonah is often remembered for its dramatic moments: the prophet fleeing from God, being swallowed by a great fish, and eventually fulfilling his mission to the city of Nineveh. While these elements have cemented Jonah as one of the Bible’s most iconic stories, there is a deeper, more challenging message that extends beyond simple obedience or the power of God’s intervention. The story of Jonah calls us to rethink our understanding of compassion, justice, and even our personal biases toward others—especially those we deem unworthy. more

“Be still, and know that I am God.” We find these words in Psalm 46:10. Take some time to read and reflect upon these words. What do they mean to you? Be still. Stop talking; listen; stop arguing; stop complaining; switch off your phone; step away from the computer; be quiet; rest; rest in the Lord; let God’s peace flood your mind, heart, and spirit. And know. Stop doubting; be sure; be certain; lean upon God and experience his strength; remember the times the Lord has been close to you. That I am God. The Lord God is Gracious, Almighty, Loving, Merciful; God is Creator of all that is; God is love; God is my refuge, my hope, my rock, my redeemer; the Lord is my Shepherd; God is ever-present, a help in times of trouble; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Take time today to be still and experience God’s presence anew. May God bless your week! Diane Cooke, Pastor, Presbyterian Churches, Willow Springs and Mtn. View. more

Harbor of Hope Full Gospel Church is excited to announce a revival hosted by Pastor Dwight Collins, with guest preacher Curtis Tackitt, starting Sunday, October 20. Located at the corner of 5th and Utah streets in West Plains, the church invites everyone in the community to come and be part of this special event. more

"Religious trauma." It’s a phrase we’ve been hearing more and more in recent years, and if studies are to be believed, nearly one-third of Americans have experienced it in some form. It’s something that’s leaving a lasting mark on the hearts and minds of people across the country. But what exactly is religious trauma, and why has it become such a prevalent topic? more

Last week, our church hosted a group of senior adults on a visit to Niagara Falls. According to the website, Science for Kids, more than 44 million gallons of water flow over the Horse-shoe Falls, not daily or hourly, but every minute! This means nearly four trillion gallons of water thunder over them each year. more