“I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:5) more

No matter who you voted for last Tuesday, or if you even voted, you are probably glad this year’s election is finally over. Most of us look forward to watching television again without candidates telling us how horrible their opponent is. more

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