I’ve been reflecting recently on the experiences that shape each of us into who we are. Because of our individual personalities we tend to perceive things differently. Two people can experience the exact same event or happening and one comes away feeling encouraged while the other one feels hurt. And both are experiencing valid emotions based on their perceived experience. Many parents have puzzled over how it’s possible that one child thrived in their home while another felt hurt and resented the home environment.  

Why is this? Why do we think so differently about shared experiences? I take solace in 1 Corinthians 13:12 “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” And I think this same chapter in 1 Corinthians can also give us some valuable insights into what the response to our own frustrations should be when others are so convinced that an event or institution was awful when our own memories surrounding it are treasured and wonderful (or vice versa). We respond in Christ-like love. “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). We might disagree with someone but we can always choose to extend love even as Christ has loved us.

By: Pastor Jay Mast

The definition of faith is found in Hebrews 11:1 (NLT) Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. 2 Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation.

So often we view faith as believing that God is going to do something for me and if I have enough faith it will happen. In the case of some of the faithful in Hebrews they never received what was promised and yet their faith earned them a good reputation. Hebrews 11:13a  All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it.

So our faith results in a good reputation. As we look at our faith and the results of it, let’s ask the question; will others see a good reputation in us.

So what does it mean to have a good reputation? In the Barclays Greek-English Dictionary it means to; bear witness, testify, be a witness; attest, affirm, confirm; speak well of, approve (pass. be well spoken of, receive approval).

Although we may never see the promise fulfilled, we continue to be a witness for Jesus and our lives well-spoken of. Keep walking by faith!

By: Pastor Steve Eicher

Mark 2: 1-5

1And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house.

2And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.

3And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.

4And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.

5When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.

We need to keep pressing close to Jesus! Sometimes it is difficult, but it is those times when it so important to do so. Keep pressing close to God and stay encouraged!

By Michal Troyer