Making Time for God ~ By Leonard Woeppel

When I was a young man I looked forward to my retirement as a time when I would have more free time to do the things I wanted to do. Surprise; it is not that way at all. I enjoy my retirement. I like sleeping in. I enjoy more time with my wife. I enjoy shopping when no one else is in the store. Doctor’s appointments are easier to schedule. There are some things I do not like. My eyesight is getting worse. I have more doctor’s appointments and so does my wife. My dentist has found lots of things that need to be fixed. Time seems to go faster now than when I was young.

I still want to do a lot of things but I find there is actually a lack of desire on my part. I have all the tools I need but actually getting started is another matter. I spend a lot of time thinking about trivial details from my early life. I often play the game of “What would have happened if…?” My mind if filled with apprehension for my wife and family after I am gone. Have I provided for them well enough? I miss my Mom and Dad and brothers. We used to get a lot of Christmas cards and now there are so few. I would think a lot of older people share my concerns.

My basement used to be filled with books. I had almost three thousand at one time. I read most of them but there was a fair share I was looking forward to reading. Got tired of building shelves and arranging books and one day I decided to simplify my life. I gave a lot of books away. Donated some to charity. I donated some more to the nursing home and junior high schools across the city. Some I just threw away. I have about 50 to 60 books now and most of them are different Bibles or other books on biblical subjects. I find I get more enjoyment out of reading the Bible now; than I did a few years ago. I also spend a lot of time writing. It was something I have wanted to do for some time and I have found other people actually enjoy what I write.

I have been getting rid of other distractions in my life as well. I stopped subscribing to all my magazines. I do not go fishing or hunting very often; if at all now. I would rather spend my time helping my wife around the house, or growing a garden, or taking a day trip to some local attraction. This last summer we went back to Lewis and Clark Caverns and Virginia City. Sure been a lot of changes in the last 20 years. I used to drive over 66,000 miles a year because of my job but now I am lucky to drive 6000 miles in a year.

The world is full of distractions. If you need more the devil will help you locate some more. I reached a point where I said enough of this silliness. I arranged an autopay on all my bills except one. I keep finding ways to get rid of the clutter that filled my life. I started looking at my relationships more. There were a lot of people that I knew because of my job. Now that I am retired we really do not have much in common anymore.

Like the Bible says; you have to sort the wheat from the chaff. Get rid of those things that have been keeping you away from what is important in your life. You will enjoy life a lot more. I know I do and suspect other people would also if they spent more time on the things that are important. I enjoy church a lot more now. I will be 68 in a few weeks and have been contemplating my future a lot more. Whatever time I have left I want to spend it in strengthening my relationship with Jesus. When I die and go to Heaven I want to hear Jesus tell me ‘Welcome Home.”

Each of us has to make a choice in our lives. Are we going to live in the world or are we going to grow up and establish and maintain a relationship with Jesus? We are never promised tomorrow. We need to be ready for whatever happens. Jesus created us. Jesus loves us. Jesus came to earth so that his sacrifice could wipe sin from the slate of our lives. The Bible makes it clear that Jesus is the only way into Heaven. Do not allow the world to sell you a pack of lies. Get ready now or death will close the door for you. You have a choice now. Don’t waste it!

Repent with Tears By, Vicki Leonardson

"You have wearied the Lord with your words."

“How have we wearied him?” you ask.

You have wearied him by saying that all who do evil are good in the Lord’s sight, and he is pleased with them. You have wearied him by asking, “Where is the God of justice?”

Malachi 2:17

Maybe you haven't said these words, but I know that I have. 

I have sarcastically said, "Thanks a lot, God!", among other rude phrases.  I'm not proud of that. 

"That is why the Lord says,
“Turn to me now, while there is time.
Give me your hearts.
Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning.
Don’t tear your clothing in your grief,
but tear your hearts instead.”
Return to the Lord your God,
for he is merciful and compassionate,
slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
He is eager to relent and not punish." Joel 2:12-13

Honestly, I return to God every morning. I repent every morning. With tears. I must constantly clean out my heart. 

He is merciful and compassionate to me. Always. His love never gives up on me. He rewards me with His sweet presence. How I love Him. 

"Thank You for Your constant love and compassion. Thank You that I return to You every morning, with tears, and You always show up. How I love You, Jesus. AMEN."

Running Away, Again- By, Leonard Woeppel

Running away from your problems will not solve them. Running away makes our problems bigger than they need to be. Fear is not your friend. All of us carry in our minds the flight or fight mechanism. It is part of us from the time of our birth. When we do not override our flight or fight mechanism; we open ourselves to needless consequences. Some scientists say the flight or fight mechanism in our minds is a survival mechanism hardwired into our bodies. We can learn how to defeat this mechanism. Imagine a world where police ran away from criminals. Imagine a world where firefighters did not risk their lives to save ours. Imagine a war where the soldiers on both sides were afraid to fight.

Courage is learning to stand your ground in the face of situations that imperil your life. Why do some families have long time traditions of serving as police or firefighters?  Military service seems to run in a certain family also. What makes these people different? Scripture tells us to avoid living our lives in fear. Jesus feared for his life but accepted HIS fate with joy because it served a higher purpose. It is clear to see that some people recognize a need that is superior to their personal safety or survival. 

Modern society makes fun of those who serve to protect them. Recent attacks on firefighter and police illustrate the fact that a lot of people are acting out of their own self-interest to the detriment of society. Even doctors are not immune to the attacks from people looking for drugs or money to buy drugs. We need to see the root cause (s) of our problems and find better ways of solving them. Again; running away does not help.

Jesus did not believe in living a life of fear. The Bible contains numerous verses mentioning fear. (Isaiah 43: 1-3, Psalm 23, John 14: 27, Joshua 1: 9, Mathew 6:34, Psalm 27:1, Psalm 56: 3-4) As Christians we know the Bible is the truth. Why then should we live a life filled with fear? The heart of the matter is our unwillingness to live out our faith. Faith is the answer to all of our questions. Faith makes us fearless. Faith gives us the strength to do what is right. If we wear the title of Christian with pride; we need to start acting like it.

Cowards never feel safe. Cowards blame others for their own
misbehavior. Life does not come with a guarantee. Bad things happen to good
people. People who live in fear will never achieve greatness. Look at your life
and ask yourself if you have been afraid too much. Mediocrity is the fate for
those who live their lives in fear. The disciples of Jesus lived with the fear
of persecution all of their lives. They persevered and succeeded because they
had faith in the promises of Jesus. The promises of Jesus are still true today
and should inspire us to live a life without fear. Do not run away from life.
Live life with the knowledge that Jesus is on your side and you will be a
better person and a better Christian. The Good Life that Jesus promised to
those who love Him will never be a reality in your life if you live in FEAR..

COVID-19 - What is our church doing?

UPDATED: May 10th 2020

Dear members and friends,

As you may be aware, we have been able to start meeting for service again in accordance with our governor’s reopening plan. While we are thankful and elated to be able to do so, now more than ever it is a high priority to make our church a safe, secure place for you and your family to worship. For at least the next couple of weeks, you will be able to choose between two identical services at 9:30 and 11:00 am. We offer a special invitation for those who are high risk or elderly to join us at the 9:30 service. Our 11:00 am service will be live on Facebook and YouTube. Those in Kindergarten through 11 years old will have the option of staying with their family or being a part of Kids Zone classes during the 11 am service.

Due to the ongoing concern about the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus), we are exercising caution in every way we can as we take this seriously. In addition to the safety measures we normally follow, we are taking extra precautions during this time to help keep you and your family safe and healthy.

These measures include the following procedures:
•Wiping down high-traffic areas like door handles after every service.
•Keeping hand-sanitizing stations in bathrooms and at the front door full.
•Keeping the nursery, food, and fellowship areas closed.
•Operating at less than half capacity by having multiple services.
•Sanitizing the sanctuary and bathrooms between services.
•Utilizing alternate methods for giving and other usher duties.
•Altering the sanctuary seating to allow for social distancing.
•Providing face masks for those that would like them for service or elsewhere.


Our team is closely following news from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about best practices to contain the spread of the coronavirus. We’ll continue to update our policies and procedures with the latest information and communicate with you as necessary. Of course, we need your help too.

Here’s what you can do to keep yourself and others safe and healthy:
•Avoid skin contact. While we love giving hugs, handshakes, and high-fives, try giving an elbow-bump, a big smile, or a friendly wave instead.
•If you need to cough or sneeze, cover your mouth with your sleeve or a tissue.
•Wash your hands often in warm water for a minimum of 20 seconds.
•Use hand sanitizer often.
•If you or your family members are experiencing, or have recently experienced, symptoms associated with the flu or the common cold (fever, persistent cough, headache, chills, or unexplained rash), stay home.
•If you need to stay home from church, please watch online. We want everyone to stay connected to what the Lord is doing in our church. Together, we can do our best to make our church a safe place for everyone.

It is my sincere hope and prayer that you and all the members of your family will come through this crisis more prepared to live life to its fullest and more importantly, to be prepared for eternity. May it be true of all of us that we are becoming better equipped to minister and make a difference as we move forward together.

Looking forward to seeing you or hearing from you soon!

Pastor Sermon

The Altar, By Vicki Leonardson

"Despite their fear of the peoples around them, they built the altar on its foundation and sacrificed burnt offerings on it to the Lord, both the morning and evening sacrifices. Then in accordance with what is written, they celebrated the Festival of Tabernacles with the required number of burnt offerings prescribed for each day. After that, they presented the regular burnt offerings, the New Moon sacrifices and the sacrifices for all the appointed sacred festivals of the Lord, as well as those brought as freewill offerings to the Lord. On the first day of the seventh month they began to offer burnt offerings to the Lord, though the foundation of the Lord’s temple had not yet been laid." Ezra 3:3-6

The returning exiles were fearful. The task of rebuilding the Temple was daunting and overwhelming. They dug through the ruins and found the site of the original Altar. They rebuilt the Altar and immediately began offering up morning and evening sacrifices. 

Are you in a spiritual funk? Are you not quite feeling it? Have you allowed the cares of this life to crowd out your joy?

This can happen so quickly. Why? Because we are humans, temporarily stuck on Earth. 

Despite your fear of whatever and whoever has stolen your joy, simply go back to your spiritual roots. The altar where you first found Jesus. Fall down on the altar and offer yourself a living sacrifice to God once again. 

Start with morning and evening prayer. Find a spot where you can devote to your altar of sacrifice. 

Begin with an honest, humble offering of praise and honor to God. Followed by honest and humble repentance. Pray Psalm fifty-one, allowing God's Word to wash you. Speak in tongues, allowing His joy to strengthen you. 

God will honor your morning and evening sacrifices. He will show up and accept your offerings. He loves you. He will lead you, step by step, and prayer by prayer, back into communion with Him.

I've been doing a lot of painting. At times, I feel overwhelmed with the task at hand. Beginning a big job is the hardest part. After plodding along consistently, I start to see the results of my labor.

We complicate things. Rebuilding our life is an overwhelming task. But its totally doable when we simply begin with morning and evening prayer. Start small. Build from there.

"Dear Jesus, please draw all of us back into close communion with you. We all slip into routine, ho-hum prayer at times. Thank You for continuing to draw us. I love you, Jesus. AMEN."

Life Is A Desert, By, Leonard Woeppell

The desert is not a place to get lost. The trails are few and often disappear after a wind or rain storm. Permanent sources of water are few and far between. Tanks of accumulated rainwater can run dry unexpectedly during a long hot summer. Food sources are few and far between in the desert. The lack of water changes the environment for all plants and animals brave enough to live or travel through the desert. If you make a mistake you will die from thirst or starve to death.

A desert filled with oasis. Some of the oasis have water. Sometimes the water is good. Sometimes the water is bad. When the water is bad it may make you sick or it may poison you and you will die. Our struggle is to know the difference. Pools of crystal clear water that looks so inviting are actually filled with poison. Trails are few and often vanish due to environmental problems. Trails are often lined with the bones of the unprepared. You need to have a good map to know where and when to go. The desert is a changing environment and you got to know your stuff when you travel through the desert. It is not a place for the foolhardy or the untrained.

Animals are the desert is unique. Many are poisonous. Many have adapted and need very little or no water. Many are active only a night or just before sunrise or just after dark.  Snakes and other reptiles abound. Many animals of the desert are found nowhere else. Many of the plant's horde water and will only bloom after heavy rain.

The culture we live in today is changing rapidly. The values (roads) of 5, 10 or twenty years ago are no longer valid (useful) for a large portion of society. The morals (climate) of today are getting worse by the minute. The maps are becoming outdated faster than we can change them due to poor morals. No one is really sure about anything.

The Christian stands out in modern society. The followers of Jesus has a good map (the Bible) to follow. Based on Scripture we know where the water holes are; and which ones are poisonous (Filled with sin). The trail is clearly marked by the life of Jesus Christ. The Bible is full of stories (wisdom) that give us real-life examples of people who have walked the trail before us. The rest of the world may be foolhardy but Christians are trail wise and have a fund of practical knowledge (older Christians) to rely on.

We are not alone on our journey because the Holy Spirit is within us and will not forsake us in times of trouble. We may be on a trail that is long and difficult; but we know we can make it if we will follow the concepts and commandment that our guidebook; the Bible; provides. This world is not our home and Heaven and eternity call to us. We will persevere. We will triumph. We will win the race as long as we put our trust and faith in Jesus!

The Hardest Part- By, Leonard Woeppel

Most folks know that the item offered for free really isn’t free. In most cases, a hidden CATCH means you are going to be stuck with something else you really did not want. Everything has a price. It may not be written in bold letters or numbers but the actual cost of so many things is too high when you realize the hidden cost is there as well. A lot of people do not learn this lesson until it is too late and sin has entered into their lives. Scripture tells us that the wages of sin are death. Once you plant the bad seed it is usually too late. The crop is going to grow and will not be stopped by wails of distress.
We tell others who we are by the way we act towards them. Scripture tells us that we should treat others as we wish to be treated. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. It sounds so simple but for many, it is the hardest part of their Christian walk. Do you have a neighbor who allows his dog to use your yard as a toilet? Does your neighbor play his music too loud? Does your neighbor keep his yard cleaned up? It doesn’t take much to get most of us on the warpath. It may be that a little help from you on a Saturday could lead to an opportunity to invite your neighbor to church and church could change their life for the better. Helping out a neighbor can turn a neighbor into a friend.
There is a cost to everything we do. As long as we are spending money or time on ourselves we are happy. Scripture tells us that it is more joyous to give than to receive. Are we closing ourselves off from a lot of joy and happiness because we are too stingy with our time and money? If you want to bless yourself; bless others. You will find more peace of mind if you stop worrying about what you have or what you may lose and allow Jesus to multiply your joy by helping those who really need it.
What is the price for your soul? How much time, money, and effort were expended by others to bring you into a relationship with Jesus? What was the cost to save you from Hell? Was the cost worth it? Stop looking for a free ride in life. All of us have to help pull the cart. We have a mission from Jesus that is not completed. Every opportunity we waste is not only a loss for Jesus; it is a win for Satan. We need to understand that the other side of the coin is always there in every decision/action we take.
What you pile up in life is not as important as what you give away. Riches on earth are not as important as the spiritual riches we store up in Heaven by our efforts. It is an odd fact that a rich person on earth is often the most unhappy person you will know while the poor person is often the happiest person you will encounter. The poor person has to depend on Jesus and has developed a closer relationship as a result.
There is a Hidden cost to all the choices we make. The hardest part is to determine the spiritual cost of our actions to ourselves and others. Jesus can discern the intent of our hearts. How will Jesus judge our behavior? Our actions will always speak louder than our words!!