Dwell in the Word: Psalm 17
Here in Psalm 17, we find a prayer of David and we again see a psalm where the psalmist is in distress and this psalm is a psalm of lament. These tend to unfold in a very similar way when we come across them. These types of psalms generally open with crying out to God. This is then followed by the psalmist declaring innocence in that situation, the one that's causing this distress that is making them cry out to God
Dwell in the Word: Psalm 16
Psalm 16 starts out with a powerful prayer. The psalmist cries out asking for God to preserve him. This is a prayer that each of us has probably said at some point, we may not have used those exact words, but we have come to a point where we feel as though we can't make it on our own, and so we cry out to God. And we see why David is crying out to God in the circumstances that he is facing here in Psalm 16. It is because he understands that God is his refuge.
Devotions: From Questioning to Trusting
Day 1: The Reality of Evil and Suffering
Scripture Reading: Job 1:13-22
Reflection: Job’s response to overwhelming tragedy is a profound example of trust in God’s sovereignty, even when life seems chaotic and unjust. Like Psalm 10, Job’s story challenges us to acknowledge the reality of evil and suffering while holding fast to the belief that God remains just and good despite our circumstances.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, in the face of suffering and loss, help me to trust in Your sovereign care. Teach me to respond with faith, knowing that You are just and all-knowing, even when I do not understand the reasons for my trials. Amen.
June 2 Sermon: From Questioning to Trusting
A theme that regularly comes through in the Psalms is the idea that it's one thing to intellectually ascend to the idea of God, and it's an entirely different thing to live consistently with that idea. Now last year when we looked at several different Psalms during the summer months, we saw the statement, the fool has sin in his heart, there is no God. And we'll see that statement again this summer. But we saw when we looked at that, that the idea that came through as we worked through that statement, was that a denial of the existence of a deity was not really what David was talking about there. There weren't a bunch of materialistic atheists running around in David's time.
Dwell in the Word: Psalm 15
In light of what we looked at last time in Psalm 14, we see an interesting question here at the beginning of Psalm 15. O Yahweh, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill? Well considering that we just saw in the previous Psalm that there is none who is righteous, not even one, This is an important question. Is anyone worthy?
Dwell in the Word: Psalm 14
All right, as I mentioned, we are reading Psalm 14 today. It's a very familiar Psalm. Hear the word of the Lord. The fool says in his heart, there is no God. They are corrupt. They do abominable deeds. There is none who does good. The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man to see if there are any who understand who seek after God. They have all turned aside together they have become corrupt. There is none who does good, not even one. Have they no knowledge.
Devotions: The Lord Reigns
Day 1: The Righteous Judge
Scripture Reading: Romans 2:5-11
Reflection: Today's passage reminds us of God's impartial judgment. He rewards each one according to their deeds, showing no favoritism. Reflect on how this understanding of God as a just judge influences how we live our lives, striving to act righteously in His sight, knowing that He judges fairly and righteously.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your justice and fairness. Help me to trust in Your judgment and live a life that seeks Your righteousness, knowing that You will reward each according to their works. Amen.
May 26 Sermon: The Lord Reigns
The news the past several weeks has been filled with stories of extreme weather. Now, the videos and images that we see can cause us to feel empathy for those affected, and it can cause us to be very thankful that we were not affected by it. And there are many in our congregation and in our community who have been deeply affected by events like this in the past, and with this comes a heightened sense of fear about this stuff. And part of the reason for this is because these type of things are not only unpredictable, but these type of things do not discriminate. It can happen anywhere, at any time, to anyone. Now, whether you've been personally affected by a storm or not, when you know that bad weather is coming, you're going to try to find a place to be safe. The better your refuge, the more confidence you have of the safety that you have when the winds and the rains beat against that place where you've chosen to flee for safety. Now, in my years of doing youth ministry, many years ago, I experienced some very interesting shelters between camps and music festivals.
From Prophecy to Reality | Acts 2:1–21 | 5 Devotions on the Spirit’s Global Mission
Pentecost was more than a dramatic moment—it was the launch of a global movement fueled by the Holy Spirit. In our sermon on Acts 2:1–21, we explored how the events of Pentecost fulfilled ancient prophecy, reversed Babel’s curse, and inaugurated the church’s mission to proclaim the gospel to all nations.
These five short devotions will help you reflect more deeply on what Pentecost means for us today—from God’s promise of the Spirit to the global vision of the church.
From Prophecy to Reality | Acts 2:1–21 | The Gospel in Every Language
At Pentecost, the Spirit came with power—but more importantly, with clarity. In this sermon from Acts 2:1–21, Pastor Mark Groen shows how the outpouring of the Holy Spirit fulfilled the promises of both Joel and Jesus, bringing the gospel to every tribe, tongue, and nation. Far from being chaotic, the miracle of Pentecost revealed God's deliberate plan: a global, unified Church proclaiming one message in many languages.
The signs were real, but the deeper miracle was that God spoke—and people understood. This sermon reminds us that the same gospel that was heard in Jerusalem that day is still being heard today, and everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Devotions: Receive Your King
Day 1: The Sovereignty of God
Scripture Reading: Colossians 1:15-20
Reflection: Today’s scripture reminds us that Christ’s sovereignty extends over all creation. As the firstborn of all creation, Jesus holds preeminence in everything, including His authority and power over the universe. His ascension into heaven and seating at the Father's right hand mark the ultimate affirmation of His divine sovereignty.
Receive Your King | Psalm 24 & Luke 24 | The Ascension
The Ascension of Christ is more than a line in a creed—it’s a vital truth that changes how we live today. This message from Psalm 24 explores the purpose and power of Jesus’ Ascension and how His ongoing reign gives us boldness and hope. Join us as we reflect on why Christ’s arrival at the right hand of the Father is good news for every believer.
Devotions: Rich in Wealth, Poor in Spirit
Day 1: Spiritual Temperature Check
Scripture Reading: Matthew 24:12-13
Reflection:
In today's passage, Jesus warns of a cooling in the spiritual fervor of many believers as challenges and lawlessness increase. This prediction aligns with the lukewarm condition condemned in Revelation. Consider your own spiritual fervor: is your faith hot, cold, or lukewarm? How does the state of your heart reflect your relationship with God?
Prayer:
Lord, help me to be aware of my spiritual temperature. Stir in me a fervent, enduring faith that does not cool in the face of trials or grow indifferent with comfort. Amen.
May 5 Sermon: Rich in Wealth, Poor in Soul
There are several words in the English language where a change of just a few letters completely changes things, even if they kind of sound the same. The easiest example that I came up with as I was thinking about this was dessert and desert. They look the same. It's one letter that's different, and if you're like me, you probably have to stop every time you need to spell one of those words and remember which one it is that you're trying to spell and which one has one S and which one has two. But they're completely different things. I don't think a dry, barren wasteland and a tasty part of the meal have anything in common, but they look the same. They even kind of sound the same. And two other words that are similar that come to mind for me are thermostat and thermometer.
Devotions: An Open Door
Day 1: The Sovereign Authority of Christ
Reading: Isaiah 22:22
Meditation: Reflect on how the key of the house of David symbolizes authority and control. Just as Eliakim was granted authority to open and close doors, Christ holds ultimate authority over all aspects of life. Meditate on areas of your life where recognizing Christ’s control could bring peace and trust.
April 28 Sermon: An Open Door
We love underdog stories. They are the types of stories that really draw us in, everything from something in the Bible like David and Goliath to that forever classic the Little Engine that Could. We naturally gravitate towards these types of stories. Now, we're just recently removed from the games of March Madness gracing our television screens, and I'm guessing that most people have similar feelings to mine. As you watch those games, if you aren't a fan of a particular educational institutional basketball program, you find yourself cheering for the team that's the lower seed. We love to see the little school topple the basketball powerhouses.
Devotions: Wake Up
Day 1: Spiritual Complacency and Awakening
Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:1-13
Reflection:
In today's scripture, the foolish virgins thought they were prepared for the bridegroom, but their lack of oil revealed their unpreparedness at the crucial moment. Similarly, the church in Sardis appeared alive but was spiritually dead. Reflect on areas in your life where you might be spiritually complacent. Are you truly prepared for Christ's return, or are you relying on past spiritual experiences?
Prayer:
Lord, awaken my spirit and help me to live in readiness for Your return. Illuminate areas of complacency in my life and empower me to strengthen my commitment to You daily.
April 21 Sermon: Wake Up
External appearances can be deceiving, can't they? I think we can all relatively quickly come up with an idea of something that seemed to be unshakable based upon its appearance, but then ended up not holding up. We wouldn't have too much difficulty, I don't think, brainstorming a few different examples of this. Arguably the most obvious example, and probably the example that is probably running through your mind, is the world-famous ocean liner, the Titanic.
Devotions: Hold Fast
Day 1: The Holiness of Christ
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 4:14-16
Devotional:
Reflect on the majestic description of Jesus in Revelation 2:18, with eyes like flames of fire and feet like burnished bronze. This vision underscores His holiness and purity, emphasizing His authority as our High Priest who understands our weaknesses yet calls us to confidently approach His throne of grace. Consider how Christ's holiness impacts your view of sin and grace in your daily life.
Prayer Focus: Ask God to give you a more profound reverence for Christ’s holiness and to help you live a life that reflects His purity.
April 14 Sermon: Hold Fast
There's been a repetitive theme so far in our time in the book of Revelation. The original audiences of this book, particularly these seven churches that are talked about that, are in Asia. In the second and third chapters of Revelation they are facing coming, tribulation and persecution, and for some of them we've seen that this persecution has already arrived.