This is a place where we share Sabbath reflections, church updates, and encouraging glimpses of what God is doing in our church family.
“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”
2 Peter 3:18 (KJV)
August 22nd, 2026
As we stand on the threshold of new challenges and spiritual growth—much like the Israelites standing "At the Jordan"—it is easy to look at our accomplishments or growth and assume our own strength brought us here. But God’s word in Deuteronomy 9:4–5 offers a grounding reminder:
“Do not say in your heart after the Lord your God has driven them out before you, ‘It is because of my righteousness that the Lord has brought me in to possess this land’... It is not because of your righteousness or the uprightness of your heart... but to perform the word which the Lord swore to your fathers.”
Key Takeaways for Our Faith Walk:
Unmerited Favor: God’s blessings and victories in our lives are not merit badges for our goodness; they are living proof of His unchanging grace and covenant faithfulness.
Dependence Over Self-Reliance: The "giants" or fortified barriers ahead cannot be overcome by human ambition, but only by allowing God to lead as a consuming fire before us.
Humility in Victory: When God grants progress in our lives or church ministry, our response should be deep gratitude rather than spiritual pride.
Let us cross into this new week remembering that we are held not by our merit, but by His mercy and promises!
You can watch the full message here --> At the Jordan - August 22nd, 2026
August 15th, 2026
In the sermon "I Am Doing A Great Work", Pastor Armando Lopez draws lessons from Nehemiah’s rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls to remind us that when God entrusts us with a spiritual mission, we cannot allow worldly distractions or subtle pressure to pull us away.
1. Feel the Weight of Your Sacred Calling
The Truth: Nehemiah was deeply moved and wept when he heard of Jerusalem’s broken walls because he understood the gravity of God's work. Like the operator on the Titanic who was too distracted to heed critical warnings, getting wrapped up in non-essential duties can carry severe consequences.
Personal Reflection: Do I truly feel the eternal weight and responsibility of the work God has given me? How can I ask God to give me a deeper burden for those in my community?
2. Recognize Distractions in Reasonable Masks
The Truth: Nehemiah’s enemies persistent invited him to meet on the plains of Ono under the guise of friendly conversation. Distractions rarely appear as outright rebellion; they often wear reasonable masks or present themselves as competing priorities to divert you from your post.
Personal Reflection: What persistent invitations, noise, or secondary concerns are threatening to pull me away from my spiritual focus this week?
3. Remember God's Name and Reputation
The Truth: Nehemiah refused to leave his post because he knew the work wasn't about his personal legacy, but about God’s honor and light going forth to the world. When we downplay the work God has given us, we shrink the greatness of God in our own minds.
Personal Reflection: Am I viewing my daily service as a reflection of God’s character? How does remembering His greatness restore my focus and purpose?
4. Stay on the Wall and Stand Firm
The Truth: Four times Nehemiah's foes tried to distract him, yet he repeatedly declared, "I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down." Through God's grace, we are empowered to remain vigilant watchmen and repairers of the breach without lowering our standards.
Personal Reflection: What is one concrete action or commitment I can make today to keep building and refuse to step down from the wall?
You can watch the full message here --> "I Am Doing A Great Work" Pastor Armando Lopez | Sabbath, August 15, 2026
August 8th, 2026
1. Shake Off Indifference & Make Special Effort
When we live in spiritual ease or indifference, the enemy leaves us alone because we pose no threat to his kingdom. Real spiritual growth and opposition begin when we decide to move forward. Make a deliberate, "special effort" this week to intentionally pursue God, rather than settling for passive routine.
2. Rise Above Internal and External Discouragements
Just as Nehemiah faced fatigue, criticism, and opposition while rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, you may encounter negative thoughts, exhaustion, or discouragement from outside or even close friends. When doubts arise, refocus your mind away from human limitations and onto God's infinite power.
3. Anchor Yourself in the Three Essentials
To stand firm against spiritual battles, strengthen your routine with the three foundational pillars highlighted in the message:
Daily Prayer: Keep an active connection with God.
Searching the Scriptures: Anchor your mind in His word daily.
Sharing Your Faith: Reach out to help and encourage someone else in their journey.
4. Remember Who Fights for You
When facing intimidating tasks or challenges this week, carry Nehemiah’s reminder with you: "Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren..." (Nehemiah 4:14). You do not fight in your own strength—the Lord goes before you
“ do not just let yourself go... wake up, do something, resist, and take hold of God's strength this week.”
You can watch the full message here --> "No Special Effort to Resist"
July 25th, 2026
No matter what challenges, uncertainties, or heavy burdens you are carrying today, Scripture offers a grounding truth: God’s peace is never dependent on your external circumstances [17:14].
The Truth: Writing from a prison cell Paul writes "Rejoice in the Lord always". Biblical joy isn't a passive reaction when everything goes right—it is a continuous, habitual focus on Christ’s ultimate victory.
Personal Reflection:
What external situations or worries currently dictate my mood or peace of mind? How can I shift my focus from my present struggle to God's permanent promises today?
The Truth: When anxiety strikes, God invites us to release every burden through prayer and supplication. Instead of holding vague worries, bring your exact, specific concerns to Him —accompanied by thanksgiving for His faithful presence.
Personal Reflection:
What is the specific issue causing me the most anxiety right now? Have I named it directly in prayer, and what is one past blessing I can thank God for while I wait for His answer?
The Truth: Worldly logic says you can only rest once the storm has passed. However, God promises a supernatural peace that guards your heart and mind while the storm is still raging around you. Just as Jesus rested calmly in the boat during the storm on Galilee you can rest in His control.
Personal Reflection:
Am I waiting for my circumstances to clear up before I allow myself to feel at peace? How can I practice trusting that Jesus is in the boat with me right now?
The Truth: Paul instructs us to intentionally fill our minds with what is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy. Fixating on uncertainties fuels fear, but fixing our minds on God’s sovereignty restores quiet confidence.
Personal Reflection:
What daily inputs or thought patterns are fueling my worry ratherthan my faith? What is one true and praiseworthy promise from God I can dwell on today instead?
You can watch the full message here --> "Be Anxious for Nothing"