Church family,

I pray that your new year is blessed. This past Sunday was a great time to begin the new year with communion, vision, and a reminder in God's word to keep moving onward. I look forward to what God will continue to do at St.James in 2026. The sermon this past Sunday reminded us to examine our faith and search our hearts to ensure we are not stuck in any areas of our faith that would keep us from moving onward with Christ. Jesus wants us to keep pursuing Him as He is constantly pursuing us. 

We looked at the passage in Luke 14:25-35 where Jesus taught the multitudes and answered the question  "How to follow and be a disciple of Christ?"

Jesus emphasizes that following Him is not a casual decision but a profound commitment that demands careful consideration of what one is willing to sacrifice. He uses metaphors of family relationships, a man counting the cost of constructing a building, and a King going to war to convey the seriousness of this journey, urging potential disciples to evaluate their readiness and priorities.

The  passage in Luke emphasizes that Jesus wants us to intentionally plan for discipleship, urging individuals to prioritize their relationship with Jesus above all else and to embrace the transformative journey of faith, mirroring Christ's ultimate sacrifice.

You may feel stuck, but stuck is not your identity.
Stuck is not rebellion.
Stuck is not rejection.
Stuck is the tension before transformation.

You are not stuck because God abandoned you.
You’re stuck because your flesh has been louder than His Spirit.
But God is calling again. Right now.

In the middle of your battle.
In the middle of your questions.

God is not angry.
God is not pacing.
God is not surprised.
God is reaching.

If you take even one step, He will meet you with mercy.
If you whisper even one word, He will flood you with grace.
If you lift your eyes, He will lift your life. So get up.
Cry if you must, crawl if you have to, but move forward.

Keep walking.
Keep repenting.
Keep surrendering.
Keep praying.
Keep going.
And
Keep moving onward!

Pastor Brandon