October 6, 2026
Dear fellow redeemed,
How often do you…? And you fill in the blank. We all have activities, chores, responsibilities that we do on a regular basis: eating meals, brushing teeth, cleaning the house, paying bills, maintenance on our vehicles, mowing the lawn, talking with family and friends, etc. And no doubt we each have our own schedule for each of them.
So where does reading the Bible, prayer, worship services, participation with our congregation, talking with others about God, service to people in need, come into your regular schedule? Again, each of us has thoughts and opinions on each of these things.
I’m not wanting to change your “schedule” of any of these activities. Rather, I’d like us to appreciate the fact that each of the items in that second paragraph are worthy of consideration and participation, just as much as it is important to have a regular diet, and to mow the lawn when it is needed.
In other words, our spiritual lives and participation as the Body of Christ is an important part of our lives! We have a body and soul. We live in a physical and spiritual world. And God is present and involved in a breakfast of eggs and bacon, as much as He is present and working in the Lord’s Supper.
The Scripture readings for this upcoming Sunday gives an invitation to a banquet at a wedding. And they include the promise of the Lord preparing a table before us in times of facing enemies, and a call for us to rejoice always, and to go to God in prayer in every circumstance. In other words, whatever and wherever we are, God is there and He is wanting to be included. And indeed our Creator, Savior and Lord has much to offer in all circumstances.
So I’m not going to tell you how often to go to church, or to pray, or to do an activity of service to God and your neighbor. But this I know: God is with you whatever you are doing, and wherever you are! I’m thinking we may as well acknowledge, worship and serve the God who is with you and me always!
A fellow child of God,
– Pastor Steve
Pastor Steve’s 2-Minute Devotion – 10/7/26
Pastor’s Monthly Update – October 2026
Dear fellow redeemed,
A while ago, I asked you in a sermon, “Why are you here? Why a member and/or participant at Redeemer congregation? I’d like to follow up with a few more words about our participation here, and as Christians.
I suppose we each have our own reasons for being with us on Sunday mornings, and whatever else we may do on behalf of Redeemer Church. And I suppose there are many reasons that people are not active in a church.
Here’s a truth that we all can agree on: there are many who are not with us at Redeemer, or at any church. The percentage of people who are participating at churches, and who are claiming to have faith in God, are down. Our own history at Redeemer is one of many congregations with evidence of this truth.
So what should we do in response to that discouraging news? Do we just remember the “good ‘ole days”, grieve, complain? In a book that our council is reading, we have learned that “listening” is very important. Listening to one another, to our family and friends, neighbors and community.
I’d like to ask each of us to see what we can learn from those who are both active with us at Redeemer (or another church), and from those who are not with us at Redeemer or at another church. I’m sure that we can learn much from one another. No, I’m not thinking that we will learn just exactly what needs to be done to get more people back into church. That’s not the point: people need to be heard. Listening is one way that we can serve God and one another.
Which leads to the best reason for any of us to be here at Redeemer, and to be a Christian. In response to what God has told us and done for us. As the Heavenly Father told us at Jesus’ transfiguration, “Listen to Him.” And as we listen to God, we will learn of His love and mercy for all people. He now asks us to love one another. And that doesn’t mean that we need to bring them into the church to love them. We can love people wherever they are and whatever they are doing.
I look forward to joining you as we listen to one another, and as we live in response to the Good News of the God who loves us all! May we now share that love with one another.
With you in God’s grace,
– Pastor Steve
