This phrase has been called the last words of a dying Church.

When a community of people, especially Christian people, loses sight of their mission and begins to focus on the past, their days are numbered. The people of God must be focused on the goal of making more and better disciples, and sometimes, that means doing things differently than before.

This year, the Church community I lead is making adjustments to several of our activities. We have added a Parent and Child Dedication Day to the list of annual events for our people. We have also adjusted our procedures for handling children when we close our worship program with a baptism. One major change is the closing night of our VBS program. We are planning “connect groups” in addition to our growth groups this fall. There will be a “Back-to-School Sunday,” a Fall “Chill and Grill,” and some other fun event for late fall.

All these changes have been made after much discussion, prayer, and analysis of past events. If our community is going to continue reaching people for Jesus and helping them grow into mature believers, then some aspects of the past will need to cease, and others will require change to improve them.

I recognize that these adjustments will make several people unhappy, lead them to question my leadership, and possibly result in some people leaving. As a pastor, I absolutely hate that, but we will continue to push forward and make changes, despite some people’s reactions.

The road to the future is paved with new ideas and activities, along with a whole list of things we have never done that way before.

“You let me down.”

“I value our relationship, and I’d love to find a way to rebuild that trust.”

Both address the same issue, but they create entirely different conversations. The first focuses on blame and past hurt. The second acknowledges the relationship’s importance while opening the door to solutions.

Most relationship conflicts stem from how we communicate, not what we’re trying to say. The message matters, but the delivery often determines whether we move toward resolution or deeper division.

Consider someone you’re currently at odds with. Instead of focusing on what went wrong, try reframing your approach around what you want to build together. Ask yourself: “How can I express this in a way that invites collaboration rather than creates defensiveness?”

Chances are, they want the same positive outcome you do. The breakthrough might simply be in how you both choose to present your perspectives.

Someone may own a nice leather Bible and not read a word of it.

Someone can take notes on every sermon they hear and not do anything the preacher says.

Someone can attend a Sunday worship program and never actually worship God.

Someone can be a member of a Church and not be growing spiritually.

All of those things are excellent tools that can be used to become more like Jesus, but one does not guarantee the other. Someone can have the best tools and be a part of a fantastic Church and still be a spiritual infant.

The only thing I know that is required for someone to become a mature believer is desire. If you desire to follow Jesus more closely, nothing can hold you back. If you don’t desire a close relationship with Jesus, even the best tools can’t help you.

Last week, I joined my family for a fishing trip that taught me something unexpected about faith. As evening approached each day, someone would inevitably announce, “One more cast, and then I’m calling it a day.”

Of course, “one more cast” was never actually one more cast. It usually meant four or five additional attempts, each one carrying the hope that this might be the one that would succeed. We weren’t quite ready to pack up our gear and head home.

This experience reminded me of Jesus’ words to his first disciples: “Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people” (Matthew 4:19). When we truly follow Christ, our lives transform in two profound ways. First, our own actions and character change. Second, we naturally begin sharing Christ’s message with our family, friends, and neighbors. We become instruments in God’s work of drawing people into His kingdom.

What if we approached evangelism with the same persistence as those evening fishing sessions? What if we adopted the mindset of anglers who refuse to give up easily? What if we maintained the kind of determination that keeps us casting our line until the very last moment of opportunity?

The best fishermen understand that persistence often makes the difference between going home empty-handed and landing the catch of a lifetime. Whether we’re fishing for bass or fishing for souls, the principle remains the same: never give up too soon.

Sometimes our prayers being answered results in nothing happening.

I can’t tell you how many times I have prayed for someone to have safe travels, a medical test to come back negative, or comfort during a time of loss. Then I was given exactly what I prayed for.

The power of God can manifest itself in supernatural ways, but it can also prevent life from spinning out of control by giving us an uneventful day.

As fireworks light up the night sky and we celebrate the birth of our nation, the Fourth of July offers us more than a chance to celebrate; it also provides a moment to reflect on the deeper meaning of freedom.

Galatians 5:1 reminds us, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” While we give thanks for the political and personal liberties we enjoy in this country, Christians are called to rejoice even more in the spiritual freedom we have through Jesus. Freedom from sin, shame, fear, and condemnation is the true independence our souls long for.

As you gather with friends and family today, thank God not only for your earthly country but also for your eternal citizenship in heaven. May every sparkle in the sky remind you of grace, the ultimate gift of freedom that transforms lives and sets souls truly free.

These are more than kind words or polite gestures. They are spiritual lifelines. When we choose to stand beside one another in love, we become the body of Christ in action.

Encouragement can be as simple as a text, a note, or a quiet moment of empathy. Support might look like a meal, a ride, or simply showing up to lend a hand. These acts can take the shape of prayer, listening ears, helping hands, and hopeful words. No matter how small these may seem, they can breathe hope into a weary soul.

As followers of Jesus, we are not meant to go it alone. God designed us for community so that we can lift, strengthen, and carry one another through whatever comes.

Today marks the birthday of the person who has been my greatest champion and most faithful encourager. My gratitude runs deep for their presence in my life, particularly for the countless ways they have helped shoulder my burdens throughout the years.

I hope you are blessed with such a person in your life. Even more, I hope you embody this kind of love for someone else.

Let’s be people of support. Let’s be people of encouragement. Let’s be the Church.

Home Depot’s motto from 2003 to 2009 was simple but powerful: “You can do it, we can help.”

That phrase has always struck me as ideally suited for the church as well.

The Christian life isn’t something you have to navigate alone. Through Christ’s work and the power of the Holy Spirit, you have the ability to live faithfully and purposefully.

And the church? We’re fellow travelers ready to walk alongside you, offering encouragement, support, and community for the journey ahead.

Sometimes, the best expressions of faith come from the most unexpected places.

Lately, I have been reading through the book of Proverbs as part of my Bible reading plan. There are many powerful statements, but here are a few that are worth pondering, which may not be familiar to you.

Proverbs 3:27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.

Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

Proverbs 9:8-9 Do not rebuke mockers, or they will hate you; rebuke the wise, and they will love you. (9) Instruct the wise, and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous, and they will add to their learning.

Proverbs 11:4 Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.

Proverbs 13:3 Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.

Proverbs 13:20 Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.

Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.

Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 16:9 In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.

Proverbs 17:28 Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.

Proverbs 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Proverbs 19:21 Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.

Proverbs 24:16 for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.

Proverbs 28:13 Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

I’ve spent my life among followers of Jesus. And here’s what I’ve seen: they struggle. They lie. They battle temptation. They wrestle with anger, pride, anxiety, and judgment. At times, they can be unkind and unloving. It’s all true.

But that’s precisely why they follow Jesus, not because they are perfect, but because they know they are not. They are people who know they need grace, forgiveness, and transformation.

If someone were truly “good” on their own, they wouldn’t need a Savior.

But broken people? We need everything Jesus offers.