JESUS- Our Beacon of Hope

May 13, 2026

Leadership Notes

     Warm weather is soon upon us. Time to buy flowers and plants. Are you ready? I know I am. And no complaining about the heat. At least, if you feel like complaining, keep it to yourself. That’s my pastoral advice.

     As we near the end of the school year, there’s excitement for young people as summer awaits. Other vistas open for college students and graduates.

     Last weekend, our little corner of God’s good earth was buzzing with two eventful college graduations.

     One, the final graduating class at Sienna Heights University, featured actor Bill Murray as the commencement speaker. From what I understand, he was an absolute delight. He was a gentleman and a scholar. What a treat for all.

     Second, Erika Kirk was the Hillsdale College commencement speaker. Again, considering the conservative bona fides of Hillsdale College, her words were appropriate for the audience. Thinking about Erika Kirk, and how she’s not retreating from the public eye, I’m reminded of the Apostle Paul when he said, “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” Also, when he wrote in Romans 8:31-39:

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can

be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up

for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all

things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God

who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who

died - more than that, who was raised - who is at the right hand

of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us

from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or

persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is

written,

“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;    

we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him

who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels

nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor

height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to

separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

     Our broken, confused culture needs to hear of such courage from faithful followers of Jesus Christ. Amen? Life is full of unknowns. Like the seasons and the weather and school transitions, everything everywhere is in flux. Only one thing is constant and steady – the love of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. He is our beacon of hope. Jesus is our cause and effect of all things good. He is the only One we can count on in life. Another Amen?

     As we move through new chapters in our lives, may we give thanks to God for what has been, and look forward to what will be.

     And now, your Moment of Spurgeon:

“For cruel words return warmer love and increased kindness. The

most renowned weapon for a Christian to fight his antagonists

with is that of overcoming evil with good.”

With Much Love and Affection,

               Richard