Valley Life Church - Yakima

Pastor Jon Verwey 42 “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea.  43 If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out.  [44]  45 And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell.  [46]  47 And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell,  48 where “ ‘the worms that eat them do not die, and the fire is not quenched.’  49 Everyone will be salted with fire.  50 “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other.” — Mark 9:42–50 NIV  Does what I am doing move me toward Jesus or away from Him? Does what I am doing make me more like Jesus or less? Everyone will be salted with fire. v. 49 Being “salted with fire” happens when we offer ourselves to Jesus by submitting to Him and His ways. Then the trials of life become a fire that strengthens, purifies, and preserves us instead of destroying us. …let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. — Galatians 5:16 NLT  But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. — Galatians 5:22–23 NLT  Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other. v. 50b And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another…— Hebrews 10:25 NLT  “The Church is the Church only when it exists for others.” — Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? v. 50a Don’t manage sin—fight it, so that we can be a purified people who bring the life-giving presence of Jesus to the world.

A War Against Sin through the Call to Be Salty 03/01/26 42 “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea.  43 If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out.  [44]  45 And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell.  [46]  47 And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell,  48 where “ ‘the worms that eat them do not die, and the fire is not quenched.’  49 Everyone will be salted with fire.  50 “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other.” — Mark 9:42–50 NIV If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble…  v. 42 …encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. — Hebrews 3:13 NIV theft, hatred, jealousy, envy, sexual immorality, witchcraft, greed, murder, rage, selfish ambition, causing division, lying, drunkenness, orgies, slander, gossip, arrogance and boastfulness, lack of mercy, obscenity and filthy speech… Does what I am doing move me toward Jesus or away from Him? Does what I am doing make me more like Jesus or less? “All sin leads to spiritual ruin and death — and that drastic measures are necessary to fight it.” We can’t just do sin management; we need to fight it aggressively. Everyone will be salted with fire. v. 49 …let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. — Galatians 5:16 NLT But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. — Galatians 5:22–23 NLT Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other. v. 50b And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another…— Hebrews 10:25 NLT “The Church is the Church only when it exists for others.” — Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? v. 50a Don’t manage sin—fight it, so we can be a purified people who bring the life-giving presence of Jesus to the world. How do we fight sin instead of managing it? We start with questions Does what I am doing move me toward Jesus or away from Him? Does what I am doing make me more like Jesus or less? We offer ourselves to Jesus every day. We submit to His authority. We walk in step with the Holy Spirit. Why do we fight sin instead of managing it? So we become “salty” So our lives make people thirsty for Jesus. So our homes, our tables, and our relationships reflect His love and peace.

Pastor Jon Verwey Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. — Ecclesiastes 12:13 NIV  The way of the Kingdom is not striving for greatness through power and control but choosing last place through humility and service. 30 They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, 31 because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.” 32 But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it. 33 They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” 34 But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. — Mark 9:30–34 NIV 35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” 36 He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” — Mark 9:35–37 NIV  “If anyone wants to be first, he must be last… and servant of all.” 38 “Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.” 39 “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, 40 for whoever is not against us is for us.  41 Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward. — Mark 9:38–41 NIV  “…those who face the mess they’ve made of their lives, repent of it, and trust [Jesus] as Lord and Savior [will] receive eternal life — something far beyond anything humanity can manufacture.” — Professor John Lennox The way of the Kingdom is not striving for greatness through power and control but choosing last place through humility and service.

Glorious on the Mountain, Gracious in the Valley 02/15/26 His face shone like the sun … and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. — Matthew 17:2a; Luke 9:29b NIV  2 After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them.  3 His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them.  4 And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.  5 Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”  6 (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)  7 Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” — Mark 9:2–7 NIV  “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” vs. 7b 8 Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. — Mark 9:8 NIV No one lives on the top of the mountain. It’s fine to go there occasionally -for inspiration, for new perspectives. But you have to come down. Life is lived in the valleys. That’s where the farms and gardens and orchards are, and where the plowing and the work is done. That’s where you apply the visions you may have glimpsed from the peaks. —Arthur Gordon Webster. 14 When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. 15 As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. — Mark 9:14–15 NIV  As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder… vs. 15 The stories are connected because the God who we experience on the mountain top is the same God who walks with us in the valley. 16 “What are you arguing with them about?” he asked. 17 A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” 19 “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? — Mark 9:16-19 NIV 22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” — Mark 9:22 NIV  23 “ ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” — Mark 9:22 NIV 24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” — Mark 9:24 NIV 25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. — Mark 9:25-27 NIV …Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. — Mark 9:27 ESV The God we meet in moments of glory on the mountain is the God who walks with us through moments of desperation in the valley.

Pastor Jon Verwey Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? — Mark 8:34-37 NIV “When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die.” — Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship To bind a Roman citizen is a crime;  to flog him is an abomination; to slay him is like killing a relative;  to crucify him is—what?  There is no fitting word that can possibly describe so horrible a deed. Whoever wants to save their life will lose it,  but whoever loses their life for Me and the gospel will save it. v. 35 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? vv. 36-37 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. — 2 Corinthians 5:21 NLT Jesus alone is worthy of our “everything”—because only He can turn it into something good, beautiful, and lasting. As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it.  Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take this and eat it, for this is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many. Do this in remembrance of me as often as you drink it.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. …you should examine yourself before eating the bread and drinking the cup. — 1 Corinthians 11:28 NLT  Have I surrendered my life to Him—given Him my “everything”? Do I believe all that we are remembering and proclaiming in communion?

Pastor David Pietsch Luke 10:38-42 NIV Practice 1: Come Sit Practice 2: Follow Practice 3: Delight

The Question That Defines Our Eternity 01/18/25  Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am?” 28 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” 29 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.” 30 Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him. — Mark 8:27-30 NIV Who do you say I am? v. 29 But what about you?Who do you say I am? v. 29a You are the Messiah v. 29 He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. 32 He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”  — Mark 8:31–33 NIV the Son of Man v. 31 Get behind me, Satan! v. 33 Who do you say I am?

Learning to Live Like It’s True 01/11/26   “If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world.”— C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity We don’t need more signs, more stuff, or more control—we need to stay connected to Jesus and trust that He truly satisfies because He is more than enough. During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, 2 “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. 3 If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance.” 4 His disciples answered, “But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?” 5 “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied. 6 He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. When he had taken the seven loaves and given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people, and they did so. 7 They had a few small fish as well; he gave thanks for them also and told the disciples to distribute them. 8 The people ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 9 About four thousand were present. After he had sent them away, 10 he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the region of Dalmanutha. — Mark 8:1–10 NIV … because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. — Mark 6:34 NIV  “…they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat “ v. 2b “There is a God–shaped vacuum in the heart of each man, which cannot be satisfied by any created thing but only by God the Creator, made known through Jesus Christ.” — Blaise Pascal “I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it’s not the answer.”— Attributed to Jim Carrey (commonly quoted; source uncertain) “Why do I have three Super Bowl rings and still think there’s something greater out there for me?… I think, God, there’s got to be more than this.”— Tom Brady, 60 Minutes interview, 2005 (CBS News with Steve Kroft) 11 The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus. To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven. 12 He sighed deeply and said, “Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to it.” 13 Then he left them, got back into the boat and crossed to the other side. — Mark 8:11–13 NIV …without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. — Hebrews 11:6 NIV  14 The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. 15 “Be careful,” Jesus warned them. “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.” 16 They discussed this with one another and said, “It is because we have no bread.” 17 Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18 Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” “Twelve,” they replied. 20 “And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” They answered, “Seven.” 21 He said to them, “Do you still not understand?” — Mark 8:14–21 NIV They all ate and were satisfied… — Mark 6:42 NIV  …the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. — Mark 6:43 NIV The people ate and were satisfied v. 8a …the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over v. 8b We don’t need more signs, more stuff, or more control—we need to stay connected to Jesus and trust that He truly satisfies because He is more than enough.

Pressing in to Jesus Where Faith Meets Goodness and Freedom The Gospel of Mark

Our Generous God Pastor Jon Verwey The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known.They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard.Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world.— Psalm 19:1–4a NLT  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. — John 1:5 NLT  Then the Lord took Abram outside and said to him, “Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!” — Genesis 15:5 NLT  The light [that] shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it — John 1:5 NLT “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. — John 3:16 NLT  For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given…[who is] Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all… — Isaiah 9:6a & 1 Timothy 2:5b–6 NKJV 

A Perpetual Series of Occasions for HopeTrevor Hutton

A Great Light Has Dawned How Christmas Shines Hope into Our Deepest Darkness

Pastor Joe Hite Psalm 112:4 New Living Translation 4 Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous. Psalm 139:12 NLT but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you. What is the meaning of light? John 1:5 NLT 5 The light shines in the darkness,    and the darkness can never extinguish it. Enter The Light in This broken World Repentance and Pursuit Broken person living in a broken world The Jesus Prayer “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner” Hope In Jesus Future … and in His restored Kingdom.  Today “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”                                                                                                                   John 8:12

Pastor Jon Verwey When we trust our own rules, our way of living, or even our church culture more than God’s Word, Jesus begins to fade from view. The Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus and saw some of his disciples eating food with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed. (The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial washing, holding to the tradition of the elders. When they come from the marketplace they do not eat unless they wash. And they observe many other traditions, such as the washing of cups, pitchers and kettles.) So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, “Why don’t your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with defiled hands?” He replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: “ ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.’ You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.” And he continued, “You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions! For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and, ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.’ 11 But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is Corban (that is, devoted to God)—then you no longer let them do anything for their father or mother. Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that.” — Mark 7:1–13 NIV …“Why don’t your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders… v. 5 Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.’ v. 6-7 You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.” v. 8 You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions! v. 9 For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and, ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.’ But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is Corban (that is, devoted to God)—then you no longer let them do anything for their father or mother. vv. 10-12 Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that.” v. 13 “I know the Bible says forgive… but my situation is unique.” “I don’t need other people—God helps those who help themselves.” “I’m not gossiping—I’m sharing a prayer request.” “I don’t need to give or serve because I’m still ‘working on myself.’” “I don’t need to change my attitude—this is just who I am.” “It’s not stealing—I deserve this, and they won’t miss it.” “I’m not unloving—I’m just being real.” “It’s not really adultery—it’s just emotional connection.” “I didn’t lie—I just didn’t tell the whole story.” “It’s not greed—I’m just being a good steward.” Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. — James 1:22–25 NIV  Jesus knew the Word, Jesus quoted the Word, Jesus taught the Word, Jesus fulfilled the Word. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. — Matthew 5:18 NLT  If you love me, obey my commandments. — John 14:15 NLT And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate… But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.— John 14:16a & 26 NLT The more we trust and live by our own rules, the more Jesus fades from view—but trusting and living by God’s Word reveals Him clearly.

Jesus uncovers the heart’s condition and provides the cure. 11/16/25  A pure heart isn’t achieved through outward effort but received through the transforming grace of Jesus Christ. Then Jesus called to the crowd to come and hear. “All of you listen,” he said, “and try to understand.It’s not what goes into your body that defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart.” — Mark 7:14–15 NLT  He is challenging the crowd’s superficial approach to spirituality and pointing them toward the deeper way to live. Then Jesus went into a house to get away from the crowd, and his disciples asked him what he meant by the parable he had just used. “Don’t you understand either?” he asked. “Can’t you see that the food you put into your body cannot defile you? 19 Food doesn’t go into your heart, but only passes through the stomach and then goes into the sewer.” (By saying this, he declared that every kind of food is acceptable in God’s eyes.)And then he added, “It is what comes from inside that defiles you. — Mark 7:17–20 NLT  Within every human being there is a heart that needs to be made clean, and no external effort will ever scrub away the stains. For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness.All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you.” — Mark 7:20–23 NLT  “You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! — Matthew 5:21-22a NLT You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery. ’But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. — Matthew 5:27-28 NLT It is not just our outward actions that defile us, it is also the inward thoughts, attitudes and motivations of the heart that produce sin and lead to death. (By saying this, he declared that every kind of food is acceptable in God’s eyes.) — Mark 7:19b NLT Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. — Matthew 5:17 NLT  Salvation — We have been saved from the penalty of sin. Sanctification — We are being saved from the power of sin. Glorification — One day we will be saved from the presence of sin. …through the transforming grace of Jesus Christ we can receive forgiveness of our sins and be made clean all the way down to the depths of our soul! If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. — Romans 10:9 NLT …walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. — Galatians 5:16 NIV 

God in our midst, Messiah in our struggle. 11/09/25  45 Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and head across the lake to Bethsaida, while he sent the people home. 46 After telling everyone good-bye, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. 47 Late that night, the disciples were in their boat in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on land. 48 He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. He intended to go past them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the water, they cried out in terror, thinking he was a ghost. 50 They were all terrified when they saw him. But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!” 51 Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped. They were totally amazed, 52 for they still didn’t understand the significance of the miracle of the loaves. Their hearts were too hard to take it in. 53 After they had crossed the lake, they landed at Gennesaret. They brought the boat to shore 54 and climbed out. The people recognized Jesus at once, 55 and they ran throughout the whole area, carrying sick people on mats to wherever they heard he was. 56 Wherever he went—in villages, cities, or the countryside—they brought the sick out to the marketplaces. They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed. — Mark 6:45–56 NLT  [ Note: There is a picture in the Sunday AM Media/Service- Pictures folder called “Man chased by bull into water 01a”.    Don’t show it until I say   “And there is actually a picture to prove it” ] …they still didn’t understand the significance of the miracle of the loaves. Their hearts were too hard to take it in. vv. 51b-52 This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God… — Mark 1:1 NLT  When we truly see Jesus for who He is—God in our midst and Messiah in our struggles—our fear gives way to faith. [Jesus] saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. vv. 48a About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. vv. 48b-49 He intended to go past them, but when they saw him walking on the water, they cried out in terror, thinking he was a ghost. vv. 48b-49 They were all terrified when they saw him. But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!” 51 Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped. vv. 50-51a They were totally amazed, for they still didn’t understand the significance of the miracle of the loaves. Their hearts were too hard to take it in vv. 51-52 “I am here!” v. 50b When we truly see Jesus for who He is—God in our midst and Messiah in our struggles—our fear gives way to faith. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. — Ephesians 1:17–19a NIV 

The Good Shepherd revealed in a miracle of compassion and calling. 11/02/25  “When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd…” — Mark 6:34 (NIV) the Good Shepherd, who gave His life for humanity and now calls His sheep, in the power of the Holy Spirit, to love and care for all people. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. — Mark 6:34a (NIV) “You give them something to eat.” — Mark 6:37a (NIV) They all ate and were satisfied… — Mark 6:42 (NIV) I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign Lord. I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak… — Ezekiel 34:15-16 Then Jesus told the disciples to have the people sit down in groups on the green grass. — Mark 6:39 NLT He makes me lie down in green pastures… — Psalm 23:2a NIV …got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. — Mark 4:39 NIV …leads me beside quiet waters… — Psalm 23:2b NIV When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them…So he began teaching them many things. — Mark 6:34 NIV He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.  — Psalm 23:3b NIV They all ate and were satisfied… — Mark 6:42 NIV The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. — Psalm 23:1 NIV I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. — John 10:11 NIV Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples… — Mark 6:41 NIV  While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples… — Mark 14:22 NIV …You give them something to eat… — Mark 6:37a NIV …Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. — Philippians 2:12b-13 NLT  It means that you acknowledge that you are not enough for the task, but Jesus is.  “That would take more than half a year’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” — Mark 6:37 NIV It means that we offer what little we have to Jesus  How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.” When they found out, they said, “Five—and two fish.” — Mark 6:38 NIV  It means that we do what he tells us to do and then let the Holy Spirit work through us. Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down… Then he gave [the bread and fish] to his disciples to distribute to the people… — Mark 6:39&41b NIV Jesus, the Good Shepherd, gave His life for humanity and now calls His sheep, in the power of the Holy Spirit, to love and care for all people. Are you ready and willing to respond when Jesus says, “You give them something to eat”? Are you willing to move toward the physical and spiritual needs of others, getting close enough to help them in a personal, “I see you” way.

Pastor Jon Verwey Every heart must choose whom it will serve. When self leads your life, unrighteousness follows — but when God leads, righteousness abounds. 14 Herod Antipas, the king, soon heard about Jesus, because everyone was talking about him. Some were saying, “This must be John the Baptist raised from the dead. That is why he can do such miracles.” 15 Others said, “He’s the prophet Elijah.” Still others said, “He’s a prophet like the other great prophets of the past.” 16 When Herod heard about Jesus, he said, “John, the man I beheaded, has come back from the dead.” 17 For Herod had sent soldiers to arrest and imprison John as a favor to Herodias. She had been his brother Philip’s wife, but Herod had married her. 18 John had been telling Herod, “It is against God’s law for you to marry your brother’s wife.” 19 So Herodias bore a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But without Herod’s approval she was powerless, 20 for Herod respected John; and knowing that he was a good and holy man, he protected him. Herod was greatly disturbed whenever he talked with John, but even so, he liked to listen to him. 21 Herodias’s chance finally came on Herod’s birthday. He gave a party for his high government officials, army officers, and the leading citizens of Galilee. 22 Then his daughter, also named Herodias, came in and performed a dance that greatly pleased Herod and his guests. “Ask me for anything you like,” the king said to the girl, “and I will give it to you.” 23 He even vowed, “I will give you whatever you ask, up to half my kingdom!” 24 She went out and asked her mother, “What should I ask for?” Her mother told her, “Ask for the head of John the Baptist!” 25 So the girl hurried back to the king and told him, “I want the head of John the Baptist, right now, on a tray!” 26 Then the king deeply regretted what he had said; but because of the vows he had made in front of his guests, he couldn’t refuse her. 27So he immediately sent an executioner to the prison to cut off John’s head and bring it to him. The soldier beheaded John in the prison, 28 brought his head on a tray, and gave it to the girl, who took it to her mother. 29 When John’s disciples heard what had happened, they came to get his body and buried it in a tomb. — Mark 6:14–29 NLT as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way”… And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness… — Mark 1:2,4a NIV When self leads your life, unrighteousness follows — but when God leads, righteousness abounds. When you’re in charge, you live to please yourself at the expense of others.When God is in charge, you live to please Him, even at the expense of yourself. She had been his brother Philip’s wife, but Herod had married her. — Mark 6:17b NLT When you’re in charge, you live to please yourself at the expense of others and you will rationalize, compromise and cast aside anything to make yourself feel good. And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness… John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. — Mark 1:6 NIV “The essence of sin is the desire to please self rather than God.” ~ A.W. Tozer When God is in charge, you live to please Him, even at the expense of yourself and in that place you experience the greatest pleasure and joy. When “self” sits on the throne, you celebrate yourself.When God sits on the throne, you delight to celebrate Him. …He gave a party for his high government officials, army officers, and the leading citizens of Galilee. — Mark 6:21 NLT When “self” sits on the throne, you celebrate yourself and you will rationalize, compromise and cast aside anything to make yourself look good. And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. — Mark 1:7 NIV The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less. — John 3:29–30 NIV When God sits on the throne, you delight to celebrate Him and your entire life points people to Jesus. When “self” rules your life, your heart’s cry is, “My will be done.”When God rules your life, your heart’s cry is, “Your will be done.” … Herod was greatly disturbed whenever he talked with John, but even so, he liked to listen to him. — Mark 6:20 NLT When “self” rules your life, your heart’s cry is, “My will be done.” and you will rationalize, compromise and cast aside anything to get your way. So John agreed to baptize him. — Matthew 3:15b NLT When God rules your life, your heart’s cry is, ‘Your will be done.’ And in that place of surrender, you find true freedom and purpose — a freedom and purpose worth living for… and worth dying for. When self leads your life, unrighteousness follows — but when God leads, righteousness abounds. Do my choices and actions please God, or just me?    What am I rationalizing, compromising, or casting aside to make myself feel good? Do I crave recognition, or rejoice in giving it to God?    What am I rationalizing, compromising, or casting aside to make myself look good? Do I cling to my will, or surrender to His?    What am I rationalizing, compromising, or casting aside when things don’t go my way?

Confronting Every Heart with the Truth of Jesus. 10/17/25  Jesus left that part of the country and returned with his disciples to Nazareth, his hometown. 2 The next Sabbath he began teaching in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. They asked, “Where did he get all this wisdom and the power to perform such miracles?” 3 Then they scoffed, “He’s just a carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters live right here among us.” They were deeply offended and refused to believe in him. 4 Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family.” 5 And because of their unbelief, he couldn’t do any miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6 And he was amazed at their unbelief. — Mark 6:1–6a NLT  The Gospel of Jesus Christ confronts something in everyone—will you let that offense harden your heart, or lead you to faith? They were deeply offended and refused to believe in him. v. 3 The Gospel of Jesus Christ confronts something in everyone—will you let that offense harden your heart, or lead you to faith? A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. 25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth… — 2 Timothy 2:24–25 NLT  Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. — 1 Peter 3:15 NLT  The Gospel of Jesus Christ confronts something in everyone—will you let that offense harden your heart, or lead you to faith?