From The Pastor, June 14, 2026
A Christian's Hope When a Friend Has Passed Away
Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:13–14 (KJV)
"But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him."
The loss of a friend brings real sorrow. Jesus Himself wept at the tomb of Lazarus (John 11:35). The Bible does not tell us not to grieve, but it teaches us to grieve with hope. For the child of God, death is not the end—it is the doorway into the presence of the Lord.
I. We Have the Comfort of God's Presence
Psalm 34:18 (KJV)
"The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit."
When a friend passes away, there is an empty place in our hearts. Yet God draws especially near during times of sorrow. He understands our pain and walks with us through the valley of grief.
Application: When words fail and tears flow, remember that God has not left you alone. His presence is closest when your heart is hurting.
II. We Have the Confidence of God's Promises
John 14:1–3 (KJV)
"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me."
Jesus promised that He was preparing a place for His people and that one day He would receive them unto Himself. Death cannot cancel the promises of God.
For the believer, our separation from a Christian friend is temporary. The Lord keeps every promise He makes.
Application: Rest your heart on what God has said rather than on what you feel. Feelings change, but God's promises remain sure.
III. We Have the Hope of a Glorious Reunion
1 Corinthians 15:52–53 (KJV)
"For the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible..."
The grave is not the final chapter for the believer. Because Jesus rose from the dead, those who die in Christ will also be raised. One day there will be no more goodbyes, no more funerals, and no more tears.
Revelation 21:4 (KJV)
"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying..."
Application: If your friend knew Christ as Savior, rejoice that they are with the Lord, and look forward to the day when all God's children will be together again.
Conclusion
A friend may be gone from our sight, but they are never beyond God's care. In times of loss, remember:
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God is present in our sorrow.
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God's promises never fail.
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God has prepared a glorious reunion for His children.
Closing Thought
2 Corinthians 5:8 (KJV)
"We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord."
For the saved, death is not goodbye forever—it is simply "see you later" until we meet again in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Happy In His Service,
Pastor Scott Harvey
From The Pastor, June 5, 2026
A Thought from the Book Of Ezekiel
1. God’s Glory
One of the greatest themes is the glory of God.
Ezekiel begins with a powerful vision of God’s glory:
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The living creatures
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The wheels within wheels
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The throne of God
Ezekiel 1:28 (KJV)
“This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD.”
The book teaches that God is holy, sovereign, and worthy of reverence.
2. Judgment on Sin
Ezekiel warned Israel that judgment was coming because of:
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Idolatry
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Rebellion
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False worship
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Moral corruption
Ezekiel 18:4 (KJV)
“…the soul that sinneth, it shall die.”
God also judged surrounding nations that opposed His people.
3. The Watchman
God called Ezekiel to be a watchman.
Ezekiel 3:17 (KJV)
“Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel…”
A watchman warns people of danger. Ezekiel’s duty was to faithfully deliver God’s message whether people listened or not.
4. Personal Responsibility
Ezekiel 18:20 (KJV)
“The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father…”
This chapter teaches repentance and personal responsibility.
5. Restoration and Hope
Though much of Ezekiel speaks of judgment, the final section brings hope.
God promises:
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Israel’s restoration
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Spiritual renewal
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A new heart
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Future blessings
Ezekiel 36:26 (KJV)
“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you…”
Visions in Ezekiel
The Wheel Within a Wheel
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God’s power
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God’s omnipresence
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Heavenly glory
The Valley of Dry Bones
Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live.”
This vision symbolized:
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Spiritual revival
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National restoration of Israel
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God bringing life to what was dead
The Future Temple. The final chapters (40–48) describe a future temple and restored worship.
Happy In His Service,
Pastor Scott Harvey
From The Pastor, May 27, 2026
Great Is His Faithfulness
Lamentations 3:22–23 (KJV)
"It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”
I. God’s Mercy Preserves Us
“It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed…”
God reminds us that life itself is an act of mercy. The prophet is speaking in the middle of sorrow and national judgment, yet he recognizes a foundational truth: if God dealt with us strictly according to our sins, none of us would stand.
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We do not receive what we fully deserve (judgment).
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Instead, we receive what we do not deserve (mercy).
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Every heartbeat, breath, and new day is evidence that God is holding back full judgment.
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Even in difficult seasons, the fact that we are still here is proof that God is sustaining us by His mercy. It is not luck, chance, or human strength—it is the Lord’s preserving hand.
Psalm 103:10 (KJV)
“He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.”
God’s Compassion Never Fails
“…because his compassions fail not.”
Human compassion has limits. People grow tired, frustrated, or overwhelmed. Even the most loving person can reach the end of their emotional capacity. But God is not like man.
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His compassion does not run out
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His patience does not wear thin
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His love does not decrease with time or failure
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Even when Israel was under discipline, God did not stop loving them. His correction was proof of His care, not the absence of it.
God’s compassion means He is moved by our weakness, aware of our struggles, and present in our pain.
Psalm 86:15 (KJV)
“But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.”
III. God’s Mercy Is Renewed Daily
"They are new every morning…”
God does not give us one supply of grace to last forever. Instead, He provides fresh mercy for each new day. Yesterday’s grace was enough for yesterday’s battles—but today requires fresh strength.
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Every morning is a reset of God’s mercy toward His people
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New challenges come with new grace
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God never recycles old mercy—He renews it
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This means no day is faced alone and no day is faced under-resourced. God meets us daily, not occasionally.
Matthew 6:11 (KJV)
“Give us this day our daily bread.”
Just as Israel received manna daily in the wilderness, believers receive daily mercy for life’s journey.
IV. God’s Faithfulness Is Great
“Geat is thy faithfulness.”
This is the declaration that anchors the entire passage. The prophet does not say “good is thy faithfulness” or “occasional is thy faithfulness,” but great.
God’s faithfulness means:
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He keeps every promise He has made
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He does not abandon His people in hardship
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He remains consistent even when we are inconsistent
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The greatness of His faithfulness is seen in contrast to human weakness. We fail, forget, and fall short—but God remains steady.
Deuteronomy 7:9 (KJV)
“Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy…”
Even when life feels unstable, God’s character is not shaken.
V. The Proper Response Is Trust and Worship
Hebrews 13:8 (KJV)
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”
When we understand God’s mercy and faithfulness, it produces a response in us:
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Trust – We rely on Him instead of our understanding
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Gratitude – We thank Him daily for His mercy
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Worship – We praise Him not only in blessings, but in trials
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Endurance – We keep going because He keeps sustaining us
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Faith is not ignoring hardship; it is choosing to believe that God is faithful in the middle of it.
Even when circumstances change, God does not. That truth becomes the anchor of the believer’s soul.
Closing Thought
Life may change from day to day, but God does not. His mercy is your covering, His compassion is your comfort, and His faithfulness is your foundation.
Every sunrise is a sermon:
God is still faithful.
Happy In His Service,
Pastor Scott Harvey
From the Pastor, May 24, 2026
“Remember the Cost of Freedom”
Text: John 15:13 (KJV)
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
1. We Are Called to Remember Sacrifice
Memorial Day is not just about celebration—it is about remembrance.
God repeatedly calls His people to remember:
“And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee…” (Deuteronomy 8:2)
We remember those who gave their lives so others could live in freedom. Their sacrifice should never be forgotten or taken lightly.
2. We Are Blessed Because of Their Cost
Freedom is never free.
Just as many soldiers paid the ultimate price for national liberty, Scripture reminds us that liberty always comes at a cost:
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free…” (Galatians 5:1)
Our freedoms—both spiritual and national—are gifts we did not earn, but were purchased through sacrifice.
3. We Are Responsible to Live Worthy
Remembering should lead to responsibility.
“Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ…” (Philippians 1:27)
We honor the fallen not only with words, but with how we live. A careless life dishonors a costly sacrifice. A faithful life honors it.
Conclusion: The Greatest Memorial
While we honor those who gave their lives for our country, we also remember the greatest sacrifice of all—Jesus Christ.
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
Earthly soldiers gave their lives for freedom. Christ gave His life for eternal salvation.
Closing Prayer
“Lord, we thank You for those who laid down their lives for our freedom. Help us never forget their sacrifice. Teach us to live in a way that honors them, and above all, to honor You, who gave Your life for our salvation. Amen.”
Happy In His Service
Pastor Scott Harvey
From the Pastor, May 16, 2026
God Himself Is Always Faithful
Lamentations 3:22–23 (KJV)
“It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”
There are many things in life that change. People change. Circumstances change. Feelings change. But God never changes. His character remains the same from generation to generation. One of the greatest truths in all the Bible is this: God Himself is always faithful.
When we are weak, He is faithful.
When we fail, He is faithful.
When we do not understand His ways, He is still faithful.
Faithfulness is not merely something God does—it is who He is. He cannot deny Himself. He cannot lie. He cannot break His promises. The child of God can rest in the unchanging faithfulness of the Lord.
2 Timothy 2:13 (KJV)
“If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.”
Sometimes we pray and do not immediately see answers. Sometimes trials linger longer than expected. Sometimes burdens become heavy. Yet even in silence, God is working faithfully behind the scenes. Joseph learned this in prison. Daniel learned this in the lion’s den. Paul learned this in chains. The storm may rage, but the Lord remains steady.
God was faithful to Noah through the flood.
God was faithful to Abraham in old age.
God was faithful to Israel in the wilderness.
God was faithful to David after failure.
God was faithful to Peter after denial.
And He will be faithful to you.
Deuteronomy 7:9 (KJV)
“Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;”
The cross itself is proof of His faithfulness. God promised a Redeemer in the Garden of Eden, and in the fullness of time He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for sinners and rise again. Every promise concerning salvation was fulfilled perfectly.
Because God is faithful:
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You can trust His Word.
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You can lean on Him in trouble.
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You can pray with confidence.
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You can stand when others fall.
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You can face tomorrow without fear.
Hebrews 10:23 (KJV)
“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)”
Today, remember that your security is not in your strength, but in His faithfulness. The same God who carried you yesterday will sustain you today and guide you tomorrow.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for always being faithful. When my heart is troubled and my faith feels weak, help me remember that You never fail. Teach me to trust Your promises, rest in Your mercy, and walk closely with You each day. Thank You for Your compassion that is new every morning. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Happy In His Service,
Pastor Scott Harvey
From The Pastor, May 8, 2026
Godly Mothers
Proverbs 31:28 (KJV)
“Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.”
A godly mother is one of God’s greatest gifts to a home. She is not perfect in herself, but she is anchored in a perfect God. Scripture gives us a clear picture of what a mother shaped by faith looks like.
1. A Mother Who Fears the Lord
Proverbs 31:30 (KJV)
“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.”
The foundation of a godly mother is not talent, beauty, or education—it is the fear of the Lord. That means she reverences God, honors His Word, and seeks to obey Him even in the small things.
A godly home is not built on perfection, but on reverence.
2. A Mother Who Teaches the Word
2 Timothy 1:5 (KJV)
“When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice…”
Timothy’s faith didn’t begin in a synagogue or school—it began at home. His mother Eunice and grandmother Lois planted the Word in him.
A godly mother understands:
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Faith is not just spoken—it is taught
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The Bible is not just read—it is lived out daily
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Children learn more from example than instruction
3. A Mother Who Prays
1 Samuel 1:27 (KJV)
“For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition…”
Hannah shows us the power of a praying mother. Before Samuel ever became a prophet, he was first carried in prayer.
Some of the greatest men and women God ever used were first covered by a mother’s prayers:
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Prayers in the midnight hour
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Prayers at the kitchen table
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Prayers whispered through tears
God hears a mother who prays in faith.
4. A Mother Who Labors in Love
Proverbs 31:17 (KJV)
“She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.”
A godly mother is not idle. She labors—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—for her home.
She:
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Sacrifices without always being noticed
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Gives without always being thanked
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Loves without always being understood
Yet heaven records her faithfulness.
5. A Mother Who Leaves a Legacy
Psalm 78:4 (KJV)
“We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD…”
A godly mother understands she is building more than a home—she is shaping a legacy.
What she deposits in her children will outlive her:
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Faith over fear
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Prayer over panic
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Truth over trends
Closing Thought
A godly mother may not always be seen by the world, but she is always seen by God.
Isaiah 66:13 (KJV)
“As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you…”
God Himself compares His comfort to that of a mother—gentle, strong, steady, and personal.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for godly mothers. Strengthen every mother who is weary, encourage every mother who is praying, and bless every mother who is laboring in love. Let their homes be filled with Your peace and their children rise up to call them blessed. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Happy In His Service,
Pastor Scott Harvey
From The Pastor, April 30, 2026
A Beautiful Testimony
Scripture:
Psalm 66:16 – “Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.”
1. A Testimony Is Personal
A beautiful testimony isn’t just a story—it’s your story.
Nobody else can tell:
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How God found you
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How He kept you
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How He brought you through
The writer in Psalms didn’t say, “Let me tell what I heard”—he said, “what He hath done for my soul.”
That’s where the beauty lies—it’s real.
2. A Testimony Comes Through Trials
Beauty is often born out of brokenness.
Psalm 34:19 – “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.”
Your testimony may include:
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Storms you didn’t think you’d survive
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Prayers that felt unanswered
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Valleys that seemed too deep
But God doesn’t waste pain—He turns it into a message.
What tried to break you became what God used to build you.
3. A Testimony Glorifies God
A beautiful testimony doesn’t lift up the person—it lifts up the Savior.
Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light so shine before men…”
When you share your testimony:
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It points others to God’s power
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It shows His mercy is still working
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It reminds people He is no respecter of persons
Your story becomes someone else’s hope.
4. A Testimony Has Power
Never underestimate what your testimony can do.
Revelation 12:11 – “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony…”
Your testimony can:
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Break chains
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Encourage the weary
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Strengthen the weak
The enemy fears a believer who isn’t ashamed of what God has done.
5. A Beautiful Testimony Is Still Being Written
You’re not finished yet.
God is still:
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Adding chapters
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Writing victories
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Bringing new breakthroughs
Philippians 1:6 – “He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it…”
What God started, He will complete.
Closing Thought
A beautiful testimony isn’t about perfection—it’s about transformation.
It says:
“I was lost—but now I’m found.”
“I was broken—but now I’m healed.”
“I was bound—but now I’m free.”
Happy In His Service,
Pastor Scott Harvey
From the Pastor, April 14, 2026
KEEPING THE FAITH
2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”
Firstly. Faith Must Be Fought For
Paul said, “I have fought a good fight…”
Faith is not passive—it is a battle.
Every day you will face:
• Doubt
• Discouragement
• Distraction
The world pulls you away, the flesh weakens you, and the enemy opposes you.
But faith stands firm anyway.
You don’t keep the faith by accident—you keep it on purpose.
Secondly. Faith Must Be Followed Through
“I have finished my course…”
It’s not how you start—it’s how you finish.
Many begin with excitement but fall away under pressure.
Hebrews 12:1 (KJV)
“…let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”
God has given you a course—stay in your lane and don’t quit.
A strong finish requires steady faith.
Lastly. Faith Must Be Guarded
“I have kept the faith.”
That word kept means to guard, protect, and hold onto.
1 Timothy 6:12 (KJV)
“Fight the good fight of faith…”
Don’t let:
• Compromise steal it
• Sin weaken it
• The world replace it
If you don’t guard your faith, the world will gladly take it.
Some folks treat faith like a spare tire—only pull it out when they’re in trouble.
God didn’t give you faith to sit in the trunk—He gave it to carry you down the road!
Practical Application
• Stay in your Bible daily
• Keep a strong prayer life
• Be faithful to church
• Surround yourself with godly influences
• Keep your eyes on Jesus—not circumstances
Closing Thought
At the end of your life, nothing else will matter but this—
Did you keep the faith?
Fight for it.
Finish your course.
Guard it with everything you’ve got.
Happy In His Service
Pastor Scott Harvey
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