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 Good morning, Aspen Grove Church family! 11MAR25

I hope this letter finds you well. The last two weeks, we continued building upon the idea of “Being about our Father’s Business,” coming out of the Books of Ruth and 1 Samuel. From the Book of Ruth, we preached a message titled, “Between Moab and a Hard Place’” dealing with the results of working out of the Will of the Father coming from Ruth 1:1-8. We asked 4 Questions: 1—What is Moab; 2-- What would cause us to Moab; 3-- What will cause us to stay in Moab; & 4-- How can we leave Moab? In this life, we need to understand a few things. 1st thing is that when the tests of life come, we need to understand that these tests aren’t meant to break you, but they are to make you into what God sees in you. You wouldn’t make any major decisions about moving or changing jobs without seeking some advice from your spouse or parents, so why would you not seek God’s opinion first about all things in your life? Why would we go somewhere like Moab without making sure that it is God’s will for us to do so. Naomi lost her husband and both sons in Moab, but if they had just stuck it out back in Judah, would they have still been alive? Each of us has some life altering decisions to make on our journey in this world. Why wouldn’t you seek God’s council on the events that transpire in your life? I say… slow down, seek God, then follow His choice by simply “stepping out on Faith!” So, are you on your way to Moab? Considering a move to Moab? If so, did you seek the Will of God first?

This week, we read from the Book of 1 Samuel 15:1-23 and we asked the question, “Are we really ALL IN or not at all?” Three main topics stood out: 1—Be careful what you wish for; 2: Partial Obedience is NO Obedience; & 2—Its ALL or Nothing. We saw how the Israelites wanted a king, just like the rest of the world. One Problem… they had GOD already as their KING. After warning the folks of what their human king would be like, they still wanted a king and GOD granted a king for them. In the beginning, King Saul was a good king, honoring and staying in the will of GOD…BUT his human nature came into play. GOD told Saul to wipe out entirely everything of the Amalekites: the men, women, and children, babies, and ALL the livestock. Saul, however, saved King Agag and the best of the best of the livestock for sacrifices. Saul partially obeyed GOD and he learned the hard way that is just the same as not following any direction and GOD removed HIS anointing from Saul. With GOD, we are either ALL IN or we are all out of HIS Will. Church, today we are at a crossroads, and we are going to have to decide on our obedience or God will. We learned today that an undecided vote is simply saying “No God.” I cannot imagine God saying, “It repenteth Me for…” while speaking of me. As Joshua challenges the Israelites to choose this day who they will serve, that challenge is before us now. Are we ALL in or are we all out? I pray that this encourages you to continue to seek GOD and grow in your FAITH. May GOD bless you! I love you, but more importantly GOD loves you so much more. Have a great day. Sincerely, Pastor Sonny!

 Good morning, Aspen Grove Church family! 

I hope this message finds you well. My name is Sonny R. Williams, Jr., and I am honored to be your new pastor. I believe that God has brought us together so that we can grow and mature spiritually as a community. In these challenging times, especially here in the U.S., there is a noticeable departure from sound biblical teachings, which has led to many issues in our nation. It is my conviction that every believer should be engaged in The Father’s Business. What does that entail? It means sharing the Gospel as outlined in the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 and Acts 1:8. While we cannot save anyone ourselves, however we can share the Gospel with everyone we encounter. God asks us to be faithful and obedient to His calling, and He will take care of the rest. 

This year, we have started teaching the fundamental beliefs of our faith as taught in the Word of God. We began with God’s greatest gift, His Son Jesus Christ. We have also discussed the importance of a strong prayer life and having our own personal prayer Closet—our war room. This past Sunday, we explored the gifts from God: whether to receive them, how to use them, and the cost and reward of our obedience in using these gifts. I am excited about what God has in store for us both individually and as a church. 

Let us strive to be the “light on the hill” for our community, a beacon pointing to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Together, let us use our gifts and talents to strengthen one another and spread the Gospel in our communities and circles of influence.  

Let’s be like Peter, stepping out of our comfort zones and walking by faith on water! Today is a new day and a new opportunity to grow in our faith and be better than we were yesterday. Have a wonderful day, and may God bless you all! 

Your brother In Christ,  

 

Pastor Sonny 

 Subject: A Time of Transition and a Warm Welcome to Pastor Sonny Williams

Dear Church Family,

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

As my time serving as your interim pastor comes to an end, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for each of you. It has been an incredible honor to walk alongside this congregation, to worship together, to share in God’s Word, and to witness His faithfulness in our church.

During this season, I have seen God move in so many ways—through your faith, your prayers, your generosity, and your love for one another. Thank you for allowing me to serve, to teach, and to grow with you. Your support and encouragement have meant more to me than words can express.

As one chapter closes, another begins, and I am excited to welcome Pastor Sonny Williams as he steps into the role of lead pastor. I truly believe that God has called him for such a time as this, and that under his leadership, our church will continue to grow in faith, love, and mission. I encourage each of you to welcome him with open hearts and to pray for him as he begins this new journey with us.

Transitions can bring mixed emotions, but we know that God is always at work, leading us forward in His perfect plan. As Joshua 1:9 (NKJV) reminds us:

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

I may be stepping away from this role, but my love and prayers for this church family remain steadfast. Thank you for allowing me to serve. Thank you for your kindness, your prayers, and your unwavering faith. May God bless you all as you continue His work, and may He guide Pastor Sonny as he leads with wisdom and grace.

With love and gratitude,
Bill Doane
Interim Pastor, Aspen Grove Church

 Dear Church Family,

Grace and peace to you all in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I pray this letter finds you well and that your hearts are full of His love and presence.

As we gather each week to worship, I want to take a moment to reflect on the importance of coming before the Lord with an open heart. Worship is not just about the songs we sing, the prayers we offer, or the sermons we hear—it’s about the posture of our hearts before God.

In Psalm 95:6-7, we are called, “Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for He is our God and we are the people of His pasture, the flock under His care.” This invitation isn’t just about physical posture but about a spiritual one—one of humility, surrender, and openness.

When we enter into worship with open hearts, we allow God to move in us and through us. We lay aside distractions, burdens, and preconceived notions, making room for the Holy Spirit to work. An open heart is a heart that is ready to receive, to be transformed, and to respond to God’s love and grace.

I encourage each of us to prepare our hearts before we come together—through prayer, reflection, and a willingness to be vulnerable before the Lord. Let’s come expecting God to speak, to heal, and to guide. Whether through music, Scripture, or fellowship, God meets us where we are when we come to Him with sincerity and openness.

Let’s be a church that embodies true worship—not just in our gatherings but in our daily lives. As Romans 12:1 urges us, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”

May our worship be a reflection of our love for God and a testament to His goodness. Let’s open our hearts fully to Him and watch as He does immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine.

Blessings and love in Christ,

Bill

Faith Over Fear

Scripture: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)

Devotion:

Fear has a way of creeping into our lives, whether through uncertainty, challenges, or unexpected circumstances. It whispers lies that paralyze us, making us doubt God’s power and our ability to overcome. But as believers, we are reminded in 2 Timothy 1:7 that fear is not from God. Instead, He has given us power, love, and a sound mind.

When Peter walked on water toward Jesus (Matthew 14:29-31), he started strong, but as soon as he focused on the wind and waves, fear overtook him, and he began to sink. The same happens to us when we take our eyes off Christ. Fear distorts our vision and makes us forget who is in control.

But God calls us to stand in faith. The power He gives is not our own—it is His strength working through us. His love casts out fear (1 John 4:18), and with a sound mind, we can rest in the truth of His promises.

No matter what you face today, remember: fear may knock on the door, but faith answers. Trust in God’s power, walk in His love, and hold on to the peace of His presence.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that fear does not come from You. Help me to stand firm in Your power, rest in Your love, and walk in faith with a sound mind. When fear tries to creep in, let me fix my eyes on You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 Dear Beloved Church,

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I write to you today with a message of urgency, love, and reflection. As we examine the state of our hearts and our faith, I ask you to ponder this question: Are you on the Ark of Salvation?

The Ark of Noah: A Foreshadowing of Salvation

In Genesis 6, we read of a world filled with corruption and violence. Amid this darkness, God called Noah to build an ark—a vessel of salvation for him, his family, and the animals that would repopulate the earth. Noah, being a man of faith, obeyed God’s command, and when the floods came, he and his household were saved (Genesis 6:9-22; 7:1).

The ark was not just a wooden structure; it was a symbol of God’s provision and grace. Those who entered the ark were shielded from the judgment that fell upon the earth. Similarly, today, there is an ark of salvation provided for us through Jesus Christ. He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6), and through Him, we are saved from the judgment of sin.

The Call to Enter the Ark

Just as Noah invited others to enter the ark, God’s invitation to salvation remains open today. However, entering requires faith and obedience. Hebrews 11:7 reminds us of Noah’s example: “By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household.”

Jesus Christ is our ark. Through His death and resurrection, He has made a way for us to escape the floodwaters of sin and eternal separation from God. But the question remains: have you entered this ark? Have you placed your trust in Christ as your Savior and Lord?

The Signs of Being on the Ark

How can we know if we are on the ark of salvation? The Bible provides clear indicators:

1. Faith in Christ: Salvation begins with faith. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).

2. A Transformed Life: Those who are on the ark will exhibit a changed heart and life. Ezekiel 36:26 promises, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you.” Are you bearing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)?

3. Obedience to God’s Word: Like Noah, we demonstrate our faith through obedience. Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).

4. A Kingdom Perspective: Philippians 3:20 reminds us that our citizenship is in heaven. Are you living with an eternal perspective, investing in God’s Kingdom rather than the fleeting pursuits of this world?

The Urgency of the Call

Just as the door of Noah’s ark was eventually shut, the time for salvation is not indefinite. Jesus warned us in Matthew 24:37-39 that His return will be like the days of Noah. People were eating, drinking, and going about their lives, unaware until the flood came and took them away.

Beloved, do not delay. If you have not yet entered the ark of salvation, the time to do so is now. If you are already on the ark, share the message of hope with those around you. The invitation is open, but the day of judgment is approaching.

A Call to Action

Let us examine our hearts and lives. Are we truly living as those who are on the ark of salvation? Are we extending the invitation to others with urgency and love? Let us be like Noah, who not only obeyed God but also became a herald of righteousness (2 Peter 2:5).

As we walk in faith, may we cling to the promise of Hebrews 11:7, trusting in God’s provision and walking in His ways. The ark of salvation is secure in Christ, and those who enter will find safety, peace, and eternal life.

With love and prayers,

Bill Doane