Good day Aspen Grove Church Family,

                I pray this finds you well. It’s hard to believe but April has flown right by. On April5, we preached a message titled, “So now what are you going to do with Jesus?” coming primarily out of the Book of Luke 24:1-12. When we think of Easter, or as I like to call it, “Resurrection Sunday,” we celebrate what is arguably the most important event in all of human history: Jesus rising from the dead. All of Christianity and all eternity hinges on the truth of the resurrection. If Jesus did not rise from the dead, then our faith is lacking in meaning and is just another interesting philosophy. But if the resurrection is true, then it is the clearest proof that Jesus is exactly who he claimed to be – the Son of God and the Savior of the world. All of the evidence points to the truth of the resurrection, and the result is changed lives. The Pharisees and Roman authorities tried to squash the movement that was Jesus by trying Jesus in an unlawful court, finding Him guilty, beat Him severely, made Him carry His cross to Golgotha, and nailed Him to it. What they didn’t realize was that it was all apart of GOD’s plans to redeem mankind through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. While on the Cross, Jesus became sin, all of mankind’s sin. It’s what Jesus did for you, and for me, some 2,000 yrs ago. Jesus, the Cross, and the Empty Tomb are not just a person, or a place, or events… they are eternal realities that demand a response. A Response that carries eternal consequences. So, let’s look at what they mean to us today. The Cross means that our sin was paid in full. Jesus demonstrated that true Faith would overcome all circumstances. By Jesus going to the Cross, it means for us today that our sin debt was canceled, & the Wrath of GOD was satisfied completely. The Empty Tomb means that Death was defeated. If the Cross paid for sin, the Empty Tomb proves the payment was accepted. The Empty Tomb is showing Heaven’s receipt that says: “Payment accepted!” Because our sin-debt has been paid in full, and the wrath of GOD was satisfied  by the proof of the Empty Tomb, means that we start living life and live it more abundantly because you have been paid for in full by the KING of kings, and the LORD of lords! JESUS, THE CROSS, AND TOMB DEMAND A DECISION, and we can’t stay neutral about it! We all will have to answer this question: “What you going to do with Jesus?” Don’t just admire the Cross… run to it. Don’t just celebrate the Empty Tomb… but live in its power. Because the same Jesus who died… is alive!

                On April 12, we preached a message titled, “Time to destroy those idols!” and we came from the Book of Exodus 20:1-6. The opening part of The Ten Commandments and the very first one is clear, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Not beside Him. Not ahead of Him. No other gods… period. But here’s the truth… most people in church today don’t bow to statues, but we still have idols. Idols don’t sit on shelves anymore. No, they sit on thrones in our hearts. The reason for this is simple: Idols Are Deceptive (They Don’t Look Like Idols). Simply put, an idol is anything you love, trust, or prioritize above God. Idols aren’t always obvious. They don’t come labeled as “False gods.” Sometimes they come in the form of success, relationships, money, some sporting events, cell phones, etc.  To be transparent here, the devil doesn’t need to make you worship something evil. In fact, he doesn’t even mind you going to church, or reading your Bible, just as long as you don’t apply it to your life! He just wants you to focus on a false idol… not GOD. You see, our idols are demanding, meaning they take more than they give. They demand your time, your attention, your devotion, and in return… they leave you empty. Here are some Signs Something Has Become an Idol to you: You think about it constantly, You run to it instead of God, You fear losing it more than displeasing God. Idols will always overpromise and underdeliver, which leads us to our last point… Idols Must Be Destroyed, and Not Compromised. God didn’t tell Gideon, in the Book of Judges 6:25, to manage an idol or cover it up. Nor did HE say to keep it “just in case.” No! He said: “Tear it down.” Why So Radical? For one… The Israelites were always trying to make compromises with everything, & two… Because even partial obedience is still disobedience. So, here’s the question: What idol/s are sitting on the throne of your heart? What Idol/s have you put before God? What Idol/s are you unwilling to surrender? You don’t need to manage it… You don’t need to hide it… BUT… You do need to tear it down. Because when the idols fall… the fire of God falls, and it all starts by simply saying, “Lord, I’m done holding onto this. I surrender it. I tear it down. You alone are God in my life.”

                April 19^th, we preached a messaged titled, “Knock Knock,” and we came from the Book of Song of Solomon 5:1-6. This was our “Bring a friend to Church” day and we had a great turn out. Have you ever had someone knock on your door, and you knew who it was, but you just didn’t answer? Maybe you weren’t ready… Maybe you were busy… Maybe you just thought, “I’ll catch them later…” But when you finally went to the door… they were gone. That’s what Chapter 5 is dealing with. King Solomon came to see his bride, his love, but when he got there, she had already done her nightly routine and gone to bed. She basically says to him… “I’m not ready,” “This isn’t a good time,” “I’ll deal with you later.” She didn’t reject him, but she simply delayed him. Can I tell you something? This scene between King Solomon and his bride represents Jesus Christ and the Church. How many times has Jesus knocked on your door, only for to say, “Not right now, but later?” Most people don’t go to hell because they said “no” to GOD. They go because they kept saying, “Not today.” When the bride finally opens the door, she finds her King, her husband has gone away. The moment had passed and she missed an opportunity to be with the king. Listen carefully… There is a window when GOD deals with your heart. Which is why the Prophet Isaiah says, “Seek the Lord while He may be found.” (Isa 55:6). Don’t miss your moment. Don’t let this opportunity to answer Jesus pass you by. Because the greatest tragedy in this passage is not that He knocked, but that she waited too long to answer. Jesus is knocking. Will you answer?

                On April 25^th, Sister Geraldine “Gerry” Cockrell went home to be with our LORD and Savior. She will be remembered for faithful service to GOD, her dedication to her family & to her church. On April 26^th, we celebrated Jesus by honoring Him with Communion, and we had a little devotion talking about all the baggage that we carry around with us all through out our lives. And for each little piece of baggage, I provided a little visual representation by picking up and wearing all different types of luggage and backpacks. Only to show that with all the baggage that we carry, it’s a wonder how we get anything done, but… the moment we surrender it all to Jesus… that baggage just falls off of us! How does that work? Because Jesus tells us so. For scripture, we used Matthew 11:28, “Come unto Me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” It doesn’t mean that we still won’t struggle or put more baggage back on, but that is why Jesus tells us to “Pick up our Cross Daily.”  When we do, we renew ourselves and it’s like we are brand new, with experience.  Afterwards, we had our quarterly Business meeting and we adjourned. Hope you are doing well, and until our next appointed time… Remember, GOD loves you!

 

Pastor Sonny R Willliams, Jr.

 

Hello Aspen Grove Family,

                I pray this finds you well. Like last year, this year seems to be flying right on, because here we are almost done with March! Speaking of which, on March 1^st, I was finally able to preach a message out of one of my favorite Books of the Bible… the Book of Ecclesiastes:12:1-14. I love this Book because of all the Wisdom that King Solomon unloads and in particular in Chapter 12, Solomon reminds us something very important: “Remember Your Creator!” Solomons starts off this last chapter of The Ecclesiastes by stating, “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth…” He emphasizes the urgency of seeking GOD by stating, “Remember NOW…” Not tomorrow, not next week, but right now is the acceptable time to get right with GOD! After he stresses the urgency of the matter, he quickly transition us into his next point… Life is short! He reminded us that our bodies are not permanent and death will come, sooner whether than later. He reminds us that the body will return to the dust, the spirit returns to GOD, and that we will meet our Creator. Solomons is making one last appeal to us by reminding us not waste life on frivolous stuff, not assume that we have plenty of time left, and for us to finish strong and to finish well. Solomon is asking us to RECOGNIZE THE EMPTINESS OF LIFE WITHOUT GOD, as tells us plainly about all the stuff in life, “Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher; all is vanity.” Let’s face it, we chase after a lot of things that has no real meaning or purpose in life, other than temporary satisfaction. As Solomon brings the Book of Ecclesiastes to a close, he tells rather bluntly about the only thing that matters most, Vs. 13, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” That’s it. Everything else is in life is nothing more than just commentary. Solomon’s final message is simple: Life is short. Death is certain. Judgment is coming. Jesus saves. That’s salvation in a nutshell. All we have to do is to simply repent truly and believe by Faith in Jesus. Some really wise Words, don’t you think?

                On March 8^th, we preached on the topic of, “Stop Going and Start Being” Acts 2:42–47; James 1:22; Matthew 5:13–16. We started off by asking a simple question: “If Aspen Grove church disappeared tomorrow, would our community even notice?” That question got me thinking about how church is today. Generally speaking, most church attendees are simply going to church… ie… going through the motions, instead of realizing that they are the Church. Church, we have learned how to attend. We know what time service starts. We know when to stand, when to shout, and when to say amen. The question this morning is not: “Did you go to church?” but in reality, the question is: “Are you being the Church?” The early believers didn’t “go” to church. They were the Church. They didn’t gather for entertainment. They gathered for empowerment, and when they left their gathering, you know what they did? They shook cities and told the world right-side up! They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine. They broke bread from house to house. They prayed together daily… one mind, one body, and one accord.      They shared what they had with whoever was in need, and the Lord added to the church daily. In the Book of Acts 2:42–47, we learn that the Church Is Not a Place… It’s a People! And in the Book of James 1:22, we learn that the church is not just a place to hear the Word of GOD but doing the work that GOD has called us to do. Finally, from the Book of Matthew 5:13-16, we see that the Church is to be the Light Outside the Walls of the building. GOD did not save you to sit you. He saved you to send you. What if tomorrow every believer in this room decided to live life as Jesus did? What if we started to seriously love radically, to forgive quickly, to serve humbly; and to witness boldly? Our community would feel it. Our workplace would feel it. Our families would feel it. Our neighbors would feel it. Brothers and sisters, let’s Stop going to church… and let us Start being the Church!

On March 15^th, we preached a message titled, “Intentionally Setting your Face towards Jerusalem” from the Book Luke 9:51-56, with emphasis on vs. 51. He we say a change in the ministry of Jesus. Up to this point, Jesus went around explain, teaching, showing, and healing all the way up to this point. Here, Jesus becomes very intentional about His true purpose of leaving Heaven and coming to the earth. The Bible says when the time came, Jesus “steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem.” Jerusalem was not just another city or town. No, Jerusalem meant betrayal, suffering, the Beating, the Cross, the nails, and the death on a hill called Calvary. Jesus looked at the storm of sin that humanity was in, wept, and then started the journey to the Cross anyway. Jesus knew exactly what waited for Him there, & yet… He still intentionally set His face towards it anyway! No hesitation, no second guessing, and no other options. Jesus intentionally made an intentional decision to do the Will of the Father. That, my friends, is how our Faith always begins… when we intentionally seek out GOD with that same determination! Our eyes must stay fixed on Christ. When the Church regains that focus, the Walk of Faith begins to stir and comes to life! Jesus intentionally set His face towards the Cross because He loves us that much! He walked towards suffering so that we could walk towards salvation. So today, the question is not about the decision that Jesus made, but instead, the question is about the decision that we are making here and now! Have you set your face towards GOD?

On March 16^th, we began our Spring Revival. Pastor Steve Duncan, from Webb’s Chapel, opened the revival services by preaching out the Book of Haggai 1:115, with a message titled, “Consider You Ways!” With everything that is happening in the world these days, this message was right on time. This world, the leaders of this world, as well as all the people of this world should really consider their ways. Prophecies are being fulfilled right before our very eyes and so the End Times are very near. Sadly, most folks are “too busy” to do that which GOD has called us to do. Busy… Being Under Satan’s Yolk. We find all kinds of excuses to stay busy for ourselves and/or for the world, to be active into what GOD has called us all to do. We need to be stirred up once more for GOD. GOD used the Prophet Haggai to remind the Israelites about priorities. They finished rebuilding Jerusalem and their homes, but the hadn’t finished the House of GOD. Mind you, GOD doesn’t need be confined to a building. No, instead, GOD was reminding His people that they had replaced Him first. They were busy living their lives, but the work of the Temple was incomplete. Sounds a lot like today, doesn’t it Church? Question… where is GOD on your List of priorities? The easy answer is first and foremost, but is it really? When was the last time you repented and feared the LORD? Pastor reminded us all that when GOD speaks, the best response is obedience… not negotiation. GOD stirred the folks back in Hagai’s day. Can HE stir us the same way? Have you truly “Considered you ways?”

On March 17^th, Pastor Duncan preached from the Book of Haggai 2:1-9, with a message dealing with “Discouragement from Comparison.” Pastor Stephen started out with one question: “What do you see now compared to the olden days?” In Haggai chapter 2, GOD addressed three folks in this passage: 1—Zerubbabel, 2—Joshua, and lastly, the people. Do you remember when the church was packed, youth was everywhere, and the church did things together… but what happen between then and now? It’s so easy for us to compare things. We do it naturally, and yet… when we do, we tend to get discouraged and depressed from the way the things used to be. GOD understands this dilemma we find ourselves in and HE offers some advice: “Be strong, keep on working, and Fear not because regardless of how things seem, I AM with you!” All the stuff in the world that can distract us belongs to GOD… all the silver, all the gold, all the cattle… its all His. Because it is all GOD’s, here is the kicker… Yes, the church in its “hay day” seemed to be thriving, the new church that GOD is bring will surpass it be far! So, keep doing what GOD has called you to do. Why? Because GOD never breaks His promise and He has promised to be with you always, even until the end of time! Because GOD is with us, we have the Peace that surpasses all understanding. So, it’s ok to look back and remember, but just don’t stay there, and keep moving forward. Trusting GOD and His Word.

On March 18^th, Pastor Duncan preached a message from the Book of Isaiah 6:1-13 and he asked the question, “Who Shall I send?” Pastor Stephen pointed out how Isaiah had a reality check when he was standing in the Throne Room of GOD. Isaiah said, when he realized his position, “Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.” (Vs. 5) How would you feel if it were you standing before GOD Almighty? Would you be as truthful? Could you admit your true position in comparison of GOD’s Will for your life? It’s humbling, ain’t it? If we could only grasp the reality of our position in relation with GOD and His Will, imagine what all could be done? I guess that is why GOD, made the following statement in Vs. 8a, “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” When think about it, GOD really doesn’t ask much of us. Which is probably why Isaiah responded with such enthusiasm in Vs. 8b, “Then said I, ‘Here am I; send me.” When we realize all that GOD is and has done for us, it really should be a no brainer in our response as well. As we read on further down to Vs. 11, “Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate.” Sound familiar? It’s the great commission! We’ve been given our marching orders to go forth and share the GOSPEL. What a great Revival service!

On March22nd, we preached a message titled, “He told them what was coming,” from the Book of Luke 18:31-34. Jesus understood the cost of our salvation, and he was fully aware of His purpose here on earth. Jesus told the disciples plainly what would happen in the days to come of how He would be betrayed, mocked, beaten, and killed. The cross was not a surprise to Him. It was His mission. Jesus knew pain that was instore for Him, yet He went anyway. He did it because He knew that we were trapped in our sin and headed for destruction, and Jesus came down from Heaven to rescue us from our sinful nature. The good news is our story didn’t end with the Cross… but in reality, it was only just the beginning. Jesus paid the cost for our sins and satisfied GOD’s Wrath once and for all. All we have to do is to simply believe by Faith in Jesus. Why? Because He is alive! The King of kings, and the LORD of lords paid our debt off completely. Death does not win; sin does not win; nor does the grave win either… but Jesus does! Jesus wins! Jesus going to Jerusalem to pay our sin debt once and for all deserves more than just a holiday recognition, don’t you believe? Many people today hear the gospel every Sunday but never truly respond. Jesus knew what was coming. He knew about the cross. He knew about the suffering. He knew about the grave… and He went anyway. He did it for you. So, this morning the question is not: “Did Jesus die?” No, the real question is: What will you do with the One who died for you and rose again? Revival begins when people stop hearing about Jesus… and start surrendering their lives to Him. So, what are you doing with Jesus today, right here, right now?

This wraps up the month of March for us. It truly is an awesome privilege to be sharing the Gospel with all who will listen. Looking forward to April and seeing what GOD has planned for us. Have a great day and remember… GOD loves you! Remember to be the light that GOD has called you to be until the next time we meet. I love you all.

Pastor Sonny Williams

 

Good day Aspen Grove Church Family,

               Once more, due to Inclement weather… Snow Day, we didn’t meet on February 1^st. Again, we did a little devotion on Facebook. We came from the Book of Matthew 2:19-23, and spoke, “Walking with GOD.” I keep thinking about all of God’s people who had to return to daily life after the amazing events surrounding the birth of the Messiah. Life was different. The main difference was that they were now walking a holy path, on holy ground. From the moment God told Moses to remove his shoes to the hustle and bustle of Bethlehem, a holy plan was given new fuel. All ground from then to now is holy. They were moving with a new purpose. Guess what? We still are.  Nothing is required of you except a willingness to be used by God. You don’t need money. You don’t need to be a great speaker. You don’t need to have the finest clothes. You don’t even need shoes! As a matter of fact, God says, “Get rid of those shoes!” God is saying, “Just stand still, because I am going to use you.” God has sent you here, and He is ready to do amazing things through you—if you’ll only believe who you are in Him. God has sent you here, and He is ready to do amazing things through you— if you’ll only believe who you are in Him. As we return to our normal routines, know that God will walk with you—and that is, well, extraordinary

               On February 8, we preached a message titled, “Who GOD uses” and our verse for this message centered on Ephesians 2:10, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Can GOD use you? We looked at some of the people that GOD will use, like those who are insecure. All throughout the Bible, GOD used folks who were not on the “Whose Who” list. Folks like Jonah, Abraham, Moses, and even King David. Jonah was rebellious. Abraham was old. Moses had no confidence, and David was too young… and yet, GOD used them all. WE moved to our second topic, GOD uses the Unlikely. Once more, we covered David and how even his own father didn’t consider him to be what GOD was looking for. So, why did GOD choose people like Abraham, Moses, or even King David? To put it simply, to prepare the way for the Messiah. And then, we talked about why Jesus used the Disciples? The answer was to prepare HIS Bride (us) to be for their coming union. And speaking of the Disciples, Jesus used them with their flaws and all. Which is comforting considering how flawed and imperfect we all are. Something that is comforting is this old phrase: “When GOD chose me, HE already factored in all of my stupidity.” That statement reflects a common theological idea that GOD’s plan includes all of the human imperfections, failures, and even future errors, using them for a greater purpose in life. It highlights the theme of Unconditional Love, Mercy, and Grace that leads to our redemption. This shows that GOD calls the unqualified and uses and works through the flaws of man to achieve His Perfect Will… in spite of those “flaws.” So, do you think GOD can’t use you?

               On February 15, we preached a message titled, “I have a Shepherd!” coming from the Book s of Psalm 23 and John 10. In Psalm 23, David wrote perhaps one of the most beautiful psalms of all. Sadly, most folks usually hear it when they attend funerals because of the peace and comfort that it provides. But, if we were to step back and really look at the psalm through Christian eyes, we see that David was describing the greatest shepherd of all time… Jesus. Take for instance verse 1-3 of the Psalm. David points out the Shepherd is one who provides the necessities of life by leading, restoring, and guiding us through life. In John 10:10, Jesus states, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy; I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” David states, “I shall not want, “while Jesus states, I give abundantly.” The enemy steals, while Jesus restores; the enemy drains while Jesus overfills; and the enemy destroys while Jesus gives eternal life! And not just through the good times but ALL the Way through the valleys too (vs. 4). Jesus stated in John 10:14, that people we leave you in the hard times, but because He is the Good Shepherd, He will see us through to the end. Lastly, we learned that the Good Shepherd is the LORD of Promise (vs. 5-6). David said goodness and mercy will follow me, while Jesus said no one can snatch you out of My hand. The golden nugget comes from John 10:29, “My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.” That’s double security! I mean think about it:  You’re in Jesus’ hands of protection… and Jesus is in the Father’s hands. That’s why your cup can run over… That’s why your future is secure… & That’s why the valley doesn’t get the last word. Now, do you see? We have a Shepherd!

               On February 28, at Aspen Grove, we spoke out of the Book of Ecclesiastes 12. Solomon closed out this book by reminding everyone, young to the elderly, that regardless of all the accolades, toys, and other stuff we have in this world... is nothing more than vanity/pointless without having GOD first and foremost in our lives. Solomon had everything and had tried everything to find peace and satisfaction. He concluded that there are only 2 things that truly matters... Love and Obey GOD! Nothing more, nothing less. Jesus simplified it this way... Love GOD, love people.  How many worldly ladders have climbed only to find that they were leaning up against the wrong wall? All of the stuff we have done, said, and thought of will be judged... as Solomon pointed out in Verse 14. Friend, if you stand there in your own righteousness, you will be found guilty. BUT... if you have Christ, you'll be welcomed into heavenly eternity. Jesus Christ took on flesh. He lived sinlessly. He died substitutionally. He rose victoriously. On the cross, judgment fell — but it fell on Him. So, when you trust Him, your record is cleared. Solomon’s last sermon says: Life is short. Death is certain. Judgment is coming. Jesus saves. So, remember your Creator — now before its everlasting too late. Friends, GOD loves you and wants to be with you, but only if you invite HIM in.

I pray that these have been a blessing to you. Let’s continue to dig deep into GOD’s Holy Word and let us grow closer to Him. Have a great and remember… GOD loves you!

 

Pastor Sonny

 

Aspen Grove Church family,

                     I pray that you are doing well. January has been living up to its reputation of being cold! I hope you have been staying warm! We started the New Year on January 4^th, with a message titled, “The Times are changing, BUT GOD… remains the same,” coming out the Book of Revelation 21:4-5. Have you realized all the progress that has been over your life time? Microwaves, Computers, and televisions have all become common household items. The list could go on and on, but of all the changes that have come about, one thing remained the same… GOD. The problem with the reality of a changing world, is life is filled with uncertainty, loss, and shifting circumstances. Bob Dylan summed it beautifully with his song titled, “For the times they are a-changing’.” However, the more things change, the more they stay the same. The solution for ever changing world is the Unchanging Character of GOD. The writer in Hebrews 13:8 stated, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” His Word is Truth: His divine counsel is always reliable. As proof, GOD shows of the Unchanging Lordship of Jesus. All throughout Jesus’s ministry, he always stated the same thing, “I must be about my Father’s Business.” In fact Jesus summed it the best when HE stated in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” In a world of change, we find our eternal hope and security in the one thing that never changes: God. Our Response to the Unchanging God (The Application) should be as follows:  Anchor Your Faith: Build your life on His unchanging promises, not shifting sands; Trust & Rely: Lean on His constant power and faithfulness through every storm; Worship & Serve: Don’t just give Him your "leftover" time, talent, and treasure as an act of worship, but truly Acknowledging Him as Ultimate Boss; and lastly, Speak Boldly: Share the unchanging message of reconciliation through Christ with a world in need. This New year let’s make it our goal to grow closer and walk closer to GOD. When people look at us, let’s pray that the see Jesus… in spite of ourselves!

                    On January 11, we preached a message titled, “Hold on to the Promises of GOD,” coming out the Book of Obidiah, a minor prophet. GOD made promises with Abraham that HE’s going to make a whole new start with him, promising him that he would the “father of many nations and people (Gen.12:1-3). In that promise, GOD also gave a warning that if anyone would interfere would face some serious consequences. Obidiah reminded the Edomites, the offspring of Esau, about that promise and explained to them about what GOD was about to do to them. Even though the Israelites were in exile, didn’t change the promise made from GOD to Israel. Edom made a terrible mistake, and they paid dearly for it. He says Edom would disappear off the map, and it has. Where’s Edom today? It’s been overtaken and over run so many times; there’s not even a trace of it anymore. GOD made a promise to Abraham and HE continues to fulfill it. So, no matter what is going in this world, the one thing we all can rely on is GOD with His Love, His Mercy, and His Grace.

                    On January 18, we shifted some gears and preached a message titled, “Won’t you please be my neighbor? And played off a little bit from the PBS program, “Mister Roger’s Neighborhood.” So, question: What is a neighbor? How can we love our neighbors well? Think of a neighbor right now… what are you willing to do for them? One thing for certain is, Good neighbors are hard to come by. In today’s world, everyone is looking out for themselves. We hear phrases like, “It’s a dog-eat-dog world so we got to protect ourselves, because no one else will.” “I’m looking out for numeral uno because I’ve been burned too many times helping others.” The scripture we used came from the Book of Mark 2:1-12, the story of the man with the palsy and his friends brought him to Jesus. The man’s, with the palsy, neighbors went all out for him because they understood that  Good Neighbors are willing to carry the load. They were willing to carry the Load to completetion. In other words, they carried the man and made sure that he got to Jesus. They were not stopped by difficulty and inconvenience, and because of their faith, the man was healed. Have you ever considered that your Faith just might be the missing piece to complete their Faith. Often though, what’s good for your spirit is very often painful to your flesh. GOD wants you to be happy, but more importantly, HE wants you to be HOLY! Those men carried a man to the house where Jesus was, lifted him up on the roof of the house, and lowered him down after tearing up the roof, just o get that man with the palsy to Jesus. What kind of neighbor are you?

                     On January 25, we didn’t meet together due to Inclement weather (Ice Storm). Instead, we did a devotion through our Facebook page. We used the Bible verse, Isaiah 41:10, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand." Fear is a normal reaction to a perceived threat. However, we see repeatedly in God’s Word that He tells us not to be afraid because He is with us. This life is not always easy. Trials, loss, illness, and uncertainties can cause you to doubt. But take heart. You have the God of the universe on your side! The maker of the heavens, Earth, and all that is in it is your strength. Have you ever thought of all the animals on Earth, the different fish of the sea, and all the many galaxies and stars that God created? That is the God who loves you and is with you. When we try to work everything out on our own, trying to control every outcome, we stop relying on God’s plan for our lives. While there is nothing wrong with planning, some things will ultimately be out of our control. In those times, it is reassuring to remember that God will strengthen and uphold us at that moment. He promises to equip us with all that we need. His love never changes. It is an abiding love that never fails. We cannot earn it or lose it. Isn’t that wonderfully reassuring? God promises to uphold us with His righteous right hand, providing constant companionship and comfort. He will never leave us. So, as you go about your day, take notice of the birds of the air and the clouds in the sky, and remember that our amazing Creator is with you. He loves you and desires to have a relationship with you. GOD, the Creator of the Universe wants to have an active relationship with you, flaws and all.

I hope everyone is having an awesome 2026! Until our next meeting, I pray that our LORD may bless you and keep you; may HIS face shine upon and bring your peace. Remember everyone,  GOD loves you!

 

Pastor Sonny

 

Hello Aspen Grove Church Family,

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Aspen Grove church family! Wow! Can you believe it 2026! Last year flown bye in a hurry! One of my favorite Christmas movies is “The Miracle on 34^th Street.” Using that movie as a backdrop to our Christmas series titled, “The Miracle of Christmas.” On December 7^th, we preached a message our first Miracle titled, “The Miracle of the Moment,” coming from the Book of Galatians 4:4-5. Have you ever stopped to consider how important timing is to everything that exists? Do you plant tomato plants in November? Do you paint the outside of your house in January? Do you go swimming in the pond during February? No? Why not? It's not the right time! But one thing that was right on time was this:  Jesus came at the right moment. The Bible says, "When the time came to completion, God sent His Son… " The reality is, most people missed the miracle of the moment, because people did not recognize the significance of Christ's birth at the time. His coming was part of GOD's divine plan established before the foundation of the world. The Old Testament prophecies concerning the coming of the Messiah were completed… and at just the right time… GOD sent His Son! GOD provided at the right moment what the world truly needed… a Savior! One moment in time can determine your eternal destiny. Will you recognize the moment for what the Birth of Jesus truly is - a miracle?

On December 14, we preached the second part of our series and this time we came out of the Book of Hebrews 1:1-4, with a message titled, “The Miracle of the Message.” God has been trying to communicate His message to us; we aren't getting it. But rather than give up in frustration, God loves us so much that He desperately wants to reveal Himself to us in ways that we can understand. So, He sends His very own Son to communicate His message in a way that we can understand. God was speaking all throughout history in a variety of ways. For example, God spoke his message through a donkey, a burning bush, and through smoke and fire on the mountain. God has been speaking His message through visions and dreams, through angels, natural events, and many other means. Prior to the coming of Christ there had been 400 years of silence, and still mankind didn’t understand GOD’s message to us. So, what did GOD do to speak to us? God sent His Son to bring His message to us! It is true that God revealed Himself through the words spoken by Jesus, through His message, but He did more than that.                   Jesus Christ is the living, divine Son of God. He did more than just proclaim God's message - He is God's message! The miracle of the message is not just in the fact that God speaks to us today through His Son, but that the message has the power to transform our lives. Christmas is the celebration of the greatest message ever proclaimed. God is with us. God came near so that we could draw near to Him. Because He wanted us to know how much He loves us. He wanted us to know that He created us for a reason - that we might know and love Him. He came to proclaim the message that we have been set free. We don't have to live as prisoners to guilt and regret. Some of you have received messages this past year that have certainly changed your life. But, in the midst of all, there is another message. "Nothing whatsoever can ever separate you from my love." He speaks, "Trust in Me with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge me, and I will direct your paths." Amid life's betrayals and bitter messages, He whispers, "Forgive those who mistreat you." In the midst of life's messages of joy and celebration He shouts, "Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad!" The miracle of Christmas is the miracle of the message - God loves you and me! Are you listening?

On December 21, we preached a message titled, “The Miracle of the Manger” John 1:1-5; 9-14. In the Miracle of 34^th Street, Kris Kringle is on trial trying to prove who he is, and that’s a big question ain’t it? So, how does the Miracle on 34^th Street relate to the Christmas Story? The big question to be answered in this movie is also the big question as we consider the birth and life of Jesus Christ. It is a question of identity. Who exactly is this child we find in the manger in Bethlehem? I mean let’s take a look at the astonishing claim of Jesus. Could He be who He claims to be? Into the humblest of circumstances Jesus is born. His mother is just an ordinary, young girl named Mary. His birthplace is a stable, a barn in a small, obscure little town called Bethlehem. Yet, Jesus came making astonishing claims that centered on His identity. He claimed to be sent from God, the Son of God, and even One with God. The angel announced to shepherds that this baby was Christ the Lord. C.S. Lewis explained that Jesus did not leave us the option of just respecting Him as a good, noble teacher. When it comes to the astonishing claims made by Jesus, there are only three conclusions that we can choose from: He is the LORD, a liar, or a lunatic. He cannot be just a nice man with a beard. A second point to this is the staggering implications of the claims on Jesus. What if He is who He claims to be? What if there is Someone who knows your name, who knows when you are sleeping, and knows when you're awake? And yes, He knows when you've been bad or good, and yet, He loves you and longs for you to know and love Him. If this Jesus really is who He claims to be then you and I have a decision to make.  It is a matter of eternal significance for each one of us. Do you believe? We must all consider the question and answer for ourselves. No one can decide for us when it comes to this miracle of the manger. The Miracle of the Manger is God became flesh and lived among us. He came not so He could send us to eternal punishment but to set us free. God became man so that we could become children of God. If you will open your heart to Christ and trust Him to be exactly who He claimed to be, you will not be disappointed.

We wrapped up our Miracle of Christmas series with a message titled, “The Miracle of Christmas,” from the Book of Luke 2:8-14 on December 28, 2025. Christmas… the most wonderful time of the year. Families come together and share food, exchange gifts, and basically love on one another. I am reminded of the Charlie Brown Christmas special. Lucy came to Charlie and stated, Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown. 'Tis the season of peace on earth & good will toward men. Therefore, I suggest we forget all our differences & love one another." Charlie Brown, whose face lights up at this, says, "That's wonderful, Lucy. I'm so glad you said that. But tell me, do we have to love each other only at this season? Why can't we love each other all year long?" Lucy retorts, "What are you, a fanatic or something?" But is it really too much to ask? To love on everyone every day, all day? Wouldn’t that be an awesome gift to the world? That is what this season is about: GOD giving the world the best gift ever! Praise GOD because there were some folks who were excited to receive the Perfect Gift: The Wiseman and the Shepherds! When they got wind of Jesus’s birth, the made a b-line to go and worship Him! I’m reminded of the Song, “Heaven came down and glory filled my soul; when at the Cross, the Savior made me whole.  My sins are washed away, and my night was turned to day; Heaven came down and glory filled my soul.” When GOD gave Jesus to us, He gave us three other gifts that came with Him: An Opportunity for the Forgiveness of Our Sins, Help in our present situations, and He gave us Hope for the future! This Christmas season, receive the greatest Christmas present ever offered… Jesus Christ, the only Begotten Son of God. Have a great New Year and we’ll see you in the wonderful year of 2026! I love each and everyone of you. I pray this upcoming year that we all grow closer to GOD and each other! Have a great day and remember, GOD loves you!

 

Pastor Sonny R Williams, Jr

 Good afternoon, Aspen Grove Church Family,

 I pray that you are well. Already rolling into the Christmas season fast. This year has really flown by. Hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving Holiday. On November 2, we preached a message titled, “The 3 Portraits of Life, “ from the Book of 1 Samuel 25:1-25; 32-38. The World is full of foolish people. They chose to live in the flesh, seeking pleasures that never last. They seek riches of this world only to find unhappiness. They keep trying the same thing over and over, expecting a different outcome. History is supposed to be a great teacher, and it is, if we would only use it. The first Portrait we looked at was…The Portrait of God—David (vs.1-13). David sends word to Nabal to please help his men for all they have done for him, but Nabal rejected the plea. David displayed wrath from the disrespect and was going to punish Nabel hard. Which brought us to our second portrait: The Portrait of Jesus—Abigail (vs. 14-20). Abigail, Nabal’s wife, receives word of David’s men visiting and the messages that were relayed between Nabal and them. She immediately responded to the request and interceded on behalf of her husband. She informed David of the foolishness of her husband and she sought out the King for Mercy and Grace for Nabal. Sounds like what Jesus does for us daily, doesn’t it? Which leaves us with our third portrait: The Portait of Humanity—Nabal (vs. 10-11, 36-38). Nabal knowing all the things that David has done and still rejected David’s request. He knew that it is only right to give back yet refuses. We have the Bible and the Law of God that is written on hearts and yet, with all the knowledge that we have and the proof thereof… do we not still reject Jesus Christ? Arrogance was the downfall of Nabal, and it will be the downfall of us as well,  unless we all learn to embrace the sacrifice that was made for us by Jesus Christ. As we reflect on the beautiful truth that Jesus intercedes for us, we come to realize how blessed we truly are. His love and commitment to us encourage us daily, reminding us that we are never alone in our struggles. With Jesus advocating on our behalf at the Father’s right hand, we have the assurance that our needs are heard, and our burdens are lifted. What Potrait are you displaying? 

On November 9th, this week we preached a message titled, “The Echo of Greater Love,” from the Books of 1 Thessalonians 5:18 and Matthew 20:28. We celebrated Aspen Grove’s Harvest Day by honoring our Veterans. Veteran’s Day… s a time to honor all those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces in wartime or peacetime. Their Service, Sacrifice, and Gratitude naturally connect the veterans' experience with principles of faith. It’s not just a day off, but a very special day of national thanks. The main difference to distinguish Veterans Day from Memorial Day is simply this: Memorial Day: Honors those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. While Veterans Day: Honors all veterans, living or deceased, especially giving thanks to the living for their honorable service. The Biblical Echo of Service: Jesus set the ultimate example. He didn't come here as a king demanding to be waited on; He came as a servant. His whole life was about doing for others.  Veterans remind us that true leadership and love are rooted in this action, in serving. Our second point isThe Biblical Echo of Sacrifice. Every service member asks themselves a simple question: Why am I doing this? The short answer is to serve, but what does it mean to serve? Simply serving your country might have been sufficient, but I think Jesus pretty much nails it: John 15:13, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” This verse is the heart of both military courage and Christ's ultimate act. We owe our men and women debt of Gratitude which reminds of our last point: The Biblical Call to Thanks. Gratitude is always God's will. Today, our gratitude is directed outward, toward our veterans, and upward, toward God for the peace we enjoy. After all, The Bible states: 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” Veterans Day, observed every year on November 11th, is a federal holiday that serves as the nation's opportunity to formally say "Thank You" to every single person who has worn the uniform of the U.S. Armed Forces. For a citizen, Veterans Day isn't just a day off; it's a call to action. It forces us to ask: "What am I doing to be worthy of the freedom they protected?"

On November 16, we preached message titled, “On the Struggle bus this Season of Thanksgiving,” coming from the Book of Luke 17:11-19. In Jesus’ day lepers were quarantined in colonies, some distance from cities and towns because their dreaded disease was so contagious, so that’s why the group of ten stood some distance away as Jesus and the others entered the village. Jesus’ seemingly strange command for the ten to show themselves to the priest was part of the normal process, as prescribed in the Law of Moses. It is almost inconceivable that anyone could be cured from a terrible and frightening disease such as leprosy, which isolated a man or woman from family and friends and cut him or her off from normal events in society and the synagogue, and not be abundantly and permanently grateful… But that is exactly what happened with nine out of the ten lepers Jesus healed. Furthermore, the thankful one was a Samaritan, which meant he was from the half-breed ethnic group that was the product of Jewish intermarriage with the Canaanites and Assyrians. Makes me wonder… what about us today? Would we be like the 9 and just be satisfied with our healing? Or would we be like the one who dedicated his life to Christ? To dive into that question, we must address our faith. If we can’t honestly say we would dedicate our lives to Christ, then the II. First thing is “Perhaps You’ve Forgotten that You’re Saved.” Ingratitude is expected from those who have no saving relationship to Jesus Christ, and perhaps that is why the other nine lepers who were healed did not return to give thanks to Jesus. The person who is not saved spurns the very notion of grace, the undeserved goodness granted by God... and that is why the nine lepers did not return to thank Jesus. The Second Reason is Perhaps You have Doubts about GOD. Clearly, the healed leper recognized that Jesus was the one who had sovereignly healed and saved him. The other nine presumably did not properly connect their healing to Jesus’ sovereign power because they did not return to thank Jesus. Sometimes though we struggle with our faith and Maybe You’re focused On the Wrong Issue. The nine lepers who were healed thought only of themselves, selfishly. Selfishness is that attitude that says, “No matter what I’ve got, I don’t have what I really want, I don’t have enough. I want more. I want my circumstances different. I want my children different. I want my life different. I want my ministry different. I want my spouse different. I want my job different. I want a lot of things different. I want more of this and less of that.” God is perfect and he never makes a mistake. God’s goodness and mercy is always available and is overflowing and abounding toward us. The gift of Jesus Christ is that unspeakable gift for which we are thankful. All good gifts that flow down from the Father of lights, victory over sin and death, divine guidance, complete provision for all our needs, the hope of heaven, the power of the Word and on and on we go. We have lots of reasons to give thanks. The leper was miraculously healed by Jesus. He rightly went back to Jesus and thanked him for his grace. That is the right attitude to have. This Thanksgiving let us not be guilty of ingratitude.

Finally, on November 23, we preached a message titled, “The JOY of Thanksgiving: Finding Peace,” from the Book of 1 Thessalonians 5:15-18. When I think of Thanksgiving, I think about food… lots of food: Turkey, ham, yams, green beans, turkey dressing, collards, etc.… When I think of turkey, the scene from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation comes to mind. Specifically, how , Clark’s wife’s cousin Catherine, over cooked the turkey. Just as Clark was beginning to carve the bird, it split open, dry to the bone. The scene is a classic comedic moment from the movie that in reality… portrays how most families in America really are: from the outside, it looks perfect, but it’s a total disaster area on the inside. They go on and give thanks and I think I know why. First, I think: Gratitude begins with recognizing God’s blessings. When we recognize God’s blessings, we acknowledge His sovereignty and deepen our relationship with Him. Church, gratitude isn’t just about saying thanks; it’s about recognizing the Giver of every good gift. Next, I think Gratitude brings joy and peace that surpasses our understanding. True joy comes when we choose to give thanks, no matter what the situation may say. Gratitude aligns our hearts with God’s will and ushers in peace. Church, have you ever wondered how to find joy, even in the hardest times? It’s in Thanksgiving, true Thanksgiving. When we practice thanksgiving, we stop focusing on the storm and start focusing on the One who calms it. By practicing what we preach we will find that we will have A heart of gratitude remains steadfast through all seasons of life.Good afternoon, Aspen Grove Church Family,

 I pray that you are well. Already rolling into the Christmas season fast. This year has really flown by. Hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving Holiday. On November 2, we preached a message titled, “The 3 Portraits of Life, “ from the Book of 1 Samuel 25:1-25; 32-38. The World is full of foolish people. They chose to live in the flesh, seeking pleasures that never last. They seek riches of this world only to find unhappiness. They keep trying the same thing over and over, expecting a different outcome. History is supposed to be a great teacher, and it is, if we would only use it. The first Portrait we looked at was…The Portrait of God—David (vs.1-13). David sends word to Nabal to please help his men for all they have done for him, but Nabal rejected the plea. David displayed wrath from the disrespect and was going to punish Nabel hard. Which brought us to our second portrait: The Portrait of Jesus—Abigail (vs. 14-20). Abigail, Nabal’s wife, receives word of David’s men visiting and the messages that were relayed between Nabal and them. She immediately responded to the request and interceded on behalf of her husband. She informed David of the foolishness of her husband and she sought out the King for Mercy and Grace for Nabal. Sounds like what Jesus does for us daily, doesn’t it? Which leaves us with our third portrait: The Portait of Humanity—Nabal (vs. 10-11, 36-38). Nabal knowing all the things that David has done and still rejected David’s request. He knew that it is only right to give back yet refuses. We have the Bible and the Law of God that is written on hearts and yet, with all the knowledge that we have and the proof thereof… do we not still reject Jesus Christ? Arrogance was the downfall of Nabal, and it will be the downfall of us as well,  unless we all learn to embrace the sacrifice that was made for us by Jesus Christ. As we reflect on the beautiful truth that Jesus intercedes for us, we come to realize how blessed we truly are. His love and commitment to us encourage us daily, reminding us that we are never alone in our struggles. With Jesus advocating on our behalf at the Father’s right hand, we have the assurance that our needs are heard, and our burdens are lifted. What Potrait are you displaying? 

On November 9th, this week we preached a message titled, “The Echo of Greater Love,” from the Books of 1 Thessalonians 5:18 and Matthew 20:28. We celebrated Aspen Grove’s Harvest Day by honoring our Veterans. Veteran’s Day… s a time to honor all those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces in wartime or peacetime. Their Service, Sacrifice, and Gratitude naturally connect the veterans' experience with principles of faith. It’s not just a day off, but a very special day of national thanks. The main difference to distinguish Veterans Day from Memorial Day is simply this: Memorial Day: Honors those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. While Veterans Day: Honors all veterans, living or deceased, especially giving thanks to the living for their honorable service. The Biblical Echo of Service: Jesus set the ultimate example. He didn't come here as a king demanding to be waited on; He came as a servant. His whole life was about doing for others.  Veterans remind us that true leadership and love are rooted in this action, in serving. Our second point isThe Biblical Echo of Sacrifice. Every service member asks themselves a simple question: Why am I doing this? The short answer is to serve, but what does it mean to serve? Simply serving your country might have been sufficient, but I think Jesus pretty much nails it: John 15:13, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” This verse is the heart of both military courage and Christ's ultimate act. We owe our men and women debt of Gratitude which reminds of our last point: The Biblical Call to Thanks. Gratitude is always God's will. Today, our gratitude is directed outward, toward our veterans, and upward, toward God for the peace we enjoy. After all, The Bible states: 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” Veterans Day, observed every year on November 11th, is a federal holiday that serves as the nation's opportunity to formally say "Thank You" to every single person who has worn the uniform of the U.S. Armed Forces. For a citizen, Veterans Day isn't just a day off; it's a call to action. It forces us to ask: "What am I doing to be worthy of the freedom they protected?"

On November 16, we preached message titled, “On the Struggle bus this Season of Thanksgiving,” coming from the Book of Luke 17:11-19. In Jesus’ day lepers were quarantined in colonies, some distance from cities and towns because their dreaded disease was so contagious, so that’s why the group of ten stood some distance away as Jesus and the others entered the village. Jesus’ seemingly strange command for the ten to show themselves to the priest was part of the normal process, as prescribed in the Law of Moses. It is almost inconceivable that anyone could be cured from a terrible and frightening disease such as leprosy, which isolated a man or woman from family and friends and cut him or her off from normal events in society and the synagogue, and not be abundantly and permanently grateful… But that is exactly what happened with nine out of the ten lepers Jesus healed. Furthermore, the thankful one was a Samaritan, which meant he was from the half-breed ethnic group that was the product of Jewish intermarriage with the Canaanites and Assyrians. Makes me wonder… what about us today? Would we be like the 9 and just be satisfied with our healing? Or would we be like the one who dedicated his life to Christ? To dive into that question, we must address our faith. If we can’t honestly say we would dedicate our lives to Christ, then the II. First thing is “Perhaps You’ve Forgotten that You’re Saved.” Ingratitude is expected from those who have no saving relationship to Jesus Christ, and perhaps that is why the other nine lepers who were healed did not return to give thanks to Jesus. The person who is not saved spurns the very notion of grace, the undeserved goodness granted by God... and that is why the nine lepers did not return to thank Jesus. The Second Reason is Perhaps You have Doubts about GOD. Clearly, the healed leper recognized that Jesus was the one who had sovereignly healed and saved him. The other nine presumably did not properly connect their healing to Jesus’ sovereign power because they did not return to thank Jesus. Sometimes though we struggle with our faith and Maybe You’re focused On the Wrong Issue. The nine lepers who were healed thought only of themselves, selfishly. Selfishness is that attitude that says, “No matter what I’ve got, I don’t have what I really want, I don’t have enough. I want more. I want my circumstances different. I want my children different. I want my life different. I want my ministry different. I want my spouse different. I want my job different. I want a lot of things different. I want more of this and less of that.” God is perfect and he never makes a mistake. God’s goodness and mercy is always available and is overflowing and abounding toward us. The gift of Jesus Christ is that unspeakable gift for which we are thankful. All good gifts that flow down from the Father of lights, victory over sin and death, divine guidance, complete provision for all our needs, the hope of heaven, the power of the Word and on and on we go. We have lots of reasons to give thanks. The leper was miraculously healed by Jesus. He rightly went back to Jesus and thanked him for his grace. That is the right attitude to have. This Thanksgiving let us not be guilty of ingratitude.

Finally, on November 23, we preached a message titled, “The JOY of Thanksgiving: Finding Peace,” from the Book of 1 Thessalonians 5:15-18. When I think of Thanksgiving, I think about food… lots of food: Turkey, ham, yams, green beans, turkey dressing, collards, etc.… When I think of turkey, the scene from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation comes to mind. Specifically, how , Clark’s wife’s cousin Catherine, over cooked the turkey. Just as Clark was beginning to carve the bird, it split open, dry to the bone. The scene is a classic comedic moment from the movie that in reality… portrays how most families in America really are: from the outside, it looks perfect, but it’s a total disaster area on the inside. They go on and give thanks and I think I know why. First, I think: Gratitude begins with recognizing God’s blessings. When we recognize God’s blessings, we acknowledge His sovereignty and deepen our relationship with Him. Church, gratitude isn’t just about saying thanks; it’s about recognizing the Giver of every good gift. Next, I think Gratitude brings joy and peace that surpasses our understanding. True joy comes when we choose to give thanks, no matter what the situation may say. Gratitude aligns our hearts with God’s will and ushers in peace. Church, have you ever wondered how to find joy, even in the hardest times? It’s in Thanksgiving, true Thanksgiving. When we practice thanksgiving, we stop focusing on the storm and start focusing on the One who calms it. By practicing what we preach we will find that we will have A heart of gratitude remains steadfast through all seasons of life. Gratitude isn’t seasonal; it’s a lifestyle. No matter what season we are in, we are called to give thanks. There are times when life feels easy, when everything seems to be going our way. And in those seasons, it’s easy to give thanks. But when the hard times come—when we face loss, illness, or uncertainty, thanksgiving can feel like a challenge. But it’s in these hard seasons that gratitude becomes even more powerful. When everything around us is falling apart, thanksgiving is the anchor that holds us steady. It reminds us that even in hardship, God is with us. In every season of life that we face, there is something to be grateful and thankful for. A thankful heart is one that trusts God in all things. It sees beyond the circumstances and focuses on the goodness of God. So, let’s not wait for the right season to give thanks. Let’s make thanksgiving a part of every season of our lives.

November 30 was fifth Sunday, so Sister Judy Moore taught a lesson titled, Hope Floats,” from the Book of Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12. She pointed out that Ezekiel had a vision from GOD about the impact of a river that flows from the Temple. It starts off as a small stream but gradually grows deeper and wider. If we think about it, isn’t that how GOD works within us? His Grace flows from the moment of our salvation to every aspect of our lives, transforming and building us into His image.  It starts from our first knowledge of GOD is the building block of our Faith. We learn and grow more in our Faith by reading His word and growing our understanding. As we grow grow we produce fruit… like the river. As the river flows down, it waters and helps life grow. As life grows, it produces fruit in many forms. Just as the river grows, when we grow in Christ, we gain an understanding and direction which equips us to share GOD’s word with others. The river is constantly moving and is always bringing fresh water into our lives. Just as growing our faith renews our spiritual lives! GOD’s grace and love is always there for us, and as further proof, at the end of the service a stranger came in and handed Mrs. Judy an envelope with money in it. All the person said was that GOD told him to share it with our church!  GOD is at work. Are we paying attention?  Friends, GOD is not done with world, nor is He done with you! May the LORD continue to Bless you and keep you, May His face shine upon and bring you peace! Have a great Christmas season!

With Love, 

Pastor Sonny

 Gratitude isn’t seasonal; it’s a lifestyle. No matter what season we are in, we are called to give thanks. There are times when life feels easy, when everything seems to be going our way. And in those seasons, it’s easy to give thanks. But when the hard times come—when we face loss, illness, or uncertainty, thanksgiving can feel like a challenge. But it’s in these hard seasons that gratitude becomes even more powerful. When everything around us is falling apart, thanksgiving is the anchor that holds us steady. It reminds us that even in hardship, God is with us. In every season of life that we face, there is something to be grateful and thankful for. A thankful heart is one that trusts God in all things. It sees beyond the circumstances and focuses on the goodness of God. So, let’s not wait for the right season to give thanks. Let’s make thanksgiving a part of every season of our lives.

November 30 was fifth Sunday, so Sister Judy Moore taught a lesson titled, Hope Floats,” from the Book of Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12. She pointed out that Ezekiel had a vision from GOD about the impact of a river that flows from the Temple. It starts off as a small stream but gradually grows deeper and wider. If we think about it, isn’t that how GOD works within us? His Grace flows from the moment of our salvation to every aspect of our lives, transforming and building us into His image.  It starts from our first knowledge of GOD is the building block of our Faith. We learn and grow more in our Faith by reading His word and growing our understanding. As we grow grow we produce fruit… like the river. As the river flows down, it waters and helps life grow. As life grows, it produces fruit in many forms. Just as the river grows, when we grow in Christ, we gain an understanding and direction which equips us to share GOD’s word with others. The river is constantly moving and is always bringing fresh water into our lives. Just as growing our faith renews our spiritual lives! GOD’s grace and love is always there for us, and as further proof, at the end of the service a stranger came in and handed Mrs. Judy an envelope with money in it. All the person said was that GOD told him to share it with our church!  GOD is at work. Are we paying attention?  Friends, GOD is not done with world, nor is He done with you! May the LORD continue to Bless you and keep you, May His face shine upon and bring you peace! Have a great Christmas season!

With Love, 

Pastor Sonny

 

Greetings Aspen Grove Church Family,

I pray this letter finds y’all well. It’s hard to believe but Thanksgiving is just around the corner. This year has really flown by. It’s been an awesome year so far as we continue to grow in our Faith and Walk with Christ. We started October 5th off preaching a message titled, “The Cry of the Watchman,” coming out of the Book of Ezekiel 3:16-21 & 33:1-9. We spoke on the recent events from the trucking crashing through the Mormon church in Michigan, three people murder in Southport waterfront restaurant, the young Ukrainian woman murdered in Charlotte, the riots in Chicago & Portland, and to the murder of Charlie Kirk are very concerning. GOD has appointed watchmen over His people—spiritual gatekeepers, intercessors, and heralds of warning. These are men and women who are awake in the spirit, positioned to watch, to pray, and to speak for GOD. Today, the Holy Spirit is stirring the church to return to this call—to take our place on the walls and cry out to GOD for revival, protection, and restoration. A watchman is more than a title—it is a divine assignment to remain spiritually alert and responsible over people and territories. Being a watchman requires deep commitment, spiritual discipline, and a burden for souls and the destiny of the land. True watchmen carry a divine burden—they are sensitive to GOD’s heart and grieved by spiritual decay in the world. Though often unnoticed by men, watchmen are remembered by GOD and rewarded for their labor in the spirit. The watchman's cry must be heard again in our generation. GOD is calling His church to rise and take our place on the walls—to watch, to pray, to warn, and to weep until revival breaks forth. Are you willing to be GOD's watchman? Will you bear His burden and refuse to rest until His kingdom is established in your family, your church, and your nation?

On October 12, we spoke out of the Book of Matthew 24:36-44, with a message titled, “Are We Really Ready?” This message is from what Biblical scholars’ call “The Olivet Discourse,” mainly because when Jesus spoke these prophetic sayings… they were on the Mount of Olives across the Kidron Valley. Jesus began to explain how Jerusalem and the Temple would be destroyed, and of His second coming on the Day of Judgment. The Day of Judgment… yes, it really is that scary, especially if you are not truly Born Again. We learned that this day is a Secret Day because Jesus told everyone there that no one knows when GOD the Father would make the call. Not even Jesus nor the angels knew when according to verse 36. In verses 37-39, we learn that the Day of Judgment is also a Surprising Day. When Jesus compared the Second Coming to like Days of Noah, HE was referring to it as like it was just a normal, everyday life. HE refers to the Flood because the Day of His return will be just like the day of the Flood—it will come as a complete surprise. There was no indication that anything was going to happen, no terrible premonitions, no dark ominous signs in the sky or rumblings of nature. But Jesus, also, alluded to this day as a Day of Separation in verses 40-41. There was no indication that anything was going to happen, no terrible premonitions, no dark ominous signs in the sky or rumblings of nature. Two people will be working in the fields, one taken and one left behind, so therefore we need to be ready for His return. Even though you cannot know when this Day is coming, beloved, you can know you are ready for it! Let’s make it our aim, Christian, that when that Day comes and the Son of Man returns in Power and Glory that He will find us all hard at work for the Kingdom of GOD!

On October 19, Deacon Kenny Windham preached a message about “Faith… Even If,” from the Book of Daniel 3:17-18,25. How is your Faith? When your Faith is tried from worldly pressures, is faith strong enough to withstand it? Take Shadrack, Meshack, and Abednego… 3 young Hebrew men showing the world that their faith truly lies in GOD. Don’t take my word for it, take theirs: Vs. 17-18, “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. 18But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.” The king was enraged and demanded the fire be even hotter, and yet… when push came to shove, when the young Hebrew men was in the fire, the king saw that they were alive and well and even most astonishing… there was a fourth in the fire. The king stated something truly remarkable: vs 25 b, “and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” Can you imagine that? Nebuchadnezzar knew who was in the fire with those boys. So, do you have “Even If” Faith? In the Book of Matthew 8:5-10, we see again someone who is not a Jew believe in the power of GOD. A Roman centurion had more faith in Jesus than all of Israel, but don’t take my word for it… Take Jesus’, “Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.” (Vs. 10) In Vs. 13, “And Jesus said unto the centurion, ‘Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee.” Faith… it’s so easy to say but is it strong enough to get you into Heaven?

On October 26, we preached a message titled, “Do We Really need to See the Handwriting?” coming from the Book of Daniel 5:25-31. GOD is always at work, and His desire is for every person in the world to believe in Him. GOD will humble the proud and arrogant, but before HE does… He gives warning signs, and He’ll judge with Righteous judgment. WE spoke about how King Belshazzar loved to party it up, as it were, and make a mockery of GOD and HIS people. Belshazzar paid the price for abusing the gifts that GOD had given for specific purposes, but I wonder… are we using GOD’s gifts to us as HE has instructed for us to? Belshazzar saw the Handwriting on the Wall, and it cost HIM for his unbelief. So, the question of the day is this, “Do we really need to see the Handwriting” to get our attention? Christians should know the handwriting on the wall by God! It’s all in the Bible! There will be final judgment for all who does not believe in Jesus Christ! We need to conclude by asking ourselves, what’s our role as Christians today? What’s the condition of our hearts and spirits towards God who will judge? Always humble yourself before God! Remember, every time you drink something, think of H2O – Holiness, Humility, and Obedience! Are we telling people about this final judgment? Always look for opportunities so share God’s judgment of sin BUT ALSO His amazing love!

I hope these letters help you continue to grow your Faith in GOD Almighty. Friends, I believe Jesus will be coming soon so I hope and pray for us all to draw closer to GOD and get HIS Word out into the world. Together, let’s make Heaven crowded. I love you all but more importantly, GOD loves your so much more. Have a great day! Love Always,

Pastor Sonny