Dear Church Family

As we gather each week to worship and reflect upon our faith, I wanted to take a moment to dive into a topic that lies at the very core of our existence as Christians – the profound and irreplaceable need for God's help in our lives."DO YOU ASK GOD FOR HELP?"

In a world characterized by constant change, uncertainty, and challenges, we often find ourselves grappling with circumstances that test our resolve and shake our faith. It is during these times that we are reminded of our human limitations and our need for a higher power to guide us through the storms of life. Scripture consistently teaches us that God is not just an optional companion on our journey but an essential pillar upon which our lives are built.

Divine Guidance: The path we tread is riddled with choices, some minor and some life-altering. It is easy to become overwhelmed and uncertain, but with God's help, we gain access to divine wisdom. The Psalms remind us, "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path" (Psalm 119:105). God's guidance illuminates our way, ensuring that we make choices aligned with His will.

Strength in Weakness: As humans, we encounter moments of weakness, both physical and emotional. Yet, through God's help, our weaknesses can be transformed into sources of strength. The Apostle Paul learned this firsthand, proclaiming, "For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12:10). God's strength empowers us to endure hardships and emerge victorious.

Comfort and Healing: In times of pain, grief, and sickness, we find solace in the arms of our Heavenly Father. The Psalms resonate with assurance: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" (Psalm 34:18). God's presence provides comfort that surpasses all understanding and paves the way for healing.

Forgiveness and Redemption: We all stumble and fall, burdened by mistakes and regrets. But God's help extends beyond our shortcomings. Through His grace, we are offered forgiveness and the chance to start anew. The Apostle John assures us, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).

In our journey of faith, it is vital to remember that seeking God's help is not a sign of weakness, but an acknowledgment of our reliance on Him as our Creator and Sustainer. As a community of believers, let us embrace our need for God's guidance, strength, comfort, and forgiveness, both in times of joy and in moments of adversity.

May our lives be a testament to the transformative power of God's help, inspiring others to seek His unwavering support as well. Let us come together in prayer and fellowship, reinforcing our commitment to a life deeply rooted in faith and anchored by the grace of our Lord.

With heartfelt blessings and prayers for each one of you,

In Christ's love,

Bill Doane

Last week Message is  online at http://www.aspengrovechurch.com

 Dear Church Family

Grace and peace be unto you all in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

As we continue our journey of faith together, I would like to bring forth a topic that has been on my heart – the act of seeking God's help in times of need.

In our shared walk with God, we are often faced with challenges, uncertainties, and moments when we feel overwhelmed by the weight of life's burdens. In these moments, it is only natural for us to turn to our Creator, the One who holds all power and wisdom, for guidance and support. The question that I would like us all to reflect upon is: "Do we actively seek God's help?"

The Scriptures teach us time and again about the importance of seeking God's guidance and assistance. Psalm 121:1-2  I lift up my eyes to the mountain where does my help come from? 2 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

It's easy to get caught up in our own efforts, relying solely on our human understanding and strength. However, as a community of believers, we are called to a higher standard – a standard that recognizes the importance of humbling ourselves before God and acknowledging our dependence on Him. In doing so, we not only experience His grace and mercy, but we also strengthen our relationship with Him and witness His mighty hand at work in our lives.

Let us remember that seeking God's help is not a sign of weakness, but rather an expression of faith. It is an act that affirms our trust in His divine providence and His promise to never leave us nor forsake us. As we gather in worship and fellowship, let us encourage one another to be diligent in our prayers and petitions, inviting God into every aspect of our lives.

May our hearts be open, and our spirits be willing as we embark on this journey of introspection and growth. May our faith be strengthened, and may our actions reflect the truth that we serve a God who delights in answering the cries of His children.

In Christ's love,

Bill Doane

Last week Message is  online at http://www.aspengrovechurch.com

 

Dear Church Family,

Grace and peace be unto you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I trust this letter finds you well and blessed. I am writing with a heart filled with hope and a desire for healing, unity, and renewed fellowship within our church.

In recent times, I have observed with a heavy heart the presence of discord and strained relationships among the body of believers. As followers of Christ, we are called to love one another, to be peacemakers, and to forgive as we have been forgiven. It is crucial for us to set aside our differences, embrace the spirit of humility, and work towards restoring the harmony that once defined our fellowship.

The Bible teaches us in: Colossians 3:13 "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." These words remind us of the divine example of forgiveness we have received through Christ's sacrifice, and they challenge us to extend that same forgiveness to our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Let us set aside ourgrievances, listen to one another's perspectives, and seek understanding. This journey toward reconciliation may require humility, vulnerability, and a willingness to admit our shortcomings, but it is a path that leads to the restoration of relationships and the strengthening of our church family.

May the Lord bless ourefforts and guide us on this journey of healing and restoration.

In Christ's love,

Bill Doane

http://www.aspengrovechurchnc.com/

 Dear Church Family,

I write to you today to reflect upon the concept of "Heavenly Crowns."

In the book of Revelation, chapter 4, verse 10, we read, "The twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 'Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.'"

This passage reminds us that the crowns we may receive in heaven are not a source of personal pride or self-glorification, but rather an opportunity to magnify the glory of Go. These crowns are a symbol of the rewards that await those who have faithfully served and persevered in their journey of faith.

The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 9:25), compares our heavenly crowns to the crowns that athletes receive. He writes, "Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we are imperishable."                           These heavenly crowns represent different aspects of our Christian walk and service. 

• The Crown of Righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8): Awarded to those who have eagerly awaited the appearance of our Lord, demonstrating a life characterized by faith and godly living.

• The Crown of Life (James 1:12): Promised to those who endure trials and remain steadfast in their love for God, even in the face of adversity.

• The Crown of Glory (1 Peter 5:4): Reserved for those who shepherd God's flock with humility and genuine care, setting an example for others to follow.

• The Crown of Rejoicing (1 Thessalonians 2:19): Given to those who have been instrumental in leading others to Christ and nurturing their faith.

• The Incorruptible Crown (1 Corinthians 9:25): Awarded to those who practice self-discipline and strive for spiritual growth and maturity.

Let us remember that these crowns are not just individual rewards but a collective offering of worship to our Heavenly Father. May our hearts be stirred to deepen our devotion, service, and love for our Savior as we anticipate the day when we can cast our crowns before His throne in worship and adoration.

In Christ's love,   

Bill Doane

www.AspengroveChurch.com

 

Dear Church Family,

It fills my heart with joy to witness how the love of God is touching so many lives within our congregation and the community we serve.

Over the past year, it is evident that our church has been flourishing in various new aspects.

I am thrilled to see how our church's efforts have grown and we all are working together for His Kingdom. Our commitment to serving those in need has been both effective and compassionate. The impact we have made in the lives of the less fortunate is a testament to the power of God's love working through us. It is heartwarming to see our congregation wholeheartedly engage in these activities, spreading hope and light to the darkest corners of our community.

I believe it is essential for us as a church family to embrace growth. Growth presents both opportunities and challenges, and I am confident that by navigating this path together, we will thrive for His Glory.

Let's each of us take steps to nurture the spiritual growth of our members and visitors.

As we welcome new faces into our congregation, we must ensure that they feel loved, accepted, and valued. Embracing diversity and understanding each other's unique backgrounds and experiences will create a stronger and more compassionate church community.

Your dedication, kindness, and willingness to serve have been instrumental in our journey. Let us continue to work together, hand in hand, to glorify God and share His love with the world.

May God's love continue to guide and inspire us as we move forward on this incredible journey of growth.

In Christ's love,

Bill Doane

http://www.aspengrovechurchnc.com/

Find us on FaceBook Aspen Grove Churc

 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Today, I write to you with a heart full of joy and excitement, as I wish to share an essential aspect of our Christian calling - serving the community. As a Church family, we are not merely a congregation that gathers on Sundays, but a community of believers called to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a broken world.

Jesus Himself said in Mark 10:45, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate His example of selfless service and sacrificial love. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 instructs us to go and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey all that He has commanded us. Our love for God is intimately connected to our love for others, especially those in need.

In our community, we encounter individuals facing various challenges - the lonely, the hurting, the hungry, and the marginalized. As the Church, we have a unique opportunity and responsibility to reach out and make a positive impact in their lives. Let us be the light in the darkness, the hope in despair, and the hands of compassion that extend help to those who need it most.

I encourage each member of our Church to prayerfully consider how they can contribute to serving the community. It could be through volunteering at local shelters, supporting food drives, visiting the sick and elderly, mentoring the youth, or participating in outreach programs. The ways we can serve are limitless, and each act of kindness, no matter how small, can have a profound impact on someone's life.

Let us remember that serving others is not solely an obligation, but a privilege and a means to express our love for God and our gratitude for His grace. As we extend love and care to others, we become living witnesses of Christ's transformative power in our lives. Our service becomes a testimony to the world of God's unconditional love and mercy.

I urge you all to come together as a united body of Christ, rallying behind the call to serve our community. Let us seek God's guidance and discernment as we identify the needs around us and respond with compassionate action. Together, we can be instruments of change and bring hope to those who are struggling.

Let us be a Church that is not content to stay within the walls of our building, but one that goes out into the world to serve with love and humility. May our service be an expression of our faith and a reflection of the love of Christ dwelling in us.

Yours in Christ,

Bill Doane

http://www.aspengrovechurchnc.com/

Find us on Face Book Aspen Grove Church

Dear Church Family

I am writing to you today to discuss a topic that is of great importance and relevance to our lives as Christians—the concept of "Treasure in Heaven."

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are often reminded of the eternal and spiritual nature of our faith. Our journey on this earth is but a fleeting moment compared to the everlasting life that awaits us in the presence of our Heavenly Father. It is in light of this truth that we must ponder the significance of storing up treasures in heaven rather than solely focusing on earthly possessions and pursuits.

In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus imparts wisdom to his disciples, saying, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

These words challenge us to reflect upon our priorities and examine where our hearts truly lie. It is not wrong to possess material possessions or enjoy the blessings of this world, but we must guard against allowing them to become our primary focus. Our ultimate goal should be to invest in the eternal and seek treasures that will never fade away.

So, what does it mean to store up treasures in heaven? It involves placing our faith in Christ and living out His teachings. It means loving God with all our hearts and loving our neighbors as ourselves. It means embodying the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. It means serving others, showing compassion to the needy, and being instruments of God's grace and mercy in a broken world.

By focusing on these heavenly treasures, we are not only investing in our eternal future but also bringing the Kingdom of God to earth. When we live with an eternal perspective, we recognize the impermanence of worldly wealth and success. We become free from the grip of materialism and consumerism, allowing us to find contentment and joy in our relationship with God.

As a church community, let us encourage one another to pursue treasures in heaven. Let us support and uplift each other in our spiritual journeys, reminding ourselves that the true measure of success lies in our faithfulness to God and our commitment to His Kingdom. Together, let us strive to be a beacon of light, demonstrating to the world the transformative power of a life surrendered to Christ.

May we be a community that values generosity, hospitality, and selflessness. Let us use our time, talents, and resources to further God's purposes and make a positive impact on the lives of others. In doing so, we store up treasures that cannot be tarnished or taken away.

I pray that this message resonates with your hearts and ignites a renewed passion for seeking heavenly treasures. May God bless each and every one of you abundantly as you journey together in faith.

Yours in Christ,

Bill Doane