Dear Church Family,

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!

I write to you today with hearts full of gratitude to reflect on the greatest miracle of all—the person and work of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The Miracle of His Birth

The story of Jesus begins with a miraculous announcement: God entered the world in the most unexpected way. Born of a virgin, Jesus fulfilled the ancient prophecies, proving that nothing is impossible with God. As Isaiah foretold, “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). In His birth, we see the humility of God, who chose to come as a helpless child, wrapped in swaddling cloths and laid in a manger, to be near us and save us.

The Miracle of His Life

Jesus lived a life like no other. As He walked among us, He showed the power and compassion of God. He healed the sick, raised the dead, opened blind eyes, calmed storms, and fed multitudes. Yet, His greatest work wasn’t just in the miracles He performed but in the message He proclaimed: that the Kingdom of God is at hand and salvation is for all who believe.

Every act, every word, and every miracle pointed to His divine mission—to reconcile us to God.

The Miracle of the Cross

The greatest miracle of all is that Jesus, the sinless Son of God, willingly laid down His life for us. On the cross, He bore the weight of our sins, taking the punishment we deserved. “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

At that moment, heaven touched earth in the most profound way. The curtain of the temple was torn, and the way to God was opened for all who believe. What seemed like defeat became the ultimate victory over sin and death.

The Miracle of the Resurrection

On the third day, the tomb was found empty, and Jesus rose from the dead, proving His power over death and the grave. The resurrection is the foundation of our faith, as Paul declared, “If Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17). But Christ is risen! Because He lives, we too have the promise of eternal life.

The Miracle of Salvation

This great miracle didn’t end with Jesus’ resurrection. It continues in each of us who have been redeemed by His grace. Through faith, we have been made new creations, adopted into God’s family, and given the Holy Spirit as our guide. This transformation is the miracle of salvation—offered freely to all who believe in His name.

Our Response

Dear Church, how should we respond to such a miracle? Let us live lives of worship, proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ to a world in need. Let us love one another, as Christ has loved us, and walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, who enables us to live as His witnesses.

As Paul reminds us, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15). Let us never grow weary of celebrating and sharing the miracle of Jesus Christ.

Prayer:
Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ—the greatest miracle of all. Help us to live in awe of His birth, His life, His death, and His resurrection. May our lives reflect His love and power, drawing others to the hope we have in Him. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

In Christ’s love,
Bill Doane
Servant of the Lord

 To Aspen Grove Church,

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I am writing to encourage and uplift you concerning the gifts of the Spirit, which have been freely given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s grace.

The Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:7, "But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift." This passage assures us that every believer has received a unique portion of God's grace, specifically designed to equip us for His divine purpose. None of us are without value or calling in the Body of Christ. Each of us has been graced with gifts, not as a result of our own merit, but as an overflow of Christ’s abundant love.

1. The Source of Our Gifts

Our gifts are not self-generated. They come from the hand of Jesus Himself, distributed by the Spirit to each member of the body. Just as Christ descended to the lowest depths and ascended to the highest heavens (Ephesians 4:9-10), He now reigns with all authority, equipping His people to continue His mission on earth. These gifts are not random or accidental but are intentionally given to edify the church and glorify God.

2. The Diversity of Our Gifts

Paul later explains that some are called to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers (Ephesians 4:11). But these are not the only gifts in operation. 1 Corinthians 12 lists many others, including wisdom, knowledge, healing, and discernment. Romans 12 speaks of serving, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading, and showing mercy. The beauty of this diversity is that it reflects the very nature of God, who is creative, multi-faceted, and ever-working in various ways. No one gift is greater than another, and no one role is insignificant.

3. The Purpose of Our Gifts

Ephesians 4:12-13 declares that these gifts are given "for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, until we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God." Our gifts are not for personal glory or self-promotion. They are for building up one another, strengthening the faith of the body, and fostering unity. When one of us operates in our gift, the whole body benefits. If one of us withholds our gift, the whole body feels the loss.

4. The Call to Stewardship

With gifts comes responsibility. Just as Jesus spoke of the faithful servant who was entrusted with talents, so we too are called to be faithful stewards of our spiritual gifts. Let us not bury them out of fear, doubt, or comparison with others. Instead, let us stir up the gifts within us (2 Timothy 1:6) and use them with boldness, knowing that God has empowered us to fulfill His will.

5. Encouragement to Discover and Use Your Gift

Some of you may wonder, "What is my gift?" If that is you, I encourage you to seek God in prayer. Ask Him to reveal it to you. Often, your spiritual gift aligns with the passions God has placed within you. What moves you with compassion? What problems in the world or the church do you feel called to solve? Your gift may already be in operation, and you may not even realize it. Others of you may know your gift but feel unsure or afraid to use it. I challenge you to step out in faith. Trust that God has equipped you for this very reason. The church needs your unique contribution.

Closing Words

Brothers and sisters, I leave you with this encouragement: Walk boldly in your gifting. Do not compare yourself to others, for God has given you a measure that is uniquely yours. Use your gift in love, remembering that it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose (Philippians 2:13). Together, let us seek unity, maturity, and love in all things, knowing that as we grow in our gifts, we grow in Christ.

I pray that the Lord strengthens you, fills you with His Spirit, and gives you the confidence to walk in the power of your spiritual gifts. May you find joy and fulfillment as you serve one another in love.

With love and grace,
Bill Doane
Intern Pastor, Aspen Grove Church

 Dear Beloved Church Family,

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I hope this letter finds you walking in the grace and truth of God, surrounded by His peace that surpasses all understanding.

As I reflect on the events and seasons we are navigating—both individually and collectively—I find myself asking the profound question: What is God up to?

God’s Work in Us

Scripture reminds us that God is always at work. Philippians 1:6 assures us, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” In our personal lives, God is refining us, shaping us into the image of His Son. The challenges we face are not arbitrary but purposeful. They are tools in the hands of a loving Father, teaching us perseverance, deepening our faith, and calling us to trust Him more fully.

God’s Work in the Church

God is moving powerfully within His Church. Even in seasons of uncertainty, He is building His Kingdom, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18). Through every trial, He is teaching us to lean on one another, to grow in love, and to carry the light of Christ into a world desperate for hope. Our unity, worship, and service reflect His glory and remind the world that we are His disciples.

God’s Work in the World

God is not distant or indifferent to the world’s struggles. He is sovereign over nations and history, working out His redemptive purposes in ways we often cannot see. Even in times of turmoil, God is drawing people to Himself, opening hearts to the Gospel, and raising up His Church to be a voice for truth and justice.

What Is Our Response?

1. Seek Him Daily
   Let us not grow weary in prayer, worship, and the study of His Word. The more we draw near to God, the clearer His purposes will become in our lives.

2. Trust His Plan
   Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding. God’s ways are higher than ours, and we can rest in His perfect plan.

3. Step Out in Faith
   As God reveals opportunities to serve, share the Gospel, and be His hands and feet, let us move boldly. He is calling each of us to be part of His work in these times.

Church, God is up to something magnificent, and we are privileged to be part of it. Let us press on together in faith, knowing that His plans are for our good and His glory. May we live each day with expectation, ready to see His hand at work in and through us.

In Christ’s love and service,
Bill Doane

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we enter this season of harvest, we find ourselves drawn to a time of gratitude and reflection. In Deuteronomy 26:1-11, the Lord gives us a powerful reminder of the significance of this season. Through Moses, God instructed the people of Israel to bring the first fruits of the land as an offering, acknowledging both the abundance they received and the One who provided it. This command was not simply about the giving of produce; it was an act of worship, an expression of faith, and a celebration of God’s unwavering faithfulness.

The passage begins with, “When you have entered the land the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance and have taken possession of it and settled in it…” (Deut. 26:1). This verse reminds us of the journey and transformation that God leads us through as His people. Just as the Israelites journeyed from the wilderness into a land of promise, each of us is invited to see our lives as part of God’s unfolding story—a story of provision, promise, and abundant life.

In obedience to God’s instructions, the Israelites gathered their first and finest crops and brought them to the priest as an offering. This act was an acknowledgment that the harvest was not theirs alone, but a gift from God. As the church, we, too, are called to offer the first fruits of our labor, whether it be our time, resources, or talents. By doing so, we are reminded that everything we have and everything we are, comes from Him.

This season, as we consider what we can offer back to the Lord, let us not only give in gratitude but also reflect on the journey that God has led us through. Each one of us has a story of God’s provision, guidance, and mercy. Just as the Israelites recounted their history, let us also remember and share how God has worked in our lives, helping us grow through challenges and blessing us with His grace.

In Deuteronomy 26:11, we read, “Then you and the Levites and the foreigners residing among you shall rejoice in all the good things the Lord your God has given to you and your household.” This verse reminds us that the harvest is not only a time for personal reflection but also for community celebration. We are encouraged to gather with those around us—our families, our fellow believers, and even strangers—to rejoice in God’s goodness together.

Let this harvest season be an opportunity for our church to come together, sharing our blessings, supporting one another, and celebrating the generosity of our faithful God. May we not hold back in offering our first fruits, trusting that as we give, we will be enriched in ways beyond measure.

With hearts full of gratitude, let us enter into this season of harvest with joy, faith, and a renewed commitment to our Lord.

In Christ’s love and service,

Bill Doane

 

Dear Church Family,

I pray this letter finds you all well and resting in God’s grace. Seasons are an intrinsic part of God’s creation, marking transitions and new beginnings. Just as He orders the natural seasons, we also find seasons in our lives and in our church community.

As we step into this new season, let us remember that God has a unique purpose for each time and place. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven." This is a season of both change and growth, and we are called to step forward in faith, trusting in God's leading.

In this new chapter, our mission remains rooted in Christ, who calls us to grow in faith, to reach out with love, and to serve our community. Together, let us lean into His guidance, embracing fresh opportunities for ministry, discipleship, and fellowship. I invite each of you to consider how God might be calling you to engage, whether through prayer, serving, or joining one of our small groups or ministries.

Let’s open our hearts to what God is doing in our midst, welcoming new members and ideas, and continuing to stand together as a church family. May this season bring us closer to each other and deeper in our walk with Christ.

Thank you for your commitment, your prayers, and your faithfulness. Let us move forward with joy and anticipation for what God has in store.

With love and blessings,
Bill Doane

 

 Dear Church Family,

As the crisp air of fall settles in and the colors of the season change, we are reminded of the beauty of God’s creation and the cycles of life He has set in motion. Just as the trees shed their leaves in preparation for a new season of growth, we too are called to a time of reflection, renewal, and preparation in our spiritual walk.

Fall is a season of harvest, and it is a perfect time to reflect on what God has been growing in our lives. Have we nurtured the seeds of faith He has planted in our hearts? Are we bearing fruit in our love for one another, our service to others, and our dedication to God's Word?

As we approach the end of the year, it’s also a time to let go of things that may be holding us back—past mistakes, fears, and doubts. Just as the trees let go of their leaves, let us lay down our burdens at the feet of Christ, trusting that He will lead us into a new season of growth and purpose.

This fall, I encourage each of us to deepen our commitment to the Lord through prayer, study, and fellowship. Let us gather as a church to celebrate His goodness and to encourage one another as we seek to live out the gospel in our daily lives.

May this season be one of spiritual harvest, where we grow in faith, hope, and love, and may the beauty of fall remind us of the greater glory that awaits us in Christ.

In Christ’s love,

Bill Doane

 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I greet you with the peace and love of our Lord Jesus Christ. I hope this letter finds you in good health and strong in faith. Today, I want to reflect with you on the profound truth of God’s blessings in our lives and how we, as a church, can embrace and share these blessings with others.

Recognizing God's Blessings

The Bible teaches us that every good and perfect gift comes from above, from our Heavenly Father (James 1:17). Whether it's the gift of life, the joy of fellowship, the comfort of the Holy Spirit, or the promise of eternal life through Christ, we are richly blessed in every way. Sometimes, in the busyness of life, we might overlook these blessings, focusing instead on what we lack. Yet, God's blessings are all around us, evident in the love we share, the faith that sustains us, and the hope we have in Christ.

Living in God's Blessing

As a community of believers, we are called not only to recognize God’s blessings but also to live in them. Psalm 1:1-3 reminds us that the person who delights in the law of the Lord is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding fruit in season and prospering in all they do. This imagery encourages us to root our lives in God's Word and to draw nourishment from His presence daily.

When we live in obedience to God, we open ourselves to His continual blessings. We become vessels through which His love, peace, and joy flow into the lives of others. It is in our obedience and faith that we find the path to true prosperity—not necessarily in material wealth, but in spiritual abundance that enriches our souls and our community.

Sharing God's Blessings

God’s blessings are not meant to be hoarded but to be shared. In Genesis 12:2-3, God promises Abraham that He will bless him so that he can be a blessing to others. This promise is not just for Abraham but for all of us who are his spiritual descendants through faith.

As a church, let us strive to be a blessing to our community and beyond. Let us reach out to those in need, offer comfort to the hurting, and extend the hope of the Gospel to those who have not yet heard. We are blessed to be a blessing, and in sharing what we have received, we fulfill the purpose God has for us.

A Call to Gratitude and Action

In all circumstances, let us give thanks to God, recognizing His hand in every blessing we receive (1 Thessalonians 5:18). As we gather in worship and fellowship, may our hearts be filled with gratitude, and may our lives be marked by generosity and compassion.

I encourage each of you to take time this week to reflect on the blessings in your life, to thank God for His goodness, and to ask how you might share those blessings with others. Together, let us shine the light of Christ in our world, living out the truth that it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

In His service,

Bill Doane