2025-11-03T14:42:22-05:00

Building on the Foundation of Christ

November 3, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

1 Corinthians 3:5–13

n Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, we find a reminder that feels especially timely for us today. The people of Corinth were arguing about which leader they followed—some claimed Paul, others Apollos. Their attention was divided, and Paul gently brought them back to center:

“What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.”

Paul isn’t diminishing the value of human effort. He’s showing us that every act of service is sacred when rooted in God’s purpose. We each have a role—some plant, some water—but it is God who makes things grow.

We Are Co-Workers in God’s Field

How freeing it is to remember that we don’t carry the full weight of outcomes!
We are workers together with God, not competitors for His attention. We are teaching a Sunday school class, knitting for charity, or visiting a neighbour. Praying quietly at home, we are each tending a small part of God’s garden. Each action contributes to His creation.

Our job is to show up faithfully.
God’s job is to bring the growth.

Christ Is the Only Foundation

Paul goes on to say:

“No one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

It’s tempting to build our faith on people, traditions, or good works—but those things shift and crumble. Christ alone is the steady ground beneath our feet.
If we build on Him, what we create will endure. Our words, our acts of love, and our ministries will stand. They will stay strong even when life’s fires test them.

What Are We Building With?

Paul writes that the quality of each person’s work will be revealed.
Some build with gold and precious stones—acts of love, patience, kindness, and faithfulness. Others build with straw—pride, comparison, or self-interest.

So we ask ourselves:
What materials am I using in my life of faith?
Are my choices rooted in the eternal or the temporary?

Every day is another chance to build with care, to strengthen what lasts, and to remember who holds the blueprint.

A Prayer to Close

Gracious and Loving God,
Thank You for reminding us that You are our foundation.
Teach us to build with care, to serve with humility,
and to love with steadfast hearts.
May our lives reflect Your grace
and our works stand firm in Christ.
Amen.

Final Reflection

As you go through your week, look around your “field.”
Who might need a seed of kindness?
Where can you pour a little water of encouragement?
Trust that God will take it from there—and make something beautiful grow. 🌿

If this reflection spoke to you, share it with a friend who needs encouragement. If you’d like printable Bible study pages for your own quiet time, you can join my Sunday Journal Circle. It’s a gentle space for faith. It’s a place for reflection and community.

“Reading Week Selections: A Diverse Literary Journey”

October 16, 2025October 16, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

A Pastor living the Grandma Core, 100 mile life.

It’s reading week, and I’m beginning with three very different books — each chosen with intention and heart.

My cozy reading table this week — a balance of study, reflection, and rest.

The first is The Principles of Economics: Economic Directives from a Biblical Viewpoint. It’s helping me think through budgeting and stewardship in a faith-centered way. The second is Our Christian Reflections on Death and New Life by Henri Nouwen. This book draws me deeper into spiritual reflection. It also encourages renewal. And finally, I’ve chosen A Searching Heart by Janet Oke. This novel offers the comfort of a familiar Christian voice. It also gives the simple joy of story.

In this trio, I’ve found a balance: one for the mind, one for the soul, and one for rest.
Economics, theology, and fiction — all working together to nourish different parts of my life.

Learning and Reflection

My goal this week is simple: to learn.
I’ll be reading The Principles of Economics as a Bible study. Each section includes scripture, discussion questions, and reflection prompts. I’m already imagining how this can one day form the basis of a small group study or online discussion series.

The scripture on the opening page reads, “Lay up your treasures in heaven.” That alone sets the tone. Although this book was printed back in 2013 by the Eastern Mennonite Press in Pennsylvania, truth doesn’t age. The principles of faith and finance stay as relevant today as ever.

When I finish, I plan to write a short reflection. I want to capture what I’ve learned. I will also consider how it can shape my ministry.

Theological Growth and Spiritual Nourishment

Henri Nouwen’s Reflections on Death and New Life is where I’ll spend time in theological reflection. I want to see what stands out as I walk through it. I want to understand how it speaks to change, loss, and renewal in my own life. I am also curious about its impact on my ministry.

This isn’t just academic reading. It’s a conversation between faith and life — between God’s promises and my daily realities. It’s also a prompt read as we move toward Advent, a season that holds both waiting and wonder.

Rest, Relaxation, and Renewal

And then there’s A Searching Heart — my “just for me” book.
I don’t always make time for fiction. Still, Janet Oke’s gentle storytelling reminds me to slow down. It encourages me to breathe and rest in the beauty of faith-filled simplicity. Sometimes, we read not to learn, but to be restored.

Why Ministers Need Reading Weeks

In ministry, we’re encouraged to take time each year for continuing education. We have three weeks set apart for growth, learning, and renewal. This reading week is part of that rhythm for me. It’s also a chance to plan ahead. It’s a time to think about Advent themes. It allows me to refill the spiritual well that ministry can so quickly drain.

Not every week of growth has to involve travel or coursework. Sometimes, it looks like a quiet corner and a warm mug. It also includes a stack of books that stretch your heart and mind.

I call that self-ministry. It is a week where you nourish your body and soul. Do this in ways that have been neglected in the busy seasons of service.

Closing Reflection

So, this week I’ll be learning, reflecting, and resting — all at once.
I’ll let these books speak to different parts of my life. I trust that in their pages I’ll find wisdom. I’ll also find challenge and peace.

As you step into your own rhythm this week, it is time to pick up a book. Choose one that speaks to your soul. Whether it’s something practical, something prayerful, or simply a story that brings rest — make space for learning. Allow time for reflection and renewal.

I’d love to hear what you’re reading this season.
Share your favorite faith-filled or comforting book in the comments below. Let’s inspire one another to keep growing in wisdom and grace.

“Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…”
— Matthew 6:20

With a cozy mug in hand and gratitude in my heart,
— Pastor Barb aka Grannie Doll 🤍
“Creating calm, crafting faith, and cherishing the simple life.”

God Provides: Finding Daily Bread in the Wilderness

October 5, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Have you ever had one of those days when the worries of tomorrow press in so hard? It can be difficult to see the blessings of today. Bills stack up, cupboards look bare, and your heart begins to grumble. You’re not alone—God’s people in Exodus 16 felt the same way.

The Israelites had just experienced the miracle of crossing the Red Sea. They found themselves wandering in the wilderness with empty stomachs. Their hearts were fearful. They complained, longing for the food they remembered in Egypt. Isn’t it striking how quickly we forget God’s faithfulness when we are uncomfortable?

And yet, God answered not with anger, but with mercy. Each morning, bread from heaven—manna—appeared on the ground, and in the evening quail filled their camp. Enough for the day. Not enough to hoard, but enough to teach them to trust.

Lessons in God’s Daily Provision

1. Complaining clouds gratitude.
Israel looked backward instead of upward. When we complain, we miss the evidence of God’s hand right in front of us.

2. God provides for today.
The manna was daily bread. Just as His mercies are new every morning, His provision comes in daily trust.

3. His gifts are sufficient.
No one gathered too much or too little. Each had exactly what was needed. That truth still holds: God’s grace fits your life perfectly.

From Manna to Christ

Centuries later, Jesus declared, “I am the Bread of Life” (John 6:35). The manna in the wilderness was just a glimpse of the greater gift—Christ Himself, who sustains us in every season. When we feel empty, He fills. When tomorrow looks uncertain, He reminds us He is already there.

A Thought to Carry

Today, pause and notice the manna God has placed before you—the mercies you might have overlooked. Breathe in gratitude. Trust that tomorrow’s bread will come, because the same God who fed Israel feeds your soul.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” — Lamentations 3:22–23

✨ Let’s Share Together
Have you noticed “manna moments” in your life lately? These are little daily provisions. They remind you that God is near. I’d love to hear from you in the comments. If this reflection spoke to your heart, please consider subscribing. This way, we can walk this journey of faith together week by week.

In the Beginning, God: 🌿 Finding Everyday Goodness in Creation

September 7, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

When we open the Bible, we encounter its very first words. They are: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1).

Those words are more than history. They are a reminder for our lives today. The creation story isn’t just about what happened long ago—it speaks to the rhythms of life we still experience.

God Brings Order Out of Chaos

Genesis reveals the initial state of the earth as “formless and empty.” God spoke light into the darkness. He shaped the world with care.

Sometimes our own lives feel cluttered and chaotic. Doctor visits pile up, family concerns weigh heavy, and the news feels overwhelming. Just like we tidy a messy kitchen counter to regain peace, God organizes the scattered areas of our hearts.

God Calls Creation Good

After each act of creation, God looked and said: “It is good.”

We can still see that goodness around us every day. It’s in a cup of tea on the porch at sunset. It’s the sound of birds in the morning. It’s also in the taste of fresh bread. These small gifts whisper that God’s goodness is here, now—not just in the past.

We Are Made in God’s Image

God created humanity in His own image. That means we carry His likeness, just as children carry family resemblances.

Even as years pass and our bodies change, His image in us doesn’t fade. We show God in our kindness, in the way we encourage one another, and in our capacity to love.

God Gives the Gift of Rest

After creating the world, God rested—not because He was tired, but because rest is holy.

We often forget that slowing down is part of God’s design. A nap in a favorite chair, a quiet afternoon walk, or simply sitting still with God—these moments aren’t wasted. They are Sabbath moments, sacred reminders that God holds the world even when we stop.

Living in God’s Rhythm

The first chapter of Genesis teaches us a rhythm for life:

God brings order from chaos.
God calls creation good.
God made us in His image.
God blesses us with rest.

When life feels unsettled, we can cling to the promise of those first words: “In the beginning, God.” The same God who created light and life is still at work in us today.

✨ Reflection Question: Where have you seen God’s goodness in your everyday life this week?

🙏 Prayer: Creator God, thank You for Your light, Your goodness, and Your gift of rest. Help me to see Your image in myself and others. Guide me to live each day in the rhythm of Your love. Amen.

Blessings,

Rev. Barbara

🍪“Life Is Like a Fortune Cookie: Finding God’s Surprises”

August 24, 2025August 24, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

At the end of a meal, I sometimes smile when a fortune cookie arrives at the table. It looks ordinary, a folded little cookie, but what makes it fun is the slip of paper inside. You never know quite what it will say. Sometimes it’s silly, sometimes puzzling, and sometimes it’s just the word you needed to hear.

In many ways, life is like a fortune cookie. On the outside, our days can look plain and ordinary—wake up, work, chores, meals, repeat. But tucked inside each day are hidden messages of grace, hope, and wisdom from God.

Matthew 6:25–34

1. Do Not Worry About Daily Needs

Jesus teaches that life is more than food, drink, or clothing. God provides for the birds of the air. He also provides for the flowers of the field. We can trust that He will also care for us. Worry doesn’t add to our lives; instead, it drains us.

2. Trust God’s Provision

The passage emphasizes God’s care and provision. If He clothes the grass of the field with such beauty, He will certainly deliver for His children. This calls us to release anxiety and grow in faith that God knows what we need before we even ask.

3. Seek God’s Kingdom First

The conclusion is the central teaching. It states: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” All these things will be given to you as well. Do not be consumed by tomorrow’s uncertainties. We are called to live faithfully in the present. Prioritize God’s will with confidence. Trust that He will supply what is truly needed.

Let’s look at the fortune cookie. When we seek God first – what fortune is there waiting for us?

1. Ordinary Outside, Extraordinary Inside

A fortune cookie by itself isn’t much. But inside, there’s a message. Life is the same. God takes the ordinary—our routines, our to-do lists, our quiet moments—and hides within them extraordinary reminders of His love. The prophet Jeremiah shares insights. He says, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

2. Unexpected Messages

Just like a fortune cookie, life’s messages often surprise us. We never know what the next day will bring—joys, struggles, opportunities, or challenges. But Jesus tells us in Matthew 6 not to worry about tomorrow, because God provides for us today. Even in the unexpected, God’s voice whispers: “Fear not, I am with you.”

3. Sweet Cookie, Honest Message

The cookie is sweet, but the message inside isn’t always easy. Some are comforting; others are challenging. The same is true of God’s Word. We love verses that remind us of God’s care. We also need the ones that challenge us: “Love your enemies. Forgive those who hurt you.” Both the comfort and the challenge are gifts.

4. We Don’t Write the Message

We don’t write our own fortunes—someone else does. And we don’t write the ultimate story of our lives—God does. That can be humbling, but it’s also freeing. Even when we don’t understand what’s unfolding, we can trust that God’s message is good. “All things work together for good for those who love God.”

5. Messages Are Meant to Be Shared

When someone opens a fortune cookie, the first thing they usually do is share it around the table. That’s our call, too. God’s message of love isn’t meant to be folded up and kept inside. It’s meant to be shared—in words, in actions, in how we live each day.

The Sweetest Message of All

So yes, life is like a fortune cookie. It’s ordinary on the outside and surprising on the inside. Sometimes it’s sweet, sometimes it’s challenging, but it is always filled with meaning. Here is the sweetest message: God loves you. God is with you. God has a plan for your life.

Crack open your day, look for the hidden message, and share it with someone else. You might just find it’s exactly what they needed, too.

“What I Did on My Summer Holidays (and Where I Found God)”

August 3, 2025August 3, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

By Rev. Barbara Creelman

Linden Park United Worship Video – scroll to bottom

What did you do on your summer holidays?

It’s the classic back-to-school question. And this week, as I prepared for Sunday and reflected on the past month, I found myself answering it. I answered not as a student, but as a soul that needed rest.

Here’s what I did:

I rested.
I played games.
I worked on a jigsaw puzzle.
I walked.
I beached.
I picked blueberries.
I swam.
I visited with family.
I ate ice cream.
I went to a museum.

Nothing groundbreaking. No exotic travel plans. No massive achievements.
But in every one of those simple things… I met God.

🌿 Jesus Said, “Come Away and Rest”

One of the verses I’ve been holding onto lately is from Mark 6:31, where Jesus says to his disciples:

“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

That invitation comes after the disciples had been out in the world doing ministry, helping others, and working hard. Jesus didn’t say, “Well done—now do more.” He said, come away. Rest. Be still.

And that’s what this summer gave me: stillness. Not always silence—but soul-quiet.
I wasn’t lazy. I was living gently.

The jigsaw puzzle helped me slow my thoughts.
The walk brought fresh air to tired bones.
The beach invited me to float, breathe, release.
The blueberries—well, they reminded me that the earth still gives.

🌞 There Is a Season for Everything

Ecclesiastes 3 tells us that:

“There is a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance…
That everyone may eat and drink and find satisfaction in their work—this is the gift of God.”

I’ve read that many times, but this year it felt personal.
This summer, there was laughter around family tables.
There was dancing—of the everyday kind: in the kitchen, on the trail, through conversation.
There was joy in each small moment.
And yes—there was satisfaction in the gift of doing nothing urgent.

🧩 Life, Like a Puzzle

One of the images that has stayed with me is the puzzle I worked on.

Thousands of tiny pieces, all jumbled and confusing.
Sometimes I’d sit for an hour and not find a match.
Other times, it would come together effortlessly.

Isn’t that life?

There are days when the pieces don’t fit.
Seasons when things go missing.
But slowly, steadily, God is putting something beautiful together—even if I can’t yet see the whole picture.

🍦 Grace Tastes Like Ice Cream

And then there are moments of pure, holy joy.

A scoop of chocolate chip mint shared with someone you love.
A lake that welcomes you like a baptism.
A museum exhibit that makes you gasp with wonder.
The sound of family laughing over a silly board game.

These aren’t distractions from the spiritual life.
They are the spiritual life.

God isn’t only found in pews and prayer books.
God is also in sunshine and conversation and dessert and discovery.

✨ A Summer Blessing

So, what did I do on my summer holidays?

I lived. I laughed. I rested. I remembered who I am.
And I remembered Whose I am.

And now I’m carrying that rest into the season ahead.

Let me leave you with this blessing. Maybe it’s for you too:

May the God of rest restore your soul.
May the God of play awaken your joy.
May the God of beauty open your eyes to wonder.
And may your summer story become a chapter of gratitude.

Sunday Message: “Come Home”

June 15, 2025June 15, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

✝️

Scripture: Luke 15:11–32
Hymn: “Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling”

🕊️ Introduction

Today we hear two voices calling us. We hear the voice of Jesus in Scripture. We also hear the voice of Jesus through song.

In Luke 15, Jesus tells a story that has reached hearts for centuries. It is the story of a son who wandered, a father who waited, and a homecoming filled with grace.

And in the hymn “Softly and Tenderly,” we hear that same invitation:

“Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling,
Calling for you and for me…
Come home, come home,
Ye who are weary, come home…”

The message is simple and profound: God is calling you home.
No matter who you are. No matter where you’ve been. No matter how long it’s been.

Let’s think together on three truths this story reveals about the heart of God.

❤️ 1. Love That Waits

“While he was still far off, his father saw him…” (v.20)

Before the son ever said a word, the father saw him.

He had been watching the road.
Day after day, hoping — praying — his child would come back.

That’s the first truth of God’s love:
God waits for us. Not with scolding. Not with shame. But with longing.

And Jesus calls us softly and tenderly, not with thunder or guilt.
He invites us: “Come home, ye who are weary…”

Maybe you’ve wandered. Maybe it’s been a hard season.
Maybe you’ve stayed outwardly close but feel spiritually far.

God’s love is waiting. Watching. Hoping.

🏃‍♂️ 2. Grace That Runs

“He ran to him, threw his arms around him, and kissed him.” (v.20)

In that time, older men didn’t run. It wasn’t dignified.
But this father ran — because love doesn’t worry about appearances.

He didn’t wait for an apology or a cleaned-up speech.
He didn’t hold back until he heard the whole story.
He simply ran — with arms open.

That’s grace.

It’s what Jesus offers to each of us:
Not conditional love, but compassion in motion.
Not “clean up your act and come,” but “come, and I will make you whole.”

That’s why the hymn says:

“See, on the portals He’s waiting and watching —
Watching for you and for me.”

Grace isn’t passive. Grace runs toward us.

🏡 3. Mercy That Welcomes All

“This brother of yours was dead and has come to life…” (v.32)

We often stop the story at the welcome home — but Jesus doesn’t.
He includes the older brother, standing outside, angry, hurt, self-righteous.

And what does the father do?

He goes out to him too.

Because the Father’s mercy isn’t just for the prodigal — it’s for both sons.

God’s love reaches the lost and the loyal, the rebels and the rule-keepers.
And in this story, we are all invited.

The invitation from the hymn is for everyone:

“Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling —
Calling, O sinner, come home!”

✨ Conclusion: Come Home

Today is Trinity Sunday. We give thanks for the mystery of God —
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — united in love.

And it’s also Father’s Day. We give thanks for the love of earthly fathers and all those who have mentored us along the way. We also appreciate the greater love of God, who waits, runs, and welcomes.

Whether you are wandering, weary, or watching from a distance —
Jesus is calling you home.

Softly, tenderly — and always with open arms.

So come home.
Come to grace.
Come to love.
Come to God.

Amen.

Come, Holy Spirit:

June 8, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

A Pentecost Reflection

(Recorded live during worship at LInden Park United Community Church, Hamilton)

Renewal, Unity, Sending

Pentecost has always been one of my favorite days in the church year. It’s often called the birthday of the church — a day of wind, fire, voices, and bold new beginnings. But as I’ve grown older, I see Pentecost as something more profound. It feels like a personal invitation to welcome the Holy Spirit’s work in my life again. This invitation stands regardless of my age, energy level, or stage of life.

This year, as I prepared to lead our worship, three simple words guided me.
Renewal. Unity. Sending.

Let me share a few reflections from my study.

1️⃣ The Spirit Renews Our Lives

Acts 2 tells us that the Holy Spirit came like a rushing wind and tongues of fire. In Ezekiel 37, we read of dry bones being brought back to life by God’s Spirit.

I don’t know about you, but there are times when my spirit feels tired or dry. Life brings seasons of grief, change, and uncertainty. But Pentecost reminds us: God is not finished with us! The Spirit still breathes new life into weary hearts. We can be renewed again — even in our later years.

2️⃣ The Spirit Brings Unity in Diversity

On that first Pentecost, people from many nations heard the Good News in their own language. The Spirit didn’t erase their differences — it brought understanding and unity.

In today’s world, we need this Pentecost Spirit more than ever. The church is called to be a place where all belong — across generations, cultures, and backgrounds. In our seniors’ group, we shared how each person’s gifts and life experience enriches the whole body of Christ.

3️⃣ The Spirit Sends Us to Witness

Pentecost was not just about gathering — it was about sending. Jesus said, “You will be my witnesses.”

Sometimes we think of witnessing as something for the young or the bold. But we realized in our group. Each of us, no matter our age, can share Christ’s love. We can do this through prayer, encouragement, kindness, and presence. The Spirit empowers us to shine His light right where we are.

A Prayer for Pentecost

Spirit of the Living God,
breathe new life in us again.
Unite us in your love.
Send us out — with courage and joy —
to be your witnesses in the world.
Amen.

Final Thought

Pentecost reminds me that I am never too old to be renewed. I am never too different to belong. I am never too small to be sent.

Come, Holy Spirit — fall afresh on us!

Why Does Jesus Love Me?

June 1, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

It’s a question that lingers in many hearts—especially in quiet moments when we’re honest with ourselves:

Why would Jesus love someone like me?

It’s not always easy to accept. Life has left its marks. We’ve made mistakes. We’ve doubted, fallen short, and wondered if we’re still worthy of love.

But Scripture answers this question, not with a list of qualifications, but with the cross.

“But God proves His love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8

Let’s break that open gently and see what it tells us.

1. Jesus Loves Me Because It’s Who He Is

Love isn’t something Jesus does.
Love is who He is.

“God is love.” – 1 John 4:8

Just like the sun doesn’t need a reason to shine, Jesus doesn’t need a reason to love you. He does it because it’s His very nature. It’s not about what you’ve done or failed to do. It’s about who He is—and whose you are.

2. Jesus Loves Me Because I Am Known and Created by Him

You are not an accident.
You were made by the hands of the Savior who now holds them out to you in love.

“I have called you by name. You are mine.” – Isaiah 43:1

Jesus doesn’t just love the idea of you. He loves the real you—your scars, your story, your soul.

3. Jesus Loves Me Enough to Redeem Me

The cross wasn’t a symbol. It was a sacrifice.
Not for a world in general—but for you in particular.

He didn’t wait for you to clean up your act.

“While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

He came into your mess, your grief, your shame—and He stayed.

So, What Can I Do Today to Draw Nearer to Christ?

Read a few verses. Let His Word speak to you.
Talk to Him honestly. Prayer doesn’t need polish—just presence.
Be still for a few minutes. Let your heart quiet down.
Love someone quietly. A kind word or gesture in His name is holy.
Thank Him. Gratitude draws your soul closer.
Whisper His name. Even a small, sincere “Jesus, help me,” is a sacred step.

Final Thought:

If you’re wondering why Jesus loves you, the answer is already written in nail-scarred hands.

You are His. That is enough.

The Call to Unity and Christlike Humility

May 25, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

🔹 Philippians 2:2–16

“Make my joy whole by being like-minded. Have the same love and be one in spirit and of one mind. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.”

Meaning for the Church Today:

Pursue Deep Unity
- Unity is more than agreement—it’s shared purpose rooted in Christ’s love.
- In a divided world, the church is called to model mutual care and shared mission.
Practice Humility
- We’re to “consider others better than ourselves,” which counters the culture of pride, self-promotion, and individualism.
- Church members should serve each other rather than compete for position or recognition.
Imitate Christ’s Mindset
- Jesus humbled Himself—so should we. His example is our pattern.
- The church thrives when it reflects the servant-hearted love of Jesus.

🔹 Philippians 2:12–16 – Working Out Salvation and Shining as Lights

“Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. Do everything without grumbling or arguing. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky. You hold firmly to the word of life.”