The Bible is full of stories that offer wisdom and guidance for living our best lives. And right from the very beginning, it teaches us how to build meaningful (dare we say ‘fruit-ful’) relationships, as seen in the story of Adam and Eve. 
 
God created Adam.  Recognizing that it was not good for him to be alone, God made Eve as his companion. Together, they lived in the Garden of Eden, enjoying a close relationship with their Creator. They had only one rule: not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. But temptation proved too strong. They disobeyed, and as a result, they were sent out of the garden.
 
This ancient story still speaks to us today, offering valuable lessons about life, relationships, and faith.
 
First, we learn that community matters. God designed us for relationships. Adam wasn’t meant to be alone, and neither are we. Whether it’s family, friends, or faith communities, God calls us to build and nurture connections that bring support, love, and accountability.
 
The story of Adam and Eve is an example of poor judgements made based on outward appearances and bad advice. Not everything that looks or sounds appealing is good for us.  The serpent promised new exciting experiences, and the fruit looked delicious.  But appearances can be deceiving. Just because something seems desirable—whether it’s a decision, a habit, or a relationship—doesn’t mean it’s beneficial. We must look beyond the surface, learn to distinguish between truth and deception, and consider the consequences of our choices.

A close look at the story shows that Adam was with Eve when she chose to eat the fruit. He didn’t object; he followed along. This reminds us of the power of influence.  Our choices can influence those around us—for good or for harm. We should surround ourselves with people who inspire wise and faithful choices while also striving to be that same source of encouragement for others.
 
From Adam, we learn how not to behave when confronted with our own mistakes.  When questioned, Adam shifted the blame to Eve—and even to God. But true growth comes from owning our mistakes. Instead of making excuses, we should acknowledge our failures, learn from them, and seek to do better.
 
The story concludes with Adam and Eve being sent from the garden. But even after their disobedience, God didn’t abandon Adam and Eve. Though they faced consequences, God continued to care for them and their descendants. In the same way, no matter our mistakes, God remains faithful. Human relationships may falter, but God’s love endures.
 
The story of Adam and Eve is not just about the fall of humanity—it’s about grace, redemption, and the lessons that shape our lives. If we take these teachings to heart, we can build stronger relationships, make wiser choices, and draw closer to God.  If you want to become part of a community striving to do these things, join us at First Presby!

The book of Deuteronomy, chapter 26 tells the story of the Hebrews, who, having been set free from slavery in Egypt, wandered the desert for 40 years and were finally preparing to enter the promised land.  Their leader, Moses reminded them that God had brought them from slavery into a land flowing with milk and honey and instructed them to bring their “first fruits” as a gift of gratitude to God.

The concept of “first fruits” isn’t just about the kind of gift but instead reflects the spirit of the gift. Is gratitude the first and best thing you express, or is it an afterthought? Do you live a life of gratitude, or only occasionally remember to give thanks?

Science underscores the power of gratitude. Studies have shown that people who express gratitude live longer, happier lives. Neuroscience shows gratitude activates the hippocampus and amygdala—parts of the brain tied to emotions, memory, and function. It releases dopamine and serotonin, promoting happiness and gratitude reduces cortisol, the stress hormone. An attitude of thankfulness is linked to a significantly lower risk of psychological diagnoses including unhealthy dependencies, anxiety, phobias and depression.  Practicing gratitude daily improves physical health, lowers stress, strengthens relationships, enhances sleep, and bolsters the immune system. In gratitude, we just feel better!

Isn’t it wonderful that the body God has created for us rewards us when we feel and express gratitude?

I have a friend who was undergoing chemotherapy. I asked her one day how things were going and she said that the first few days after a treatment were pretty rough, but she was so grateful that it was only for those few days.  She lost most of her hair, but that week, she told me she was so happy to be able to wear her new stylish hat! 

Living gratefully challenges us in hard times and good. In suffering, gratitude reminds us that God’s love is constant, offering comfort and a new perspective. When things are going well, gratitude keeps us from overbearing pride, helping us acknowledge God’s provision and the people who contribute to our blessings.

As we begin a new year, perhaps a good resolution would be to focus this year on living in gratitude. Start by practicing outward expressions of gratitude: smile, say thank you, and engage with those around you. Change how you talk about your life; emphasize what others have done to bless you rather than your own accomplishments. When envy arises, redirect your thoughts. Trust in God’s unique plan for your life and find peace in it.

Gratitude is transformative. It reorients our hearts, our minds, and our bodies to recognize God’s goodness in everything. As the Hebrews were called to offer their first fruits, let us offer our lives in gratitude, discovering joy, health, and hope in the process.
 
 
 
 

Each year, we eagerly await, prepare for, and celebrate the Christmas story, an incredible story of faith.
 
Mary, devoted to God, was chosen to carry the Christ child.  Imagine how frightening this might have been.  Yet Mary’s faith in God was so strong that instead of pointing out all that could go wrong she celebrated the gift.  Instead of focusing on her doubts, she acted on what she believed.  And what she believed was that God was with her, that God loved her, and that God had a plan for her.
 
Maybe that’s the essence of faith- having our doubts, not fully understanding - but trusting in God’s will for us and acting on that trust.
 
And what about Joseph?  When he heard Mary was expecting a child, surely Joseph had doubts, but he acted on what he believed. Joseph believed that God was good and that God had an important plan for the child.  Joseph acted on his beliefs rather than on his doubts.  Joseph acted in faith.
 
When the angels announced the birth to the shepherds, they had doubts, but they went to Bethlehem anyway.  When the wise men saw the star and read the prophecies, they surely had doubts, but they made the long trip to Bethlehem anyway. 
 
Some people struggle with the concept of faith because they find it hard to believe in the miraculous events described in the Bible.  They worry about having blind faith in a talking snake, a virgin birth, a mysterious star, a dead man brought back to life…
 
But God doesn’t call us to blind faith.  True faith involves having doubts, asking questions, but trusting in God’s goodness, despite the lack of proof or understanding.
 
Christian faith is believing that God can do the impossible, and God will do the impossible for us.  Then, taking it one step further, faith is acting on that belief, just as Mary and Joseph did so long ago.
 
Faith is dynamic and you may go through times in your life when your faith falters, when you doubt that God is working in your life.  The Bible is full of stories of people who experience this kind of doubt.
 
But even during those times, God is faithful to you.  So, when you’re ready to meet God again, or meet God for the first time, God will be there.  You don’t have to be embarrassed, or nervous about how God will treat you, you are always welcome. 
 
So, as we prepare for Christmas, by faith, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and marvel that God can reach anywhere and through anyone, even a small town like Bethlehem and a simple stable with a young girl who had faith, or a small town like Brookings and someone like you.   And God can bring hope and joy into the world. 

In recent weeks, the noise of campaign season has filled every corner of our lives. The non-stop advertisements, the passionate rallies, the heated debates—each candidate or cause vying for our attention and our vote. When Election Day came and went, many of us breathed a sigh of relief, looking forward to the return of some kind of normalcy. As we write this, the results are not yet in, but in the days and weeks to come, as outcomes continue to unfold, we may feel uncertain, wondering what the future holds. In times like these, it’s only natural to ask, “Where is God in all this?”

This is a good time to be reminded of David’s timeless description of God’s steadfast presence in our lives, found in Psalm 139.  In this psalm, David writes, “You have searched me, Lord, and you know me …you hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.”  These words provide a comforting image of a God who knows us completely;  a God who surrounds us on all sides, steadying us when we stumble, guiding us when we are uncertain.

David’s words offer a powerful assurance: “Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.”  Whether we are celebrating victories or navigating setbacks, God is with us. When we’re filled with joy, God rejoices with us. When we fear the future, God stands beside us, offering strength. No matter where we find ourselves—emotionally, mentally, or physically—God is there and God sees us, even in our darkest moments.\

Perhaps some of us are facing personal challenges in addition to the uncertainty of the world around us. Maybe we’re dealing with a painful loss, a period of doubt, or a season of unexpected change. In these moments, it’s easy to feel isolated, as if we’re walking through darkness alone. But Psalm 139 assures us that God sees us even in those shadowed places, that God reaches into our darkness with a light only God can provide.
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As we face the unknowns of tomorrow, we can trust that God is with us. Hold on to that truth, and to the promise found in Matthew 28:20, when Jesus said, “surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” No matter the path ahead—whether filled with celebrations or challenges—we are never alone. God knows us, God loves us, and God walks beside us always.

One day, as Jesus was speaking among his friends, a group of men approached Him with what seemed like a simple question: “Tell us,” they said, “what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?"
 
This was a loaded question. The men who asked were hoping Jesus would respond in a way that aligned with their own views—either endorsing or rejecting the Roman Empire’s authority. The crowd, too, waited with anticipation.
 
But Jesus’ reply cut through the trap they had set for Him: “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and give to God what belongs to God.” Though His words were simple, the wisdom they conveyed reached far beyond the moment. Jesus urged His listeners not to let political debate overshadow their higher calling, encouraging them to look beyond politics.  Jesus provided a principle of balance between civic duty and spiritual devotion.
 
And His response is still relevant today. We all know we have to give unto Caesar, we have to go to school, we have to go to work, we have to pay our taxes and follow the laws of our country.  But how many times have you wondered, IS THERE MORE?
 
Jesus’ invitation to a balanced life was this: Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar but offer to God what belongs to God.
 
Fulfill your obligations to the world—whether that means being a responsible citizen, a diligent employee, a loving parent, or a faithful leader. Even in the everyday pleasures of life—enjoying sports, playing video games, spending time with family and friends—God desires for you to embrace these things. They are part of the world God has placed you in.
 
But in doing so, don’t neglect what belongs to God. Set aside time for God. Allow God to shape your heart and guide your decisions. Let God be your compass in times of self-reflection, your source of strength in difficult moments. Worship the God who created you, who sustains you, and who offers hope beyond this world. The demands of this world are real, but so is our need for a relationship with God. Give to the world what belongs to the world, but never forget to give God what belongs to God: your heart, your time, and your devotion.
 
If you’re looking for a place to nurture that balance and grow deeper in your faith, church can be a space to reflect, worship, and connect with others who are also seeking to find that balance. There’s always room for you.

I love to worship God through music. Whether I'm singing cherished hymns or singing along with new songs on the radio, Christian music fills my heart and soul, inspires me, and brings me joy. Today, we share the story of one of the most prolific hymn writers in history. You may recognize some of her beloved songs: "Rescue the Perishing," "All the Way My Savior Leads Me," "Blessed Assurance," "To God Be the Glory," and more.

These timeless hymns were penned by Fanny Crosby, and her story is truly inspirational. Fanny was born in 1820 in New York City. At just six weeks old, a cold led to an eye infection that resulted in blindness.  When a prominent physician later confirmed that Fanny's sight would never be restored, her mother was heartbroken, but Fanny embraced life with remarkable contentment. She wrote her first poem at the tender age of eight.  It reads: “Oh, what a happy soul I am! Although I cannot see, I am resolved that in this world Contented I will be. How many blessings I enjoy That other people don’t! To weep and sigh because I’m blind, I cannot, nor I won’t!”

Fanny lived a long and fulfilling life, reaching the age of 95. During her lifetime, she wrote and collaborated with others to write over 8,000 hymns.  Often, someone would bring a tune to her, and as they played it, she would pray and by the time the music ended, she would have the perfect words to fit the melody.  At other times she would dictate poems to a friend at a rate of three or four a day, and then others would create the accompanying tunes. Her hymns are filled with joy, promise, comfort, and calls to Christian action.

You might wonder how her hymns could reflect such deep biblical knowledge and strong faith. Early on, Fanny’s mother and grandmother helped her memorize five chapters of the Bible each week. By the time she was 15, she had memorized the gospels and several books from the Old Testament, including much of the Psalms.  Throughout her life, Fanny attended various churches, including Methodist, Baptist, and Presbyterian congregations, deepening her knowledge and solidifying her devotion to God.

Fanny lived out the faith she wrote about in her music. Known affectionately as Aunty Fanny, she served at city rescue missions and donated much of her earnings from compositions to charities, even though she herself teetered on the edge of poverty.

Today we reflect on Fanny’s life, her music, and the example she sets for us as she embraced her God-given talents and used them for God’s service, despite the challenges she faced.  May we too, embrace the unique gifts that God has given us and use them to tell our own story of God’s love and hope.

Have you ever felt like life is moving too fast, and you're constantly in a rush? One of my favorite songs is by the music group Alabama. Depending on how you think about it, either a long time ago or a few years back, they had a #1 song that you too may remember “I’m in a hurry to get things done, oh I rush and rush until life’s no fun.”  Even if you don’t know the song, I’m pretty sure that you probably know that feeling.
                               
Jesus, too, knew the hustle and bustle of a busy life; he might have been able to relate to Alabama’s song on the day that he encountered Blind Bartimaeus.  One account of this encounter can be found in the book of Mark, chapter 10. As Jesus traveled, he was constantly surrounded by people, often teaching crowds along the way.  And on that day, as Jesus was passing through the gates of Jericho surrounded by his followers, a blind man called to him from the city gates: “Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me” and Jesus stopped.  
 
Did you notice those last two words?  This particular account from Jesus’ life is told in Matthew,  Mark, and Luke, and they all tell us “Jesus stopped”. The scriptures don’t say Jesus dismissed Bartimaeus with a glance at his agenda, saying “Sorry, I’m in a hurry to get things done.”  Jesus didn’t brush aside the plea with an “I’m busy, wait your turn.”  Instead, Jesus stopped.  He didn’t merely pause; he stopped.  
 
Jesus didn’t stop doing things, but he stopped what he was doing. He momentarily set aside his agenda to do one important thing. Though those around Bartimaeus urged him to silence, cautioning against disturbing Jesus, Jesus stopped and told them to bring the man forward. Imagine how Bartimaeus must have felt. Jesus, this most important man, Jesus the teacher, the miracle worker, the healer, this same Jesus stopped--to ask a poor, blind man what he wanted.
 
Bartimeus must have felt, in that moment, as if he were the most important person in the world to Jesus.  Other stories of Jesus’ interaction with people depict Jesus in the same way.  Whoever it was that Jesus was talking to: a blind man, a tax collector, a fisherman, a leper, a disciple, a woman at a well, or a thief on a cross - whoever it was, that person was the most important person to Jesus, in that moment.    
 
From this story, we glean two profound truths. First, regardless of how insignificant you may feel in the grand narrative of the world you are worthy of Jesus stopping for you.  No matter who you are, you are the most important person in the world to Jesus.
 
Second, to be like Jesus, we too need to be open to those moments when God provides an opportunity for an encounter.  Next time you're caught up in the rush of life, remember Jesus' example. Take a moment to stop and truly be present for someone in need.  Because maybe, just maybe, the treasures we take from this life depend on connecting with people and giving them all the attention they deserve. 
 

There is an interesting story found in the book of John, chapter 8- a story you might have heard before.  It tells of one of the many times that the church leaders of Jesus’s time attempted to ensnare him with a moral dilemma.  Bringing before him a woman caught in adultery, they cited Mosaic law, which mandated stoning for such transgressions and asked for his judgement.  The situation appeared impossible: endorsing stoning would contradict his teachings of love and compassion, yet disregarding the law would defy his adherence to Jewish customs.

Jesus, pausing to write in the sand, seems to ignore them.  When pressed for an answer, he simply says “let him who is without sin cast the first stone.” 

With these simple, yet powerful words, he exposed the hypocrisy of their judgment. As the accusers departed, starting with the eldest, Jesus remained with the woman.

The sequence of departures, from oldest to youngest, hints at varying degrees of introspection or wisdom.

Jesus's admonition reverberates through time, challenging us to scrutinize our own inclinations towards judgment. Accusations of our justice system or capital punishment may surface, but instead Jesus urges introspection rather than external critique- Jesus encourages us to look in the mirror.

This introspective gaze compels us to confront our own biases, prejudices, and tendencies to condemn others.  When we heed Jesus's call to self-examination, we confront the uncomfortable truths about our own shortcomings and moral failings. We recognize the times when we've been quick to judge, to cast stones of condemnation without fully understanding the complexities of another's circumstances. In this self-reflection, we discover the humility needed to extend grace and compassion, mirroring the example set by Jesus.

Continuing the encounter, after the accusers left, Jesus asked the woman if anyone remained to condemn her.  When she said no, Jesus extended mercy. “Neither do I condemn you- go and from now on, sin no more.”  Notice that Jesus didn’t tell her she was off the hook; Jesus didn’t tell her to run along and keep doing what she was doing; Jesus didn’t make light of her sin.  Instead, Jesus showed compassion and grace. Instead of condemnation, Jesus offered redemption and guidance for transformation.  Jesus’ response showed that he knew what the woman had been, but had hope for what the woman could become.  This narrative epitomizes divine hope, recognizing the past while nurturing potential for renewal. In God's eyes, no matter where we’ve been, who we are, or what we have done, each of us carries this promise of transformation, and Christ offers to us the same invitation: go and sin no more.

One of my favorite Old Testament bible stories is the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.  The events are told in the book of Daniel, chapter 3, and begins with King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, who has a gigantic golden statue created in his honor.  The people of the kingdom were told to worship the statue.  Any who did not, would be thrown into a blazing furnace. 

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were faithful followers of the one God, and word came back to the king that they would not bow down.  When the king called them to task for this, they said “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, our God is able to deliver us from it. But even if he does not, we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” (Daniel 3: 17-18)

The king had the men thrown into the fiery furnace, but when he looked into the furnace, he saw not only Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, but also a fourth man, all unharmed by the fire and he realized that their God had intervened.

The king ordered that the furnace be opened and out came three men, not even a hair on their head singed. The king was amazed and declared: “Praise be to your God, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.  Therefore I decree that any who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way.” (Daniel 3: 28-29). 

What do I love about the story?  I admire the faithfulness of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, men with strong faith, standing firm for the right. 

I am grateful we have a God we can trust.  Whatever “fire” we face- God will stand beside us- and that gives me hope and courage. 

I am encouraged that the three men’s faith and the faithfulness of God- changed the mind of a king. 

But there is another message in this story.  After God protected the three men, though King Nebuchadnezzar changed his mind about their God, the king’s temperament and character did not change.  The king who would throw a man in the furnace for not worshiping a golden image, became a king who would cut a man to pieces and destroy his home, if they criticized God.  I pray that for us, in our encounters with God, we become a changed people, changed from a people of selfish words, fiery furnaces and threats and into a people of love, kindness, generosity and peace.


 

Jesus was a wonderful teacher; he taught by telling stories or parables. One thought-provoking parable starts like this:  The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard.
 
The men who were hired at daybreak negotiated their wage for a full day’s work, and so the men went to work.
 
After discovering that more workers were needed, the landowner went out again – a second, third, fourth, and then a final time, at the 11th hour.  He found men standing idle, and hired them, telling them simply that he would pay a fair wage.
 
How is the kingdom of God like the landowner? The landowner continued to seek workers all day.  He didn’t say, “come this morning, or you’re out of luck.”  The landowner was persistent in finding workers, just as God is persistent in seeking us, even to the end of our days. 
 
Jesus continued and described the payment of wages.  Those who arrived last were paid first and received a full day’s wage.  Then the men who came at 3:00, at noon, at 9:00am, and finally those who began at daybreak.  And to everyone’s surprise, they each received a full day’s wage.   The men who were hired at daybreak were paid last, and probably anticipated that they would get extra pay.  They were disappointed when they received the same payment as the others, even though they had worked more hours than anyone else. 
 
And we would probably agree with them.  To be fair, those who worked more hours should receive more pay! 
 
It is hard to understand the parable of the vineyard owner…who paid everyone the same…no matter how long they worked.  
 
And Jesus confuses us even more when he continues: “it would be easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.” 
 
When his disciples protested, Jesus said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”  And that, friends, reveals the meaning of the parable of the rich vineyard owner.
 
It doesn’t matter how long and how hard we work. Nothing we do will earn God’s favor.  God favors us because God is generous.  God’s economic plan for each of us?  Grace.   With God, all things are possible. 
 
If you have accepted Christ and been a Christian your whole life, if you trust in God’s grace working in your life, that is a gift.
 
If you came to Christianity later in life, you also have the gift of God’s grace.
 
If you are still seeking, God also seeks you.  God invites you to take the job, promising to treat you fairly and generously. When you are ready, you can also receive God’s gift of grace.  Grace is God’s economic plan for you.