Readiness in Every Season

In 1 Samuel 3:10, we see young Samuel responding to God’s call after being guided by Eli to say, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” His willingness to be led with an open heart and to respond as told highlights an important part of his life: Being ready to hear from God requires a posture of humility and expectancy.

As we age and grow in years in our walk with the Lord, there are times that we become complacent with our past experiences with God and therefore forget to continue in the same willingness to hear his voice in our walk with him today. My experiences and the faith I had in my 20s, 30s, and 40s will not work for my life in my 50s, as I need the faith for what I’m experiencing now.

That time of my life was for yesterday’s faith. Yesterday’s time with God was good for yesterday, but I need the faith for today to get through my “now” moments. I need every day to be spent with the same willingness and openness of heart as I did in years past to fulfill today’s experiences. That can only be done by being ready in every season and stage of life in the time I choose to spend with him to continue to know His still small voice.

 Knowing His Voice

Jesus reassures us in John 10:27, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” It is only through that intimate relationship between the shepherd and his sheep that allows connection with Jesus. As we spend time in His presence, we become familiar with God’s voice, and we learn to discern that voice through our ongoing relationship with him.

In the morning Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I plead my case to you and watch expectantly. (Psalm 5:3) This involves regular prayer, worship, and meditating on His word. So, in whatever season you are in, this will apply to them all. Seek Him and you will find Him, even in the still small voice, because you know that voice, and the Father knows you as well.

Blessings,

Marina Provencio

Greetings,

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” We are all called to something in this life, whether you’re the provider for your family, a homemaker, or called to the ministry, just to name a few. God has destined us all to fulfill His purpose. Are you fulfilling His purpose or are you choosing your own path?

Just as the natural seasons change, so do those of our lives. Our jobs change, our friends change, where we live will even change. Do you welcome these changes or are you resistant to them? From our youth to adulthood God intended our bodies to change, and so must our minds change as well. Change is inevitable. Paul refers to it this way in 1 Corinthians 13:11, “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.”

So where are you at in the process in this specific time of your life? Are you maturely willing to hear from God or do you, like a teenager, think you know what’s best and have all the answers? Do not deceive yourself. When we refuse to yield our lives to God's will, we will quickly spiral downward and realize our hearts are in the wrong place and our lives have been a mere shell of what they could have been if we would have just given full control over to God.

So honestly ask your Heavenly Father, what needs to change in me? My mind, attitude, desire to know Him?  How do you need to change in your circumstances, in your relationships? There are so many areas in our lives that need improvement. Don’t get complacent with what’s familiar. Ask with a true desire and willingness for change.

Be open to what God has for you today!

In His service,

Damian Provencio Sr.

Greetings, brothers and sisters. 

Recently my wife and I traveled to Oregon to spend two weeks with my sister, Laura. I am so pleased that her faith in Jesus continues to grow.

In Oregon, God appears to be showing off, as everywhere we went He displayed the beauty of His creation (see Psalm 19:1). During our time at Mount Hood Village, we dined at Whistle Stop Restaurant, a place we had visited twice before. Looking out the huge bay window we saw skiers also seeming to show off, as each of their dramatic turns tossed up what looked like a wave of white snow. Yes, God was displaying His handiwork (see Genesis 1:1), and Diane and I took it in with an even greater appreciation of His beautiful creation.

The State of Oregon boasts of so much beauty that both Oregon and California are tied at the top of our list of states.  And, Diane and I have been able to bask in what I believe to be the most beautiful beaches in the world, most notably Laguna Beach.

I became a certified scuba diver at 19, and my first deep-water dive was at Catalina. Diving among the kelp forests was stunningly beautiful, as the sun’s rays came through the kelp forest, reaching a sandy white bottom below. Over the next few years, when I donned my scuba gear at Diver’s Cove and headed off to the reef, I was awe-struck at all the beauty (see Palm 95:5, Psalm 104.25). At a depth of 35 feet, I saw a spot where the reef appeared to have been split in two, leaving a beam of sunlight to light up the patch of white sand on the bottom between the two sections of the split reef.

At that reef, I was often greeted by the same young octopus, who was quite curious about me and my scuba gear. Occasionally it would playfully wrap its tentacles around my face mask. After spending several minutes together it would eventually leave, and each time it left it would push off with all of its eight little arms, leaving a tiny cloud of bright purple ink. I felt it was his way of saying “That was fun, so let's do it again next time you’re here." (See Genesis 1:21, Psalm 104:25.)

I pray that this inspires you, as it did me. 

Your brother in Christ, Ken

Dear brothers and sisters, 

Over the past year and a half, the Lord has been calling us to attention, urging us to position ourselves to hear His voice. This year our goal is to be marked by God, and as I meditate on this I am reminded of where I stand with the Lord. When He speaks we must be attentive to what He instructs us to do.  

In the Bible, we see stories like that of Saul. In 1 Samuel 15:3, the Lord gave Saul clear instructions: "Now go, attack the Amalekites and totally destroy all that belongs to them. Do not spare them; put to death men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys." 

But in verse 8, we see Saul's disobedience: "He captured Agag, king of Amalek, alive, but devoted all the others to destruction with the sword." Then in verse 9, it says, "Saul and his troops spared Agag, along with the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat calves and lambs, and the best of everything else. They were unwilling to destroy them, but they devoted to destruction all that was despised and worthless."

This is a powerful reminder that we must be fully obedient to God's instructions—no exceptions. Too often, when the Lord speaks to us, we try to negotiate or compromise. In 1 Samuel 15:11, the Lord says to Samuel, "I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned away from following Me and has not carried out my instructions." 

These words from the Lord deeply shocked me, reminding me that it is all too easy to take His instructions lightly. 

This year we have heard the Lord’s heart for our lives and for the ministry. It’s more than just a wake-up call, it is a call to action and to realignment. I encourage you to seek the Lord, to listen to His voice, and to receive His guidance for what is to come. 

Keep seeking, keep praying, and never forget…you are deeply loved by God.

Love and Peace, 

Samantha Rodriguez

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Just as nature blesses us with both gentle showers and fierce storms, our lives are filled with seasons of joy and seasons of trial. The rain nourishes the earth and helps it flourish, yet the storm tests its resilience. Similarly, we experience moments of abundance and peace, only to face times of struggle that challenge our faith and fortitude.

Storms whether in the skies or in our hearts remind us of our fragility and our dependence on something far greater than ourselves. These trials are not random; they carry profound meaning and purpose. Each storm presents us with an opportunity to grow, to learn, and to draw nearer to our Creator.

In moments of turmoil and uncertainty, we must remember that there is one source of hope, strength, and salvation that never fails, Jesus Christ. As it is written in Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” This truth anchors us in the fiercest storms of life.

Let us not rely on our own understanding or strength alone, for we are encouraged in Ephesians 6:11 to “put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” When the winds howl, the rain pours, and the waves threaten our

faith, we must be fortified by His grace and love, which will enable us to persevere. This armor of faith equips us to face the trials ahead, grounded in the truth of His Word and protected by the shield of His promises.

Let us also remember that no storm is without purpose. God, in His infinite wisdom, allows us to endure difficulties so that we might emerge stronger, more compassionate, and closer to Him. As Romans 8:28 reassures us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Every trial carries the seeds of transformation, and every challenge is an opportunity to trust Him more deeply.

So, my dear brothers and sisters, let us face the storms of life with courage and faith. Let us trust in His perfect plan and prepare our hearts and minds to stand firm, knowing that Christ is our anchor and our guide. With Christ as our anchor, we will emerge from every storm stronger and more faithful than before.

Yours in Christ,

Juan Rodriguez

Greetings dear brothers and sisters,

Recently my wife and I went up to the apple orchards for time away to rest and refresh.

With the busyness of life, work, and family, my wife and I realized the need to get away and rest. By setting this time aside to get away we were able to commune with one another and draw close together. We were able to have intimate conversations that the normal hustle and bustle of daily life doesn’t afford us. I cannot forget to mention that we were able enjoy the beauty of the Lords handiwork that surrounded us. As we sat looking at the snow-capped mountains, we felt a feeling of safety and contentment, this overwhelming sensation came to us just by being in the presence of the Almighty. We came there with all sorts of thoughts, concerns, feelings, and emotions. Yes, God was truly with us. We were able to talk, laugh, and maybe most importantly even cry together a little. It was truly a time of restoration and healing.

Why do I tell you all this? In the Bible we often see that Jesus went away to rest and find time alone with God in secluded places, such as mountains and deserts. He also taught his disciples it would be wise of them to learn to do the same.

We see in an example of this in Mark, 6:31-32, “And He said to them, ‘come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.’ For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves.”

You see, even Jesus Himself needed to leave and commune with His Father in Heaven.in fact, He felt it was necessary to do so. So while we continue to do the work of our Father in Heaven, do not forget to take time and rest, to restore your bodies, always allowing the Holy Spirit to refresh and restore your mind, body and spirit. May the Lord give you rest, and restore you this day.

Your brother in Christ,

Aaron Wantuch

Dear Family of God,

As I pondered what the Lord has for us this year, I kept sensing that He desires all of us, in the sense that He, the Lord God, wants your whole heart and life to be submitted, surrendered and devoted to Him. I felt this was being confirmed when our Pastor encouraged us, in that we were to be “Marked by God” this year.

As we continue through this year I believe we will be presented with many opportunities to choose whom we will allow to mark our lives. Will it be the world around us, or the Lord Jesus Christ? This year we have to make the conscious decision to truly surrender our entire lives to the Lord. We must take up our cross daily, every single day, and follow our God wholeheartedly.

He desires more of us, all of us, and He is waiting for His bride to be made ready for His return. We don’t know the day or the hour in which our Lord will return, but we are reminded to be ready. (Matthew 24:44, NLT). “You must therefore be ready at all times, for the Son of Man will return when He is least expected.”

Let us determine as individuals, and as the Body of Christ, that this year we will allow our lives to be transformed by the Lord. We will let His will be done in and through us. We will be true followers and disciples of God. We have to do our part in being children of God and start doing what He has called us to do. Our lives must reflect Jesus. Our actions must reflect those of our perfect example in Christ. 

Let us be “Marked by God” together this year!

In His Service,

Vanessa Provencio

Happy New Year to all!

It is such a wonder how quickly time passes us by. Here we are now welcoming in the year 2025! It is so easy during this time of year to forget what is behind us, and to create new goals and refresh our vision for forward movement.

I encourage you all to make it a continual practice to take a look back in the rear-view mirror and remember what God had done for you, and then focus on what lies ahead.

In Psalm 77:11-12 we are encouraged by Asaph’s words, “¹¹ I will remember the works of the Lord; surely I will remember Your wonders of old. ¹² I will also meditate on all Your work, and talk of Your deeds.

Whether you have experienced good things, hard things, or a combination of both, we always have reason to praise the Lord. Job reminds us we should accept the good as well as adversity from God (Job 2:10). God is with us in the good times, and He strengthens and carries us through the difficult times.

In fact, it is often in the most difficult circumstances that we discover most, that God is for us. From Abraham, Jacob, Moses, David and Peter we learn from their times of hardship, that God met their every need and they became the better because if it.

We don’t know everything about God, but like these men the course of our lives open the way for God to reveal Himself to us. Every encounter we have with God should leave a lasting impression on our life, one that we can look back on as a reminder, and to encourage us to move forward in the Lord with great confidence.

We see the Israelites continually creating landmarks as a sign for themselves and future generations, to always be reminded of the great works God has performed on behalf of His people. Still, to this day the Jewish people hold traditional holidays because of what God accomplished thousands of years ago in Egypt. God’s work has left a great mark upon the Jewish people and their lives and therefore affected everything that they do as a people.

As we enter this new year I have this very question for us as a church. We have been through many things with God, seen many things with God, gone many places with God. Through all of this has your life been “Marked by God?” Because as we are marked by Him we therefore can reveal Him to others!

In His Service,

Pastor Damian

This is December, the month we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. But let’s take a look back, way back, even before there was a month called December, yes, even before there was a universe, God created both space and time, because before that time, there was no space and there was no time.

But God still had more creation in mind, because He then spoke, and He created the heavens and the earth, and all living things that flew in the air, on the earth, and in the sea. He then looked at all His creation, and He saw that it was good. And in seeing that great creation He desired companionship. He then formed Adam from the dust of the earth, and from the rib of Adam He created Eve, who would become the mother of all mankind, and they were fruitful and multiplied, filling the earth.

But soon thereafter, when He saw the sinfulness of His creation, He sent a flood to destroy all of humanity, save a few. But man seemed to have learned nothing from the flood, so this same God volunteered to come to earth as a man, subject to all the frailties and sufferings of mankind. And this, the greatest gift ever, was soon beaten, scourged, spat upon, and nailed to a cross, taking the just punishment we deserved for our sins.

But this great gift, whose name is Emmanual, Everlasting Father, Redeemer, Almighty God, Yeshua, and Jesus, on the third day rose from the dead, giving us still another even greater gift, the gift of eternal life. That great gift meant that we would never have to stand before a just God and hear the word “Guilty” because he said He would cast our sins from Him and remember them no more. That was a gift we could never earn, all we had to do for this great gift, was to accept Him and His gift, by surrendering our lives to Him and accepting His free gift of salvation.

Although most of His creation still rejects Him, He did all this because of His great love for us, His children. What an amazing God we serve, and He is worthy of all our love, because He is love! We owe Him our everything, because without Him we would have no hope . . . without Him we would have nothing!

Ken Simmons

While I was in Florida for mutual assistance support, restoring power to thousands of people. I got a glimpse of the destruction a hurricane can bring and the aftermath it leaves behind. I thought of the scripture in Matthew 5:45 “For He makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”

I’m sure that there were many people who were affected by the loss of loved ones or of much or even all their earthly possessions that served the Lord. Just as Job had they probably didn’t expect that tragedy would be knocking on their door. It goes to show that nothing in this life is guaranteed to last forever, it is all temporal.

I like how the Amplified describes John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]”

We cannot allow any disappointments, infirmity, health issues, depression, financial distress or loss of any kind to shift our mind and allow the enemy to bring doubt into our hearts and question God. In Him we have PERFECT PEACE! No matter what this life may bring. I encourage you today whether you find yourself in the valley low or on mountain high, trust in our God, your God, who is a loving father, desires the attention of His people and supplies a peace that surpasses all understanding.

Will you seek Him today?

In His Service,

Damian Provencio Sr.