Thoughts from Pastor Darrin

“Having the Same Mindset as Christ”

Amother was preparing pancake breakfast for her little boys when they began to argue over who would get the first pancake. Seeing this as a perfect opportunity for a moral lesson, mom interrupted their argument. “Boys”, she asked. “If Jesus were sitting here, he would say: ‘Let my brother have the first pancake. I can wait’” The two children sat silent for a moment, then five-year-old Jonny turned to his younger brother and exclaimed, “Okay, Ryan, you be Jesus!”

One of the major themes we’ve been studying in our sermon series on Philippians is having the same mindset of Christ Jesus in our relationships. This is Paul’s challenge: To choose to be like Jesus by using our position, privilege, and power not for our own advantage, but for the blessing of others.

Every time our wallet comes out, we face that challenge: Is my life about getting or giving? Every time we are in a conflict at home, work, or in politics, we have a choice: Am I going to focus solely on my feelings and preferences, or is there a legitimate hurt or hunger on the other side that I can serve? And every time we walk through the doors of our church, we have a decision to make: Is my purpose to get my needs met or to help address the needs of others?

Martin Luther King Jr. once said that “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” As disciples of Jesus, we too are faced with this most persistent and urgent question. With our finances, in our relationships, and with our church and bigger community, Paul challenges us to ask, “What are we doing for others?”

Plan to join your church family at our Pine Springs Ranch Retreat Featuring:

Veritas - enjoy a “wall of sound” from five male voices joined together. Experience a jusical journey unlike any other.

Chris Oberg coming back home to Calimesa, her home church for four years. She is currently CEO of Path of Life Ministries in Riverside.

Filip Milosavljevic, Young adult pastor at LLU Church, finishing his dissertation on what creates thriving churches that young adults love and where they grow in Jesus. Come enjoy a mountain-top experience of fun, fellowship, great food and spiritual growth!

Coming April 28-30 2023

Mark you calendar! More information coming!

Thoughts for the day

Whatever your anxieties and trials, spread out your case before the Lord. Your spirit will be braced for endurance. The way will be opened for you to disentangle yourself from embarrassment and difficulty. The weaker and more helpless you know yourself to be, the stronger will you become in His strength. The heavier your burdens, the more blessed the rest in casting them upon the Burden Bearer.” Desire of Ages p. 329

“If God sends us on stony paths, He provides strong shoes.” And, “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” --Corrie ten Boom