You matter. Every person sitting in church matters to God, and so does everyone who isn’t there yet. In this Sunday message from April 30, 2023, Pastor Linda Reese started with a simple observation: people are looking for love in the wrong places, and they’re getting hurt.

Where love comes from

Love isn’t only a feeling. It’s a commitment you make and keep, and in a marriage it holds best when God is part of it. “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love” (1 John 4:8, KJV). We see God’s love in what He has given: life, His Son, new life to all who receive Him, and the right to be called His children.

Known completely

“O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me” (Psalm 139:1). He knows every thought and every word before we say it (139:4). He even knows the number of hairs on our heads. We sometimes keep people at a distance because we’re afraid of what they’ll find out. Nothing is hidden from God, and He loves us anyway. So there’s no use pretending with Him.

Pastor Linda said we should want to know God the way close friends know each other, well enough to finish each other’s sentences.

Never out of His reach

“Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?” (139:7). Wherever you go, He’s already there, in front of you and behind you.

Fearfully and wonderfully made

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Psalm 139:14 (KJV)

When you feel worthless, or even find yourself disliking who you are, remember who made you. Respect yourself as much as your Maker respects you. God knows the plan He has for your life, and He still gives you the choice. Pastor Linda said God planned for her to be a pastor. She could have said no, and she’s glad she didn’t.

Finally, “Search me, O God, and know my heart” (139:23). When God shows you something to make right, don’t get angry. That’s His love at work. He won’t force Himself on anyone, but He sent His only Son because He wants you.

You’d be welcome here. Plan your first Sunday.