Yellow Creek Mennonite Church

06/04/2026

1 John 4:4 encourages us when John writes: “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them (false prophets/spirits), because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” John is warning against listening to and following those who are preaching from the viewpoint of the world. He challenges us to test the words of all who speak and teach. He challenges us to compare the truths from God with anything that is preached as truth, yet does not match up with God’s truth. There are so many podcasts, YouTube channels, Instagram videos, Facebook postings, news reports, and website commentaries created and available we can experience information overload. Who in this world should I listen to for truth? Where should I go to know how to live a life for Christ as I walk this earth? Know that you are not alone as you seek to identify truth as it pertains to faith. The Holy Spirit has been sent to help lead and guide you. What does the Bible say? What is the truth of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of this world? That is where we are called to begin. Trust that seeking God’s wisdom will result in finding God’s wisdom. Reading and trusting in the written word of God in the Bible will provide insight. Find a group of fellow believers committed to seeking that same truth. A commitment to studying God’s truths will allow you to identify falsehoods that come from the world. Godly truth is the same as it was years ago. He has not changed. The One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world creating and spreading those lies. Hold firmly to Jesus Christ as Lord of your life.

“Rescue Me” – We the Kingdom
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_52knMLxbew

06/02/2026

06/02/2026

In Proverbs 6:16-19, Solomon writes: “There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.” We can be quick to identify and compare ourselves to BIG sins – murder, theft, adultery, idol worship, using God’s name in vain, drunkenness, or**es, and those things listed above – that might be obvious when they are committed. Hopefully, we are not tempted in these directions, but if so, are able to withstand the temptation. God detests all sin, not just the “big” things. We might consider the following “small” – envy, arrogance, greed, and sloth to name a few – but they are still sins, and create division between individuals and create distance between us and God. Most sins seek to honor self in some form or manner. They seek to take care of me above others. They seek to remove a focus of honoring God. In Psalm 86:12, David commits to and prays: “I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.” Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 6:19b-20: “You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.” Paul also writes in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God." Honor and glorify God. Honor the relationships He has created with Him, and with those around you. Be humble. Be truthful and upright. Be kind. Be loving. Be generous. Be patient. Be honoring. Know what God has taught us within His Holy Word. Follow and obey what God has taught us within His Holy Word. Glorify God in all you say and do.

“Thy Word Have I Hid” – SATB Music Ministers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RG2mNnVGlo

05/28/2026

This is the year AD 2026. Prior to any usage of BC (Before Christ) and AD (Anno Domini – “in the year of our Lord”), civilizations referred to eras based on the reign of their rulers, i.e. “the 5th year of King Tut’s reign.” The Bible has references using similar, but approximated wording. Jeremiah 3:6 begins “In the days of King Josiah…”. Luke 1:5 refers to “In the days of Herod, King of Judea…”. People have attempted to compare the passing of time in some common system, whether it be years and months, or hours and minutes. A common system allows for better communication and comparison. The BC/AD system was devised around AD 525 in Rome, but not widely used until the 9th century. The abbreviations BCE (Before Common Era)/CE (Common Era) in place of BC/AD have been around since the early 1700’s and has been encouraged within some areas of academia, desiring to be sensitive to those who do not share the Christian view of Jesus Christ as Messiah. That renaming has met with varying levels of agreement, disagreement, and discussion, and has not been overwhelmingly applied. The numbering used to identify years are identical within both systems. I find this simply another way – of many that have been used in the past – small as it is, to remove or reduce the presence of Christian faith in the world. CompellingTruth.org gives a sound perspective when they write: “While BCE/CE is yet more evidence of Jesus being removed from academia, no one is saved nor condemned for using that phrase over BC/AD. As Christians, our focus is better placed on the main battle: explaining why people need a Savior and who that Savior is.” God is who He said He is. Jesus is who He said He is. Relabeling things will not change that. Let us reflect the love and light of Christ. Our witness is to show and share the grace and mercy that Jesus Christ has given each of us on the cross, as we approach the throne of God with humble and contrite hearts.

“Days of Elijah” – Robin Mark
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca9LnzJnpjQ

05/26/2026

This past Sunday, May 24th, was Pentecost Sunday. Acts 2 begins the record of the coming of the Holy Spirit in verse 1: “When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.” The ensuing verses describe the wind, the tongues of fire, the hearing of native languages by those around them, and Peter’s explanation of what had just happened. My question is this: Why were the believers all in one place to begin with? Pentecost was not known at that time as the day the Holy Spirit came to us, as it is now. Pentecost was a normal Jewish festival, 50 days after Passover. It was a time of gathering for the Feast of the Weeks – a celebration of the end of the grain harvest. But, God had an additional significance to give this “normal” day of the year. This would now become the day recognized as the beginning of the church age. The Holy Spirit was now here to dwell with us for eternity. We celebrate special days such as Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, and even our regular Sunday mornings. God uses what we might consider “normal” meeting times and settings for work to be done to grow His Kingdom. The Spirit is ready to move every day of the year and week, not just those days WE set aside. The Spirit is available for us to be empowered every day and every hour of the day. Will we make ourselves available for those times to interact with the Spirit? Will we make ourselves available to be used by God any time of the day or week? We do not know when God will place people in our path for us to impact with His love. Just like those who experienced Pentecost, we need to be ready at a moment’s notice to recognize and respond to God moving. May we be filled by the Spirit and move according to His will. May we be prepared to be used by God.

“Rushing Wind” – Keith Green
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2QXz3568DM

05/21/2026

When Matthew 6:33 commands us to “seek first His Kingdom,” what does that mean? What does that entail? What does that look like? It may mean different things within different settings. Slightly different details for application and implementation. Different calls of service for individuals with differing skills and talents to be applied for His Kingdom. But, I do believe there are several common questions we can ask – and seek answers to – as we “seek first His Kingdom.” Is God calling for me to deny “self” in this situation? Am I willing to do that? To put myself in some form of “disadvantaged” position for the sake of others and God? Will I trust that God will empower me to wisely use skills He has given me – or provide insight and skills despite my shortcoming and feeling of inadequacy? There is no guarantee that we will need to disadvantage ourselves, but am I willing to be put in such a condition for His Kingdom? There is no guarantee that I will feel unqualified for a call from God, but if so, am I willing to step into uncharted waters? God WILL use skills and talents He has blessed you with. Are we willing to be used – and possibly change our plans and schedule – by and for Him? New things and new directions in life can be very scary and intimidating. When we “seek first His Kingdom”, the promise given is that He will be walking with us – every step of the way. Not everyone likes roller coasters (I do…). But, if we are to go on what could be a roller coaster ride within life, what better way than to have Jesus Christ sitting right beside you. He’s already made sure the shoulder and lap bars are securely in place. He’s right there with you, riding along. Seek first His Kingdom – and His will. He is faithful to supply every need and provide every comfort and peace along the way.

“Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God” – Malibu Presbyterian Church
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHfzAJS7IRc

05/19/2026

What are you seeking? What are you working for? What is your goal and aim in life? Matthew 6:25-34 contains my favorite verse from the Bible (v.33), calling us to seek God’s Kingdom first and leave the rest to Him, but the heading for this set of verses refers to worry and being anxious, not on seeking God. Yet, those two things are related. If I take it upon myself, and my own wisdom and strength, there are bound to be times when pressure builds and I worry. I become anxious about what the results of my work and efforts will be. Did I do enough? Did I plan well enough? Worry and anxiety can creep in and occupy my attention. Yes, we need to plan. Yes, we need to be aware of things and events happening around us. But do that second – or third. Proper seeking is to be done first. “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” If our goal and aim is not according to God’s call for us, there will be additional challenges that arise, and blessings we anticipate and expect will not be present. If our goal and aim is seeking and according to God’s will, God has promised that He will take care of us better than He cares for the birds and flowers, for whom he provides clothes, shelter, and food. God has also promised peace, joy, wisdom, and an abundance of other intangible – but vital – things from other scripture throughout both the Old and New Testaments. He knew you from the womb. He knows you now. Do we know Him? Jeremiah 29:13 teaches us: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Seek Him and His will. Know Him and His truths. Be empowered and encouraged by Him. Find peace without worry. Find joy without fear. God is with you, wherever you may go.

“I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” – Lydia Walker
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7XHeCZB5KU

05/18/2026

2026 YCMC Wiffle Ball outing (4th year running). Plenty of fun playing and watching. Wind did not dampen the fun - just made it more interesting. Thanks to all who came to join in the time together. Anticipating another date next year from the Recreation Team.

05/14/2026

Thank you to Lincoln for leading the Trail Hike through the Ira Hoover Woodlands last night. Thank you to Lincoln, Ron, and all others who have invested their time, energy, and insight in helping to plan, develop, and maintain the area back there. The last pic in this post shows a birds-eye-view of what the area looked like mid-60's. Amazing what 60 years of tree growth looks like. Thank you to all who came and walked, fellowshipped, and ate some s'mores together.