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Thursday 10am - 11:30am Sunday 10am - 11:30am

Hamlin New Testament Church, 2179 Lake Road, Hamlin, NY (2026)

06/03/2026

"So, what are we going to do today?" That's a very common daily question we ask each other. Two days ago, we stained the hot tub hut. Yesterday, we rebuilt the floor and steps on our deck. Today? Lee Lee just commented, "Maybe you should just rest today." Good advice! Or maybe we'll make a surprise visit to one of our friends.

Truth be told, it can be very encouraging to spend time with friends and family. And the reality is that not everything is always rosy and wonderful. God often gives us opportunities to minister to others and "love on" them. At the same time, He gives others the opportunity to do the same for us.

Truth is - some battles we go through require courage to face. Sometimes we need courage simply to walk through the circumstances life brings our way.

So, I looked up the definition of courage in the Merriam-Webster dictionary. It says: "Mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty." That's a pretty good definition. But how do we attain this thing called courage?

The answer is that courage comes from trusting God. We can't simply manufacture it through positive thinking or sheer determination. Courage comes from believing what God says, regardless of what our circumstances may look like. In many ways, courage is faith in action.

Joshua 1:9 says it so well: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

It's that last part of the verse that brings such comfort and peace: "The Lord your God is with you wherever you go." No matter what challenge we face, no matter how uncertain the path ahead may seem, He is there with us.

Friends, maybe you're in a situation right now that requires a great deal of courage. If so, remember this promise and the truth it contains. Let it strengthen your faith and give you the courage you need for today. Trust Him to walk with you through it, and trust Him to carry you when you can't walk on your own. Amen?

06/02/2026

So much fear, hatred, and frustration in our land. It grieves my heart, and I'm sure it grieves God's as well. I did see a meme yesterday that made me chuckle a bit, though: "Has anyone tried unplugging 2026, waiting 30 seconds, and then plugging it back in?" It was cute and made a lot of sense. But we know we can't change the past.

The good news is that we can help change the future.

One of the great things about having the opportunity to influence the future is that it doesn't matter our color, identity, political party, age, or background. When we see things happening that we believe are wrong, and everything seems impossible to change, what is, by far, the very best thing to do?

We pray.

In 1 Timothy 2:1-3, the Bible teaches us to pray for the decision-makers in our lives, regardless of their beliefs, political leanings, or attitude toward us. God places authority in our lives for many reasons: to bring order to chaos, to teach us humility, to give us opportunities to learn submission, and to free us from carrying burdens we were never meant to carry.

Unfortunately, as we've all seen, we can't control the actions of others. But prayer gives us direct access to the One who is ultimately in control. God is all-knowing and all-powerful. He can work through immoral leaders just as easily as He works through moral ones. Nothing is beyond His reach, and no situation is beyond His ability to redeem.

When we commit to praying for those in authority over us, we not only have the opportunity to influence a nation in turmoil, but we also get to witness God's faithfulness as He hears our prayers and works in ways we may never have imagined.

I have a theory - and perhaps even a challenge. If each of us spent just five minutes a day praying for our nation and our leaders, we might be amazed at what God can do. We may not see every answer immediately, but we can trust that He is listening, He is working, and His purposes will prevail.

So friends, let's be people of prayer, people of hope, and people of faith. To God be the glory! Amen?

06/01/2026

Starting off with a little "Dave-ism" this morning: There's a lot of enjoyment in bringing enjoyment into the lives of others.

Case in point - last week, we stopped by to visit a couple who were in our wedding. We hadn't seen them in many years, and we wanted to personally invite them to our upcoming anniversary party. What a joy it was to reconnect and receive an enthusiastic "yes" when we asked if they would come!

After that, we headed to a couple of local farm markets to pick up some flowers and vegetable plants.

As we strolled through the rows of beautiful foliage, I noticed that Lee Lee didn't have a care in the world. Her "Joy-O-Meter" was pegged at full! She was completely absorbed in deciding what to buy and where to plant it. And seeing her so happy brought me great joy as well.

We got home and immediately got to work. Just a few hours later, everything was planted, the watering system was re-installed, and all that was left to do was sit back and watch it grow.

That got me thinking about the joy we should have as we follow the Lord in "bearing much fruit." Jesus said in John 15:8, "When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father."

I can almost picture Jesus smiling as He watches us produce fruit for His kingdom. But what does that really look like?

I think many times we assume that the only way to bear fruit is by leading someone to Christ. While bringing people to salvation is certainly one way, there are many others.

Think about how God changed your life when you first came to know Him. Maybe you were living one way before, but now you're striving to live for the Lord. That transformation speaks volumes to others and produces spiritual fruit.

Praising Him and giving Him the glory is another way we bear fruit. It's choosing to thank Him during difficult seasons and acknowledging that He is still in control. Remember - people are watching. They see how we respond when life gets hard.

The thing about fruit is that it doesn't appear overnight. It takes time. Growth is often slow and sometimes unseen, but the harvest is worth the wait.

Friends - as we faithfully walk with Christ each day, He continues His work in us. We begin to discover the purpose and plans He has for our lives. That brings joy to us, brings glory to God, and, I believe, brings joy to Him as well. Amen?

05/31/2026

One thing I love about this time of year is waking up in the morning, opening the blinds and curtains, heading out to the tub, and listening to the birds sing their beautiful morning songs. Today, a robin and a cardinal were serenading me, and the orioles were busy at the feeder, chirping away. Maybe they were saying thanks for the grape jelly! And the sparrows? Can't forget them!

They all seem so content. The robin hops down to the ground to find a worm, then flies back to a branch and sings a little more. The sparrows visit the feeder, then retreat to the arborvitaes. They don't seem to need much else. What a simple life, right?

Here's the thing - maybe we can learn a lesson from the birds.

Our lives can become so complicated. We have countless responsibilities, concerns, and worries competing for our attention. And then there's all our "stuff." We spend so much time accumulating, maintaining, upgrading, and comparing.

Hebrews 13:5-6 encourages us: "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.' So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?'"

Something I've noticed is that summer can become a season of "keeping up with the Joneses." And not just in our neighborhood, but everywhere. We see new pools, gazebos, boats, campers, cars, and trucks. Contentment seems to be a quality that's becoming harder and harder to find.

Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 6:17: "Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy."

Truth is - when we put God first, He provides everything we truly need to enjoy life. He is our Provider, our Sustainer, and our Source of every good gift. The things of this world may bring temporary satisfaction, but lasting contentment is found in Him alone.

So friends, maybe tomorrow morning, open a window or two, and take a moment to listen to the birds. They might remind us that a life centered on God's provision is a life filled with peace, gratitude, and contentment. Amen?

05/30/2026

Many years ago, I was asked to get up on stage and sing in the final song of a Don Campbell Band concert at RWU, along with Jonathan Edwards. He sang "Sunshine Go Away Today," along with many of his other hits. It was pretty amazing!

The Don Campbell Band is a tribute band to one of my all-time favorite artists, Dan Fogelberg. The last song of the evening was "There's a Place in the World for a Gambler." The final verse goes:

"There's a light in the depths of your darkness,
There's a calm at the eye of every storm,
There's a light in the depths of your darkness,
Let it shine. . . oh, let it shine. . ."

Those are some pretty profound words. I'm pretty sure this particular song was not written from a spiritual perspective, yet it contains a powerful truth.

Ephesians 5:8 tells us, "For you were once full of darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. So live as people of light."

I really think there are a lot of people running around today who think they are Christians, but really are not. They may believe the right things, but they don't act on those beliefs.

Belief is not the whole picture. The Bible says that even the demons believe - and tremble (James 2:19). It is not enough to simply have our eyes opened. According to Acts 26:18, we must turn from darkness to light. God can make us aware of our need for Christ, but only we can place our faith in Him.

What does it mean to turn from darkness to light? Paul answers that question in Romans 13: "The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living" (Romans 13:12).

Turning from darkness to light means more than simply agreeing with the truth. It means allowing God to change the way we live. It means putting off the old life and putting on the new.

Truth be told, there are a lot of people trying to live in two worlds. They know what is true. They may even believe it is true. But they have never fully turned from darkness to light.

Friends - maybe there is someone in our lives that God is calling us to reach out to today and tell about Jesus. Or maybe we're the ones who need to stop straddling the fence and step fully into His light.

Let it shine. . . oh, let it shine. Amen?

05/29/2026

What a joy to wake up to such a beautiful morning! The temperature was perfect, the sun was shining, there was a slight breeze, and the neighborhood was so quiet. So yes, I might have spent a few extra minutes soaking in the tub - and it was well worth it.

As I sat there reflecting, my mind wandered to all the things that have happened - and all the things that have broken - since we got back from our 50th anniversary trip. But in the middle of those thoughts, God brought a line from a song by Lauren Daigle to my mind: “I will stand my ground where hope can be found.”

There’s a lot packed into those few words.

So often, when something goes wrong in our lives, we give in when we should stand firm. We cave. We compromise. Granted, there are times when we need to adjust and adapt, but not when the Lord is calling us to stand our ground.

And that leads into the second part of the line. The truth is, when God calls us to stand firm in the middle of a battle, that’s often where hope is found. We also discover peace, comfort, clarity of mind, purpose, and direction.

Psalm 89:15-18 says: “Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord. They rejoice in your name all day long; they celebrate your righteousness. For you are their glory and strength, and by your favor you exalt our horn (strength). Indeed, our shield belongs to the Lord, our king to the Holy One of Israel.”

Friends - maybe you’re facing a situation right now where God is calling you to stand firm. Look to Him, trust Him, and watch what He will do. God just might be saying to you today: “Stand your ground where hope can be found.” Amen?

05/28/2026

A number of years ago, a friend and I went to see a bluegrass band at the amphitheater at Ives Run. Actually, it was more of a small pavilion with wooden log seats all facing one direction. We arrived a few minutes before the show started and were a bit perplexed as to why we were the only two people there.

It turned out to be a band from a local church that played gospel songs, along with some John Denver and a few other familiar tunes. But still - we were the only two there! I felt bad for the folks in the band. I’m sure they had great expectations for a Friday night performance on Memorial Day weekend. Apparently, the park hadn’t really advertised the event.

Even so, the band was handing out “welcome bags” to everyone - which, in this case, meant just my friend and me. Inside was a small cross with these words of encouragement attached:

“Trust, Rely, Wait, Rejoice, Believe, and Relax.”

Words we can live by. And words we should take to heart every single day.

We’ve all heard Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.”

And Isaiah 40:31: “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

But one of the hardest things for many of us is simply resting in Him. I think it’s interesting that “Relax” is the last word on that list. Sad but true - we become so busy with life that we rarely take the time to truly rest.

Exodus 23:12 reminds us: “Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work, so that your ox and your donkey may rest, and so that the slave born in your household and the foreigner living among you may be refreshed.”

Friends, let’s not forget what God desires for us. Take time to rest - even if it’s only for a little while. Be refreshed in body, mind, and spirit, and see what a difference it can make in the days ahead. Amen?

05/27/2026

Happy Birthday, Dad! I remember his work buddies at Eastman Kodak Company used to call him “Stormin’ Norman”! You’ve been gone since 1999, and today you would be celebrating birthday #104! You are still deeply missed and loved, but we will see each other again someday.

Truth is, I think dads sometimes get a bit of a bum rap. It seems we tend to celebrate our moms just a little bit more. And that’s okay - even Norm would approve! But every year on Dad’s birthday, I try to reflect on his life and how he helped shape me into the man I am today.

Family and friends all knew about his love for the water and for fishing. That’s where he wanted to spend his vacation time every year. Each summer, we would head to Canada for two weeks, rent a cottage, and spend our days swimming, fishing, and just enjoying life together. Usually, five to seven other families would join us, and those trips became some of the best memories of my childhood. It reminds me a lot of our camping group and how we still enjoy “doing life together” each summer.

I also remember a few times when the weather turned rough while Dad was out fishing. Even though Mom and Dad were usually on what might be considered a small lake, I remember one trip when a storm suddenly rolled in, and they barely made it back safely.

As I read Psalm 107:23–32 this morning, it immediately brought those memories - and my dad - to mind:

“Some went off to sea in ships, plying the trade routes of the world. They, too, observed the Lord’s power in action, his impressive works on the deepest seas. He spoke, and the winds rose, stirring up the waves. Their ships were tossed to the heavens and plunged again to the depths; the sailors cringed in terror. They reeled and staggered like drunkards and were at their wits’ end.

‘Lord, help!’ they cried in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves. What a blessing was that stillness as He brought them safely into harbor! Let them praise the Lord for His great love and for the wonderful things He has done for them. Let them exalt Him publicly before the congregation and before the leaders of the nation.”

Here’s the thing - we all go through storms in life, and my dad was no exception. But just like the sailors in these verses, my dad called on the name of the Lord - and he was saved.

Friends, it’s good to remember our loved ones. It’s good to reminisce about the moments we shared and the lessons they taught us along the way. And as believers, we can hold onto the promise that one day we will be reunited in a place where there will be no more tears, no more pain, and no more storms. Amen?

Again, Happy Birthday, Dad. Love you always!

(Picture of Dad, Mom, Steve, and Stacy in Canada- mid 1980s)

05/26/2026

I’m so thankful for the beautiful day yesterday! We went to a garden supply store to pick up some veggies and flowers, made a surprise visit to a couple who were in our wedding almost 50 years ago, then came home to get ready for a visit from our daughter and her tribe. And what fun we had! We even spent some time singing and playing guitar out on the back patio. I just hope the neighbors didn’t mind too much.

But it was so nice to relax and simply enjoy time with family. What a blessing!

And that got me pondering about times of refreshing. We truly need them to survive. But how do we find them? Psalm 46:10 reminds us: “Be still, and know that I am God.”

Here’s the thing - God knows we struggle with stillness. Sometimes we feel like we haven’t accomplished enough if we slow down too much. For some reason, we always seem to need to stay busy doing something.

But the truth is, God’s will for us includes His call to be still. When we quiet ourselves in His presence, we place ourselves in the most teachable position possible. It’s there that we are best able to discern His Spirit and follow His leading.

So the question is - are we too busy to hear from God?

We need to remember that He can accomplish far more through a surrendered spirit than we can through 24 hours of nonstop activity - even when our efforts are meant to serve His kingdom.

Friends - today, let’s acknowledge our dependence on the Lord and intentionally make time to rest in Him. What we discover in the stillness is a Savior who reminds us that He is enough. Amen?

05/25/2026

"I believe our flag is more than just cloth and ink. It is a universally recognized symbol that stands for liberty, and freedom. It is the history of our nation, and it's marked by the blood of those who died defending it." A quote from South Dakota Senator John Thune. He made this statement on March 4, 2005, to support a proposed Constitutional Amendment prohibiting flag desecration. in 2005.

Today is a very special day in our country's history. It’s a day set aside to honor and mourn the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. And while it also signals the unofficial start of summer for some, we must never forget these patriots who are no longer with us, as they paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

We listened to a great sermon yesterday at HNTC where, at one point, John shared this quote from Charles de Gaulle:

“Patriotism is when love of your own people comes first;"

Sounds good, right? And it is. But here's the second part of that quote:

"Nationalism, when hate for people other than your own comes first.”

That quote has really stuck with me - especially the second part.

Truth is, our nation is hurting. Big time. Over my 72 years on this planet, I’ve never seen so much hatred toward others, even here in the good ol’ U.S. of A. The message of “Loving God and Loving People” has dimmed, but should always be in our hearts and on our lips.

Paul makes it very clear in Galatian 5:13: " For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love."

Friends - today, we remember those who served and never came home. May we honor their sacrifice, and honor God as well, by promoting love and unity with all people. And may God engrain this message in our brain. So, let’s be intentional about sharing this message with others, starting today! Amen?

Hamlin New Testament Church

06/03/2026

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