Nashville Baptist Church

Nashville Baptist Church Where everybody is somebody

06/05/2026

At breakfast, a young woman seating us was reading the words on my wife’s T-shirt: “The Man On The Middle Cross Said I Could Come.” At first, it didn’t seem to register. Then suddenly her face lit up! She smiled and pointed to the cross necklace she was wearing. I shared the story behind the saying; the thief on the cross who had nothing to offer Jesus except faith. She said she was getting goosebumps! Her response reminded me how powerful a simple witness can be.

The thief hanging beside Jesus wasn’t baptized. He didn’t join a church. Hedidn’t have time to do good works. And he couldn’t undo the mistakes of his past. Yet he turned to Jesus in faith and heard these life-changing words: “Today you will be with Me in paradise.” Jesus didn’t save him because of what he had done. Jesus saved him because of who He is.

That T-shirt opens doors for conversations because it points people to the heart of the gospel. We don’t come to God because we are worthy. We come because Jesus made a way. The cross reminds us that salvation is not earned; it is received by grace through faith.

Sometimes we wonder if our witness is making a difference. A kind word, a testimony, a T-shirt, or a simple conversation may be exactly what God uses to encourage someone or remind them of His love. We may never know all the lives touched by these small acts of faithfulness.

Lord, thank You that the Man on the middle cross said I could come. Help us never to take Your grace for granted. Use our words, our actions, and even simple things like a T-shirt to point others to You. Give us opportunities to share the hope of the gospel and the courage to do so. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Luke 23:39-43

[41] Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, "If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us."
[40] But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, "Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation?
[41] And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong."
[42] Then he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom."
[43] And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."

06/04/2026

Yesterday in Ketchikan, Alaska, I discovered that “cold” is a relative term. The locals probably considered it a pleasant day, but for me it felt chilly enough that I sought refuge in one of the ship’s hot tubs.

Sliding into the warm water felt wonderful. My body relaxed, and the cold air didn’t seem so bad anymore. But then came the moment of truth. Getting out! The same air that had felt merely cool before now felt shockingly cold against my warmed skin. Suddenly, I was moving much faster than usual toward a towel.

That experience reminded me of how easily we become accustomed to comfort. When life is warm and pleasant, even small inconveniences can feel unbearable. Yet God often uses uncomfortable moments to remind us how dependent we are on Him rather than our circumstances.

Paul learned to be content in both comfort and hardship. He wrote in Philippians 4:11, “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.” Whether enjoying the warmth of blessings or enduring the chill of trials, Paul’s confidence rested in Christ.

Sometimes God allows us to step out of our comfort zones so we can appreciate His presence even more. The cold air may make us run for shelter, but spiritually it can drive us closer to the One who is our true refuge.

Lord, thank You for being our shelter in every season. Help us not to depend solely on comfort, but to find our contentment in You. Whether life feels warm and easy or cold and challenging, remind us that Your presence is enough. Amen.

Philippians 4:10-13

[10] But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.
[11] Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:
[12] I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
[13] I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

06/03/2026

For nearly 12 years, I have written a devotional every single day. Through busy days, travel days, holidays, sickness, and celebrations, God has always provided something to write.

This week, however, I find myself on a cruise ship in the middle of the ocean with a different challenge: bad internet. It seems like such a small problem. The devotional is written. The thoughts are gathered. The Scripture is selected. But posting it? That’s another story. I post on three Facebook sites, several emails, and a couple of texts. Pages load slowly. Connections drop unexpectedly. Messages sit in an outbox waiting for a signal strong enough to send them.

As frustrating as that can be, it reminds me of something more important. Our relationship with God does not depend on our connection to the internet. It depends on our connection to Him.

Sometimes life feels like bad Wi-Fi. Our prayers seem delayed. Answers don’t arrive as quickly as we’d like. We wonder if Heaven has lost the signal. Yet God is never offline! He never loses connection with His children.

Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.” Notice the words “very present”. Not occasionally present. Not present when the signal is strong. Very present!

Out here at sea, many miles from home, surrounded by water and disconnected from much of the world, I am reminded that God’s presence is not carried by satellites, cell towers, or fiber-optic cables. His presence is carried by His promises.

The devotional may take longer to post today. The internet may fail. But God’s Word remains true, whether it is shared instantly or delayed by a weak signal.

So if you’re facing delays, frustrations, or obstacles today, remember this: the connection that matters most is always available. Through Christ, you have direct access to the Creator of the universe, and that signal never fades.

Psalm 46:1-5

[1] God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.
[2] Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
[3] Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah
[4] There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.
[5] God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.

06/02/2026

One of the most inspiring people in the book of Acts is Stephen. He was chosen to help care for the needs of believers, but he was much more than a servant. Acts 6:5 calls him, “a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit,” boldly proclaimed the truth about Jesus wherever he went.

As Stephen preached, many opposed him. False accusations were brought against him, and he was dragged before the religious leaders. Instead of defending himself, Stephen used the opportunity to testify about God’s faithfulness throughout Israel’s history and to point people to Jesus Christ.

The crowd became furious. They dragged him outside the city and stoned him. Yet even in his final moments, Stephen displayed remarkable faith. Looking toward Heaven, he saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the Father’s right hand. Rather than responding with hatred, in Acts 7:60 he prayed for those who were killing him: “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.”

Stephen reminds us that faithfulness is not measured by comfort, popularity, or earthly success. It is measured by obedience to God. He trusted Christ when serving, when preaching, when suffering, and even when dying.

Many believers will never face the persecution Stephen endured. But all of us will face opportunities to stand for Christ when it is unpopular. Stephen’s example challenges us to ask: Will we remain faithful when our faith costs us something?

Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Stephen. Give us courage to stand for Your truth, wisdom to speak with grace, and hearts that forgive those who oppose us. Help us keep our eyes on Jesus, regardless of our circumstances, and remain faithful to You each day. Amen.

Acts 7:54-60

[54] When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth.
[55] But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God,
[56] and said, "Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!"
[57] Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord;
[58] and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.
[59] And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."
[60] Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not charge them with this sin." And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

06/01/2026

Today we set sail on the Norwegian Joy for a 9-day Alaskan cruise out of Seattle. There are certainly larger ships in the world, but this is the biggest ship we have ever sailed on.

Consider its size:
Length: 1,094 feet
Width: 136 feet
Passenger Capacity: 3,852
Crew Capacity: 1,821
Built: 2017
Features 14 restaurants, multiple pools and hot tubs, and even a multi-level go-kart racetrack.

Standing beside a ship of this magnitude can leave us feeling very small. Yet even something as massive as the Norwegian Joy is tiny compared to God’s creation. The ocean we will cross is vast. The mountains of Alaska are majestic. The glaciers are breathtaking. And all of them are the work of the Creator who simply spoke the universe into existence! As we enjoy the comforts and engineering marvels of this ship, may we remember the One who made the seas it sails upon.

The disciples once found themselves on a boat in the middle of a storm. While they feared for their lives, Jesus demonstrated His authority over creation by calming the wind and waves with His voice. Their response was one of awe: “Who is this? Even the wind and the sea obey Him!” No matter what lies ahead in our journey; whether smooth seas or rough waters; we can rest in the fact that the Lord is greater than every ocean, every mountain, and every circumstance we face.

As we embark on this adventure, let’s not merely marvel at the ship. Let’s marvel at the God who created the beauty we are about to witness and who faithfully guides us through every voyage of life.

Psalm 95:2-5

[2] Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.
[3] For the LORD is the great God, And the great King above all gods.
[4] In His hand are the deep places of the earth; The heights of the hills are His also.
[5] The sea is His, for He made it; And His hands formed the dry land.

05/31/2026

At most grocery stores, the handicap parking spots are placed closest to the entrance. That makes sense. Those spaces are designed to help people who struggle with mobility, chronic pain, fatigue, breathing issues, or other physical limitations.

But have you ever noticed something ironic? The cart corrals are often much farther away!
So a person may be given the closest parking space… only to face a long walk returning the cart afterward! It’s probably not intentional. Store designers may think more about traffic flow than the daily challenges people face. But it does remind us of something important spiritually:
Sometimes people can see part of someone’s struggle… while missing the rest of it.

We may accommodate what is visible while overlooking burdens that are hidden. A person may smile while battling exhaustion. They may appear “fine” while carrying pain no one sees. They may need encouragement long after everyone else assumes they’re okay.

That’s why Scripture repeatedly calls believers to compassion, awareness, and practical kindness. Galatians 6:2 says, “Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

Jesus was never too busy to notice the overlooked. He saw the blind man others ignored. He stopped for the hurting woman in the crowd. He cared about people completely. Not partially.

As Christians, we should do the same. Sometimes the greatest ministry is simply paying attention: Holding a door. Returning a cart for someone. Offering patience instead of irritation. Seeing the person, not just the situation.

The world often designs systems for efficiency. God calls us to live with empathy. And maybe the next time we walk through a parking lot, we’ll remember: Everyone around us is carrying something. So let’s be people who make the journey lighter, not harder.

Galatians 6:1-5

[1] Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
[2] Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
[3] For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
[4] But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
[5] For each one shall bear his own load.

05/30/2026

Can you believe it? The last weekend of May is here already. It feels like just yesterday we were talking about New Year’s resolutions, winter storms, and waiting for spring to arrive. Now summer is knocking at the door. Time keeps moving whether we are ready or not.

The Bible reminds us just how quickly life passes. James 4:14 says, “Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a v***r that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.”

May’s final weekend is more than a calendar change. It is a reminder that every season of life is temporary. The days we thought would last forever somehow become memories. Children grow up. Parents grow older. Opportunities come and go. Life moves quickly. Yet in the middle of a fast-moving world, God remains unchanged. Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

People change. Circumstances change. Cultures change. But the Lord does not. The same God who carried us through January is still faithful at the end of May. His mercy has not run out. His promises have not expired.

As we enter another season, maybe this is a good weekend to pause and ask: Am I growing closer to God? Have I been using my time wisely? Am I trusting the Lord with my future? Who needs encouragement from me today?

We cannot slow time down, but we can choose how we spend the time God gives us. So yes… can you believe it? The last weekend in May is already here. And by God’s grace, we are still here too. That alone is reason to thank Him.

Psalm 118:23-26

[23] This was the LORD's doing; It is marvelous in our eyes.
[24] This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.
[25] Save now, I pray, O LORD; O LORD, I pray, send now prosperity.
[26] Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! We have blessed you from the house of the LORD.

05/29/2026

Todays devotional is on one of the most difficult subjects in the Bible. Hell. Many avoid talking about it altogether, while others create ideas about hell that are not actually found in Scripture. Yet Jesus Himself spoke about hell often. Not to frighten people unnecessarily, but to warn them lovingly and truthfully.

Here are five common myths about hell and what the Bible really says.

Myth 1: Hell Does Not Exist

Don’t fall for this one! Many people today believe hell is only symbolic or imaginary. Some say a loving God would never allow such a place to exist. But Jesus spoke plainly about hell. He described it as a real place of judgment and separation from God. He said in Matthew 13:41-42, “The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.” Hell was never invented by preachers; it was taught by Christ Himself.

Ignoring hell does not erase its reality. In the same way a warning sign on a dangerous road exists to save lives, God’s warnings about judgment are acts of mercy.

Myth 2: Satan and His Demons Reside in Hell

Popular culture often pictures Satan ruling hell like a king sitting on a throne. The Bible says the opposite. Hell was actually prepared for the devil and his angels. Matthew 25:41 Says, “Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.”Satan is NOT the ruler of hell. He too will be judged there. Revelation 20:10 tells us the devil will one day be thrown into the lake of fire for eternal punishment.

Right now Satan is active in the world, seeking to deceive and destroy. His final destination is judgment, not rulership.

Myth 3: Hell Is the Same as Being Annihilated

Some believe people simply cease to exist after judgment. Yet Scripture describes hell as ongoing punishment, not extinction. Jesus contrasted eternal life with eternal punishment in Matthew 25:46. Revelation 14:11 speaks of torment that continues “forever and ever.” The seriousness of sin against a holy God is far greater than most people realize.

Myth 4: Hell Is the Same as the Lake of Fire

The Bible makes a distinction between hell (often translated from Hades) and the final lake of fire. Hades is described as a temporary place of the dead awaiting final judgment. Revelation 20:14 says that death and Hades themselves will eventually be thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the final and eternal judgment after God’s great white throne judgment.

While the terms are often blended together in conversation, Scripture distinguishes between them.

Myth 5: God Sends People to Hell

People choose either to accept or reject Christ. Hell is ultimately the result of rejecting God’s grace, forgiveness, and salvation through Jesus. John 3:18 says those who reject the Son are already condemned because they refuse the only remedy for sin. God provided a rescue through the cross. Jesus endured judgment so we could receive mercy.

Final Thoughts

Hell is real, but so is God’s love. The cross of Jesus Christ shows both the seriousness of sin and the greatness of God’s mercy. God’s desire is not condemnation but salvation. That is why Jesus came, died, and rose again. Today is an opportunity to turn to Him, trust Him, and receive eternal life. Romans 10:13: “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

05/28/2026

One of the most important questions a person can ever ask is simple: “How can I be saved?” The answer is not found in religion, good deeds, church attendance, or trying harder. Salvation is found in a person: Jesus Christ.

Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Every one of us has sinned. We have all failed God in thoughts, words, attitudes, and actions. Sin separates us from a holy God, and there is nothing we can do on our own to remove that guilt.

But God did not leave us without hope. Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus came into this world, lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again from the grave. He took the punishment we deserved so we could receive the forgiveness we could never earn.

Salvation is not about becoming “good enough.” It is about trusting the One who already paid the price. Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” To be saved means to repent; turning from sin and turning toward God; and placing your faith completely in Jesus Christ.

When we come to Christ in faith, He forgives us, changes us, and gives us eternal life. Salvation is a gift of grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

No matter your past, your failures, or your regrets, Jesus still saves. The cross proves that nobody is beyond the reach of God’s mercy.

Today, if you hear His voice, do not wait. Life is fragile, and eternity is real. Come to Christ while you can. Say this prayer and mean it with all your heart. Say, “Dear Lord. I know I am a sinner. Today; the best I know how; I ask you into my heart. Forgive my sin. Save my soul. And take me to Heaven when I die.” If you said that prayer, let me know. I want to rejoice with you.

Romans 10:8-11

[8] But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith which we preach):
[9] that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
[10] For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
[11] For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame."

05/27/2026

Sometimes people think Christianity is about trying harder, being nicer, or doing enough good deeds to earn God’s favor. But Scripture makes it clear: We are not saved by good works. Salvation is a gift of grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

Yet the story does not end there. While good works cannot save us, they should flow from a heart that has been saved. We are not saved BY works, but we are absolutely saved FOR works. God changes us so we can become His hands and feet in a hurting world.

A healthy tree does not struggle to produce fruit. Fruit is simply the evidence that it is alive. In the same way, acts of kindness, compassion, generosity, forgiveness, and service are not the root of salvation. They are the fruit of salvation.

We don’t help others to earn Heaven. We help others because Heaven has already changed our hearts. Today, instead of asking, “What good must I do so God will love me?” ask, “Since God already loves and saved me, how can I serve Him and bless others?”

Ephesians 2:8-10

[8] For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
[9] not of works, lest anyone should boast.
[10] For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Address

312 Phillips Street
Nashville, MI
49073

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Monday 9am - 3pm
Tuesday 9am - 3pm
Wednesday 9am - 3pm
Thursday 9am - 3pm
Friday 9am - 3pm
Sunday 10am - 12pm

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+15178529808

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