Highlandtown Church

06/10/2026

06/10/2026

06/10 Psalm 145:18 – “The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.”

Have you ever gone through a season when God seemed distant? Maybe you felt your prayers were going to deaf ears. Maybe life became so overwhelming that you felt alone and desperate in your struggles. Psalm 145:18 reminds us of a beautiful truth: God is never far from His children.

The Psalm doesn't say God is near only when life is going well. It doesn't say He is near only when our faith is strong, or our circumstances are favorable. It simply says that He is near to those who call on Him in truth. God invites us to come to Him honestly, with open hearts, bringing our joys, fears, questions, and burdens.

One of the greatest promises of the Christian life is knowing that we never face anything in this lifetime alone. When we earnestly come to our Heavenly Father, He hears every word, sees every tear, and understands every concern before we even speak it.

Today, whatever you are facing in your life, take a moment to pray to your Creator. Talk to Him as you would a trusted friend. Be honest and sincere, because He is closer than you realize, ready to listen, guide, comfort, and strengthen you.

06/09/2026

06/09 Matthew 6:9–13

Have you ever wondered if you're praying the "right" way? Maybe you've struggled to find the words, or perhaps you've felt like your prayers weren't eloquent enough. The good news is that Jesus knew His followers would face that struggle, so He gave us a model prayer.

When Jesus begins the prayer with the words, "Our Father in heaven," He reminds us that prayer starts with a personal relationship with our Creator. We are not talking to a distant God who doesn't know or care about us. We are talking to the One who created us and, because of HIs love, welcomes us into His presence.

As the prayer continues, Jesus teaches us to focus first on God's name, God's kingdom, and God's will. Before we bring our needs, we acknowledge who He is. That shifts our perspective. Instead of seeing God through the lens of our problems, we begin to see our problems through the greatness of God.

Then Jesus tells us to pray for our daily bread. God cares about the everyday things in our lives, the bills, the groceries, the health concerns, the family struggles, and everything in between. Nothing is too small to bring before Him.

This prayer reminds all Christians of the importance of forgiving others. It draws a parallel between God's forgiveness towards us and, in turn, calls us to extend that same grace and forgiveness to others. Forgiveness isn't always easy, but it frees our hearts from bitterness and keeps us walking closely with Him.

Finally, Jesus teaches us to seek God's protection and guidance. We live in a world full of temptation and challenges, but we do not have to face the battle alone. God is faithful to lead us and strengthen us each day.

Prayer isn't about impressing God with fancy words. It's about spending time with our Father, trusting Him with our lives, and aligning our hearts with His will.

06/08/2026

Mark your calendars!

06/08/2026

06/08 Jeremiah 33:3 “‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’”

There are moments in life when we do not have the answers. We face situations that leave us worried or unsure of what comes next. We pray, but sometimes it feels like we are talking into the silence. We've all been there, and that is why Jeremiah 33:3 is such an encouraging promise from God.

God doesn't expect us to have all the answers. Instead, He invites us to call on Him. What a comfort it is to know that when we don't know what to do, we can turn to the One who knows everything.
Sometimes God's answer comes quickly. Other times, it comes through a process of waiting, growing, and trusting. But His promise remains the same: He hears us, He answers us, and He reveals what we need to know in His perfect time.

This verse in Jeremiah also reminds us that God's perspective has eternity in mind. We see only a small part of the picture, but He sees the beginning, the middle, and the end. What looks impossible to us is never beyond His power. What seems confusing to us is completely clear to Him.

If you're carrying a burden today or facing an overwhelming decision, don't try to carry it alone. Take it to the Lord in prayer. Call on Him. Trust Him. The God who spoke these words to Jeremiah is the same God who listens to your prayers today.

06/07/2026

06/07 Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Life can feel pretty overwhelming at times. There are days when worries and disappointments seem to back you up against a wall. While sharing our burdens with friends or family and asking for prayer can help, you often keep some struggles hidden away inside.
That’s why Jesus' words in Matthew 11:28 are so comforting: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." He doesn’t ask us to fix everything first; He invites us to come as we are.

Jesus did not create you to face life's challenges alone. He encourages you to bring your worries and heartaches to Him, and He promises to give you the rest and peace we truly need. While life will still have its difficulties, He guides you and walks with you, providing strength and support.

So, whatever is weighing on your heart today, take it to Jesus. He understands your struggles and is ready to offer you the peace that only He can give.

06/06/2026

You’re invited this Sunday at 9:00 AM to Highlandtown Church!
Sermon Title: A Transformed Community
Text: Acts 2:42-47
Come as you are. Bring your family, invite a friend, and join us as we worship together and experience the life-changing love of Christ

06/06/2026

06/06 Hebrews 12:2 “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Life has a way of pulling your attention off of Jesus, as it pulls you in a hundred different directions. Worries and concerns about family, finances, health, and unexpected challenges can easily leave us feeling distracted and overwhelmed. That's why Hebrews 12:2 gives us such an important reminder: keep your eyes on Jesus.

Think about a runner in a race. If they spend their time looking behind them or focusing on what is happening around them, they will lose momentum and may even stumble and fall. The same is true in your faith. When you focus only on your problems, fears, or disappointments, it is easy to become discouraged. But when you focus on Jesus, you find the strength to keep moving forward.

Jesus is the "author and finisher" of our faith. He began the work in us, and He will faithfully complete it. He endured the cross because He could see the joy beyond the suffering. He remained faithful through every trial and now reigns victorious.

Whatever is competing for your attention today, choose to look to Christ. He is faithful, He is with you, and He will give you the strength you need for the journey ahead.

06/05/2026

Mark 10:45 “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

We appreciate being helped, encouraged, and cared for. Yet Jesus turns our thinking upside down in Mark 10:45. The disciples were discussing greatness, but Jesus showed them that true greatness looks very different in God's Kingdom. He pointed to Himself as the example. Think about that for a moment—the Creator of the universe, the King of kings, came not to be served, but to serve.

Jesus didn't just talk about serving others—He showed us what it looks like. He reached out and touched people everyone else avoided. He healed the sick, fed hungry crowds, comforted those who were hurting, and even knelt to wash His disciples' feet. Ultimately, He demonstrated the greatest act of service by giving His life on the cross so that we could be forgiven and have eternal life.

Jesus served with a heart full of love, even when it required sacrifice. He put the needs of others before His own and showed us what God's love looks like in action. As followers of Jesus, we are called to have that same attitude. Serving isn't about getting noticed, receiving praise, or earning recognition. It's about reflecting the heart of Christ to the people around us.

Today, ask God to show you one person you can serve. It may seem like a small act, but God often uses simple acts of kindness to make a lasting difference.

06/04/2026

06/04 John 14:6 “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’”

The world offers countless opinions about truth, purpose, and how to find happiness. Yet in the middle of all the noise, Jesus makes one of the most powerful statements in Scripture: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”

Notice that Jesus didn't say He would simply show us a way. He said He is the way. Christianity is not primarily about following a set of rules or checking off religious boxes. It's about following a Person. Jesus invites us into a relationship with Him, and as we walk with Him, He guides our steps.

Jesus is the truth. In a world where truth changes with circumstances, God's truth never changes. The verse continues with Jesus is the life. True life goes beyond just getting by; it is about knowing God, feeling His presence, experiencing His forgiveness, and holding onto eternal hope.

The disciples heard these words on the night before Jesus went to the cross. Their hearts were troubled and fearful about the future. Jesus reminded them that their security was not found in understanding every detail of what lay ahead. Their security was found in Him.

We may not know what tomorrow holds, but we know the One who holds tomorrow. When life feels uncertain, Jesus remains the way. When confusion surrounds us, Jesus remains the truth. When we feel weary and empty, Jesus remains the life. Whatever you face today, keep your eyes on Him. He is enough.