Sharon Baptist Church

10/31/2026

10/31/2026

Inspirations

Soldiers of the Light
by John Michalak

Romans 13:12

The night is far gone, and the day is near. Let’s therefore throw off the deeds of darkness, and let’s put on the armor of light.
You’ve heard the saying: “It is always darkest before the dawn!”

Our world can be a dark place. And as the years pass, it appears to be getting darker. Our culture is less moral. Violence and hatred are increasing. It feels hopeless that pushing back against this darkness will do any good at all.

But, if the saying is true, the fact that the world is getting darker should actually fill us with hope. Because the darker it gets, the closer we are to the new day appearing.

Christ is closer to us now than the previous day; closer than the previous minute. The light of His reign comes closer with each moral code that’s abandoned, with every increase in calamity and vice. The more the enemy rears his head in victory, the closer to his demise we come.

But we should not give up hope and live in fear. No.

Today’s verse counsels us to rise as one does before the dawn and prepare for this new day. With every inch of territory the darkness takes, we should respond as soldiers of the light.

Whether we want to admit it or not, the darkness is a reason to hope. Rise up and declare the coming of the dawn.

Reflection

What are some ways I can be a soldier of the light in my family, my church, and my community?

Prayer

Dear Lord, Please help me embrace the hope of Your return. Fill me with Your Spirit that I may help spread Your light amid the world’s darkness. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

10/30/2026

Inspirations

What God Deems Best
by Heather Tietz

Isaiah 46:9-10

Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other. I am God, and there is none like me. I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done. I say: My counsel will stand, and I will do all that I please.
After 400 years with God leading them, the people of Israel begged for a king.

God gave them Saul, then David, and the royal line marched on. But leaders are humans. Humans are sinners. Only with God is law perfect, decisions just, timing right, and outcomes — though not always initially desirable — what He deems best.

The beautiful words of the hymn “Day by Day” paint a comforting picture of God’s kingship over the universe. It reads, “Trusting in My Father’s wide bestowment, I’ve no cause for worry or for fear. He whose heart is kind beyond all measure, Gives unto each day what He deems best.”

Lina Sandell Berg did not write those words blindly. At twenty-six, she watched her beloved father drown after falling off a lurching ship. Her tragic experience could have turned her away from God. Instead, like the psalmist David, she worked through her pain with Him. She continued to write hymns, many of which reflect her healing heart. She kept God King over her life.

Regardless of circumstance, of what pain or joy comes to us, we can resolve that God’s law is perfect, His decisions are just, His timing is right. He only allows for us what “He deems best.”

Reflection

What tragedy in my life has God permitted? Have I let Him be involved in healing me? How easy is it for me to trust Him to “declare the end from the beginning?”

Prayer

Dear God, There is no other God like You. You alone rule the universe. You alone rule my heart. Thank You for Your great, perfect, abiding love. I may not understand Your ways, but I trust You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

10/29/2026

🎃🍬 Hey, neighbors! You’re invited! 🍬🎃

Come join us at Sharon Baptist Church for our annual Trunk or Treat!

📅 Saturday, October 31
⏰ 6:00 PM

Bring your little ones dressed in their favorite costumes for an evening of candy, fun, and fellowship! 🍭🎃

We can’t wait to see all those smiling faces and share a fun evening with our community! ❤️

Everyone is welcome! Bring the family, invite your friends, and come see us! 🎃🍁

10/29/2026

Inspirations

Pleasant to Be Around
by Pastor Ken and Joyverse

Philippians 4:4, 6

Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, “Rejoice!” In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
I will never forget the smile on the face of my English teacher. Her smile helped me relax and gave me confidence that I could do well in her class.

Another person I know — someone I do business with — always greets me with a smile. That smile makes me feel welcome, like a valued customer.

How often do you smile?

Smiling actually has the power to change your attitude. That’s right! Numerous recent studies have concluded that smiling releases neuropeptides: tiny molecules that allow neurons to connect and communicate with each other. The neuropeptides tell your body to release endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine — filling your body with feel-good vibes.

Smiling literally makes you feel better. So when you smile because of your hope and faith in God, joy will follow.

Studies also indicate that habitual smiling helps build stronger relationships, makes you more desirable as an employee, and improves your chances of success.

Most importantly, though, when you smile, people see Jesus in you. When you smile because Jesus is the source of joy, comfort, and direction in your life, life will be good no matter what is going on around you.

Reflection

How do my facial expressions reflect my faith? I will make sure I smile to show others just how amazing and wonderful God truly is.

Prayer

Dear Lord, Please help me smile because of the love I have for You. Thank You for the pure joy that comes from having Jesus as my Savior. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

10/28/2026

Inspirations

Cleaning Up Our Mess
by Heather Tietz

Jeremiah 33:6, 8

Behold, I will bring it health and healing, and I will cure them; and I will reveal to them abundance of peace and truth. I will cleanse them from all their iniquity by which they have sinned against me. I will pardon all their iniquities by which they have sinned against me and by which they have transgressed against me.
When this prophecy in Jeremiah is given, Jerusalem is a mess.

Their king is overtaken. Their temple is demolished. Even the shepherds don’t have pasture for their sheep.

The people of Israel were living in sin, so God allowed the Babylonians to overtake them. They suffered a holy spanking of sorts, a heavy-handed time-out.

But then, in Jeremiah 33, which contains today’s verse, God reminds His people that He has a loving plan for them. He will bring back peace. He will forgive them. He will return them back to a restored land.

We all go through times when our lives feel ransacked, when sin has opened the door for chaos.

Thank God, He is bigger than our biggest mess!

He can restore what has been taken away. If we repent, if we turn away from pursuing wrong, God will sweep us back into His protective care. Yes, we can look forward to the eventual peace of heaven, but we don’t have to wait that long. God can restore us now, too.

Has sin stormed into your life? Dig out this hope — God has a loving plan. Put yourself back in it!

Reflection

What part of my life needs restoration? I will write a prayer to God asking for help cleaning up my mess.

Prayer

Dear God, I renounce the sin in my life that keeps me from fully following You. Please forgive me. Restore me and bring Your holy health and cure. In Jesus’ wonderful name I pray, Amen.