Pastor's Blog - March/April 2026

We are now in the Season of Lent as this pastor's blog for March-April 2026 is prepared. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, which was on February 18 this year, Lent runs for a 40-day period, excluding Sundays, through Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday) on April 2 and in anticipation of Easter Sunday (which is April 5 in 2026). Lent is generally observed as a time of fasting, prayer, repentance, and self-reflection.

While many Baptist congregations have not traditionally observed the season of Lent, there is an increasing number of Baptists who do cite Lent as a special time on the annual church calendar to give closer attention to the closing days of Jesus' earthly ministry as he moved toward his final week (what we call Holy Week which runs from Palm Sunday - March 29 this year - through what some call Holy Saturday (April 4) or the day before Easter Sunday when the resurrection is celebrated. It has been tradition in many congregations to move quickly to the resurrection and bypass the crucifixion. Certainly, the resurrection is what affirms the deity of Jesus and confirms that he overcame the penalty of sin for us. However, it is very important that we take time, at least on an annual basis, to prayerfully consider that course of events leading up to the arrest and trial of Jesus, his atoning death at Calvary, and the depth of meaning of his passion.

I would also recommend your spending time in the Gospels to read directly about what is recorded regarding Jesus' final days prior to the crucifixion. The Gospel of John, in the second half of that book, presents the final week of Jesus' life in some detail. There are numerous online sources - which I will be glad to share upon request.

As stated in one summary of the meaning of Lent: "The purpose of Lent is to prepare Christians for the joyous celebration of Jesus' resurrection. It is also a time to acknowledge our sinful nature, repent of our sins, and recommit our lives to God. By spending time in prayer and meditation, we can renew our spiritual lives and prepare ourselves to give thanks for the gift of salvation. Lent is also a time to serve others and show God's love by our actions."

Following Lent, we come to the joyous celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday. This is the good news and highlight of our faith because Jesus arose from the dead - he is alive - the tomb is empty! This is a life-changing truth, a transformational message, and the permanent solution to our sin problem. Praise be to God that Jesus Christ is alive and that he shall return some day!

Pastor's Blog - January/February 2026

Here at Saloma Baptist Church, we are excited about all that lies ahead in the New Year of 2026. While 2026 will bring its share of challenges and concerns, the dawning of a new year always offers us the opportunity for spiritual renewal and new beginnings in our relationship with our Lord, with our families and friends, with the larger community and world as we minister in the name of Jesus Christ. The new year reminds us that in Jesus Christ, each day is a new day, and we are renewed in Him as we move through the challenges that come our way. We are forgiven on an ongoing basis of our sins and shortcomings as we come to Him in repentance and prayer and asking forgiveness for the mistakes we have made. God grants us renewal, transformation, and hope for each day that we live in and for Him. It is good to be reminded of this as we move through 2026.

What are some of the things that may be holding you back as we begin 2026? What are the barriers that may be keeping you from having that full relationship with Jesus? Are there unconfessed sins in your life, regrets that you still carry with you from the past, hard feelings that you may hold toward another person? What is it that is keeping you from fully experiencing the joy of your salvation and the full and abundant life that Christ came to provide us here and now as well as the hope of eternity with Him? So many of us grow tired in our daily walk with Christ, and it is because we allow things of this world to take our attention from the call that is on us to live daily for Jesus Christ. We allow our physical and emotional fatigue, and the pressures and distractions of daily living, to interfere with our need to stay close to God. We need to be involved in daily Bible study and prayer, active participation in the life of a local congregation of Christian believers such as Saloma Baptist Church, placing Jesus as the head of our lives and our homes, sharing Jesus with the lost/the least/the last, standing up for what is right in all areas of life and society, and speaking Christian truth to the issues of community life.

So, as we move forward in 2026, let us commit anew to turn to God for direction, discernment, forgiveness, and leadership. May we allow God to pervade all areas of our lives rather than only allowing Him to influence certain parts of our daily living. This new year can be a time of new beginnings, a time for renewal and rededication, and a time to be about the important work of our Lord. Will you commit to that call upon your life in 2026 and beyond?

Pastor's Blog - November/December 2025

The months of November and December bring us to a special period of the year. Our fall season is in full sway with shorter days and longer nights; the recent change from Daylight Savings Time back to Standard Time; the end of the football season coupled with the basketball season going into full swing; the Thanksgiving season as we gather together as families and count our many blessings; the season of Advent as we prepare for celebration of our Savior's birth and are reminded of his return some day; then a celebration of Jesus's birth in Bethlehem more than 2,000 years ago and we consider the impact of God becoming man; and the end of 2025 and preparing for the beginning of 2026. These become busy months the closer we get to Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas, and it is easy to lose focus on the importance and meaning of this time of year.

Let me suggest that God is calling us to take time in November and December of 2025 to slow down just a bit - to take a break from the hectic pace of everyday living - in the midst of very volatile political debates, increased alienation from institutions, opportunities and challenges from the rapidly emerging field of artificial intelligence, and the day-to-day stresses that we all face - to "call a time out" from all that is competing for our time and attention - and to spend time with God and to be refreshed and renewed in our walk with him.

It is so easy to lose sight of the meaning of Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas - and to become worried and anxious when considering what the new year of 2026 may bring our way.

From my own experience, I have gone through these months in years past and absolutely exhausted myself in trying to do everything coming my way. We have made the mistake, even in the church sometimes, that the busier we are, the more we are truly serving Jesus and honoring him. While I am certainly not suggesting that anyone should shun his or her responsibility to serve the Lord in the church, home, and community, I am clearly pointing out that we often exhaust ourselves in trying to do everything - and in so doing, we can lose our effectiveness in all areas of our lives - from our walk with God to our spending time with our families to not even doing our best in our work. Perhaps, you are at this point in your life.

During November and December 2025, let's commit to taking time to slow down just a bit. Let's turn our hearts "toward home" - toward Jesus, toward our families, toward our friends, toward the "lost, least, and last" as we minister to them in the name of Jesus. While it may be an overused holiday phrase, maybe - just maybe - we need to put "Christ" back into Christ-mas - and put "Christ" as the head of our lives in all times! My prayer is that this will be our focus in this special season of the year and into 2026! Amen.

Pastor's Blog - September/October 2025

Throughout the course of human history, humankind has engaged in various actions that are hurtful and damaging. One such sinful action is the damage done to others by our "wagging tongues." This has long been a problem, but it has become not just an epidemic - but it is now at pandemic levels with the various systems of communication we now have. With the internet and social media, it is very tempting for some people to engage in harsh language, vulgarities, attacks, and outright lies. These concerns are increasing daily. It is easy for some people to "hide behind" the internet and social media platform and make all kinds of statements seemingly without any repercussions. The reputations and good standing of decent and honorable people can be ravaged in a matter of moments.

For those of us who are professing Christians, we should be very careful to not engage in such tactics. The Bible is very clear about the damage that can be taken. Let me share these words from James 3:3-12: "When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.  All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and saltwater flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water." 

I'm not sure that further commentary is needed. The book of James, which is a very practical book of action and application for believers, offers some very direct and understandable language on the dangers of an uncontrolled tongue. James says, "The tongue is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, set the whole course of one's life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell..." Strong language? Certainly!  And it is a reminder that we should "tame our tongues," watch what we say and how we say it and be careful that we as Christians are not guilty of saying things that are unduly harmful to others.

Pastor's Blog - July/August 2025

During this time of year, we have a series of holidays that place emphasis on celebrating and remembering various aspects of our identity as citizens of the United States of America. Memorial Day places emphasis on remembering those who have died in service to our country in one of military branches. Flag Day is a day to remember the meaning of the flag as a symbol of country's identity. And of course, on the upcoming date of July 4, 2025, which marks the 249th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 - when the United States formally breached the historical relationship with Britain (England). Each of these dates hold a special place in our identity as Americans, and each represents an opportunity to celebrate and honor our country's history and heritage.

I think it should also present those of us who profess faith in Jesus Christ an opportunity to carefully consider how to pray for the United States of America in these very challenging times. In a recent Good Faith Podcast, which I listen to regularly, the topic of discussion was "5 Ways to Pray for America: A Good Faith Guide to Interceding with Humility, Grace, and Hope." The special guest for the podcast was David French, a highly respected constitutional attorney, author, commentator known for his advocacy for civil liberties, religious freedom, and political integrity. He is a columnist for the New York Times, served in the United States Army Reserve and served in Iraq and Afghanistan, and is an evangelical Christian of strong faith and values. French shared five suggested ways of prayer for America in these days. 

 French offered the five following points of prayer for America for Christians to follow:

1. Pray for Peace - Immediate Calm - French says that our first instinct may be to "pick a side," but that we should begin instead with a simple powerful plea: "God, grant us peace." He says we should not "rationalize or explain away violence - of any kind, perpetrated by any 'side or tribe' - but rather to pray with clear eyes and soft hearts." He suggested that we join in this Prayer for Peace: "Lord, restrain our hands and our words. Break the cycle of outrage and vengeance. Let peace descend upon me, my neighborhood, my local government, and my state. Let this peace begin with me."

2. Pray for Long-Term Justice - French points out that "peace...cannot stand without justice...If you're praying for peace without praying for justice, you're only applying a bandage to a deeper wound." French says that we should pray for holistic justice - not justice found only in the political party we think is the "most right" but justice rooted in God's vision for shalom (peace). His Prayer for Justice: 'God of truth and righteousness, awaken us to the injustices that persist around us. May our laws reflect your mercy. May our systems uplift the weak. And may we not turn away from what is hard and uncomfortable. Open my eyes further to true shalom and reveal to me my unique role in your bigger restoration of all things.

3. Pray for Grace in Response to Intolerant Times - French reminds us that grace "is the gift we didn't ask for and can never earn." He describes grace as the "active, intentional offering of kindness to those who don't deserve it. His Prayer for Grace: 'Jesus, who gave grace to us while we were still sinners, teach me to love with that same grace. Soften my heart. Guard my mouth. Help me to bless where I once condemned. Lord, show me what extending grace looks like, in specific relationships and through specific situations."

4. Pray for Repentance and for Healing - He points out that before we ask God to change others, we need to invite God to search our own hearts. French notes the serious sins of the tongue - slander, cruelty, twisting facts to make a point. A key point is that repentance is not shame. It is transformation. It is the starting point for healing. It opens the door to forgiveness. Hear his Prayer for Repentance: 'Father, forgive me for the ways I have wounded others - with my assumptions, my sarcasm, my silence. Show me where I have been complicit in harm. Highlight for me the moments when I've been digging in, holding on, lashing out, assuming the worst, and worshipping the many idols I continue to love more than you. Lead me not just to confession, but to change. To the kind of change that only you can bring about - change that lasts, heals, repairs, restores."

5. Pray for Reconciliation for the Future - At the heart of the gospel is not just forgiveness, but restored relationship, French shares. He offers this as the ultimate goal - not just peace, but reconciliation. Not just quiet, but communion. French writes, "In a nation where millions of people see 'the other side' as dangerous, stupid, or evil, we are called to something deeper. True reconciliation requires the courage to see each other as fellow image-bearers of God, not enemies to be defeated. This does not mean abandoning truth. It means holding truth with tenderness and refusing to dehumanize even those we disagree with most." Join me in praying French's Prayer for Reconciliation: 'Lord, break down the walls we've built - in our hearts, our families, our churches, our nation. Give me the courage to reach out. Give me patience when it's not returned. Let me be a peacemaker, a bridge-builder, a reconciler. Lord, transform me in the process by grounding me in truth: I am made in your image and so is my opponent."

French reminds us that prayer is not a guarantee of instant results. Many prior generations have prayed for justice that they never saw in their lifetime. We pray "with open hands and eternal eyes: With humility, not certainty. With hope, not despair. With faith, not fear." He concludes his study with this text: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).