The Huddle Blog

By His Stripes

cwest@fca.org (Carl West) — Mon, 26 May 2025 11:45:00 GMT

By His Stripes

Matthew 27:28-29

They stripped him, put a scarlet robe on him, made a crown of thorns, and put it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him.” Hail king of the Jews!” they said.

I wonder if we really understand what it means for Jesus to be our King.

Today, there are so many people telling us what is right and wrong we miss the words of our true King. During this time of the Easter season, we need to stop and appreciate what our Heavenly King has done for each of us. We need to pray daily that we will follow his words and block out the noise around us. We can make a small difference in the lives of people we encounter every day.

Father, we pray that we will look to you and you only to guide our thoughts and decisions daily. Thank you for loving us, so we can love others. Amen

How to Live as Brothers In Christ

Mon, 19 May 2025 11:45:00 GMT

Brothers In Christ

In Galatians 6:1 Paul begins by addressing his audience as “Brothers” and then in 6:2 Paul writes, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

Here Paul is teaching that, as Christians, we must be willing to come alongside other believers and help them in times of need. Note that Paul does not specify what burdens he’s thinking of, so most likely, he means burdens of all sorts. We all have burdens to bear, and God does not intend for us to carry them alone. The Christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation, but I suspect most of us most struggle to make our burdens known to others, whether out of pride, insecurity, embarrassment, or whatever. Insisting on bearing our burdens without assistance deprives brothers of the opportunity to “ fulfill the law of Christ ”. This is the only instance in which Paul uses this exact phrase, so it’s hard to know exactly what he means; however, “the law of Christ” certainly includes the words Jesus spoke to his disciples as captured in John 13:34, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love another.”

I would suggest that, as brothers in Christ, we’re called to live out both sides of this teaching – we all must be willing not only to bear the burdens of others, but also to share our own burdens to allow a brother to fulfill the law of Christ. Neither option may be easy, but the Christian life is not a call to ease, but rather to obedience – all under the watchful and loving eye of our Lord and Savior.

God Is with Us

Wed, 14 May 2025 11:37:13 GMT

God is with us...

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The Wait

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 16:02:48 GMT

Psalm 27:14 Wait on the lord; be strong and courageous; again, I say wait on the Lord.

I have come to embrace this verse through my time of impatience. I have been praying for a situation for years and His answer has not been mine. I am fine with prayers answered the way I want them to be. Our God knows what is best for each and everyone of us. The struggles with this verse have brought me back to Who is in control. Men in general think they can fix anything on their own but how wrong that is. I pray each of us will go to God in every situation. Not just when it comes to a situation we can’t handle.

Prayer:

Gracious God give us the patience and wisdom to understand it needs to be your will not ours.

Embracing Change with Faith

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 15:08:32 GMT

Scripture: Isaiah 43:19 - "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."

Reflection: Change is an inevitable part of life. Whether it's a new job, a shift in personal circumstances, or the evolving dynamics of our world, change can often feel daunting. However, as believers, we are reminded that God is constantly at work, orchestrating new beginnings and opportunities for growth.

In Isaiah 43:19, God reassures us that He is doing a new thing. This promise invites us to trust in His divine plan, even when the path seems uncertain. Just as He made a way in the wilderness for the Israelites, He is capable of guiding us through our own challenges and uncertainties.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the new things You are doing in my life. Help me to embrace change with faith and trust in Your perfect plan. Open my eyes to see the opportunities You are placing before me and give me the courage to step forward with confidence. Amen.

Thought for the Day: Embrace change as an opportunity for growth and trust that God is leading you towards His purpose for your life.

Action Step: Identify one area of your life where change is occurring. Spend a few moments in prayer, asking God for guidance and strength to navigate this change with faith and trust.

Embracing New Seasons as Leaders

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 21:21:00 GMT

Scripture: "To everything, there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven." - Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NKJV)

Just as nature experiences different seasons, so too does our journey as leaders. Some seasons may be marked by growth, where we see the fruits of our labor and witness positive changes within our organization. Other seasons may be characterized by difficult decisions, challenges, or even a sense of uncertainty.

During these times of change, it is crucial to look to God and lean on His strength and wisdom. He is the one who holds all seasons in His hands, and He has a purpose and plan for each one. Trusting in His guidance, we can navigate these new seasons with grace and resolve.

Along with seeking God's direction, it's essential to foster unity and collaboration with others. In new seasons, strong communication, trust, and teamwork become even more critical. By welcoming diverse perspectives and valuing the input of everyone, we can navigate through the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Remember, a new season in leadership is an invitation for growth and transformation. Embrace it with an open heart and a willingness to learn and adapt. Trust in God's providence, knowing that He will equip you for every task and season.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come before you as leaders in your kingdom, humbly seeking Your guidance as we enter new seasons. Grant us wisdom, discernment, and courage to make decisions that align with Your purpose for FCA Richland. Help us foster unity and collaboration as leaders in your kingdom. Guide us, Lord, and lead us through any season of change in our lives.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

No Appointment Necessary with God

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 21:17:39 GMT

Class of 2024, as you set out to make your mark on the world be mindful and encouraged that God is with you. He tells us in Isaiah 41:10, “fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” You are not alone on your life’s journey. As blue as the sky looks at this moment, you will face obstacles and challenges. Adversity will pay all of you a visit from time to time. Always open your heart to God but lean on Him during times of despair. He tells us in Matthew 11:28-30, “come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Always know that He is there for each of you, and He is eternal. So, as you take on busy schedules and challenging endeavors, remember to talk to God often. He will be there. No appointment necessary.

Father, let us pray to thank you for our many blessings. We pray to thank you for your guiding hand, your comforting hand. We pray that our youth seek your love and your ways and be drawn to the Holy Spirit. May their lives be a testament to Your grace. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

The Teacher: Jesus the Christ!

cwest@fca.org (Carl West) — Tue, 04 May 2021 16:15:37 GMT

Follow the Teacher to fulfill "The Great Commission!"

John 14:6 "Jesus said, I am the Way, the True and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

From One Coach to Another

Mon, 21 Oct 2019 21:00:16 GMT

The four H’s of being a Coach for Christ

Honor: Honor God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit as One.
Humility: Humble yourself and learn from the Holy Spirit.
Heart: Heart and Soul for the Kingdom of Jesus.
Hunger: Hunger & Thirst for Righteousness.