Written by Robyn

Greetings, dear brothers and sisters in Christ!
As we step into a new season, I am reminded of the words of Zechariah, who spoke of the days when Zerubbabel laid the foundations for the rebuilding of the temple. These were called “the despised days of small things,” yet they were necessary for the greater work God had planned. How often in our own lives do we desire to see the walls built before we have taken the time to lay the foundation?

Wyoming, our beloved town, is a growing and thriving community, yet, much like the temple’s foundation, it is essential that we continue building upon the rock of faith. With strong family values, excellent schools, and economic opportunities, Wyoming has become a place where many find security and hope. But what about the foundation of our spiritual lives? We must remember that a city, no matter how prosperous, is only as strong as the faith of its people.

Let us take the words of Paul in Galatians 5:22-23 to heart: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” When we build upon these, we construct lives that withstand the trials of the world. We must continue to seek God’s guidance in strengthening the foundations of our faith, our families, and our community.

A Call to Return to Love

Jesus once told the church of Ephesus that, despite their works, patience, and discernment, they had left their first love. This is a powerful reminder that, even as we serve in our church and community, our motivation must always be love. As Paul instructed, we can put our own names in place of love in 1 Corinthians 13: “Robyn suffers long and is kind. Robyn envies not, vaunts not herself, is not puffed up…” To the degree that we find this difficult, to that degree we must seek God’s help to align our hearts with His.

Love is the heart of our faith. It is love that leads us to reach out to our neighbors, to share the gospel, and to forgive those who have wronged us. Without love, even the most noble deeds become empty. Let us be a people known for our love, both in word and in action.

God’s Plan for Our Community

Recently, I spoke with a man who had run far from God, hoping to escape the relentless call of Christ. He had tried to hide in a remote corner of the world, only to have a missionary show up at his doorstep, proclaiming the very gospel he had tried to avoid. How marvelous is our God, who never gives up on us! No matter how far we try to run, He is always there, calling us back to Himself.

Wyoming may not be a distant jungle, but there are those here who feel just as lost. Perhaps they have been hurt by the church. Perhaps they feel unworthy. Perhaps they simply do not know where to begin. As a church, we are called to be a light in this town, reminding people that God’s love is inescapable, that His grace is sufficient, and that there is no place too far for Him to reach.

The Joy of a Spirit-Filled Life

God does not intend for our walk with Him to be dull or burdensome. Jesus Himself said in John 16:24, “Ask and you shall receive, that your joy may be full.” A Spirit-filled life is meant to be filled with joy! If we find ourselves weary, burdened, or distant from God, it is time to return to Him and be refreshed.

The promise of the Spirit is for all who believe. Paul tells us in Ephesians 5:18, “Be ye being filled with the Spirit.” This is not a one-time event but a continual process. Every day, we must ask God to fill us anew, to renew our strength, and to guide us in His ways. A community filled with the Spirit will shine brightly, drawing others to the love and hope found in Christ.

Looking Ahead with Hope

As Wyoming continues to grow, we as a church must be ready to welcome new families, minister to those in need, and provide a place where the lost can find refuge. Our town is known for its strong values, safety, and opportunities, but true security is found in Christ alone.

Just as the early disciples gathered together in the upper room, waiting for the Holy Spirit, we too must prepare our hearts for what God is doing in our midst. Let us not be content with the status quo, but rather seek to deepen our faith, strengthen our church, and reach out to the world around us.

In closing, I ask you to reflect on the radical claims of Jesus. He did not leave room for indifference. We must choose to follow Him wholeheartedly or not at all. The same is true for our church. We must be all in, fully surrendered to His will. If we do this, we will see transformation not only in our personal lives but in our entire community.

Let us move forward with faith, hope, and love.

Blessings,
Robyn