Psalms 107:1 (NIV): “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the inherent goodness of God and His everlasting love. It begins with a call to gratitude – “Give thanks to the Lord” – emphasizing the importance of recognizing and acknowledging God’s blessings in our lives. Gratitude is not only a response to specific acts of kindness but also an attitude of the heart that fosters a deeper relationship with God. 

When we maintain an attitude of gratitude, it separates us from our dis-satisfactions and increases our overall sense of happiness and joy.  

The phrase “for he is good” encapsulates God’s character. Goodness here refers to His nature, which is defined by righteousness, kindness, and mercy. This goodness stands in stark contrast to the imperfections and failings we often find in ourselves and others.

The latter part of the verse, “his love endures forever,” highlights the eternal and unchanging nature of God’s love. Unlike human love, which can fluctuate based on circumstances, God’s love is steadfast and always available, offering comfort and assurance to those who seek Him. This steadfast love is a core theme throughout the Psalms and underscores that, no matter the challenges or trials we face, God’s love remains a constant source of strength and hope.

Reflecting on Psalm 107:1, we are encouraged to cultivate a heart of gratitude, recognizing both God’s goodness and the permanence of His love, as these truths can inspire us to trust Him more deeply in our daily lives. Whether in times of joy or struggle, this verse invites us to return to a place of thankfulness, grounding us in the assurance that we are loved and cared for by a good and faithful God. May God bless you.

Peace & Love,

—Pastor Dwayne

Psalm 34:8 (NIV): “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”

This verse invites us to experience God’s goodness firsthand. The imagery of tasting and seeing suggests a deep, personal encounter with the divine, akin to savoring a delicious meal or witnessing something beautiful. It’s not just about intellectual knowledge or secondhand accounts; it encourages believers to engage with their faith actively.

When it says, “blessed is the one who takes refuge in him,” it highlights the security and protection found in God. In times of trouble or uncertainty, turning to God provides comfort and safety. This verse reassures us of the joy and fulfillment that come from trusting in Him.

In this context, “tasting and seeing” can also imply that once we experience God’s goodness, we cannot help but recognize and share it with others. It’s an invitation to explore the depths of God’s love and grace, reminding us that faith is both a personal journey and a shared testimony. 

For those seeking hope or solace in difficult times, this verse encourages them to lean into their relationship with God, assuring them that doing so brings peace and blessing.

So, if you are hungry all the time, and nothing seems to satisfy your appetite, try Jesus. He will fill you up. God bless you.

Peace & Love,

—Pastor Dwayne

To be set apart as a Christian involves embracing a lifestyle and values that reflect the teachings of Jesus Christ. This concept is rooted in the idea of holiness and distinctiveness in character and conduct. Here are a few key aspects to elaborate on:

1. **Personal Relationship with God**: Being set apart begins with cultivating a personal relationship with God through prayer, reading scripture, and meditation. This spiritual foundation helps Christians align their lives with God’s will and purpose.

2. **Moral and Ethical Standards**: Christians are often called to uphold certain moral and ethical standards that may differ from societal norms. This includes honesty, integrity, humility, and love for others. Living by these principles can sometimes set believers apart in their communities.

3. **Community and Fellowship**: Christians are encouraged to engage with fellow believers, fostering a sense of community and support. This fellowship serves as a reminder of their shared faith and purpose, reinforcing their commitment to living in a way that honors God.

4. **Service to Others**: Being set apart also means actively serving others, reflecting Christ’s love through acts of kindness and generosity. This could manifest in volunteering, helping those in need, or advocating for social justice, demonstrating the Christian call to love one’s neighbor.

5. **Cultural Engagement**: While Christians are called to be in the world, they are also urged to navigate culture thoughtfully. This involves promoting positive change and upholding values that align with their faith while engaging with and understanding the world around them.

6. **Witnessing and Sharing Faith**: Being set apart includes the responsibility to share the Gospel and the personal testimony of one’s faith journey with others. This is not just about words but also exemplifying Christ-like behavior in everyday life.

7. **Endurance in Trials**: Christians may face challenges, persecution, or misunderstandings due to their beliefs. Remaining steadfast in faith during difficult times can further highlight their distinctiveness as believers, showcasing resilience and hope.

Ultimately, being set apart as a Christian is about living a life that reflects the love, grace, and truth of Jesus Christ, influencing others through both actions and words. It’s a continuous journey of growth, learning, and commitment to God’s calling.

Peace and Love,

—Pastor Dwayne

Scripture Reference:

Leviticus 20:26, 1Peter 2:9, Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 6:17, Deuteronomy 14:2  

1 Peter 2:9 (NIV): “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.”

This verse encapsulates the identity and purpose of believers in Christ. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Chosen People: The term “chosen” signifies that God has intentionally selected His people for a special relationship with Himself. This suggests a deep and personal commitment, showing that believers are not just random individuals but are valued and significant in God’s sight.

2. Royal Priesthood: Being called a “royal priesthood” highlights the dual role believers have. Priests in the Old Testament served as intermediaries between God and His people, offering sacrifices and leading worship. Here, it suggests that all believers have access to God and are tasked with a ministry of worship and service. The “royal” aspect emphasizes the dignity and honor of this role, indicating that believers share in Christ’s kingship.

3. Holy Nation: This phrase indicates that the community of believers is set apart for God’s purposes. “Holy” implies a calling to live according to God’s standards, reflecting His purity and character in their lives. It emphasizes collective identity, reminding believers that they are part of a larger family—the body of Christ.

4. God’s Special Possession: This indicates a deep sense of belonging. Believers are treasured by God, akin to how one might hold dear something of great value. It speaks to the intimate relationship God has with His people and His desire for them to thrive in His love.

5. Declaring the Praises: The purpose of being a chosen people and a royal priesthood is to “declare the praises” of God. This is not just about singing or lip service; it encompasses a lifestyle of worship that reflects gratitude and recognition of God’s goodness and grace. Believers are called to share their testimony and the transformative love of Christ with others.

6. Called Out of Darkness: This contrasts the past life of sin and separation from God. The “darkness” symbolizes ignorance, despair, and evil. Being called into “His wonderful light” signifies enlightenment, hope, and the truth found in Christ. This transformative experience is central to the believer’s journey and testimony.

In summary, 1 Peter 2:9 serves as a powerful reminder of the identity and role of believers. It encourages them to live out their faith actively, reflecting the light of Christ in their lives while proclaiming His goodness to the world around them.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16 (KJV)

Peace and Love,

—Pastor Dwayne 

1. “Then he said to me, ‘This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” – Zechariah 4:6 (NIV)

2. Zerubbabel was given the responsibility to  rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. After they returned from exile in Babylon, 70 years.

3. The prophets Zechariah and Haggai gave moral and spiritual encouragement to resume work on the temple. The prophet’s primary task was to proclaim the word of the Lord, pointing out sin, explaining its consequences, and calling sinners to repentance and obedience.

4. Many people believe that, to survive in this world, you must be tough, strong, unbending, and harsh. But God says, “not by might nor by Power but by my spirit!”

5. It is only through God’s Spirit that anything of lasting value is accomplished!

6. As you live for God, be determined not to trust in your strength or abilities; instead, depend on God, and work in the power of His Holy Spirit!

7. Here is Psalms 20:7 (NIV): “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”

8. Jeremiah 9:23-24 (NIV) states: “23 This is what the Lord says: ‘Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, 24 but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,’ declares the Lord.”

9. This passage emphasizes the importance of knowing and understanding God rather than relying on worldly achievements.

10. Ephesians 6:10 (NIV): “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”

God bless!

Peace and love…

—Pastor Dwayne 

MELROSE — A ministry that began as a leap of faith is now celebrating two decades of service to the community. The Auglaize Chapel Church of God food pantry is marking its 20th anniversary in 2026, continuing its mission of providing food assistance and support to individuals and families throughout the Melrose area.  

The pantry was created after church members identified a need for accessible food resources for those facing difficult circumstances. Although there were initial concerns about whether a small congregation could sustain such an effort, the decision was made to move forward, and the impact has steadily grown ever since.

Since opening on April 29, 2006, the pantry has operated out of the church at 515 Franklin Street in Melrose. It has become a dependable resource for residents, regularly serving dozens of families each month with essential food items.

The pantry is open on the second Saturday of each month from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Participation fluctuates depending on the time of year, with attendance typically ranging from 30 to 60 families during each distribution.

The effort remains largely volunteer-driven, with a dedicated group assisting in all aspects of the operation, including food pickups, stocking, and distribution. Additional help is provided by church members and community volunteers as needed. Food supplies are sourced primarily through the West Ohio Food Bank in Lima, supplemented by donations from local businesses, manufacturers, farmers, and individuals.

Over the past 20 years, the pantry has grown into more than just a place to receive food. It has also served as a point of connection within the community, offering support and care to those in need while encouraging volunteer involvement and outreach.

As it reaches this milestone anniversary, the Auglaize Chapel Church of God food pantry continues to stand as a testament to long-term commitment and community cooperation, providing both nourishment and encouragement to those it serves.

Living a resurrected life is at the core of the Christian faith, in which believers embrace newness and transformation through Jesus Christ.

This transformation is rooted in the resurrection of Christ, which assures us of our own new life and identity in Him.

Corinthians 5:17 states, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” This verse speaks to the profound change that occurs when we accept Christ. Our past no longer defines us; we are made new through Him.

Romans 6:4, it says, “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”

This emphasizes that just as Christ was resurrected, we are called to live a life free from the bondage of sin and to embrace a new existence filled with hope and purpose.

Living by the Spirit; Galatians 2:20 reads, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” This verse highlights the importance of surrendering our lives to Christ and allowing Him to guide us in our daily walk.

Hope of Resurrection: 1 Peter 1:3 proclaims, “Praise be to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” This illustrates that our resurrection life is filled with hope, stemming from the assurance of Christ’s victory over death.

Walking in Love; Ephesians 5:2 encourages us to “walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us.” As we live resurrected in Christ, we are called to reflect His love in our actions and to represent Him to the world.

Eternal Perspective: Colossians 3:1-2 states, “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”

Living a resurrected life means constantly focusing on eternity and living in a way that honors God above earthly concerns.

In conclusion, living a resurrected life through Christ involves embracing our new identity, experiencing freedom from sin, walking by faith, and loving others. As we set our minds on heavenly things, we can fully realize the abundant life that Jesus promises us through His resurrection. Glory to God!

Peace and Love,

—Pastor Dwayne

OAKWOOD — Auglaize Chapel Church of God will host a series of Spring Revival Services later this month, inviting the community to attend several days of worship, teaching, and fellowship.

The revival will begin on Sunday, April 26, with services scheduled for 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Evening services will continue Monday, April 27 through Wednesday, April 29, each beginning at 7 p.m.

Guest speaker for the revival will be Pastor Jeff Eckman, who brings years of ministry experience across Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan. Eckman has served as lead pastor at North Avenue Church of God in Battle Creek, Michigan since 2013. In addition to his pastoral role, he currently serves on the Michigan Credentials Team and on the board for Warner Memorial Camp.

Church leaders encourage individuals and families from the surrounding area to attend the services for a time of spiritual renewal during the spring season.

Auglaize Chapel Church of God is located at 22652 Road 60, Oakwood. For more information, call 419-594-2441.

“Pastor Jeff Eckman grew up in Howell, MI, and attended the Wright’s Corners Church of God (Now the Crossroads Church of God) and graduated from Fowlerville Baptist School, in Fowlerville, MI.  He met his wife to be, Tori Dendel, in the Michigan Singers and they were married shortly before attending Warner Southern College in Lake Wales, Florida.  They both graduated from Warner in 1993.  Pastor Jeff’s degree is a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Studies with a minor in Biblical Studies, while Tori received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education.  The Eckmans have 5 children ranging in Age from 8-21. Pastor Jeff served churches in Elwood, Indiana and Defiance, Ohio before returning home to Michigan where he pastored the Floyd Church of God in Midland for over 12 years. In May of 2013 he accepted the call to be the Lead Pastor at the North Avenue Church of God in Battle Creek where he currently serves. He has served the Church of God in Michigan on the Business Committee, as Vice Chair and Chair of the General Assembly, as Vice Chair and Chair of the Board of Directors, and currently serves on the Church Health Ministry.  Even though he attended camp meetings as a young person, His love for, and involvement with Camp Meetings started in Ohio at the Payne Camp Meeting where he served as Youth director, member of the Program committee, and Evangelist.  His involvement continues in Michigan having served the Charlevoix camp as Youth director, and Evangelist, the St. Louis Camp as board member, chair of the Program committee, and sound and video coordinator, and Warner camp as a youth camp director, conference leader and Evangelist.
Pastor Jeff’s hobbies include playing guitar, coaching (any sport his kids are playing), basketball, softball, golf, photography, computer graphics, video editing, and web design.
His priorities are pretty simple.  He is first and foremost a follower of Christ, second a husband and father, and third a Pastor and Worship Leader.  

“Easter in our hearts every day” is a phrase that resonated in my spirit as I prepared for Holy Week. It is a sentiment that emphasizes the importance of the values and spirit associated with Easter beyond just the holiday itself. Easter, which celebrates resurrection, renewal, and hope, can be a source of inspiration for daily living.

To have “Easter in our hearts” suggests cultivating a mindset of joy, forgiveness, and love in our everyday interactions. It encourages us to embody the essence of rebirth and transformation, not just once a year, but continuously. This mindset can lead to a more positive outlook on life, reminding us to embrace new beginnings and to find hope even in challenging situations. 

This may explain why Jesus appeared to Mary and the disciples after His resurrection. To Mary, unwavering in her faith, He urged her to tell Peter and the others that He had risen, making her the first evangelist. When He appeared to Thomas, He stopped his doubt. Showing Himself to Peter and the others, and initially rebuking them, strengthened their belief and faith that Jesus was the Christ, the Risen Savior, and the eternal God.           

Additionally, this phrase can imply a commitment to community and kindness, reflecting the way Easter often brings people together. By carrying the spirit of Easter throughout the year, we can promote compassion, understanding, and unity in our relationships with others.

Ultimately, “Easter in our hearts every day” serves as a reminder to live with a sense of gratitude, to acknowledge the beauty of life, and to spread positivity and goodwill in our daily interactions. It invites us to celebrate not just the holiday but the profound lessons it brings into our lives at all times. Every day should be Easter Sunday/ resurrection day. 

Scripture references: John 20:19-31, Luke 24:13-35

Peace and Love,

—Pastor Dwayne

Here are some key points from John 11:

1. The Death of Lazarus: The chapter begins with the news that Lazarus, a close friend of Jesus, is seriously ill. Jesus stays where He is for two more days before heading to Bethany, where Lazarus lives.

2 Jesus’ Conversation with His Disciples Before going to Judea, Jesus explains that Lazarus’s illness will not lead to death but is for God’s glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.

3 Jesus Comforts Martha and Mary: After Lazarus dies, Martha and Mary, his sisters, express their sorrow and disappointment that Jesus did not arrive in time to heal him. They both proclaim their faith in Jesus as the Messiah.

4. The Power of Jesus: Jesus tells Martha that He is the resurrection and the life, promising that whoever believes in Him will live even after death. This statement emphasizes His divine authority over life and death.

5. The Emotional Response: Jesus experiences deep emotion at the tomb of Lazarus, leading to one of the shortest verses in the Bible: “Jesus wept.” This shows His compassion and empathy for the grieving family.

6. The Miracle of Raising Lazarus: Jesus commands that the stone be rolled away from the tomb and, despite objections, He prays to the Father and calls Lazarus out of the tomb. Lazarus emerges, alive, showcasing Jesus’ power over death.

7. Impact of the Miracle: The miraculous act leads many Jews who were present to believe in Jesus, while others report the event to the Pharisees, setting the stage for further conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders.

8. Foreshadowing of Jesus’ Own Death: The chapter sets a pivotal moment in the narrative that foreshadows Jesus’ own death and resurrection, highlighting the themes of belief, resurrection, and eternal life.

These key points underscore the themes of faith, Jesus’ power, and his love for humanity, particularly for us believers. Thank you, Lord!

Peace and Love, 

—Pastor Dwayne