Hebrews 11:6 states, “But without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” 

This verse is a powerful reminder of the centrality of faith in the life of a believer. It emphasizes two key aspects: belief in God’s existence and confidence in His power and character as a rewarder. 

First, I believe faith is essential to true Christian living. It is through faith that individuals enter into a relationship with God. The stronger your faith, the stronger your relationship with God, resulting in more peace in your life. In my service to God, I have experienced many miserable Christians. Operating and speaking on the premise of no faith, I don’t think they realized they were miserable and lacking in the primary essential element needed for a covenant relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Essentially, misery begets misery. not love. The stronger your faith, the stronger your love. They are directly proportionate to one another. 

Secondly, the passage highlights the importance of diligently seeking God. This isn’t a passive belief; it requires action on our part. Committed action! Diligently seeking God implies a commitment to prayer, studying Scripture, and living in a way that aligns with His will. You are a God Chaser! God promises that those who earnestly seek Him will find Him, which reinforces the idea that our pursuit of Him will lead to spiritual rewards—peace, guidance, and ultimately, a deeper relationship with Him. Seek Him as if you were seeking gold. 

In essence, Hebrews 11:6 encourages us to cultivate a faith that not only believes in God’s existence but also actively seeks Him. It reassures us that our efforts in pursuing a relationship with God will not go unrewarded. God is eager to reward those who earnestly seek Him. This gives us hope and motivation to continue our spiritual journey, knowing that we are not alone and that our faith will bear fruit. But without faith, it’s impossible to please God.

Peace and Love,

—Pastor Dwayne

The Defiance Area Foundation (DAF) has awarded a $5,000 grant to the Hicksville Historical Society during its 2026 Spring Grant Cycle. Funding for the project was provided through the Capital Projects Fund under the DAF umbrella.

The grant will support restoration efforts at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Hicksville, including repairs to the building’s original stained-glass windows and entry doors. Constructed in 1875, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is the oldest church in Hicksville and is recognized as a historic landmark.

The stained-glass windows, which were shipped from Europe in 1875, are original to the structure and are in need of restoration to help preserve the building for future generations.

LifeWise Academy in Paulding County announced continued growth following a banner 2025-2026 school year marked by strong local demand and expanding participation in Bible-based character education programs.

In Paulding County, LifeWise served 1,317 students during the 2025-2026 school year across all three school districts, reflecting significant growth as more families see the benefits of released time religious instruction.

“Families are clearly looking for ways to support character development and address the many challenges that children face today,” said Traci Koenig, Program Director for LifeWise Academy Paulding County. “We are seeing tremendous momentum as our community comes together to offer students the opportunity to engage with the Bible during school hours.”

Highlights from LifeWise in Paulding County during the 2025-2026 school year include:

• 1,317 students served across 3 school districts

• Wayne Trace Local Schools – 496 students

• Paulding Exempted Village Schools – 600 students

• Antwerp Local Schools – 221 students

• Partnered with 44 supporting churches

• 126 local volunteers dedicated their time to support the students and program operations

New national polling of public-school parents and educators shows overwhelming support for Bible-based character education as a solution to the growing behavioral and mental health challenges facing today’s students.

The survey of 1,000 public school parents and 200 public school educators across the country was conducted by Scott Rasmussen’s RMG Research.

Among the poll’s findings:

• Nearly 90% favor teaching moral and character education to public school students

• Nearly 70% say voluntary, off-campus Bible-based character education programs would be helpful for their child’s school

• Over 85% would favor a released time religious instruction program if it were offered

“Families across Paulding County are looking for solutions that help students build strong character, purpose and values,” said Traci Koenig. “The overwhelming support reflected in this polling mirrors what we are seeing in our area — parents and educators want students to have access to positive moral and character education opportunities, and LifeWise is helping meet that demand.”

About LifeWise Academy:

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1952 that public school students could receive religious instruction during the school day so long as it is off school property, privately funded and parent-permitted.

Thirty-one states have laws clarifying the practice of released time for religious instruction.

Since launching in 5 Ohio schools in 2019, LifeWise Academy has grown to more than 1,000 schools across 37 states — and 11,640% increase in participation. To date, LifeWise has served more than 100,000.

LifeWise Academy is a nonprofit that provides Bible education to public school students during school hours under released time religious instruction laws. Hundreds of communities have launched local LifeWise programs through a 10-step process that begins with collecting community signatures at lifewise.org.

Matthew 7:1-2 states, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

This passage is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, in which he imparts essential teachings on human relationships and moral integrity. At its core, these verses highlight the principle of reciprocity in judgment—implying that the standards we apply to others will inevitably be applied to us in return.

The verses remind us to approach others with humility rather than a critical spirit. It’s easy to point out faults in others while overlooking our own imperfections. This calls for self-reflection and personal accountability, urging us to focus on our own behavior before critiquing others.

The idea that the measure we use will be the measure used toward us underscores a moral law of the universe. If we judge harshly, we can expect that same harshness to come back to us. In my old neighborhood, we would say,” What goes around comes around”.  

Conversely, showing grace, understanding, and kindness can foster a more compassionate environment.

Encouraging empathy and understanding fosters deeper relationships, in which individuals support one another rather than tearing each other down. This fosters an environment where people feel safe to share their struggles without fear of condemnation.

In retrospect, these verses invite spiritual contemplation about our own shortcomings and the grace we’ve received. Understanding our need for forgiveness can cultivate a compassionate heart that extends that same grace to others.

Matthew 7:1-2 challenges us not only to reconsider how we judge others’ actions but also to recognize the power of our words and judgments in shaping our relationships and the communities we inhabit. By embracing this teaching, we can contribute to healing and understanding in our interactions with others. Lord knows we could all use healing and understanding. Can’t we? 

Peace and Love,

—Pastor Dwayne 

On Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 1:00-6:00 p.m. the Oakwood Community Church and Melrose Community Church invite you to come join us under the Tent for an uplifting afternoon of gospel music, fellowship and family fun!

Enjoy inspiring worship music under the tent, kid’s inflatable bounce house and obstacle course on the lawn, and a welcoming community atmosphere.

Seating will be available, though you are welcome to bring a lawn chair.

Food and refreshments will be available, including hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, water, and freeze pops, offered with free will donations accepted.

Plenty of parking available. We are located at 201 East Harmon St. Oakwood, Ohio 45873.

We look forward to sharing this special afternoon of worship and fellowship with you!

See the Oakwood Community Church and Melrose Community Church Facebook pages for detailed information.

The Defiance Area Foundation has awarded a $1,000 grant to the St. John’s Lutheran Food Pantry in Hicksville during its 2026 Spring Grant Cycle. Funding for the grant was provided through the Hanna Family Memorial Fund under the Defiance Area Foundation umbrella.

The grant will help provide food pantry supplies for the growing pantry, which was established one year ago to serve individuals and families experiencing food insecurity in the Hicksville community.

The pantry is located outside St. John’s Lutheran Church and is accessible to anyone in need without paperwork or requirements. According to Food Pantry Lead Volunteer Jay Turnbull, demand for the pantry has grown greater than expected since the project began.

The organization also plans to begin opening an indoor pantry space one day each month to further serve the community.

“Ministering to the Lord” refers to the act of serving, worshiping, and dedicating oneself to God. 

Often, we see God as this great supply warehouse in the sky where we get all of our needs met.

Need a new job? Call God. Need a new car? Call God. Need a situation changed? Call God.  Need help? call God. 

To some extent, this is true because one of His many names, “Jehovah Jireh,” is a transliteration of “Jehovah Jireh,” a name for God found in the Bible. (Genesis 22:14) It is derived from Hebrew and means “The Lord will provide.” This name is often associated with the story of Abraham, in which God provides a ram as a substitute for Isaac. It reflects the belief in God’s provision and care for His people.       

We often look to God to minister to us, but when was the last time you ministered to God? When did you set aside time to tell him how beautiful he is, how you adore him, or how much you love him? I believe this is the purpose of praise and worship. Not asking for anything, but simply thanking God for who he is and what he has done for you in your life.

It also helps us get out of ourselves. As humans in this flesh, we have a tendency to think only about ourselves and our own needs. Sometimes we don’t realize just how self-centered we are.

This week, I’d like you to set time aside to tell God just how much you love and adore him.

When this type of praise goes up, blessings truly come down.    

“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” – Revelation 4:11 (ESV)

In summary, ministering to the Lord is a realistic approach to a faith-filled life that includes thanking our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for who He is and all that he has done and will do in our lives.

Thank you, Lord. Where would we be without you?

Peace and Love.

—Pastor Dwayne 

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