This Week’s Thought

Posted on by Horizon Professional Services

By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

Do you collect things?  Most, if not all of us, collect something, even if it’s only dust.  Our refrigerator looks like a travel log, covered with magnets (pictures) from so many places we have been and enjoyed.  We stop at every state-line welcome center and do our best to take in the local souvenir shops.  These stops, of course, mean that we inevitably come home with more than we had.

This is one of those particular places.  One afternoon driving across New Mexico into Arizona, we stopped for photos at the Continental Divide signs then pulled into the parking lot of this store just a few minutes before their closing time.  The ladies working that afternoon were very kind to us, recognized our seeming weariness, welcomed us in for the restrooms and to shop a few minutes before locking the front door behind us as we stepped back outside.  Those few minutes inside allowed us to gather up several souvenirs for various friends and family members.

I frequently relate these “thoughts” to traveling through this old world, for that is exactly what we are doing on a daily basis.  And as we travel this world, meandering our way through each and every God-given day, I can’t help but wonder what souvenirs we are picking up.

Are we gathering smiles and experiences from those around us?  Are we in turn sharing with them about where we’ve been?  You see, I look at souvenir collecting as a give and gather situation.  Not only are we collecting things to take back with us, but we are always leaving bits and pieces of ourselves wherever we go.

We speak, wave, smile, or simply share a friendly conversation with a cashier or even another fellow traveler whose path we’ve stumbled across.  We become a mixture of all the places we’ve been and all the people we’ve met.

Then, as we get older and our trip begins to reach the final destination, we remember fondly how the Lord blessed us along with way.  Perhaps, just perhaps, He has a refrigerator with my name on it.  And on that fridge are magnets and mementos of where all He has carried me – of our travels together.  And there in prominent view are also photos of all the people with whom I’ve interacted along the way.  True souvenirs.  Souls I’ve pointed toward the Lord.  Oh God, may that refrigerator be full of faces — Godly souvenirs!

Just a thought.

This Week’s Thought

Posted on by Horizon Professional Services

By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

Disclaimer first – Some of you are reading this on Thanksgiving week.  Some will be reading it later.  Regardless, we are to be thankful all year.

The road you see pictured here is just an old country road.  Because we know what lies beyond those hills and curves, we know that a road was in existence here at least as far back as the very early 1800’s – more than 200 years ago.  This particular road winds its way through the deep woods of the county in which we live.  It climbs hills, overlooks extremely deep ravines, crosses creek beds, and provides a means of access to some prime hunting lands.

This road also happens to be the very road upon which my wife’s family have lived for at least four generations now.  I know by looking at this picture exactly where this spot is located on that road, because I’m familiar with the road.

As God’s people, we are called to travel life’s winding road from the moment we first follow the Lord until that last moment when He finally takes us Home.  And along that road, we will encounter many precious memories, people, and places.  Because we live it, we will remember specific spots along that road that will forever remain special in our hearts.

Thanksgiving and Christmas bring with them a renewed opportunity to be verbally thankful for anything and everything along life’s journey.  God has been so very good to us along the way.  And, He will continue to be just as good for the rest of our travels.  We will always have many things for which to be thankful.

In this week’s sermon, I, as many other pastors did, I’m sure, reminded us not just to be thankful, but to tell the Lord just how thankful we are.  Give Him the praise, honor, and glory that He so richly deserves, not just at this time of year, but all year through — all along our road.

And, as I reminded us, in the story of the 10 lepers that Jesus healed one day, only one of those men came back to say, “Thank you.”  In your holiday celebrations, in your excitement and chaos, in your family gatherings or just quiet little times along the road, if there is to be only 1 in your crowd to voice thanks to the Lord this year, then be that one!

I’m thankful for you.

Just a thought.

This Week’s Thought

Posted on by Horizon Professional Services

By Brad Campbell –

Have you ever seen a totem pole?  We would normally associate a totem pole with a Native American location.  We saw several totem poles of varying heights, shapes, and colors on our trip to Alaska this summer.  The two pictures you see here are of the same pole.  I just “zoomed in” for you to be able to see a little more detail.

Contrary to popular belief, the Native Americans did not create the totem poles or use them for religious-type ceremonies or worship.  The totem pole was designed to represent their people, their land, their culture, and the animals around them.  Some poles are naturally much more detailed than others.  Each face on the pole tells a part of the story of the people who created it and placed it there.

As a pastor, I have the opportunity to stand in front of my church family and face them.  I see their faces, and I see their smiles or frowns.  Because I know the people, I can also see their stories.  I see their backgrounds, their hurts and failures, and their happinesses and successes.  Most of all, I see the One Who created each and every one and placed them here.

A totem pole is designed so that as one looks upon it, they will be reminded of their story.  They will be reminded of the places, times, and situations from which they came.  They will be reminded of everything that brought them to the place where they now stand — as a witness to those who will continue to see.

We Christians take our places in the world around us each week, representing the One Who placed us here.  We tell our stories, even if silently, of the places and times and situations from which we come, each and every part of which has made us into the person we are today.  And as we stand together in this world, we form a totem pole, if you will, of a mixture of answered prayers, healed hurts and diseases, cares and love of the Father, and so much more.

Wherever you stand this week, you are being gazed upon.  Some are looking simply at the outside – the dress, the colors, the smile or frown, the hair-do, or even the location where we stand.  But if we stand true long enough, if we stand strong long enough, prayerfully they will begin to see the Creator we represent.  They will see the details in our creation, the work of His hands upon our lives, the many stories we have yet to tell of the goodness and the grace of a loving, forgiving, almighty God who placed us here to be a representative of Him.

Stand strong like the totem pole.  The world is watching — and so is the Creator.

Just a thought.

American Christianity Prior to 1865

Posted on by Horizon Professional Services
By Dan Naylor –

The modern American Republic appears intent upon erasing its history. Some ideological movements actively vilify George Washington and Abraham Lincoln while pushing an aggressive “America Last” agenda. Historians hope for greater historical literacy, but what they see instead is the steady destruction of our shared past. Scholars have a strategic window to encourage historical literacy, or, failing that, to enable a measure of historical accuracy. How? By conducting concise examinations of Early American history using the opportunities afforded by modern social media. Christianity imparted meaning, discipline and comfort to Early Americans. 

What meaning did Christianity contribute to Americans in the period up to 1865? More to the point, what if Christianity had not contributed? What if Early America had rejected faith entirely, opting instead for atheism, the bleak outlook of paganism or an amoral nihilism? Was a French-style revolution ever the preferred path for Americans—with its savage purging of elites, destruction of religious institutions, and the deliberate enthronement of a tyrant? As one of the American Revolution’s foremost thinkers, Thomas Paine consistently references God and the Bible in “Common Sense” and his many other works , presenting Christian ideas through a lens of reason and common logic. George Washington, in contrast to the wild leaders of most rebellions, oversaw a revolutionary victory and relatively peaceful presidency. He followed this with an astonishing peaceful transition in 1797. The same year he passed away, 1799, Napoleon’s coup plunged Europe into the maelstrom of war. Jefferson’s timeless ideals of equality, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness will always guide and inspire us. However, these latter concepts are secondary. The Early American nation ultimately rooted its identity in a Christian vision—establishing itself as a republic under God. 

Meaning came alive, however, only through disciplined effort. In the critical early decades of colonial Massachusetts, Increase Mather and the Governor and Council attributed the catastrophic King Philip’s War (1675–1678) to the failings of Christians in Mather’s colony. This strategy may be interpreted as a deliberate attempt to impose discipline upon Mather’s flock. Though such measures may strike modern sensibilities as cruel and severe, they must be weighed alongside Mather’s acts of generosity, including his fundraising initiatives and his care for the impoverished members of his congregation. The colonists won the war, as they had so fervently prayed. As Puritan influence waned, the Great Awakenings of 1730–1755 and 1790–1840 came to be seen as times of intense spiritual fervor that seemed anything but disciplined. Yet the Great Awakenings were also times of profound discipline and church growth. The dramatic conversion of so many was followed by the yeoman work of faithful friends, relatives, spiritual fathers, and mentors who, empowered by love and by the gifts of the Holy Spirit, guided converts into true discipleship.

An objective examination of Christianity in the early American Republic would be stripped of its meaning and discipline without the sustaining and deeply emotional solace of faith in Jesus Christ. One may focus upon the politics of Early America, its military history and its westward development. And yet, how can one turn a blind eye to the everyday suffering borne by so many, or to the crushing weight of slavery that persisted for generations? Cotton Mather himself penned the The Nightingale: An Essay on Songs Among Thorns, or, The Supports and Comforts of the Afflicted Believer. This may mean little to a reader unaware of the sorrow which bore heavily on Mather, who lost thirteen of his fifteen children during his lifetime, and his wives Abigail (1702) and Elizabeth (1713). If there could be worse tragedies, among the most devastating was the loss of husbands and sons in brutal conflict. Well known is Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s heartrending “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day”, written after he had rushed to be with his severely wounded son. Sadly, this was an all-too-common occurrence in America’s Civil War. Connecting with Early Americans is no easy task, yet by witnessing their living faith in an eternal, loving God, one may catch a fleeting glimpse of the hope that sustained them.

The moment invites historians to cultivate within our communities and beyond a renewed awareness of the Christian meaning of the American Republic. May we also recognize the need for a holy life that reflects the discipline of our fathers. Might we enjoy the comfort of the Holy Spirit, always with us in trouble. 

“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”
2 Corinthians 1:3–4

Weekly Inspirational: Growing in Patience

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By Ryan Kelly –

For many of us, patience does not come easily. We live in a world of instant results, quick fixes, and constant motion, yet God often calls us to wait. Waiting can feel uncomfortable or even frustrating, but it is in the waiting that our faith is stretched and our character refined. When we find ourselves growing weary, we must remember that patience is not passive; it is an active trust in God’s perfect timing and purpose for our lives.

The Lord often tests our patience not to punish us, but to strengthen us. Every delay, every unanswered prayer, and every long road is an opportunity to deepen our reliance on Him. Just as gold is refined in fire, our faith is refined through perseverance. James reminds us, “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:4). God uses the seasons of waiting to mold us into people of endurance, humility, and faith.

Patience also reveals the condition of our hearts. When we rush ahead of God, we risk missing the lessons He is trying to teach us in the moment. But when we slow down and trust His process, we find peace even in uncertainty. As Romans 12:12 encourages, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” This kind of patience does not come from human willpower; it flows from a surrendered heart that believes God truly knows best.

So this week, if you feel your patience running thin, take a breath and remember that God is working even when you cannot see it. Every trial, delay, and interruption can be a divine opportunity to grow. Ask the Lord to give you His peace in the waiting and His strength to persevere with grace. The more we learn to rest in His timing, the more we will see that patience is not a burden, it is a blessing.

This Week’s Thought

Posted on by Horizon Professional Services

By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

I saw these gentlemen from across the way and made it a point to get closer so I could see better.  The two men were walking the sidewalks of the Boston Common.  They periodically stopped to engage in some sort of conversation with onlookers, but they seemed to be just walking around minding their own business.

Two Revolutionary War-era men in modern day America.  A quick glance in their direction might lead one to think he had stepped back into the past.  Enjoyable to see and watch, these guys were obviously giving the public a glimpse into a time long ago.

We wander around our world, ever busy, always on the go, not paying much attention to anything – much less anyone – around us.  But what if we stopped to pay attention, even for just a few minutes?  We might get a glimpse into the past.

We might see the grandparent struggling with mobility now, but who not so long ago would have been down on their knees with the grand-kids in the front yard.  We might see the young family perusing items in the “dollar-aisle” of the store because his employment of yesterday has come to an abrupt end, and money is stretched.  We might see times of days past in which there seemed to be more kindness, love, and compassion for one another.  We might hear the laughter and giggles of children who now have grown into anxiety-filled lives full of misundertood purpose.

Admittedly, I don’t know what those two dressed up characters were doing that afternoon, but I do know they gave a large crowd of people several minutes of uninterrupted entertainment that took us miles and years away from the troubles of the day.

Perhaps our role today is not necessarily to dress up and pretend to be someone or somewhere in the past, but to remind those who watch us that life is full of good memories, laughter, and child-like wonder that will never grow old.  As you love your neighbors this week, keep in mind that they each bear the weight of the past.  Perhaps we can bring the good memories to the forefront with a gentle reminder that God’s blessings upon us all are abundantly evident in our past, in our today, and in our tomorrow.

Just a thought.

This Week’s Thought

Posted on by Horizon Professional Services

By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

These little sea planes fascinate me.  They take off from the water, and they land on the water.  We walked around the downtown port area of Juneau, Alaska, not only taking in the amazing scenery all around us, but watching these planes coming and going.  We had not arrived by plane, but by ship, as had many others.  The boats of all sizes were lined up very near the planes.

Juneau, Alaska, is known as the only U.S. state capital city that cannot be reached from the outside world (or even the rest of the state) by car.  One must arrive by another method of transportation.

In today’s world we are given many transportation options.  On this trip to Alaska, my wife and I traveled in some way or other by private car, bus, airplane, ship, train, monorail, sky-lift, and taxi.  We encountered many different people of different races, cultures, and religions.  Travel is what we all had in common.  But to arrive in Juneau, we were all limited by the travel options.

For the Christian travelers of this old world, we look forward to our final destination – Heaven.  But the thing is, there are not all those options for transportation to that wonderful place.  Heaven is even more limited than Juneau.  There is only one Way to get there.  And that is through a relationship of saving faith in Jesus Christ.  He reminds us in His Word that He is the only Way.  The uninformed worldly individual might argue that we Christians belong to an exclusive group, limiting our inclusion, and even the means to get there.  Well, the truth sometimes hurts, doesn’t it?  

The only way we were to get to Juneau was by the ship on which we traveled, or by an airplane.  The only Way we are to get to Heaven is through Him.  So, yes, it requires exclusive membership in the family of God, a group to which I’m honored to belong, as we all should be.

But let us not forget the other weary travelers who need to be reminded of the limited transportation.  One road.  One Way.  And His name is Jesus.

Just a thought.

Weekly Inspirational: “We Don’t Have to Sin”

Posted on by Horizon Professional Services

By Ryan Kelly –

One of the most dangerous misconceptions in the modern church is the quiet acceptance that sin is inevitable for Christians, that while we may try to live righteously, we will inevitably fail, and that is just part of the journey. Yes, Christ’s death on the cross paid the price for our sins, and His resurrection gave us new life, but nowhere in Scripture are we told that we must continue in sin. Instead, we are called to die to sin and live to righteousness. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are no longer slaves to sin but freed to walk in obedience.

As we mature in faith, sanctification transforms our hearts, conforming us more and more to the image of Christ. The process does not make us instantly perfect, but it does mean that we have both the power and the responsibility to turn from sin. Every moment, we can choose the path of holiness, refusing profanity, lust, drunkenness, gossip, or any act that dishonors God. Sin is not an unavoidable condition; it is a defeated enemy.

Our daily walk with Christ is a continual renewal, a conscious decision to reject the world and embrace the Spirit. In doing so, we reflect the righteousness of the One who has redeemed us and live as living testimonies of His transforming grace.

Scripture Reference:
“We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin, because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.” — Romans 6:6–7 (NIV)

This Week’s Thought

Posted on by Horizon Professional Services

By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

I’ll start out this week by asking you some questions.  Have you been having a tough time lately?  Are you struggling to make ends meet?  Does it seem like you are bearing the weight of the world upon your shoulders?  Has it been easier to cry than to smile?  Are you just feeling a little run down, or down and out?

I’m no psychologist or psychiatrist.  What I am is a pastor who also happens to be a human being.  And I can tell you that I understand.

I snapped this picture in New Haven, Connecticut a year or so ago as Youngest Daughter and I walked around.  This sculpture sits in the front yard of their public library.  One young person is reading while another is relaxing with her head on the lap of the first.  Not a care in the world.  Just reading and resting.  Enjoying the sunshine and the beautiful weather.  We look at poses similar to these and think about how nice it would be to just lay it all down, ignore the distresses and problems, take a few minutes to just read, listen to the quiet, and take a very long deep breath of air.

It’s easier than you think.  Look of it this way.  What’s easier – carrying around a heavy load of anything, or laying it down?  What’s easier – worrying about anything and everything, or focusing on praying to the One Who can take care of it?  What’s easier – struggling day in and day out to try and accomplish it all on our own, or looking to the Lord for His strength which will carry us through any storm?  Do you get my point?

We say, “I can’t give it up.  I can’t turn it loose.  I have too much responsibility.  I need to be everything for everybody.”  Respectfully, no you do not.  And the sooner you realize that, the lighter your load will be!  Any of us can spare a moment.  Trust me.  So take that one moment this week.  Sit down.  Stay there.  Read something, or don’t.  But leave the burdens, disappointments, and responsibilities alone for a bit.  Take in a long deep breath of God-given Holy Spirit breathed air from above.  Turn it all over to Him – again!  And listen to the silence of your own breath.  If you plan to do all you have to do, you must have strength to get it done.  And you can only get the strength you need from God the Father.  Give Him your cares.  He is no psychologist or psychiatrist either.  He’s a God Who knows and understands your needs and your heart.  

Lay your head in the Father’s lap and let Him take care of you.

Just a thought.

Connected to the Vine

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By Ryan Kelly –

In our busy lives, it’s easy to forget that our strength doesn’t come from our own striving but from our connection to Christ. Jesus reminds us in John 15:5 that He is the vine and we are the branches. Just as a branch draws life and nourishment from the vine, we too must stay connected to Him to grow, to love, and to serve effectively. Apart from that relationship, our efforts may look fruitful for a moment, but they will not last.

When we stay rooted in Christ through prayer, Scripture, worship, and fellowship, we become living extensions of His grace. Together, as the body of Christ, we each play a part in His greater purpose. One branch may bloom with compassion, another with service, another with encouragement, but all are nourished by the same source.

This week, take time to nurture that divine connection. Let His Spirit flow through you, shaping your heart and actions. When we remain in Him, we not only bear fruit individually but also strengthen the entire body of Christ, bringing light and life to the world around us.