This annual change in the weather reminds me of the unchanging promise from God found in Genesis 8:22. Shortly after the great flood, God tells Noah these comforting words to reassure us about the certainty of the seasons. “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” Spring is not merely the annual seasonal shift for planting; it is a testimony and reminder to the faithfulness of our Creator. Promises kept, the need to prune and grow, and embracing a spirit led new life in Christ.

A Promise Kept

Each year, the cold, dead months of winter fade into the vibrant surge of new life. The yellow daffodils pop up, dogwoods begin to bloom white, and the azaleas burst on the scene in pinks and purples telling us spring is here. And if you need more reminders, travel down Belgrade-Swansboro road to see fresh-turned soil and farm equipment driving down the middle of the road! This predictable transition is a powerful metaphor for the hope of the resurrection. Just as the winter is past and flowers appear on the earth, we see the physical world mirroring the spiritual reality of life after death. For the believer in Christ, spring is a yearly miniature prelude pointing to our own future resurrection after death.

The Need for Pruning and Growth

We look around and see budding trees and green grass, but we must also recognize God’s hand behind the beauty. Just like our local farmers and gardeners clear away debris and prepare the soil to produce growth, God is at work in our lives removing the burdens of sin that hinder our growth. Sometimes, our spiritual growth requires the sharp pruners of the Master Gardener. This pruning—though sometimes painful—enables us to bear more fruit in seasons to come.

The Power of the Spirit

As believers in Christ, remember that while we plant and water, ultimately God gives the growth (1 Corinthians 3:6). True growth and renewal are not a result of human effort but are the work of the Holy Spirit. The season of Lent, an Old English word meaning “spring season,” has ended. We are invited to cast off our “heavy coats” of guilt and shame, embracing the warmth of God’s grace and forgiveness in a newness of life.

As we witness spring unfold around us, let it prompt us to offer our gratitude and praise to God. He is the everlasting Father ensuring the sun rises and the flowers bloom. He is the faithful Shepherd who promises to care for us. Let this spring be more than a seasonal change—let’s invite God’s spirit to come into our lives, let it be a fresh start in our walk with the Savior.

The post The Master Gardener: A Reflection on Spring appeared first on Peletier First Missionary Baptist Church.

The holidays are over…or so I thought. A quick trip to a local large retail store told me otherwise! Everywhere I looked Valentine’s Day decorations were out! Now Valentine’s Day often gets wrapped in clichés surrounding love and relationships, but, at its core, it’s about something deeper — the need for connection, appreciation, and recognition for and from the people who matter to us. Beneath the marketing and the red-and-pink displays, there’s an opportunity to pause and think about how we live out love in our everyday lives.

For Christians, it’s also a beautiful opportunity to reflect on the greatest example of love we have ever been given: the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ. Scripture reminds us in 1 John 4:19, “We love because He first loved us.” This truth reframes Valentine’s Day. It’s not just about romance or tradition — it’s about living out the kind of love that God has shown us: patient, kind, selfless, and enduring. Beneath all the commercial fluff, there’s an invitation to pause and ask how we can reflect Christ’s love in our relationships. This day doesn’t have to be about grand gestures or expensive gifts. In fact, the most meaningful expressions of love are often the simplest: a heartfelt prayer, a genuine conversation that makes someone feel heard, a word of encouragement rooted in God’s promises, a handwritten note that captures what you appreciate about them, or simply showing up when they need you most.

These acts remind us that love is less about performance and more about presence — the same way God is faithfully present with us. It’s also worth noting that Valentine’s Day isn’t only about couples. It’s a chance to strengthen bonds with friends, family, and even strangers. Jesus calls us to love our neighbors (Mark 12:31), and that includes reaching out to those who might feel overlooked — the lonely, the hurting, the forgotten. A small act of kindness, offered in His name, can be a powerful testimony of God’s care. If you strip away the commercial noise, Valentine’s Day becomes a spiritual checkpoint — a moment to ask: Am I showing the people in my life the kind of love Christ has shown me? The answer doesn’t have to be perfect, but the willingness to try is what keeps relationships alive and honors God.

Love, in all its forms, thrives on consistency, empathy, and action. It’s built in the everyday — in the way we forgive as Christ forgave us (Colossians 3:13), in the patience we extend when someone is struggling, and in the encouragement we offer when they doubt themselves. This February 14th, focus less on the spectacle and more on the substance. The most enduring relationships are not defined by one big day, but by the small, steady choices we make every day to love as Christ loves. When the flowers fade and the chocolates are gone, what remains is the trust, respect, and care we’ve built over time — rooted in the unshakable foundation of God’s love. That’s the real heart of Valentine’s Day for believers: not a single celebration, but a daily commitment to reflect the love of Jesus in every relationship.

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“And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:
‘Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.’
And he replied:
‘”‘Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God.
That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.’
So I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night.
And He led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East.”

As the clock strikes midnight and 2025 fades into the pages of history, we find ourselves standing at the threshold of the unknown, much like the traveler in Minnie Louise Haskins’s timeless poem. The gate of the year stands before us, shrouded in mystery, inviting us to step forward with courage and faith. In the stillness of this moment, we are reminded of the profound truth that true guidance comes not from the flickering lights of certainty, but from the steady hand of God, leading us through the darkness and into the uncertainty of the future.

The dawn of a new year is not only the turning of a calendar page, but a profound moment to seek the Lord in our daily lives and to be guided by His presence with each new opportunity.

As we cross the threshold into this new year, we also carry with us the wisdom of those who have trodden the paths before us. Their journeys, marked by faith and trust in Christ, “the light of the world,” teach us that we can embrace the unknown with courage and trust. Together they can steady and strengthen us as we enter the unknown of a new year.

Each new year offers us a new chapter of possibilities. New beginnings bring with them the opportunity to renew our spirits and reconnect with what truly matters. This time of reflection allows us to honor the past while looking forward to the future with unwavering optimism. This passage from Minnie Louise Haskins’s poem, “The Gate of the Year,” reminds us that faith in God can strengthen our spiritual resiliency and illuminate our path even in the most uncertain of times. As we step into this new year, let’s embrace the unknown with a heart full of hope and trust in the divine guidance of Christ that has led us in the past.

Let this New Year be guided by a spirit of prayer, gratitude, and acts of kindness. Seek to deepen your spiritual relationship with the God, listen for His guidance, and extend faith, hope, and forgiveness, and the love of Christ to those around us. As we set our new goals for 2026 and dream anew, may we be led by Christ alone and adopt a heart open to service and eyes open to see God’s hand at work in our lives. Each sunrise offers new mercies and opportunities to step forward courageously, anchored in faith, welcoming the New Year not just as a passage of time, but as a chance for spiritual growth, renewed purpose, and living fully in God’s divine grace.

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The Advent and Christmas season is here! That special time many people look forward to all year. It is a time to focus our hearts and minds on kindness, gratitude, hope, peace, joy, togetherness, and love. A time to remember God’s love for us when He sent us the gift of His Son, Jesus.

It’s also a time when the pace of life, though often busy, carries a different rhythm—one in which God invites us to pause and notice the moments that matter. It’s the laughter that fills a room when friends gather; the quiet joy of wrapping a gift with care; gathering to worship in a beautifully decorated sanctuary; the warmth of a shared meal that nourishes more than just the body. These special moments the Lord sends our way will become threads in the tapestry of our lives, woven into the happy memories that we can revisit for years to come.

The world itself seems to transform during this season. Streets, like those in downtown Swansboro, glow with twinkling lights, windows radiate warmth against the cold, and the air carries the scent of pine, cinnamon, and fresh-baked treats. Even the smallest traditions—walking on a trail in the crisp air, sipping hot cocoa by a fire, decorating your home, or watching your favorite holiday movie under a blanket—become rituals that anchor us in comfort and joy. These acts, though simple, remind us that God’s joy is often found in simple activities.

The holiday season is also a call to serve and to give—not only in material ways, but through the currency of compassion. Volunteering at a shelter, donating to a food bank, supporting ministries like Operation Christmas Child and the Baptist Children’s Home of NC, or simply offering a kind word to a stranger can create faith and hope that extend far beyond what we can see. In giving, we discover a truth from the Lord that transcends the season: a generous spirit enriches both the receiver and the giver, leaving both changed in subtle but lasting ways.

As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, the season naturally invites reflection. We look back on the year—its challenges, its triumphs, its unexpected turns—and we begin to ponder what lies ahead. We see where the Lord has been with us and entrust our future to Him also. There is a renewed sense of hope in this turning of the yearly page, a sense of renewal that whispers, you can begin again. And this renewal is the heart of the Gospel message at Christmas. Receive God’s perfect gift and find a life with hope, peace, joy, and love the whole year long!

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Choose to be thankful
Thankfulness is a choice. When we choose to focus on what we have rather than what we lack, the ordinary moments begin to shine. A good laugh with family and friends, shared hardships reminding us we are not alone – these are treasures that, when acknowledged, can fill our hearts with the peace and joy found in Christ. Thankfulness and gratitude do not erase life’s challenges, but they give us the courage to meet them with hope as we follow Christ.

Express our thanks
One tradition that many practice at Thanksgiving is to recount the blessings God provides to us and speak about our gratitude to others. When we do this, it can remind us of God’s presence in our lives, and that joy can be found in the people, moments, and memories that make life meaningful. It also has the added benefit of letting those around us know we are thankful for them!

Live out your thankfulness
Thanksgiving is also a call to give back out of the abundance of blessings that God has sent our way. Whether offering a warm meal to someone in need, writing a note of encouragement, or simply listening, these simple acts of kindness turn gratitude into something tangible—that brightens and encourages those around us.

Carry our attitude of thankfulness forward
Thanksgiving is a call to “pay it forward.” As we celebrate this season of thanks, remember to choose gratitude and thanks daily. Gratitude is not bound to a single day—it’s a way of living out our faith in Christ that will transform our perspectives, strengthen our relationships, and fill our lives with joy.

This year, may the Lord bless your Thanksgiving celebration, may it be abundant, and may your gratitude be unshakable.

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Fall reminds me of the beauty found in change. This season, often associated with harvest and preparation, carries profound spiritual lessons that can inspire and deepen our faith.

Autumn is a time of gathering and reflection culturally and religiously. “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.” Long before the singing group The Byrds made this phrase a 1965 hit in their song “Turn, Turn, Turn,” this phrase is found in Ecclesiastes 3:1, reminding us that life brings seasons and change.   Fall reminds us that life is cyclical, and just as the trees shed their leaves, we too are called to let go of what no longer serves us. It is a time to release old habits and burdens. It is time to let go, to forgive, and to trust in God’s plan of renewal for each of us individually and for our church family.

The harvest imagery of fall also speaks to the fruits of our labor. Galatians 6:9 encourages us, saying “let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Fall invites us to reflect on the seeds we’ve sown in our lives—whether in relationships, faith, jobs, or church—and continue to strengthen our spirits and celebrate the blessings God has provided.

Fall’s crisp air (when it finally arrives!) and quiet beauty encourages stillness and gratitude. As the world slows down, we are reminded to pause and marvel at God’s creation. Psalm 46:10 calls us to “be still and know that I am God.” In the stillness of fall, we can draw closer to Him, finding peace and assurance in His presence for the future.

Finally, fall is a season of preparation. Just as farmers around us prepare their fields for winter, we are called to prepare and strengthen our hearts for the seasons ahead. Whether it’s through prayer, acts of kindness, or deepening our relationship with Christ Jesus, fall reminds us that spiritual growth often begins in times of transition.

As we walk through this season with its myriads of changes going on around us, let’s use this as a time of reflection, gratitude, and renewal.  Embrace the beauty of God’s creation, finding assurance that while all around us may change, our Lord is ever present, guiding us.

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“And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled ’till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”

Christmas can be a very busy season for most of us. It’s easy to become distracted by well-meaning things like decorations, gift giving, and holiday gatherings with family and friends.

Each of these are important and definitely have their place as we celebrate Christ’s birth, but if we’re not careful they can crowd out and “steal” the peace and joy which Christ came to bring us…the true meaning of Christmas.

As we surround ourselves with all of these wonderful things this Christmas season, let’s each take time to remember that Christmas IS a little bit more.

The following Scripture verses have always helped me to do that:

^“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ^‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’” Luke 2:10-14

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

As we celebrate this Christmas season, take time to reflect on why Christmas “means a little bit more”. It means God sent His son Jesus to live among us. It means peace can be had between God and all men and women. It means the promise of a Messiah, a deliverer from sin and death, is fulfilled. “Joy to the World, the Lord is Come”! Feel free to reach out to me via the church’s e-mail if you would like to speak more about finding true peace and joy this Christmas.

Merry Christmas…don’t let the Grinches try to steal your joy!

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And Fall brings about change. The leaves change to beautiful colors of gold, red, brown, and orange. The temperature and humidity finally begin to drop. Students have returned to school. Soon it will be getting darker earlier, and we will go through the annual ritual of “falling back” with our clocks. It’s also football season, and we can enjoy doing more outside activities in the cooler weather.

For many, this season marks the time for some of our most beloved celebrations and holidays like “Trick or Treat,” Thanksgiving, and Christmas. There are all kinds of candies and treats with pumpkin spice sprinkled liberally into almost everything you see on a grocery store shelf. The change brings about excitement and anticipation for many.

But, sometimes, change can bring anxiety and uncertainty of the future.

As I reflect on the many shades of change this Fall, I am reminded of my own need for certainty. When all around me is shifting, I search for something unchanging that keeps me grounded.

This is when I am reminded that my relationship with Christ is where my certainty is anchored. Whatever changes I face, my faith in Christ keeps me grounded, and His words encourage me.

The following three Scripture verses are foundational to stay grounded no matter the changes:

“ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end” Leviticus 3:22

“As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.” Genesis 8:22

Amid all the changes going on around me, for good or for bad, I find comfort and encouragement that God’s promises and His love for me never changes.

My prayer is that you also can find assurance in your relationship with Christ and hope in these Scriptures verses whatever season you find yourself in. Please reach out to me via the church e-mail if you would like to talk with me more about this.

Now… time to find a good football game and something with pumpkin spice and cinnamon in it!

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Having a vision and a mission is essential for any church to effectively reach out to the community with the Gospel message. But how do we begin? A good starting place is to prayerfully reflect on three basic questions: Why do we exist as a church? What is the vision God has placed on our hearts? What is our mission as God’s church in our local community? 

PFMBC exists for this sole purpose: to fulfill the Great Commission given in Matthew 28:18–20.

As a church, we are called to go out into the world with the authority of the risen Christ and make disciples, baptizing them and teaching them to follow Jesus until He returns, while giving all to the glory of God.

PFMBC has a vision to be a thriving body of believers, to be Christ-centered in our actions, to be a biblical teaching church, and to be a spiritual oasis within the community of Peletier.

PFMBC has a mission “to know Christ and to make Him known” by making and equipping disciples, addressing spiritual and physical needs within our community, and standing as a beacon of hope across Carteret County, the state, and beyond.

In moving forward with this mission, how should we focus as a church?

We should focus on prayer. 

• Pray for our church as we move in this new direction
• Pray for our church leadership as we discern God’s guidance
• Pray for our church to impact the community with the Gospel message

We should focus outwardly.

• Seek out ways to share the Gospel in our daily interactions
• Seek out ways to meet the needs of the community in a manner that points to Christ
• Seek out ways to invite people to join us in this mission

We should focus inwardly.

• Exercise our personal spiritual disciplines: prayer, scripture reading, and devotions
• Seek ways to participate in the life of the church 

As a church, if we focus on these three areas, the Lord will enable and equip us in carrying out the mission we are called to do: “to know Christ, and to make Him known”!

Blessings to each of you as you find ways to support what God is doing at PFMBC!

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