At Lakeview Christian Church, our mission is to Be the Change as Jesus has changed us. But how do we actually live that out, especially in a world full of ups and downs? The answer is found in the rhythm of the Psalms—a rhythm that begins and ends with praise.

Pastor Jim recently pointed out something profound: “It’s interesting that Psalm 150 doesn’t end like many of the Psalms. It doesn’t end with a request, it doesn’t end with a problem, it doesn’t even end with the lament. It ends with praise.”

The Bookends of Praise

If you read through all 150 Psalms, you’ll encounter every emotion possible—wonder, despair, victory, failure, fear, faith, and joy. David cries out, “God is my refuge and my deliverer,” while others pour out their hearts in nights of sorrow. Yet, the first and last words of the Psalms are anchored in praise.

This is no accident. The Psalms teach us that, whatever happens in between, our lives should begin and end with praise. As Pastor Jim put it, “Everything in between should be at least filled with praise.” After all the highs and lows of God’s people, the book closes with this resounding declaration:
“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” (Psalm 150:6, NIV)

Why Praise Matters

Praise is not just a response to our best days. It’s the foundation for our faith and the fuel for our perseverance. Life brings both joy and sorrow, victory and failure, but praise keeps our hearts tethered to God’s goodness and faithfulness.

When we praise, we’re reminded that God is bigger than our circumstances. He is the same God in our valleys and on our mountaintops. The Psalms show us that we can bring every emotion to God, but we’re ultimately called to return to praise—because He is always worthy.

Study: To Love and Know God

At Lakeview Christian Church, our “Just 3” discipleship journey starts with Study. We learn to praise by learning who God is. The more we study His word, the more reasons we find to give Him thanks.
“I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples.” (Psalm 57:9, NIV)

Studying Scripture anchors our praise, reminding us of God’s promises in every season.

Reflection:
How can you deepen your understanding of God’s character so that your praise becomes more authentic and resilient?

Share: To Know and Love Others

Praise isn’t just vertical—it’s also horizontal. The Psalms were Israel’s shared songbook, meant to be sung in community. Our “Just 3” path invites us to Share:

• Share your gratitude with others.
• Share your story of how God has been faithful.
• Encourage someone who is in the midst of their own “Psalm of lament.”

“Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day.” (1 Chronicles 16:23, NIV)

Reflection:
Who can you reach out to today with a word of praise or encouragement?

Serve: Love in Action

Real praise is active, not passive. The last step in “Just 3” is Serve. Let your gratitude move you to action. Serve in your home, your church, your community—not just as a duty, but as an act of worship.

Romans 12:1 (NIV) calls us to offer our bodies “as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Every act of service, every moment given to others, is a way of praising God with your life.

Reflection:
What is one practical way you can serve this week, letting your actions become a song of praise?

Living Between the Bookends

Our lives are like the Psalms—filled with a wide range of experiences. But when praise is the bookend, everything in between finds its meaning in God. At Lakeview Christian Church, we invite you to join us in this journey:

• Start your day with praise.
• End your day with gratitude.
• Fill the space in between with study, sharing, and serving.

Let every breath declare: “Praise the Lord!”

Prayer:
Lord, may our lives begin and end with praise. Help us to see Your goodness in every season and to fill every moment with worship. Teach us to study, share, and serve as acts of praise, so that everything that has breath may praise You. Amen.

At Lakeview Christian Church, we believe in a vision of worship that stretches far beyond the sanctuary. Our mission, “Be the Change as Jesus has changed us,” challenges us to see every day as an opportunity to reflect Christ’s love in real, tangible ways. As Pastor Jim puts it, “Praise isn’t just limited to our skills or abilities or even a place. Your praise may happen in the classroom, at the kitchen table, on the sales floor. It may happen in the office. It may happen behind the steering wheel. Just don’t close your eyes, okay?”

Worship Is More Than Music

Too often, we limit the idea of worship to singing on Sunday mornings or playing an instrument in church. But scripture offers a much broader vision: praise is a way of living—a posture of the heart that permeates every aspect of life.

Paul writes in Romans 12:1 (NIV):
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
Worship isn’t just a song; it’s a life offered back to God. Whether you’re teaching, encouraging, working with integrity, forgiving, or simply doing your daily tasks, you are worshiping.

Study: Knowing and Loving God

In our “Just 3” discipleship path, the first call is to Study—to love and know God deeply. Worship begins with understanding who God is and what He has done. The more we learn of God’s mercy, kindness, and faithfulness, the more naturally our lives become acts of praise.

Set aside time each day to read a passage of scripture, reflect on God’s attributes, and thank Him for His presence. This daily practice transforms ordinary moments into holy ground.

Reflection:
How can you set apart time today to study God’s word and let it shape your heart for worship?

Share: Loving Others as Worship

The second step in “Just 3” is Share—to know and love others. Worship is not only vertical (toward God) but also horizontal (toward others). When you encourage a coworker, listen to a friend, or speak kindly to your neighbor, you offer praise to God.

Forgiveness, too, is an act of worship. As Jim said, “When you forgive, you praise God.” Jesus taught us to forgive as we have been forgiven (Matthew 6:14-15). Every act of grace or kindness is a melody of worship rising to heaven.

Reflection:
Who is God inviting you to encourage, forgive, or bless today as an act of worship?

Serve: Love in Action

Our third “Just 3” step is Serve—love made visible. True worship involves action. When you serve—whether by volunteering at church, helping a neighbor, or doing your job with integrity—you reflect Christ’s love to the world.

Jesus modeled a servant’s heart, telling His followers, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…” (Mark 10:45, NIV). You don’t need a microphone or a stage to worship. Every act of service is a living sacrifice to God.

Reflection:
Where can you serve this week? What simple act could become worship in action for you?

Be the Change: Worship Wherever You Are

Lakeview Christian Church is committed to a vision of worship without walls. Our mission, “Be the Change as Jesus has changed us,” is lived out every day through study, sharing, and serving. Whether you’re in the classroom, at the kitchen table, in the office, or even stuck in traffic, you have the chance to worship God with your whole life.

Let’s embrace every opportunity to praise—not just with our voices, but with our choices, our relationships, and our actions. Together, let’s be the change our world needs to see.

Prayer:
Lord, help us to worship You in every moment. May our thoughts, words, and actions bring You glory. Teach us to study Your Word, share Your love, and serve with joyful hearts. Use us to be the change, just as Jesus has changed us. Amen.

Psalm 150 is the breathtaking finale of a book that spans the full spectrum of human experience—joy and sorrow, victory and defeat, fear and faith. From King David’s cries for deliverance to songs of heartfelt worship, the Psalms mirror the real ups and downs we all face. But after 149 chapters of honest emotion, Psalm 150 closes with a resounding declaration that reveals the heartbeat of faith:
“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!”

But what does it really mean to praise the Lord? Is it just about singing on Sundays, or is there more to this call than we might think? Let’s explore how praise, as revealed in Psalm 150 and echoed in the life of Jesus, is meant to be the soundtrack of our lives—seven days a week, in every circumstance, and with everything we have.

Praise: More Than a Song, It’s a Surrendered Life

As Pastor Jim Gindlesberger shared in his recent message at Lakeview Christian Church, praise is not limited to music or a moment in a worship service. Rather, it’s a response to who God is—His character, His faithfulness, His mighty deeds. “Our praise isn’t just saying, ‘Thank you, Jesus.’ It’s also, more importantly, shouting out, ‘My life belongs to you.’”

Psalm 150 mentions a whole orchestra of instruments—trumpet, harp, tambourine, strings, cymbals—each contributing a unique sound. The message is clear: no matter what your “instrument” is, you are called to use it for God’s glory. Maybe you’re an encourager, a teacher, a server, a prayer warrior, or someone who can simply be present for the lonely. Every gift, skill, and opportunity is a way to worship.

The psalmist reminds us that praise is rooted in God’s unchanging worthiness, not just in our changing circumstances. “We don’t praise God merely because life is going well,” Pastor Jim explained. “We praise God because He’s worthy of our praise…even if He never did another thing for us.”

Practical Ways to Live a Life of Praise

So how can we turn everyday moments into acts of worship? Here are some practical steps inspired by Psalm 150 and Romans 12:1:

• Dedicate Each Day to God:
  Begin your day with a simple prayer: “Lord, this day belongs to you. Use my hands, my words, my heart.” Each new breath is a fresh opportunity to surrender your life to Him.
• Identify and Use Your Gifts:
  Not everyone is musical, but everyone has something to offer. Are you good at organizing, teaching, listening, or encouraging? Use those gifts intentionally to serve and bless others. “God has placed every one of us here for a purpose,” said Pastor Jim.
• Serve Where You Are:
  Praise isn’t confined to church walls. It happens in classrooms, kitchens, boardrooms, and neighborhoods. Whether you’re helping a neighbor, working with honesty, forgiving someone who’s wronged you, or praying quietly for others, you are living out praise.
• Let Your Life Point to Jesus:
  Romans 12:1 says, “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” Every act of love, service, and integrity can reflect Christ to those around you.
• Praise in Every Season:
  Don’t wait for perfect circumstances. Praise God in the joys and in the struggles. The Psalms are full of honest prayers in hard times, but they always circle back to praise. Remember, your worship is precious to God, no matter what season you’re in.

Why This Matters

Imagine the impact if every believer saw their entire life as an instrument of praise. The church would become a beautiful symphony, with every person—young and old, seen and unseen—contributing to the melody of worship that fills heaven and earth.

As the sermon pointed out, Jesus Himself modeled this life of praise and surrender. John 8:29 records Jesus saying, “I always do the things that are pleasing to Him.” Christ’s life was a living sacrifice, wholly devoted to the Father. That’s our calling too.

Conclusion and Prayer

Psalm 150’s final words are not a suggestion, but a loving command: “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” That includes you—no matter your age, background, or ability. Don’t wait until you can do something spectacular. Offer what you have, where you are, as an act of worship.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of life and every breath You give. Help us to see every moment as an opportunity to praise You—not just with our voices, but with our actions, our attitudes, and our hearts. Teach us to use our unique gifts to serve others and point them to Jesus. May our lives be a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to You. Fill us with gratitude, even in difficult seasons, and let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

At Lakeview Christian Church, our mission is clear and transformative: Be the change as Jesus has changed us. We’re called to not only experience God’s love but to let it ripple through every area of our lives and community. Central to this calling is our “Just 3” approach—Study, Share, Serve—which helps us grow in faith, connect with others, and turn love into action.

But how do we praise God, especially when life’s circumstances aren’t ideal? The Psalms remind us that authentic praise isn’t rooted in how we feel or what’s happening around us, but in the unchanging character of God Himself.

Created for Praise, Called for Purpose

Scripture teaches that every person is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). This profound truth means that our value and purpose are anchored in Him. As one recent message at Lakeview Christian Church reminded us:

“He has created us, by the way, in his own image. He has sustained us. He has forgiven us. He has provided for us. He has protected us. He has answered our prayers, and he carried us through any difficult situation, right? And even if God did any other thing for us, and even if he never did anything for us, he still deserves our praise just because of who he is.”

This perspective echoes the heart of Psalm 150:

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.” (Psalm 150:6, NIV)

Our praise flows not just from God’s blessings, but from His very nature—faithful, loving, and holy.

Worship That Goes Beyond Circumstances

It’s easy to worship when life is good, but biblical praise runs deeper. Sometimes, people come to church to thank God only when things are going well. But as the message continues:

“So many times people walk into church and they praise God when things go really, really well… And when you do that, you’re praising God because of your circumstances that God’s given to you, not for who he is. There is a drastic difference in what that looks like… biblical praise is this: God, I praise you not just for your blessings, but I praise you because you are worthy of my praise.”

This shift in mindset is transformative. Hebrews 13:15 encourages us:

“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.” (NIV)

When we praise God for who He is—Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer—our worship becomes steadfast, authentic, and life-changing.

The “Just 3” Pathway: Study, Share, Serve

At Lakeview Christian Church, we believe that to truly “be the change,” we must engage with God and our community through intentional steps:

1. Study – Knowing and Loving God

We commit to studying God’s Word, not just as an intellectual exercise, but as a way to deepen our love for Him.

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:105, NIV)

Through Bible studies, devotionals, and Sunday teachings, we anchor our lives in God’s truth.

2. Share – Loving and Knowing Others

We are called to share our lives, our stories, and the hope of Jesus with others. Genuine community means listening, encouraging, and walking alongside one another.

“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24, NIV)

Sharing is how we build meaningful relationships and reflect Christ’s love to Portage Lakes and beyond.

3. Serve – Love in Action

Faith is made visible through service. We serve in our neighborhoods, our church, and wherever God leads—putting love into action as Jesus taught.

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10, NIV)

Serving isn’t just a task; it’s a lifestyle that points people to the love of Christ.

At Lakeview Christian Church, our mission is clear: Be the Change as Jesus has changed us. This calling isn’t just for Sunday mornings or special events—it shapes every moment we live. As Pastor Jim recently reminded us, “If you have breath, you have a reason to praise, and therefore you have an opportunity.” Each new day is a gift and a chance to offer our lives back to God in worship.

Waking Up to Purpose

Think about the first moments of your day. Each breath you take is evidence of God’s sustaining power. The psalmist proclaims, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.” (Psalm 150:6, NIV) Every heartbeat, every inhale and exhale, is an opportunity to declare, “Lord, this day belongs to you.”

It’s easy to overlook the small, quiet moments of life as opportunities for worship. But God sees and values the ordinary. As Pastor Jim summarized, “My hands can serve you. My feet will go where you want me to go. My mouth can encourage rather than criticize. My resources can bless rather than accumulate. My time is yours to use. Allow my life to point others to Jesus.”

That’s not just a poetic reflection—it’s a practical roadmap for living the Christian life.

Study: To Love and Know God

At Lakeview, we call the first step of our “Just 3” discipleship path Study. To truly praise God with our lives, we must first know Him deeply. Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37, NIV) This kind of love grows as we study the Scriptures, pray, and seek God’s presence daily.

Morning devotionals, Bible reading plans, or even a moment of quiet reflection—these are ways we tune our hearts to God’s voice. As we do, our understanding of His character and His love for us grows, fueling our praise.

Reflection:
What simple step can you take today to study God’s Word and draw closer to Him?

Share: To Know and Love Others

The second part of “Just 3” is Share—knowing and loving others. Worship isn’t confined to private prayer or Sunday songs. It overflows into our relationships. As Pastor Jim challenged, “My mouth can encourage rather than criticize.” Every conversation is a chance to share Christ’s love.

The Apostle Paul writes, “Encourage one another and build each other up…” (1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV) When we choose kindness, forgiveness, or a listening ear, we reflect God’s heart and point others to Jesus.

Reflection:
Who in your life could use an encouraging word or a listening ear today? How can your words point them to Christ?

Serve: Love in Action

The third and vital part of our “Just 3” mission is Serve—love in action. “My hands can serve you… My resources can bless rather than accumulate. My time is yours to use.” Real worship is more than words; it’s love expressed through tangible acts.

Romans 12:1 urges us, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” (NIV) Every act of service—big or small—is an act of praise. Whether you’re helping a neighbor, volunteering at church, or simply showing patience at home, your service is worship.

Reflection:
What is one practical way you can serve someone this week as an act of praise to God?

Living Out Lakeview’s Mission

At Lakeview Christian Church, we long to see lives changed by Jesus’ love—and to be the change in our world. This happens when we embrace every breath as an opportunity to praise, study to know God, share to love others, and serve with open hands and hearts.

Let’s answer the call together:

• Start each day with gratitude for God’s gift of life.
• Immerse yourself in His Word and presence.
• Speak words that build up and bless.
• Use your time, resources, and abilities to serve others.

As we do, our lives become a living symphony of praise—one that echoes far beyond the church walls and into every corner of Portage Lakes and beyond.

Prayer:
God, thank You for the gift of life and breath. Help us to use every moment for Your glory. Teach us to study Your Word, share Your love, and serve with joy. Let our lives point others to Jesus, and may everything that has breath praise the Lord. Amen.

At Lakeview Christian Church, our mission is to “Be the change as Jesus has changed us.” In every season of life—whether we’re facing uncertainty, illness, financial stress, family struggles, or even the end of our earthly journey—we are called to a deep assurance anchored in the unshakeable promises of God. The heart of Psalm 91 reminds us: You will never face anything alone.

This is not just a comforting slogan. It’s the very foundation of how we live out our faith through “Just 3”: Study, Share, Serve. We study God’s Word to know Him deeply, share life’s journey to love others genuinely, and serve our world in practical, Christlike ways. When life becomes frightening or overwhelming, these practices keep us grounded—secure under the shadow of the Almighty.

God Is With Me—In Every Season

“When you don’t know what tomorrow holds, God is with me. When a diagnosis comes, God is with me. When the financial situation changes, God is with me. When our family is struggling, God is with me. When you walk through the valley, God is with me. And when earthly life comes to an end, Dios es conmigo.”

These declarations, rooted in both Scripture and experience, are more than words. They are reminders of God’s constant, unwavering presence. Psalm 91 offers this assurance:

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.”
(Psalm 91:1, ESV)

“Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place—
the Most High, who is my refuge—
no evil shall be allowed to befall you,
no plague come near your tent.”
(Psalm 91:9-10, ESV)

Whether we are walking through valleys or standing on the mountaintop, we are invited to dwell in God’s presence—not just visit occasionally, but make our home in Him.

The Unbreakable Love of Christ

The apostle Paul echoes this truth in Romans 8, reminding us that nothing—not suffering, not Satan, not sickness, not fear, not even death—can separate us from God’s love.

“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
(Romans 8:38-39, ESV)

This is the promise that sustains us: God is with us. Dios es conmigo.

Just 3: Dwell, Trust, and Rest

So what does it look like to live this out? At Lakeview Christian Church, we practice our mission through:

• Study: We open God’s Word to hear His voice, learning to recognize His presence in every circumstance. Even in uncertainty, Scripture reminds us that God is faithful. Through study, we know and love God more deeply, equipping ourselves to face whatever comes.
• Share: We walk together as a church family, bearing one another’s burdens, celebrating joys, and supporting each other in trials. When one of us is struggling, we remind each other: “God is with me. You are not alone.” This sharing creates a community of hope.
• Serve: We put God’s love into action, reaching out to those in need. Whether offering a meal, a prayer, or a helping hand, we become tangible expressions of God’s presence—His love flowing through us to our neighbors.

Run Under His Wings

When life becomes frightening and trials seem too much to bear, the psalmist doesn’t tell us to run away from God, but to run under His wings—a place of safety, comfort, and strength.

“He will cover you with his pinions,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.”
(Psalm 91:4, ESV)

We are invited to dwell in the shelter of the Most High, trust in His promises, and rest in His deliverance. This is not a denial of hardship, but a declaration that we face nothing alone.

Be the Change—Because Jesus Has Changed Us

This is the legacy and calling of Lakeview Christian Church: to be a people who dwell in God’s presence, trust His faithfulness, and rest in His unfailing love. As we study, share, and serve, we become the change God desires in our community—shaped by the love of Christ and anchored in the promise that He is always with us.

No matter what tomorrow holds, whether in joy or sorrow, health or hardship, you can declare with confidence: God is with me. Dios es conmigo.

At Lakeview Christian Church, we believe that following Jesus is not about escaping life’s hardships, but about discovering God’s presence right in the midst of them. Our mission—“Be the change as Jesus has changed us”—calls us to a faith that’s real, resilient, and rooted in hope. We live this out through “Just 3”: Study, Share, Serve—practices that ground us in God’s love, connect us to others, and move us to action.

But what happens when prayers seem unanswered, when deliverance doesn’t come in the way we expect, or when life’s fires seem too hot to bear? Pastor Jim’s recent message reminds us of a profound truth: God’s greatest gift is often not deliverance from circumstances, but His presence within them.

God in the Lion’s Den and the Fiery Furnace

Take Daniel—a man who faithfully served and loved God. His devotion led him straight into a den of lions, the jaws of death itself. The king, worried and restless, rushed at dawn to see Daniel’s fate. But instead of tragedy, he was greeted by Daniel’s voice—alive, untouched. Daniel wasn’t kept from the lion’s den, but God met him there.

“My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not harmed me, because I was found blameless before him…”
(Daniel 6:22, ESV)

The same is true of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. When they refused to bow to an idol, they were thrown into a furnace seven times hotter than normal. Surely, this was the end. Yet as the king looked into the flames, he saw not three, but four men—unbound and unharmed. God met them there.

“But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.”
(Daniel 3:25, ESV)

The Apostle Paul and the Path of Suffering

The Apostle Paul’s life was marked by hardship—shipwrecks, beatings, imprisonment. If anyone had reason to expect deliverance, it was Paul. Yet, over and over, Paul testified that Christ was with him in the suffering, not always delivering him from it.

“Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea… And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.”
(2 Corinthians 11:25, 28, ESV)

And yet, Paul could write:

“The Lord stood by me and strengthened me…”
(2 Timothy 4:17, ESV)

God’s Presence: Our True Deliverance

These stories aren’t just ancient history—they’re reminders for anyone walking through fire today. Faith does not guarantee a trouble-free life. Instead, it guarantees that we never walk alone. God’s greatest gift is Himself. When we pass through our own “lions’ dens” and “fiery furnaces,” we discover a God who enters the darkness with us, who stands beside us, who never leaves or forsakes us.

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”
(Isaiah 43:2, ESV)

“Just 3”: Study, Share, Serve—Living Out God’s Presence

At Lakeview Christian Church, our “Just 3” practices help us experience and extend God’s presence:

• Study: We study God’s Word to know not just about God, but to know Him. In the darkest places, the promises of Scripture light our path. We remember God’s faithfulness to Daniel, to the exiles, to Paul—and to us.
• Share: We share our lives with others, bearing one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2, ESV). When someone is in the fire, we come alongside with prayer, encouragement, and practical help, embodying Christ’s presence.
• Serve: We serve because Jesus served us first. Acts of kindness, generosity, and sacrifice are ways we bring God’s love into the hardest places, shining light where hope is needed most.

Be the Change as Jesus Has Changed Us

God does not promise to deliver us from every hardship, but He promises to be with us in every hardship. As a church, we are being changed by this truth—and called to be the change in our community. We don’t offer easy answers or false hope. Instead, we offer the enduring presence of God, made real through His Spirit and His people.

If you’re facing a lion’s den or a fiery furnace today, you are not alone. God stands with you. And so do we, your family at Lakeview Christian Church. Study with us. Share your journey. Serve alongside us. Together, we’ll walk through the fire—and find Jesus in the flames.

We live in a world where uncertainty is a daily reality. News headlines, health scares, and financial instability often leave us longing for assurance that we and our loved ones are truly safe. But what if real security isn’t found in a trouble-free life, but in something deeper? Psalm 91 offers a powerful answer: our ultimate safety is found in dwelling in the presence of God.

Main Point: True Security Is Found in God’s Presence, Not in the Absence of Trouble

Psalm 91 begins with a beautiful promise:
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1 NIV)

The Psalmist doesn’t say that believers will never face danger or difficulty. Instead, he assures us that when we make God our home—when we dwell and abide in Him—we are held in His protective care. God is not just a temporary hiding place in a crisis; He invites us to make our home in Him, to run to Him both in calm and in storm.

Throughout Psalm 91, dangers are named—snares, pestilence, terror by night, arrows by day. Life is not sanitized or made safe by wishful thinking. Yet, God promises to cover us “with His pinions” and to be our refuge and fortress. The ultimate promise is not that trouble will never come, but that we will never face it alone.

This assurance is fulfilled most fully in Jesus Christ. He entered into our suffering, faced temptation and death, and conquered them on our behalf. Because of Christ, even life’s worst threats—suffering, evil, and death—cannot separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:38–39).

Action Steps: How to Dwell in God’s Shadow Today

• Make God Your Daily Dwelling Place: Don’t just visit God in emergencies. Spend time with Him each day through prayer, Scripture, and worship. Let Him be your true “home.”
• Run to God with Your Fears: Whether you’re facing anxiety, uncertainty, or loss, bring your worries under God’s wings. 1 Peter 5:7 urges us to “cast all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you.”
• Trust God in the Storm: Faith does not mean pretending danger isn’t real. It means trusting that God is greater than your circumstances and is with you in them.
• Rest in God’s Ultimate Deliverance: Remember that God’s greatest promise is His presence, not the absence of trouble. Jesus guarantees that nothing—not even death—can separate you from God’s love.

Conclusion & Prayer

When life feels uncertain, you don’t have to control every outcome. You can cling to the One who holds you close—who promises, “I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him” (Psalm 91:15 NIV).

Let’s pray:
Lord, thank You that You are our refuge and fortress. Help us to dwell in Your presence and trust You with every fear and uncertainty. Remind us that we are safe, not because life is always safe, but because You are with us—always. Strengthen our faith to run to You and rest in Your promises. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

If you’re searching for hope and security, know that God’s invitation is for you: Dwell, trust, and rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

At Lakeview Christian Church, our mission is clear: “Be the change as Jesus has changed us.” In a world riddled with uncertainty, fear, and moments of darkness, this calling isn’t just a motto—it’s the heartbeat of our community. We live this out through “Just 3”: we Study to love and know God, Share to know and love others, and Serve to put love into action.

But how do we stay anchored when the storms of life come—when, as our pastor Jim recently shared, we’re caught in a “night moment” and fear, worry, and doubt threaten to overwhelm us? The answer is not to deny those feelings but to discover where God calls us to take them: under His wings.

We May Not Know What Tomorrow Holds

You’ve probably heard it before: “We may not know what tomorrow holds, but we know Who holds tomorrow.” It’s easy to say, but harder to believe when uncertainty tightens its grip. Maybe you’re facing a diagnosis, financial uncertainty, or family struggles. Maybe darkness feels closer than light. The truth is, Psalm 91 does not pretend that those moments are unreal or insignificant. Instead, it offers us a pathway—not to escape trouble, but to find shelter in the midst of it.

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.”
(Psalm 91:1, ESV)

The psalmist doesn’t promise a trouble-free existence. Instead, we’re invited to draw close and dwell—to make our home not in fear or anxiety, but in the presence of God Himself.

Under His Wings: The Heart of Our Security

What does it mean to come under God’s wings? The imagery is rich—a parent bird shielding its young from harm, providing warmth and protection. In the same way, God covers us, holds our hands, and promises to be our refuge.

“He will cover you with his pinions,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.”
(Psalm 91:4, ESV)

This is not a promise that we will never face trials, but rather that God Himself will be present in them. When darkness falls, God does not abandon us. He invites us to draw near, to let Him carry our fears and worries.

Study: Knowing and Loving God

At Lakeview Christian Church, Study is more than intellectual pursuit. It’s about coming to know the heart of the One who holds tomorrow. When we immerse ourselves in God’s Word—like the promises of Psalm 91—we equip ourselves with truth that sustains us when shadows fall.

Jesus Himself faced the darkest night in Gethsemane. Yet even then, He trusted the Father’s will and presence (Luke 22:42-43, ESV). We follow His example, studying not merely to gain knowledge, but to deepen our trust in the One who shelters us.

Share: Knowing and Loving Others

We are not meant to walk through “night moments” alone. As a church, we’re called to Share—to bear one another’s burdens, to encourage, to pray, and to remind each other of God’s faithfulness. When someone in our community is struggling, we surround them with love and practical support. We remind each other: “You may not know what tomorrow holds, but you are not alone. God is with you, and so are we.”

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
(Galatians 6:2, ESV)

Serve: Love in Action

Our faith finds feet when we Serve—putting love into action for those in need. Whether we’re serving meals, volunteering, or simply reaching out with a listening ear, we become tangible expressions of God’s sheltering presence. We serve because Jesus served us first (Mark 10:45, ESV).

Be the Change—Because Jesus Has Changed Us

The world is hungry for hope, for a place of refuge. At Lakeview Christian Church, we are committed to being that place, not because we have all the answers, but because we know the One who does. We “be the change” not by our own strength, but by abiding under God’s wings, trusting Him with tomorrow, and living out “Just 3” every day.

If you’re walking through darkness right now, know this: God is holding your hand. He is your protector, your refuge, your hope. Come and dwell in His shelter. Let us walk with you, study God’s Word together, share our stories, and serve our neighbors. Because as Jesus has changed us, we are called to change the world around us—with His love, for His glory.

Have you ever paused to consider what will really last? In a world where everything seems temporary—jobs, possessions, even our own bodies—it’s easy to get caught up chasing what can never truly satisfy. At Lakeview Christian Church, our mission is to “Be the Change as Jesus has changed us.” That means reorienting our lives around what is truly eternal.

Life Is Short—But That’s Not the Problem

One of the most sobering truths in Scripture is the brevity of life. James 4:14 (ESV) reminds us:

“…you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.”

Yet the real issue isn’t just that life is short—it’s that we often live as if it isn’t. We assume we have unlimited tomorrows, so we pour our energy into building, accumulating, and striving for things that ultimately fade away. We busy ourselves with houses, careers, cars, and bank accounts—none of which will endure forever.

As our pastor reflected, “My house was built in 1871. It’s lasted a long time. Guess what? It’s not going to last forever.” The same is true for every possession, every job, and even our own bodies. No matter how hard we work or how much we accumulate, these things are temporary.

Investing in What Will Last: An Eternal Perspective

If God is eternal and our lives are temporary, the logical response is to invest in what will last forever. Jesus himself taught,

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:19-20, ESV)

So what are the things that last?

• The people you influence for Christ
• The character that God develops within you
• The very kingdom of God

Your house, your car, your bank account, even your career—they all have an expiration date. But when you live for Christ, every act of faith, every moment of kindness, every life you touch for the gospel becomes part of an eternal legacy.

The “Just 3”: Study, Share, Serve—Building What Endures

At Lakeview Christian Church, we believe the path to lasting impact is simple and powerful: Study, Share, Serve.

Study: To Love and Know God

Knowing God is the greatest investment you can make. Psalm 90:12 (ESV) encourages us,

“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”

When we study God’s Word, we gain perspective. We begin to see life through the lens of eternity and make wise choices about how we spend our limited days.

Share: To Know and Love Others

You can’t take possessions with you, but you can invest in relationships. Share your faith, your story, and your life with others. As Paul wrote to the Thessalonians,

“For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you?” (1 Thessalonians 2:19, ESV)

At Lakeview Christian Church, we believe every person you encourage, pray for, or lead to Christ is a treasure that will last into eternity.

Serve: Love in Action

Serving others is how we put our faith into practice. Jesus said,

“…whoever would be great among you must be your servant.” (Matthew 20:26, ESV)

Acts of service—both big and small—become building blocks in God’s eternal kingdom. Whether you serve in the church, your neighborhood, or wherever God leads, you are investing in what matters most.

Be the Change: Build for Eternity

So, what will last? Not the things we often chase after, but the lives we touch and the Christlike character we develop. At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we are committed to living differently—not just for today, but for eternity. Through “Just 3”—Study, Share, Serve—we invite you to join us in building a legacy that will outlive us all, for the glory of God and the good of His kingdom.

Don’t waste your life on what won’t last. Be the change that echoes in eternity.