As a minister, there are things that are difficult to hear and things difficult to say. The words below come from a grateful and gracious heart. However, they are challenging and might be disliked by some.
Maybe these words resonate with you. Maybe, just maybe, you need to say these words.
They are my thoughts. Just mine. This is not a letter from the congregation, or any congregation; it is just some thoughts in letter form.
A Letter to Those We Miss
To those who once walked beside us in worship and fellowship:
We want you to know that you are missed. Not just your presence in a pew, but you—your voice, your encouragement, your place in the family of God. We remember the days when your faith was strong and your commitment was steady. Those memories are still precious to us.
But we also need to speak honestly.
Over time, it has become clear that many who once claimed to know Jesus no longer desire to walk with Him. The words “I’ll be there tomorrow” have become empty promises—filler words that never lead to a changed life.
We have watched people we love drift, not because they don’t know the truth, but because they no longer want to follow it.
We have reached out. We have prayed. We have encouraged. We have called, texted, visited, and waited. Yet, the response has been silence—distance—being “ghosted” by those who once called the congregation home.
We say this with humility; we cannot help someone who does not want to be helped. Even Jesus let people walk away, and when He sent His disciples out, He told them that if a town refused to receive the message, they were to shake the dust off their feet and move on.
There comes a time when Christians must do the same.
Not out of anger. Not out of pride. But out of obedience and spiritual health. Constant rejection eventually becomes discouragement, and discouragement can drain the very people who are trying to do good.
Still, hear this clearly: “You are loved. You are wanted. You are invited back.”
If you ever choose to return to Jesus, we will rejoice. If you ever decide to come home, we will welcome you with open arms. But until that day, we must continue the work God has given us, focusing on those who are hungry for spiritual growth and ready to walk in the light.
We pray for you. We hope for you. Now, we release you to God’s care.
And if the day comes when your heart turns back toward Him, we will be here—ready to walk with you again.
You are being prayed for today.
Long before the cross became a symbol of hope, it was a symbol of terror. Long before it was worn around the neck, it was feared in the streets.
Crucifixion did not begin with Jesus, nor was it invented for Him. It was a punishment shaped and sharpened by empires who understood that fear could control a population far more effectively than force. The Persians used early forms of it. The Carthaginians practiced it. The Greeks employed it. But it was Rome—the iron‑fisted empire of law, order, and intimidation—that perfected it.
Rome did not choose crucifixion because it was efficient. They chose it because it was slow, public, it humiliated the condemned, and it warned the watching world. A Roman execution was never meant to be hidden away. It was meant to be seen, remembered, and feared. The cross was Rome’s billboard, its message to every slave, rebel, and outsider: “This is what happens when you defy us.”
Crucifixion was not for everyone. In fact, it was not for most people.
Roman citizens were almost always exempt; the empire considered the method too degrading for its own. Instead, the cross was reserved for the lowest classes and the most despised offenders—slaves who resisted, rebels who rose up, violent criminals who threatened order, and anyone Rome wanted to make an example of. It was a punishment for the guilty, the dangerous, the unwanted. It was the empire’s way of saying, “You are beneath dignity, beneath mercy, beneath Rome.”
This is what makes the story of Jesus so striking. He did not die the death of a respected teacher. He did not die the death of a philosopher or a prophet. He died the death of the guilty. He died the death of the violent. He died the death of the rebel. He died the death Rome reserved for those it considered the worst of humanity. And yet, He was innocent.
Understanding the history of the cross forces us to see the weight of what Jesus carried. The cross was not a religious symbol in His day. It was not polished, carved, or decorative. It was not worn as jewelry or displayed as art. It was an instrument of shame, suffering, and slow death. When Jesus spoke of taking up a cross, His listeners did not think of a necklace. They thought of a death march.
This is why the statement matters: Jesus did not wear a cross on His neck. He wore it on His back. He carried the instrument of His own execution through the streets of a city that rejected Him. He stepped into the place of the guilty, though He was innocent. He accepted the punishment reserved for the worst, though He was the best. He took on the death sentence that belonged to others, and He did it willingly.
Before we ever reach Golgotha, before we ever see the nails or the sign above His head, we must understand the world that shaped the cross. Only then do we begin to grasp the depth of what Jesus endured. Only then do we see that the cross was not an ornament—it was obedience. It was not a symbol—it was a sentence. And the One who carried it did so not because He deserved it, but because we did.
Just some thoughts,
A Season of Acceleration
Warning—yes, a good kind of warning.
Over the next eight months, I’m stepping up in every area of my calling.
I’ll be increasing my efforts in local ministry and in my personal ministry through Preacher’s Pen, while also expanding the reach of 4031 Coaching and Gratitude Media Group. Every part of this is driven by one mission: “to help others create better days today for better lives tomorrow.”
This isn’t a new desire. It’s something that has been growing in me for years. For years, I have carried a deep desire to reach people, encourage them, and help them move toward something better. That desire is rooted in a simple belief: every person needs hope, every person needs purpose, and every person needs to know they were created for more.
Why I Do What I Do
I entered ministry because I believe every person needs to know Jesus, discover their purpose, and find hope again. We were created by a God who gives calling, ability, and meaning. None of us are here by accident.
When we connect with our Creator, we begin to understand who we are and why we are here. We begin to see that even in hard seasons, our lives still matter. Even in uncertainty, there is direction. Even in pain, there is still hope for tomorrow.
That conviction is what led me to build 4031 Coaching, rooted in Isaiah 40:31.
From that verse, I see four stages of life—Wait, Walk, Run, and Soar.
I see a framework that has shaped my thinking about growth and life: Wait, Walk, Run, Soar.
- Wait reminds us to trust God and rest in His presence.
- Walk teaches us to take faithful steps forward.
- Run calls us to move with courage and conviction.
- Soar points us toward the strength and freedom God gives.
Each stage matters. Each stage has purpose. And in every stage, God is present.
When we wait on Him, He strengthens us.
When we walk with Him, He guides us.
When we run toward His calling, He empowers us.
And when we soar, He carries us higher than we imagined.
I believe God wants us near Him. When we wait on Him, He renews us, steadies us, and carries us through what we cannot handle alone.
Building Tools That Lift Others Up
Alongside ministry and coaching, Gratitude Media Group exists to help small congregations and Christian businesses grow through websites, marketing, and creative design. It’s another way to serve, support, and strengthen the Kingdom.
As all these efforts grow, I plan to release hundreds of resources—articles, videos, graphics, devotionals, coaching tools, and more. There are many ways to reach people, and I want to use every one of them.
Why Create Income Outside of Ministry?
Some have asked why I don’t simply keep everything under the umbrella of ministry. The answer is that while ministry will always be part of who I am, I also want to build income through coaching, entrepreneurship, and service-based work outside of ministry.
The truth is—I could. But I see a bigger picture.
Why does that matter so much to me?
By creating income outside of ministry, I free up the financial support I currently receive from congregations so it can be redirected to areas that matter deeply to God:
- Caring for widows
- Supporting orphans
- Helping the elderly
- Meeting the needs of the struggling and overlooked
This isn’t about stepping away from ministry.
It’s about expanding ministry.
It’s about building something sustainable so the church can do what the church is called to do.
My heart is to see more support given to those who are often overlooked.
A Bigger Dream: Caring for Those Who Have Served
For years, a deep desire has been growing in me: “To create a nonprofit that provides housing and care for aging ministers and their wives—those who have poured out their lives for the church and often find themselves with little support in their later years.”
Imagine a small, one-level apartment community where:
- Ministers and their spouses can live with dignity
- Costs are covered or reduced
- The elderly in the church are cared for
- Integrity is practiced by caring for those who cared for us
That dream runs deep.
A Place of Rest for Ministers
I also have a passion for preachers—especially those serving in small congregations, working tirelessly with little support. I dream of creating a place where ministers and their families can come for a short sabbatical:
- A week or two of rest
- A place to breathe
- Encouragement for their souls
- Support for their families
- A retreat where they can be served instead of serving
One day, I’d love to see a conference center built for this purpose—workshops, support groups, shared wisdom, and a community of ministers lifting one another up.
These dreams will take resources.
That’s where 4031 Coaching, Gratitude Media Group, and speaking opportunities come in.
They’re not just projects—they’re pathways to something bigger than me.
Why I Am Pressing Forward
I know visions like these require resources, time, and teamwork. That is part of why I am pressing harder into local ministry, personal ministry through Preacher’s Pen, 4031 Coaching, Gratitude Media Group, and speaking opportunities. I want these efforts to serve something greater than myself.
Maybe you do not need my services personally, but perhaps you know someone who needs encouragement, direction, hope, or support. My prayer is that what I share this year will not stop with one person, but will reach many others through those willing to share, support, and pray.This year, I want to share enough that you have something worth sharing with others.
I need a team—people willing to share, encourage, pray, and help spread the message of hope and purpose.
Life Hasn’t Been Easy—But God Has Been Faithful
here is so much in this world that can weigh us down. But there is also still light. There is still goodness. There is still a reason to keep going.
I’m 51 years into this journey. I’ve seen the good, the great, the bad, the ugly, and the downright painful. I’ve been knocked down, run over, and dragged through the mud. But every time, without fail, the Son shines after the storm.
There is always light ahead.
There is always hope for tomorrow.
My purpose is not to draw attention to myself, but to point people to the Almighty—the One who is faithful, just, kind, and loving.
I don’t have all the answers.
But I know the One who does.
The Next 51 Years
If God allows, the next half of my life will be marked by momentum, purpose, and forward motion. I’ll want to quit at times. I’ll get tired. But He is greater, and this is about Him.
I’ve messed up. I’ve sinned. I’ve disappointed God and others. I haven’t always done what I should. But I’m learning. And now, the lessons of these 51 years are coming together.
There is hope.
There is purpose.
There is life.
Let’s Move Forward Together
No matter where you have been, no matter what you are carrying, and no matter how uncertain tomorrow may feel, your life still matters. Your story is not over. There is still good ahead.
Let us keep going. Let us keep serving. Let us keep believing.
I’m stepping into this next season with faith, courage, and expectation.
And I’d love for you to walk with me.
Let’s lift others up.
Let’s build something meaningful.
Let’s create better days today for better lives tomorrow.
Let’s do this.
From Convenience to Conviction: A Call for the Church to Move Today
For generations, faith has shaped families, communities, and entire cultures. But somewhere along the way, something subtle happened: religion became convenient. Not necessarily evil. Not intentionally shallow. Just… easy. And convenience, while comfortable, rarely produces conviction.
When Faith Becomes Convenient
Convenient religion shows up quietly. It doesn’t demand much, and it rarely disrupts our routines. It lets us feel spiritual without requiring spiritual formation.
Here are a few ways convenience has crept in:
- Convenient attendance: We gather when it fits the schedule, not because we hunger for God (Hebrews 10:24–25).
- Convenient discipleship: We like verses that comfort us but avoid the ones that confront us (2 Timothy 4:3).
- Convenient service: We help when it’s easy, but step back when it costs time, energy, or comfort (Luke 10:31–32).
- Convenient convictions: We stand for truth until truth becomes unpopular (Galatians 1:10).
Convenience is subtle because it feels harmless. But over time, it produces a faith that is soft, shallow, and easily shaken.
The Call Back to Conviction
Conviction is different. Conviction is costly. Conviction is steady. Conviction is rooted in something deeper than preference—it’s rooted in truth.
Scripture consistently calls God’s people to a faith built on conviction:
- Daniel prayed even when it meant the lions’ den (Daniel 6:10).
- Peter and John spoke boldly even when commanded to be silent (Acts 4:18–20).
- The early church gathered, gave, served, and sacrificed because they were “devoted” (Acts 2:42–47).
- Jesus Himself set His face toward the cross with unwavering resolve (Luke 9:51).
Conviction doesn’t ask, “Is this easy?”
Conviction asks, “Is this faithful?”
What Conviction Looks Like Today
Conviction in the modern church might look like:
- Worship that is a priority, not an option.
- Bible reading that shapes our decisions, not just our emotions.
- Service that stretches us, not just fits our schedule.
- Generosity that reflects trust, not leftover giving.
- Holiness that stands firm, even when culture shifts.
- Love that is sacrificial, not selective.
Conviction is not louder—it’s deeper. It’s not aggressive—it’s anchored. It’s not about being stubborn—it’s about being surrendered.
Why This Matters
Jesus warned about a faith that looks alive but is spiritually weak (Revelation 3:1–2). Paul urged believers to be “steadfast, immovable” (1 Corinthians 15:58). James reminded us that faith without works is dead (James 2:17).
Convenience produces spectators.
Conviction produces disciples.
And the world doesn’t need more spectators.
A Challenge for Today
Maybe the question for the church today is simple: Are we living by convenience or conviction?
Convenience asks for comfort.
Conviction asks for commitment.
Convenience fits God into life.
Conviction builds life around God.
Convenience fades.
Conviction endures.
May we be a people who choose the narrow road, the deeper faith, the costly obedience, and the unshakable conviction that Christ is worth everything.
Just some thoughts,
Life can sometimes hit us with challenges so heavy they seem impossible to bear. Wendy Hansen’s story is one such example—a day that changed everything for her and revealed a powerful truth about God’s presence and care.
Wendy, a woman from Iowa, faced a series of devastating events all in one day. She lost her home to a fire, crashed her motorcycle while rushing back, and during treatment for her injuries, received a cancer diagnosis. The CT scan showed broken bones and a tumor on her left kidney. Remarkably, the tumor was caught early enough to be treated.
Her doctor told her something unexpected: the motorcycle crash actually saved her life by leading to the discovery of the cancer.
Wendy admitted that she had experienced stressful days before, but nothing compared to this overwhelming moment. Yet, even in the midst of such hardship, God was at work.
First, God is present even when everything seems to fall apart. Psalm 46:1 reminds us that God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. He is not distant or delayed but right there with us.
Second, God can bring life out of what looks like disaster. While Wendy’s crash felt like another blow, Romans 8:28 assures us that for those who love God, all things work together for good. Not everything is good in itself, but God can work through all circumstances.
Third, God sees what we cannot see. Wendy didn’t know about the tumor growing inside her or the danger she was in. Psalm 139:4 tells us that God knows everything before it happens—He knows the diagnosis before the doctor, the danger before the symptoms, and the rescue before the problem.
Finally, God strengthens us for days we never expected. Life can surprise us with burdens we never imagined, but Isaiah 43:2 promises that when we pass through difficult waters or fire, God will be with us and we will not be burned.
You may never face a day like Wendy’s, but everyone encounters moments that shake and overwhelm them. In those times, remember that the same God who was with Wendy is with you today—present, working, seeing beyond what you can, and ready to carry you through.
Just some thoughts,
A new year has a way of waking up our “goal-setting” side. We plan, we list, we promise ourselves we’ll do better. But Jesus gives us a better starting point than willpower: abiding. In John 15, He reminds us that real fruit doesn’t come from trying harder—it comes from staying close to Him.
Here are six biblical priorities to consider if you want a fruitful year marked by spiritual growth and meaningful living.
#1 – Put God First
Jesus says, “Abide in Me… whoever abides in Me and I in him… bears much fruit” (John 15:4–5). Before you plan goals, plan devotion. A great year starts when Jesus becomes the root, not the accessory. If your schedule is full but your soul is empty, the order needs to change.
#2 – Choose Faith Over “Won’t”
John 15:7 connects abiding with prayer and confidence: “If you abide in Me… ask whatever you wish.” Abiding reshapes your inner talk—from “I can’t” to “Christ can grow fruit in me.” Replace “This year will be the same” with “God can do more than I expect.” Faith doesn’t deny reality; it invites God into it.
#3 – Worship Before You Feel It
Jesus also speaks about joy: “that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11). Worship isn’t a mood; it’s a decision. Rejoicing is not pretending life is easy—it’s declaring God is still good. Sometimes the quickest way out of spiritual heaviness is to lift your eyes and praise anyway.
#4 – Reconsider and Cut
God is not only interested in growth—He’s interested in more growth. “Every branch… that does bear fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit” (John 15:2). Ask: “What is God trying to grow in me right now?” Then ask: “What needs to be cut back so I can be spiritually healthy?” Pruning can feel painful, but it’s proof God is working.
#5 – Realize Your Blessings
Gratitude guards you from bitterness. When we forget what God has already done, discouragement gets louder. Pause and ask: “What has God put in my hands to serve with this year?” Blessings aren’t only comforts—they’re tools for ministry.
#6 – Stop Trying; Start Abiding
The goal isn’t perfection—it’s faithfulness. Don’t aim at “a better year.” Aim at “a closer walk.” Jesus’ words are clear: “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). But with Him, fruit is possible—steady, lasting, and God-glorifying.
As you step into a new season, don’t just set resolutions. Set your heart to remain in Christ. A fruitful year begins where every good thing begins: abiding in the Vine.
Happy New Year!
Just some thoughts,
