Posts

Rick John Mar 14, 2026

Cultivate True Virtues

Dear Ones, What did the work of the Holy Spirit look like in the life of Jesus on earth? In scripture, we observe Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit throughout His journey.  John 8:29 NIV“The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.” If our Lord himself followed the Spirit’s leading, shouldn’t we? Of course! We ought to desire to be led by the Holy Spirit. We want to display His fruit, just as Jesus did! Galatians 5:22-25 NIVBut the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy,…

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David Carter Dec 8, 2021

FCC Update – Wed Study Cancelled + Live Nativity

Hi FCC Family! You may have noticed that Pastor’s daily reflections on Luke stopped Monday. Unfortunately, Pastor’s been sick. He’s feeling better after a couple of days of rest, but we are going to cancel tonight’s Wednesday night study. To be clear, the adult Wednesday night bible study and prayer gathering for tonight, 12/8/21, is cancelled. Lord willing, we’ll be back on track next week. Pastor appreciates your prayers. Preparations for Live Nativity, however, press on unabated! We hope you will bring the family out to hear the Christmas story told, once again, this Saturday, December 11 from 4:30-7:30pm. The…

Rick John Dec 6, 2021

December 6 EncourageOgram

Dear Friends, Today we are reading Luke 6. Jesus shares a very brief parable on discipleship.    He also told them this parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.  NIVO  Luke 6:39-40 The obvious answer to the opening question is, “No.  A blind man cannot lead a blind man.  Surely, they will fall into a pit.”  It is imperative that a teacher can see and has something of value to teach his student. In another place Jesus…

Rick John Dec 5, 2021

December 5 EncourageOgram

Dear Friends, In Luke 5 we see Jesus actively doing three miracles!   First Jesus, the carpenter, directs Peter, the fisherman, to a great catch of fish in the middle of the afternoon!  All the details of Jesus’ advice seem illogical, yet Peter confesses “because you say so, I will let down the nets!”  How many times has Jesus asked us to do something that seemed illogical to us that blossomed into a great blessing! Let those who have ears listen!  Secondly, Jesus heals a leper.  Now leprosy was not curable!  It was a disease that came with a death…

Rick John Dec 4, 2021

December 4 EncourageOgram

Dear Friends, Today we are reading Luke 4 in our month-long journey through this glorious gospel written by Dr. Luke.  You may notice that Luke gives us more insight into the ministry of the Holy Spirit than the other gospel writers.   At Jesus baptism in 3:21-22 we discover all three Persons of the Godhead present.  The Son was being baptized by John, the Spirit descended on Jesus like a dove and the Father spoke of His approval of Jesus, His Son.  This moment must have been a highlight of joy for our Savior as he began his public ministry…

Rick John Dec 3, 2021

December 3 EncourageOgram

Dear Ones, Today we are reading Luke 3.  Let us focus on the message of John who is preparing the way for our Lord Jesus.   He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.  NIVO  Luke 3:3  God ordained and sent John to prepare the way for Jesus. John was an eccentric. He came out of the dessert wearing camel’s hair clothing and eating locust and honey.  He had been waiting in the desert many years then was sent by God right on time!   John had an expansive ministry into…

Rick John Dec 2, 2021

December 2 EncourageOgram

Dear Friends, Today we read Luke 2.  This chapter was quoted by our children at my first church in Barrington, NH each Christmas season.  As they stood together to quote it, our hearts were blessed beyond words!   It is difficult to pick just one verse in this chapter to focus on but let us ponder this one:  And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. NIVO  Luke 2:52  This verse describes the childhood of our Lord Jesus.  Jesus matured in stages. His physical growth is normal as far as we can tell. He also…

Rick John Dec 1, 2021

December 1 EncourageOgram

Dear Friends, I hope you will join me this month in daily reading from the gospel of Luke. As we ask God to feed us His truth, we will read one chapter each day.  By Christmas day, we will have completed the letter. Let us read with joy the letter that Dr. Luke wrote for us as a “orderly account” of the testimonies of eyewitnesses to the life and ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ. NIVO  Luke 1:1-4Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as they were handed…

Rick John Nov 25, 2021

November 25 EncourageOgram

Dear friends at FCC, I want you to know how much I thank God for each of you!  As I am reading today in 3 John these words jumped off the page into my heart.  Here is my thanksgiving prayer from your pastor! NIV  3 John 1:2-4Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. I have no greater…

Rick John Oct 22, 2021

October 22 EncourageOgram

Dear Friends, My dear Grandmother John quoted to me the 23rd Psalm just hours before she entered heaven. It has always been a favorite for me.  Many of us would concur it is an inspirational song that feeds our souls!  NIV  Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. I will never forget the words of a wise preacher who told us: “The most important word in Psalm 23 is the fourth word.”  Yes, when we put our trust in the Lord as our Personal Savior and Shepherd – everything for this life and the next changes!  As a…

Rick John Oct 15, 2021

October 15 EncourageOgram

To my dear Friends in Christ, Today I have meditated on Psalm 37.  This precious song is intended to keep me from fretting when evil people seem to be winning.  Now if we are honest, we all expect God to work things out as we wish.  We want Him to give us the desires of our feelings and wishes.  When it seems that our enemies are winning; we are whining!  David experienced many victories, yet he was victimized by King Saul and others.  His advice seems so timely for our situation in life today.  David is addressing the age-old problem…