Church Blog
Welcome to our Church Blog, your online retreat for uplifting reflections and Christ-centered encouragement. Here you’ll find concise yet powerful posts that speak to everyday moments—reminding you of God’s presence in mornings of doubt, seasons of joy, and the quiet spaces in between. Every entry is crafted to spark hope, foster spiritual growth, and point your heart back to Jesus.
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It has been said that “Life is a Journey”.......
We were treating ourselves to “Disney On Ice” at the Civic Center and had just settled into near front row seating when I found myself dashing back out to my truck on an errand. The Gala was beginning but I wouldn't miss much and planned on being back in my seat in a matter of minutes. As I hurried down the long sidewalk toward the parking lot, I noticed a young woman coming toward me, headed for the entrance doors. There were also brief glimpses of a small girl following behind her about five to six years old, bobbing from side to side as she stumbled and fell and labored to keep up with her mom. Mom had set a brisk pace and threw quick glances back from time to time but made no apparent effort to rescue the little girl’s clambering about. Knowing they were already late, it appeared to me that Mom's only interest was in finding their seats and having the “scramble” ordeal over with. Her young ones’ struggles only a few steps back, seemed to have no sway on her intent.
As we approached each other, I stepped to one side so they could pass and hurry on to the show. Mom didn't notice me but gave another look back at her daughter. I did notice Mom though and made a mental note to have ugly thoughts about her later! I also noticed the little girl. I could not “help” but notice the little girl! In spite of her ordeal of trying to keep up without once again falling, she had the most glorious smile illuminating her face and an intensity in her eyes that marked my memory deep. Her hair was long and jumped constantly about her shoulders and arms in her cumbersome pursuit of mom and she chatted and sang quietly to herself in her efforts. Her spirit was soaring and it swept me back many years to a time when I would allow such consuming delight in my own life. For a short slice of time, I was caught up in the child's unburdened elation of the glorious things she was about to see.
I also saw the stiff metal braces on each tiny leg that ran from her ankles to above her knees, secured tightly by wide leather straps. The stumbling and awkwardness were explained, and I felt as though someone had landed a blow to my chest. The evening’s anticipation drained from my heart, and I watched the little girl proceed in her struggles until she became blurred in my tears. I later stood at my vehicle for several moments until I could recompose.
The encounter that day has run through my mind many times, and with that, more detail from my memory and more comprehension of perhaps what was truly happening beyond my first view. It finally occurred to me that Mom, with a love that only mom's can have, was taking her little girl to “Disney”, a dream come true. Her steady pace was to minimize missing as much of the show as possible and her occasional glances back were to confirm that her daughter was still there, safe, and coming on strong. Mom was maintaining a caring eye yet allowing her daughter the freedom in her small world, to make her own way. To the young child there was no curtain time, no scrambled rush for a good seat, no stinging on her hands where she landed from the falls, and no burden of braces. She was free of constraints, a “Princess”, and on a wonderful journey to the “Land of “Disney”. She was immersed in joy.
It's not that rare to encounter Christians who are sour and judgmental. I have to ask myself. Do I fall among that crowd, or am I truly immersed in joy on a wonderful journey to “Heaven”! The very real “Joy” in the journey to a home with our Lord is ours to embrace............or not! It's that nasty choice thing all over again. Our Father keeps a watchful and caring eye on us yet allows us all freedoms. My prayer would be that some day I will relinquish this world's transparent freedoms and concede my life wholly to God. I ponder the writings of the Apostle Paul and how he interprets the events of his life, submitted to God. The man doesn't leave much room for complaining which irritates me, because I like to complain! But listen closely to Paul rant the “Joy” on his journey home!!
- DG
Post Script:
It’s been some 16 years since my encounter with Mom and the little girl. Time enough for a few thumps on the head and a restructuring of what God’s joy in my heart really is. It’s not so much the grins and giggles that God gives us on our journey through life. It's so much more and often enough, it does not come equipped with, nor is it about, grins and giggles! It seems to me that joy from God is more like a special pair of glasses that enable us to see far out there beyond our physical meanderings, and connects us with the spiritual reality that is to come!!
God’s joy is an anchor!!
Come worship with us at the Black Hills Church of Christ — you’re always welcome!You can find service times, more info, and all the latest at our About Us page.
💬 We’d love to hear your thoughts!
Leave your comments, reflections, or prayer requests on our Facebook post for this devotional .
Hey there,
A few years back, a guy walks into his local hardware store bright and early, looking for a new saw. The friendly salesperson pulled a sleek, bright orange chainsaw off the shelf and said with a smile, “This is our latest model—top-of-the-line technology. It’s guaranteed to cut up to ten cords of firewood a day!”
The man thought that sounded amazing, so he bought it and took it home.
The next morning, he came dragging back into the store, looking completely worn out. “I don’t know what’s wrong with this thing,” he sighed. “I worked as hard as I could all day yesterday and barely managed to cut three cords. My old handsaw used to get me four!”
The salesperson looked puzzled and said, “Mind if I take it for a quick test out back?” They walked over to the woodpile, the salesman pulled the starter cord, and the chainsaw roared to life with a loud vrrrroooom!
The customer jumped back, eyes wide, and exclaimed, “What in the world is that noise?!”
That poor guy had been trying to do all the work himself, never realizing the incredible power that was right there in his hands the whole time.
And isn’t that so much like many of us in the church today? We often try to live the Christian life in our own strength—pushing, striving, and wearing ourselves out—when the Holy Spirit is right there, ready to empower us with His strength, joy, and peace every single day. We don’t have to do it alone. The power is available… we just have to turn it on.
If you’d like to learn more about the power of the Holy Spirit, we’d love for you to join us, starting this Sunday, for our new sermon series, “Holy Ghost Stories: Seeing the Spirit of Yahweh at Work”. We’re diving deep into who the Holy Spirit is and His work in our lives every day.
Come worship with us at the Black Hills Church of Christ — you’re always welcome!
You can find service times, more info, and all the latest at our About Us page.
— Charlie
💬 We’d love to hear your thoughts!
Leave your comments, reflections, or prayer requests on our Facebook post for this devotional .
Hey there,
A long time ago, the city of Pompeii was buried in an instant when Mount Vesuvius erupted. The disaster was sudden and terrifying. When archaeologists later uncovered the city, they found people in all kinds of places—some huddled in cellars hoping for safety, others upstairs in their homes. But one man was found in a very different spot.
The Roman sentinel was still standing right at the city gate where his captain had placed him. His hands were still gripping his weapon. While the earth shook violently beneath him and waves of hot ash and cinders rained down, he never left his post. There he remained, faithful to the very end. And a thousand years later, that’s exactly where he was found.
Friends, as a retired military guy, that story always moves me deeply. In the middle of chaos, one man simply did what he was asked to do. He stayed where he was supposed to be. I know from my own years of service how rare—and how powerful—that kind of faithfulness really is.
The Apostle Paul gives us a similar charge in 1 Corinthians 16:13-14:
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.”
This is God’s gentle but firm reminder to us today. Life shakes us—through worry, disappointment, cultural pressure, health struggles, or just the everyday grind. It’s tempting to run for the nearest “cellar,” to hide, to pull back, or to look for an easier way. I know, because I’ve felt it too. But Paul says: Stay alert. Stand firm. Be brave. Be strong.
And do it all in love.
Think about Jesus for a moment. He knew exactly what was coming—betrayal, mocking, a cruel cross. Like the soldier, he could see that volcano coming. The earth would shake there too, literally. Yet He stayed at His post. He didn’t run. He didn’t hide. He did His duty out of perfect love for you and me. He held firm until the very end… and then rose victorious.
So here’s the quiet, heart-stirring question for all of us:
Christ stood His post. He did His duty. Can we?
Whatever “post” God has placed you at right now—loving your family well, serving in your workplace with integrity, staying faithful in your quiet prayers, caring for someone who’s hurting, or simply refusing to give up on your faith—will you stand there with courage and love?
You don’t have to be perfect. You just need to be faithful. And the good news? You’re not standing alone. The same Captain who placed you there is right with you, and He will give you everything you need to hold your ground.
Let’s be those kind of people—faithful until the end.
Hey, if you’re in the Black Hills area and looking for a warm, Bible-based church family, we’d love to have you with us at Black Hills Church. Come worship with us — you can find service times, events, and more at our About Us page.
— Charlie
💬 We’d love to hear your thoughts!
Leave your comments, reflections, or prayer requests on our Facebook post for this devotional .
Hey there,
You know how old-fashioned water pumps work? The kind you still see in some rural areas or old movies. Before the pump will bring up any water, you have to “prime” it first — you pour a little water down the top to create suction. No priming, no water.
There’s an old story about a man crossing the desert back in pioneer days. He was dying of thirst when he came across an old pump next to an abandoned shack. Right beside it was a jug with just enough water in it, and a note attached.
The note said:
“There is just enough water in this jug to prime the pump, but not if you drink any first. This well has never gone dry — not even in the worst times. Pour the water in the top, pump the handle hard, and then refill the jug for the next person who comes along.”
Imagine being that thirsty man. What would you do? Would you play it safe and drink the little bit of water you have? Or would you pour it all out in faith, trusting the note was true?
That moment — choosing to pour out the water before you get any back — is a perfect picture of the kind of faith the Bible talks about. Real faith means staking everything on God’s promise, even when you can’t see the outcome yet.
This is exactly what James is talking about in the New Testament when he says, “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:17, 26). James tells us that genuine faith isn’t just believing something in your head. It’s faith that does something. It’s faith that acts.
Just like the man had to pour out the water before he could drink, our faith is proven when we step out and trust God — even when it feels risky. It’s not faith or works — it’s faith that works.
God often calls us to that same kind of faith today. Maybe it’s forgiving someone who really hurt you. Maybe it’s giving when your own budget is tight. Or stepping into something new even when you’re not sure how it’s going to work out. Real faith pours out first, trusting that God’s well never runs dry.
If this story stirs your heart, you’re not alone. We’d love for you to join us at Black Hills Church of Christ in Rapid City, SD. You can learn more and find service times on our About Us page.
— Charlie
💬 We’d love to hear your thoughts!
Leave your comments, reflections, or prayer requests on our Facebook post for this devotional .
Hey there,
On Easter morning in 1799, terror gripped the small Austrian town of Feldkirch. Nestled in a peaceful valley, villagers woke to a frightening sight: thousands of French soldiers under General André Masséna, part of Napoleon’s invading forces, had appeared on the heights above them. Sunlight glinted off weapons and armor as roughly 18,000 troops looked down on the defenseless town. The Austrian army was far away, and Feldkirch had little hope of military defense.
Panic spread quickly. The town council met in emergency session. Fear filled the room as leaders debated their options. Some suggested immediate surrender. Others spoke of futile resistance. Hopelessness hung heavy—human strength had clearly failed.
Then an old man of the church stood up. Calm and resolute, he declared, “My brothers, this is Easter Day! We have been reckoning on our own strength, and that fails. Let us turn to God. Ring the bells and have services as usual, and leave the matter in His hands.”
His faith was contagious. The council agreed. Instead of preparing for battle or waving white flags, the people chose celebration.
Soon, the church bells rang out—joyous, triumphant peals honoring the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The sound carried across the valley and up the hills. Streets filled with worshipers in their Sunday best, hurrying to church as if it were any other Easter morning. No one cowered indoors. They praised the risen Lord.
High above, General Masséna and his troops heard the unexpected ringing. They saw the carefree crowds moving about the town in bright clothing, seemingly unconcerned by the massive army poised to strike. The French commanders concluded that the Austrians must have received strong reinforcements during the night. Those bells, they reasoned, were signaling fresh troops or calling the people to arms with new confidence.
Convinced they now faced a superior enemy, Masséna ordered a swift retreat. The French army broke camp and withdrew. Before the Easter service even concluded, the heights were empty. The town was saved without a shot fired—all because one man called God’s people to trust and worship on the day of resurrection.
This beloved story, passed down in Christian literature since the late 1800s, may include some legendary embellishments around the real events of the Battle of Feldkirch during the Napoleonic wars. Yet its spiritual truth rings clear: when fear looms large and human solutions run out, faithful praise to the risen Christ can change everything.
Think about the first Easter. The disciples faced their own overwhelming despair. Their Master had been crucified. The tomb was sealed. Hope seemed dead. But on the third day, the women found the stone rolled away and the grave empty. Angels declared, “He is not here; he has risen!” (Luke 24:6). Fear turned to joy as they encountered the living Jesus.
Like the people of Feldkirch, the early followers could have hidden in panic. Instead, they proclaimed the resurrection boldly. That same power is available to us today.
What “army” threatens you this Easter? A health diagnosis, financial pressures, relational brokenness, or deep doubt? In those moments, it’s tempting to rely on our own strategies—planning, worrying, or surrendering ground.
But Easter reminds us that our greatest victory has already been won. Jesus conquered the grave. Because He lives, we can face tomorrow with confidence. When we choose to “ring the bells”—to worship and declare God’s goodness even when circumstances look bleak—fear often loses its grip.
The apostle Paul captured this triumph: “Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? … Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). So this time of year, when the world celebrates his resurrection, don’t let fear silence your praise. Ring out the good news: Christ is risen! He is risen indeed. Leave the battle in God’s hands. You may discover, like the villagers of Feldkirch, that the enemy has already retreated in the presence of resurrection joy.
May your heart overflow with that same Easter hope. He who conquered the grave is still at work in our lives today.
He is risen, just as he said…
— Charlie
💬 We’d love to hear your thoughts!
Leave your comments, reflections, or prayer requests on our Facebook post for this devotional .
Hey there,
Spring has finally arrived! With the equinox behind us and warmer days on the horizon here in the Black Hills, many of us are starting to think about cleaning out garages, decluttering closets, and maybe even hosting (or hunting for) those classic yard sales that pop up this time of year.
But imagine if Satan himself decided to hold a garage sale...
On the day of the sale, his tools were placed for public inspection, each marked with its price. There were treacherous implements: hatred, envy, jealousy, deceit, lust, lying, pride, and so on.
Set apart from the rest was a harmless-looking tool. It was quite worn and yet priced very high.
“What is the name of this tool?” asked one of the customers, pointing to it.
“That is discouragement,” Satan replied.
“Why have you priced it so high?”
“Because it is more useful to me than the others. I can pry open and get inside a man’s heart with that, even when I cannot get near him with the other tools. It is badly worn because I use it on almost everyone, since so few people know it belongs to me.”
The devil’s price for discouragement was high because it is still his favorite tool, and he is still using it on God’s people.
This old illustration rings true today. Discouragement sneaks in quietly—through setbacks, criticism, perceived unanswered prayers, or just the weariness of life—and it wears us down like nothing else. The Bible acknowledges this reality. In Joshua 1:9, God commands, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” And in Isaiah 41:10, He promises, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” These verses remind us that discouragement is real, but it’s not the final word—God sees it, opposes it, and offers Himself as our strength against it.
But the remedy for discouragement isn’t merely “trying harder” or summoning more personal willpower. It’s encouragement—being lifted up, built up, and reminded of God’s truth and presence. The Bible doesn’t leave us to fight alone; it calls us into community where encouragement flows freely. In 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Paul instructs believers, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” The early church thrived because they actively spurred one another on in faith, hope, and love, even amid the trials. When discouragement pries at our hearts, God designed the church—His body—to be the place where we receive mutual encouragement, prayer, fellowship, and the shared reminder of the gospel that renews our strength.
If discouragement has been weighing on you lately, don’t face it in isolation. Come join us at Black Hills Church, where we’re a family committed to encouraging one another in Christ. We’re located at 13654 South Hwy 16 in Rapid City, SD, and we’d love to welcome you—whether for worship, Bible study, or just to connect over coffee. Together, we can stand against the devil’s worn-out tool and experience the encouragement that comes from God’s people gathered in His name.
You’re invited. Come as you are—God is ready to meet you here. You can learn more and find service times on our About Us page.
— Charlie
Hey there,
One of the most intriguing figures in the Bible is Enoch. In a long list of names and ages in Genesis 5, his story stands out in just one verse:
“Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.” (Genesis 5:24, NIV)
No dramatic battles, no lengthy exploits—just a life defined by walking with God. And then, one day, God just simply took him home.
I love the way a little girl once retold this story to her mother in the sweetest way:
“Mamma,” she said, “one day Enoch and God took a walk together. They walked and they talked, and they talked and they walked, until Enoch finally said, ‘Oh, my, dear Lord, it’s getting late. I’d better go home!’ And the Lord said, ‘Why, Enoch, we’ve been walking so long together, I believe we’re closer to My home than yours. Why don’t you come home with Me tonight?’ So Enoch went home with God.”
That childlike imagination captures something profound. Enoch’s life wasn’t marked by rare spiritual highs or dramatic moments. It was marked by steady, everyday companionship—walking side by side, talking, listening, trusting. Over time, the boundaries between his world and God’s blurred. The walk became so natural, so close, that continuing on to God’s home felt like the most obvious next step.
The New Testament echoes this beauty in Hebrews 11:5: “By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death… For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.”
What pleased God wasn’t grand achievements, but faithful closeness. A relationship, not a religion.
This gentle scene reminds me of the kind of walk we’re invited into every day—simple conversations with God through prayer, obedience in the small things, trusting Him step by step. The more we walk with Him, the more “at home” we feel in His presence. One day, the journey will lead seamlessly into eternity, not with fear or striving, but with the quiet invitation we’ve grown so accustomed to hearing.
May it be said of us, as it was of Enoch: We walked with God. And when the time came, we simply went home with Him.
You can learn more and find service times on our About Us page.
— Charlie
Hey there,
Some seasons of life just feel empty. Health issues drag on, energy fades, pain becomes constant, relationships fracture, dreams stall, or loss piles up—and the things that once brought joy or purpose seem to wither away. It’s exhausting, and honestly, it can shake our faith to the core. If you’re in one of those valleys right now, know you’re not alone.
That’s exactly why Habakkuk 3:17-19 speaks so deeply to me in hard times:
“Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
The Sovereign Lord is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to tread on the heights.” (Habakkuk 3:17-19, NIV)
Habakkuk paints a picture of total loss—no harvest, no provision, no security. In our world, that’s like watching hope, strength, or stability slip away all at once. Yet he doesn’t despair. He pivots with that powerful “yet.” He chooses to rejoice—not because life feels good, but because God is good. His joy is rooted in the unchanging Savior, not in changing circumstances.
Here’s the hope: when life falls apart—whether through loss, hardship, shattered plans, or seasons that leave us empty and wavering—God doesn’t abandon us. He becomes our strength.
If you’re walking through any kind of devastation right now—prolonged trials, deep grief, chronic struggle, or whatever has left your “fields” barren—hear this: your hardship doesn’t disqualify you from joy in God. It might even deepen it. Lean into Him. Let Him carry you. He’s still sovereign, still faithful, and still your Savior. He gives steady feet to keep moving forward, even on the steepest paths.
What “though” are you facing today? I’d love to hear (and pray for you) in the comments.
You’re invited. Come as you are—God is ready to meet you here. You can learn more and find service times on our About Us page.
— Charlie
💬 We’d love to hear your thoughts!
Leave your comments, reflections, or prayer requests on our
Facebook post for this devotional
.
In the book of Luke, chapter 1 we are told about the angel's visit to Zachariah to inform him that he and his wife, Elizabeth would have a son.
Not an ordinary child by any means, but one who would be great in the sight of the Lord. He would prepare the way for Jesus! Prepare the way for the savior of the world, who would bless all people! What a huge, life changing honor. Elizabeth would carry a child already filled with the Holy Spirit in her womb! Dramatic headline news!
Then you look down to verse 25, one little verse, where Elizabeth quietly thanks God for taking away the disgrace of her baroness.
So Elizabeth, carrying a child already filled with the Holy Spirit, who was destined to prepare the way for the Son of God who would take away the sins of the world and provide salvation for all mankind, was grateful to God for answering her personal prayers for a baby.
We know it's about God and His will, not about us. But I can't help but feel that when we come to Him in sincere prayer, He hangs on our every word. When we cry, He cries, and when we laugh with delight, He joins in.
Mighty God who can be 100% with us in the small details of our lives and still be 100% present in the big picture of humanity and His kingdom. He sends storms into our lives in part to show us who we are, but the same hand that is on the valve that lets trouble into our lives, for our growth and God's holy purpose, will someday wipe our tears away.
