Berea Update for January 23, 2026
Thank you to everyone who attended our recent business meeting and for your continued investment in our church! As we move forward together, it is helpful to pause and remember an important truth: God is always at work, even when His activity is not immediately visible. Scripture consistently shows us that the Lord’s purposes often unfold quietly, over time, and in ways we do not fully understand in the moment. While we naturally desire clear answers and quick resolutions, God frequently works through ordinary faithfulness, patient waiting, and unseen preparation. This week’s devotional (below) invites us to reflect on how God works behind the scenes—directing our steps, shaping hearts, and accomplishing His will in ways that may only become clear later. As we continue onward together as a church family, may these daily reflections encourage us to trust the Lord’s timing, remain faithful in the small and ordinary things, and move forward with confidence in the God who has led us faithfully and will continue to do so.
We are also aware that a significant winter storm may impact our area this weekend. The elders will be monitoring conditions closely and will make a decision regarding Sunday services as needed, and a message will be communicated to the church if plans change. If we do hold services, please use wisdom and do not feel obligated to venture out if road conditions are unsafe. We are also working on plans to ensure the sermon will be available online, even if we are unable to gather in person, so that we can still worship and be encouraged by God’s Word together.
Upcoming Events
1. This week, Pastor Miller will continue his short series from the book of Ecclesiastes called "Passing the Torch." This week's message is called "Limitations of a Broken World" and will be drawn from Ecclesiates 2-11.
2. Attention college students and young adults! There will be a lunch provided for all of you this Sunday, January 25 after the morning worship service (weather pending), here at the church. All are welcome for a time of food and fellowship!
3. Now that the annual business meeting has concluded, we want to make sure that all of you are aware of the men who are serving on the two boards here at the church:
Elders
Pastor Brian Miller
Pastor Mark Gainer
Michael Greenwood
Dana Love
Tom Wolverton
Deacons
Wes Kitchen
Wes Stephens
Andy Kitselman
Phil Berrien
Ryan Finnegan
Daniel Koranek
Please pray for these men as they lead our church family, but also, feel free to contact these men with questions or concerns.
4. There will be a worship team meeting on Sunday, February 1 following the morning worship service in the front left room in the Family Life Center. This meeting is for anyone who already is a part of the team, or for anyone who would like to join in the worship team. So, if you enjoy singing, or can play an instrument, please consider participating in this meeting!
5. Looking for a fun way to stay active and connect with others? Pickleball will continue on Thursdays from 7:00–8:00 PM in the Family Life Center. All skill levels are welcome! We had a good turnout the first week, but would love to have you join in the fun! If you have any questions, please contact Mike Greenwood.
6. As announced and stated over the last couple of weeks, due to the staff transitions taking place, the elder board has decided to not have small groups until at least the month of March. An update will be provided as we move into February. Looking ahead, if you are interested in leading a small group, or potentially hosting one, please contact me (Pastor Mark).
Ways You Can Pray This Week
1. Pray for the needs we have in the building, as discussed at the annual business meeting. The elders and deacons will continue to meet to discuss important decisions for the future of our church! Pray for wisdom, and also pray for God's provision for this important project.
***Please know that there are many individuals who need prayer this week due to health concerns and other events going on in their lives. Out of sensitivity to each individual's situation, these requests may not appear in this weekly blog. We have a "Prayer Team" at the church who receives more detailed information, and commits to praying for individuals in our church family.
This Week's Devotions
Day 1 — God Directs Our Steps
Psalm 37:23–24 (ESV) “The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand.”
Much of God’s work happens quietly, step by step. We often want to see the full plan, but Scripture reminds us that God directs individual steps long before the destination becomes clear. Even missteps and stumbles are not wasted when the Lord is guiding His people. God’s hand is steady, even when our footing feels unsure.
Reflection Question: How does trusting God with each step—rather than the whole picture—change the way you view uncertainty?
Day 2 — God Uses What Others Mean for Harm
Genesis 50:20 (ESV) “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive.”
Joseph’s life was marked by betrayal, loss, and long seasons of waiting. For years, it appeared that everything had gone wrong. But God was working behind the scenes, weaving hardship into a greater purpose. What looked like setbacks were actually part of God’s redemptive plan—one that Joseph could only fully see in hindsight.
Reflection Question: Is there a past difficulty where you can now see evidence of God’s good purposes?
Day 3 — God Is Present Even When Unnamed
Esther 4:14 (ESV) “And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
In the book of Esther, God’s name is never mentioned—but His presence is unmistakable. Through courage, timing, and unseen protection, God preserved His people. This reminds us that God is at work even when He seems silent. His absence from the spotlight does not mean His absence from the story.
Reflection Question: Where might God be working quietly in your life, even if it’s hard to see right now?
Day 4 — God Works Through Ordinary Faithfulness
Ruth 2:12 (ESV) “The LORD repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the LORD, the God of Israel.”
Ruth’s story is filled with simple acts of obedience—gleaning in fields, caring for family, remaining faithful when life was uncertain. God used those ordinary choices to accomplish extraordinary purposes. Much of God’s work unfolds not through dramatic moments, but through steady faithfulness in everyday life.
Reflection Question: What ordinary act of faithfulness might God be using in ways you cannot yet see?
Day 5 — God Prepares His Servants in Hidden Seasons
Exodus 3:1–2 (ESV) “Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. And the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed.”
Before Moses ever led Israel, he spent decades tending sheep in obscurity. What seemed like wasted time was actually preparation for God’s calling. Hidden seasons are often training grounds. God shapes His servants long before He places them in visible roles.
Reflection Question: How might God be using a quiet or unnoticed season in your life to prepare you for future service?
Day 6 — God Works Even Through Limitations
Philippians 1:12–14 (ESV) “I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.”
Paul’s imprisonment looked like a limitation, but God used it to spread the gospel in unexpected ways. God’s work is never confined by circumstances, setbacks, or restrictions. What feels like an obstacle to us may be a tool in God’s hands.
Reflection Question: How might God be working through a limitation you are currently facing?
Day 7 — God’s Path Is Often Hidden, But Sure
Psalm 77:19 (ESV) “Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters; yet your footprints were unseen.”
God’s people crossed the Red Sea without seeing footprints ahead of them. Only later did they realize how clearly God had been leading all along. God’s guidance is sometimes invisible in the moment—but never absent. We can trust Him even when the path is hidden.
Reflection Question: What does it look like for you to trust God’s guidance when you cannot yet see the outcome?
Kids (and Kids at Heart) Korner
Q: What falls in winter but never gets hurt?
A: Snow!
Have a great week! Hope to see you Sunday!
Mark