Message from Pastor Jim 05/04/2026

From the desk of Pastor Jim

There are certain moments in life when we feel completely alone. Not “I-need-a-snack” alone, but deep sigh, staring-out-the-window, where-is-everyone alone. Maybe it’s when the house is too quiet, when a prayer feels like it bounced off the ceiling, or when you’ve checked every couch cushion and still can’t find the remote (and yes, that does count as a small crisis).

In John 14:15–21, Jesus speaks directly into that feeling. He’s preparing His disciples for the fact that He won’t be physically with them much longer. You can almost hear the worry creeping into their hearts. “Wait…you’re leaving? What are we supposed to do without you?”

And Jesus, in His calm and steady way, says something remarkable: “I will not leave you orphaned.”

Now that’s a promise.

Not “I’ll try to check in occasionally.”
Not “I’ll send a postcard from heaven.”
But “I will not leave you alone.”

Instead, Jesus promises the Advocate—the Holy Spirit—who will be with us always. Not part-time. Not when we behave especially well. Not only during Sunday morning services. Always.

Which is both comforting… and a little humbling.

Because if the Spirit is always with us, that means God is present when we are patient—and when we are not. When we are kind—and when we are… still working on it. When we are brave in faith—and when we are hiding behind excuses that sound suspiciously like, “I’ll get to it later.”

But here’s the beautiful part: the presence of God isn’t based on our perfection. It’s based on God’s promise.

Jesus also says, “Because I live, you also will live.” That’s not just about someday, far-off eternity. That’s about right now—about living a life filled with purpose, connection, and yes, even joy in the middle of ordinary days.

It’s the kind of life where:

We notice the neighbor who needs a little extra kindness.

We choose patience in a moment when frustration would be easier.

We trust that even when we feel alone, we are actually deeply accompanied.

And maybe that’s the real invitation of this passage: to live like we believe we are not alone.

To pray like someone is listening.
To love like someone first loved us.
To walk through each day with the quiet confidence that God is nearer than we think.

Even nearer than that missing remote.

So the next time you feel alone—or overwhelmed—or just a little lost in the shuffle of life—remember this: Jesus didn’t just give good advice. He gave a promise.

You are not alone.
You are never alone.
And you never will be.

Thanks be to God for that.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Jim