December 8, 2025
Hello, Beloved.
Yesterday, Pastor Scott shared something fundamental that we sometimes forget: Jesus is our healer. He talked about how healing matters so much and reminded us that there’s so much of God’s goodness out there for us. He made it clear that healing is something we all need. Jesus showed just how committed He is in Matthew 8:1-4, when He reached out to a leper and said, “I am willing.”
This encounter between Jesus and the leper set a powerful precedent, revealing God’s compassionate heart towards our pain, sickness, and brokenness. He is willing to heal us. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that many of us don’t experience this reality. We carry pain that won’t let go, illnesses that refuse to heal, heartbreak that lingers, and family hurts passed down through the years. On Sunday morning, it's easy to believe in God’s promises. The words resonate, and hope rises. But Monday arrives, and real life doesn’t care what we thought yesterday. That gap between what we trust is proper and what we’re actually living through can feel too big to bridge with our faith. It can feel impossible to cross.
Do we abandon hope or quietly relinquish these promises because the answers seem delayed? Absolutely not. We don’t give up or let go. We nurture our hope by remaining in Jesus and His words, not just reading them but meditating on them. Sometimes we choose thankfulness even when nothing around us has shifted; not because it changes the situation, but because it pulls our hearts back toward what’s steady. God’s faithfulness that doesn’t waver. In the waiting, we lean into His grace. We reverently participate in Christ’s death with the Lord’s Supper, guided by the Holy Spirit, engaging in self-examination, repentance, and confession, enabling us to experience His presence as we remember Him and His love for the world. It’s essential to recognize that many of us understand what God expects of us, yet we fail to fulfill it.
Here are some additional things we can do: we serve others because sometimes the healing journey involves giving away what we wish we had more of. We honestly lament our sorrows before God, refusing to put on fake smiles or spiritual platitudes. He can handle our grief, our questions, and our frustration. And we continue to sing the Song of His Goodness, even when our voice is weak or the song feels distant.
Beloved, the Father still heals. Jesus’ “I am willing” remains steadfast. The precedent stands. Our due dates don’t dictate His character, and our unhealed hearts don’t diminish His promises. The waiting can be hard, and the unanswered prayers can weigh heavily. But let’s hold onto hope together. Let’s remind each other that delayed doesn’t mean denied, and silence doesn’t mean absence. Keep believing, keep praying, and keep trusting that the same Jesus who touched the leper is still reaching toward you today.
The Lord Jesus and His peace be upon you and your family!
GATEWAY EVENTS: Click here.
WHERE TO ENGAGE:
Gateway Groups (a community where you can experience, be family, and share the love of Jesus with others)
We have two new Gateway groups beginning next month. One group will be a Men’s group in Milford, meeting on the 2nd / 4th Mondays at 7 pm. The second group will be an open group in Newtown. More information coming soon!
SUNDAY SERVICE:
Divine Healing and the Ministry of Jesus — Entire Service or Teaching Only
CHURCH FINANCIAL REPORT:
Giving Report: (*weekly income needed $22,500)
December 7: $24,036,35
December 14:
December 21:
December 28:
Greater Things YTD 2025: $66,482.11
Current Mortgage Balance: $387,448.89
Click here to learn more about Greater Things (our accelerated mortgage elimination commitment) and participate.
Stay hopeful and healthy. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Transforming Lives Together,
Lance and Darlene Bane
Lead Pastor
Phone: 203-934-0880
Email: office@yourgateway.com