Welcome to
Minister Musings
Thoughts on following Jesus from our ministry staff…
It’s The Most Nostalgic Time Of The Year
This time of year, it’s not uncommon to see someone with a tear in their eye. They might be quietly replaying cherished memories, feeling the tug of nostalgia, or missing someone who once made the holidays brighter. These moments of reflection are tender reminders of the love we've known and the traditions that shaped us.
Quiet Conviction in Babylon
Here’s the thing: God didn’t remove Daniel from Babylon—He revealed Himself through Daniel in Babylon. God is still doing that today. He places His people in schools, jobs, cities, and online spaces not to hide, but to shine. Living for Jesus in Babylon isn’t about avoiding the world; it’s about transforming it by reflecting God’s truth and love. You don’t have to fight every battle or win every argument. Just be faithful where you are. Let your character preach louder than your words.
Reading, Reflection, and Renewal
One of the things I love about the Bible is the fact that no matter how many times you’ve read it already, it always has something powerful and relevant for your current season of life. I think that is part of what the writer of Hebrews meant when he described the Word of God as alive and active (Hebrews 4:12). But if we want to be transformed by the Word of God, we have to be willing to approach Scripture with a humble heart and a growth mindset.
“Welcome To The Family” Seminar
On Sunday, January 11th, 2026, Southwest will host a “Welcome To The Family” seminar given by Jon Reed. Jon has preached at the Hilltop Church of Christ in El Segundo, California for 27 years. His passion lies in the areas of hospitality and guest relations, and he credits God with growing their congregation from 30 to 300 based on one word, “Welcome.” (www.jonkreed.com)
Jon will teach a combined adult Bible class and preach that day, and then we will have lunch together and have several afternoon sessions, ending around 4 PM. The shepherds and ministry staff want to encourage all members to attend, so please block off your calendars for this event TODAY, and let’s begin 2026 with excitement about welcoming more people into our Southwest family!
Unseen Growing
This season reminds me of how God is constantly working, even in the “in between” moments. Just like trees quietly prepare for winter by shedding their leaves, I see our kids doing the same kind of unseen growing. A quiet prayer during snack time. A question in class that shows they’re thinking deeply. A visitor who finds a friend. These little moments are like seeds planted that will bloom in God’s perfect time.
Changing the Atmosphere By Changing Your Attitude
Have you ever noticed how one person’s attitude can change the whole atmosphere? Whether it’s in a classroom, workplace, school gym, or even at home, the way we choose to think and respond affects everyone around us. That’s why Paul’s words in Philippians 2 are so powerful. He reminds us that as followers of Jesus, we’re called to have the same attitude He had.
God Is Good, All The Time
Even though his brothers intended to harm him, Joseph knew God intended it for good — to put Joseph in a position to save many lives (Genesis 50:20). Joseph’s life is a powerful example of the truth we read about in Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Spiritual “Unlearning”
As a Christian that wants to grow in discipleship to Jesus, we must accept the fact that there are some things we must unlearn…
The Power of Encouragement
The Bible tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” Encouragement doesn’t have to be fancy or long. Sometimes it’s a smile, a kind word, or even a quick text. Have you ever had one of those days when you felt worn out, and then your phone buzzed with an encouraging message? Suddenly the day feels a little brighter. Just a few words of hope can make such a difference.
The Better Destination
But how would we describe our spiritual destination during our lives here on Earth? What would we type into our spiritual GPS right now? In other words, what is the primary goal we are working towards as followers of Christ?
Unfiltered Faith
Think about your closest relationships. With a true friend, you don’t need to fake it. You can laugh, cry, and be fully yourself. God is inviting us into that kind of relationship—where faith is real, raw, and unfiltered. And when we live that way, others see God’s glory shining through us.
Craving or Necessity?
Is my relationship with God a craving or a necessity?
In Psalm 63, David wrote the following:
“1 You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. 2 I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. 3 Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. 4 I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. 5 I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. 6 On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.”
Back-To-School Season!
It’s that time again! New shoes, new schedules, maybe even a new lunchbox. Back-to-school season always feels like a fresh chapter. And while it’s exciting, it can also come with nerves, change, and that slightly chaotic feeling of figuring it all out again.
Citizens of Heaven
If our true home is in Heaven, that makes our time here on Earth a lot like an extended mission trip. We need to learn how to build relationships with the people God has sent us to evangelize without participating in the sinful things the world celebrates. We can’t withdraw completely, since that would limit our ability to reach people for Christ, but we can’t blend in either, since that would compromise our integrity.
Doubt Happens
There are days when God feels close, and others when you’re like, “God, are You even listening?” You’re not broken. You’re not a bad Christian. You’re just human.
Missing the Lion
Jesus once asked his followers, “Why are you sleeping?” It makes me think about the time I missed the lions. It makes me think of other opportunities that I’ve missed because I’ve been “asleep.” I’ve been asleep because I’ve been focused on the wrong thing, or I’ve “spaced out” and missed the opportunity to be present in this moment.
Find God, Find Peace
Peace isn’t found in a perfect situation. It’s not when the to-do list is empty or the kids are finally quiet or the bills are paid. Peace is found in the presence of God.
Walking Slowly Through The Crowd
Christian author and leadership expert John Maxwell likes to say that good leaders walk slowly through the crowd. While it’s true that they walk with purpose and intentionality (instead of wandering aimlessly), they walk slowly enough through the crowd to ensure that they can connect with the people they are leading. They are never too busy to notice the people around them and minister to their needs.
Living Free Under Grace
Grace doesn’t just forgive us—it frees us. It empowers us to live differently, to walk away from what once held us down, and to pursue the life God created us for. Grace doesn’t excuse sin—it gives us the strength to overcome it. Living under grace means we don’t fight our battles alone. We live with the confidence that God is for us, helping us—even when we stumble. Grace reminds us that our identity isn’t found in our failures, but in Christ’s victory.
Shining Lights
“This week, as the sky lights up with celebration, may we be reminded that our lives can shine too. Not with noise or flashes, but with a light that points people to Jesus.”
