Thoughts from the Edges

Tag: bible

  • WHAT CHRISTMAS CHANGED – Following Jesus as a expectant Shepherd from the Edges.

    What CHRISTMAS CHANGED – Pastor Calvin Cook – December 26, 2025 Taking some time to realize, pray about and receive what the birth of Jesus changed. All through the Advent and into the Christmas season, there has become a realization for me what has to change. Not just in our own lives, but in the…

  • Returning to …….

    Returning to Bethlehem Pastor Calvin Cook December 24, 2025 Scripture reference – Luke 2:3–7 (NLT) “All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census…” Joseph had a reason to return to his ancestral home, it wasn’t because he wanted to, he had to. The Gospel of Luke tells us that because Joseph…

  • What Jesus Brought US

    Here Is What the Birth of Jesus Brought Us From the heart of Pastor Calvin Cook December 23, 2025 I have been writing and thinking on this morning’s devotionals. Writing its words in the recesses and for fronts of my very being. It has been almost like a daily exercise of knowing, realizing, accepting and…

  • PAUSED BY GOD –

    Paused Pastor Calvin Cook December 21, 2025 Scripture – Be still and know that I am God – Psalm 46:10 I have been sharing that this year’s Advent season is different. This year because I have tried to focus on the deeper meaning of Advent, there has been something different. Something about the pace, the…

  • CALLED ! Are you answering?

    Called by God Pastor Calvin Cook December 19, 2025 Scripture: “But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.’” – Luke 1:30 “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife…” – Matthew 1:20 There is something sacred and humbling about…

  • Is God still Speaking? Are We still Listening?

    IS GOD SPEAKING? Pastor Calvin Cook December 18, 2025 Is God still speaking to us personally? Are we hearing what God is saying? Are we following God’s direction? I believe with all my heart that God is still speaking. Recently, as I’ve walked with people going through some heavy and painful days, I’ve found myself…

  • A Better Way – A Better Presence – The way Forward through it all

    A Better Way A Better Presence Pastor Calvin Cook December 17, 2025 In my nighttime devotions I was drawn to the familiar scripture often referred to in times of trouble from Isaiah 43. “But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: Do not fear, for…

  • JOY IN THE MIDST OF SUFFERING –

    Joy in the Midst of Suffering Pastor Calvin Cook, December 16, 2025 The last few weeks have been a very interesting time for me. From dealing with some of my own physical, mental, and spiritual battles while trying to understand the why, has brought me to the place I and all of us need to…

  • FOUND – What once was lost now is found and there is great rejoicing.

    Found Pastor Calvin Cook December 12, 2025 Here in the Allegheny National Forest, with it’s lake, streams, forest, hills, and valleys, it is not unusual to hear of hunters, backpackers, hikers, wilderness voyagers getting themselves turned around and losing their way. When we hear that someone is missing, there is always that sinking feeling that…

  • Are You and Jesus Buddies – Some thoughts from a real conversation.

    Jesus is My Buddy – Pastor Calvin Cook December 12, 2025 Scripture – John 15:14-15 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I…