Berea Update for January 30, 2026
Last weekend’s snowstorm brought everything to a standstill. Roads disappeared under layers of snow, routines were disrupted, some schools have been closed all week, and the bitter cold reminded some just how vulnerable we are when warmth is taken away. Whether it was bundling up to step outside, keeping an eye on the furnace, or simply longing for the comfort of home, we were all very aware of our need for warmth.
All of this got me thinking about how often the Christian life can feel the same way. There are seasons when hearts grow cold, discouragement settles in, or faith feels distant and fragile. Just as we instinctively draw near to a fire or seek shelter from the cold, God invites His people to draw near to Him for spiritual warmth, comfort, and renewal. That thought became the foundation for this week’s devotional below. My prayer is that over the next seven days, you’ll be encouraged to draw closer to the Lord and experience again the warmth of His presence, His Word, and His promises.
If you need a place to get warm, we'd love to have you all join us at church on Sunday morning. There are several events going on during and after the morning worship service! After having a week away from everyone, it will be good to come together again as a church family and worship our great God!
Upcoming Events
1. This week, Pastor Miller will finish his short series from the book of Ecclesiastes called "Passing the Torch." This week's message is called "Remember Your Creator" and will be drawn from Ecclesiates 12. We will also be partaking in the Lord's Supper together as a church family.
2. Attention college students and young adults! Because of the snowstorm last weekend, the lunch has been rescheduled for this Sunday, February 1 after the morning worship service, here at the church. All are welcome for a time of food and fellowship!
3. There will also be a worship team meeting this 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!
4. 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've had good turn outs, but would love to have you join in the fun! If you have any questions, please contact Mike Greenwood.
5. We utilize ROCK to send out important updates about service changes, upcoming events, and even notification about this blog. The recent snowstorm serves as a good reminder to encourage all of you to make sure you either have a ROCK profile, or you have up to date contact information in ROCK. To make sure everything is up to date, you can log into your account, or you can call the office, and we can confirm your information. If you'd like to be added to the ROCK database, please contact the office, and we'll make sure you're added!
6.
Attention Berea Youth Group (Grades 7-12)! There are a couple of events coming up that you need to remember! First,
the Youth Group Super Bowl Party will be on Sunday, February 8 from 6:00-10:30 PM at the home of Will and Anna Stephens (6001 Springfield Jamestown Rd.). Come for a fun night of football, fellowship, and food! Also, the
Youth Group Winter Retreat to Scioto Hills will be happening Februrary 20-22. The last day to register is February 11. Contact Wes or Michele Stephens for more information. To register, click here:
Youth Winter Retreat Registration When you register, please use code: BEREASTDNT26 to pay the reduced cost of $50 per camper.
7. As announced and stated over the last couple of weeks, 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 Pastor Miller and Jeannette, along with Mike and Bonnie Dantzer, as they will be headed to the Philippines next week. Pastor Miller will be teaching at Word of Life in the Philippines, and they will all spend time there and in the surrounding area.
2. Pray for continued wisdom for our leadership as we continue to work through details surrounding the building project and staffing needs.
3. Pray for our community, and the various needs in Springfield and Clark County. Pray for our leaders and public service employees!
4. Pray for all those impacted by the extremely cold weather. This is very difficult on many individuals! Pray for protection for those out working in the cold!
***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 Draws Near to Warm His People
Psalm 73:28 (ESV): “But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.”
Cold weather has a way of changing our habits. We stay inside more, draw closer to sources of warmth, and instinctively seek shelter. Scripture tells us something similar is true spiritually. When life feels cold—through discouragement, weariness, or uncertainty—the safest and wisest place to be is near God. The psalmist does not say it is merely helpful to be near God; he says it is good. Nearness to God is not based on circumstances or emotions but on relationship. God invites His people to draw near, not because we are strong, but because He is our refuge. True spiritual warmth comes not from self-reliance or distraction, but from dwelling close to the Lord who sustains us.
Reflection Question: What have you been turning to for comfort instead of drawing near to God?
Day 2 – A Fire That Reveals God’s Holiness
Exodus 3:1–6 (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. And Moses said, 'I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.' When the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, 'Moses, Moses!' And he said, 'Here I am.' Then he said, 'Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.' And he said, 'I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God."
When Moses encountered the burning bush, he saw something extraordinary—a fire that burned without consuming. This was no ordinary flame; it was a revelation of God’s holy presence. Before God spoke about deliverance or direction, He revealed His holiness and called Moses to approach with reverence. God’s holiness is not meant to push us away but to remind us who He is. His presence warms, illuminates, and transforms, yet He remains utterly pure and set apart. Drawing near to God requires humility and awe, recognizing that the warmth of His presence is both comforting and convicting. When we remember who God truly is, our worship deepens and our trust grows.
Reflection Question: How does remembering God’s holiness shape the way you approach Him in prayer and worship?
Day 3 – A Fire That Guides Through the Darkness
Exodus 13:21–22 (ESV): "And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people."
As Israel journeyed through the wilderness, God did not leave them to find their own way. By day He led them with a cloud, and by night with a pillar of fire. The fire provided light, guidance, and reassurance that God was present even in the darkest hours. Often, God’s guidance does not remove uncertainty, but it does provide direction step by step. The warmth of God’s presence reminds us that we are not walking alone. Even when the path ahead is unclear, God faithfully leads His people according to His perfect timing and wisdom.
Reflection Question: Where do you need to trust God’s guidance instead of relying on your own understanding?
Day 4 – Hearts Made Warm by the Word
Luke 24:32 (ESV): "They said to each other, 'Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?'”
The disciples on the road to Emmaus were discouraged and confused, yet as Jesus explained the Scriptures, their hearts began to burn with renewed hope. God’s Word has a way of warming cold hearts by revealing truth, restoring joy, and pointing us back to Christ. Spiritual coldness often comes from distance—distance from Scripture, prayer, and fellowship with God. When we consistently open God’s Word, we allow Him to speak life into weary souls. Scripture doesn’t just inform us; it transforms us, rekindling love for Christ and confidence in His promises.
Reflection Question: When was the last time God’s Word stirred your heart and strengthened your faith?
Day 5 – Rekindling a Fading Fire
2 Timothy 1:6–7 (ESV): "For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."
Even strong believers can experience seasons where spiritual passion fades. Paul’s encouragement to Timothy reminds us that God has already given what we need to remain spiritually alive and bold. Through the Holy Spirit, God supplies power, love, and self-control. Rekindling spiritual fire often requires intentional action—returning to prayer, Scripture, fellowship, and obedience. God is faithful to renew hearts that seek Him. A fading fire is not a failure; it is an invitation to return to the source of true warmth.
Reflection Question: What steps can you take this week to intentionally rekindle your walk with God?
Day 6 – The Refining Warmth of God’s Work
Malachi 3:2–3 (ESV): "But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord."
Fire is not only a source of warmth—it is also a tool of refinement. God uses trials and challenges to purify His people, removing what hinders spiritual growth. Though refining seasons can feel uncomfortable, they are always purposeful. God’s refining work is never destructive; it is loving and intentional. He patiently shapes His people so that their lives reflect His character. When we trust Him in difficult seasons, we can rest knowing that His work is producing lasting fruit.
Reflection Question: How might God be refining your faith through your current circumstances?
Day 7 – Living as Lights in a Cold World
Matthew 5:14–16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Those who have been warmed by God’s presence are called to bring light and warmth to others. Jesus reminds us that believers are lights in a world that often feels dark and cold. Our words, actions, and attitudes can reflect the hope and love of Christ. As we draw near to God, His light naturally shines through us. We do not generate the light ourselves; we reflect the warmth we’ve received. Living faithfully means allowing God to use us as instruments of encouragement, compassion, and truth in the lives of others.
Reflection Question: Who might God be calling you to encourage or comfort this week?
Kids (and Kids at Heart) Korner
Q: Why did the fire get in trouble at school?
A: Because it kept burning its homework.
Have a great weekend! Hope to see you Sunday!
Mark