Berea Update for February 20, 2026
Much of life around us can feel loud and unsettled. Even the natural world reminds us of that—last night there was wind, thunder, and driving rain that rattled on my bedroom window. And yet, many of us know the quiet beauty of early mornings, when the air finally calms, when nothing is moving, and when stillness feels like a gift. Scripture often draws our attention to moments like that—not because silence is somehow magical, but because stillness helps us remember who is truly in control.
This Sunday, we will not be in the book of Mark because a special service has been planned for Pastor Miller's farewell from Berea. For that reason, we are pressing pause this week on our Mark devotionals—not to disengage, but to slow our hearts before the Lord. This week's devotional is designed to help us practice stillness before God. The Bible repeatedly invites God’s people to stop striving, to quiet their souls, and to rest in His presence. Stillness is not escape; it is trust. It is choosing to anchor ourselves in who God is rather than being carried along by the noise around us. The readings this week are intentionally simple and reflective. They are meant to draw our attention upward, not outward—toward God’s nearness, His peace, and His sustaining care. These passages remind us that God often meets His people not in the whirlwind, but in quiet confidence, steady trust, and unhurried dependence. As you move through the devotions, consider allowing a few moments of literal stillness as well—perhaps in the morning, before the day begins to stir.
My prayer is that this week’s devotional would create space for rest. In a world that constantly pushes us to react, respond, and resolve, Scripture invites us first to be still and know that the Lord is God. May these reflections help settle your heart, sharpen your focus, and renew your trust in the One who remains steady when everything else feels in motion.
Upcoming Events
1. As mentioned, this Sunday a special service is planned to recognize Pastor Miller and Jeannette's farewell from Berea Bible Church and honor his years of ministry here and in other churches. Ken Dady will be joining us as a guest speaker, and there will be a reception with light refreshments after the morning worship service.
2. Two Sundays ago, we handed out Ministry Service Guides and sign up sheets for everyone to take home and prayerfully consider how they might serve here at Berea. This is something that everyone in our church family needs to do, regardless of whether they are young or old, member or attendee. Even if you've done this in the past, you still need to do it this year, as we reset ministry teams each year to include new faces, and remove those who would like to move into a different area of ministry within our church. Please bring back your orange half sheets this week, and if you weren't here, or didn't pick one up, please do that this week! We really want to have all forms turned back into the office by the end of this month. Please know that we'd much rather have individual conversations with each of you about how you can serve, however, for efficiency, we've chosen to do it this way! Our hope is that it doesn't offend, but rather, allows you to indicate your interest in serving in a variety of capacities. It's also important to note that just because you sign up for something, doesn't mean you'll be automatically added to that ministry. That ministry's leader will contact you to inform you that you've been added to that group. We want to make sure all individuals have an opportunity to serve, so we prefer to divide up roles to allow the most number of people to be connected with the things going on at the church!
3. Attention College and Young Adults! You are invited to join us TONIGHT (Friday, February 20) at 6:00 PM at Locust Hills Golf Club (5575 N. River Rd. Springfield) for an evening of golf, games, and great food! We hope you choose to join us for this fun evening of fellowship together. Make sure you invite a friend!
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. Speaking of getting a workout, Rev&Flow happens each Tuesday and Friday morning in the Family Life Center at 9:00 AM. This hour long workout is a great way to get your day started! We'd encourage you to come enjoy this time of fellowship and movement together! Contact Cierra Phillips if you have any questions.
6. Norma Hayes, our beloved "Lady in Purple" went home to be with the Lord peacefully in her sleep on February 13. A memorial service will be held here at the church on Saturday, March 7 at 1:00 PM in the Family Life Center. You are all invited to attend as we remember Norma's legacy of faith in the Lord, and share the Gospel with those in attendance.
Ways You Can Pray This Week
1. Pray for our nation! Pray that the Lord might raise up strong and courageous believers that might speak truth in the public square!
***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 Invites His People to Stillness
Psalm 46:10 (ESV): “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Stillness is not passivity; it is intentional trust. Scripture presents stillness as a posture that acknowledges God’s sovereignty. When circumstances are noisy and emotions run high, stillness re-centers the heart on who God is rather than what is happening. God does not require His people to solve everything before resting in Him.
Reflection Question: What would it look like for you to practice stillness before God today?
Day 2 — God Meets His People in Quiet Places
Mark 1:35 (ESV): “And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.”
Jesus regularly withdrew from public spaces to commune with the Father. Quiet was not an escape from responsibility, but a source of renewal. Scripture reminds us that spiritual strength is often formed away from crowds and conversations. God meets His people where distractions are fewer and attention is focused.
Reflection Question: Where can you intentionally create quiet space to meet with God?
Day 3 — God’s Presence Calms the Anxious Heart
Isaiah 26:3 (ESV): “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”
Peace in Scripture is not the absence of trouble but the presence of trust. God promises steadiness to those who fix their minds on Him. Anxiety thrives when attention is scattered; peace grows when focus is centered. Trust is not denying difficulty—it is choosing where the heart rests.
Reflection Question: What has been occupying your thoughts most, and how can you redirect them toward the Lord?
Day 4 — God Carries What We Cannot
Psalm 55:22 (ESV): “Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.”
God does not ask His people to carry every weight indefinitely. Scripture repeatedly invites believers to hand burdens over to Him. Sustaining grace flows where burdens are released. God’s faithfulness is not dependent on our strength but on His promise.
Reflection Question: What burden do you need to consciously place into God’s care today?
Day 5 — God’s Word Re-centers the Soul
Psalm 119:105 (ESV): “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
When clarity feels elusive, God’s Word provides steady guidance. Scripture does not always illuminate the entire road, but it faithfully lights the next step. God’s people are not called to see everything ahead—only to walk obediently in the light they are given.
Reflection Question: What is one truth from God’s Word that can guide your next step?
Day 6 — God Is Near to the Weary
Matthew 11:28 (ESV): “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Jesus’ invitation is personal and compassionate. Weariness is not a failure; it is a human condition. Christ offers rest that reaches deeper than physical relief—rest for the soul. Coming to Him requires honesty, not composure.
Reflection Question: In what ways do you need Christ’s rest right now?
Day 7 — God Is Worth Waiting On
Psalm 27:14 (ESV): “Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!”
Waiting in Scripture is active trust, not resignation. God calls His people to patience rooted in confidence. Strength and courage grow as believers entrust timing and outcomes to Him. Waiting becomes worship when it is anchored in hope.
Reflection Question: Where is God asking you to trust Him with timing rather than outcomes?
Kids (and Kids at Heart) Korner
Knock, knock.
Who’s there?
Still.
Still who?
…
Exactly.
(pause, let it sit—maximum effect) :)
Have a great weekend! Hope to see you Sunday!
Mark