Spotlight

encouragement from eric

Devotional: “We all have battles”

Hello Maple View Family,

I hope you all have been enjoying our “Super Blockbuster: Heroes of the Faith” series. As I have been studying the different figures of the Bible we have been looking at, I keep thinking about how we all have battles and struggles. When someone isn’t a Christian, or when they first become a Christian, they believe that their worldly suffering will end. But if you ask anyone who has been a Christian for a length of time, they will tell you that isn’t the truth.

John 16:33 tells us that “ In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” The book of Job deals with battles and suffering, and shows us that human suffering is often more complex than human beings can understand, but it also shows that peace is found not in having all the answers, but in trusting the God who does. This has led me to meditate on James 1:2–4: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

In these verses, James tells Christians to count trials as pure joy, knowing that testing produces steadfastness, and to let steadfastness lead to complete spiritual maturity. This echoes the words of Paul from Romans 5:3-4: “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”

James 1:2–4 and Romans 5:3–5 share a similar message that God uses trials and suffering to grow our faith and produce spiritual maturity. James teaches that Christians should view trials as opportunities for joy because testing our faith produces endurance, which helps us become complete and mature in Christ. Similarly, Paul explains that suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope. Both passages remind us that difficulties are not meaningless; God can use them as tools to strengthen our relationship with Him.

As Christians, these verses encourage us to trust God when life is difficult. Trials may not feel good in the moment, but they can shape us into people who are more faithful, patient, and dependent on God. Our struggles do not mean God has abandoned us; instead, they can be evidence that He is working in us. Because our hope is rooted in Christ and God’s love, we can face hardships with confidence, knowing that He is using every challenge to help us grow and become more like Jesus.

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us through Your Word that our trials are not wasted. Help us to see the challenges we face not as things that defeat us, but as opportunities for You to strengthen our faith and grow us closer to You. When we experience struggles, give us the patience to endure, the courage to trust You, and the wisdom to see how You are working in our lives.

Lord, help us remember that our hope is not found in our circumstances, but in Jesus Christ and the love You have shown us through Him. Shape us, deepen our faith, and help us become more mature followers of Christ. May we face every trial with confidence, knowing that You are with us and that You are using every season to accomplish Your good purposes.

It is in Your precious and holy name I pray, amen.

Eric Vance

Lead Minister

MV Teens

Hello Maple View family.

July was a VERY busy month for us in MV Teens. We had a great time with “The Great Outdoors” as we headed to Ace Adventure Water Park. It was a wild day of fun and fellowship where we grew closer to God and each other.

We also headed to Townsend, TN with some of the Maple View Young Adults for a Mission Trip with Just Help One. This was an amazing and transformative event. I saw growth in myself, our teens, young adults, and even the other adults that went with us. This was truly a highlight of the year, and it was amazing seeing our teens learn new skills, grow in confidence in themselves, and most importantly grow closer in relationship with the Lord.

On Sunday mornings, we are continuing to walk through the book of Romans. Our prayer is that the book of Romans gives students a solid foundation for understanding the Christian faith. Romans answers some of the biggest questions teenagers ask: Who is God? Why do we need Jesus? What is sin? How are we saved? What does it mean to follow Christ every day? As students work through Romans, they will discover that the gospel is more than just a message about getting to heaven; it's the power of God to transform every area of life.

Wednesday nights in August means the return of “Destination Unknown”. This has become a great MV Teens tradition, and always helps to build relationships and get kids excited for and back in the groove of Wednesday night service.

Barb & Danny Hazelwood continue to do a great job with fun, interactive, and relevant Sunday night lessons. The kids love them, but I think they may love the kids even more. They are truly filled with joy while sharing the joy of the Lord with the students.

As summer ends, the fall is looking great, even if the kids do have to go back to school. We pray that we, along with you parents, are equipping the MV Teens to be shining lights of Jesus in their schools, on their teams, and with their friends. Please join us in praying for them as the school year draws close.

In Christ,

Eric Vance,

Lead Minister, Maple View Church of Christ

MV kids

MV Kids Ministry Update

It’s hard to believe summer is almost over and Back to School is right around the corner! July was packed full of fun with pool trips, water games, movie outings, popsicles, and lots of time together making memories. It’s been such a joy to watch our kids play and build friendships while learning more about God’s love.

This month, we especially want to celebrate Sarah Clarke on her baptism! We rejoice with Sarah and her family as she made the most important decision of her life by giving her heart to Christ. Please continue to encourage and pray for her as she begins this exciting new chapter of her faith journey.

As we look ahead, we’re getting ready for our final swimming trip of the summer before shifting gears into a new season. We’re excited for Level Up! to kick back off on Wednesday nights later this month, and we can’t wait to see what God has in store for our children and families in the months ahead!

Thank you to everyone who prays for, encourages, and serves our children. Your investment in the next generation is making an eternal difference, and we are so grateful to partner with you in helping our kids grow in Christ.

In Christ's love,

Rebecca