When the World Feels Cold
I’ve really grown to dislike cold weather. I still remember that snowstorm a few Sundays ago—the snow falling thick and heavy, the roads slick, and my truck refusing to start. I sat there in the biting cold, turning the key again and again, feeling frustration rise with every failed attempt. It hasn’t always been that way. I used to enjoy winter—skating, sledding, and the crisp air. But as the years pass, my tolerance for the cold seems to fade. There is, however, one part of winter I still enjoy: sitting inside by a warm fire. When the warmth surrounds me, the cold outside loses its power. In fact, there’s something peaceful about watching the snow fall from a place of warmth and safety.
In many ways, our world feels just as cold. I hear people share their concerns often—a world that seems increasingly hostile to truth and dismissive of God. We see pressures mounting, even attempts to silence the preaching of the whole counsel of God. It would be like telling a doctor he is not allowed to give an honest diagnosis, only comforting words while ignoring the disease. That makes no sense physically, and it makes even less sense spiritually. Truth matters, especially when eternal souls are at stake.
Yet even in a cold world, the believer is not left shivering in the dark. The Light of the world lives within us. While truth may be resisted and darkness may seem loud, the warmth of Christ’s presence steadies our hearts. This does not mean we ignore the coldness around us or retreat from sharing the Gospel. Rather, it means we serve with hope instead of fear, confidence instead of despair. It may be cold outside, but the fire of His love burns brightly within. Let us walk gently, courageously, and faithfully—carrying His warmth into a world that desperately needs it.
When the world grows cold toward truth, the believer must stay close to the fire. Guard your heart through daily time in God’s Word and prayer, because spiritual warmth comes from abiding in Christ. Stand for truth with grace rather than anger, confidence rather than fear, remembering that people frozen in darkness need the steady warmth of the Gospel, not harsh words. Do not let the chill of the culture discourage you—God has called you to faithfulness, not comfort, and the fire He has kindled in your heart is more than enough to shine and warm the world around you.
"As for God, his way is perfect; The word of the LORD is tried: He is a buckler to all them that trust in him." — 2 Samuel 22:31
Daily Scripture Reading
Join us as we read through the Bible in one year, growing together in God’s Word day by day. Click on any underlined verse to access Pastor Burns’ helpful study notes and deeper insights.
Exodus 21-22
(Exodus 22)
Matthew 27:51-66
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This Week's Radio Program
Week Eleven • March 15, 2026
Trusting God in the Storms (Pt. 2)
Storms don’t schedule appointments. One moment the sun is shining, the next the wind is howling and everything feels out of control. In this message from Mark 6, we walk with the disciples into a very real storm on the Sea of Galilee — tired, rowing hard, and making little progress. The wind was contrary. The night was long. And Jesus was not in the boat… at least not yet.
But what they did not realize was that while they were fighting the storm, Jesus was watching from the mountain. He saw them toiling. And in the fourth watch of the night — when strength was gone and hope was thin — He came walking on the water. When they acknowledged Him, everything changed. The storm ceased. The fear faded. The destination was reached.
Most of us know what it feels like to row against contrary winds — burdens, opposition, uncertainty, exhaustion. Proverbs 3 reminds us that storms reveal what we’re leaning on. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” The question is not if storms will come — Isaiah 43 says when. The question is: Who are you trusting when they do?
In this message, we explore three powerful truths: a reliance upon God, a recognition of His presence, and a rebuke against trusting our own wisdom. Calm does not come from better rowing — it comes from Christ in the boat. Join us as we learn how to put all our weight down and trust Him fully, even when the winds are strong.