The Bighorn Mountains tower over the town of Sheridan, Wyoming, like a guardian, standing firm, unwavering, forever watchful. And so beautiful, so beautiful it makes you want to cry. It pulls from within you emotions you didn’t know you had. The grandeur that is the Big Horn mountains makes you feel secure, knowing that whatever may happen in the world around you, the mountains will always be available for sanctuary, peace, security, an immovable place of refuge. Sheridan is lucky to be able to have such a wondrous place so close. 

I was reminded that our hope in Jesus is exactly that. A sanctuary of peace and security in this failing world. Our guardian, unwavering in his love for us, forever watchful, so beautiful it makes you want to cry. “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2 ESV.

I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 121:1-2 ESV

As I continue my travels across Wyoming, visiting the Assembly of God churches, I was welcomed with friendship and genuine gladness from the congregation at First Assembly of God-Sheridan. You can read more about the church on their website here. I realize now, that when I visit these new-to-me churches, I may come across as a curiosity at first, taking pictures of the building and selfies inside the sanctuary. It’s not the best first impression when entering a church for the first time. Nothing says conceited like a selfie, but I wish to capture every moment and share with you, friends, an authentic church service so you will be encouraged to attend. “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” Psalm 133:1

So, picture me if you will, phone in hand snapping pictures, recording videos, smiling at my phone for a selfie…I wouldn’t blame anyone if they retreated back, bewildered at my unchurch-like attitude. This was far from the case at the First Assembly of God-Sheridan. I was immediately greeted upon entering the sanctuary and offered coffee as introductions were relayed around the tables at the back of the room where the congregation was gathered for fellowship before service. I felt so much warmth from these strangers I could immediately see myself falling into easy friendships with each one.

When introductions were complete, I had a chance to survey the sanctuary. It was so beautiful I could cry. The steeple-like ceiling is adorned in a rich wood, the beams made of the same wood, exposed, making the room feel tall and wise, the past sermons swirling above, the wisdom of the Word seeping into the wood and radiating beauty. Simple yet elegant light fixtures adorned with a cross hang in each corner giving the room a soft glow. At the end of the room is the stage with a false window at the top inlaid with a cross and a back-light of blue. Below is a cut-out in the wall, with a mountain decal made of metal, hanging on the wall behind. I’m told the building, erected in 1968, was built by the grandfather of the worship leader. How amazing to have such a talented constructor in your family. The rest of the sanctuary is arranged in a typical church fashion with rows of chairs facing the stage. The woodworking of the ceiling steals the show, purposefully I believe, to draw your eyes up toward heaven and raise your hands in praise to God. 

Service begins at 10:15am and Pastor Brad Good starts with morning announcements. There are many weekly fellowship gatherings one can get involved with, along with volunteer opportunities including participation in the Fishes and Loaves food pantry ministry. After announcements is prayer and worship. The worship team is amazing and you can hear the adoration for God in their musicianship. I was quite touched by the short message the worship leader shared with us this particular Sunday. It’s amazing how the Holy Spirit shows up in places and people unexpectedly, but it was something I needed to hear and of course God always knows how to best reach us.

After worship, Pastor Good began his sermon on a study in the book of Daniel. If you’ve never read the book of Daniel it is fascinating, and includes stories of miraculous intervention from certain death, end of the world prophecy, exact dates of Jesus’ death, and so much more. If you are looking for a thrilling read, the Bible has so many block-buster worthy stories. History is so riveting! Pastor Good is a great preacher, he brings humor and honesty into his words making him trustworthy and knowledgeable.

Daniel can be a heavy book to read, there is much struggle and heartache throughout Daniel’s prophecies. “ ‘…And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book.” Daniel 12:1 ESV. Pastor Good’s sermon didn’t focus on the depression and heartache of the coming woes of this world, instead he said the book of Daniel ends with hope and joy.  Yes, we will go through struggles. And it will hurt. But we can have hope in these three truths from the book of Daniel.  First, humanity’s suffering is limited. God is in control, evil will never win. Second, the resurrection is eternal. We can live in the fallen world, deal with the sufferings at hand, because we know that Jesus died for us and rose again. He has conquered death and we can choose to repent of our sins and follow Him into all of eternity where there will be no death or suffering. Finally, the power of the Holy Spirit is available. When things get rough, when we need help, we have the power of the Holy Spirit available to lean on and follow. We can share this great news with the nations and the Holy Spirit will be with us every step of the way. That is a joyous ending indeed. If you’d like to see the whole sermon it is live-streamed here. 

You see, as Pastor Good put it, we can stand firm in this knowledge knowing that our suffering is limited. That if we put our faith on Christ, then this worldly end is really just the beginning. And like the unmoving Bighorn Mountains towering over Sheridan, we can stand firm in our faith that God is in control. It’s an ending so beautiful it makes you want to cry… happy tears of course.

If you live in Sheridan or are passing through on a Sunday, I encourage you to attend First Assembly of God-Sheridan. Your soul will be well fed and you’ll meet a new friend or two. 

Selfie-Pastor Brad Good and I