Christ Stood His Post. Can We?

 

A long time ago, the city of Pompeii was buried in an instant when Mount Vesuvius erupted. The disaster was sudden and terrifying. When archaeologists later uncovered the city, they found people in all kinds of places—some huddled in cellars hoping for safety, others upstairs in their homes. But one man was found in a very different spot. 

The Roman sentinel was still standing right at the city gate where his captain had placed him. His hands were still gripping his weapon. While the earth shook violently beneath him and waves of hot ash and cinders rained down, he never left his post. There he remained, faithful to the very end. And a thousand years later, that’s exactly where he was found. 

Friends, as a retired military guy, that story always moves me deeply. In the middle of chaos, one man simply did what he was asked to do. He stayed where he was supposed to be. I know from my own years of service how rare—and how powerful—that kind of faithfulness really is. 

The Apostle Paul gives us a similar charge in 1 Corinthians 16:13-14:  

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.  Let all that you do be done in love.” 

This is God’s gentle but firm reminder to us today. Life shakes us—through worry, disappointment, cultural pressure, health struggles, or just the everyday grind. It’s tempting to run for the nearest “cellar,” to hide, to pull back, or to look for an easier way. I know, because I’ve felt it too. But Paul says: Stay alert. Stand firm. Be brave. Be strong. 

And do it all in love. 

Think about Jesus for a moment. He knew exactly what was coming—betrayal, mocking, a cruel cross. Like the soldier, he could see that volcano coming. The earth would shake there too, literally. Yet He stayed at His post. He didn’t run. He didn’t hide. He did His duty out of perfect love for you and me. He held firm until the very end… and then rose victorious. 

So here’s the quiet, heart-stirring question for all of us: 

Christ stood His post. He did His duty. Can we? 

Whatever “post” God has placed you at right now—loving your family well, serving in your workplace with integrity, staying faithful in your quiet prayers, caring for someone who’s hurting, or simply refusing to give up on your faith—will you stand there with courage and love? 

You don’t have to be perfect. You just need to be faithful. And the good news? You’re not standing alone. The same Captain who placed you there is right with you, and He will give you everything you need to hold your ground. 

Let’s be those kind of people—faithful until the end. 

Hey, if you’re in the Black Hills area and looking for a warm, Bible-based church family, we’d love to have you with us at Black Hills Church. Come worship with us — you can find service times, events, and more at blackhillscoc.org. 

- Charlie 

Pour It Out First: The Risky Faith That Brings Living Water

 Hey there,  

You know how old-fashioned water pumps work? The kind you still see in some rural areas or old movies. Before the pump will bring up any water, you have to “prime” it first — you pour a little water down the top to create suction. No priming, no water. 

There’s an old story about a man crossing the desert back in pioneer days. He was dying of thirst when he came across an old pump next to an abandoned shack. Right beside it was a jug with just enough water in it, and a note attached. 

The note said: 

“There is just enough water in this jug to prime the pump, but not if you drink any first. This well has never gone dry — not even in the worst times. Pour the water in the top, pump the handle hard, and then refill the jug for the next person who comes along.” 

Imagine being that thirsty man. What would you do? 

Would you play it safe and drink the little bit of water you have? Or would you pour it all out in faith, trusting the note was true? 

That moment — choosing to pour out the water before you get any back — is a perfect picture of the kind of faith the Bible talks about. Real faith means staking everything on God’s promise, even when you can’t see the outcome yet. 

This is exactly what James is talking about in the New Testament when he says, “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:17, 26). James tells us that genuine faith isn’t just believing something in your head. It’s faith that does something. It’s faith that acts. 

Just like the man had to pour out the water before he could drink, our faith is proven when we step out and trust God — even when it feels risky. It’s not faith or works — it’s faith that works. 

God often calls us to that same kind of faith today. Maybe it’s forgiving someone who really hurt you. Maybe it’s giving when your own budget is tight. Or stepping into something new even when you’re not sure how it’s going to work out. Real faith pours out first, trusting that God’s well never runs dry. 

If this story stirs your heart, you’re not alone. We’d love for you to join us at Black Hills Church in Rapid City, SD. You can learn more and find service times at blackhillscoc.org. 

Charlie 

When Fear Looms: The Easter Bells That Saved a Town

On Easter morning in 1799, terror gripped the small Austrian town of Feldkirch. Nestled in a peaceful valley, villagers woke to a frightening sight: thousands of French soldiers under General André Masséna, part of Napoleon’s invading forces, had appeared on the heights above them. Sunlight glinted off weapons and armor as roughly 18,000 troops looked down on the defenseless town. The Austrian army was far away, and Feldkirch had little hope of military defense. 

Panic spread quickly. The town council met in emergency session. Fear filled the room as leaders debated their options. Some suggested immediate surrender. Others spoke of futile resistance. Hopelessness hung heavy—human strength had clearly failed. 

Then an old man of the church stood up. Calm and resolute, he declared, “My brothers, this is Easter Day! We have been reckoning on our own strength, and that fails. Let us turn to God. Ring the bells and have services as usual, and leave the matter in His hands.” 

His faith was contagious. The council agreed. Instead of preparing for battle or waving white flags, the people chose celebration. 

Soon, the church bells rang out—joyous, triumphant peals honoring the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The sound carried across the valley and up the hills. Streets filled with worshipers in their Sunday best, hurrying to church as if it were any other Easter morning. No one cowered indoors. They praised the risen Lord. 

High above, General Masséna and his troops heard the unexpected ringing. They saw the carefree crowds moving about the town in bright clothing, seemingly unconcerned by the massive army poised to strike. The French commanders concluded that the Austrians must have received strong reinforcements during the night. Those bells, they reasoned, were signaling fresh troops or calling the people to arms with new confidence. 

Convinced they now faced a superior enemy, Masséna ordered a swift retreat. The French army broke camp and withdrew. Before the Easter service even concluded, the heights were empty. The town was saved without a shot fired—all because one man called God’s people to trust and worship on the day of resurrection. 

This beloved story, passed down in Christian literature since the late 1800s, may include some legendary embellishments around the real events of the Battle of Feldkirch during the Napoleonic wars. Yet its spiritual truth rings clear: when fear looms large and human solutions run out, faithful praise to the risen Christ can change everything. 

Think about the first Easter. The disciples faced their own overwhelming despair. Their Master had been crucified. The tomb was sealed. Hope seemed dead. But on the third day, the women found the stone rolled away and the grave empty. Angels declared, “He is not here; he has risen!” (Luke 24:6). Fear turned to joy as they encountered the living Jesus. 

Like the people of Feldkirch, the early followers could have hidden in panic. Instead, they proclaimed the resurrection boldly. That same power is available to us today. 

What “army” threatens you this Easter? A health diagnosis, financial pressures, relational brokenness, or deep doubt? In those moments, it’s tempting to rely on our own strategies—planning, worrying, or surrendering ground. 

But Easter reminds us that our greatest victory has already been won. Jesus conquered the grave. Because He lives, we can face tomorrow with confidence. When we choose to “ring the bells”—to worship and declare God’s goodness even when circumstances look bleak—fear often loses its grip. 

The apostle Paul captured this triumph: “Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? … Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). So this time of year, when the world celebrates his resurrection, don’t let fear silence your praise. Ring out the good news: Christ is risen! He is risen indeed. Leave the battle in God’s hands. You may discover, like the villagers of Feldkirch, that the enemy has already retreated in the presence of resurrection joy. 

May your heart overflow with that same Easter hope. He who conquered the grave is still at work in our lives today. 

He as risen, just as he said… 

Charlie