By Pastor Doug Cox

“Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end.” Hebrews 3:12-14 NKJV

“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25

Last week the Big Boy steam locomotive pulled into Evanston as part of its 2026 “Heartland of America” tour. The first time I saw it was in 2021 when it came through town as part of the 150^th anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad completion.

I have to admit I was more excited to see it the first time than I was the second and not because the engine was any less powerful and impressive. Seeing the steam coming out the sides and hearing its majestic whistle are still jaw droppingly amazing. It’s just that sometimes we don’t appreciate things as much when we are familiar with them.

I remember the first time this massive engine came I made sure I was there to see it up close, as it steamed its way into town. The second time I saw it from a distance only after it was disconnected from its load. The first time I made sure I was there to watch it steam and whistle its way out of town. Then I drove along the side road taking video all the way to the Utah state line. This year I was satisfied with just hearing the whistle from the house.

Now that Easter and the celebration of Jesus resurrection is behind us it is important for us to stay excited about Him and involved in His works. I can’t treat Jesus and the things of God like I did the Big Boy, as an observer. We are not called to be observers of Jesus but obsessed with Him.

We are to be active partakers of His grace determined to do His will. That means we must keep the water of His word and Spirit in our minds and hearts so we can have Spiritual steam. We are to be encouraging others about His amazing and powerful love and keep connected. We must keep our hearts in check and make sure we don’t get off track through the deceitfulness of sin. Lord, please help us all avoid the enemy of apathy so we can be ready for Your coming in the clouds.