Vineyard Church | Weekly Update November 26th, 2025

Hello Vineyard Family! Happy day before Thanksgiving! Join me for a moment as I consider the dipstick…

I found myself curious about dipsticks last week, which led me down a Google rabbit trail. First, a word of caution: if you decide to repeat my research, be very intentional with your search parameters. Trust me; especially if you are at work.

With that PSA out of the way, here’s what I discovered: the modern dipstick, the handy little tool we use to check the oil level in our vehicles, was invented in 1927. Much later than I expected. You’d think early humans would’ve figured out the whole “stick-in-the-barrel” technique shortly after discovering barrels. But for the sake of this extremely nonessential research project, we shall accept 1927 as the dawn of the dipstick era.

Just as fascinating (and slightly encouraging) is the fact that the first recorded instance of one human calling another human a “dipstick” was also in 1927. That escalated quickly. So why the deep dive into dipstick history? Great question.

Because this weekly blog post… is a dipstick. Every now and then, it’s wise to check the levels to see whether this form of communication is helpful, meaningful, or about as effective as checking your oil with a pretzel stick.

To get the most accurate reading, I need your input. If you’re someone who reads these midweek updates and devotionals, would you take a moment and respond to a few questions?

• Are these posts helpful in connecting you to the church and our Sunday teachings?
• Are there things you’d like to see that would make them more useful or engaging?
• Are there books of the Bible or particular topics you’d love to see make it onto our teaching calendar?
• Would shorter or longer posts serve you better?
• Are there spiritual practices or themes you’d like us to explore together?

Your feedback helps us know whether we're running full, running low, or bone dry and overdue for an oil change. Speaking of oil changes, consider this scripture with me this week:

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” Psalm 139:23–24

This, in many ways, serves as the original spiritual dipstick… a simple, honest invitation for God to show us how we're really doing. In a season that will soon gain intensity and drain our reserves of time and energy, taking a moment to gauge where we are in the midst of the bustle.

A word of caution; “point out anything that offends me” must be read in the context of our relationship with God and His love for us. The things that would offend God have everything to do with relationship, with our posture towards God and others that bear His image. Jesus confronts things that offend in a way that is healthy for us to recall… In the Gospel accounts of His life, Jesus points out sin as an invitation into forgiveness and restoration.

Religion, and religious leaders are the only ones ever to use pointing out sin as a mechanism of control. We ask this searching, dipstick question not to be condemned, but to be invited into the arms of the Father that loves us, forgives us, and restores us.

A Prayer for the Middle of the Week

Lord Jesus, as we pause in the middle of our week, help us slow down long enough to check what’s happening beneath the surface. Show us where we’re running low on grace, patience, courage, or hope, and refill us through Your Spirit.

Guide our church family as we discern together how to grow, how to listen, and how to follow You more faithfully. Lead us on the path that brings life for us, for our church, and for our community.

Amen.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving; and shoot me an email with your responses at [email protected] 

Adam Greenwell
Lead Pastor
Vineyard Church
www.billingsvineyard.org