| Date: |
Wed Mar 10 07:56:44 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Three days ago, 500 Christians in three different villages near Jos, Nigeria, were massacred. Militant Muslims attacked the villages, killing wantonly. Pregnant women, children and the elderly were among the victims. The people were killed with machetes and knives. The act of violence was supposedly a retaliatory strike perpetrated by attacks on Muslims in January. However, the wrong people were targeted.
This is the most recent in the long history of persecution Christians have faced. It is a horrifying reality for some that aligning yourself with Christ may mean your life. We sometimes are lulled into thinking that things are getting "better" with regard to the treatment of Christians, and then an event such as this takes place which jolts us into reality. For many, taking a stand for Christ is signing a death warrant. It is hard for us who do not face persecution like this to understand violence. Living where we live means the most persecution we might face for our beliefs is being the object of jokes or other forms of derision. Of course, this assumes that others even know about out beliefs.
In Luke 6:22, we read the statement of Christ, "Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man." We need to pray for our brothers and sisters who live in environments where being a Christian is a hazardous position. Be grateful we are not where they are, but pray always that if we ever have to face this kind of evil, we will be able to remain as strong as they were. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Mar 9 07:28:09 2010 |
Today's Commentary
I remember having to buy a snow shovel during my first winter here in Illinois. Now, I was not unaccustomed to snow. I grew up in Ohio and had snow all of my life. However, I had lived for four years in Dallas, Texas, prior to moving here with my wife and my infant daughter. I had made my purchase and was walking down the street. A reporter from the local newspaper saw me and asked if he could take my picture. He knew we had just moved here from Dallas, and I told him we hadn't shoveled much snow down there - one two-inch snowfall was all we had during our time in Dallas. So, he thought this was a news-worthy picture, and I made the paper.
If I had still been living in Dallas this winter, I wouldn't have much to brag about regarding having little snow. Dallas has received more snow this year than our area here in Illinois - including one that measured 12.5 inches. I cannot imagine being there when they had that much snow. They are not equipped to deal with this - it was totally unexpected.
We often face unexpected events in life that we are ill-equipped to deal with. Financial setbacks, illnesses, tragedies, and loss of loved ones are just some of the events that fall into this category. These events throw us "off track," and cause us to make adjustments in our lives we had not planned to make. What can we do? Well, being aware of these possibilities moves the events from the "unexpected" to the "unplanned" category. Developing an awareness of the possibility of unforeseen circumstances helps. Secondly, we can look to others for encouragement and advice during these times. Finally, and most importantly, God is there for us during the unexpected. Job certainly did not expect to face all of his trials. Yet, in the midst of his coming to grips with the reality of the events that had transpired, he proclaimed, "I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes--I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!" (Job 19:25-27)
Facing the unexpected is part of what we do in our lives. Remember when you face an event that you had not foreseen, you are not alone. God walks with you, and he will never leave your side. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon Mar 8 07:49:36 2010 |
Today's Commentary
John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress was published in February of 1678. This book has been translated into many languages and was the best selling book for a couple of centuries - not just a couple of years. Bunyan entered the ministry at the age of 29 but was later jailed for preaching without a license. He was imprisoned for twelve years on this charge, released, then imprisoned again for another six months. Finally, the authorities quit bothering him. Bunyan, like the main character of his book, Christian, never wavered from the path he was pursuing. He intended to please God with his life and with his ministry, regardless of what others thought of him.
Standing up for Christ sometimes has consequences. Over the centuries, countless thousands have found that out. Many today are finding this out. Standing firm for him has consequences. What kind of effect did Bunyan's life and work have? Well, the words of Benjamin Franklin penned almost a century after Pilgrims Progress tell us. In his autobiography, Franklin wrote, "My old favorite author, Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress...has been translated into most of the languages of Europe, and suppose it has been more generally read than any other book, except perhaps the Bible." Bunyan was able to have this effect because, in spite of the consequences he faced, he stood firm.
John Bunyan was convinced of the words of the Apostle Paul found in I Corinthians 15:58, "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." We need to be convinced of this as well.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun Mar 7 07:59:39 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Sometimes people just rub you the wrong way. Maybe they are critical of you when you are trying to do your best to get a job accomplished. Maybe they are overly demanding and have unrealistic expectations. There are just some folks you just can't seem to please. How do you respond to these folks? You realize there are many different personalities and give thanks for the variety we encounter in life. Learn to appreciate and even show love to those who seem destined to bring your grief.
Paul spoke of folks with whom he had struggles and were unappreciative of his ministry. He refers to some of his critics in II Corinthians 10:10, "For some say, 'His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing.'" Paul continued to minister to these folks as best he could. Paul understood the wisdom in Abraham Lincoln's words long before Lincoln was around, "You can please some of the people all the time, and all the people some of the time, but you can't please all the people all the time."
When you encounter folks that just don't seem to appreciate you, focus on those who do. Ask God for wisdom and help to show love to those who irritate you. This isn't an easy thing to do, but God can and will supply grace for us to do things that are difficult.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Mar 6 08:33:36 2010 |
Today's Commentary
So you think you are having a bad day? I heard a story once about a runaway forest fire that was threatening a housing development in southern California near the Pacific coast. When the fire was finally extinguished, a mystery surfaced. A body was found in the middle of the burnt out woods. What made this a mystery was that the person had on a wet suit and had suffered severe traumatic injuries. How could this be? After some investigation, it was determined that the person had been diving in the ocean nearby. To fight the blaze, helicopters with large drop buckets attached had been flying from the ocean to the blaze. They would scoop water from the ocean and drop it on the blaze. Yes - you probably have solved the mystery. The person found in the forest had been picked up in a bucket and deposited in the blaze. It was determined that he had actually drowned before the fall from the bucket.
Sometimes we are overwhelmed by circumstances that come together at once to create a difficult experience for us. What do you do when you are having a bad day? Focus on the Lord and his provision. Let his direct your steps. Talk to him about what is going on and stop for a moment to allow God the time to bring peace to your heart. As we rely on him, he can lift us above the circumstances that confront us and give us what we need to bring order into our chaos. He is there and he will provide. Psalm 73:26 tells us, "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." God is there - he will provide.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Mar 5 08:34:32 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Hola from Peru!
Wish I could have gotten this out sooner but it just didn't happen. All is going well here - we have seen over 400 people in 3 days. We have also seen decisions for Christ in that time. We have gone through a lot of medicine.
I look forward to being back and telling you the details of this experience. We are having a challenging and humbling time. Continue to keep us in your prayers. There are 8 people on the team. Of course, two of them are my brothers and one is my neice, Hannah, so we are getting along just fine.
Dios te bendiga!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Mar 5 07:48:03 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Last summer we went to Scotland to visit our youngest daughter who was living there at the time. It was a marvelous trip. We rented a car in Edinburgh and drove to the Isle of Mull, off the west coast of Scotland. Driving in Great Britain is different from here as everything is opposite. You drive on the left side of the road, the steering wheel in the car is on the right, you shift with your left hand. What this requires is constant thought. You need to think about things that, for the most part, have become "second nature." You have to look at things from a different perspective; you need to look at the driving experience from the point of view of the British people.
Looking at things from a different perspective often has positive benefits. Of course, when it comes to my example above, looking at things from a different perspective is absolutely crucial. If you try to drive the way you have always driven, you can cause big problems. This can be a vital exercise in conflict resolution - looking at things from a different point of view. If you are having a disagreement with someone over some issue, take some time to give the issue some thought from the point of view of the other person. To put it simply, put yourself :"in their shoes." We sometimes resist doing this, stubbornly holding on to our ideas and thoughts while refusing to consider alternatives. In many instances, this can be as problematic as if we were to refuse to drive differently in Britain than we do here. It may be just as dangerous as well.
Are you having a disagreement with someone? Have you tried to look at the issue from their point of view? In many instances, doing so can help you go a long way towards resolving the conflict. Try driving "on the wrong side of the road." This may actually be the right thing to do. Settling disputes is a good thing to do. Proverbs 18:19 speaks of the harm conflicts can cause, "An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel." Do what you can to open the gates by giving some thought to the other side.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Mar 4 09:29:13 2010 |
Today's Commentary
What kind of an impact are you making on your world? Now, I didn't say on the world at large, but your world, your "sphere of influence." Not many of us have the opportunity to do something that affects the world at large, but sometimes folks do. Take Billy Sunday, for example. Billy Sunday was a professional baseball player in the 19th century, playing for the Chicago White Sox and the Philadelphia Phillies. He was converted after hearing some Gospel singers in Chicago and attending services at a local mission. He preached his first sermon on February 17, 1889. Following this, he began to preach to larger and larger crowds throughout his 46-year ministry. The area where he perhaps made the greatest impact was his use of radio, which was a fledgling industry during his ministry. His energetic use of radio was so flamboyant that the Federal Communications Commission was created in response. The FCC still controls the airwaves today in the United States. That is certainly making an impact.
We may not have the opportunity to make such an impact that a federal agency is created in response to our efforts, but we still can make a difference in the lives of people where we are. What can you do? Look around - who is it that needs to hear the message of God's grace? Ask God for ideas and thoughts to help you make an impact for him. You have an opportunity to touch peoples' lives in strong ways. Making the most of these opportunities is up to you. Paul was aware of how his life could impact others and so he said, "even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ (I Corinthians 10:31-11:1)." Set a good example with your life and in this way make a positive impact on those around you.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Mar 3 08:44:43 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Armand-Jean du Plessis, known better as Cardinal Richelieu, was the power behind the throne of King Louis XIII. He was a skilled political stategist that helped France become a major power in Europe. Some may consider him ruthless, he was nonetheless a powerful figure that did much good as well. According to some historians, one thing he did very well was express himself. He could be quite gracious in his speech and had a way with words that allowed him to sound warm and accepting even when conveying bad news. According to one account, an individual sought a position from Richelieu knowing full well he would be told no simply to hear Richelieu's eloquent and gracious denial.
Something we need to consider is not just what we say but how we say it. It is possible to sound angry even when we are not. Our voice inflection can convey messages we really don't mean, but are communicated nonetheless because of how we speak. Proverbs 15:1 reminds us, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." We need to not only watch what we say, but how we say things. We may not be like Richelieu and cause people to want to hear us even when we are telling them "NO!", but we can still be gracious with our words.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Mar 2 09:11:14 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Franklin's Lost Expedition was a doomed British voyage of Arctic exploration led by Captain Sir John Franklin that departed England in 1845. The intent of the trip was to traverse the last uncharted section of the Northwest Passage. Franklin was a veteran of Arctic expeditions, so what happened on this trek was hard to explain. All 129 crew members perished after the two ships became ice-bound. It took almost 150 years to piece together what actually happened, but one of the main contributors to the tragedy was extremely poor preparation. The ships did not have nearly enough coal for the trip, a large library had been taken along that used precious space where food stores should have been, a cut-rate outfitter won the contract for supplies and stocked the ships with poorly soldered cans of food that led to spoilage and also lead poisoning.
We marvel at the short-sightedness of this venture that led to great loss. Yet there are many who are failing to prepare for the eventuality of all of our lives - moving from this existence into eternity. Unless you have prepared for this by accepting God's provision of his Son, Jesus Christ, you will find yourself unprepared and unable to enter God's presence. We are told in Scripture so many times of the need to make this important preparation so that our lives will be spent with God in eternity when our life here is over. Matthew 16:26 tells us, "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?" We must be prepared. We need to accept God's provision - he is certainly not a cut-rate outfitter.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon Mar 1 07:17:50 2010 |
Today's Commentary
When my girls were little, we used to play the game "I Spy." I would imagine you have played it as well. You know how it goes. One person says, "I spy something that you don't see, and the color is . . ." The object is to guess what the person has "spied," given only the color as a clue. Both of the girls were rather adept at this game. It helped to pass the time, especially as we would be waiting during visits to the doctor.
Christ would often play a form of "I Spy" with his disciples. For example, listen to his statement to them after the feeding of the multitude: "Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, 'You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? Do you still not understand? Don't you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? How is it you don't understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.' Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees (Matthew 16:8-12)."
Christ wants to teach us things, but sometimes we fail to see his hand at work. Don't overlook things he wants you to see! Ask God to give you eyes to "see" Christ's hand at work in both the extraordinary events and in the everyday events where he is involved. If you pay attention, you will see him working where others see nothing.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun Feb 28 07:39:19 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Once again, a tremendous tragedy has struck our planet. An 8.8 magnitude earthquake hit Chile last night and has caused widespread devastation and claimed many lives. Of course, we have no idea how many deaths have occured, and probably won't for days to come. I have been in contact with a pastor friend here in our hometown who is from Chile. Thankfully, he has heard from most of his family; however, the damage is almost indescribable.
There is nothing that can be done to prevent such events from taking place. We need to acknowledge the reality that such events do happen and will continue to happen until God steps in and starts the process of transforming the earth. We do know that day will take place, we just don't know when. II Peter 3:10-13 tells us, "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness." This passage tells us that at some point, a more devastating event than an 8.8 earthquake will occur. The reason for this, however, will be to take the earth from where it is now to where God wants it to be. When will this happen? We don't know, but we do now there are some others things that will take place first, too many to address in this article. The point is, we need to be ready. The preparation for this eventuality involves putting out lives in Christ's hands. Giving him your heart is the step of preparation for what is to come. Making this move brings us a peace of heart, as well as peace of mind. With our lives entrenched in the hands of our God, we can exude the confidence of the Psalmist we find in Psalm 46:2-3, "Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging."
Confidence in God gives us courage no matter what may come. That's good to know especially since we have no idea what may come. Faith in God gives a sure foundation on which to firmly stand.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Feb 27 08:03:37 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Well, the Olympics are coming to an end. Soon all the events will be over and we will have to wait another four years for the next Winter Olympic specatacle. The United States has done fairly well, and is in a position to be first in the overall medal count. We will just have to wait to see. The athletes have trained hard for their competitions, and now will continue to train for other competitions in other venues. Train is the operative word here. Every person who participated in these games trained for their respective competition. One would be foolish to think that you could enter an Olympic contest and do well without any training. To compete well, you need to train.
Most of us understand this, yet fail to realize that training is a necessary exercise when it comes to our spiritual development as well. At our church this past Wednesday, we were studying this reality of the Christian life. John Ortburg of Willow Creek Church gives a definition of training - "Training is arranging my life around an activity or activities that enable me eventually to do what I cannot do right now by direct effort." We know it is unrealistic to think we could enter an Olympic competition without training and do well. We should realize that without training, we will not do well in our spiritual lives either.. So, we need to arrange our lives around activities that will enable us to do what we need to do spiritually. Ortburg gives the example of using solitude, silence, and intentionally doing things more slowly, like driving in the slow lane of traffic, to help us develop patience. We can extend this spiritual exercise to other areas of our lives to help us to grow and thrive spiritually.
The apostle Paul speaks of the importance of training in I Corinthians 9:24-27, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." To run well, one must train. To live well, one must train. Take the time to arrange things to train the way you should. Your life will be enhanced and God will be honored. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Feb 26 07:32:04 2010 |
Today's Commentary
I really dislike stale vegetables - you know what I mean - vegetables that have been around a little too long and have lost their crispness, their flavor, their freshness. Limp lettuce, celery or carrots are just not good. They don't look good, taste good, or smell good. They have lost many of the characteristics that distinguish them as vegetables.
Unfortunately, this can happen in our spiritual lives. We can lose our crispness, our flavor, our freshness. We can lose many of the characteristics that distinguish us as Christians. When we allow bitterness, selfinshness, or impatience to take over, or if we became critical of others, we obscure that which sets us apart as followers of Christ. Stale vegetables have little appeal. Stale Christians have little appeal as well. We need to display the "fruits of the Spirit" in order to be appealing "vegetables." Paul speaks of these in Galatians 5:22-23, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." As we focus on the fruit of the spirit, we find we can retain our freshness and appeal. In this way, we show the attractiveness of following Christ.
Shed your staleness - retain your appeal! We want to be fresh and appear fresh to show the fruit that comes from following Christ! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Feb 25 07:07:28 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Well, it happened again. We serve dinner at our church on Wednesdays. Nothing fancy, but it gives folks a night off from cooking and helps us with our families and our youth and teen programs we have on Wednesdays. Now, back to my opening sentence - you are probably wondering what happened again. We ran out of food. The BYF of the church was serving again Wednesday night and we ran out of food. This happened the last time the BYF served. We just get more people than expected and, well, it really is a good problem. Now, a quick trip to the store took care of the issue. No one went away hungry. It really is a problem at the time, but a good problem that is solved by using some wheels.
Aren't you glad that God doesn't run out of grace? Running out of food is one thing. It is mildly problematic. However, if God were to run out of grace - oh, I really don't want to even think about that. However, this is an impossibility. God is not limited as we are. God is not short-sighted as we are (we should have known we would need more - we saw it happen before!). God doesn't have to run to a store to try to find some substitutes. God has a limitless supply. What a wonderful thought. What an message of assurance. God told Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness (I Corinthians 12:9)." We may run out of tacos, but God will never run out of grace.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Feb 24 07:46:30 2010 |
Today's Commentary
I don't know if you have been watching any of the Vancouver Olympics, but if you have, you might be familiar with Apolo Anton Ohno. Ohno is a short-track speedskater for the United States with an unusual training move he uses just before a race. He yawns. I mean, he REALLY yawns. Many folks who see him do this mistakenly think he is showing boredom. Those who think this are jumping to the wrong conclusion. Folks yawn when the brain needs more oxygen. Ohno does this intentionally to get more oxygen to his brain just before he bursts into action on the short track. This helps him to be sharper in his performance. For Ohno, it must do something because he has won seven medals making him the most decorated U. S. winter Olympian ever. When you have all the facts about Ohno's behavior, it makes sense.
We need to avoid jumping to wrong conclusions when we observe something we don't understand. Perhaps you have been on the receiving end of someone who jumped to a wrong conclusion about something you did, or something they thought you did that you actually didn't do. Maybe you have been the one who jumped to a wrong conclusion. Either way, you know the problem here. Bloggers had a heyday with Ohno. And all he has done is won medals. Maybe you won't win any medals, but avoiding erroneous snap judgments can make your life a little easier and more enjoyable. Making sure you have all the facts before reaching a conclusion makes sense.
We also need to avoid jumping to conclusions when it comes to our relationship with God. For example, we should not presume that God's silence means God is ignoring us. God never does anything in our lives without purpose. We need to remember this, especially at times when we aren't totally clear which direction God wants for us. Patiently waiting for God to roll back the curtain and reveal what he wants for us makes sense. Ecclesiates 7:8 tells us, "The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride." Patience is also better than jumping to the wrong conclusion. Wait until you know before wading into troublesome waters! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Feb 23 07:38:40 2010 |
Today's Commentary
I would imagine you have heard the saying, "A chain is only as strong as its weakest link." An interesting historical illustration of this involves the Great Wall of China. The massive wall stretches for 1,500 miles. It is 12 to 40 feet wide and 20 to 50 feet high. The wall was too high for the enemy to scale, too thick to tear down, and too long to go around. It was built, repaired, and rebuilt over many years. The intent was to protect the population of China from barbaric invaders. Yet, during the first 100 years after its completion, China was invaded three times. How? The invading armies bribed a gatekeeper and simply marched right in.
The strength of a church depends upon the strength of the people who make up the church. We need to remember this, and realize our responsibility as part of a larger body to do all we can to keep from being the "weak link" in a church body. Weak links manifest in many ways - creating strife, acting out in ways that hurt the testimony of the church, failing to keep commitments to serve. These are all ways one can be a "weak link."
Do all you can to grow in God's grace. Remember as part of the church of Christ, you can either make postive contributions that enhance the church, or negative contributions that hurt the church. Don't be the gatekeeper who accepts bribes. The results are not pleasant. Ephesians 6:10 encourages us to "be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might." No weak links! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon Feb 22 07:19:09 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Today is a gray day, yesterday was a gray day. This type of day is not unusual for this time of year. Some forecasters call the number of gray days a region can expect during the winter season "the gloom index." Some folks even experience seasonal affective disorder because of the gloomy days.
There are other factors which might cause a "gloom index." Consider the experiences of Paul and Silas in Philippi. You can read about this in Acts 16. They were roughed up when they healed a girl of a spirit that allowed her to see the future (vss.16-19); they were hauled before a court (vs. 20-21); they were stripped and beaten (vs. 22); they were thrown into prison and had their feet put in stocks (vss. 23-24). Any of these experiences could cause a significant "gloom index." However, Paul and Silas didn't let these things put them "under the weather." After all of this, they sang! Verse 25 tells us, "About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them." They were able to rise above their circumstances and change their environment. They were able to do this because when the times were gloomy, they looked at the sunshine beyond the gloom. They knew that the clouds covering the sun were only temporary - the sun was stll there, and it would indeed reappear. And their actions had an affect on others who were in jail with them.
We can rise above our circumstances and overcome the gloom by remembering the presence of the Son. He is still there for us even though his presence may be obscured by the clouds of our circumstances. Rely on his presence, focus on his provision, remember his promise, "Never will I will leave you, never will I forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5). Doing this will help you overcome "the gloom index." |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun Feb 21 07:12:41 2010 |
Today's Commentary
David asked a very important question about 3,000 years ago, "How long, O Lord? Will you be angry forever? Will your jealous wrath burn like fire?" (Psalm 79.5). As we go through this season of Lent, let's remember that Easter is the once-for-all-time answer to this question. Jesus took our place on the cross to appease God's righteous anger. He went alone to be punished: separated from God and deserted by his friends. The drama of how this happened is the story of Lent. ... Before the Resurrection comes crucifixion; before crucifixion comes prosecution; before prosecution comes betrayal, doubt, fear, rebellion, and sin.
As we journey through this season of Lent, let's remember our part in Christ's passion (suffering). Let's never forget it was for us Christ died, it was because of our sin. Take some time to reflect on this over the next six weeks as we approach the holiest day in the calendar of the Church. Take some time to reflect on our weakness and our inability to please God apart from Christ. Take time to reflect on the fact that we, like his disciples, would likely have fallen asleep as Jesus prayed for deliverance in the garden, and, also, that we would likely have denied knowing him as he silently accepted his death sentence. Take time to reflect upon that Christ, in spite of all of our sin and shortcoming, gave his all for us. Christ answered the question of God's wrath - make sure you let him answer that question in your life. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Feb 20 10:21:24 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Adoniram Judson was unable to sleep. The groans of a man in the next room in the inn where he was staying were keeping him awake. The man was dying, and Judson was troubled. Troubled not only by the circumstances, but by his own thoughts. "Is the man prepared to die?" "Is he a Christian?" "Where will he spend Eternity?" He was troubled with these thoughts because he had forsaken the Christian upbringing of his pastor father and his godly mother and became a deist, largely because of a friend he met while at college. Now, confronted with the sounds of a dying man in the next rooom, he began to question this decision. The next morning he was told the man had died. When he learned the man's identity, he was shaken to the core of his being. It was his college friend who had influenced him to convert to deism. This experience led him to embrace Christianity and affirm his faith in Christ. What took place in the rest of his life is nothing short of amazing.
On February 19, 1812, he and his wife sailed from New England to India. They intended to be missionaries there, but were prevented from landing in Calcutta by the British East India Tea Company. They were diverted to Rangoon, Burma, and the rest, as they say, is history. Judson would live the rest of his life in Burma. He started churches, founded schools, made plans for a hospital, mastered the difficult Burmese language, translated the entire Bible into Burmese, and taught thousands of students. He endured many difficulties - the loss of a child, imprisonment for two years when accused of being a British spy, and the loss of his dear wife, Ann. He persevered through these difficulties with tremendous results. At the time of his death in 1850, there were 63 churches, 210 ministers, and over 7000 believers. A survey by the British government twenty years after his death showed that one our of every fifty people in the country was a Christian,, over 210,000.
I hope it does not take such a traumatic event to motivate you into service for Christ. Not all of us can be a Judson, but we can still show others the way so that when the time comes to leave this life, they will not have the uncertainty that Judson did during the time of the death of his friend. Judson's life certainly epitomized the words of John 12:25, "Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life." Let us live for Him who died for us. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Feb 20 10:17:27 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Adoniram Judson was unable to sleep. The groans of a man in the next room in the inn where he was staying were keeping him awake. The man was dying, and Judson was troubled. Troubled not only by the circumstances, but by his own thoughts. "Is the man prepared to die?" "Is he a Christian?" "Where will he spend Eternity?" He was troubled with these thoughts because he had forsaken the Christian upbringing of his pastor father and his godly mother and became a deist, largely because of a friend he met while at college. Now, confronted with the sounds of a dying man in the next rooom, he began to question this decision. The next morning he was told the man had died. When he learned the man's identity, he was shaken to the core of his being. It was his college friend who had influenced him to embrace deism. This experience led him to embrace Christianity and affirm his faith in Christ. What took place in the rest of his life is nothing short of amazing.
On February 19, 1812, he and his wife sailed from New England to India. They intended to be missionaries there, but were prevented from landing in Calcutta by the British East India Tea Company. They were diverted to Rangoon, Burma, and the rest, as they say, is history. Judson would live the rest of his life in Burma. He started churches, founded schools, made plans for a hospital, mastered the difficult Burmese language, translated the entire Bible into Burmese, and taught thousands of students. He endured many difficulties - the loss of a child, imprisonment for two years when accused of being a British spy, and the loss of his dear wife, Ann. He persevered through these difficulties with tremendous results. At the time of his death in 1850, there were 63 churches, 210 ministers, and over 7000 believers. A survey by the Briish government twenty years after his death showed that one our of every fifty people in the country was a Christian,, over 210,000.
I hope it does not take such a traumatic event to motivate you into service for Christ. Not all of us can be a Judson, but we can still show others the way so that when the time comes to leave this life, they will not have the uncertainty that Judson did during the time of the death of his friend. Judson's life certainly epitomized the words of John 12:25, "Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life." Let us live for Him who died for us. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Feb 19 07:50:41 2010 |
Today's Commentary
In electronics and electrical circuits, there is a little component known as a resistor. The purpose of this component is to "resist" the electrical current to make sure the right amount of current is flowing through the circuit in a consistent way. This protects devices and keeps things functioning the way they should. Without these parts, the current could be erractic and potentially harmful to the device that is using the electrical energy to perform a task. A good resistor keeps the energy flowing the way it should. A bad resistor allows harm to come to the device by either impeding the flow of energy too much, or allowing too much energy through.
We need good resistors in the church. We need folks who have the temperament and the wisdom to allow the energy to flow the way it should. We need folks to recognize the danger of harmful decisions and proposed changes without impeding the decisions and changes that are necessary and helpful. This is having and using the gift of wisdom, or another word I think fits is discernment. Paul speaks of having the gift of wisdom in I Corinthians 12:8, "To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom." In Psalm 119:125, the psalmist asks for discernment, "I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes." In Proverbs 3:21, a father tells his son, "My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight."
We need to be this way as much as we can. If we recognize we have a shortfall in this area, make sure you work with and listen to those who seem to be good "resistors." There are times when we need the voice of reason. Let's pray that we are good resistors. Let's pray that God will provide us with good resistors. They know the best way to take "charge." |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Feb 18 08:12:30 2010 |
Today's Commentary
One of the things we learn in life, or should learn in life, is how to handle disappointment. Lindsey Jacobellis can certainly tell you about disappointment.. Lindsey is one of the top women's snowboarders in the world. At the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, she was 50 yards ahead of her nearest competitor in the race for the gold medal in a snowboard event. On the last jump, she attempted a maneuver common in snowboarding but crashed, losing out on any hope of a medal. Just yesterday, history repeated itself as Lindsey went off the course in a snowcross event and was disqualified. In the interview after the race she said, "I feel OK, though," Jacobellis said. "Sometimes you can’t control the things you want to." This is a true statement, and something important for us to remember as we face life's disappointments. If you say you haven't faced a time of disappointment, well, just hang around for a little while. It will happen.
What should you do when disappointment comes? First, acknowledge what happened and why it happened. If it was something you couldn't control, make a bit mental note. Don't push it away. Secondly, take a step back and get your breath. You don't want to make a major decision when you are wrestling with a disappointment. Thirdly, consult and talk with close friends and family about what happened. Finally, not chronologically but as the most important step in dealing with disappointment, allow God's grace to bring peace to your heart. God does care for us, and he is there for us when we struggle with any issue. This certainly includes disappointments. Isaiah 49:23 tells us, "Then you will know that I am the LORD; those who hope in me will not be disappointed." We will face disappointments in life. God will help us when we are struggling with disappointment. We can rest assured we will never be disappointed with God. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Feb 17 08:09:51 2010 |
Today's Commentary
I have always been fascinated by the inner workings of a thermostat. How is it that the little box on the wall determines if the furnace (or the air conditioner) needs to be activated to bring the temperature in the room to the desired level? There are many people who understand the science behind this far better than I. It has something to do with a bimetallic strip expanding and contracting with the change in temperature and closing a switch which activates the furnace or air conditioner. I just know that when the thermostat is working properly, it makes my life a little bit more comfortable. Now we have digital thermostats that are more accurate, as well as programmable thermostats that have even more control over the climate of a location. It's just nice to not have to turn something on or off to change the environment of a room or house.
The basic thing that makes the thermostat work is it is constantly sensitive to the change in temperature. Being constantly "aware" of this, adjustments are made to make things work. Of course, the thermostat is made up of parts that don't really "think," but are able to sense what is going on so changes can be made.
I think this would be a good thing for us. We need to be constantly aware of what is going on so that we can make changes when necessary. We need to be aware of what is taking place within us so that changes can be made in order for us to do what we should. This is especially true when it comes to the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He is there to guide us, and we need to make ourselves aware of his presence and be sensitive to his presence so that when he indicates a change is needed, we follow his lead. To me, an important word here is "constant." As the thermostat is in constant contact with the air around it to sense when a change is needed, we need to be in constant contact with the Holy Spirit in order to know when he is indicating a needed change. How do we do this? Awareness is the first step. Simply making yourself aware of the Spirit's presence and acknowledging your relationship with him is a key factor. Then, when you sense his movement, being willing to obey is a second step. Unlike the thermostat which has no will of its own, we do have a will of our own that can interfere with the work of the Holy Spirit. We need to do all we can to "make the Holy Spirit more comfortable" by being obedient to his direction. Paul says in I Thessalonians 5:19, "Don't put out the Spirit's fire." If we do, we can become very cold. Don't allow this to happen. Remain sensitive to his presence and his guidance. This will make our lives more comfortable as well. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Feb 16 08:19:53 2010 |
Today's Commentary
I need to make a correction to yesterday's devotional that was based on an assumption I didn't take the time to corroborate. I have assumed for years that the original intent of President's Day was to honor both Washington and Lincoln. The third Monday in February falls conveniently between the two dates of their actual births, so, it's for both of them, right? Well, not exactly. Upon further research, I have found that President's Day was actually established to commemorate Washington's birthday. This day has been a federal holiday since 1885. Washington's Birthday was observed by the nation even before Lincoln was born, and the correct title of the holiday even today is Washington's Birthday. In 1968, the day was moved to the third Monday in February, but still as a commemoration of Washington. That it became a day to honor both presidents is really an unofficial designation, and actually has been elevated in the public eye through retailers' ads. Those of us who assume it is for both presidents are correct in spirit but technically wrong.
This shows you the danger of assumptions. We sometimes make too many of them. We can even do this with God when we get in our minds how we think God should act and how he should respond in given circumstances. We assume things that may not be correct and assume actions that may not happen. Then, when things don't go the way we assume, we are disappointed and sometimes even angry. We need to be careful about assuming anything, especially with God. We need to realize that God knows what he is doing and sometimes will do things differently than we think they should be done. In Isaiah 55:8-9, he reminds us, "'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the LORD. 'As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.'"
The best thing for us to do is to honor God by trusting him and not making assumptions that aren't based in what we know of him from the Scripture. We need to avoid unrealistic expectations that are based on incorrect assumptions. We need to let him be in control. In this way, we honor him. Making incorrect assumptions about President's Day is not all that big a deal. However, making incorrect assumptions about God can be a big deal. Honor God by letting him be in charge. And we should do that even if it isn't President's Day.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon Feb 15 08:40:08 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Today we celebrate the birthdays of two of the greatest, if not the greatest, presidents of our nation. As you know, Abraham Lincoln's birthday is on February 12, and George Washington's is on February 22. In 1968 our leaders combined the two, put it on a Monday, and gave us (well, some of us) a three-day weekend. There are some obvious differences in the two men - Washington came from a wealthy background, Lincoln did not; Washington received formal educational training, Lincoln did not; Lincoln was not a soldier, Washington was. They also shared a number of other similarities. They both grew up in an agricultural society, they were two of our tallest presidents (Lincoln is actually the tallest president we have had), they both lost a parent at an early age, they both lived in areas that were not states at the time, and they both were elected to two terms. Of course, Lincoln was assassinated before serving his second term. To me, the greatest comparison involves when they were president. They were president at different times. However, a similarity exists. Even as Washington was president during the birth of our nation, Lincoln was president during the re-birth of our nation. They were both president at a time when strong leadership was sorely needed, and they both proved themselves to be up to the task at hand.
Another similarity is that they both realized their dependence upon God. In the concluding paragraph of his first inaugural address, Washington said, "Having thus imparted to you my sentiments as they have been awakened by the occasion which brings us together, I shall take my present leave; but not without resorting once more to the benign Parent of the Human Race in humble supplication that, since He has been pleased to favor the American people with opportunities for deliberating in perfect tranquillity, and dispositions for deciding with unparalleled unanimity on a form of government for the security of their union and the advancement of their happiness, so His divine blessing may be equally conspicuous in the enlarged views, the temperate consultations, and the wise measures on which the success of this Government must depend."
Lincoln, as he was departing Springfield for Washington, said, "Today I leave you; I go to assume a task more difficult than that which devolved on General Washington. Unless the great God who assisted him, shall be with and aid me, I must fail. But if the same omniscient mind, and the same almighty arm that directed and protected him, shall guide and support me I shall not fail, I shall succeed. Let us all pray that the God of our fathers may not forsake us now."
As we observe their birthdays, let us also observe their examples of faith. Let us be similar to them in this regard. Let us realize, as did Lincoln, "Unless the great God. . .shall be with and aid me, I must fail." Philippians 4:13 tells us, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." This is what we need to remember on this President's Day.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun Feb 14 08:06:23 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Today is St. Valentine's Day, and has been since Pope Gelasius declared it to be a day of feasting and celebration in the fifth century. It was meant to honor the memory of a third century cleric, Valentine, who was martyred because of his Christianity and his opposition to Emperor Claudius. The first association of Valentine's Day with romantic love was on Valentine's Day in 1415 when Charles, Duke of Orleans, sent a note of love to his wife while a prisoner in the Tower of London. This is considered to be the first Valentine card.
Henry Drummond was a 19th century scientist and teacher who was educated at Edinburgh University. He published the definitive work on tropical Africa at the time. He also published a work called "The Greatest Thing in the World" based on Paul's teaching about love found in I Corinthians 13. Paul writes, "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love (vs. 13)." This is what Drummond wished to emphasize in his address. Love is the most important thing in the world, and demonstrating love to others should be uppermost in the mind of the Believer. Drummond writes, "Kindness is love active. Have you ever noticed how much of Christ's life was spent in doing kind things and in merely doing kind things? Run over it with that in view and you will find that He spent a great proportion of His time simply in making people happy, in doing good turns to people. There is only one thing greater than happiness in the world, and that is holiness; and it is not in our keeping; but what God has put in our power is the happiness of those about us, and that is largely to be secured by our being kind to them."
Focus on the greatest thing in the world - love. Concentrate on how you can make love active in your life by doing kind things for those around you. This is the greatest way to display the greatest thing. And there is no greater day to do this than on the day devoted to love - St. Valentine's Day. Happy St. Valentine's
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Feb 13 09:24:14 2010 |
Today's Commentary
What did you have, or maybe what are you going to have, for lunch today? As I think about lunch, I am reminded of a funny thing that happened on a youth retreat a few years ago. We had taken the youth of the church to a youth conference in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. It was approaching the time to leave for the evening activities. I thought about the fact that the kids hadn't eaten yet. So, I thought I would order pizza, as many of the pizza shops were offering specials to the conference attendees. Well, when we all got together, some other adults in the group had the same idea, and they had ordered pizza from another pizza shop. We had at least twice as much pizza as we needed for all the youth group members. Needless to say, we didn't go hungry that night. We didn't go hungry the next day either. I don't think many of us ate pizza for awhile after that trip.
The overabundance of pizza reminds me of the little boy's loaves and fish in the Bible. I would imagine you are familiar with the story, found in John 6:1-14. Christ fed a crowd of perhaps 10,000 or more with what a boy had brought for lunch - five loaves of bread and two fish. We marvel at this, and we know Christ's disciples really didn't think it would be enough at the time. Read the words of verses 8 and 9, "Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up, 'Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?'" How far, indeed. Far enough to feed everyone and have twelve baskets left over.
This miracle goes to show what Christ can do when things are left in his hands. I have often wondered what folks were thinking as they saw the food keep coming from what was available when they started. I have often wondered what must have gone through the boy's mind. "Well, there goes my lunch!" he might have thought. Whatever he thought, he was willing to trust what he had to the hands of the Lord. Hmmm, that sounds like a pretty good principle for us. We need to do the same thing - trust what we have to the hands of the Lord. When we do, we will always seem some marvelous multiplication - and it will be a lot better than pizza! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Feb 12 06:47:59 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Recently President Obama sent people scurrying to the internet and to dictionaries for definitions when he used the term "agnostic" in a speech. President Obama was refering to his position on tax increases for those making less than $250,000 annually. In a general sense, the word refers to someone who is non-committal about something. In a stricter sense, the term agnostic is used of folks who are non-committal with regard to the existence of God. They aren't sure whether he exists or not.
I have always found this position rather ironic. Of course, the agnostic view of God's existence is just as untenable as an athiestic view. God's existence is not dependent upon our belief of his existence. Folks can remain non-committal all they want regarding God's existence, but he is real, he exists, and he certainly is not agnostic when it comes to what he is going to do. He is not agnostic towards his response to those who choose to remain agnostic. And, he is not agnostic about those who commit to follow him. When we commit to follow him, God commits to us. I Peter 5:7 tells us, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." God does care for those who care for him. I feel for those who claim to be agnostis or atheists because they are missing out on God's care. Psalm 37:5 encourages an anti-agnostic stance, "Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this." What is my message to an agnostic? You may be agnostic about God, but he is not agnostic about you. Make up your mind before you miss out on God. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Feb 11 07:36:15 2010 |
Today's Commentary
I have been telling my family for some time now that it seems my hearing is getting worse. How else can you explain my ability to be setting right next to someone and not hear what they are saying to me? However, my family maintains that I have just developed "selective hearing." In other words, it is not that I don't hear what is being said to me, but I am so preoccupied with something else I don't fully process what is being said, so I don't "hear." What I should do is simply pay more attention to those wanting to communicate with me - it's an amazing thing called listening.
We need to listen to our family, our friends, our associates, our co-workers, and others who want to communicate with us. Listening involves focusing our attention on those who are speaking to us and not letting distractions keep us from hearing what they are saying. Not being heard is a frustrating experience. Listen to the words of one who experiened this frustration, "If only you would be altogether silent! For you, that would be wisdom. Hear now my argument; listen to the plea of my lips (Job 13:5-6)." This is the complaint of Job to his "friends" who really were not paying attention to what he was saying.
Work on your listening skills and avoid "selective hearing." Relationships are strengthened by good communication, and being a good listener is a key to good communication. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Feb 10 08:12:51 2010 |
Today's Commentary
God is a popular person on Sunday. On Sunday, millions of people all over the world spend a significant amount of time meeting in buildings with other folks, singing songs, offering praise, praying, and studying God's Word. This is the way it should be. However, on Monday many of us who were so devoted on Sunday go a different direction. This is the way it shouldn't be. We should be just as focused upon God and upon our relationship with God on Monday, or any other day of the week for that matter, as we are on Sunday. All too often this is not the case. The distractions of life pursuits tend to blur our most important pursuit - pleasing God with our life. We fail to consider his thoughts when we are making decisions. We go a hundred different directions, and they each lead us away from God, not toward him.
God should be just as much a part of our lives outside the church as he is when we are inside the church. In actuality, if he is not, all that time we are supposedly spending with him in our times of worship is going to waste and, to be frank, is useless. Where do we get the idea that God only wants our attention on Sundays? He wants all of us, or he wants none of us. He tells the Laodicean church in Revelation 3:15-16, "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth." That is pretty plain, but then God usually is pretty plain. God wants seven day a week Christians. Enjoy lifting God up on Sundays; just don't forget Him the rest of the week! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Feb 9 07:50:45 2010 |
Today's Commentary
A missionary comes to your church and speaks about the need for short-term help where he ministers. Do you pray or do you act? An appeal is make in the church newsletter for more help in the Christian Education ministry of your church. Do you pray or do you act? A person shares with you their struggle with a financial need. Do you pray or do you act?
In many circumstances, the answer to our prayers is standing in our shoes. Prayer is an important part of our spiritual lives and should not be overlooked or underappreciated as a means of communicating with our Father. In our prayer we praise God, we celebrate who he is and what he has done, and we ask for his intervention in various matters. Sometimes these concerns for which we intercede could be something we could see done if we would step up and step out to meet the need. Maybe the answer to all the prayers mentioned above is you - maybe you could go to help in the mission field, maybe you are the one who could lead the youth group, maybe you are the one who could help with that financial need. David Branon wrote in an article one time, "In the first century, the good news of Christ was spread by people going out and taking action. That's why their story is told in a book called The Acts of the Apostles, not The Prayers of the Apostles." Now, he was not making a negative statement about prayer, he was emphasizing that the apostles put shoe leather, well, actually sandal leather, to their prayers.
We read in James 5:16, "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." Prayer should not be taken for granted, but we should remember that often the answer to our prayers is our own activity. Please remember that the actions of a righteous person are also powerful and effective. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon Feb 8 07:41:14 2010 |
Today's Commentary
In 1990, Thomas J. Bouchard Jr. and Nancy L. Segal, both researchers at the University of Minnesota, published a study that showed identical twins reared apart were "eerily similar to identical twins reared together on various measures of personality, occupational and leisure-time interests, and social attitudes." Simply stated, this study showed the importance of genes in a person's make-up. Environment does contribute to how a person is and what they become, but this study showed that inherited traits play a strong role in the shaping of a person regardless of environmental input. In the case of these studies, separated twins showed remarkably similar likes and dislikes such as preferences for a certain type of candy or enjoying tennis, among many other things.
We need to let our "genetic structure" play a great role in shaping who we are as followers of Christ. We are related to him through faith, and as brothers and sisters of Christ, we need to let our genes play a strong role in determining our personality, interests, and social attitudes. We live in an environment that will draw us away from being conformed to God's image, so let your genetics overcome your environment and make sure you are living for Christ. This is certainly God's will. Paul tells us in Romans 8:29, "For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers." Since this is true of you as a believer, make sure you are cooperating with God in this action so that you will indeed be conformed to the likeness of Christ. We sometimes blame "outside influences" for our behavior. You have been given the resources to overcome influences that would lead you away from God. These resources are in your spiritual genetic make-up. Let your "genes" shape who you are!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun Feb 7 07:38:03 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Well, it's Super Bowl Sunday, so you are probably thinking I will use some football analogy or story in my devotional. So, I will try not to disappoint. Do you remember your commitments? Jerry Rice, arguably the greatest wide receiver ever to play in the NFL, is going to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He will headline the 2010 group being inducted this year. He has asked Eddie DeBartolo, the former owner of the San Francisco 49ers, to be his presenter at the induction ceremony. What is noteworthy about this is Rice asked DeBartolo ten years ago to be his presenter. Now, that may appear to be a bit presumptuous. How could Rice have known ten years ago he would even have made the Hall of Fame? Well, even ten years ago it would have been a foregone conclusion that Rice would eventually make it to Canton (the Pro Football Hall of Fame is located in Canton, Ohio). So, at the wedding of Diastole’s youngest daughter, Rice asked DeBartolo to be his presenter. Then, when the announcements came out recently of the inductees, he made good on his commitment by calling Mr. DeBartolo and reminding him he had a job to do. In an interview, DeBartolo remarked that he was "floored" by Rice's original request ten years ago and amazed he remembered his request. However, it is indeed fitting to Rice's character.
Are you known as a person who keeps their commitments? When you tell someone you are going to do something for them or with them, do you follow through? When you have a job to do or a responsibility that needs to be taken care of, how is your track record on these things? This is a very desirable character trait, and something that should mark the live of every believer.
We have many role models of commitment in the scripture. One is Joseph. In Genesis 47:29-30, we read this interchange between Jacob and Joseph, "When the time drew near for Israel to die, he called for his son Joseph and said to him, 'If I have found favor in your eyes, put your hand under my thigh and promise that you will show me kindness and faithfulness. Do not bury me in Egypt, but when I rest with my fathers, carry me out of Egypt and bury me where they are buried.' 'I will do as you say,' he said." Indeed, when Jacob died, Joseph fulfilled his commitment to his father (Read Genesis 50:1-10).
Be a person that is known for honoring your commitments. This honors God, and allows us to be looked upon with favor by others.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Feb 6 07:34:40 2010 |
Today's Commentary
As he looked upon the wreckage of his demolished home, John Lokitis Jr. felt a little sick and a little bitter. He had worked hard to try to stay in his home in Centralia, Pennsylvania, where he had lived for all of his 39 years. However, circumstances had dictated otherwise. Circumstances dictated otherwise for the entire town. In 1962, a fire at the town dump had ignited an exposed vein of coal. The fire spread underground and is still roaring today, fed by millions of tons of anthracite coal. Because of this, the town has had to move as fumes from the fire were creating serious health issues, not to mention the sinkholes created when seams of coal were burnt. So, with the assistance of federal and state governments, the town relocated. Some fought the relocation because of their strong ties to the town, but relocation was inevitable. They simply could not live there. Nonetheless, for many, their ties to their town made for a difficult move.
The scripture warns us to not have too strong a tie to our present home in this world. We will not live here forever. We need to realize that allowing our present life to have too strong a grip on us keeps us from appreciating the joys of what lies ahead and living the way we should now. As people of faith, we need to remember that we are aliens here. Abraham and others understood this. We read about them in Hebrews 11:13-16, "All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country--a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them."
This scripture encourages us to have the right perspective on where we live currently. It is not our home - our home is yet to come. Don't have such a strong tie with what you have now that your fail to realize this and focus too much on your present place of residence. This hinders your relationship with God, and can hinder your ministry for him. Keeping the right perspective can actually help us to enjoy more our lives now as we look forward to what God has in store for us. We read the words of Christ in Matthew 6:19-21, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Don't be too attached to your present home - keep in mind it is already condemned. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Feb 5 08:58:43 2010 |
Today's Commentary
All of us who have driven much on the interstate have encountered law enforcement agents patroling the roads. What is your reaction when you are buzzing along and see an official vehicle parked in a median crossover or along the side of the road? Usually this will be determined by the speed you are traveling at the time. If you tend to have a leaden foot, you probably shoot a glance at the speedometer to see if an adjustment is in order. Sometimes this action might be too late. By the time you see the officer, I would imagine your speed is already registered on his radar. However, if you always make sure you are driving within legal limits, encountering an officer brings no fear. Why should it? You have the right to be traveling the speed at which you are going, and the representative of the state recognizes that right and has no problem with what you are doing. You may be clipping along at 80 miles an hour, but if the speed limit is 80, there is no problem. But if you are clipping along at 80 miles an hour and the speed limit is 65, that little response of fear you feel upon seeing a patrol car is probably warranted.
Those who break the law should fear those who enforce the law. The members of the law enforcement community are there for our protection. They are there to enforce the rules because the rules are put in place to bring about a safe environment for us. They are there for our good. The same is true with God's laws. They are for our benefit. When we follow those rules, there is no need to be afraid of God. However, when we don't follow those rules, you need to be afraid. The apostle Paul speaks of following rules in II Timothy 2:4-5, "No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs--he wants to please his commanding officer. Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules."
Don't try to be a "non-conformist" with God. He has given us rules for a reason, and he wants us to obey him. And don't try to out-run God - he has a faster car. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Feb 4 08:08:38 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Who is it that has made a difference in your life? Who is it that is making a difference in your life now? We sometimes get confused about who it is that really makes a contribution to our lives and the lives of others. Many think that those with power, authority, money, and influence are those who really make a difference in life. We mistakenly think that the only way we can make an impact on others' lives or to make a real contribution with our lives is to fit these criteria. I came across the following quiz in a newsletter of a church in a neighboring town. Taking this quiz should help us understand who it is that makes a real impact on others. Here are the questions:
Who are the ten wealthiest people in the world?
Who are the last ten Heisman trophy winners?
Who are the last ten winners of the Miss America contest?
Name eight people who have won the Noble or Pulitzer Prize?
Name the last ten Academy Award winners for best picture?
Name the last decade’s worth of World Series winners?
How did you do? Unless you are a real trivia buff, you probably didn't do very well. Now, take this quiz:
Who are three people you enjoy spending time with?
Who are ten people who have taught you something worthwhile?
Who are five friends who have helped you in a difficult time?
List a few teachers who have aided your journey through school.
Name half-a-dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.
You probably did a bit better with this one. This goes to show us who it is that truly makes a difference. As someone said, "The people who make a difference are not the ones with the credentials, but the ones with the concern." I Thessalonians 5:11 tells us to "encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." So, who has done this for you - someone from the first list, or someone from the second list? Most likely the folks who have influenced you were not the people with the "credentials," but the folks who showed concern. This shows what we need to build into others' lives - concern. YOU can make a difference!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Feb 3 08:08:39 2010 |
Today's Commentary
You do this 18 times a minute, 1080 times an hour, 25,920 times a day, without giving it hardly any thought at all. What is it? Well, it doesn't take too much of a stretch to figure out that I am talking about breathing. By the time you are 40 years of age, you have already taken 378 million breaths. As I said earlier, we don't give breathing much thought, unless you have a condition that affects your breathing. If you do, you realize how precious those breaths really are. In reality, we all need to look at these breaths as gifts from God. When you do so, you develop a new perspective on God's provision and his blessing. Stop for a few moments every now and then and simply concentrate on your breathing. This is a little exercise that helps you appreciate God's provision for you. Try this sometime - it really is an enlightening experience. As you focus on your breathing, you think about how necessary it is to be able to breath. You can't live without being able to breathe, God is the one who gives you your breath, so thinking about your breathing helps you think about your dependence on God. Job 12:10 tells us, "In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind."
What should be our response to this knowledge? Well, we can turn to scripture for the answer to this. The very last verse of the very last Psalm says, "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord (Psalm 150:6)." God gives us life so we can give him praise. We should give him praise because he gives us life, and he wants to give us eternal life so we can live with him forever. Knowing this about God should help us breathe easier!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Feb 2 08:16:57 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Well, February is here - have you recuperated from your Christmas spending yet? Hopefully you have. If you haven't, you spent way too much. I would comment more on this, but that is another "sermon." Well, though, maybe I shouldn't be so fast here. How much did Christmas cost? O.K., all right, I know that really isn't any of my business. But it really is a good idea to do some cost counting when you are talking about making big expenditures, and Christmas usually falls into this category. You need to do some thinking and calculating at times like these. Speaking of Christmas spending, I came across an interesting article about the cost of Christmas. It seems that each year PNC Wealth Management calculates the price tag for all the gifts that are mentioned in the Christmas Song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas." This past Christmas, if you were to have purchased the "five golden rings," the "six geese a-laying," the "drummers drumming," and all those other items for your true love, you would have shelled out $87,403. Yes, I think it would be wise to "count the cost" in this circumstance.
Christ also speaks of counting the cost in terms of our discipleship. In Luke 14:25-35, Christ speaks of how we need to put our relationships, our possessions, our jobs, in perspective when we consider our service to Him. To be a follower of Christ, there will be times when sacrifice is required. Our salvation is free through grace, but those of us who have truly experienced an act of his grace that brings us eternal life should be willing to pay the price of discipleship. Christ said, "And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple (14:27)." Christ wants us to count the cost of being his followers. When we think of what he did for us, this is certainly not too much to ask. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon Feb 1 08:11:31 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Moses had a problem. He had too much to do and too little time to do it. He had too many people wanting too many things and they wanted them right now. From early morning until late at night, he would listen to people and their issues that needed solved. When Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, caught up with him and saw what was going on, he had a little "heart to heart" with him. We read about this in Exodus 18:14-18, "'What is this you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge, while all these people stand around you from morning till evening?' Moses answered him, 'Because the people come to me to seek God's will. Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me, and I decide between the parties and inform them of God's decrees and laws.' Moses' father-in-law replied, 'What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.'" Moses had become what Joanie Yoder calls an "exhausted martyr." These are folks who are over-responsible and over-committed. Taking on too much, they are well-meaning, but they are wearing themselves out. Maybe you are one of these folks.
Avoid "the perfectionist's myth," i.e. "I can do it better myself." Let others work with you. Teach others how to do what needs to be done. Don't feel as if you need to do it all, because if you do, all will not get done. Moses followed Jethro's advice and appointed others to listen and judge, while he focused on teaching and the administration duties that truly required his decision. This was better for him, and, frankly, better for others as well. Ask God for wisdom and help with what you have to do. Ask him for discernment to know what you can do on your own, and what you need to leave for others. Don't try to do it all alone! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun Jan 31 06:58:38 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Our 32nd president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, was born on January 30, 1882, in Hyde Park, New York. He was in office over 12 years and was president during two of the most significant events in United States history - the Great Depression and World War II. In a speech on October 6, 1935, FDR stated: "We cannot read the history of our rise and development as a nation, without reckoning with the place the Bible has occupied in shaping the advances of the Republic...Where we have been the truest and most consistent in obeying its precepts, we have attained the greatest measure of contentment and prosperity."
Did you notice the cause-effect principle stated by Roosevelt in the last sentence above? Obeying the precepts of the Bible leads to contentment and prosperity. We receive blessings from God when we obey him. When we don't obey him, we hinder what he wants to do in our lives. Consider the example of the children of Israel in this regard. In Exodus 33:1-3 we read God's words to Moses, "Leave this place, you and the people you brought up out of Egypt, and go up to the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, saying, `I will give it to your descendants.' I will send an angel before you and drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way."
God tells the people it is time to leave Mt. Sinai and go to the land that will be their home. He tells them he will send some help for them, but he is not goiing to go with them. Why? Because of their sin and disobedience. There are consequences to disobedience, and one of the greatest is missing the blessing of the continued presence of God. God has promised to never leave us, but when we walk away from him, we diminish his effectiveness in our lives. Did you ever notice that the Israelites always seemed to be a group of malcontents? FDR stated that when you obey God's Word, you attain "the greatest measure of contentment." Hmmm. Wonder if there is a correlation here?
Realize the truth in Roosevelts words, "Where we have been the truest and most consistent in obeying (God's Word), we have attained the greatest measure of contentment and prosperity." God wants to walk with you. Do you want to walk with him? |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Jan 30 07:52:01 2010 |
Today's Commentary
What if everything you said was recorded for a single day? Yes, I know - I can hear you (pardon the pun). Not many of us would like to have this happen, would we? Yes, there would be the good statements - statements of praise, encouragement, making positive plans, prayers, things of this nature. However, there would also be the bad things - the complaining, the bitter remarks about someone, the. . .well, need I say more? We would probably be surprised to see how much we do complain during the course of a given day. For some reason, it seems so easy to fall into a pattern of negativity in our speech. We need to be aware of this and do what we can to be an example of godliness, and this is especially true concerning our speech. II Corinthians 8:7 says "But just as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us."
Let's make sure we excel in speech. We want to honor God with our lives, and the best way to do this is with our speech. We want to show we are God's children and our speech is what will give us away that we are God's children. Don't let your speech discourage others. Build them up through what you say. Excel in all things - especially your speech!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Jan 29 07:51:54 2010 |
Today's Commentary
I had forgotten about the significance of yesterday's date until a television news broadcast reminded me that it was on January 28, 1986, the space shuttle Challenger exploded 73 seconds after lift-off. In his address after the tragedy, President Reagan spoke of the dedication of the seven astronauts and likened it to the dedication of another explorer who had died 390 years earlier on the same date, Sir Francis Drake. Quite a coincidence. Another coincidence is this tragedy did for the nation what the near-tragedy of Apollo 13 in 1970 had done - startled folks out of their "take it for granted" attitude towards these journeys. Much has been written about the attitude of the country with regard to the space program at the time of the Apollo 13 lift-off. On April 13, 1970, two days after lift-off, the crew taped a telecast that no one saw because the networks decided moon flights were too "routine" to cover closely. Just after this "broadcast," Jack Swigert, the mission pilot, followed orders from Houston that changed what people were watching on TV that night. A routine procedure caused an explosion. From that moment onward, the focus of the nation was on Apollo 13 and the efforts to get them back to earth safely. No one watched anything else because all the networks were now following the procedures of mission control in Houston.
Isn't it a shame that it often takes such events to get our attention and awaken us from our complacency? This can happen in our spiritual lives as well. We sometimes come to a place where we begin to take God and his blessings, his provisions, his protection, his presence, for granted. Then, something happens - some event, an illness, a financial setback, maybe even a tragedy - and we begin to cry out to God and realize how much we need him. We should have our focus on him at all times, not just at times when our "cage has been rattled" by some circumstance. David says in Psalm 34:1, "I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips." The operative words in this verse are "all times" and "always."
Don't take God for granted! Be consistent in your walk with him. Don't wait until an "explosion" before you give him your undivided attention. We should never let our walk with him become "routine." God is too important to be routine! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Jan 28 08:04:31 2010 |
Today's Commentary
I have always been fascinated by the story of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. After the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, they were commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson to explore the "Western Territories," perhaps to even find a route to the "Western Ocean." I just cannot imagine the spirit and fortitude these men and those who were with them must have had. They had no idea where they were going, they weren't entirely sure what they would find when they got where they were going, and they really weren't quite sure what they would find along the way. Yet, they went. One encounter they had along the way proved to be rather helpful - they were joined by a French fur trader and his Native American wife, Sacajawea. If you know the story of Lewis and Clark, you know the incredible significance of this "chance" meeting. Sacajawea's help was invaluable - she was able to be a guide, a translator, a cook, and a tremedous ally. A further development was her finding her brother, who was now the chief of their tribe. It is really hard to speculate how much different this expedition would have been had Lewis and Clark not met these people who became trusted advisors on their two and a half year journey. The meeting was unexpected, yet was certainly welcome and invaluable.
You may feel like you are embarking on a journey into the "unknown." You may be facing a circumstance in your life where you really don't know much about what is going to happen. Maybe it is a new job, a new locale, new relationships. Maybe you are facing something that is going to be more challenging than these events - you have encountered a loss, you are facing an illness, or something has happened that is causing some other hardship. When these things happen, realize that God can and will provide help. Sometimes this help comes in unexpected ways and at unexpected times. God can provide help from unexpected sources. Continue to look to him and realize he is there. The way ahead may look mysterious, but not to God. He is there, he knows the way, and he will not leave you stranded.
Ancient pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for feasts sang, "I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth (Psalm 121:1-2)." They were looking for help because the road in front of them was filled with dangers. God was there to provide help for them, and he is here to provide help for us. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Jan 27 07:10:07 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Corrie ten Boom and her family hid Jews from the Nazis after the occupation of the Netherlands by Germany. They were able to help scores of Jews before the report of an informant led to their arrest. Her father died ten days after the arrest. Her sister Betsie died during their incarceration. Because of a clerical error, Corrie was released from Ravensbruck prison camp a week before all the female prisoners her age were executed.
Corrie came face to face with an evil that was indescribable. Yet, she maintained her faith and her positive outlook. She said, "If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. But if you look at Christ, you'll be at rest." Keeping one's focus on Christ is what can maintain us when we face dark circumstances. We will face dark days - very few go through life without times of difficulty. Some face more difficulty than others. Not many of us can say we have been where Corrie ten Boom was, however, we can share in her outlook of hope regardless of what comes our way. Psalm 56:3-4 speaks of the confidence we can have in spite of arduous circumstances, "When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?" This was Corrie ten Boom's key to survival - it should be ours as well. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Jan 26 07:49:22 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Why do we lie? This is a great question that we need to confront. Sometimes we can be really ridiculous in how we treat the truth. A good example of this comes from the scripture. In Exodus 32:22-24, we read this whopper from Moses's brother, Aaron: "Do not be angry, my lord," Aaron answered. "You know how prone these people are to evil. They said to me, `Make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don't know what has happened to him.' So I told them, `Whoever has any gold jewelry, take it off.' Then they gave me the gold, and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf!"
Wow. You can't find a better example of how much we can mess up the truth than this. Here you have an example of a person with great "credentials" lying to a person who probably knows him as well as anyone else about something he knows is absolutely critical, all because he wants to save face. The point is: we have the capacity to mess with the truth, so acknowledge this weakness we have and determine to take control of our weakness. Be truthful. Don't lie. This may be a tough command, but it is the way we please the Lord. Proverbs 6:19 tells us that the Lord hates "a false witness who pours out lies." Telling the truth helps us gain the respect of other people. Zechariah 8:16 tells us to "speak the truth to each other." It will also help you feel good about yourself. In Shakespeare's "Hamlet," Polonius' last bit of advice to his son, Laertes, before Laertes leaves for Paris is "To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man." This is good advice for us as well. Tell the truth! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon Jan 25 07:13:03 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Fiorello LaGuardia was the mayor of New York City from 1934 to 1945. Known as "The Little Flower" because of his dimunitive size, he was well-liked because of his fearlessness, lack of pretension, and fairness. From time to time during his tenure, he would serve as judge during night court. Once, a man was brought in who had been accused of stealing a loaf of bread. The man confessed, saying it was for his starving family. LaGuardia said "The law is the law - the fine is ten dollars." He then proceeded to take ten dollars from his own wallet for the fine. He also told everyone else in the courtroom to donate fifty cents to the man to help him. Quite a story of grace, isn't it?
We stand condemned before Christ, who is the Righteous Judge. Our sins have condemned us, and the penalty is death. There is no way around the judgment, but Christ took care of the penalty. He gave his own life for us, and then made sure we have all we need to live for him. II Peter 1:3 tells us: "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness."
Christ has taken care of the problem we face because of our sin. Our guilt is removed through his act of grace. LaGuardia's actions over a loaf of bread were a good example of grace. Christ, as the Bread of Life (see John 6:35 & 48), is grace. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun Jan 24 07:32:05 2010 |
Today's Commentary
While visiting family in southern Ohio recently, I was traveling along a road when I encountered signs that read, "Watch Out for Falling Rock." I thought it nice they warned you of a dangerous circumstance that could cause harm, yet realized if you actually encountered some falling rock, the chances were great it would be pummeling your car before you could make an evasive manuever. The only way you could make sure you missed the danger would be not to travel that road.
This is great advice in life as well. There are roads we simply should not take. There are paths we do not need to travel lest we encounter a dangerous circumstance that could cause harm. There are paths we should avoid so we won't encounter situations of temptation that could lead to sinful behavior. The best way to avoid sin is to avoid the paths that could lead to sin. God tried to warn Cain about the route he was preparing to follow and how it would lead to problems: "Then the LORD said to Cain, 'Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it (Genesis 4:6-8).'" You know what happened when he failed to heed the advice of God.
The best way not to be hit by falling rock is to avoid the roads where the rock is falling. The best way to avoid sin is not to go where we are tempted to fall into sin. Take the right road - getting hit by a rock is no fun!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Jan 23 08:17:39 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Don Hewitt was a pioneer in television journalism. He started at CBS in 1948. His early years were spent directing the Edwin R. Murrow newscast. He was the first executive producer of the CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite. He directed the 1960 Nixon-Kennedy presidential debates. However, all of this did not prevent him from being demoted in the early 60's. I am sure he was angered by this move, as I know I would be. Many of us would simply quit, pout, seek something else, or something like this. Not Hewitt. He didn't let this setback deter his creative juices. In the late 60's he came up with an idea for a news broadcast that would focus on three stories in the span of an hour. This broadcast would present the news from a "you are there" perspective, and focus on the people, not just the issues. He pitched his idea to the network execs, Mike Wallace was hired as the main newsman, and the first segment of "60 Minutes" was put on the air on September 24, 1969. In case you didn't know, "60 Minutes" is still on the air, making it the longest-running television series in television history by about a mile or so. This says a great deal about Hewitt's character. What a legacy he has left!
How do you respond when things don't go your way? This does happen in our lives, doesn't it? Jonah is an example of someone who pouted when he didn't get his way. What makes his story ironic was he had met with great success on his mission - the people responded! God said to Jonah, "But the LORD said, 'You have been concerned about this vine, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city (Jonah 4:10-11)?'"
A positive example of how to respond when we don't get our way would be the life of the apostle Paul. Countless times his plans were changed. He was mistreated, abused, stoned, thrown into prison, but he never lost his desire to go forward and do something new. He certainly got discouraged, but he never quit. At the end of his life he was able to say, "For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day (II Timothy 4:6-8)." I think this says something about Paul's character. What a legacy he has left! What kind of legacy do you wish to leave? |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Jan 22 08:01:50 2010 |
Today's Commentary
I am one of those people who hates red lights, construction delays, speed zone changes, and anything that causes me to slow down. Recently, I began to think about this. I know I dislike these things because they cause me to do something I don't want to do - slow down. I asked myself this question, "Why is it that you don't like to slow down?" That is a valid question for which I have no good answer. We talk about our fast-paced lives in negative terms, but why is it that we don't want to slow down? I thought about this in terms of the red lights and speed zones. Why are they there? They are there to make things safer, to preserve life and limb, to cause you to have more time to react and not harm yourself or others. The more I thought about this, the more I got to thinking about slowing down in general. Even as slowing down because of red lights and speed zones is designed to enhance safety and prevent harm to life, maybe I should introduce some red lights and speed zones in my life in general for the same reason. In order to have a "triggering system" for this to take place, I have determined to try to look at red lights and speed zones differently. I am going to try to look at them positively. I am going to try to look at them as welcome intrusions into my hectic pace, forcing me to slow down in order to be safer and to enjoy the ride more. When I stop at a red light, I am going to say, "Thanks, God, for this red light. I know it is here for a reason. Help me to agree with this reason and to proceed at an orderly pace."
Most of us need to slow down. I encourage you to introduce habits into your life that will help you do just that. Our fast-paced life may get us where we want to be more quickly, but does the speed really enhance our experience? I have always enjoyed what God says in Psalm 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God." A literal translation of this is "stand still." That is exactly what we need to do in our lives at times. So, work to change your attitude about red lights. Use the literal ones you encounter as reminders that you need to slow down not only in your car, but in your life as well. When you encounter a figurative "red light," be greatful for the circumstance that made you stop and think about what you are doing and where you are going. Someone once said "you need to stop and smell the roses along the way." I dont' know about smelling the roses, but I do know I need to slow down. What about you? |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Jan 21 06:55:46 2010 |
Today's Commentary
C.S. Lewis wrote, "there are things we cannot see: things behind our backs or far away and all things in the dark." We are visual people, so we forget this. There are a world of beings that we cannot see, but they are just as real as we are. The scripture attests to their presence, and there are many who have experienced situations that can best be explained by the intervention of an unseen being. The Bible talks much about angels. Hebrews 1:14 describes their interaction with followers of Christ, "Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?" Man is said to have been created a little lower than the angels, "You made him a little lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and honor (Hebrews 2:7, quoting Psalm 8:5)." In Hebrews 13:2, we are warned about our treatment of strangers, lest we entertain "angels without knowing it." We need to be aware of this reality, be grateful for God's servants, and remember to thank God for their presence. It does not mean we should be looking for angels in every nook and cranny; just don't forget their presence and be grateful for God's plan.
Of course, there are other beings which are bent on harming us and ruining our lives. With apologies to Hal Lindsey, there are "demons in the world today." As with the beneficent angelic host, we don't need to be looking for them everywhere; just be aware of their presence and count on God for his intervention. Paul talks about our protection against demonic activity in Romans 8:38-39, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." They are present, but our continued dependence upon God and walking closely with him means we do not need to fear them.
Be grateful for our unseen allies, and be aware of our unseen foes. Thank God for the presence of angels who live to help us, and walk with God to avoid the demons who wish to harm us. They may be unseen, but they are there! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Jan 20 08:32:05 2010 |
Today's Commentary
I attended a university that was near our home, so I was able to commute. As is usually the case, there was more than one way to get from point A to point B, however, I usually followed a route using a road which connected two main state roads. This route was the shortest, but taking the "shortcut" connection meant traveling a narrow, hilly, winding road that was in bad shape. Although it was a paved road, there were actually more potholes than pavement. The worst parts of the road were the repaired potholes. While visiting my family recently, I took this road. I was amazed to find a much-improved route. Although still hilly and winding, the pavement was smooth, guardrails had been installed, dividing lines had been painted, and it had been widened some. Quite a difference that made for a much safer, smoother, and swifter trip.
Improvements are good. This is something we need to take into consideration as we think about our relationships and particularly our relationship with God. We should always be looking for ways to improve our relationships with our family, our spouse, our children, and certainly with our Lord. Although the improvements to the road didn't make for a perfect ride, it was much more enjoyable. The road was still hilly, winding, and narrow, but traveling the road was so much less frustrating when you didn't have to dodge potholes and weren't worried about meeting a car in a blind curve. There was certainly a lot less wear and tear on your vehicle.
When we work to consistently improve our relationships, we find our enjoyment goes up and our frustration comes down. Colossians 3:15 encourages us to "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace." When we apply this to our relationships, and we work to strengthen them, we experience a peace that is truly encouraging. So, work to rid yourself of those potholes - it makes for much less wear and tear on your "vehicle," and a much smoother ride! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Jan 19 06:05:30 2010 |
Today's Commentary
We were never big farmers when I was growing up, but my grandfather always had a few cattle. His pasture had quite a bit of wooded area. Whenever there was a storm with a lot of wind, he would walk back through the woods to see if there were any uprooted trees. Some trees, particularly cherry trees, could pose a problem. If the cattle ate many leaves from a cherry tree, they might die. So, if any downed trees were found, the cattle were moved until the tree could be cleared. The cherry tree was particularly susceptible to being blown over because its roots were not as deep as other trees that were the same size. The shallow root system was a problem when strong winds came along.
The same can be said of our lives. We need to allow our roots to go deep so that when the winds of adversity and the storms of hardship come our way, we will continue to stand. We need to allow our roots to go deep in the knowledge of God and his Word, and in his love. Then, when problems and struggles come into our lives, we will continue to stand tall. Psalm 1:1-3 describes a person who has allowed their roots to go deep, "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers." The tree in this passage grows strong because of deep roots.
Let your roots run deep. In this way, you will be a blessing to God, a blessing to others, and you will be blessed. When life throws storms your way, you will stand because of your strength in God. Stand tall! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon Jan 18 07:29:44 2010 |
Today's Commentary
A minister speaking at a conference used a marker to make a black dot on a large sheet of paper. Holding up the paper in view of his audience, he asked, "What do you see?" "A black dot," someone replied. "Is that all you see?" he asked. After a brief pause, there were a number of affirmations that the only thing visible was the black mark. "Well, what about the most important thing - the sheet of paper?" asked the minister.
We often get locked on something so intently that we fail to see other important things. Sometimes we are staring so intently at a struggle, a problem, a hurt, a disappointment, that we fail to see our blessings. We can be so focused on a small adversity that we don't see the abundance of good things and experiences which surround us. Try to focus on the blessings and good things that are present in our lives. Doing this can help us overcome and put in perspective the "black marks" we experience.
In Psalm 68:19, David declares, "Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens." Psalm 103:2 tells us, "Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits--" God is there for us and provides us with many good things - don't miss them while staring at a spot! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun Jan 17 07:49:59 2010 |
Today's Commentary
I heard a story recently about an runner who wanted desperately to set the record for the distance at which he competed. He trained hard, did all the right things, ate all the right foods, prepared himself mentally and physically for the race. It was his dream to be the record-holder for that distance. On the day of the race, he wrote something on a slip of paper and put it in his shoe. He ran the race of his life that day and, sure enough, won the race in record time. During the post-race interview, he was asked about how he felt in winning the race. The runner reached into his shoe and pulled out the piece of paper. He displayed it for all to see. What was written on it was his prediction for his winning time - exact to the fraction of a second.
Do you have dreams? Dreams are often the beginnings of reality. Dreams can be the start of the process that can lead to marvelous contribution. There are many things we use and enjoy today, often without giving these items much thought, that were once only dreams - the light bulb, the automobile, the television, the computer, the internet, were once only dreams. Now, they are realities that are commonplace.
We need dreams when it comes to our service for God as well. So many ministries exist today because someone had a dream to do something great for God - the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Campus Crusade for Christ, the Navigators, many churches, schools, and seminaries, just to name a few, were all dreams at one time.
What dreams do you have for your service to God? Romans 15:23-24 reveals one of the dreams of the Apostle Paul, "But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to see you, I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to visit you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while." Paul accomplished much for God. Some may argue that was because of his special call. This is true indeed, but another factor was that Paul had big dreams.
How big are your dreams? Write them down and stick them in your shoe. When you see your dream come true, you'll have a reminder of what helped get you to your reality.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Jan 16 07:45:35 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Is there something you need to do today that is causing you to fear? June Trimball was a soldier in the Fourteenth Tennessee Regiment fighting in the Battle of Gettysburg. Just before Pickett's charge, his mind was filled with fear as he thought about the terrible conflict ahead. He knew he would be tested, he knew the fighting would be fierce, and he struggled with his feelings of self-doubt. He wrote in his journal about these feelings, and that he dealt with them by meeting them face-to-face. "June Trimball," he asked himself, "Are you going to do your duty today?" "Yes," he replied, "So help me God, I am." In this way, he overcame his fear and insecurity and did what he needed to do.
Although we may not be faced with an actual battle as was Trimball, we often have other challenges that cause us to fear and struggle with self-doubt. As did Trimball, we need to meet these fears head-on by admitting our trepidation and telling ourselves we are going to do what needs to be done in spite of our insecurity. Sometimes these situations may be of little consequence; other times we must do this because inaction is not an option. Each time that we meet our fears in this way, we find that we gain strength, faith, and courage for the next challenge that is down the road. When Saul expressed his concern to David about his confrontation with Goliath, David replied, "Your servant has been keeping his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine (I Samuel 17:34-36)."
David's direct confrontation of that which would cause fear led to his ability to face a greater foe later on. The same can be true for us if we face our fears directly rather than run from them. God can do for you what he did for David and for June Trimball. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Jan 15 06:32:09 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Unless you have been living in a cave, there is no way you have not heard about the devastating earthquake that rocked Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The damage and the loss of life there are almost unfathomable. It is hard to imagine all that tiny island nation has been called upon to endure. Haiti has recently experienced hurricanes, tropical storms, building collapses, and many other catastrophes. There really is no good answer as to why this little nation has had to endure such great devastation. The fact that it is the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere just adds to the enormity of the situation. At this time, we need to pray for the Haitian people, and respond as best we can. Funds are desparately needed. At our church, we are starting an effort of monetary response. I encourage all who read this to investigate how you might help in this regard. Check with your church to see what can be done. If you need information as to how and where to respond in this, you may contact me through this website and information will be provided as to where to send funds through a bona fide source.
The Haitian people must feel like the psalmist did in Psalm 42:9, "I say to God my Rock, 'Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?'" Let's do what we can to show that God has not forgotten them. Let's do what we can to demonstate God's love through our response to this incredible event. We really have no answers as to why this happened, but even if we knew, it still would not take away the effect of the event. What we do know is what we can do in light of what has taken place. We can pray. We can give. Perhaps we can even go if the opportunity is there. Let's remember this path of response. I wrote yesterday about service; with Haiti we have a opportunity to serve. Let's do all we can. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Jan 14 07:59:05 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Albert Schweitzer said, "I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve." Schweitzer, born in Kaysersburg, Alsace-Lorraine, on this date in 1875, was first a musician, then a theologian, and finally a doctor who founded a hospital in Lambarene, French Equatorial Africa (now Gabon). He was a concert organist and pianist from the age of 9, performing with many of the world's great orchestras. As a theologian, he wrote many books, including the controversial "Quest for the Historical Jesus," which challenged both liberal and conservative views of Jesus. It was as a doctor that he made great contributions to others. He chose to serve as a medical missionary rather than pursuing a more lucrative practice in Europe. Through his efforts, health care was brought to a region that simply had none before. Today, the hospital still exists and through foundations which had their roots in his work, resources are available to help others pursue the path of Schweitzer - providing medical help in areas of the world where there is none.
Schweitzer won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1953 for his work entitled "Reverance of Life." He died in 1965. In spite of his many accomplishments, he remained an humble individual who only wanted to serve God and serve others. He dedicated his life to the pursuit of service. We may not be able to be Schweitzers, but our dedication to service should be just as strong. Christ's words show why service needs to be preeminent in our lives, "the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28)." Our Savior's emphasis on service tells us plainly: Be a servant! What was your last act of service to God or to others? When was the last time you went out of your way, changed your personal plans, cancelled something you were going to do, to help someone or to put yourself in a position to be used of God?
Service was the heart of the ministry of Christ. We see many folks, such as Schweitzer, who seem to understand this concept. We need to understand it as well and put this concept into practice in our own lives. Bringing joy and happiness to others brings joy and happiness to ourselves. Don't wait too long to find this out! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Jan 13 07:23:00 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Fred Bauer tells the story of a United Nations medical team that was summoned to an orphanage in South America to investigate the deaths of some of the babies. Their conclusion was that the children died of marasmus caused by a lack of physical contact and displays of affection. The children were given all the nutrition necessary to sustain them, but were never touched, cuddled or rocked. As a result, they wasted away, dying from a lack of love. The prescription was to hold, cuddle, and play with the babies for at least ten minutes each day. The deaths abated and the little ones began to thrive.
The lack of love in one's life can have a profound impact, especially on the very young and the very old. We need to be sure that our little ones are getting the attention they need. We also need to make sure that those who are older and live alone are given the attention they need as well. Of course, a lack of love has an effect upon all age groups. The church needs to be be aware of this, and make sure that we show love for others and demonstrate our care for others in tangible ways. Paul didn't write "but the greatest of these is love (I Corinthians 13:13)" just to create some nice poetry. He knew our greatest need is love, and one of the the greatest things you can do is to show love to someone else. Isaiah 1:17 tells us to "learn to do right! . . .encourage the oppressed."
Do you know someone who is in need of love and encouragement? Reach out to them! A little love can go a long way. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Jan 12 07:17:52 2010 |
Today's Commentary
There has always been a little bit of mystery surrounding the Ark of the Covenant. The ark was a wooden chest overlaid with gold that was about four feet long, two feet wide, and two feet high. It had gold rings so that wooden poles overlaid with gold could be inserted for carrying the chest (Exodus 25:10-22). It was placed inside the inner sanctuary of the tabernacle after it was constucted, and later in the inner sanctuary of the temple in Jerusalem. Inside this golden box were the stone tablets of the ten commandments, Aaron's rod that budded, and a jar of manna (Hebrews 9:4). The mystery of the ark has even captured the imaginations of secular study, media, and entertainment. The existence and location of the ark were at the center of the 1981 film "Raiders of the Lost Ark." What happened to the ark, where it might be, or even if it still exists, is certainly an enigma.
The purpose of the ark was to be a symbol of the presence of God. Once a year the high priest would meet with God before the ark on the Day of Atonement, the only time anyone could enter in the inner sanctuary of the tabernacle called the Most Holy Place. It was a symbol of the fact that God wanted to have a relationship with man. To me this is an even bigger mystery than the existence of the ark. To me the great mystery is the fact that God would want to have a relationship with man. Why? We turn aside from his ways, we spurn his advice, many even deny God's very existence. Still, he pursues us. He wants to be among us. He wants us to live with him and enjoy him. This is a big mystery which I know I will not understand on this side of eternity. God is working within us for the conclusion described in Ezekiel 11:19-20, "I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God." This is God's desire. It is a mystery to me why God relentlessly pursues us in light of our rebellion. I am glad he doesn't ask me to understand this great love, but he does ask me to accept this great love.
It is a mystery to me why God loves me the way he does, but I have always enjoyed a little bit of mystery. What I do know is that he does love me, and I love him back. I hope you do as well. I'll leave the mystery for later. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon Jan 11 08:09:11 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Do you have a problem admitting you are wrong? Many of us have this tendency. Sometimes we think we are right when we are wrong as wrong can be. Of course, what is really kind of cool is being on the other end of the spectrum - thinking we are wrong but actually being right.. Christ talks about this in Luke 18: "To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: `God, I thank you that I am not like other men--robbers, evildoers, adulterers--or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.' But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, `God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Here we have a story of a man who thought he was right but actually was wrong, and and a man who thought he was wrong but actually was right.
Many are in the boat thinking they are right when they are actually wrong. If you are thinking there is another way to please God with your life other than through Christ, well, you are in the category of the first fellow. You may think you are right, but you are as wrong as you can be. The second man, thinking he was wrong when he was actually right is in a much better position. We do not have to think we are wrong to be in the right, but we need to be trusting in what is right. What is right is placing our trust in Christ. If we follow what we know to be true, we cannot be in the wrong. Following Christ means we will be in the right place at the right time. The beats being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Follow Christ - be right! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun Jan 10 07:12:12 2010 |
Today's Commentary
When I did my student teaching a gazillion years ago, I remember a sign on the wall in the classroom that read, "Be sure brain is engaged before mouth is in motion." This is good advice - we do need to think before we speak. Actually, we need to think. We often go about our daily routines without engaging our minds in what we are doing.
This happens in our relationship with God as well. We fail to think about what we should be doing for him, we fail to think about what we are doing for others, we fail to simply think about HIM. That is a shame, especially when you realize how much God thinks about us. David reminds us in Psalm 139:1-4, "O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD." After reading this, I would say that God thinks about us, wouldn't you? So, how much do we think about Him?
When Christ was asked about the greatest commandment, he replied, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37-38)." Our level of devotion to God can be measured by how much we think about Him and our relationship with Him. When it comes to your relationship with God, make sure your brain is engaged! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Jan 9 08:15:39 2010 |
Today's Commentary
One of the most important pieces of advice I was ever given was "look both ways before crossing the road." This little gem has saved my skin on more than one occasion. It simply is really good, practical, and in many cases, life-saving advice. I don't mean to overstate a point here but one might live an entire lifetime and never receive any more important advice than to "look both ways before crossing the road." This advice helps you to make a good decision before embarking on what could be a perilous journey. When you look both ways, you can determine if any dangers lie ahead that could be a problem when you step out. Looking both ways helps you to decide the best time to make that first step across the road. When you look both ways, you can be confident that you can make the decision to forge ahead in relative safety.
Even as we should look both ways before crossing the road, it usually helps to "look both ways" before making an important decision. When we are faced with a situation where we need to decide what course of action is best, don't forget to look both ways before you decide. Look at the decision from both sides to see which way is the better of the two, or in some cases more than two. When you take the time to look at the options carefully and closely, you can be more confident with the choice. In many circumstances, this is even more helpful because both options have many attractive features.
A case in point of someone who didn't take the time to "look both ways" is Lot. We read in Genesis 13:8-11, " So Abram said to Lot, 'Let's not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herdsmen and mine, for we are brothers. Is not the whole land before you? Let's part company. If you go to the left, I'll go to the right; if you go to the right, I'll go to the left.' Lot looked up and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan was well watered, like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, toward Zoar. (This was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) So Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out toward the east." What seemed to be a rather innocuous choice, and one that looked so good at face-value because of the beauty of the land, would prove to put Lot in a bad place. I would imagine you know the rest of the story. It has a rather salty ending.
An important tip: Look both ways before crossing the road. That is some of the most important advice you will ever receive. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Jan 8 09:37:37 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Many of you enjoy candles. Candles are one of those items that were at one time an item of necessity but now are used optionally. Candles provide light and warmth and even though we have more effective sources of light and warmth, candles are still popular. Although candles may have more of a "decorative" function now, you still need to exercise caution when you use them. I was visiting my family in another state over the holidays. In a town nearby there was a fire that was caused by having a candle too near a curtain. No one was injured, but there was a great deal of property damage. Candles still need to be used correctly.
As it is with candles, so it is with our lives. We need to take care of our lives and not allow them to burn improperly. We sometimes get caught up in so many things and activities we "burn the candle at both ends." Even as with a real candle, we need to exercise caution with how we allow our lives to "burn." We want to be able to burn for God, not burn up. A candle that burns the way it should does so slowly, providing a source of light, warmth and, with most candles today, pleasing aroma. The candle enhances the atmosphere around it. If misused and allowed to ignite its surroundings, the candle becomes a destructive force, even to itself, as it will probably be destroyed in the ensuing maelstrom.
Guard your lives and how you "burn" for God. Be an influence on your environment, not a destructive force. Avoid useless, self-caused, stresses that cause burnout. Work to provide a consistent, productive, helpful influence. Paul refers to burning your candle wisely in II Corinthians 12:15, "So I will very gladly spend for you everything I have and expend myself as well." Allow your lives to burn for God, but be careful so that you don't burn out! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Jan 7 09:36:44 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Yesterday marked the end of the "Twelve Days of Christmas." We sing the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" that was perhaps inspired from a song which originated in 1625. This song was meant to be used as a teaching aid and a meaning was assigned to each day:
"What are they that are but one? We have one God alone...
What are they which are by two? Two testaments, Old and New...
What are they which are but three? Three persons in the Trinity...
What are they which are but four? Four sweet Evangelists there are...
What are they which are but five? Five senses...
What are they which are but six? Six days to labor...
What are they which are but seven? Seven liberal arts hath God sent down...
What are they which are but eight? Eight Beatitudes...
What are they which are but nine? Nine Muses...with sacred tunes...
What are they which are but ten? Ten statutes God to Moses gave...
What are they which are but eleven? Eleven thousand virgins...suffered death for Jesus' sake.
What are they which are but twelve? Twelve attending on God's Son."
The origin of the celebration of the Twelve Days of Christmas actually goes back much further in church history. In 567, the Council of Tours ended a dispute. The Western Church celebrated Christmas on December 25, emphasizing Christ’s birth, and the Eastern Church celebrated on January 6, focusing on the visit of the Magi and the baptism of Christ. The council declared that all twelve days from the 25th to the 6th were "holy days" ("holidays"). The term "Epiphany" is used for January 6th.
Of course, we should celebrate Christ each day of the year. It is good that we have the "Twelve Days of Christmas" to remind us of our obligation to Christ, but use each day as a day to acknowledge Him! Psalm 61:8 tells us, "Then will I ever sing praise to your name and fulfill my vows day after day." This is the true spirit of worship!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Jan 7 09:32:30 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Yesterday marked the end of the “Twelve Days of Christmas.” We sing the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas” that was perhaps inspired from a song which originated in 1625. This song was meant to be used as a teaching aid and a meaning was assigned to each day:
"What are they that are but one? We have one God alone...
What are they which are by two? Two testaments, Old and New...
What are they which are but three? Three persons in the Trinity...
What are they which are but four? Four sweet Evangelists there are...
What are they which are but five? Five senses...
What are they which are but six? Six days to labor...
What are they which are but seven? Seven liberal arts hath God sent down...
What are they which are but eight? Eight Beatitudes...
What are they which are but nine? Nine Muses...with sacred tunes...
What are they which are but ten? Ten statutes God to Moses gave...
What are they which are but eleven? Eleven thousand virgins...suffered death for Jesus' sake.
What are they which are but twelve? Twelve attending on God's son."
The origin of the celebration of the Twelve Days of Christmas actually goes back much further in church history. In 567, the Council of Tours ended a dispute. The Western Church celebrated Christmas on December 25, emphasizing Christ’s birth, and the Eastern Church celebrated on January 6, focusing on the visit of the Magi and the baptism of Christ. The council declared that all twelve days from the 25th to the 6th were “holy days” (“holidays”). The term “Epiphany” is used for January 6th.
Of course, we should celebrate Christ each day of the year. It is good that we have the “Twelve Days of Christmas” to remind us of our obligation to Christ, but use each day as a day to acknowledge Him! Psalm 61:8 tells us, “Then will I ever sing praise to your name and fulfill my vows day after day.” This is the true spirit of worship!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Jan 6 08:11:44 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Many of us have periods of our life we wish we could reclaim - periods when we were living in disobedience, following an unprofitable path, pursuning a way of life we thought was what we wanted without giving God or our relationship to God much consideration. Joel refers these as "years lost to the locust." In the book of Joel, the Jews are warned about impending judgment because of their waywardness. The imagery of an impending invasion of locusts is used to describe the coming judgment. Yet, in the midst of the warning about judgment because of their disobedience, God gives them a promise for restoration. This is a common scenario throughout Scripture. God warns of judgment, but along with the statement of judgment there is a promise of restoration. We see this in Joel 2 where God says, "I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten--you will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the LORD your God, who has worked wonders for you; never again will my people be shamed."
God states that there are consequences for disobedience, these are the "years the locust have eaten." You may feel that you have "lost years to the locusts" because of a time in your life when you walked away from God. When we turn to God, He promises restoration. God promises us to repay us for the years the locust have eaten. He promises to forgive our past and fill our future with hope. He promises to work with us to help us be productive for him. We may have lost some time because of bad choices, but the year ahead is full of hope when we come to Him! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Jan 5 08:07:16 2010 |
Today's Commentary
When I was young boy, I remember a station wagon with a public address horn attached to the roof slowly driving by our house announcing the message, "Oral polio vaccine available now at Deering School." My folks grabbed my two brothers and me, walked across the road to the school where a crowd of people had gathered in the school cafeteria, and got in one of several lines that had formed with people waiting for the vaccine. The Salk (injection) and Sabin (oral) polio vaccines have helped to almost eradicate what was once a tremendous scourge on children - the threat of polio. A tremendous effort was made to make sure the vaccine was available to everyone. Efforts are ongoing even now by agencies such as Rotary International to provide the vaccine to areas still plagued with this insidious disease. Who could question this cause?
A greater scourge plagues mankind - the plague of sin. We who know about the "vaccine" for this disease need to put a loudspeaker on our vehicle and start doing some driving. We have the solution for the scourge that has greater implications than polio or any other disease. When the polio vaccine was developed, efforts such as what I have described were commonplace. People did all they could to get the word, and the medicine, to everyone. This should be our attitude regarding the Good News of Christ. As Christ told us in Matthew 5:14-16, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
Unlike the polio vaccine program, many do question our cause. Don't let these objections deter you from doing what we know needs to be done. Let's get the word out - there is an antidote for sin. Those who take the antidote will live. Everyone needs to know! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon Jan 4 07:22:50 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Many of you are gardeners. Someone once said that when you sow seed by hand, it looks like you are throwing seed away. Of course, this is a necessary action in order to get something back. If you don't "throw seed away," your won't have any fresh produce to eat. It really won't be all that long, and we will be at that time of year where we will be "throwing seed away!"
There are many who think that devoting your life to Christ is "throwing your life away." Even within the church, sometimes there are discouraging reactions to those who express a desire to follow a call from God to full-time ministry. There is a concern that one is wasting talents or potential for high-paying jobs. However, Christ reminds us "Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it (Matthew 10:39)." We are also reminded in Matthew 19:29, "And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life."
Any efforts we make for God should certainly not be onsidered a waste. There is an old saying which goes, "Only one life, 'twill soon be past; only what's done for Christ will last." Whatever we are doing for Christ has a lasting nature. And the only way we can expect results is to "throw things away." It is when we don't give our best to Christ, and live our lives for him, that we truly throw things away.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun Jan 3 08:16:36 2010 |
Today's Commentary
The first Sunday of the New Year has always had a special significance for me. Nothing really specific, I just think it has a special place in the calendar as the first Sunday of a new year loaded with potential and filled with promise. I am not going to be able to be with my church on this Sunday, so that makes me a little sad. However, I am where I am supposed to be. On this first Sunday of the New Year, that might be an important question to ask - are you where you are supposed to be? Are you doing what God wants you to do? Are you trying to live for him whatever you are doing? Are you looking to find new ways to serve Him, looking for new things to do for Him, looking for new others whose lives you might impact for Him?
God looks at your life with renewed interest every day. What new thing are you planning for him? In many places in the Psalms, we are encouraged to "sing a new song" to God. Psalm 98:1 is one of these places, "Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him." God has indeed done marvelous things for us. We should rejoice in the opportunity to do new things for him. What new things are you planning? Maybe today is a good day to start thinking about this! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Jan 2 08:00:20 2010 |
Today's Commentary
The first words of the Scriptures are "In the beginning. . ." The account of how God created follows these words. Sometimes we need to be reminded of this aspect of God - He is the Creator of all there is. Without God's creative activity, nothing that is would be. The idea of God as Creator is not just confined to the early chapters of Genesis. All throughout the Bible we are reminded of God's creative work. Proverbs 30:4 reminds us of the respect that God deserves because of His position as Creator, "Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of his hands? Who has wrapped up the waters in his cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and the name of his son? Tell me if you know!"
At the beginning of this new year, remember that at one time all that we see had a beginning. Let us remember that God is responsible for that beginning. Let us remember to honor and respect him because of who he is and because of what he has done. Let us remember that I wouldn't be here to write this article and you wouldn't be here to read this article were it not for God. Let us praise him continually for his creative work. Let's "praise God from whom all blessings flow!" |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Jan 1 08:41:26 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Well, here we are, 2010. Doesn't that even sound a bit strange? It almost has a science fiction ring to it - say it a couple of times, "2010, 2010." Well, 2010 is here, and there is nothing fictional about it. We need to be firmly rooted in reality and ready to do what we should to grow in our relationship with God.
One of the things we should be doing to be firmly rooted in reality and grow in our relationship with God is learn more about him by spending time in his Word. Now, I have never been a big fan of resolutions. I have always felt that resolutions were made to be broken. So, let's call this more of a challenge than a resolution. What is the challenge? "Read It Again in 2010!" Obviously, from what I have just said, what we should read again in 2010 is the Bible. At our church, we are beginning this campaign. I am inviting you to accept this challenge and use this year as a year to read through the scripture. We are providing Daily Bible reading calendars for this purpose. Some of you already may be involved in a program of daily Bible reading - that is tremendous. Use your own schedule, or if you would like one, email the church.
2010 may sound a bit like fantasy, but we should be firmly rooted in reality. Reading the Bible has real benefits. We can strengthen our roots through a consistent program of reading the Scripture. God gave us the Bible for a reason. A great deal of time and effort went towards the production of His Scripture, given for our benefit. Unless we read it, we won't know what he has in store for us. So, "Read It Again in 2010."
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Dec 31 08:44:17 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Y2K! Remember that? Can you believe that was ten years ago? I know you remember all the warnings and concern about how computers would be affected. Anything from minor glitches to a mass catastrophe with traffic controls being disrupted, service agencies experiencing communication nightmares, financial institutions losing records, and emergency services halted were predicted. The reason for the concern was that computers had been set to reconize 2 digit year dates (97, 98, 99), so when 2000 hit, computers would malfunction. However, 12 a.m., January 1, 2000, came and went without so much as a whimper. This was great relief to most, but some were disappointed, especially those who ventured into forays expecting to capatilize on the chaos that was to occur. Some say the reason it was not a big deal was there had been so much planning for this and changes made to lessen the impact. This is probably a big factor, but it was revealed afterwards that countries such as Italy and South Korea that didn't spend much on preparation experienced no more problems than countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States that had spent far more.
Y2K came and went with many expectations unfulfilled. This was good in many situations, not so good in others. Now, here we are, ten years later. The important thing is not what took place back then, but what is going on now. We are on the brink of entering into another year. It is good to do some evaluation and see our progress in many areas. However, we need to keep the past in perspective - we shouldn't let the negatives keep us from moving ahead to other goals and we shouldn't let the positives become a source of wistful dreaming that hinders our future progress. Paul comments on this in Philippians 3:13-14, "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
Paul is telling us to keep the past in perspective. Did he literally forget everything that had happened to him and all he had done in the past? Reading Acts and his epistles gives you the answer to this. He didn't forget them so much as simply put what had taken place in a proper perspective in order to move ahead. This is what we need to do. Y2K came and went, and we certainly don't dwell on all the hoopla that surrounded that transition. That was ten years ago - we have 2010 to consider! So, move ahead; continue to live for God; continue to serve others; live with a healthy expectancy of the future and not a preoccupation with the past. Happy New Year! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Dec 30 08:01:40 2009 |
Today's Commentary
As I am writing this article, I am hoping that the local internet company gets the connection repaired so that I will be able to post it tomorrow morning. I am staying at my mother's during the holidays, and her internet service is provided through the local cable TV company. Usually reliable, the cable TV and the internet have been out for most of the day. So, I am writing an article that I hope someone will have the chance to read.
I often wonder if God feels that way towards us sometimes as he prepares things for us. I often wonder if he thinks, "Will anyone be listening?" We touched on this yesterday as I wrote about how Christ's birth was ingnored by so many people. We read about this tendency in Isaiah 6:9, "Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving." We sometimes have this problem. I am often accused of "looking right past people," which I do. If I am concentrating on something, I can walk right by folks I know and not see them. My family accuses me of having selective hearing because I often am concentrating on something so strongly that when they speak to me, I simply don't hear them.
We can be this way with God, and that isn't good. As we need to work on listening and seeing friends and family members when they speak to us, we need to do this with God. He has a lot of special things for us. If we ignore him, we will miss them. Pay attention - God is speaking! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Dec 29 07:37:30 2009 |
Today's Commentary
A sad aspect of the narrative of Christ's birth is that you have this marvelous Baby Boy - the Son of God, God in the flesh, and he was recognized by so few. The non-recognition didn't surprise God, of course. The fact that Christ wouldn't be recognized was foretold in the Old Testament. Israel always seemed to have a "blind spot" when it came to God's ways. Isaiah 42:20 talks about this, "You have seen many things, but have paid no attention; your ears are open, but you hear nothing."
We can't be too hard on Israel, though. We often turn our eyes away from the ways of God, and turn a deaf ear to his counsel. This was at the heart of Robert McGimsey's "Sweet Little Jesus Boy." It is an apology for our lack of recognition of Christ. On Christmas Eve of 1932, McGimsey wrote:
"Sweet little Jesus Boy,
They made You be born in a manger.
Sweet little Holy Child,
Didn't know who You was.
Didn't know You'd come to save us, Lord,
To take our sins away.
Our eyes was blind, we couldn't see,
We didn't know who You was."
I hope you are not indifferent towards Christ. I hope you give him the recognition he deserves. I hope you honor him as King and Lord in your life. Don't have a "blind spot" with the Lord! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon Dec 28 07:42:58 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Last Christmas I received a GPS device. I have used it quite a bit over the past year and marvel at the technology that allows me to type in an address, and have that little gizmo give me the directions to my desired destination. Yet as marvelous as this seems, it pales in comparison to what Christ has done to supply us with directions to a home in heaven. No GPS has been made that can give you accurate information for this journey. The directions you need are found in the Scripture and have been provided by our Lord whose birth we are celebrating.
How important is it to know and follow the directions provided for us? Vernon Grounds tells the story of John Harper, a dedicated believer who was a passenger on the Titanic. The night of the tragic shipwreck, Harper was walking on the deck with his daughter and a niece. He said to them, "It is going to be beautiful in the morning!" Little did he know that the beauty he would experience would not be the sight of the sunrise from the deck of a ship in the North Atlantic, but the grandeur of Heaven in the presence of his Lord. Harper had no idea he would need directions to heaven when he boarded the ship, but neither do we know when we will need them. This speaks to the idea that we need to be prepared.
If you have a GPS, you may have found it to be a helpful device. However, it cannot help you with directions for the most important journey you will ever take - the journey to Heaven. Christ came to earth to assure for us the way to this location. He tells us in John 14:5, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me." Follow his directions! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun Dec 27 07:49:09 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Haddon Robinson tells the story about a pioneer traveling westward. He comes to an abrupt halt at the edge of the Grand Canyon. He stares at the abyss - eighteen miles across, one mile deep, stretching on for miles and miles. He looked at the sight and said, "My! Something must have happened here!"
I share this story for those of you who feel we need to throw out Christmas. We sometimes get upset over the secularization of Christmas and what has happened to the celebration. Because of this, many in the Church believe we should simply distance ourselves from the holiday and leave it to the commercial world. Well, I think this is "throwing the baby out with the bathwater." We certainly need to have the right idea about our celebration. We should also realize that looking at tinsel, the displays, the gifts and all the celebrations, some folks will stop and say, "Something must have happened here."
Something did happen here. John tells us what happened in 1:14 of his gospel, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." We need to do all we can to let folks know about this. Celebrating Christmas can do that - help us to let folks know something did happen. And when they get the message - this will truly stop them in their tracks! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Dec 26 08:47:05 2009 |
Today's Commentary
"It is the day after Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring not even a mouse. The stockings that hung by the chimney with care are all empty now - we had nothing to wear! So off to the mall we went quick as a flash to shop 'til we drop and spend our Christmas cash!" This may be the experience of many - is it yours? Oh, those after holiday sales! Aren’t they wonderful? What bargains!
Many of us might be looking for bargains when it comes to our relationship with Christ. We look for shortcuts and just enough worship so that our consciences are appeased and we feel we have done what we should for God. Well, don’t be looking for any after holiday sales when it comes to your walk with God! He deserves and wants our best.
In the scripture, we read how the Jews often looked for bargains and took shortcuts in their worship. That is why God said to them "'My name will be great among the nations, from the rising to the setting of the sun. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to my name, because my name will be great among the nations,' says the LORD Almighty. 'But you profane it by saying of the Lord's table, `It is defiled,' and of its food, `It is contemptible.' And you say, `What a burden!' and you sniff at it contemptuously,' says the LORD Almighty. 'When you bring injured, crippled or diseased animals and offer them as sacrifices, should I accept them from your hands?' says the LORD." Later God scolds them by saying, "'Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse--the whole nation of you--because you are robbing me.'" (Malachi 1:11-13 and 3:8-9)
Don't try to short-change God! Don't look for bargains in your worship of Him! He has seen this before and recognizes our poor efforts. God gave us his best gift - what are we giving Him in return? |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Dec 25 08:50:42 2009 |
Today's Commentary
One of my favorite Christmas movies is "A Christmas Story." In this story, a little boy named Ralphie is fervently wishing for what he would consider to be the ultimate gift - "An Official Red Ryder Carbine Action 200 Shot Range Model Air Rifle." Ralphie is told by more than one person (even Santa Claus) that "you'll shoot your eye out," which leaves him a little discouraged, but still hopeful he will get what he wants. Ralphie does receive what he wants, but not without a good deal of anxious anticipation before his father hands it to him on Christmas morning.
As you celebrate the birth of Christ on this special day, enjoy the hope that you have because of the Gift you have received. You perhaps received a few gifts today, but maybe you didn't. Whether you did or didn't really is of little consequence when you have your focus upon the Eternal Gift that we celebrate on this day. Some of the the gifts given today were thought about long before they were given, some may have been last-minute frantic purchases. The Gift God has prepared for us was planned long before the creation of the universe. God knew exactly what we would need, when we would need it, and what he would need to do to provide this Gift. Romans 6:23 tells us, "For the wages of sin is death, but the Gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord."
I hope you are celebrating your Gift today. If you aren't, the Gift is still there for you - right there - can't you see it? All you need do is reach out and take it. Unlike Ralphie who didn't know if he was going to get what he wanted until the "big day," we can know about our gift. We don't have to fret anxiously about whether we are going to receive our gift or not. Our Father doesn't keep us worrying about whether what we want is "under the tree" or not. God's Gift is there for us - I hope you have taken possession of God's Marvelous Gift. Merry Christmas! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Dec 24 07:40:58 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Today is Christmas Eve. I would imagine many of you have memories of past Christmas Eves that you think about as we enter into our celebrations today. I have a few. Many are about the evenings at my Mom's folks with dinner and gifts. We would sit beside the Christmas tree that my grandfather had cut from among the dozens of pines that grew on the hillside behind my grandparent's home. Now, you must understand, this was not one of the groomed evergreens you find in tree lots or at tree farms. The tree would usually be gangly and have an interesting shape. Actually, to make it look like "Christmas tree," Papaw would use some bailer twine to tie up the branches. The look of the tree was a little different, but, oh, the smell was absolutely marvelous. That marvelous pine scent is something I will never forget.
What kind of fragrance are you offering to God with your life? Is it the kind of fragrance that would leave God with pleasant memories of you? What kind of scent is your life producing for him? Does you life produce a pleasing aroma that leaves others with a pleasant memory of you? In II Corinthians 2:12-15, Paul speaks of offering a pleasing aroma with our lives, "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved. . " As we think of our lives with God, we should do our best to provide others with a pleasing fragrance that provides a good testimony of Christ and what he can do for those who follow him. Producing a pleasing fragrance can have a powerful effect. The trees my grandfather cut have left me with a strong memory because of the fragrance. Make an impression on other's lives by producing a fragrance that will make an impact for Christ. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Dec 23 06:34:54 2009 |
Today's Commentary
I know I have probably written about this before, but it is a story that certainly bears repeating, especially as we are celebrating the birth of our Savior who came into the world to provide the power to change lives. John Newton died on December 21, 1807. Many of you know that Newton was the one who penned the great hymn "Amazing Grace." Althought not considered a Christmas carol, I don't think it would be inapproriate to use it as one. What a marvelous message this song has for us - "Amazing Grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost but now I am found, was blind but now I see." Newton became a minister and was an influence upon William Wilberforce, the member of Parliament who led the fight to abolish slavery.
Newton lived these words. He was an immoral slaver, had been a slave himself, and had given his life to debauchery when the Spirit of God moved upon him. After reading Thomas a Kempis "Imitation of Christ," he realized he needed to allow Christ to transform him from what he was into what he needed to be. This should be the message at the center of our celebration of Christ's birth - Christ came to change lives. Christ states his purpose for coming into the world in Luke 19:10, " For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost."
Why did Christ come into the world? Why is there a story of his birth to celebrate? Luke 19:10 gives us the answer. Newton celebrated this and so should we. Christ came for Newton - he came for us! This Christmas, don't forget to celebrate this message!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Dec 22 06:55:36 2009 |
Today's Commentary
We are getting ready to change the calendar to another year. We have been changing the calendar on January 1st since the introduction of the Julian Calendar by Julius Ceasar in 45 B.C. The introduction of the Julian calendar was a change in itself. Change, even positive change, may be exciting, but it can bring about problems. Learning to negotiate change is something that is quite useful. Remembering that God is always with us, certainly at times of change, is helpful.
I came across this prayer that I would like to share with you, "Dear Lord, it helps me to remember that You know about all the changes that take place in my life. You are not taken by surprise - even if I am! Thank You for the times of blessing You have planned in the midst of the changes I face. Help me to see them and enjoy them. Help me to effectively lead others through changing times. In Jesus' Name, Amen!"
We face change - God doesn't. James 1:17 tells us, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." When we face change, remember to count on the God who does not change to help you adjust in the ways you must!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon Dec 21 08:04:08 2009 |
Today's Commentary
In his Christmas address in 1942, Franiklin Roosevelt said, "I say that loving our neighbor as we love ourselves is not enough-that we as a Nation and as individuals will please God best by showing regard for the laws of God. There is no better way of fostering good will toward man than by first fostering good will toward God. If we love Him we will keep His Commandments." Christmas sometimes causes us to think about our response to God in a way that no other holiday does. If you find yourselves comtemplating on what you might do to please God more with your life, the advice of a former president sounds like a good place to start. What Roosevelt says is so correct. In order for us to have a good relationship with others, we need to first have a good relationship with God. As we cultivate our relationship with the Father, we will relate to others in the way he wants.
The angels declared to the shepherds, "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men (Luke 2:14)." When we have peace with God, when we have a good relationship with Him, we will want to spread his love to others. We will want to love others the way he loves us. We will want to do good things for others because of what we know God has done for us. Loving God, and realizing how much he loves us, reminds us of how much we should love others. In this way, we will have "good will toward men." |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun Dec 20 07:20:51 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Many years ago, an employee in a butcher shop was caught stealing several hams. When asked why he did this, he said he thought his actions were justified because he was underpaid. We can really be creative when it comes to justifying actions that are simply not right.
If there was anyone who would have been justified in acting differently than how he did, it would have been David. Saul wanted his life and was pursing him in order to kill him. We read in I Samuel 24 that David had a chance to take Saul's life and end his torment. Instead. all he did was cut off a piece of Saul's robe to use later as evidence of his gracious act of sparing Saul's life. The scripture even tells us that the act of defacing Saul's robe brought David grief. Saul relented in his pursuit for a time because of this, but we find him returning to the hunt in I Samuel 26 where another incident of David's grace is recorded. David's actions are written about in 26:9-11, "But David said to Abishai, 'Don't destroy him! Who can lay a hand on the LORD's anointed and be guiltless? As surely as the LORD lives,' he said, 'the LORD himself will strike him; either his time will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. But the LORD forbid that I should lay a hand on the LORD's anointed. Now get the spear and water jug that are near his head, and let's go.'"
There is never any justification for wrong actions, even when we are being treated unjustly. If we need further examples of the correct response in the face of injustice, we need look no further than the life of Christ. From the time he was born, injustice abounded in the treatment of Christ. Consider the flight of his family to Egypt because of the edict of Herod to slay all males 2 and under.(read Matthew 2:16ff). Other examples abound. So, don't think unjust treatment gives a reason for inappropriate behavior. Follow the example of David and his Son! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Dec 19 07:03:51 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Charles Wesley was born on December 18, 1707. Wesley was the 18th child of Rev. Samuel and Susanna Wesley. He was quite gifted, and began to write hymns when he was young. According to American Minute, Garrett Wesley, a member of Parliament, offered to adopt him so that he would have an heir. Charles declined, and went on to study at Oxford. After graduation, he and his brother, John, moved to the colony of Georgia to minister to the American Indians. He was secretary to the colony's founder - James Oglethorpe. The ministry he and his brother envisioned never materialized, so they returned to England. He helped to found, along with John, the Methodist Episcopal church, a split from the Church of England, or Anglican Church.
In 1753, when 21 year-old George Washington was fighting in the French and Indian War, Charles published one of his most well-known and beloved songs, "Hark the Herald Angels Sing." For more than 200 years, worshippers and carolers have sung this marvelous song of praise as a tribute to our Lord. As with most Wesley songs, "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" is full of doctrinal statements about the Incarnation. The Virgin Birth, the deity of Christ, the redemption of man, the resurrection, and the kingship of Christ are just some of the doctinal aspects of Christ that are touched upon in this marvelous hymn.
When you have an opportunity to sing this Christmas, make sure you include this tremendous carol in your list. Let you voice raise a tribute of praise to the "New Born King." Christ is worthy of our praise at all times, and especially at this time of year which we have set aside to honor God becoming man to bring redemption for all mankind.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Dec 18 08:39:31 2009 |
Today's Commentary
I was standing in the old IGA building in our town, now empty, that was going to be used for our local food drive during the Christmas season. It was dark and I was struggling to find the right switch to turn on some lights. Then, all of a sudden, the entire building was flooded with light. "What in the world is that?" I wondered. I heard a voice, "Steve? Are you here?" I recognized the voice of the person I was to meet, and he was responsible for the light. He had with him one of those million-power hand lanterns. My, did it ever help me find the right switch!
As I thought about this later, it occurred to me that this is exactly what happened when Christ appeared. The people of the world were fumbling in darkness, trying to find the right "switch." Their search was in vain until Christ appeared, and, my, did he ever help us to find the right switch! He was the one who provided the light, and he was the one who found the switch! Isaiah 8:2 says, "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned." This is what took place when Christ came into the world. We read more about this in John 1:4 and 9, "In him was life, and that life was the light of men. . .The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world."
If my friend had not appeared when he did, I could have stuck my finger in the wrong place and got electrocuted. If Christ had not come into the world, there was a much worse fate that awaited all who were in the world. However, Christ appeared - bringing light and hope to all who believe. I thanked my friend for appearing and bringing the light. This Christmas season, let's make sure we take time to thank Christ for his appearance and for being the Light!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Dec 17 07:00:26 2009 |
Today's Commentary
During the Christmas season, sometimes folks experience a little letdown. Often, the reason for the letdown is because of expectations. We may have certain expectations about the Christmas season that are based upon past experiences, current hopes, or some other source, and then when things don't happen the way we envision, we feel a little depressed. A way to avoid this struggle is to simply make a conscious effort to keep our expectations realistic. During the holidays, as is the case with all the rest of the year, often things do not happen in the way we expect. Our response to this is heightened during the Christmas season because of the high emotional involvement during this time of year.
Our expectations are what sometimes cause a negative response to God and his involvement in our lives. We have certain expectations about how God needs to work in our lives, what he needs to do, what he needs to provide, or what course of action he should take in a given situation. Then our experience doesn't match our expectation, we respond with disappointment, depression, and even anger. We need to take a lesson from the story of the first Christmas to put things in perspective.
Think of how many expectations were detoured in God's involvement surrounding the birth of Christ. Zechariah and Elizabeth expected to remain childless, but didn't. Mary expected to be a wife and mother, but the order of this was reversed. Joseph expected to marry a virgin, which he did but with an unusual twist. The shepherds expected a normal night of watching the sheep, but had some visitors which led to a "field" trip (please pardon the pun). Herod the Great expected no rivals, and this led to a terrible command because of a perceived threat to his throne. The religious leaders, and many others. expected a Messiah, but missed him altogether because He appeared according to His plan, not theirs.
God reminds us in Isaiah, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways (Isaiah 55:8)." We need to keep this in mind, especially at this time of year when we are celebrating an event that took place in a way that only God could orchestrate. This being the case, never forget to let God be the conductor! This will put our expectations in the proper perspective.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Dec 16 07:53:42 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Disagreements can occur at any time, but one of the by-products of this season seems to be heightened friction. Some of the reasons for this are folks' emotions are running high, many are feeling a bit stressed, schedules are being shuffled, someone has plans and finds out that someone else has other plans, and communication gets skewed. The increase in the stress can lead to an increase in arguments. When you think about who we are celebrating and what we are celebrating, this is indeed a shame. Of course, it is a shame at any time, but the whole idea that the celebration of the Prince of Peace can lead to unpeaceful actions is alarming.
Be aware of this, and make sure you do all you can to allow peace to reign. We dishonor the One at the center of our accolades when we allow things to get out of hand. Although Christ did say at one point he "came not to bring peace, but a sword (Matthew 10:34)," he was making a point about discipleship. Christ does not want our family celebrations to become hotbeds of conflict. Remember to use your communication skills well to avoid misunderstandings. Make sure you listen well, and don't assume others are thinking what you are thinking without talking about what you are thinking! Folks don't read minds! James 3:18 says, "Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness." Celebrate in peace! In this way, we will truly honor the Prince of Peace! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Dec 15 09:39:53 2009 |
Today's Commentary
I remember hearing a story one time about a young boy in a Midwestern family that was struggling mightily during the Great Depression. It was hard to put food on the table, so any "extras" were out. This included attending a circus that was coming to town. Well, the little boy desperately wanted to go. So, weeks before the arrival of the circus, he began doing any kind of tasks he could to raise the price of admission, which was a dollar. Sure enough, by the time of the big event, he had the money. He went to town, purchased a ticket, then settled in with scores of others to watch the circus parade. During the parade, the little boy gave a ticket to a clown who came over to pat him on the head, thinking this was what he was supposed to do.
After the parade, he rushed home and excitedly proclaimed to his father, "Daddy, Daddy, you should have seen it! It was wonderful!" The father asked him all about it, and learned about his son giving his ticket to a clown. When he heard this, the father sadly told the son, "Son, you didn't see the circus. All you saw was the parade."
Many are in the same boat today. They are so wrapped up in the parade of gifts, parties, decorations, events, and even parades, that they are in danger of missing the real reason for celebrating. They are in danger of missing the message of this season. I hope that you are not in that boat. Don't get so caught up in the parade that you miss the real presentation! Christmas is the story of Christ, not of celebrations. The writer of Hebrews wrote about the danger of missing the real message because of looking to other things. We read in Hebrews 12:15, "See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." Don't miss what is important because you are looking at something else!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon Dec 14 07:11:17 2009 |
Today's Commentary
How would you describe the Christmas spirit? Is is a friendly exchange between friends or family that takes place at this time of year? Is it caroling with a church group at the local nursing home? Is it Christmas dinners, parties and gift exchanges? Is it going to special Christmas services? What about that good feeling that we get when we help others? These might all be a part of the Christmas spirit, but I am not sure they truly define what the Christmas spirit actually is.
Dennis J. DeHaan writes, "J. I. Packer goes to the heart of this matter in his book Knowing God. He writes, 'We talk glibly of the Christmas spirit, rarely meaning more by this than sentimental jollity . . . . It ought to mean the reproducing in human lives of the [temperament] of Him who for our sakes became poor, . . . the spirit of those who, like their Master, live their whole lives on the principle of making themselves poor—spending and being spent—to enrich their fellowmen, giving time, thought, care, and concern to do good to others . . . in whatever way there seems need.'"
What Packer seems to be saying is that we should strive to be a Philippians 2 Christian. You need to read the entire chapter, but here is an excerpt to give you the idea of what I am saying, "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death--even death on a cross!" This is the real Christmas spirit. If you want to cultivate the Christmas spirit, follow Paul's advice. This is the heart of Christ - this is the heart of Christmas!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun Dec 13 06:54:14 2009 |
Today's Commentary
At this time of year, there are many articles that appear in magazines, on tv talk shows, radio shows, and on the internet about how to handle the stress of the holidays. Advice such as do your Christmas shopping early, how to do baking, dealing with parties, and other tips, is given freely. Christmas is to be a time to enjoy and to celebrate, yet because of what we have done with the holiday, it often becomes something else - a stress inducer. This, of course, is just wrong. The idea that the celebration has become so stressful is wrong, and the advice on how to handle the stress is just wrong. What needs to change is not how we manage the things that cause the stress. This is just working on the externals. What needs to change is something within - our perception of what, actually whom, we celebrate at Christmas and how we should go about our celebration. Among other things, we need to be more concerned about the Gift and less concerned about gifts.
I know this isn't new advice either, but we sometimes need to be reminded. I know I do. If I don't make an effort, I find it easy to get caught up in what Christmas has become instead of what it is. I want Christmas to be what it should be - a reminder of who Christ is and what Christ means to me rather than how much I need to do. I want Christmas to help me to be a Philippians 3:10 Christian, "I want to know Christ. . ." Does Christmas help you know Christ more? That should be our focus - that should be our desire. Enjoy Christmas the way you should! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Dec 12 06:04:49 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Farmers in our area have had an unusual time getting in their crops this year. However, eventually the bins at the elevators got filled up. Grain elevators are really something. They can be fifteen stories tall and stretch on for blocks. Elevator operators have to take precautions to keep things in control and to prevent the build up of dust that can cause a fire, maybe even an explosion. According to experts, to prevent this, one would have to tear down half of their bin. This is really not a good option. A wiser course of action is to take care of the buildup of the small dust particles that could lead to a bigger problem.
As you think about this, this is sound advice in many areas of our life, not just with grain elevators. The build-up of small things can can lead to big problems. This is why it is better to take care of issues as they arise. It is better to deal with smaller problems as they appear rather than let them accumulate. Allowing them to accumulate can "create a monster" that is very difficult to keep under control.
Last year I underwent a procedure called a Camitz oppensplasty. This is a fairly involved prodecure where a ligament is moved from your wrist to your thumb to allow the thumb to conutine to be useful. The reason this happened was because I had failed to address a smaller problem that could have been taken care of through a carpal tunnel repair, a much simpler operation. When I didn't take care of a small problem, it became a big problem.
When we fail to address small problems, they can become big problems that are much harder to solve. If we let the little problems compound, then we may have trouble. Moses recognized this, and decided to do something to prevent it. Folks were coming to him with problems, but there were so many he had difficulty dealing with all of them. Realizing that if they were not resolved, there could be more difficult issues arise, he did this, "But how can I bear your problems and your burdens and your disputes all by myself? Choose some wise, understanding and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will set them over you (Deuteronomy 1:12)." Be wise! Take are of little things that can lead to big problems! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Dec 11 07:52:23 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Mark Galli, managing editor of "Christianity Today" wrote in a recent column, "Robert Louis Stevenson, the author of Treasure Island, Kidnapped, and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, was a prolific writer. But apparently he didn't like to write. As he put it, 'I love having written.'" Many of us have the same attitude towards some of our spiritual disciplines such as reading the scripture, prayer, worship, working to help others with physical needs, and evanglistic outreach. We love having done these things, we love what takes place within us when we are involved in these pursuits, but we often find ourselves struggling with starting the exercise. What is up with this?
Our struggle is often rooted in our attitude. What helps is to look at these as ways to express our love for Christ. Viewing these disciplines as ways to say "I love you" can help motivate us to do what we know we should. Keeping in mind how pleasing it is to the Savior when we are involved in these activities helps to shape our desire and fuel our passion. Keep in mind that pursuing these disciplines is a means to put down our spiritual enemy. This should add impetus to our effort.
Getting to where we want to be doesn't take place without a journey. We should look at our journey as an expression of our love for Christ. When we look at our journey as a means of saying "I love you," it helps us along the way! Tell Christ you love him by doing things that say "I love you."
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Dec 10 08:11:20 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Nicholas, bishop of Myra, is a fascinating figure. He was the original Santa Claus, according to some historians. Born into a fairly well-to-do family, he had a penchant for generosity. One tale speaks of his saving the daughters of a local merchant who had fallen on hard times. Before they could be sold as slaves, Nicholas slipped to their house one night and threw money in a window. This gave them a dowry, and allowed for their marriage. After his death on December 6, 343, people began the practice of secret gift-giving on this date to commemorate his life. Hmmm, gift exchange? Where have we heard of this before?
Nicholas was a godly man who was part of the Council of Nicaea that formulated the Nicene Creed. He had been imprisoned during the Diocletian Persecution and was freed by Emporer Constantine. In 1087, when the Turks invaded the land where he was buried, his bones were shipped to Italy to prevent them from being desecrated. Along with the bones went the story of his generosity and the practice of celebrating on the anniversary of his death. Thus the custom of gift-giving was introduced to Western Europe.
Obviously, his story has become intertwined with the celebration of the birth of Christ. Considering who he was and what he did, this is not such a bad thing. The securlarization of the Christmas holiday has diluted the story of Christ's gift and also the story of a marvelous Christian who was indeed devoted to Christ and to glorifying God. Let's make sure we don't forget the character of St. Nicholas in the midst of our Santa Claus hoopla. Psalms 112:5-6 says, "Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice. Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever."
The example of Nicholas of Myra is misconstrued and misapplied in our current day, but the spirit of generosity that was manifest in the life of Nicholas of Myra still exists. We need to make sure our lives are characterized by the same spirit of generosity.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Dec 9 09:49:42 2009 |
Today's Commentary
This past Monday we had our first snowfall of this winter. Well, technically it is not actually winter yet, so perhaps I should say the first snowfall of this season. Actually, that isn't correct either - oh, well, what matters is the fact that it snowed! It wasn't very much, but enough to call out the trucks to plow the snow and salt the streets. The sound of those machines tell me that more than likely I can get out and travel because the way has been cleared to get about safely. This is especially assuring at times of deeper snows. They are working to clear the way.
As I think about this idea of clearing the way, I am reminded of John the Baptist. We find prophecy about his coming in Isaiah 40:3, " A voice of one calling: 'In the desert prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God.'" Now, of course, he wouldn't be clearing any snow in the desert, but he would be the one to herald the coming of Christ. His birth and his life are linked with Jesus. Before the story of Christ's birth, we can read the story of John's birth in Luke. John's birth created quite a stir among the people of Judea six months before the birth of Christ. Luke 1:66 says, "Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, 'What then is this child going to be?' For the Lord's hand was with him." "This child" was going to be the forerunner of the Messiah.
As you celebrate the birth of Christ this season, give some thought to his cousin, John. Consider his birth and life and his role in Christ's ministry. Remember that there is a need now for those who will do the same as John did in his day - prepare the way for the Lord. We need to make our voices heard in the "desert" where there is a need for the message of Christ. Do what you can to clear the way!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Dec 8 08:37:20 2009 |
Today's Commentary
As I wrote yesterday, December 7 is Pearl Harbor Day. The American Minute commentary on Pearl Harbor Day contained a bit of information to which I had a negative reaction. Actually, it made me angry. The article included some quotes from President Franklin Roosevelt's address to Congress just after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Some of what he said is, "With confidence in our armed forces - with the unbounding determination of our people - we will gain the inevitable triumph - so help us God." Strong words that reveal exactly what he felt, and what the nation was feeling at that time. Then, the article went on to say, "As a note, of the over 500 words inscribed on the new World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., the designers chose not to include FDR's phrase 'So help us God,' nor any other mention of God." This is what caused my reaction.
As a nation, we seem to be making a choice to ignore the presence of the One who helped establish our nation and has helped to maintain our nation for His purpose. Some argue the point as to whether we are a Christian nation in the technical and theological sense. However, it is irrelevant whether we are or aren't. We cannot deny the presence of God nor the intervention of God in the events that have shaped our country. At least, we shouldn't deny the presence and intervention of God. Obviously, we are ignoring this. God's presence and intervention have been acknowledged by our leaders since the inception of our country. When we fail to do so, there will be consequences. Psalm 33:12 states, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD." If we as a nation, or if we as individuals, choose to ignore God, we can rest assured that God will not ignore us. There will be consequences. Leaving God's name off a memorial may not be a big deal to some, and it is the choice of the designer to do so. However, that choice was made as a deliberate move to prevent "offending" anyone and is indicative of the attitude that we can "take or leave" the existence of God. Well, I am offended that they made this choice. This goes to show that many voices are being ignored. Why? This will have to be left for another column.
A simple bit of advice: Do not leave God out of your life. He cares too much for you to be ignored. Pray for those who choose to ignore him. They will have bigger problems to face than the comments of a church pastor if they continue in their ignorance. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon Dec 7 08:10:15 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Today is Pearl Harbor Day. This is the 68th anniversary of the surprise Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii which brought the United States into World War II. I remember my father talking about this day - he was in the Army and was stationed near Ft. Worth, Texas. He was on his way to a football game, but never made it. The news went out of the attack and that all military personnel were to report to their base. It wasn't long before he found himself on a troop ship leaving San Francisco bound for the South Pacific. That would be his home for the next 4 years.
Our relationship with the Japanese has improved dramatically over the years, but our country has never forgotten this event. It reminds us of a couple of things - the deceitfulness of man and the need to be prepared for any circumstance. We never know what might happen, what event is waiting for us just around the next bend in the road. Obviously, we can't be prepared for all things, but realizing the potential of unexpected events can go a long way to helping us prepare for our response to such occurrences. The U.S. was taken by surprise on this day 68 years ago; there was no way to prevent what took place. However, the reaction of the country was what was important. The loss we suffered did not destroy us, but led to a response that ultimately produced victory. The victory was not secured easily. The response involved a great deal of time, cost, and effort. However, this outcome was certainly more preferable than the alternative.
We have a similar choice when we face an unexpected circimstance that devastates us. We can allow it to destroy us, or we can respond in such a way as to eventually become victorious. And certainly an outcome of victory is preferable to the alternative. This may require an investment of time and effort, but we know we will not be alone. God will be with us each step along the way to our recovery. The prophet Jeremiah declared, "Why are you like a man taken by surprise, like a warrior powerless to save? You are among us, O LORD, and we bear your name; do not forsake us (Jeremiah 14:9)." Here he is commenting on what appeared to be a "surprise attack" against God and his people. What he is saying is there really isn't any such thing - God is never surprised, and his people can count on him to be present when they face an unexpected foe. This happens to us. We face unexpected "foes." When this occurs, know that we have One beside us for whom nothing is a surprise, and he will lead us along the road of healing.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun Dec 6 07:54:31 2009 |
Today's Commentary
We just finished our first night, of two nights, of our live nativity at church. It is always so thrilling to see everyone's hard work come to fruition. To reenact the time of the birth of Christ is just a special thing. The staging we do is not all that elaborate, but the sights and sounds we experience as we portray the setting really do serve to transport us back in time to the first century. Can you imagine what it would have like to have actually been alive at the time of the birth and the life of Christ? Many got it, I mean, they truly realized how blessed and privileged they were to be alive at that time. Luke 19:4 talks about one of the people who was excited about seeing Christ, "So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way (Luke 19:4)." You perhaps are familiar with the story of Zacchaeus. However, there were many who weren't excited about seeing him. Can you imagine that? How sad. Of course, the same reality exists today. There are many who realize that knowing Christ is a real blessing and privilege. There are many who don't.
I hope you understand that knowing Christ truly is a blessing and a privilege. We don't have the privilege of being there when Christ was on the earth, but that doesn't mean we can't see him. We can and will, if we give him our heart. Doing this means we have a real relationship with him now, and the promise that we will see him soon. I John 3:2 tells us, "But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is."
Are you excited about seeing him? If you aren't, you need to make the message of Christmas part of you. You need to accept the gift Christ has for you - the gift of eternal life that can be yours when you trust him. Doing this means you will indeed see him. We may not be able to transport ourselves back in time to catch a glimpse of Christ on earth, but knowing him means that someday we will be transported to where He is - forever.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Dec 5 07:19:30 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Many wonder about God's will for their life. They want to make sure to make right decisions - decisions that would be pleasing in God's eyes and reflect God's will for them. Sometimes frustration comes when it is not really clear what the will of God is. This is sometimes caused by on overemphasis on what we want instead of focusing on what God wants.
There are some plain statements in the New Testament about the will of God. II Corinthians 8:5 says, "And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will." I Thessalonians 4:3 says, "It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality." I Peter 2:15 says, "For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men." I Thessalonians 5:18 tells us, "give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
The common thread in all of these is that God wants us to live righteous lives. As we live a life that is pleasing to God, we will find that God will direct us in making decisions that relate to specific circumstances and life situations. Do God's will by living a life which reflects Gods character. You won't go wrong if you live for this!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Dec 4 08:15:16 2009 |
Today's Commentary
I once heard of an editorial cartoon that depicted the First Christmas but with a modern twist. As the shepherds were paying homage to the infant Jesus, one said, "This had better be happening on private property, or we are in trouble."
The furor created in recent years over Nativity displays on public property is really something, and really sad. Groups and individuals who are bent on preserving civil liberties at the expense of failing to acknowledge God and his role in our very existence are missing out on a great reality. Their position is based on their interpretation of "separation of church and state" clause in our constitution. What is ironic is that the author of the clause, Thomas Jefferson, was also a proponent of providing federal funds for the support of Christian efforts among Native Americans. American Minute states, "On April 26, 1802, Thomas Jefferson extended a 1787 act of Congress in which special lands were designated: 'For the sole use of Christian Indians and the Moravian Brethren missionaries for civilizing the Indians and promoting Christianity.'"
Regardless of what many might do to prevent Nativity displays on public property, the fact is Christ did come among us. He was born of the Virgin Mary and lived on earth for about 33 years. Whatever some might try to do to make sure his story is kept away from public display and public proclamation, it happened. Christ came. Christ lived among us. Christ lives now, and he loves us. You want to know something else that is ironic? He loves the people who don't want to see the displays of his birth. That is the the message of Christmas. "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)."
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Dec 3 09:10:12 2009 |
Today's Commentary
When I read the story of Christ’s Birth I am reminded of God's sovereignty. This past Sunday I spoke of the many "coincidences" surrounding the birth of Christ. There are many reminders in scripture that we have a sovereign God who is in control. Throughout history, we see many examples of God's sovereignty. We see many examples where "coincidences" occur leading to God’s work being accomplished.
One such story that seems to fit this description is the account of Hernando Cortez, the 16th century Spanish explorer. When Cortez landed in Mexico, he encountered the Aztecs, a race of people given to the conquest of weaker tribes. Cortez formed an alliance with some of the tribes and conquered the Aztecs, putting an end to their cannibalistic practices. He was able to communicate with the tribes because of a priest who just happened to have been shipwrecked there, Jeronimo de Aguilar. Cortez' personal secretary writes this, "Cortez told them of their blindness and great vanity in worshiping many gods and making sacrifices of human blood to them, and in thinking that those images, being mute and soulless, made by the Indians with their own hands, were capable of doing good or harm. He then told them of a single God, Creator of Heaven and earth and men, whom the Christians worshiped and served, and whom all men should worship and serve. In short, after he had explained the Mysteries to them, and how the Son of God had suffered on the Cross, they accepted it and broke up their idols." God worked through a Spanish conquistador to bring the message of Christ to a race of people who fit the description given by Paul in Romans 1:25, "They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator--who is forever praised."
God is indeed at work in bringing His Great Gift to mankind. We see that in the story of the birth of His Son. We see it in so many stories of the spread of His Gospel. Give thanks for "coincidences" this Christmas season!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Dec 2 07:20:18 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Herbert Vander Lugt writes about Pat Fillmore: "Pat Fillmore has been a pioneer missionary in Irian Jaya for 40 years. She taught people to read and brought them medications and medical techniques. She maintained airstrips, built septic systems, and repaired generators and appliances. In addition, she established and managed a quality Bible school, and translated parts of the Bible and many study courses into the language of the people to whom she ministered."
Those are some significant accomplishments! You've surely heard of Pat Fillmore, haven't you? If you have, great, but I must say that I hadn't heard about her until I read Mr. Vander Lugt's article. There are so many people who have many great accomplishments, yet we never know about them. There have been many of these people throughout history - there are many even now who fit into this category. Sometimes we feel like we may be laboring in a "vacuum" as what we do goes unheralded. Keep a healthy attitude about what you do. On the one hand, don't feel like what you are doing is "insignificant" because you don't attract a lot of attention and on the other hand don't feel like you need to be "noticed." Put yourself in the shoes of Paul's anonymous colleagues he refers to in Philippians 4:3, "the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life." Who are these people? Well, we don't know. However, God does - and that is what matters. What we do for God does not go unnoticed by God. Colossians 3:23-24 tells us, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
Always keep in mind we are serving God. This helps keep the "attention" factor in perspective. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Dec 1 08:50:41 2009 |
Today's Commentary
One of the nice things about the Holiday season is being with family and friends. I hope you had a great experience this Thanksgiving with your family. As we continue in the Christmas season perhaps one thing you are looking forward to, as I am, is being with family. Since our families live in another state, we have always looked forward to the "reunions" that take place around the holidays. Being with people who genuinely care for you and encourage you is a good thing. This is something we all appreciate, and something we all need. To be around folks who are helpful, caring, and encouraging is really important. We need to surround ourselves with people who offer companionship and insight. We need to avoid those who are negative and critical. We need to do our best to avoid those who would bring discouragement into our lives and be a bad influence to us.
Proverbs 13:20 tells us, "He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm." We tend to become like those with whom we associate. Don't let those of bad character influence you. Surround yourself with those who will help you grow in Christ, develop good character, and offer positive criticism that is helpful. When we associate with those who are on the wrong path, we have a tendency to move in that direction. Warren Harding, president from 1921 until his death in 1923, is a person who stands as an example of what can happen when we surround ourselves with the wrong people. Considered by most to be a decent fellow, many of his advisors and cabinet members weren't. These people tainted his presidency immensely. Harding said, "I have no trouble with my enemies, but my. . .friends, they're the ones that keep me walking the floor nights!"
Don't associate with those who will cause you to walk the floor at night! Instead, as we read in Proverbs, "walk with the wise!"
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon Nov 30 08:43:13 2009 |
Today's Commentary
If you want to read something really good over the holiday season, you can't go wrong reading "The Chronicles of Narnia." Written by C.S. Lewis, these books are intended for younger readers, but they are great for readers of all ages. If you haven't read them, make it a point to do so. You may be familiar with these as you may have already read them, or you may have seen the movies which have been made from the first two volumes in the series.
Yesterday was the birthday of C.S. Lewis, born on November 29, 1898. He died on the day that John Kennedy was shot - November 22, 1963. His books still sell over a million copies annually. Some of his others works include "The Screwtape Letters," "The Abolition of Man," and "Mere Christianity." He was an avowed agnostic until he was led to faith by J.R.R. Tolkien. Yes, that J.R.R. Tolkien, the one of "The Lord of the Rings" fame. His books have influenced countless lives, mine included. Lewis wrote in Mere Christianity, "All that we call human history - money, poverty, ambition, war, prostitution, classes, empires, slavery - is the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy." Lewis found that no one else but God can bring true happiness to ones life. Like Solomon, he found that "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man (Ecclesiastes 12:13)."
I hope you do something this Christmas season besides reading C.S. Lewis. I hope you realize there is nothing more important than following God. Only through the pursuit of God can we have true happiness. Two very wise men, C.S. Lewis and Solomon, agree on this. You need to agree as well.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun Nov 29 07:59:00 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Today is the first Sunday of Advent. Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day, which is the Sunday nearest November 30, and ends on Christmas Eve (Dec 24). If Christmas Eve is a Sunday, it is counted as the fourth Sunday of Advent. The church has observed the Advent season for many years. Observing Advent helps keep us focused on what we are celebrating at this time of year. Although we realize the date we have set as the date of the birth of Christ is a "shot in the dark," it really is good that we have a special time to celebrate the story of Christ's birth. The actual date of his birth is unknown, but the fact that Christ became a man and entered the human race the way that every other human has entered the human race (except for Adam and Eve, of course) is a big deal. So, it is good we spend some time thinking about and celebrating this event.
The Advent season gives us a time to reflect and think about what we have been given, what it means to us, what we should give to others, and our response to God. This time helps us think of our marvelous God, our wonderful Savior, and the presence of the Holy Spirit who guides and directs our lives. I hope that as we take time to celebrate the Gift we have been given, we will examine our hearts and our lives to see what we can do to make Advent the meaningful time it should be.
Christ came for us - let us examine our response to him and make Advent a time of true significance as we focus on Him. A familiar hymn says, "Thou didst leave thy throne and thy kingly crown when thou camest to earth for me." Galatians 4:4-5 tells us, "But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons." This is the reason for Advent.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Nov 28 08:31:25 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Christian industrialist and inventor R. G. LeTourneau is known for his enormous earth-moving machines. One of his products was known simply by the name, "Model G." A prospective buyer, hoping to stump a salesman, asked, "What does the 'G' stand for?"
"I guess the G stands for gossip," was the salesman's quick reply. "Because, like gossip, this machine moves a lot of dirt, and moves it fast!"
The Proverbs have a lot to say about gossip: Those who gossip are untrustworthy (11:13) and should be avoided (20:19). Gossip separates the closest of friends (16:28) and keeps relational strife boiling (18:8). It pours fuel on the coals of conflict, feeding the flames of hurt and misunderstanding (26:21-22).
The Hebrew word for "gossip" or "talebearing" actually means "whispering that is damaging." We fool ourselves into thinking that those juicy, whispered comments here and there are harmless. But gossip leaves behind a wide swath of destruction and is never a victimless crime. Someone is always hurt. So here's a word to the wise: "Where there is no talebearer, strife ceases" (Prov. 26:20). Let's leave the dirt-moving to big machines. Put the shovels away and revel in the joy of gossip-free relationships! - Joe Stowell
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Nov 27 08:17:19 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Well, did you survive your Black Friday experience? Or perhaps you were a little more prudent and decided not to venture out today for fear of life and limb. Another quandary that we face today is what to do with the leftover turkey. Now, if we were living in ancient Israel, there would be no quandary. Leviticus 7 spells out what that there were to be no leftovers from a Thanksgiving Offering - it had to be consumed that day! Leviticus 7:15 says, "The meat of his fellowship offering of thanksgiving must be eaten on the day it is offered; he must leave none of it till morning." This meant that the person offering the sacrifice would share his "leftovers" with family and friends, and others as well. This was one way to provide for the needs of those who were in need. What we see is an example of someone allowing others to be blessed through his abundance.
You may not do this is a literal way with what you have leftover from yesterday, but the principle here is what is important. We are to be channels of God's blessings by sharing our abundance with others. We seem to be more prone to think along these lines this time of year since there are many organizations who are reminding us that we need to consider charitable activities, but this is a mindset we should have at all times. We are living in more challenging economic times. This can cause us to be more cautious with how we share. Remember there are those who need what you do not need and don't be afraid to give. Doing this reflects the character of God and, as I wrote yesterday, increases our attitude of thanksgiving.
So, as you see, there should be no problem with the leftovers. There should be no leftovers! Use what God gives you to glorify him by giving to others! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Nov 26 09:01:38 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Today is Thanksgiving Day. I hope you are going to be able to enjoy the day with family and friends. It should not be necessary to have a day to remind us of our need to be thankful, but having such a day is a good idea. Paul tells us in I Thessalonians 5:18 to "give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." How can we do this?
First, focus on what you have, not on what you don't have. Concentrating on what we are missing or on what we don't possess can lead to an ungrateful heart, sometimes even a bitter heart. If the celebrants of the "first Thanksgiving" focused on what they did not have, on what they had lost, there would not have been a "first Thanksgiving." They had given up property, wealth, friends, and family to come to the "New World" for a chance to be free from religious persecution. Once here, they found out they had actually lost their way and landed in the wrong place. They lost almost half of the people that made the journey during the first winter they were here. Why should they be thankful? They were thankful because they chose to focus on what they had, not on what they didn't have, and they gave thanks.
A second tip on being grateful in all circumstances is to focus on what we can give, not on what we can get. Developing a generous heart will help us be more thankful. A final word is to focus on God's desire for us, not on what we think we want from God. This brings us right back to the verse in I Thessalonians - God's desire for us is that we be thankful. Following these thoughts can help us to be thankful in spite of things that hinder our gratitude. Doing this can sometimes lead to us being thankful for the even things that hinder our thankfulness. I hope you have a very Happy Thanksgiving! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Nov 25 08:52:06 2009 |
Today's Commentary
I have always loved to watch our local school bands in parades and in performances. I especially enjoyed watching when my girls were in the band. We traveled many places to watch them perform and even had the opportunity to travel to watch them march in a Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day parade on two occasions. They were always impressive as they came down the street playing and marching in unison. The operative word here is unison. This was what makes a band impressive - the ability of a large group of people with a tremendous variety of instruments to produce a show that is both aesthetically pleasing and musically remarkable because of their ability to play and move in unison.
The effect of the church needs to be like the effect of the band. The only way this will happen is if the church is doing what the band did - marching and playing as a single entity. There is a time to "march to a different drummer," but when it comes to wanting to see the church go forward and make an impact in society, we need to work together. We need to be unified in our efforts, we need to walk together, we need to work together. When we do, we will see many positive results. We will be "aesthetically pleasing and musically remarkable" and be effective in our witness for our Lord. Paul states in Romans 15:5-6, "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Christ's desire for the Church is that we walk and talk as one. How are we doing?
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Nov 24 08:41:44 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Our nation's 14th president was Franklin Pierce, who was born on November 23, 1804, 205 years ago yesterday. As with many of our leaders, Pierce had his share of struggles in his life. He served in the Mexican-American War, entering as a private and leaving as a brigadier general. During this war he suffered a crushed leg. He made some decisions later in life that some consider unwise and suffered the consequences. He lost his only son during his presidential campaign when the train on which they were riding derailed. Two of his closet friends, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, were with him when he died at the age of 65.
Pierce suffered many setbacks in his life, some at this own doing. However, he continued to remain faithful and trust in God. He knew that in spite of what might happen in life - even in circumstances brought about by one's own poor decisions - God is with you. He knew the nation needed to trust God and once said, "It must be felt that there is no national security but in the nation's humble, acknowledged dependence upon God and His overruling providence."
Acknowledging our dependence upon God is a good thing. We may not be able to so much to influence the national conscience to accept this, but we can certainly put this into practice in our individual lives. This is what God wants us to do. Then at times when we face things like a crushed leg, the loss of a loved one, a financial setback, or any other hard blow, we find we have the strength to continue. Jesus said, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me (John 14:1)." We can trust in the Lord. I hope you do. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon Nov 23 07:17:33 2009 |
Today's Commentary
When I was a teenager, I once had counselor at church camp who would say, "I don't get mad, I get even." This was to ward off any attempts by us to, well, "bend the rules," especially when it came to doing something directed at him The warning of his revenge was meant to be a deterrent to bad behavior.
Do you really feel like revenge accomplishes anything? Our usual line of thought is that we need to "get back" at someone for what they have done to us. However, this usually compounds the issue, lowers us to the level of the person who perpetrated the wrong-doing to begin with, and could produce regrettable consequences. Followers of Christ need to work at following the high road when it comes to situations where one might normally might seek revenge. Benjamin Franklin said, "Tis more noble to forgive, and more manly to despise, than to revenge an Injury." Christ, who is a somewhat higher authority than dear Mr. Franklin, tells us, "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic (Luke 6:27-29)."
Revenge is something best left in the hands of one who knows how to deal with bad behavior - our Father. God tells us he will seek vengeance when vengeance is warranted (see Romans 12:9). He knows how to handle these situations far better than us. Don't go down a path that can lead to further injury and bitterness, follow a path that shows you want to be like Christ. Leave the vengeance up to God.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun Nov 22 06:56:18 2009 |
Today's Commentary
The Shroud of Turin is back in the news. For those of you who perhaps have not heard of this shroud, it is a centuries-old burial cloth that appears to have the image of a man who was crucified. This image was first noticed in 1898, although the shroud dates back to many centuries earlier. Just how many years earlier is the point of debate. Many have thought it is the actual burial shroud of Christ. Tests have been inconclusive. What has just been discovered is some writing on the shroud that appears to say "Jesus of Nazareth." So, it seems the debate is on again.
I think this is all most fascinating, but I think there is, with all due apologies to Shakespeare, "much ado about nothing." Whether the shroud is genuine or not is of little consequence. The fact is, Christ lived, he died, and he rose again. We do not need verification from an ancient burial cloth to validate this. For those who refuse to acknowledge this, there will be consequences. The priests and the scribes called for Christ to come down from the cross that they may believe - "Let this Christ, this King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe (Mark 15:32)." Some today demand some kind of sign, something they can see, before they will believe. This is just as it was in the day when Christ was present on earth. For those who believe even without seeing, well, the words of Christ directed to Thomas tell the story, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed (John 20:29)."
We believe because of the witness of Christ, not the Shroud of Turin. If it is proved to not be what many claim it is, that is not a problem. If it ever is proved to be genuine, well, all the better. However, this would not be a validation. The validation is already there. I hope you have no problem with this.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Nov 21 08:31:25 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Do you ever wonder why cotton candy exists? If there was ever something that was actually nothing, cotton candy is just that. When you look at it, it looks so delightful, so delicious, so delectable. Then, when you start chomping down on that big mound of colorful fluff that is exactly what you get - a big mound of colorful fluff and little else. Yet, it still proves to be a staple at amusement parks, fairs, and festivals. When we have our annual summer festival, we have cotton candy, and it is extremely popular. When you get it, you really don't get much. It just really doesn't offer much in spite of its attractive appearance.
We are indeed searching for something in life, in spite of what we might think. We do have a longing within us that wants to be satisfied. There is so much "cotton candy" out there which looks good but really doesn't satiate our hunger. Satan offers much that would seem to satisfy, but certainly doesn't. Christ speaks to this issue of spiritual hunger in the Beatitudes. In Matthew 5:6, we hear Christ saying, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." We have an inner hunger and an inner thirst that can only be alleviated by that which Christ provides. He tells us in John 6:35, "Then Jesus declared, 'I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.'" We have a spiritual longing, a spiritual hunger and thirst that only Christ can satisfy. Don't pursue the cotton candy of the world. Look no farther than what you see in Christ. He will take care of your needs. He will give you joy that will be more than just a sugar high. Why settle for nothing when you can have something?
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Nov 20 07:55:01 2009 |
Today's Commentary
I used to play a game with youth groups called "Train Wreck." In this game, each person is assigned a number and is seated. The person who is "it" stands in front of the group and calls out some numbers at random and then says "train wreck." On that signal, those whose numbers have been called must get up and find a new chair. The person who is "it" must also find a seat. What follows is something akin to pandemonium, but it is really fun pandemonium - people rushing around frantically trying to find what they want - a chair. Of course, the real life counterpart of this game - an actual train wreck - isn't really fun. Sometimes it is tragic and a real mess. I remember coming upon the scene of a train wreck one time - it was surreal seeing those huge train cars lying at strange angles. Some were on their side, some were on their top, and some were almost perpendicular to the ground. It was quite a mess, and certainly not a game.
Sometimes our lives might feel a little like a train wreck. Everything seems askance with circumstances surrounding us at weird angles. When this happens, just take a deep breath, collect your thoughts, and focus on the provision of God. Job no doubt felt like he had been in a train wreck (although there weren't any trains at that time) when he got the news about his crops, his herds, his servants, and, of course, his family. They were gone - all gone. What was his response? We read this in Job 1:20-22, "At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: 'Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.' In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing."
Job was not unaffected by these events - his immediate response was tearing his clothes and cutting his hair. However, he knew that in the midst of chaos he had a great need to maintain his focus on God. This was what helped him survive the "train wreck." This is what can help us when we feel like our train has wrecked. Let God get you back on the rails - he can create order out of chaos.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Nov 19 07:54:09 2009 |
Today's Commentary
During our Bible study last night at church we read a passage that is really challenging to us. Habakkuk 3:16-18 says, " I heard and my heart pounded, my lips quivered at the sound; decay crept into my bones, and my legs trembled. Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity to come on the nation invading us. Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior."
What is really challenging about this passage is reading the joyfulness and the thankfulness of the writer in spite of impending invasion and calamity. He describes a future time of military conquest and subsequent results - no food, destroyed economy, servitude. In spite of this, he says he will remain joyful. How can he do this? The answer is in verse 19 where he says his trust is in the Sovereign Lord. There is no "special formula" for being able to do this - it is a matter of placing our full trust and confidence in our God who created us.
Many of us experience times in our lives where it is hard to be joyful and thankful. When we do, remember our Lord is still Sovereign and he will remain present with us throughout those times of anguish. Keep your eye and your thoughts upon him, and then you will be able to say "yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior" in spite of what you face. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Nov 18 09:11:47 2009 |
Today's Commentary
The antagonist In W. Somerset Maugham's short story "Mr. Know-All" is described in this excerpt, "I not only shared a cabin with him and ate three meals a day at the same table, but I could not walk round the deck without his joining me. It was impossible to snub him. It never occurred to him that he was not wanted. He was certain that you were as glad to see him as he was to see you. In your own house you might have kicked him downstairs and slammed the door in his face without the suspicion dawning on him that he was not a welcome visitor. He was a good mixer, and in three days knew everyone on board. He ran everything. He managed the sweeps, conducted the auctions, collected money for prizes at the sports, got up quoit and golf matches, organized the concert and arranged the fancy-dress ball. He was everywhere and always. He was certainly the best hated man in the ship. We called him Mr. Know-All, even to his face. He took it as a compliment." Have you ever encountered someone like this?
Know-it-alls usually drive us nuts. I think know-it-alls probably drive God nuts, well, so to speak. God wants his followers to be confident in what they know, but he also wants us to be teachable. We should never think we have "arrived" or "made it" when it comes to our relationship with him and what we know about serving him. Proverbs tells us "Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding (Proverbs 9:9-10)."
Follow God's instruction carefully - try to learn something new every day about him. Remember you can't know it all, but do all you can to learn as much as you can!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Nov 17 09:54:41 2009 |
Today's Commentary
In the 1983 film WarGames, Matthew Broderick plays a young man who unwittingly hacks into a Defense Department computer, and thinking he was playing a computer game, almost causes a nuclear war. One wonders if this could actually happen. Well, it could, and in the days of the Cold War, it almost did. On September 26, 1983, Stanislav Petrov, a Soviet officer, correctly identified a warning signal of an impending nuclear attack on the Soviet Union as a computer error thus averting a retaliatory strike against the United States. WarGames had just been released in the summer of 1983. Rather ironic, don’t you think?
You know, if you were to dwell on things like this, it could really bring about a lot of fear. For some, it does. However, we who know God know he is a Sovereign Lord who is in control and has told us what will take place to bring about the end times. Many fear a nuclear holocaust and believe that man's actions will bring about an apocalyptic end to our world. This will not happen. God is the one in charge, and he is the one who will cause things to happen according to his timetable and in his way. We sometimes need to be reminded of this. Job was reminded of this when God said to him, "Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand (Job 38:3-4)."
Don't spend time needlessly worrying about things that will not happen. Trust God who knows the future and knows your future. Now, if you have not placed your trust in him, then that would be a good thing to do because "Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever (Psalm 125:1)." Don't play games with your life - let God take control!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon Nov 16 09:07:11 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Last night at church, a group of our church people put on a skit showing how we can sometimes wear "masks" to try to be someone we really aren't. They did a really great job showing how we can get caught up in wanting to put on "airs," trying to be something we aren't, just to impress others or get something we want. Although done in a comedic way, the skit made a really good point. We can try to be someone else if we want, but God knows us, and only a life with Christ can bring out the "real" us.
When Christ comes into our lives, there is no need to try to be someone else. Christ brings us peace, brings us hope, brings us life, all the while helping us to be ourselves. We don't have to put on a "mask" to be something to Christ. He knows all about us, knows all our faults, knows all our warts, and still wants us just as we are. He does this because he knows what we can be when he is in us. The reason for this is that he is the one who makes us into something special - no faking, no masks, no superficial changes, a true makeover. We read in II Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"
Don't wear a mask! You may fool some people, but you will never fool Christ. Be a real person, and let Christ work within you to make you who you need to be in him.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun Nov 15 07:36:02 2009 |
Today's Commentary
I wonder what folks at First Baptist would say to me if I preached the same message three or four weeks in a row? I would imagine someone might ask, "Pastor Steve, what is going on here?" That would be a valid question, and I would have a valid response. "I am going to preach the same message until I see you acting on what is being said." Now, I don't know if I would ever do this, but, it is tempting.
My desire to see people act on what is being said is rooted in Scripture. We read the words of James to his readers in James 1:22-25, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does."
Many of us talk a good talk, or "hear" a good talk, but we don't act on what we know. This is something on which we need to work. Act on what you know! Don't be forgetful!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Nov 14 07:54:46 2009 |
Today's Commentary
The jobless rate is over 10% for the second time since WW II. The last time it was this high was in 1982. Many economists maintain that there are many more problems now that there were in 1982 such as greater personal debt, fewer higher paying manufacturing jobs, less savings to fall back upon, and greater national debt. We are certainly facing uncertain times.
In these times of uncertainty there are perhaps a number of things we can do. Here are three suggestions. First, make good decisions about your economic position. Be smart with what you have. Secondly, look out for others. Are there others you can help in some way? Do what you learned about in kindergarten - share! Finally, and most importantly, continue to trust in our sovereign Lord. God is in control and we know we can place our trust in him. God is not unaware of our plight. There are reasons why we are seeing such circumstances and we should follow the lead of the one who knows what is taking place. We need to focus on what is important - allowing God to help us with our focus is a smart move. When we face difficult financial times or, for that matter, any other difficulty, we need to let God help us with our focus. Ecclesiastes 7:12 tells us, "Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: that wisdom preserves the life of its possessor."
In uncertain times, focus on what is certain - our sovereign God. He will guide us through the minefield.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Nov 13 08:19:39 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Today is Friday the 13th. Whoooo. Are you scared? I have always been fascinated with this superstition. There are a number of ideas about the origin of the fear of Friday the 13th. Do an internet search and you will see this.
A 1993 article in the British Medical Journal showed there may be something to the "unlucky" aspect of Friday the 13th. A study conducted over several years showed there was an increase in the number of people injured in car accidents on Friday the 13th despite fewer cars on the road on that day. An ironic twist to the study was that the decrease in the number of cars on the road could possibly be attributed to paraskevidekatriaphobia, the fear of of Friday the 13th. Yes, there is a technical name for the fear of Friday the 13th.
There are lots of things people fear. Actually, there are some things we should fear. Having a fear of things that can actually cause harm is a good thing. Fear of something that can be harmful means you will avoid it; you will be aware of the danger associated with that something, and use care at times of potential conflict. For example, having a fear of electric is not a bad thing - it means you will be cautious around potential shock hazards or when doing work on an electical apparatus. Fear in this case means you will avoid situations which involve contact with electric that would be "above your head" and potentially cause harm.
Something we need to fear is sin and what it can do to us. Having a fear of sin is certainly not irrational, as sin is something that can harm us and cause bad things to happen. Even as having a healthy fear of electricity is really a matter of self-preservation, so having a fear of sin can keep us from making bad decisions and doing things that hurt. Fear of Friday the 13th? Well, that seems to be a little unfounded. Fear of sin? Good idea - fear away.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Nov 12 09:12:24 2009 |
Today's Commentary
President Calvin Coolidge had the remains of an unidentified soldier killed in WW I buried in Arlington Cemetary in 1921, creating the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Inscribed on the tomb are the words, "Here lies in honored glory an American soldier known but to God." Remains of soldiers from WW II and Korea were interred there by President Eisenhower in 1954. Perhaps you have visited this tomb, read the inscription, watched the changing of the guard. It is a solemn place. On a visit there in November of 2003. I recall watching the president of Macedonia, Boris Trajkovski, place a wreath at the tomb. That was a very impressive ceremony. An ironic note to this story is that Mr. Trajkovski was killed in a plane crash two months after we watched him honor the dead at Arlington. Obviously, the President had no idea that this gesture at the tomb of a fallen soldier would be one of his last acts on earth.
The words inscribed on the tomb are certainly true - God does know who those soldiers are. However, the story I related above demonstrates the importance of our knowing God. What I mean by this is knowing God in an intimate way through his Son so that we may know we have the hope of eternal life. This is important knowledge as we have no idea what might transpire next in our life and when our life here will be done. Accepting Christ as Savior assures for us that God knows us in more than just a casual way. Accepting God's gift means God knows us as his child, and guarantees that we will live with him when this life is done.
An interesting footnote is that President Trajkovski did know the Savior. I read about his faith in a story written after his death. Like all the rest of us, he did not have a clue as to the identity of the persons in the tomb where the wreath was laid, but he knew the Person who holds the keys to the mystery of life and death. Knowing Him is the most important thing. Job speaks of the importance of knowing God, "I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes--I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me (Job 19:25-27)!" Do you have this assurance? If you know God, you do. I know the Redeemer knows you.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Nov 11 08:26:41 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Today is Veteran's Day. This is a day set aside to honor veterans of all wars in which the United States has been involved. This holiday began as Armistice Day, the day when hostilities ceased ending World War I. This happened at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month. On October 8th, 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower issued a proclamation designating November 11th as Veteran's Day. Later, the day sort of bounced around until President Gerald Ford restored the observance back to its original date - November 11th. Canada has a similar observance on the same day. As a matter of fact, the Canadian singer/songwriter Terry Kelly has produced a great video about Remembrance Day. You can see this at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kX_3y3u5Uo. Take the time to view it (if you do you will see the irony in the wording of my suggestion).
I hope you will pause for a moment today to think of the sacrifices made by so many to keep our world safe from tyranny. We do wish that war would not be part of our reality, but it is. In light of this reality, we certainly do well to remember those who gave. As followers of Christ, we want to pass along important spiritual truth to the next generation. We are also wise to pass along important aspects of our heritage. Days such as today can help us to do just that. Psalm 78:3 speaks to the issue of passing things along to our children, "what we have heard and known, what our fathers have told us." Let today be a day of telling others what has been done for them. Honor those who have served. Remember that freedom is not free - many have given much to allow for our freedom. We need to acknowledge their gift, and pass along their story. Take some time to do that today.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Nov 10 08:37:10 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Yesterday, November 9, 2009, marked the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. I am sure that many of you remember the images of hundreds of people streaming through the barrier after it was lifted and "attacking" the wall. This event marked the beginning of the collapse of Communism in Europe as well as the break-up of the Soviet Union. Reforms started under the leadership of Mikhail Gorbechev led to this change. The destruction of the literal wall that had separated East and West Berlin since just after the end of World War II was symbolic of the destruction of the wall separating Eastern Europe from the free world. Folks on the “wrong” side of the wall had been excluded from experiencing freedom and were subjected to a totalitarian regime, unable to enjoy life in the way free people do.
A great wall separated God and us. We were apart from God and unable to enjoy life as free people. We were subject to the totalitarian regime of sin. The wall had to come down. And so it did. For those of us who follow Christ, his death on the cross removed the wall of sin that separated us from God and frees us from sin's control. Paul addresses this in Ephesians 2:12-13, "Remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ." Even as those who were once excluded from enjoying citizenship in the free world were given this right after the destruction of the Berlin Wall, those who come to Christ through faith can enjoy citizenship in God’s Kingdom and God's promise because of the destruction of the wall of sin.
I read an article yesterday about many emotional celebrations of the anniversary of the fall of "the Wall." We should continually celebrate the fall of the wall of sin. We are free in Christ – let’s celebrate Christ’s Gift!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon Nov 9 08:38:45 2009 |
Today's Commentary
I don't know if I truly have seasonal affective disorder or not, but I do know I really don't care for the shorter days. It seems the older I get, the more going back to "regular" time in the fall bothers me. I have a real aversion to darkness at 5 p.m. However, that is just the way it is, and I adjust. Still, it leaves me feeling a little blue. How does one cope with blueness? Well, there are many good things to think about to help me cope with the blues.
God has given abundant blessings on which to focus that helps ward off the blues. Dave Branon gives some suggestions: Problem: Things seem impossible. Answer: All things are possible with God (Luke 18:27).Problem: Life is often exhausting. Answer: Jesus offers rest for your soul (Matthew 11:28-30). Problem: You can't forgive yourself. Answer: The Lord forgives all who confess their sins to Him (1 John 1:9). Problem: You are afraid. Answer: God will strengthen and help you (Isaiah 41:10). Problem: You are worried and anxious. Answer: Cast all your cares on God, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). Problem: You feel alone in this world. Answer: The Lord promises never to leave nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).
When we feel a little down, know that God can help us with the woes that are bringing us down. Put your problems in the palm of God's hands. He knows how to deal with the blues.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun Nov 8 07:57:49 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Yesterday was Billy Graham's 91st birthday. For decades, his messages of the Gospel were used by God to lead millions to a knowledge of Christ as Savior. He was a friend to every American president from Truman to George W. Bush (although he got off to a rocky start with Truman). What was the key to his tremendous influence? He was dedicated to his service to God, and he was thoroughly convinced of the power of the Scripture. The familiar line "The Bible says. . ." punctuated all of his messages.
God gave us the Bible for a reason. We agree with this, but often do not allow our agreement to play out in our lives. We need to immerse ourselves in God's Word on a daily basis. We need to understand that God has things to say to us, and we need to read about them. We often wonder about God's silence in our lives, and many times the reason we think God is silent is because of a lack of understanding of God's ways brought on by a lack of knowledge of God's Word.
David declared in Psalm 119:15-16, "I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word." Billy Graham applied this wisdom in his experience and it led to a ministry where countless others were impacted by God's love. Our impact on others may not be as widespread as Billy Graham's, but applying this principle will enable us to do God's work within our sphere of influence. May we develop a desire to know God's Word so that we may be able to share God's Way.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Nov 7 07:41:45 2009 |
Today's Commentary
When my oldest daughter was very small, she was saddened one day because her uncle and aunt who had been visiting us were leaving to return home. As we have lived away from our families all of our adult lives, this is a scene that has been repeated several times over the years. On this particular occasion, she said to me, "Daddy, why don't we just build a really big house so that we could all live together?" Such words of wisdom from one so young, I thought.
My daughter's suggestion was not only practical and wise, it was biblical. The words of Christ are found in John 14:1-4, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going." In expressing her wish, my daughter had unwittingly echoed Christ's intentions for all of those who follow him.
We experience separations in our lives - family members returning home, friends and family moving to other places, and, the most difficult, facing a separation brought about by death. When we are reunited, there is joy. Christ's words give us the hope that we can expect a reunion even after death. He is preparing for this. He is preparaing a place for those who know Him. I hope you have prepared for your new accommodations. If you have, you will someday live in the really big house that Jesus has built for us so we can all live together. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Nov 6 06:33:56 2009 |
Today's Commentary
I know you heard about the shootings that took place yesterday on the Army base at Ft. Hood, Texas. This is another in what seems to be an increasing phenomenon - mass shootings. It is hard to say what is causing this increase. Obviously, whatever the cause, the consequence is loss that brings about tremendous grief and pain. Why would someone want to do this? Well, we cannot and must not underestimate the power of sin and the influence of Satan. We live in an incredibly evil world. People that we would call "evil" do evil things. People we might call "good" also show themselves capable of doing evil things. An ironic bit of information concerning the shooter in yesterday's incident: He was a graduate of Virginia Tech, the site of the worst mass killing in modern United States history on April 16, 2007.
We long for a world where such horrific incidents will no longer be a part of our existence. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 2:1-2 who is control of the world at this time, "As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient." As long as this is true, acts of evil and violence will proliferate. This is why we long for Christ's intervention and return. In the meantime, we must continue to pray for our world, live for our Lord, and bring comfort to those who mourn.
Let us pray for those affected by this terrible tragedy. Let us continue to trust in the One who will make all things right. Let us realize that we must be about our Father's work to bring Good News to a world that is used to hearing bad news. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Nov 5 09:06:16 2009 |
Today's Commentary
On May 4, 2000, The Love Bug virus hit millions of computers worldwide and caused a great deal of trouble for computer users and businesses. The technology of the virus was one thing that contributed to its effectiveness, but another was perhaps the intriguing message in the subject line - "I Love You." The attachment was LOVE-LETTER-FOR-YOU.txt. With this enticement, many opened it only to be greeted rudely with a rather malicious virus that infected your computer and then was sent to everyone on your mailing list. No doubt another contributing factor to the effectiveness of the approach was that all of us like to hear this message - "I love you." Sadly, there are many folks who perhaps don't hear it enough.
We need to communicate the message of God's love to others. Folks do want to be loved. We have a longing in our hearts and souls to be loved. Certainly one of our greatest longings is to be loved by God. I know many people would deny this, but, frankly, they are just deceiving themselves. We do long for God's love, and God has not been reticent to communicate to us his love for us. He demonstrated this great love by allowing his Only Son to be suspended on a cross of torture and death on our behalf. Christ proved his great love for us through what he said and what he did - "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you - Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends (John 15:9 & 13)."
Folks need to know they are loved. They should not have to risk a computer virus to know they are loved. Do your part to tell the world of God's great love. This is a message people really want to hear.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Nov 4 07:58:22 2009 |
Today's Commentary
"I'm Tom Bodett, and we'll leave the light on for you." Quick - what is the motel chain that uses this line as the catch phrase in their commercials? Well, I would imagine that many of you can answer that question. That was certainly a pretty successful advertising slogan for those motels. You get the picture of a warm, inviting light piercing the darkness just when you really need a place to get a good night's sleep. That is just as it should be!
Leaving a light on for people is always a good idea. The light lets folks know they are expected, they are welcome, and they can be assured that they will be greeted warmly. We do this when we are expecting family, friends and visitors. This is something we as followers of Christ need to do in our spiritual lives as well. We need to live lives of obedience to our Lord so that we can leave our light on for others to follow to know the way to the Savior. Christ tells us in Matthew 5:14-16, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
Are you leaving your light on? We should be a warm, inviting beacon in a cold dark world showing people the way to spiritual rest. That is just as it should be. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Nov 3 08:52:33 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Fred Bauer tells of a 15 year old girl who wrote, "I am 15 years old and I am dying with leukemia. I am so afraid of death that I cannot sleep." The fear of death occurs at any age. I remember an 80 year old lady whose family would call me upon occasion to come speak with her as her death was imminent and she would sometimes be gripped with fear. These calls sometimes came late into the night, and I would go and assure the dear woman that all was well. I would read Scripture to her and speak to her about the assurance we have as followers of the Savior that Christ would be waiting for her when she left this world.
The fear of death is not unnatural. Mark Twain once said, "The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time." Being prepared is something that can help us cope with the fear of death. Acknowledging the reality of death is one step in the preparation. We know this from experience and we know this from the scripture. Psalm 89:48 asks a rhetorical question, "What man can live and not see death, or save himself from the power of the grave?" Another step is to put ourselves in Christ's hands. Christ gave his life so that we can be victorious over death. When we trust in him, we know we need not fear death, as we will live forever with him. Because of what he has done for us, we can make the confident proclamation, "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 15:55-57)."
Our fear of death is only natural. What helps is knowing we trust in the One who has conquered death. Keep your focus on Christ and his provision to help you cope with the fear of death.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon Nov 2 09:09:09 2009 |
Today's Commentary
I read the other day that cursive handwriting may be on its way out. Because of the proliferation of computers and other means of communication, handwriting is not all that important anymore. I can't really imagine this, but who am I to say? My handwriting has always been atrocious. I caught grief over my handwriting at every level of my education except for my doctoral work which came after computers had gained in widespread usage. So, I am not really a good one to say whether the loss of the use of cursive would spell the demise of mankind.
Speaking of bad handwriting, I have learned that I share this trait with none other than Horace Greeley, the 19th century newspaper editor of "Go west, young man" fame. Greeley once fired one of his reporters, and then wrote him a letter detailing his drawbacks. Some time later, Greeley was surprised to learn that the man had been hired as the editor of a newspaper in the west. Meeting the man he had fired, Greeley asked him how it was that he was hired as an editor. The man said, “Why, it was because of your letter of recommendation!” "Recommendation? That letter was no recommendation!" replied Greeley. "I know," said the man, "But the only line that was legible in the document was your signature. That was sufficient enough for them to hire me as the editor."
We sometimes send mixed signals with our lives. We say one thing, and then do another. As followers of Christ we often talk about how we should live as believers, then we do something that is contrary to what we say. This makes it difficult for others to “read” the meaning of our lives. Paul was accused of "waffling" with the truth. He responds to his accusers in II Corinthians 1:17-18, "When I planned this, did I do it lightly? Or do I make my plans in a worldly manner so that in the same breath I say, 'Yes, yes' and 'No, no'? But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not 'Yes' and 'No.'" In other words, Paul is saying "I don't send mixed signals." Neither should we! Don't "waffle" with the truth. Let others know both through what you say and what you do that you are a person they can trust.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun Nov 1 08:13:16 2009 |
Today's Commentary
As a coach, Vince Lombardi won five NFL championships and two Super Bowls. He still holds the NFL record for most championships. He was a rock as a coach, and also as a player. Lombardi was one of the "Seven Blocks of Granite" for Fordham University during the 1930's. He was solid as a player and certainly solid as a coach.
Christ wants us to be solid, yet he knows we sometimes struggle. When I fail as a follower of Christ, I am comforted in knowing that Christ understands and is willing to forgive and restore when I come to him in sorrow and confess. He doesn't condone my behavior, but he certainly understands and stands ready to help when I come to him. He is good at this. We see this in how he dealt with someone he had called "a rock." Christ was the one who gave the name "Peter," which means "a rock", to Simon, son of John. In John 1:42, we read "Jesus looked at him and said, 'You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas' (which, when translated, is Peter).'" I find this interesting since Christ knew that this "rock" would have a crumbling experience later on. Christ knows us, and he will help us to be a rock, even when we fail, as he is willing to forgive and restore.
Maybe you don't feel like too much of a rock right now. Maybe you are struggling with something. Christ will be there for you and will help you to remain solid. Follow him to remain strong!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Oct 31 08:31:41 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Well, here we are again - All Hallow's Eve, i.e. Halloween. We often wonder what to do with this day - should we do anything about it? Should we say it is a bad thing? Should we say there isn't anything wrong? What to do? Well, you can decide for yourself what to do. I think we should hallow it. Hallow it? What in the world does that mean? Well, hallow is a word not used much in the English language anymore. It means "to make holy; to set apart for holy use." I think this is exactly what we can do with this day.
As you receive visitors asking you to fill their bags (or whatever) with treats, think about what we can fill our lives with that would make us a little more "sweet." What can we do to make ourselves more like what Christ would have us be? What are some characteristics we need to be what we should be for him? What do we need so that we can show others what Christ is like? This could be a good purpose for today - use it as a special day to remind you how and what you need to be. Think about what you need to do, how you can help make the lives of those around you "sweet." Maybe it is just speaking to others in kindness and encouragement. Proverbs 16:24 tell us, "Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." Doing something like this will indeed "hallow" today. And while you're at it - maybe do something to hallow other days as well!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Oct 30 09:20:19 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Dave Branon tells a story about Jim Walton, a missionary working with a tribal group in Columbia. He had been working on a translation of the New Testament in the language of the people of the tribe, but was having a problem with the word "peace." Then something interesting happened.
Jim had promised a plane ride to Fernando, the village chief, to an area that would normally have taken 3 days to reach on foot. By plane, the trip would only be 20 minutes. Well, because of some confusion, Fernando missed the flight. He was livid that the plane took off without him and told Walton about his anger. During his angry expression to Jim, Fernando kept repeating the phrase, "I do not have one heart." Jim taped the discussion, but was at a loss as to what the phrase meant. So he asked some of the people about it. He was told that to have one heart with someone meant there was nothing between you and that person. Jim had found his word for peace.
The Bible says that we can be "one heart" with God. Romans 5:1-2 says, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand." Because of God's Gift to us through his Son, Jesus Christ, we can stand before God with nothing between us. Romans 8:1 says, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." In other words, we are "one heart" with God - we have peace with him.
Isn't it great to be "one heart" with people? We feel better when there is peace between us and others. What is even better is to be "one heart" with God, to have peace with God, to not have anything between us. That can only happen because of God's gracious Gift. I hope you are "one heart" with God.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Oct 29 07:53:09 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Poor old Charlie Brown just could never catch a break when it came to winning a baseball game. In one strip, he is grieving over a 122 - 0 loss. He says, "But we were so sincere!" Charlie Brown learned a hard lesson that day. Hard-working, sincere, loyal, well-intentioned, caring, courageous people do not always come out on top. We would usually thinking that justice will prevail for those who meet these criteria, but we live in an unjust world. Christ said in Matthew 5:45, "He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous."
Sometimes we as Christians are baffled that things are not working out the way we think they should. Aren't we doing all we should for God? Aren't we living an upright life and are sincere? That may be so, but we cannot forget that evil is very much present in our world, and our plans and our desires may be thwarted no matter how sincere we might be. The point is, we need to continue to live to please the Lord and demonstrate that we trust him regardless of what happens in our life. We don't live an upright and sincere life to make things come out right for us, we live this way to be obedient to our Father.
Regardless of the score of the game, do not lose our sincerity and don't lose sight of your goal - to please God. Things may not always work out here and now, but we know the judge of all the earth will do right, and we know that he will bring justice to the earth when he steps in and takes complete control. Learn to thrive in spite of injustice, and learn to live to please God, not yourself. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Oct 28 09:33:36 2009 |
Today's Commentary
The United Nations was chartered on October 24, 1945. It was supposed to be an organization that would stop wars. According to American Minute, since the UN was started in 1945, there have been 100 million casualties in approximately 150 wars. Here is a breakdown of the location of some of the wars since 1945: 5 in Central Asia, 11 in South Asia, 20 in Southeast Asia, 13 in Eastern Europe, 23 in the Middle East, 25 in Latin & South America and 50 in Africa. In addition to not being able to accomplish the main purpose of it's existence, the UN has been plagued with other problems: financial scandals, questionable leaders, and other issues.
My purpose is not to present an "anti-UN" argument; I only mention these facts to show how powerless we are to avoid conflict. Truly, we will only enjoy peace when the Prince of Peace comes and establishes his righteous reign. We should do all we can to promote peace in the mean time, but always have a realistic view of the the problem that plagues mankind. Because of our sin, we have difficulty getting along with each other. Yes, we should promote peace, but a more important concept to promote is the need to develop a relationship with Christ through faith in him. In the midst of chaos, let us continue to remain faithful and promote faithfulness. Even Christ himself said, "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword (Matthew 10:34)." Here he is referring to the division that takes place when people disagree over his identity and our need to follow him. We know we should follow Christ, and we need to promote this to others.
Something else I want to include in today's comments that speaks to the idea of faithfulness and remaining faithful is a statement made by the 4th president of the UN, Gen. Carlos Ramulo. Gen Ramulo was from the Philippines and served with Douglas MacArthur during WWII. He said, "Never forget Americans, that yours is a spiritual country. Yes, I know you're a practical people. Like others, I've marveled at your factories, your skyscrapers, and your arsenals.But underlying everything else is the fact that America began as a God-loving, God-fearing, God-worshipping people." May we always fit the description Gen. Ramulo gave of us in these statements.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Oct 27 08:22:31 2009 |
Today's Commentary
I know you have seen signs along the road that warn you of the possibility of deer, or to watch out for falling rocks, or some other possible danger. I sometimes think when I see these signs, "Where am I supposed to look?" I mean, I need to keep my eyes on the road and watch out for the things I can see like cars, curves in the road, and other visible and real obstacles that need to be negotiated, and now I am told there are other things that may make an appearance which I will need to avoid. What should I do? How can I look everywhere and for everything at once? Well, you can't. So, you keep your eye on the road and just be ready to adjust as best you can should one of the those things about which you were warned becomes a reality.
Life does have it's complications. There are curves and falling rocks that need to be avoided. There are people to which we much answer and rules to follow. Sometimes it is a little overwhelming. What can we do? Well, keep your eyes on the road and adjust as best you can to the things that crop up. Oh, one more thing, realize that God is a really good guide and can help us to maintain focus amidst the falling rocks. Proverbs 4:11-12 talks about God's guidance, "I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble." Keep your eyes upon God, especially when you encounter some of those warning signs. He will help you keep your eyes where they need to be.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon Oct 26 08:05:46 2009 |
Today's Commentary
I once read about a bus driver in New York City whose nickname was Singing Sam. He got his nickname, well, you guessed it, because of his singing. He would sing or hum tunes intermittently as he would drive his routes, greeting his riders with smiles and music. Many commented on how their day was brightened because of his cheerfulness. He would maintain his cheerfulness despite the intensity that sometimes can be present in New York, especially at certain times of the year when crowds are bigger and schedules are tighter.
It is difficult to maintain our cheerfulness when things around us are tense. However, as we think about others and bringing encouragement to others, we can be a little like Singing Sam. Of course, what we should actually be trying to do is emulate Christ, not Singing Sam. As we focus on Christ and his provision, it should bring us a spirit of gratefulness we can share with others through our demeanor and attitude. We should do what we can to share joy and cheer with others. Paul says in II Corinthians 2:3, "I had confidence in all of you, that you would all share my joy."
Let's do what we can to bring joy to others. We may not all be "Singing Sams," but we can spread some cheer in other's lives!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun Oct 25 07:32:31 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Have you heard about the flight crew that overshot their destination by about 150 miles? They had wandered off course, were not responding to radio calls, and were not communicating with other aircraft or air traffic control personnel. Some National Guard jets were prepared to go get them when they finally signaled that they were alive and well. What happened? Well, that is what officials are trying to figure out. What seems to be the most logical explanation is that they fell asleep. Whoops! That doesn't sound good. They deny this, and we will just have to wait to see what happens.
Falling asleep at the wrong time is not a good thing. It isn't a good thing if you are supposed to be watching for something or someone, when you are driving a car or operating other machinery, and certainly not a good thing if you are piloting a jet. Proverbs points out there are times when it is not good to fall asleep. We read in Proverbs 6:10-11, "A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest--and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man." Here the warning is not to be lazy in our lives and in our jobs. There is also a spiritual application to this advice as well. We need to keep on guard spiritually and watch falling asleep at the wrong time in our spiritual lives, or we might give Satan an opening to start giving us trouble. Paul tells us in I Thessalonians 5:5-6, "You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled."
Don't be "Asleep at the Wheel" (Hmmm, that sounds like a good name for a singing group!). Be awake and be alert to be able to hear God's voice and avoid Satan's tricks!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Oct 24 09:37:45 2009 |
Today's Commentary
This past week the Treasury department ordered some firms who had received government bailouts to cut their executives' salaries by as much as 91%. Even at that, I don't believe the executives will be going hungry. Of course, they are entitled to earn a substantial income in light of their duties. Still, we are talking millions of dollars here. And if they were not ordered to do so, there doesn't seem to be a long line of bosses volunteering to forego their salaries to right the economic ship. In some cases, it is almost like Nero fiddling while Rome burned. Some execs still drew enormous salaries while their companies were teetering on the edge.
I am not really qualified to delve into economic matters all that much, so I will stop at this point with these statements. I only bring this up to reveal a problem in existence among mankind - we like money. Actually, we really like money, often to a fault. Christ warned his followers about this, and pointed out that those who followed him needed to get control of this area of their lives. He said in Matthew 6:24, "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." While acknowledging that money is part of our lives, he taught that his followers needed to get a grip on their attitude towards money. It is not a secret that we live in a very materialistic world. Wanting money and the things money can buy can be a big issue in our lives. We truly need to seek the guidance of God when it comes to our money. Someone once said "those who do not have, want, and those who have want more." This is a true statement.
Seek out God's guidance when it comes to your attitude towards money. This is true if you say "I don't have much." And if you are financially blessed, seek ways to be generous. Remember it is not money that is evil, but the love of money (see I Timothy 2:10). Decide today who you are going to serve! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Oct 23 08:22:39 2009 |
Today's Commentary
There was this little triangular-shaped piece of land bordered on the west by a four-lane "main drag," on the north by a four-lane entry road to a shopping complex, and on the south by the parking lot to a bunch of restaurants. From time to time, I would pass by this little piece of land on my way to the shopping complex or one of the restaurants. I never gave it a thought, never even really noticed it until one day a sign appeared on the slip of land: "Future Home of Such-and-Such Bank." "Bank?" I thought, "How in the world are they going to fit a bank on that little piece of ground?"
Well, build a bank they did. A three-story bank, complete with a parking lot, drive-thru, ATM lane, and everything else a bank should have. I was amazed this happened because that piece of land, from the perspective you had just driving by, didn't even look big enough for a doghouse, let alone a bank. Obviously, my perspective was wrong. My vision was too limited and too small.
This can happen to us in life - we fail to see potential because of limited perspective, limited vision, and small thinking. So many times we need to open up our thinking a bit to see the potential in something, and more importantly, someone. We need to expand our vision and our thinking to see what might be, not just what is. We need increased perspective. This is often true in our spiritual lives as well. We need to start looking at things and people the way God does. We need to expand our vision and our thinking when it comes to our service for God and when it comes to seeing potential in ideas, thoughts, people and things. I really like the KJV translation of Proverbs 29:18, "Where there is no vision, the people perish." We need to keep our perspective, our vision, open and fresh. If we don't, our ministry can become stale and our relationship with God can become stale. We need to do what Solomon did in Ecclesiates 2:12 and turn our thoughts to consider wisdom. Ask God to increase your vision - ask him to help you with your perspective. You will find that those little pieces of ground just might be able to hold those big buildings!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Oct 22 09:10:20 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Fiddler on the Roof has always been one of my favorite musical shows. It was made more special to me when my daughter played the female lead, Golde, during her senior year in high school. There are many memorable songs from the musical, one being Tradition. In this song, Tevye bemoans what he perceives as a slight to important practices and customs by the younger people in his town, including his daughters. Tradition is important. Tradition can give us stability and assurance. Tradition can help sustain meaningful rituals and helpful practices. However, sometimes tradition supports the repitition of these rituals in a mindless, meaningless way. This is not beneficial. Fred Bauer gives an example of tradition sustaining a practice long after its usefulness had expired. In 1803, the British established a guard on the cliffs of Dover to keep a watch for an attack from the forces of Napolean. They did not abolish this practice until 1945. Napolean was not too much of a threat in 1945. What kept the practice alive? Tradition.
God has something to say about tradtion. God condemns the repetition of rituals in a mindless way. Even practices that he established are condemned when the people observing those practices lose sight of the importance and significance of the rituals. Listen to the words of Samuel in I Samuel 15:22, "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams." God denounced Israel's sacrifices because they were simply going through the motions. This is the danger of tradition.
Tradition can inhibit needed change, can promote meaningless repetition of events just because "it's the way we have always done it," can stifle spiritual and emotional growth. We need to review our practices in our homes, our jobs, our associations, and certainly in our churches, on a regular basis to make sure that we are not letting tradition keep us from meaningful change and growth. In our personal lives, we need to examine our hearts and ask ourselves, "Why am I doing this?" Don't let tradition keep you from going forward and don't use tradition as the answer to the question, "why are you doing this in this way?" Tradition may have been good enough for Tevye, but may not be good enough for you!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Oct 21 08:05:12 2009 |
Today's Commentary
I think I wrote my first love note when I was in the sixth grade. That was also the time I remember receiving my first love note. As I remember, the notes were really thoughtful and deep, something like, "I love you. Do you love me? I hope you do. Because I love you. Love, Steve." Isn't that profound? Well, it may not be the pinnacle of literary endeavor and I am sure it wouldn't scare Shakespeare, but it was effective. The ones written to me were along the same line, and I remember reading them over and over with unwavering focus. Those notes really had my undivided attention.
Something else that should hold my attention in this way is another love note that was written to me - actually, not just to me, but to all the world. The Bible is a love note from God to all of mankind. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16 reflects the theme of the Bible. Since we know this to be true, we need to read the Scripture with the same excitement and anticipation as we do a love letter. God has so many wonderful things to say to us. It really is a shame we miss so many of them because we fail to read them. God deserves our undivided attention! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Oct 20 08:29:31 2009 |
Today's Commentary
"I can only do so much - I am only one person!" How many times have we felt like saying that? We know this to be true, but often the reason we are in the position where we feel like screaming this statement is because we have taken on too much. We need to believe ourselves when we make this statement - whether it is outwardly verbalized or simply spoken in silence. We cannot be all things to all people. The demands on our time and for our response can be strong and frequent. The pressure of not being able to respond to all the calls for our involvement can be intense. How do we respond?
Jesus sets an example for us as to how to order our lives to cope with demands on our time. Mark records for us a pattern found in the life of Christ from which we can learn. Mark 1:35 - 39 gives us some insight into his ministry: "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: 'Everyone is looking for you!' Jesus replied, 'Let us go somewhere else--to the nearby villages--so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.' So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons."
The first thing we see is that Christ knew he had to take time for himself - "Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place." The second thing we see is that Christ developed a realistic attitude towards the demands on his presence and time. He knew he had to develop priorities. Although "everyone" was looking for him in one place, he knew there were greater responsibilities elsewhere. This meant leaving some needs unmet, but this is a reality we need to accept. Finally, and most importantly, he consulted his Father for guidance. He prayed and let the Father help with the details.
You can only do so much - you are only one person. Even Christ knew this. And if he knew this and followed a plan to help him cope with the pressure of unmet demands, how much more important is it for us to do the same? |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon Oct 19 08:01:33 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Recently I read about a prisoner in Rhode Island who escaped from jail. Now, this is not an unusual occurence - prisoners attempt jailbreaks frequently and some of them meet with success. In many instances, this success is short-lived as the prisoner is captured and returned to jail. In these cases, the prisoner is usually rewarded with longer jail time. Such was the circumstance in the jailbreak I described in my opening sentence. However, what made this jailbreak unusual was that the prisoner had only one one day to go on his original sentence. One day. Now, he was facing up to 20 more years for his actions. A little short-sighted on the part of the prisoner, don't you think?
We can be short-sighted in some of our decisions and actions as well. Hopefully not as much as the prisoner, but we can have the tendency to make similar unwise decisions simply because we act on impulse or don't take the time to think about what consequences we might experience as a result of our actions. I think one area where we can be particularly short-sighted is failing to take into account the effect our actions might have on others. We sometimes consider decisions and courses of action that will have a profound effect on others and yet we don't stop to think about what these effects may mean. Sometimes loved ones, family members, friends, and co-workers suffer because we didn't think through how a decision we made or an action we pursued might affect these people. Proverbs 20:25 warns us, " It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows." Don't make decisions in haste or pursue a course of action without first thinking of what might happen when you make that decision or pursue that course of action and how it might affect others. We might think the decision of the prisoner only affected him, but perhaps he had family and friends anxiously waiting his release.
Don't be short-sighted! Consider carefully how you live. Consider how others may be affected by what you do. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun Oct 18 07:38:35 2009 |
Today's Commentary
I had a theology professor once who would remind us on occasion that sometimes you will encounter people who have a "blik." Having a blik means "I know what I believe - don't confuse me with the facts." We sometimes get that way when it comes to our beliefs about God. For example, one might declare the following, "God is a God of love! He would never want to punish anyone!" The person making this statement holds it so tightly that he or she will not be convinced otherwise. The problem with the statement is that even though God is a God of love (as stated plainly in scripture - read I John 4:8 & 16), he also will punish those who fail to follow him. Psalm 7:11 tells us, "God is a righteous judge, a God who expresses his wrath every day."
The point to be made here is that we need to let the Scripture inform us as to what God is like, what we should do, and how we should relate to him. Don't make up things about God that aren't correct just because they fit into your idea of what God should be like. Don't try to invent a God who does not exist. Don't have a "blik" when it comes to God. God was the one who made us - not the other way around - so make sure you know who he is!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Oct 17 08:34:23 2009 |
Today's Commentary
I received a rather unique and rather challenging phone call from my youngest daughter a couple of years ago. She was in New Haven, Connecticut, and needed directions to Yale University. Now, I was in Illinois, so why did she call me? Well, I am her dad and over the years I have done all I could to let my kids know I would never steer them wrong. She knew I would do everything in my power to get her going the right direction. She knew I would probably be sitting in front of a computer and could look up directions for her. Yes, I was able to help her. It was an interesting experience, but I was really happy that my daughter trusted me enough to call me when she needed help.
Trust is one of the things parents need to build in their children. As my girls were growing up, I wanted to let them know they could trust me. I wanted them to have the confidence that they could come to me at anytime and know I would do all I could to be there for them and to help them. Of course, parents aren't infallible and aren't omnipotent, so at times there are limitations to what we can do. Still, they know I will be there as much as I can. Our children need to know that we will do our very best to steer them in the right direction at all times.
God calls upon us to steer our children in the right direction. Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." God is also a role model to follow when it comes to building trust in our children and letting them know we will never steer them wrong. We know God will never steer us wrong. Proverbs 3:4-5 tell us to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanging. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths." We know we can and should do this because God would not lead us the wrong way - it simply is not in his character. It should not be in our character to misguide our children - or anyone else for that matter. Let your children know that when they call you and ask for directions (even if they are in another state!), you will do your best to lead them right! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Oct 16 08:33:38 2009 |
Today's Commentary
I was driving home from a hospital visit last night and happened to glance down at my odometer. At that moment, the last three numbers were 666. Ooohhh! Some of you probably gasped when you read this. It is amazing the effect this number has on some folks. Some avoid any application of this number like the plague; some think this number can bring about a plague.
The significance of the number is found in the scripture in Revelation 13:16-18, "He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name.This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man's number. His number is 666."
I admit that the relevance of this number is hard to understand, but what this passage has led to with regard to interpretations is really fascinating. The secular entertainment industry has used the "hype" surrounding the meaning of this number to their advantage. There have been parts in movies, in books, even in some songs, where this number is used is a dramatic fashion. We sometimes see a proliferation of references to this number at this time of year because of Halloween.
The most important thing to remember is this number actually represents a doomed individual who will indeed face God's wrath. There is no cause to get superstitious about the number - when we come across the number seredipitously, use it as a reminder of God's control over all circumstances! This should help take the "spookiness" out of 666! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Oct 15 09:26:38 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Are you a "yes" person? Many people find it hard to say "no" when asked to do something. Sometimes saying no is actually the better thing to do, especially when asked to do something that we really are not going to be able to do. Of course, it certainly is the right response when we are asked to do something we know we shouldn't do.
There is one area where being a "yes" person is a really good thing. We should say "yes" to God when it comes to being a channel for his blessings to others. God uses people to channel blessings to others. God can use us to be a channel of blessing to others. God blesses us abundantly at times expecting us to share our blessings with others. When we experience his abundant blessing, a good question to ask is, "How can I bless someone else with what I have received from God?" Proverbs 3:27 tells us, "Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act."
There are times when being a "yes" person is exactly what we should be. This will enrich our life as well as the lives of others!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Oct 14 09:13:51 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Have you heard about "Papa" John Schattner's Camaro? In 1983, Schattner, the founder of "Papa John's Pizza," fell upon hard times and had to sell his beloved 1971 Camaro Z28. He got $2300 for it. Obviously, he spent this cash wisely because now, well, let's just say that he probably has that amount lying around somewhere. He proved this in 2008 by offering a $250,000 reward for the person who had the car and would sell it back to him. Schattner lives in Louisville, Kentucky. The car was found 165 miles east of there in Flatwoods, Kentucky. The owner, Jeff Robinson, didn't think about it too long before he took the offer. Schattner also gave $25,000 to the original owners of the car who helped track it down, and gave away free pizza to Camaro owners all across the nation after the return of the car.
Some folks may think him crazy, but when you have something that is valuable you wish to acquire, the price is almost irrelevant. Take the story of Hosea for example. Hosea's wife left him for a life of sin. She became a prostitute and eventually had to sell herself as a slave. Hosea heard that she was being offered on the slave block and went to the auction. He went not to jeer at her because of her misfortune, but to buy her back for himself. Hosea proclaims in 3:2-3, "So I bought her for fifteen shekels of silver and about a homer and a lethek of barley. Then I told her, 'You are to live with me many days; you must not be a prostitute or be intimate with any man, and I will live with you.'"
What Papa John did for a car sounds crazy enough, but Hosea? This takes real grace, forgiveness, and love. He redeemed the person who was actually already his in the sense that she was his wife. The actions of these men may not sound logical, but Christ outdid them both. He loved us so much that he was willing to pay the price of his life that we might be redeemed. As I said above, when you have something that is valuable you wish to acquire, the price is almost irrelevant. For Christ, the price of his life was what he was willing to pay to acquire for us the hope of eternal life. And we don't even have to own a Camaro to be the beneficiaries of his gift. This, indeed, is true love.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Oct 13 08:06:28 2009 |
Today's Commentary
What do you say to a friend who has lost a loved one? This is a universal experience, yet we often struggle with what we should do for our friend when a loved one dies. We wonder what to say - we wonder how we can be helpful.
Job's friends give us some examples of what to do and what not to do in a circumstance of loss. After Job experienced his great loss, 3 of his friends came to him and, at first, just sat with him as he grieved. Job 2:11-13 tell us, "When Job's three friends, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite, heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to go and sympathize with him and comfort him. When they saw him from a distance, they could hardly recognize him; they began to weep aloud, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads. Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was."
What we see them do here is instructional for us - they simply went to be with their friend. This was a good thing, and would have continued to be a good thing except they began giving all sorts of advice. What Job needed was for them to continue with their presence in a non-judgmental, non-invasive way. Our presence is the most important thing we can offer at times when others are suffering. Listening with compassion is what our friend needs. Helping with practical things is another beneficial offering. Words of assurance, words and acts of kindness, simple expressions of sorrow, statements of assurance are welcome. Lectures and advice are not.
When you want to help a friend, think of Job. Remembering what was helpful for him can help us when we don't know what to say.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon Oct 12 08:11:39 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Today is the day we celebrate Columbus Day in commemoration of the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the "New World." We have devised a way to get a long weekend out of this commemoration, but this year the anniversary of his landing actually falls on our day of observance - October 12. A letter he wrote to the King and Queen of Spain in 1492 gives a hint to a possibly missed opportunity - "Concerning the lands of India, and a Prince called Gran Khan...How many times he sent to Rome to seek doctors in our Holy Faith to instruct him and that never had them provided...Your Highnesses...devoted to the Holy Christian Faith...resolved to send me...to the said regions of India, to see the said princes...and the manner in which may be undertaken their conversion to our Holy Faith."
The event to which he is referring is the request made by Kublai Khan, grandson of Genghis Khan and emporer of China, North India, Persia, Korea and Russia. He asked the Church to send 100 Christian teachers to him. None were ever sent. Marco Polo eventually make his way there and served Khan for 24 years. However, no one else with the message of Christianity was ever sent. Was this a missed opportunity? You can be the judge.
We should always be ready to give a defense of the Gospel. Paul refers to this in Philippians 1:16, "The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel." He later says we should make "the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:16)." This wasn't his main motivation for his journey, but it did seem that Columbus was concerned about the Church's missed opportunity in the days of Kublai Khan and wanted to do what he could to make up for this. Let's not let others be concerned about our missed opportunities to do what we can for our Lord. Let's take advantage of them!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun Oct 11 08:21:37 2009 |
Today's Commentary
I have always been skeptical of ads where it sounds as if you can receive something for nothing. There are usually some sort of strings attached to the offer. Many times those "strings" are spelled out in the fine print, or stated sort of rapidly in an oral advertisement. If one isn't careful, instead of getting something for nothing, you will end up with nothing for something.
There are many religions that fall into the category of offering "nothing for something." Dave Branon writes of one Eastern mystic religion where the adherents are asked to eat nothing but left-overs, denounce all preferences of colors, sounds, smells and people, and never injure a living thing. In return for this, there is the possibility of being reincarnated as a superior being in another life. In other words, you indeed end up with nothing for something.
We shouldn't follow Christ just because he has the "best offer," we should follow Christ because he has the only offer. In exchange for our faith in him, he will give us eternal life. Now, this is not something for nothing - Christ gave his life so that we might have the hope of life. He asks of us our belief that he indeed is the hope of our resurrection. He said to Martha at the tomb of her brother Lazarus, "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?'" Paul talks about this even further in Romans 4:4-5, "Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness."
Only God's plan offers us real hope. Any other plan is truly nothing for something.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Oct 10 07:53:52 2009 |
Today's Commentary
I have always enjoyed the comic strip "Charlie Brown." I read it when I was a kid and I read it as often as I can yet today. The creator, Charles Schulz, died in February of 2000, but the strip is still published in many papers. In one particular segment, the always cynical Lucy comes upon Charlie Brown building a bird house. "I'm building it for sparrows," Charlie Brown tells her. "Sparrows?" replies Lucy, "No one ever builds a bird house for sparrows." "I do," says Charlie, "I always take up for the underbird."
So does God. Do you ever have times when you feel lonely, insignificant, unimportant, wondering how you matter in life? Well, rest assured that you matter to God! We sometimes feel ignored and unappreciated, but that is never the case with God. God is very aware of everything that is going on in our lives, all that we do, how we feel. We are important to him and he loves us deeply. Matthew 10:29-31 tells us, "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."
We as followers of Christ should never feel like an "underbird." We should never make others feel like underbirds either. God does not like that at all - he is always on the side of the underbirds!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Oct 9 10:45:38 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Cell phones are great, but like many modern conveniences, they can sometimes cause as much frustration and they alleviate. How many times have you experienced those dreaded "dead zones?" You are going along and having a great conversation, sometimes an important conversation, and it happens! You drop the call because you encounter a place where there is no cell signal. That is just the way it is with cellular service at this time. We know this, but it can still be a bit frustrating.
Sometimes we may feel as if we have "dropped our service" when it comes to our communication with God. Perhaps some circumstance in life has left us feeling lonely, depressed, helpless, or hopeless. Maybe we feel as if we are in a "dead zone." When this happens, we can know two things. First, God is still there. He has promised to never leave us or forsake us. We read the words of Moses in Deuteronomy 31:6, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." God affirms this himself in Joshua 1:5, "No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you." This leads to the second conclusion. When the communication is dropped between God and us, the problem is on our end. God is still there. God does not have "dead zones." Therefore, we need to continue to communicate with him and keep the "call" going.
We can rest assured we are never where we cannot be reached by the mighty power and sustaining peace of God. Keep praying, keep talking to him. Know full well that he is there and knows exactly what is going on and exactly what we need. And you don't even need your Blackberry!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Oct 8 09:27:50 2009 |
Today's Commentary
On the eastern end of River Street in Savannah, Georgia, on a bluff overlooking the Savannah River stands the statue of Florence Martus. Florence Martus was born in 1868. When she was older she moved with her brother to a cottage on Elba Island, an a small piece of land in the Savannah River near the entrance to Savannah Harbor. They were quite isolated there and to pass the time, Florence began waving a handkerchief at the ships as they would enter the harbor. At night, she would use a lantern to wave greetings to ships. Sailors on the ships would wave back. Over the course of time, returning ships would look forward to her presence as they entered Savannah harbor. Florence never married, and she continued this practice for 44 years. It is estimated she greeted over 50,000 ships during her life. Why she continued this for so long is a mystery. She died in 1943 at the age of 75. A ship was christened in her honor, and the aforementioned statue was placed to commemorate her life.
Florence Martus simple greeting made sailors feel welcome at Savannah for years. Simple acts of hospitality, a simple friendly greeting, can do much to help us reach out to others. You might be surprised at the effect that small acts of kindness, a simple wave, a friendly smile, can have on others. They help to communicate the spirit of Christ. They help to communicate good feelings in a world where sometimes rudeness seems to be the norm rather than the exception. Buck the trend and bring a friendly spirit to others. Fourteen times in Romans 16, Paul encourages the people at Rome to "Greet" someone. He was encouraging the people in the church at Rome to be a "greeting" people.
Are you a greeting person? We may not have the perseverance of Florence Martus, but we should do what we can to develop the same spirit. They may not erect statues to our friendliness, but that isn't why we should be friendly to begin with. It really doesn't take a lot of effort to wave!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Oct 7 08:21:17 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Whatever you invest in the life of a child is a marvelous investment. Perhaps the most important investment is time. Whoever coined the statement "Children should be seen and not heard" was really off base. We need to do all we can to insure they get started right in life. I enjoy so much the Children's Sermon time in our worship. This time was made more special this past summer when the children were involved bringing in pennies for a missions project. What was really neat about these times is allowing the children to participate in the process, allowing them to be involved. That was truly great.
The story of Christ and the children in scripture is one of my favorites. " Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.' When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there (Matthew 19:13-15)." The disciples showed they were from the "children should be seen and not heard" school. However, Christ took them to school with his response to their attitude. He really wasn't too over the top in his response, but he certainly was firm and wanted the disciples to know the importance of children. They were important because of what they need to learn, and because of what can be learned from them.
Investing in the lives of our children will always bring a good return. Let them be seen and heard!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Oct 6 08:37:21 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Consider the cuddly polar bear. Well, some folks think they look cuddly. They are all white, furry and seemingly playful. However, appearances can be deceiving and this is no more true than with the polar bear. Polar bears are actually some of fiercest predators on the planet. They are also very cunning in their predation. When conditions are right, polar bears will swim underwater to feeding grounds of seals, scratch the ice to mimic sounds fish might make, and when a seal dives in for a fish dinner, the seal becomes the dinner.
Deceptive practices are common in the animal world. Deceptive practices are also part of Satan's repertoire - actually, they are a large part of his repertoire. Paul talks of this in II Corinthians 11:14, "And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light." He loves to wrap up bad things in good-looking packages and try to confuse us. Satan wants nothing more than to lead Christ's followers down a path of self-destruction by enticing us with seemingly innocent behavior.
Avoid Satan's traps by knowing his tactics. Keep in God's Word and concentrate on your lifestyle. Don't let Satan do a polar bear on you! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon Oct 5 07:13:18 2009 |
Today's Commentary
In October 1991, a firestorm destroyed 2,500 homes in the vicinity of Oakland, California. When the devastated owners returned and sifted through the black debris, they found that all their possessions had been reduced to soot. But one man and his daughter discovered a tiny porcelain rabbit. They marveled that so fragile an object had survived intact. Other victims of that catastrophe also found pottery and porcelain items that had somehow defied the all-consuming firestorm.
The Sunday after the disaster, a local minister carried to his pulpit an unbroken vase, which was the only thing recovered from his home. He asked his congregation, "Do you know why this is still here and my house is gone?" He answered his own question by saying, "Because this had passed through the fire once before."
Can the fiery trials of life actually prove to be a blessing? The apostle Peter indicated to us that they can. He explained that various trials can result in "praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1:6-7).
Fiery trials may be very painful, but if by God's grace we endure them, our faith can emerge from the blazing furnace purer and stronger than it was before. — Vernon C. Grounds
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun Oct 4 07:37:42 2009 |
Today's Commentary
When was the last time you were involved in a silly argument? Aw, come on now, admit it. At one time or another, we have all been involved in an argument that was silly. I think one of the silliest I have ever been involved in was arguing over the right way to put paper towels on a holder. Should they unroll over the top or unroll from the bottom? What difference does it make? Well, it really doesn't! This is true about many of our conflicts. We argue over something that really doesn't matter.
In II Timothy 2:23, Paul tells Timothy, "Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels." We often have silly quarrels in the church. We argue over things that really don't matter. We need to do everything we should to preserve sound doctrine, biblical standards, and fundamentals of our faith. However, there are times we need to let inconsequential matters go in order to preserve unity and avoid meaningless conflict.
Don't worry about which way the paper towels come off the roll! Either way, they will be available. Focus on the important and leave the silliness somewhere else.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Oct 3 08:28:40 2009 |
Today's Commentary
One of the saddest stories I have ever heard in my life is the story of Humpty Dumpty. I think you remember it - "Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. All the king's horses and all the king's men couldn't put Humpty together again." This story always bugged me when I was a kid. I would think of other ways for the story to end - having the men fix him, having the king fix him, even somehow changing the story so Humpty didn't fall. Just think of it: to be broken in such a way that repair is impossible. How sad that would be.
We often feel as if our life is in pieces. Circumstances occur that cause us to feel as if we are falling apart. Sometimes decisions are made that leaves lives in pieces. It may seem as if the pieces will never go back together again. However, this isn't Humpty Dumpty, and the king's men aren't the ones responsible for putting the pieces together. They couldn't do it anyway. There is someone who can, though. He has the ability, he has the desire, and he knows what to do. Christ can take your brokenness and restore you completely. He gave his life to mend broken lives.
Do you feel as if your life is in pieces? Do you know someone who is shattered or broken and needs Christ's love? Joanie Yoder writes "What the king's men couldn't do, the king can!" Psalm 31:12-16 talks of God's restoration, "I am forgotten by them as though I were dead; I have become like broken pottery. . .But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, 'You are my God.' My times are in your hand. . .Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love." Let Christ put things back together again. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Oct 2 09:10:56 2009 |
Today's Commentary
I don't know if you a a fan of the TV series "House," but I often find it fascinating. Although the show focuses on a doctor who is a diagnostic guru of sorts, he doesn't work alone. A big part of the plot line is his team. So, you have a number of medical minds offering opinions in the search for the truth.
When one is faced with a serious medical issue, seeking a second opinion is often a wise course of action. Pursuing this path was a good idea for me 30 years ago, perhaps even saving my life. Doctors are trained well in their respective disciplines, but they are human and can still fail to see something, make a mistake, or simply not have all the information needed to make the correct call.
We may need second opinions when it comes to health decisions, but we certainly don't need a second opinion when it comes to our spiritual health. When it comes to our spiritual condition, only one opinion matters - God's. He has made it abundantly clear in scripture what our problem is and what needs to be done to correct our problem. We have sinned ("All have sinned and come short of the glory of God" - Romans 3:23), and we need God's treatment. The treatment he prescribes is one which he formulated - the gift of his Son, Jesus Christ. "For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23)." Through God's treatment we can receive eternal life. This is not an opinion, it is a fact. Don't look for a second opinion when it comes to your spiritual life; God’s opinion is the only one that matters!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Oct 1 09:15:28 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Autumn is definitely in the air. I mean this figuratively and literally. The chillier temperatures we have been experiencing this week let us know that autumn is here. Of course, there are other signs that let us know the seasons are changing. The leaves are taking on different hues, summer flowers are on their last gasp, and birds are flocking for migration. Geese can be seen and heard as they make their way south for warmer climate.
I have always been fascinated by the flying V of the geese. Many of you know the reasons for this configuration and the reason for the honking as geese migrate. Geese fly at about 40 to 50 miles per hour. The V formation helps them fly 70% further than if they were flying alone. The honking, of course, is meaningful communication. The lead geese honk to let those following know what is going on - direction, speed, and so forth. The trailing geese honk to let the lead geese know they are keeping up, and also to encourage the leaders as it is a bit harder to fly lead. This fact leads to another phenomenon - the geese will change places for resting purposes, which also allows them to fly further as a group.
Hard to miss the analogies for the church, isn't it? Working together, communicating well with others, encouraging each other, changing places to give others a break, all sound like good things for us in the church as well as geese in a V. Working together can help us to accomplish so much more. Ecclesiastes 4:9 & 10 speaks to the issue of helping each other in order to multiply our accomplishments. Solomon says, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!" Let's work together. Let's make sure no one is walking (or "flying") alone. Let's ask God to keep us in formation.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Sep 30 09:34:47 2009 |
Today's Commentary
In late September of 1622, the Patuxet Indian Squanto died. His last words were to Governor William Bradford, asking him to pray that he might go to be with the Englishman's God. The story of Squanto is one of those that almost sounds fabricated. However, truth is indeed stranger than fiction in his life. He was captured by an English captain who thought to take him to Spain as a slave; he escaped and made his way to England where he was taken in by a merchant and learned to speak English; he was taken to Newfoundland and then made his way back to what is now known as New England in time to greet the travelers of the Mayflower. Imagine their wonder when a native speaking perfect English stepped out of the forest not long after they arrived.
Bradford wrote much about God's providence, and part of what he saw as God's providence was the presence of Squanto. How could he view it any other way? How many other English-speaking members of the Patuxet tribe, or any other tribe for that matter, could there be in the vicinity of the landing site of a ship carrying 102 travelers who had just made a 3000 mile, 65 day, trans-Atlantic crossing? Yes, indeed, truth is sometimes stranger than fiction.
This is the way it is with God. He does things that are inexplicable, marvelous, unique, and wonderful all at the same time. Isaiah 55:8-9 tell us, "'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the LORD. 'As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.'" The “Pilgrims” were in for a rough time; half of them would lose their live. But because of God’s providential intervention, the colony would survive and they would thrive in their New World. If God did not intervene in our lives, we would be pilgrims with no chance of existing in the “new world.”
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Sep 29 08:03:01 2009 |
Today's Commentary
None of us have a perfect memory. Most of us have had the experience of struggling to come up with a name, a date, an event, or some other tidbit of information. Does the following scenario sound familiar? You are with your spouse in a restaurant and by chance you meet an old classmate. You would really love to introduce them but, what is the name? Oh, you say you can’t remember that (or something similar) happening? Uh, huh, my point exactly. My mother has told me of a friend of hers who used to say "you aren't forgetful you just have so many things stacked on your head they just run off."
God has to deal with us and our forgetfulness. He knows we are forgetful. He knows that we are prone to forget him, especially if we have a little prosperity in our lives. That is why he reminds us in Deuteronomy 8:18, "But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth." He gets a little more stern in the next verse, "If you ever forget the LORD your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed." He knows how we are. We forget so easily.
Forgetting a name is one thing, but forgetting our dependence upon God is another. Don't "have too many things stacked on your head" when it comes to your relationship with God. This will prove more than just embarrassing.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon Sep 28 09:52:29 2009 |
Today's Commentary
I have read that almost every culture in the world has a tale about some mystical being having the power to grant "three wishes" to some person who unravels the mystery of putting oneself in the position of receiving three wishes. Probably the best known is the story of Aladdin's lamp, found in the medieval Arabian book "The Tale of a Thousand and One Nights." Perhaps this story line is so prevalent because of the desire of human beings to somehow come across instant riches and prestige.
We do find a story in the scripture where one's desire was granted because of what he asked. In I Kings 3 we read of Solomon and the promise he received from the Lord - "At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, 'Ask for whatever you want me to give you.' Solomon answered. . .'Now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.' The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, 'Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for--both riches and honor--so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings.'"
What we do not have here is a formula for getting what we want by asking for what we know we should. What we have here is an example of wisdom - asking for what we need not what we want. It would seem that Solomon was offered a carte blanche by God. He used this to wisely seek what he knew would be beneficial to him. He knew his limitations and that he would need God's help to overcome his limitations.
Let us be as wise as we approach God with our requests. When we let God guide us instead of trying to guide God, we will find we usually will receive more than what we ask.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun Sep 27 07:37:06 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Daniel Boone died on September 26, 1820. When I was a kid, I would never miss an episode of "Daniel Boone" with Fess Parker as Daniel Boone. I have been to Boonesboro, Kentucky, many times and read all I could about Boone when I was in elementary school. I had a coonskin cap, a flintlock rifle, a tomahawk, a knife, all that stuff.
Boone had quite a life - explorer, frontiersman, soldier. He helped open up the frontier by blazing a way over the mountains through the Cumberland Gap. He was captured by Indians in Kentucky and taken to Detroit. While in Detroit, he heard of plans to attack the settlement he had helped found in Kentucky. He escaped and covered 400 miles in 5 days to warn the people of the impending attack. He bought land and lost land and had it restored. He really never quit "exploring," no matter what else happened to him. He attributed his incredible accomplishments to his faith and his trust in God.
He wrote to his sister-in-law Sarah Boone 4 years before his death, "The religion I have is to love and fear God, believe in Jesus Christ, do all the good to my neighbor, and myself that I can, do as little harm as I can help, and trust on God's mercy for the rest." In the midst of all of Boone's exploits and accomplishments, he never forgot his accountability to God. May we use Daniel Boone not only as an example of human accomplishment but also of Godly faith.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Sep 26 09:28:22 2009 |
Today's Commentary
You know, it's a shame that we aren't able to remember the experience of learning to walk. I certainly don't. I remember watching my two daughters learn to walk. First came the experience of pulling up to something and using that object as support as they would carefully take some steps. Then, they let go of the object and took a couple of feeble steps before crumpling into a heap on the floor. Of course, when this happened, they made the decision that on the basis of their performance, they would never be good at this "walking" thing, and they moved on to something else, never learning to walk. Can't you just picture my tongue in my cheek as I was writing the last sentence? Of course they didn't give up! They, as do all human beings, continued to try and try until, after countless falls, stumbles, and several appearances featuring many unsure steps, they mastered this thing called walking. What helped them to learn to walk was an inner persistence that allowed them overcome all of the early failures - the tumbling, the tripping, the "lack luster" attempts at taking steps. Eventually, walking became second nature to them. This would not have occured unless they continued to try despite failures and attempts that looked rather, well, not good.
We are prone to give up too easily. We attempt something and then because we aren't able to show great proficiency early on, we give up. Why do we do this? Somehow, we need to channel this persistence that we all have - we have shown it is there in our "learning to walk" phase - and apply it to other areas. I know you don't remember your "learning to walk" experience, but tell yourself that you do still have that persistence. Sometimes we use this "I can't do that" attitude when it comes to our service to God. We use the excuse of "I can't do that" to keep us from stepping up and filling ministerial needs. Hebrews 12:1 encourages us to be persistent in our efforts, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
Tap in to your "inner child," especially when it comes to persistence at learning a new task, a new ministry, a new experience. Remember you didn't just start out running when you learned to walk - you had to take baby steps! Be persistent! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Sep 25 07:58:36 2009 |
Today's Commentary
I know you have heard the expression "Things are going to get worse before they get better." This statement could be applied to so many situations - the weather, recovery from an illness or surgery, a financial setback, an emotional issue. Perhaps you have experienced the reality of this phrase in some way in your life.
The Jews were going to go through an experience that would match this statement. Things seemed to be relatively calm at the time Isaiah uttered the words of Isaiah 40:31, "but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." However, a storm was in their future. Judah would be invaded, they would be forced to another country, they would be enslaved for years. Isaiah had prophesied about this. But in the midst of his prophecy were these words of hope. Things would get worse before they got better, but they would get better.
We see this in our lives. At times, things get bad. However, God has assured us that they will get better. Are you looking at a difficult road ahead? Does it appear that there are rough times in your future? Perhaps things are getting worse now. Remember, they will get better. Hope in the Lord will lead to a renewal of strength.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Sep 24 08:32:25 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Little things matter. While driving down an interstate one time, my car suddenly chugged and chugged and then just stopped. When the car was towed, the mechanic found a small hose that had burst. Another incident of car trouble I experienced involved a small fuel filter. What made each incident even more annoying was that if I had paid more attention to maintenance and had these little things inspected, I would have been able to avoid these aggravating experiences.
In 1986, an incident involving a small item causing a big problem had a much a much more tragic consequence. On January 28, 1986, the space shuttle Challenger exploded just seconds after take-off. Seven crew members lost their lives. An investigation led to the conclusion that a faulty o-ring had led to the escape of fuel which was ignited by the flames of the rockets. The investigation showed that the incident could perhaps have been prevented if the o-rings had been tested more thoroughly. Indeed, little things matter.
We need to pay attention to little things, and sometimes avoid little things that we think really couldn't lead to a big problem - little lies, little compromises, little indiscretions. All of these erode our character and can cause bigger problems. Song of Solomon 2:15 speaks to the issue of little things causing big problems, "Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom." Beware the little foxes!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Sep 23 09:15:53 2009 |
Today's Commentary
On September 22, 1776, Nathan Hale was hanged by the British army. 21 year-old Hale, a Yale graduate and a school teacher, had volunteered to infiltrate the British forces at Long Island for General Washington. He was captured while leaving the camp where he had obtained critical information. No mercy was shown to this young man. He asked for a Bible, but was refused. Just before he was hanged, he uttered the now-famous line "I regret that I have only one life to lose for my country." Hale was hanged from an apple tree in Rutger's Orchard in what is now downtown Manhattan. American Minute reports that his nephew, the author Edward Everett Hale, wrote of his uncle, "We are God's children, you and I, and we have our duties...Thank God I come from men who are not afraid in battle."
It is hard to say how we might respond in similar circumstances. The Apostle Paul wrote just before he was beheaded in Rome, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing (II Timothy 4:7-8)."
Both of these men showed great courage in the face of death. They both died for what they believed. I hope that none of us would ever be faced with such an end to our lives, but I hope that we would demonstrate the same faith and strength in as did Nathan Hale and as did Paul. Dear Father, give us courage to live in such a way that we show we are not afraid to die. Amen.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Sep 22 09:06:30 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Robert Fulghum wrote a little gem entitled "Everything I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten." One of the things he wrote was "don't hit people." Our initial response to this little bit of advice is probably "Sure - you shouldn't hit other people!" And that is true. Most of us wouldn't dream of causing pain to someone else by hitting them. However, we are often guilty of bringing pain to other people by "hitting" them with an unkind act or saying something that is out of line or simply not being very nice. As followers of Christ, we need to take care that we don't "hit" someone else. We get enough grief from life as it is, we shouldn't add to someone else's sadness by being unkind or unfriendly to them. People need encouragement and acceptance, not rudeness and rejection. If you are the reason someone else feels unwelcome or hurt - shame on you!
Proverbs 11:17 tells us, "A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself." Galatians 5:22-23 reminds us that kindness is one of the fruits of the Spirit, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Paul also tells us in II Timothy 2:24, "And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone."
Don't hit people! Be kind! We live in an unkind world - make sure that kindness rules your life!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon Sep 21 09:09:45 2009 |
Today's Commentary
In the 70's there was a TV show called "The A Team." It featured a team of characters with somewhat checkered pasts and some military background that ran around taking care of "problems." One of the characters was "B.A. Baracus" played by Mr. T. The character played by George Peppard was fond of pointing out what B.A. stood for. As you might have guessed, if you didn't already know, B.A. stands for "Bad Attitude." Whereas "Bad Attitude" may have been glorified in this TV series, someone with a "bad attitude" is usually not looked upon favorably.
Having a bad attitude makes one difficult to be around, hard to work with, hard to live with, hard to understand. Having a bad attitude really only hurts the one with the bad attitude. Sometimes we have a bad attitude about church and being in church. Then we wonder why we don't get anything out of church. If we expect to receive blessings, see the hand of God in our lives, grow in the Lord, learn more about God's word, be a blessing to others, we need to have a good attitude. Paul talks about developing a new attitude that befits our position in Christ. He writes in Ephesians 4:23-24, "to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." He writes further in Philippians 2:5, "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." Peter speaks of attitude in I Peter 4:1, "Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin."
So, "arm" yourselves with a good attitude. This is the way to ensure that you can be used by the Lord, you can ensure that you will enjoy your relationship with the Lord, and you can be an encouragement to others. Don't be a "B.A.", be a "be nice!"
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun Sep 20 07:18:05 2009 |
Today's Commentary
George Washington delivered his farewell speech on September 19, 1796. After the Revolutionary Way, King George III asked American painter Benjamin West what Washington would do now that the war was over. West replied, "They say he will return to his farm." King George said, "If he does, he will be the greatest man in the world." Washington did return to his farm not only then, but after his second term as president, setting a precedent followed by every president until Franklin Roosevelt. Of course, presidential terms are now limited to two by the 22nd amendment to the Constitution of the United States.
In his farewell speech Washington said, "Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, Religion and Morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism who should labor to subvert these great Pillars...Let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. . .Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle."
What a warning! Unfortunately, this warning has been largely ignored and we have had to pay the consequences. To think that we can maintain a successful society while applying a stringent "separation of church and state" code is ludicrous. But, then, mankind has proven to be ludicrous over most of our history. As a follower of Christ, don't buy into "governmental norms." God must be at the center of our lives in order for our lives to be what they should be. Let's echo the proclamation of the psalmist in Psalm 119:46-48, "I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame, for I delight in your commands because I love them. I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees."
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Sep 19 09:12:34 2009 |
Today's Commentary
As you drive around where I live, it is evident that the harvest is going to be later than usual. The fields just aren't ready yet, and some of them won't be ready really soon. Of course, this is to be expected since the wet spring delayed planting and caused many farmers to have to replant. The fields will be ready when they are ready, and farmers simply wait patiently until they are.
Another thought hit me as I was thinking about this - the harvest of souls that will occur at the return of Christ. We patiently await the return of Christ, knowing it will occur in God's timetable. Sometimes we wonder why he waits, but that really is not too hard to answer. Peter said there would be critics of Christianity that would use the apparent "slowness" of his coming as an argument against our faith. II Peter 3:3-4 says, "First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, 'Where is this `coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.'" Peter answers this criticism by telling us, "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (vv. 8-9)."
God's patience is motivated by his grace. There are those of his for whom he patiently waits. If you ever begin to wonder about the apparent delay in Christ's return, remember God's grace. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Sep 18 08:01:48 2009 |
Today's Commentary
British statesman John Morley once traveled from England to Canada to deliver a commencement address at a university. He began his address by saying, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I have traveled more than four thousand miles simply to tell you there is a difference between right and wrong." This is indeed a basic reality yet we often need to be reminded of the "basics." Even with all of our cultural advances, we still face prejudice, dishonety, violence and oppression in our society. Evil is still very much with us and everywhere present. We need to guard ourselves in order to not be taken in by what we know to be wrong and we need to stand against what we know to be wrong. As followers of Christ, we are not immune to the effects of evil, but we do have the strength to avoid evil. Psalm 94:16 asks, "Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will take a stand for me against evildoers?" We, through the power of the Holy Spirit, are the ones who can rise up against the wicked and take a stand against evildoers.
There is indeed a difference between right and wrong. As followers of Christ, we know the difference. We need to resist what is wrong, point out evil when we see it, and stand firm in the power of the Lord. We need to tell others the difference between right and wrong, as basic as that may sound, because people need to be reminded. We need to be reminded. And we don't have to travel 4,000 miles to do it.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Sep 17 09:02:55 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Fred Bauer writes about an elderly gentleman named Harvey who continued to attend church faithfully even after he had lost almost all of his sight and his hearing. "Harvey," a fellow church member asked, "Why do you continue to be so faithful even though you can't see or hear what is going on?" "Well," Harvey replied, "I want people to know what side I am on." Too many times we do things just for what we can get out of the experience. This includes our involvement in the ministry of the church. We need to support our church with our attendance, our effort, our giving, our commitment. We need to look for ways to give and not be so concerned with what we can "get." We need Harveys - people who are there because they feel their presence pleases God and they want to give to others.
When we do this, we know we are following the example of Christ and the teaching of Christ. Christ stated in Mark 10:43-45, "Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." There are two operative words here: serve and give. These should be our priority - are they?
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Sep 16 09:07:09 2009 |
Today's Commentary
During WW II, there was a POW camp in southeast Asia where more than 100 prisoners died each month. Lack of food, lack of water, lack of sanitation and medical help were all contributing factors to the high death rate. It was certainly a horrible existence. One day, a US serviceman found a pigeon with a broken wing. The serviceman was so hungry that his first thought was to kill the bird for food. However, something stopped him from doing this. Instead, he began to care for the bird, fixing the broken wing, giving the bird food, water and shelter. Soon, some of the other prisoners joined in the care of the bird. The number of prisoners focusing on the bird grew slowly, some even sharing their meager rations with the bird. A phenomenal thing happened. As the bird's condition improved, so did the condition of the prisoners. Over the next several months, the mortality rate of the prisoners dropped markedly. The power of love had worked a miracle.
When we are filled with love and the Holy Spirit, it helps us to focus on others more than ourselves. Our struggles may be real and arduous, but as we look outside ourselves, we find our adaptability increases dramatically. The problems of the prisoners were certainly real, yet worrying more about a bird than themselves brought a degree of comfort and strength to them and helped them thrive in spite of their circumstances. Allowing God's love to move our focus from us to others helps us to help others and help ourselves. I Corinthians 10:24 tells us, "Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others." Let the love of God help you to see others when you are tempted to see no one but you.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Sep 15 09:11:09 2009 |
Today's Commentary
At the time it was built, the Kansai International Airport near Osaka, Japan, was the most expensive construction project in history. One item which helped to make this project so costly was that a man-made island was to be built for the airport. It would have to withstand earthquakes and typhoons.
Wikipedia tells us that construction started in 1987. The sea wall was finished in 1989 (made of rocks and 48,000 tetrahedral concrete blocks). Three mountains were excavated for 21,000,000 m3 (740,000,000 cu ft) of landfill. 10,000 workers and 10 million work hours over 3 years, using 80 ships, were needed to complete the 30-metre (98 ft) layer of earth over the sea floor and inside the sea wall. In 1990, a 3-kilometre (1.9 mi) bridge was completed to connect the island to the mainland at a cost of $1 billion. The airport did survive a tremendous earthquake in 1995 and a typhoon in 1998. However, there was another problem: the island was sinking. This was
expected and several engineering features were added to compensate for this. Today, this seems to be under control and the airport is one of the busiest in the world while being able to boast of having the longest terminal in the world (1.7 miles). The powers that be who were behind the construction of this airport took a lot of flak but when it withstood earthquakes and storms, the critics had to temper their attacks.
The sinking problem reminds me of the parable Jesus told of building houses. We read in Matthew 7:24-27, "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." We will face a number of storms in our lives, and it will be these storms that demonstrate what type of foundation we have used. We can silence our critics by making sure we are building on a rock. Of course, building on the Rock, Christ Jesus, is what we need to do (Read Romans 9:33).
Build on the Rock. Then, when storms come, your house, or airport, or whatever you wish to call your life, won't sink!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon Sep 14 08:58:18 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Not long ago, I wrote about the song "America, the Beautiful," and how some have suggested using it as a replacement for "The Star-Spangled Banner" for our national anthem. I mentioned that I believe we have chosen correctly and that the anthem we have is the one we should keep. When you read the story behind the writing of "The Star-Spangled Banner," those who disagree with me might be inclined to reconsider.
On the night of September 13, 1814, Francis Scott Key was aboard the British ship H.M.S. Surprise in Chesapeake Bay with Colonel John Skinner of the United States Armed Forces. They had been placed there under guard after sailing to the British flagship Tonnant under a flag of truce to arrange a prisoner transfer. The British, fearing that their plans to invade Baltimore would be revealed, held Scott and Skinner. The two men watched that night as the British Naval forces bombarded Ft. McHenry. They feared the worst, but "by the dawn's early light" they saw the stars and the stripes still flying over Ft. McHenry. On the morning of September 14, 1814 (185 years ago today), Key penned the poem "In Defence of Ft. McHenry." The words were later set to music, and as is often said, "the rest is history." "The Star Spangled Banner" was officially adopted as our national anthem by a congressional act on March 3, 1931.
The final verse of his poem is "O! thus be it ever when free men shall stand, Between their loved home and the war's desolation; Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the Heav'n-rescued land, Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserved us a nation! Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just; And this be our motto, 'In God is our trust!' And the star spangled banner in triumph shall wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!" Indeed we do trust in God. Psalm 9:10 tells us, "Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you." We know God's name, and in him we most definitely need to place our trust. I hope this can be said about you!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun Sep 13 07:24:51 2009 |
Today's Commentary
I will never forget the first time I saw the picture of 9 year old Kim Phuc. She was running down a road in Viet Nam, her clothes had been burned off by a Napalm explosion. She was screaming in agony because of the burns that covered 65% of her body. Two of her brothers had been killed in the bombing, as well as other relatives. Her wounds would lead to 17 surgeries, 3 different hospitals, numerous doctors, therapy, and so much more. Today, the subject of the 1972 photo, which brought the photographer Ut a Pulitzer, lives with her husband and two children in Toronto. One might expect Kim to be bitter and resentful as a result of what happened 37 years ago. However, one would be wrong. Kim is a lady who loves and appreciates life and has formed the Kim Phuc Foundation to help children who have been displaced or otherwise affected by military conflict. She has channeled her experience in a positive way which has led to a resolution in her life and has allowed her to help countless others.
How did she do this? Well, one thing that helped her efforts was being willing to forgive those who were responsible for what happened to her. Of course, she was never able to meet all of those responsible, but she did meet one pilot who coordinated the attack which caused her awful ordeal. She forgave him.
Forgiveness is certainly important for those who need to be forgiven because of what they have done. However, something that is overlooked is the importance of forgiveness for the person who does the forgiving. Forgiving can bring about a release that is so helpful for the person who has experienced a great wrong. The release of emotions allows for closure and peace which is so important for the healing process. This is one reason why God encourages us to be forgiving people. Christ tells us in Luke 17:3-4, "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him." Kim Phuc learned the importance of forgiveness - so should we.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Sep 12 07:57:38 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Do you like to take walks? I enjoy walking - it helps me physically and it allows me some time to think and reflect. What I find interesting is that in our day we have to intentionally do something that in times past was such a natural thing to do - walk. My mother talks of having to walk a mile and a half to catch the school bus. Then, when she started college, she had to walk even farther to a bus stop to catch a bus to take her to school. Before the proliferation of cars, people did more walking. Be that as it may, walking is still a good thing to do. Most of us need to do more.
One of the things I think about when I walk is how it must have been to have the privilege to walk with God. Genesis 3:8-9 tells the sad story of broken fellowship, "Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. But the LORD God called to the man, 'Where are you?'" I have often thought this text reflects what once was and now no longer would be because of Adam's choice. It seems as if God was there for his usual meeting with Adam to walk with him in the coolness of the evening. However, this time it was different as Adam hid from God.
Can you imagine having the privilege of walking with God? Well, actually we can. The Scripture speaks of others who walked with God - Enoch, Noah. These men walked with God in the sense of being in close fellowship with him. What a privilege to walk with God - we have this marvelous opporunity as well. It may be when we are walking we walk with him, it may be when we are driving a car we are walking with him - we can walk with him even when we are not walking. He wants us to walk with us. Let's spend some time with Him!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Sep 11 10:36:52 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Today is the 8th anniversary of the destruction of the Twin Towers. Most of us can remember very specifically what we were doing 8 years ago today when we heard the news of the incredible tragedy. Yet today our country in involved in a war in Afghanistan trying to break up the organization that was behind this event. Bin Laden and Al Qaeda hoped to initiate an Islamist revolution that would destroy the influence of the U.S. in Muslim countries. That has not been the case. Still, the impact of that day has not lost much of its fervor.
We often wonder how humans can be so callous and insensitive. We wonder how plans such as the one that was derived for September 11, 2001, can actually be conceived in the minds of intelligent people. I wonder not so much at the twisted thinking behind such plots as I am at our reaction of surprise. You really don't need to be a student of history to see that mankind can be very cruel and incredibly evil. Jeremiah declares 17:9 of his prophecy, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?"
The act of terrorism commited 8 years ago today punctuates the reality of Jeremiah's statement. And was this the final terrorist act of this group? This question is rhetorical, of course. Mankind is indeed desperately wicked. That is why such a strong act of good was needed to counter the sin of the world. That is why Christ had to die. The desperate acts of men do not go unnoticed and will not go unpunished. We grieve over the tremendous loss we experienced 8 years ago today. However, let us not forget that God will turn our sorrow into joy, our grief into relief, our sadness into exaltation. Psalm 30:5 tells us, "weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." Yes, there is incredible evil in the world, but we know the evil will not prevail. Let's look forward to the morning.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Sep 10 09:13:37 2009 |
Today's Commentary
The harshness of God's judgment often surprises us. In Leviticus 10, we read of the death of Aaron's sons simply because they didn't conduct an offering in the right way. We read of God striking down men who looked at the ark (I Samuel 6) and of a man losing his life because he touched the ark to keep it from falling from a cart - "When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen stumbled. The LORD's anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act; therefore God struck him down and he died there beside the ark of God (II Samuel 6:6-7)." How do we explain these events? Is God overreacting?
Well, for one thing, we shouldn't presume that we need to explain these events. And, God does not overreact. What we see in these passages is God showing people his holiness and what he thinks of disobedience. In each of these events, we see God's commands being broken. God is a God of love, but he is also to be feared and respected as holy and righteous. We need to take his holiness seriously and understand his sacred character. Scripture demands that we live righteously before the Lord. We should not take his holiness for granted. Remember - God is God. He tells us in Leviticus 10:3, "Among those who approach me I will show myself holy; in the sight of all the people I will be honored."
Yes, we do have a loving God who has our best interests at heart. But he wants us to respect him and be in awe of who he is. This, to be quite frank, is not too much to ask of us. It helps us to keep in mind just who God is, and who we are, and that all we are depends on him.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Sep 9 08:00:17 2009 |
Today's Commentary
I have a gun that has been in my family for years. It was given to me by my father, and it had belonged to his father. I really treasure this gun because it was my father's and my grandfather's. Many of us have special items we cherish that were passed on to us. They are special because of what they represent. Actually, my father passed on to me much more than his gun. I learned from him many lessons about how I should live, about honesty, about strength, about faith, so many other things. He chose to pass these on to me because he knew they were important.
What are you wanting to pass on to others? What are you trying to pass on to your children? What are you passing along to others in your life? We sometimes sing the song "Pass it On" which reminds us of the importance of passing along the story of Christ and his love for us. This is important. We should want to pass on the Good News of Christ. We should want to pass on lessons on how to live to please our Lord. We should want to pass on the importance of faith, of love, of commitment. God reminds his people in I Chronicles 28:8, "Be careful to follow all the commands of the LORD your God, that you may possess this good land and pass it on as an inheritance to your descendants forever." Let's "Pass It On!" |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Sep 8 08:47:44 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Do you ever feel like your actions are just not making any sort of impact? Do you feel you are just not getting anywhere at all with what you are trying to do? We often feel this way when we don't see any visible effects from our efforts. It sometimes makes us wonder if what we are trying to do is in vain. However, don't lose heart! You may be making an impact you simply cannot see! Consider the story of a pastor of a small congregation in Scotland whose efforts met with little success - no converts, no baptisms. The elders of the church asked him to leave. His most memorable response to one of his sermons was when a young boy asked for the offering plate to be placed on the floor in front of him. He then stepped into the plate and announced that he wished to give his whole life to Jesus.
And give it he did! This young lad was Robert Moffatt who went on to a tremendous ministry in South Africa. This was all because of the influence of the Scottish pastor who didn't seem to experience much success in his ministry. The pastor may not have experienced any of this success first-hand, but his faithfulness certainly led to many rewards. Remember the words of the apostle Paul in Galatians 6:9, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Don't give up! You have no idea what impact you might be making regardless of what you are seeing!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon Sep 7 12:47:16 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Are you enjoying your Labor Day? I hope you are. I don't mean to spoil your fun, but I want to write about Labor Day's sad origin. In 1893, President Grover Cleveland sent 12,000 troops to Pullman, Illinois, to break a strike. Workers at the Pullman Company had gone on strike to protest cut wages and longer hours that had been imposed on them by the owners. As many of you might know, they manufactured Pullman Rail Cars. Other unions had joined in the strike with the Pullman workers, and there were many people involved. When the troops arrived, violence followed and many were killed. It was a public relations nightmare, to say the least, costing Cleveland re-election and leading congress to pass legislation enacting a day to honor labor. This was set for the first Monday after the first Sunday in September. Labor Day was first observed in 1894.
As we observe Labor Day, we often don't think of the great cost behind this observance. We certainly should not forget the roots of the holiday which will bring more significance to our time. Throughout scripture, we see work is held in high esteem by God. The Bible opens with a description of God's work bringing all there is into existence. Genesis 2:2-3 says, "By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done."
Remember to honor God in your work, remember his high esteem concerning our labor, and don't ever forget to thank him for the high price that was paid through his work to establish for us a way of relating to Him. The life of His Son was required that we might have something to celebrate. This Labor Day, remember the lives that were given that led to the establishment of Labor Day, and remember the Life that was given that we might celebrate eternal life! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun Sep 6 07:53:01 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Our service at the church last Wednesday was a special one. We began sharing times in our lives when we saw God working in a special way. Our sharing time took up the entire evening as one person after another began to share special events in their lives where they knew God was in the details. One of the most interesting things that came from the evening is the realization that God is often concerned with what we might consider "little" details in our lives as well. A number of "big" events were recounted, but there were a good deal of stories about how God helped to find check books, took care of little details to keep folks from missing church, and helping to find jewelry.
David Egner shares the story of a 78 year old pastor who had a flat tire on his way to his church one evening. He pulled off the road wondering what he would do. A truck pulled off behind him, and the young driver changed his tire in plenty of time to get him to church. The pastor, on the way to the church, realized he didn't even have a jack! Coincidence? Well, you decide.
There are many instances in the Scripture where we see God working in little details - providing food for a tired prophet (I Kings 17:4-6), helping find a lost borrowed ax head (II Kings 6:5-7), creating wine at a wedding to save embarrassment (John 2). God is concerned with the small things in our lives as well. Isn't that incredible? Be grateful that God is concerned about our lives - all of our lives! God speaks in Zechariah 4:9, "Who despises the day of small things? Men will rejoice when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel." God is indeed concerned about the small things!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Sep 5 09:20:14 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Recently I read a devotional that was written by David Brannon. He talked about a ministry of his church where food was given away each week. The emphasis he made was that the food was absolutely free - they accepted no money, no "work in kind," no efforts of any sort. It was free. He spoke of how some folks had a little struggle with this and wanted to "do" something for the food. This is admirable, but the folks of the church wanted to emphasize the "free" part.
Reading this reminded me of our recent Summer Fiesta and Rummage Give-away. Many folks commented about how it was hard to believe that all we had was free. Some folks even commented, "You need a donation jar or something." I appreciate their sentiments, but then it wouldn't be free. One of the reasons we do this is to help us focus on the free gift we have received from Christ. Our eternal life is spoken of as a gift. "But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23)." Ephesians 1:8-9 says, "For by grace you are saved through faith, it is not of yourselves, it is a gift of God; not of works lest anyone should boast." If we would gain eternal life in Christ through any efforts of our own, Christ would not have had to offer his life. And saying that we must add something to his work on the Cross on our behalf denigrates his ministry on our behalf. Of course, if we had to do something for it, then it wouldn’t be a gift, would it?
Indeed, eternal life is free. Christ has paid the price. We can't pay for it, we can't offer any "work in kind," we cannot make a donation for it. If this was a requirement, then it wouldn't be a gift, would it?
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Sep 4 08:51:27 2009 |
Today's Commentary
I heard a story one time about a scientist who challenged God and said, "We really don't need you - we have the capability to make a human being, so your services are no longer required." God said, "Well, let's have a contest. Let's see who can make the best man." The scientist agreed, and then started to dig up some dirt to begin the process. God said, "Oh, no you don't. Go make your own dirt!"
Of course we need God. He had no beginning, and he is the beginning of all things. He is the reason that there are things and people and places and everything else. We think the little story above is a little ridiculous, but we often live as if we believe this story. We say there is a God, but we live as if there isn't. We may go so far as to acknowledge that we need God, but our actions say we don't think we do.
I hope your life continually reflects a dependence upon God. You have no more capability to create a man or create dirt or create anything than there is a man in the moon (I said "man in the moon," not "man on the moon.") We need the attitude of the writer of Psalm 118. He says in verses 7 - 8: "The LORD is with me; he is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man." That is a wise statement - make sure you believe it!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Sep 3 07:15:01 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Have you heard all the buzz coming from Texas about the alleged killing of a "chupacabra?" This beast is one of those creatures that are in the league of Big Foot, the Loch Ness monster, and so on. It is supposed to look like a mutant dog, with longer teeth and lizard-like skin. Some very strange looking creature was poisoned in Texas As to whether it is a chupacabra, I have no way of saying. The animal had been killing some livestock, and so was "taken care of."
Mysterious creatures like this have captured the imagination of folks throughout the ages. Dragons, unicorns, and other beasts of myth have occupied the imaginations of millions over the years. Supposed sightings cause excitement in some, while others voice their skepticism. In many of these cases, skepticism is well founded.
Skepticism is sometimes vocalized about the object of our faith - heaven. Many try to downplay the reality of heaven. Many would put the existence of heaven in the same realm as the creatures mentioned above and in the same category as mythical places such as Atlantis and Neverland. However, heaven is a real place. John says in Revelation 21:1, "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. . ." There is a place called heaven and it is the place for the faithful. Those of us who have faith in the Savior will experience the reality of heaven. We don't need to be caught up in the "mystery," heaven is a reality. I hope to see you there! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Sep 2 13:59:02 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Author Stephen Covey writes about the "90/10" principle. I first heard about this principle at a presentation by the football coach of our local high school, Jason Fulton. Coach Fulton spoke of this principle and how it applied to what happens on a football field. However, as Coach Fulton pointed out, the principle is one that goes well beyond what might happen in a football game. This principle can be applied to our life experiences in general. The idea is that 10% of what happens in our lives is out of our control, the other 90% is determined by how we respond to the 10% we can't control. You can read more about this at http://gleez.com/articles/management/the_90/10_principle.
How do we deal with circumstances which are beyond our control? In scripture, we have a number of role models to follow. One individual that comes to mind is Joseph. The life of Joseph seems to be one incident after another that was out of his control. You can read about his response to these circumstances, how his response shaped what happened next, and the ultimate results in the latter chapters of Genesis. Of course, what helped Joseph was his consistent trust in the goodness and leadership of God. This is reflected in his response to his brothers found in Genesis 50:19-20, "But Joseph said to them, 'Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.'"
Our application of the "90/10" principle and our faith in God can help prepare us for whatever we find ourselves facing in life. We do face unexpected things around the turns in our lives - let God help you with the 10%. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Sep 2 09:26:03 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Author Stephen Covey writes about the "90/10" principle. I first heard about this principle at a presentation by the football coach of our local high school, Jason Fulton. Coach Fulton spoke of this principle and how it applied to what happens on a football field. However, as Coach Fulton pointed out, the principle is one that goes well beyond what might happen in a football game. This principle can be applied to our life experiences in general. The idea is that 10% of what happens in our lives is out of our control, the other 90% is determined by how we respond to the 10% we can't control. You can read more about this at http://gleez.com/articles/management/the_90/10_principle.
How do we deal with circumstances which are beyond our control? In scripture, we have a number of role models to follow. One individual that comes to mind is Joseph. The life of Joseph seems to be one incident after another that was out of his control. You can read about his response to these circumstances, how his response shaped what happened next, and the ultimate results in the latter chapters of Genesis. Of course, what helped Joseph was his consistent trust in the goodness and leadership of God. This is reflected in his response to his brothers found in Genesis 50:19-20, "But Joseph said to them, 'Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.'"
Our application of the "90/10" principle and our faith in God can help prepare us for whatever we find ourselves facing in life. We do face unexpected things around the turns in our lives - let God help you with the 10%.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Sep 1 07:35:10 2009 |
Today's Commentary
In his book "Secrets from the Mountain," Pat Williams tells of a study done to show the power of words. A group of students were told that scientific evidence had shown that brown-eyed children were smarter. The performance of the brown-eyed students rose markedly. Then, the group was told they had been misinformed and that it was blue-eyed students who were smarter. The performance of the blue-eyed students improved measurably. While it may not be accurate that brown eyes or blue eyes have anything to do with intelligence, the power of words was clearly demonstrated.
While lying to students is not a good thing, this study did show how important words can be. Words of encouragement definitely have an effect on others and can bring about positive results. Many studies other than the one mentioned above have made this evident. Of course, these studies and others have also shown that negative words bring about negative results. The conclusion is apparent: Whether you are a parent, a teacher with a classroom of children, a Sunday School teacher, an instructor, a coach, anyone who is working with young people - watch what you say and how you say it! Words have a powerful effect! Of course, this goes for any sort of communication. Remember that what you say makes an impact, so what kind of impact do you want?
The apostle Paul knew this and was never reticent to give praise when it was warranted. He told the Thessalonicans in I Thessalonians 1:2-3, "We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." He was aware of the power of positive reinforcement. Later in chapter 3, he speaks of sending Timothy to encourage them with words.
Do you speak words of encouragement to others? Remember the power of your words, especially on younger folks! Use your words to build others up. This will help us all do better! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon Aug 31 14:44:43 2009 |
Today's Commentary
It was on August 30 of 1780 that General Benedict Arnold conspired with British General Clinton to hand over West Point to the British. Were it not for an intervention, many have called it divine, that led to the capture of the British courier carrying the plans for West Point, the American forces would have experienced a devastating blow. This may very well have changed the outcome of the war. As things turned out, Benedict Arnold became perhaps the second most infamous traitor in history. He gave up his country, and when he died in Britain in 1801, he was penniless and virtually homeless.
Arnold's name has become synonymous with treason, as has the name of the most famous traitor in history - Judas. I have often wondered why the Lord ordered things the way he did to have a "Judas" involved so prominently in the Redemption Story. Acts 1:8-10 records the fate of Judas: "With the reward he got for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood."
As we think of these men who are usually remembered only with many negative feelings, we are reminded of the importance of faith and of loyalty. Have you ever thought about your loyalty to our Lord? We may not be a Judas or an Arnold and commit treason knowingly against our Father, but we often are guilty of neglect and of indifference that leads to our being a hindrance rather than a help to our Lord.
So, watch your behavior! Avoid being "treasonous" in your behavior for God. Show your loyalty!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun Aug 30 07:28:49 2009 |
Today's Commentary
My grandmother had a habit of quoting Matthew 6:34, "Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." The meaning of this statement is a little clearer in this version, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Her reason for quoting this verse was just exactly the meaning Christ had when he first spoke these words: Don't fret so much about tomorrow because there is enough going on today about which you can fret.
As much as we don't want to, we usually find it hard not to worry about things. We do tend to worry about what tomorrow may hold for us, especially when we are in the middle of some circumstance that is causing us to be anxious. Christ is in the middle of the Sermon on the Mount when he addresses the issue of worry. He tells those who are listening that worrying is really a fruitless exercise because worry does not change the situation that is at the cause for the worry. His recommendation is to 1) have more faith in the One who can do something about the circumstance and 2) be as proactive about the circumstance as you can.
This thought is what spawned Reinhold Niebuhr to write the Serenity Prayer:
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.
Let the peace of Christ sustain us when the problems of the world surround us!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Aug 29 09:53:28 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Mart DeHaan tells the following story: "In 1947, Nadia from Bulgaria and Millicent from the United States became pen pals. For years they swapped photos, school experiences, and dreams. Then their letters stopped when government policy banned personal contact with the West.
After many years of political upheaval and change, Millicent, on a whim, sent a letter to the last address she had for Nadia. To their delight, the letter got through. Before long, they discovered that both had married doctors and both collected seashells. Forty-eight years after their first letter, the two friends finally met at Miami International Airport, where Millicent exclaimed, 'Nadia! I would know you anywhere!'"
Can you imagine meeting someone for the first time that you have "known" for years? What a delight it must have been to be able to look upon each others' faces in person for the first time. Can you imagine what it will be like to look upon our Savior's face for the first time? We have nothing of his true likeness, but I know we will instantly recognize him when we first see him.
Paul writes in I Corinthians 11:12, "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." I believe the "face to face" includes our meeting with Christ as well. I hope you long for that day - it will indeed come to pass, if you know Him who died for you.
Let me leave you with the words of Carrie Breck:
Face to face with Christ, my Savior,
Face to face-what will it be,
When with rapture I behold Him,
Jesus Christ Who died for me?
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Aug 28 09:14:43 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Dennis DeHaan tells the story of an encounter between St. Francis of Assisi and a beggar. Francis saw the beggar beside the road, dismounted and gave him some money as well as kissing him on the cheek. What he did with his act was emulate the spirit and the teaching of Christ.
Christ was not silent about those in need. He said we serve the Lord when we help those in need. In Matthew 25:34-40, "`Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' Then the righteous will answer him, `Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, `I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'" We see his teachings repeated in other places in the New Testament. Paul, James, and John all write about our responsibility to make sure other's physical needs are met.
When we see others in need, we should do what we can to see that their needs are met. Our desire in life should not be only to see that our needs are met, we should look to the needs of others. Paul encourages us to do "something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need (Ephesians 4:28)." As we do this, we not only emulate the spirit and person of Christ, but it is as if we are helping Christ himself. Be generous with what God has blessed you.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Aug 27 09:22:58 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Medical experts say we should drink more water. We actually need about 64 ounces of water daily to replace what we lose and to keep up with what our system requires to be healthy. Many of us don't get what we need - and it causes problems. Drinking water helps make our skin glow, helps us maintain weight, and maybe even reduce the risk of heart attack. We need it - and there are times when we crave it. On hot summer days, when we have exerted ourselves, water is really on our minds. I think the thirstiest I have ever been was when I was on a hike during my Scouting years. We ran out of water. We eventually came across a little stream - my, that was a marvelous sight!
As much as we need water, we need God more. We need a thirst for God. We need to have David's desire which he expresses in Psalm 63:1, "O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water." Our passion for God should be fueled by our understanding of how much we need him. God is the only one who can quench our spiritual thirst.
One of our problems is that we treat God the same way we treat water - we know we need more of Him than what we are getting, but we simply neglect Him the way we neglect water! Let God take care of your spiritual needs. Cultivate a thirst for him in order to develop your fellowship with him. God and God alone can satisfy your needs.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Aug 26 08:47:06 2009 |
Today's Commentary
I have always admired masons. To me, the ability to place bricks and blocks in evenly spaced rows with just the right amount of mortar to hold them in place is a fascinating endeavor. I have always enjoyed watching masons at their job - it is certainly one of the most repetitive construction techniques, but when the job is complete the results are aesthetically pleasing and architecturally sound.
In order to create good results, a mason knows the rows need to be level, the walls plumb, and the corners at the correct angles. Before the introduction of laser instruments, levels and plumb lines were some of the instruments used to help lay the brick accurately . They are still good instruments in helping make sure that what you are doing is being done correctly.
God speaks of using such an instrument in Amos 7. In verses 7-8, he says, "This is what he showed me: The Lord was standing by a wall that had been built true to plumb, with a plumb line in his hand. And the LORD asked me, 'What do you see, Amos?' 'A plumb line,' I replied. Then the Lord said, 'Look, I am setting a plumb line among my people Israel; I will spare them no longer.'"
The analogy here is obvious. God is going to judge Israel because they were not "plumb." What about you? If God stood you next to a "plumb line," would you be straight? Or would the plumb line show that there were some problems? If you allow God to build your life, you can be sure that it will be true to plumb. God is a Master Mason; he knows how to build lives that are right. So, why don't you let him do his work in you? Paul tells us that God will complete his work - "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6)." Let him lay the brick!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Aug 25 09:08:48 2009 |
Today's Commentary
My great-great-grandfather was a Methodist Circuit Rider in central Kentucky in the 19th century. He had followed a long line of circuit riders, perhaps the best known being Francis Asbury. Asbury was born on August 20, 1745, in England. He came to America in 1771. When the Revolutionary War started, he refused to return to England because he felt his ministry was in America. For 46 years, he criss-crossed the colonies, and later the states, from the Appalachians to the Atlantic and from Maine to the Gulf of Mexico. In his career, it is estimated that he traveled more than 300,000 miles on horseback. The Methodist church in America grew from a few hundred to over 200,000 in his lifetime. His tireless efforts (he would go to bed at 12 a.m. and rise at 4 a.m.) for Christ had few parallels either in his lifetime or since.
We may not be able to compare our efforts for Christ with Asbury - few can. However, we can use his life as a model of dedication and commitment. We should do what we can and what is within our capabilities and gifts. We may not travel from Maine to the Gulf, but we should be willing to go across the street to share the love of Christ with someone who needs his touch. Hebrews 13:16 tells us "And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."
We may not be called to make the same sacrifices as did Asbury, but we should be willing to do what we can, and sacrifice is sometimes part of our ministry. Giving of ourselves is part of our service to Christ. Each of us has a "circuit" of ministry. And you don't need to ride a horse to cover your circuit - just do what you can!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon Aug 24 09:23:54 2009 |
Today's Commentary
The miracle of birth is a wonder. My grandmother's sister was a midwife in central Kentucky during the first part of the 20th century. My family has always said she had delivered over 1,000 babies. Ila would go to wherever she was called to assist a lady giving birth. My aunt died when I was young, so I never got to speak to her about these experiences, but what a life!
Being able to help bring that many little lives into the world would certainly be a marvelous privilege. Perhaps the only thing that would eclipse this is being an effective "spiritual midwife," and assist in the new birth of a soul. Many of us might say they would never be able to do what my Aunt Ila did and be involved in that many births, but those of us who are followers of Christ could and should be involved in bringing new life to those who need to be born again. Proverbs 11:30 tells us that "he that wins souls is wise." So, be a wise person and do what you can to bring others to the Savior! We probably have a long way to go to catch up with my Aunt Ila, so we had better get started!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun Aug 23 07:12:38 2009 |
Today's Commentary
There are a number of things that can cause harm to the church. In my message today at church, I will examine three areas. First, our ignorance hurts the church. Neglect of God's Word means we don't know what God wants. And we don't really know God. Not knowing him or about him causes problems. Believers need to have a desire to know more about God - and that only comes about through consistent attendance and consistent study. David says in Psalms 119:11, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." Reading this helps one understand that if we are ignorant about God's word, this leads to ignorance about sin, as knowing God's word helps us to avoid sin. Ignorance of God's word also leads to ignorance about Satan and his wiles. This can be a bad thing, a very bad thing.
A second thing which can bring harm to the church is indifference towards service. Apathy is a big problem - and we need to avoid this. We need to be involved. We shouldn't have to be begged to be involved in the church. A final concern which can bring harm to the church is insignificance. Often we treat that which is actually insignificant as being significant. In addition to this, we often misjudge our significance in the church. The apostle Paul writes about this is I Corinthians 12 where he uses the human body to show the importance each person has in the church. I have written a little bit about this in a recent devotional, so I won't belabor this point here. The idea is to realize that everyone is important in the church - to misunderstand this and to misunderstand our roles detracts from the effectiveness of the church.
Do what you should to help build the church, not harm the church. In this way, you will bring glory to God, and help strengthen your life as well as the lives of those who are in the church with you!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Aug 22 10:44:19 2009 |
Today's Commentary
In the movie "Braveheart," William Wallace is seen to be betrayed by an opportunistic Robert the Bruce, who was a friend of Wallace. This probably didn't happen the way it was depicted in the film. Actually, Robert the Bruce was a true hero himself, winning battles against the British against incredible odds. He was eventually proclaimed King of Scots. While his betrayal of Wallace may not have been historically accurate, it does portray a circumstance that occurs in real life - being betrayed by someone whom you thought you could trust - a friend, a business partner, maybe even a family member. This is an event that is hurtful in many ways. It is hurtful because of experiencing the consequences brought about by the betrayal. It is hurtful because of the betrayal itself.
The psalmist David writes about this in Psalm 41:9, "Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me." David had experienced this type of betrayal. Christ alluded to this passage when he spoke of Judas' betrayal. The betrayal of Christ by Judas was obviously a very prominent part of the whole plan of redemption for man.
When you face betrayal from someone close, remember that even Christ experienced this. Remember how you felt because of the betrayal. Determine that you never want someone else to feel the way you do because of your actions. Determine that you don't want to ever make Christ feel as if you have betrayed him. Be a true friend to others and to Christ and live in such a way as to show that you are a true friend.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Aug 22 08:25:17 2009 |
Today's Commentary
In the movie "Braveheart," William Wallace is seen to be betrayed by an opportunistic Robert the Bruce, who was a friend of Wallace. This probably didn't happen the way it was depicted in the film. Actually, Robert the Bruce was a true hero himself, winning battles against the British against incredible odds. He was eventually proclaimed King of Scots. While his betrayal of Wallace may not have been historically accurate, it does portray a circumstance that occurs in real life - being betrayed by someone whom you thought you could trust - a friend, a business partner, maybe even a family member. This is an event that is hurtful in many ways. It is hurtful because of experiencing the consequences brought about by the betrayal. It is hurtful because of the betrayal itself.
The psalmist David writes about this in Psalm 41:9, "Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me." David had experienced this type of betrayal. Christ alluded to this passage when he spoke of Judas' betrayal. The betrayal of Christ by Judas was obviously a very prominent part of the whole plan of redemption for man.
When you face betrayal from someone close, remember that even Christ experienced this. Remember how you felt because of the betrayal. Determine that you never want someone else to feel the way you do because of your actions. Determine that you don't want to ever make Christ feel as if you have betrayed him. Be a true friend to others and to Christ and live in such a way as to show that you are a true friend.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Aug 21 09:05:40 2009 |
Today's Commentary
My handwriting is atrocious. No matter how hard I try, I have never been able to write well. A bird with ink on its feet could walk across a sheet of paper and make something that would be more legible than my efforts. There is a discipline of study called graphology which says that one can determine a good deal about an individual's character by studying their handwriting. I am sure mine would make an interesting study, if they could make heads or tails out of anything I have written.
In the scripture, Paul refers to the handwriting of our lives. He says in II Corinthians 3:2-3, "You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts." What kind of writing are you showing with your life? If the handwriting of your life were to be studied, what would it say about your spiritual character? You may have heard it said, "Your life may be the only Bible some read." If this is true, what is your life saying?
We should live to please the Lord. If we do, then we are writing eloquent testimonies to his Grace that can be an effective testimony for our Heavenly Father. Let's determine to write statements of godliness and obedience with the instruments of our lives.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Aug 20 09:45:36 2009 |
Today's Commentary
I used to love to ride roller coasters. Actually, I still love to ride roller coasters. However, a problem with one of my eyes led to my doctor telling me, "No more roller coasters!" There were a few more activities from which I am banned, but the one that got me the most was roller coasters. Oh, well, I will just live without the ups and downs, I guess.
Don't you wish you could say that about our lives in general? Sometimes we feel like we are on an emotional roller coaster in our lives, hanging on as best we can because of what is taking place. What always helped me on roller coasters was realizing that I wasn't going to go anywhere, no matter how much I was tossed around. The straps and the bar were holding me in securely. In life, just as with the roller coaster, it helps to realize that we are being held in securely, no matter how much we might be tossed around. God has his arms around us, and he is with us even during the most violent of emotional turmoil. God gives his promise to us in Psalm 37:23-24, "If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand."
Whenever you feel like the roller coaster of life is taking you on a really rough ride, remember God's presence and his promise. As with all roller coasters, there will be a time when things will slow and come to a halt. Trust in God for that to happen.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Aug 19 09:34:35 2009 |
Today's Commentary
School is starting this week in our community. Soon the big yellow buses will become a common sight on the roads. I have always admired bus drivers. Although they are with the kids for a shorter amount of time, they still have to deal with many of the same issues as do the teachers. The problem is, the drivers need to do it while looking up at a mirror trying to monitor behavior. In one sense, the drivers are the "unsung heroes" of the school system. If it weren't for them, folks would have to make other arrangements to get their children to school.
Do you feel like an "unsung hero" in the church? Rest assured you aren't. The apostle Paul assured the church at Corinth that no one was any more important than someone else, and there was no job more important than others. He uses the human body as an analogy in I Corinthians 12:14-20 (you should read the whole chapter): "Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. If the foot should say, 'Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,' it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. And if the ear should say, 'Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,' it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body."
In order for a school system to do what it should, it takes a lot of people doing a variety of things. So it is with the church. And every position is important. Whatever you do, do it for the glory of God and realize how important you are to him!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Aug 18 06:19:44 2009 |
Today's Commentary
At this time much emphasis is being placed on hand washing. This emphasis is an effort to slow the spread of infectious diseases. Even as I am writing this article, our local nursing home is under quaratine because of the high incidence of upper respiratory problems. I took microbiology in college. We did a great deal of lab work, including culturing skin scrapings from our hands. It was amazing to see what critters we were able to grow from this. So, washing your hands on a frequent basis is a good thing.
As much as we take precautions such as washing hands to prevent the spread of germs, we need to take precautions spiritually to prevent the spread of sin. We need to do what we should to maintain spiritual purity and cleanliness. Isaiah encouraged the people to "wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight! Stop doing wrong (Isaiah 1:16)." This is exactly what we need to do to promote spiritual health and well being. A regular, consistent, self-examination of our spiritual condition is a good thing to maintain spiritual strength and prevent spiritual sickness. Indeed, we have been cleansed through the blood of Christ, but we know we are still susceptible to doing wrong. Therefore, we need to do confess our sins as John tells us in I John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
So - wash your hands to keep from spreading disease. Wash your life to keep yourself sin!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon Aug 17 08:54:40 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Information is everywhere. We can find out about just about anything we need to know at anytime. What we need, though, is insight into what to do with the information we have. Proverbs is all about this. Solomon writes over and over about how one should seek wisdom. Wisdom is the ability to know what to do with what you know. Solomon writes in Proverbs 2:1-6, "My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."
Do all you can to learn all you can, especially when it comes to learning about God and your relationship with God. More importantly, however, ask God to give you insight as to what you should do with what you learn. Ask God for insight into how to apply the things you learn. This is the meaning of wisdom. Be wise!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun Aug 16 08:54:57 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Did you ever threaten to run away from home when you were a kid? When I got mad at my parents I did - the problem was I could never come up with a good place to go. We lived too far out in the country to have a destination that would work.
David, the author of Psalm 139, asked a provocative question: "Where can I flee from Your presence?" (v.7). He answered his own question with two parallel responses. He first replied, "If I ascend to heaven, You are there" (v.8). It doesn't take a theologian to figure that out. After all, where else would God be?
David's second response is quite interesting. "If I make my bed in hell, you are there." Hell? Yes, that is what he wrote. The point David is making is that you can't go anywhere where God isn't. He is everywhere. This truth is both convicting and comforting. It is convicting because it means God is present when we are doing our worst. However, it is comforting to know he is present when the worst is being piled on us. He is there.
So, don't make plans to run from God - you will not be successful. Yogi Berra once said, "No matter where I go, there I am." Well, the same can be said about God.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Aug 15 08:30:50 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Have you ever noticed how you can control your starts better than you can control your stops? Whether you are running, walking, riding a bike, driving a car, even riding a horse, you can usually get started at just the moment you want, but sometimes coming to a stop is a little tricky, especially if you have been traveling at a high rate of speed.
The same can be said about our behavior. Habits are easy to start, hard to stop. It is easier to control the start of a behavior than it is to control the stoppage of a behavior. This is, of course, especially important to consider if we are speaking of an undesireable behavior. Addictions would never occur if one never starts the behavior which ends up as an addiction. Stopping an addiction is difficult, painful, and, at times, life threatening.
God is pleased with our lives when we control our starts and our stops in a way that shows our love for him. God wants to help us and encourage us. Psalm 37:23-24 tells us that God will help us when we live for him - "If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand." Mind your starts - don't start anything that will be difficult to stop especially if it is something that is physically, emotionally, spiritually, or relationally damaging.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Aug 14 08:46:44 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Feuds have been a part of human history from the very beginning. One might consider the murder of Abel by his brother Cain a feud, although you don't want to stretch this too far. Still in scripture and in other historical sources, one can read of dozens of feuds. Perhaps the most famous feud in American history is one that took place between the Hatfield family and the McCoy family from 1869 to 1888. Fifteen members of these respective families who lived in and around McCarr, Kentucky, and Matewan, West Virginia, lost their lives during the duration of the feud. This was certainly a tragic event that changed the lives of those families for years afterwards.
Are you involved in feud right now? If you are, I certainly hope it is not of the same nature as the Hatfield�s and the McCoy�s. Still, feuds which involve words (or sometimes a lack of words) as weapons rather than guns can have devastating consequences. Feuds in churches diminish the effectiveness of the church tremendously. The ministry of Christ suffers, people suffer, hearts are damaged, it is a lose-lose situation. This is why Paul speaks so strongly of the importance of unity in Ephesians (read chapter 4). James comments on feuds in 4:1 where he writes, "What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you?"
Do you really want a good feud? The best things to feud with are the things within us that lead to feuds � things such as jealousy, anger, and selfishness. Battle those inclinations, those desires, not each other. Then, the fights would really mean something.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Aug 13 07:55:28 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Do you think our national anthem is hard to sing? Many think so, and at times it has been proposed to replace "The Star-Spangled Banner" with another well-known, beloved and easier to sing patriotic song, "America, the Beautiful." Now, I don't agree with this movement because I am a definite traditionalist, but I do love the song "America, the Beautiful." The lyrics to this song are a poem originally entitled "Pike's Peak," written by Katharine Lee Bates who was born on August 12, 1859. She wrote the poem during a trip to Pike's Peak and published it in 1895. Samuel Ward put the words to a hymn he had written in 1882. They were published together in 1910.
Bates was so taken with the beauty of the view from Pike's Peak that she wrote "America! America! God shed His grace on thee! And crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea." What a tremendous prayer for our country. We need to remember to continually pray for our country, our leaders, and those serving our country overseas. It is far too easy to become cynical about our country and its leadership when we experience difficult times as we are just now. To prevent cynicism, bow your knees, bring our needs to the Lord, and give thanks for what we have. We live in a beautiful country and have much for which we should be thankful. Being thankful for our blessings is a good thing - Paul tells us in Colossians 3:15, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." And so we should be thankful - especially giving thanks to our Lord for "America, the Beautiful."
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Aug 12 08:20:42 2009 |
Today's Commentary
Tommy Morrison was a promising heavyweight fighter at one time. He was strong as could be, with a devastating right cross. He even won the WBO Heavyweight title. However, his reign was short-lived. He could punch like crazy, but he didn't learn how to take a punch. He was undisciplined, he allowed his social life to get in the way of his training, and he never reached his full potential. His lack of discipline led to his loss of the title.
We need to learn how to "take a punch." Being victorious spiritually involves not only doing the right things, it also involves learning how to handle things when they go wrong. This requires discipline and training. This requires remaining strong and faithful. Paul talks about being disciplined in order that his blows would count, and in order that he might be able to withstand the blows Satan tried to direct his way. He tells us in I Corinthians 9:26b-27, "I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." He knew to gain spiritual victory he needed to train and be disciplined.
Strive to be victorious. Be disciplined in your training - be able to no | |
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