| Date: |
Fri Sep 3 07:38:14 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Benjamin Franklin believed in the resurrection. He affirmed this through his epitaph, which he composed: "The body of B. Franklin, Printer (Like the Cover of an Old Book Its Contents torn Out And Stript of its Lettering and Gilding) Lies Here, Food for Worms. But the Work shall not be Lost; For it will (as he Believ'd) Appear once More In a New and More Elegant Edition Revised and Corrected By the Author."
When I speak at the funeral of a follower of Christ, I remind the family and friends about the hope of resurrection. This is a reality for those who die in the Lord - they have the assurance of eternal life because of Christ's provision for them. We believe in the resurrection not because of the writing of Ben Franklin, but because of the assurance of God's Word. Paul states in I Corinthians 15:19-20, "If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep."
Indeed we who believe in Christ know we will "appear once more in a new and more elegant edition." As Paul continues in I Corinthians 15:51, "Listen, I tell you a mystery. We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed." This is the hope of all who know Him.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Sep 2 07:36:31 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Did you hear about the golfer who set his local country club on fire? And I don't mean in a figurative sense by shooting a low score, I mean literally set it on fire. He didn't mean to, he was just playing out of the rough, as all of us who enjoy torturing ourselves playing golf have had to do. He was playing a shot out of tall, dry grass. During his swing, he hit a rock embedded in the ground, causing a spark. The spark set the grass ablaze and before the blaze was stopped, 25 acres had been charred. It took 120 firefighters, several fire trucks, and a helicopter to extinguish the blaze. This incident sort of adds another twist to the song "It only takes a spark. . ."
This story goes to show what a little spark can do. We need to keep that in mind when it comes to our contribution to the ministry of our church. Do you see an area of need? Well, why not provide the spark that gets the fire started to take care of that need? Big movements and big contributions often start with small steps. Naaman's maid provided a spark that led to the fires of healing for her master. When she learned of Naaman's plight, she made the brief statement, "If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy (II Kings 5:3)." Her little spark led to big results.
Don't discount your idea because you think it might be too insignificant. Don't downplay or count out those "little" thoughts - they just might be the spark needed to start a big fire. Now, we don't need "wildfires," but we often need to have a fire set under us to keep us from becoming stale. You might just have the right idea to bring about good things.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Sep 1 07:39:40 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Thirty-three miners have been trapped 2,200 feet below the surface in a copper mine in Chile since August 5. They are alive, relatively healthy, and able to communicate with people on the surface. Food, clothes, water, and other supplies are being sent down to them on a regular basis. Workers are drilling a 13-inch pilot hole to reach the miners. When this hole is finished, it will be enlarged to 26 inches in diameter, and then a special cage will be lowered to the miners to bring them out one at a time. The miners will be working to help free themselves as tons of rock and debris will need to be removed as the drill gets closer to them. The great drawback to this operation is the time involved. It will take four months to complete the escape shaft because workers are going through solid rock. Then, the trip to the surface for each miner will take 3 hours. This translates into a four-day operation to bring the trapped miners to the surface once they are reached.
I had a lot of thoughts as I read this story. How will they choose who goes first and how the order will go from then on? Can you imagine being the last person pulled to the surface? Perhaps somehow they will need to apply the biblical principle, "the first shall be last, and the last first." Of course, this principle has nothing to do with pulling miners to safety, but it certainly has a great deal to do with how we live our lives.
Christ stated this principle a number or times during his earthly ministry. He makes the statement concerning those who will enter the Kingdom of God. Matthew records in 19:30 of his Gospel, "But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first." He makes this statement to his apostles who were arguing over who would be the greatest in the Kingdom of God. We find Christ's words in Mark 9:35, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." The point is simple: We should be willing to put others first. This is an important way of demonstrating a likeness to Christ in our character.
You certainly can't fault the miner who wants to be pulled out first after four months of waiting, and you feel bad for the poor man who will be the last. However, as we seek to do God's bidding, and seek to live for Him, remember to apply the principle that the first shall be last and the last first. We aren't trapped miners, and we should certainly aspire to be servants
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Aug 31 07:43:55 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Yesterday was a rather ignominious anniversary. On August 30, 1780, American General Benedict Arnold conspired with British General Clinton to turn over West Point for the sum of 20,000 pounds ($1 million in today's money). The blueprints of West Point were handed over to British Major John Andre. Through some rather unusual, some would say providential, circumstances, Andre was discovered before he could cross the British lines, and executed. Arnold escaped, living out the remainder of his life in Great Britain, unable to return to his home and never really gain acceptance in his "adopted" country. Why was he not appreciated in England? Well, what would be your opinion of a traitor?
Betrayal is hurtful, and being betrayed by a friend or family member is especially arduous. Christ himself knew the sting of betrayal because of Judas. Perhaps you have felt the sting of betrayal - someone you considered a friend said something hurtful about you, or went behind your back to do something that caused you harm, or a family member did something that betrayed your trust. Why do people do things like this? The answer to this is simple - we live in a fallen world and people can do some really nasty things.
We know that we will never be betrayed by our Lord. And if you experience betrayal, trust God to help you work through the consequences you face because of the betrayal. Ask God to help you with your feelings about the betrayal and the betrayer. Try not to harbor bitterness, as this will only bring injury to you.
In Isaiah 33:1, God warns betrayers, "Woe to you, O destroyer, you who have not been destroyed! Woe to you, O traitor, you who have not been betrayed! When you stop destroying, you will be destroyed; when you stop betraying, you will be betrayed." There are stern consequences for those who betray. God will vindicate those who have been betrayed.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon Aug 30 05:42:14 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Sometimes we feel overwhelmed by all the needs we see around us. There seem to be so many people hurting because of finances, health issues, personal problems and other situations. How can you be of any help with so many needs?
In "The Unexpected Universe," Loren Eisely writes about an encounter he had during a vacation. He was walking along a beach the morning after a storm. Lying all over the beach were starfish that had been washed up during the storm. Ahead of him he noticed a man throwing starfish back into the sea. "With all the starfish lying around," he asked the man, "How can you hope to make much difference?" As the man threw yet another starfish back into the swirling water he said, "I made a difference for that one."
When we are faced with overwhelming circumstances, whether it is the needs of others or some other circumstance, we must simply choose to do what we can. We must make choices as we encounter people with physical and spiritual needs, remembering that we are incapable of taking care of all the needs we encounter personally, let alone all the needs that exist. We need to be "star throwers." Have the faith to do what we can. In this way, you can make a difference. The man on the Jericho Road was grateful for the words of the Samaritan who said, "'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'" (Luke 10:35) For the traveler, the Samaritan made a big difference.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun Aug 29 06:50:56 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Juliette Gordon Low could have been another casualty of adverse life circumstances. As a young lady, she lost hearing in one ear because of improper treatment of an ear infection. Then, her hearing was impaired in her other ear when a piece of rice thrown at her wedding lodged in her ear and burst her ear drum. While she loved children, she never had any of her own. Her husband was unfaithful and they were estranged at the time of his death in 1905. So, what was her response to all of this adversity? Well, many of you have already recognized her name and know her as the founder of Girl Scouts of America. In 1912, she gathered 18 girls together in Savannah, Georgia, initiating a movement that became the Girl Scouts of America. A meeting with Sir Robert Baden Powell, the founder of Boy Scouts, in England in 1911 provided the inspiration leading to the Georgia gathering. Low had been searching for "something to do with her life," and I think she found it.
Low's life could have gone a drastically different direction. How easily she could have given in to her circumstances and become embittered. Instead, she searched for "something to do with her life," and what a discovery she made. Over the years more than 50 million girls all over the world over have been influenced through their experience as Scouts. And how about the impact of Girl Scout Cookies? The thin mint variety is my favorite. The point I am making is that in Low we have an example of someone who received some lemons in life and decided to make lemonade. Instead of being overcome with adversity, she overcame adversity and made an incredible impact. She didn't let self-destructive bitterness creep in when life circumstances became negative. This poem was found in her journal after her death:
Only thyself, thyself can harm.
Forget it not - and full of peace,
Ignore the noise and world's alarm,
And wait till storm and tumult cease.
We usually do not have a choice when it comes to the adversity that comes our way in our life. However, we do have a choice when it comes to our response to the adversity. David gives a perspective on dealing with adversity in Psalm 3:5-6, "I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me. I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side." Avoid bitterness and allow God to help when adversity strikes.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Aug 28 08:59:51 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Folks who don't believe in God give a lot of reasons for their skepticism. However, when you condense all of these reasons, a common thread may be found. Folks do not believe in God because God doesn't match who they think God should be. So many times I have heard, "If there is a God, then why do bad things happen?" and similar questions. Raising the questions provides justification for denying God's reality. Woody Allen said, "If only God would give me a sign, like making a large deposit in my name at a Swiss bank." The intent of this remark may have been humorous, but it reflects a serious issue - a denial of God for who he is and our position before him.
As believers fall into a different sort of trap. We tend to put God in a box. We must realize that God is who he is - he is not what we think he should be. When we make the mistake of trying to "think for God" and making plans for him, instead of letting him make plans for us, we can get into some real trouble. When we focus on what we think God is not doing, we miss what he is doing. There were a group of people in Christ's day that did just that. Even after the Pharisees witnessed Christ's provision of food for thousands using what was intended just for one, they doubted God's presence. They asked, "What sign will You perform then, that we may see it and believe You? What work will You do? Our fathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written, 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'" (John 6:30-31). Isn't that ironic?
God does not exist because people believe in him, nor does he exist to fulfill believer's plans. "I am who I am" he declared to Moses (Exodus 3:14). We are so much better off when we remember who God is and that he is more than just a cosmic jeannie in a bottle excising only to supply our whims. Focus on God, not what you think God should be doing. Then you won't miss a thing.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Aug 27 07:15:21 2010 |
Today's Commentary
I am a real control freak. Actually I don't have to be "in charge" of events and situations all the time. I just like to do what I can to make sure things are going to turn out the way they should. I sometimes struggle "turning over the reigns" of projects to others. I really like to keep my hand involved in plans.
Now, this is not necessarily a bad thing, but it can be. You can't control all things at all times. There are going to be many times when circumstances are out of your control. There are instances where you simply have no power or authority over what is taking place in your life.. You can't govern all happenings. You can't "fix" all problems. There are situations that need to be left in the hands of God. There are times we must relinquish ownership of things, including the problems and struggles we face, and acknowledge the ownership of God. The scriptures tell us that all things belong to God. This includes our lives, even the struggles in our lives. Psalm 24:1 tells us "The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof." We need to live as if we believe this.
God has invested heavily in our lives. He created us, and he created a way for us to be able to live with him forever. So, don't try to be a control freak with God. Remember whose you are and let him be in charge.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Aug 26 07:13:59 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Most of us have had the experience of being a bit apprehensive about a new experience that was in front of us. Starting a new job, going to a new school, or moving to a new city are just some of the situations that can bring us a bit of anxiety, even fear. We aren't sure quite what to expect. The fear of the unknown can sometimes be a little overwhelming, and perhaps even lead us to change our minds about something even before we have tried the new experience.
Richard De Haan wrote about an incident that occurred when his son Stephen was eight. Stephen was going to spend the night at his cousin's house, his first night away from home. He was so excited and thrilled at the adventures that seemed to lie ahead. However, when the De Haan's prepared to leave, Stephen had second thoughts. Some feelings of homesickness arose, and he told his parents with teary eyes, "They are going to climb a big hill before and I'm afraid. I've never been there before."
Are you a little afraid because you have some unchartered waters lying ahead of you? Is there an untried path just ahead you aren't too sure about? Remember the words of the Lord to Joshua as he was taking over the leadership of God's people as they were on the verge of entering into the Promised Land. God said to Joshua, "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. . .Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:5-6; 9)."
Whatever that unknown experience lying ahead of you might be, face it with the courage that is yours because of the promise that is yours. God is with you and will not let you down. Maybe you haven't been there before, but God has. Follow his lead!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Aug 25 07:36:23 2010 |
Today's Commentary
John Ruskin was an art critic, poet, painter, and social thinker who lived in London in the 19th century. His work was very influential, and his influence was quite varied from literature to philosophy to art. Once a lady came to him to speak to him about some of his ideas. In the conversation, she lamented about how her valuable handkerchief had been ruined by an ink blot. "Let me see your kerchief," asked Ruskin. He proceeded to turn the ink blot on the handkerchief into a beautiful scene. This made the handkerchief more valuable than ever as it was now an original work of art by Ruskin.
This is what God will do with our lives. He turns the unsightly inkblot that mars the appearance into something wonderful and glorious to behold. He can take the blotches and turn them into beauty. What God is doing with the believer is creating something that will be better than the original. When we are finally "re-done," we will not be as we ever were, or even what Adam and Eve were before the fall. We will be better. We shall be like Him. I John 3:2-3 tells us, "Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure." Now that is something to look forward to!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Aug 24 06:45:33 2010 |
Today's Commentary
A man touring the Far East came across an rather unusual scene. A young boy was pulling a plow while an old man held the handles and guided it through the rice paddy. "My," the man said, "those people are so poor!" "Yes, " replied the guide, "They are poor. They sold their only ox last autumn to help build a new church."
That is quite a sacrifice, don't you think? Sometimes we are not even willing to give up a candy bar in order to be able to give something back to the Lord. What we have in the example above is the embodiment of sacrifice. God wants from us a spiritual sacrifice that resonates with his willingness to sacrifice. God delights in deeds that spring up from a desire to serve him. Galatians 5:6 says, "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love."
With what deeds of sacrifice have you been involved? We need to look for ways to "sell our ox." We should look for ways of service, look for ways to sacrifice. These should not be done to call attention to ourselves, but to call attention to God's ministry. He is the one who deserves the attention and merits our sacrifice.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon Aug 23 07:44:11 2010 |
Today's Commentary
My wife and I lived in Dallas, Texas, during the early 80's. There was a bit of a building boom going on during those years in Dallas. When we moved from there in 1983, there were about 25 buildings going up in downtown Dallas. I was fascinated with the construction of those tall buildings. As I observed the construction, one principle was evident: the taller the building was going to be, the deeper they went with the substructure. Tall buildings call for deep foundations.
This is a good principle for us to remember as we develop our spiritual lives: the higher we want to climb on the spiritual ladder, the deeper we need to sink our foundation. Psalm 1 refers to the benefit of having a good foundation when it compares a spiritual man to a tree planted by streams of water. The righteous man "is like a tree planted by streams of water (Psalm 1:5)." These trees have roots that run deep and are nurtured by the water that is always present. They have a good foundation.
If we want to grow tall and strong, we need deep, well-planted roots. We need deep foundations if we want to have tall superstructures. Dig deep!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun Aug 22 06:39:59 2010 |
Today's Commentary
I suppose one of the most exciting times in the life of a parent is when their little one learns to walk. I recall this experience with both of our daughters. It was such a thrill watching them go from their first feeble attempts at this exercise called walking to being able to "toddle" all around the house. Of course, this brought new challenges for us. This ability means they are more capable of "getting into things." However, our need for increased diligence was a worthwhile price to pay to watch them be able to move around freely. This was what they were supposed to do.
Our Heavenly Father is pleased when we "learn how to walk" spiritually. There are some allusions to this in God's Word. Hosea 11:3-4 says, "It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms; but they did not realize it was I who healed them. I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love; I lifted the yoke from their neck and bent down to feed them." Here God refers to his role in Israel's development, but laments Israel's disobedience. God want his children to learn to walk spiritually, even though he knows at times this might mean disobedience. He wants us to have the ability to decide to follow him on our own. Giving us the ability to walk on our own puts us in the position where we choose dependence upon him as opposed to being in a position where our dependence is forced upon us, so to speak.
He wants to help us learn to walk, to be there for us when we fall, to encourage our steps and guide our ways. He wants us to be able to go "on our own," yet realize we have a bond with him that will never be broken and voluntarily depend on him for guidance. Don't be discouraged when you fall - he will help you back up. Don't stray too far from him, and if do, walk towards him, he is there for you. Walking in this way keeps us productive, and is pleasing to our Father.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Aug 21 08:12:04 2010 |
Today's Commentary
There is a show on TLC that I really have difficulty watching. It is a show on "hoarding." Hoarding is a type of obsessive compulsive behavior where the person has problems getting rid of anything. The result is that stuff accumulates in the residence and can lead to health hazards, especially when it comes to food. For most of us, this type is behavior is really hard to understand, but it is a real problem for a segment of folks.
Many of us do have tendencies towards hoarding, which is not a bad thing if not taken to extremes as some do. One area where it can be a problem is with our giving. We have a problem of hoarding that which belongs to God. Of course, as I have said before, actually everything we have belongs to God, and God wants us to be givers, not hoarders. Why? Because God is a giver, not a hoarder. He wants us to be excellent when it comes to giving. We read in II Corinthians 8:7, "But just as you excel in everything - in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us -see that you also excel in this grace of giving."
We need to give in accordance with how we have been blessed - joyfully and generously. This is all part of the process of our becoming more like Him. As we give, we mirror God's generous attitude. Don't be a hoarder!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Aug 20 06:59:59 2010 |
Today's Commentary
On August 7, 2010, ten members of a Christian medical team were killed by the Taliban in Afghanistan. Team members — doctors, nurses and logistics personnel — were attacked as they were returning to Kabul after their two-week mission in the remote Parun valley of Nuristan province about 160 miles (260 kilometers) north of Kabul. One member of the team had been working in Afghanistan for over 30 years. The Taliban accused the group of spying and proselytizing. They were providing much-needed medical services to areas of Afghanistan where there was none. You can check out the biographies of each of the team members at http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2010/08/09/us/20100810_Aidworkers.html.
When we hear of such senseless slaughter, a number of emotions are experienced. Anger, sadness, frustration, grief are all part of what we experience and I am sure are part of what family members of the team are experiencing. We know that events such as this have happened all throughout the years of the Church, yet we are still shocked and saddened by the savagery that is seen. We need to pray for the survivors of those who were martyred. We need to pray for God's work to continue in a very hostile land. We need to pray for those who took the lives of these people and are far from the truth in their thinking.
Revelation 6:9-11 refers to those who have given their lives in the service of the Lord, "I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. . .they were told to wait a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and brothers who were to be killed as they had been was completed." Continue to pray for those who serve in areas where they are in harm's way for the sake of the Gospel. Let those who give all for the sake of God's work be an example for us and an inspiration to us as we continue to labor for Him.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Aug 19 07:22:32 2010 |
Today's Commentary
My mother is currently in the hospital as they suspected her pacemaker had not been working the way it should. Sure enough, she is in atrial fibrillation, which is a fancy way of saying that her heart is not beating correctly. I understand this all too well as I wrestle with the same problem. In order to correct the problem and maintain "sinus rhythm," I take a beta-blocker. I remember one time thinking I might not need this medication anymore, so I stopped taking it. Bad mistake. I went into atrial fibrillation, ended up in the doctor's office, and almost ended up in the hospital. Regular use of the medicine is mandated because of my heart condition.
We all have a heart condition that mandates regular use of a counter agent. We as believers know we have our sins forgiven and have the assurance of eternal life, but to maintain fellowship with God we must consistently address our heart condition. We still have the "old nature" within us that wants us to do things we know we shouldn't. Paul speaks to this in Romans 7:19-20 when he says, "For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do--this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it." How do you control this? You need to address your "heart condition" by consistently doing what you know you should - yielding to God's power in your life. In order for me to live as I should physically, I need to consistently take my medicine. In order to live as we should spiritually, we need to consistently take God's "medicine" by seeking forgiveness and asking for his help with our lives.
When my heart goes into atrial fibrillation, I know it. When our heart is not as it should be spiritually, we know it. Do what you should to keep your heart beating right!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Aug 18 07:23:02 2010 |
Today's Commentary
I don't know if you have been following the story about the recovery of Floyd Landis' lost bike, but it is rather intriguing. The bike was lost four years ago when it was blown off the vehicle transporting it to a race in which Landis was entered. This was before the Tour de France incident where he failed a post-race drug test and had to forfeit his win. A search for the bike was organized immediately after the loss, but the effort was in vain. Last week the bike turned up at a yard sale. How did that happen? Well, at first it wasn't recognized that the bike had any value. It was purchased at the sale for five dollars. After the purchase, the buyer cleaned the bike and then realized it was an expensive racing model. Further investigation led to the discovery that the original owner was Floyd Landis. This was confirmed along with the value of the bike: $8000. This was quite a difference from the purchase price at the yard sale. The bike had been found in the mud along the side of the road and put in the yard sale.
Are there times when you feel as if you have lost your value? Do you feel that your gifts and abilities have sort of been lost in the shuffle? Do you feel as if you have been lost along the side of the road and your real value is not being recognized? That can happen to us. We can feel as if we have been misplaced and are unsure of our value and our ability to contribute.
Rest assured that you have not been lost to God. God is aware of your value and is aware of your capabilities. God knows all about you and won't leave you in the mud by the side of the road. Psalm 139:1 says, "O LORD, you have searched me and you know me." God does know us. We are more to him than some nameless extra in a big movie scene. He knows our value and wants to use us. He will use us when we place our lives in his hands and let him be the one who determines our worth. We are more than a "diamond in the rough," or even a "bike in the grass" to him. God knows your name and you are worth a great deal to him. If you weren't, why did he allow his Son to die for you?
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Aug 17 07:18:54 2010 |
Today's Commentary
One of the rules of golf is that you can't "ground your club" in a hazard. This means you cannot allow the head of your club to come in contact with the ground in any way when you are in a hazard. One such hazard would be a bunker, an area usually lined with sand. This rule came into play this past Sunday during the last round of the PGA Championship when Dustin Johnson, who was leading the tournament at the time, unwittingly grounded his club in an area designated as a hazard. It was hard to recognize the area as a hazard as it had been trampled by spectators. Nonetheless, the rule was enforced. Johnson was assessed a two stroke penalty which kept him out of a playoff, ending his chances of winning the PGA Championship. There was no recourse, no way of avoiding the penalty or changing the ruling.
This sounds a little harsh, doesn't it? Well, God's laws are just as strict. Christ said we are to "be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect (Matthew 5:48)." James 2:10 tells us, "For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it." The big difference with God, however, is grace. Yes, God demands perfection. Knowing that we cannot be perfect, his plan from eternity past was to allow his Son to come into the arena of human life to offer himself as a sacrifice for those of us who could not be perfect. Hebrews 10:14 says, "Because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy." This is grace.
There may be no grace in the PGA, but there is with God. Isn't that great? God is willing to "change the ruling" if we come to him through his Son. In this way, we can all be winners in spite of the fact that we have "grounded our club."
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon Aug 16 08:20:23 2010 |
Today's Commentary
We have a wonderful promise 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." Isn't that great? It truly is, but don't abuse the privilege. God will forgive us for what we have done, but what he wants to see is a genuine change that indicates we are truly sorry and are serious when we repent.
We sometimes struggle with this. The nation Israel struggled with this. That is why God demonstrates his exasperation with them when he says, " What can I do with you, Ephraim? What can I do with you, Judah? Your love is like the morning mist, like the early dew that disappears (Hosea 6:4)." God tells them, "For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings (6:6)."
God wants to forgive us, he is ready to forgive us. But what he wants to see in us in genuine repentance that brings about change. Be grateful for the forgiveness of God, but don't take for granted the forgiveness of God.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun Aug 15 07:11:56 2010 |
Today's Commentary
We all have habits - some good, some not so good. One habit I would like to encourage you to develop is a prayer habit. I realize there are pros and cons to prayer habits. Some feel that developing a prayer habit can lead to prayer being too ritualistic or mundane. However, this really does not have to be. You can keep your prayer fresh, and developing a prayer habit is a good way of having a reminder of your need to pray and your dependence upon God. Prayer before meals, before leaving in the car, when you first awaken, before you go to sleep, or other specific times and circumstances, can lead to positive exercises that bring us help us develop our relationship with God. We tend to become so busy that if we don't develop disciplines like this, we simply don't pray at all. That is not good.
We see "giants of the faith" in scripture that developed prayer habits. David speaks of praying "evening, morning and noon (Psalm 55:17)." Daniel prayed three times a day, even where there was a ban on prayer. We read in Daniel 6:10, "Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before."
Developing a prayer habit is one of the best habits you can have. This helps us to keep in touch with God, and to help us remember his importance in our lives. Don't forget to pray!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Aug 14 08:37:07 2010 |
Today's Commentary
How do you respond when you receive criticism? If someone points out something wrong with one of your ideas or projects, or shows you what is flawed about something you are pursuing, what is your reaction? Most of us really don't like someone pointing out "the error of our ways," but there are many times where the error of our ways needs to be revealed. Professional athletes depend upon advice from coaches regarding their technique to keep them performing at their optimum level. Advice about a swing plane in golf, or arm movement in pitching or throwing a football, or footwork in defending in any number of sports, can be most helpful and can mean the difference between success or failure. We need to realize helpful criticism to correct a fault in our behavior or whatever is a good thing.
Solomon says the ability to accept criticism is the path of wisdom. Proverbs 9:8 says, "Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you." In essence he is saying that if you aren't willing to receive correction, you are a bozo. A wise man is appreciative of someone who corrects him, understanding the benefit that correction brings. He will love the person who is willing to help him.
Where do you fall? Are you willing to listen to correction, or are you a little stubborn in this area? Be wise! Listen to those who only want to help you do something better or be better or avoid a downfall because of a need to change. Show a little love to those who want to help!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Aug 13 07:36:39 2010 |
Today's Commentary
A tremendous discovery has been made - the Rubik's Cube can be solved from any of the 43,353,003,274,489,856,000 possible starting positions in just 20 (or less) moves! Isn't that astounding! Well, for any of us who have ever dabbled with a Rubik's Cube, it is sort of amazing. I really got a kick out of the scene from the 2006 movie "Pursuit of Happyness" where Chris Gardner (played by Will Smith), in order to impress a potential employer, solves a Rubik's Cube as they are traveling in a car. My response to the scene was "yeah, right." But, this new study shows it is possible!
Life throws Rubik's Cubes at us at times - seemingly unsolvable puzzles that frustrate and confuse. We rotate, spin, ponder, fret, and sometimes fume, but the colors just don't seem to match. However, there is a solution. We might not be able to see it right away, but there is an answer to whatever is causing us frustration. An important source of resolve in our quest for a solution is God's provision. God wants to help us with those seemingly "unsolvables." In Daniel 5 we read of Belshazzar's problem - writing on a wall that begged for an interpretation, but his "people" couldn't help him. Then some of his advisors told him of a man who perhaps could. We read in Daniel 5:12, "This man Daniel, whom the king called Belteshazzar, was found to have a keen mind and knowledge and understanding, and also the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles and solve difficult problems." And where did he get his problem solving expertise? God and God alone!
God will help us - Psalm 46:1 tells us, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." Don't allow the Rubik's Cube to fry your brain - let God help you solve the questions you face.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Aug 12 07:15:28 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Jesus said, "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life (Matthew 6:27)?" The question is rhetorical - no one adds time to his life by worry. However, we can certainly make our life shorter by worrying. Fretting about things wastes valuable time in our lives, and therefore shortens what is already a short life.
Joanie Yoder wrote, "There's no sadder example of wasted time than a life dominated by fretting. Take, for example, an American woman whose dream of riding a train through the English countryside came true. After boarding the train she kept fretting about the windows and the temperature, complaining about her seat assignment, rearranging her luggage, and so on. To her shock, she suddenly reached her journey's end. With deep regret she said to the person meeting her, 'If I'd known I was going to arrive so soon, I wouldn't have wasted my time fretting so much.'"
Don't waste your time fretting about the things you cannot change. We worry about finances, health issues, family issues, problems with neighbors, and many other concerns. Moses asks God to "teach us to number our days aright that we might gain a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12)." Instead of wasting time worrying, focus on God's Word. Gain perspective by thinking of what is positive and what is good in your life. Don't make life any shorter than it is by wasting time worrying on what can't be changed.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Aug 11 07:20:41 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Dave Branon writes about a mission trip he led in the summer of 2005. On this trip, a group of high school students traveled to Jamaica to build a playground at a school for the deaf. Many of the students had visited the school before. However, on this trip there was one student who developed a special bond with the children at the school. Chelsea had been deaf until the age of 11 when she received a cochlear implant that allowed her to hear about 30% of the sounds around her. Because of her experience, she could understand the deaf children in ways others could not. She had true empathy.
Empathy is a strong emotion that can drive us along in our ministry with others and our relationship with others. The increased insight and understanding help us to serve other in ways that might not be possible otherwise. Empathy helps us to have a different level of care and concern for those with whom we share a particular circumstance.
Christ is able to share with us on this level of empathy because of his visit with us. John 1:14 tells us that he became one of us, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." He experienced our pain, our grief, our trials, yet lived without sin so that he could become our sacrifice. Hebrews 4:15 tells us, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin."
When you are facing a struggle, a temptation, a problem of some sort, realize you have someone who has been there and is alongside of you to provide you with the resources and the help you need to face your situation. Christ relates to us with the highest degree of empathy. In addition, experiencing his grace in our time of need can help us have more empathy for others so that we can stand alongside them in their time of need.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Aug 10 07:54:14 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Recently a group from our church had bus trouble on the way to a Gospel concert. We started making calls and thanks to the diligence of people from the church where the concert was to be held and folks in our group, we made it to the restaurant where we planned to eat and then to the concert right on time. A call to the church led to another bus and a van being dispatched to pick up our group and take them on. The church even loaned us a van when we found out our bus would not be repaired that evening. All of the help was very much appreciated and turned what could have been a very trying experience into an evening we will not soon forget.
Don't misunderstand me when I say that I really wasn't too surprised by the response from the church. I would hope our church would do the same. I don't want to sound as if I am taking what happened for granted because I am not, but this is as is should be. Unfortunately, it sometimes is not the way it is. I just read an article about a church in Montana refusing help to a youth group that was stranded in their town when the group's van broke down. They wanted to bed down in the church - they had their own sleeping bags and all - but the leaders of the church wouldn't let it happen. The group spent two nights in a motel while their van was repaired. The mechanic only charged them for the parts. A lady who owned a ranch heard of their plight and took the group to her ranch where they rode horses, ate, and enjoyed other activities while the van was being repaired. Ironically, neither the mechanic nor the ranch owner had any church affiliation.
That is a rather humbling story, and I pray we will always be the church willing to help. As God's people, we are to "do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith (Galatians 6:10)." I speak as one who knows, you have no idea how grateful folks are when help comes along to change an unexpected mishap into an enjoyable experience.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon Aug 9 08:04:33 2010 |
Today's Commentary
The other day I read an interesting article about Albert Einstein. It seems that he was as accomplished violinist, but others had difficulty playing with him. Einstein, brilliant physicist and mathematician that he was, couldn't keep time. Can you believe that? He couldn't count! That is really hard to imagine.
We all have limitations. And sometimes we get so wrapped up in our limitations we fail to make strides in areas that are our strengths. Don't become so preoccupied with what you can't do that you hinder the development and exercise of your gifts! Don't use your limitations as an excuse not to do what you are able to do! An imminent philosopher (I'll let you guess who he was) once said, "A man's got to know his limitations." What he meant by this was that knowing your limitations allows you to focus on your strengths and not worry about what might hinder you.
Romans 12:6 says, "We have different gifts, according to the grace given us." Don't misappropriate your focus! Exercise your gifts, remember that everyone has limitations, and move on in the areas that need your expertise! This isn't nuclear physics - oh, sorry about that, I couldn't resist.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun Aug 8 07:19:03 2010 |
Today's Commentary
I know most of have had the experience of taking care to do the right thing and diligently working to make sure you are following the correct path, only to end up facing disappointment and discouragement. We often are rebuffed in our efforts even when we have followed instructions to the letter and have made no error in what we have done. There are times when it seems that there are no visible results in spite of the fact that we have given all we could to a task. Sometimes recognition of our efforts just isn't there or, worse yet, gets attributed to another.
When we have these experiences, it is good to remember that it is the Lord who will have the final say about what we do. It really is good to remember that he is watching our lives and knows what is taking place. Nothing escapes his vision, and he will be the one to ultimately give credit where credit is due. He will bless our work in ways that may not be readily apparent, but he will not neglect us. There are no oversights with God. Try to keep his perspective, and we will find help when those discouraging times pop up.
Isaiah 49:4 says, "But I said, 'I have labored to no purpose; I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing. Yet what is due me is in the Lord's hand, and my reward is with my God.'" Nothing is in vain when we offer it to God. Trust in him for your recognition, and you will never be rebuffed.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Aug 7 08:47:48 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Isn't it amazing how much we let money control our lives? Whether we have money, or don't have money, it seems to occupy a prominent place in our existence. With the state of the economy, money has certainly had a prevalent spot in media circles over the past couple of years. This has only served to enhance its position in our thinking. Money is necessary, but we really need to get a grip on it, rather than let it get a grip on us.
Paul wrote to Timothy about this. He said, "But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is at the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. (1Timothy 6:9-10 NLT)" He makes a point here about money mastery instead of being mastered by money.
Whether you have money or whether you don't, keep it in perspective. Don't allow it to be THE focal point of your life, or you will wake up one day wondering what has happened with your life and where it went. Take steps to be good stewards with what you have, learn to be content with what you have (or what you don't have), and you will find a much more joyful and peaceful existence. God wants your focus, so don't allow money, whether it is money woes or "Money! Whoa!", to block your view.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Aug 6 08:18:39 2010 |
Today's Commentary
"In the eighteenth year of Josiah's reign, to purify the land and the temple, he sent Shaphan son of Azaliah and Maaseiah the ruler of the city, with Joah son of Joahaz, the recorder, to repair the temple of the LORD his God. . . . While they were bringing out the money that had been taken into the temple of the LORD, Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law of the LORD that had been given through Moses. Hilkiah said to Shaphan the secretary, 'I have found the Book of the Law in the temple of the LORD.' . . . When the king heard the words of the Law, he tore his robes. (2 Chronicles 34:8, 14-15, 19)."
The access we have to the Bible can keep us from appreciating the true significance of this passage. Imagine someone walking up to you at your church and saying, "We were cleaning the church and found a Bible!" My response to this would be, "Well, put it on the table in back and someone will pick it up, or put it with the all the others that have been left here." It really wouldn't cause a great stir. Another aspect of this passage that makes it somewhat difficult to grasp is that it is hard to imagine how far the people of God must have slipped to actually "lose" the Book of the Law. However, we must be careful not to "lose" God's Word even when we have it right in front of us. We need to be cautious that we don't lose our wonder of God's revelation to us. We need to have the awe of Hilkiah when he said, "I have found the Book of the Law in the temple of the LORD."
Be grateful we have free access to God's wonderful Word, but don't allow the free access we have diminish our excitement and our awe of God's Word. Pray for those in areas of the world who don't have ready access to His Word, but have the same desire as they for God's Word. Don't allow the statement "familiarity breeds contempt" to be true with regard to our attitude towards the Scripture. We are blessed with its presence, take pains to keep it precious.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Aug 5 07:25:42 2010 |
Today's Commentary
A study from January of this year revealed that only about 45% of people in the United States are happy with their jobs. A number of reasons were given for this low figure. The state of the economy, people working in jobs that were their "second choice," being overqualified for the job you have, and lack of job security were among the concerns that led to dissatisfaction.
Something that can help us appreciate and enjoy our jobs more is cultivating a different attitude about our job. For those of us who follow Christ, one thing to remember is that we should look at our employment as a means of giving glory to God. We can look at our occupation as one way we can please God by performing our responsibilities as if we were working directly for the Lord. In one sense, we are. Paul speaks to this in Colossians 3:23-24, "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."
Your mindset about your work can go a long way to establishing a healthy level of enjoyment of your work. Looking at your labor as a means of pleasing God can help you to have a healthy attitude about what you do. In some of his other writings, Paul refers to some of his "jobs," and always seems to have a positive attitude about what he did. What helped in this regard were his thoughts about what he did. Whether he was preaching to people or preparing material for tents, he did it "as working for the Lord."
Buck the trend when it comes to your job. If you enjoy your job, you are on the right track. If you are less than pleased with what you do, keep in mind Paul's words. Remember you are working for the Lord, not for men.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Aug 4 07:56:48 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Naturalist Jack Rudloe has launched "Operation Noah's Ark" in the Gulf. His idea is to collect as many specimens of typical Gulf of Mexico aquatic life as he can and keep them in his laboratory. His laboratory is actually a four acre facility that replicates the Gulf's environment. He has already obtained many specimens, and hopes to do more in an effort to ensure the survival of the species in the Gulf in the wake of the horrendous oil well disaster. This will perhaps be a wise idea, and of course, has a biblical precedent, as the name implies.
In the biblical precedent, Noah needed to prepare for a disaster that was to be brought against mankind because of man's sinfulness. What has always amazed me about the flood event is that it took place so soon after the creation. According to the genealogy of Genesis 5, Noah was only about nine generations removed from Adam. Now, the generations seemed to be more prolonged at that time. Still, the decadence of man is astonishing when you consider the relatively short period of time that has lapsed since man's creation. This serves to highlight the pervasiveness and the insidiousness of sin. God warned Cain, "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)."
Never underestimate the power and prevalence of sin. Like the oil in the Gulf, it spreads rapidly, threatening all of mankind because "all have sinned (Romans 3:23)." Depend upon the power of God as you wrestle with the presence of sin. God sent an ark to preserve his people, and has provided an Ark for all people in the person of his Son, if they will hear. Noah used the provision of God, so should we.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Aug 3 07:38:19 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Well, today is my birthday. Birthdays are interesting things. They provide you with a reason to celebrate and be the center of attention for a little while. Birthday parties are always nice and offer a chance for folks to get together. Those of us with birthdays can make the claim that we are the reason for celebration in August, as there are no official holidays this month.
As you get a little older, birthdays also provide some other benefits. Birthdays can serve as a reminder of how fast our lives are progressing. It can't be my birthday again, can it? Birthdays can offer us a time to reflect on what is going on in our lives, what has taken place, what we would like to see take place, and other considerations. Birthdays highlight relationships that we have. Our celebrations are usually with those with whom we have a relationship. Birthdays remind of our "links" with other people - people on whom we can rely and have a significant role in our lives.
As you think of this latter provision of birthdays, remember the "link" you have with God. David says in Psalm 22:10, "From birth I was cast upon you; from my mother's womb you have been my God." We can read later in Psalm 71:6, "From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother's womb. I will ever praise you."
If I had one birthday wish it would be that everyone who reads this have that link with God and are relying upon him. Would you like to give me a birthday present? Well, the best one you could give would be for you to give your life to the Father. That would be a really great gift for me, but it would be a better gift for you.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon Aug 2 07:24:10 2010 |
Today's Commentary
In his classic novel, "Moby Dick," Herman Melville chronicles the relentless pursuit of a great while by a maddened Captain Ahab. Ultimately, his quest led to his doom as the rope on the harpoon he throws at the whale entangles him and carries him to his death. His obsession with a fruitless quest led to his demise.
We must be careful with what we pursue. Going after the wrong things in life can lead to our entrapment and can cause our spiritual downfall. If we are pursuing earthly goals and quests seeking things that will not last, our search will ultimately become pointless and may bring harm. Jesus gives an example of just such a person in Luke 12. The owner of the ground thought he had a good life because of his abundance, but none of the abundance he pursued was worth anything to him when his life came to and end (Luke 12:14-21). This is why he encourages us to pursue that which will make us rich spiritually. He tells us, "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 (Matthew 6:19-21)."
Be careful what you pursue. Don't go after "white whales" that will only bring you harm. Pursue the things of God and you will find that which will last.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun Aug 1 07:37:01 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Three years ago today, an bridge on I-35W crossing the Mississippi River near Minneapolis, Minnesota, was not able to handle the additional stress of rush hour traffic and collapsed. Thirteen people were killed and several more were injured. The stress was just too much and harmful consequences were the result.
Humans face additional stress at times as well. We are designed to handle stress, but sometimes we may feel that we are approaching the point where we are exceeding the load limit. When this is the case, make sure you are doing what you need to deal with the stress. Get your rest, seek help from others, break the problems down into manageable events, and, most importantly, seek God's provision. God will allow stress in our lives, but trust in him to not put more on us than we can handle. Trust in his provision, as did Paul. Paul referred to the promise of God, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness (II Corinthians 12:9)." Ron Hutchcraft said, "He may load us, but he won't overload us."
God will be there to provide strength when we face times of stress. Put the load on him. Let God help you with what you face. In this way, harmful consequences can be avoided.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Jul 31 07:54:56 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Bill Crowder tells of a sobering experience he had during a speaking engagement in Jakarta, Indonesia. The elders of the church came to him before he was to speak and asked for his Bible. They said that they would return his Bible to him in front of the entire audience just before he spoke. They explained that, as elders, they were responsible for the message to the congregation and giving him the Bible in view of the congregation was a tangible expression of their role as guardians of what the church would hear. This act would symbolize that the elders were entrusting to him the teaching of God's Word for that service.
Do we give this kind of respect and honor to God's Word in our worship? In recent years, I have asked my congregation to stand as God's Word is read. By doing this, I hope the importance of what is about to take place is enhanced. Each time we open the Bible to study, we need to remember that we are looking at the very words of God. Paul tells us in II Timothy 3:16 that "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." Some translations render the word translated "God-breathed" here as "inspired." This is an accurate translation, but the literal "God-breathed" emphasizes who gave the inspiration. As we read and study God's Word, we are handling the very breath of God. Keeping this in mind should cause us not to take lightly what we are doing when we open God's Word. You aren't reading Shakespeare or Mark Twain or even Chuck Swindoll, you are reading what God has written.
Don't lose sight of what you are doing when you read God's Word whether publicly or devotionally. Don't lose sight of the importance of the study of God's Word whether you are at church or in your home. The Creator of all that is communicates with us through what He has written. Handle with care!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Jul 30 08:19:51 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Some years ago, I found out that the house needed a new roof. I was a little taken aback by this, as the roof was not that old. I remembered that the roof had a guarantee, so I talked to the merchant where the shingles were purchased. The company that manufactured the shingles had gone out of business. So much for the lifetime guarantee.
We encounter this so many times in life. Man's promises can only go so far. However, God's promises will go as far as they need. His word is secure and when he speaks of a guarantee, we know bankruptcy is not possible. One thing that God guarantees is our eternal life with him when we have trusted him. II Corinthians 5:2 says, "Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come." Hebrews 7:22 tells us, "Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant."
When God speaks of a guarantee, we know we can put this down as something that is already done. Guaranteed!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Jul 29 07:23:33 2010 |
Today's Commentary
I read an article on the internet yesterday that gave some positive news about the Gulf Oil disaster. It seems a great deal of the oil has just "disappeared." Now, there is still plenty around to cause some problems, but much of the oil is nowhere to be found. How did this happen? Well, according to experts, some of the oil evaporated. However, much of the oil that disappeared was "eaten" by microbial organisms found in all the seas of the world that feed on the hydrocarbons in oil. These bacteria and fungi had a "feeding frenzy" that helped do away with much of the oil that spilled into the Gulf from the Deepwater Horizon well. Isn't that interesting?
I thought of a couple of things when I read this. Our Creator thought of everything when he made this planet. He knew that at some point in time, men would cause disasters, and he placed organisms in creation that can help clean up the mess after some of these disasters. I also thought about the way God helps us as individuals. The organisms breaking down the oil in the Gulf are not easy to detect. You would not be able to see with the naked eye. They go about there tasks almost invisibly. That is the way God works in our lives much of the time. The Holy Spirit, whom we cannot see, is operative in the life of the follower of Christ. We cannot see him, but we know he is there. And much of what he does in our lives goes unnoticed. He is working "behind the scenes", so to speak, to accomplish many things for us. I am convinced we will not know all about this until we come into our home with God. Paul talks about only knowing in part in I Corinthians 13:12, "Now I know in part; then I shall know fully." Much of what God does for us is done invisibly and will stay that way until we come into his presence.
We should be grateful for God's marvelous provision. BP Oil Company should certainly be thankful for the microbes that are helping with the mess in the Gulf. We should always give thanks to God for what he does for us, and don't forget to thank him for the things he does about which we have no knowledge. We need to be grateful for the "oil eaters!"
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Jul 28 07:49:51 2010 |
Today's Commentary
I have always heard that while Rome burned, Empower Nero played his violin. Well, he more than likely played his lyre, as the violin was not developed until the 16th century. Why would he have been so nonchalant? Well, some historians think he may have set the fire himself. He wanted to burn the city so that he could rebuild the city and name it after himself. After the fire, he needed a scapegoat. Christians proved to be a convenient target for his false accusations. Nero was responsible for a horrendous outbreak of persecution against Christians. Christians were used as human torches, made to face wild animals in coliseums, and brutalized unmercifully. He likely was responsible for the deaths of Paul and Peter.
The results of the persecution were not what one might expect. In the wake of the incredible suffering, the Church grew, multiplying tremendously. Other times of persecution followed, each serving to cause the opposite of expected results. The message of Christ spread and thrived until Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire under Constantine in A.D. 313. Quite a turn around.
Historically, the church has thrived under persecution. God has a purpose for persecution. What would seem to be something that would destroy is used by God to bring growth. Yes, this is hard to understand, and is why we need to look to God and not to circumstances in our lives. Emily Sper wrote "The purposes of God are right, although we may not see, just how He works all things for good, and transforms tragedy." I Peter 4:12-13 says, "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed." Persecution is not desired, but those who think it is a means to destroy God's work are clueless to God's design.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Jul 27 08:02:37 2010 |
Today's Commentary
I know I have finished my series on "Lessons we can learn from 'The Wizard of Oz,'" but another idea came to me as I was thinking about today's article. Do you remember the problem with the Tin Man? He had been caught in a rain storm while he was chopping wood and, with his oil can out of reach, froze in position because of rust. He stayed that way until Dorothy and the Scarecrow came along and liberated him by oiling his joints.
We need people who are willing "oil other's joints." We need folks who are willing to apply oil in what could be "sticky" situations to help make the life of someone else a little smoother. Joannie Yoder tells of an eccentric man who carried an oil can with him wherever he went. When he encountered a squeaky hinge, he oiled it. If he had trouble with a lock, he took care of it. He wanted to make like a little easier for those who followed after him.
A biblical example of someone who was good at applying oil is Barnabas. When Paul was a little disenchanted with John Mark, Barnabas stood up for him and took John Mark under his wing. You can read about this event in Acts 15:36-39. Howard Hendricks called Barnabas "The Man with the Oily Disposition." What he meant by this was Barnabas showed the ability to intervene in such a way as to defuse a controversial situation. He also seemed to possess the ability to help another develop spiritual traits that would allow them to grow in their faith. He understood that instead of being critical of John Mark and refusing to allow him to continue with a ministry opportunity, he intervened and took him down a path that had a positive outcome. Later Paul, who was not quite so enamored with John Mark during the incident in Acts 15, said of John Mark, "Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry (II Timothy 4:11)." And, of course, Mark authored one of the Gospel accounts of the life of Christ - all of this because Barnabas was willing to apply some oil.
Are you an "oily" person? Do you do all you can when you see someone else who needs encouragement? What about intervening when you see a potentially problematic confrontation? We need more people with "oily dispositions." Do what you can to keep your oil can handy!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon Jul 26 08:15:43 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Richard De Haan writes about a flower mix-up that took place in Binghamton, New York. A bank was moving into a new building in the city. A rival bank sent flowers in honor of their opening. However, the florist made a mistake and sent flowers with a card that read "With our deepest sympathy." Can you imagine the reaction of the family at the funeral home who received the flowers with the card that read, "Congratulations on your new location"?
The sentiment expressed by this floral confusion may have been done in error, but it does state a reality. Those who die in the Lord can certainly be congratulated on their new location. We face a struggle when we lose loved ones, but when our loved ones are people of faith, we know they are in the presence of the Lord. Paul talks about his desire to be with the Lord in Philippians 1:21-23, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far." Paul knew his new home would be far superior to his old one. That is the hope for everyone who trusts in the Lord.
The florist who made the mistake no doubt felt badly about the error. However, for those who die in the Lord, "Congratulations on your new location" would be most appropriate.
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Pastor Steve
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Sun Jul 25 06:51:20 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Did you ever see the movie "Somewhere in Time?" The movie, which stars Jane Seymore and the late Christopher Reeves, is about a man who goes to sleep in a room in a hotel. He wakes up and finds that he is in the same room, but it is about a hundred years earlier. He meets a young lady with whom he becomes quite intrigued. Of course, the problem is she is in one "time zone," and he is in another. This makes for some interesting situations.
We don't have any choice as to what time period in which we are born. However, we can choose how we are going to live during our time in history. How are you choosing to live your life?
Mordecai pointed out to Esther that she was born for the time in which she lived. Esther faced a great dilemma - a dilemma that called for her to literally put her life on the line for the sake of her people. Mordecai encouraged her to make the right decision when he said to her, "Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this (Esther 4:13-14)?"
Living close to God will allow us to find ourselves in situations where we may have the opportunity to intervene in a positive way. We cannot choose when we live, but we can choose how we live. And "who knows but that you have come (to this circumstance) for such a time as this?"
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Pastor Steve
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Sat Jul 24 01:40:27 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Over the centuries thousands of tourists have visited the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. This citadel located on a hill in Athens was the site of many religious debates and gatherings. The Apostle Paul very likely visited there as it is situated near the location of his debate with Epicurean and Stoic philosophers recorded in Acts 17. There are chips of marble lying around that many visitors have taken as souvenirs. There never seems to be a shortage of these pieces, even though many people have carried a piece with them as they left. How can this be? Vernon Grounds gives the explanation, "Every few months a truckload of marble fragments from a quarry miles away is scattered around the whole Acropolis area. So tourists go home happy with what they think are authentic pieces of ancient history."
We need to be careful to not be deceived by imitations. One needs to be careful to not be duped by groups claiming to be followers of Christ, when actually they are following a false doctrine. How can you tell when a group is false? The simplest, and most important, test is to ask, "What do you believe about Jesus Christ?" If they do not believe that Christ is the perfect, eternal Son of God, fully God and fully man, who died and rose again for our justification, then what they are saying and teaching is just as false as the chips of marble trucked to the Acropolis.
Another thing we must remember when it comes to imitation is that we need to avoid offering to God "imitation" worship. We read Christ's comments about worship in John 4:23-24, "a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."
Make sure you are not just going through the motions when it comes to your worship. Christ wants more than just idle words, prayers, songs and sermons. He wants us to worship him with all of our heart. God came down hard on the Jews for their mundane worship. Listen to his words in Isaiah 1:12-14, "When you come to appear before me, who has asked this of you, this trampling of my courts? Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations--I cannot bear your evil assemblies. Your New Moon festivals and your appointed feasts my soul hates. They have become a burden to me." Don't offer God imitation chips - celebrate him with authentic worship!
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Pastor Steve
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Fri Jul 23 07:54:31 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Have you ever encountered an optical illusion? You know, something that appears to be one thing but actually is something else or is hiding something else. The illusion is created by the use of colors, patterns, and other means. Through these means, objects that are actually stationary appear to move, straight lines appear warped, items are hidden, colors appear and disappear, all through the manipulation of factors in such a way to create an illusion. Many times you can find these on the comic page of the Sunday newspaper. There are, of course, naturally occurring optical illusions created by light striking objects in just the right way, shapes that create a certain appearance, and other phenomena.
Optical illusions are usually harmless and are actually entertaining. They are fun to look at and provide a challenge as one tries to figure out just what is going on. How in the world do I see red when that box is green? Are those dots really moving? Why does that wall look crooked when it is actually straight? These are why they are illusions!
I do know someone who likes to try to make things appear different from what they really are. However, his ability to do this is not harmless, and he doesn't do it for fun. Satan likes to make the harmful appear harmless so he can injure the innocent. Paul warns of this in II Corinthians 11:13-15, "For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve."
Beware of Satan's tactics. Beware of his use of optical illusions. He is good at making things appear good when they really aren't. He is good at making harmful activities appear harmless. Don't fall for his tactics and tricks. Focus on what is real, and leave the optical illusions for the comic page!
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Pastor Steve
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Thu Jul 22 07:15:49 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Providing letters of recommendation is always a joy and a privilege. Being able to commend someone to others for employment, admission to school, scholarships, or other considerations is a neat thing. Of course, it is helpful when the person has demonstrated characteristics and traits which make them "recommendation worthy."
Paul is able to commend Phoebe to the Romans because of the life she had lived and the service she had provided. He writes, "I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me (Romans 16:1-2)." Phoebe made it easy to write a letter of recommendation for her because of how she lived. She had demonstrated characteristics and traits which Paul felt made her worthy of recommendation.
How about it? Are you "recommendation worthy?" Maybe you aren't looking for a new job, school, or whatever, but that really isn't the point. The point is our life and what our life says. If you were to ask for a recommendation, what would be written? Live to make it a good one!
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Pastor Steve
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Wed Jul 21 08:01:51 2010 |
Today's Commentary
The rarest blood type is AB Negative. This blood type is found in only 0.6% of the population or 1 in every 167 people. However, a statement found on a card at a blood donor site gives a different perspective on the availability of blood. The card read, "The rarest blood type is the one that is not there when you need it."
A source of blood that we all need and will always be there when we need it is the blood of Christ. Christ's blood is always plentiful, always available, always able to cover our sin. I John 1:7 tells us, "the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." We cannot deal with our sin problem on our own. We cannot do away with our sin. The intervention of Christ was necessary, and intervene he did. He provided a means whereby all who come to him can be cleansed. There is never a shortage of the right blood type because Christ's blood is the right type for everyone. Ephesians 1:7 provides the assurance, "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace."
Not only does his blood cleanse us from our sin, it heals our conscience. Hebrews 9:14 says, "How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!" Christ is indeed the "Universal Donor!"
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Jul 20 06:12:35 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Intentions are a good thing. We need to have intentions to help others, to help ourselves, our family members, and to do something for God. However, good intentions need to be turned into action, or they are only so much mind clutter. We need to act on our ideas, to turn thoughts into realities. Saying "Well I intend to help you" is really no help at all unless we pick up the other end of the table someone is trying to move.
Paul tells Timothy to instruct his people to "do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life (I Timothy 6:18)."
Are you rich in good deeds, or are you always saying, "Well, I wanted to do that. . ." Be a person of action. Let your intentions be demonstrated through your deeds. Good intentions need to become good actions.
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Pastor Steve
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Mon Jul 19 07:27:09 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Recently I had to replace my GPS device. I had it for about a year and a half, and for some reason it would not pick up a satellite signal rendering it incapable of giving directions. Well, that made it quite useless. I took it to the "experts" who told me, "Your device is unable to locate a satellite signal and can no longer give you directions. It really is useless." Oh, so that's the problem. My only recourse was to buy a new one, which I did. This one works well, receives a strong signal, and is able to provide directions when I need them.
This often happens in our relationship with God. Something takes place that obscures our communication with him, and he is unable to give us direction. Now, with my GPS, the problem not with the sender - the satellite was doing its job. The problem was with the receiver. This is always the case with us. There is never a problem with God, the problem is with the receiver - us. We allow something to enter our lives that obscures what God wants to tell us. We get too involved with things in our lives, we let sin creep in, we turn our attention to other things, or perhaps we simply refuse to listen, and as a result we lose contact with God. This is not a good thing.
Keep your focus where it needs to be. Make sure you are doing what you need to do to allow God's signal to come in clearly. As did the psalmist, we need to tell God to "Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight (Psalm 119:35)." Allow God's signals to come in clearly. When you do, you will be delighted with the results
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun Jul 18 07:36:48 2010 |
Today's Commentary
This is our last installment of "Lessons from the Wizard of Oz." The ironic twist at the end of the story is that the answer to Dorothy's problem was right under her nose all along - the ruby slippers. When we are faced with a problem that we just can't seem to solve, sometimes the answer is right there in front of us. What often obscures solutions to problems is when you in the throes of dilemma, it is hard to be objective is what is required to solve the issue. Many times what can help is to take a step back and "clear our heads". This simple act can often allow us the insight into the answer to our struggle.
This happens in our spiritual experience as well. God knows this, and we need to acknowledge this as well. We often see God giving his servants a "time out" so that they can begin to think more clearly about what lies in their path. An example of this is how God dealt with Elijah. After his great victory on Mt. Horeb, Elijah found himself fleeing for his life from Jezebel and her followers (I Kings 18). He couldn't quite see how things were going to work out. God put him in a cave so that he could take a step back and see the hand of God at work, and the path he needed to follow to resolve his circumstance. Taking this time to collect his thoughts and interact with God, he was able to see that God would "reserve seven thousand in Israel--all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him(19:18)."
When things seem to be closing in and you can't see a solution, take a step back. Spend some time with God, and spend some time just collecting your wits. Then see if your problem is resolved with the "click of your heels!"
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Jul 17 06:50:07 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Dorothy was sustained by the hope that all would work out. She chose to be positive in a very negative situation. Her hope and positive attitude sustained her throughout her experience. She faced a great deal of adversity, but was able to keep on the right path because she chose to believe all would be well.
We as followers of Christ certainly have a realistic hope and can have a positive outlook in a negative world. We know we are "more than conquerors", as Paul said, and knowing we will be victorious over the things which can bring us down helps us to be positive people. Paul tells us 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." If this doesn't foster some positive thinking for us, I don't know what will.
The hymn writer said, "My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus blood and righteousness." When you know this, then you have the resources to face whatever might come your way. We are able to keep on the right path because of our hope.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Jul 16 09:09:12 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Glinda said to Dorothy, "Don't give the ruby slippers to the wicked witch. Their magic must be very powerful or she wouldn't want them so much." So, Dorothy held on to them, hoping they would eventually help her find the way home.
Something we have that we may be asked to give up is our principles. Throughout our life experiences, there will be times when we will be tempted to compromise our beliefs. The point here is - don't. Had Dorothy given up her slippers, she may never have found the way home. When someone wants you to do something you know isn't right, stay true to your principles and do not compromise. When you give in to the temptation to compromise your beliefs, you may lose something you will never be able to regain. Paul encourages us to "put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand (Ephesians 6:13)."
Don't give up your principles. Stand firm on what you believe. There is power for living in that, and doing so will help us keep on the right path.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Jul 15 07:24:02 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Dorothy's problems began when she ran away from home. Mean Mrs. Gultch had come to take away Toto, her little dog, and she would have none of that. So, she ran away, and straight into the twister that "swept her off her feet," so to speak. A quick reminder - we are in the midst of looking at principles for life we can glean from "The Wizard of Oz."
When I was a boy, I would occasionally threaten to run away when things weren't going my way. Sometimes even adults feel like running away because of the problems in their path. Running away is not the right solution to problem solving. When we run away from one difficult situation, we run right into another, as did Dorothy. We need to face our problems and our difficulties and find solutions that will be more productive. Look for help from friends, family members, and, of course, God when faced with what seems to be an insurmountable issue.
We can look to scripture to find a number of examples of the negative consequences brought about by running from issues. The most famous example is Jonah. As a former professor of mine said, "This is indeed the tale of a whale, not a whale of a tale." The fish isn't the main character - Jonah is. The fish came to be because Jonah thought running would be a good solution to a situation he didn't like. Well, it wasn't.
We need to learn this. Jonah 1:3 says, "But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish." Solving problems rather than running from problems will bring more peace to our experience and more stability to our lives. Running from a bad situation could lead you straight into a bad storm. It will lead you to a place of confusion and fear. Standing firm in a conflict will keep us from getting caught in a twister.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Jul 14 07:30:00 2010 |
Today's Commentary
When you think of "The Wizard of Oz," what song comes to mind? This is a rhetorical question, of course. It really is hard to think of "The Wizard of Oz" without thinking of Dorothy singing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." In the movie, the song is elicited by a circumstance that causes Dorothy to become a bit wistful and speak openly, well actually sing openly, of her dreams.
Dreams are a good thing. We need dreams to fuel new ideas, new thoughts, new plans, and new ways to serve God. Through dreams we can bring about plans to make our lives more of what they should be in God's eyes, and new thoughts about how to make our church ministry more effective. We need "future vision" when it comes to our service for God. We need to dream big, and do what we can to see these dreams become reality. Proverbs 29:18 says, "Where there is no vision, the people perish." We need vision, we need ideas, and we need dreams to fuel our efforts for God.
Somewhere over the rainbow there is a new idea, a new approach, a new thought that needs to be discovered and utilized. If we don't give ourselves time to dream, we can stagnate. So, give yourself time to think about what you can do to better serve God. Your idea doesn't need to come from "over the rainbow," but if you don't dream, your idea may not come at all.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Jul 13 08:21:13 2010 |
Today's Commentary
If you are familiar with "The Wizard of Oz," I know you remember the scene towards the end of the story where Dorothy misses her balloon flight home, starts to cry, and then finds out from Glinda that, because she was in possession of the ruby slippers, she had the power to return home at any time.
We need to remember "the power within us." So many times we shrink away from tasks, ministry opportunities, outreach possibilities, and service situations because we think we are "powerless." Not so. Job had listened to advice from his friends that was not really what he needed to hear. How could he respond to this? He was confused, grieved, and weak in the flesh, but he said, "For I am full of words, and the spirit within me compels me (Job 32:19)."
Don't forget the power you have within through the Spirit of God! He can strengthen, enable, encourage, and help you do what needs to be done. Don't stand there and cry because you think you have missed your ride, but depend upon the Spirit you have within to help you do great things for God.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon Jul 12 09:14:55 2010 |
Today's Commentary
At the end of "The Wizard of Oz," Dorothy proclaims "There's no place like home." For her, this was a geographical location because of the people who were there. Many of us have more than one "home" from a geographical perspective because of the people who are there. Someone once said, "Home is where the heart is," and that is certainly true. Home is a place where we know we have people who love us, who want us to be there, and who want to be with us. We have places we call home because that is where our family lives. We may also have places we call home because that is where we now live, and have many friends who have become family to us.
As a believer, one thing to keep in mind as we continue through life is that although we may have a number of places we call home here on earth, we need to remember that the earth is not really our home. Yes, we enjoy the presence of others here, and we have many enjoyable experiences in this life, but we must always keep in mind we should not get too attached to the here and now as this is not our home. We need to have the attitude of Abraham that is revealed to us in Hebrews 11:9-10."By faith he made his home in the Promised Land like a stranger in a
foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God."
We can make our home here for now, but we need to live here "like a stranger in a foreign country." Our home is with God. Keeping this in mind helps us to not have too strong a grip on what we experience now, as we must keep in mind the transitory nature of what we have. Indeed, there is no place like home, and we know God awaits us and looks forward to our coming to the home he has prepared.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun Jul 11 06:54:52 2010 |
Today's Commentary
One of the more memorable scenes from "The Wizard of Oz" is when Toto "helps" reveal the Wizard's real identity. A reminder - we are looking at ten life lessons we can learn from "The Wizard of Oz." This is the third in the series. Anyway, when the screen hiding the wizard is brought down, Dorothy and her friends find he is nothing more than a man disguised to be something he is not - that is, a "great and powerful wizard."
We often hide behind screens in our lives. Often we are guilty of pretending we are something we are not. For some reason, we want others to think we are more than what we actually are, have more than what we actually have, have gone places we actually haven't, and on and on. Like the wizard, we want folks to think we are really powerful and in charge, when in reality we are not a "big shot" at all.
Don't try to be someone else. People who really care for you will love you no matter what. And what will happen is that at some point, the screen will drop, and we will be seen for who we really are. That can be quite embarrassing, to say the least. Besides, you are certainly not fooling God. He is the one who matters most. Revelation 2:2 gives a warning to those who would claim to be someone they aren't: "I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false." Be true to yourself, to others, and, most importantly, to God!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Jul 10 08:07:47 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Dorothy was told by Glinda the Good Witch to "follow the yellow brick road." If she did, she would find what she wanted - the way home. Getting off the right path would keep her from finding the way home, and could prove to be dangerous. We need to remember God has a path for us to follow. Failing to follow the path God has for us can cause us real problems.
Psalm 16:10-11 tells us, "You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." God has made known to us the path of life, and following his path will bring joy. Failing to follow him can cause trouble. We simply need to follow God. Choosing to go our own way is a really bad decision.
God's path may not be a yellow brick road, but it is just as obvious. Follow the path and you will find God’s blessing!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Jul 9 07:34:04 2010 |
Today's Commentary
I have always been fascinated with "The Wizard of Oz." As a boy, I tried to watch the movie, but it was always on a Sunday night, and I never got to see the full ending because we went to church. So, when cable TV came along and they showed "Wizard," I made sure I watched it. Of course, I was no longer a young boy. Actually I was already an adult when cable came along. However, I had read the book a few times, so I did know the full story.
I came across an article on the internet recently that spoke of 10 life lessons we can learn from the Wizard of Oz. We are going to look at these over the next few days. The first life lesson that can be learned from "The Wizard" is "Be willing to accept your friends in spite of their differences." The group of characters Dorothy comes across is, to say the least, diverse. Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion are quite a group with which to travel and pursue the quest of trying to find home. There are others, such as Glinda the Good Witch, who assist her on her way. One thing they all have in common: They want to help Dorothy find her way home. A true friend will stay with you through good times and bad to help you on your life journey. Your friends may have some quirky characteristics, but, then, don't we all? What defines a friend is not the "perfectness" of their character, but the persistence of their support. We, in turn, should provide persistent help to others as we continue along our faith journey. Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, "If one falls down, his friend can help him up."
Never underestimate the importance of friends. Be willing to accept your friends for who they are, warts and all. Be a friend to others and be happy that others accept you for who you are. In this way, we can "follow the yellow brick road." Whoops! Don't want to give up too much of tomorrow!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Jul 8 06:53:10 2010 |
Today's Commentary
An evangelist went to a church in a rural area for a series of meetings. As he was talking with some of the people after the first night of the service, he met a lady who told him of her livestock. "How many pigs do you have?" he asked. "One hundred and ninety two," she replied without hesitation. "Are you positive?" the minister asked. "Yes!" she replied incredulously, "I know the names of all one hundred ninety two!" Sounds like she knew them pretty well, doesn't it? How in the world did she know the names of all 192? Well, knowing the names certainly demonstrates her concern.
God knows our name. Tommy Walker wrote a really nice chorus that goes:
He knows my name,
He knows my every thought,
He sees each tear that falls,
And He hears me when I call.
Isn't it marvelous to know that the God of the entire Universe knows your name? David said 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." Jesus said in Matthew 10:30, "And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered."
God knows how many hairs we have, and he knows our name. What a wonderful and comforting thought to realize how great his care is for us. God knows our name, and he never tires of us calling upon his name.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Jul 7 08:06:39 2010 |
Today's Commentary
For whom do you pray? We usually pray for ourselves, which is reasonable. We pray for family and friends, folks at church, and others we hear about through church prayer chains or other means. We pray for our troops and our political leaders. This is as it should be. Colossians 1:9-10 speaks about intercessory prayer, "For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,"
I encourage you to develop a ministry of intercessory prayer. Include in your prayers those whom you know, and how about praying for those whom you don't know? What about praying for the person who waits on you in a restaurant when you are on vacation? How about the person who takes your ticket at a ball game or concert? What about praying for your mail delivery person when you see them? The reason I suggest this is praying for people we don't know all that well, or maybe not at all, and praying at times we might consider "non-prayer times" can deepen your commitment to prayer and enhance your prayer life. We sometimes get in such a rut with some of our spiritual routines, and prayer is one of them Stepping "outside the box" can help us expand our thinking and enrich our experience.
Remember to pray, and pray at times you normally wouldn't think about prayer. Pray for those for whom you normally might not think to pray. This will be good for you, for them, and will help us to "please God in every way."
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Jul 6 10:07:43 2010 |
Today's Commentary
I find it quite incredible that the two most prominent signers of the
Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, both died on July
4, 1826, the fiftieth anniversary of the signing. Adams' grandson, John Quincy
Adams, stated "(Jefferson was) the hand that penned the ever-memorable
Declaration and (Adams was) the voice that sustained it in debate." He went on
to say that their deaths were "a coincidence...so wonderful (that it) gives
confidence...that the patriotic efforts of these...men were Heaven directed, and
furnishes a new...hope that the prosperity of these States is under the special
protection of a kind Providence."
It is hard to say whether the coincidence of their deaths truly had any
Providential meaning or were simply just that - a coincidence. There are a
number of events that occur in our lives which could bring up the same question
- is it a coincidence or do we see the hand of God at work in a providential
way? I have sort of a simplistic take on this issue - God can use a coincidence
in a providential way and a coincidence is simply nothing more than the
providence of God.
What we do know is that God is at work in our lives. What is important is our
work for God. The operative word here is "work." We should not just sit back
and wait for a "coincidence of providence." We need to be obedient. God does
provide for us, but don't just sit there while you wait for God's provision.
God is busy in our lives. Paul tells us in Philippians 1:6, "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." We know we will see evidence of his operation in our
walk of faith. We need to display evidence that we are walking faithfully..
Paul encourages us to "always give yourselves fully to the workof the Lord,
because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain (I Corinthians
15:58)."
We will experience times that make us wonder, "coincidence or providence?"
Thank God for those times, and enjoy the benefits. But don't forget to continue
to labor for the One who is working so diligently for you!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon Jul 5 07:49:53 2010 |
Today's Commentary
I hope you enjoyed your Independence Day celebration. From the amount of fireworks I saw, one would never think we are in the midst of troubled economic times. I read quite a bit about cancelled fireworks displays this year, but I witnessed abundant celebrations. This had to be a good year for fireworks manufacturers and retailers.
Taking time to celebrate something is a good thing. I am reminded of what Christ said regarding celebrations in heaven. Christ said that repentant people bring about rejoicing in heaven. We read in Luke 15:7 & 10, "I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. . .I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
Have you brought about a celebration in heaven? Have you repented of your sin and come to faith in Christ? As a believer, are you helping the celebration by introducing others to Christ so they may make a decision of repentance? Help bring about a celebration - angels enjoy fireworks, too!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun Jul 4 08:56:38 2010 |
Today's Commentary
On July 3, 1776, John Adams wrote a letter to his wife. In this letter he said, "The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more." Mr. Adams’ letter proved to be prophetic about the celebration, but was off by a couple of days regarding the date of the celebration. July 4 was the day that was seized from the beginning as a day of celebration after the manner described by him in his letter. July 2, 1776, was the day when the Second Continental Congress voted to declare independence from Great Britain. July 4, 1776, is the date of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a document intended to define just what was meant by the vote on July 2. In the minds of the people, the signing took precedent over the vote.
We should celebrate July 4th as it is truly a very special day worthy of commemoration. What I find most interesting in John Adams' statement is the sentence "It ought to be commemorated. . .by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty." I think we miss this part in most of our celebration, don't we? As a country, we seem bent on excluding any act of devotion towards God, yet it is clear from writings and documents that God was included consistently in the decision making process leading up to the vote for independence and the draft of the Declaration of Independence.
Our nation seems to be traveling a precarious path when it comes to our recognition of God and his role in our history and our present. Don't let this be the case for you as a citizen of the United States and as a child of God. God has blessed us richly as a nation and as individuals within this nation. Never fail to take time to give thanks to him for what we enjoy. II Corinthians 3:17 tells us, "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." We should celebrate both our freedom as a citizen and our freedom in Christ in the way John Adams described with "solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty." Happy Fourth of July!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Jul 3 08:08:46 2010 |
Today's Commentary
To me, one of the most amazing aeronautical achievements ever was Charles Lindbergh's 1927 solo transatlantic flight. I became fascinated with this story when, as a young boy, I watched Jimmy Stewart in "The Spirit of St. Louis." I have never flown an airplane, but I can't imagine doing what Lindbergh did - making a flight across the vast Atlantic by yourself and entirely by instruments. The cockpit of "The Spirit of St. Louis" had been modified to carry a fuel tank which meant Lindbergh would be "flying blind." He would not be able to see where he was going or where he had been - he was totally dependent upon the wall of instruments before him.
As I have said, I am not a pilot. Yet I understand that when you are flying blind, you have to trust your instruments. Trusting your instruments is important even at times when a pilot is not intentionally "flying blind" as he or she may have encountered conditions such as low clouds or something which make it necessary to "fly blind." If a pilot has no visual reference, he or she could be flying an upside down aircraft and not even know it except for instrument readings. So, as a pilot, you learn to trust your instruments.
We need to learn this same degree of trust when it comes to our relationship with the Lord. There are so many times in our lives when we encounter conditions that force us to "fly blind." The only way we can avoid disaster is to trust the One who will not fail us. Just as a pilot learns to trust the instruments, we need to learn to trust our Savior. One thing with instruments is that they can be wrong. We will never have that problem with Christ. Proverbs 3:4-5 tells us "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all our ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths."
You will never be "flying blind" if you place your trust in the Savior. Let him be the pilot, and you won't end up flying upside down!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Jul 2 09:28:47 2010 |
Today's Commentary
In a number of his writings, Paul tells us to offer encouragement to each other. This is usually not a difficult thing, as we know others who need encouragement, and we know we appreciate supportive words and deeds when we are in a position of need. However, Paul also tells us to offer words of correction when necessary. This is a little bit stickier. For a great many reasons, corrective encounters can be difficult. Still, they can be helpful and can be a form of encouragement.
In I Thessalonians 5:14-15, Paul tells us, "And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else." Here we see Paul giving instructions to offer words of correction where correction is needed and words of support where support is needed. He also tells us a little about the spirit in which this should be accomplished, "Be patient with everyone." In other words, don't withhold correction, but don't rush to judgment either, and make sure you do this in the right way.
When correction is needed, three things need to be kept in mind: 1) The nature of the problem must be considered; 2) Our motive and approach for correction must be thought through, and 3) God needs to be involved from start to finish. Galatians 6:1-2 offers further comment on this, "Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." In both of these passages, we see Paul's comments on not only what should be done, but how it is to be accomplished.
Correcting others is usually more difficult than encouraging others, but in Paul's mind they are linked. Both should be done with a view to helping someone else grow in their faith. We all have times when correction is necessary because we all are prone to mistakes. When we find ourselves on one end or the other of this scenario, remember to make room for God's involvement. In this way, correction can be corrective without causing controversy.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Jul 1 07:48:31 2010 |
Today's Commentary
In his book, "The Pursuit of God," A.W. Tozer wrote, "Has it ever occurred to you that one hundred pianos all tuned to the same fork are automatically tuned to each other? They are of one accord by being tuned not to each other but to another standard to which each one must individually bow. So one hundred worshipers [meeting] together, each one looking away to Christ, are in heart nearer to each other than they could possibly be were they to become unity-conscious and turn their eyes away from God to strive for closer fellowship."
Tozer's comments were designed for worship experiences, but what he said is true in all facets of our relationships with other believers. When we are in tune with Christ and walking with him, it is difficult to find ourselves at odds with other believers. Turning your focus upon Christ can help avoid much of the petty things that tend to cause friction with others. Developing a rich relationship with Christ helps us to develop our relationships with others and allows us to see the insignificance of our differences with others.
Paul reminds us in I Corinthians 12:12-13, "The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink." When we are connected to the head, then everything else works as it should. Keep in tune with Christ, and you will keep in tune with others!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Jun 30 07:31:08 2010 |
Today's Commentary
One of the keys of parenting is realizing that your children are different. For example, they have different likes and dislikes, they respond differently to things, and they may require different disciplinary techniques. I have two daughters who were born two and a half years apart, yet were sometimes mistaken for twins, especially as they grew older. Despite their similarities, there were obvious differences, at least obvious to me as a parent. For one thing, they had markedly different personalities which meant they responded differently to given situations. As they were growing up, I had to keep this in mind as I dealt with them over circumstances. This was helpful and necessary for them and for me.
God does the same thing with his children. We may ask why we see God working in someone else's life in a different way than he is working in our own. We need only look as far as our own child-rearing for the answer. If we as earthly parents have the wisdom to know we should deal differently with our children, don't you think God realizes this as well?
God's knowledge of this showed up in how he dealt with Peter after Peter's denial. Christ confronted Peter on the shore of the Galilee in a unique way (see John 21). And when Peter questioned Christ about what would happen with John, Christ responded by saying, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me (vs. 22)."
God places us in different situations for different reasons. We need to acknowledge that he knows best and does this for our best interests. We need to quit comparing ourselves with others and let God be the parent he wants to be.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Jun 29 08:03:22 2010 |
Today's Commentary
I enjoyed watching the show "I've Got a Secret." Now, I know I am dating myself a little bit, but I prefer the original show hosted by Bill Cullen to the revivals that took place in the 70's and the 2000's. To those of you who are unfamiliar with the premise of "I've Got a Secret," a contestant with a "secret" was brought out before a panel of celebrities. The contestant would whisper his or her (or their) secret to the host and this was revealed to the studio and TV audience. A hint was given, and the panel would begin asking questions to try to determine the "secret." The deeper the questioning went without the secret being revealed, the more money the constestant would win.
Sometimes we feel as if God has a secret and that we are in a position where we are trying to determine just what his secret is. Indeed, there are things that God chooses not to reveal to us. We really know little about our future, even though we are aware that God has full understanding of what is going to take place in our lives. Sometimes things happen that make us ask why. For some, these can be is a source of frustration. However, we need to realize there is a point to this, and that we need to turn our lives into God's hands. Keep in mind that he knows what he is doing. Deuteronomy 29:29 says, "The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law."
What we should do is focus on that which has been revealed to us, and leave what is unknown in God's hands. There are "secret things" that belong to God, because he alone knows what is best when it comes to those matters. We need to show a little more trust and faith in him. Job admitted, "Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know (Job 42:3)." Realize God does have secrets which will be revealed, but only at just the right time. Don't get into a cosmic game of "I've Got A Secret" with God. He will let you in on the secret when it is time to let you in on the secret.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon Jun 28 07:31:04 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Most of us would really like to be content. How is it that we can be content? Job gives us the first hint when he says, "If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment (Job 36:11)." Now, think about who is saying this. This is coming from a man who has lost just about everything. Yet, he affirms that contentment comes not from life circumstances, but from being settled in God. Solomon continues this line of thinking in Proverbs 19:23, "The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble." Paul reflects this same thinking when he writes, "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:11-13)." Where was Paul when he wrote this? In jail! That is where he was when he encouraged Timothy, "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that (I Timothy 6:6-8)."
With all of these men, contentment came not from what they had, where they were, or what they were experiencing. Contentment came through their relationship with the Lord and the settled-ness that comes from trusting in his way. When this is done, one will be content.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun Jun 27 07:06:00 2010 |
Today's Commentary
I really like the Senior Golf Tour. There are players on this tour that I followed years ago. Of course, it has been around long enough that many of the golfers I followed when I first started following golf are now off the tour. The Senior Tour offers older golfers the unique opportunity to continue making money in their sport long after athletes in others sports no longer are able to participate. Many golfers have had much greater success and made more money in their "senior" years than they did on the PGA tour.
Are you in need of a second chance? With God, we do have the unique opportunity to have a second chance. Most of God's "Hall of Famers" were people who needed a second chance. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David, were all people who did something that for all intents and purposes should have "disqualified" them. However, because of God's great grace and patience, they were used mightily by God. He said of David, "I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do (Acts 13:22)." He said this in spite of David's sin.
God will give you a second chance. God is willing to forgive you and use you in spite of what might have happened in your life. Come to him, let him develop your character, let him put you where you are most useful. You can even be better than before!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Jun 26 07:03:37 2010 |
Today's Commentary
It has been estimated that the price tag to clean up all the nuclear waste sights where nuclear weapons were manufactured would be in the area of $300 billion. The clean up efforts that are on-going in the Gulf of Mexico following the explosion of the oil rig Deepwater Horizon will cost billions of dollars, and the effects will be felt for generations. Yet, as costly as these operations are and as devastating the results, they do not compare to the cost of the removal of sin and its effects. As far-reaching as these "waste problems" may be, they still fall into the category of a temporal problem. Sin is a contaminant that poisons eternally if not removed. The cost of removal was the death of God's only Son.
We wish there would be some way to remove the contamination of nuclear waste and the oil, but it does not seem that conventional means will help entirely. However, the solution God provided for sin is thorough and complete. Peter tells us, "For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect (I Peter 1:18-19)."
Christ forgives us totally and completely. We are wiped clean, declared righteous in the sight of God, we are made totally new. In Revelation 21:5 God says "I am making everything new." No stains, residue, or left-over contaminant. What a wonderful reality!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Jun 25 08:21:16 2010 |
Today's Commentary
We have started a new study series on Wednesday nights entitled "When the Game Is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box." The author of the study, John Ortburg, uses the game of Monopoly as a metaphor for life and out attitude about life. The point of the study is to show that a philospohy of life based upon the acquisition and accumulation of stuff is incorrect because when the game is over, it all goes back in the box.
As I was reflecting upon this, another game came to mind that perhaps reflects more accurately the philosophy of life we should have - Dominoes. The point of Dominoes is to lose all of your pieces. The first player to nothing is the winner. It is not good to have "bones" at the end of the game. This perhaps reflects more realistically the attitude we should have as followers of Christ. We should realize that, with regard to material things, we came into the world with nothing and we will leave with nothing. Job said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart (Job 1:21)." So it is better to work on giving away what we have for the betterment of others. It is better to live to glorify God with what we have. The second part of Job 1:21 says, "The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised."
If we need an example of someone who gave it all away, we need look no farther than our Savior. Christ gave all for us, and he also tells us, "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul (Matthew 16:26)." Live to give! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Jun 24 06:41:06 2010 |
Today's Commentary
The story of Jonah has always intrigued me. I would imagine it has you as well. It's not every day that someone survives being swallowed by a fish. However, the incredible aspects of this tale are not what command my attention. I am surprise by Jonah's thinking - he really believed he could run from God and get away with it. Of course, this led to the events that are more well known. Jonah had a problem with what he knew he should be doing, so he simply ran from his obligation. Jonah 1:3 says, "But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish." Not the thing to do. God dealt with him in a very creative and unique way.
God will deal with us in a very creative and unique way if we choose to run from him. Are you resisting God's call on your life? Is there something he wants you to do that you just aren't sure about? God doesn't make mistakes - he wanted Jonah to preach in Ninevah, and he wants you to do what he asks. Don't run from him - God knows how to use big fish! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Jun 23 07:37:19 2010 |
Today's Commentary
The crew of the Citation was elated. They had just won the Big Rock Blue Marlin Fishing Tournament held off the coast of North Carolina June 11-19, 2010. First prize for the tournament is 1 million dollars. Not a bad prize for catching the biggest fish - of course, the big fish was a 880 lb. marlin. However, in post-contest interviews, it was discovered that one of the members of the crew did not have a valid fishing license. This violated the rules of the tournament and, of course, is illegal. So, the catch was disqualified and the crew got nothing, all because one person forgot to purchase a $15 fishing license.
Most of us would think this turn of events was rather foolish - how could a fisherman forget to purchase a fishing license? Well, many are in danger of making an even more foolish mistake. They are in danger of forfeiting eternal life because they have failed to receive the free gift provided by God's Son. You don't even have to go to a store to make a purchase - eternal life is free to all who call on the name of the Lord (see Ephesians 2:8-9). Failure to do so leads to disqualification and the loss of something more valuable than a million-dollar prize. Paul speaks of making sure that he has made the right decision in following Christ and living for him "so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize (I Corinthians 9:27)."
Losing a million dollar prize on account of a failure to purchase a $15 license is ridiculous. Losing eternal life because of one's failure to receive God's free gift is ludicrous. So, don't be ludicrous or ridiculous - receive God's gift!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Jun 22 06:31:11 2010 |
Today's Commentary
I have never had to stand before a judge and jury, and I don't ever want to stand before a judge and jury. I have been called for jury duty on a couple of occasions, and remember once being dismissed along with all the other potential jurors because the sight of the jury being formed was a little too much for the defendant and he worked out a plea bargain. Standing before a judge and jury would be intimidating.
I don't want to stand before a judge and jury, but I do know I will one day stand before God. The scriptures tell us "Man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment (Hebrews 9:27)." We know that those who die without Christ will face a final judgment sealing their eternal state of punishment (Revelation 20:11-15). Those of us who follow Christ will be judged for our works to determine our state in eternal life with Christ. II Corinthians 5:10 tells us, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad."
Thinking of these judgments can be frightening. Avoiding God's judgment described in Revelation 20 can only be done through accepting Christ's gift. The ability to stand before Christ without fear when believers are judged for what they have done is determine now to do what we know we should do. Facing judgment can be a frightening thing. Following Christ eliminates the fear. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon Jun 21 06:44:34 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Haddon Robinson once told a story about a young boy and his step-father who were having problems with communication. The man was out-going, the boy was quiet. The man loved the outdoors, the boy preferred reading and inside activties. The man thought a good thing to do would be to take the boy camping. They went, but the boy really didn't enjoy anything about the experience. He wasn't quite sure how to tell his step-father he wasn't enjoying himself, so he wrote a note to him saying that he wanted to go home. The man looked at the note and put it in his pocket. They stayed for four more days.
When they got back home, the boy's mother asked him about the trip. "It was awful," said the boy, "I wrote him a note to tell him that I wanted to go home, but he didn't pay any attention to me." "Son," the mother replied, "your father can't read."
Good communication not only depends upon our knowing what we want to say, but also knowing something about the person or people with whom we want to communicate. Good communication relies upon a number of things. We need to care about what we say and how we want to say it. We need to take into consideration those who are listening to what we have to say. Ephesians 4:25, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body." We need to keep this in mind as we speak with each other. We need to treat each other with respect, especially in our communication. When we treat each other with kindness and demonstrate our care, this provides an atmosphere where good communication can thrive. So, go ahead, talk to each other! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun Jun 20 07:08:45 2010 |
Today's Commentary
According to "American Minute," the first formal "Father's Day" was celebrated JUNE 19, 1910, in Spokane, Washington. Sonora Louise Smart Dodd heard a church sermon on the newly established Mother's Day and wanted to honor her father, Civil War veteran William Jackson Smart, who had raised six children by himself after his wife died in childbirth. Sonora drew up a petition supported by the Young Men's Christian Association and the ministers of Spokane. In 1916, Woodrow Wilson spoke at a Spokane Fathers' Day service. President Nixon, in 1972, established Father's Day as a permanent national observance.
Today as you celebrate Father's Day, don't forget to honor our Heavenly Father who is with us always (Hebrews 13:5), will supply all of our needs (Philippians 4:19), will help us in our times of trouble (Psalm 46:1), and will never change (James 1:17). God wants to take care of us even as an earthly father wants to take care of his children. Matthew 7:11 tells us "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Fatherinheavengive good gifts to those who ask him!"
Celebrate your father and your Father on Father's Day!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Jun 19 07:36:59 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Oral contracts aren't what they used to be, given our proclivity to dishonesty in our society. Still, written contracts have always carried more weight and are more binding. When something is written down, it is right before us in print that is harder to alter and to forget than spoken words. We even say "put it in writing" when we want a firm guarantee of a contract or promise. God's Word is binding whether it is spoken or written, but there are times when God specifically directed for something to be written to demonstrate the force of what was being said.
When God gave the commandments to Moses the second time, he said, "Chisel out two stone tablets like the first ones, and I will write on them the words that were on the first tablets (Exodus 34:7)." Many times in Deuteronomy God tells Moses to write down the words of the Law. He tells the people to "Write (the commandments) on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates (6:9)." He told the prophet Jeremiah to write down what has been revealed to him for others to see (Jeremiah 36:2). In Revelation, John is commanded to write down what he sees, and he is specifically instructed to write down the description of the results of God's New Order. We read in Revelation 21:5, "He who was seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new!' Then he said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'"
God wanted to put in writing all that he has for us and all that he wants from us. Someday all of this will be written on our hearts so that we will no longer forget anything that God has promised for us. Jeremiah 31:33-34 says, "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, `Know the LORD,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest," declares the LORD. "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more." Aren't you glad God put that in writing? |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Jun 18 07:22:09 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Charles Haddon Spurgeon, a great preacher from the 19th century, commented that we should begin each new day with this thought, "Let your thoughts be psalms, your prayers incense, and your breath praise." That sounds like a good way to start each day. Let's look at what Spurgeon was saying.
Let your thoughts be psalms. I encourage people to make a habit of reading the psalms. The book of Psalms is a commentary on life. In the psalms we see expressions of joy, of sadness, of grief, of anger, and many other characteristics of life experiences. We see expressions of frustration, of elation, of dedication. Reading and meditating upon the psalms helps us gain perspective on what we are facing.
Lert your prayers be incense. In the Jewish tabernacle, and later in the temple, incense was burned continuously as a perpetual symbol of prayers being lifted up to God (Exodus 30:7-10). It was a special type of incense, it was offered continually, and the aroma of the incense would fill the holy place with a tangible reminder of prayers being offered to God. We read the words of David in Psalm 141:2, "May my prayer be set before you like incense."
Let your breath be praise. The final statement of the book of Psalms is "Let everything that has breath praise the LORD (Psalm 150:6)." We shouldn't wait for Sunday to give praise to God. Just as our prayers go up continually, so should our praise be offered continually. David said in I Chronicles 16:25, "For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise." We should develop an attitude of praise.
This sounds to me as a good way to get our day started. We know it would please the Lord, and it would help us keep in mind just why we are here. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Jun 17 08:07:20 2010 |
Today's Commentary
There is a a story about Abraham Lincoln that he once walked several miles to return a few cents to a customer who had been overcharged. Not many people would do that today. Not many folks would return excess change they mistakenly had been given. What would you do? What would you do if you were in a restaurant and were undercharged? What would you do with a wallet you found that contained a good deal of money?
Honesty is not one of the hallmarks of our society, but it certainly should be one of the hallmarks of the follower of Christ. I Peter 2:12 tells us to "Live such good lives among unbelievers that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." Do folks see your honesty? Do you surprise sales clerks by returning excess change?
Let your good deeds speak for you. Honesty may be an unpopular character trait in the view of the world. but it should never lose its popularity with those of us who follow Christ. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Jun 16 06:53:16 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Perhaps one of the most tragic characters in literature, Dr. Faustus is the central character in a 17th century play written by Christopher Marlowe. Faustus sells his soul to the devil in exchange for eternal youth, fame and riches, but finds that he has made a tremendous mistake. A painting based on this character shows Faust on one side of a table involved in a game of chess with Satan. Satan is howling with glee as he appears to have one the game. The painting is simply entitled "Checkmate." A chess master studying the painting exclaimed, "It's not over! Faust has another move!"
Despite how much things appear to be "over" and Satan looks to be victorious, it isn't. Satan will not be victorious and he will never have the opportunity to proclaim himself as the victor. In Romans 16:20, we read the proclamation of Paul, "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet." This is the promise we have in Christ. So, no, it is not over. Not by a long shot. We always have another move if we allow God to play the match for us.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Jun 15 07:31:25 2010 |
Today's Commentary
"What a Friend We Have in Jesus" is almost the hymn that wasn't. The hymn was written by Joseph Scriven. Scriven was born in Ireland in 1820 and immigrated to Canada when he was 25. There, he faced a good deal of sorrow, as did many immigrants, along with his mother, who had also immigrated. One incident that caused great pain was the accidental drowning of his fiance. just hours before they were to be wed. Out of his experiences, he wrote the words to this now well-known hymn of comfort. However, he really never intended for it to be used in a public way. A neighbor who was sitting with him during an illness discovered the poem. When he asked Scriven about it, he was told it had been written for Scriven's mother to comfort her at a time of trouble. The neighbor encouraged him to publish the song, which Scriven did, and "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" became one of the best-known hymns of solace of the past century.
Scriven did not at first see how his thoughts could be of any benefit to others, and therefore did not pursue sharing his words with others. However, they were and are a marvelous statement of God's care and Christ's friendship that are so helpful at times of great distress. Those who have experienced times of duress have been given resources to cope with life's struggles. Sharing these struggles and these insights with others can be of great benefit to individuals who are caught in the grip of a heart-wrenching circumstance. Perhaps you can be a friend to bring help to a soul in need.
In Christ, we do have a special friend. Proverbs 18:24 tells us, "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." This is what Christ will do for us. Indeed, as Scriven wrote, "What a Friend we have in Jesus."
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Jun 15 07:01:09 2010 |
Today's Commentary
"What a Friend We Have in Jesus" is almost the hymn that wasn't. The hymn was written by Joseph Scriven. Scriven was born in Ireland in 1820 and immigrated to Canada when he was 25. There, he faced a good deal of sorrow, as did many immigrants, along with his mother, who had also immigrated. One incident that caused great pain was the accidental drowning of his fiancé just hours before they were to be wed. Out of his experiences, he wrote the words to this now well-known hymn of comfort. However, he really never intended for it to be used in a public way. A neighbor who was sitting with him during an illness discovered the poem. When he asked Scriven about it, he was told it had been written for Scriven's mother to comfort her at a time of trouble. The neighbor encouraged him to publish the song, which Scriven did, and "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" became one of the best-known hymns of solace of the past century.
Scriven did not at first see how his thoughts could be of any benefit to others, and therefore did not pursue sharing his words with others. However, they were and are a marvelous statement of God's care and Christ's friendship that are so helpful at times of great distress. Those who have experienced times of duress have been given resources to cope with life's struggles. Sharing these struggles and these insights with others can be of great benefit to individuals who are caught in the grip of a heart-wrenching circumstance. Perhaps you can be a friend to bring help to a soul in need.
In Christ, we do have a special friend. Proverbs 18:24 tells us, "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." This is what Christ will do for us. Indeed, as Scriven wrote, "What a Friend we have in Jesus."
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon Jun 14 07:38:36 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Kim Philby is known as one of the most notorious spies ever. As a British agent who defected to the Soviet Union after supplying them with British intelligence for years, he was responsible for hundreds of deaths, much misinformation, and a great deal of mayhem. As one commentator put it, he was adept at spreading "the poison of suspicion" which turned ally against ally and led to a lot of political scrambling to try to repair the damage.
We need to be careful that we don't foment the "poison of suspicion" by spreading gossip about others that, while untrue, is very damaging to one's reputation and their character. Among the list of the seven things that God hates found in Proverbs 6 are these mentioned in verse 19, "a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers." Do not allow your words to be the source of lies and falsehood that create disunity among others and false ideas about another's character. God doesn't like this, and it will come back to get you.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun Jun 13 07:54:12 2010 |
Today's Commentary
"What goes up, must come down." We are all familiar with this maxim, and we know it is true because of the law of gravity. Gravity is the force that pulls everything towards the earth. Without this force, we would all go flying off the planet. Well, then, how is it that we can get things to fly? There is another law - the law of aerodynamics - that allows us, birds, all flying objects or animals, to overcome the law of gravity, escape its effect, and fly.
This is true in our spiritual lives as well. The law of sin holds us down. It has us in its grip and will keep us "earth bound" for all time unless something happens. We need a higher law to be put in place. This is exactly what Christ did when he died on the cross for us. Through what Christ has done for us, we are able to overcome the law of sin and break free of its effects. We need not remain "earth bound," but can soar like eagles when we have placed out hope in Christ.
I hope you are allowing the higher power of the grace of Christ to overcome the law of sin in your life. We read the words of Paul in Romans 8:2, "The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death." I hope you are trusting in a higher law!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Jun 12 09:27:31 2010 |
Today's Commentary
In 1979, my wife and I moved to Texas so that I could attend seminary. One of the things that impressed us with Texas was its immensity. When we arrived at the Texas border, we realized we still had a long, long way to go to our destination. Texas is a big state. Of course, the size of the state is relative. Texas is a large state, but is dwarfed by the size of the earth, which, in turn, is dwarfed by the size of the solar system which is dwarfed by the size of the universe. The universe is dwarfed by the size of the One who created it.
There is a saying that "everything is bigger in Texas." Well, everything is bigger with God. God is truly big. This means he has a big heart, a big concern about his creation, a big love for us. We truly have a "great big wonderful God." Paul proclaims about God, "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!" Indeed we have a big God, but he is not so big that he doesn't care for us. Our great, big, wonderful God cares for each of us and knows all about us. As the Imperials once sang:
We've got a great big wonderful God
A great big wonderful God
A God that loves every one of us
Done so much for all of us
Great big wonderful God
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Jun 11 06:32:59 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Have you ever had something you really wanted to show off? New car? Nice boat? New house? Well, we really shouldn't be arrogant about what we have. However, I can think of one circumstance where we want to be a show-off. As followers of Christ, we have something we should want to show off continually - what Christ can do for those who follow him.
Solomon's wealth and wisdom attracted a great deal of attention. The queen of Sheba came to find out about his wisdom. After spending some time with Solomon, she said, "The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true. But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told me; in wisdom and wealth you have far exceeded the report I heard. How happy your men must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! Praise be to the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the LORD's eternal love for Israel, he has made you king, to maintain justice and righteousness (I Kings 10:6-9)." Solomon brought attention to God through his "showing off."
Showing off our spiritual blessings to bring attention to God is a good thing. Go ahead - be a show-off. Just make sure you are showing off for the right reason.
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Pastor Steve
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Thu Jun 10 07:26:58 2010 |
Today's Commentary
A study that came out just yesterday (Wednesday, June 9) states that there has been an alarming decline in the world snake population over the past decade. The tone of the article was quite grave, which I find to be quite fascinating as I know only a handful of people who would be alarmed at this. Most folks I know would be overjoyed at this news, given their aversion to snakes. If there was an anti-snake organization, I think it would be well populated. However, there are reasons for being concerned about this. You can read the articles to find out why we should be concerned. Still, for most folks, fewer snakes is a great thing.
It will be a great thing when there is no "Snake" at all, you know? Satan is, of course, the "ancient serpent" of scripture and we know that at some point, his demise will take place. For now, he is our adversary, our enemy that should not be underestimated and must be avoided. But there will be a time when his influence will come to an end. There will be a time when his ability to lead folks astray will be negated and his presence nullified. Revelation 20:2-3 describes the beginning of the end of the "serpent," "He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended."
Whether or not the world's snake population is actually declining is still up for debate. The demise of "the ancient serpent" is not up for debate. This will take place. However, since it hasn't happened yet, we need to "be sober and vigilant" as scripture tells us. We need to be on guard. Snakes may be in decline, but Satan's influence isn't - yet. Until then - watch out for snakes!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Jun 9 07:54:46 2010 |
Today's Commentary
You know, clouds are an ambivalent entity. Those white, fluffy clouds that dot a pristine blue sky are really nice, but a thick layer of gray clouds bringing rain and gloom can be rather depressing. However, you just need to remember that the clouds are not really the "main" feature. They haven't replaced the sun and the sky, they are simply masking the sky. They don't replace what is there. They only give the appearance that "they are in charge." Many of you have had the experience of taking off in a jet on a dreary, overcast, rainy day and then, after ascending a few thousand feet through the cloud barrier, witnessing the glorious appearance of a beautiful sky and the radiant sun. What a sight! The sun hadn’t gone anywhere, those goofy clouds were just trying to hide it!
The next time you face a circumstance that brings on dreariness, sadness, even depression, remember that the sun and the sky have not left for good. The things that you are facing are simply masking what is really there. It may take some time, and it make take some work, but you can rise above those clouds to experience the glory of the sun. This is the hope of the follower of Christ - we do not need to worry about the presence of the blue sky and the warm sun - they will never leave. Let God help you ascend through that barrier of clouds that is trying to be the "main feature" in your life. Psalm 37:5-6 says, "Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun." God can and will lift your spirit above the gloom. He will bring the sun in your life because it hasn't gone anywhere - there is just a "pretender" trying to block its light. Stay calm in God - the clouds will part and the sun will shine.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Jun 8 06:30:27 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Fred Bauer tells of an artist who was asked by a visitor to his studio why there was a single red rose painted on the white wall just above his drawing board. "I spilled some soup one day," answered the artist, "and rather than paint the entire wall, I decided to turn the stain into something of beauty."
That is just what Christ does with our lives. We are stained with sin. He takes all of our imperfections, all of our warts, and transforms us into something beautiful. Some of us are overly concerned with what we have done, our struggles, our appearance, or other things. We need to turn our lives over to Christ. He makes us beautiful and transforms us inside and out. I Corinthians 5:17 tells us, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" We often sing the chorus written by Bill Gaither that reminds of what Christ can do:
Something beautiful, something good
All my confusion, He understood
All I had to offer Him was brokenness and strife
But He made something beautiful of my life.
Give Christ the stains of your life, and watch him make a rose!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon Jun 7 07:22:14 2010 |
Today's Commentary
We often mistakenly think that if we are following God's will, we will be immune to difficulties and troublesome circumstances. Following God's will certainly puts us in a place where God can use us and bless us, but that doesn't mean we won't face times of struggle and times that will try us. Consider the apostle Paul in Acts 16, as we did yesterday morning in our morning study. He was right where he was supposed to be. God's call to come to Macedonia was unmistakable - a vision of a man from Macedonia begging him to come and help them. What could be clearer than that? Yet, when he did, he ended up getting beaten for his ministry and then thrown in jail.
Following God is always the best path. But sometimes that path gets a little rocky. What God wants at those times, as at all times, is our faithfulness. Paul's mistreatment led to more souls for the kingdom. We don't know what our troubles will mean, but we do know that God has a path and a plan for us that will lead to greater glory. God is more concerned about our character than our comfort. Paul writes to Timothy in II Timothy 1:11-12, "And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day." Paul knew his personal suffering was for the greater good of the cause of Christ. We need to keep this in mind as well as we continue to follow God.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun Jun 6 07:42:08 2010 |
Today's Commentary
John Wooden died yesterday. Most of you probably recognize this name. He was the greatest coach the United States has ever had. Over the course of a 29 year college coaching career (2 at Indiana State, 27 at UCLA), he never had a losing record. Nicknamed the "The Wizard of Westwood," he won 10 NCAA championships, including 7 in a row, at UCLA. He went to the Final Four 17 times. From 1971 to 1974, his teams won 88 games in a row. All of these are NCAA records. To put another twist to his greatness, in the 27 years he coached UCLA, they won 10 national championships. In the 35 years since his retirement, they have played for the national championship twice, winning only once.
Wooden's Christianity was evident in the life he lived. He made no apologies for being a Christian, although he let his life do the talking more than his mouth. Wooden once said, "Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are." This is certainly a powerful statement by a person who lived this statement continually. We need to let our lives do most of the talking about what kind of people we are. Of course, this presupposes that you are living the sort of life that says something. Wooden wanted his life to do the talking and he prayed, "Oh, Lord, make me beautiful within."
James had something to say about this when he spoke of the relationship between faith and works. We read in James 2:18, "Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do." How much is your faith talking? How eloquent is your life? John Wooden serves as an example of a person who let his life do most of the talking. What is your life saying?
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Jun 5 08:20:31 2010 |
Today's Commentary
I was driving south on I-55 yesterday going from Springfield, Illinois, to Belleville, Illinois, when I had an interesting flashback about the first time I was ever on I-55. It was a mistake. Let me see if I can explain. I was returning home after a trip to Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, heading east on I-70. I-70 and I-55 intersect for a time around Troy, Illinois. I was not aware of this back then but what happened on this trip indelibly burned this fact into my brain. As I was tooling along the interstate, I began to notice that the landscape didn't look all that familiar. I eventually realized that I was traveling north on I-55 instead of east on I-70. How in the world did this happen? Well, as I said earlier, I-55 intersects with I-70 at Troy. The point where they separate into north I-55 and east I-70 is rather subtle. If you are not paying attention, as I was not, you can miss the lane to I-70. What makes it even more interesting is that for a few miles, you will see exit signs to some of the same towns that you would find on I-70. So, for a time, the two roads really look similar.
How could you prevent this from happening? How can you keep from going the wrong way? Well, knowing about this would help. Also, if you have a guide such as a compass or GPS (which wasn't around when I made this mistake), you could probably avoid taking the wrong road. Perhaps the best thing would be to have a person with you who had been on the road before and could tell you to make sure and go the right way.
We sometimes face a similar dilemma in life. We have two paths that look identical - which way should we follow? One is right, one is wrong - which way to go? Well, we have some assistance. Our Heavenly Father can provide us with information so that we can know the right way, if we listen to him. Proverbs 2:5 encourages us to "understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God." We also have the guidance of the Holy Spirit to help us with the decision. John 14:26 tells us that "the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." Finally, we do have someone who has been this way before, and will be there to lead us. Christ can and will provide leadership in our lives. He died for us to give him the right to be our leader. We read in Hebrews 7:25, "Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them." Make sure you are on the right road!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Jun 4 07:45:53 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Armando Galarraga had a bittersweet day this past Tuesday, June 1. Galarraga is a professional baseball pitcher for the Detroit Tigers who won the game he was pitching, but was denied becoming only the twenty-first pitcher in Major League history to have a "perfect" game - no hits or walks.
On Tuesday of this week, he was pitching against the Cleveland Indians. There were two outs in the top of the ninth inning. The batter he now faced, Mike Redmond, represented the potentially last out in Galarraga's bid for perfection. Redmond hit a ground ball to the first baseman, who tossed it to Galarraga as he ran to cover first. Galarraga touched the base in what seemed to be a routine out to end the game, and give him a place in MLB history. However, the umpire, Jim Joyce, inexplicably called Redmond safe. Chaos ensued, but the call had been made, and couldn't be reversed. The problem was that Joyce made a mistake. Galarraga clearly touched first base at least a step ahead of Redmond, replay would prove that, but Joyce thought Galarraga bobbled the ball. He didn't. Replay would also show that, but MLB has no provision for the use of replay to reverse calls of this type. The umpire simply missed the call, spoiling Galarraga's bid for a rare perfect game. Joyce admitted his error later and apologized to Galarraga, but, in accordance with the rules of baseball, nothing could be done to remedy the situation.
This doesn't seem fair, does it? Well, it perhaps is not, but shows what can and does happen in life on many occasions. Unfair events and unjust circumstances take place. We live in an imperfect world, and mistakes are made which lead to unfair conclusions, to say nothing of unfair and unjust actions that are done on purpose. Galarraga did all he could and had done everything right - he covered first base beautifully on the infamous play - but still fell victim to unfairness. The same can happen in our lives. We can do everything right, and still find ourselves facing something that is unfair.
How can we overcome this? We need to continue to trust in God who will always treat us fairly and will someday overrule all unfairness and injustice. Abraham declared of the Lord, "Will not the Judge of all the earth do right (Genesis 18:25)?" Indeed he will. As we face circumstances that we consider unfair, remember that God will never treat you unfairly and at some point in time will remove all injustice. Galarraga's reaction to his situation is instructive. He said, "We don't live in a perfect world - mistakes are made." That is so true. We need to continue to trust in a Perfect God as we try to cope with an imperfect world.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Jun 3 06:46:50 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Last evening at our mid-week meeting at church, we were reminded that it was the 20th anniversary of a rather traumatic experience for our community - the Tornado of 1990. We were reminded about this by a young man who should indeed recall the event. He and his family survived the storm by seeking shelter in the bathroom of a neighbor's house while the mobile home they lived in was completely destroyed. As were were talking about the tornado, I was struck by a couple of things. First, I was amazed that it had been twenty years since this incident. Secondly, I was amazed at our recollection. Almost every person there was able to recall with incredible detail where they were, what they were doing, their reactions and thoughts, and many other things. Many of the folks had as close to total recall of a circumstance that happened twenty years ago as one can have.
The protection and provision of God we experienced through this time was quite incredible. Our recall of this event was fascinating. My hope is that I have such recall of many of the things of God. We need to have a clear remembrance and recall of God's interaction in our lives. We need to call to mind with clarity and detail what God has done for us and what he means to us, and we shouldn't need a traumatic experience to make our recollection more acute. We do remember incidents, events, even people, more acutely when we have a strong connection with the incident, the event, the person. So make sure you have a strong connection with God to enable your complete recall of just what God means to you. God tells us in Isaiah 46:8, "Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me." God is indeed unique - you should cultivate your relationship with him. You need to remember what he has done and what he will do with vivid clarity. Make sure to work on your recall!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Jun 2 06:42:26 2010 |
Today's Commentary
"Who's in charge here?" This is a question that is asked to determine the person who is in control and is probably the best one to answer a question, provide information, take care of a problem, or to give an explanation as to why things are as they are. Some may ask that after events in our world leave us wondering who is in charge. Of course, we know who is in charge, and we know that God will bring things about according to his perfect plan.
A story found in I Kings 1 reminds us that indeed God is in charge. David was old, and a potential successor was taking steps to ensure his place on the throne. David's oldest living son, Adonijah, had gathered a sizeable constituency to promote his position as the next king. However, David, through God's leadership, had chosen Bathsheba’s son, Solomon, as his successor. Adonijah's actions posed a serious threat to the plans that had already been made. In I Kings 1, you can read and see how God's choice is preserved through his sovereign ordering of events that lead to Solomon being placed on the throne. God is indeed in control. We need to follow the advice given in I Kings 2:2 and "observe what the LORD your God requires: Walk in his ways, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and requirements, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go." We need to walk in God's ways and trust in the sovereign Lord. Doing this will keep us from wondering just who is in charge.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Jun 1 07:09:14 2010 |
Today's Commentary
To me, one of Christ's most fascinating characteristics was his humility. He certainly was a "take charge" person when this was necessary, but we see him model humility is so many ways. His submission and obedience to his Father was certainly one of the ways his humility is seen. His prayer in the garden on the night of his betrayal and arrest shows his humility and submission to his Father's will. In Philippians 2, Paul writes that we should emulate his humility in our lives.
Developing a spirit of humility is not all that easy. This really goes against the grain of how we are typically. We want our "rights," we want things done our way, we want our ideas to be used, we want our voice to be heard, we want to be in charge. These are things we need to keep in check as we develop true humility in our lives. Humility may not be easy, but it is certainly the path by which the greater good can be accomplished. Paul instructed Titus, "Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men (Titus 3:1-3)."
How are we at showing "true humility toward all men?" Be honest - and be humble! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon May 31 10:49:53 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Today is Memorial Day. This day has its roots in the Civil War, when people started getting together to lay flowers on the graves of those who were killed in the conflict. On May 30, 1868, Gen. John Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic issued a proclamation that May 30 be a day of remembrance of those who gave their lives in battle. May 30 was chosen as there were no battles fought on that day, and it would be a time of year when flowers would be abundant. It was actually first known as Decoration Day, and those of my generation and older probably remember using this term for this holiday. It was not until 1971 that it became an official holiday of the U.S., and the observance was set to be the last Monday in May. At 3 p.m. local time, individuals are to stop for a moment of silence. The day has broadened to be an observance of all of those who have died.
I don't know how you will spend today, but I hope you do take some time for a "memorial." Remembering death can bring sadness, but we as followers of Christ know that death need not be feared. We know that those who die in the Lord live on. So, we can take time today not just for a memorial, but for a celebration. I placed flowers on about 20 graves the other day - loved ones and family members, some of whom I never met in this life. However, because of our shared hope in Christ, those I "remembered" will be those I will someday meet and for those I knew, I will see them again. I Thessalonians 4:13-18, Paul reminds us, "Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words."
This Memorial Day, I am encouraged by the knowledge of our hope in Christ. My desire for you is that you are as well. Happy Memorial Day! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun May 30 08:03:22 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Jesus was a people person. Jesus still is a people person. Of course, you might reply to my statement by saying, "Of course he was a people person - look at all that he did for people during his ministry, and he died for the entire world." Now, I certainly would not take exception to your reply. You are absolutely correct. However, Christ showed he was a people person in more than just his supernatural ministry for others. Remember how he responded when his disciples were holding off some children who wanted to see him? Christ said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them (Matthew 19:14)." Think about his implied comparison of himself to a shepherd in Luke 15:1-7. He, like the shepherd, is concerned about the "sheep" who is lost. We see his concern for people in his prayer for his disciples, both present and future, found in John 17.
If Christ was and is a "people person," we should be a people person as well. Often we let projects, things, tasks, deadlines, and other considerations come between us and doing what is necessary to develop relationships with others. We become "task oriented" instead of "people oriented." Use Christ's example as a model for us to follow when it comes to being a people person. Focus on others more than things or tasks - you will be doing what Christ did and what he does. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat May 29 11:43:30 2010 |
Today's Commentary
I read that they may have to shut down some road construction projects this summer. The reason for this is there is a shortage of the special paint that is used for road striping. To be more accurate, there is a shortage of the additives that give the paint its special reflective properties. Consequently, since the striping cannot be done if the roads are completed, the projects are in danger of being shut down as it would be dangerous for folks to travel on unmarked roads.
We need to make sure that we don't have a shortage of reflective properties in our lives. As followers of Christ, we need to reflect the character of Christ in our lives. Sometimes it seems as if we have a shortage of that which helps us to reflect Christ to others. Make sure you don't have a shortage of these properties in your life. People need to see Christ. The way they see Christ on earth is through our lives. Paul speaks of living in Christ in Philippians 1:20-21, "I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ." I hope you live for Christ, and I hope that for you to live is Christ. In this way, you will reflect his life for others with no danger of a shortage!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri May 28 07:30:51 2010 |
Today's Commentary
The driver of one of the vehicles involved in an accident grabbed his first aid kit and ran to the other vehicle to see if he could be of any assistance. When he got to the other car, he saw that the driver had a cut on his forehead. However, he wasn't going to be of much help. When he opened the first aid kit, most of what he needed was not there - he had failed to maintain the contents of the kit. He was grateful that the emergency personnel arrived quickly to render aid.
Too many of us treat our faith like a first aid kit - we only pull it out when we think we need it and when we do we find it inadequate because we have failed to maintain it properly. Faith is built through daily exercise. We spend time with God each day, and our faith is built through our time with him. Our faith should not be treated like a first aid kit to be used only when needed. Our faith is more important than that. If we wish to "move mountains" as Christ said we could, we need to allow our faith to grow. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith: "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." This type of faith is developed through a daily walk with the Faith - Builder, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. If your first aid kit needs some attention, take care of it! And it is certain our faith needs attention - so take care of this as well! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu May 27 08:40:58 2010 |
Today's Commentary
"If you don't use it, you lose it." I know you have heard this statement many times. And, this statement is true. We may have abilities to do a number of things, but if we don't keep doing them, we tend to become less adept in our performance. This is true with playing an instrument, operating machinery, speaking a language, just about anything you can think of. I can think of many examples for myself, but one that comes to mind is my botany skills. My undergraduate degree was in biology. I really enjoyed botany. Once upon a time, I could take you through an area of woods, grassland, or other terrain, and could identify just about every plant we might come across. I could tell you the family of the plant, the genus and species, and in many instances, a couple of beneficial characteristics about the plant. Well, that was over 30 years ago. I am sorry to say that I have let that ability slide in my pursuit of other things. I didn't use it, therefore I have lost it.
The same can be said about our spiritual gifts. God has gifted each of us. Ephesians 4:7-8 tells us, "But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says: 'When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.'" Many of us fail to utilize our spiritual gifts, and are in danger of losing them. If we say we don't want to do something, or don’t want to utilize the gift God has for us, God says, "Fine, I have other people with that gift. I'll use them!"
Don't lose your usefulness! Exercise your gift! God has given it to you not only for your benefit, but for the benefit of others. When you fail to utilize that which God has given you, you fail others! God gave you your gift, and he doesn't make mistakes!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed May 26 08:07:34 2010 |
Today's Commentary
I would imagine you have heard it said, "What matters most is not how well you start, but how well you finish." Starting well can bring about a good finish, but a good start does not guarantee a good finish. Take the life of Saul as a case in point. When Saul is first introduced to us in scripture, we read about him, "There was a Benjamite, a man of standing, whose name was Kish. . .He had a son named Saul, an impressive young man without equal among the Israelites--a head taller than any of the others (I Samuel 9:1-2)." We read how Saul at one time was so moved by the Spirit that he prophesied (I Samuel 10:5-7). He was anointed as the first king of Israel - quite an honor! However, things seemed to go down hill from there for Saul. From messing around with sacrifices, to failing to totally exterminate God's enemies, to his hatred of David, we can follow his fall from the tallest and most powerful man in Isabel to a person that causes God to say, "I am grieved that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions (I Samuel 15:10)."
We need to watch our lives. We need to watch our attitudes. We need to watch our ways. We need to avoid getting on a slippery slide that leads us away from God and away from his guidance, comfort, love, and assurance. The story of Saul is one of the saddest in scripture. Paul warns us, "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall (I Corinthians 10:12)!" On the pathway of life, you will find more ways to fail than you will to succeed - make sure you continue to look to God so you will continue to stand tall and not fall like Saul (sorry, I couldn't resist that).
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue May 25 08:19:25 2010 |
Today's Commentary
I remember telling a story (quite fictional as you will see) about a fellow who died and went to heaven. When he arrived, St.Peter gave him a tour. They came to a room that was full of what appeared to be wall clocks. The hands on the clocks were all moving, but at different intervals and different speeds, and most were moving inconsistently. Peter explained that they were life clocks. Everyone on earth had one. The rate and consistency the hands moved mirrored the person's life. A clock that moved slowly and steadily meant the person was living as he should. Inconsistent and rapid movement meant an aberrant life - the more ornery the life, the faster the hands moved. The person asked to see my clock. Peter said, "Steve Willis'? Oh, we have a special place for his. Follow me." Peter then ushered the fellow into the very throne room of God. "There is Steve's clock - the hands move so fast that God uses it for a fan."
What if we really did have "life clocks?" How would yours perform? Our spiritual lives can be quite erractic, but we should work to be "slow and steady." We are encouraged to live godly lives. Paul writes, "Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation--but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God (Romans 8:12-14)." Don't let your life produce a fan - God does not need any more "hot air."
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon May 24 08:06:19 2010 |
Today's Commentary
One way that firefighters attempt to extinguish a wild fire is by setting back fires. The strategy is to use these controlled fires to burn out the areas ahead of an uncontrolled blaze so that when this latter blaze gets to the already burned out area, it too will burn out because of a lack of fuel. Now, this idea of "fighting fire with fire" might be a good thing to do when trying to control wild res, but it is not a good idea in other areas.
If we try to fight "fire with fire" in our relationships, we will do more harm than good. When we use anger to counter anger, or answer an unkindness with an unkindness, or answer hatred with hatred, we make matters worse and are ignoring what Christ taught us. In Luke 6:27-31, we read his words, "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. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you."
Fighting fire with fire has its place, but not in our relationships with other people. Treat others as you want to be treated, Christ said. This is a much more desireable means of handling interpersonal "fires" that often come up. Use your reservoirs of grace to put out the flames of anger when there is a flare-up. This is a better way of "fire-fighting." |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat May 22 08:32:19 2010 |
Today's Commentary
There are many things that to some cause great fear, but to others pose no problem at all. Take heights, for instance. There are many who wouldn't climb a ladder for love nor money. However, others have no fear as they regularly scale heights as part of their work, or for recreation, or for some other reason. Some fear electricity and wouldn't attempt to work with anything electrical, while others work with "power" daily. I have an inordinate fear of storms, yet the scripture tells us that God has no fear of storms at all. As a matter of fact, the author of Psalm 97 uses the imagery of storms to describe God and his power. Of course, God has no fear of storms as he is the one who created the forces underlying the storms. Psalm 97:1-4 tells us, "The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice. Clouds and thick darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. Fire goes before him and consumes his foes on every side.His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees and trembles."
Yes, there are many things that bring fear to some, but to others pose no threat as they have the skill, ability, and knowledge to utilize the "scary" things in a positive way. There are many circumstances and situations in our lives that bring us fear. That is why we need to trust our scary lives into the hands of Someone who knows how to change what brings fear to us into something good. BOO! Did I scare you? Trusting God with our lives will reduce fear in our lives.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri May 21 08:11:05 2010 |
Today's Commentary
How do you live a life of love? Asking this question actually begs a preliminary question - why should I want to live a life of love? Well, we should choose to do so because Christ asks us to. What do I mean by "living a life of love?" I mean letting our life show his love. We do this by manifesting the characteristics of Christ in our lives. We should manifest selflessness, care for others, gratefulness, and concern. We live in such an "I - centered" world and living a life of love helps to counter this.
Christ said "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another (John 13:34-35)." In Matthew 22:37, Christ said that the greatest commandment is to love God with all of our heart, soul, and mind. The next greatest command is to "love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:39)." If you do this, you will indeed live a life of love. Doing this will please God, it will cause you to enrich the life of others, and it will bring joy, peace, and contentment to you. Vernon Grounds says, "The guiding principle for the abundant life is that we love our neighbor as we love ourselves." Live a life of love and bring happiness to others and yourself!
Love is giving for the world's needs,
Love is sharing as the Spirit leads,
Love is caring when the world cries,
Love is compassion with Christlike eyes. - Brandt
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu May 20 08:22:24 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Recently a friend said to me, "You are so impatient!" Now, I cannot disagree with this person. This is one of my character flaws - I am indeed an impatient person. The scripture tells us that we need to have patience. Ecclesiastes 7:8 says, "The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride."
A parable attributed to the Chinese philosopher Mencius speaks of a farmer who demonstrated impatience. The farmer went to his fields each evening to survey his crops. The seedlings he had planted were not growing fast enough to suit him, so one night he walked between the rows and gave each plant a slight tug. Well, you don't have to be an agronomist to know what happened. The next day he surveyed fields of withered and dying plants.
We need to ask the Lord to help us learn how to wait. Paul tells us that patience is one of the fruits of the Spirit that needs to be cultivated (Galatians 5:22), and that a follower of Christ should be known for his patience. Colossians 3:12 speaks of patience, "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."
Mencius concluded his parable by saying, "Few there are among us who do not pull their plants." Buck the trend! Don't pull your plants! Be patient!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed May 19 07:32:10 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Paul and Silas were in jail in Philippi because they had released an evil spirit from a slave girl that had allowed her to be clairvoyant, thus eliminating her ability to make money for her master. They had been beaten severely, put in chains, and imprisoned (Acts 16:22-24). At midnight, they were singing praises to God when an earthquake was sent that opened all the doors and released all the prisoners from their chains. The jailer was about to take his own life when Paul intervened, telling him no one was gone. Not one prisoner had left his cell. All these events - the singing, the earthquake, the fact that no one ran - had an effect on the jailer because his question was, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved (Acts 16:30)?" Paul's response was, "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved - you and your household (vs. 31)."
Those of us who are followers of Christ know the truth in this statement, yet we often allow the idea of belief to grow a little stale and cold. We almost take this act for granted. We take for granted the impact that our belief in Christ has on our lives. We don't allow our belief to grow and we forget what our belief means for us - we are saved! We are saved from a fate worse that what the Philippian jailer would have experienced at the hands of the authorities should the prisoners have escaped. We have become a new creation (II Corinthians 5:17).
A Bible translator working in Africa was having a problem translating the word "believe." He achieved a breakthrough when his assistant from the tribe suggested he use a word that translated "the heat in my heart." This is how belief should translate in our lives - the heat in my heart. There should be a constant burning because of what our belief means for us, because we have been freed from sin and the chains are gone. There should be a burning to do God's will and to walk more closely to him. There should be a burning to see others come to Christ. There should be a passion for the Savior and for his ministry. There should indeed be "heat in our hearts." We need to be like Jeremiah when he said, "his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot (Jeremiah 20:9)."
Let the fire of belief burn brightly in your heart - so brightly that you cannot hold it in but need to let it out! Others need to feel the fire of belief!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue May 18 07:30:48 2010 |
Today's Commentary
How many stars are there? Have you ever thought about that as you look up into a clear night sky? There is absolutely no way we can ever know. Australian astronomers mapped 100,000 galaxies that surround our galaxy - The Milky Way. Each galaxy is made up of millions of stars. This was only about 5% of the night sky. Can you imagine how many stars are in just that "small" part alone? You couldn't reasonably calculate the number of stars in just that section, and that is only about 5% of what is there. Isn't that incredible?
Psalm 147 talks about something even more incredible. Listen to what is said about God and the number of the stars: "He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit (vv. 4 -5)." Now, to top this off, God, who knows the number of the stars and their names, wants a relationship with you. "His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of a man; the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love (vv. 10 - 11)." He cares for you and wants to provide for your needs, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds (vs. 3)" and "The LORD sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground (vs. 6)." Isn't that absolutely marvelous?
You know, I really don't need to know how many stars there are. What I need to know is that the one who knows how many there are cares for me. It may be hard to understand this, but it's true. I agree with Job's statement about God, "How great is God--beyond our understanding (Job 36:26)!" And our great God loves us greatly!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon May 17 07:55:33 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Four high school seniors skipped school one day. When they returned the next day to classes, they found out they had missed an English quiz. They explained to the teacher that they had a flat tire the day before which caused them to miss the class and, of course, the quiz. The teacher said, "Well, o.k., I guess you can make up the quiz. Take your seats and get out a pencil. First question - which tire was flat?"
We think we can get away with lying, but lying, like all other sins, will "find us out." People of the tribes of Reuben and Gad wanted to settle in the land on the east side of the Jordan. God was not all that pleased with their request, but told them they could do so as long as they crossed over the Jordan and helped their brothers subdue the enemies in Canaan. If they did, they would be free to settle on the east side of the river. They told God they would be willing to do this. God warned them not to try to pull a "fast one." He said to them through Moses, "If you will do this--if you will arm yourselves before the LORD for battle, and if all of you will go armed over the Jordan before the LORD until he has driven his enemies out before him-- then when the land is subdued before the LORD, you may return and be free from your obligation to the LORD and to Israel. And this land will be your possession before the LORD. But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the LORD; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out (Numbers 32:20-23)."
Don't try to go for a big cover-up. Your lies will be discovered. There seems to be a special thing with lies - once you tell one you usually find yourself telling others to gloss over the first lie you told. At some point, the truth will be revealed and you will be discovered. The short-term gains from lying are worth little when compared to the long-term benefits of the truth. Now - which tire was flat?
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun May 16 07:07:28 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Sometimes the pelican is used as a symbol of Christianity. Many may wonder how it is that this odd-looking bird came to be used in this way. There is an ancient legend, going back before the time of Christ, that talks of the sacrificial nature of the pelican. According to the legend, in times when food is scarce, a mother pelican would wound herself by striking her breast with her beak and feed her young with her own blood. This legend is found in Christian literature as early as the second century. Many writers used this legend when speaking of the sacrifice of Christ.
While this is indeed a legend, we know the sacrifice of Christ is real. Hebrews 9:14 tells us, "How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!" Christ indeed gave himself, sacrificed himself, for us. But, to what end? So that we may saved from death and serve God. We, in turn, need to be sacrificial in our lives because we owe our lives to Christ and his sacrifice. Many through the years have given the complete sacrifice of their lives for the sake of Christ. Many today still give their lives for Christ's sake. We may not be called upon to sacrifice in this way, but we should be willing to give because of what we have received. Paul reflects this sacrificial attitude in Acts 20:24, "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace."
Live sacrificially to serve God and to serve others. Consider the legend of the pelican, but, more importantly, consider the reality of Christ. His sacrifice for us provides life for us as well as an example of how we should live for him and for others.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat May 15 08:10:28 2010 |
Today's Commentary
I am sure you have heard the familiar adage "what goes around comes around." This refers to the idea that a person's actions, whether good or bad, will often have consequences for that person. Lee Atwater, a former Republican National Party Chairman and chief strategist for George H. W. Bush's successful presidential bid in 1988, found this out the hard way. In 1980, while devising campaign strategy for a congressional candidate in South Carolina, Atwater learned that the opposing candidate had once been treated for depression with electro-shock therapy. He published this information and did a great deal of damage to the image of the candidate. When the candidate tried to contact him, he rebuffed his attempt by saying that he had no intention of communicating to a man "hooked up to a jumper cable."
Ten years later, Atwater was himself "hooked up." Afflicted with cancer, he was attached to IV's, monitors, and other machines. Not long before he died, he wrote a letter of apology to the man who had been on the receiving end of his cruel statements, asking to be forgiven for his thoughtless tactics. His ruthless methods and heartless words now were haunting him as he hovered close to death.
This reminds us of how we must be careful with our actions and our words. Statements made today or actions pursued today in the "heat of the moment" can cause us pain at some point down the road. Think carefully before you use those choice words or inflammatory actions against someone else. Your words and/or your actions could come back upon you. Read Christ's words in Matthew 12:33-37, "Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. . .The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." Indeed, "what goes around comes around."
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri May 14 08:09:52 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Jean-Paul Sartre died in 1980. During his life, Sartre was an avowed atheist. His humanistic writings and teachings permeated 20th century thought in a way that should not be underestimated. Yet, when he came to the end of his life, he expressed thoughts that demonstrated he was less than enamored with his life and his hope, or to be more precise, his lack of hope. Concerning humanism, Sartre, in his final interview before his death said, "I hated in humanism the certain way man has of admiring himself." Arnold Jacob Wolf commenting on Sartre's statement said, "Sartre found humanity less than admirable." Sartre said, ""hope is necessarily disappointed."
Hope is indeed disappointed when there is no foundation for hope. Even Sartre agreed with this. However, for those of us who trust in the Lord, we know we have a foundation for hope. Isaiah 40:31 reminds us, "They who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They will mount up with wings as eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint. Sartre's final interview gives the impression of a disappointed, perhaps even disillusioned man. However, it does not have to be like this. Having a hope in something that is real and is powerful fends off disappointment and disillusionment. Paul tells us in Romans 5:5, "And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."
We are all going to go "the way of all flesh." The question is when we do, have we followed the path that brings hope, or are we hopeless before the specter of death that has come to claim us?
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu May 13 08:07:38 2010 |
Today's Commentary
History has repeated itself. In Queens, New York, in 1964, Kitty Genovese was attacked and fatally stabbed. What made her murder so compelling is that there were at least 40 witnesses to the crime who ignored her cries for help and simply let her die. In Queens on April 23 of this year, Hugo Tale-Yax stepped in to help a lady being assaulted on the street. The knife-wielding attacker turned on Tale--Yax, stabbing him several times in the chest. Both the assailant and the victim fled the scene. Almost 25 people walked by Tale-Yax as he lay bleeding on the sidewalk without stopping to help. A 911 call sent helpers to the wrong address. Tale-Yax died from his wounds and his body was eventually discovered by emergency personnel responding to another call.
Events such as this are simply inexplicable. Much has been written about "the by-stander effect" and why people don't respond. To me, the answer is simple - people simply do not care. Apathy towards the plight of others is a real problem in our society. We need to pray and work to make sure this attitude does not infect the church. We need to take steps in our lives to make sure that we are caring people who demonstrate caring principles in times when others need attention. Turning your heads from others and simply "walking by" should be an action that is foreign to the believer.
We need to be caring people because we serve a caring God. I Peter 5:7 says, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." Indeed he does. And since God cares for us so deeply, we need to emulate this trait in our lives and show deep concern for others. We need to show concern for others' spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being. Don't let the "by-stander effect" pollute your behavior when you see others who could benefit from your help. We do not need any Kitty Genovese or Hugo Tale-Yax stories in our churches. Proverbs 29:7 informs us of the caring attitude we should have, "The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern." Be righteous - show your care for God and for others!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed May 12 06:56:54 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Behind every great discovery there is usually a story of great persistence, even when the discovery is "accidental." How many light bulbs did Edison make before he got it right? How many formulas did researchers go through before finding the most effective propellant for rockets? Did the Wright brothers fly on their first attempt? WD 40 is called WD 40 because it took 40 attempts to develop the right "water displacement" lubricant for aerospace applications. Persistence is an important quality when seeking the right result.
Another area where persistence is important is in our life with Christ. There are a number of examples of Christ honoring persistence among those seeking his aid. Some examples are the woman who had suffered from bleeding for 12 years (Mark 5:25-29); the centurion who sought aid for his servant (Matthew 8:5-13); and the Canaanite woman whose daughter was afflicted by a demon (Matthew 15:22-29). Christ also spoke of persistence in our prayer life. Luke 18:1 says, "Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up." The story that followed was of a widow who continued to pursue a decision from a judge about someone who was giving her trouble. Christ tells us to continue to pursue him with regard to matters about which we are concerned. The process of asking, seeking, and pursuing provides benefits for us. We often don't understand the process or the need for such persistence, but we need to remember that Christ is working with us through this time. What is being accomplished in our lives through our persistent prayer is in our best interests. Never forget that Christ will always deal with us through grace and mercy in our time of need.
Christ asks for persistence as we seek him. We demonstrate this trait is so many areas of our lives - make sure we demonstrate persistence in our pursuit of Christ's will.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue May 11 08:10:27 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Many years ago, a charity fundraiser was held in Rochester, New York. Thirty people were involved in a "Touch-a-Thon." They were required to touch a red dot on a car. The person who kept "in touch" with the car the longest would win a new automobile. They could not break contact with the car at all, except during the 15 minute breaks they were given every four hours. After four days of competition, one woman and one man were left. The woman lost the competition when she reached into her purse to find a fingernail file. Once could say that she was "out of touch."
It is dangerous to become "out of touch" with God. Sometimes we let desires get in the way of our relationship with God. We let cares cause us to drift. We allow concern about trivial things to cause us to lose touch with God. Solomon warned against this in Ecclesiates when he writes of his own experience of losing touch with God because of his pursuit of all things worldly. We read in Ecclesiastes 2:10-11, "I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun."
Losing touch with God led Solomon on a pathway of discovering the meaningless. After a while of this pursuit, he realized that the most important path for a person is the one which keeps us in touch with God. He writes in Ecclesiastes 12:13, "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." In other words, the best thing a person can do with his or her life is to make sure to keep in touch with God. We often say to someone "keep in touch" just as a parting gesture. When God says "keep in touch," he really means it!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon May 10 07:45:08 2010 |
Today's Commentary
One of the things I learned from my mother was this, "Your actions speak so loud, I can scarcely hear what you are saying." Now, Mom said that to me over an over as I was growing up, but she reinforced the importance of this principle through how she lived before me.
Maxie Baughan was an All-Pro linebacker who played for the Rams when they were still in Los Angeles. After making a rather bonehead play, he came to the sidelines and slammed his helmet to the ground. TV cameras caught the action. Some time later, he was watching his young son play Junior League football. After making a mistake on the field, his son came to the sidelines, took off his helmet and gave it a fling. Vaughn confronted his son about this after the game. "But Dad," the son replied, "I saw you do this on TV!" Vaughn's response was, well, actually, he had no response.
Make sure your actions back up what you say. It is so easy to talk one way while we are walking another way. You aren't fooling anyone but yourself when you do this. We need to "practice what we preach." James puts it this way, "What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds (James 2:14)?" Mom was right. “Actions speak louder than words” goes a lot further than “Don’t do as I do, do as I say.”
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun May 9 07:23:09 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Today is Mother's Day. I hope all of you ladies have a marvelous day and receive all the accolades you richly deserve. I thank God for the influence of a godly mother in my life. I thank God for my wife who is an amazing mother to our children who are now adults. I thank God for a godly grandmother who was very influential in my upbringing. And I also thank God for a godly mother-in-law who is truly a rich blessing to me. All of these ladies, as with mothers universally, have a tremendous capacity to love and to demonstrate love.
In Isaiah 66:12-13, God uses the example of a mother's love to paint a picture of his love for us. He says, "I will extend peace to her like a river, and the wealth of nations like a flooding stream; you will nurse and be carried on her arm and dandled on her knees. As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you." This portrayal of "motherly love" gives us a description of God's care for his people that we can truly understand. A mother's love for her children is without equal in God's creation. So when he uses this part of his creation to give us an object lesson about his love, we can truly appreciate the depth of his feelings for us. Jude encourages us to abide in this love as we wait for God's plans to be fulfilled. In Jude 21 we read, "Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life."
Thank God for a mother's love, and thank God that he loves you with a mother's love.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat May 8 07:27:08 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Puritan congregations in the Northeast during colonial times usually had a rather unique usher. During the service, an individual would be posted towards the back of the meeting house during services. He would be "armed" with a staff that had a feather on one end, and a wooden knob on the other. Those caught napping during the long worship would catch one or the other end of the stick. Typically, the younger and the older members of the congregation would experience the feather, while the older children and the adults would be "bopped" if they were caught snoozing or not paying attention. In many instances, it was a judgment call as to whether the person deserved to be "feathered" or "bopped." Sometimes, the action was not actually warranted.
We need to make sure we watch our "judgment calls" against others as well. Sometimes we pass judgment on others when passing judgment is not the right thing. Christ warns against this in Matthew 7:3-5, "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, `Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."
Pretty strong words, don't you think? Well, this goes to show just how serious Christ takes the matter of incorrectly judging others When we pass judgment on others when we ourselves have issues to solve, we are truly being hypocritical. Don't be quick to pass judgment on others, especially when we do not know all we should about what is taking place. There are times we need to look to ourselves and leave the judging to Christ. He is the one who knows for sure who needs to be feathered or bopped.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri May 7 08:07:26 2010 |
Today's Commentary
What are you known for by those who are close to you? Is it your intelligence? Your passion for golf? Your love of music? Your love of your family? If someone interviewed the ten people closest to you and asked them, "What does he really like?"; what would they say? I read about a man who seemed to be consumed with a desire to build up frequent flyer miles. He once bought $3000 of the same kind of pudding because there was a promotion offering frequent flyer miles for purchasing this brand of pudding. He received 1.2 million miles for this. It seemed he was consumed with the acquisition of frequent flyer miles, and he was known for his desire to build up the miles.
What about you? What are you known for? What do others see as being the most important thing in your life? There was no way to mistake the burning passion of the apostle Paul - he loved Christ and he wanted others to know Christ the way he did. Listen to what he says in Philippians 3:7-11, "But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead."
So, for what do you want to be known? Do you want to be known for your love of pudding, or your love of the Savior? Let others see your love of Christ in how you live for Christ.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu May 6 08:27:21 2010 |
Today's Commentary
I know most of you have heard about the tragedy that has occurred in the Gulf of Mexico. An explosion on a drilling platform claimed eleven lives. The oil from the well is now flooding the northern Gulf and getting perilously close to the coastline. Effects of this are already being felt, and the oil company is working at a torrid pace in an effort to cap the well and stop the flow of 5,000 barrels of oil that is being emptied into the Gulf daily.
This situation demonstrates the double bind we are in - we cannot get along without oil in our world, yet we open ourselves to problems like this because of the potential problems in oil production, transport, and use. Using a substance that comes from our environment poses a potential threat to our environment. Many feel we should shut down our use of such products altogether because of these potential threats. Others perhaps are on the other end of the spectrum and feel the use of these resources needs to be exploited regardless of the consequence to other segments of the environment.
God wants us to use the resources that are available to us, but he does want us to use them and manage them carefully. God does care about the "environment," and he wants us to look after, care for, and manage well what he has created. God cares about the environment because he created it - Genesis 1:11-12 describes just part of his creative activity: "Then God said, 'Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.' And it was so. The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good." God sustains his creation - Psalm 104:16 says, "The trees of the LORD are well watered, the cedars of Lebanon that he planted." God will redeem his creation. Romans 8:19-21 tells us, "The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God."
God will redeem his creation, but in the meantime, we are here to take care of it. I cannot help but think that God is concerned when situations such as the Gulf disaster occurs. Let's hope that a solution will be found that will minimize damage and preserve lives.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed May 5 07:14:05 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Today is Cinco de Mayo, an unofficial holiday observed by those of Mexican heritage in the United States and by people in the state of Puebla in Mexico. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the victory of the Mexican Army over the much larger invading French forces on May 5, 1862. Today, this holiday has taken on the aspect of celebrating the culture of those of Mexican descent living in the United States.
This holiday is significant in that it acknowledges a victory over a larger foe, and acknowledges cultural distinctives that define a group of people. As I think of this, I am reminded of a story in scripture where a small army defeated a much larger one because of their willingness to follow God's lead and instruction. We read of this in Judges 7. The people of Israel were being threatened by a huge army of Midianites and others. Gideon called the people together to prepare for a battle; 32.000 answered the call. There is strength in numbers, right? That should be a big enough army! Well, God told Gideon it was too big, and through a "de-selection" process, whittled the 32,000 down to 300. I have no idea what must have been going on in Gideon's mind in this process, but God said to Gideon, "'With the three hundred men that lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands. Let all the other men go, each to his own place.' So Gideon sent the rest of the Israelites to their tents but kept the three hundred, who took over the provisions and trumpets of the others."
What could 300 do against the thousands that had massed to attack Israel? Well, God showed them what they could do - you need to read the entire story. Let's just say that the Israelites could have their own "Cinco de Mayo" celebration, although I have no idea if the victory occurred on May 5 or not.
God can and will give us victory, even when the odds don't look right. Sometimes he chooses some rather unconventional means to bring about the victory. This is where our trust in him comes in. Gideon and his men had to trust God - they could not win on their own. Of course, that is exactly what God wanted for them to understand - the victory was His. So it is in our lives at times. We need to trust him and let him fight the battles for us as we cannot prevail under our own strength. God can, and he is the one whom we should praise for the victory we achieve. Happy Cinco do Mayo!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue May 4 08:03:04 2010 |
Today's Commentary
When I was a young boy, I really like singing "I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart." This line was followed by someone calling out "Where?", and then the line is sung again. I really enjoyed being the "where?" Actually, if the truth be known, I still like to sing this song, and I still like to be the "Where?" Once a ham, always a ham, one might say.
Sometimes things happen in life that make us ask, "Where is the joy?" Instead of singing about joy in our hearts, we are feeling down in our souls. Joy is something we can seek through any circumstances when we focus on some unchangeable truths that can lead to joy. Romans 5 contains many reasons why we should have joy. Pauls writes in Romans 5:1 - 5: "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. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."
Paul tells us in these verses that since we have been justified though Christ, we have peace with God. He tells us that we can rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. He tells us that we have a hope that will not disappoint, which is a source of joy. He tells us that we have the Holy Spirit, who can produce joy in our lives. When you are struggling with feeling joyful, think about these reasons you have to be joyful. Meditating on what we have through our faith in Christ will bring us joy! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon May 3 07:42:23 2010 |
Today's Commentary
When my girls were young and I wanted to communicate something to them that I didn't want them to miss, I would say, "Look at my face." I did this to make sure they were listening to me and understood what I was saying. Sometimes I did this for a corrective measure; sometimes I did this to communicate something of a positive nature, like telling them I loved them. I did this because what I wanted to say to them was what they needed to hear at that moment and I didn't want them to miss what I was saying to them. When you look at someone face to face, the communication is so much more intense and effective.
This is true in our relationship with God. David writes in Psalm 27:8, "My heart says of you, 'Seek his face!' Your face, LORD, I will seek." To have a close relationship with God, we need to seek his face. We need to look directly at him and allow him to communicate what we need. Sometimes it will be positive words of encouragement and statements of love and concern. At other times, it may be words of correction and discipline that we need to hear. Of course, this is just the point, God will always communicate to us what we need. He will always be open and truthful in what he says to us. This is why we should "look him in the face." What he has to say to us is what we need to hear.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun May 2 07:32:35 2010 |
Today's Commentary
I remember an incident when I was a young boy in school when two of my classmates got into a scufffle during recess. I knew that if they continued, they would get in real trouble, maybe even be expelled from school for a time. So, I intervened and broke up the fight. Another of our classmates said to me, "Why didn't you let them fight? It was fun watching them!" I disagreed and, for some reason, quoted Matthew 5:9 to him. I think I had just learned it in Sunday School or our youth group or something. This verse says, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." My classmate looked at me as if I had two heads or something and just walked away.
Those who seek peace in their lives, and do what they can to settle differences between others are truly blessed. Conflicts are inevitable, what we need are those with cool heads who can speak to situations where reason is needed to head off a problem. We have enough "hotheads" in the world. We need those who will keep calm when tempers flare.
Eric Liddell, after his Olympic championships, served as a missionary to China for 20 years. He died in a Japanese concentration camp during World War II. During his time there, he made a profound impression on those in the camp because of his efforts to preserve peace in stressful times. Even the guards noticed his penchant for conflict resolution. One guard upon his death commented, "He was a Christian, wasn't he?"
Are you known as a peacemaker or a trouble maker? You and only you can determine what you make.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat May 1 07:00:30 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Today is May 1, or "May Day." In ancient times, festivals celebrating this day marked the arrival of spring and of new beginnings. As you think of the term "May day," you might also be reminded remember of the phrase that is used as a distress signal. Since 1927, ships in trouble on the sea will repeat the word "mayday" three times in quick succession to indicate they need help. The repetition was to prevent misidentification of a call for help, and separate the call from any radio transmission about a mayday call. The word doesn't have anything to do with May 1, but is an Anglicization of the French word "m'aidez" which means, appropriately enough, "help me." A ship in peril will send out this distress cry, and hope that another ship is close enough to render aid.
There are times in our lives when we need to send out a "mayday." When we are facing some crisis, or some circumstance that has us on the ropes, a mayday is warranted. What is good to know is that when we send out a mayday, we can always count on God to hear the call and respond. There is no one like God to help us and be there for us in times of trouble. Deuteronomy 33:26-27 reminds us, "There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides on the heavens to help you and on the clouds in his majesty. The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms."
Do you need to call out "mayday" on this "May Day?" Do you wonder who will hear if you do? God will - and he will be there to help! He "rides on the heavens to help you." Count on his presence - he will not let your ship sink!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Apr 30 08:04:47 2010 |
Today's Commentary
I read a story recently about a pilot crossing the Arabian Desert in a small plane. He stopped at an oasis to refuel, then went on his way. Not long after departing the oasis, he began to hear some scratching noises in the fuselage. He was now over mountainous terrain, so landing the plane to inspect the situation was impossible. Fearing that a small animal had climbed in when he had stopped, he began to ascend to a higher altitude. He knew that a "small varmint" might damage the electrical cables. Sure enough, after a time at the higher altitude, the scratching stopped, and he continued to his destination.
After landing the plane, he looked the aircraft over to see if he could determine the source of the noise. He soon found a dead desert rat inside the plane's body. The rat was accustomed to the high temperatures of the desert, but was unable to survive the much cooler temperatures and reduced oxygen at the higher altitude.
So it is with us in our spiritual lives. As we "climb towards God," we put to death the mean, injurious, harmful features of our fleshly nature. Paul encourages us to "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator (Colossians 3:5-10)." The closer you draw to God, the farther away you put the bad.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Apr 29 10:31:16 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Frank Sinatra made a lot of money with his recording of "My Way" in 1969. After almost four decades of recording music, he found his signature song. The song was written specifically for him by Paul Anka upon Sinatra's revelation to Anka that "he was quitting the business." The song tells the story of a man who is nearing death and proudly proclaims he had lived his life "his way." It truly is a testimony to self-will and in one sense is inspiring, but in another sense is a little dangerous. We need to be determined, decisive and directional in our lives, but we should never totally depend upon our own resources. If we leave God out of the planning, we are in for big trouble. We need to follow the advice of Proverbs 16:9. "In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps."
Christ was very artful in how he informed his disciples of this fact. We read in Luke 5 what he did when he called Peter to become one of his followers: "When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, 'Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.' Simon answered, 'Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.' When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, 'Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!' For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, 'Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men (Luke 5:4-10)." Christ was telling Peter, "I want you to do it my way." Christ reminded Peter of this after the resurrection when Peter had returned to fishing - read John 21.
When I am tempted to do things "my way," I remind myself of these biblical incidents. Self-reliance and self-motivation are admirable and desirable traits, but they must be tempered with an understanding of our dependence upon Christ's leadership. What made for a great song is not always the best advice for our lives. We need to remember to live our lives "His Way."
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Apr 28 07:37:31 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Much is written about how to deal with times when we feel overwhelmed. This happens frequently to many of us - we are intimidated by the tasks at hand. But what about the times when we feel "underwhelmed?" That is, what about the times when we feel that what we have to do really isn't all that demanding, arduous, or important? There are times when many may wonder if what they are doing is really relevant. To these folks I say - don't kid yourself, there is no such thing as a task being unimportant or irrelevant. We need to understand that each little thing we do to enhance ministry and glorify Christ is actually a big thing.
Have you ever stopped to think about what might have happened had the little boy not brought his lunch to the gathering (John 6:1-14)? What would have happened to Naaman had his maid not said, "If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria (II Kings 5:1-16)?" What if Rhoda had not answered the door (Acts 12:13-14)? We might describe all of these incidents as "little things," but they each had great significance.
Don't feel "underwhelmed." Regardless of how small you might think it is, your contribution is important. There may be those who attract more attention because they "command the stage," but someone has to set the stage. We cannot get along without those who are "underwhelmed." |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Apr 27 07:25:46 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Sometimes it is hard to forget the effects of bad things we have done in our lives. The memories of past sins come back to "haunt" us, even though we know we have been forgiven for what we have done. On the one hand, this may be a positive thing as it reminds us that we don't won't to make those same mistakes. On the other hand, sometimes those memories bring guilt and pain that we no longer need to bear if we have sought forgiveness for what we have done. Psalm 103:12 tells us, "as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us." Since God has removed our sins, we need to experience the redemption he has for us.
Joseph's brothers had a little trouble with their past sins. When Joseph first revealed his identity to them, they were overjoyed. Then, they were overcome with guilt as they thought about what they had done to him. Genesis 45:3 tells us that they were "terrified in his presence." When Joseph sensed this he said, "'Come close to me.' When they had done so, he said, 'I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you (45:4-5).'" Joseph knew that God had used their bad intentions to make good things happen.
If you struggle with your past, think about what you are doing. Think about what Christ has done for you. His death on the cross assured your forgiveness. Think about what he is doing for you right now. I John 2:1-2 tells us "My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense--Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." Let Christ's provision clear you not only of the effects of your sin, but the memory of your sin. Turn it over to him - he died for you to provide forgiveness for you. Because Christ forgives your sin, you can "forget" your sin. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon Apr 26 07:31:49 2010 |
Today's Commentary
The European Cuckoo is really "cuckoo." A female cuckoo will invade a nest built by another bird and lay an egg, then will abandon the egg. The unsuspecting actual resident of the nest hatches the egg along with her own. Then, after the chicks have grown a bit, the cuckoo chick will force the other chicks out of the nest in order to receive undivided attention from the mother.
Pauls warns against such freeloading behavior among believers, "For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: 'If a man will not work, he shall not eat.' We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right (II Thessalonians 3:10-13)."
Make sure you pull you own weight! You may say, "Well, I'm not a freeloader." I can respect that, but what about how you treat other? Be concerned about others, but don't interfere in the lives of others. Busybodies are unwelcome and unhelpful. We should never tire of doing the right thing, as Paul tells us. In actuality, busybodies are just plain "cuckoo!" |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun Apr 25 06:39:40 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Leonardo da Vinci labored for three years on "The Last Supper." When he finished his masterpiece, he was anxious to see what others might think about the work. He had a good friend whose judgment he trusted come to examine the finished painting to give him a critique. Upon examination of the piece, da Vinci's friend had nothing but praise for the artist's rendition. One by one, he praised the details of "The Last Supper." "Why," he said, "the cup is so realistic I cannot take my eyes from it." "Then the cup is too prominent," da Vinci replied. With that, he took a brush and changed the features of the cup. "Nothing should distract attention from the figure of Christ," said da Vinci.
Nothing should distract attention from the person of Christ. What is drawing attention away from Christ in your life? Christ needs to be our focus. Whatever we do, it should be for Christ. Whatever we have, we should dedicate to Christ. Wherever we go, we should glorify Christ. Not only should he be the central figure in da Vinci's "The Last Supper," Christ should be the central figure in our lives. If he is not, then we need to make some changes.
Paul tells us the central place Christ has. Listen to his words in Philippians 2:9-11, "Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Make sure your life exalts Christ! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Apr 24 08:55:12 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Yesterday I had a mildly frustrating thing happen to me. In actuality, I was going to write that it was a very frustrating thing until I came across a story you will read later in this article. Anyway, my mildly frustrating experience involved placing an order over the phone. I had a lengthy list of items and had just completed going over the list with the vendor when he said, "I need to put you on hold to check something." Try not to let folks put you on hold. Nothing good can come of it. I was put on hold all right - the irritating blare of dial tone indicated I could hold on all I wanted. The vendor was not coming back. What to do? Well, we needed the stuff, so I called the company back and told another agent what had happened. Did she have a record of the transaction? No, she didn't. I proceeded to go through the entire list again. This time, I did not get put on hold, and if the company follows history, we will have the items the first of the week.
I downgraded this to a mildly frustrating experience when I came across an article about Major General George Goethals. Goethals was the man who took over the job of building the Panama Canal. He was appointed by President Theodore Roosevelt on March 4, 1907 as Chairman and Chief Engineer of the Isthmian Canal Commission (I.C.C.). He served in that position until completion of Canal construction in 1914, following which he served as Governor of the Panama Canal until his resignation January 17, 1917. During the construction, there were many setbacks. While cutting through the mountains in the center of the Isthmus, a trememdous landslide occurred erasing months of work. As they surveyed the damage, an aide asked Goethals, "General, what do we do?" Without a moment's hesitation, Goethals replied, "Dig it out again."
Because of such perseverance, there is now a canal in Panama that still provides passage for 32 ocean-going ships daily. The website of the Panama Canal Authority has this testimonial, "The name Goethals will be recorded in history as the man who accomplished one of the greatest feats of engineering and construction since the Egyptians completed the mighty pyramids - the construction of the Panama Canal."
We face setbacks in life that require us to "dig it out again." James 1:2-4 tells us, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." Perseverance is a difficult trait to develop, but good things come to those who persevere. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Apr 23 07:41:50 2010 |
Today's Commentary
A farmer placed a weather vane inscribed with the words "God is love" on top of his barn. One day a traveler stopped by the farm and watched the weather vane moving with the breeze. Then, with a smirk on his face, he asked, "Do you mean to say that your God is as changeable as the wind?"
The farmer shook his head and replied, "No. What I mean to say is that no matter which way the wind blows, God is love!"
The scripture states that God is Love. This means that the essence of God's character is love. It is just not something he does, that is, love us no matter what. Love is the essence of his being. We will never be able to plumb the depths of God's love. I don't think that we can fully appreciate God's love in this lifetime. John writes, "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. . .God is love (I John 4:8-12; 16)."
With God, no matter which way the wind blows, we know God is love. He will never be any other way because he cannot be any other way. He is love. We need to reflect God's love no matter which way the wind is blowing. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Apr 22 06:55:54 2010 |
Today's Commentary
A minister was visiting with a man whose family had just experienced a severe finanacial setback. "Everything is gone," the man said.
"You mean your wife is dead?" asked the minister.
"Well, no," replied the man.
"What about your children? Are they well?" the pastor continued.
"Yes, yes, they are fine." the man said.
"What about your health? Have your friends deserted you? What about your faith in God?" the pastor asked.
"No, no, none of those are lost," the man said.
"Then you have lost nothing of real value. You have lost nothing of lasting importance."
We often have trouble seeing things in this way. A value could be placed on all that the family had lost. The things that are priceless remained. We struggle with this perspective, but we need to do all that we can to develop the proper priorities. We need to know the difference. Christ said, "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 (Matthew 6:19-21)." Where is your treasure? |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Apr 21 07:55:55 2010 |
Today's Commentary
On September 28, 1928, Alexander Fleming walked into his laboratory at St. Mary's Hospital in London, England, and made an interesting discovery. Some of his Staphylococcus cultures had been contaminated by a mold, later identified as Penicillium notatum. Fleming noted that in the contaminated cultures, no staph bacteria would grow around the mold. In fact, the bacteria was killed by the penicillium mold. This accidental discovery led to the development of the antibiotic Penicillin. The significance of this chance development cannot be overstated as it is impossible to determine how many lives have been saved by penicillin and other antibiotics that have been created since the time of that contaminated Petri dish.
This is a fascinating real event that shows how accidental events can bring about good things. However, we certainly shouldn't depend on accidents to make things happen in our lives that need to happen in our lives. We need to be pro-active in developing our character, our impact on others, and our contributions to our world. This is true in our lives in general and certainly in our spiritual lives. Fleming made his best-known discovery by accident, but the elements involved in this discovery were present because of his work and effort.
Don't depend upon accidents to bring good things to your life and to those in your life. Don't depend upon accidents when it comes to developing your spiritual life and your relationship with God. Events such as what happened in 1928 do take place and that is great. Just continue to be intentional when it comes to your maturity. Psalm 119:2 tells us, "Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart." This verse focuses upon intentions, not accidents. We should do the same. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Apr 20 07:11:55 2010 |
Today's Commentary
You need to remember the name of Brian Davis. Davis is a "journeyman" golfer on the PGA Tour from London. He is ranked about 165th in the world. This past Sunday (April 18, 2010), he was involved in a sudden-death playoff with Jim Furyk in the Verizon Heritage Classic PGA Tournament on Hilton Head Island off the coast of South Carolina. By the way, Furyk is about the fifth ranked golfer in the world. On the first play-off hole, Davis hit his approach shot over the green into a waste area. During his attempt to hit the ball out of this area back onto the green, his club came into contact with a stray weed. "What's the problem with this?" one might ask. Well, it violates a rule of golf that says you cannot improve your lie in a hazard area by moving loose impediments. The result is a two stroke penalty. Davis' contact with the weed would be a violation of this rule. Now, his infraction would likely have gone unnoticed, but he notifed a nearby rules official himself when he realized what he might have done. Sure enough, a check of TV monitors showed he slightly grazed a weed during his back swing. What did this mean for him? Well, he had put the ball onto the green and had a long, but makeable, putt that would have probably allowed him to continue in the playoff. However, calling the penalty on himself meant he essentially lost the hole. Furyk was safely on the green very near the hole. Any chance of Davis' winning his first PGA tournament was gone.
This story invokes a number of responses - "Why do they have such a rule?" "What difference did it make?" Many might marvel that Davis would call attention to the penalty on himself at such a crucial time. He could have just let it go and play on - who would be the wiser? The nearby rules official didn't see the infraction. Well, that isn't what Davis chose to do. He put his personal integrity on display by pointing out the miscue, in spite of how minor and ridiculous the miscue might have been. To Davis, the issue here was not winning or losing, but maintaining honesty and preserving integrity.
How are you at those little moments in life when a "minor infraction" has occured? Do you allow honesty to rule the day, or sweep the issue under the rug as just a "little thing" and go on your way? Proverbs has much to say about honesty and how God feels about integrity. We read in Proverbs 11:1, "The LORD abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are his delight." Proverbs 16:11 says, "Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are of his making." Dishonesty is right up there at the top of the list of things the Lord hates - read Proverbs 6:16-17, "There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue."
The next time you are tempted to "just let it slide," think of God's attitude about honesty. Think of the example of Brian Davis. His honesty only cost him about $600,000 and kept him from any chance of winning his first tournament. As I am sure you have heard, "Honesty is the best policy!" |
Pastor Steve
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Mon Apr 19 07:51:09 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Perhaps you have visited, as have I, St. Augustine, Florida, the site of the the famous "Fountain of Youth" that was pursued by Ponce de Leon in the early 16th century. Defying age and doing all one can to remain "youthful" is a desire present in every generation. In our time, there are so many products available that supposedly have "age defying" properties. Of course, there are the more radical pursuits of youth as well. Technologies such are cryonics are being developed in attempts to preserve youth. It was the desire to remain young that fueled de Leon's quest. What he discovered was indeed a beautiful land, but did nothing to ward off age and death. My visit there has done nothing to help me avoid gray hair and arthritis.
Ponce de Leon came ashore on Easter Sunday in 1513. He named the land Pascua florida, Easter flower. Man's desire to preserve youth will never be met through man's efforts. The waters that de Leon discovered did nothing to prolong life and help one cheat death. There is only One Person who can supply water that will indeed give life. Christ alone, the real "Easter Flower," provides life-giving and youth-preserving water to those who choose to follow him. As he told the Samaritan woman who came to draw water at Jacob's well near Sychar, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life (John 4:13-14)."
We will never defy age in this lifetime, but we know we can look forward to eternal life because of what Christ has done for us. He gave his life in order to be able to supply the water which brings the life he described in his conversation with the woman at the well. I hope you have drunk from the water of life Christ provides. If you have, you have found the real fountain of youth. |
Pastor Steve
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Sun Apr 18 06:46:53 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Anne Cetas tells a story about little Randy: "Five-year-old Randy wanted a toy stagecoach for Christmas. While shopping with Mom, he found just the one he wanted. It was about six inches long and had cool wheels and dark brown plastic horses pulling it. 'Mommy, I want this one. Pleeeease!' he begged. As young children sometimes do, he threw a tantrum, insisting that he get that stagecoach for Christmas. Mom said, 'We’ll see,' and took him home. Randy was sure he’d get what he asked for. Christmas morning came, and he opened the package confidently. Sure enough, it was the stagecoach he had begged for. He was so pleased. But then his older brother said, 'You really did a dumb thing to insist on getting that coach. Mom bought you a much bigger one, but when you begged for that little one, she exchanged it!' Suddenly the small stagecoach didn’t seem so appealing."
We do the same thing with God. We beg and plead for things, and beg and plead that God will do things just the way we want. Often, he may decide to do what we ask even though he has something better for us. We need to trust Him and realize that what he has in mind for us is what is best for us. Christ tells us, "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him (Matthew 7:9-11)!"
God has great things in store for us. Sometimes we need to quit insisting on what we want and let God do for us what he knows is best. |
Pastor Steve
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Sat Apr 17 07:59:39 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Worry is an interesting thing. It is something that most of us do at one time or another and there are those who tend to worry more than others. How many of the things that you worry about actually happen? How many things happen that you hadn't worried about? We often worry about things we think will be a reality, and then the reality is circumstances occur that were not even on our radar. Don Herold said, "If I had my life to live over, I would perhaps have more actual troubles but I'd have fewer imaginary ones."
I read a story recently of a World War II paratrooper who had survived more than 50 missions only to break four ribs in a fall upon his return home after the war was over. He worried about his missions, but then something happened about which he had never even given a thought - he tripped on a rug! Worry cannot change circumstances which are happening, nor can it prevent circumstances from taking place. This is why Christ said, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life (Matthew 6:25-27)?"
Christ wants to take care of our needs (read the rest of Matthew 6). Temper your worry with the reality that God is in control.
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Pastor Steve
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Fri Apr 16 08:05:24 2010 |
Today's Commentary
David Roper tells the story of a 92-year-old lady who moved into a nursing home upon the death her husband after 70 years of marriage. "Wilma" was someone who tried to meet each new day with joy and eagerness, looking forward to what was in store for her.
On the day she was supposed to go to her new home, a neighbor drove her there. When they arrived, they were told it would be a little while as the room was not quite ready. Finally, after waiting for some time, an attendant came and told them that it was finished. "Your room is all prepared for you," she said, "There are new curtains on the window, and we have recently changed the color of the walls. There is new furniture, and a lovely quilt on the bed I think you will like." "Oh, I love it!" exclaimed Wilma. "But you haven't seen it yet, Mrs Jones," the attendant replied. "That doesn't matter," said Wilma. "Happiness is something you choose. Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the room is arranged, it's how I arrange my mind."
Well, isn't that something to think about? We usually let circumstances dictate how we feel. Be proactive about your mindset. Remind yourself often of what Christ has done for you and be thankful. Paul tells us in Philippians 4:6-8, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This is how to arrange your mind. |
Pastor Steve
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Thu Apr 15 08:08:44 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Well, as much as we don't want to see this day arrive, here it is, TAX DAY, or whatever else you want to call it. The history of the tax on income in our country goes back to the Civil Way when Congress enacted new taxes to pay for the war effort. On USTreasury.gov we read, "When the Civil War erupted, the Congress passed the Revenue Act of 1861, which restored earlier excises taxes and imposed a tax on personal incomes. The income tax was levied at 3 percent on all incomes higher than $800 a year. This tax on personal income was a new direction for a Federal tax system based mainly on excise taxes and customs duties." This was modified some the next year and it was then that the tax on income was first collected.
Most of us do not like this tax, but we do like what it does for us. This always seems to be the dilemma with taxes - we don't like them, but we like the services they provide. The acripture isn't silent about taxes, as taxes have been collected for centuries. When confronted about the payment of taxes to the Roman government, Christ responded that one needs to give to Caesar what is Caesar's. Listen to his words found in Matthew 22:15-22, "Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. 'Teacher,' they said, 'we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are. Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?' But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, 'You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax.' They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, 'Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?' 'Caesar's,' they replied. Then he said to them, 'Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's.' When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away."
The religious leaders got more than they bargained for in Christ's response. First, he told them that they were indeed bound to pay the government what was due the government, and then he reminded them of their further duty to God. We are reminded elsewhere in scripture of our need to respect governments (see Romans 13:). We also need to remember the need to respect our obligation to God.
I hope today is not too painful for you - just try to look at it as a payment in kind for services rendered or something. And remember as you comply with the laws that govern today's activities, you are being obedient to God's design. |
Pastor Steve
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Wed Apr 14 07:32:09 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Henry Bosch tells the story of an elderly woman in England who endured the nerve-shattering bombings during World War II. Her neighbors and friends were amazed at her peacefulness and her serenity in the midst of such harrowing times. When asked to give the secret of her calmness amid the terror and danger, she replied, "Well, every night I say my prayers. And then I remember that God is always watching, so I go peacefully to sleep. After all, there is no need for both of us to stay awake!"
How well do you sleep? Do you lose sleep because there are circumstances which are making you anxious and fearful? Ask God to give you the faith you need and the confidence in him you need to allow you to relax and rest peacefully. Let God do what he does best - control your life and control the things that are keeping you from being quiet in your spirit and preventing you from having a calm heart. The confidence that David exhibits in Psalm 4:8 can be ours when we turn our fears over to the Lord, "I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety." Psalm 121:3 tells us that God never sleeps, "He will not let your foot slip--he who watches over you will not slumber." Since God doesn't sleep anyway, as the dear lady said, let him be the one to stay awake! |
Pastor Steve
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Tue Apr 13 08:14:34 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Dr. M. R. DeHaan writes about Phillips Brooks: "Phillips Brooks (1835-1893), the great preacher, asked the operator of a local livery stable for the best horse he had. Brooks explained, 'I am taking a good friend for a ride and I want the very best for the occasion.' As the livery man hitched up a horse to a buggy, he said, 'This animal is about as perfect as a horse could be. It is kind, gentle, intelligent, well-trained, obedient, willing, responds instantly to your every command, never kicks, balks, or bites, and lives only to please its driver.' Brooks then quietly said to the owner, 'Do you suppose you could get that horse to join my church?'"
This is an interesting observation. If we would strive to develop these qualities, then we would be able to make quite an impact for God with our lives. We should be as gentle and intelligent as we can be. Ephesians 4:2 tells us to "Be completely humble and gentle." We need to be willing, obedient and responsive to God's call. Isaiah 1:19 tells us "If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land." We need to "live only to please our driver." Our desire should be that of the Psalmist who wrote, "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer (Psalm 19:14)." We need to be willing to serve Christ and to serve others. If the church is full of people with this attitude, you will see the results in the effectiveness of the church's ministry! |
Pastor Steve
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Mon Apr 12 08:23:19 2010 |
Today's Commentary
We have a large picture window in our living room. In the years we have lived here, I could not begin to tell you how many times we have had birds fly into the window. I was working on my devotional Saturday morning when this happened again. The window reflects the sky, the bird is thinking he is flying into open air, and, wham, right into the window. Usually the bird is just addled a bit and is able to fly off after awhile. However, there have been times when this mistake has proven fatal. I have often wished for the ability to tell these poor creatures, "This is not the sky! It is only a reflection that looks like the sky. So, be careful flying here." I don't have the ability to communicate with birds, so I am unable to do this. This is the frustration. Of course, the birds would also need to be willing to listen to my advice. I think it would be more frustrating if I would have the ability to communicate with the birds and then have them ignore my advice.
This is probably the frustration God must feel at times. He has the ability to communicate with us and warn us about the "windows," but we often are inclined to ignore his warnings. Instead, we fly blindly along, being fooled by the reflections until we hit the window. Then, when we do hit the window, we are prone to blame God for our predicament. So many people ignore God's warnings and fail to heed his advice. Are you one of them? If you are, stop doing that! You are in danger of being fooled by the reflection of what seems to be, when in reality you are in danger. This could be a fatal mistake. In Proverbs 4:11-13, God says to us, "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. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life." Listen to God! He will help you avoid the windows! |
Pastor Steve
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Sun Apr 11 06:38:27 2010 |
Today's Commentary
A man once stowed away on a ship , but was discovered and locked up in the ship's brig. When the ship reached its port of call, the captain ordered that the man be put ashore. However, when the customs agents found out that the man had no passport, they would not let him disembark. So, he stayed on the ship and returned to the home port. There the scenario repeated itself - with no passport, the authorities would not let him enter the country. This went on for a few trips until finally he was allowed to go ashore at the port where he originally entered the ship.
There are folks among us who are "without a country." They are friendless, with little means to support themselves, sometimes even homeless. Often they are "bounced around" from agency to agency and from person to person as they seek help. Frequently they are treated as was that man who was without a passport. "Sorry, you can't stay here. There is no help here. Move on." Our inclination is to reject those who are struggling, the unattractive, the different, those without means. James writes about our response to those in need, "What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, 'Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead (James 2:14-17)."
Don't have a "dead faith." Do all you can to help those who seem to be "traveling without a passport." God will bless you for it. |
Pastor Steve
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Sat Apr 10 07:12:02 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Fred Bauer tells the story of a trial that took place in the latter part of the 19th century. A train had collided with a horse and buggy at an intersection. A suit was filed which led to the trial. During the protracted proceedings, the railroad watchman was questioned:
"Were you at your post that night?" a lawyer asked.
"I was," the watchman answered.
"Did you have your lantern?"
"I did."
"Did you signal with your lantern?"
"I did."
"No further questions," the lawyer concluded.
The verdict was reached in favor of the railroad. On his way out of the courtroom, the watchman whispered to his wife, "I'm glad he didn't ask me if my lantern was lit."
Many of us are walking around with our lanterns, but they aren't lit. We are not getting the job done of letting our light shine. Christ said, "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 (Matthew 5:15-16)." The watchman had his light "under a bowl." We are often guilty of the same thing. Let that light get out to where it can do some good! Make sure your lantern is lit and is exposed so that others may see the light of Christ and be led to safety. Giving a signal with an unlit lantern does no good. Keep your light burning brightly!
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Pastor Steve
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Fri Apr 9 08:26:36 2010 |
Today's Commentary
We are living in the Atomic Age. I grew up in the Atomic Age. When I was a kid, there were fallout shelters, we had blast drills in school, and there was always the concern about who might "push the button" first. Man now has the capability to destroy all life on earth. Professor Otto Hahn, a scientist intimately involved with the splitting of the atom, warned that just ten cobalt-hydrogen bombs could kill almost every living thing on earth. How many such bombs are in existence at this time? Who knows for sure? Thinking along these lines can be somewhat scary. Man now has the capability to bring about results such as those described in Revelation 8:7-9, "The first angel sounded his trumpet, and there came hail and fire mixed with blood, and it was hurled down upon the earth. A third of the earth was burned up, a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up. The second angel sounded his trumpet, and something like a huge mountain, all ablaze, was thrown into the sea. A third of the sea turned into blood, a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed." Rather ominous sounding, isn't it? It is until you realize that what has been written about is something that is not an uncontrolled, spontaneous event brought about by a random act of some government but a outcome of a judgment brought about by a purposed act of God. God is in control.
Don't ever forget that no matter how uncontrolled and chaotic things might appear, nothing happens outside of the realm of God's knowledge. This is why worry about such things as a "nuclear holocaust" destroying the world is really an unfounded fear. We have specific insight as to how the future of the world will play out, and nothing is outside the realm of the hand of God. Build your life on God's unshakeable truths. Trust in his strong control. This is God's Age, not the Atomic Age.
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Pastor Steve
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Thu Apr 8 08:13:54 2010 |
Today's Commentary
In 1975, Marabel Morgan wrote "The Total Woman." The book went on to become the best selling book of that year. She wrote the book to put into print some ideas that she says saved her marriage. One thing Morgan said she did was begin to look at her husband with the "Four A's" in mind - accept him, admire him, adapt to him, and appreciate him. This is sound advice that certainly works both ways. If one would work to apply these "Four A's" in how one view's their spouse, it would certainly bring about a stronger, healthier relationship. Keeping this in mind can help both those who are struggling in their relationship and those who are not. This is a philosophy that is founded in biblical principles regarding marriage relationships. It seems to be good advice in any relationship, not just marriage.
As we think of marriage and marital relationships, Paul gives this charge in Ephesians 5:33, "However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." Utilizing the "Four A's" can help us keep this charge. And when we do this, we are not only obedient to God, we find true happiness and joy in our marriage. Strengthen your marriage by following a little advice found in the Scripture and defined by Marabel Morgan. Doing this will truly help you cultivate your marriage and see it grow in Christ. Remember the "Four A's!" |
Pastor Steve
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Wed Apr 7 07:40:02 2010 |
Today's Commentary
A man went to see a psychologist because he was struggling with depression. "Doctor," he said, "I am not a happy man. It seems that no matter what I do, I cannot seem to feel better. I am just so depressed." The doctor told him, "I think you need a diversion. The circus is in town - you need to go to the circus. There is a clown in the circus named Grimaldi. Grimaldi will make you laugh so hard you will forget your troubles and you will feel better." "Doctor," the man said, "I am Grimaldi."
I have heard many variations of this story. I have read that it is indeed based upon a true story. What we learn from the story is that things are not always as they seem. We sometimes look at others' lives and secretly wish for what they have. This is one reason why God tells us not to covet. It is also a good reason to focus on our lives and what is taking place. It is a good reason to learn about being content with our blessings. Wishing for something that is not ours, for something that may not even exist, is a pointless exercise. We should learn from Paul's experience, "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:11-13)."
Remember things are not always as they appear to be. Don't wish for something that is not there. Focus on the blessings that you have. This is a big step along the pathway to contentment.
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Pastor Steve
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Tue Apr 6 08:14:45 2010 |
Today's Commentary
The most popular image of Christ ever produced is Warner Sallman's "Head of Christ," which he painted in 1941. This image has been reproduced over 500 million times. Mr. Sallman had been working against a deadline to produce an image of Christ. He struggled with the image, how should Christ be depicted? He awoke in the middle of the night, just hours before the image was due, and penciled the rough image that would become "Head of Christ."
It is no wonder that Sallman struggled with what to paint. The New Testament does not contain any description of Christ at all. Was he tall or short? Was his hair curly or straight? Was he homely or handsome? We really don't know. Our desire to know what he looked like is so strong that we sometimes accept images such as Sallman's as reality. This, or course, is a mistake. It really is good we don't know what Christ looked like. This makes us concentrate on what we do know something anout - his ministry and his character. The New Testament says quite a bit about both of these. And since it does, these are the aspects of Christ on which we should focus. I'm glad we have no actual physical description of Christ. If we did, we would want to emphasize this in our study of Christ. We would want to imitate his physical appearance. In our appearance-crazy age, I would imagine we would do all kinds of things to "look like Jesus." I am sure that evev plastic surgery would be in the mix.
What is important is that you be like Christ and act like Christ, not look like Christ. Paul talks about emlulating the attitude of Christ in Philippians 2:5, "Your attidude should be the same as Christ Jesus. . ." Colossians 2:6-7 says to us: "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." We don't know how he looked, but we do know how he lived, so be concerned about living like Christ and don't worry about looking like Christ. |
Pastor Steve
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Mon Apr 5 08:11:46 2010 |
Today's Commentary
I am sure many of you have seen "Facing the Giants." In the film, a high school team hard-pressed for victories finds inner strength through their faith in God and turns their season around. The giants they face, of course, are all the circumstances which work against them to keep them from gaining victory. God is really good at helping us face giants. Just ask Caleb.
Caleb first saw giants when he was on reconnaissance for the Israelites as they were on the border of the land to which they were returning. He was with Joshua and ten other spies sent to see what lay ahead of them in the land they were to possess. The spies came back with this report: "They came back to Moses and Aaron and the whole Israelite community at Kadesh in the Desert of Paran. There they reported to them and to the whole assembly and showed them the fruit of the land. They gave Moses this account: 'We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there. The Amalekites live in the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live near the sea and along the Jordan.'" Giants! We can't face the giants! Well, Caleb wanted to Listen to what he said, "Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, 'We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.'"
Caleb knew they could because he believed in God's promise. He knew the obstacles were real, the giants were real, but God is more powerful than any obstacle they would face. You are perhaps aware of the consequence to him and Joshua being "outvoted" at this point - 40 years in the wilderness. This didn't worry Caleb at the time, and it didn't worry him forty-plus years later when it was time for him to claim what God had for him in the land. Listen to Caleb as he talks about "facing the giants" - "Now then, just as the LORD promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the desert. So here I am today, eighty-five years old! I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I'm just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. Now give me this hill country that the LORD promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the LORD helping me, I will drive them out just as he said (Joshua 14:10-12)." The giants didn't bother Caleb - he knew he could count on the Lord.
As you face giants, remember God is with you. He can help you. With God, you will be victorious.
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Pastor Steve
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Sun Apr 4 06:08:30 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Happy Day of Resurrection! I have always found it fascinating that Mary Magdalene is mentioned in all four Gospel accounts of the resurrection, and that both Mark and John (Mark 16:9; John 20:1) point out it was to her Christ first appeared after he arose. What an incredible privilege! Even though we did not have this special privilege, we still have the marvelous hope Christ's resurrection brings to us. Paul speaks of this in I Corinthians 15:21-23, "For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him." Mary may have had the privilege of being the first to see the risen Lord, but all of us who have hope in Him know we will see him. John tells us in I John 3:2, "we shall see him as he is." Now that is something to look forward to!
This is a blessed day, as it was on that first day of the week, on that Sunday, when Christ came back from the dead and appeared to his companions to show he was alive. This was a fearful, yet an exciting time. This is an exciting day as we think of our hope in him. Rejoice and celebrate! Christ is alive! And because he lives, we will live as well. Happy Day of Resurrection!
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Pastor Steve
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Sat Apr 3 08:35:15 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Jesus is dead. There was no doubt about that. The disciples had watched as they had taken him away Thursday night. If they watched at all on Friday, it was from afar. The only one of them spoken of in scripture as being present at the crufixion was John (John 19:26-27). The events of this day, Saturday, the Saturday after the crucifixion, are not mentioned in Scripture. The Gospel accounts go from his burial to the events of Sunday morning. But this is Saturday - what is going on? Well, for most people, life is going on as usual. However, for those who had an attachment to Christ, or had a part to play in the events surrounding his crucifixion, I am sure this day is not "life as usual." I am sure the Jewish leaders thought their threat was gone. The Romans perhaps had thoughts - Pilate still mulling over the events and his decision, the centurion still thinking about what he had witnessed, perhaps the soldiers were still talking about how quickly the man had died. There were guards at Christ's tomb passing time away, maybe wondering why they were guarding a dead man's tomb. And the disciples, oh my, can you imagine what was going on in their minds? From what we see later, they seem to still be together. Fear has gripped them - what is going to happen next? Mary - those who have experienced the loss of a child can relate somewhat to what she is feeling. Except she not only lost a child - she had witnessed most of his ordeal.
Yes, today is a silent day in one respect. However, we know it is far from normal for many people. This is a day of reflection. This is a day to think about what has taken place and what will happen next. This is actually something we should do as well. We do have a different perspective from Christ's contemporaries as we know what will happen. Nonetheless, why not use today as a time to meditate on Christ's ministry for us. They could no longer see Christ, but he was still active in the plan of redemption. We may not be able to see him, but we know he is active on our behalf, interceding for us and living for us still. Paul speaks to us in Romans 8:34, "Christ Jesus, who died--more than that, who was raised to life--is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us." Take some time to think about this. This is a silent day, it's a good time to reflect. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Apr 2 08:18:49 2010 |
Today's Commentary
This is the day - the day planned from eternity past as the day when man's hope of redemption was obtained through an act of God. The term "act of God" is often used to speak of some natural occurrence that has some sort of effect on the plans of man For example, a snowstorm that causes schools, roads, and businesses to close is often called an "act of God." Well the Act of God that occurred on that special Friday so many years ago certainly can have an effect on the plans of man. A statement by John in John 1:11-12, "He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."
On this day, Christ was tried before the high priest, tried before Pilate, tried before Herod, tried again before Pilate. All of this took place before noon because by noon, Christ was hanging on a cross of crucifixion, enduring perhaps the worst form of death man has ever devised. Yet, this was not an act of man, but an Act of God planned even before man was around (see Ephesians 1). Through this Act of God, we have the hope of redemption, the hope of life, and the hope of a home with God forever. This would not be possible without what took place on a special Friday long ago. Christ's crucifixion brings us life. Because of what Christ did for us, we can say, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me (Galatians 2:20)."
If you don't know Him, make this Good Friday a really Good Friday by placing your faith in Christ who died for you and lives for you. Let an Act of God effect where you, as a son of man, will spend eternity. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Apr 1 07:46:50 2010 |
Today's Commentary
It was time to prepare for the Passover. This was not going to be just any Passover for Christ, it was to be his last on the earth. Christ instructed his disciples: "On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, 'Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?' He replied, 'Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, `The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.' ' So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover (Matthew 26:17-19)." They had no idea what that evening had in store. Christ would talk of his betrayal, would speak of being deserted, would celebrate the Passover with the disciples but add some twists to the liturgy, would take them to a garden while he prayed, would be betrayed and arrested, interrogated throughout the night, and abused. None of this was what the disciples expected, but it was all in the plan of Christ.
Thursday of Passion Week was the day that God's great plan of redemption started taking shape. I don't know what you have planned for today, but at some point I hope you at least pause for a time to remember what Christ went through for you. Take some time to read of these events (Matthew 26, for example). This truly is a bittersweet day - we could not have the hope we do if Christ had not gone through with this day, but meditating on what took place is indeed a bit sobering. Spend some time with those thoughts - we need to appreciate what Christ did for us. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Mar 31 07:42:22 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Bethany was about two miles from Jerusalem. Bethany was the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus, friends of Jesus. After his entrance into Jerusalem on Sunday, Christ returned to Bethany to spend the night While traveling back to Jerusalem on Monday, Christ saw a fig tree in leaf. Mark tells us what happened: "The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. Then he said to the tree, 'May no one ever eat fruit from you again.' And his disciples heard him say it (12:12-14)." On Tuesday or Wednesday, the disciples went by the tree and marveled that it was already withered (Matthew 21::20-22). What was going on here? Wasn't it a little out of character for Christ to curse a tree just because it had no figs?
As usual, there was a reason for Christ's actions. First, the tree should have had figs. Fig trees typically produce fruit simultaneously with producing leaves. Christ used the fig tree as an example of the problem of being fake. It simply isn't right to misrepresent the truth. There are many false religions and cults that all claim they have truth. They are attractive in how they present their message, but what they are inside is nothing - they have nothing to give. This was the problem with the religous leaders of Christ's day, and it is the problem with false religions today. Secondly, those who have true faith are the same inside as they are outside. In other words, people of faith show that faith, and they don't present a message that isn't true. People of faith see marvelous things happening. As Christ said, they can be mountain movers (Matthew 12:21-22). True faith makes a difference inside and out.
Don't be a fig tree with leaves and no fruit. Your faith should make you different. Display your faith and see the difference faith makes in your life and in the lives of those around you. Know what you believe and show what you believe! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Mar 30 08:45:18 2010 |
Today's Commentary
I think one of the saddest stories in the entire Bible is that of the "Ungrateful Nine" found in Luke 17:11-19. In this account, Christ encountered ten lepers and healed them all, however, only one thanked him for the healing. We read Christ's response in verses 17-19: "Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, 'Jesus, Master, have pity on us!' When he saw them, he said, 'Go, show yourselves to the priests.' And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him--and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, 'Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?' Then he said to him, 'Rise and go; your faith has made you well.'"
Margaret Craven, in her best selling book "I Heard the Owl Call My Name," writes that the Twawataineuk tribe of British Columbia has no word for "thank you." They express gratitude through acts which display their thanks. Rather that relying on what they say to show their appreciation, they do something which says "thank you." How good would we be with this? Saying thank you is a good thing, but showing our gratitude through actions is an even more effective way to display appreciation. This applies to our relationship with others, and certainly applies to our relationship with God. Don't just tell God "thanks" for what he does, show him your "thanks" through how you live. Try to say "thank you" in tangible ways. Acts of kindness are a really good way of saying "thanks." |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon Mar 29 08:42:07 2010 |
Today's Commentary
On Monday of Passion Week, Jesus was in Jerusalem. In our devotions this week, we will look at the biblical passages that tell us what Christ did on that particular day leading up to the crucifixion.
Some Bible historians have today (Monday) as the day he entered Jerusalem. Luke writes that as Christ approached Jerusalem, he wept over the city as he spoke of its future (Luke 19:41-44). What followed his entrance, either on Sunday or Monday, was a visit to the temple where Christ did anything but weep. Matthew writes about this: "Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 'It is written,' he said to them, 'My house will be called a house of prayer,' but you are making it a den of robbers.'" Christ had to "clean house" because of what was taking place there in the temple.
Do you need to do some "house cleaning?" Are there some things in your life that do not need to be there? If there are, turn these things over to Christ. When we do so on our own volition, he takes them away in a caring way. Don't allow these things to remain to the point where he needs to come in and drive them away. Christ will do that - this is why it is best to invite him to take care of sin, to take care of the issues that should not be there. Isaiah 1:18 tells us what Christ would like to do for us, "'Come now, let us reason together,' says the LORD. 'Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.'" It's time for some spring cleaning - let Christ do the job.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun Mar 28 07:30:13 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Ah, yes, the tide of public opinion, how fickle it can be. Over the centuries, people have experienced the ebb and flow of this tide. You see examples in history of how unpredictable public opinion can be. We certainly have numerous contemporary examples of how quickly and dramatically public opinion can shift. Ask anyone involved in public opinion polls. The results of a public opinion poll probably have the longevity of an ice cube in the Sahara Desert.
Christ certainly experienced the highs and lows of public opinion in his earthly ministry. Today we are celebrating one of the highs in his public ministry. This is Palm Sunday, and today we acknowledge his entry into Jerusalem greeted by a massive throng of people celebrating his presence as they would celebrate the return of an esteemed ruler. We read of the crowd's greeting in Matthew 21:8-9, "A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
'Hosanna to the Son of David!'
'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!'
'Hosanna in the highest!'"
What a greeting! What would you think if you were greeted by great crowds shouting out your name along with cries of praise and encouragement? Christ knew what to think. He knew what was ahead. He knew what actually awaited him in Jerusalem. His ride into Jerusalem fulfilled the prophecies of Isaiah 62:11 and Zechariah 9:9 (why not look these up?), but he knew there were other prophecies to fulfill that week. Now he was experiencing the high tide of public opinion. In just a few days, he would experience the low. Why did he go through with this, knowing what was ahead? He was motivated by love, "Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13)." As you celebrate today, be grateful for Christ's willingness to ride the crazy ebb and flow of public opinion.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Mar 27 09:09:41 2010 |
Today's Commentary
A couple of days ago, we had a lot of rain and a lot of wind. I wouldn't classify what we had as a storm per se, but the wind was strong enough to whip things around a good bit. When you looked outside, you couldn't actually see the wind, but you sure could see the effects - paper being blown around, a few little limbs down here and there, and flags standing straight out from flagpoles as if they had been starched severely.
The same can be said about the Holy Spirit. We have never actually seen the Holy Spirit, and I don't know that we actually ever will. However, you can sure see the results of his presence. He works within the believer to provide comfort when comfort is needed, strength when strength is needed, and insight when insight is needed. This is just as it is supposed to be, and just as Christ promised us just before he was crucified. Christ told his disciples on the night they celebrated the Passover just before his arrest, "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever-- the Spirit of truth. . the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." The "Counselor" is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is called the Counselor only here in all of the New Testament. The term means one who walks alongside someone else. That is exactly what the Holy Spirit does for Christ's followers - He walks along with them to "counsel" them. We may not see him, but he is there.
Paul talks of the ministry of the Holy Spirit in Romans 8:26-27: "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will." Isn't that marvelous? Once again, we do not see the Spirit doing this, but we can see the effects of his intercession on our behalf.
Be grateful for the presence of Holy Spirit in your life. Acknowledge his presence and be willing to cooperate with him as he walks alongside of you. In this way you will benefit from the effects of his ministry.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Mar 26 07:30:31 2010 |
Today's Commentary
I was watching ESPN the other day when I saw something rather interesting. The Lakers were losing to the Spurs in San Antonio when they called for a timeout early in the fourth quarter. Kobe Bryant is the best player on the Lakers team, some would argue that he is the best player in the National Basketball Association. However, his performance had been less than stellar for much of the game. After the timeout, Kobe went on a tear and started scoring seemingly at will. The Lakers won the game. What happened? They recorded the comments made in the Laker's huddle during that timeout. Coach Phil Jackson said to Kobe, "Kobe, you need to activate the ball more. You need to shoot the ball. You need to do some scoring."
Now, one would think Kobe would know that. He has played basketball ever since he could tie his own shoelaces. Surely he knows that in order to win the game, you need to score points. As one of the leading scorers in the league, he knows how to make points. So what is with this advice? Well, it worked, because Kobe started doing some scoring. An observation I made from this is that you are never so good at something that you wouldn't benefit from some good coaching. Every now and then, you need to be reminded of what needs to be done in order to accomplish a goal you are pursuing. Coaching can be really helpful to keep one on track and focused on the task, or tasks, at hand.
God wants us to remember this as well. He is always available to provide us with the coaching we need to keep on track and remind us of what we should be doing. Even though we may have been followers of Christ for a long period of time we can benefit from good coaching. Of course, no amount of coaching will help if we aren't willing to listen. Phil Jackson must have "had Kobe's ear," because Kobe followed his advice and changed his performance. We need to listen to God and when we do, we will change our behavior in order to enhance our performance. Proverbs 19:20-21 reminds us, "Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." When his purpose prevails, we know we will do better. Listen to your Coach! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Mar 25 08:11:21 2010 |
Today's Commentary
I have friends who have stories of forgetting their kids. They went somewhere, one family had gone to church, and then left for home without one of their children. Don't be too hard on these folks. Those of you with a number of kids can see how this could happen. But what about the guy who forgot his wife? Mart De Haan writes about Sam, a fellow who stopped for gas in Montgomery, Alabama. Five hours down the road from that gas station in Montgomery, he realized he had left his wife. This was before cell phones, so he had to stop and ask police to help him locate her. Can you imagine how he felt? Can you imagine how his wife felt?
It’s hard to imagine how this could happen; however, we often do the same thing with God. We forget about him and leave him out of important aspects of our lives. We leave him behind and go on our merry way until something happens and we say, "Hey, where is God?" We need to be intentional about including God in our lives. We need to focus on his presence and fix our thoughts on his place in our lives. Can you imagine how God feels when we forget to include him in our plans? Sam had to admit, with a great deal of embarrassment, that he simply had not noticed his wife's absence. Are we embarrassed when we realize that we have not paid much attention to God's absence? He really needs to be there. Far from forgetting about God, our thoughts need to be those of David when he was in the desert of Judah and said, "On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night (Psalm 63:6)."
Don't leave God at the gas station! He really needs to be in the car! If he's not, don't expect to know the way.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Mar 24 08:17:21 2010 |
Today's Commentary
According to a recent news article, this past winter was not kind to the honeybee population. In actuality, there has been a dramatic decline in honeybees over the past few years. At first glance, this might appear to be just mildly problematic, especially if you don't care all that much for honey (although I really can't relate to that). However, when you learn that almost one-third of all the vegetables you eat depend upon help from the honeybees during the pollination process, you realize how serious this problem is. Researchers are at a loss to explain why the bees are "dropping dead." Everything from pesticides to global warming has been blamed, but no certain cause has been discovered. I find it quite fascinating that we are so dependent upon those little creatures that "buzz" around, flitting from flower to flower tirelessly, doing what bees have done for thousands of years.
There is a great interdependency in God's creation. That is the way he has it designed, and is an important reason for us to be good stewards of what he has given us. The interdependency in nature is mirrored by the interdependency in the Church. This is the way God has it designed and is an important reason for us to be good stewards of what he has given us in the church. John Donne wrote in Meditation XVII, "No man is an island, entire of itself." This is so true of mankind in general, and certainly true of our place in the Church. God intended for us to be interdependent, to be connected to each other for encouragement, support, strength, and assistance. There is an old story about a pastor who went to visit a parishioner who hadn't been in church in some time. When asked about his absence, he replied, "Well, pastor, I think I can get along pretty well by myself." The pastor reached into the fire with some tongs and pulled out a glowing coal. He laid it on the stone hearth and then asked the man, "How long will this coal continue to glow now that I have separated it from the fire?" The man got the point.
We need to get the point as well and remember how vital our presence is within our church. We need to remember the role others have in our lives. We depend upon the honeybee for more than just honey. We depend upon others for more than just an occasional "How are you doing?" The writer of Hebrews tells us to "encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today" (3:13) and to "encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching" (10:25). We really do need each other. This is how God made us so that we don't have to "go it alone." "Bee" there for each other! (Sorry about that - couldn't help myself)
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Mar 23 08:07:33 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Have you been watching any of the action in the NCAA basketball tournaments? The men and the women are vying for a coveted national title. There have been some really exciting games, as usual. In the men's bracket, there have been more upsets than usual - games where a lower-seeded team wins. Do you know one of the most important aspects of coaching a basketball game? Its knowing when to call a time-out. As most of you know, each team starts the game with a certain number of time-outs that can be used at the coach's discretion. The time-outs are helpful and are often critical to the performance of a team. The coach does not use them indiscriminately, but typically reserves using them for times they are really needed. There are many reasons a coach may want to call a time-out. The coach may need to point out a mistake that is being make, the players may need to "catch a breather," or the coach may want to implement a new strategy that would be useful. Failing to call a time-out when the team really needs one can have a negative effect on the team's performance.
Sometimes we need a time-out as well. There are times in our lives when we need to call a time-out to evaluate a decision that needs to be made, to correct an error that has taken place, or simply to just "catch our breath." We also need these time-outs in our walk with God. Failing to call a time out when we need one can have a negative effect on our performance.
A study of time-outs in the Scripture is fascinating. Christ used time-outs all throughout his earthly ministry. Matthew 14:13 records one of these, "When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place." God tells us that we should use time-outs in our experiences. In Psalm 46:10, he tells us "Be still, and know that I am God." At times, he lovingly gives his servants time-outs to encourage them and strengthen them. He did this for the prophet Ezekiel on more than one occasion. We read in I Kings 17:2-6, "Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah: 'Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. You will drink from the brook, and I have ordered the ravens to feed you there.' So he did what the LORD had told him. He went to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, and stayed there. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook." Just two chapters later, we read how God ministered to Elijah by giving him a "time-out" under a broom tree (I Kings 19:1-5) and in a cave (I Kings 19:6-10).
I have said this before and I will say it again, if Christ needed "time-outs," and if the mighty prophet Elijah needed time-outs, what does that say to us? Remember to use those time-outs! They can really enhance our performance, and help us to "keep our head in the game!"
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon Mar 22 08:18:52 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Can it really have been that long since I was a teenager? Wasn't it just yesterday that I was traveling with my brothers in our singing group? Didn't I just get my class ring? I ordered my burgundy crushed velvet tuxedo for the prom just last week, didn't I? Yep - it has been that long. That last question brought me back to reality. I loved being a teenager, and I love teenagers. They are full of energy, ideas, and optimism. Somehow, someway, we need to hold on to some of these qualities as we grow older. We should not allow the increase in years to cause our energy, ideas, and optimism to decrease. We should never underestimate the resourcefulness and the abilities of our teenagers. We need to do all we can to encourage them and allow for ways for them to exercise their creativity, their abilities, and their gifts.
Paul told Timothy, "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young (I Timothy 4:12)." We need to remember not to look down on anyone because they are young. Remember how you were encouraged to explore your gifts and use your talents when you were younger? Do the same for the youth of your church. They have a lot to say, and they have a lot to give. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun Mar 21 07:08:54 2010 |
Today's Commentary
David Egner wrote about a quote found on a calendar entitled The 365 Stupidest Things Ever Said: "If you bought our course, 'How To Fly In Six Easy Lessons,' we apologize for any inconvenience caused by our failure to include the last chapter, 'How To Land Your Plane Safely.' Send us your name and address and we will send you the last chapter posthaste. Requests by estates will be honored." Whaaat? Can you imagine this actually happening? Who in the world would take off in plane without knowing how to land it safely? Well. . .maybe you know someone who might just be in this category.
Actually, there are a great deal of people who fit into this category. Much scarier that taking off in a plane without knowing how to land the plane when the flight is over is living you life without knowing where you will land when your liife is over. Luke 12:16-21 tells the story about a man who fits into this category, "And he told them this parable: 'The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops. Then he said, This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I'll say to myself, You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry. But God said to him, You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself? This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.'"
Don't take off in a plane without knowing how to land, and don't live your life not knowing where you will land. God has made it so we can know for sure where we will spend eternity - and there is no excuse for not knowing. Knowing Christ is the only way to ensure a safe landing. Make the right decision - don't find yourself on a caledar.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Mar 20 08:42:25 2010 |
Today's Commentary
All of us have character flaws and imperfections. Most of us readily admit our shortcomings and want to do what we can to improve in these areas. Some folks just don't get the fact that they aren't perfect. Don't you just love to be around these people? Well, that's another line of thought I'll pursue sometime. Back to our character flaws and imperfections. How many times have you said, "I need to be more patient," or "I need to be a better listener," or "I need to be less irritable?" If you haven't said this, you may need to do some introspection. If you have, you know there are areas in your life on which you need to focus. And that is really the point and the positive side of struggling with some of our imperfections. When we do, we acknowledge our weakness and our need for help. Those flaws in our character can actually help make us more dependent on God as we rely on him for assistance in dealing with these issues.
Paul acknowledged this and tells us, "To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong (II Corinthians 12:7-10)."
Paul knew there were areas in his life he would like to see changed. He understood the purpose of these issues, and chose to use them as reminder to him of his dependence upon God. We can stew and fret about some our "problem areas," or we can acknowledge their existence, turn them over to God, and allow him to use these weak areas to build our character and strengthen us. I have always loved God's response to Paul with regard to Paul's struggle, "My grace is sufficient for you." Indeed God's grace is sufficient for us - let his grace take charge in your life and watch his power overcome your weakness. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Mar 19 08:51:03 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Our government is currently involved with a task that does not have a clearcut solution - health care reform. To say the least, this has been a controversial issue. The ability for all to have adequate, affordable health coverage is a noble desire. Why? Because everyone at some point or another will need health care. Health problems are something that affect everyone everywhere, not just a few here and there.
Now, this is not an article on what needs to be done to bring about reforms in health care. I simply want to point out the universality of health problems. In light of this, Revelation 22:1-3 becomes a passage with such a special message: "Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him."
In heaven , there will be no need for universal health care. The reason there will be no need for health care is that there will be no health problems. Complete and total healing is promised for all the inhabitants of that wonderful place. In Revelation 21:4 we are told heaven will be a place where there will be no more mourning or crying or pain. My brother and I were talking earlier today about how different our lives might be if we were not plagued with arthritis that has led to the need for joint replacements and other things. How many people could make that same statement about any number of health issues? Someday we will find out how different our lives will be without health issues. I hope you are looking forward to that. As a follower of Christ, you have that hope. If you don't have this hope, make the decision which will give you God's gift. Universal health care is included in the promise. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Mar 18 07:36:26 2010 |
Today's Commentary
On March 18, 1845, John Chapman was visiting his friend, William Worth. He ate some bread, drank some milk, then laid down on the floor of Worth's cabin, went to sleep and never woke up. At 70 yeas of age, Johnny Appleseed had planted his last apple tree. During his younger years, Johnny collected apple seeds from the cider presses of western Pennsylvania. He then traveled westward, planting hundreds of seeds for trees that would provide apples for thousands of people. He was a little odd to look at - usually barefoot, dressed in whatever he had to wear and using a mush pan for a hat. However, he had a heart for God and heart for others. This led him to be at peace with Christ and with others, including Native Americans who usually did not know what to make of this oddly dressed, odd acting white man. Planting his apple seeds wherever he went, he called the apple blossom a "living sermon from God," and often quoted the Sermon on the Mount. During the War of 1812, he got news that the British were inciting an attack by Indians on settlers in what is now Mt. Vernon, Ohio, so he ran the 30 miles from Mansfield to warn them.
Poet William Henry Venable wrote about Johnny:
Remember Johnny Appleseed -
all ye who love the apple -
He served his kind by word and deed -
In God's grand greenwood chapel.
What kind of seeds are you planting? This is an important consideration for us. Paul speaks about planting in a couple of places. He refers to his own planting in I Corinthians 3:6-9, "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building." He also encourages us to plant the right seed. In Galatians 6:7 Paul tells us, "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows."
Johnny Appleseed sowed the right seed both with his apples and with his life. You might not sow any apple seeds, but make sure you are sowing the right kind of seed with your life!
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Wed Mar 17 08:11:22 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Are you wearing green today? If not, you are in danger of getting pinched. I am not sure where that custom entered into the things done on St. Patrick's Day, but it sits on the shelf all year through just waiting to be renewed on this day, just like turning the Chicago River green, or eating corned beef and cabbage, or drinking green milkshakes. I have heard that the "pinch" originated in America in the 1700's. Wearing green supposedly made you invisible to leprechauns, who had a penchant for pinching people (pardon the pun). The pinch reminded people of this.
In the midst of doing whatever you are doing today to acknowledge all things green, don't forget the life of the person who got this day started. James Martin states that we most defintely need to remember the St. Patrick behind St. Patricks Day. Martin writes, "Certainly a man worthy knowing about. For the Christian, Patrick poses an important question: would you be willing to serve a place where you had known heartache? And how much is the Gospel worth to you? For everyone, he offers a challenge: can you forgive the people who have wronged you? Could you even love them?"
These are pretty heavy ideals for a day usually marked with some lighter activity. St. Patirck manifested many godly traits in his life: forgiveness, love, patience, determination, singleness of purpose, and, above all else, a devotion to the Gospel. I don't know if this is entirely accurate or not, but it is almost as if the spiritual characteristics which he felt were the weakest in his life are those he worked the hardest to develop. These became his strengths and are the traits for which he is remembered. The apostle Paul comments about becoming strong in our weaknesses in II Corinthians 12:9-10, "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Pinch yourself today even if you are wearing green. Let this pinch remind you to focus on the weaknesses you think you have in your character. Give them to God, make a conscious commitment to work on them, and allow them to become your strengths. Happy St. Patrick's Day! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Tue Mar 16 08:01:30 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Ah, the good old days of seminary. I remember the start of each semester looking at the syllabi, wondering how in the world I would ever be able to cover all the assignments. Learning Greek, memorizing Hebrew vocabulary, writing papers, reading hundreds of pages, all while working forty to fifty hours a week was daunting and at times overwhelming. I learned early on in my seminary experience that what helps to make the impossible possible is to break down big tasks into small tasks. Someone once said, "It doesn't matter how big the rock is, just keep pounding. Sooner or later it's gonna bust."
How big is the task you have in front of you? Are you overwhelmed by some big problem? Do you feel yourself "under the gun" because of some daunting circumstance? Break it down! The same advice can help us in our spiritual lives as well. We can sometimes feel overwhelmed when we are faced with discouraging troubles, a nagging temptation, or a worrisome burden. What helps is to break things down. Keep pounding and you will see those imposing obstacles become manageable bumps.
Psalm 121:1 says, "I will lift up my eyes unto the hills. Where does my help come from?" The hills were a problem for the traveler to Jerusalem - how could one get over them safely? God can help the traveler break down big mountains into little molehills. This allows for safe passage, and helps us break down a big problem into a little inconvenience. |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Mon Mar 15 07:30:28 2010 |
Today's Commentary
In generations past, something that would bring a good deal of excitement to a family was the arrival of a new catalog. Be it from Sears, J.C. Penney, or Montgomery Ward, a new "wish book" was highly anticipated as the pages were filled with items one could see and hope to obtain. I remember my great anticipation of the Christmas catalogs from Sears and Penney's . I would thumb through the toy sections, looking at various items which I thought would look great under the tree on Christmas morning. There were always so many items I hoped to see in real life.
The Bible is a book that brings great hope as well. However, the hope it brings is of a more lasting nature and of greater consequence than the items one would see in catalogs. The Bible describes man's need and God's provision. It outlines God's plan of redemption for mankind and the blessed hope that is ours when we come to God by faith. What is contained in the pages of scripture is hope. The hope that is presented in the scripture is certainly not like the pictures in a new catalog - objects that we may or may not obtain. What is described in the Bible is a hope that is ours when we follow our Lord. Hebrews 6:18-19 describes this hope, "God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure."
Don't wish for things that you may not have - put your hope in God and what he tells us is ours when we follow Him. The Bible is not a book of wishful thinking; it describes a reality that is ours when we place our faith in Christ's provision. Looking at the pages of a catalog and wishing for things we want and then don't receive brings disappointment. Reading the Bible and placing our hope in what it says will never disappoint. What God says is ours is really ours - and no one can change it! |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sun Mar 14 06:59:37 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Susan B. Anthony died on March 13, 1906. She was a believer who made a significant impact on 19th century life in the United States, so much so that there is a dollar coin which bears her likeness and there is a statue of her in the U.S.Capitol Rotunda. One usually associates her with her efforts to obtain the right to vote for women, something that actually didn't take place until fourteen years after her death, but she was also an outspoken foe of abortion and slavery. As a result of her efforts, she faced a good deal of abuse including having things thrown at her, angry mobs, death threats and even being hung in effigy.
Have you ever wondered what it is that motivates folks to vigourously pursue activities in spite of harsh, sometimes violent, opposition? Anthony tirelessly pursued freedom for slaves, voting rights for women, and laws against abortion and liquor usage in spite of what she faced. Most of us find such a mindset a little hard to understand. We need to be thankful for those who energetically pursue avenues of change in spite of hardships. Without these brave souls, many needed changes would be delayed and might not even take place at all. Anthony's pursuit of equality was fueled by her strong belief of the words of the apostle Paul, another person well-acquainted with violent opposition, in Galatians 3:28-29, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."
Let's be thankful for those who devote themselves to a needed change. Let's be willing to take a stand ourselves in order to see God glorified and bring about something to benefit others. Sometimes change comes with a price, and be grateful for those who are willing to pay.
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Sat Mar 13 08:52:42 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Vernon Grounds writes that during an interview, Sylvester Stallone (yes, the Sylvester Stallone of "Rocky" and "Rambo" fame) said, "If I were watching a home movie of my life, I would shake my head in despair and wonderment. It's a comedy of errors." I am amazed at Mr. Stallone's honesty. Of course, one usually cannot argue with hard evidence such as a videotape of one's actions. What if your life was being filmed? What would others see? Oooo - that might be a frightening thought. For most of us, this could be quite interesting.
If we knew our lives were being filmed and would be played back later, are there any changes we would make? Would we treat others differently than we do now? Would we be a different person in our family? Would we talk differently? Would we go to the same places? Would we be more of a helper and an encourager to others and less of an obstacle in their path? Paul tells us in Romans 14:9-13, "For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat. It is written: `As surely as I live,' says the Lord, `every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.' So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way."
Paul here encourages self-judgment in order to avoid being judged by God. In one sense, God is "filming" our lives. He knows what we do and what we say. Therefore, we should do all we can to live for him and to live in a way so as to be a helper for others and not a "pain in their side." Now, you may not win an Oscar for the role you play in the film you are making, but living a godly life puts us in good stead with our Father, and helps us to put others ahead of ourselves. This is how we should want to live. In the words of Rocky Balboa himself, "Go for it!" |
Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Fri Mar 12 10:29:48 2010 |
Today's Commentary
It is one of the most joyous and terrifying moments of your life. Your mind races with fear, excitement, hopes, dreams, and plans. You are exhilarated and exhausted, paralyzed but purposeful. You have never known another moment that compares with this one. And as you look into the eyes of your newborn baby, you realize you never could have dreamed how amazing it truly would be. I had that experience for the first time 27 years ago this past Tuesday, which is the birthday of my oldest daughter.
In the same way, though John had seen the risen Lord before and had spent a lot of time with Him during His earthly ministry, nothing could prepare him for what the risen, glorified Christ would look like in all His majesty; it was terrifying and awe-inspiring. He wrote about this in Revelation 1:17-18, "When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: 'Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.'"
Most of us have seen numerous images of what Jesus might have looked like during His time on earth and possibly what He looked like after the Resurrection, but just as John was paralyzed by the sight of the risen, glorified Savior, we too will find ourselves unable to comprehend the moment when we finally see what he saw.
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel; will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of You be still; will I stand in Your presence or to my knees will I fall; will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all?
MercyMe
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Pastor Steve
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| Date: |
Thu Mar 11 07:42:35 2010 |
Today's Commentary
Construction projects fascinate me. A neighboring congregation is building a new church across the street from our church building. I have enjoyed watching the progress. The foundation went in; then the steel for the framework. Now, the framework is wrapped with materials that make up the outside of the building. These, in turn, will be covered with the product which will make up exterior. There has been work going on inside as well - walls are being framed that will eventually be finished. At first, unless you knew, you really didn't know what the building might be. Now it is evident what it is. I spoke with a member of that congregation about the constuction. "Yes, we are making progress. But we have had some setbacks because of weather and other issues," he told me. Despite the setbacks, things are going forward and, in time, the finished structure will stand as a testimony to the efforts of many people who thought about it, developed a plan, and then put the plan in motion. I'm glad there are those with these abilities because if left up to people like me, nothing would get built. I think this is why I am so fascinated with construction projects.
Isn't that the way it is with our lives? God is working on us to make us what we will become. We are still works in progress. Some of you may not be sure what you are going to be, but God is still at work in you to shape you and mold you. Sometimes there are setbacks - things happen that are out of our control or maybe there are issues that are our fault. We make bad decisions that take us away from God's work in our lives. However, God does not quit. He continues to move forward on the project. He continues to work within our lives to do what is necessary to shape us into what he wants us to be. Paul says in Philippians 1:6, "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."
If you are a child of God, God is working in your life to make you into what he wants you to be. If you have not allowed him to begin this work in your life, why not turn over the construction plans to Him? He is the expert when it comes to building lives. None of us have that expertise. If you relinquish your life to him, I know you will be fascinated with the results. |
Pastor Steve
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| 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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