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Deacons
John Dryden	Jim Brackett	Eric Schmidt
Brad Tarr		Kent Klier

Sunday Morning Worship	9:00 AM
Sunday School	10:30 AM
Sunday Evening Worship	7:00 PM
Wednesday Bible Study	7:00 PM

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To: Dr. Steve Willis

Daily Devotional's Pastor Steve Willis

Date: Sat May 19 07:48:17 2012 Today's Commentary     Recently I heard a story about Albert Einstein. The math genius was living in Princeton, New Jersey, and teaching at Princeton University at the time. Each day, Einstein would take a train from the university to where he lived. On one occasion, a young boy was waiting for him when he arrived at the station. The boy was having trouble with some math problems and asked Dr. Einstein for help. Dr. Einstein took the boy's book, placed in on the hood of a nearby car, and helped him solve the problems. Imagine that - getting help with your math homework from the man who developed the theory of relativity.      Daily we will have similar opportunities to serve. However, we often miss many opportunities because we "can't take the time to do this." We may not be given a place in history because of some great scientific discovery, but we can be remembered for the kindness we displayed when we took the time to help someone else. Not only do we mimic Dr. Einstein when we do such things, we are displaying the heart of God. Getting assistance from one of the most brilliant math minds that has ever existed is great; but the Creator of all there is and ever will be stands ready to help us at any time. Let's make sure we display this compassion for others in our lives. Christ's statement in Matthew 7:12 should inform our thinking on helping others, "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you." Display this thinking in your response to others when they ask for help. Pastor Steve Date: Fri May 18 06:45:47 2012 Today's Commentary     Contracts that pro athletes and coaches sign baffle me. Let's say a coach signs a 3 year contract at a million dollars a year. The first year is absolutely horrific - so much so that the coach is fired. However, the team still must pay him the remaining 2 million in accordance with the terms of the contract. Wow - isn't that something?      We have to be careful about adopting a "contract" mentality with regard to our relationship with God. Our lives are in his hands and our salvation is made possible through his gift to us. We are saved by grace through faith, but we should not take this for granted. This is simply wrong, and we need to realize we have been saved by grace through faith so that we can work for God. Ephesians 2:10 says, "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Do not make the mistake of thinking that since our salvation costs us nothing that God doesn't expect something from us. We are created to do good works. That is in the contract. Pastor Steve Date: Thu May 17 07:23:01 2012 Today's Commentary     We need to thank God for friends. A true friend is one who accepts us as we are, warts and all. A true friend is one who is willing to listen to us even if what we have to say isn't all that interesting, or if what we have to say is about an event that has left us emotionally devastated. A true friend is one who isn't looking for something in return, but is someone with whom we want to share our lives. A true friend is someone we can trust with our lives.      Yesterday I wrote about Jonathon. What a tremendous example of friendship! There were times when David's life would have been so much more difficult without his good friend Jonathon. That is what friendships can do - provide a source of help during times when difficulties are encountered. Of course, good friendships provide so much more. We often need helpful criticism - this comes better from a friend. Proverbs 27:6 tell us, "Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses." We need accountability. Proverbs 27:9 says, "Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice." We need the companionship of a friend. Proverbs 18:24 says, "One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."      I hope you have friends like this. God intends for this to be part of our lives. Develop true friendships. Pastor Steve Date: Wed May 16 07:10:29 2012 Today's Commentary     Ancient scribes working to copy scripture labored painstakingly over their manuscripts. One method that was employed to insure accuracy was counting letters. As each page was completed, the scribe would count the letters on the copied page to see if the number matched the one of the page being copied. If it didn't, the page was destroyed and the scribe would start again. The scribe was following the command of Moses in Deuteronomy 4:2, "Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you."      We can be guilty of "adding and subtracting" from God's Word. We can be guilty of trying to make the Bible say something it doesn't, and we often ignore what it says. This is not what we should do. The Bible is the inspired Word of God. If God wanted it to say something different that what it says, he would have taken care of that himself. And we certainly need to be careful that do what it says.      Don't be guilty of trying to add to or subtract from God's Word. Study and follow it in complete obedience. Pastor Steve Date: Tue May 15 06:48:35 2012 Today's Commentary     Do you have your garden planted? This has been a spring where a great deal of planting was done early because the weather allowed for this. Of course, the weather has also allowed the weeds to be formidable as well. One may ask, "What is a weed?" An astute gardener once said, "a weed is any plant that is growing where it shouldn't." For example, a corn stalk growing where tomatoes have been planted is considered a weed and should be dealt with accordingly. The reason is that the corn, even though it is a plant that would produce an edible product, is growing in a place where it would compete with the tomatoes for needed nutrients, moisture, and sunlight that is needed for growth and productivity.      "Bloom where you are planted" is an old proverb. The corn was not planted in the tomatoes and was not where it should be. We sometimes are not good at blooming where we are planted, but rather, because we think we know better than God, try to go a different direction and go to a different spot. This is not wise.      Jonathon is a good example of someone who bloomed where he was planted. Although he was Saul's son, and according to Oriental way of thought would be next in line for the throne of Israel, he accepted God's decision to choose David as the successor to his father. Jonathon chose to be David's friend and supported him in any way he could, even working against his father to save David's life. We read about Jonathon's decision in I Samuel 18:1-4, "After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself...And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt."      God's plans will succeed. We can be wise like Jonathon and choose to be useful, fruit-bearing plants in his garden, or misplaced, misguided weeds. The decision is up to us. Pastor Steve Date: Mon May 14 07:18:14 2012 Today's Commentary     On this date in 1948, the nation of Israel was "reborn." After centuries of non-existence, the nation was recognized as a government by the United States and the U.S.S.R. Israel was immediately attacked by a Transjordanian coalition that included Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq. Incredibly, Israel survived.      Students of Bible prophecy have discussed the significance of the reestablishment of Jewish state in Israel since the day it took place. Is this the beginning of the fulfillment of Ezekiel’s prophecy of the Valley of Dry Bones found in Ezekiel 37? In verses 11 - 14 we read, "Then he said to me: 'Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel. They say, Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off. Therefore prophesy and say to them: This is what the Sovereign Lord says: My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. Then you, my people, will know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord.'"      This could not happen unless the Jews are back in the land of Israel. On May 14, 1948, an official declaration of the existence of Israel meant this prophecy could take place. This event simply demonstrates that God's will is going to be fulfilled just as he has promised. I hope you know this; but more importantly, I hope you believe this. Pastor Steve Date: Sun May 13 05:25:01 2012 Today's Commentary     Today is Mother's Day. Anna Jarvis is generally the one to whom we attribute the origins of our modern celebration, although Julia Ward Howe of "Battle Hymn of the Republic" fame suggested such an observance as early as 1872. Whoever is responsible, it is indeed a good idea to celebrate our moms. Most mothers deserve all the accolades that can be given.      A study of biblical mothers is fascinating. You need to take some time and go through the mothers written about in scripture. They have a lot of lessons to teach us. Mothers in scripture provide examples of willingness, of ingenuity, of bravery, of faithfulness, of perseverance, of obedience, and many other desirable characteristics. I have always been so taken by the willingness of a young lady to place herself in a situation that would be the very least embarrassing and at the worst life-threatening. Nonetheless, Mary said, "I am the Lord’s servant, may your word to me be fulfilled." (Luke 1:38) Mary was obedient, and God's plan came through her.      Where do you fall on the willingness scale? Do you even place yourself in a spot where God could at least ask you about doing something for him? Mary was willing, and the Hope of the World came from her. Obviously, you will never be in her shoes literally, but you never know what God might want to do through you if you are just willing. This is a lesson learned from motherhood. Pastor Steve Date: Sat May 12 07:21:51 2012 Today's Commentary     I read an interesting proverb recently, "If your Bible is not falling apart, you will." There is a great deal of truth in this pithy little statement. God gave us the Scriptures in order that we might know Him. The more we know the Scripture, the more we know about God and his faithfulness, protection, care, and love. Developing a deeper relationship with God provides a strong foundation for our lives that will help us through whatever we encounter along our journey. Psalm 119:15-16 gives us a model of our Biblical activity, "I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word."      Do not neglect God's Word. It is a source of strength and help, but we shouldn't use it like some sort of spiritual life preserver. The way our proverb above becomes true in our lives is when we spend time on a consistent basis in God's Word. Cracking it open only when we are looking for something leads to the attitude, "I can't find anything in there of any help." Do not neglect God's Word! Pastor Steve Date: Fri May 11 07:24:13 2012 Today's Commentary     Mistakes can make us hard on ourselves. Now, we need to be sorry about our mistakes, especially those actions that were not exactly unavoidable. However, we know that Christ can work through our mistakes and can even bring good out of our mistakes. We need to turn our actions over to him and have a forward look. We tend to look backwards, wishing we could undo bad decisions, actions we regret, and other things, but we can't. This leads to frustration and floundering in our past that can paralyze our present and freeze our future. We need to look to Christ in trust, put our mistakes into his hands, and watch him use his infinite creativity to weave both good choices and bad into a lovely design.      Because we are human, we will continue to make mistakes. We cannot live error-free lives and thinking we can is symptomatic of pride. Our failures, believe it or not, can be a source of blessing, will keep us humble, and help us to understand the struggles of others. Our mistakes highlight our dependence on Christ, as we realize he is the only one who can turn our mistakes into victory. Remember the words of Paul found in Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." We typically refer to this verse as a source of encouragement when we face difficult times. These words are also a source of encouragement as they reflect the truth that Christ can work through circumstances that are even our own making. Bring to Christ the mess you have made, and watch and see what he will do with it. Pastor Steve Date: Thu May 10 07:15:08 2012 Today's Commentary     On May 1, 305, Diocletian stepped down as ruler of the Roman Empire. This ended the Great Persecution where upwards of 20,000 Christians had been killed. During the first three centuries, ten major persecutions have been delineated. Christians were used in games in the Roman Empire among other means of execution. We read about this historically, but we need to remember that persecution did not end with this historical period. According to American Minute, even now 500 Christians are martyred daily. Christians make up 75% of those who lose their lives because of religious hatred. And we know that the most intense period of persecution is yet to come under the regime of the antichrist during the coming Great Tribulation. Revelation 6:9-11 states, "When he opened the fifth seal, 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 called out in a loud voice, 'How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?' Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the full number of their fellow servants, their brothers and sisters, were killed just as they had been."      In light of this, I find it fascinating that some Christians seem to be taken by surprise when they face opposition to their faith. We have never been promised "smooth sailing" when it comes to our faith. In fact, Christ told his followers, "“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5:11-12) Pray for those who are yet today experiencing intense persecution. When you face opposition, pray for God's help, and realize it means you must be doing what you should be doing. Pastor Steve Date: Wed May 9 07:37:13 2012 Today's Commentary     King Solomon prayed for wisdom and received it. That was a good thing. He told God, "So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?" (I Kings 3:9) However, towards the end of his life,he put his wisdom aside and lived a life characterized by unwise decisions. He married many women from foreign lands that turned his heart away from God (I Kings 11:4). He put undue burden on his people that led to the division of his kingdom after his death (I Kings 12:4). He forgot what he had written earlier in his life, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight." (Proverbs 9:10)      Human wisdom will get you nowhere. It may solve temporary problems temporarily, but it will not be enough to save us in the end. Only God can do that, and the fear of God drives us to the cross for mercy and salvation. When we come to God, the fear of punishment is replaced with the loving respect of God's children. Do the smart thing and make sure to continue to follow God. Pastor Steve Date: Tue May 8 07:27:56 2012 Today's Commentary     I would imagine you have been in the embarrassing situation of mistaking a person for someone else, or perhaps not being able to recall someone's name even though you know them like the back of your hand. Doesn't that drive you nuts? Well, take heart; it even happened in the Bible. When Mary went to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus, she thought Jesus was a gardener. We read in John 20:15, "He asked her, 'Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?' Thinking he was the gardener, she said, 'Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.'" Then Jesus called her name, "Mary", and there was instant recognition.      You know, I am not sure Mary was embarrassed at all. Actually, I imagine she was filled with too many other emotions at that instant to consider being embarrassed. And if you asked her, I would imagine she was thrilled about her mistake as this was one mistake she didn't mind making. Christ was alive! He is alive yet today, willing to take the embarrassment of our sin and do away with it. We usually are embarrassed in cases of mistaken identity because it reveals our weakness so clearly. We don't like to think of ourselves as faulty or needy, but we are. And the only solution for this is through the provision of Christ.      Don't be mistaken when it comes to the identity of Christ. He is the only one who can provide a solution for the embarrassment of sin. Let him reveal himself to you fully through your belief in him. Pastor Steve Date: Mon May 7 07:20:59 2012 Today's Commentary     In Whitley County, Kentucky, the person who was in charge of protecting the community and taking care of residents was exposed as the leader of a crime movement that provided drugs for the community and had threatened the lives of two people who exposed the wrongdoing. Recently, the sheriff of Whitley County was arrested on charges of theft, drug running, and attempted murder. This is another story that shows how corrupt man is and how pervasive the allure of sin can be.      When we hear such stories, we may ask, "How can this happen?" But we know the answer. God warned Cain in Genesis 4:7, "But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it." Sin affects even "good" people - someone who has sworn to protect and serve is usually considered a "good" person, aren't they? However, the story above and biblical teaching show that "there is no one righteous." (Romans 3:10) So, we should not be overly surprised when we hear stories such as this. And, we need to guard our own hearts from the seduction of sin. Pastor Steve Date: Sun May 6 05:57:30 2012 Today's Commentary     I just read an article about a lawsuit in California involving a mother, her son, and her current husband. The lady sued both her son and his step-father claiming they cashed in a winning lottery ticket that was actually hers. The lottery prize was $51 million dollars. From the article, it sounds like there is a real legal mess in Bakersfield.      Money can do crazy things to people, including influencing a mother to sue her son, and perhaps a son to steal from his mother. Actually, it isn't the money, of course, but it is our mindset about money. If you do not get control of your money and your attitude about money, it could very well control you. Money is not a topic believers should avoid. Jesus spoke more about money than just about anything else, including the warning to avoid being under the control of money: "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." (Matthew 6:24)      Paul gives the further warning: "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." (I Timothy 6:10) The writer to the Hebrews gives this encouragement: "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'" (Hebrews 13:5) This verse tells us that our attitude towards money is indicative of our confidence in God's care. Show that you trust God by demonstrating a healthy mindset about money. Pastor Steve Date: Sat May 5 09:31:51 2012 Today's Commentary     Today is Cinco de Mayo. You may respond to this by saying, "Well, of course it is the fifth of May - just look at the calendar!" However, using the Spanish means you are not just referring to a date, but to the holiday that many observe on this day. The day may not be a universal celebration, but it is widely recognized in the United States and Mexico as a day celebrating freedom and liberty. It isn't the day Mexico celebrates their independence from Spain, but it is nonetheless a significant day.      The event that inspired this celebration was the defeat of vastly superior French forces by the Mexican Army under the leadership of General Ignacio Seguin on May 5, 1862. The battle took place in the Mexican state of Puebla, and it is there that this day is really given a lot of importance. Mexico suspended debt payments, leading to military reprisal by France. However, the French Navy and ground troops were rebuffed through the strategy of General Seguin and the French had to pack their bags and head for home.      It is fitting to celebrate liberty and a release from tyranny. We would do well to plan conscious observances of our release from sin's tyranny on a regular basis, including the anniversary of our release, if we have that down. Read the words of Christ about being free: "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. . .very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. . .so if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:31, 34, 36) Paul says, "For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin — because anyone who has died has been set free from sin." (Romans 6:6-7)      You have been set free from sin - that is a wonderful thing. So, celebrate your spiritual "Cinco do Mayo." Pastor Steve Date: Fri May 4 07:36:26 2012 Today's Commentary     Many times we ignore the voices of young people because, well, "there only kids, what could they know?" We often go the route of W.C. Fields who uttered the line "Get out of here, kid, you're bothering me." This is not the right response to our children, of course. They need to be heard and often their voices are the voices of reason and right.      Thirteen-year-old Benjamin Coady was visiting New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art. In an exhibit in the Byzantine Gallery, he noticed an error on a map in one of the displays. He had just studied the Byzantine Empire in school, and really enjoyed history. While checking the dates on the map, he saw that sections of Spain and Africa were missing. When he informed the museum authorities, he was politely rebuffed. When interviewed about the incident, he said, "The front desk didn't believe me. I'm only a kid." However, Coady did receive an email that the museum was investigating his findings. The museum found that he was correct. Helen Evans, the museum's curator for Byzantine art, sent him a thank you and invited him to visit the museum again as a special guest.      Christ's disciples were going the route of W.C. Fields and the Met at one point. We read in Mark 10: 13 - 16, "People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.' And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them."      We should never underestimate the importance of our children and we need to do all we can to "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6) If you don't see this picture clearly, turn to the teachings of Christ and the example of Benjamin Coady. Pastor Steve Date: Thu May 3 07:16:00 2012 Today's Commentary     Richard DeHaan tells the story of a company that had troubling selling an instant cake mix it had developed. The instructions for the mix were to add water and blend well. What could be simpler, right? Well, it didn't sell too well because folks thought it sounded too simple. So, the company changed the recipe and called for the addition of an egg along with the water. Sales for the cake mix improved dramatically.      Folks often have the same problem with salvation. The scripture is plain: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith —and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9) Many want to add things to this; they add some sort of works to the requirement for salvation, perhaps because they think salvation by faith alone is too "easy." This is not only wrong, it is dangerous. Our salvation is anything but easy because it is based upon what Christ has done for us. Saying there is something else that needs to be done is saying that what Christ did on our behalf is not adequate. In Galatians 1:8-9, Paul gives a warning about this: "But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse."      It is through faith alone that we obtain salvation. Don't try to complicate God's plan with an idea from man. It was a mistake of man that got us in our situation to begin with. Don't mess with God's solution! Pastor Steve Date: Wed May 2 07:15:01 2012 Today's Commentary     I remember reading a story about an incident that took place during the Korean War. While engaged in an offensive, Baker Company was separated from the rest of their unit. For many long hours, headquarters waited anxiously for some communication from them. Finally, a faint radio message was heard. Headquarters responded, "Baker Company, what is your situation?" The reply from Baker Company was, "The enemy is to the east of us. The enemy is to the west of us. The enemy is to the north of us. The enemy is to the south of us. The enemy is not going to get away from us now!"      Although in a precarious circumstance, Baker Company was thinking about victory, not defeat. This is how we can look at tough times in our lives. Whether we are engaged in a time of difficult spiritual warfare, or we are struggling with a set of circumstances that seem to have us surrounded, we can focus on victory, not defeat. Paul speaks about having an attitude of victory when things look bleak, "We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." (II Corinthians 4:7-9)      When we are surrounded by the enemy, remember the strength you can have through God's provision. Think, "The enemy is not going to get away from me now!" Pastor Steve Date: Tue May 1 07:10:18 2012 Today's Commentary     Today is the first day of May. I have always felt this should be a holiday for some reason. In the past, it sort of was. During the Middle Ages there were some pagan observances associated with this day. In some countries, this is the day that is used to acknowledge labor and workers. Many years ago, there was an effort to try to get Labor Day switched to May 1 to fall in line with observances in other countries. For us, though, this is sort of just another day and not a "special day." But then again, maybe it is.      Psalm 118 says, "This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." So, regardless of our designation about this day, this is still a very special day as it is a day that has been made by god, a day when we can spend some time rejoicing in God's provision, and a day when we can be glad for God's presence. We don't need for a day to have a special name or have a special significance attached for us to be able to do these things. Yes, indeed, today is a holiday! Pastor Steve Date: Mon Apr 30 07:22:30 2012 Today's Commentary     Do you find it hard to be around someone who chooses to focus on complaints, bitterness, problems, and struggles in their conversation? There are times when we have cause to bring up a criticism or a negative experience, but to dwell on such things makes us hard people to enjoy. Others can only take so much of our grumbling. It is a good idea to develop self-awareness in this area to make sure we are not grumbling all the time. If we want to keep friends, don't be a grumbler. Others have problems as well, and when we are someone who never loses an opportunity to share our gripes rather than listen when others have a problem, we are hard to be around.      Proverbs 18:1-2 tells us, "An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends and against all sound judgment starts quarrels. Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions." Avoid this tendency. Follow the advice of Dr. M. R. DeHaan who said, "Fix your eyes on the doughnut, not the hole. Share your joys with others and leave your troubles with the Lord." Pastor Steve Date: Sun Apr 29 06:02:31 2012 Today's Commentary     Attar of roses is a very expensive aromatic oil that is a product of Bulgaria. A lady tried to smuggle some of the oil out of the country without paying the high duty price. She hid the bottles in her suitcase. One of the bottles opened and a little of the oil had spilled. It was just a drop or two, but it was enough to make it evident that she had some of the precious oil in her possession.      We should not try to hide our position in Christ. We need to let the fragrant aroma of Christ pour out of our lives and into the world around us. What is really neat is to realize how powerful Christ's presence in our life can be. And just like the aroma of the attar of roses poured out of that suitcase because it was simply the characteristic of the oil to be that aromatic, so should our lives effuse the love of Christ and the witness of Christ brilliantly. II Corinthians 2:14 says, "But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere." Are you in this procession? Pastor Steve Date: Sat Apr 28 08:12:33 2012 Today's Commentary     1968 was a rather tumultuous year in the history of the United States 1968 was the year for demonstrations and assassinations. Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King were both killed in 1968. The War in Vietnam was at it zenith, with over a half-million troops from the United States involved in combat. This was the year of the capture of the Pueblo, the Tet Offensive, and demonstrations and violence at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Richard Nixon captured the Republican nomination and won the presidential election.      In the midst of all the chaos, a Roman Catholic priest wrote a song that has become one of the most enduring hymns we sing. Peter Scholtes wrote the song, then recorded his congregation singing the song along with others. The song became immensely popular almost overnight after the release of the LP recording. The popularity of the song can be attributed to the message, and the reminder of the identity of Christians was certainly timely.      Walk Through the Bible writes: "The mark of a Christian should be love. In Matthew 22, we read that the two greatest commandments are love for God and love for our neighbor. In John 13:35, Jesus says, "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." In John 17:21, Jesus says if Christians have unity (based on love), the world will believe that Christ was sent from God. When our badge is love, the world is convinced that we are genuine disciples of Jesus, rather than hypocrites."      1968 was certainly a good time to be reminded of this. But, then, 2012 is also a good time to be reminded that "our badge is love." Others need to know what we know - it is the love of Christ that brings peace in the midst of tumult. Pastor Steve Date: Fri Apr 27 07:10:03 2012 Today's Commentary     On APRIL 26, 1607, English settlers landed at the site of Cape Henry, named for Prince Henry of Wales. Their first act was to erect a wooden cross and commence a prayer meeting. They ascended the James River, named for King James, and settled Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in America.      When you embark on new adventures or achieve success in new ventures, what is the first thing you do? Those who established the "first permanent English settlement in the New World" give us a model to follow in these scenarios. In every way and in all situations, we need to acknowledge the primacy of the cross and the presence of Christ in our lives. Those who landed at what became known as Cape Henry could have done any number of things as their first act, but they chose to acknowledge the Savior and give thanks to God for their safety and for his continued leadership. When you experience success, or any good circumstance, what is the first exercise you pursue?      Let Christ know that you put him first in your life. Let your actions, whether they could be considered a "first act" or not, speak loudly about the place Christ has in your life. You may not be exploring a "new world," but make sure you speak clearly about your new life! Pastor Steve Date: Thu Apr 26 07:35:59 2012 Today's Commentary     Most of us have had a number of "If only. . ." scenarios in life. These events are precipitated when we have a certain undesirable experience that could have been avoided if we had done something differently or if some circumstances had proceeded differently. These experiences usually range from the mildly frustrating to the truly devastating.      Jameson Painter had just such an experience. The high school senior hit a home run in the bottom of the eighth inning that led to a victory for his baseball team. However, his celebration was muted when he arrived at his car and discovered that the ball he hit had smashed his own windshield. What made this an "if only" moment was that before the game he had moved his car from where he had originally parked at the suggestion of his coach who thought it was in harm's way. In moving the car, he unwittingly placed it in a position that would cause damage. Now, there are good responses to the many "If only" statements this occurrence invoked, but it was still difficult for him to not think "If only I hadn't moved my car."      The apostle Paul has a good thought to combat our tendency to dwell on the "If onlies." In Philippians 3:14 we find his philosophy for dealing with "If only": "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead." He had a few "If only" events in his life. One was his penchant for persecuting the followers of Christ. Yet, he concluded it was unprofitable to dwell on what had happened that could not be changed. Rather, he decided to "press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (vs. 15)      This is good advice for us. We will have a number of experiences that, in our way of thinking, could have been changed had something been done differently. The reality is the experience can't be changed. When this happens, remember Paul's statements and make a conscious decision to move forward. Pastor Steve Date: Wed Apr 25 07:43:00 2012 Today's Commentary     When we pray, we ask for things. That is not a problem in and of itself. The Father tells us to ask. However, he also tells us that we need to pray that his will be done. In other words, as we ask for things, we need to remember that the asking needs to fall in line with his will. Now, we often get a bit confused about this because we think we need to know God's mind in order to ask the right thing. What seems to be a better way of understanding this is realizing that we should go ahead and do the asking but remember God answers according to his will. So, what we receive may not be what we ask for, but we know what we receive is God's will for us. Often we have difficulty relinquishing our desire and accepting God's will. We need to keep in mind the prayer of Christ in the garden of Gethsemane. Christ prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." (Luke 22:42) Christ asked for the alleviation of his suffering, but relinquished the outcome to God.      A little boy prayed, "God, please help me to quit sucking my thumb." Then he added, "Never mind, God, you know I don't want to quit sucking my thumb." We need to pray in such a way as to not try to figure out his will ahead of time, but pray and know that the answer will come according to his will. Always remember to pray, "Not my will, but yours be done." Pastor Steve Date: Tue Apr 24 07:08:35 2012 Today's Commentary     William Shakespeare died on April 23, 1616. His will read, "In the name of God, Amen! I, William Shakespeare, of Stratford-upon-Avon, in the county of Warr., gent., in perfect health and memory, God be praised, do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following, that is to say, First, I commend my soul into the hands of God, my Creator, hoping and assuredly believing, through the only merits of Jesus Christ, my Saviour, to be made partaker of life everlasting, and my body to the earth whereof it is made." Shakespeare made dozens of biblical references in his works. He had a thorough knowledge of Scripture.      Typically, when one writes a will, you entrust to others what was yours that you no longer have charge of. Shakespeare explicitly stated his trust in God, as he knew that it was only through God and his provision through his Son that he had hope of eternal life. What we do in looking towards our death is something we need to do in life as well - entrust our lives to the hand of God. We sometimes sing the hymn "God will take care of you," but do our lives show that we believe this? I Peter 5:6-7 tells us, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." Do you really trust God? Prove it - let him direct your life. Pastor Steve Date: Mon Apr 23 07:21:36 2012 Today's Commentary     You perhaps have heard by now that the author of "Born Again" and founder of Prison Fellowship, Charles Colson, died April 21 at the age of 80. People of my generation and older folks remember Colson as part of the Watergate scandal. Colson was an advisor for President Richard Nixon and was one of the "inner circle" that committed illegal activities as part of the Watergate scenario. These events led to the resignation of Nixon and jail time for others.      During the investigation, Colson became a believer after reading C.S. Lewis' "Mere Christianity." His conversion was met with skepticism and even criticism; however, the passage of time and his continued work in Christian circles along with books he published demonstrated the validity of his conversion. He became a staunch advocate of prisoners as well as an eloquent apologist for the Christian world view. During the waning days of the 20th century, he was one of the most recognized faces in evangelicalism.      Colson's life demonstrated the principle of redemption. His ministry demonstrated what God can do with someone who yields their life to Him. He would say, in the words of John Newton, "I once was lost, but now I am found." That is the marvel of God's grace. No matter who we were, we can be changed by grace. What made Colson's ministry so powerful is that he never forgot who he once was and that he was only who he was in the present because of God's grace. Don't ever forget that it is not our efforts that have brought us to where we are, but that we have been "justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:24). Pastor Steve Date: Sun Apr 22 03:39:15 2012 Today's Commentary     In 2010, a team of astronomers in Sheffield, England, announced an amazing discovery: a star that was 10 million times brighter and has 265 times more mass than our sun. It is the most massive body every discovered. They labeled the star R136a1. What I find fascinating is something so big and so bright could have gone undiscovered for this long. There were reasons for this, but still it is a little surprising.      What is even more surprising, and certainly more sad, is that there are still so many who have yet to discover the Morning Star (Revelation 22:16). John wrote about this reality in his gospel, "The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him." (John 1:9-11) Millions have lived and have seen the Star. There are millions living today who have not seen the Star. Even as there are reasons why R136a1 went so long without being discovered, there are reasons why people do not see Christ. However, there is no reason that will be compelling enough to prevent the consequences that a lack of discovery will bring..      Have you seen the Star? If not, why not? Those who have seen the Star, are you pointing others to Him? If not, why not? He is there to be seen! Pastor Steve Date: Sat Apr 21 07:25:41 2012 Today's Commentary     There is an interesting article floating around the internet about world records. Some of the world records presented in the article include the following: the most scuba divers participating in an underwater dance (74); the largest onion (18 lbs.); the longest cigar (268 feet); the most bees covering one’s body (331,000), and the most body piercings (453 ouch!). Some of the records were a little more poignant, like the picture of lady twins celebrating their 101st birthday and the 100 year-old man who set the record for longest bicycle ride by a centenarian (1 hour non-stop).      What is it that drives us to try to set records even if they border on the absurd? That is just our competitive nature. Paul knew this, and that is why he sometimes describes the Christian life as a competition in which we should strive to be victorious. He speaks of the victory Christ gives us over death in I Corinthians 15: "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." He speaks of competing in a race: "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." (I Corinthians 9:24-25) The author of Hebrews writes, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." (Hebrews 12:1)      Being competitive can be a good thing, and channeling that competitive spirit into our spiritual lives can be a good thing as well. We should strive to do all we can for our Lord. Fuel your competitive spirit! Pastor Steve Date: Fri Apr 20 07:14:09 2012 Today's Commentary     The United States Food and Drug Administration describes a household lacking the money to buy enough food to be "food insecure." According to their reckoning, there are 36 - 49 million food insecure households in the United States. This has always bothered me. I have no answers why in a country with such an overabundance of food that there are so many who go without food on a regular basis. As followers of Christ, this is an area of ministry that we should not neglect. James encourages us to do so: "Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?'" (James 2:15-16) God wants food security for all people. We should do all we can to provide this for those around us.      There is another type of "food insecurity" that plagues all of mankind and that God has done something about. Christ declares in John 6:35, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst." When Christ utters these words, it is for those who are hungry because of the sickness of their soul. All of mankind suffers from this food insecurity, and only what Christ is offering is adequate to change someone from this state to a state of being fed. Only through faith in Christ can this hunger be satisfied. For those who are suffering from this shortage, receive God's forgiveness through faith in Christ and feed your soul. For those who have done this, let's do all we can to spread the news about Christ's provision. He offers the only solution for the food shortage of the soul. Pastor Steve Date: Thu Apr 19 07:02:31 2012 Today's Commentary     In the book The Most Misused Verses in the Bible, Eric J. Bargerhuff writes that we must be careful to not use the Bible for our own selfish means. He writes that we tend to latch on to certain verses and "claim the promises" they make to us in an attempt to provide scriptural justification for actions or for ideas that are not correct. We need to be aware that trying to find "what the Bible means to me" can lead to erroneous understanding. We need to read the scripture and let it speak for itself, and not make it say what we want it to say. We need to work to understand the historical, grammatical, authorial intent, and literary form of the passage and let it say what God intends to convey.      Psalm 119:105 says: "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." If we want this to be meaningful and true, we must allow God's Word to be a living guide in our lives, not just a handbook we use when we have a problem to solve. Don't misuse the Bible! Pastor Steve Date: Wed Apr 18 07:00:09 2012 Today's Commentary     Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs sponsors a hot dog eating contest at Coney Island, New York every 4th of July. According to reliable sources, this contest has been going on since 1916 when four immigrants challenged each other to an eating contest. It has grown into quite an event that is televised on ESPN. Joey Chestnut has won the contest the last six years. He holds the current world record, eating 68 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes. Sonya Thomas holds the female record of 40 hot dogs. Ughhh.      When I think of this I am reminded that we really need to work on restraint when it comes to many activities that affect our bodies, eating included. We can choose to live for food or drink or some other pleasure, but unless we control our appetites for any of these things, our appetites will consume us. We should live to serve the Lord, not our bodies. This is why Paul writes in I Corinthians: "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." (6:19-20) Taking care of our bodies by exercising self-control is one important way to honor God. Pastor Steve Date: Tue Apr 17 07:14:22 2012 Today's Commentary     A wise man one said, "Never be quick to judge whether something is a blessing or a curse." We sometimes encounter circumstances, situations, or even people that at first appear to be a negative experience. Then, over time, we find the opposite is true.      Naomi provides a biblical example of this. Naomi lost her husband and her two sons. As a result of her experience, she said, "the LORD's hand has turned against me!" (Ruth 1:13) Upon hearing that things might be better in Judah, the land of her birth, she decided to return there. You may remember that her daughter-in-law, Ruth, ignored her protestations and accompanied her on her return. When she arrived back in Bethlehem, she said to those who greeted her, "'Don't call me Naomi,' she told them. 'Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. I went away full, but the LORD has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The LORD has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me.'" (Ruth 1:20-21)      Naomi was down on life and down on God. She judged God in light of her circumstances, not in light of God's identity. She needed to realize that her experience was not "the rest of the story." God went ahead and did his marvelous work in spite of Naomi. She ended up with the gift of a devoted daughter-in-law who had a son who would be the grandfather of King David. Naomi learned that when it seems life is at its worst, God can give us his best. We need to learn from Naomi. Pastor Steve Date: Mon Apr 16 08:00:50 2012 Today's Commentary     Are there things you use in your life, perhaps at home, at work, or at other times, that you really don’t have a clear understanding as to how they work? I am sure that if you thought for just a few moments, you could come up with quite a list. For one thing, I am not sure exactly how the color printer I have works. I mean, I put text, pictures and graphics on a project that is on the screen of my computer, hit the print control, and out pops a printed project with all the right colors where they should be, text where it should be, and so forth. Now, I understand fundamentally that ink is sprayed on the page in just the right amounts and colors to produce the project, but exactly how does the printer know all the right information? I am not clear on this process. The mystery is compounded because the printer is wireless. I don't understand this either. However, my lack of understanding doesn't keep me from using the printer for things I need to produce!      Many folks don't follow the Lord because they say they "I don't understand how the Bible could be true." They don't understand the miracles, the resurrection, Christ's teachings about heaven and hell. And they use their inability to understand as a barrier to following Christ. I don't mean to sound too simplistic here, but I do think there is a simple answer - there are many things we don't understand and yet our lack of understanding does not hinder the benefit we receive from what we don't understand. Case in point: the illustration I used above. Ecclesiastes 11:5 tells us, "As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things." God's Word tells us there are many things about God we do not, and actually cannot, understand. He tells us in Isaiah 55:8, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways."      Don't let your inability to understand all you think you need to understand about the Lord stand as a barrier between you and the Lord. There are many things in life we don't fully understand. There are many times we put our trust in things we don't fully understand. So, what is keeping you from fully trusting God? Pastor Steve Date: Sun Apr 15 07:40:55 2012 Today's Commentary      Today is the anniversary of perhaps the most celebrated tragedy of the 20th century - the sinking of the Titanic. This event that took place 100 years ago today has sparked books, plays, songs, movies, even sermons. The event has been so romanticized that one might tend to forget the horrors of the survivors and the scale of the tragedy. More than 1500 of the 2223 passengers lost their lives. The lives of the survivors were permanently changed.      The lessons from the Titanic still ring clear today - the danger of overconfidence; lack of diligence because of faulty assumptions, treatment of others, and so many more. As believers, we need to avoid the faulty thinking that we "have it made" spiritually. We need to be aware that there is the potential for spiritual failure as long as we breathe and walk. This is why Paul wrote in I Corinthians 10:12, "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!" This is why we need to be diligent and constantly on guard. Satan will always throw icebergs in our path. Avoid the perils by being aware of the danger. We only need one Titanic. Pastor Steve Date: Sat Apr 14 07:40:55 2012 Today's Commentary      In 1972, the pop group America scored a big hit with a song entitled "Horse with No Name." The imagery created in the song is of a traveler on a difficult journey trying to get from one place to another. The song was about the needed link between an event that caused pain to a time where good things could be attained and hope realized.      Some have said there is a "day with no name" in our Easter observance. Between Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday, there is Saturday. But, what name do you give this Saturday? Well, there never has been a name suggested that has been used universally as has Good Friday and Resurrection, or Easter, Sunday. Just because there is no name for that Saturday does not make it less significant. It was the link between a day when death rained and sadness, confusion, and uncertainty was experienced to a day when hope was realized and joy returned.      We can be an important link as well. We can be a link from a life of despair to a life of hope when we present the news of the gospel to others. We may labor "without a name", but that's o.k. We can provide a bridge to those who have not received the gift God has for them. We can provide a link to the one whose name brings life, the name Paul speaks of in Philippians 2:9-10: "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." Pastor Steve Date: Fri Apr 13 07:40:55 2012 Today's Commentary     Today is Friday the 13th. Are you scared? Well, you shouldn't be. The origins of the "Friday the 13th" superstition are unclear. Someone once said Friday the 13th was scary because it comes after Thursday the 12th. That doesn't make much sense, but that is just the point. The fear and mystery surrounding Friday the 13th doesn't make much sense period.      What makes even less sense is trying to live your life without faith in God. This is something one should really fear. Solomon wrote an entire book on the senselessness of living one's life without God. His point is made at the very start of the book when he writes, "'Meaningless! Meaningless!' says the Teacher. 'Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.'" (Ecclesiastes 1:2) The next 12 chapters are devoted to validating this claim. His conclusion is found in 12:13-14, "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil."      We need not fear what might happen to us today simply because it is Friday the 13th. We need to fear God. Pastor Steve Date: Thu Apr 12 07:42:32 2012 Today's Commentary     The opposite of hope is despair. Despair robs your vitality, your energy, and your realistic outlook of the future. Despair brings about fear and doubt, causes questions with no answers, and challenges our faith. Some of you might remember the silly ditty sung by some of the characters in the 70's show "Hee Haw" - "Doom, despair and agony on me. Deep dark depression, excessive misery. If it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all. Doom, despair, and agony on me." Grief, what an outlook on life! But, this can be the outlook of those operating in the realm of despair when they feel there is no hope.      Paul writes in II Corinthians 4:8-9, "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." What helped Paul as he faced situations that brought despair? He focused on the power of the resurrection. In 4:14, Paul says, "Because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself."      Doubt, fear, and despair are all around us. To rise above what brings us down, focus on the hope of the resurrection. Knowing what Christ did, is doing, and will do for us can bring us hope in even the darkest of times. Pastor Steve Date: Wed Apr 11 07:15:49 2012 Today's Commentary     On this day, April 11, in 1970, Apollo 13 blasted off for what had almost become a "routine" mission to the moon. Only one network even covered the lift-off (there were only three major television networks at that time). However, events unfolded that made this mission far from routine. This generation has become familiar with what transpired because of the 1995 Ron Howard film starring Tom Hanks. An oxygen tank blew up, crippling the craft and forcing the crew into the lunar module. During the next few days, there were harrowing moments caused by the need to do things manually that would have usually been done automatically. The nation turned to prayer for the astronauts, and certainly we cannot discount God's intervention in the process that led to the safe return of the three astronauts. However, we also must realize another factor that played a great part in their survival was the training and creativity of both the astronauts and people in mission control that offered sound advice at times when crises arose. For example, an air filter was constructed from what would normally have been many disassociated parts leading to a successful means of lowering carbon dioxide levels in the cabin.      We certainly know we can depend upon God at times when we face a great crisis. It was good that the nation turned to prayer at a time like this, and it is good that we turn to prayer at times when we have nowhere else to go. However, what also is good is being prepared spiritually and emotionally for just such events through spiritual disciplines that we observe and practice during non-crisis time in our lives. Because of training and exercises conducted before the crisis was experienced, those involved in the problem-solving process surrounding the Apollo 13 event were able to arrive at critical solutions to problems. Time spent with God through prayer, worship, study and meditation can help us when we face times of struggle in our lives.      Consider the life of Job. Why was Job able to deal with what transpired in his life? God's intervention was there, but Job had already spent a great deal of time with God long before he lost what he had. That is why, in the midst of his duress, he was able to proclaim: "I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God." (Job 19:25-26) We need to learn a lesson from Job and from Apollo 13. Pastor Steve Date: Tue Apr 10 07:12:09 2012 Today's Commentary     Hope means different things to different people. A bride, a cancer patient, a student before an exam, and of course, a Cubs fan - each has a different perspective on hope. Hope for some means having a positive perspective. For others hope is a secret longing that is cultivated and nurtured. Hope for others is a wish, a possibility, or a preferred ending to some saga.      Followers of Christ live everyday with all of these verities of hopeful thinking. However, for those who follow Christ, there is another perspective to hope. For us who trust in the promises of God, we have a hope that is created and nurtured by the Holy Spirit through faith in the statements of God's Word. Christian hope is more than optimism or a wish or a dream for a desired outcome. Hope sees the promises of God as an accomplished reality. Hebrews 11:1 speaks to this: "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." When we speak of hope, we speak of what is real, not what might be. Hope is a wonderful reality. Pastor Steve Date: Mon Apr 9 08:28:17 2012 Today's Commentary     Today is the anniversary of the ending of the most horrific episode in United States history - the War Between the States. The first battle of the war was the First Battle of Bull Run, waged near Wilmer McLean's farm house in Appomattox Court House, Virginia. McLean's house has been used as a command center by the Confederate Army during that battle. Four years later on April 9, 1865. Robert E. Lee signed the papers of surrender in the new home that McLean had built near Appomattox Court House. So ended a conflict that had claimed the lives of 280,000 American citizens and wounded another 360,000.      One of the saddest events that can take place in a church is for a "civil war" to erupt. Christ prayed for the unity of his followers in his great intercessory prayer found in John 17: "I pray. . .that all of them will be one." (17:20-21) Paul writes about the need for unity and care for others in the church. He encourages the church at Philippi: "Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind."      Allow the power of the resurrection to keep peace and unity with others in your fellowship. Unfortunately, the history of the church is littered with events where this was not the case. Let's do all we can to avoid repeating history. Pastor Steve Date: Sun Apr 8 05:10:05 2012 Today's Commentary     John 20:11 says, "Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying." If you were reading this for the first time, you would not find anything unusual about this statement. Millions of people have done just what Mary did - stand beside a tomb and weep. I have both witnessed this and experienced this. Standing beside a tomb is somber and sad, and it is not surprising to find Mary crying beside the tomb of Jesus. However, reading further gives information that is surprising - the tomb is empty! John writes: "(The Two Angels) asked her, 'Woman, why are you crying?' 'They have taken my Lord away,' she said, 'and I don’t know where they have put him.'" (John 20:13) An additional cause for sadness for Mary was the apparent theft of the body of Christ.      Well, we know that didn't happen, don't we? Before Mary has additional time for her sadness to increase, a voice pierces the early morning air: "Jesus said to her, 'Mary.'" (20:16) Jesus was alive! Since this was true, if Mary wanted to continue to cry, it would have to be for a different reason.      Because of what Christ has done for us, the tears that appear when we stand beside a grave will change. As a matter of fact, because of what Christ has done for us, tears of sadness will disappear. Revelation 21:4 tells us, "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Christ's empty tomb means the tombs of all believers will someday be empty as well. No more tears! Hallelujah, what a Savior! Pastor Steve Date: Sat Apr 7 08:01:25 2012 Today's Commentary     Do you ever wear a cross? How much did it cost? Vernon Grounds writes about a Methodist church in the city of Dudley, England that had to pay a pretty steep fee just to be able to put a cross on its new building. In April 2006, the church was told that a fee would be required because under British law the cross is an advertisement. That's a rather interesting take on the cross, isn't it?      Christ tells us that our decision to follow him may come with a cost. Now, there is no cost for salvation. Christ's death on the cross paid the price sin demanded. However, following Christ may involve a price. There are times when our discipleship can put us in positions where a price is required. We spoke yesterday of those who have paid the ultimate price because of their commitment to the cross. This is why Christ says, "Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me." (Matthew 10:38) He says further, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." (Matthew 16:24)      Yes, discipleship may prove costly. However, following Christ is a priceless experience. Take up your cross and follow him! Pastor Steve Date: Fri Apr 6 08:02:22 2012 Today's Commentary     Jesus carried a cross for you. As with all condemned criminals, Jesus was compelled to carry his cross to the place of crucifixion. But an interesting thing took place. In his weakened state, he could not complete the task, and Simon of Cyrene was forced to provide help - "As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross." (Matthew 27:32) On Friday, April 3, 33 A.D., Christ began the walk to Golgotha with the cross, and then another finished the task.      Only Christ could do what was necessary on the cross, but what he did was for others. It was for Simon who helped carry the cross. It was for Justin Martyr who died in Palestine in 165 A.D. It was for Jovan Vladimir of Serbia who was beheaded in 1019 A.D. It was for Thomas More who was executed in the Tower of London in 1535. It was for Luis Jayme who was beaten to death in 1775. It was for Jim Elliot who was killed by the Aucans in Ecuador in 1956. It was for Alufunzi Ziwa who was killed in November of 2011. Christ died that all of these may live again. He died so that all who would trust in him will live again. You don't have to "carry a cross" and be killed because you do so; all you need do is trust in the person who died on the cross for you. Will you live for the One who died for you? Pastor Steve Date: Thu Apr 5 07:04:16 2012 Today's Commentary     Have you ever been betrayed by someone? That is a terrible experience. And to be betrayed by someone with whom you are close - a friend or even a family member - is even more terrible. Yet, this was part of Christ's plan to bring about redemption for mankind. He would be betrayed by someone with whom he was close. He would put himself in a position where he would be vulnerable to a scheme of betrayal that would lead to his arrest and death.      Judas plotted against Christ: "Then one of the Twelve-the one called Judas Iscariot-went to the chief priests and asked, 'What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?' So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over." (Matthew 26:14-16) What were his motives? What was it that led him to do such a heinous act? What is it that leads someone to betray someone else? All of these questions are really moot when an act of betrayal occurs. It doesn't really matter why it happened. What matters is that it happened. And a grievous example of betrayal took place on a Thursday night many years ago. But that act of betrayal led to our deliverance. It was part of what Christ endured because he wanted you to live. Don't betray him by refusing his gift. Pastor Steve Date: Wed Apr 4 06:53:03 2012 Today's Commentary     There were those who believed in Jesus but were afraid to come forward in their belief because of the consequences that such an action might bring. We read in John 12:42-43, "Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human praise more than praise from God." This seems to be the reason that Nicodemus came at night. Eventually his belief compelled him to rise above the concern he had about the consequences. Eventually the desire for the glory of God triumphed over the desire for the glory of men.      How about in your life? Have you reached the point where the praise of God means more to you than the praise of men? When you really think about this, it doesn't make any sense. Who can do more for you - man or God? Yet, we still struggle with this issue. We need to do what we can to make this a non-issue. Pursuing God's glory needs to be our main exercise. It simply makes more sense. We need to fear God more than we fear men because what can man actually do to us? Pastor Steve Date: Tue Apr 3 06:16:56 2012 Today's Commentary     I would imagine you have heard the story of the retailer who was having a rough marketing period. A store opened up next door with a big flashy sign that read "Best Deals." Then, right on the other side, another store opened up with a large sign that said "Lowest Prices." So, to counter the competition, the retailer put up a large sign over his store that read "Main Entrance."      The cost for entrance into heaven was too high for any of us. We could not get there. Then, Christ declared "Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up." (John 3:14) And lifted up he was. Christ opened up the main entrance to heaven through his death on the cross. The cross stands as the sign for the entrance into life with the Creator.      Christ crushes the competition. Actually, he doesn't have any competition, except those things that we for some reason like to throw in like "Get Rich," "Be Famous," and "Be Happy." The sign of the cross proclaims loudly that Christ is the only way to our Father. His love is the way, the only way to eternal life, and his cross points to his love. Pastor Steve Date: Mon Apr 2 07:24:45 2012 Today's Commentary     How do you see Jesus? Do you see him as a shepherd? A teacher? A carpenter? Do you picture him doing miracles and healing the sick? In the vestibule of our church, we have the Warner Sallman picture of Christ Standing at the Door. This painting is based on Revelation 3:20, "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me." He was all of these, but how should we present him to others?      During the week before Christ was crucified, a group of Greeks came to Philip and said, "Sir, we would like to see Jesus." (John 12:21) When Philip presented this request to Christ, his response detailed what was going to happen to him that week. He said, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified." (12:23) Christ seems to be saying, "If they want to see me, just wait a little, and they will see me and see what I came to do."      If you want to see Jesus as he is, as he wants to be seen, then see him on the cross, offering his life for you. If you want to present Jesus to others, show them the crucified Lord. Christ died for our sins. From the moment he entered the world, he was heading to this event. If you want to see Jesus clearly, look at the cross. Pastor Steve Date: Sun Apr 1 07:17:47 2012 Today's Commentary     When Jesus rides into the city of Jerusalem on a donkey, why does the crowd rush out to greet Him? The answer is found in Jewish culture and history. In Old Testament times, one of the ways a king was inaugurated was to get on a donkey and have a large retinue of people walk along behind him shouting, "Long live the King!" The crowd in the temple wants to make Jesus king. When they see Him riding toward them on a donkey, they use it as an opportunity to precipitate a coronation.      Sometimes we still do things to try to get Jesus to "do what we want." We often bargain with God to try to convince him to act in certain ways. When Christ came into Jerusalem the way he did in A.D. 33, he was doing so to show the people who he was, not to be who the people wanted him to be. His entrance into Jerusalem fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, "Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey."      He indeed was the king, but before the coronation could take place, there needed to be the cross. It was important for us that Christ did not avoid the cross. Remember to take time to thank him for doing things his way, especially in light of what it cost him. Pastor Steve Date: Sat Mar 31 07:51:15 2012 Today's Commentary     I just read an article found online about a meeting of "evangelical evolutionists" in New York. I think this term sounds like an oxymoron. They met for the purpose of affirming the evolutionary process as God's means of creation; Now, I am in no way questioning the character or the Christianity of those who participated in this conference; however, I disagree with their position vehemently. The idea of such dialogue is an attempt to reconcile the Biblical text of creation with science. Science is an important discipline that helps us to understand the marvelous world and universe in which we live, but the attempt to superimpose the tenets of evolution over the biblical account of creation is simply not good.      Scripture is plain with regard to how God created the world. To present an entire apologetic defending the statement of the text in Genesis 1 - 2 is beyond the scope of this column. However, I simply want to make it understood that an attempt to try to reconcile what God has said to fit within a rationalistic, human, framework can be dangerous. Where do we stop with this method of hermeneutics? Let's let God's Word speak for itself when it declares, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). Pastor Steve Date: Fri Mar 30 07:13:01 2012 Today's Commentary     This is the anniversary of John Hinckley's attempt to assassinate President Ronald Reagan. On March 30, 1981, Hinckley fired six bullets wounding Reagan's press secretary Jim Brady, police officer Thomas Delahanty, and Reagan. While Reagan was in surgery and with Vice-president George Bush on a jet over Texas, Secretary of State Alexander Haig infamously declared "I am in control here" at a press conference. He received a great deal of criticism for this remark, but he simply was reacting in accordance with his military training and what he thought was constitutionally correct. He wanted to assure people that everything was under control.      It is our natural inclination to want to know who is in charge in any given setting. Some of us are wired to want to be in charge, and others simply want to know who to look to for marching orders. God wants to change our orientation so that we are always following Jesus regardless of what our leadership status might be. "And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy." (Colossians 1;18) We need to allow him to say, "I am in control here." We should know full well that when he makes this claim, there is no room for argument. Pastor Steve Date: Thu Mar 29 07:17:20 2012 Today's Commentary     Scripture is replete with stories of folks who had to wait. Abraham and Sarah had to wait 25 years for a child. Joseph languished in an Egyptian cell for almost two decades. Moses spent 40 years in training before returning to Egypt. David waited 20 years to ascend to the throne of Israel. Do you see a pattern here? There are times when God calls upon us to wait. Waiting is a faith-building process. There are times we do not have full understanding in the waiting process, but that is often the point. These are times when we learn to trust whole-heartedly in the wisdom of God.      Job declares in Job 14:14-15: "All the days of my hard service I will wait for my renewal to come. You will call and I will answer you." We may not like to wait, but know there is always a purpose for our waiting. God does not act randomly or capriciously. As we are patient, God shows us what he wants to teach us and helps us to build character. Through these times, he shapes and molds us into what he wants for us to be. Don't forget that God is working for us, not against us. "We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield." (Psalm 33;20) Pastor Steve Date: Wed Mar 28 07:11:25 2012 Today's Commentary     John points out a number of interesting little details in his Gospel. Many times he is specific about time, numbers, and places. One significant detail he includes in the story of the encounter of Nicodemus and Jesus is that "He came to Jesus at night." (3:2) Why did Nicodemus do that? Some have said it was cooler at night. Others point out that there would be fewer distractions. Many think it was because he wanted his visit to be surreptitious; he didn't want to be seen. This may have been the case at the time, but if it was, there was a change in Nicodemus that was indicated by his future behavior. The next time John speaks about Nicodemus as the "one who came to Jesus at night," it was when Nicodemus was requesting the body of Jesus, along with Joseph, to prepare Christ for his burial. If he was concerned about his first meeting with Christ, he certainly was not concerned now.      A true follower of Christ is one who will not "come to Jesus at night" to avoid being known. If you have had an encounter with Christ, you want others to know. We have been called to tell others. I Peter 2:9 is plain about that: "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." You came to Jesus at night, now step into the light. Pastor Steve Date: Tue Mar 27 07:07:10 2012 Today's Commentary     J. T. Seamands was a professor at Asbury Seminary at Wilmore, Kentucky. He once told a group of people at a Bible conference: "Too many fill in there assignment sheets and hand them to God. What we need to do is to hand him a blank sheet of paper and sign our names at the bottom. Let him write in our marching orders." This can be quite intimidating for many folks. It means relinquishing control totally to God. That is exactly what we need to do.      We too often have a "shopping list" for God. We come to him with our list of things we want him to do for us. This is really the opposite of what we should be doing. We need to simply present him a blank slate, and let him create our agenda. We should ask, "What do you want me to do?", rather than say "This is what I want you to do for me." Adoniram Judson prayed, "More than all else, I long to please thee, O Lord. What wilt thou have me to do?"      David told God, "Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground." (Psalm 143:10) This should be our prayer as well. Let God fill in the blanks. Pastor Steve Date: Mon Mar 26 07:41:02 2012 Today's Commentary     The shortest verse in the Bible is John 11:35, "Jesus wept." I, like many others, have always found this verse so very compelling. This verse shows Christ's humanity, of course, and portrays Christ's emotional connection to us humans as well. As we think of Christ's response to the scene at the tomb of Lazarus, we see a picture of his involvement with the people he created. There is no emotional detachment here; Christ loves us and feels what we feel because he put himself in a position to experience what we experience. This is why Hebrews tells us, "For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people" (2:17) and "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin." (4:17)      We need to thank God for his involvement in our lives, and for sending Christ to live among us, experience what we experience, know our struggles, know our pain, and then provide hope that we can be victorious over the enemies we face. Jesus wept because, as a human, he felt the loss along with the family of Lazarus. However, as God, he turned that loss into victory. That is what he can and will do for those who trust him. Pastor Steve Date: Sun Mar 25 06:19:21 2012 Today's Commentary     His teachers thought he was an "odd ball". He was so different that he was called "dull and backward and impractical." His eccentric behavior led to his being asked to leave college. So, what did he do? Well, at the age of 19 he received his first patent for a rotary steam engine. George Westinghouse would go on to receive more than 400 patents for his inventions. He developed air brakes and was a big proponent of alternating current instead of direct current (favored by none other than Thomas Edison), which has proved to be a stroke of genius.      It is so easy to make snap judgments about people who are different in some ways. One's appearance, abilities, aptitudes, and patterns of thought, if different than the "norm", often are used wrongly in our assessment of them. We need to be careful not to form incorrect opinions of others because they are dissimilar from others. Westinghouse was confined to a wheelchair in his later years. His thoughts on a motorized wheelchair laid the foundation for something that is commonplace today and greatly enhances the mobility of many. All of this from a person considered to be "impractical".      Consider others who might be different in appearance and actions on the basis of mercy and acceptance, not judgmentally and critically. Accept others according to God's design and desire, not our inappropriate standards. Paul encourages us to "Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God (Romans 15:7)". Let's do just that, and if this poses a problem for us, remember Westinghouse! Pastor Steve Date: Sat Mar 24 07:21:53 2012 Today's Commentary      I have always been fascinated by those who formulate some rather interesting theories of biblical interpretation. For example, there are those who espouse biblical numerology. That is, through elaborate numerical analysis, they show hidden meanings in certain texts of scripture. I read once about a theory that Shakespeare actually helped translate the King James Bible. Offered as proof was the idea that he had installed a cryptogram in Psalm 46 to show his presence in the work of translation. The 46th word from the beginning of the psalm is shake, and the 46th word from the end is spear, hence shakespear. Obviously, there is no credible evidence that supports this idea.      Why do people try to make understanding the Bible so difficult? Many say they don't read scripture because "it is so hard to understand." Well, actually, it isn't all that difficult to understand. What makes it hard is that we try to insert our own ideas and thoughts instead of just letting the Bible speak for itself. Paul wrote plainly about the origin and purpose of scripture when he said, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." (II Timothy 3:16) We should read the Bible and let it speak for itself.      I had a seminary professor who told us regarding scriptural interpretation, "When the plain sense makes the best sense, seek no other sense lest it result in nonsense." How true! Read your Bible, and don't try to make it say things that aren't there! Let it speak for itself, and when you do, the message will come through loud and clear! Pastor Steve Date: Fri Mar 23 07:21:53 2012 Today's Commentary      God's timing is always perfect. When we say this, we are usually referring to an incident or a situation where we have experienced God moving in our lives in a unique way for our benefit. However, it could also describe a circumstance where you are the benefactor rather than the beneficiary. Perhaps you are placed in a situation where you learn of someone's financial need "by chance." Maybe you have received this information for a reason. Sometimes a phone call to a colleague, friend, or family member can turn out to be God's sovereign timing when you learn through the call about a problem they are facing. As you hear about the circumstance, you may learn you have the means to help with the problem, or maybe they just need a willing listener. Maybe the situation asks for a reminder of a biblical principle or examples that can allow them gain some insight that would be helpful.      These ministry opportunities are often the work of a wonderful Heavenly Father who places you in the right place at the right time. Look for these opportunities and seize them in order to be a willing instrument in the hands of God in someone else's life. You will reap a blessing as well. Indeed, you may be on the receiving end of one of these "chance" ministry opportunities at some point. Paul tells Timothy to "be prepared in season and out of season." (II Timothy 4:2) We need to be prepared for these times of ministry when we can be used as God's hands, or God's ears, or God's eyes, or God's feet. Let your love for God extend to others when others need His touch. Pastor Steve Date: Thu Mar 22 07:21:53 2012 Today's Commentary      There are many sins we tend to overlook in ourselves but really blast others when they commit the sin. One of these is grumbling. Grumbling is something we can do ourselves and we don't think anything about it. But let us catch someone else grumbling, and we can be very quick to condemn their negative attitude. Why is that? This is one of the quirks of human nature, and is one of the things we need to work to avoid. Christ warned of worrying more about the splinter in another's eye when we have a plank in our own (read Matthew 7). Coming down on someone else for being a "complainer" even as we are doing the same thing is certainly one example of this.      God takes grumbling very seriously. Listen to the words of Psalm 106:24-27, "Then they despised the pleasant land; they did not believe his promise. They grumbled in their tents and did not obey the LORD. So he swore to them with uplifted hand that he would make them fall in the desert, make their descendants fall among the nations and scatter them throughout the lands." That is a pretty stern warning against grumbling, isn't it? God wanted to bless his people, but they didn't believe him, and instead of receiving his bounty, they endured wandering and death in the desert. They could have experienced the pleasures of the land of Promise, but missed out because they preferred to focus on the negatives and gripe.      Avoid this trap in your life. Don't fall into a spirit of negativity and spend your time grumbling. Focus on God's provision and not other's faults. Don't impoverish yourself when God wants to give you his best. Pastor Steve Date: Wed Mar 21 07:21:53 2012 Today's Commentary      When we address the evils of society, it is often easy to fall into a pattern of negativity. As we address the ills of society, it is easy to fall into a pattern of condemnation without really offering any positive steps of how to correct the ills. Sometimes the perception of Christians is that we are always negative and fighting against something. Obviously, we don't condone sinfulness and evil, but what about loving our enemies? What about doing good for those who persecute us? (Matthew 5:44-45) What about feeding the hungry? What about clothing the naked? (Matthew 25:34-36)      Followers of Christ do not condone sin, but we should be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem. We need to channel the love of Christ. We need to be instruments of God's grace. We need to demonstrate compassion not condemnation. Don't leave the impression that we look down upon those who "don't come up to our standards." I have always found it interesting that Christ's condemnation was usually aimed at religious leaders, not unbelievers. Christ came to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10). He did that through reaching out to those in sin. He didn't just sit back and talk about how awful they were. He was even condemned for associating with the sinful. "When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, 'Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and `sinners'?'" (Matthew 9:11)      I think Christ invited this criticism. It meant that people were paying attention to what he was doing. He was willing to because of their sin. We need to reach folks with this message. Pastor Steve Date: Tue Mar 20 07:21:53 2012 Today's Commentary      Today is the first day of spring! Of course, around here, it has felt like spring for awhile. Our winter was mild, and we have been enjoying unseasonably warm temperatures. This is part of the variety we experience in God's creation. The variety we observed in God's creation is a visual and sensory reminder that God demonstrates variety in how he deals with his people. We often make mistakes like trying to put God in a box or think that we know how God is going to respond or act in a given situation. We often do this, and then are disappointed because our expectations are not fulfilled.      Isaiah 55:8 tells 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.'" We need to remember this as we consider our relationship with God. We need to trust him and allow him to act as he knows best in our lives. We sometimes don't understand fully his variety, but he gives us plenty of reminders that he prefers variety. Pastor Steve Date: Mon Mar 19 07:21:53 2012 Today's Commentary     Winn Collier wrote the following in a recent Our Daily Journey post: "In 2004, Iranian Ameneh Bahrami rejected Majid Movahedi's marriage proposal. Days later, Movahedi attacked her, throwing acid in her face. Disfigured and blinded, she will always carry the scars of the crime. A court ruled that the penalty for the brutal attack would be an 'eye-for-an-eye retribution.' This meant that Movahedi was to be subdued, anesthetized, and then five drops of sulfuric acid would be placed in each of his eyes. Bahrami, the one who was to wield the acid, chose not to do it, forgiving Movahedi."      Bahrami certainly took the high road in her actions. Then again, perhaps she considered what toll this might have taken on her as she knew she would not only have to deal with the consequences of her physical disabilities, but with her emotional response to the sentence imposed upon Movahedi. Would such an action bring closure for her? Would there be a sense of satisfaction through this action of retribution? Bahrami thought not, and chose the path of forgiveness.      Bahrami paid a high price to forgive, but then we as Christians should understand this. Christ paid a high price so that we might be forgiven. Philippians 2:8, "And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!" Sometimes forgiving someone else may seem like it is going to cost us a great deal, but it is often the deal that makes the most sense. Pastor Steve Date: Sun Mar 18 06:18:59 2012 Today's Commentary     I read an article this past week about a recent Princeton University study that stated a $75,000 annual income is what is needed to keep you happy. One's happiness decreases markedly the lower you fall beneath this benchmark. I thought this quite interesting, but realize that I know folks, both here and in other parts of the globe, that are living contended and joyful lives on significantly less than $75,000 a year. I recall one dear lady that I met in Peru who was living on less than $1000 a year (U.S. dollars). Money "can't buy me love" (with apologies to Lennon and McCartney) nor can it truly buy happiness. One whose happiness depends on their bank account will at some point be supremely disappointed.      Paul reminds us in I Timothy 6:6 - 7 & 10, "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. . .For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." Avoid the mindset that your happiness depends on your cash flow. Our source of joy comes from the hand of God. Pastor Steve Date: Sat Mar 17 08:39:54 2012 Today's Commentary     Well, are you wearing your green today? St. Patrick's Day usually conjures up ideas of parties, celebrations, parades, and, of course, wearing green. The day does have a more serious and meaningful origin. Patrick of Ireland was an early missionary who went "against the grain" by returning to the very land to which he had been taken captive in order that the Gospel could be spread among a people who desperately needed to hear about Christ.      Patrick was born in Great Britain in 390 A.D. He was captured by raiders at the age of 16 and taken to Ireland. For six years he tended sheep for a tribal chieftain,, then escaped back to Great Britain. In 435 A.D., he would return to Ireland and spend the rest of his life there. The legend that he drove all the snakes out of Ireland is just that - a legend. However, his legacy of the spread of Christianity to Ireland is real.      Ireland had been ruled by Druids, a pagan society where human sacrifice was practiced. Patrick confronted the Druids even though it put his life in danger. Thousands were converted and by the time of his death, there were over 300 churches in Ireland. He wrote in his confession about his time in captivity, "But after I came to Ireland---every day I had to tend sheep, and many times a day I prayed---the love of God and His fear came to me more and more, and my faith was strengthened."      If you do anything to celebrate today, remember the real legacy of St. Patrick. He followed the lead and the philosophy of the Apostle Paul, "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." (Colossians 3:12) We should follow this lead as well. Pastor Steve Date: Fri Mar 16 07:07:26 2012 Today's Commentary     The robins have been back for awhile because spring is here. With the temperatures we have had, it seems to have returned quite early. It’s always good to see the robins back as they are one of the harbingers of good days ahead. I enjoy watching them as they hope around and pull those fat worms out of the ground. After their tasty meal, they fly to a nearby tree and trill a song of thanks for the bounty they have received. You never hear them complain about what they receive. They are content with what they find. They delight in what the Father provides.      We could take a lesson from the robin. Being content with what we have and with what we receive is the way to joy and peace in our lives. Being a chronic grumbler is not a good thing. I have shared the story of the malcontent who was never happy with anything. One morning his wife asked him what he wanted for breakfast. "Eggs," he barked. "How do you want them cooked?" she asked. "Scramble one and fry the other," he growled. The wife placed the plate with the perfectly cooked eggs in front of the grump. He took one look and complained, "You scrambled the wrong one!"      Paul says, "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 all this through him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:11-13) Keep this in mind the next time you want to complain. Pastor Steve Date: Thu Mar 15 07:00:27 2012 Today's Commentary     Solomon was a wise man. He had his drawbacks, to be sure, but God blessed him with wisdom. His wisdom wasn't just evident in his ability to solve disputes (think threatening to slice a baby in two to determine maternity), but he wrote songs, wrote a commentary about loving relationships, knew about plants and animals, was adept at labor relations, knew how to form beneficial alliances, had construction experience, was involved in commerce and trade, and used his experience to warn against aberrant lifestyles.      What kind of wisdom do you need from God? Wisdom is "the soundness of an action or decision with regard to the application of such experience, knowledge, and good judgment." We derive wisdom from experiences, and the experience could be someone else's that we observe and learn from. James writes, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." (1:5) He also goes on to say, "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom." (3:13) Show your true wisdom by living according to God's wisdom. Pastor Steve Date: Wed Mar 14 06:58:56 2012 Today's Commentary     Many years ago, I was working a summer job as a construction inspector for the State of Ohio on a bridge project. A few days before the job ended, a fellow employee showed up at our construction trailer with a box containing some interesting contents - four puppies. The puppies had been abandoned by the road. How sad. The pups were German Shepherd and something else. There were three dark colored ones and one whose coat was almost snow white. We divided the little balls of fluff up between us - I took the one with the white fur. I named it Wombat and gave it to my parents, as my wife and I were preparing to move to Dallas. As the dog grew older, they renamed it "Champ" because the name fit better than "Wombat." They had that dog for years, and he was a great watch dog and a really faithful companion to them for as long as he lived. What was once unwanted and abandoned became a valuable and meaningful addition to a family.      It is amazing to me can leave puppies like that. Of course, in our fallen world, even children and babies are abandoned. This is absolutely incredible. We need to pray for those that are left unwanted. We need to support agencies and ministries that work to provide refuge for abandoned little ones. One thing is for sure, we know that God will never abandon us. When we allow the Lord in our lives, we know that he will never leave us. He promises, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5) God tells us, "For the sake of his great name the LORD will not reject his people, because the LORD was pleased to make you his own." (I Samuel 12:22) When God takes us in, we have a home for good. Pastor Steve Date: Tue Mar 13 07:10:55 2012 Today's Commentary     One of the characteristics of our current society is our mounting personal debt. One source said the average debt per family in the United States is $210,000. That is a lot of money. I am not an economist, but you really don't need to be to know that too much debt is going to be a big problem. We really need to use God's wisdom and use our heads when it comes to debt.      Christ said, "Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you." (Matthew 5:42) From this statement, I understand that debt is not inherently bad. There are times when debt is justified. However, reason needs to be applied when it comes to the amount of debt one acquires. A basic fact is that you cannot spend more than you have, You need to keep your wits about you when you are making financial decisions. Seek out good advice in money matters. Keep your "want" list under control. Seek God's guidance in managing your money. Remember that "the borrower is servant to the lender." (Proverbs 22:7)      Paul provides a good statement about our finances that we should keep in mind: "Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another." (Romans 13:7-8) If we let our greatest debt be our love for others, then we will find ourselves in pretty good shape fiscally and otherwise. Pastor Steve Date: Mon Mar 12 07:31:42 2012 Today's Commentary     Researchers at the University of Virginia found that people often have difficulty determining the slope of a hill, especially when they are tired and are carrying a load. Most folks rated a 5 degree slope at 20 degrees and a 10 degree slope at 30 degrees. The hill just looked steeper to them than it really was.      This can happen in our everyday lives as well. When we are tired and worn down, problems can look bigger than they really are. Little issues that in reality are not all the difficult can appear to be insurmountable obstacles in our path. This is why we need the encouragement of God's word, and the help of a tireless God. Isaiah 40:28-29 says, "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak."      When we face hills that look really steep, remember that God will help us, and remember that they are not as difficult as they look. With the sustaining power of God, you will reach the top. Pastor Steve Date: Sun Mar 11 06:07:23 2012 Today's Commentary     Today is the first anniversary of the great Japanese earthquake and tsunami that left hundreds dead, thousands injured and homeless, and destroyed millions of dollars of property. A nuclear power plant was in the path of the tsunami and workers heroically struggled to prevent a disaster that would have sent deadly radiation out for hundreds of miles. The nation is still grappling to recover from this incredible disaster. We need to continue to pray for their efforts.      As we think of what took place in Japan, we are reminded of how fragile our existence really is. We sometimes labor under the assumption that tomorrow will always be here and we go on as if we are guaranteed another day and future prosperity. We are not, and we have no idea what tomorrow may bring. That is why we need to be prepared. How to we make preparations? We prepare through placing our faith in God. We trust the one who does know about tomorrow and will be there for us regardless of what is in store. Centuries ago, he told the Jews, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" (29:11) We need to yield our lives to him so that we may be included in his plan. Don't wait for a tsunami to convince you of your need to do this - do so in order to face the tsunami! Pastor Steve Date: Sat Mar 10 07:38:51 2012 Today's Commentary     Which comes first - the heart or the head? Does our thinking transform our heart, or does the heart transform our thinking? According to Paul, spiritually speaking, the condition of the heart influences the working of the mind. He writes to the Ephesians, "So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts." (4:17-18)      Allow the love of God to work on your heart. A humble heart, transformed by the Spirit of God, is what is necessary in order for us to think clearly. Letting God transform your heart is what is necessary for you to align with God. Letting God transform your life allows you to put your mind to working with him to bring the message of transformation to others. Follow God with your heart and he will help you get your head straight! Pastor Steve Date: Fri Mar 9 07:20:14 2012 Today's Commentary     Yesterday I wrote about taking time to be quiet before God. There is another time when silence is a good thing - those times when we are prone to say the wrong thing. We need to learn another discipline in our lives. We need to learn that it is often good to not say anything. We need to remember words can sometimes come out of our mouths that have the force of little missiles. There are times when we need to speak up and be heard, and there are times when the best thing to say is to have nothing to say.      Job got to the point where he felt that way about what his "friends" had been telling him. We read part of his response to them in Job 13:4-5, "You, however, smear me with lies; you are worthless physicians, all of you! If only you would be altogether silent! For you, that would be wisdom."My grandmother used to say, “If you can’t say anything good, don’t say anything at all.” We need to be careful about words spoken in anger, words spoken that demean another's character, works spoken with the intent to hurt, words spoken to convey rumors, and words spoken that are based on lies. We need to remember that there are times when silence is wisdom. Pastor Steve Date: Thu Mar 8 07:34:23 2012 Today's Commentary     I remember building a bookshelf several years ago. When I got it finished, I loaded it up with books. However, I noticed that the shelves sagged a little bit because of the weight of the books. I hadn't done anything out of the ordinary or unusual with the shelves. This is what bookshelves are for. But the cumbersome load produced extra stress and caused the shelves to sag. So, to take care of the problem, I reinforced the shelves and the issue was solved.      We often find ourselves sagging under the pressures and weight of life. There may not be anything unusual or out of the ordinary going on; but the day-to-day cares and typical problems are combining to weigh us down. When this happens, we need to be reinforced. That reinforcement can be found in the relationships we have with others and through the help that others can give. I want to make two observations here. First, unlike the bookshelves, we are able to ask for help, and we should when we find ourselves beginning to sag. Just don't wait too long to do this as waiting can make the resolution more difficult. Secondly, look for evidences of "sagging" in others. When you see this, do what you can to help.      Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up." This verse demonstrates the principle of reinforcement. Don't try life alone; you will start to sag under the weight. Pastor Steve Date: Wed Mar 7 07:19:31 2012 Today's Commentary     In The Imitation of Christ, Thomas a Kempis wrote, "The further the soul is from the noise of the world, the closer it may be to its Creator, for God, with his holy angels, will draw close to a person who seeks solitude, and silence. It is better to remain alone and to care for your soul than to neglect yourself and work miracles."      As I read about getting away from the "noise of the world," I wondered what a Kempis would think about the noise level of our current society (he died in 1471). Yet, the words he wrote are just as true today. We need to make "alone" time with God. There is no good reason to not do this. I have written before on the example of Christ in this regard. We also have the example of Paul. In Galatians 1:15-16 we read, "But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being. I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia."      We need time with God. We need time with God alone. Through intentional withdrawal into silence and solitude we process and assimilate what God is doing in our lives. Richard Foster writes, "Solitude is both a 'vacation with God' and a 'furnace of transformation.'" Make time for God. Pastor Steve Date: Tue Mar 6 07:42:23 2012 Today's Commentary     A grandmother asked about her 5-year-old grandson's first day at kindergarten. Her daughter, the boy's mother replied, "Well it was eventful." "What happened?" said the grandmother. "Well, Billy was in line for lunch and another little boy spat at him because he wanted Billy's place. But Billy took care of the situation. He looked at the other boy and said, 'If you do that again, you can't be my friend.' I was surprised when Billy told me all of this because when I picked him up from school, he was walking arm in arm with the other little boy out of the school. You would never know there had been a problem between those two."      How do you respond when someone else treats you harshly? We usually want to retaliate when someone has done something hurtful to us. It is usually difficult to respond any other way, but Christ encourages us to control our desire to retaliate and respond much in the same way as did Billy. We read Christ's words in Matthew 5:38-40, "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well."      Christ is encouraging a new way of thinking. He wants his followers to be less vengeful and more forgiving. The easy route when someone offends or hurts you is to do something of a similar manner in return. It takes a great deal of spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical discipline to look at someone after you have been wronged and say, "If you do that again, you can't be my friend." Let's do what we can to manifest the spirit of Christ when we really would rather do something else. Pastor Steve Date: Mon Mar 5 07:22:48 2012 Today's Commentary     This past Saturday, March 3, was the anniversary of the adoption of "The Star Spangled Banner" as our National Anthem. In 1931, the resolution passed in both the House and the Senate and was signed by President Herbert Hoover. The song had already had an influence on national policy. Abraham Lincoln's last official act was the signing of a resolution declaring "In God We Trust" as the national motto and authorizing that the phrase be included on all coinage. The fourth verse of Francis Scott Key's poem includes the line "in God is out trust." It is inscribed in chambers of Congress, the Dirksen federal building, and many other buildings in Washington.      Almost every president since Truman has affirmed the use of this phrase. At a ceremony recognizing the addition of this phrase to postal stamps in 1954, President Eisenhower stated, "Each of us...fastening such a stamp on a letter, cannot fail to feel something of the inspiration that we do whenever we...read 'IN GOD WE TRUST." In 1961, President Kennedy said, "The guiding principle of this Nation has been, is now, and ever shall be 'IN GOD WE TRUST."      American Minute states, "On March 7, 2011, the Supreme Court denied a challenge by an atheist who was intolerant of the National Motto, by letting the decision of the Federal Appeals Court stand. On November 1, 2011, the House of Representatives passed an additional resolution in a 396-9 vote reaffirming 'IN GOD WE TRUST' as the official motto of the United States."      I hope that you are affirming "IN GOD WE TRUST" in your personal lives. It is good to have this as our national motto, but it needs to be more than that. Remember this each time you pull out some money to pay for something. We need to trust God. Pastor Steve Date: Sun Mar 4 06:10:09 2012 Today's Commentary     A little boy came home from school angry and frustrated because of how he was being treated by others. His mother drove him to a nearby canyon and told him to shout, "I hate you!" He did, and immediately an echo ensued, "I hate you!" "Now shout 'I love you'," instructed the Mom. The little boy followed his Mother's instructions and then heard "I love you!" reverberate from the canyon. The mom told her little boy, "We usually get back from others what we first give out."      There are times when this is not the case but, in general, we do receive from others what we first give to them. Christ told his followers, "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you." (Matthew 7:12) This can also be true in our relationship with God. Psalm 18:25-26a tells us, "To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless, to the pure you show yourself pure." Usually when we think that God "is not there," it is because we have drawn away from him. When we are gracious, he shows himself to be gracious. However, if we come to God in a negative way, we will find God negative. David continues in Psalm 18:26b, "but to the devious you show yourself shrewd."      Richard Steele writes, "If you will echo to Him when He calls, He will echo to you when you call." What kind of echoes are you creating? Pastor Steve Date: Sat Mar 3 07:15:18 2012 Today's Commentary     A man went fishing in Lake Superior after a huge storm. As he walked along the shore, he found a huge evergreen tree that had been blown over during the melee. He looked at the tree closely, and discovered that it was probably more than 250 years old. This was not surprising, but what was rather interesting was that the man, upon further examination, determined that the tree was still growing at the time it was uprooted.      This should be the way we are as followers of Christ. We reach a point in our physical development where are about as big as we are going to get, and then we reach a point where we start deteriorating physically. But no matter what might happen to us physically, we can continue to grow emotionally, mentally, and especially physically until we die. Paul had been along the way for quite some time when he said, "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:14)      W.A. Criswell was the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Dallas Texas from 1944 until 1995. When I was in seminary in Dallas, I remember going to the basement of the library to look up some periodical articles for a paper I was writing. As I walked through the doors of the basement stacks, there was Dr. Criswell sitting at a table. Books and journals were piled up on either side of him. He was reading and writing in a very focused and determined fashion. This was in the early 80's, so Dr. Criswell was in his seventies at the time. In spite of all his past work and research, he felt compelled not to rely on what had already done, but to study more as he worked on a contemporary project.      "Grow until you go" should be our motto. We should never stop growing in Christ! Pastor Steve Date: Fri Mar 2 07:30:49 2012 Today's Commentary     The linotype machine revolutionized printing in general and newspaper publishing in specific. The machine, using a 90-character keyboard, could set an entire line of type ("line of type" - get it?) at one time. Before this invention by Ottmar Mergenthaler in 1884, all typesetting was done by hand. Prior to the linotype machine, no newspaper in the world was longer than eight pages.      An interesting feature of the machine is that in order for the finished page to come out correctly, the type was set upside down and backwards. So, looking at a "form" that was created by the linotype could be confusing. It didn't make sense and was unreadable. It was only when the process was completed that everything appeared the way it should.      We have this experience in our lives at times. We often encounter situations that do not make any sense. Sometimes our lives feel like they are "upside down and backwards." We are confused by what is taking place and sometimes have some pretty strong emotional reactions to what we experience. Just remember, we are not finished yet. The final "product" has not been completed. We need to remember that "it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose." (Philippians 2:13) Paul had said earlier in Philippians, "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." (1:6) Keep this in mind when you have a "linotype experience." Pastor Steve Date: Thu Mar 1 07:34:35 2012 Today's Commentary     According to one study, about 250,000 people vanish in the United States each year. These people don't disappear because of foul play or an outside cause; they vanish because of their own intent. They assume new identities and leave their old lives because of some reason. According to this report, women are especially adept at this as they are better at assuming a new identity because of their skill with make-up and wigs. People who disappear become new people with new names, jobs, addresses, essentially new lives.      No matter how much one changes their outward appearance, they are still the same on the inside. What is more amazing than "changing lives" is getting a new life, and the only person who can do that for us is Christ. II Corinthians 5:17 tells us, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" Only Christ can change you from the inside out. And there is no need to buy a wig! Pastor Steve Date: Wed Feb 29 06:56:54 2012 Today's Commentary     Well, it is later than it has ever been. Today is a day that only happens once every four years - I look at the date on my computer and it is February 29, 2012. Today sort of catches everything up, especially those who were born on this date. Now, they get to have a real birthday celebration! Less than one tenth of one percent of the population is born on this day, but when you consider the total population, that would amount to several people.      There are many considerations that might pop up as you contemplate having an extra "day." However, in the grand scheme of things, we should not take for granted that we would actually have an extra day. The idea of having an extra day should not have fueled any procrastination, which we tend to do. Procrastination is really something we should avoid at any time, let alone in a year when we think we have an extra day. The idea of putting off until tomorrow what really needs to be done today is usually not a good idea.      The Bible addresses the issue of procrastination. Luke 12 records the statement of a person who thought he could just take life as it comes because he had everything he needed and tomorrow would be there for him to enjoy. Luke 12:19 records his philosophy, "And I’ll say to myself, 'You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.'" God's answer to this is: "You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?" (Luke 12:20)      Learn a lesson from this parable. Even if you do have an "extra day," don't procrastinate, especially when it comes to your decision about your life in Christ. Pastor Steve Date: Tue Feb 28 07:26:52 2012 Today's Commentary     You have probably seen the commercials on TV for Direct TV that demonstrate the wisdom of choosing Direct TV as your TV provider. One goes like this, "When you have cable and your cable messes up, you throw things. When you throw things, people think you have anger issues. When people think you have anger issues, your schedule opens up. When your schedule opens up, you grow a scraggly beard. When you grow a scraggly beard, you start taking in stray animals. When you start taking in stray animals, you take in more stray animals. Stop taking in stray animals. Switch to Direct TV."      I think these commercials are hilarious. However, there is also a serious principle involved in this ad campaign. One bad decision can lead to another bad decision. This is why we need to strive to make good decisions and live wisely. The idea the ad presents is to make sure you start out on the right path, and it will go well with you the rest of the journey. You need to start with the correct premise. Psalm 111:10 says it this way, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise."      Stop taking in stray animals. Make sure you begin with God. Pastor Steve Date: Mon Feb 27 07:35:34 2012 Today's Commentary     A story is told about a man from the United States who traveled to a foreign city. He checked in late at night to his hotel and, being more than just a little hungry, went out to find a restaurant where he could get something to eat. He found himself in a pretty shabby looking sandwich shop in a pretty shabby part of the city. After taking one bite of the sandwich he had ordered, he decided to forego the rest of his meal rather than risk food poisoning. So, he returned to his hotel hungry and a little disgruntled. The next morning, he found out that there were several other places he could have visited that would have been much better and were even closer. If he had used a guide, he would have been led to one of these establishments.      We are often like that in our spiritual lives. We set out on our own, ignoring our Guide, and land up at places where our options are terrible. God is here and wants nothing more than to guide us and bless us. So many times we miss out on preferable options because we don't allow him to lead the way. David wrote, "The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake." (Psalm 23:1-3) Failing to follow the Shepherd means we can end up in places with rancid water, grassless pastures, and trying times for our souls. Let him "guide you along the right paths for his name's sake." Pastor Steve Date: Sun Feb 26 05:56:43 2012 Today's Commentary     I imagine you have heard the expression "he (or she) got the short end of the stick." We usually use this saying to describe a situation where one individual receives the less desirable of two options. Fred Bauer tells a story that puts an interesting spin on this phrase.      There was a farmer who had a large basket of grain he wanted to take to market. However, the basket was too heavy for him to carry. He enlisted the help of his young son, but the boy was not big enough to help him carry the basket. So, the farmer cut a long stick and placed it through the handles of the basket. He positioned the stick so that the basket would be closer to one end of the stick. This allowed more of the burden to be shifted to that end. The farmer then picked up the shorter, heavier end of the stick and his son picked up the longer, lighter end. They positioned the stick on their shoulders and easily carried the basket to market. The father got the "short end of the stick," but he did so intentionally so that the task could be accomplished.      So it is with our Lord. He intentionally takes the "short end of the stick" to help us with our burdens. We do not walk alone when we have to shoulder heavy circumstances and events in our lives. Our Lord walks with us, and he will take the heavy part of the load in order to help us cope with the struggle. He is always there to help us accomplish jobs beyond our means and to lighten our wearisome assignments. In Matthew 11:28-30, we read the invitation of Christ: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Jesus will always take the short end of the stick. Pastor Steve Date: Sat Feb 25 08:32:56 2012 Today's Commentary     A parable is told about a conference that was held among the rivers of the world. The purpose was to determine the most important river in the world. The Nile argued that since it was the longest river, it was the most important. The Amazon said that its width made it the most important. The Danube said that since it most likely was the busiest river in all of Europe, then it should be considered the most important. However, when the decision came in, a little river that no one had ever heard of was judged the most important. All this river did was overflow its banks each spring and make the land fertile so that the people could raise crops to feed their families.      We can be important to others when we allow the blessings we have to overflow so others can be blessed. When God blesses you abundantly, he does so in order for you to be a blessing to others. You may not be the most visible or the most vocal person in your church, but that doesn't determine importance. You are important when you let God flow through you to help and encourage others. As we have experienced the grace of God, we should let grace overflow to others. Paul writes in II Corinthians 4:15, "All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God." Let your life overflow for the benefit of others! Pastor Steve Date: Fri Feb 24 07:32:14 2012 Today's Commentary     This past Sunday was the 200th anniversary of the departure of American's first foreign missionary, Adoniram Judson. On February 19, 1812, Judson, along with his wife Ann, Samuel and Harriet Newell, and Luther Rice, boarded the ship Caravan headed to India. In India, they were rebuffed by the British East India Company that controlled that area, and went instead to Burma (now known as Myanmar). His full biography needs to be read by every follower of Christ. You cannot read about his life and not be moved by his incredible faithfulness in the wake of incredible hardship.      Adoniram Judson was driven by his concern for the condition of those who were without Christ. He said, "How do Christians discharge this trust committed to them? They let three fourths of the world sleep the sleep of death, ignorant of the simple truth that a Savior died for them." His philosophy of life is summed up by this quote, "The motto of every missionary, whether preacher, printer, or schoolmaster, ought to be 'Devoted for life.'" He indeed was devoted to life and continued to work diligently until his death on April 12, 1850.      Judson provides us with an example of perseverance and dedication. May our lives demonstrate the same dedication and commitment as we serve Christ. We should all long to hear the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!" (Matthew 25:23) Pastor Steve Date: Thu Feb 23 07:20:49 2012 Today's Commentary     Following God has never been easy, and God does not intend for it to be. We tend to forget this at times and get a little side-tracked as we deal with issues and circumstances that come our way. When things are too easy, we tend to be ungrateful. When things are too easy, we tend to lose sight of our dependence upon God. When things are too easy, we tend to not give God the recognition due him. We need to learn that we don't live on bread alone, but on what God provides for us.      God reminds the Israelites of all the benefits they have received by following him. Then he issues this warning, "Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt." (8:11-14) The testing and the trials that they experienced along their way were there to remind them of the benefits they had received and will continue to receive by being obedient to God.      Keep this in mind the next time you face an event that causes you a little tension, or even a little pain. That event can help you grow. Along with the sunshine, we still need the rain. Pastor Steve Date: Wed Feb 22 07:25:35 2012 Today's Commentary     Leadership Today writes: "Great men and women of faith are people of prayer. Prayer deepens our connection with our Heavenly Father, and leads to spiritual power and action. In prayer we seek God, worship Him, humble ourselves before Him, and receive His wisdom. As we spend time with Him, our lives increasingly reflect Him to those around us."      Great men and women of faith devote a great deal of time to prayer. They understood that they could not hope to accomplish all that needs to be accomplished without spending time in prayer. We see examples in the Scripture and examples in history of God's servants spending time with God in prayer. David was a man of prayer. Many of his prayers are seen in the psalms he wrote. Daniel was a man of prayer. Even in the face of the threat of death, Daniel still continued his custom of praying three times a day. We read in Daniel 6:10, "Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before." Jesus himself spent time in prayer regularly.      The history of the Church is filled with examples of people who understood time spent in prayer was time well spent. John Wesley rose at 4 a.m. each morning so that he might spend at least two hours in prayer before the day would start.      How is your life bang shaped by time with God? We have many biblical and historical examples of people whose lives made a difference and there is an important common denominator - they understood the importance of prayer. Do you? Pastor Steve Date: Tue Feb 21 07:14:18 2012 Today's Commentary     Last March we watched the unbelievable video stream coming out of Japan of the deadly tsunami that caused widespread destruction and wrecked a nuclear power plant, turning a source of comfort and convenience into a deadly problem. I recently read about one of the more heart-wrenching scenes that came from this devastating event. MSNBC showed a 4-year-old using her recently acquired skill of writing to pen the following letter: "Dear Mommy, I hope you are alive. Are you okay?" This was a true lament.      Lament is the ancient art of expressing great sorrow or anger or distress over a circumstance or event. This is a means of acknowledging reality, and also expressing to God what one is experiencing in the inner resources of the soul. Lament expresses the turmoil of the soul. Many of the Psalms contain the lament of those facing great struggle. In Psalm 13, we read the cries of David over the oppression he is experiencing at the hands of his enemies, "How long, LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?" (Psalm 13:1)      David is honest with God in how he feels during his distress. Lament reminds us that we need to be honest with God about how we feel. Lament is more than just acknowledging what is wrong, however, it is asserting that God will make the wrong right. David expresses his innermost feelings to God in this Psalm, but then concludes with the following affirmation, "But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the LORD’s praise, for he has been good to me." (Vss. 5-6). Lament acknowledges the presence of pain, but also affirms the presence of hope. Pastor Steve Date: Mon Feb 20 07:50:01 2012 Today's Commentary     Are you a student of history? I sometimes get a kick out of asking young people if they like history. The majority of the responses are negative. However, we need to remember how important history is. If for no other reason, it is important to learn from mistakes. As someone once said, "those who do not remember history are condemned to repeat it". We learn not only from history in general but our own history as well.      So how good are you are remembering history? You do not need to go very far into the scriptures to find examples of people who were not very good at remembering history. For example, consider the people of Sodom and Gomorrah. God destroyed their city because of the debauchery of their lifestyles. They would have known about the flood, but that didn't keep them from living such lives of depravity that God completely destroyed the cities (Genesis 18 and 19). Their ungodliness was so rampant that God told Abraham if 10 righteous people could be found, he would spare the city. Well, you know the history. You should know the history.      Learn from your history, and from the history of others. There is blessing for those who choose to remember history and there are consequences for those who don't. Psalm 103:17-18 reminds us, "But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children- with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts." Be a student of history! Pastor Steve Date: Sun Feb 19 07:50:01 2012 Today's Commentary     God does not compromise. We sometimes erroneously think we can bargain with God. "God, I will do this if. . ." Not a good idea. In response to Moses' request to free the people so they can go worship God, Pharaoh says, "The LORD be with you-if I let you go, along with your women and children! Clearly you are bent on evil. No! Have only the men go and worship the LORD, since that's what you have been asking for." (Exodus 10:10-11) Pharaoh mistakenly thought he could modify the request to his standards. You know what happened next. Frogs, flies, and eventually death was God's response to his attempt to compromise with God.      We must understand that God will not alter his standards to our specifications. God will not change his ways to bring them closer to our design. This needs to happen the other way around. He tells Isaiah that the ways and thoughts of man are not his ways, and he has no intention of lowering his standards to the ways and thoughts of man (read Isaiah 55:9). So do not think you can get God to compromise. He will not bend his standards to meet your will; you need to bend your will to meet his standards. Pastor Steve Date: Sat Feb 18 07:50:01 2012 Today's Commentary     I used to work for an office systems installation firm in Dallas, Texas. We received and installed conventional furniture, but our specialty was the installation of moveable wall work stations. One of the biggest manufacturers of this type of work station is Herman Miller. I personally liked to work on Herman Miller because the design just made sense to me, and I felt the system was easier to work with. Hearing about a comment made by Max Dupree, CEO of Herman Miller, I think I understand why they have a superior project. When asked what the most difficult thing he personally had to work on was, he replied, "Intercepting entropy."      What is entropy? It is what happens when you don't take care of business. Or, to put it more technically, it is "a lack of order; a gradual descent into disorder." What causes this? Not taking care of things or not being responsible to do what needs to be done is what causes entropy. Many are flirting with entropy in their lives because they are not careful and are do not take care of their responsibilities. Proverbs warns us what happens when this takes place: "I walked by the field of a lazy person, the vineyard of one with no common sense. I saw that it was overgrown with nettles. It was covered with weeds, and its walls were broken down. Then, as I looked and thought about it, I learned this lesson: A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest-then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber." (Proverbs 20:30-34, NLT)      Intercept entropy in your life. Make sure that you take care of business. It will be better for you, and it will be better for those around you. Pastor Steve Date: Fri Feb 17 08:50:01 2012 Today's Commentary     God gave us laws not because he is a cosmic kill-joy. He gave us laws so that we could enjoy life and enjoy it to the full. God's laws are given to us for our benefit, not so that God can show how restrictive he can be. We often respond to God's laws the same way a child responds to his or her parent's mandates. Children often chafe under their mother's and father's hand because they feel the rules are against them, not for them. As they grow, they receive more insight into the reason for the rules. We should do the same and remember God's restrictions are meant to keep us from being self-destructive. God has our best interests at heart and his laws are given to show that.      Keep this in mind the next time you have a negative response to a "thou shalt not. . ." Focus on the moral law of God. This is glorifying to him and is good for you. Psalm 18:30 talks about God's design for his people through his desire for us, "As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD's word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him." He wants to protect us. That is why he gave us laws. Pastor Steve Date: Thu Feb 16 07:12:06 2012 Today's Commentary     "Carpe diem" is a phrase from a Latin poem written by Homer. A more or less literal translation is "seize the day." The idea conveyed is that one should try to make the most of opportunities in the present because we do not know what the future may hold. As believers in Christ, we know we do have a future that is bright and full of promise. However, we should not get so caught up in this reality that we forget how important our actions and ministry are right now. Hebrews 3:12-14, "See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called 'Today,' so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end."      We are indeed "people of the future," but we have important work to do here and now to show others their need of Christ so they can have a future of hope as well. They need to "carpe diem" so they may have a tomorrow. Pastor Steve Date: Wed Feb 15 07:36:55 2012 Today's Commentary     We need to do what we can to be a bearer of hope. That is one of the most important things a believer in Christ can do. We live in a world where hopelessness abounds. We face uncertainty all throughout our life, but we can always have hope. Now, this doesn't require that we don't face reality or ignore what is happening, it just means that we always endeavor to look at our present reality in the most positive way possible. Someone once said, "Genuine hope is not wishful thinking, but a firm assurance about things that are unseen and still in the future."      How can we have this outlook? We do so by making sure that we keep our eyes constantly on our Savior so we can look at life with his perspective. Hebrews 11:1 tells us, "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." Is this not a realistic attitude? Well, this is part of God's Word, and I don't think I want to call God unrealistic. Look at life with the eyes of Christ and you will always have hope. Pastor Steve Date: Tue Feb 14 07:18:54 2012 Today's Commentary     Today is St. Valentine's Day, a day set aside to celebrate love. Love is a powerful emotion and is something we all desire. We all have a basic need to be loved and love in return. Most of us have loved and have been loved by parents, siblings, spouses, children, grandchildren, and others all throughout our lives. Sometimes we may have loved someone without being loved in return. Or perhaps someone has loved us and we have not returned that love. Love among humans is sometimes less than perfect. However, we know that the love we experience from our Father is more than perfection.      Romans 8:35-39 tells us, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: 'For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.' No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 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."      God loves us unconditionally and eternally. He will never not love us (I know this is incorrect syntax, but it got your attention, didn’t it?). Be thankful for his great love, love him in return, and love others as God loves you. Pastor Steve Date: Mon Feb 13 07:47:01 2012 Today's Commentary     On February 13, 1974, Russian author Alexander Solzhenitsyn was expelled from the former Soviet Union. His anti-communist and pro-Christian writings simply could not be tolerated by the godless regime of the Soviet Union. His writings had led to his imprisonment, and when imprisonment didn't silence his voice, the government kicked him out. Of course, the only thing Solzhenitsyn did was tell the truth.      When asked about the decline of modern culture, he responded, "Man has forgotten God, that is why this has happened". Once again, Solzhenitsyn told the truth. There is a movement in our society to try to eradicate any acknowledgment of God at all. This is why there are so many ACLU law suits that try to preserve the rights of individuals by constantly operating under the mantra of "separation of church and state." They are trying to do to God what the Soviet Union did to Solzhenitsyn - kick him out. Current thinking displays the same ignorance as did the Soviet Union. They think banishment will bring about silence. They are wrong.      Proverbs declares "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.'" (Psalm 14:1) Do not be foolish in your life. Do not ignore the presence of God either openly or subtlety. Denying him will not make him go away. Pastor Steve Date: Sun Feb 12 06:47:35 2012 Today's Commentary     Today is a rather unique day on the calendar. Both Abraham Lincoln and Charles Darwin were born on this day. Today, pastors have been called upon to say something good about Darwin to bring about acceptance of his teachings. Sorry. That won't happen at our church this morning. I find it very disturbing that the theory for which he laid the groundwork is being accepted more and more, even among the followers of Christ. We need to be careful in what we believe.      Lincoln and Darwin both left their mark on the world, but in very different ways. Lincoln argued for the equality of all men and the creative act of God in his Emancipation Proclamation:      "Our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal."      Darwin, of course, argued that man is not equal ("survival of the fittest") and he was certainly not created. Darwin said, "Man is descended from a hairy, tailed quadruped, probably arboreal in its habits" and "On the ordinary view of each species having been independently created, we gain no scientific explanation."      Darwin's theories have been the basis for the argument of atheists and have led to such things as the banishment of prayer from schools, the rise of liberal theology, the mistaken arguments of "separation of church and state," as well as many other attacks against the Christian faith. Lincoln's last official act before his death was the signing of the proclamation that placed "In God We Trust" on all U.S. coinage. I know whose birthday I will always celebrate on February 12th. Pastor Steve Date: Sat Feb 11 08:29:11 2012 Today's Commentary     I read the following in an article recently, "Eyes are windows into a person's inner being. They communicate compassion, anger, questions, and sadness. Eyes can narrow in contempt or open wide in surprise and joy. A glance can demean or encourage others." Our eyes reveal so much about us. Some experts can tell who truthful one is by watching the eyes as statements are being made. Eye contact is a very important part of communication.      As followers of Christ, there is another thing to consider regarding our eyes. Eyes help us to receive information and input about life. How do we see life? How do we see our role in the lives of others? Do we look at life with the humility of God's sight? Psalm 18:27, "You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty." Ask God to keep your vision "humble". Ask him to help you look at life through his eyes. Humble eyes look at life with God's perspective. Let God do a "vision check" on you today. Pastor Steve Date: Fri Feb 10 07:36:51 2012 Today's Commentary     While on my way to take my truck to my mechanic for some repairs, I stopped for a school bus just at the point where I was to turn into the parking lot of the business. By the time the bus picked up the waiting children, turned off the flashing lights, and resumed the journey to school, a lengthy line of cars had assembled behind it. I was prepared for a long wait before I would be able to turn into the drive to the repair shop. However, the driver of the dump truck that had been waiting right behind the bus saw my turn signal and motioned me to go ahead and turn in front of him. Wow - that was a really nice gesture.      In our world of racing to get where we are going and never having enough time, our sense of urgency can often cause our focus to be too much on self and too little on others. Because of this, we miss seeing others and their needs. We miss opportunities to show kindness and be of help to others. The slight hesitation of the truck driver probably caused him to lose no more than a few seconds in his journey. With the number of cars that were stopped by the bus, I would have waited much longer. A little sacrifice on our part could make a big difference for someone else.      Why don't you develop this attitude? Develop a mindset of giving a little of yourself so that someone else can benefit. This is a good thing to do, and it reflects the heart of God. Peter tells us, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (I Peter 5:6-7) Reflect God's care for others in the little things you do. Pastor Steve Date: Thu Feb 9 07:09:23 2012 Today's Commentary     I don't know if you have ever heard of "firewalkers" - not "firecrackers" but "firewalkers". A firewalker is one who risks serious injury by walking over a bed of hot coals. This practice dates back as far as 1200 B.C. In some cultures, it is a rite of passage experience or a part of a religious ceremony to demonstrate faith. Today, some motivational seminars or training exercises use firewalking as a confidence booster or a team building exercise. What a way to develop some camaraderie!      A great deal of camaraderie did exist between a trio of firewalkers presented in Daniel 3. Here, however, the firewalking experience was not exactly a volunteer exercise in team-building or to boost their confidence. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had given the command that "Whoever does not fall down and worship (the golden image) will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace." (3:6) For Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (better known as Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego), three young Hebrew captives, this command led to a firewalking experience that demonstrated their faith. They ignored the threat and refused to bow down before the image, an act that would indeed have compromised their stand for God. As a result, they were thrown into a furnace with a temperature so high that those who tossed them in were killed. (3:22) The result was a lesson in who is actually boss when God preserved their lives, and even came to walk in the fire with them.      God may not always prevent us from "firewalking" experiences, but he will indeed preserve us through such experiences. He tells us in Isaiah 43:2, "When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." Perhaps the three Hebrews had this in mind as they were in the flames. It is indeed a good verse to remember at times when we face the crucible of life. Remember that God will help us when we have to walk through fire. Pastor Steve Date: Wed Feb 8 07:25:35 2012 Today's Commentary     God is patient and long-suffering and we should be glad about that. II Peter 3:9 tells us, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." The way he dealt with the Egyptians demonstrates that he is patient with even the most rebellious. God gave Pharaoh every chance to do the right thing. Remember the plagues? You can read about them in Exodus 11. He started out with an unpleasant but fairly harmless plague of frogs; then each subsequent plague increased in intensity before the slaying of the first born finally changed Pharaoh’s mind.      Be grateful for God's patience. And don’t do things intentionally to try God’s patience. We can be rebellious, and we need to be aware of God's determination before we enter into conflict with him. He is patient, but you will not prevail. It may be wise to abandon the fight before the conflict escalates. Even God's patience will ultimately wear thin. Pastor Steve Date: Tue Feb 7 07:28:14 2012 Today's Commentary     So many people wanted so many things of Jesus. There were times when he answered their requests. There were times when he walked away. Now, the reasons why he responded differently were sometimes unclear. Jesus knew that at times the best answer is no.      That is something we need to come to grips with as well. There are times when the best answer to someone's request is no. This may be because we are so overbooked that one more responsibility will put us over the edge. This may be because the request is unreasonable. This may be because saying yes is not in the person's best interest. This may be because we simply cannot do what is being asked of us. We need to pray for discernment and wisdom and know that at times, no is the best answer.      Psalm 32:8 says, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you." Pray for the help of God to direct you to know when the best answer is no. Pastor Steve Date: Mon Feb 6 07:15:12 2012 Today's Commentary     Yesterday was Super Bowl Sunday. Did your team win? As a Cowboys fan, I obviously wasn't pulling too hard for either of the teams, although I did have my favorite. As to whom that was, you will need to ask me sometime. I did watch the game, but who didn't? The Super Bowl has become the biggest show on television. One estimate given was that 50% of the U.S. populace was watching. Can you imagine that? That means almost 150 million viewers, and that is just in the U.S. The Super Bowl is beamed all around the world. This is why it costs Super Bowl ads cost $3.5 million for a 30-second spot. Last night's Super Bowl may be the most watched event in history, but it won't be the most watched event of all time. That will take place in the future with the appearance of Christ.      When Christ appears at the Second Advent, the scripture tells us that all eyes of the world will be trained on him. Revelation 1:7 says, "'Look, he is coming with the clouds,' and 'every eye will see him, even those who pierced him'; and all peoples on earth 'will mourn because of him.' So shall it be! Amen." Those that mourn are those who have rebelled. Because of their state, they know what his coming will mean - they are headed for judgment. Those of us who have trusted in him will not mourn as we stand before Christ. Because of our hope in him, our future is with him, and when future things take place that will lead to the end of God's plan for this current age, we can be confident that our hope is with him. We can look forward to this day with joy; those who persist in unbelief can look forward to a day of mourning. Now is the time to change our mourning to joy through faith in Christ. Don't wait until you don't have that chance. Pastor Steve Date: Sun Feb 5 06:21:10 2012 Today's Commentary     I have so many ways of reminding myself of appointments, things to do, places to be, and other items that it is not funny. I have the old standard date book, I have my calendar on my cell phone, I have a monthly calendar, and I use email reminders - both company generated and emails I send to myself. Still I forget things. (See the post on January 27 for more information on this).      God knows about this, and that is why he has reminders for us. This is why we need regular times of worship, regular times of fellowship, and regular times of study and prayer. That is why he gave us the visible signs of our communion with him through baptism and the Lord’s Table. Through these times we are reminded of God's faithfulness and his love for us. We are reminded of his provision and his care for us. Don't avoid these times that help us to remember him. God wants us to "remember, therefore, what (we) have received and heard." (Revelation 3:3) Remembering God's promises is always a good thing. Pastor Steve Date: Sat Feb 4 08:44:56 2012 Today's Commentary     Dietrich Bonheoffer was born on this day (February 4) in 1906. The name may not be familiar to you, so let me tell you a little of Bonheoffer. Dietrich Bonheoffer was supposed to be a doctor, but instead studied theology and became a pastor and a professor. He even spent a year in New York City teaching Sunday School at the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem. He was very concerned about how one's faith in God should translate into action for others. This desire led him back to Germany to oppose the views of Hitler and the rising Third Reich. This opposition led to his imprisonment in 1943, and his execution on April 9, 1945, just days before the liberation of Germany by the Allied Forces. Bonheoffer had a choice to make during his time in the United State. Reinhold Niebuhr, a pastor in New York, tried to persuade him to stay and voice his opposition to the Nazi party from the relative safety of America. Bonheoffer refused and said, "To endure the cross is not tragedy; it is the suffering which is the fruit of an exclusive allegiance to Jesus Christ."      Many times our stand for Jesus puts us at a right angle with others. It may be that our stand for Christ puts us in a position where we go through some hard times. Remember what Bonheoffer said about taking a stand for the cross of Christ. More importantly, remember what the Scripture tells us. James tells us, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds." (James 1:2) Paul condemns believers who weaken their stance for Christ to avoid persecution, "The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ." (Galatians 6:12) Christ tells us, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." (Matthew 16:24) Where do you stand? Pastor Steve Date: Fri Feb 3 07:25:40 2012 Today's Commentary     Often I have heard some say, "If we could only be able able to see God we would follow him more closely. If he would speak to us, we would have more faith." Well, I beg to differ with that. In the scripture we have examples of folks who had these provileges and still went away from him. The classic example of this is the behavior of the Israelites.      The Israelites had both a visible manifestation of the presence of God and they heard God's voice. They were led by a cloud during the day and a pillar of fire by night during their journey from Egypt to Canaan. Exodus 13:21 tells us, "By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night." When they completed the construction of the tabernacle, the cloud moved over the tabernacle to show them God's presence was with them: "On the day the tabernacle, the tent of the covenant law, was set up, the cloud covered it. From evening till morning the cloud above the tabernacle looked like fire. That is how it continued to be; the cloud covered it, and at night it looked like fire." (Numbers 9:15-16) They also heard God's voice, "As the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and the voice of God answered him." (Exodus 19:19)      After all this, one would think that the people would be obedient and follow God faithfully. However, if one would think this, one would be wrong. You need to read Exodus 32. The people's response to their witness of God's presence was to have Aaron build a golden calf so they could have something to worship. As you can see, being able to see and hear God does not necessarily translate into being faithful to God. Being faithful is dependent upon our conscious decision to obey. As Christ said, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." (John 20:29) Pastor Steve Date: Thu Feb 2 07:54:30 2012 Today's Commentary     Well, today is Groundhog Day. Isn't that exciting? If the groundhog sees its shadow, then it is six more weeks of winter. Usually, we would not want that. However, if we have six more weeks of what we are experiencing right now, that wouldn't be so bad. Of course, the first day spring of is March 20, so technically we would have six more weeks of winter whether or not Mr. Groundhog saw his shadow.      Groundhog Day originated in Europe and was brought to this country by immigrants in the late 18th century. Southeastern Pennsylvania was where it got its start here, and, as you might know, that is where the most famous Groundhog Day celebration is held each year in Punxsutawney. As with most traditions of this sort, it perpetuates because of our desire to know what is coming in the future.      Christ spoke to his disciples about times that were to come. He spoke of his return and the Day of the Lord that would be ushered in at some point in the future. He spoke of signs that would be harbingers of these events. He says in Matthew 24:32-33, "Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door." We don't know dates, we don't know exactly when, but we do know Christ will return. Christ, Paul, John, and Peter all encouraged followers to be prepared for this. We do well to listen to them, and we do even better when we encourage others to prepare. It has nothing to do with seeing one's shadow, but it has everything to do with believing God's Word. Pastor Steve Date: Wed Feb 1 07:37:26 2012 Today's Commentary     Something good to always keep in mind is that God does not need any of us. When we fail to do as we should or do things that we shouldn't, his work will go on undiminished. We should not labor under the mistaken assumption that we are indispensable when it comes to God's ministry. He wants and likes to use us, and that is why he invests a great deal of time in us, but ultimately he does not need us. When he calls us for a ministry, it is for our benefit. If we are unwilling or impure, he can call on someone else to fulfill his plan. We are the one who misses out, not God. Everything God calls on us to do is for our benefit. The purpose of our service is so that we might grow and receive blessings. When we fail, God does not miss out, we do.      Moses was reluctant to do what God was asking of him. However, don't misunderstand God's intentions in his interchange with Moses found in Exodus 3 and 4. The "back and forth" that took place in these verses does not show us God's desperation and his great "need" for Moses. His determination was to not let Moses miss what became a great privilege for Moses - leading a people who became a great nation. God told Moses, "I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do." (Exodus 4:15) When he calls us for his work that is what he will do. He wants to bless us, but he does not need us. That is what makes his desire to use us all the more special. Don’t lose this perspective! Pastor Steve Date: Tue Jan 31 07:21:52 2012 Today's Commentary     Many times when I am on a long drive and still have quite a distance to go before I reach my destination, I think of the words of Robert Frost's poem, "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening:" - "The woods are lovely, dark, and deep. But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep."      These words remind us of a quality that is helpful in the completion of lengthy trips and tasks - perseverance. Perseverance is helpful in working through situations that look to be lengthy and sometimes may even be undesirable. We often face tasks and experiences that require perseverance because they require time to resolve or complete. Driving a long distance is not one of my favorite things to do, but if I want to get where I want to be, I must be willing to endure the journey. Often it is that way with a situation in life. In order for the circumstance to be resolved, I must persevere.      Perseverance is also an important characteristic in achieving goals in life. Attaining a desired result often requires that we persevere. Markita Andrews was a young girl with a dream - she wanted to win a contest so that she and her mother could travel the world. At the age of 13, she set out to win the contest. She discovered that the secret of successful selling was perseverance. And persevere she did. Going door-to-door after school for hours each day, she shared her dream with potential customers and asked them, "Would you like to invest in my dream by buying one or two dozen boxes of cookies?" That year she sold 3,526 boxes of cookies and won her trip. Since then, she has sold more than 42,000 boxes of cookies, more Girl Scout cookies than anyone, ever. She realized she had "miles to go before I sleep," and sold cookies!      In Ephesians 6:18, Paul asks us to "Pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints." Paul taught that perseverance in important in our prayers and in our lives in general. Develop this quality, and conquer those miles! Pastor Steve Date: Mon Jan 30 07:33:11 2012 Today's Commentary     Despite all the claims of Gatorade and other drinks, nothing beats water. Water is still the healthiest all-around thirst quencher. Water is better for you, and water also has properties that other drinks do not. Would you want to take a bath in Gatorade? Would you prefer a Gatorade storm refresh and renew the landscape like a rain storm? In one sense, Gatorade is just another example of a tendency we have that is not good - thinking we can improve upon what God has provided.      When I think of water, I think of one area where we cannot improve upon what God has provided in any way - the salvation of our soul. Christ uses water on many occasions as an analogy of what he provides to give us life. Jesus said to a woman he encountered at a well in Sychar, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life." (John 4:13-14) Later he declared, "Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them." (John 7:37-38)      Obviously, this "water" that Christ provides needs no improvement and has no substitute. Drink Gatorade all you want to quench a physical thirst and preserve life, but when it comes to eternal life, there is only one drink that will satisfy. Pastor Steve Date: Sun Jan 29 06:10:40 2012 Today's Commentary     Al Roker reported on a TV special "Child Hunger Ends Here" that in our country 17 million children under the age of 18 go to bed hungry each night. This is happening all around us. This is happening in the richest country in the world. This is happening in the same nation that is struggling with an obesity issue. There are millions of children who are severely malnourished. Does this make sense to you?      I agree that there are a lot of issues and circumstances that do not make sense in our society but for me, this one, pardon the pun, takes the cake. As followers of Christ, we need to be concerned with such issues and do all we can to help others who are struggling to have enough food. James tells us, "Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?'" (2:15-16) The words of Christ should constantly ring in our ears when he tells us, "‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ He will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'" (Matthew 25:44-45)      Numbers such as I gave above sometimes overwhelm us. So, don't look at the numbers - look at people around you. I guarantee that you will not have to look far to see where you can do some good. And when you see where you can do some good, be sure to do it! Pastor Steve Date: Sat Jan 28 10:13:22 2012 Today's Commentary     On this date, January 28, in 1986, the space shuttle Challenger exploded 73 seconds after lift-off killing all seven astronauts on board, including Christa McAuliffe, an elementary school teacher from Concord, New Hampshire. She was the first civilian in the space program, and, obviously, the first one killed on a manned space flight. The devastating tragedy affected the families of these people profoundly and touched the lives of all citizens of the United States. President Reagan said, "There's a coincidence today. On this day 390 years ago, the great explorer Sir Francis Drake died aboard ship off the coast of Panama. In his lifetime the great frontiers were the oceans, and a historian later said, 'He lived by the sea, died on it, and was buried in it.' Well, today we can say of the Challenger crew: Their dedication was, like Drake's, complete. The crew of the space shuttle Challenger honored us by the manner in which they lived their lives. We will never forget them, nor the last time we saw them, this morning, as they prepared for their journey and waved good-bye and 'slipped the surly bonds of earth' to 'touch the face of God.'"      The space program learned some expensive lessons that day. They are lessons that would benefit us all. First, they learned to not be overconfident in their abilities. It had been many years since NASA had experienced fatalities. This event brought home the realization of the danger of the work. Second, they learned that small parts can cause big problems and inspections need to be really thorough. The accident happened because of a failure of a small O-ring. This leads to lesson number three: don't scrimp on expenditures where lives are involved. NASA had "cut corners" on some things, including the O-rings, and that led to terrible consequences. Finally, you must always expect the unexpected.      We should never think we "have it all together" in our spiritual lives. We must live in constant dependence on God's provisions. We should remember that small issues can lead to big problems, so don't overlook the small stuff. We should not be chintzy with our time, money, and effort in our spiritual lives. Finally, remember that the things we don't think will happen often do, so do your best to not be caught off guard. Our constant prayer should be as the one of David, "Guard my life and rescue me; let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you." (Psalm 25:20) Pastor Steve Date: Fri Jan 27 07:04:05 2012 Today's Commentary     I would lose my head if it wasn't attached to my body. I don't like to lose things, I don't want to lose things, but I do. The prevalence of Lost and Found departments indicates that I am not alone in this. Usually, my search for what I have lost is conducted in proportion to the value or significance of what I have lost. One would usually expend more effort in a search for $1000 than you would for a nickel.      In response to the criticism of the Pharisees about the company he was keeping, Christ told about three lost things. You can read about this in Luke 15. He spoke of a shepherd's search for a lost sheep, a lady's search for a lost coin, and a father's search for a lost coin. Even though there was an increase of significance, the search for each was just as intense by the seekers. Christ wanted to reveal his heart for those who cared to see. He wanted to show his intent and mission in coming to the planet he created.      In each of the stories, there is great rejoicing when the lost is found. Luke 15:10 talks of the rejoicing that takes place when a lost person is found by the Savior: "In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." Christ wants us to be attached to him. He wants this enough that he comes and finds us. Pastor Steve Date: Thu Jan 26 07:30:45 2012 Today's Commentary     I just read an interesting article about a school crossing sign on the pavement outside a high school in New York City. What made this one so unique is that the word "school" was misspelled so that instead of reading "school x-ing", the sign read "shcool x-ing." How a mistake like this could be made is somewhat understandable, but what takes this story up a notch is that the mistake has just been noticed and the sign was painted in 2010. It gets even better. After the glaring error was finally seen, there was an argument among the DOT, city officials, school officials, and even the PTA as to who was at fault. The PTA president said of the principal, "What's ironic is that the principal has probably painted the lunchroom and rooms inside over about five times since 2010." That may be, but as a PTA president, you mean you didn't notice the sign either? The sign did get changed, but what I find sad is that no one wanted to take responsibility for the mistake. Sound familiar?      This is a common problem among us - we don't like to take responsibility for our mistakes. This begins when we are young. Hey, it actually began in the garden right after the commission of the first sin. In response to God's question about having eaten the fruit, Adam said, "The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it." All too often, this scenario plays itself out in our lives. We make a mistake, and then try to pin the blame for the error on someone else.      I am not old enough to remember when Harry Truman was president, but I have read about and actually have seen a picture of a sign he kept on his desk in the oval office. This sign, with correct spelling, read, "The buck stops here". We, like Truman, should be willing to own up to our responsibilities. Proverbs 28:13 shows us the wisdom of such action, "Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy." When mistakes are made, don't spend energy passing the buck, do something to take care of what happened. Pastor Steve Date: Wed Jan 25 07:04:00 2012 Today's Commentary     God does the work of God and man does the work of man. When we keep this in mind, our lives can go much easier. God is the one who is responsible for results; our responsibility is faithfulness. When we think we are the one responsible for results, we can experience frayed nerves and a lot of stress. We will drive ourselves to an early grave with this thinking. God is the one who has the plan, our place is to maintain faithfulness as we live within his plan.      Saul is a good example of someone who didn't understand these role distinctions. He constantly leapt ahead of God in his movements and decisions and this led to his demise. This led God to send Samuel went on a search for a new king. In reference to Saul, God told Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (I Samuel 16:7)      Keep the right order. Remember your "job description" as a child of God. Do what you know you should do and let God do what he does best. Pastor Steve Date: Tue Jan 24 07:31:37 2012 Today's Commentary     How do you respond to those who treat you harshly? What do you say back to those who say unkind things about you, or even to you? What do you do to "get even with your critics?" How should we treat those who mistreat us?      I recently read a story about Rachel Ray and how she responded to some criticism. An article in "Slate" magazine said: "Rachel Ray may be the world's most reviled chef." Author and chef Anthony Bourdain said of Ray, "We know she can't cook. So what is she selling us? She is selling us the smug assurance that mediocrity is alright." How did Ray respond to this? She said publicly that she admired Bourdain, loved his work, and booked his favorite band for an upcoming festival. In response to this, Bourdain said, "I don't know whether to send her a fruit basket or go shoot a puppy." Ray sent Bourdain a fruit basket with a note attached that read, "So you won't go shooting any puppies."      Paul gives us this advice in Romans 12:14 - 20: "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. . .Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. . .Do not take revenge, my dear friends. . .'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.'" I don't know if Ray read this or not, but it sure sounds like she did, and now you have. So you not only have her example of how to respond to mean things, but you have God's Word! Pastor Steve Date: Mon Jan 23 07:13:08 2012 Today's Commentary     Some moments in life are life-changing. Something happens and we begin to see a little more clearly where we were having a little trouble seeing before. When we have these experiences, sometimes it tells us that a change is necessary. However, sometimes we are affirmed that what we are doing is just what we should be doing and that no change is necessary, except for the faith that we now have that what we are doing is what we need to be doing.      These moments can be especially true for those of us who seek to follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit and are sensitive to him. Jesus promised his disciples that he would send the Holy Spirit to guide them in their walk with Him: "the Advocate, 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." (John 14:26) This happens as we focus on the Holy Spirit and constantly inform him that we want his leadership. When we do, we will have those encounters where things become more in focus. Pastor Steve Date: Sun Jan 22 06:30:11 2012 Today's Commentary     All of us make mistakes and all of us do things we know we shouldn't do, or don't do things that we know we should. We cannot keep ourselves from making mistakes, and we have a propensity to do things that aren't right. Most of us don't like this. The important question is: Do we learn from our mistakes? Do we "learn a lesson" from our sins? That is significant.      Genesis 42 records the story of a group of brothers who were being tested to see if they had learned from their past error. You need to read Genesis 42 - 45 to get the entire picture. Joseph's brothers came before him to ask for grain years after they had plotted to get rid of him. They did not recognize him, and Joseph devised a plan to see if they had learned from their past sin. He told them, "This is how I will know whether you are honest men: Leave one of your brothers here with me, and take food for your starving households and go. But bring your youngest brother to me so I will know that you are not spies but honest men. Then I will give your brother back to you, and you can trade in the land." (42:33-32) He wanted to see how they would treat their younger brother. He got his answer (44:33-34) when Judah offered to stay in place of Benjamin, Joseph's younger brother, who had "stolen" some silver.      Yes, we all make mistakes. But do we seek to learn from our mistakes? We should do what Joseph's brothers did and correct our future path based upon past failure. Pastor Steve Date: Sat Jan 21 08:37:59 2012 Today's Commentary     Here is an interesting thought from "Lead Like Jesus": "Where would we be if Jesus' attitude had been, 'I will if they will'? What if His mercy and grace were predicated upon us deserving His grace? It is actually just the opposite, according to Scripture. Jesus came to serve and save those who not only did not deserve His love and intervention, but those who desperately needed it all the same."      Do you know anyone who might fit this description? Just take a look in a mirror and you will get a good picture of someone who didn’t deserve Christ's love and mercy, yet got it anyway. One of my favorite verses is Mark 10:45, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." We need mercy and Christ deals with us in mercy. Don't forget this and be thankful for how he deals with you. We need to show mercy and to deal with others the way that Christ deals with us. Keep this in mind the next time you are tempted to allow some unrealistic expectations or whatever to keep you from showing mercy in how you deal with someone. Keep this in mind as you search for someone to serve in Jesus' name. Avoid the "I will if they will" mentality and show mercy just because it is the right thing to do. Pastor Steve Date: Fri Jan 20 06:42:08 2012 Today's Commentary     James Thompson was an American who founded the Thai Silk Company, reviving what was a moribund industry in Thailand and providing jobs for thousands. Forty-five years ago, he strolled into a Thai jungle while on vacation and was never seen again. To this day, his demise is a mystery. However, this is only part of the story of his life. Since his death, it was discovered that Thompson was more than just a silk entrepreneur. Even more mysterious than his death was the revelation that Thompson was perhaps a "double agent." While providing information to the U.S. Government concerning Communist activities in Southeast Asia, he allegedly was something of a Communist sympathizer who was involved in aiding Communist governments in that part of the world. Where does the truth lie concerning his life? This may never be known.      While it may be possible to have an "unknown life" and keep secrets from others, we must realize we can never keep anything secret from God. God knows the inner thoughts of our minds and knows what lies in the depths of our heart. Don't ever labor under the assumption that you can keep something hidden from God. This is just not possible. Luke gives us the words of Jesus: "For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open." (8:17)      The next time you think about engaging in an activity you think it going to be kept secret, remember these words of Christ. There are no "James Thompson's" when it comes to what God knows about us. Pastor Steve Date: Thu Jan 19 07:23:35 2012 Today's Commentary     Showing preferential treatment to others is bad form. Openly treating some with great respect or care while treating others with indifference or even ignoring them is not what we should do in the church. Often, this takes place in family relationships. Parents, or even grandparents, sometimes have their "favorites." Simply put, this is not right. Parents should not show favoritism for one child over another either intentionally or unintentionally. Consider the example of Jacob and his preference of Joseph. This led to his brothers contemplating fratricide, which actually didn't happen, but nonetheless led to mistreatment that caused a great deal of pain for Joseph. It took God's intervention to correct and even use for good the mistreatment of Joseph by his brothers. We should not tempt God with our treatment of others. You can read all about this story in the latter chapters of Genesis.      James 2:1 speaks to this issue directly: "My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism." We should treat each other equally and show love, care, and affection to all of our brothers and sisters in Christ. This is the desire of Christ, and we should determine to treat each other equally. Pastor Steve Date: Wed Jan 18 07:39:15 2012 Today's Commentary     I read an article recently that put a new slant on something with which I am very familiar. Many churches in the area where I now live and many churches in the area of the country where I grew up had cemeteries near the church. Haddon Robinson writes there is a reason for this. When a church has a cemetery that is visible through the windows of the church, the pastor has a constant reminder before him of the gravity of his ministry. Reminding people of their need to develop a relationship with the Father has the utmost importance. The people who fill the pews of the church will someday fill a space in the cemetery.      Death is the inevitable conclusion for all of us. The reminder that a cemetery affords to us is appropriate not just for ministers. Solomon tells us: "It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of everyone; the living should take this to heart." (Ecclesiastes 7:2) Let us remember this as we order our lives and as we pursue activities and goals. Believe in Christ and live for Him. Pastor Steve Date: Tue Jan 17 07:35:04 2012 Today's Commentary     Deceit is never a pretty thing. None of us like to be deceived, and shame on us when we deceive someone else in some way. Genesis is the first book of the Bible and is a book full of tales of deceit. I find a great deal of irony that there are so many accounts of deceit in Genesis. We read one after the other from the first deception perpetrated by Satan himself to the ending account of brothers trying to smooth over the consequences of their lies. A story I find especially compelling is the infamous tale of Jacob's deception leading to the theft of a birthright. You can read about this in Genesis 27. It is hard to wrap our heads around what took place in this event, and it is equally difficult to understand the result. In spite of his devious activities, Jacob ended up being blessed by God, and became, literally and spiritually, the father of the Jewish nation.      Certainly we should not use the experience of Jacob as a model to emulate, except for the part about his turning things around and beginning to trust the Lord instead of trusting in his own wiles. As we see God using Jacob in spite of all of his back-handed ways, we come to realize that God can use us in spite of our failures. This is indeed something we should take from the account of Jacob. A statement Jacob made later in life showed that he grew to "get the message" about how he should live life and how he should view his relationship with God: "I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant." (Genesis 32:10) That is so true for all of us. We are unworthy, yet God uses us anyway. Isn't that something? Pastor Steve Date: Mon Jan 16 08:12:35 2012 Today's Commentary     Today is a holiday honoring the birthday of civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Born on January 15, 1929, Dr. King would have been 83 had he lived. However, his life was cut short by an assassin's bullet on April 4, 1968. After beginning his ministry at the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, King was propelled to national prominence through his activism that led to many movements and marches on behalf of civil rights. Through his efforts, awareness was heightened of the plight of minorities because of racism and changes were made in attempts to thwart bigotry. In the famed "I Have a Dream" speech delivered from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1963 King said, "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."      Racism is something that should be foreign to the believer in Christ. Galatians 2:26 & 28 remind us of the equality that exists in Jesus, "So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. . .there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Allowing racism goes against the mind of God and is simply a sinful attitude. The words of King ring out against racism, but more importantly, so does the Word of God. We should not have to dream of a non-racist society among believers, it demands to be real. Pastor Steve Date: Sun Jan 15 06:05:30 2012 Today's Commentary     A steward is one who is commissioned to oversee the welfare and execute the affairs of another. The closer a steward is able to represent the mind of his superior, the better he fulfills his role. Therefore, when a steward is on assignment, ideally he has no personal mind or will; he strives to have the mind and will of his superior. As followers of Christ, we are stewards of Christ. We are to do the best we can to have the mind of Christ and the will of Christ. Peter reminds us, "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms." (I Peter 4:10)      A good example of stewardship comes from the Old Testament. Abraham wants to seek a wife for his son Isaac. He calls his servant Eliezer to him and gives him specific instructions as to where to go, what to say, and what to do to find a wife for Isaac. Eliezer carries out his wishes to the letter, and Rebekah becomes the wife of Isaac. You can read this marvelous story in Genesis 24.      Do what you should to be a steward of Christ. Like Eliezer, make sure you carry out Christ's wishes to the letter. This is what stewards do. Pastor Steve Date: Sat Jan 14 09:59:12 2012 Today's Commentary     An article on the "Walk Through the Bible" website that appeared recently was on hospitality. They wrote: "Don't you love hospitality? Isn't it a pleasant experience to enter someone's home and feel welcome? Hospitality is the mark of an open and giving heart. The secret to hospitality is love. If you love your guests and go out of your way to make them feel loved, you will be an exceptional host or hostess. Hospitality is such an important Christian character trait that elders in the church must be 'hospitable.' Paul writes in I Timothy 3:2 'Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.' Abraham was a man given to hospitality. Likewise, hospitality should be a trait in our own lives."      Hospitality is a character trait that I believe reflects an important issue for believers - that we are others-centered, not self-centered. When we have the mindset that "I really enjoy having others in my home" rather than "I don't enjoy having others in my home" we are reflecting Christ's attitude of "others first" and the servant heart that he had. Cultivate hospitality and create the mind of Christ in you! Pastor Steve Date: Fri Jan 13 07:12:32 2012 Today's Commentary     I read an article recently where the author suggested that maybe we don't celebrate enough. Imagine that! We do celebrate birthdays, holidays, and other special events. But do we really do enough to make a big deal out of the good things that God does for us? We really should take time to celebrate some benefit or blessing we recognize as a gift from God. Genesis 21:8 tells of a big feast that Abraham held when his son Isaac was weaned, "The child grew and was weaned, and on the day Isaac was weaned Abraham held a great feast." This was part of Abraham's on-going celebration because of God's gift to Sarah and him - their son, Isaac.      Spending time to celebrate God's gifts at times other than normal "celebration days" is a good thing. It is fitting to honor God for his goodness to us. Spend some time to celebrate God's goodness. Maybe we need to celebrate more in both quantity and quality. Pastor Steve Date: Thu Jan 12 07:13:43 2012 Today's Commentary     There is now available a talking Jesus doll. This sounds like an interesting product. According to what I understand, the doll delivers scriptural quotations and says things like, "I have an exciting plan for your life" and "Your life matters so much to me."      Now, there is nothing wrong with these statements. They are true, and certainly are some of the reasons why we need to follow Christ. But, we grownups must remember that Jesus also said some things that are not all that "warm and fuzzy." Jesus also tells us, "It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble." (Luke 17:2) We read his words in Luke 9:62, "No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." There are many difficult sayings of Jesus, and we need to make sure we follow the whole body of his teaching, not just what appeals to us or what we think sounds good. Sometimes his message is difficult and offensive to some. Matthew 10:34 says, "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword."      Don't seek to tone down what Jesus said. Don't be selective in what you study. We are often selective in what we use to meet our own selfish needs. True blessing is only found in total obedience. Pay attention to all of his words! Pastor Steve Date: Wed Jan 11 07:22:36 2012 Today's Commentary     Today is a day that we Cowboys fan rue. This is the 30th anniversary of "The Catch." On this day, a pass from Joe Montana to Dwight Clark in the back of the end zone as time expired led the San Francisco 49ers to victory over the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Championship game. San Francisco went on to defeat the Cincinnati Bengals in the Super Bowl that year. San Francisco became the "team of the decade" while it would be almost a decade before the Cowboys would even reach the playoffs.      Now, this was just a game, and in the grand scheme of things matters little. But it goes to show how important a single act can be. We sometimes think that what we do won't matter. We sometimes pursue an activity that we won't think will make that much difference. However, that action could bring about a consequence that we will have to live with the rest of our lives. God tells his people to live uprightly and watch how they act: "Act according to whatever they teach you and the decisions they give you. Do not turn aside from what they tell you, to the right or to the left." (Acts 17:11) Watch your acts, as you don't know how far they might reach! Pastor Steve Date: Tue Jan 10 07:25:56 2012 Today's Commentary     Complete dependence upon God is an absolute necessity if we are going to experience his power and his provision. However, often we only learn about complete dependence though bitter experience. George Muller, a minister in the 19th century, was informed by the governing board of the orphanage he oversaw that there was no more money for the orphanage, he rejoiced. He told them their utter helplessness would make them depend more upon God. They did, and God met their needs.      Jacob was completely terrified about a planned meeting with his brother, Esau, whom he had wronged many years earlier. He knew that Esau was coming with 400 men the next day, and fearful of the consequences, he devised a plan to ensure the survival of half of his family. That night, he met a "man" by a stream. The "man," of course, was God in human form. Jacob wrestled with him all night until the "man" touched Jacob's hip and caused it to be dislocated. Exhausted and in great pain, Jacob could only hold on to the "man" and plead for his blessing. Free from his own efforts and after expressing total dependence upon God, God told him, "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome." (Genesis 32:28) The change in name indicated there was a change in Jacob. He was indeed blessed by God, and went on from there with God's blessing and a perpetual reminder of God's intervention.      You don't need to wrestle with God all night to receive his blessing. All you need to is declare your total dependence upon him. Then you can receive his power and his favor. Pastor Steve Date: Mon Jan 9 07:08:04 2012 Today's Commentary     Even as there are "armchair quarterbacks", there are "armchair mechanics." An armchair mechanic is someone who knows just enough about the operations of a vehicle's mechanical parts to be dangerous. I used to be one of these. Now, there are some things one can on your own to keep up the maintenance on a vehicle and save a few bucks. But, in our day of more sophisticated machinery and when the problem is really complicated, doesn't it make sense to take it to someone who is associated with the creation of the car and has studied all the latest innovations and improvements to know what can go wrong? Taking the car to a trained mechanic assures that we have someone who is familiar with all the workings of the car and also has the parts needed to make the repairs.      When we run into problems in life and are not sure what can be done, where should we go? Well, what about going to the One who was involved in our creation and is totally acquainted with all that might go wrong. God knows all about us, there is nothing about us that is secret to him, so why not let him be involved in our lives? He is the one who can troubleshoot the problems and provide solutions to our struggles. David writes, "You have searched me, LORD, and you know me. . .For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. . .Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." (Psalm 139:1,13,16)      Let the expert help with the problems. There is nothing hidden from his eyes. He knows you inside and out and is much more skilled than an "armchair mechanic." Pastor Steve Date: Sun Jan 8 05:57:30 2012 Today's Commentary     Object lessons are a good teaching tool. Using objects to illustrate a concept is really helpful and can make a lasting impression. Christ used this technique a great deal in his teaching. Consider all the parables he used to emphasize principles.      There are many object lessons in the physical world that reflect spiritual truth. One that is so great is how the resurrection is pictured throughout nature. We fall asleep at night but awaken in the morning. There are many things that "die" each fall, lie dormant throughout the winter, only to awaken in the spring (come on, spring!). The earth died during the Great Flood, but life emerged from the ark at the conclusion of the flood. God made a covenant that the earth would never die again in this way when Noah and his family began their task of restoring the earth. We read in Genesis 9:12-16: "And God said, 'This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.'"      Death is a fact of our existence, but we have reminders all around us of how God can and will give us life through his Son, Jesus Christ. Christ said, "He who believes in me has everlasting life." (John 6:47) When Noah received God's promise, he worshipped. As a result of the object lessons we have that tell us what God will do, so should we! Pastor Steve Date: Sat Jan 7 09:08:23 2012 Today's Commentary     It seems that you have to be careful if you are relying on a compass for a navigational tool. Since 1989, the earth's northern magnetic pole has been shifting towards Siberia at a rate of 34 miles per year. That has accelerated from 4 miles per year in 1904. So, one needs to be careful when using a compass. You might want to consider a GPS instead, as this device relies on technology that is a little more stable and therefore more trustworthy.      We have to be careful in our spiritual lives as well. We have to be careful with shifting values and standards. Society likes to adjust what is considered to be acceptable and right. We have seen a great moral shift in our culture in the last several years. We should not rely upon societal norms when it comes to what we accept as wrong or right. We need to trust something that is more accurate and not subject to change. God has given us a moral code in the Scripture, and we should rely upon what the Bible says when it comes to living a life that glorifies Him.      Living a righteous life is a sign of maturity. The writer of Hebrews says, "But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil." (5:14) Train yourself to distinguish good from evil. Follow the right instrument! Pastor Steve Date: Fri Jan 6 07:24:58 2012 Today's Commentary     For most of man's history, long distance communication was accomplished through written communication. Since the latter part of the 19th century, there has been an explosion of electronic communication methods that now include the ability to see each other while we talk regardless of where we happen to be on the planet. Vocal communication is superior to written for a number of reasons. Basically, for most casual communication, it is just good to hear someone's voice.      That is something we need to keep in mind as we think of prayer. Some often wonder "why pray when God knows what we are thinking?" Well, to put it simplistically, God wants to hear our voice. A great part of the joy of communication is hearing one's voice. God likes to hear our voices. This is why worship is not done in silence. We sing, testify, speak, and pray not just for us but to glorify God who wants to hear our voices. David makes a point of God being able to hear his voice when he writes, "In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly." (Psalm 5:3)      Let God hear from you - he really likes to hear your voice! Pastor Steve Date: Thu Jan 5 07:21:04 2012 Today's Commentary     For many of us, one of the great things about the holidays is the opportunity we have to be with family. Travel plans are in the scheme during the holiday season so that we may be with family and friends we don't normally see at any other time of the year. Usually there is distance between us that doesn't allow for personal contact, so the chance to be with loved ones and see them face to face is special.      Right now, there is distance between God and us. We are unable to be with God face to face because of this distance that is there not only spatially but spiritually because of sin. For us, even if the spatial distance was remedied, we cannot truly look upon God in our current state and live. God told Moses, "You cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live." (Exodus 33:20) However, in the new heaven and the new earth, the distance between God and man will be removed. Men saw God's glory as a brilliant light in the Old Testament, but were unable to look upon it. Men saw God when Jesus came into the world, but his glory was hidden by his human form. In the new heaven and the new earth, the veil will be lifted and we will be able to see the glory of God. The distance between God and us will be removed and we will be able to worship God and fellowship with God forever.      Revelation 21:1-5 gives us a brief description of what this will be like: "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. . .And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.' 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.'" What a great day that will be - no more distance! Pastor Steve Date: Wed Jan 4 07:10:57 2012 Today's Commentary     We need to keep in perspective the people God uses. Our society is so focused on celebrity status and "big names" that we are often influenced by this when we think of being used of God. However, keep in mind the Biblical examples of people used of God. He used an inarticulate shepherd to take his people out of Egyptian captivity. He used farmers and people of flocks as his prophets. He used fishermen and tax collectors as apostles. The couple chosen to be the earthly parents of Christ was a carpenter and a peasant girl.      Years ago, I heard a comedian use this punch line, "If they can make penicillin out of moldy cheese, they can sure make something out of me." This is especially true when it comes to God. God can use you. The only thing lacking is our willingness to be used of God. We need to put ourselves in a position where we can be used by God. A good priority in this New Year is to put ourselves in a position where God can use us to do something we have never done before.      Peter talks about being used of God when he writes, "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." (I Peter 4:10) God can use you. He has shown that he can and will. Let him make the decision! Pastor Steve Date: Tue Jan 3 07:12:09 2012 Today's Commentary     When I was a boy, the superintendent of the local office of the Ohio Department of Transportation lived next door to us. My folks were good friends with him and his wife. However, I remember a time when my Mom got a little irritated with him Some folks down the road from us had put in a request to have a large tile placed in the ditch than ran in front of their house so they could build up their yard. Our neighbor rejected the request. My folks could not figure out why he did this. There were others who were a bit put out with him because of his decision. Because of the public outcry, the superintendent changed his decision but said, "Folks, you'll be sorry." Sure enough, after the tile was installed and the yard built up, it caused water to drain onto the rode. During the winter, the snow thawing would send water into the road that would freeze when the temperature dropped. Even now, the road in front of that house can be a hazard at certain times of the year.      There are many times when we have to made decisions or take a stand on an issue that proves to be unpopular, but we know it is the right thing to do because of knowledge we have. Taking a stand is often difficult, but when we know we are right, that is what we need to do. This is true for many circumstances. There are times we need to confront others because of bad decisions or bad behavior. This is not easy, but it is better in the long run. You really can't fault the superintendent for changing his mind because of the weight of public opinion, but had he not done so, a problem would have been avoided.      There are just times when tough decisions need to be made. James tells us that there are times when we know what we should do but don't do the right thing is actually a sin. (James 4:17) Proverbs 1:29-31 reminds us of the consequences of making unwise decisions: "Since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the LORD, since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke, they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes." Don't be afraid to make a good choice, even when it proves to be unpopular! Pastor Steve Date: Mon Jan 2 09:34:43 2012 Today's Commentary     Those of us who have lived a few years on this planet can probably recall living through a shortage of something. Weather circumstances often cause shortages of certain types of food products. Weather forecasts often cause shortages of food items at markets as they are raided by people stocking up in the wake of hurricanes, snow storms, or some other type of bad weather. I recall waiting in line for lengthy periods of time through the gas shortages of the early 1970's. In 1973, a remark by Johnny Carson during his "Tonight Show" monologue prompted a run on toilet paper that led to drastic, and ultimately humorous, measures by toilet paper manufacturers. Those who lived during WWII endured shortages of many products. They can recall ration stamps that were issued to regulate the distribution of many items. Do you need new tires on your car? Forget about that - just patch up what you have as best you can. Of course, there are people all over the world who endure much more serious shortages that most of you reading this article have or will ever experience. Life for them is a daily struggle for survival as they try to find enough food to keep them and loved ones alive.      Isaiah writes about a time when we will never more have to endure a shortage of what we need. We read in Isaiah 55:1-2, "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare." God promises a time when we will dwell in abundance. He promises for us now abundant life if we trust in him. All those who follow Christ know that there will be a time when we no longer will have to endure shortages of anything as we live with him. We eagerly anticipate that time and until it comes, we continue to trust him who has promised to freely provide all things (Romans 8:32). Pastor Steve Date: Sun Jan 1 08:06:37 2012 Today's Commentary     This is the time for New Year's resolutions. The change in the number of the year brings about a desire to change something in our lives, hence we have resolutions. I don't know how you feel about resolutions, and this is not an article defending them nor decrying their ineffectiveness. I am simply acknowledging the practice of making resolutions. Making resolutions is based on an important reality - there are times we all need to make changes in our lives. Those changes vary in significance, but change is necessary. Not change for change sake, but in all of our lives, there are times when we need to make a change, with the operative word here being "need."      What changes do you need to make? Do you need to make lifestyle changes to improve your health? Do you need to make diet changes because of things going on inside of you? Do you need to make changes in how you treat others? What changes do you need to make to improve your walk with the Lord? Do you need to spend more time with the Scripture? Do you need to be more active in your church? Do you need to give more?      No doubt, most of us do need to make some change in some area. Frankly, there are very few people alive who can honestly say they don't need to make a change somewhere. The only person who does not need to change is God. I Samuel 15:29 says, "He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a human being, that he should change his mind." However, we are not God, and we do need to make changes. Happy New Year! Pastor Steve Date: Sat Dec 31 08:06:37 2011 Today's Commentary     I remember reading an article one time by David Branon where he wrote that what we do with the old year is more important than what we plan for the New Year. We should make the end of this year be a time of self-evaluation to see what we might have lingering in our lives that needs to be dealt with. I Corinthians 11 points out the importance of self examination. Paul writes in I Corinthians 11:28: "Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup." His advice of looking at one's self before taking communion is advice that is applicable to any time of our lives. An honest look at one's heart is helpful to correct any issues that we may be harboring.      The problem of unconfessed sin should not be ignored. Moses knew the danger of allowing sin to reside in his life. He knew that "secret sins" could cause real problems and should be confesses. Psalm 90:8 tells us: "You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence." Don't let this happen! Practice self-evaluation at all times, and use this time of year to do some serious soul searching. Pastor Steve Date: Fri Dec 30 09:06:37 2011 Today's Commentary     "It was the best of times; it was the worst of times" begins one of the most widely read books of fiction in the English language, "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens. Set in the era leading up to and including the French Revolution, the book follows the lives of a number of protagonists in London and Paris through this time period. Dickens first published this work in installments that appeared in his literary periodical "All the Year Around."      The Bible contains many stories of "parallelism" of two characters, events, or places. Perhaps one of the most striking is the presentation of the lives of two mothers - Eve and Mary. Eve, as the prototypical mother, gave birth to a son and said, "With the help of the LORD I have brought forth a man ." (Genesis 4:1) Thousands of years later in response to the angelic announcement that she would have a son Mary would say, "I am the Lord's servant. . .May your word to me be fulfilled." (Luke 1:38)      In the case of the first mother, her son would fall prey to the force of sin that she had helped to unleash upon the world when he murdered his younger brother. In the case of the second mother, her Son would destroy the force of sin that held her and all mankind captive when he was killed by people that he had created. While Dickens’s novel "A Tale of Two Cities" is important because of its vast circulation, the tale of two mothers, is much more significant. There are so many comparisons - the deaths of the sons, the grief they both experience, the realization of the intervention of the Lord, and many other things. However, only one Son's death could provide benefit for others - the death of Christ. Because of his death, his burial, his resurrection, the worst of times can be the best of times for all who believe. Pastor Steve Date: Thu Dec 29 08:50:34 2011 Today's Commentary     Christmas is a time for unwrapping secrets. Those secrets under the tree that had been growing over the past few days are now revealed. In one sense, this keeps up the tradition of the very first Christmas. Christ was a secret that had been promised through the ages. Then, at the time appointed by God and known only to God, he was revealed to the world. For those who cared to listen, angels announced his birth, a celestial event proclaimed his presence, and when he was taken to the temple for the purification rights when he was 8 days old, he was recognized (Luke 2:22-38).      Paul speaks of the mystery of Christ and this mystery being revealed in Ephesians 1:7-10: "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ."      Since Christ is no longer a secret, we need to unwrap His message for others. We need to do all we can to reveal the news of "redemption through his blood." We should be more eager to do this than we are unwrapping the secrets that we find under our trees. His message is no secret! Pastor Steve Date: Wed Dec 28 09:09:59 2011 Today's Commentary     The term "acid test" we use to talk about testing the validity of a claim is derived from the literal acid test that assayers used during the 19th century gold rush days to test material to see if it was actually gold.      There are times we may need to test something to see if it is genuine. There have been many religious groups arise that are not accurate in their teachings. "How can you tell if a group is truthful?" you may ask. The "acid test" of a group or movement is what they do with Christ. I came across this little test that can be used to determine the validity of a group. Ask these questions:      Do they believe that Jesus is the Son of God, the second member of the Trinity?      Do they believe that He came in the flesh, incarnate as Jesus of Nazareth?      Do they agree that He died for our sins and was resurrected from the dead?      Do they believe that His death provided atonement for our sins and that the only way of salvation is by grace through faith in Him?      If the score for this test is not 100%, then don't trust the group. Our orthodoxy is based upon a number of beliefs, but what we do with Christ is pre-eminent. If one's view of Christ is skewed, then there is a problem. Paul's comments in I Corinthians 1:22-24 reflects the pre-eminence of Christ, "Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God." Christ is indeed the "acid test." Pastor Steve Date: Tue Dec 27 09:12:55 2011 Today's Commentary     Duplicity is one trait that needs to be avoided. We hear stories that reveal this part of man's character on a daily basis. Just yesterday I read of an individual who was a manager of a Christian foundation in Washington, D.C., and was found to be a leader in an organized crime ring. Proverbs 6:12-14 says: "What are worthless and wicked people like? They are constant liars, signaling their deceit with a wink of the eye, a nudge of the foot, or the wiggle of fingers. Their perverted hearts plot evil, and they constantly stir up trouble."      We see a person who fits this description in the narratives telling of the events surrounding Christ's birth and infancy. Herod had an ulterior motive when he questioned the Magi about the birth of Christ. Matthew 2:7-8 tells us: "Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, 'Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.'" You and I both know that Herod had no more intention to worship Christ than there is a man in the moon. His intent was to see Christ dead. Duplicity is demonstrated indeed.      The problem of duplicity is all around us, and if we aren't careful, can be manifested by us as well. Avoid dishonesty and duplicity. Be determined to live a life of sincere faith in Jesus. Pastor Steve Date: Mon Dec 26 08:43:40 2011 Today's Commentary     What is your favorite Christmas memory? I have several. One of them has to be all the times I prepared for Christmas plays or Christmas presentations of some sort. I remember once we used candles that really weren't candles. All the boys had to wear white shirts and black slacks. All the girls had to wear white blouses and black skirts. And we had our candles. There were battery powered "sticks" with a bulb in the shape of a flame. I thought they were so cool. When you got a bunch of them together, they did put out some serious light. I suppose we did look pretty neat standing in the choir all dressed alike and holding our fake candles while singing some marvelous Christmas songs. This is one of my many Christmas memories.      Christmas memories are marvelous, and usually help us frame our concept of our celebration. However, what is important is to not try to make our current Christmas match up with our memories of Christmases past. We need to focus on what Christmas is, and not get caught up with what it was. Christmas is to be a celebration of what has been done for us, not what we did at Christmas. Christmas is a good time to reflect upon God's provision for us. Galatians 4:4-5 tells us that "when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship." Our memory of Christmas must include this provision. If not, thinking about fake candles is really not all that great. Pastor Steve Date: Sun Dec 25 06:15:02 2011 Today's Commentary     I hope that you have taken the time to enjoy the Christmas videos that our webmaster, Kenny McCall, has posted during this Christmas season. If you have not, take the time to view them today. They are really marvelous. After viewing them, I must say that I continue to be drawn to "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" by Casting Crowns. There are two reasons for this: I really like the song, and I really like Casting Crowns.      Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote this carol. Yes, he is the same Longfellow who wrote "Hiawatha". His composition of "I Heard the Bells", as do many writings, flowed from his own personal experiences. He wrote the song on December 25, 1864, when our nation was still very much involved in the darkest experience in our history - the War Between the States. The poem came from that reality, and also the losses he had suffered during the war. He had lost his wife, Fanny, in a tragic accident not long after the war had started. She was killed in a fire at the family home. Then, in 1863, Longfellow's oldest son Charles, a lieutenant in the Army of the Potomac, was killed in battle. These experiences are perhaps most reflected in the next to the last stanza of the poem when he writes: "And in despair I bowed my head; 'There is no peace on earth,' I said; 'For hate is strong, And mocks the song of peace on earth, good-will to men!'"      However, Longfellow concludes the poem with these words: "Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: 'God is not dead; nor doth he sleep! The Wrong shall fail, The Right prevail, with peace on earth, good-will to men!'" This verse reflects both the personal faith of Longfellow and the Scriptural reality that indeed the coming of the Prince of Peace will make everything right. Isaiah 9:5-7 reminds us, "Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this." Praise God for his Promise! Merry Christmas! Pastor Steve Date: Sat Dec 24 07:25:41 2011 Today's Commentary     I came across this the other day in my reading, "Every person faces times when things don't go the way they planned. Times when troubles come fast and furious, when no choice seems like a good choice. In times such as these, we have the example of men and women of faith who turned to God for help. God never intended for us to face difficulties in our own strength. He wants us to depend on Him."      I know a couple who could identify with this - Mary and Joseph. They had the normal aspirations of any young couple when they became betrothed. However, during the betrothal period, their lives took a turn that matched the description given above. They faced a time when things didn't go the way they planned. Perhaps they felt as if troubles were coming fast and furious with the unexpected pregnancy. Of course, God intervened at this point to explain what was taking place. However, other situations arose that forced them to continue to trust God. Mary would have to travel despite her advanced pregnancy. And then, instead of finding a nice place to bring their child into the world, they had to settle for a stable.      Even after the birth, their plans continued to take an unprecedented path. The paranoia of a mad king caused them to travel far from their home. Mary continued along the path of faith she had declared earlier when she said, "I am the Lord’s servant,.. May your word to me be fulfilled." (Luke 1:38) Joseph continued along the path that he had declared earlier when "he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife." (Matthew 1:24) They declared their dependence upon God and their reliance on his strength. So should we. Pastor Steve Date: Fri Dec 23 07:00:35 2011 Today's Commentary     The alarm clock goes off, we jump out of bed. Breakfast? Hmm...maybe tomorrow. Got to get the kids to school. Got to get to the office. Got to get that proposal done. As someone once said "That is why they call it the human race." Sometimes we just need to sit back and get some perspective. We need to look honestly at what we are doing and ask ourselves, "Can I really survive if I keep going at this pace?"      We can really get caught up in this race at this time of year. This is a time we have set aside to honor the birth of Christ. However, we get so caught up in the race to do things we associate with what we call "celebration" that we fail to stop and get some perspective on why we are celebrating. God set aside a time in his planning for people to stop the race and get some perspective. This was the Sabbath. As New Testament Christians, we may argue about how the Law has given way to Grace, and we don't need to think about the Sabbath. Well, this is correct in one sense. Observing the Sabbath as we see it given in the Law is not necessary. However, the idea of Sabbath needs to be preserved by people of Grace.      Poh Fang cites a Bible teacher: "Sabbath is the time set aside to do nothing so that we can receive everything, to set aside our anxious attempts to make ourselves useful, to set aside our tense restlessness, to set aside our media-saturated boredom. Sabbath is the time to receive silence and let it deepen into gratitude, to receive quiet into which forgotten faces and voices unobtrusively make themselves present, to receive the days of the just completed week and absorb the wonder and miracle still reverberating from each one, to receive our Lord’s amazing grace."      Doing this at all times is so important. People of grace should still "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy." (Exodus 20:8) Doing this during the time we have set aside to observe the Savior's birth is especially important. Stop the Race - observe the Rest. Pastor Steve Date: Thu Dec 22 07:36:28 2011 Today's Commentary     An aspect of Christ's ministry that we usually focus more upon during the Lenten season rather than the Advent season is his suffering. We don't normally like to associate suffering with the story of the baby in the manger and the shepherds and the wise men. Yet, there are both implied and direct reminders of suffering in many aspects of the Nativity story.      When you think of what his parents must have gone through just before he was born, you get the idea of suffering. As a man I can't speak to this directly, but I know there are many women reading this who can identify with the discomfort Mary must have endured making an 80 mile journey during the latter part of her pregnancy. Don't forget she didn't make the journey in a car. The rude surroundings at Christ's birth speak to suffering. Many of the elements of the magi's visit speak to suffering. The long journey of the Magi helps focus on suffering as there would have been expense, discomfort, and hazards to face along the way. The gift of myrrh, a substance often associated with death as it was used in burial preparation, brings in the element of suffering. Of course, the cruel order of Herod leading to the escape of the family to Egypt as many children lost their lives was an event that created suffering that was much more than implied (Matthew 2:13-19).      We sometimes use the term Suffering Servant when referring to Christ. This name comes primarily from the prophecies of Isaiah about his suffering and death. Isaiah 53:3 says: "He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain." While we usually associate this with our Easter observance, it is something we should also include in our Christmas celebration. We should never forget that this is why Christ came. Mark 10:45 reminds us that "the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Pastor Steve Date: Wed Dec 21 06:34:31 2011 Today's Commentary     Affirmation is a powerful force in life. Affirmation is a powerful force in the church. We long to be affirmed for who we are and what we are doing. We have a desire to hear the words, "Good job." John affirmed Gaius for how he was conducting his life. He wrote: "It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it." (I John 3)      As we think of those who were involved in the events surrounding the birth of Christ, we see God's affirmation. Elizabeth and John were affirmed through an angel's message and the promise of a child. Certainly God affirmed Joseph and Mary when he chose them to be the earthly parents of a Heavenly Child. The shepherds were affirmed through the presence of the angels and the invitation to visit Jesus the infant. The magi were affirmed through the appearance of a star that led them to Jesus the child.      God will affirm you as you live a life that is pleasing to him. God calls us to be people of affirmation. Who do you need to affirm today? Pastor Steve Date: Tue Dec 20 07:28:34 2011 Today's Commentary     The art, music, pageantry, decorations, and celebrations at this time of the year all focus on one thing - the baby in the manger. Now, the Bible tells us that when Christ was born, his first earthly bed was indeed a structure that was used for feeding animals - a manger. However, we need to remember that the baby in the manger grew up, and is still alive today seated at the right hand of God the Father (Luke 22:69). We need to worship and bow down not before a baby in the manger, but the living, vital, Son of God - Jesus our Savior. And we need to do that more than just one day a year. It does little good to only "bring out" Jesus one day a year and "pay him respect." Our worship needs to occur every day. My grandfather would remind me of this frequently when I was a boy. Every time I would help him feed the cattle, he would remind me that Jesus was born in a barn and laid in a manger. He would also remind me that Jesus grew up and died for me.      The people of Israel were guilty of putting God on a shelf and forgetting about him. I Samuel 7 records the sad tale of how the Ark of the Covenant, the very symbol of God's presence, had been taken and languished in a foreign city for over 20 years: "So the men of Kiriath Jearim came and took up the ark of the LORD. They brought it to Abinadab’s house on the hill and consecrated Eleazar his son to guard the ark of the LORD. The ark remained at Kiriath Jearim a long time—twenty years in all."      Don't be guilty of only acknowledging Christ one day a year, and don't be guilty of acknowledging only the baby. Christ is all grown up now, he died for you, and, frankly, a one day a year nod towards him won't do you a bit of good. Pastor Steve Date: Mon Dec 19 07:33:47 2011 Today's Commentary     It is usually wise to have a Plan B. How many times have you had your original plans not work out? How many times have you had to go a different direction because your original thoughts about how to accomplish something just weren't going to become reality? It really is good to have a plan B and maybe even have it in mind ahead of time as you accept the fact that what you actually would like to see happen just isn't going to work.      This happened this year when we decorated the church for Christmas. We knew decorating the church would be different as we have remodeled the front of the sanctuary. Where should we put the Chrismon tree? Our plan A was on the stage in one corner. As we were decorating, we saw this wouldn't work. Someone suggested moving the organ and putting the tree on the front of stage. Now, I really didn't like this "plan B" at first, but realized it probably would be better. Those of you who have seen the church would probably say, "Why did you even consider putting it anywhere else?"      Paul also had this experience. Not decorating a tree of course, but something a little more significant. He mentioned to the folks at Rome that he had planned many times to visit them, but wasn't able to do so. Romans 1:13 tells us: "I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles." Instead of visiting them, he wrote them. Of course, what he wrote was what we have in our Bible - the epistle to the Romans. If plan A had worked out, what might have happened to Romans?      Having a plan B is a good idea. Many times, plan B turns out to be superior to plan A. And something else to consider is that often our Plan B is God's Plan A. Pastor Steve Date: Sun Dec 18 06:02:13 2011 Today's Commentary     After Jesus entered Jerusalem a few days before his crucifixion and after he cleared the temple for a second time (Luke 19:45), the Jewish leaders sought to kill Jesus. However, they could not find a way to do so because the people "hung on his words" (Luke 19:48). Indeed, the words of Christ have strength and power. At one point in his ministry, the leaders had sent the temple guards to arrest him. Their attempt failed. When asked by the angry leaders why they had not arrested Jesus, the guards said, "No one ever spoke the way this man does (John 7:46)."      Isn't that true? No one has ever spoken the way Jesus did and still does. His words ring with authenticity, strength, and comfort. "Let not your hearts be troubled" he says in John 14:1. "Truly, truly I say to you, he who believes in me has everlasting life" is his promise found in John 6:47. "Surely, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" he assures us in Matthew 28:20. Indeed, no one ever spoke words such as these. No one else ever could, and no one else ever can. Only in Jesus do we find these statements of hope and promise.      As we celebrate his birth, spend some time reading, thinking about, and following his words. God said to the disciples at Christ's transfiguration, "This is my beloved Son, listen to him." (Matthew 17:5) Are you listening to Jesus? Pastor Steve Date: Sat Dec 17 06:05:25 2011 Today's Commentary     We sing the song "Silent Night, Holy Night" at this time of year. I wrote about this song just a few days ago. It is really a beautiful tribute to Christ's birth and a beautiful reminder of what Christ did in coming into the world. The song talks about some of the activity that was going on at the time of Christ's birth. A marvelous song, but is it accurate?      I would imagine the night of Christ's birth was not all that silent. Think of all the sound that must have been going on within earshot of the place of Christ's birth. There were the sounds of the animals. Bethlehem would have been crowded with people, and I imagine they were noisy. They were no doubt oblivious to the special birth that had taken place.      Aside from the usual noise, God made some noise. Think of the angel chorus. They were not silent about the birth of Christ. The shepherds were not silent after their visit with the Christ child. Rather, "When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child." (Luke 2:17)      Now, this does diminish the power and beauty of the song, but it really wasn't a "silent night" when Christ was born. Neither should we remain silent about him. "Silent Night" may be a beautiful song to sing at Christmas, but don't let it influence you when it comes to talking about what took place. Pastor Steve Date: Fri Dec 16 06:34:11 2011 Today's Commentary     Have you encountered anyone during this Christmas season that say, "I just can't seem to get into the Christmas spirit?" Maybe you’ve even said this yourself! What they are saying is they just don't seem to have the "feeling" they should about the Christmas celebration. Of course, Christmas doesn't rely upon our feelings. The fact is that Christ came into the world. Granted we are probably off on the date we use for our celebration, but he did come to live with us. Our "Christmas spirit" should be based upon the fact of God's gift, not our feelings that can be so fickle.      Relying on feelings is a tenuous endeavor. We do this not only at Christmas, but at many other times as well. We make feelings the predominant barometer of our relationship with the Lord, and this is just not wise. Our relationship with God is based upon the fact of Christ's provision for us and our acceptance of his provision. We sometimes feel that our fellowship is not what it should be because we don't "feel" spiritual.      John describes the basis for fellowship in his first epistle. Christ's incarnation is the basis for our fellowship. Read what John said: "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ." (1:1-3) Don't let your feelings deceive you and diminish your celebration! Pastor Steve Date: Thu Dec 15 06:49:39 2011 Today's Commentary     In Revelation 22:12 we read: "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End." Christ here declares not only who he is, he tells what he will do. We celebrate his coming into the world at Christmas, and he declares that he will come again. As he was the beginning of all things, he will bring an end to how things currently are and will be the beginning of how things will be throughout all eternity.      When Christ declares that he is the Alpha and the Omega, he declares that he is God. God uses this statement to identify himself earlier in Revelation (1:8 and 21:6). We also read God's statement about his identity and person in Isaiah 44:6: "I am the first and the last. . ." The One we worship and adore is the eternal God and is indeed worthy of our adoration and worship. He is very God of very God; the Beginning and the End; the One who is, and was, and is to come. Praise Him with all your might! Pastor Steve Date: Wed Dec 14 06:55:02 2011 Today's Commentary     I really miss trees at my grandpa and grandma's house. Of course, it has been almost 40 years since our last tree there. My grandparents have been with the Lord for this amount of time, and the house is now the possession of another family. The trees at their house were really special. They weren't trees from a Christmas tree lot or a farm; they were trees that my grandpa had cut down himself from the woods he owned. Now, these trees had not been "groomed" as they were growing, so they were not perfectly shaped when he first cut them. Often they were mishap hen, gnarled, crooked, and really didn't look anything like a Christmas tree. But after my grandpa would cut them, he would begin to work on them. He would prune, snip, and even pull up branches with twine, to shape the wild pine into a Christmas tree. Then, he would turn it over to Mom who would finish it off with decorations. When my brothers and I grew older, we were even allowed to help with the decorations. Upon completion, the tree always stood in the corner of my grandparents' living room as a beautiful symbol of Christmas! What a marvelous transformation!      God does this with our lives. When we come to him in faith, he takes our misshapen, gnarled, crooked, and sinful lives and transforms them into something beautiful. Philippians 1:6 tells us about the work that he is doing in us: "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." After his supernatural work on the inside, he puts us in the care of his family, the church, and they continue to adorn us with lights of truth (Ephesians 4:15), ornaments of hope (Romans 5:4), and garland of love (I Peter 4:8). We become something really special when we were something really plain.      I really miss my grandparents' trees. But what God is doing with me right now is really marvelous. If you haven't allowed him to change your heart, do it today and experience the transformation. Pastor Steve Date: Tue Dec 13 06:45:32 2011 Today's Commentary     Often we struggle with how to apply a scripture to our lives. Often we struggle with the meaning of a particular verse, especially when it comes to applying it practically. What can often help in this process is simply writing things down. When you are wondering how to apply scripture to your life situation, look for scripture that gives help for the situation. Then, write the scripture down. When you have done this, begin to write down questions about the scripture. Break the passage down phrase by phrase and ask questions. For example, Proverbs 3:8-9 says, "Trust in the Lord with all you heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths." After writing down "Trust in the Lord with all your heart" you could write down questions such as "What does trusting in the Lord with your entire heart look like?"; "Am I trusting in the Lord with all of my heart?" and so on.      Many times in Deuteronomy we find the Lord telling the people to "write this down." In Deuteronomy 27:8, God says: "And you shall write very clearly all the words of this law on these stones you have set up." He did so for a reason. God wanted the people to understand what he had said, and he wanted them to remember what he had said. When it comes to our understanding and application of scripture in our lives, a helpful exercise is to "write this down." Pastor Steve Date: Mon Dec 12 07:23:31 2011 Today's Commentary     Most of you know the story behind the beautiful Charismas carol, Silent Night. Because of a broken church organ, Franz Gruber needed to compose some music for guitar to accompany a poem that had been written by Josef Mohr. A traveling band of musicians were in need of some music for their show. After reading the poem, Gruber came up with the music, and a wonderful Christmas song was born.      Something I've never really thought about with regard to this story is the pursuit of an alternative when the original plan was not going to work. Silent Night is a melodic presentation of the coming of the Son of God into the world. When we hear and sing this song, we can be reminded not only of this, but we can also be reminded of what we can do when circumstances arise that cause us to change our original plans. Basically, we have Silent Night because of a broken organ. What is your response when your "organ breaks?"      God is good at helping us when we need an alternative. He is the master of turning bad circumstances into good things. Think about what Joseph said to his brothers in Genesis 50:20, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." He said this in response to their fears about their treatment of him, and what happened in his life. Joseph faced his "broken organ" with faith, courage, and creativity. As a result, good things happened. As you sing Silent Night this year, remember this lesson. Pastor Steve Date: Sun Dec 11 06:06:25 2011 Today's Commentary     Jesus was on the road to Jericho, just days before he would enter Jerusalem for the final time. He had an encounter with a blind man. We read of this in Mark 10:46-52: "Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means 'son of Timaeus'), was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, 'Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!' Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, 'Son of David, have mercy on me!' Jesus stopped and said, 'all him.' So they called to the blind man, 'Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.' Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. 'What do you want me to do for you?' Jesus asked him. The blind man said, 'Rabbi, I want to see.' 'Go,' said Jesus, 'your faith has healed you.' Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road."      Cloaked within the obvious elements of this story - the question Jesus asked, the answer the beggar gave, and the response of the beggar after he was healed - is something not so obvious. Note the change in the address the beggar used. First, he called Jesus by his name, and called him "Son of David." Then, when Christ answers, he responds by getting physically, spiritually, and emotionally nearer the Savior. This is inferred in from the term he uses to address Jesus after Christ's question, "Rabbi." The use of this term implied that he wanted a relationship with him. He wanted to not only get closer to Christ physically so he could be healed, but he wanted to show his trust and faith in him.      We should have the same desire. Christ has called out to us through the cross. Our response should be one indicating our desire to develop a relationship with him and to show we trust him and have faith in him. Call to the "Rabbi" today to show your desire to know him more. Pastor Steve Date: Sat Dec 10 07:31:46 2011 Today's Commentary     2011 has been a chaotic year. We have seen devastation from natural disasters such as the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan. We are involved in wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, and other areas of the globe. Economic distress and unemployment is rampant both in the United States and globally. Our nation and many nations around the world are facing a debt crisis.      As we come to the close of a year, it is helpful to remember that God is still in control. It is comforting to know that we have the Prince of Peace who is there for us and who can provide peace for us and a calmness of spirit as we think about his person and anticipate his return. The Hebrew word for peace is "shalom." This word refers to more than just a peace from conflict, it speaks to harmony and goodwill in relations, freedom from anxiety, and a fullness of well-being. It comes from a root word that means "whole" or "complete."      When the Prince of Peace came the first time, he provided a way for us to be whole with God. His sacrifice brings reconciliation for all those who believe in him. Paul writes, "But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation." (Colossians 1:20) This is the peace we can experience now. When he comes again, he will restore peace to all of creation. Isaiah 2:4 tells us, "He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore."      Keep your eyes on the Prince of Peace, not the chaos of the world. When you do, you will indeed experience true "shalom." Pastor Steve Date: Fri Dec 9 07:06:31 2011 Today's Commentary     I just read a story about a practice of a medical school in Taiwan. In order that prospective doctors have a greater insight into death and a greater appreciation for life, they are buried alive for ten minutes. Yeesh - talking about an exercise to produce empathy.      We need to appreciate the reality that we have been "buried" alive. When we accept Christ, Paul tells us that "we were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." (Romans 6:4) What this means is that although we will not be able to live a perfect life as a follower of Christ, we can have a different attitude and outlook towards sin. A true believer will have a desire to avoid and overcome sin. If we don't have this desire, then we need to do some serious evaluation to determine is we truly have been "buried with him." John tells us that "No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God." (I John 3:9)      Live as if we have been buried alive. How does that statement grab you? If you spend some time with the passages listed above, you will gain an appreciation for this idea. Pastor Steve Date: Thu Dec 8 07:05:05 2011 Today's Commentary     Dr. Mark Bailey writes: "There is a cemetery in London called Bunhill Fields. A number of famous people are buried there—John Bunyan, author of Pilgrim's Progress; Isaac Watts, the great hymnwriter; and Daniel Defoe, the author of Robinson Crusoe. Opposite the graveyard is the chapel of John Wesley and a monument erected to him. On the same property is John Wesley's house, where on March 2, 1791, Wesley, lifting a feeble arm in as show of triumph, opened his eyes and exclaimed for the very last time, upon his deathbed, these words: 'The best of all is this: God is with us.' God has promised to be with us in life, death, and for all eternity."     ' This is a point of emphasis at this time of year. We are celebrating the fact that God came to be with us. This is even reflected in one of his names. Matthew writes, "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means 'God with us')." (Matthew 1:23) This statement of God’s promise found in the opening chapter of Matthew is echoed in the declaration of Jesus in the closing words of the book, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (28:20) When Christ came into the world, he came for us. Let’s make sure we live for him. Pastor Steve Date: Wed Dec 7 06:34:23 2011 Today's Commentary     "DECEMBER 7, 1941- a date which will live in infamy- the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan." These were the words of President Franklin Roosevelt to a stunned nation after the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor by 350 Japanese Imperial aircraft. Many alive still remember that incident. I don't, nor was I even alive at the time. However, my life was affected by these events as it changed the lives of the man and the woman who would become my parents. Events have consequences, and events of this magnitude have consequences that are far-reaching. This is the 70th anniversary of the attack, and we still experience the consequences because of what this action caused.      One of the first things we need to learn in life is that actions do have consequences. Developing an understanding of cause and effect is important. Now, not every action will be a world changer in the way that Pearl Harbor was, but our activity does change things. This is why taking time to think about our actions and about possible consequences is always a good thing.      God advised those who were going to serve as judges in the land of Israel: "He told them, 'Consider carefully what you do, because you are not judging for mere mortals but for the LORD, who is with you whenever you give a verdict.'" (II Chronicles 19:6) God wanted them to use discernment because their decisions would affect lives. Regardless of the reality that we are not a judge, we still make decisions that affect others. Consider carefully your decisions knowing that your actions are a cause that will have an effect. Pastor Steve Date: Tue Dec 6 07:11:35 2011 Today's Commentary     St. Nicholas died on this day (December 6) in 343 A.D. During his life, Nicholas had started the practice of being generous to the poor. He even threw some money through the window of the house of a man who was on the verge of losing his daughters into slavery because of debts. Nicholas became bishop of Myra, was imprisoned by Diocletian, freed by Constantine, was part of the Council of Nicea that formulated the Nicene Creed, and preached against the fertility goddess Diana in Ephesus.      In 1087, because of the fear of invading Muslims desecrating his grave, his bones were taken to Italy. As a result, the traditions that had come to be associated with Nicholas were spread to Europe. In the seventeenth century, the Dutch brought the stories of Saint Nicholas to New Amsterdam, which became New York. The Dutch called him "Sinter Klaas" - Santa Claus. The rest, as they say, is history.      When you think of the stories and traditions associated with Santa Claus, remember their origin. Remember the real Santa Claus was a man of faith who put ideals into action. He lived out the principle of James 2:18: "But someone will say, 'You have faith; I have deeds.' Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds." Let's make sure we make this a part of our celebration of Christmas. Pastor Steve Date: Mon Dec 5 06:53:10 2011 Today's Commentary     In 1959, the famed football coach Vince Lombardi addressed his team at the start of their preparation for the upcoming season. With a football in hand, he looked at the group and said, "Gentleman, this is a football." He then proceeded to describe the football in detail. The point was clear; we are going to concentrate on the basics.      Every now and then, followers of Christ need to say to themselves, or have someone say to them, "People, this is the Bible." We need to concentrate on the basics. We need to remind ourselves of what is important and what we should be focusing upon in our lives to keep us grounded in the faith and growing in our relationship with Christ.      Paul never forgot this. When he makes the statement found in Philippians 3;10, "I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death," it almost sounds as if he is wanting to remind himself and his readers of the importance of focusing upon the basics in the Christian life. Failure to do so can create a "drift" where we move away from what is important and critical for our growth in the Lord. Don't forget the basics in your life with the Lord! Pastor Steve Date: Sun Dec 4 06:11:51 2011 Today's Commentary     I know your have heard the saying "birds of a feather flock together." That is true on so many levels, and is a statement that can be made about us humans. Now, there is nothing wrong with this. It is a trait that is within us and is a natural tendency. However, if this tendency causes us to act in unkind, unloving ways towards others, then we are wrong. Prejudice towards others for any reason simply goes against the grain of the Christian message.      James tells us we should not discriminate against the poor. We read in James 2:1-4: "My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, 'Here’s a good seat for you,' but say to the poor man, 'You stand there' or 'Sit on the floor by my feet,' have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?"      It is wrong to discriminate against someone else for any reason - wealth, creed, race, age or national origin. Christ came into the world to bring hope to all people. We are to love our neighbor regardless who our neighbor might be. If we don't get this message out of our celebration of Christ’s coming, then we have really missed the boat. Pastor Steve Date: Sat Dec 3 07:01:12 2011 Today's Commentary      Haddon Robinson tells the story of a young boy growing up during the depression who wanted desperately to go see the circus that was coming to town. Admission was $1, and the father of the little boy told him he could not spare this for him. So, the boy began to work feverishly to earn the price of admission. He was successful in his effort.      When the circus arrived, the little boy went to town and bought a ticket from the salesman. Then, he found a place alongside the street where the circus parade would pass. When the parade started, the little boy pressed his ticket into the hand of a clown who passed by. Then he cheered and whistled as he watched the performers and the animals pass by.      When the parade was finished, he ran home and excitedly told his father what he had seen and heard. The father listened with a smile, then told him at the end of his story, "Son, I don't know how to say this, but what you saw was only the parade. You missed the circus."      We have this happening right now. So many people are caught up in the "parade" of Christmas and are in danger of missing the real story. Don't be one of these people. There is so much more to the truth of Christmas than the tinsel and gifts and the parties. Be like the shepherds who took it all in and rejoiced in what they saw: "The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told." (Luke 2:20) Pastor Steve Date: Fri Dec 2 07:01:12 2011 Today's Commentary     You have probably heard that the Mayans predicted the world will end in 2012. A movie has already been made based on this apocalyptic prediction. According to some, an inscription on a 1,300 year-old Mayan tablet predicts the return of the mysterious god Bolon Yokte at the end of a 13th period of 400 years, the equivalent of December 21, 2012. However, a new study of the tablet conducted by German expert Sven Gronemeyer states that initial translations are not accurate. According to Gronomeyer, the prediction was for a transition in the age, not the end of the world. So, what is it? Is it the end of the world or just a transition from one age to another?      Well, there really is no way to know for sure, and the idea that we can actually know the date of the "end of the world" is fallacious. For one thing, there are some things that will need to occur before the "end of the world". The rapture, the period of tribulation, the millennial reign, all will occur before the "end of the world." So, it would seem safe to say that the Mayan prediction of whatever is not going to occur next year. Another more important consideration is the fact that Jesus himself said, "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour." (Matthew 25:30) If we can't know about the event that starts "end time" happenings, we cannot know the date of the end of the world.      There is a fascination with future things. Being fascinated with future things is not a bad thing, but we must keep our wits about us when we study prophecy. The interest in the Mayan prediction led some to go beyond a biblical study, or even ascientific study. God has a plan laid out, we know this for sure. We need to refer to what he has revealed to us and not go off on pointless chases. The Bible, not the Mayans, needs to be our guide. Pastor Steve Date: Thu Dec 1 07:13:48 2011 Today's Commentary     A copy of the first Action Comics comic book which featured the introduction of Superman recently sold at auction for $2.16 million dollars. The scarcity of the book makes it so valuable. There are only 100 of these still in existence, and only a handful are in good condition. Scarcity of an item is what often sets the value. Diamonds, gold, silver, and other "precious" metals and gems are valuable because of limited availability. This is the case with many commodities.      However, I can think of something that is extremely valuable and is not in short supply - the grace of God that provides for us a hope of eternal life. You could not even begin to estimate what God's grace is worth. I Timothy 6:17 tells us something about what is valuable and what our perspective should be regarding value: "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment."      God provides for us abundantly. God's grace is so very valuable, but it certainly is not in short supply. Romans 5:17 says it this way: "For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!" God's invaluable grace is never in short supply. Pastor Steve Date: Wed Nov 30 06:45:42 2011 Today's Commentary     When I was a teenager, I remember hearing from youth leaders, camp directors, and pastors: "Don't do anything that will embarrass you when Christ comes back!" As a pastor, I know I don't say that much and I don't hear it being said a lot now. I don't really know why because this statement is based on a biblical truth. I John 2:28 says: "And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming."      David Branon suggests two reasons why we may not be hearing this as much as we once did. First, we may not believe that he could be coming back at any time. That is a big mistake. He could appear before we take our next breath, and we should live as if he will. A second reason why we don't hear this as much as we once did is that we really aren't concerned about living a godly life. Now this is a scary thought, and we need to examine our hearts to make sure this isn't true.      Obviously, Christ knows how we are living and what we are doing at anytime. He doesn't need to come back to "catch us in the act." We need to guide our lives with this truth in mind. And we should also live expectantly. Christ himself said, "You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." (Luke 12:40)      Live every moment as if you expect him back. Doing so can help you be confident that you won't be ashamed when he returns. Pastor Steve Date: Tue Nov 29 07:00:02 2011 Today's Commentary     Paul Meier wrote a book with a somewhat controversial title, "Don't Let the Jerks Get the Best of You." Few disputed the content of the book that intended to give advice for dealing with difficult people. However, there was some criticism about the title. Many did not like his use of the term "jerks." Now, I don't agree with the use of the term either. However, Dr. Meier did hit the nail on the head regarding the fact that we encounter difficult people. In actuality, we can all be difficult at times.      Christ dealt with a number of people who proved to be difficult - the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the temple priests, and even his own disciples at times.. As we encounter difficulties with others, we need to emulate the example of Christ who responded with grace, compassion, and patience. If the situation warranted, he was stern in his response, but he was always in control, and he never let these encounters discourage him from doing what he needed to do. We should look at this example to keep ourselves from getting discouraged and sometimes making unwise decisions in the wake of a negative interaction. It also helps to remember that we can be difficult as well. We live in an imperfect world with imperfect people. Don't get discouraged - draw strength from the example of Christ when you face a time of challenge.      God knew Joshua would face times that would be challenging, including criticism from and confrontations with his own people. God told Joshua, "Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9) Keep this in mind as struggles caused by others arise. Pastor Steve Date: Mon Nov 28 07:12:17 2011 Today's Commentary     Dennis Bratcher writes, "Advent is marked by a spirit of expectation, of anticipation, of preparation, of longing. There is a yearning for deliverance from the evils of the world, first expressed by Israelite slaves in Egypt as they cried out from their bitter oppression. It is the cry of those who have experienced the tyranny of injustice in a world under the curse of sin, and yet who have hope of deliverance by a God who has heard the cries of oppressed slaves and brought deliverance!"      "It is that hope, however faint at times, and that God, however distant He sometimes seems, which brings to the world the anticipation of a King who will rule with truth and justice and righteousness over His people and in His creation. It is that hope that once anticipated, and now anticipates anew, the reign of an Anointed One, a Messiah, who will bring peace and justice and righteousness to the world."      For what do you hope? Sometimes we hope for a new car, a new job, a new relationship, or something else along these lines. One thing we should hope for is a deeper relationship with our Lord. This can become a reality when we arrange the pattern of our lives in such a way so that we are drawing closer to him. We read the words of David in Psalm 84:3, "My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God." David had a strong desire to be with the Lord and to learn of him. This Advent season, let's make this one thing for which we hope. Pastor Steve Date: Sun Nov 27 06:14:16 2011 Today's Commentary     What a marvelous day it is! This is the first Sunday of Advent. Advent is the period of time the Church has set aside to focus upon the coming of Christ. The Christian Resource Institute writes, "The word Advent means 'coming' or 'arrival.' The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ in his First Advent, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in his Second Advent. Thus, Advent is far more than simply marking a 2,000 year old event in history. It is celebrating a truth about God, the revelation of God in Christ whereby all of creation might be reconciled to God. That is a process in which we now participate, and the consummation of which we anticipate. Scripture reading for Advent will reflect this emphasis on the Second Advent, including themes of accountability for faithfulness at His coming, judgment on sin, and the hope of eternal life."      As we enter into this time of year, let's use the time to remember what Christ's coming into the world means to us. Christ came to bring hope and to provide a way of life to those who were hopeless and lifeless. Let's renew our commitment to him and our service to him. Let's rejoice in his provision and his promise. Let us echo the words of Mary that she uttered when she learned of God's choice of her, "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior." (Luke 1:46-47) Let us rejoice in Him this season of Advent! Pastor Steve Date: Sat Nov 26 07:36:27 2011 Today's Commentary     William Federer wrote an interesting "American Minute" article that was posted on Thanksgiving Day. In this article, Federer muses, "What if the Pilgrims had taken part in the 'Occupy Wall Street' movement we have today?" According to Federer, they actually did, in a certain way, as the experiment was an abject failure. The idea was to abolish all private property and share wealth equally. An agreement was reached by the colonists to practice this principle for seven years. The idea was to offer a fair start to everyone. But, the project failed, and the colony abandoned the idea of trying to follow "the Platonic principles" of the sharing of wealth. Such principles, by the way, are the seminal idea behind Marx's economic theories. You know where his theories led.      The sharing of wealth is a good idea, actually a great idea, but the abandoning the principles of mutual accountability and individual progress have proven to not be such a good idea. When the Pilgrims did abandon their idea of "communism," the colony began to thrive as striving to improve one's lot provided an impetus for industry. As individuals gained, they did indeed share what their gain with others. Allowing individuality it seems actually improved profit sharing, not destroyed it.      When the Pilgrims applied these principles, they thrived and had much to share. We then see them practicing the principles found in Acts 2 of having "everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need." Let’s make sure we practice these principles today. Let's do it the right way so that we can see our "colony" thrive. Pastor Steve Date: Fri Nov 25 07:31:53 2011 Today's Commentary     Today is Black Friday. Doesn't that sound ominous? Although the origin of this term is the "traditional" opening to the 2011 Christmas shopping season. I am sure that Christ is pleased that his coming into the world provides an opportunity for retailers to make money. Lest you miss the sarcasm of this statement, my tongue was almost popping through my cheek as I wrote those words. I read an article just this morning entitled "Five reasons to skip Black Friday." In reality, you only need one.      Whenever I hear the term Black Friday, I cannot help but think of the story of Christ clearing the temple and his declaration, "'Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!' His disciples remembered that it is written: 'Zeal for your house will consume me.'" (John 2:16) Now, I know that the timing of Christmas is an invention of man, but the fact of Christmas is not. And it certainly was not intended to be a time for the improvement of sales.      Watch how you celebrate Christmas. Be careful lest you allow Black Friday to be as ominous for you as it sounds. Pastor Steve Date: Thu Nov 24 07:58:32 2011 Today's Commentary     Today is a day we have set aside to give thanks. I would imagine most of you know the historical background for today. Of course, giving thanks certainly transcends the experience of the Pilgrims in their new home. For followers of Christ, giving thanks should be as natural as breathing. Paul writes in Philippians 4:6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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."      Giving thanks helps us to keep our grip. We face times of sadness, loss, pain, and other problems. When we purpose to give thanks we find a source of strength and encouragement that helps us with our struggle. In his book "365 Thank Yous", John Kralik writes how intentional thankfulness helped him gain control of his life after many factors were causing a real tailspin. "The exercise (giving thanks) took the focus off of me and my problems and put it on the blessings in my life and the things that people were doing for me," Kralik writes.      Giving thanks helps us to keep on grappling. An attitude of thankfulness helps us to focus on our responsibilities and follow paths that are productive. Finally, giving thanks helps us to keep from griping. We can become negative in our outlook. We can be disenchanted with others and with situations. Thankfulness helps us avoid becoming a grouch. Be thankful - and reap the benefits. Pastor Steve Date: Wed Nov 23 07:34:24 2011 Today's Commentary     Many of you may remember the news that broke in November of 2010 about the huge cheating scandal that occurred at the University of Central Florida. Professor Richard Quinn, suspicious of higher than usual grades on a midterm, discovered that hundreds of students in a business class had cheated. He issued an ultimatum: come clean, take a four-hour class in ethics, your midterm grade will be thrown out, and there will be no record of your cheating. More than 200 students came forward.      According to an ABC report, more than 40% of college students cheat at one time or another. Many are surprised by that. Perhaps they shouldn't be. Cheating is in the nature of man. The Bible makes it plain that we are sinners by birth, not by choice. Romans 3:23 declares that "all have sinned and come short of the righteousness of God." This is why we need God's righteousness.      Even after accepting the righteousness of God, we must remember our propensity to sin, our proclivity to "cheat." God catches his followers cheating many times. You can read about cheaters in passages such as Malachi 3 where God confronts the people about their cheating in their sacrifices. How about Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5? If you are not familiar with the story, I encourage you to read it. They had absolutely no reason to cheat in the way they did, but their inner desire drove them to an act for which they paid dearly.      Don't try to cheat God with your life! You will not get away with it! God will open up the windows of heaven and bless you abundantly when you repent of your sin and live for him! And no ethics class is required! Pastor Steve Date: Tue Nov 22 08:00:46 2011 Today's Commentary     Envy is a powerful force, and it can be a destructive force. We look at what others have, what others can do, what others are, and wish we could be them. That is not a good thing. "A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones" we read in Proverbs 14:30. James 3:16 warns, "For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice."      When we are envious, we have a warped perspective of ourselves, and we don't look at others in a good light. This is why God warns us against "The Green Giant." We need to be content with who we are, with our talents, with our abilities, and be happy for others and what they can contribute to the body of Christ. This will result in a more peaceful life, and put us in a place where God wants us. Don't envy! Pastor Steve Date: Mon Nov 21 07:22:20 2011 Today's Commentary     Albert Lee writes about a teen-aged boy who refused to quit playing his Nintendo Gameboy in class. The teacher called in the principal who was unable to convince the young man to turn off the game. A school security officer failed in his attempt and was kicked and punched by the boy. Finally, police were called. The student became even more belligerent and actually attacked the police when they would not stop trying to talk him away from the Gameboy. After biting an officer, a Tazer was used to subdue the boy, and legal action was pursued.      Why can we be so obstinate? Pharaoh is a good example of how stiff-necked we can be. He began to relent only after several plagues. The Israelites also displayed stubbornness in their interaction with God. God tells us to "encourage one another daily, as long as it is called 'Today,' so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end. As has just been said: 'Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.' Who were they who heard and rebelled? Were they not all those Moses led out of Egypt? And with whom was he angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies perished in the wilderness?"      Don't be a hardhead! Listen to God and follow his leadership. This is indeed a better way. Pastor Steve Date: Sun Nov 20 06:32:10 2011 Today's Commentary     Artists amaze me in the way they can take lifeless materials and "create" life. They know just how to mix colors to give realistic effects. They know techniques that give a 3D effect on a 2D canvas. They can convey warm emotions through the use of materials that are actually lifeless and, in one sense, cold. Looking at the finished work of an accomplished painter is a moving experience, even though the object at which you are looking is stationary.      What amazes me even more is what God can do with that which is lifeless. Ephesians 2:1-5 tells us about his creative activity: "As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved."      We need to be thankful that we have been made alive with Christ. If not, we would be just a mass of stuff with no future. Even as an artist can turn benign materials into a timeless masterpiece, God can turn hopeless individuals into people with a very bright future with him. Pastor Steve Date: Sat Nov 19 08:59:44 2011 Today's Commentary     The early disciples lived life with the awareness that they could change the world through their message of the purpose of God. They realized the message they had could make a real difference in the lives of people. As a result, Paul and his friends received a criticism that was actually a compliment from the people in Ephesus. They said, "These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here (Acts 17:6)." The King James Version translates this, "they have turned the world upside down."      What could happen if we lived with this same kind of purpose and passion? What would happen if we lived life with the awareness that we could change the world? We need to live with the awareness that every person with whom we come in contact is valuable to God. We need to live with the awareness that our interaction with others has the potential of revealing God to them as we live for Him.      Let's "turn the world upside down." Let's live with the awareness that the message we have can bring about real change. Pastor Steve Date: Fri Nov 18 07:50:16 2011 Today's Commentary     One of my greatest struggles is popping off before I put thought into my words. "Cooler heads prevail" is a good piece of advice for me and for many of us. We become frustrated with situations, we become angry during arguments, or we don't like what we see as a perceived injustice and we confront the alleged perpetrator of the injustice in a less than diplomatic way - these are all situations that we should work to control.      Proverbs 17:27 says, "He who has knowledge spares his words." We need to work to know our "danger signals," and when we see them arise, develop a plan of action to thwart what would be our usual way of reacting. Let God take over your brain for awhile and allow him to intervene. This is certainly a more productive means of handling times when the temperature rises. As ESPN commentator Stan Verrett would say, "Cool is the Rule." Pastor Steve Date: Thu Nov 17 08:59:29 2011 Today's Commentary     : Many things help form a bond between individuals - shared experiences, shared employment, shared affiliations, and, of course, family ties. In most instances, for the bond to continue, it needs to be nurtured in some way. A bond that may have formed through a shared experience will only endure when those involved in the bond make conscious decisions to pursue actions that will allow the bond to grow stronger.      As believers in Christ, we have a bond with others that is formed through what we share. In Ephesians 4:1-7, we find Paul reminding his readers of seven things that are common among followers of Christ. These seven "ones" not only form the bond, but provide impetus for the bond to endure. He writes: "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; the God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."      These seven "ones" should help create a bond that sticks tighter than super glue. Have you ever gotten any of that stuff on your fingers? The bond created can only be dissolved through intentional effort. That is the nature of the bond existing between followers of Christ - it takes intentional effort to dissolve the bond. Of course, this intentional effort is what we need to avoid. We need to focus upon the seven ones so that the bond remains tight. What a difference it makes when we focus on the seven ones. Pastor Steve Date: Wed Nov 16 07:18:02 2011 Today's Commentary     A family was very excited about an upcoming trip to go visit an exhibit of the Dead Sea Scrolls. The Dead Sea Scrolls are manuscripts that were discovered in caves along the Dead Sea between 1947 and 1956. They contain much of the Hebrew Bible and other texts and provide the oldest known manuscripts of the Old Testament in existence. They provide evidence of the accuracy of Scripture. The family was thrilled at their upcoming opportunity to see them. They spoke of it often. Their little pre-school aged son got in on the excitement as well. He told a visitor, "We are going to see the Dead Sea squirrels!" Well, he was accurate in the excitement he conveyed in his announcement, even if he was not quite right as to what they would be seeing.      Do you convey excitement about God's Word to your children? We want our children to know God's Word and to use God's Word in their lives. One of the things we need to do in order to ensure that this happens is to not only teach them what the Bible says, but show them how excited we are about God's Word. Values are transmitted to our children through not only what we say, but through the emotions we express. If we want them to have an excitement about learning the Word of God, our excitement about the Word of God needs to show.      Deuteronomy 6:4-9 speaks of the responsibility of teaching our children: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates." Let's show our excitement about God's Word to our children so they will be excited as well! Pastor Steve Date: Tue Nov 15 07:16:26 2011 Today's Commentary     Did you every play "Follow the Leader" when you were a kid? What would the world look like if everyone followed your example? What if they used your tone of voice and the words you use? What if their responses echoed your responses? What if they acted in the way that you do? What if they adopted your values and attitudes? Would they look more like Jesus? Would they exhibit the same compassion, care, and willingness to forgive? Would they work through problems and deal with others with patience and a desire to understand?      If we honestly ask these questions, we will want to make some changes. In John 13:15, we find these words of Christ to his disciples, "I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." So, are we doing for others what Christ has done for us? How well are we following his example? What would the world look like if everyone followed your example? Ask this question often and at various times. You may not like the answer in some circumstances, but the reason for the asking is that you might make an honest evaluation leading to meaningful changes. Live so that others can follow your lead! Pastor Steve Date: Mon Nov 14 07:33:49 2011 Today's Commentary     Frank and Emma Garber were told by the doctor "that one won't live" after a difficult delivery had left one of their twin girls with severe facial deformities. However, Angie Garber did live, and in spite of many difficulties, became what she wanted to be - a missionary teacher. You can read about her life in a book written by Bill Hybels and Rob Wilkens entitled "Descending into Greatness."      Surgery to correct her facial problems left Angie deaf in one ear. Her father died when she was young. When she was 19, she contracted polio that left her with little use of her left arm. She still cared for her mother for the next ten years. Five years after the death of her mother, financial problems led to the sale of the family farm. Angie kept trusting in God to help her reach her dream of finishing college and becoming a teacher. Not only did she finish college, but in 1951 at the age of 38, she completed her master's degree at Grace Theological Seminary.      She became a teacher at a Navajo Mission in New Mexico, and for the next 34 years, lived and worked at the mission. Angie faced many obstacles in her walk of faith, yet she was determined to not be discouraged by these obstacles. She was determined to overcome what was in front of her and pursue a life of service to God. She took to heart the advice given by Paul found in Philippians 3:13-14, "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."      What obstacles lie in your path? What is hindering you from living the life God intends for you to live? Don't let discouragement keep you from pursuing a life of godliness and service. Look to God for your strength and your guidance to navigate the minefields of discouragement. Pastor Steve Date: Sun Nov 13 06:06:09 2011 Today's Commentary     How well are you representing Christ to others? Followers of Christ need to live in such a way so as to provide a good picture of Christ to others. In II Corinthians 5:20, we read these words of Paul: "We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us." Are we representing Christ well?      In November of 1871, New York Herald reporter Henry Stanley located Dr. David Livingstone on the banks of Lake Tanganyika in Africa. Livingstone, a well-known missionary who had discovered the Zambesi River and Victoria Falls, had not been heard from in years and was presumed dead. Stanley set out discover whether these presumptions were true. After his long search had been rewarded with the finding of a much-alive Livingston, Stanley uttered his famous greeting, "Dr. Livingstone, I presume?"      American Minute records this citation in Stanley's article on Livingstone: "A man who is manifestly sustained as well as guided by influences from Heaven...The...enthusiasm...of his life comes, beyond question, from Christ. There must, therefore, be a Christ."      Is this a conclusion others could reach upon observing your life? Christ has called us to be his witnesses: "you shall be my witnesses (Acts 1:8)," How well are we doing? Pastor Steve Date: Sat Nov 12 08:39:00 2011 Today's Commentary     What is your reaction to being "slightly off?" Does hearing a musical note that is slightly off-pitch bother you? What about that cut you just made on the wood molding you are installing? Is it slightly off? Is that picture you just hung slightly off? Our degree of perfectionism usually determines how we respond to these situations where being slightly off is really not a major issue.      However, there are other times when you really don't want to be slightly off. Being slightly off in a turn you are making in a car could mean the difference between hitting someone standing on the curb or not. Do you want your surgeon to be slightly off when he is performing a procedure that is near some vital areas like a nerve bundle or a vital organ? The person who is the "target" in a knife-throwing routine certainly does not want the one throwing the knives to be "slightly off."      Another area where we do not want to ignore something that is slightly off is our behavior. Sometimes we dismiss certain offenses because they "really weren't all that bad." Sometimes we overlook a sin by saying "it wasn't that big a deal." This can be a dangerous attitude. Ignoring sin, whether considered "big" or "little", is not a good practice.      In I Samuel 13, we find Saul had that problem. Instead of waiting on Samuel, he offered up a burnt offering on his own when things looked bad for his army. Samuel confronted him about this and he replied, "When I saw that the men were scattering, and that you did not come at the set time, and that the Philistines were assembling at Mikmash, I thought, 'Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the LORD’s favor.' So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering." (vss. 11:12) Saul informed him that God had already found his replacement, someone after his "own heart." (vs. 14)      The issue here was obedience, and there is no such thing as being slightly off in our obedience of God's commands. Seek his holiness by obeying what he says. Pastor Steve Date: Fri Nov 11 07:17:23 2011 Today's Commentary     Today is 11/11/11. I don't know the percentages here, but obviously this doesn't happen all that often. On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, fighting finally stopped in the "War to end all Wars," the war that came to be known as World War I. The armistice had been signed at 5 a.m. that morning, but battles raged until 11 a.m. Today was originally a commemoration of that day and in 1954 became Veteran's Day.      Remains of an unknown soldier from World War I were interred in a tomb at Arlington National Cemetery by President Harding on this day in 1921. The inscription on the tomb read "Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God." Remains were added to the tomb from each war since. The remains of the soldier from the Vietnam War interred by President Ronald Reagan in 1984 were later identified as American pilot Michael Blassie.      American Minute reports the following regarding Blassie: "A graduate of St. Louis University High school, 1966, and the U.S. Air Force Academy, 1970, Blassie died when his A-37B Dragonfly was shot down near An Loc, South Vietnam. In 1998, he was reburied at Jefferson Memorial Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri."      Truer words have never been spoken than "Known but by God." God has knowledge of anyone who has ever lived and died. At some point, all the righteous dead will be raised to live forever with God. "Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them (Revelation 20:6)." However, all those who die without God will be raised to face judgment. "Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. . . Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire." God knows who belongs in each resurrection. You determine in which resurrection you fit. So, which one is it?      A final note - many thanks to all who have served. Veteran's Day is for you. Pastor Steve Date: Thu Nov 10 06:48:18 2011 Today's Commentary     It is possible to be one place physically and another place mentally. It happens every Sunday morning in church. Bodies warm the pews while minds roam the kitchens and golf courses of the nation. In a graver example, prisoners of war survive by taking themselves mentally into another world away from the prison and there find meaning and solace. We, as Christians, are to do the same. We are to take ourselves out of the physical world, into the spiritual world, and operate according to its values, truths, and realities. Colossians 3:1-3 tells us: "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God."      Doing this doesn't mean to remove ourselves totally from the world - that is not what Paul meant when he wrote those words. What he was encouraging us to do was to make sure we do not allow worldly values, thoughts, mores, and ideals to become ours. We need to have values, thoughts, mores, and ideals that are heavenly while we live in this world. In so doing, we give the Holy Spirit room to operate in our lives, and we can be an influence on others for the sake of Christ. Pastor Steve Date: Wed Nov 9 06:41:22 2011 Today's Commentary     As a young man of 26, Theodore Roosevelt lost both his mother and his wife on the same day - Valentine's Day of 1884. His wife had just given birth to a daughter two days earlier. According to American Minute, this event was so devastating that Roosevelt left his position in the state legislature of New York and went to the Dakotas to ranch. After some time, Roosevelt returned to politics, became Secretary of the Navy, fought in the Spanish-American War, became vice-president, and then the youngest president in history upon the assassination of President William McKinley.      Roosevelt wrote later that is was his faith that helped him to overcome the devastating circumstance of the simultaneous deaths of his mother and wife. His faith is evident in his writings. He wrote, "The thought of modern industry in the hands of Christian charity is a dream worth dreaming. The thought of industry in the hands of paganism is a nightmare beyond imagining. The choice between the two is upon us."      We all face difficult times. Our faith is what can help us through these times. Roosevelt was able to continue with his service in spite of tremendous personal loss because of his faith. He knew that he could trust in the Lord to be there for him. Psalm 9:10 says, "Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you." God will not forsake us. He did not forsake Roosevelt but was there to help him in a dark hour. He is there for us as well. Pastor Steve Date: Tue Nov 8 07:41:41 2011 Today's Commentary     God is good at putting us in places that are far away from the familiar and far away from our comfort zone for the purpose of training us and helping us mature and prepare for future tasks. We sometimes chafe under this, but don't forget God is doing it to help you be what you can be for him.      Moses found himself in such a place when he killed an Egyptian who was beating an Israelite. Because of this action, he had to flee, and he found himself in the desert, far away from the comforts of the palace of the Pharaoh he had experienced for the first forty years of his life. He found himself doing tasks that would not have been found in his resume. Exodus 3:1 says, "Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God." It was there, of course, that he encountered a bush that was on fire but was not consumed. Where he had been for the past forty years was certainly different from his first forty years, but was necessary for him so that he could prepare for what he would encounter.      When you find yourself in unfamiliar surroundings and doing something you have not done before, rely upon God's wisdom and guidance. Determine to learn all you can from your experience. What you gain could very well prove to be invaluable to you for what you encounter ahead. Pastor Steve Date: Mon Nov 7 07:23:36 2011 Today's Commentary     Billy Graham was born on November 7, 1918. He wanted to be a professional baseball player, but God had other plans for this tall, charismatic, young man from North Carolina. Following God's call, Graham attended Wheaton College where he met Ruth Bell, who would become his wife. Meeting with President Barack Obama on April 25, 2010, meant that he had spent time with twelve American presidents dating back to Harry Truman.      American Minute cites the following statements made about Graham: At a news conference, March 21, 1956, President Eisenhower stated: "This is what I see in Billy Graham - A man who clearly understands that any advance in the world has got to be accompanied by a clear realization that man is, after all, a spiritual being."      Ronald Reagan introduced Billy Graham at a California rally, saying: "Why is a representative of government here? To welcome with humble pride a man whose mission in life has been to remind us that in all our seeking...the answer to each problem is to be found in the simple words of Jesus of Nazareth, who urged us to love one another."      According to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, he has preached to more than 2.2 billion people and has had 3.2 million respond to the invitation to accept Christ. All this started in a rally held in a circus tent erected in a parking lot in Los Angeles, California, in 1949. William Randolph Heart was partially responsible for his national exposure. He sent a two-word telegram to his papers in Los Angeles, "Puff Graham."      Upon receiving the Congressional Gold Medal in 1996, Billy Graham said: "As we face a new millennium, I believe America has gone a long way down the wrong road. We must turn around...If ever we needed God's help, it is now."      We should be thankful for the ministry of Billy Graham, but never lose sight of the fact that we too have a call upon our lives on which we need to act. It may not be to preach to massive audiences in tents, stadiums, and arenas around the world, but it may be to speak to a neighbor who needs to hear of the love of Christ. Let us follow the Scripture and the example of Billy Graham and answer the call. Pastor Steve Date: Sun Nov 6 06:34:35 2011 Today's Commentary     Lead Like Jesus writes: "When was the last time you forgave someone who offended you or hurt you? Most of us have the opportunity to offer and receive forgiveness on a regular basis. Forgiveness is a gift that God gives us in order for us to pass it on to others. Forgiveness that is hoarded without being shared freely is not being used for God's intended purpose. How does your willingness to forgive reflect the forgiveness of Jesus? Who do you need to forgive today?"      Peter asked Christ how many times we need to forgive someone. Christ's response was a statement that said we really should not ask this question. He said, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times (Matthew 18:22)." Forgiveness is more that what we do, it is what we are. We are forgiven people, and we in turn need to be forgiving people.      As you were asked earlier, "Who do you need to forgive today?" Make forgiveness a part of who you are, not just what you do. Pastor Steve Date: Sat Nov 5 06:02:36 2011 Today's Commentary     Some time ago, Bill Cosby came to a theater in a nearby town. I didn't go to see him, but I know of several who did. From what I hear, he was his usual hilarious self. One of my all-time favorite Bill Cosby routines is "Noah." At one point in the routine, when Noah is voicing some complaints to God, God interrupts and says, "Noah, how long can you tread water?" Now, I know this is just a comedy routine, but I sometimes like to take things "deeper." To me, what God was actually saying here was, "Noah, I am the one in charge. I know what you need. Just trust me." Actually, God said, "I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth. So make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out. This is how you are to build it. . .(Genesis 6:13-15)"      Cosby's routine is funny, but what God said to Noah all those years ago was very serious. In reality, Noah did display tremendous trust in God. Noah was a faithful man and that is why God approached him to begin with. God asked him to do something completely out of the ordinary, and we see Noah following God's instructions to the letter. The result: salvation for him and his family.      Following God's instructions will lead to good results. Follow God! Don't make him ask you, "How long can you tread water?" Pastor Steve Date: Fri Nov 4 06:31:42 2011 Today's Commentary     Do you want to know how to win friends and influence people? Be unselfish. When we make a decision to be unselfish, we start looking at ways to be of benefit to others. We look for ways to enhance someone else’s life. Selfishness is at the root of the majority of interpersonal conflicts. Selfishness is a major reason why people are stand-offish and really not easy to be around.      Proverbs 11:24-26 says something about selfishness: "One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. People curse the one who hoards grain, but they pray God’s blessing on the one who is willing to sell."      Living in an unselfish way means you are easier to get along with. It means that you are respected by others because they appreciate your care. Living like this is certainly Christ-like. Living unselfishly will enhance your own life and help you to be of greater benefit to others. Pastor Steve Date: Wed Nov 2 06:55:49 2011 Today's Commentary     I would imagine you have heard the expression "you can't get blood from a turnip." This is a truism that can be applied in many ways. Other similar expressions are "you don’t get orange juice from apples"; "you don't get honey from a coconut", and so on. The point of these expressions is to emphasize that whatever is inside of something is that which determines what will come out.      This is true in the case of a person as well. Jesus said, "A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of (Luke 6:45)." A person cannot claim to be kind if his words are unkind. He cannot claim to follow the values of heaven if his mouth speaks the values of the world. Our speech attests to our character. Our heart is the well, and the mouth is the faucet. When the faucet is on, whatever is in the well comes out of the faucet.      Paul addresses this reality in a number of places. In Colossians 4:6 we read, "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Ephesians 4:29 says, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Clean up the inside so that what comes out will be pure. Pastor Steve Date: Tue Nov 1 07:23:11 2011 Today's Commentary     Today is All Saint's Day. Some in the Christian Church pay more attention to this day than others. Having a day where we look back at some of the people who have gone before us and what they have accomplished in the name of Christ really is a good thing. Reflecting on the lives of the saints has roots in the scripture. We need to set aside time to reflect on those who have followed Christ faithfully and draw principles from their lives that can help us today.      Hebrews 11 is one place in the Bible where we find a group of faithful followers listed. Take the time to read the entire chapter. Time after time you will see the words "By faith. . ." followed by a name and a rehearsal of the dedicated life of the person named. There are sixteen men and women listed specifically, and then the writer concludes with a general description of the exploits of many unnamed followers whose commitment led to death in many cases.      The reason for his writing about these followers is given in his conclusion that is actually found in the first verses of chapter 12. There we read, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart (vss. 1-3)."      Whatever level you are on in your observance All Saint's Day, every follower of Christ needs to take time to reflect on the faithful saints who have given us examples of how to live committed lives even in times of persecution. They help define faith with their examples. Take some time to review the lessons they teach us. Doing so will help us to live better the life of faith. Pastor Steve

My Favorite Bible Verse