“On my door there's a cartoon of two turtles. One says, ‘Sometimes I'd like to ask God why he allows poverty, famine, and injustice when he could do something about it.’ The other turtle says, ‘I'm afraid God might ask me the same question.’"
Citation: Peter John Kreeft
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Pastor's Corner
for Christmas Eve Dec 24th
“A sword shall pierce your heart also” (Luke 2:35) these words were spoken to Mary by Simeon when Mary presented Jesus at the temple. How Mary must have pondered those words with no small amount of apprehension, wondering how Jesus would pierce her heart. Jesus’ childhood years growing up in Nazareth were probably as sweet to Mary as they are to any mother; as she saw Jesus become a man she was proud of him as any mother would be when they see their children grow up to be well grounded mature adults. Those years were her happiest years, yet interwoven through them all I’m sure were moments of curiosity, expectation, fear and dread that plucked at her heart-strings. Then as Jesus entered His ministry and she sees His miracles, I’m sure her heart thrilled with excitement knowing as she did who Jesus was. She sees the multitudes following Him, cringes a little perhaps when He confronts the leaders and teachers of the law about their hypocrisy, yet over all a proud mother rejoicing in her son’s impact on the world around Him. But then the tide of His popularity begins to turn and she watches the growing jealousy, the hatred, and the unbelief on the part of the leading men of her people culminating in the darkest of days for Mary, the day they nailed her beloved son to the cross. How that must have torn her heart to pieces yet she couldn’t leave His side and so stayed at the cross to the end. Then they laid Him in a borrowed grave with Mary weeping as any mother would who must bury her son. Three days later the Resurrection! How this must have healed Mary’s heart, her son is alive again, her doubts erased! But then her son ascends into heaven and her heart is pierced again because many continue to disbelieve, scorn and hate her son! Oh how these words of Simeon were fulfilled at so many levels. Mary, you are indeed “blessed among women”, may you inspire us all to be faithful even when God’s blessing brings pain.
Pastor Don.
“A sword shall pierce your heart also” (Luke 2:35) these words were spoken to Mary by Simeon when Mary presented Jesus at the temple. How Mary must have pondered those words with no small amount of apprehension, wondering how Jesus would pierce her heart. Jesus’ childhood years growing up in Nazareth were probably as sweet to Mary as they are to any mother; as she saw Jesus become a man she was proud of him as any mother would be when they see their children grow up to be well grounded mature adults. Those years were her happiest years, yet interwoven through them all I’m sure were moments of curiosity, expectation, fear and dread that plucked at her heart-strings. Then as Jesus entered His ministry and she sees His miracles, I’m sure her heart thrilled with excitement knowing as she did who Jesus was. She sees the multitudes following Him, cringes a little perhaps when He confronts the leaders and teachers of the law about their hypocrisy, yet over all a proud mother rejoicing in her son’s impact on the world around Him. But then the tide of His popularity begins to turn and she watches the growing jealousy, the hatred, and the unbelief on the part of the leading men of her people culminating in the darkest of days for Mary, the day they nailed her beloved son to the cross. How that must have torn her heart to pieces yet she couldn’t leave His side and so stayed at the cross to the end. Then they laid Him in a borrowed grave with Mary weeping as any mother would who must bury her son. Three days later the Resurrection! How this must have healed Mary’s heart, her son is alive again, her doubts erased! But then her son ascends into heaven and her heart is pierced again because many continue to disbelieve, scorn and hate her son! Oh how these words of Simeon were fulfilled at so many levels. Mary, you are indeed “blessed among women”, may you inspire us all to be faithful even when God’s blessing brings pain.
Pastor Don.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Something to Think About
In happy moments, praise God
In difficult moments, seek God
In quiet moments, worship God
In painful moments, trust God
And in every moment, thank God!
In difficult moments, seek God
In quiet moments, worship God
In painful moments, trust God
And in every moment, thank God!
Pastor's Corner
for Sunday December 18th
4 “As for you, if you walk before me faithfully with integrity of heart and uprightness, as David your father did, and do all I command and observe my decrees and laws, 5 I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised David your father when I said, ‘You shall never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel.’(1 kings 9) Solomon had just finished building a temple to God. God in turn makes a covenant with him, if he remains obedient, God promises to be with him for the rest of his days. Solomon was very blessed by God; he was blessed with riches and wisdom beyond our imaginations. He was a faithful servant and steward of all God’s blessings, but he fell very short towards the end of his life. Like me, and so many other Christians we can look to God, be obedient and become truly blessed. This is our promise from Him, if we look to Him and become totally reliant upon Him, we will be blessed. On the flip side of this is if we stray from Him and become defiant some of the blessings we take for granted can slip away from us. This week’s Pastor’s corner is just a reminder to stay vigilant in our quest to know God better and show our love through obedience to Him. He wants to bless us, He has more in store for us than we can humanly imagine. 9 The LORD became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. 10 Although he had forbidden Solomon to follow other gods, Solomon did not keep the LORD’s command. 11 So the LORD said to Solomon, “Since this is your attitude and you have not kept my covenant and my decrees, which I commanded you, I will most certainly tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your subordinates.( 1 Kings 11) Just as with Solomon we can have great blessings but if we turn from Him we can expect that those blessings may fade if not slip away. This message is not to scare anyone, just to encourage you to remain faithful in Him, so you can secure the blessings He has in store for us all. Thanks and God bless, Jake Thomas.
4 “As for you, if you walk before me faithfully with integrity of heart and uprightness, as David your father did, and do all I command and observe my decrees and laws, 5 I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised David your father when I said, ‘You shall never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel.’(1 kings 9) Solomon had just finished building a temple to God. God in turn makes a covenant with him, if he remains obedient, God promises to be with him for the rest of his days. Solomon was very blessed by God; he was blessed with riches and wisdom beyond our imaginations. He was a faithful servant and steward of all God’s blessings, but he fell very short towards the end of his life. Like me, and so many other Christians we can look to God, be obedient and become truly blessed. This is our promise from Him, if we look to Him and become totally reliant upon Him, we will be blessed. On the flip side of this is if we stray from Him and become defiant some of the blessings we take for granted can slip away from us. This week’s Pastor’s corner is just a reminder to stay vigilant in our quest to know God better and show our love through obedience to Him. He wants to bless us, He has more in store for us than we can humanly imagine. 9 The LORD became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. 10 Although he had forbidden Solomon to follow other gods, Solomon did not keep the LORD’s command. 11 So the LORD said to Solomon, “Since this is your attitude and you have not kept my covenant and my decrees, which I commanded you, I will most certainly tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your subordinates.( 1 Kings 11) Just as with Solomon we can have great blessings but if we turn from Him we can expect that those blessings may fade if not slip away. This message is not to scare anyone, just to encourage you to remain faithful in Him, so you can secure the blessings He has in store for us all. Thanks and God bless, Jake Thomas.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Something to Think About
Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; Where there is sadness, joy. (St. Francis of Assisi)
Pastor's Corner
David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. (1Sam 17:45) There is such power when we can align our lives with the plan God has set before us. In the above scripture a young and inexperienced David has just left tending the flocks to come and bring his brothers some bread and cheese and to bring reassurance to his father that his brothers were doing well. When he arrives Goliath has been taunting the army of Israel for forty days and forty nights. Everyone is afraid to face this giant, but David is prepared to go against him. He understands he is not alone, God is with him. We are called to be more than conquerors in Romans 8:31 is reads “if God is for us, who can be against us”. David believed this and his faith was strong enough to face and slay the giant. I wonder what giants are you facing day in and day out? What area of our lives are we not believing that God will care for and wants to take care of for us? When the problems of life seem to be too much we can remember and take heed knowing “ we come against them in the name of the Lord almighty”. The word of God is the greatest tool or weapon we have to combat the giants of our lives. This week I encourage everyone to get into scripture, daily. Set it to memory and speak these words into your problem areas and trust God to empower you to face the giants in your life, and have victory over them in the name of Jesus. Jake Thomas.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Someting to Think About
"We are continually faced by great opportunities brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems."
Pastor's Corner
for Sunday Dec 4th
God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ . . . —Galatians 6:14 When a person is newly born again, he seems inconsistent due to his unrelated emotions and the state of the external things or circumstances in his life. The apostle Paul had a strong and steady underlying consistency in his life. Consequently, he could let his external life change without internal distress because he was rooted and grounded in God. Most of us are not consistent spiritually because we are more concerned about being consistent externally. In the external expression of things, Paul lived in the basement, while his critics lived on the upper level. And these two levels do not begin to touch each other. But Paul’s consistency was down deep in the fundamentals. The great basis of his consistency was the agony of God in the redemption of the world, namely, the Cross of Christ. State your beliefs to yourself again. Get back to the foundation of the Cross of Christ, doing away with any belief not based on it. In secular history the Cross is an infinitesimally small thing, but from the biblical perspective it is of more importance than all the empires of the world. If we get away from dwelling on the tragedy of God on the Cross in our preaching, our preaching produces nothing. It will not transmit the energy of God to man; it may be interesting, but it will have no power. However, when we preach the Cross, the energy of God is released. “. . . it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. . . . we preach Christ crucified . . .” (1 Corinthians 1:21, 23).
God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ . . . —Galatians 6:14 When a person is newly born again, he seems inconsistent due to his unrelated emotions and the state of the external things or circumstances in his life. The apostle Paul had a strong and steady underlying consistency in his life. Consequently, he could let his external life change without internal distress because he was rooted and grounded in God. Most of us are not consistent spiritually because we are more concerned about being consistent externally. In the external expression of things, Paul lived in the basement, while his critics lived on the upper level. And these two levels do not begin to touch each other. But Paul’s consistency was down deep in the fundamentals. The great basis of his consistency was the agony of God in the redemption of the world, namely, the Cross of Christ. State your beliefs to yourself again. Get back to the foundation of the Cross of Christ, doing away with any belief not based on it. In secular history the Cross is an infinitesimally small thing, but from the biblical perspective it is of more importance than all the empires of the world. If we get away from dwelling on the tragedy of God on the Cross in our preaching, our preaching produces nothing. It will not transmit the energy of God to man; it may be interesting, but it will have no power. However, when we preach the Cross, the energy of God is released. “. . . it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. . . . we preach Christ crucified . . .” (1 Corinthians 1:21, 23).
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Something to Think About
You have made us for Yourself, and therefore our hearts are restless until we find our rest in Thee. (Augustine)
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Pastor's Corner
for Sunday Nov 20th
Church is a community thing.
What does the church mean to you? Why do you go to church? What do you like about church? Is the church an indispensable part of your life? The answers to these questions are relevant because I think many go to church out of "me" centered reasons. Without realizing it, church can become just another place where it's all about me. We live in a culture that exalts the individual. This is seen clearly in our entertainment, education, economics, domestic patterns and religion which are all geared toward the idolatry of self. Phrases are frequently heard like, "celebrate yourself", "you must first love yourself"; "you deserve to spoil yourself", and relationships are often jettisoned in order to go off and "find ourselves". Without realizing it, we believe that it's all about me and so we go to church IF I need it. And if "church" doesn't "pump me up" then I feel like I wasted my time and if it happens often enough I start looking for another church where my needs will be met. However, Jesus brings us into a community that scripture describes as a "body" - each part serving the rest of the body. Jesus places us in a community where you must die to self and deny yourself. The church is where we as individuals learn to love others; we learn to put others first; we love them because Jesus loves them. Another important function of the church is that in the church we are held accountable. If the church is truly living as a community it's not a place where you can hide but where the Holy Spirit will challenge you and convict you through that brother or sister that comes alongside you and encourages you and, if necessary, gently but firmly challenges you. Our narcissistic culture is slowly killing us but God will bring real life through this community we call church (if you stick around) - He will take your eyes off yourself and focus them on others and that is a very healthy thing.
Pastor Don.
Church is a community thing.
What does the church mean to you? Why do you go to church? What do you like about church? Is the church an indispensable part of your life? The answers to these questions are relevant because I think many go to church out of "me" centered reasons. Without realizing it, church can become just another place where it's all about me. We live in a culture that exalts the individual. This is seen clearly in our entertainment, education, economics, domestic patterns and religion which are all geared toward the idolatry of self. Phrases are frequently heard like, "celebrate yourself", "you must first love yourself"; "you deserve to spoil yourself", and relationships are often jettisoned in order to go off and "find ourselves". Without realizing it, we believe that it's all about me and so we go to church IF I need it. And if "church" doesn't "pump me up" then I feel like I wasted my time and if it happens often enough I start looking for another church where my needs will be met. However, Jesus brings us into a community that scripture describes as a "body" - each part serving the rest of the body. Jesus places us in a community where you must die to self and deny yourself. The church is where we as individuals learn to love others; we learn to put others first; we love them because Jesus loves them. Another important function of the church is that in the church we are held accountable. If the church is truly living as a community it's not a place where you can hide but where the Holy Spirit will challenge you and convict you through that brother or sister that comes alongside you and encourages you and, if necessary, gently but firmly challenges you. Our narcissistic culture is slowly killing us but God will bring real life through this community we call church (if you stick around) - He will take your eyes off yourself and focus them on others and that is a very healthy thing.
Pastor Don.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Something to think about
It is impossible to reach and stretch for the future when we live in the pain of the past.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Something to Think About
“When you trust in God, pain is an opportunity for progress.” (from Our Daily Bread)
Pastor's Corner
for Sunday Nov. 6th
“I saw the angel in the marble and chiseled until I set him free.” Michelangelo gave this answer to someone when they asked him how he was able to carve such beautiful statues out of marble. The angel wasn’t really inside the marble; Michelangelo had a vision of what he wanted and then transferred that vision to the rock and created a beautiful work of art! So too is this true of you in the hands of God; he has a vision of what He wants to make you and is chiseling to accomplish the reality of that vision. However, bringing out the man or woman God wants you to be is not going to come without pain, God’s chisel often hurts as it removes the parts that must go. Too often we hold tenaciously to those parts that God sees are holding us back from becoming the person He wants us to be. God’s ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts and so most times we don’t see what God sees and that’s when we have trust the hand of the sculptor; trust his hand to set the angel free and become the man or woman He wants you to be!
Pastor Don
“I saw the angel in the marble and chiseled until I set him free.” Michelangelo gave this answer to someone when they asked him how he was able to carve such beautiful statues out of marble. The angel wasn’t really inside the marble; Michelangelo had a vision of what he wanted and then transferred that vision to the rock and created a beautiful work of art! So too is this true of you in the hands of God; he has a vision of what He wants to make you and is chiseling to accomplish the reality of that vision. However, bringing out the man or woman God wants you to be is not going to come without pain, God’s chisel often hurts as it removes the parts that must go. Too often we hold tenaciously to those parts that God sees are holding us back from becoming the person He wants us to be. God’s ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts and so most times we don’t see what God sees and that’s when we have trust the hand of the sculptor; trust his hand to set the angel free and become the man or woman He wants you to be!
Pastor Don
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Something to think about
“Here is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is the duty of every person.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
Pastor's Corner
for Sunday 9th October
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5) This scripture says so much, it raises the question, is my life reflective of the city on a hill mentioned above? When our relationship with Jesus is the foundation of our lives it should be recognizable on the inside and out. We can feel the difference in us and others will take notice as well. Relationship with Christ doesn’t mean we will live without struggle. When we share our struggles with others and tell them how we applied the love of Jesus to this area of our lives, and had victory, they will see some of the “light” mentioned in the above scripture. Professing to be a Christian and living a defeated life is putting a bowl over our lamps. Being a Christian does not mean we have to always be happy and that life will always be a bowl of cherries. It does mean we have ultimate victory and hope abounding. Our lives can be the lighthouse that brings in the ship that’s been out to sea in a hurricane. Our faith can be the beacon that illuminates just enough to pull someone from the darkness whose soul is tired and needs rest. People are hurting out there and they are lost. I encourage you to let your lights shine and help someone find their way home to Jesus. Jake Thomas
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5) This scripture says so much, it raises the question, is my life reflective of the city on a hill mentioned above? When our relationship with Jesus is the foundation of our lives it should be recognizable on the inside and out. We can feel the difference in us and others will take notice as well. Relationship with Christ doesn’t mean we will live without struggle. When we share our struggles with others and tell them how we applied the love of Jesus to this area of our lives, and had victory, they will see some of the “light” mentioned in the above scripture. Professing to be a Christian and living a defeated life is putting a bowl over our lamps. Being a Christian does not mean we have to always be happy and that life will always be a bowl of cherries. It does mean we have ultimate victory and hope abounding. Our lives can be the lighthouse that brings in the ship that’s been out to sea in a hurricane. Our faith can be the beacon that illuminates just enough to pull someone from the darkness whose soul is tired and needs rest. People are hurting out there and they are lost. I encourage you to let your lights shine and help someone find their way home to Jesus. Jake Thomas
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Something to Think About
I asked God to give me happiness. God said, “No. I give you blessings; Happiness is up to you.”
Pastor's Corner
for Sunday October 2nd
“He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:8) Life has its storms; some of them really shake us to our core. Have you ever wondered why some people survive their storms while others don’t? Obviously some are stronger than others, but where does that strength come from? Are we born with it? Is it how we are raised? The answer is in the roots. Just as a tree is only a strong and durable as its root system so we are only as strong as our root system. Where are our roots, or more precisely, in WHOM are we rooted? Just as a tree that grows next to a stream is well situated for the dry seasons so too the person who is rooted and grounded in Jesus Christ is well situated for the dry seasons and when the storms of life blow, we may bend but we do not break, and when the storm has passed by, as all storms do, we are still standing.
Pastor Don
“He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:8) Life has its storms; some of them really shake us to our core. Have you ever wondered why some people survive their storms while others don’t? Obviously some are stronger than others, but where does that strength come from? Are we born with it? Is it how we are raised? The answer is in the roots. Just as a tree is only a strong and durable as its root system so we are only as strong as our root system. Where are our roots, or more precisely, in WHOM are we rooted? Just as a tree that grows next to a stream is well situated for the dry seasons so too the person who is rooted and grounded in Jesus Christ is well situated for the dry seasons and when the storms of life blow, we may bend but we do not break, and when the storm has passed by, as all storms do, we are still standing.
Pastor Don
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Something to Think About
“Worship does not satisfy our hunger for God—it whets our appetite. Our need for God is not taken care of by engaging in worship—it deepens. It overflows the hour and permeates the week.”-Eugene Peterson
Pastor's Corner
for Sunday September 25th
Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.(Eph 4:29) Where is the hardest place for you to keep your spiritual guard up and walk out your Christian beliefs? For me it is while I am at work. While at the workplace one can tend to get wrapped up and forget who it is we all really work for. Most of the time when I feel the conversation getting off track I can take the initiative to bring it back in line. There are sometimes however when I choose to allow myself to be sucked into this unwholesome banter and there I am throwing stones when I myself reside in the house of glass. These days the conviction that goes along with these times of underachievement really motivate me to abate the problem and look more to edification and noticing areas of grace in people’s lives. I know one thing that has helped me greatly is trying to filter my mouth by giving myself a “3 second rule”. If I take a moment to think just a little, before I open my mouth, I can save myself from saying some things I may later regret. We don’t put enough weight on our words these days. We have an amazing power in our tongue and we are responsible for bridling it and using our words to lift up, not break down. Death and life are in the [a]power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. (Prov 18:21) Wherever it is that seems to be your problem area, a place where you seem to fall short and find yourself left wanting. Take the time to pray yourself into that situation, come in with your spiritual tanks full and ready to edify not crucify. We can make our minds up and utilize the empowerment of the spirit to overcome and have triumph even in the places and in the company of people we have the greatest problem maintaining our spirituality around. This week take an honest inventory of where it is in your life that you need to work on the most and take these scriptures and apply them and see the benefit. Thanks Jake
Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.(Eph 4:29) Where is the hardest place for you to keep your spiritual guard up and walk out your Christian beliefs? For me it is while I am at work. While at the workplace one can tend to get wrapped up and forget who it is we all really work for. Most of the time when I feel the conversation getting off track I can take the initiative to bring it back in line. There are sometimes however when I choose to allow myself to be sucked into this unwholesome banter and there I am throwing stones when I myself reside in the house of glass. These days the conviction that goes along with these times of underachievement really motivate me to abate the problem and look more to edification and noticing areas of grace in people’s lives. I know one thing that has helped me greatly is trying to filter my mouth by giving myself a “3 second rule”. If I take a moment to think just a little, before I open my mouth, I can save myself from saying some things I may later regret. We don’t put enough weight on our words these days. We have an amazing power in our tongue and we are responsible for bridling it and using our words to lift up, not break down. Death and life are in the [a]power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. (Prov 18:21) Wherever it is that seems to be your problem area, a place where you seem to fall short and find yourself left wanting. Take the time to pray yourself into that situation, come in with your spiritual tanks full and ready to edify not crucify. We can make our minds up and utilize the empowerment of the spirit to overcome and have triumph even in the places and in the company of people we have the greatest problem maintaining our spirituality around. This week take an honest inventory of where it is in your life that you need to work on the most and take these scriptures and apply them and see the benefit. Thanks Jake
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Something to think about.
"That we ought not to be weary of doing little things for the love of God, who regards not the greatness of the work, but the love with which it was performed." - Brother Lawrence
Pastor's Corner
for Sunday 18th September
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Who or what are “them” referred to in this scripture? In this chapter Moses is telling the Israelites that they are going to cross the Jordan without him, and Joshua will lead them into the promised land. The promised land is still inhabited by other nations of people and the Israelites are going to have to fight for what God has promised them. I believe the “them” in this verse refers to anything that keeps you from the promises of God, and true fellowship with Him. “Them” are your fears, “them” are the lies of the deceiver. Telling you to remain paralyzed with fear, unable to fight for the promises of God in your life. 2 Tim 1: For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. God’s word empowers us, and encourages us to have the strength to apply change to our lives. Instead of living defeated lives we can live in triumphant victory and hope. If you always do, what you always did, you will always get, what you have always gotten. When the fear of change is eclipsed by the pain of staying the same we are then ready to apply change to our lives. God wants to help us to better our lives, every area of our lives. This week I encourage you to have the faith to make a change, big or small, and see how God blesses it. Jake Thomas
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Who or what are “them” referred to in this scripture? In this chapter Moses is telling the Israelites that they are going to cross the Jordan without him, and Joshua will lead them into the promised land. The promised land is still inhabited by other nations of people and the Israelites are going to have to fight for what God has promised them. I believe the “them” in this verse refers to anything that keeps you from the promises of God, and true fellowship with Him. “Them” are your fears, “them” are the lies of the deceiver. Telling you to remain paralyzed with fear, unable to fight for the promises of God in your life. 2 Tim 1: For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. God’s word empowers us, and encourages us to have the strength to apply change to our lives. Instead of living defeated lives we can live in triumphant victory and hope. If you always do, what you always did, you will always get, what you have always gotten. When the fear of change is eclipsed by the pain of staying the same we are then ready to apply change to our lives. God wants to help us to better our lives, every area of our lives. This week I encourage you to have the faith to make a change, big or small, and see how God blesses it. Jake Thomas
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Something to think about.
“When you trust in God, pain is an opportunity for progress.” (from Our Daily Bread)
Pastor's Corner
for Sunday Sept 11th
“ I am not just a man, vastly lost in this world, lost in a sea of faces. Your body’s the bread, your blood is the wine, because you traded your life for mine.” (Sea of faces by Kutless) Do you ever feel insignificant? Have you ever struggled to find your place in this world? When these moments of doubt creep into our minds we can go directly to scripture to hear from God just how important we are to Him. When we are feeling lost in this world, we can turn to God who will recognize us out of that “ sea of faces “ call us by name and reach out His loving hand to us. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Eph 2:10) “They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.” (Rev 17:14) The above scriptures tell us we were created in Christ Jesus to do good work, which God himself prepared in advance for us to do. We are no mistake, we are well thought out, premeditated, creations of the one true God. God had a plan mapped out for our lives before the creation of the world, He loves us, He puts great importance on our lives and especially our souls. Cling to the cross and be a called, chosen, and faithful follower of Jesus. His acceptance of you and what He accomplished at Calvary are evidence of just how important we are to Him. You are significant because God has chosen you, if you make your relationship with God paramount in your life, He will make your place in this world evident.
Jake Thomas
“ I am not just a man, vastly lost in this world, lost in a sea of faces. Your body’s the bread, your blood is the wine, because you traded your life for mine.” (Sea of faces by Kutless) Do you ever feel insignificant? Have you ever struggled to find your place in this world? When these moments of doubt creep into our minds we can go directly to scripture to hear from God just how important we are to Him. When we are feeling lost in this world, we can turn to God who will recognize us out of that “ sea of faces “ call us by name and reach out His loving hand to us. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Eph 2:10) “They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.” (Rev 17:14) The above scriptures tell us we were created in Christ Jesus to do good work, which God himself prepared in advance for us to do. We are no mistake, we are well thought out, premeditated, creations of the one true God. God had a plan mapped out for our lives before the creation of the world, He loves us, He puts great importance on our lives and especially our souls. Cling to the cross and be a called, chosen, and faithful follower of Jesus. His acceptance of you and what He accomplished at Calvary are evidence of just how important we are to Him. You are significant because God has chosen you, if you make your relationship with God paramount in your life, He will make your place in this world evident.
Jake Thomas
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Pastor's Corner
for Sunday Sept. 4th
Our Lord never put His trust in any person. Yet He was never suspicious, never bitter, and never lost hope for anyone, because He put His trust in God first. He trusted absolutely in what God’s grace could do for others. If I put my trust in human beings first, the end result will be my despair and hopelessness toward everyone. I will become bitter because I have insisted that people be what no person can ever be— absolutely perfect and right. Never trust anything in yourself or in anyone else, except the grace of God. God is our stalwart rock of stability that does not shift like the chaotic crashing waves of life. When we are lost and need to find our way we need points of reference. Our spiritual compass will always lead us to God if our hearts desire closeness to Him. Life can become busy and we have our ups and downs, but our Lord Jesus is always there to Lead the way to the Father. We may change, but His love, grace, and mercy are always there to guide us home. Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ never changes! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Jake Thomas
Our Lord never put His trust in any person. Yet He was never suspicious, never bitter, and never lost hope for anyone, because He put His trust in God first. He trusted absolutely in what God’s grace could do for others. If I put my trust in human beings first, the end result will be my despair and hopelessness toward everyone. I will become bitter because I have insisted that people be what no person can ever be— absolutely perfect and right. Never trust anything in yourself or in anyone else, except the grace of God. God is our stalwart rock of stability that does not shift like the chaotic crashing waves of life. When we are lost and need to find our way we need points of reference. Our spiritual compass will always lead us to God if our hearts desire closeness to Him. Life can become busy and we have our ups and downs, but our Lord Jesus is always there to Lead the way to the Father. We may change, but His love, grace, and mercy are always there to guide us home. Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ never changes! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Jake Thomas
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Something to think about.
It is impossible to reach and stretch for the future when we live in the pain of the past.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Pastor's Corner
for Sunday 14th August
Talking to Yourself is Healthy.
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones in his book, “Spiritual Depression: Its Causes and Cure” said this: “Have you realized that most of your unhappiness in life is due to the fact that you are listening to yourself instead of talking to yourself?” This is excellent advise. David says to himself, “Why are you cast down, oh my soul...put your hope in God”.( Psalms 42:5, 11) and by doing this gets himself back on track. Dr. Martyn continues, “The main art in the matter of spiritual living is to know how to handle yourself. You have to take yourself in hand, you have to address yourself, preach to yourself, question yourself. You must say to your soul: “Why art thou cast down” – what business have you to be disquieted? You must turn on yourself, upbraid yourself, condemn yourself, exhort yourself, and say to yourself: “Hope thou in God” – instead of muttering in this depressed, unhappy way. And then you must go on to remind yourself of God, Who God is, and what God is and What God has done, and what God has pledged Himself to do. Then having done that, end on this great note: defy yourself, and defy other people, and defy the devil and the whole world, and say with [David]: ‘I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance, who is also the health of my countenance and my God.’” All I can say to that is AMEN!
Pastor Don.
Talking to Yourself is Healthy.
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones in his book, “Spiritual Depression: Its Causes and Cure” said this: “Have you realized that most of your unhappiness in life is due to the fact that you are listening to yourself instead of talking to yourself?” This is excellent advise. David says to himself, “Why are you cast down, oh my soul...put your hope in God”.( Psalms 42:5, 11) and by doing this gets himself back on track. Dr. Martyn continues, “The main art in the matter of spiritual living is to know how to handle yourself. You have to take yourself in hand, you have to address yourself, preach to yourself, question yourself. You must say to your soul: “Why art thou cast down” – what business have you to be disquieted? You must turn on yourself, upbraid yourself, condemn yourself, exhort yourself, and say to yourself: “Hope thou in God” – instead of muttering in this depressed, unhappy way. And then you must go on to remind yourself of God, Who God is, and what God is and What God has done, and what God has pledged Himself to do. Then having done that, end on this great note: defy yourself, and defy other people, and defy the devil and the whole world, and say with [David]: ‘I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance, who is also the health of my countenance and my God.’” All I can say to that is AMEN!
Pastor Don.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Something to think about.
“Nothing can be more cruel than the leniency which abandons others to their sin. Nothing can be more compassionate than the severe reprimand which calls another Christian back from the path of sin.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
Pastor's Corner
for Sunday August 7th
When I sat down this week to begin writing Pastor’s corner I didn’t quite know what I would use as a topic. I said to myself “I will just do my morning devotional, and God will inspire me.” Well, He inspired me to write about devotionals. When I looked up the proper meaning of the word it read; Noun-often, devotionals, a short religious service. This was all I needed to quicken my heart and feel that spark of inspiration I was looking for. In today’s fast paced world we can become so busy that we forget, or overlook the small stuff. Even if it that small stuff is a seed we can sow that will reap a large return after time. If God were listed on the New York Stock Exchange you could check the Wall street journal daily and see that His stock went up every day. God is the sure thing! Investing in Him is the greatest way to enhance the portfolio of our lives. Daily fellowship with God is the best 401K plan ever invented. Our willingness to seek Him is all it takes, coupled with consistency. If this next week you get into the word one time more than you did this last week, you’ll be on your way. The return you get can change your life. Peace, joy, contentment, direct fellowship with God are only a few in the long list of benefits of devoted time with God. I encourage everyone to get into the Word more often, God wants to talk to you every day, not just Sunday. Have a great week, JAKE.
When I sat down this week to begin writing Pastor’s corner I didn’t quite know what I would use as a topic. I said to myself “I will just do my morning devotional, and God will inspire me.” Well, He inspired me to write about devotionals. When I looked up the proper meaning of the word it read; Noun-often, devotionals, a short religious service. This was all I needed to quicken my heart and feel that spark of inspiration I was looking for. In today’s fast paced world we can become so busy that we forget, or overlook the small stuff. Even if it that small stuff is a seed we can sow that will reap a large return after time. If God were listed on the New York Stock Exchange you could check the Wall street journal daily and see that His stock went up every day. God is the sure thing! Investing in Him is the greatest way to enhance the portfolio of our lives. Daily fellowship with God is the best 401K plan ever invented. Our willingness to seek Him is all it takes, coupled with consistency. If this next week you get into the word one time more than you did this last week, you’ll be on your way. The return you get can change your life. Peace, joy, contentment, direct fellowship with God are only a few in the long list of benefits of devoted time with God. I encourage everyone to get into the Word more often, God wants to talk to you every day, not just Sunday. Have a great week, JAKE.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Something to think about.
“If we grab for easy solutions to our problems, we will miss God's greatest blessings.” (John Henry Beukema)
Pastor's Corner
for Sunday 31st July
Because I said so.
When I was a child there were times when I would question my Mom or Dad when they gave me direction. Dad might say “be nice to your little brother” or possibly Mom would say “clean your room”. One of my favorite questions in return was very simple “Why”. I would get different responses from time to time but the one I seemed to get the most was “because I said so”. This was a very good lesson in trust and acceptance for me as a child and a young man. This same situation plays out in our lives today. We can take inventory of the happenings of our lives and if we don’t like what we see, we may approach God with our “why’s” in life. Today I know that the will of God is good, He is the great lover of our souls. I will not always understand and see how His love is being applied to all situations, but because I trust that He is good, I can accept, and wait. Psalm 27:14 Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord. What began as a spark of hope for us, can become the fire of true faith, and that faith will ignite trust in God. When life seems to throw us a curveball or we just can’t seem to find God in any given situation, we may want to ask “why?” Today, knowing that God is only good, we can take courage, have faith, and persevere when God tells us “because I said so”.
Jake Thomas
Because I said so.
When I was a child there were times when I would question my Mom or Dad when they gave me direction. Dad might say “be nice to your little brother” or possibly Mom would say “clean your room”. One of my favorite questions in return was very simple “Why”. I would get different responses from time to time but the one I seemed to get the most was “because I said so”. This was a very good lesson in trust and acceptance for me as a child and a young man. This same situation plays out in our lives today. We can take inventory of the happenings of our lives and if we don’t like what we see, we may approach God with our “why’s” in life. Today I know that the will of God is good, He is the great lover of our souls. I will not always understand and see how His love is being applied to all situations, but because I trust that He is good, I can accept, and wait. Psalm 27:14 Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord. What began as a spark of hope for us, can become the fire of true faith, and that faith will ignite trust in God. When life seems to throw us a curveball or we just can’t seem to find God in any given situation, we may want to ask “why?” Today, knowing that God is only good, we can take courage, have faith, and persevere when God tells us “because I said so”.
Jake Thomas
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Something to think about.
The Lord says, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” Isa. 1:18
Pastor's Corner
For Sunday July 24th
Trusting in the Sovereignty of God
“But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good … to save many people.” (Genesis 50:20) These are the amazing words that Joseph said to his brothers when they thought he was going to take revenge for the way they had treated him many years before. Joseph reminds us that ultimately, our lives are not in the hands of men, but in the hands of God, who overrules all things for His glory.
There were two things that God was doing in Joseph’s life. First: the messiah was going to come through Judah, one of Joseph’s brothers. In order to keep the family alive God placed Joseph in Pharaoh’s palace so that he could save his family from dying during the famine and thus preserve the messianic line. Second: before Joseph could be placed in the palace and have all the authority that he would need to be able to save his family God had to shape Joseph’s character and build his faith. So the road from shepherd boy to governor of Egypt was marked with hardship and testing.
Every Christian needs to know the overarching, overruling hand of God in their lives, to know no matter what evil may come against us; God is sovereign over it and will turn it for good. It is impossible, while in the midst of our struggle, to see where all this is going and how it’s all going to end, we have to trust His hand. Believe in those words, “God meant it for good”.
Pastor Don.
Trusting in the Sovereignty of God
“But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good … to save many people.” (Genesis 50:20) These are the amazing words that Joseph said to his brothers when they thought he was going to take revenge for the way they had treated him many years before. Joseph reminds us that ultimately, our lives are not in the hands of men, but in the hands of God, who overrules all things for His glory.
There were two things that God was doing in Joseph’s life. First: the messiah was going to come through Judah, one of Joseph’s brothers. In order to keep the family alive God placed Joseph in Pharaoh’s palace so that he could save his family from dying during the famine and thus preserve the messianic line. Second: before Joseph could be placed in the palace and have all the authority that he would need to be able to save his family God had to shape Joseph’s character and build his faith. So the road from shepherd boy to governor of Egypt was marked with hardship and testing.
Every Christian needs to know the overarching, overruling hand of God in their lives, to know no matter what evil may come against us; God is sovereign over it and will turn it for good. It is impossible, while in the midst of our struggle, to see where all this is going and how it’s all going to end, we have to trust His hand. Believe in those words, “God meant it for good”.
Pastor Don.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Something to think about.
"Faith is not about everything turning out OK; Faith is about being OK no matter how things turn out."
Pastor's Corner
for Sunday July 3rd
His NAME is Jesus.
“And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.” (Luke 2:21) Luke seems to be stressing to us the importance of the name Jesus since before Mary was even pregnant God told her what the child’s name would be. Why is this name important? Because Jesus’ name explains why he came to this world - he came to “save his people from their sins.”(Matt. 1:21). His name is inextricably tied to his role as savior. So, when we understand the meaning of Jesus’ name we understand his role as savior and understand the message of the gospel. The apostle Peter declares to the Jewish leaders of his day that there is “no other name under heaven...by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) The apostle Paul tells us that “God has highly exalted him [Jesus] and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Everything about Jesus, right down to his name is about him saving men from their sins. That’s why he came, that’s why he died and that’s why he’s coming back again, so that those who have put their faith in him will live forever with him in heaven. To many “Jesus” is just another name but to us who have received the forgiveness of our sins it is the most precious of all names.
Pastor Don.
His NAME is Jesus.
“And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.” (Luke 2:21) Luke seems to be stressing to us the importance of the name Jesus since before Mary was even pregnant God told her what the child’s name would be. Why is this name important? Because Jesus’ name explains why he came to this world - he came to “save his people from their sins.”(Matt. 1:21). His name is inextricably tied to his role as savior. So, when we understand the meaning of Jesus’ name we understand his role as savior and understand the message of the gospel. The apostle Peter declares to the Jewish leaders of his day that there is “no other name under heaven...by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) The apostle Paul tells us that “God has highly exalted him [Jesus] and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Everything about Jesus, right down to his name is about him saving men from their sins. That’s why he came, that’s why he died and that’s why he’s coming back again, so that those who have put their faith in him will live forever with him in heaven. To many “Jesus” is just another name but to us who have received the forgiveness of our sins it is the most precious of all names.
Pastor Don.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Something to think about.
God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with Him. (Jim Elliot)
Pastor's Corner
for Sunday June 12th
Will you lay your Isaac down?
After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, "Abraham!" And he said, "Here am I. He said, "Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you." (Gen. 22:1-2) What was Abraham's test? God was testing his faith - how far will you trust me. God was testing his obedience - how far will you go in your obedience? God was testing his love - is there anything you love more than me. Abraham had been walking with God for many years and had been tested many times over the years (some of which he failed) and had come to know God as a trustworthy friend; as a holy and righteous God; as a merciful and loving God. This test wasn't made in a vacuum but was built upon Abraham's relationship with God. God will also test us and though our test will be different depending on how far we have grown in our relationship with God, I think that we are all tested with regard to the same questions that Abraham was - how much do you trust God? Is there a limit to your obedience? Is there anything more precious to you than God? So what, or who, is your Isaac and are you prepared to lay him down for God? Tough questions but ones we must answer if our relationship with God is to go deeper.
Pastor Don.
Will you lay your Isaac down?
After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, "Abraham!" And he said, "Here am I. He said, "Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you." (Gen. 22:1-2) What was Abraham's test? God was testing his faith - how far will you trust me. God was testing his obedience - how far will you go in your obedience? God was testing his love - is there anything you love more than me. Abraham had been walking with God for many years and had been tested many times over the years (some of which he failed) and had come to know God as a trustworthy friend; as a holy and righteous God; as a merciful and loving God. This test wasn't made in a vacuum but was built upon Abraham's relationship with God. God will also test us and though our test will be different depending on how far we have grown in our relationship with God, I think that we are all tested with regard to the same questions that Abraham was - how much do you trust God? Is there a limit to your obedience? Is there anything more precious to you than God? So what, or who, is your Isaac and are you prepared to lay him down for God? Tough questions but ones we must answer if our relationship with God is to go deeper.
Pastor Don.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Pastor's Corner
for Sunday June 5th
Walking in the Light.
“Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts...Your word is a lamp to me feet and a light to my path.” (Ps 119:97–100,105) Oh that we would believe this! Oh that we would believe that God’s word is the source of wisdom and learning and discernment. How many traps of the devil would we avoid if we would only walk according to God’s word.
Pastor Don.
Walking in the Light.
“Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts...Your word is a lamp to me feet and a light to my path.” (Ps 119:97–100,105) Oh that we would believe this! Oh that we would believe that God’s word is the source of wisdom and learning and discernment. How many traps of the devil would we avoid if we would only walk according to God’s word.
Pastor Don.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Something to think about.
“The ultimate test of a moral society is the kind of world that it leaves to its children” Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Pastor's Corner
for Sunday May 29th
Is Marriage Dying?
Cameron Diaz recently declared that marriage is a “dying institution.” She added that we should “make our own rules”. She continues, “I don't think we should live our lives in relationships based off old traditions that don't suit our world any longer." Psychiatrist and a member of the “Fox News Medical A-Team”, Dr. Keith Ablow agrees and adds that marriage is “a source of real suffering for the vast majority of married people.” Based on his experience in his counseling sessions Dr. Ablow adds that he is “not certain marriage ever did suit most people who tried it.” We all know that some marriages are unhappy, we probably even know some couples who are unhappy in their marriage. I would add that at some point everybody has had unhappy moments in their marriage. However, marriage is not the cause of the unhappiness, the root cause of unhappiness in marriage is our own selfishness. James, the half brother of Jesus says, “What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?” (James 4:1) So, getting rid of marriage doesn’t solve the problem, that would simply increase our selfish behavior and desires. If the relationship is not meeting MY needs then I want to be free to leave. Is that not the epitome of selfishness. Yet people believe that happiness and fulfillment will be found down that path. All those who have gone down that path are still seeking happiness and fulfillment. If we want to be happy, if we want to live fulfilled lives then we need to deal with our selfishness and there’s no better place to do that than in a marriage relationship.
Pastor Don.
Is Marriage Dying?
Cameron Diaz recently declared that marriage is a “dying institution.” She added that we should “make our own rules”. She continues, “I don't think we should live our lives in relationships based off old traditions that don't suit our world any longer." Psychiatrist and a member of the “Fox News Medical A-Team”, Dr. Keith Ablow agrees and adds that marriage is “a source of real suffering for the vast majority of married people.” Based on his experience in his counseling sessions Dr. Ablow adds that he is “not certain marriage ever did suit most people who tried it.” We all know that some marriages are unhappy, we probably even know some couples who are unhappy in their marriage. I would add that at some point everybody has had unhappy moments in their marriage. However, marriage is not the cause of the unhappiness, the root cause of unhappiness in marriage is our own selfishness. James, the half brother of Jesus says, “What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?” (James 4:1) So, getting rid of marriage doesn’t solve the problem, that would simply increase our selfish behavior and desires. If the relationship is not meeting MY needs then I want to be free to leave. Is that not the epitome of selfishness. Yet people believe that happiness and fulfillment will be found down that path. All those who have gone down that path are still seeking happiness and fulfillment. If we want to be happy, if we want to live fulfilled lives then we need to deal with our selfishness and there’s no better place to do that than in a marriage relationship.
Pastor Don.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Something to think about.
“But concerning that day[the day of Jesus’ return] and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.” Matthew 24:36
Pastor's Corner
for Sunday May 22nd
Where’s Jesus?
According to Harold Camping Jesus was supposed to return yesterday, Saturday May 21 2011. Since you are sitting here reading this article I guess he was wrong - again! (He predicted that Jesus would return in 1994 and was wrong then too.) Of course most clear thinking Christians are not surprised by this, not because we don’t believe that Jesus is coming but because Jesus told His disciples that no one knows the day of His return except God the Father. So for someone to claim that they know when Jesus is coming back is to go directly against what Jesus said. Also, Jesus said that His return would be when we least expect it, therefore it wouldn’t make sense for Him to return on the very day that we do expect Him. So where do we go from here? We go on as before, looking for and hastening the day of His appearing and, as the apostle Paul tells the Ephesian Christians, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. NOT wasting time with wild and unfounded speculations about Jesus return.
Pastor Don.
Where’s Jesus?
According to Harold Camping Jesus was supposed to return yesterday, Saturday May 21 2011. Since you are sitting here reading this article I guess he was wrong - again! (He predicted that Jesus would return in 1994 and was wrong then too.) Of course most clear thinking Christians are not surprised by this, not because we don’t believe that Jesus is coming but because Jesus told His disciples that no one knows the day of His return except God the Father. So for someone to claim that they know when Jesus is coming back is to go directly against what Jesus said. Also, Jesus said that His return would be when we least expect it, therefore it wouldn’t make sense for Him to return on the very day that we do expect Him. So where do we go from here? We go on as before, looking for and hastening the day of His appearing and, as the apostle Paul tells the Ephesian Christians, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. NOT wasting time with wild and unfounded speculations about Jesus return.
Pastor Don.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Pastor's Corner
for Sunday May 15th
“Take to heart this day that the Lord is God in heaven above and on earth below.” (Deuteronomy 4:39) Life can be scary sometimes; sometimes it’s overwhelming – it’s just too much, and sometimes life just seems pointless. Have you ever felt that? What’s the point of it all? Well, take heart the Lord is God in heaven and earth. Now I’m glad that He is both Lord and God on earth because, like I said, life can get pretty scary sometimes and I draw courage knowing that God is Lord of this earth. That everything here is under His authority, so even if it looks big and is big to me it’s small to Him. But I am particularly glad that He is Lord God in heaven above because when I’m struggling with “what’s the point of it all?” I need someone from outside this mortal existence to connect with me and give me meaning and purpose. It’s the knowledge that the infinite God is connecting with finite me that reminds me that life is far bigger than just my existence; that the “story”, as John Eldredge puts it, began a long time before me and will go on beyond me. You might think that this would make me feel smaller but it actually give hope, I take heart, because I am a part of something BIG and the BIG and ETERNAL God is at work and therefore “life” didn’t start randomly and will not end randomly. Life may seem random and pointless from time to time, but the God who is in the heavens is moving us purposefully toward a triumphant, glorious ending. So, “Take to heart this day that the Lord is God in heaven above and on earth below.”
Pastor Don.
“Take to heart this day that the Lord is God in heaven above and on earth below.” (Deuteronomy 4:39) Life can be scary sometimes; sometimes it’s overwhelming – it’s just too much, and sometimes life just seems pointless. Have you ever felt that? What’s the point of it all? Well, take heart the Lord is God in heaven and earth. Now I’m glad that He is both Lord and God on earth because, like I said, life can get pretty scary sometimes and I draw courage knowing that God is Lord of this earth. That everything here is under His authority, so even if it looks big and is big to me it’s small to Him. But I am particularly glad that He is Lord God in heaven above because when I’m struggling with “what’s the point of it all?” I need someone from outside this mortal existence to connect with me and give me meaning and purpose. It’s the knowledge that the infinite God is connecting with finite me that reminds me that life is far bigger than just my existence; that the “story”, as John Eldredge puts it, began a long time before me and will go on beyond me. You might think that this would make me feel smaller but it actually give hope, I take heart, because I am a part of something BIG and the BIG and ETERNAL God is at work and therefore “life” didn’t start randomly and will not end randomly. Life may seem random and pointless from time to time, but the God who is in the heavens is moving us purposefully toward a triumphant, glorious ending. So, “Take to heart this day that the Lord is God in heaven above and on earth below.”
Pastor Don.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Something to think about.
"Don't let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do." John Wooden
Pastor's Corner
for Sunday May 8th
MOTHERS
Real Mothers don't eat quiche;
They don't have time to make it.
Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils
Are probably in the sandbox.
Real Mothers often have sticky floors,
Filthy ovens and happy kids.
Real Mothers know that dried play dough
Doesn't come out of carpets.
Real Mothers don't want to know what
The vacuum just sucked up...
Real Mothers sometimes ask 'Why me?'
And get their answer when a little
Voice says, 'Because I love you best.'
Real Mothers know that a child's growth
Is not measured by height or years or grade...
It is marked by the progression of Mummy to Mum to Mother.....
To all you mothers, “Happy mother’s day!” May God bless you as you raise the next generation.
Pastor Don.
MOTHERS
Real Mothers don't eat quiche;
They don't have time to make it.
Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils
Are probably in the sandbox.
Real Mothers often have sticky floors,
Filthy ovens and happy kids.
Real Mothers know that dried play dough
Doesn't come out of carpets.
Real Mothers don't want to know what
The vacuum just sucked up...
Real Mothers sometimes ask 'Why me?'
And get their answer when a little
Voice says, 'Because I love you best.'
Real Mothers know that a child's growth
Is not measured by height or years or grade...
It is marked by the progression of Mummy to Mum to Mother.....
To all you mothers, “Happy mother’s day!” May God bless you as you raise the next generation.
Pastor Don.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Something to think about.
"Things turn out best for those who make the best of the way things turn out." Jack Buck
Pastor's Corner
for Sunday May 1st
God’s will is my pleasure
At 32 John G. Paton accepted the call to missionary service in the New Hebrides in the South Pacific. In March 1858 he married Mary Ann Robson, and on April 16 they sailed together for the cannibal island of Tanna. In less than a year they had built a little home and Mary had given birth to a son. But on March 3, 1859, one year after their marriage, Mary died of the fever, and in three weeks the infant son died. John Paton buried them alone, and wrote, "But for Jesus . . . I must have gone mad and died beside that lonely grave." One of the gifts that Jesus had given him to sustain him in those days were the words his wife spoke shortly before her death. She did not murmur against God, or resent her husband bringing her there. Rather she spoke these incredible words, "I do not regret leaving home and friends. If I had it to do over, I would do it with more pleasure, yes, with all my heart" (Fifty Missionary Heroes, by Julia Johnston, 1913, p. 153). This reminds me of the words of Job, when in the midst of extreme hardship he said, “when He has tried me, I shall come out as gold”! Such faith is inspiring, is it not. To look back on life’s trials with the attitude that should such a situation come my way again I will run eagerly toward it not from it; that I will embrace it not shrink from it! May God give us the grace to live life with such faith!
Pastor Don.
God’s will is my pleasure
At 32 John G. Paton accepted the call to missionary service in the New Hebrides in the South Pacific. In March 1858 he married Mary Ann Robson, and on April 16 they sailed together for the cannibal island of Tanna. In less than a year they had built a little home and Mary had given birth to a son. But on March 3, 1859, one year after their marriage, Mary died of the fever, and in three weeks the infant son died. John Paton buried them alone, and wrote, "But for Jesus . . . I must have gone mad and died beside that lonely grave." One of the gifts that Jesus had given him to sustain him in those days were the words his wife spoke shortly before her death. She did not murmur against God, or resent her husband bringing her there. Rather she spoke these incredible words, "I do not regret leaving home and friends. If I had it to do over, I would do it with more pleasure, yes, with all my heart" (Fifty Missionary Heroes, by Julia Johnston, 1913, p. 153). This reminds me of the words of Job, when in the midst of extreme hardship he said, “when He has tried me, I shall come out as gold”! Such faith is inspiring, is it not. To look back on life’s trials with the attitude that should such a situation come my way again I will run eagerly toward it not from it; that I will embrace it not shrink from it! May God give us the grace to live life with such faith!
Pastor Don.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Something to think about.
Being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil 2:8-11)
Pastor's Corner
for Sunday April 24
“The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” [2 Timothy 4:18]
Paul’s journey to the heavenly kingdom was fraught with danger. The devil was intent on destroying this man who once was his slave but was now a preacher of the gospel. So the devil persecuted Paul relentlessly - he had him beaten; he had him stoned and left for dead; he had him driven out of cities and synagogues; he had him thrown in prison, he tried to drown him at sea - but Jesus had kept him safe through it all and Paul was confident that Jesus would bring him safely to heaven. This is Easter Sunday, today we remember that over 2000 years ago Jesus rose from the dead after being crucified two days earlier. Jesus had conquered sin and death, this is why Paul was confident that Jesus would bring him safely into the kingdom of heaven. Jesus is king and ruler over all power and authority, therefore the devil could not stop Jesus from bringing Paul safely into His heavenly kingdom and he cannot stop Jesus from doing the same for us! We serve a risen savior and He sits at God the Father’s right hand interceding for us! To Him be “the glory forever and ever. Amen.”
Pastor Don.
“The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” [2 Timothy 4:18]
Paul’s journey to the heavenly kingdom was fraught with danger. The devil was intent on destroying this man who once was his slave but was now a preacher of the gospel. So the devil persecuted Paul relentlessly - he had him beaten; he had him stoned and left for dead; he had him driven out of cities and synagogues; he had him thrown in prison, he tried to drown him at sea - but Jesus had kept him safe through it all and Paul was confident that Jesus would bring him safely to heaven. This is Easter Sunday, today we remember that over 2000 years ago Jesus rose from the dead after being crucified two days earlier. Jesus had conquered sin and death, this is why Paul was confident that Jesus would bring him safely into the kingdom of heaven. Jesus is king and ruler over all power and authority, therefore the devil could not stop Jesus from bringing Paul safely into His heavenly kingdom and he cannot stop Jesus from doing the same for us! We serve a risen savior and He sits at God the Father’s right hand interceding for us! To Him be “the glory forever and ever. Amen.”
Pastor Don.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Something to think about.
"Open my eyes, so that I may see the wonderful truths in your Word." - Psalm 119:18
Pastor's Corner
for Sunday April 10th
When the role is called up yonder I’ll be there.
The apostle Peter says that Christians are to be ready to give an answer for the hope that lies within them. What is this hope? It is the hope of eternal life. It is the firm assurance that death is simply a doorway into an eternal day. For those in Christ death has no sting; it has no dread; it is not the “dark unknown” because Jesus has gone on ahead of us. He has tasted death for all who put their faith in Him. All who are in Him will live with Him for all eternity! His resurrection guarantees our resurrection. That’s why I know, as the song says, “When the role is called up yonder I’ll be there.” When God calls Moses’ name, I’ll be there, when He calls the Apostle Paul’s name, I’ll be there, and eventually He will call my name! What a hope! What a glorious destiny! And it’s all ours through the grace of God in Jesus.
Pastor Don.
When the role is called up yonder I’ll be there.
The apostle Peter says that Christians are to be ready to give an answer for the hope that lies within them. What is this hope? It is the hope of eternal life. It is the firm assurance that death is simply a doorway into an eternal day. For those in Christ death has no sting; it has no dread; it is not the “dark unknown” because Jesus has gone on ahead of us. He has tasted death for all who put their faith in Him. All who are in Him will live with Him for all eternity! His resurrection guarantees our resurrection. That’s why I know, as the song says, “When the role is called up yonder I’ll be there.” When God calls Moses’ name, I’ll be there, when He calls the Apostle Paul’s name, I’ll be there, and eventually He will call my name! What a hope! What a glorious destiny! And it’s all ours through the grace of God in Jesus.
Pastor Don.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Something to think about.
Faith is not receiving from Jesus what we want, it’s accepting from Him what we get. Adrian Rodgers.
Pastor's Corner
for Sunday March 27th
He will get you to the other side.
Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” (Mark 4:35) It had been a busy day for Jesus and so he soon fell asleep in the boat and a fierce storm arose and the disciples fearing that they would drown urgently woke Jesus saying, “Teacher, don’t you even care that we are going to drown?” Well, Jesus got up and calmed to storm and everyone felt a lot happier. The daily devotion “streams in the desert” makes two important points about this story that I would like to share with you. The first is that though these disciples were obeying Jesus clear instruction to cross the lake they ran into a life threatening storm! How often are we not puzzled by similar circumstances in our lives? We hear God clear instruction; we are obeying His clear teaching and next thing we know we are in the midst of a fierce storm that threatens to destroy us, and we wonder “Why is God allowing this to happen?! I’m doing what He wants! I just don’t understand.” And, we may even feel that this “obedience” thing just doesn’t work. Perhaps God is testing us to see if we obey Him so that life will be easy or because He is God and worthy of our obedience. Perhaps it’s a time of faith building. There are many possible explanations, but what ever happens, keep trusting!
The second thing we can draw from this story is that Jesus said “cross to the other side” not, “go into the middle and drown”! Jesus has a destiny for us and it’s not drowning in the middle, it’s reaching the other side! So no matter how frightening things may become know this: He will get you to the other side!
Pastor Don
He will get you to the other side.
Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” (Mark 4:35) It had been a busy day for Jesus and so he soon fell asleep in the boat and a fierce storm arose and the disciples fearing that they would drown urgently woke Jesus saying, “Teacher, don’t you even care that we are going to drown?” Well, Jesus got up and calmed to storm and everyone felt a lot happier. The daily devotion “streams in the desert” makes two important points about this story that I would like to share with you. The first is that though these disciples were obeying Jesus clear instruction to cross the lake they ran into a life threatening storm! How often are we not puzzled by similar circumstances in our lives? We hear God clear instruction; we are obeying His clear teaching and next thing we know we are in the midst of a fierce storm that threatens to destroy us, and we wonder “Why is God allowing this to happen?! I’m doing what He wants! I just don’t understand.” And, we may even feel that this “obedience” thing just doesn’t work. Perhaps God is testing us to see if we obey Him so that life will be easy or because He is God and worthy of our obedience. Perhaps it’s a time of faith building. There are many possible explanations, but what ever happens, keep trusting!
The second thing we can draw from this story is that Jesus said “cross to the other side” not, “go into the middle and drown”! Jesus has a destiny for us and it’s not drowning in the middle, it’s reaching the other side! So no matter how frightening things may become know this: He will get you to the other side!
Pastor Don
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Something to think about.
When we do that which is hard, life becomes easy. When we do that which is easy, life becomes hard.
Pastor's Corner
for Sunday March 20th
No Grave Deep Enough
Did you hear about the man who was about to be rescued after spending a long time ship-wrecked on a tiny deserted island. The sailor in charge of the rescue team stepped onto the beach and handed the man a stack of newspapers. "Compliments of the Captain," the sailor said. "He would like you to glance at the headlines to see if you'd still like to be rescued!" I can relate! Sometimes the headlines make us feel that evil is winning. It seems that every week some high official or prominent person is caught in a scandal and it would seem that the majority of people don’t care! Christian ministries are being shut down. Things we as Christians took for granted are being challenged every day. It can become quite discouraging. But then we remember, we believe that Jesus rose from the dead! Every time we take communion we are reminded that there was no grave deep enough, no seal imposing enough, no stone heavy enough, no evil strong enough to keep our Savior in the grave. He is risen! And we are more than conquerors through Him!
Pastor Don.
No Grave Deep Enough
Did you hear about the man who was about to be rescued after spending a long time ship-wrecked on a tiny deserted island. The sailor in charge of the rescue team stepped onto the beach and handed the man a stack of newspapers. "Compliments of the Captain," the sailor said. "He would like you to glance at the headlines to see if you'd still like to be rescued!" I can relate! Sometimes the headlines make us feel that evil is winning. It seems that every week some high official or prominent person is caught in a scandal and it would seem that the majority of people don’t care! Christian ministries are being shut down. Things we as Christians took for granted are being challenged every day. It can become quite discouraging. But then we remember, we believe that Jesus rose from the dead! Every time we take communion we are reminded that there was no grave deep enough, no seal imposing enough, no stone heavy enough, no evil strong enough to keep our Savior in the grave. He is risen! And we are more than conquerors through Him!
Pastor Don.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Pastor's Corner
for Sunday March 13th
All things means ALL THINGS!
Rom 8:28 tells us that “we know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love him.” All things means ALL THINGS! Everything that affects the life of the believer is under God’s control and therefore is a part of His will for us. That is a hard truth to get our minds around sometimes because we are much more willing to attribute the pleasant events of our life to the hand of God than we are the painful experiences.
We find it difficult to believe that an act of deliberate cruelty intended by the offender to hurt us is really being used by God for our good. If we are to take Paul literally, included in the “all things” are those painful experiences we face; it includes the sin of others and our own sins too. “All things” means there is nothing which falls outside of God’s control and which works contrary to our good. How do we know that this is true? Because we see it demonstrated in the crucifixion of Jesus – here God takes the raw evil of Satan working through the hands of sinful men and turns it into the greatest “good”. That all who put their trust in Jesus will have eternal life! If God can turn that evil on its head the bad stuff in your life is a piece of cake!
Pastor Don.
All things means ALL THINGS!
Rom 8:28 tells us that “we know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love him.” All things means ALL THINGS! Everything that affects the life of the believer is under God’s control and therefore is a part of His will for us. That is a hard truth to get our minds around sometimes because we are much more willing to attribute the pleasant events of our life to the hand of God than we are the painful experiences.
We find it difficult to believe that an act of deliberate cruelty intended by the offender to hurt us is really being used by God for our good. If we are to take Paul literally, included in the “all things” are those painful experiences we face; it includes the sin of others and our own sins too. “All things” means there is nothing which falls outside of God’s control and which works contrary to our good. How do we know that this is true? Because we see it demonstrated in the crucifixion of Jesus – here God takes the raw evil of Satan working through the hands of sinful men and turns it into the greatest “good”. That all who put their trust in Jesus will have eternal life! If God can turn that evil on its head the bad stuff in your life is a piece of cake!
Pastor Don.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Something to think about.
“A gentle and quiet spirit is of great worth in God’s sight.” (1 Peter 3:4)
Pastor's Corner
for Sunday February 27th
Joni Erickson Tada who was paralyzed from the neck down in a diving accident wrote about facing temptation in her book “Secret Strength”, Joni writes, “I was in my late 20’s, single, and with every prospect of remaining so. Sometimes lust or a bit of fantasizing would seem so inviting and so easy to justify. After all, hadn’t I already given up more than most Christians just by being disabled? Didn’t my wheelchair entitle me to a little slack now and then?” Joni goes on to ask her readers; “When God allows you to suffer, do you have tendency to use your trials as an excuse for sinning? Or do you feel that since you’ve given God a little extra lately by taking abuse that He owes you a ‘day off’?" Hard times often lead to the temptation of indulging in pleasure to numb the pain. It’s so easy to justify our bad behavior with, “I’ve been having a REALLY bad day!” This is where the Apostle Paul’s words are important, “So don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.” (Gal 6:9) In the middle of the battle we get tired but we must keep fighting. The day will come when we will be able to lay our swords down – but not today, today we must fight, today we must not give up.
Pastor Don.
Joni Erickson Tada who was paralyzed from the neck down in a diving accident wrote about facing temptation in her book “Secret Strength”, Joni writes, “I was in my late 20’s, single, and with every prospect of remaining so. Sometimes lust or a bit of fantasizing would seem so inviting and so easy to justify. After all, hadn’t I already given up more than most Christians just by being disabled? Didn’t my wheelchair entitle me to a little slack now and then?” Joni goes on to ask her readers; “When God allows you to suffer, do you have tendency to use your trials as an excuse for sinning? Or do you feel that since you’ve given God a little extra lately by taking abuse that He owes you a ‘day off’?" Hard times often lead to the temptation of indulging in pleasure to numb the pain. It’s so easy to justify our bad behavior with, “I’ve been having a REALLY bad day!” This is where the Apostle Paul’s words are important, “So don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.” (Gal 6:9) In the middle of the battle we get tired but we must keep fighting. The day will come when we will be able to lay our swords down – but not today, today we must fight, today we must not give up.
Pastor Don.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Pastor's Corner
for Sunday Feb 20th
Little foxes.
“Quick! Catch all the little foxes before they ruin the vineyard of your love, for the grapevines are all in blossom.” (Song of Sol. 2:15) Foxes in Palestine were very destructive in the vineyards; they would eat the roots and the young fruit. And so those working the vineyards were constantly on the lookout for foxes that would damage the crop. The metaphor here is that the vineyard is a relationship and the “little foxes” are those things that are destructive to that relationship. So we must be constantly alert for the “foxes” that tear away at our relationships. In a marriage it could be the fox of selfishness and pride which refuses to acknowledge that we have done something wrong. Or it may be an unforgiving spirit which will not accept the apology of the other. However, I want us to apply this to our relationship with God because that relationship has “foxes” too, “little foxes” that are robbing you of joy and peace; “little foxes” that are robbing you of a closer walk with God. What “little foxes” are tearing away at your relationship with God? Is it worry? Is it discontent? Are you angry with God because of some situation in your life? These are valid emotions but if unchecked they become “little foxes” that rob your life of joy and peace and intimacy with God. Maybe the “little foxes” are “little sins”; things that we think are small and unimportant but little sins grow into big sins. So catch all the little foxes before they ruin the vineyard of your love.
Pastor Don.
Little foxes.
“Quick! Catch all the little foxes before they ruin the vineyard of your love, for the grapevines are all in blossom.” (Song of Sol. 2:15) Foxes in Palestine were very destructive in the vineyards; they would eat the roots and the young fruit. And so those working the vineyards were constantly on the lookout for foxes that would damage the crop. The metaphor here is that the vineyard is a relationship and the “little foxes” are those things that are destructive to that relationship. So we must be constantly alert for the “foxes” that tear away at our relationships. In a marriage it could be the fox of selfishness and pride which refuses to acknowledge that we have done something wrong. Or it may be an unforgiving spirit which will not accept the apology of the other. However, I want us to apply this to our relationship with God because that relationship has “foxes” too, “little foxes” that are robbing you of joy and peace; “little foxes” that are robbing you of a closer walk with God. What “little foxes” are tearing away at your relationship with God? Is it worry? Is it discontent? Are you angry with God because of some situation in your life? These are valid emotions but if unchecked they become “little foxes” that rob your life of joy and peace and intimacy with God. Maybe the “little foxes” are “little sins”; things that we think are small and unimportant but little sins grow into big sins. So catch all the little foxes before they ruin the vineyard of your love.
Pastor Don.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Something to think about.
“We want to use God as a pathway to improve our experience of life. But God wants to use our experience of life as a pathway to know Him.” (from The Cry of the Soul)
Pastor's Corner
for Sunday 13th February
God’s trophy case.
“His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms” (Eph. 3:10)
This reminds us that we are called for something far greater than our own individual salvation experience. We are called to be the means by which God teaches the universe how He can make the ugly beautiful; the crooked straight; the broken well again; the sinner righteous. Stott puts it this way, "It is as if a great drama is being enacted. History is the theatre, the world is the stage, and the church members in every land are the actors. God himself has written the play, and he directs and produces it. Act by act, scene by scene, the story continues to unfold. But who are the audience? They are the cosmic intelligences, the principalities and powers in the heavenly places." So you see this is why what we do and how we react to situations is so important: because angelic and demonic beings are watching us. He says to them, “See their faith? See how they’re handling this difficult situation? I’m so proud of them.” “See how they love one another? Their hearts that were so selfish and full of envy now love the unlovable!” God proudly shows all the cosmic beings the intricate, delicate beauty of His redeemed people, a beauty He has created in us by His redeeming grace. We are God’s trophies; His living miracles! That makes me feel both proud and humble at the same time.
Pastor Don.
God’s trophy case.
“His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms” (Eph. 3:10)
This reminds us that we are called for something far greater than our own individual salvation experience. We are called to be the means by which God teaches the universe how He can make the ugly beautiful; the crooked straight; the broken well again; the sinner righteous. Stott puts it this way, "It is as if a great drama is being enacted. History is the theatre, the world is the stage, and the church members in every land are the actors. God himself has written the play, and he directs and produces it. Act by act, scene by scene, the story continues to unfold. But who are the audience? They are the cosmic intelligences, the principalities and powers in the heavenly places." So you see this is why what we do and how we react to situations is so important: because angelic and demonic beings are watching us. He says to them, “See their faith? See how they’re handling this difficult situation? I’m so proud of them.” “See how they love one another? Their hearts that were so selfish and full of envy now love the unlovable!” God proudly shows all the cosmic beings the intricate, delicate beauty of His redeemed people, a beauty He has created in us by His redeeming grace. We are God’s trophies; His living miracles! That makes me feel both proud and humble at the same time.
Pastor Don.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Something to think about.
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” Psalm 34:19
Pastor's Corner
for Sunday Feb 6th
Come Drink the Living Water
“My people have committed two sins. They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.” (Jeremiah 2.13) Israel had done two things; they had forsaken God as the source of living water and tried to make their own water. Their apostasy was evident in the way they treated other people, e.g. they had forsaken the poor, the stranger, and the alien; they were following the ways of the world and then going to the temple thinking this made everything alright with them and God (Jeremiah. 7). Thus they had carved out for themselves “cisterns” that drank solely from the culture and not from the “spring” of revelation. God says, these cisterns cannot hold water and will leave them thirsty again. This is a truth that we seem to have trouble believing – that the things of this world cannot satisfy, they will always leave us thirsty. Only God can give us “living water”; only God can give us water whereby we will never thirst again. Why is this true? Why can’t the things of this world satisfy? God tells us the answer, “God…has planted eternity in the human heart.” (Eccl. 3:11) God has planted eternity in our hearts and so only things that are eternal can fill our soul. We were not made for this world but for another world. So, in the words of Jesus, “To all who are thirsty I will give the springs of the water of life without charge! Let the thirsty ones come—anyone who wants to. Let them come and drink the water of life without charge.” (Rev.21:6, 22:17)
Pastor Don
Come Drink the Living Water
“My people have committed two sins. They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.” (Jeremiah 2.13) Israel had done two things; they had forsaken God as the source of living water and tried to make their own water. Their apostasy was evident in the way they treated other people, e.g. they had forsaken the poor, the stranger, and the alien; they were following the ways of the world and then going to the temple thinking this made everything alright with them and God (Jeremiah. 7). Thus they had carved out for themselves “cisterns” that drank solely from the culture and not from the “spring” of revelation. God says, these cisterns cannot hold water and will leave them thirsty again. This is a truth that we seem to have trouble believing – that the things of this world cannot satisfy, they will always leave us thirsty. Only God can give us “living water”; only God can give us water whereby we will never thirst again. Why is this true? Why can’t the things of this world satisfy? God tells us the answer, “God…has planted eternity in the human heart.” (Eccl. 3:11) God has planted eternity in our hearts and so only things that are eternal can fill our soul. We were not made for this world but for another world. So, in the words of Jesus, “To all who are thirsty I will give the springs of the water of life without charge! Let the thirsty ones come—anyone who wants to. Let them come and drink the water of life without charge.” (Rev.21:6, 22:17)
Pastor Don
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Something to think about.
“The purpose of prayer is not to get more blessing from God but to get more of God Himself” Larry Crabb
Pastor's Corner
for Sunday January 30th
“But thanks be to God, who made us his captives and leads us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now wherever we go he uses us to tell others about the Lord and to spread the Good News like a sweet perfume.” (2 Cor. 2:14) This is an unusual metaphor because, usually, being lead along as a captive was a humiliating experience. It meant that you were defeated and conquered and therefore an object of scorn. But with Jesus this is a victorious picture because Jesus is showing to everybody, both in this world and in the unseen world, “Look! I’ve freed another one!” “Look! Another sinner made righteous! Another broken heart is healed! Another pair of eyes that were blind but now they see!” We are God’s miracles on display! God wants people to look at us so that they will have hope, so that they will believe that they too can experience the miracle of God for themselves. It is an awesome thing to realize that people are watching me and I can have a positive impact on the life of another person! If you boldly live the miracle of God’s grace in your life, someone will see, and their life may be changed. So let us be a "sweet perfume", a miracle of God’s grace before a watching world.
Pastor Don
“But thanks be to God, who made us his captives and leads us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now wherever we go he uses us to tell others about the Lord and to spread the Good News like a sweet perfume.” (2 Cor. 2:14) This is an unusual metaphor because, usually, being lead along as a captive was a humiliating experience. It meant that you were defeated and conquered and therefore an object of scorn. But with Jesus this is a victorious picture because Jesus is showing to everybody, both in this world and in the unseen world, “Look! I’ve freed another one!” “Look! Another sinner made righteous! Another broken heart is healed! Another pair of eyes that were blind but now they see!” We are God’s miracles on display! God wants people to look at us so that they will have hope, so that they will believe that they too can experience the miracle of God for themselves. It is an awesome thing to realize that people are watching me and I can have a positive impact on the life of another person! If you boldly live the miracle of God’s grace in your life, someone will see, and their life may be changed. So let us be a "sweet perfume", a miracle of God’s grace before a watching world.
Pastor Don
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Something to think about.
“The fruit of silence is prayer, The fruit of prayer is faith. The fruit of faith is love, The fruit of love is peace.” Mother Teresa
Pastor's Corner
for Sunday Jan 23rd
When Jesus was warned by the Pharisees not to go to Jerusalem because King Herod wanted to kill him, Jesus answered, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course.”(Luke 13:32) What striking about this statement is that Jesus is telling these Pharisees that his future is not in Herod’s hands but in God’s. Jesus came to this earth to die but he will die according to God’s timing not Herod’s. So Jesus says he will continue to do what he has always done and when he is finished what he came to do then, and only then, will he give himself to be killed. As a Christian you can have the same confidence in your future. Nothing happens to you unless God says so, my future is not in the hands of any man or woman, not even the devil’s. My future is in the God’s hands, and there’s no safer place to be.
Pastor Don.
When Jesus was warned by the Pharisees not to go to Jerusalem because King Herod wanted to kill him, Jesus answered, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course.”(Luke 13:32) What striking about this statement is that Jesus is telling these Pharisees that his future is not in Herod’s hands but in God’s. Jesus came to this earth to die but he will die according to God’s timing not Herod’s. So Jesus says he will continue to do what he has always done and when he is finished what he came to do then, and only then, will he give himself to be killed. As a Christian you can have the same confidence in your future. Nothing happens to you unless God says so, my future is not in the hands of any man or woman, not even the devil’s. My future is in the God’s hands, and there’s no safer place to be.
Pastor Don.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Pastor's Corner
for Sunday January 16th
I was recently watching “Eat Pray Love” a movie based on the memoirs of American author Elizabeth Gilbert, who traveled the world to “find herself”. In the movie she concludes that “God is in me and I in Him.” This God is too small. This god may be OK if I’m shut up in some Buddhist monastery and don’t have deal with the real world. How does this concept of God help you when someone mindlessly kills six people and wounds 14 others? What do you do when a jealous husband walks up and shoots his wife’s lover and then himself? What do you do when a 12 year girl is abducted by a 28 year man? When things get tough and life becomes too big for us, the God “that is in me and I’m in Him” is too small to give us any hope. No, we need a sovereign God; an infinite God to hang on to. Only the God who created everything we see (and everything we can’t see), is big enough to give us the assurance that He truly IS in control! When our world overwhelms us with its cruelty and lack of moral standards we need to know that there is a God who is perfectly good and compassionate; who hates evil and therefore will intervene and do something about what’s going on in this world. This God can be frightening, but at the same time we are comforted because we sense that we are not helplessly caught up in some giant machine but that there is a God who is bigger than it all and controls it all. I still can’t make sense of tragedies like this shooting in Arizona but I take great comfort in the knowledge that God, who is sovereign over all things,
Pastor Don.
I was recently watching “Eat Pray Love” a movie based on the memoirs of American author Elizabeth Gilbert, who traveled the world to “find herself”. In the movie she concludes that “God is in me and I in Him.” This God is too small. This god may be OK if I’m shut up in some Buddhist monastery and don’t have deal with the real world. How does this concept of God help you when someone mindlessly kills six people and wounds 14 others? What do you do when a jealous husband walks up and shoots his wife’s lover and then himself? What do you do when a 12 year girl is abducted by a 28 year man? When things get tough and life becomes too big for us, the God “that is in me and I’m in Him” is too small to give us any hope. No, we need a sovereign God; an infinite God to hang on to. Only the God who created everything we see (and everything we can’t see), is big enough to give us the assurance that He truly IS in control! When our world overwhelms us with its cruelty and lack of moral standards we need to know that there is a God who is perfectly good and compassionate; who hates evil and therefore will intervene and do something about what’s going on in this world. This God can be frightening, but at the same time we are comforted because we sense that we are not helplessly caught up in some giant machine but that there is a God who is bigger than it all and controls it all. I still can’t make sense of tragedies like this shooting in Arizona but I take great comfort in the knowledge that God, who is sovereign over all things,
Pastor Don.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Something to think about.
According to Gandhi the following things will destroy mankind:
Wealth without work
Pleasure without conscience
Knowledge without character
Commerce without morality
Science without humanity
Worship without sacrifice
Politics without principle
Wealth without work
Pleasure without conscience
Knowledge without character
Commerce without morality
Science without humanity
Worship without sacrifice
Politics without principle
Pastor's Corner
for Sunday 9th Jan
Crucifixion was and still is one of the cruelest ways to kill a man. So when we mention the cross, Jesus’ pain and suffering immediately come to mind. What does the cross of Jesus mean to you? There are two messages that come to us from the cross. The first message is that God loves us. “For God so loved the world…” Think of this, that while Jesus was hanging there; experiencing excruciating pain; He had already endured hours of humiliation where He had been spat on, beaten, scourged, mocked and ridiculed by the crowd and even now as he hangs on the cross people are passing by and shouting insults at Him. Yet Jesus says, “Father forgive them.” Jesus is the friend of sinners. Sin, not the nails, kept Him on the cross. If you ever doubted that God loved you; if you ever doubted that you are precious in His sight, look to the cross and see how much He loves you.
The other message that comes from the cross is the seriousness of sin. Sin is no small thing; it is no trivial matter with God. Sometimes we trivialize sin; we excuse sin. We say, “I made a mistake” instead of saying “I sinned”. Perhaps we do things that are sinful and think “God will forgive me.” God’s love should never be used as an excuse to continue in sin but rather to move us out of sin. If you’re taking sin too lightly look to the cross. If that’s what it took to fix our “mistake” it must be very, very serious.
So as you focus on the cross of Jesus, remember that forgiveness didn’t come cheap and then praise God that He loved you so much that He was willing to pay the HIGH price of your salvation.
Pastor Don.
Crucifixion was and still is one of the cruelest ways to kill a man. So when we mention the cross, Jesus’ pain and suffering immediately come to mind. What does the cross of Jesus mean to you? There are two messages that come to us from the cross. The first message is that God loves us. “For God so loved the world…” Think of this, that while Jesus was hanging there; experiencing excruciating pain; He had already endured hours of humiliation where He had been spat on, beaten, scourged, mocked and ridiculed by the crowd and even now as he hangs on the cross people are passing by and shouting insults at Him. Yet Jesus says, “Father forgive them.” Jesus is the friend of sinners. Sin, not the nails, kept Him on the cross. If you ever doubted that God loved you; if you ever doubted that you are precious in His sight, look to the cross and see how much He loves you.
The other message that comes from the cross is the seriousness of sin. Sin is no small thing; it is no trivial matter with God. Sometimes we trivialize sin; we excuse sin. We say, “I made a mistake” instead of saying “I sinned”. Perhaps we do things that are sinful and think “God will forgive me.” God’s love should never be used as an excuse to continue in sin but rather to move us out of sin. If you’re taking sin too lightly look to the cross. If that’s what it took to fix our “mistake” it must be very, very serious.
So as you focus on the cross of Jesus, remember that forgiveness didn’t come cheap and then praise God that He loved you so much that He was willing to pay the HIGH price of your salvation.
Pastor Don.
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