Have you ever felt like God’s plan for you, his prosperous plan, his plan of welfare and peace, just takes too long? Are you going to admit it? I have… Guess what? So did the Israelites! Yep! Way back in the book of Numbers.
So… God had lead Moses and the Israelites out of Egypt. They had been in the desert for awhile and were getting restless. God told them that he had a land for them, he picked it out. All God wanted was a little bit of faith demonstrated from the Israelites.
He asked Moses to send some men out to scout, explore the land. Now these scouts explored for 40 days. They came back and said the land flowed with milk and honey. They even brought back some of the fruit they had found growing. But…they said that the people there were strong and large. There was no way the Israelites could defeat them. Of course when everyone heard the reports, they grumbled and complained about where they were. Why had God brought them to the desert to die?
Have you ever grumbled and complained about what God brought you out of? Thought you would have done things differently? (because your way was working for you) Let fear keep you from doing what God had set up for you? Again, are you going to admit it?
Well, God’s way was questioned. There were two scouts, however, that tried to calm the people. They were Caleb and Joshua. They reported to the Israelites that “The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. If the LORD is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them." (Numbers 14:8-9) The people then turned on the two brave scouts but God stepped in. He was not happy at all. He punished the Israelites by telling them that they would not get to enjoy the Promised Land. Their children would be allowed because they would be wandering the desert for 40 years. These people still didn’t get it. They tried to defeat the Amalekites and Canaanites without God. They were beaten.
Have you ever tried to get to your “Promised land” before you were ready? Prepared? Without God? Aren’t we stubborn?
Later in the book of Joshua, the Israelites have finally leaned on God. The last of the men from the slave days of Egypt had died and their children were about to enter Canaan, God’s land promised to be given to them. There was however, an obstacle… the Jordan River.
Joshua was leading the Israelites now. God gave him a pep talk. “No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:5-9) And then God gave his instructions on how and what the people were to do to get across the Jordan. They didn’t have to build anything. They didn’t have to do anything except be ready-be prepared. God told them that when the Ark of God carried by the Levitical priests got near the water to be ready to follow it. God took care of the rest!!! He made the rushing water pile up. He made the ground dry so they could walk across. He did it because he knew the plan he had for them. The whole nation walked across the Jordan riverbed, didn’t get wet, didn’t get covered in mud, didn’t get stuck in the middle. They believed in God and his plan and walked across.
Now you and me- God’s plan is not messy. It is not hard. The Bible says , “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Phil 1:6) and “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” ( Romans 12:2)
God knows the plan better than we do. He designed it. We just have to be as faithful as he is and follow it.
-Susie Hickman
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
“Don’t Grow Weary . . . work with all your might.”
I spoke recently with several different members of our church about all of the different ministries that our church offers and how so many of us are involved in one, if not several, of the ministries. I was in agreement with many of those who felt that our church is literally stretched to its capacity in volunteers, workers and helpers. Simply put, we are a church with a true heart to serve our God . . . and that is a good thing!
However, I think we all go through spells where we get tired. We get emotionally tired . . . we get physically tired . . . we even get mentally tired of doing what the Lord has called us to do. We have to become expert managers of our families and our time making sure we keep up with our kids’ soccer games, school events, after school events, hair appointments, car tune-ups, balancing the checkbook, paying the bills, work, meetings, mowing the lawn, cleaning the gutters, lessons, fixing breakfast, packing lunch, planning dinner, shopping, watching TV, keeping up with Facebook, cleaning the house, talking on the phone . . . and it goes on and on. LIFE goes on.
Are you getting tired? You know, that’s ok. But don’t quit!! Rest if you must, but don’t you ever quit!!
In Ecclesiastes 9:10, the Word says “Whatever presents itself for you to do, do it WITH ALL YOUR MIGHT, because there is no work, planning, knowledge, or skill in the grave where you are going.” Kind of an eye-opener, huh?
I coached soccer for many years and with each team, good or bad, young or old, boys or girls (or both), I always told them this: NO MATTER WHAT, LEAVE IT ALL ON THE FIELD. PLAY HARD AND DON’T EVER QUIT! WHEN THE CLOCK HITS :00 , THEN YOU CAN REST. No matter how much we were winning or losing, I told my players to give it everything they got. I also told them that one day, they would not be playing anymore and I wanted each of them to look back and say that they did everything they could for the team.
Let me encourage you today . . . give it everything you got! Are you tired, that’s ok! Rest if you must, but don’t you ever quit!! Whatever ministry you are called to, don’t let anyone or anything hold you back . . . do it to the best of your ability and do it with all your might. I look forward to the day when my heavenly father can look at me and say “Well done!!”
-Pastor Chris Blackburn
Friday, August 13, 2010
The Sword of the Spirit...
If you know me very well, then you know that I love God’s Word and that I am very interested in matters concerning Israel. I would like to share with you an excerpt from “The Carmel Alert”, Out of Zion Ministries Newsletter. It is about both--- God’s Word & Israel. It’s a bit lengthy but I believe you’ll be blessed by it. Thanks for reading! - Connie Wolhford
Stefan's Comment: The Sword of the Spirit
Eph 6:11-12 “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
We are in an ongoing battle every moment of our lives. In every decision that we make, we have a choice to obey God and bring Him glory, or to disobey Him and cause Him grief, regardless of anyone else knowing of this choice. Everything that we do echoes in the spiritual realm, every thought, every whim, every attitude and every word. As Shaul (Paul) wrote in the above verse, it is not against flesh and blood that we wrestle, but against principalities, powers and spiritual hosts. Out of all the armour of God stated in Eph 6, the Sword of the Spirit is the only offensive weapon that we have. All the others are defensive weapons that are designed to keep us from the fiery arrows that the enemy sends our way. The only weapon that we have to strike back at the enemy is the sword. There is a famous saying that I think we have all heard at one point or another in our lives: “The best defense is a strong offence”. Wars and battles are not won by being on the defensive, but by attacking, striking hard at the enemy and advancing forward until he either surrenders or withdraws.
It is for good reason that it is called the ‘Sword of the Spirit’ because it is a spiritual weapon and we must be in the Spirit in order to use it. Our sword is the living word of God that is “…powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Heb 4:12, NKJ). But in order for it to be affective, we must know how to use it and be skilled in handling it. How can a soldier go to war with a weapon that he does not know how to use? Just imagine a soldier throwing his M-4 rifle at the enemy instead of shooting at him with it – not very effective. Also think of a soldier who knows how to use his M-4, meaning he knows how to fire it, but it takes him forever to change a clip, or he only know how to fire standing up, but not squatting, sitting, kneeling or lying down. This is not how a trained, skilled soldier is to perform in battle. So we must know how to use our sword and be skilled in it.
A perfect example can be found in Matt 3:16 going into Matt 4. Yeshua (Jesus) goes through ‘Tironut’ or ‘Basic Training - Boot Camp’ in English. It is the first time that we see that the enemy tempted Yeshua. The first thing we see is that after He was baptized Yeshua was filled with the Spirit and was then moved by the Spirit into the desert. Notice the importance of being in the Spirit. Before His baptism Yeshua did not perform any miracles nor minister in anyway. We are only told that He grew in wisdom and stature before God and men. In the desert the enemy came to Yeshua in order to attack Him.
Notice the pattern in the temptations:
First, Satan attacks Yeshua (Jesus) in the weakness / vulnerability of His flesh. Yeshua was hungry after fasting for 40 days already and the enemy tries to get Him to turn stones into bread. Notice how Yeshua, being filled with the Spirit strikes the enemy with the Sword of the Spirit (which is the word of God) with much skill and precision. He knows exactly how to use His weapon to refute the attack of the enemy.
Secondly, the enemy tries to use the word to cause Yeshua to fall. The enemy is doing two things here - 1/ he is twisting and perverting the word of God from the truth that is in it and 2/ he is attacking the sovereignty of God the Father over Yeshua’s life. Again Yeshua knows how to strike skillfully with the truth of the word against the perversion of the word.
Thirdly, the enemy offers Yeshua a short cut and a cheap alternative of the real promise given by the Father (Psalm 110:1). Yeshua knows why He has come, He knows what is planned for Him and what He must do. Heb 12:2 “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (NKJ). Again Yeshua strikes the devil with the word of God and the enemy finally flees from Him just as is written in James 4:7 “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (NKJ). Then the angels come and minister to Him both physically (food) and spiritually, I believe. What a perfect example of how we are to stand in the word and use it in the spirit to come against the enemy’s attacks, resisting (defending and counter-attacking) until he flees!
Another prime example is young King David when fighting against Goliath (read 1 Sam 17:45-50). David is skilled in his simple weapons – the slingshot and the shepherds staff, but not with all of Saul’s armour and weaponry. He goes out against Goliath with what he is skilled in. I believe that David was filled with and moved by the Spirit at that moment as it was not normal for him to do what he did in that situation. Goliath curses David and his God, the God of Israel. Goliath wishes to enslave Israel. His words are lofty and come against the word of God. David speaking prophetically with boldness declares to Goliath exactly what is about to happen to him and this soon comes to pass. There was a spirit working in Goliath that exalted itself against the knowledge of God and His truth that was cut down and destroyed by a brave freckly red head who knew God’s word, was skilled in it, was brave and saw beyond Goliath’s size, armour and battle experience to God’s promises, purposes and desires.
2 Cor 10:3-5 “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ…” (NKJ)
The apostles were commanded by the Lord not to leave Jerusalem until they were filled with power from on high, until they were filled with the Spirit. Walking in the Spirit is the living out the New Covenant. Only in the Spirit can we walk according to God’s commandments. Only in the Spirit are we in tune with our Master, our Abba (Father) to do His will, just as Yeshua was. Of course we will always fail and wrestle with our flesh, but still that is our goal and our vision.
In these days there are many spirits that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God concerning those who are the Lord’s and also the nation of Israel. Let us become more skilled in the Word. Let us proclaim the word over out lives and over the nation of Israel. The enemy will keep attacking because he knows that his time is short, but we have a weapon that is “living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit…” to strike back with. Let us walk in the Spirit and make full use of our spiritual sword – the Word of God.
The Lord bless you as you bless Israel by standing in defense of her right to exist on the land given to the Jewish people by the God of Israel. Lets pray that Israel will turn back to their God. Do not be silent, but share this with your fellow Christians, share it with your pastors, and with anyone you have a chance to speak to. Lets also pray for that breakthrough to the Muslims, and please remember to pray for all of the soldiers in the IDF -they are defending and fighting for the Kingdom of God.
Stefan's Comment: The Sword of the Spirit
Eph 6:11-12 “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
We are in an ongoing battle every moment of our lives. In every decision that we make, we have a choice to obey God and bring Him glory, or to disobey Him and cause Him grief, regardless of anyone else knowing of this choice. Everything that we do echoes in the spiritual realm, every thought, every whim, every attitude and every word. As Shaul (Paul) wrote in the above verse, it is not against flesh and blood that we wrestle, but against principalities, powers and spiritual hosts. Out of all the armour of God stated in Eph 6, the Sword of the Spirit is the only offensive weapon that we have. All the others are defensive weapons that are designed to keep us from the fiery arrows that the enemy sends our way. The only weapon that we have to strike back at the enemy is the sword. There is a famous saying that I think we have all heard at one point or another in our lives: “The best defense is a strong offence”. Wars and battles are not won by being on the defensive, but by attacking, striking hard at the enemy and advancing forward until he either surrenders or withdraws.
It is for good reason that it is called the ‘Sword of the Spirit’ because it is a spiritual weapon and we must be in the Spirit in order to use it. Our sword is the living word of God that is “…powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Heb 4:12, NKJ). But in order for it to be affective, we must know how to use it and be skilled in handling it. How can a soldier go to war with a weapon that he does not know how to use? Just imagine a soldier throwing his M-4 rifle at the enemy instead of shooting at him with it – not very effective. Also think of a soldier who knows how to use his M-4, meaning he knows how to fire it, but it takes him forever to change a clip, or he only know how to fire standing up, but not squatting, sitting, kneeling or lying down. This is not how a trained, skilled soldier is to perform in battle. So we must know how to use our sword and be skilled in it.
A perfect example can be found in Matt 3:16 going into Matt 4. Yeshua (Jesus) goes through ‘Tironut’ or ‘Basic Training - Boot Camp’ in English. It is the first time that we see that the enemy tempted Yeshua. The first thing we see is that after He was baptized Yeshua was filled with the Spirit and was then moved by the Spirit into the desert. Notice the importance of being in the Spirit. Before His baptism Yeshua did not perform any miracles nor minister in anyway. We are only told that He grew in wisdom and stature before God and men. In the desert the enemy came to Yeshua in order to attack Him.
Notice the pattern in the temptations:
First, Satan attacks Yeshua (Jesus) in the weakness / vulnerability of His flesh. Yeshua was hungry after fasting for 40 days already and the enemy tries to get Him to turn stones into bread. Notice how Yeshua, being filled with the Spirit strikes the enemy with the Sword of the Spirit (which is the word of God) with much skill and precision. He knows exactly how to use His weapon to refute the attack of the enemy.
Secondly, the enemy tries to use the word to cause Yeshua to fall. The enemy is doing two things here - 1/ he is twisting and perverting the word of God from the truth that is in it and 2/ he is attacking the sovereignty of God the Father over Yeshua’s life. Again Yeshua knows how to strike skillfully with the truth of the word against the perversion of the word.
Thirdly, the enemy offers Yeshua a short cut and a cheap alternative of the real promise given by the Father (Psalm 110:1). Yeshua knows why He has come, He knows what is planned for Him and what He must do. Heb 12:2 “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (NKJ). Again Yeshua strikes the devil with the word of God and the enemy finally flees from Him just as is written in James 4:7 “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (NKJ). Then the angels come and minister to Him both physically (food) and spiritually, I believe. What a perfect example of how we are to stand in the word and use it in the spirit to come against the enemy’s attacks, resisting (defending and counter-attacking) until he flees!
Another prime example is young King David when fighting against Goliath (read 1 Sam 17:45-50). David is skilled in his simple weapons – the slingshot and the shepherds staff, but not with all of Saul’s armour and weaponry. He goes out against Goliath with what he is skilled in. I believe that David was filled with and moved by the Spirit at that moment as it was not normal for him to do what he did in that situation. Goliath curses David and his God, the God of Israel. Goliath wishes to enslave Israel. His words are lofty and come against the word of God. David speaking prophetically with boldness declares to Goliath exactly what is about to happen to him and this soon comes to pass. There was a spirit working in Goliath that exalted itself against the knowledge of God and His truth that was cut down and destroyed by a brave freckly red head who knew God’s word, was skilled in it, was brave and saw beyond Goliath’s size, armour and battle experience to God’s promises, purposes and desires.
2 Cor 10:3-5 “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ…” (NKJ)
The apostles were commanded by the Lord not to leave Jerusalem until they were filled with power from on high, until they were filled with the Spirit. Walking in the Spirit is the living out the New Covenant. Only in the Spirit can we walk according to God’s commandments. Only in the Spirit are we in tune with our Master, our Abba (Father) to do His will, just as Yeshua was. Of course we will always fail and wrestle with our flesh, but still that is our goal and our vision.
In these days there are many spirits that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God concerning those who are the Lord’s and also the nation of Israel. Let us become more skilled in the Word. Let us proclaim the word over out lives and over the nation of Israel. The enemy will keep attacking because he knows that his time is short, but we have a weapon that is “living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit…” to strike back with. Let us walk in the Spirit and make full use of our spiritual sword – the Word of God.
The Lord bless you as you bless Israel by standing in defense of her right to exist on the land given to the Jewish people by the God of Israel. Lets pray that Israel will turn back to their God. Do not be silent, but share this with your fellow Christians, share it with your pastors, and with anyone you have a chance to speak to. Lets also pray for that breakthrough to the Muslims, and please remember to pray for all of the soldiers in the IDF -they are defending and fighting for the Kingdom of God.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
That time of year... again.
It’s that time of year again…time for children to head back to school! Parents everywhere are buying book bags, notebooks, pencils, calculators, lunchboxes, sports equipment, etc. Many folks made a special trip out last weekend to take advantage of Virginia’s tax-free holiday for school supplies. Over the next few weeks, schools will be holding “open house” and parents and children will take time to meet teachers, view schedules, pay fees and make other necessary preparations for the upcoming school year. However, there is something our kids need that is more important than school supplies….they need to be filled with God’s Word and bathed in prayer each day as they enter their mission field…the classroom.
We have been teaching about “salt and light” in Kid’s Church for several weeks. The children are learning that we need to be salty: we need to have a distinct flavor that makes others thirsty for Jesus, and we shouldn’t just blend in with the world around us or be bland or conforming. As Christian parents, we need to encourage our children to be an example to others, walking in obedience to God and His Word. Proverbs 20:11 says “Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right”. We should also encourage our kids to be light in this dark world. No matter how young, children can share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others; in fact, they are often more quick to do this than adults. There are classrooms of children all across our city, state and country that are full of people that need to hear the Gospel message.
In the thirteen years my children have been in public school, I have prayed for them each day before they went to school. I have prayed for God’s protection over them both physically and spiritually, for God to help them to learn well, for both of them to be a good example and a witness to others, and many other things. At least 2, 340 prayers have gone up for them. I don’t say this to brag; I am not perfect, I know that they have not been perfect and all of their experiences have not been perfect. But I do believe that God has blessed their education and I pray each day that they will have an impact on someone’s life. As you prepare for school to start this year, add this to your “to-do” list: pray for your children every day, not only that God will protect them and help them to learn, but also that, as believers, they will be salt and light to the world around them.
-Pastor Tina Blackburn
We have been teaching about “salt and light” in Kid’s Church for several weeks. The children are learning that we need to be salty: we need to have a distinct flavor that makes others thirsty for Jesus, and we shouldn’t just blend in with the world around us or be bland or conforming. As Christian parents, we need to encourage our children to be an example to others, walking in obedience to God and His Word. Proverbs 20:11 says “Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right”. We should also encourage our kids to be light in this dark world. No matter how young, children can share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others; in fact, they are often more quick to do this than adults. There are classrooms of children all across our city, state and country that are full of people that need to hear the Gospel message.
In the thirteen years my children have been in public school, I have prayed for them each day before they went to school. I have prayed for God’s protection over them both physically and spiritually, for God to help them to learn well, for both of them to be a good example and a witness to others, and many other things. At least 2, 340 prayers have gone up for them. I don’t say this to brag; I am not perfect, I know that they have not been perfect and all of their experiences have not been perfect. But I do believe that God has blessed their education and I pray each day that they will have an impact on someone’s life. As you prepare for school to start this year, add this to your “to-do” list: pray for your children every day, not only that God will protect them and help them to learn, but also that, as believers, they will be salt and light to the world around them.
-Pastor Tina Blackburn
Friday, July 30, 2010
My First Missions Trip
This past week, I had the privilege to go with a group from our church to Mission, South Dakota to do a Vacation Bible School and other outreach ministry on the Rosebud Indian Reservation. To be honest, I was nervous about the experience because I had never done anything like this in my life. I knew going in that I would be pushed outside my comfort zone and that I would be asked to do things that I normally do not like to do. Still, I knew that the Lord had something planned for me that week and I simply obeyed.
The trip had its challenges in the beginning . . . bald tires, a gas pedal that would not work in my car, an air-conditioner that went out on a day when the temperature was over 100. All of it was a distraction from what the Lord was calling us to do. A strong brother in Christ spoke to me while I was getting my car worked on in Indiana, some 800 miles away from our destination that I should not worry, the Lord was in control. Of course, he was right.
Upon arrival, there was the distraction of trying to locate a Nissan dealer to get the piece I needed to make my car . Some 170 miles away in Pierre, South Dakota, we found one. Took two trips and nearly 6 hours of driving and time away from ministry work to get it repaired, but the Lord provided what we needed. As it turned out, I got to spend some quality time with another great friend in the Lord who was able to minister to me about some strong holds in my own life. So, as it turns out, God was in that too.
During the course of the week, we performed eight different outreach ministries at different locations on the Reservation. At one point, one of our blow up games got a massive hole in it. We tried the usual forms of repair . . . duct tape, followed by more amounts of duct tape. Eventually, we came to the conclusion that the game would not work. Yet another distraction that had the potential to limit what we could do to entice the children to come hear the message of the Lord.
Turns out, the Lord was in that too.
What happened was one of the many amazing things about this mission trip. The entire team would pull together to use the talents that the Lord has blessed us with. I learned the art of being 10 again and having balloon sword fights with as many as 8 or 9 kids at one time. Others used the art of taking pictures, or to face paint and make animal balloons, or one of many, many things that were done in just over an hour at each location. Turns out, most of the kids at these outreaches could have cared less about us having three blow up games or two. They just wanted our attention and our love . . . which is what God wanted us to give to them as well. Like I said, God was in that too.
There is much to share about this trip. Some 138 kids and adults were saved that week. Personally, my life was changed with each face and each interaction with everyone I met. We witnessed the beginnings of a miracle for the small church we performed the Vacation Bible School at. Those stories will be for another time and maybe another blog.
What I want to close with is this . . . don’t let the little distractions in your life cause you to miss out on what God has in store for you. There were a few times I would get frustrated or discouraged. When that happened, the Lord found ways to speak to my heart . . . through a brother in Christ who would encourage me or the smile of a child who just simply wanted me to watch them jump on a blow-up game. I rediscovered a peace of allowing God to be in control and trusting Him to take care of the little distractions.
-Pastor Chris Blackburn
The trip had its challenges in the beginning . . . bald tires, a gas pedal that would not work in my car, an air-conditioner that went out on a day when the temperature was over 100. All of it was a distraction from what the Lord was calling us to do. A strong brother in Christ spoke to me while I was getting my car worked on in Indiana, some 800 miles away from our destination that I should not worry, the Lord was in control. Of course, he was right.
Upon arrival, there was the distraction of trying to locate a Nissan dealer to get the piece I needed to make my car . Some 170 miles away in Pierre, South Dakota, we found one. Took two trips and nearly 6 hours of driving and time away from ministry work to get it repaired, but the Lord provided what we needed. As it turned out, I got to spend some quality time with another great friend in the Lord who was able to minister to me about some strong holds in my own life. So, as it turns out, God was in that too.
During the course of the week, we performed eight different outreach ministries at different locations on the Reservation. At one point, one of our blow up games got a massive hole in it. We tried the usual forms of repair . . . duct tape, followed by more amounts of duct tape. Eventually, we came to the conclusion that the game would not work. Yet another distraction that had the potential to limit what we could do to entice the children to come hear the message of the Lord.
Turns out, the Lord was in that too.
What happened was one of the many amazing things about this mission trip. The entire team would pull together to use the talents that the Lord has blessed us with. I learned the art of being 10 again and having balloon sword fights with as many as 8 or 9 kids at one time. Others used the art of taking pictures, or to face paint and make animal balloons, or one of many, many things that were done in just over an hour at each location. Turns out, most of the kids at these outreaches could have cared less about us having three blow up games or two. They just wanted our attention and our love . . . which is what God wanted us to give to them as well. Like I said, God was in that too.
There is much to share about this trip. Some 138 kids and adults were saved that week. Personally, my life was changed with each face and each interaction with everyone I met. We witnessed the beginnings of a miracle for the small church we performed the Vacation Bible School at. Those stories will be for another time and maybe another blog.
What I want to close with is this . . . don’t let the little distractions in your life cause you to miss out on what God has in store for you. There were a few times I would get frustrated or discouraged. When that happened, the Lord found ways to speak to my heart . . . through a brother in Christ who would encourage me or the smile of a child who just simply wanted me to watch them jump on a blow-up game. I rediscovered a peace of allowing God to be in control and trusting Him to take care of the little distractions.
-Pastor Chris Blackburn
Thursday, July 1, 2010
The Ministry of Friendship...
Often, as I read through scripture, I wonder, “When are we, the True Church, really going to start doing what God asks us to do?” Just take this passage for instance: Matthew 5:42, 46-47. Jesus says, “Give to Him who keeps on begging from you and do not turn away from him who would borrow [at interest] from you…For if you love only those who love you what reward can you have? Do not even the tax collectors do that? And if you greet only your brethren, what more than others are you doing? Do not even the Gentiles (the heathen) do that?” Now often Christians will say, “Well, I give to my church and my church helps the poor. I even help with the programs of the church that give handouts to the needy.” But is that what Jesus meant: Help with a program or a particular ministry?
It definitely seems safer to help the poor through a program so that they never really know our names or where we live or whether or not we have children. It’s a very real risk to try to help a stranger by yourself as an individual, but I have seen often in many churches and many different ministry situations, that when we help through a program there is a constant “we” and “them” mentality. There are usually reports of people from the community (“them”) who “get saved” through the program, but rarely do those people then join up with that church and become faithful members. We seem to think that if we give people something for free then they will want to come back and be with us and find out why we would do such a thing. And we plan that when they do we will tell them that it is because of the love of Christ within us for them. But does a handout show Christ’s love effectively? In my experience, very few people because of what they have received from a church or ministry then desire to be with the people of that church or ministry at any future event that does not include a handout of some sort. My personal conclusion is that a handout by itself is not enough to show the love of Christ, we need to pair it with something else – loving friendship.
In 1 Thess. 2:7-8 Paul says, “But we behaved gently when we were among you, like a devoted mother nursing and cherishing her own children. So, being thus tenderly and affectionately desirous of you, we continued to share with you not only God’s good news (the Gospel) but also our own lives as well, for you had become so very dear to us.” Are we sharing our own lives as we give handouts? Are we tenderly and affectionately sharing God’s Good News, or are we just herding people through the line so that we can get everything handed out. It seems to me that often in our outreach ministries, we talk to those who come, we feed them, and we give them the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ, but do we, as individual servants in the body, really cross the line and make friends with people in the community that we are reaching out to, or are we just showing up to do our part? Perhaps this is why we have more converts than long-term disciples. We need to ask ourselves if we are really loving the people we say we are serving or are we just “doing ministry”? And if we’re not really loving people, then it’s no wonder that they are not coming back to participate in that love again; our handouts to them are no different than the handouts from the government.
Now this all sounds a little harsh and critical, but I am preaching to myself as much as to anyone else. I know I’m not good at loving strangers and I don’t have much desire to actually be involved in the lives of those whom I consider irresponsible. I simply do not relate well to people who don’t have the same values that I have and I’m sure that’s why God is showing me these things in scripture. It’s an area where I need to grow, but perhaps you need to grow in this area as well, so let’s continue.
If we look at the example of Jesus we can see that everything he did was personal. He did not see the crowds of people who came to him for healing and just wave his hand to heal everyone at once (even though it was certainly in his power to do so). Instead he healed each one individually. He gave them a personal experience of Himself because of His love for them. He taught and fed more than 5000 people at once, but he had those 12 disciples with whom He shared Himself daily.
The main instruction that Jesus leaves with the disciples, and with us as their spiritual descendants, is to make disciples and teach them everything that Christ has commanded us (Matt. 28:18-20). Teaching everything that Christ commanded is sure to take a long time. Again, loving friendships will be the most effective means of discipleship relationships (long-term, one-on-one or small group relationships). So why do we keep settling for hearing a salvation prayer from someone? Because it’s easier and because we can’t get them to come back for more, but if we really took the time to make friends with those we serve, and with others already in the body, then that love relationship would bring them back wanting to know more of Christ. I know we can’t all make friends with everyone who passes through a line to receive something, but we can each pray and be sensitive to the Holy Spirit while we are serving, so that God can lead us to the one or two people with whom He wants us to make friends. It we each make a couple friends and they are not just the people we randomly pick out, but instead those whom God chooses for us to invest in, then we can be sure that they will be the people whose hearts are ready for discipleship. It will most likely start out as uncomfortable and inconvenient, but God does amazing things even when He starts with nothing. Let’s trust ourselves to Him and let Him give us the love we need in order to care for and disciple others. Let’s cross the “we/them” line and pull more souls into a journey of true discipleship.
-Jenny Greene
It definitely seems safer to help the poor through a program so that they never really know our names or where we live or whether or not we have children. It’s a very real risk to try to help a stranger by yourself as an individual, but I have seen often in many churches and many different ministry situations, that when we help through a program there is a constant “we” and “them” mentality. There are usually reports of people from the community (“them”) who “get saved” through the program, but rarely do those people then join up with that church and become faithful members. We seem to think that if we give people something for free then they will want to come back and be with us and find out why we would do such a thing. And we plan that when they do we will tell them that it is because of the love of Christ within us for them. But does a handout show Christ’s love effectively? In my experience, very few people because of what they have received from a church or ministry then desire to be with the people of that church or ministry at any future event that does not include a handout of some sort. My personal conclusion is that a handout by itself is not enough to show the love of Christ, we need to pair it with something else – loving friendship.
In 1 Thess. 2:7-8 Paul says, “But we behaved gently when we were among you, like a devoted mother nursing and cherishing her own children. So, being thus tenderly and affectionately desirous of you, we continued to share with you not only God’s good news (the Gospel) but also our own lives as well, for you had become so very dear to us.” Are we sharing our own lives as we give handouts? Are we tenderly and affectionately sharing God’s Good News, or are we just herding people through the line so that we can get everything handed out. It seems to me that often in our outreach ministries, we talk to those who come, we feed them, and we give them the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ, but do we, as individual servants in the body, really cross the line and make friends with people in the community that we are reaching out to, or are we just showing up to do our part? Perhaps this is why we have more converts than long-term disciples. We need to ask ourselves if we are really loving the people we say we are serving or are we just “doing ministry”? And if we’re not really loving people, then it’s no wonder that they are not coming back to participate in that love again; our handouts to them are no different than the handouts from the government.
Now this all sounds a little harsh and critical, but I am preaching to myself as much as to anyone else. I know I’m not good at loving strangers and I don’t have much desire to actually be involved in the lives of those whom I consider irresponsible. I simply do not relate well to people who don’t have the same values that I have and I’m sure that’s why God is showing me these things in scripture. It’s an area where I need to grow, but perhaps you need to grow in this area as well, so let’s continue.
If we look at the example of Jesus we can see that everything he did was personal. He did not see the crowds of people who came to him for healing and just wave his hand to heal everyone at once (even though it was certainly in his power to do so). Instead he healed each one individually. He gave them a personal experience of Himself because of His love for them. He taught and fed more than 5000 people at once, but he had those 12 disciples with whom He shared Himself daily.
The main instruction that Jesus leaves with the disciples, and with us as their spiritual descendants, is to make disciples and teach them everything that Christ has commanded us (Matt. 28:18-20). Teaching everything that Christ commanded is sure to take a long time. Again, loving friendships will be the most effective means of discipleship relationships (long-term, one-on-one or small group relationships). So why do we keep settling for hearing a salvation prayer from someone? Because it’s easier and because we can’t get them to come back for more, but if we really took the time to make friends with those we serve, and with others already in the body, then that love relationship would bring them back wanting to know more of Christ. I know we can’t all make friends with everyone who passes through a line to receive something, but we can each pray and be sensitive to the Holy Spirit while we are serving, so that God can lead us to the one or two people with whom He wants us to make friends. It we each make a couple friends and they are not just the people we randomly pick out, but instead those whom God chooses for us to invest in, then we can be sure that they will be the people whose hearts are ready for discipleship. It will most likely start out as uncomfortable and inconvenient, but God does amazing things even when He starts with nothing. Let’s trust ourselves to Him and let Him give us the love we need in order to care for and disciple others. Let’s cross the “we/them” line and pull more souls into a journey of true discipleship.
-Jenny Greene
Friday, June 25, 2010
“My bretheren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith creates patience.”
James 1:2 is a familiar scripture. But recently it took on new light for me during a study of the beginning passages of the opening chapter of that particular epistle. James addresses his brothers and sisters in the Lord, which by association includes those in the present-day church. Simply put, James is writing to us.
He encourages us to “count” something or “chalk up” something, if you will. When my children were learning to count in school, the teacher would have them use tally marks; four vertical ones and a fifth diagonally over the rest would count as five. In a sense, James is encouraging us to chalk up with the proverbial spiritual tally marks those times when we get tested. More about that later.
To what are we to chalk up these trying experiences? To joy. We know that true joy comes when we are walking with Jesus according to his father’s word, the Bible. We also know that the joy of the Lord is our strength. So, it follows then that when we go through a trying experience, instead of expressing frustration we ought to chalk up these trying experience to strengthening or an exercise of our faith. That’s easier said than done, I know. But in a very real sense, we are getting a spiritual workout when we endure trials. Our faith muscles are being worked out and strengthened.
What sort of trials are we talking about? We all know about the big ones; a death in the family, a less than positive medical diagnosis, a difficult work environment. The list goes on. But faith tests even happen when we get caught driving behind that little old lady traveling eight miles an hour in a 45-mph zone. You’ve been there, right? Or how about when we are in a hurry and we line up in the 20 items or less express lane and the person in front of you has 21 items and the cashier calls for a price check on the third item. You’ve been there too, haven’t you? I heard an evangelist once call those experiences as “spiritual lice.”
When we’re going through these “little tests” of our faith they seem as enormous as the others I just mentioned. But what if we began viewing those times behind that little old lady and those times in the express lane as mini faith workouts? James 1:3 makes it very clear what will happen when we have that approach. Those tests, all tests, will help develop patience. We will become slow to speak, slow to anger and quick to listen, won’t we?
So, the next time you have to deal with an ignorant boss or have to change a flat tire on the way to your child’s concert or any other “spiritual lice,” take a deep breath, say a little prayer and relax. Realize that you’re getting a faith workout. It will all be over soon and you’ll be stronger for it.
-Ben Hanneman
James 1:2 is a familiar scripture. But recently it took on new light for me during a study of the beginning passages of the opening chapter of that particular epistle. James addresses his brothers and sisters in the Lord, which by association includes those in the present-day church. Simply put, James is writing to us.
He encourages us to “count” something or “chalk up” something, if you will. When my children were learning to count in school, the teacher would have them use tally marks; four vertical ones and a fifth diagonally over the rest would count as five. In a sense, James is encouraging us to chalk up with the proverbial spiritual tally marks those times when we get tested. More about that later.
To what are we to chalk up these trying experiences? To joy. We know that true joy comes when we are walking with Jesus according to his father’s word, the Bible. We also know that the joy of the Lord is our strength. So, it follows then that when we go through a trying experience, instead of expressing frustration we ought to chalk up these trying experience to strengthening or an exercise of our faith. That’s easier said than done, I know. But in a very real sense, we are getting a spiritual workout when we endure trials. Our faith muscles are being worked out and strengthened.
What sort of trials are we talking about? We all know about the big ones; a death in the family, a less than positive medical diagnosis, a difficult work environment. The list goes on. But faith tests even happen when we get caught driving behind that little old lady traveling eight miles an hour in a 45-mph zone. You’ve been there, right? Or how about when we are in a hurry and we line up in the 20 items or less express lane and the person in front of you has 21 items and the cashier calls for a price check on the third item. You’ve been there too, haven’t you? I heard an evangelist once call those experiences as “spiritual lice.”
When we’re going through these “little tests” of our faith they seem as enormous as the others I just mentioned. But what if we began viewing those times behind that little old lady and those times in the express lane as mini faith workouts? James 1:3 makes it very clear what will happen when we have that approach. Those tests, all tests, will help develop patience. We will become slow to speak, slow to anger and quick to listen, won’t we?
So, the next time you have to deal with an ignorant boss or have to change a flat tire on the way to your child’s concert or any other “spiritual lice,” take a deep breath, say a little prayer and relax. Realize that you’re getting a faith workout. It will all be over soon and you’ll be stronger for it.
-Ben Hanneman
Saturday, June 12, 2010
A Life of Worship...
Deut. 10.12 “Now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require from you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul,” 13 “and to keep the LORD’s commandments and His statutes which I am commanding you today for your good?”
I think we should ask ourselves what sits on the throne of our heart. This time in which we live is indeed exciting. We are seeing the fulfillment of scripture before our very eyes. But, are we really seeking His kingdom first, though? Am I submitting my life to His purpose and plan? Am I really living a life of worship? I must say that I still struggle in areas of my life when it comes to submission to His plan. I still forget sometimes that it is His timing, His plan. I would seek sometimes to push things along, if you will, maybe before I am ready, out of step with His timing for my life.
I believe it can be traced back to our worship. A life of worship will place us in step with what He is doing, where He is taking us. Let me explain why. Our worship of Him is relational. A life of worship of the Father will mean we are in relationship with the Father. I love what Pastor Hal has preached about God's sovereignty and might. It is impossible for me to know God exhaustively, but we can know Him relationally. That is an amazing truth when you really think of it. I have a relationship with my wife and children. It is very hard to imagine that I could ever have an exhaustive knowledge of them in this life. Now imagine God and our finite understanding. Scripture even says that we see as through a mirror darkly…
Now imagine that I studied the “exhaustive” biography of Dana Farmer to gain knowledge of who she is, but never met her personally. I might know many things about her, but I would never know her the way I do having spent seven years in a relationship with her. Our worship is relational. A life of worship submits to the words of the Father, to the Son who is the Word made Flesh, to His Spirit- walks with Him. He has revealed His nature and character to us in His word, and sees us through every aspect (Philippians 1.6).
William Temple was the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1942- 1944. This is how he describes worship:
It is submission of all our nature to God-
It is quickening of conscience by His holiness, nourishment of mind by His truth, purifying of imagination by his beauty, opening of the heart to his love, submission of will to His purpose. All of this gathered up in adoration is the greatest expression of which we are capable.
That is the way I want to worship Him.
-Chris Farmer
Monday, May 24, 2010
A Cheerful heart makes the face cheerful! (Proverbs 15:13)
If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands… nod your head…. shout hooray. If you're happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it; If you're happy and you know it do all three! Remember this song? We may not sing the song out loud, however our faces surely show it.
Many a happy Spirit-filled Christian has been asked by others, “Why are you always so happy? As I have observed you, you don’t seem to get gloomy and downhearted. What is your secret?” What an opportunity this gives to testify to our joy in the Lord! The secret for some is to get their souls full of joy each day in their time alone with God. (You will fill me with joy in your presence. Psalm 16:11) They do this before they go about their day. They carry the blessing of the secret place into their day’s activities. The first great and primary business to which we ought to attend every day is to have our soul happy in the Lord.
A heart bubbling over with joy makes your life more attractive to the unsaved, is a powerful witness to Christ’s grace, and makes a more lasting impact on others than almost any other aspect of your Christian life. Measure your own life’s testimony by your joy. Ask yourself…. Is my spirit singing the song today?
- Elaine Wood
Many a happy Spirit-filled Christian has been asked by others, “Why are you always so happy? As I have observed you, you don’t seem to get gloomy and downhearted. What is your secret?” What an opportunity this gives to testify to our joy in the Lord! The secret for some is to get their souls full of joy each day in their time alone with God. (You will fill me with joy in your presence. Psalm 16:11) They do this before they go about their day. They carry the blessing of the secret place into their day’s activities. The first great and primary business to which we ought to attend every day is to have our soul happy in the Lord.
A heart bubbling over with joy makes your life more attractive to the unsaved, is a powerful witness to Christ’s grace, and makes a more lasting impact on others than almost any other aspect of your Christian life. Measure your own life’s testimony by your joy. Ask yourself…. Is my spirit singing the song today?
- Elaine Wood
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Let us encourage one another
This past Saturday, Pastor Chris and I took a group of children from Kid’s Church on a “Kid’s Day Out”. We went to play putt-putt golf and then took the children out for ice cream. The thought of taking ten children, boys and girls ages 5-12, out on such an adventure was initially a little bit scary. But our prayer was that these children would develop friendships with one another and begin to feel a bond of Christian fellowship, even at that young age. I cannot express how wonderful each one of the children were; they were so well-behaved; even the children who typically do not interact with one another enjoyed playing with each other and seemed to have a wonderful time. Our prayer is that all of the children will be able to develop friendships with one another that will be nurtured into adulthood.
Relationships are very important to God and His Kingdom. Developing bonds of friendship with other Christians gives us strength and encouragement in our walk with the Lord. Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us “We must also consider how to encourage each other to show love and to do good things. We should not stop gathering together with other believers, as some of you are doing. Instead, we must continue to encourage each other even more as we see the day of the Lord coming.”
Spending time with and developing relationships with other believers is so important to the believer. Enjoying our free time is also important. As summer time approaches, we begin to make plans for all types of summer fun: vacations, trips to the lake, picnics, ball games, you name it. So many fun things, so little time! It is important to remember, however, to prioritize. God should always come first in our life. Jesus commanded us in Matthew 6:33 to seek God’s Kingdom first, to be concerned about His Kingdom and what has His approval. It is important to be in His house on Sunday morning. All those summer activities are just as fun on a Saturday or a Sunday afternoon. Being a part of the body of Christ and worshiping together with our brothers and sisters in Christ will help us to develop those friendships and give us that encouragement in the Lord that we need even more as the day of the Lord comes.
-Pastor Tina Blackburn
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Divine Design...
It’s been a real blessing to have a Dad as gifted with wood working as my Dad and over the years I’ve benefited greatly from his talent. Such as every pine wood derby, an event held by the boy scouts, the scout was to whittle away at a block of wood until it took the shape of a car, then race for all honor and glory at an annual race. My fellow competitors always assumed my car was some model we had simply bought and assembled, you could hear murmurs of “they bought that car” or some such rumor to discount my Dad’s gift. Though nearly every year, we came away with the best in show trophy, notice how I still say we, when in all realty I had very little to do with the whole process. The role I did play every year was picking out the style of car I wanted my Dad to construct, I did this by perusing one of the many encyclopedias of automobiles we had laying around the house.
Any craftsman prior to starting their craft has a picture of what it is they’re making. The design, which includes the intended function, is already in mind prior to the first stroke of the brush, or the first cut of the knife. So it is with God when He designed mankind and if we are to ever function properly we must understand what that purpose is. We get a good glimpse of this when we see the first commandment, (Mat 22:37,38) Jesus said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. God’s ultimate purpose for humanity was to be family to Him, He is not content with just causing the mandatory obedience that will ultimately occur. (Phil. 2:9-11) Instead His desire is we love Him in the same way He loves us. So He empowers us to love Him this way, (Rom 5:5) And hope does not make us ashamed, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit given to us. The result of loving Him in this way is we function as He intended, it is impossible to love Jesus and not love people.
(Joh 14:21) He who has My commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves Me. And he who loves Me shall be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will reveal Myself to him. This is simple stating a fact, if you love me then the result is you will keep my commandments. The challenge for us, to insure we are properly working is to continually realign our lives and priorities to make the first commandment first in priority.
-Pastor Ted Farmer
Any craftsman prior to starting their craft has a picture of what it is they’re making. The design, which includes the intended function, is already in mind prior to the first stroke of the brush, or the first cut of the knife. So it is with God when He designed mankind and if we are to ever function properly we must understand what that purpose is. We get a good glimpse of this when we see the first commandment, (Mat 22:37,38) Jesus said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. God’s ultimate purpose for humanity was to be family to Him, He is not content with just causing the mandatory obedience that will ultimately occur. (Phil. 2:9-11) Instead His desire is we love Him in the same way He loves us. So He empowers us to love Him this way, (Rom 5:5) And hope does not make us ashamed, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit given to us. The result of loving Him in this way is we function as He intended, it is impossible to love Jesus and not love people.
(Joh 14:21) He who has My commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves Me. And he who loves Me shall be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will reveal Myself to him. This is simple stating a fact, if you love me then the result is you will keep my commandments. The challenge for us, to insure we are properly working is to continually realign our lives and priorities to make the first commandment first in priority.
-Pastor Ted Farmer
Monday, May 3, 2010
Wisdom In An Age Of Drama...
As is the case with many of us, I occasionally will take the time to watch a few of the reality shows on TV that focus on the day-to-day drama of people that we don’t know and really don’t care that much about. It seems that we can relate to their situations or to their storylines and that is what draws us in to the show. I have found that some shows will draw me in to the point where I want to watch from week to week to see how everything will turn out.
Unfortunately, the drama on these shows never really resolves itself. Nobody seems to really learn anything . . . nobody seems to have a real change of heart . . . and their lives never really have any significant change. Although it may seem that they have a personal “Ah Ha!!” moment at the end of each episode, the drama finds a new script, new characters and new plots each week. In reality, nothing really changes. Quite frankly, they are addicted to the drama of their lives. They profit by selling it to a public thirsty for more drama.
The real scary part of these latest reality TV shows is that there is a growing lust for more and more drama while nobody really learns anything from them other than to speak, think and act in an immature fashion despite their age or lot in life. This does have an impact on our society and our kids. It has an impact on Christians and non-Christians alike. Quietly, many of us want to be just like them.
In the Bible, the book of Proverbs speaks often about wisdom. Wisdom, quite frankly, is the opposite of drama. If we all made choices to live in a Christ-like manner in every life decision we made . . . in every word we spoke . . . in every thought we have . . . many of us could avoid and would choose to avoid the drama we develop in our own lives and, quite frankly, would turn away from the TV filled reality shows that distort the way we should interact with one another.
Proverbs 3:29-32 states “Do not plan to do something wrong to your neighbor while he is sitting with you and suspecting nothing. Do not quarrel with a person for no reason if he has not harmed you. Do not envy a violent person. Do not choose any of his ways. The devious person is disgusting to the Lord. The Lord’s intimate advice is with decent people.”
After reading that, I was convicted in my own heart about my own desire to watch many of the shows. If you find that you gain pleasure watching these shows or that you favor a particular character because of how they behave, take a moment and read . . . study if you will, Proverbs Chapters 1 -4 which talk about wisdom. God’s Wisdom is ours for the asking.
BTW, if you really want to take a bite out of most reality shows . . . go and read Proverbs chapter 5 on adultery . . . or chapter 6 which talks about avoiding disaster by the way you think and act . . . or chapter 7, which is even more advice on avoiding adultery . . . I’m just saying. It is time we start to look at the world around us and how we choose to interact with it.
-Pastor Chris Blackburn
Unfortunately, the drama on these shows never really resolves itself. Nobody seems to really learn anything . . . nobody seems to have a real change of heart . . . and their lives never really have any significant change. Although it may seem that they have a personal “Ah Ha!!” moment at the end of each episode, the drama finds a new script, new characters and new plots each week. In reality, nothing really changes. Quite frankly, they are addicted to the drama of their lives. They profit by selling it to a public thirsty for more drama.
The real scary part of these latest reality TV shows is that there is a growing lust for more and more drama while nobody really learns anything from them other than to speak, think and act in an immature fashion despite their age or lot in life. This does have an impact on our society and our kids. It has an impact on Christians and non-Christians alike. Quietly, many of us want to be just like them.
In the Bible, the book of Proverbs speaks often about wisdom. Wisdom, quite frankly, is the opposite of drama. If we all made choices to live in a Christ-like manner in every life decision we made . . . in every word we spoke . . . in every thought we have . . . many of us could avoid and would choose to avoid the drama we develop in our own lives and, quite frankly, would turn away from the TV filled reality shows that distort the way we should interact with one another.
Proverbs 3:29-32 states “Do not plan to do something wrong to your neighbor while he is sitting with you and suspecting nothing. Do not quarrel with a person for no reason if he has not harmed you. Do not envy a violent person. Do not choose any of his ways. The devious person is disgusting to the Lord. The Lord’s intimate advice is with decent people.”
After reading that, I was convicted in my own heart about my own desire to watch many of the shows. If you find that you gain pleasure watching these shows or that you favor a particular character because of how they behave, take a moment and read . . . study if you will, Proverbs Chapters 1 -4 which talk about wisdom. God’s Wisdom is ours for the asking.
BTW, if you really want to take a bite out of most reality shows . . . go and read Proverbs chapter 5 on adultery . . . or chapter 6 which talks about avoiding disaster by the way you think and act . . . or chapter 7, which is even more advice on avoiding adultery . . . I’m just saying. It is time we start to look at the world around us and how we choose to interact with it.
-Pastor Chris Blackburn
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Are you sure you are on the right path? Need guidance?
Recently, I was looking at my daughter who entered her teenage years this past year and it made me think back on my own middle school years. It was a time of trying to figure out who you are and where you are going. No longer at the age that your parents are continually holding your hand, telling you what to wear and wiping your nose. It is a time of emotional ups and downs. Friends are changing; decisions that have to be made are becoming more difficult.
It was this time in my life where I started to search. If there is a God what does he want of me and what does he expect of me? Is he just someone I read about or does he truly know me? During this search I was blessed to get saved, got involved in a spiritually active church that helped me grow in Christ. I started to since that there was even more for me. God had a plan. Not only a plan but he sent his Spirit to help me! Let’s look at some scripture and see what it says about the Holy Spirit:
Who gives us the Spirit and who can receive it?
Luke 11:13 (NIV)If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
Acts 2:38 (NIV) Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Why do I need the Spirit?
John 14:26 (NIV)But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
John 16:13 (NIV) But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.
2 Corinthians 3:6 (NIV) He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
Galatians 5:22-24 (NIV) 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control.
God gives us some instructions.
1 John 4:1 (NIV) Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
Through life’s ups and downs, as an adult or child we must know that our heavenly Father has sent us something to help us along the way and that is His Holy Spirit. I praise God for His Spirit that has been a counselor, life giver, truth teller, and has given me love, joy, peace, patients, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Even though sometimes we stumble these gifts are always waiting for me.
- Carolyn Hanneman
It was this time in my life where I started to search. If there is a God what does he want of me and what does he expect of me? Is he just someone I read about or does he truly know me? During this search I was blessed to get saved, got involved in a spiritually active church that helped me grow in Christ. I started to since that there was even more for me. God had a plan. Not only a plan but he sent his Spirit to help me! Let’s look at some scripture and see what it says about the Holy Spirit:
Who gives us the Spirit and who can receive it?
Luke 11:13 (NIV)If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
Acts 2:38 (NIV) Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Why do I need the Spirit?
John 14:26 (NIV)But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
John 16:13 (NIV) But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.
2 Corinthians 3:6 (NIV) He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
Galatians 5:22-24 (NIV) 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control.
God gives us some instructions.
1 John 4:1 (NIV) Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
Through life’s ups and downs, as an adult or child we must know that our heavenly Father has sent us something to help us along the way and that is His Holy Spirit. I praise God for His Spirit that has been a counselor, life giver, truth teller, and has given me love, joy, peace, patients, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Even though sometimes we stumble these gifts are always waiting for me.
- Carolyn Hanneman
Friday, April 9, 2010
The Christian and Government
As a publically-educated, American-born citizen, I have, for as long as I can remember, believed in the power of representative government: the power of the people. Over the course of 2009, and the many political changes that came with it, that belief has been shaken. The hope is still there, that it is and can be, a long-lasting form of government that gives enormous freedoms to this nation’s people, but my trust in representative government has taken a serious hit.
The Apostle Paul, as I’m sure you know, lived under Roman rule: a government that stood decidedly against Christianity in Paul’s time, and yet he writes the following in the first 2 verses of Romans 13:
"Everyone must submit to the governing authorites, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are instituted by God. So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God's command, and those who oppose it will bring judgement on themselves."
My rebellious American spirit says, “No way! Throw out the evil rulers by whatever means necessary. Remove the oppressors!” But is that the plan of God for the believer? If we look at the nation of Israel throughout the Old Testament, we see a repeated pattern: God’s people recognize their need of the One True God and follow Him intensely for a time and then gradually their dedication to Him and to His plan weakens as they are distracted by the world around them and the many idols that it offers. Over and over, this leads to a time when God allows their nation to be attacked by heathen nations often resulting in many years of captivity and slavery for God’s people. The pattern continues with God’s people, crying out to Him in repentance and begging for deliverance. God raises up a leader, delivers His people, and calls them back into close fellowship with Him. They vow to let God be their King once again.
My favorite of these stories are those that include an evil ruler who is shocked into acknowledging the One True God. King Artaxerxes gives Nehemiah and the numerous other captives permission to rebuild the city of Jerusalem and all the supplies needed to do so (Nehemiah 2ff). King Nebuchadnezzer made a decree that anyone who spoke against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego should be cut in pieces and their houses destroyed (Dan. 3:29). King Darius made a decree that all men must tremble and fear before the living and enduring God of Daniel who is a Savior and Deliverer (Dan. 6:26). And there are many others.
Jeremiah spoke the Word of the Lord to Israel when they were in captivity in Babylon: “Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf; for in its welfare you will have welfare.” (Jeremiah 29:7). My personal resolve in regard to this subject is to replace all my complaining and griping about our current government with prayer to our great God for those who are in authority. My prayer for them and for our nation is that our leaders will be shocked into acknowledging the one true God and that believers will cry out to the Lord in repentance and with an unwavering desire to serve the Lord whole-heartedly.
- Jenny Greene
The Apostle Paul, as I’m sure you know, lived under Roman rule: a government that stood decidedly against Christianity in Paul’s time, and yet he writes the following in the first 2 verses of Romans 13:
"Everyone must submit to the governing authorites, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are instituted by God. So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God's command, and those who oppose it will bring judgement on themselves."
My rebellious American spirit says, “No way! Throw out the evil rulers by whatever means necessary. Remove the oppressors!” But is that the plan of God for the believer? If we look at the nation of Israel throughout the Old Testament, we see a repeated pattern: God’s people recognize their need of the One True God and follow Him intensely for a time and then gradually their dedication to Him and to His plan weakens as they are distracted by the world around them and the many idols that it offers. Over and over, this leads to a time when God allows their nation to be attacked by heathen nations often resulting in many years of captivity and slavery for God’s people. The pattern continues with God’s people, crying out to Him in repentance and begging for deliverance. God raises up a leader, delivers His people, and calls them back into close fellowship with Him. They vow to let God be their King once again.
My favorite of these stories are those that include an evil ruler who is shocked into acknowledging the One True God. King Artaxerxes gives Nehemiah and the numerous other captives permission to rebuild the city of Jerusalem and all the supplies needed to do so (Nehemiah 2ff). King Nebuchadnezzer made a decree that anyone who spoke against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego should be cut in pieces and their houses destroyed (Dan. 3:29). King Darius made a decree that all men must tremble and fear before the living and enduring God of Daniel who is a Savior and Deliverer (Dan. 6:26). And there are many others.
Jeremiah spoke the Word of the Lord to Israel when they were in captivity in Babylon: “Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf; for in its welfare you will have welfare.” (Jeremiah 29:7). My personal resolve in regard to this subject is to replace all my complaining and griping about our current government with prayer to our great God for those who are in authority. My prayer for them and for our nation is that our leaders will be shocked into acknowledging the one true God and that believers will cry out to the Lord in repentance and with an unwavering desire to serve the Lord whole-heartedly.
- Jenny Greene
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Two for One
Our family decided it was time to invest in a good companion dog. Tim has always wanted a Newfoundland. He won me over to their gentle, loving, maternal nature despite their size, loads of thick hair, and endless drool. For months I prayed and scoured all known breeders and dog rescue resources. At last we found “Mollie,” the perfect dog at the perfect price. We signed an agreement stating that she would be kept indoors and if for any reason at anytime we could no longer keep her, she would be returned to the breeder. Images of grandeur raced through my mind. I imagined the girls playing in the sprinklers, their giant black dog tagging along. I anticipated relaxing sessions of stroking her beautiful shiny coat. I thanked God for pairing us with our perfect pet. He had answered my prayer.
With time we became aware of how influential her past was on her present. Mollie was rescued by the breeder when she was two. Her owner abandoned her leaving her tied to a tree. She was dirty and malnourished. The breeder cleaned her up, gave her proper care and provision. She turned out to be a beautiful dog and passed all AKC certification. She produced 3 litters in three years before retirement. During that time she received excellent care, a customized diet, and medical treatment. She was able to run outside with the other “big dogs.”
Here is the two for one. One- God answers prayers..it may not always be the way we want Him to. Mollie was never lead on a leash or kept inside of a house. She really is a good natured dog. She is however a product of her upbringing. Two- We are also the ultimate result of our upbringing. We were born with a sinful nature. Some of us are “good natured” or “well mannered.” It may be that we were taught and trained in a positive way. Others were left abandoned with no real example to follow. I am always inspired by those who are willing to surrender what they have been influenced by and give following Christ a chance.
We have certainly had our challenges with Mollie. More than once we questioned whether keeping her is worth the sacrifice. How loving our God is to accept us with our flaws and stench of past mistakes. Just as the breeder took Mollie in and met her every need, God searches us and reveals the broken and missing pieces. He tenderly binds our heart wounds and shows us there can be a better way of living.
Mollie gets into a lot of trouble. She will sniff out the tiniest fragment of a candy wrapper in the trash and empty the can to sneak a lick. Her sheer size and clumsiness knocks things over and spills anything within her path. She steels stuffed animals from the girls and creates poly-fill blizzards. But, we love her. We promised to care for her and meet her needs until her death. We must provide the kind of training and instruction she needs to be tolerable and house broken.
I try to remember how patient God is with me when I make a mess of things. Even as Christians we can really tear some things up, spill out some bad emotions, dig up something we buried a long time ago, and sometimes knock down our brothers and sisters in Christ. If we will allow him, God will work on us and in us. He will give us the training and care we need to be “Kingdom ready.”
We recently enrolled Mollie in a dog obedience course. The first obstacles we must overcome are her past and insecurity. She must learn that she can trust us. With time we can trust her more as well. Mollie the Newfy, and we as Christians will grow as we surrender our past and trust the one who cares for us most.
-Lora Ratcliff
With time we became aware of how influential her past was on her present. Mollie was rescued by the breeder when she was two. Her owner abandoned her leaving her tied to a tree. She was dirty and malnourished. The breeder cleaned her up, gave her proper care and provision. She turned out to be a beautiful dog and passed all AKC certification. She produced 3 litters in three years before retirement. During that time she received excellent care, a customized diet, and medical treatment. She was able to run outside with the other “big dogs.”
Here is the two for one. One- God answers prayers..it may not always be the way we want Him to. Mollie was never lead on a leash or kept inside of a house. She really is a good natured dog. She is however a product of her upbringing. Two- We are also the ultimate result of our upbringing. We were born with a sinful nature. Some of us are “good natured” or “well mannered.” It may be that we were taught and trained in a positive way. Others were left abandoned with no real example to follow. I am always inspired by those who are willing to surrender what they have been influenced by and give following Christ a chance.
We have certainly had our challenges with Mollie. More than once we questioned whether keeping her is worth the sacrifice. How loving our God is to accept us with our flaws and stench of past mistakes. Just as the breeder took Mollie in and met her every need, God searches us and reveals the broken and missing pieces. He tenderly binds our heart wounds and shows us there can be a better way of living.
Mollie gets into a lot of trouble. She will sniff out the tiniest fragment of a candy wrapper in the trash and empty the can to sneak a lick. Her sheer size and clumsiness knocks things over and spills anything within her path. She steels stuffed animals from the girls and creates poly-fill blizzards. But, we love her. We promised to care for her and meet her needs until her death. We must provide the kind of training and instruction she needs to be tolerable and house broken.
I try to remember how patient God is with me when I make a mess of things. Even as Christians we can really tear some things up, spill out some bad emotions, dig up something we buried a long time ago, and sometimes knock down our brothers and sisters in Christ. If we will allow him, God will work on us and in us. He will give us the training and care we need to be “Kingdom ready.”
We recently enrolled Mollie in a dog obedience course. The first obstacles we must overcome are her past and insecurity. She must learn that she can trust us. With time we can trust her more as well. Mollie the Newfy, and we as Christians will grow as we surrender our past and trust the one who cares for us most.
-Lora Ratcliff
Monday, March 29, 2010
Touching Heaven...
It really goes without saying that working with children in any way, shape or form poses many different challenges. You want adventure? Don’t bother joining the Army. They’ll ship you overseas, make you wear green and make you eat awful food. (No offense to our military intended! It’s a noble and necessary calling, really!) But if you want adventure right here in your own back yard, help a kid. It is indeed a challenge and an adventure, but it’s worth every minute. Parents know this; parents who care, that is. Teachers know this; teachers worth their weight in post-it notes, that is. Daycare workers know this; daycare workers who have a passion for helping kids and seeing to their well-being, that is.
Approached in the correct way, with the proper attitude, these challenges can really result in some very rewarding experiences, most importantly for the child, but also for the parent, teacher and daycare worker. Seeing a kid’s face light up when you tell them they have the potential for great things is just one of those rewards. Watching a kid beam with joy when you tell them you’re going to call their parent, not because they’re in trouble but because you just want to brag on them is another. Having a kid smile to themselves when they know they’ve answered a question correctly just adds to the long list of rewards you get when you work with kids.
Perhaps the biggest reward in working with kids comes when you realize that you are doing what the words to a popular song say: “Touching heaven, changing earth.” Jesus told his disciples to “suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not, for such is the kingdom of heaven.” He also told his followers that unless they became as little children they could not enter the kingdom of heaven. Kids of any age, even the ones who are indeed impossible to deal with or seemingly even reach are pieces of heaven. When you make a difference in the life of a child we touch heaven and change earth, even if it’s just for them, because then that child, hopefully and prayerfully, goes out and changes his earth.
Go touch heaven today. The piece of earth changed just may be yours!
-Ben Hanneman
Approached in the correct way, with the proper attitude, these challenges can really result in some very rewarding experiences, most importantly for the child, but also for the parent, teacher and daycare worker. Seeing a kid’s face light up when you tell them they have the potential for great things is just one of those rewards. Watching a kid beam with joy when you tell them you’re going to call their parent, not because they’re in trouble but because you just want to brag on them is another. Having a kid smile to themselves when they know they’ve answered a question correctly just adds to the long list of rewards you get when you work with kids.
Perhaps the biggest reward in working with kids comes when you realize that you are doing what the words to a popular song say: “Touching heaven, changing earth.” Jesus told his disciples to “suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not, for such is the kingdom of heaven.” He also told his followers that unless they became as little children they could not enter the kingdom of heaven. Kids of any age, even the ones who are indeed impossible to deal with or seemingly even reach are pieces of heaven. When you make a difference in the life of a child we touch heaven and change earth, even if it’s just for them, because then that child, hopefully and prayerfully, goes out and changes his earth.
Go touch heaven today. The piece of earth changed just may be yours!
-Ben Hanneman
Thursday, March 25, 2010
The Jesus Storybook Bible
Have you been looking for a great children’s Bible for that special kid in your life? It would make the perfect Easter gift to keep the focus on Jesus. I know what you’re thinking: “She must be working on commission.” No, I’m not. I just happen to love reading this Bible myself (my kids love it too) and want to share it with you. This wonderful Bible is "The Jesus Storybook Bible" written by Sally Lloyd-Jones and illustrated by Jago. It contains 21 stories from the Old Testament and 23 stories from the New Testament. These stories are not written with verses, but every story points us to Jesus. In a gentle, yet passionate way, Sally Lloyd-Jones tells how mankind could never be good enough or wise enough or work hard enough to save itself. Each story shows the condition of the heart, the need for a savior, and God’s promise to rescue us through Jesus. Here is an excerpt from the first story in this exciting Bible.
“No, the Bible isn’t a book of rules, or a book of heroes. The Bible is most of all a Story. It’s an adventure story about a young Hero who comes from a far country to win back his lost treasure. It’s a love story about a brave Prince who leaves his palace, his throne - everything - to rescue the one he loves. It’s like the most wonderful of fairy tales that has come true in real life!” (page 17)
Jago uses brilliant illustrations to help tell these incredible stories. I appreciate his use color, texture, and emotion. I also like his representation of various cultures and ethnicities. If I could draw, I’d try to give you a taste of the beautiful illustrations by Jago. But, I cannot. You will have to pick up a copy for yourself to see his amazing artwork.
Check it out here: www.jesusstorybookbible.com
- Anna Spraker
“No, the Bible isn’t a book of rules, or a book of heroes. The Bible is most of all a Story. It’s an adventure story about a young Hero who comes from a far country to win back his lost treasure. It’s a love story about a brave Prince who leaves his palace, his throne - everything - to rescue the one he loves. It’s like the most wonderful of fairy tales that has come true in real life!” (page 17)
Jago uses brilliant illustrations to help tell these incredible stories. I appreciate his use color, texture, and emotion. I also like his representation of various cultures and ethnicities. If I could draw, I’d try to give you a taste of the beautiful illustrations by Jago. But, I cannot. You will have to pick up a copy for yourself to see his amazing artwork.
Check it out here: www.jesusstorybookbible.com
- Anna Spraker
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Heart, soul, body
I would like to share an illustration I once heard, and use myself sometimes when I preach.
Here is a story of a boy and a girl. The boy had a bag of marbles, the little girl a bag of candy.
In the course of a conversation it was decided that the boy would trade all the marbles for the girl’s entire bag of candy. The two made an agreement that they would each bring their respective objects of trade the following day. The boy went home thinking of all the wonderful candy he would be eating, of all the blessings and goodness, if you will (sugar is not substance, I know, but work with me, it is perhaps what we really receive when the intent of our heart is as this young boy’s and we deceive ourselves). At one point in the evening he went to look at his bag of marbles, remembering where he had gotten each one. He picked out the biggest, prettiest marble, keeping it for himself. The following morning he gave the bag of marbles in trade for the bag of candy as agreed upon (minus his favorite marble). That night he lay in bed thinking about the little girl, and a single thought crossed his mind. This thought began to bother him as he lay there, keeping him up, tormenting him, really. Had the little girl really given him all the candy?
It is this way with some of us. I think we sometimes go to bed at night wondering if God has really given us His all. It should cause us to examine. Am I expecting God’s best without a thought as to whether I have indeed given Him my best? He deserves my best. I deserved death. Have I truly given myself heart, body, and soul to Him and His plan for my life? Is that apparent in my daily life?
He is worthy of a life of worship.
- Chris Farmer
Here is a story of a boy and a girl. The boy had a bag of marbles, the little girl a bag of candy.
In the course of a conversation it was decided that the boy would trade all the marbles for the girl’s entire bag of candy. The two made an agreement that they would each bring their respective objects of trade the following day. The boy went home thinking of all the wonderful candy he would be eating, of all the blessings and goodness, if you will (sugar is not substance, I know, but work with me, it is perhaps what we really receive when the intent of our heart is as this young boy’s and we deceive ourselves). At one point in the evening he went to look at his bag of marbles, remembering where he had gotten each one. He picked out the biggest, prettiest marble, keeping it for himself. The following morning he gave the bag of marbles in trade for the bag of candy as agreed upon (minus his favorite marble). That night he lay in bed thinking about the little girl, and a single thought crossed his mind. This thought began to bother him as he lay there, keeping him up, tormenting him, really. Had the little girl really given him all the candy?
It is this way with some of us. I think we sometimes go to bed at night wondering if God has really given us His all. It should cause us to examine. Am I expecting God’s best without a thought as to whether I have indeed given Him my best? He deserves my best. I deserved death. Have I truly given myself heart, body, and soul to Him and His plan for my life? Is that apparent in my daily life?
He is worthy of a life of worship.
- Chris Farmer
Monday, March 8, 2010
ANSWERING HIS PRAYER
As Easter draws nearer, I start thinking about Jesus as the Suffering Servant: what He went through and why. When I examine my life I can’t help but ask myself, “is Jesus getting what He deserves? Am I really the answer to His prayer?”
John 17:22-23 "The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me.”
When Jesus is praying these words He is hours away from being betrayed by Judas, arrested, mocked, beaten, and killed for a crime He didn’t commit. He knows all of this is coming and in the hours before it begins He is praying for … us, you, me. His thoughts are focused on making sure we will live for what He is about to die for.
The question is are we? We have been entrusted with the glorious Gospel of salvation. Is the reality of what Christ has done for us shining through our lives? Does the presence of the Lord rest upon us in such a way that others are drawn to Him? This is the prayer of my life. I want Jesus to receive everything He asks His Father for when I lay my life at His feet on the last
-John Spraker
John 17:22-23 "The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me.”
When Jesus is praying these words He is hours away from being betrayed by Judas, arrested, mocked, beaten, and killed for a crime He didn’t commit. He knows all of this is coming and in the hours before it begins He is praying for … us, you, me. His thoughts are focused on making sure we will live for what He is about to die for.
The question is are we? We have been entrusted with the glorious Gospel of salvation. Is the reality of what Christ has done for us shining through our lives? Does the presence of the Lord rest upon us in such a way that others are drawn to Him? This is the prayer of my life. I want Jesus to receive everything He asks His Father for when I lay my life at His feet on the last
-John Spraker
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
What Would You Ask For?
Last Sunday in Children’s Church, I asked our kids a question. “If God were to come to you right now and say that he would give you any one thing your heart desired, what would it be?” Of course, there were the safe answers such as God’s heart, eternal life and to go right on to heaven now. Some of the adults in the room stated they would like to have all the money in the world or to have all the financial debts removed. There were some other, more selfish answers such as a Lamborghini car, all the puppies in the world, a horse and the ability to have superpowers. After making a list of all the answers, I spent some time talking about the condition of our heart. You see, we can tell the condition of our heart when we find out what we are most focused on in life. The Bible clearly states that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. When given a quick opportunity to answer the question, the kids and adults in the room blurted out those things that were the most pressing in their hearts. It is not that any of these items are bad things to ask for, but we must ask ourselves . . . would God be pleased with our choice.
In I Kings, there is the story of Solomon. God appeared in a dream to Solomon one night and told him He would grant Solomon any one thing his heart desired. After giving it some thought, Solomon asked for wisdom. I Kings 3:4-15 is where the story begins. In verse 6 Solomon responded “You’ve shown great love to my father David, who was your servant. He lived in your presence with truth, righteousness, and commitment. And you continued to show him your great love by giving him a son to sit on his throne today. Lord, my God, although I’m young and inexperienced, you’ve made me king in place of my father David. I’m among your people whom you have chosen. They are too numerous to count or record. Give me a heart that listens so that I can judge your people and tell the difference between good and evil. After all, who can judge this great people of yours?”
Verse 10 says all we need to know about Solomon’s choice . . . “The Lord was pleased that Solomon asked for this. God replied “You’ve asked for this and not for a long life or riches for yourself, or the death of your enemies. Instead, you have asked for understanding so that you can do what is right.” We can see from later scripture that Solomon was blessed indeed with wisdom. So much so that men came from all over the world to learn from him. On top of that, the Lord blessed him with a long life and with riches beyond compare.
Interesting thought though . . . where are all of those riches now? There is no mention in any museum of the great throne made of pure gold that Solomon had (which no doubt would be worth in the millions or possibly billions). There was so much silver in Solomon’s kingdom that it literally had no value. All of his household items were made of gold. Anyone know where those things are now? No doubt, these things have been lost in time and may never be recovered.
So, what can we learn from this story? Maybe we should each examine our heart a little more closely and ask ourselves what is it that our heart desires? Are we asking God for material goods that would possibly make our lives better in our own eyes (say, a new car, a new house, a better job) or are we really asking God for those things that would make us better servants to others in His kingdom? Material goods will not last. The Bible says we should store up our treasures in heaven and not on this earth. Stop worrying about what you have or what you would like to have. Instead, let’s ask God to give us what we really need to be effective servants in His kingdom.
-Pastor Chris Blackburn
In I Kings, there is the story of Solomon. God appeared in a dream to Solomon one night and told him He would grant Solomon any one thing his heart desired. After giving it some thought, Solomon asked for wisdom. I Kings 3:4-15 is where the story begins. In verse 6 Solomon responded “You’ve shown great love to my father David, who was your servant. He lived in your presence with truth, righteousness, and commitment. And you continued to show him your great love by giving him a son to sit on his throne today. Lord, my God, although I’m young and inexperienced, you’ve made me king in place of my father David. I’m among your people whom you have chosen. They are too numerous to count or record. Give me a heart that listens so that I can judge your people and tell the difference between good and evil. After all, who can judge this great people of yours?”
Verse 10 says all we need to know about Solomon’s choice . . . “The Lord was pleased that Solomon asked for this. God replied “You’ve asked for this and not for a long life or riches for yourself, or the death of your enemies. Instead, you have asked for understanding so that you can do what is right.” We can see from later scripture that Solomon was blessed indeed with wisdom. So much so that men came from all over the world to learn from him. On top of that, the Lord blessed him with a long life and with riches beyond compare.
Interesting thought though . . . where are all of those riches now? There is no mention in any museum of the great throne made of pure gold that Solomon had (which no doubt would be worth in the millions or possibly billions). There was so much silver in Solomon’s kingdom that it literally had no value. All of his household items were made of gold. Anyone know where those things are now? No doubt, these things have been lost in time and may never be recovered.
So, what can we learn from this story? Maybe we should each examine our heart a little more closely and ask ourselves what is it that our heart desires? Are we asking God for material goods that would possibly make our lives better in our own eyes (say, a new car, a new house, a better job) or are we really asking God for those things that would make us better servants to others in His kingdom? Material goods will not last. The Bible says we should store up our treasures in heaven and not on this earth. Stop worrying about what you have or what you would like to have. Instead, let’s ask God to give us what we really need to be effective servants in His kingdom.
-Pastor Chris Blackburn
Friday, February 26, 2010
God's Word, Our Destiny...
Part 1. “My Plan for You -- Your Heart’s Desire”....continued
In my last post, months ago, I commented that through knowing and obeying God’s Word, we will find the way to the abundant life that Jesus spoke of in John 10:10b, when He said, “I have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly.” The abundant life that Christ wants to give us is a life lived to its maximum. I want to “max out” my life here on earth. I want to fulfill my greatest potential and to have the greatest success in all aspects of life that is possible for me to have. I believe most of us really desire that kind of fulfilled life. But, I have to admit that I have often lived in mediocrity and have fallen short of my best, which is God’s best for me. Because of that, I am sure that I have missed out on blessings and accomplishments that God had planned for me. The following poem expresses these thoughts:
Beyond Myself
Beyond myself -- God's Word is true.
He teaches me my whole life through.
Though life brings trials, toils and snares,
Beyond myself, I cast my cares.
I say, "But human's all I am"
He says, "You're more than just a man."
I have excuses for my short comings.
He says, "With Me, you quit your slumming."
Mediocrity has been my ride.
"Just get by." has been my pride.
But Jesus said to come up higher.
My plan for you -- your heart's desire.
"But, Jesus, how can I do so?
I'm only human, that you know.
My weaknesses, my faults, my doubts!
Go figure, Lord, what I'm about!"
"Am I a man that I should lie?
My Word is Truth, so don't be shy.
I shed my blood that you could be
Beyond yourself and be set free!"
Connie Wohlford, June 22, 2000
I repent of not living my life to it’s fullest -- which, by the way, is to live God’s plan for me and not my own puny plan or even someone else’s plan for me. Speaking of which, that “someone else” includes Satan. He has a plan for me and for you as well, and it’s not good and it’s not abundant. His plan is for my destruction and for me to adversely affect all I can on my way down. And you can be certain that he has that same plan for you! But God...! (To be continued)
-Connie Wohlford
Monday, February 22, 2010
Praise report from Crossroads Ministry!
It is always exciting when God opens doors for new ministry opportunities and last Friday we were able to experience that once again at Crossroads Ministry. Last week Charles Poff, superintendent of the Western Regional Jail in Salem gave the go ahead to officially hire us on as one of two chaplains within the facility. This will open doors to potentially minister to the more then 650 male and female inmates, as well as providing some necessary financial support for the ministry. It just further reinforces within me the heart of God for the population we minister to and of His faithful support toward those who trust Him.
(Php 4:19) But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
- Pastor Ted Farmer
Director, Crossroads Ministry
(Php 4:19) But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
- Pastor Ted Farmer
Director, Crossroads Ministry
Monday, February 8, 2010
Being Content...
A few days ago, I passed a billboard at a church near West Virginia that had posted “For The Person Who Is Praying For Snow, PLEASE STOP, God Has Heard You!”. I think this sign is funny, but it does reveal a little about each of us during this very difficult stretch of winter weather.
I think most of us have had our fill of snow this winter. We are all a little tired of shoveling snow and having to stay indoors being restricted to our homes because the roads are not safe to travel, especially in the evening hours. Parents are getting more impatient with each day as schools continue to announce that they are closed. We are bothered by long lines at the grocery store to buy milk, juice and bread . . . and are even more disturbed to find they have run out of these essential items. Snow shovels break, and then we discover the local hardware stores no longer have snow shovels in stock. As the frustration of winter and the severe weather continues to build, we even suffer from cabin fever. If you are like me, you are longing for spring days with sunny skies, moderate temperatures and a renewed spirit that usually comes with that season of the year.
However, we should examine ourselves during these kinds of trials. To some, this kind of weather may not seem like such an ordeal, but to others, it is the worst time of year. Are we struggling to be happy in these dreariest of days? Or, are we “content”? Paul wrote a letter to the people of Philippi giving them the secret to being content regardless of their circumstances. It is in this scripture that we can examine our own hearts and emotions during these hard winter months.
Philippians 4:11-13 says “I’m not saying this because I’m in any need. I’ve learned to be content in whatever situation I’m in. I know how to live in poverty or prosperity. No matter what the situation, I’ve learned the secret of how to live when I’m full or when I’m hungry, when I have too much or when I have too little. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
So, despite all of the limitations that 18-36” of snow can bring and the problems that come with all of the recent bad weather, ask yourself this question . . . am I content? If not, stop looking at the weather forecast for good news. Instead, open up The Word of God and read what He has done for you and what He promises to do for you! Pray and ask God to speak to your heart. Pray for those who are in need. If nothing else, look for ways to be an encouragement to others by giving them a quick call, write a letter or even offer to help shovel a driveway.
In the meantime, if YOU are the one praying for all of this snow . . . you can stop, He HAS HEARD YOU!!
In Him,
Pastor Chris Blackburn
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
REMEMBERING MRS. JEAN RATCLIFFE
As most of you are probably aware, Mrs. Jean Ratcliffe went home to be with her Beloved Savior last Sunday. I read a statement recently that said, “No one can argue with a changed life.” When it comes to following God, no one can argue with the fruit that Jean’s life produced. She was a person of passionate prayer, worship, and study of the Word. I never observed an ounce of regret, bitterness, or pride in her life. She lived out the message of the Gospel as well as anyone I have ever known. Her integrity was spotless, her compassion genuine, her relationship with Jesus contagious. When she arrived on that other shore last Sunday, a resounding shout of joy was the first thing she heard; a cry of love that conveyed the passionate love of our Bridegroom King singing over His beloved child. As she opened her eyes, free from the pain and limitations of this life, the Savior gently took her hand in His and said, “Welcome home.”
The purpose of this blog is to encourage others to live a life of faithful obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ. Let the life and memory of Jean Ratcliffe be a living epistle that propels you into an intimate relationship with Jesus.
-John Spraker
The purpose of this blog is to encourage others to live a life of faithful obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ. Let the life and memory of Jean Ratcliffe be a living epistle that propels you into an intimate relationship with Jesus.
-John Spraker
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Homegoing of one of our Saints
The RWC family deeply mourns the passing of one of our most beloved spiritual warriors. Sister Jean Ratcliffe went home to be with her Savior this afternoon. Our heart felt prayers go out to James and her family during this time.
Friday, January 22, 2010
What will I do when life is a roller coaster?
When life seems to be a roller coaster and I feel like things are just not going the way I think they should, one story I usually look to is found in Genesis 37-50. A common story told to children of all ages. A story about a man named Joseph how he was sold into slavery by his own brothers, thrown into prison for something he did not do and later became ruler over Egypt. In this we see a man who could have easily believed that his God had forsaken him. Through every trial Joseph continues to find favor even in the most unfortunate places.
Are you on a roller coaster? How are you reacting to God? Praising Him or questioning Him?
Lets take time today to praise God for his work in us:
Exodus 15:2 The LORD is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation.
He is my God, and I will praise him,
my father's God, and I will exalt him.
Deuteronomy 8:10 When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you
Psalm 100:1-5
1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
2 Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations
Amen!
- Carolyn Hanneman
Are you on a roller coaster? How are you reacting to God? Praising Him or questioning Him?
Lets take time today to praise God for his work in us:
Exodus 15:2 The LORD is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation.
He is my God, and I will praise him,
my father's God, and I will exalt him.
Deuteronomy 8:10 When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you
Psalm 100:1-5
1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
2 Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations
Amen!
- Carolyn Hanneman
Thursday, January 14, 2010
God’s Provision
Throughout December, I talked with my two-year-old son about the Christmas story. We covered many topics related to the events surrounding the birth of Christ including God’s provision: Jesus needed a mommy and daddy on earth, so God gave Him Mary and Joseph. The Shepherds needed a Savior, so God sent angels to tell them that Jesus had been born and where to find Him. The Wise Men needed a King so God sent a star to show them the way to Jesus. Mary and Joseph needed a place for Jesus to be born and God gave them a barn. Did you catch that last part? Somehow it just doesn’t seem to fit with the rest. God certainly could have given them a palace or a mansion or at least their own humble home for the birth of Christ, but He didn’t. And yet the truth remains, that He did provide for them and the baby Jesus grew up healthy and whole despite the unsanitary conditions in which he was born.
What do we, as American Christians, expect when we ask God to provide for us. Are we asking for angels, a star, a barn, or something in between? Would we be satisfied with the barn? The American culture has many Biblical ideals we can be thankful for (freedom, generosity, the goal of equality for everyone, etc.), but there are of course many weaknesses as well. Over-indulgence, self-absorption, and greed are the relevant flaws for this particular discussion. Have we even considered breaking free from our culture as far as our standard of living goes? During the Christmas season, I heard so many people say things like, “Well, we probably spent too much, but…”; “Well, I splurged a little, but…”; “Well, I decided to buy something for myself after all that shopping…”; “I ate way too much, but it was just so good.” Our first thought when a problem arises is often, “What can I buy to fix this or make it easier?” How many times have we thought to ourselves, if it just had________, then I would feel good about ________.” (You fill in the blanks.) Why do we expect so much when most of the world has so little? How often do we just rest in the knowledge that God has provided for us richly and that He will always give us what we need?
Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].” Any of us who grew up in the midst of American culture have probably been conformed to it without even trying, but we can break free so that our attitudes and expectations, wants and desires become that which is God’s perfect will for us rather than simply a reflection of the world around us. Together let’s renew our minds through the study of God’s Word and change our ideals so that we can be more like our Savior and Master, the Lord Jesus Christ.
-Jenny Greene
What do we, as American Christians, expect when we ask God to provide for us. Are we asking for angels, a star, a barn, or something in between? Would we be satisfied with the barn? The American culture has many Biblical ideals we can be thankful for (freedom, generosity, the goal of equality for everyone, etc.), but there are of course many weaknesses as well. Over-indulgence, self-absorption, and greed are the relevant flaws for this particular discussion. Have we even considered breaking free from our culture as far as our standard of living goes? During the Christmas season, I heard so many people say things like, “Well, we probably spent too much, but…”; “Well, I splurged a little, but…”; “Well, I decided to buy something for myself after all that shopping…”; “I ate way too much, but it was just so good.” Our first thought when a problem arises is often, “What can I buy to fix this or make it easier?” How many times have we thought to ourselves, if it just had________, then I would feel good about ________.” (You fill in the blanks.) Why do we expect so much when most of the world has so little? How often do we just rest in the knowledge that God has provided for us richly and that He will always give us what we need?
Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].” Any of us who grew up in the midst of American culture have probably been conformed to it without even trying, but we can break free so that our attitudes and expectations, wants and desires become that which is God’s perfect will for us rather than simply a reflection of the world around us. Together let’s renew our minds through the study of God’s Word and change our ideals so that we can be more like our Savior and Master, the Lord Jesus Christ.
-Jenny Greene
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
The gifts and the Gift Giver...
I am writing this blog entry wearing earplugs and shooting muffs. With the computer in the most traveled room in the house, it is hard to concentrate. The longer I tried to think of a grand theological thesis to make you say, “Man Tim is really able to hear God,” the harder it was to shut out all the goings on of the house. Yes, I was coming along with a great message on “responding to problems not reacting to them.” But the harder I tried to expand upon the topic the more difficult it became. Even now in one room a lonely keyboard is playing “Another day in Paradise”on a continues loop, in another room one girl is playing “run around the room like a crazy person” and the other is drying her hair. The only thing that would make it complete is if Mollie (our newfoundland dog) was nudging my arm wanting attention. Life has a way of bringing focus to our feeble minds. We strive so hard to express the greatness of God that we miss out on the little things that make it all real. Sometimes I put so much into making every word correct in one of these blogs that I make myself crazy. Maybe I need to run around the room a little?
We minister in a body of believers with many talents. Some you can see and others that only come out when no one is looking. Each gift is given so that we can minister to God and the body. From time to time we fall into the trap of seeking to please the body more than God. Whether it is purposeful or not. We all want to know that what we are doing is being appreciated. That we are making a difference, changing lives, or the way people think. Understand that if you are able to function in the gifting that God has given you, there is no need to strive to please any other man. The reality is that our actions have little to do with the gift and a lot to do with the giver of the gift.
Well the house is quiet now, yet I am still wearing the plugs and muffs. I guess it wasn't the noise and commotion that was causing my lack of concentration. Maybe I just needed to quiet my head a little. P.S. I was the one who turned off the keyboard.
- Tim Ratcliff
We minister in a body of believers with many talents. Some you can see and others that only come out when no one is looking. Each gift is given so that we can minister to God and the body. From time to time we fall into the trap of seeking to please the body more than God. Whether it is purposeful or not. We all want to know that what we are doing is being appreciated. That we are making a difference, changing lives, or the way people think. Understand that if you are able to function in the gifting that God has given you, there is no need to strive to please any other man. The reality is that our actions have little to do with the gift and a lot to do with the giver of the gift.
Well the house is quiet now, yet I am still wearing the plugs and muffs. I guess it wasn't the noise and commotion that was causing my lack of concentration. Maybe I just needed to quiet my head a little. P.S. I was the one who turned off the keyboard.
- Tim Ratcliff
Monday, January 4, 2010
Keeping our Resolutions...
Happy New Year! Have you made a New Year’s resolution? Many people have. Yet most of them will not fulfill the goal that they set during the first minutes of the new year because they are trying to succeed in their own strength. Human strength has its limits. We grow weary. We lower our standards. We give up. However, in Christ 2010 can be your best year yet. I pray that you will know more and more of Christ’s amazing love for you this year and that you will allow Him to lead you on the amazing journey of life. May the following verses be an encouragement to you.
“I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit--not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength--that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you'll be able to take in with all Christians the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God. God can do anything, you know--far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. “(Ephesians 3:16-20, The Message Bible)
-Anna Spraker
“I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit--not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength--that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you'll be able to take in with all Christians the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God. God can do anything, you know--far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. “(Ephesians 3:16-20, The Message Bible)
-Anna Spraker
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