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
Showing posts with label lifestyle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lifestyle. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
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
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 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
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
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
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
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Embrace The Race: 2010 New Year’s Resolution!
I have always enjoyed the week after Christmas. I love that the hustle and bustle of the Christmas holiday has come to a close and we can reflect on the year that has past and look ahead to the possibilities of the New Year. We think back on what might have been and on things that we want to change or improve upon when the New Year starts.
For many of us, we will make one or more New Year’s resolutions. For me, I have set new goals to lose weight and to get back into shape, to pay off debt and maybe a few others that I will simply keep to myself. The problem with making New Year’s resolutions is that we don’t really commit to them long term. We start off the year with a ton of enthusiasm, but as the year goes on we start to focus on our old routines, fall back into our comfortable habits or we have to deal with something completely unexpected. Let’s face it; New Year’s resolutions are hard to keep.
If you think about it, each year is a race. The race begins at exactly 12:00 midnight on January 1st, runs for 365 complete days and the finish line is at 11:59:59 on December 31st. A new race begins as an old race ends. We use that final week of the year to reflect on the past race and prepare for the next “race” coming up. This is a cycle that only ends when we leave this earth to be with God.
So, does the Bible say anything about New Year’s resolutions? Well, in a way, it does! Take out your Bible and read Hebrews 12:1-5.
Go ahead . . . I can wait.
Ok, I want to suggest we each consider a new type of resolution for 2010. How about we all commit to “Embrace The Race: 2010”. As you can see from the first verse, “we must get rid of the things that slow us down, especially sin that distracts us”. Instead of making time to reflect on the past, maybe it is time we each look in the mirror and see if our reflection is that of Jesus. If not, maybe we need to commit our lives to being more of a reflection of Jesus to the world around us and not focus on those things that really don’t matter in God’s bigger picture.
To be a reflection of Jesus, we do what verse 2 says “we must focus on Jesus, the source and goal of our faith.” Starting now, we should took a hard look at our lives and see what we are focusing on and ask the tough question, am I really focused on what Jesus wants me to be focused on. That may mean we need to make small changes as to where we spend our time or maybe it will mean we need to change to way we think and act. That is hard to swallow sometimes, but we are reassured that it is done in love. Read verses 4 and 5 again.
“You struggle against sin, but your struggles haven’t killed you. You have forgotten the encouraging words that God speaks to you as his children: My child, pay attention when the Lord disciplines you. Don’t give up when he corrects you. The Lord disciplines everyone he loves. He severely disciplines everyone he accepts as his child.”
Our life is a race. Not just the race of 365 days, but an entire lifetime. It is because of this scripture that I am rethinking the New Year’s resolution and making a lifetime resolution to embrace the race . . . . to be more focused on Jesus everyday. I want to reflect Jesus when somebody who does not know him looks at me. I will love those who maybe don’t deserve it . . . I will forgive those because my heavenly Father forgave me . . . I will live a life that is pleasing to Him.
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!
- Pastor Chris Blackburn
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Mercy, Faith, and Obedience
Scripture Reference: Matthew 1:18-25
As we enter into this Christmas week, many times we find ourselves conflicted. It’s easy to get lost in all of the trappings of secular Christmas. We become engrossed in family, fellowship, food, and shopping. We look forward to the “events”. It’s not that these things are bad nor am I saying that we should not enjoy these things. But for the believer we cannot lose sight as to what Christmas is about.
As we enter into this Christmas week, many times we find ourselves conflicted. It’s easy to get lost in all of the trappings of secular Christmas. We become engrossed in family, fellowship, food, and shopping. We look forward to the “events”. It’s not that these things are bad nor am I saying that we should not enjoy these things. But for the believer we cannot lose sight as to what Christmas is about.
For the believer it is about our Redeemer and Savior. This day is also about humanities future. Many people played an important role in one of the greatest events in Human History. The Angel of the Lord, the Virgin Mary, and wise men all played an important role in the birth of Christ. Yet Joseph, often forgotten, also played and important role.
We must never forget that much hinged on the conduct of Joseph.
Joseph finds himself in a very precarious position. The scriptures introduce Joseph in the middle of an un-welcomed nightmare. He was engaged to a young girl. He was in love and He was committed. He was working diligently to provide Mary with a home and means to support her. Then Mary reveals to Joseph that she is pregnant. Her explanation was impossible for anyone to believe.
Mary was facing a death sentence. They could take their pick on how to convict her. She could be stoned for adultery or stoned for blasphemy (saying that the pregnancy was Divine). Yet Joseph made a choice. He chose not to demand his justice. He chose to give mercy.
Proverbs 21:21 (GW) “Whoever pursues righteousness and mercy will find life, righteousness, and honor.”
We have all had a time in our life that we have needed mercy. Everyone reading this blog has sinned. All have made sinful decisions and have been exposed as human and imperfect. It is ironic that many people are prone in these times to cast stones. But it is in these times that mercy is needed.
I found over the years of ministry that people who have received great mercy from God are usually more freely to give it. Why? Probably empathy for the person exposed. Joseph chose the higher rode, he chose mercy. The result was pretty good. Mary was protected and the unborn child was protected.
Do you think that this merciful carpenter had an influence in raising such a merciful Savior?
Sunday, December 20, 2009
For such a time...
As many of you know, I am involved with a variety of ministries here at RWC, most having to do with young people. Because of this, I have had the opportunity to hear Pastors Chris, Tina, Mike, Ted, as well as Mr. John and Mr. Tim. I have learned from them and used from them for my lessons at Missionettes, ROCK Club, and Sunday mornings.
I would like to share one of the lessons I taught at the ROCK. We were studying the prayer of Jabez through a book I found called The Prayer of Jabez, Devotions for Kids, Living Big for God by Bruce Wilkinson.
Pastor Hal had been speaking on the end times and was getting almost wrapped up on Sundays. Someone at a social event commented that it was amazing, awesome, and an honor that God chose us to be here (this time, decade, century, era) for his plan to be fulfilled. Pastor Ted taught at Life Change.
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,”
says the Lord. “They are plans for good
and not for disaster, to give you a future
and a hope.”
These were words of encouragement to the people of Judah. They were slaves, prisoners in Babylon. God told them he had plans for success, a future of hope. Did I mention that they were slaves in a foreign country?! He told them to work hard for Babylon so it would be successful and then they would be better off.
How does that relate to us? God knows the plans he has for us. We are in the time, decade, century, era, that we are supposed to be. No sooner, no later.
1 Peter 1:20
God chose him (Jesus) for this purpose
long before the world began,
but now in these final days,
he was sent to the earth for all to see.
And he did this for you.
Even Jesus was planned. He had a time, decade, century, era that he was to come. He completed his job.
God has plans for success. He told us how it ends. We win!! We need to show up, follow the rules, play our best, and finish.
1 Peter 1:4-5
For God has reserved a priceless inheritance for you,
pure undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.
And God, in his mighty power,
will protect you until you receive this salvation,
because you are trusting him.
It will be revealed on the last day for all to see.
- Susie Hickman
I would like to share one of the lessons I taught at the ROCK. We were studying the prayer of Jabez through a book I found called The Prayer of Jabez, Devotions for Kids, Living Big for God by Bruce Wilkinson.
Pastor Hal had been speaking on the end times and was getting almost wrapped up on Sundays. Someone at a social event commented that it was amazing, awesome, and an honor that God chose us to be here (this time, decade, century, era) for his plan to be fulfilled. Pastor Ted taught at Life Change.
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,”
says the Lord. “They are plans for good
and not for disaster, to give you a future
and a hope.”
These were words of encouragement to the people of Judah. They were slaves, prisoners in Babylon. God told them he had plans for success, a future of hope. Did I mention that they were slaves in a foreign country?! He told them to work hard for Babylon so it would be successful and then they would be better off.
How does that relate to us? God knows the plans he has for us. We are in the time, decade, century, era, that we are supposed to be. No sooner, no later.
1 Peter 1:20
God chose him (Jesus) for this purpose
long before the world began,
but now in these final days,
he was sent to the earth for all to see.
And he did this for you.
Even Jesus was planned. He had a time, decade, century, era that he was to come. He completed his job.
God has plans for success. He told us how it ends. We win!! We need to show up, follow the rules, play our best, and finish.
1 Peter 1:4-5
For God has reserved a priceless inheritance for you,
pure undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.
And God, in his mighty power,
will protect you until you receive this salvation,
because you are trusting him.
It will be revealed on the last day for all to see.
- Susie Hickman
Monday, December 14, 2009
THE FATHER’S SACRIFICE, OUR GIFT
Christmas time is here again. We have probably all been reminded that “Jesus is the Reason for the Season.” If not, consider yourself reminded. It can be a bit cliché to warn people not to get caught up in the commercial aspects of Christmas but cliché or not, it is important. Take a long honest moment and think about this one simple fact: God the Father had one Son and in an act of completely selfless love He sent Him to live among us. The Living Word became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). He sent Jesus to live with the very people who killed Him.
I have a hard time fathoming this kind of love. I love my church family, my neighbors and friends, and I try to love the lost; however, I can’t imagine ever even considering sending one of my children to die for someone else. Think of the heart that our Heavenly Father displayed when Jesus was born. I have been meditating on the First Commandment (love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength). Fulfilling this command gets easier (maybe that’s not the right word). Finding the passion to love God this way becomes the desire of our heart when we understand that He loved us first.
This time of year is an excellent time to focus on the love God has for us. Spend some time thinking about the sacrifice our Father made, thank and praise Him for it. His sacrifice is our gift.
- John Spraker
I have a hard time fathoming this kind of love. I love my church family, my neighbors and friends, and I try to love the lost; however, I can’t imagine ever even considering sending one of my children to die for someone else. Think of the heart that our Heavenly Father displayed when Jesus was born. I have been meditating on the First Commandment (love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength). Fulfilling this command gets easier (maybe that’s not the right word). Finding the passion to love God this way becomes the desire of our heart when we understand that He loved us first.
This time of year is an excellent time to focus on the love God has for us. Spend some time thinking about the sacrifice our Father made, thank and praise Him for it. His sacrifice is our gift.
- John Spraker
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