 Hey Church Family!
We've been talking about character. We've said that character is the will to do what God says is right, regardless of the cost. We've also said that, when it comes to our character, God's desire is for each us to look like Jesus. Our model is Christ. He wants us to act like, look like, love like, have self-control like, be patient and gentle like Jesus. Jesus is the model. And the method for character transformation is renewal of our mind. In Romans 12, Paul lays it out: Do not conform 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) Renewing the mind results in character transformation. Renewal is a two step process: Taking off the old, and putting on the new. If you've ever refurbished old furniture, it is the same process. You take off the old paint, ripped upholstery, and broken pieces. Then you put on new paint, new upholstery, and replace the broken pieces. The same is true for our minds. God wants us to take off the old ways of thinking, old thoughts, old attitudes, and old patterns. And he wants to replace them with His truth, His promises, and His thoughts. God knows that if we can see this world as He sees it, we wouldn't resist His rule and reign in our lives. If we could see ourselves, relationships, sex, marriage, finances, our jobs, and all of life the way He sees it, we would understand that He has our best in mind. Renewal breaks down our resistance to His will in our lives. The problem is we often settle for lies and live those lies as if they were true. Lies about ourselves, relationships, sex, marriage, finances, our jobs. God wants to remove every lie we've held to and replace it with his truth. So let me ask you: what lies are you tempted to believe? What lies do you use to justify your behavior? What lies have shaped your reactions to people or situations? And what lies have fueled your temptations? As God begins to reveal lies that have become strongholds in your life, the lie will begin to crumble and lose its power over you. Jesus said that truth will set us free. Here's a prayer for this week: Lord, give me the wisdom to know what's right and the courage to do what's right, no matter what. Have a blessed week! Pastor Michael
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 Hey Church Family!
We've been talking about character. Everyone values character. No body ever says that our problem is we have too much character. And since people's lack of character bothers us, I think it's safe to say we all need to pursue character and develop it. When it comes to our character, God's desire is for each us to look like Jesus. Our model is Christ. He wants us to act like, look like, love like, have self-control like, be patient and gentle like Jesus. If you want to know what our character ought to look like, look no further than the one God sent. The problem is, if Jesus is our standard, that's overwhelming. Even with all the time and commitment in the world, we still could never manufacture the character of Jesus in our lives. It's impossible. But what's impossible for us, is possible with our Heavenly Father. While we cannot manufacture the character of Jesus in our lives, God can produce it through us. God doesn't wave his fingers and instantly give us the character of Jesus. Rather, his method for us to gain the very life of Christ is simple, yet difficult for us to do. It's simple, in that, anyone can do it. Yet it's challenging because we want to try to manufacture it on our own. In John 15, Jesus paints a wonderful picture of God's method for who Christ's character is to be produced in our lives. He uses the metaphor of a vine and branch. For any branch to produce fruit, it must remain connected or grafted into the vine. Life will only flow through the vine into the branch if it remains connected. Apart from the vine, the branch dies. No fruit is produced. The same is true for you and me. Christ's life and character will only be produced in us as we remain in constant contact with him. It's uninterrupted fellowship. Uninterrupted relationship. Staying close. As we stay close to Christ, we'll begin to see the very character of Christ appear in our lives. We aren't capable of manufacturing it—God produces it through us. We'll talk more about our participation in the process in the coming weeks. But for now, I want to leave you with this thought: How close are you to Christ? Have you been abiding with him? Or, have you drifted from him? Is your connection with him simply a religious practice? What would it look like for you to be remain connected to him? The invitation for you is for a daily relationship with Christ. One in which we recognize that we can't manufacture the character we need, but he can through Christ. Here's a prayer for this week: Lord, give me the wisdom to know what's right and the courage to do what's right, no matter what. Have a blessed week! Pastor Michael Hey Church Family!
How's your character? Have you ever sacrificed a bit of your character in order to achieve something, gain something, or fulfill a need? What would the people closest to you say about your character? I find it interesting that when I see a lack of character in the people around me, it bothers me more than my own lack of character. The struggle I have with character is in that moment of temptation, I don't always have the will power to do what is right. I often opt to sacrifice a bit of my character for something that has little or lesser value. My problem is that I'm just not consistent—some days I'm a man of great character. Other days, I feel like a man with no character at all. Would any of that be true for you too? We know that God delights in character. Throughout Scripture we see that he loves honesty, rewards humility, and guides us through integrity (Proverbs 11:1-13). He loves character because it is a reflection of his nature. We desperately need to be men and women of character. We need to have the will to do whatever God says is right, regardless of the cost. You know what? We love to bump into people like that. We love to do business with people of character. We love to interact with men and women with integrity, honest, and humility. Why? Because they're the most dependable people. They're incredibly trustworthy. They're committed and follow through. I don't know about you, but I want that for my kids. I want that for everyone around me. But I especially want that for me. Over the next few weeks, I'd like to explore character more with you. For now, I want us to pray this prayer together. I hope you will make it your prayer for the next several weeks. Who knows? Maybe God will will answer this prayer for you. Lord, give me the wisdom to know what's right and the courage to do what's right, no matter what. Have a blessed week! Pastor Michael If we can't make the connection between what God asks us to do and the why behind it, we will usually say, "Forget about it!" Just like a toddler doesn't understand why a parent would say, "Don't touch the hot stove," you and I struggle to understand why God says many of the things he says. Or why God nudges us to do something. It might seem unrealistic. It might not fit within our culture or context. It might seem to go against our lifestyle. Consequently, when this happens, we tend to say, "Nope. I'm not going to do it."
But more than that, when God nudges us, sometimes we have the audacity to tell him, "I've got a better idea!" Somehow you and I have become experts at giving suggestions to God—as if he's open to our suggestions or better ideas. When we don't understand the why behind what God's asking, we have this tendency to take matters into our own hands. For example, God might ask you to tithe, to which you might respond, "I'd rather not. How about I just serve?" When we do this, it demonstrates a confusion in the relationship. We're confused because we evaluate the circumstances of our lives and what's around us and then make decisions based on the value of what's in front of us, rather than on the promises of God. If what's in our hands means a lot to us, we have a hard time letting go of it. And if we think the value of what's in front of us is more important than, or better than the promise of God, it demonstrates that we are confused. For example, if God asked you to take the step of being a volunteer in our Kid's Ministry, you and I will often look at how valuable our time and energy are first, and then make a decision. We do this without even thinking about the promises of God—the promise to always be with us, to never leave us or forsake us. Or the promise that God will give us the words to say and the power to say them. Or the promise that God will not give us anything more than what his strength can handle. You see, we struggle to start with the promises, rather than the value of what's right in front of us. Now, let me just ask this question: How smart is it to argue or debate with God? How wise is it to argue with God over things like your morality? Or who you should date? Or how you should treat your spouse? Or how you should conduct your affairs? How wise is it, really? The sad truth is, we do it all the time and take matters into our own hands. We hold on to what we think is valuable and refuse to trust the God who is faithful and keeps his promises. You see, there are two ways to discover why God says what he says. One way is to submit and apply. The other is to take matters into your own hands. Either way, one day you and I will discover why God asks us to do whatever he's asked us to do. One day all of us will go, "Oh! Now I get it! I finally understand!" The former will lead to a sigh of relief. The latter will result in a sigh of regret. But let me warn you, taking matters into your own hands will have devastating consequences. When Gehazi took matters into his own hands, he quickly discovered there are always consequences—consequences that are tragic and far reaching. (2 Kings 5:19-27) So let me ask you—where is God nudging you? What has he been asking you to do lately or even for the past few years? What do you really have to lose by trusting him? Why not give it a try? Have a blessed week! Pastor Michael Do you ever feel like you're missing the connection between what God is asking you to do and the issue you have? There are many times when we sense a nudge from God to do something, or to stop doing something—but it doesn't always make sense. He rarely tells us why. And then, often the thing he's asking us to do is very uncomfortable. When we can't make the connection between what God is asking us to do and the situation before us, our default response is, "Forget it!"
In 2 Kings 5, we read of story that deals with this very issue. Naaman found himself in that exact situation. He was struggling with leprosy, which is an incurable skin disease that would eventually take his life. He was so desperate, we're told he was willing to go to his enemy with the hope that someone in Samaria could heal him. He thought that Elisha the prophet would come and stand before him, wave his hand over the spot on his arm, call on the name of Elisha's God, and then he would be healed. Instead, Elisha simply sends out his servant to tell Naaman to go wash in the Jordan River seven times. Naaman walks away angry. But thanks to some servants who were willing to talk some sense into him, Naaman decides to give it a try. What did he have to lose, really? On the journey to the Jordan River, I imagine Naaman was thinking to himself, "What's the point? I don't need a bath. I need to be healed of this skin problem." Naaman was healed. But the most fascinating part of this story isn't that Naaman went home rejoicing over the fact that he was healed. He went home rejoicing that he found God. Look at what he says— "Now I know for certain that there's no God anywhere on earth except in Israel." (2 Kings 5:15). He showed up needing to be healed; he left knowing God. He showed up with circumstantial problem; he left spiritually restored. He showed up hoping someone could change his leprosy problem. God showed and changed Naaman. It's crucial for you and for me to understand that this is where God wants to take us over and over again. God longs for our faith and his faithfulness to intersect. Because when our faith and his faithfulness intersect, something will happen in you that will overshadow what happens around you. When your faith and his faithfulness intersect, you meet God and God changes you. Like Naaman, you go, "Now I know! Before I didn't know, but now I do!" The truth is you and I never know what hangs in the balance until we trust God. We might think we know what hangs in the balance, but we really don't. See, the reason God will nudge you and ask you to do something that will take you out of your comfort zone is to facilitate trust. And trust is needed for our relationship with God to work. So let me ask you—where is God nudging you? What has he been asking you to do lately or even for the past few years? What do you really have to lose by trusting him? Why not give it a try? Have a blessed week! Pastor Michael  Over the past few weeks we've been diving deeper into The Lord's Prayer. I hope you've enjoyed this journey with me as we look at what Jesus knew—because if we knew what Jesus knew, we'd pray like Jesus prayed. "Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." (Matthew 6:11-13)
In the final section of The Lord's Prayer, we see that Jesus knew there was a daily emptiness that needed to be filled. In other words, we all have a daily need for God to fill even our most basic needs. This final section of Jesus' prayer is our declaration of dependance on God. We depend on him to fight for us in the most practical areas of life. We need him day by day, moment by moment, breath by breath. We need him for all of our provision. We need God for food, health, shelter, finances, relationships, and so much more. Jesus teaches us that we must depend on God to provide. Matthew chapter 6 reminds us that God already knows every need we have. And our Father in Heaven is pleased to provide for his children. So it matters that we seek him first. You and I are not to live like those who don't have a Father in Heaven. For you and me, this means we ought to be "please & thank you" kind of people—asking God for his provision and thanking God for all he's done. How have you been praying please and thank you? Jesus also teaches the need for us to remember our own forgiveness in order to appropriately relate with those around us. Forgiveness to others is based our own forgiven status before God. We often don't like the idea of forgiving those who have hurt us. The truth is, we couldn't forgive, had it not been for our own forgiveness. If we're having trouble forgiving others, maybe we should spend a little more time reflecting on own sin and what it cost God to give us. I suggest to you that we would eventually understand how desperate God wants us to forgive those who have hurt us once we understand the magnitude of our own forgiveness. How have you been praying to forgive as you have been forgiven? Jesus also teaches us that when we pray, one of the best practices we can take on is to ask for spiritual protection from Satan's traps and snares. Satan is trying to undo you and everything good from God. He has schemes and traps designed to keep you from living the way God desires. Jesus understood this, and he encourages us to pray so that we would be protected from these traps and snares. But Jesus also teaches that, should we give into temptation, we would not stay trapped. He prays that Satan's plans would not keep us from living God's mission. What would it look like to have God's spiritual protection over you? How are you doing at praying for God's protection and winning against Satan's attacks? Let me ask you, how's your prayer life? What have you been praying for lately? What is your prayer for 2023? I hope these past few weeks have been challenging, yet good. Have a blessed week! Pastor Michael Jesus knew something about prayer. And if we knew what Jesus knew, we'd pray like Jesus prayed.
Jesus knew that prayer must begin with God. In other words, the order of our prayers matters. Jesus teaches his disciples to pray like this, "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth at is it in heaven." Why start with God? Because Jesus knew that there is no one above God—no one more worthy, more perfect, or more loving than our Heavenly Father. Starting anywhere else in our prayers is problematic. Without God as our starting point, we'd surely turn out prayers that sound more like, "Hallowed by MY name. MY kingdom come, MY will be done, in heaven as it is on earth." Jesus also knew that before we get to our kingdoms, we needed to first surrender to him. Prayer is our method for surrendering control, not securing it. Surrendering control is never easy. It can feel like a roller coaster—eyes tightly shut as we hold on for dear life. When it feels like you're holding on for dear life, facing the unknown, and don't want to let go, remember this: God's name is hallowed. Holy. Perfect. Above all others. He's all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-loving. In other words, you can trust him. But Jesus also knew surrender means God's will, God's way. It can't be God's will, MY way—which is often what I prefer. Rather, it's taking the example of Christ, who prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." (Matthew 26:39) Let me ask you, how's your prayer life? What have you been praying for lately? What is your prayer for 2023? For the next few weeks, I'd like to challenge you to approach prayer differently—reflecting on how Jesus prayed. Have a blessed week! Pastor Michael Click here if you would like prayer from our pastors. Have you ever noticed that the disciples never asked Jesus to teach them how to preach? They heard the greatest sermon ever preached by the greatest preacher on earth, yet not one of them asked Jesus to teach them to preach. The disciples didn't ask Jesus to teach them to do miracles either. They saw the greatest miracles by the greatest miracle worker.
What they did ask is, "Lord teach us to pray." (Luke 11:1) They saw something different in Jesus when he prayed—and they wanted it. Jesus knew something they didn't about prayer, so his prayer life was different than anything they had seen or experienced. So naturally, they asked him to teach them. Jesus knew something about prayer. And if we knew what Jesus knew, we'd pray like Jesus prayed. Jesus, looked at his disciples and said, "This, then, is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven.' (Matthew 6:9) Jesus knew that we can never outgrow God. He's the God in heaven, and you cannot get any bigger than God. Nor will you ever outgrow your need for him and his power and strength in your life. Jesus knew that prayer is a heart engaged relationship. It's not a formula—it's the Father we pray to. While God is in heaven, he's also imminent. In other words he's close and personal. Jesus knew we could approach him as a child does a father. Jesus knew that "our" is a bigger family. We're not alone when we pray. It's great to have your private prayer time, but it's wonderful and powerful to pray together. It can be awkward, but the good news is, your words are not what is powerful. God's Word is powerful. Praying for each other, and asking for prayer is something we need to do regularly. Jesus also knew that prayer is life shaping. Prayer isn't a way to get what you want. Rather, prayer cultivates trust in our lives. It encourages us to look more carefully at the one to whom we are praying. This Father in Heaven is all-powerful, all-loving, and all-knowing. He's able, willing, and wise. Jesus knew all this. That's why he prayed the way he did. Let me ask you, how's your prayer life? What have you been praying for lately? What is your prayer for 2023? For the next few weeks, I'd like to challenge you to approach prayer differently—reflecting on how Jesus prayed. Have a blessed week! Pastor Michael  Gift giving is a wonderful aspect of Christmas. We love to give surprises. We love to give something that a family member will enjoy or need. We love the smile on their faces at they tear into the gift. Typically at Christmas, we see this concept of balance take place. You give me a gift, I'll return the favor. We even go to great lengths to make sure we're not in a situation where someone gives us a gift and we have nothing ready to give back. I know someone who always has gift cards on the ready just in case someone brings a surprise gift that they weren't expecting to receive. If it happens, they simply go to their stash, pull out a card and have it ready to go for them.
Let's be honest—at Christmas we long for there to be balance when it comes to gift giving. We don't like it when someone gives us a gift and we don't have anything for them. Otherwise it will feel like we owe them something. Christmas deals with this idea of balance. At Christmas we see that God threw out the scales. He didn't seek balance in what he gave. In fact, there's no scale on which you could place God's gift to us. God gave everything, we gave nothing. He didn't want it to be even first. God didn't measure the scales and then decide to give. Rather, he gave his Son without blinking—without any reservation or second guessing. God gave us his very best and refused to let our actions determine his action. We're told in John 3:16, "God so loved the world that he gave his Son, that whoever believes in him would not perish but have eternal life." God loved, so God gave for everyone. Our response to this generous act of God? It's not to get him a gift—remember there's no scale. You couldn't afford it anyway. Rather, our response ought to be to love as God loved. To love in such a way that the scales are thrown out. To love people without reserve, or without expecting the favor to be returned. Who is difficult for you to love? In other words, who do you find challenging to love because they rarely (if ever) pay back your love? You could be like everyone else—measured, balanced, and transactional— or you could be more like God, who throw away the need for balance. What if this Christmas you said, "I'm going to love them no matter how they respond." Even if nothing in them changed, at the very least, it may just be you. Have a blessed week! Pastor Michael During the third week of Advent, we focus on the theme of joy. Joy does not come to us from the absence of pain and sorrow. Rather joy is a practice—something we choose to develop in our lives over time. And the question we often wrestle with is how do we live in such a way that our joy knows no bounds in spite of the troubles we experience? How do we hold sorrow in one hand and joy in the other hand?
The Apostle Paul knew how. And to begin, we must first acknowledge that Paul refused to deny or ignore the problems and troubles that he endured. In his letters he regularly mentioned his troubles. He would reference his chains in prison (Philippians 1:7) or a thorn in his flesh, a messenger from Satan (2 Corinthians 12:7). Paul understood something crucial: that even though _____ was happening, joy could be found. Even though Paul was locked up in prison for no crime, joy could be found. Even though his plans did not pan out, there was joy. Even though relationships didn't turn out the way he'd hoped, there was cause for joy. Paul understood there was a bigger picture, and that often when he couldn't make sense of the picture, he would need to look at it from a different angle. Much like an image zoomed in so close that we can't see what it is until we zoom back out—Paul would regularly need to zoom out to see how God was working. For example, when he was in prison, he refused to let that keep him from sharing the gospel. In fact, he essentially said in Philippians 1:12-13, "I'm not chained to this prison or these palace guards. No! They are chained to me! And now I have a captive audience." As a result, those tasked with guarding him heard the gospel—and many of them responded in faith. And so, he challenges you and me to live the same way. In Philippians 1:27 he says, "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worth of the gospel of Christ." In other words, if you sense the problems rising, or the sorrow overwhelming, how should you act? In a way that will be worthy of the Good News of Jesus Christ. You see, Jesus is our example in this matter—who "for the joy set before him, endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2). Jesus knew pain and sorrow—yet he could see joy as he endured and persevered through it. Jesus is our example of someone who knew both joy and sorrow. My challenge for you this week: Ask yourself what is my worthy action today? When you're facing a difficult situation—one filled with pain, uncertainty, or sorrow—what would Christ have you do? Remember joy is a practice or habit that we take on and develop. Advent reminds us of the joy that comes through Christ. Here are some questions for reflection:
Have a blessed week! Pastor Michael During the second week of Advent, we focus on the theme of peace—something our world desperately needs.
Peace is not just the absence of problems. Peace is also the presence of a redeemer who makes us whole. In other words, Christ is at work in our lives, making us whole, as we were intended to be. What's amazing about this work of Christ is he begins by offering us peace with God. Romans 5:1 says, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." When we place our trust in Christ, our relationship with God is made right. Trusting in Christ means that we are not only saved from our sins. We are also given Christ's righteousness. Our sin has been undoing everything God wanted to have happen. The death and resurrection of Christ reverses that destructive path, and begins to make all things new or whole or as they were meant to be. We have peace with God. Additionally, we are given the same peace that we see in Jesus throughout the Gospels. Jesus says in John 14:27, "Peace I leave; my peace I give you." We can have the same peace that was in Jesus during the storm on the boat when the disciples were afraid for their lives. It's the same peace we see in Jesus when the Pharisees tried to trap him in saying something wrong. The same peace we see when the crowds pressed in on Jesus and brought their sick, lame, deaf, and mute. That's the peace Jesus gives. So when the doctor says, "I'm sorry there's nothing more we can do"—Jesus offers his peace. When that phone call turns your world upside down—Jesus is right there with his peace. It's a peace that is present, making us whole. But there's one more element of this peace of Christ. It's a peace of which we are called to be conduits. In Matthew's gospel, we see Jesus declaring, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." (Matthew 5:9) If we call ourselves followers of Christ, we have a job. We—just like Jesus did—are to enter into places where there is no peace in oder to offer the peace of God. In other words, since we've been reconciled to God, we are to be about the work of reconciliation—making things right, whole, the way they were intended to be. My challenge for you this week: Trust & Obey. The peace we long to experience comes only through a relationship with Christ. It is a relationship in which we regularly give more and more of our trust to him. A simple prayer is this: "I give everything and everyone to you." It is also a relationship in which, day by day, we follow his example and remain obedient to what he calls us to. This is what Advent teaches us. Here are some questions for reflection: - Is everything alright between you and God? Is there peace? - How is peace connected to trusting and obeying Christ? - Are you helping or hindering peace in this world? How can you be a peacemaker this week? Have a blessed week! Pastor Michael Ah, the season of Advent! Such a wonderful time. It's a time of preparation. Like the old carol sings, "Let every heart prepare him room." This is exactly the idea behind Advent. It's taking some time to prepare for Jesus to enter into our worlds. To enter into our joys as well as our sorrows.
During the first week of Advent, we focus on the theme of Hope. Hope is future oriented faith. It's what pulls us into tomorrow. Thinking about the future tends to be done in two ways: counting down or counting up. For example, we count down to Christmas—a fixed and known date. But so much of life is like counting up—we know it's coming, we just don't know exactly when. Maybe you've been counting up to a relationship, and you don't know if it will ever happen. Or maybe you've been counting up to the time when your kids will turn to Christ. Maybe you've been counting the number of days to something very important, and it's a rather large number. But it's been so long that you're starting to wonder will it every happen. Advent is both a count down and a count up. In the midst of our counting, we see in Scripture that Christ brings hope to our lives. We have hope because of what Christ's first advent ultimately provided for us. Christ has saved us from our sins and dealt with our past. Christ is also now preparing for us a future. And Christ is actively working in our present. We have hope because of what Christ has done, is doing, and is going to do. It doesn't mean that there is no pain or suffering. Oftentimes suffering is attached to the waiting we are in. It simply means that we know that God has, will, and is currently working. In fact, God never wastes a pain or hardship. He'll use every moment to shape and mold us more into the image of his Son, Jesus. In fact, he just might be using your situation to reveal to you the place where you've been putting your hope. My encouragement for you this season: show up. Keep showing up in your worship. In your prayers. In God's Word. Keep showing up in fellowship with other Christians. Why? Because you never know when God will move. This is what Advent teaches us. Here are some questions for reflection: - Is there anything you are counting down to? How about counting up? - How does the fact that God has taken care of our past, is giving us a future, and is working in our present give us hope? - What are you hoping for this Advent season? Have a blessed week! Pastor Michael  This call Jesus gives in John 20:21 is an invitation to join him in what he started. "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you," Jesus tells his frightened disciples. He enters into their fears, and speaks peace. He enters into their broken worlds—the mess of sin and the harsh realities of life—and sends them into the broken worlds of the people around them.
It's the same for you and me. We must respond to this invitation. We can respond with prayer. Prayers are essential to the work of the gospel. In fact, Paul petitioned the church in Ephesus, saying, "Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should." (Ephesians 6:19-20). We can join Paul in this wonderful prayer—that our missionaries around the world can fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel. We can also respond to the call as God's people. God calls many to full- or part-time ministry. Throughout Scripture we see many individuals whom God called to vocational ministry. If you've been called, might I suggest that you answer the call—do not run from it. While not everyone is called to full- or part-time ministry, all of us have been called to share the gospel, to witness to the power of the resurrection, to clothe the naked, feed the hungry, and visit those in prison. If we open our hearts to God, we will hear God calling us to some form of service for him. We also respond to this invitation with our resources. The truth is we've been blessed in order to be a blessing. By sharing what God has given us, we are able to partner with those whom God has called. Through our faithful giving, missionaries can go to places that you and I cannot go. We can give generously because we serve a generous God. Have you considered what you can give for Faith Promise this year? I challenge you this week to be praying how God would want you to give. Remember, this is not a calculated pledge. Rather, it is a promise that is made by faith—knowing that God will do far greater things than we would if we hold onto it. Have a blessed week! Pastor Michael Losing your car keys is frustrating. Losing your purpose? Well, that's a whole different challenge.
This week I want to remind you of the significance of God's mission and our participation in that mission. God wants to see as many people as possible join his family—and God gives us the task of partnering with him in this important work. Shortly after the resurrection Jesus said, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." (John 20:21) The disciples spent three years with Jesus. Now they were terrified of going outside. Afraid of what could happen, they huddled in fear behind locked doors. That's precisely when Jesus entered the room, into their fear, spoke peace over them, and pointed them outward. We all have this tendency to turn inward and lose site of the work to which God has called us. Sometimes it's because of fear. Sometimes it's out of frustration with what's going on "out there." Either way—Jesus enters into it and reminds us of our purpose. In this wonderful moment with his disciples, Jesus sends them out in a way characterized by his own example. He said "AS the Father sent me, I'm sending you." We are to go in the same manner in which Jesus was sent. Jesus left his throne in heaven and entered our brokenness. He walked into the harsh realities of our lives. He experienced the same mess we all see. This is exactly how Jesus wants to send us out—into the hurt, pain, and brokenness of those around us. We're sent out; but we're also sent out to those who need the hope and healing Jesus offers. This week I'd like to ask you, how are you entering into someone else's pain and brokenness? Who has God placed in your path? For whom can you be the hands, feet, or mouthpiece of Jesus this week? What is one step you can take today to be sent, as the Father sent Jesus? Have a blessed week! Pastor Michael  Let's wrap up our conversation on the heart with one final area that is perhaps the most challenging of all.
We all get angry when we don't get what we want. Show me an angry person, and I'll show you a hurt person who didn't get something they wanted. They're angry because someone took something from them. Perhaps you've heard or even said something like this:
Is there a debt causing anger in you? Paul presents a very intriguing word picture that illustrates how we are to deal with anger. In Ephesians 4:26-27, Paul's question is not, what caused you to become angry? Or how will you be paid back when you're angry? Rather he seems to be more concerned with moving forward. So his question is more along the lines of, "How long do you want to carry the anger with you?" In other words, how long are you going to allow the people who have hurt you to control your life? Will another month do? Another year? Another season of your life? How long? Paul's suggestion? Hold on only as long as the sun is shining. He says, "Don't let the sun go down on your anger." Or to put it another way, today should be the day that you quit holding onto your hurt and anger. After that he lays out the key to getting rid of it: choosing to forgive. When you chose to forgive, you're canceling the debt. They can't pay you anyway. How could they? This is why Paul says, "... forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you." (Eph 4:32) Jesus had no part in any of our sin. He was blameless. You and I are the ones who had major debt. We all had open accounts, and according to the records we owed big time. It did not look good for us. In fact, Paul says that we were dead in our sins and trespasses. (Eph 2:1) We owed God a lot. And we could not pay him back. So you know what God decided? He said, "You know what? According to my records, they owe me. But they can't pay me back—there's no way. I think I'll just close the book. I'll cancel the account and declare them 'Forgiven.' Why? Not because they've paid me back or made things right. But because I love them, 'Debt cancelled.'" Then in His generosity, He paid the price with His own Son. God in Christ has forgiven you. The essence of forgiveness is declaring, "You don't owe me anymore." Surely what God has done for you, you can do for the person who has wronged you. Here are a few questions for reflection:
Pastor Michael Today let's talk about the third area over which to guard our hearts: Greed. Let's dive in a little deeper.
Greed happens when we feel that we deserve more and more. Greed says, "I owe me." Jesus said, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed." (Luke 12:15). Why? Because of all these areas we've mentioned so far, greed seems to be the most subtle. Oftentimes greed can go undetected and we rarely look in the mirror and notice its presence. An unguarded heart is prone to open the door to greed. Later Jesus revealed the lie that fuels greed: "Life does not consist in an abundance of possessions." He knows there there are times when we can easily be swept up into believe that somehow our lives equal the acquisition of more and better things. After telling a parable, Jesus defines a greedy person: it's someone who stores up things for himself or herself but isn't "rich toward God." (Luke 12:21). In other words, a greedy person is the man or woman who saves carefully but gives sparingly. For Jesus, generosity is what breaks the power of greed. That's why he challenges his followers to give it all away. You see, if you can give it all away, you no longer give sparingly. Jesus' challenge cuts to the heart—whether or not you think you have extra, give generously. We're challenged to give to the point that it forces us to adjust our lifestyles. In fact, Jesus says that if our giving doesn't adjust our lifestyle, it's a kind of greed. Here's what Jesus is getting at—if you're consuming to the point of having little or nothing left to give, you're greedy. If you're saving to the point that there's little or nothing left to give, you're greed. I know that's harsh. But it's true. The habit of generosity breaks the power that greed has on our hearts. It's the habit that changes everything. Here are a few questions for reflection:
Pastor Michael Let's look at another area to keep watch over our hearts.
Jealousy is rather interesting. Most of us would like to believe that we are "above" jealousy. It was something we may have struggled with in middle school or our elementary years, but not anymore. However, if you've ever found yourself looking around at what others have and feeling a sense of lack—whether that be possessions, looks, skills, opportunities, health, height, inheritance, or any other factor—chances are you've experienced a little bit of envy. Interestingly, we assume our problem is with the person who possesses what we lack. So we avoid them or mistreat them. We make comments that are riddled with criticism. Our problem, however, isn't really with the other person. Our problem is actually with God. God could have fixed all of that for us. Whatever He gave your neighbor, God could have given to you too. He could have made your life just like theirs—or better. But He didn't. Jealousy ultimately says, "God owes me." The sad news is that jealousy can terrorize your life and cause chaos in your relationships. The remedy to this monster is to turn to God and to celebrate the goodness and wisdom of God in others. Check out what James has to say about this matter: What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. (James 4:1-3 NIV) James says that many of our problems with others are the result of desires that have worked their way to the surface. We want something, but we don't have it, so we fight and quarrel with others. The desires James is referring to in this passage represent unquenchable thirsts—our thirsts for more stuff, money, recognition, success, progress, intimacy, sex, fun, and relationships. So what do we do with these desires for more? James says to take the desires to the one who created them in the first place. In other words, James is giving us permission to pour out our hearts in an unfiltered conversation with our Creator. Every concern you have—great or small—matters to our Father because you matter to the Father. Whether it pertains to your love life, your career, your marriage, your parents, your children, your education, your finances, your appearance—James says take it to God. As you take it to God, there's one next step to consider: publicly celebrate God's goodness. Particularly, you celebrate God's goodness in other people's lives. When you celebrate God's goodness, you will not only be reminded of how good and great God is, but you will also begin to shine a light on the very things for which your heart is aching. As you do this, jealousy begins to lose its power. Here are a few questions for reflection:
Pastor Michael This week in our Sunday morning series, Above All Else, we took a look at one area where we need to guard our hearts.
When we hurt someone—intentionally or even unintentionally—we will often feel guilty. Guilt comes because there is an imbalance in the relationship. We owe someone something. That's why we use the phrase, "I owe you an apology." Or, "I need to make it up to you." For example, consider child who lies to a parent. The child has robbed the relationship of trust. Or a coworker who sends an email belittling someone. They have taken a reputation from another person. Or what about a parent who walks away from the family because of an affair? They have robbed the family of traditions and meals together, as well as financial and emotional stability. Whenever we hurt someone, we cause a debt in the relationship. The thing that keeps that outstanding balance looming over us is guilt. The Holy Spirit will often convict us when we've sinned or wronged someone. But that conviction serves as means for change. Confession, then, is a first step in a series of steps that brings light to the darkness we often attempt to hide or ignore. Throughout Scripture, we see how confession was a public step towards abandoning sin. James even says, "Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." (5:16) Confession was more about the heart than a ritual that somehow made us feel better about or sins. One factor to consider. John reminds us that God will forgive us and cleanse us of all unrighteousness when we confess our sins to Him. (1 John 1:9) God offers us freedom from our sin because He cancels the debt we owe Him. That's what's amazing about grace. God no longer looks at the debt we have with Him because He paid it in full. However, the forgiveness and grace that He showers on us is not an escape from our responsibility to make things right with those we've wronged. In fact, that very grace compels us to make things right with those we've wronged. This is exactly why Jesus said, "If you bring your gift to the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift at the altar and go. First make things right with your brother or sister and then come back and offer your gift." (Matthew 5:23-24) It's also important to remember that confession is not what hurts people. Our sin and concealment of that sin is what hurts people. Confession—the first step in making things right—can break the power of guilt in our lives. Here are a few questions for reflection:
Pastor Michael  According to my research, Joshua was probably at least 70 years old when he took over leadership of Israel following the death of Moses. He led the people across the Jordan River, and then he led the fight to repossess the Promised Land for God’s people. You’d think that would have been enough. But no, it wasn’t.
In Joshua 13:1, we read these words: “When Joshua was old and well advanced in years, the Lord said to him, ‘You are very old, and there are still very large areas of land to be taken over.’ He then goes on to itemize the jobs he has set out for Joshua. There was still work to be done, and there was a faithful servant to do it. What did it matter if he was “very old”? I “retired” in 2019, and many of my former co-workers are also retiring. However, as I talk to each one, I discover they’re not really retiring, and neither did I. Our ministries just changed locations. God can use the very old, and He can use the very young. My little granddaughter loves to help. She accompanied me to Be Filled of South Topeka last week, and as a new reader, she stopped at one of the doors and said, “I can’t go in there.” “Why?” I asked. “Because the sign says ‘Volunteers Only,’ and I’m not a volunteer.” What are you talking about, child? You work as hard as anybody. You most certainly are a volunteer! One of our regular volunteers at Be Filled has two bad knees, other mobility issues, and depends on others for transportation. But he is there every time the doors are open, and he works like two men. We do need to accommodate him regarding his disabilities, but there is plenty he can do, and he enthusiastically does it. So the point is, it doesn’t matter what your age is, or your gender, or even, really, your state of health. There is work to be done in the family of God, and there’s something YOU can do! I pray that you will. Nell Ritchey  In Ephesians 4:17-24 NASB Paul tells us, “So I say this, and affirm in the Lord, that you are to no longer walk just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their minds, 18 being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; 19 and they, having become callous, have given themselves up to indecent behavior for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. 20 But you did not learn Christ in this way, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, 22 that, in reference to your former way of life, you are to rid yourselves of the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, 23 and that you are to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.”
I recognize that our Lord has brought me a long way from my old self. Not always with my entire surrender to His will, yet a lot of progress has been made over the years. I’m also very grateful that He is not done with me yet. How are you doing? Shalom, Pastor Bill  We live in an anxious world! Political and moral chaos, tangled race relations, Christianity and family values under attack, family struggles, financial uncertainty and yes even those nagging health concerns. There just seems to be no end to the list.
Perhaps, just maybe, the core of our problems is the list. The list affects both our outlook on life as well as our inner decision making. The list is usually the things we worry about. As Christ followers, we know we shouldn’t allow worry to consume and dominate us, but we still too often allow it a place at our emotional table. Worry is the attempt to control the unknown. Few mortals, if any have managed to control the yet to happen things of the future. Unfortunately it does not stop us from trying! You will recall, Jesus said, “Is life more than food and the body more than clothing?” While most will not stop trying to control the un-controllable, maybe we could begin to put it into perspective. When you find yourself in the jungle of fear, frustration and uncertainty, remind your spirit that this is not who you are or want to be! Then allow God’s Spirit to come alongside you and carry your burdens for you. Allow Jesus’ Word to make a home in your heart, for it was this very Jesus who said, “Come to me, all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for my yoke is easy and my load is light.” Matthew 12:28-30 Pastor Holmes  Adversity visits everyone at some time or another. We don’t like it, but the hard reality is, adversity does not ask or seek permission for a visit.
How we handle adversity and challenges says a lot about what happens after. After things calm down and after things return to some level of normalcy, will it have changed you? If so, is that change something that made you stronger or weaker? Today, if you are in the midst of adversity or encounter it tomorrow, don’t allow it to define who you are or what your priorities and values are. Adversity can only have a negative effect upon you if it gets into your spirit. So when the cold winds of difficulty blows, protect your spirit. A wise man once said, “Ships don’t sink because of the water around them, Ships sink because of the water that gets in them.” Pastor Holmes  Hebrews 12:1-3
This will be my last devotional as I retire on August 28th. I have so enjoyed sharing with you all stories of my life. I have served Wanamaker Woods for 20 years and it is time for me to take a step back and follow God’s leading into something else. I have sold my house in Silver Lake and purchased a house in Downs, KS that God literally dropped in my lap. I have also purchased, along with my oldest daughter and son-in-law, a hotel in Downs that has two storefronts. So I will be moving my quilting business from my home in Silver Lake to the new storefronts. Little did I know that when I purchased my long arm quilter that God would be sending me to Downs, KS. God has opened mighty doors for us to be able to do this. I know He has a great ministry there for me. This move is bitter sweet. I am so excited to see what God is going to do but on the other hand I am sad that I will be leaving all of my dear friends at Wanamaker Woods. There will be a reception for me after church on August 28th, so come and give me a hug and say see you soon. (NOT good by!) For all those quilter in the church, come on up to Downs and spend the day in my quilt shop! I have so enjoyed my time at Wanamaker Woods and I can’t even to begin to tell you all that I have learned under Pastor Holmes. Thank you Pastor for taking me under your wing after I was ordained and for giving me a great place to serve and learn! A BIG thank you to Joyce Terrill, who taught me how to always be gracious no matter the circumstances and for loving me like a sister. Thank you to all the staff for always being there for me when Arnie was so ill. Pastor Michael, I am so glad I got to serve with and under your ministry for the past 7 or so years! I truly believe God is going to use you in a mighty big way to grow His church! I’m a little sad that I won’t get to have the front row seat to that any more but you have a great staff and Big God! I know you will find someone that can read Pastor Holmes’ hand writing and sit in my chair! I encourage all of you here at Wanamaker to support Pastor Michael in all that God is calling him to do! He is one of the most spiritual leaders that I have ever known and I know he doesn’t do anything without the leading of the Holy Spirit! Pray for him daily for he has some mighty big footsteps to follow! A BIG thank you to all those who have served under my leadership. There are too many to name individually but I love each and every one of you! Continue to do the work that God has called you to do! Well I will sign off here and say, “See you when I am in town!” Pastor Fran  DID YOU FORGET TO ADD YEAST?
Matthew 13:33 “The Kingdom of Heaven is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.” Bread dough has no power to change itself, no matter how hard it tries it cannot become bread on its own. It requires an external power adding the most important ingredient; yeast, and the kneading to bring the dough to its perfection. Yeast, when added in the bread making process, eats up sugar in flour and produces carbon dioxide that is the reason for rising of bread. Likewise, the Holy Spirit is the yeast and kneading that we require in our life to develop us into the true bread of life; developing us into God’s disciples. Until we allow the Holy Spirit to truly direct and empower our lives, we are helpless to assist in the development of other disciples until we yield control of our life to the Holy Spirit. Ignace Jan Paderewski (1860-1941) was a prodigy pianist and composer. He took piano lessons from the age of six. He entered the Warsaw Conservatory at the age of twelve and by eighteen, he was appointed as professor. He was a master piano composer and performer, mesmerizing audiences across Europe and America. As the story goes, the Great Paderewski was preparing to play a concert in a certain city. The stage was set. A beautiful ebony grand piano sat strategically placed on center stage. A mother brought her son to the concert in hopes of renewing his interest in playing the piano. As the audience settled into their seats, the young mother noticed that her son was missing. Then, in horror, she watched her young boy walk onto the stage, climb on the piano seat, and begin playing “Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star”. The audience gasped as Paderewski appeared. He placed his arms around the child and—to the audience’s surprise—began to play “Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star” with him. Together, they made a beautiful arrangement of melodies, counter melodies, and harmonies. All the while, the great composer whispered in the boy’s ears, “Don’t quit—you are doing great. Keep going!” That night the small child and the master composer made beautiful music together. When the song was over the audience burst into applause. Like the young boy in this story, we are powerless to do much without the Holy Spirit’s power. We can do little to develop ourself as a disciple of Christ, let alone invest in people for the kingdom of God. The Holy Spirit is the ingredient which causes true growth to happen, giving us new and renewed life in Jesus by the changing of our heart and mind in response to His gospel. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth 1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. As the Spirit does the work inside of us, we must be willing to work with him. Philippians 2:12-13 Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. 13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Do not resist the ministry of the Holy Spirit in your life because it exposes the lack of power in your life, or avoid responsibility for change, rather allow the Holy Spirit to change you; adding the spiritual yeast and kneading to develop the Holy power to be a disciple and disciple others into the image of Jesus Christ. Jesus said it this way in Acts 1:8, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” I pray you allow the Holy Spirit to so permeate your life that you, like the wonderful smell of a freshly baking loaf of bread, are a pleasing aroma to God. Yours in Christ, Rev. Jerry Schmid  When my oldest son’s children were small, he told me, “The first Bible verse I’m teaching my kids is ‘Children, obey your parents.’”
I teased him a little, saying, “Michael, that’s not the first verse you teach children. The first verse you teach children is ‘God is love.’” “Nope,” he said. “The first verse I’m teaching them is ‘Children, obey your parents.’ Because if they will obey me, I can teach them anything they need to know. If they don’t obey me, I can’t teach them anything.” Those children are grown now, and a joy to all who know them. In learning to obey their parents, they learned to obey God as well as their earthly authorities, and have avoided many pitfalls that have befallen their peers. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we, the followers of Christ, could embrace obedience? The longest chapter in the Bible, Psalm 119, is all about the Word of God – His law, His testimonies, His precepts, His ways, His rules, His commandments, His promises, His statutes. More than that, though, this psalm is about the author’s relationship with God’s Word. Frankly, he loves it! He begins by saying, “Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord!” And in verse 11 we find the familiar, “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” And verse 15: “I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.” Goodness! I would love to quote the whole Psalm. But it IS the longest chapter in the Bible. I believe those who learn obedience at the feet of the parents are the most fortunate, because that training is transferable to God and His Word. But for those who didn’t learn it as a child, it’s not too late. My advice would be to spend a little time in Psalm 119 and learn to rejoice in obedience to God. Nell Ritchey |
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January 2023
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