Devotions
from The Woods @Wanamaker
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Well, Christmas has passed, and the New Year is close at hand. My prayer for you is that this Christmas season has been one of the best yet for you as it has been for the Ritcheys. I haven’t been asked yet (as of the time of writing this) but I certainly expect the question(s) to come. You know the ones I’m thinking of, the ones about what my goals are for the New Year. I can say with all confidence that I do not plan to pay for gym membership and go at least three times a week. I also do not plan to make any new, wiser financial investments or save any certain amount of money. There is nothing wrong with these things, but I’ve been there, done that and don’t feel like I need to go back and try again.
I’ve made a lot of plans over the years and the Lord has blessed many of them, even before I became a Christian. I can testify that since I have been bringing the Lord into my planning process, I’ve seen a lot more successes and much greater satisfaction overall. Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.” This is the time of year when many of us are making plans and setting goals for the new year. My prayer for us all is to keep our Lord and His plans in the center of ours. He has plans for His people the I believe surpass the plans we make by ourselves (Jeremiah 29:11). When we are counted among His children it is ok to make plans but don’t forget to let the Lord lead the way (see Proverbs 16:9). Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will [emphasis added] make straight your paths.” I trust you have kept Christ in Christmas, please keep the Lord in the lead entering the New Year. Shalom, Pastor Bill
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Moving Up and Moving On "Beloved do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing.” I Peter 4:12 I enjoy cooking. One of my first memories of preparing something to eat was cooking an apple in a tin can over an open fire. Applesauce was my intention, but a gooey runny substance that tasted nothing like applesauce was the result. I think I was about 6 years old at the time. On the other hand, one of my memorable success was when I learned how to crack an egg with one hand without breaking the yolk. The success came at the price of a lot of eggs and a lot of messes to clean up. Two lessons I learned from my egg cracking journey was, Once you crack an egg you cannot un-crack it. Additionally, once you have scrambled an egg you cannot un-scramble it, but you can make a great omelet. Humanely speaking, many have experienced what it is like to be that cracked egg. This human egg cracking experience is known by a lot of different names; betrayal, loss of innocence, trust issues, seething anger, bad attitudes and clinging dysfunction. Maybe it is time to begin making omelets. You cannot change what has happened in the past, but you can change much of what is going to happen in the future. “Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall. Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. All the kings horses and all the kings men couldn’t put Humpty Dumpty back together again.” Have you experienced a great fall? Is dysfunction ruling the day and ruining your future? God, through His Son Jesus Christ had the power to “put you back together again.” Oh you will never be exactly like you were before the fall but you can start over with what is left and make some good omelets! It begins with a spiritual decision of surrender on your part. Until you take that first step, you will stay right where you are! If not now, when? Pastor Holmes Here we stand, at the beginning of another new year. Happy New Year!
Frequently through the years I have rejoiced in the fact that God repeatedly gives us new beginnings. He doesn’t need them Himself, but we do. Frequently I will say to a person overwhelmed with the challenges of life: “Get a good night’s sleep. Things will look better in the morning.” And they almost always do. Every week has a new beginning; we call it Sunday and set it apart for worship. And months. And even hours. AA teaches its members to break it down into minutes if they have to. But New Year’s Day; that’s the biggie. I love Watch Night services. For the uninitiated, that’s a Christian New Year’s Eve Party. I remember my first Watch Night service ever, the first year I was a believer. What an experience! What a joy to realize that for the first time in my life this year would be all dedicated to Christ. We’re going to have a Watch Night service at Montara this year. We need to. We’re going to celebrate the past, and then let it go, welcoming the new year and the new way with open arms. We will eat some lovely snacks; we’ll play some board games; we’ll maybe watch an inspiring movie. But at 11:30pm all that will stop, and we’ll talk about the important stuff. What was good about 2021? What was not so good? And then, what do you want to see happen in 2022? We’ll talk about goals – not resolutions. The problem with resolutions is that once you break them, just once, they’re gone, never to return, and you have failed. Often, before the end of January! Goals are different; goals you can keep working on; goals you don’t have to accomplish all at once just because it’s a new year. And at the end of our Watch Night service, we’ll pray in the new year, thanking God for 2021, asking His forgiveness for our failings, and seeking His blessing on 2022. Because really, if He doesn’t bless it, I don’t want it anyway… The old has gone; the new has come. Happy New Year! Blessings, Nell Reminiscing
Its Christmas night, and all is finally calm. No more little voices and big booming voices. No more pitter patter of little feet. The presents have all been unwrapped and all the knee-deep wrapping paper and boxes put in the trash. The tree sits empty and void of beautifully wrapped surprises. Those surprises have now become possessions, and everyone is happy and content. The last of the kids have either gone home or have gone to their rooms for the night. I finally get a chance to sit for a while. Whew! Listen ... .it feels good ... quiet. All the desserts are finally out of sight and out of mind ... the last of the Christmas albums has finally finished and is ready to be stored for another year. The midnight hour has chimed, but I find myself reminiscing over the events that took place.... Great day! Great! Even better than great! Months of shopping finally done for this year. Too much money spent.... but the delight on the faces made it all worthwhile.... The grandchildren have really grown.... lt was great to have the kids at home together.... I wish the other four could have been here... but it was nice having a chance to spend some time on the phone with them all... I remind myself that next year I need to cut back.. .. Perhaps I have a tendency to overindulge. Maybe I really need to reconsider why I do what we do.... buy presents for people that really don't need anything else to clutter their shelves or their lives.... more toys to fill an already overflowing toy box... more clothes that in a few months probably won't fit anyway... too much food with too many calories and it will take me a month to lose the weight I have gained.... along with the debt that was accrued. Christmas... Christmas.... is this what Christmas is really all about? Oh, we keep Christ in Christmas I tell myself. We read the Christmas story. We sang Happy Birthday to Jesus. We even gave a gift or two to those that didn't have. We went to services and celebrated His birth. We sang all the favorite carols. We kept Christ in Christmas... or did we? Why do we really celebrate Christmas? Is it for the gifts? Is it for the time we can spend together as families? Is it for the festive foods and traditions? Or, is it for the chance to share the real true meaning of Christmas with a lost and dying world? Christmas is the one time a year that for a few precious hours, He is beheld. Christ is the Lord. Many, who passed the year without seeing Him, suddenly see Him through the carols that are sung, the manger scenes and the activities of the holidays. God gave the most precious gift anyone could give. He gave His one and only Son for a world that was not even worthy of the thought let alone the action. Lord, don't ever let me get lost in the festivities and the glimmer and the gifts. May others see Him through my life, not only at Christmas time, but all year long. Don't ever let me forget why we celebrate Christmas. In a few hours the clean-up will begin. The decorations will come down the tree will be put away for another year. All the things in the stores will go on half-price, and the rush will be on once again for next year's shopping... Soon life will be back to normal again. December's generosity will become next year's payments, and the magic of Christmas will once again fade away. But for this moment, the excitement is still in the air. Maybe that is why I couldn't sleep. I want to savor the feelings and the memories for just a little longer. I want to pray that those who see Christ in Christmas this year will look for Him all year long. For Christ didn't intend for us to only celebrate Him once a year, but all year long. Pastor Fran Shalom For A New Year John 8:31-53 December 26, 2021 Definition of Shalom: May you be full of well being or may you be prosperous and healthy. • We live ___________ _________________ our inherited possibilities. John 8:31-35 • _____________________ delays your _________________________. • We must accept responsibility for our own ___________________. John 8:36-40 Two Questions: 1. Who has or what has _____________________ of my life? 2. Am I willing to _____ _____ of some _______________________ things to have freedom? • The only way to get the right __________________ is to know your ________________________. John 8:41 • Your ____________________________ not your ________________________ will determine your destiny. • There comes a time, if you are to ever experience real freedom, when you have to ______________ ___________________ is your answer. • All change begins with a _______________ __________________. Answers: • We live FAR BELOW our inherited possibilities. John 8:31-35 • DENIAL delays your FREEDOM. • We must accept responsibility for our own PRISON. John 8:36-40 Two Questions: 1. Who has or what has CONTROL of my life? 2. Am I willing to LET GO of some DYSFUNCTIONAL things to have freedom? • The only way to get the right DIRECTION is to know your DESTINATION. John 8:41 • Your DIRECTION not your INTENTIONS will determine your destiny. • There comes a time, if you are to ever experience real freedom, when you have to ADMIT JESUS is your answer. • All change begins with a FIRST STEP.
We Three Kings of orient are //
Bearing gifts we traversed afar// Field and Fountain, Moore and Mountain// Following yonder star This is the way one of my favorite Christmas carols begins. The song then goes on to musically explain the meaning of each gift the wise men gave Jesus in Mark 2:11: Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh. Gold was given in honor of a new king, Frankincense to worship God, and Myrrh to prepare a body for burial. With these gifts, the Wise Men honored the Baby Jesus for all that He was: God, who was a King, and was born to be a sacrifice. May we be as wise as to do the same. Pastor Jared Christmas Checklist: A pondering by Holly Woodbridge - December 22, 2021
The countdown is nearing its end. It is just 3 days before the FIRST Day of Christmas! Go, go, go! Our usual checklist sounds something like this: Invitations sent? Gifts purchased? Gifts wrapped? Food ordered? Guest rooms ready? Hurry, hurry, get it done. There is no time to waste. “But what if Christmas doesn’t come from a store? What if Christmas is a little bit more?” (from the Grinch) We have had more than three weeks now of preparation as we have moved through Advent. So, how is it going? An advent checklist might sound more like this? Am I focused on Jesus? Is there something in me that needs to change? Have I made time to see and meet the needs of people around me? How am I celebrating Jesus? Do I have the hope, peace, joy, and love that I keep hearing about? Does my life point others to Jesus? The Woodys celebrate 12 days of Christmas. It allows pause in this wonderful but sometimes very hectic celebration. It’s probably why the Israelites had festivals that went on for days. One day just doesn’t give us enough space for reflection and worship of the ONE who came and loved us so well. One life doesn’t even seem like enough. So this is the challenge for me and you as the days disappear: First, keep Christ in Christmas, ahead of everything else. Second, don’t quit when the wrapping paper and bows have been put away. Keep Christ before you, within you, beside you, beneath you, above you, around you. It really is always all about Him. Psalm 139: 23 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Happy Birthday to Jesus! Merry Christmas to you! In a few days we will be celebrating Christmas together with family and friends. I just want to say a hearty Merry Christmas from the Woody family to you and yours. I thought it would be fun to pen the Nativity story through the themes of Duck Dynasty. Enjoy!
It's a Happay, Happay, Happay birthday, break the streamers out ya'll A good ol' boy bash of the ages, Angels herald with duck calls Shepherds huntin for a Savior, not some yuppie king of stuff Fond of Faith, family, and facial hair, that's a fact Jack! That's enuf! These bumpkins down like a rodeo clown, no need for gags employ These rustic rednecks run routines called Good news of Great joy Wisemen weird all greet with “Hey” sippin ice tea from a jar They travel east from Vietnam, they're followin yonder star They ditched their camels- for four wheels their pick-ups in pursuit This babe born in a trailer park dressed in overalls not a suit Bluegrass bands a playin, hillbilly heaven cuts a gig in our space When a redneck runt rules a dynasty Yuppie kings will bow to grace Merry Christmas, Pastor Donny Would-a Should-a Could-a’sThere is always something we would have done, should have done, or could have done but we just never seem to get around to it for any number of reasons or just plain old excuses. Those things that drive us crazy when we think about them, those button pusher moments that send us into reflections of the past.
What if we lived as Jesus lived extending GRACE? But have you overlooked or failed to extend grace to yourself? And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8) Gods amazing grace was extended to us by his son who came to forgive and renew us, that we can love God with all our heart, mind, body, soul, then to love others as ourself. But if we fail to extent/accept his grace unto ourself, we lack the grace to share with others. The past is past, God has forgiven, therefor do not dwell on your Would-a Should-a Could-a’s, rather focus on Gods blessed creation, YOU, accept his love, grace, and renewal of your heart and mind. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.(Hebrews 4:15-16) God extends His free gift of grace to us, but we must be willing to receive it and then live in it. By doing so we can begin to realize how God sees us, enabling us to see Gods love and perfection at work in our life strengthening our resolve to grow past our defeats. If we deny God’s grace or deny extending grace to ourself we grieve God. His heart aches when he sees us believing we have failed or feeling we are worthless. You are the beloved creation of God. Therefore, lavish yourself in His grace and receive grace from yourself. May you each find God’s grace to be your greatest gift this Christmas. Then share your gift with someone, including yourself. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Ephesians 2:8) Because HE IS, therefore I AM…FORGIVEN. Have a Blessed and Christ filled Christmas! Yours in Christ, Rev. Jerry Schmid Advent | The Giving of Love 1 John 4:7-11 (NIV) December 19, 2021 Main Point: Love gets up.
The Other Half of Forgiveness:
All of us have, at one time or another, been hurt by words or actions of other people or events. There are times when we have to seek God's help to be forgiving because the hurts were so deep that we cannot find it in ourselves to forgive. Sometimes we need to seek forgiveness when we were the one that did the hurting, and there are times when we need to ask forgiveness, even when we weren't the one that caused the hurt. There are times when we really feel like we have truly forgiven someone, only to find our mind replaying over and over the scenario of the event. We suddenly realize that the more we replay the tune, the more apt we are to become angry and hurt all over again. Sometimes the event becomes all distorted and embellished. We really did forgive them, didn't we? Or did we? True forgiveness comes when we go to the person and apologize for whatever part we might have played in the event, but perhaps there is another part of forgiveness that we neglect. That part is forgetting. The part of forgetting can be the bigger challenge of forgiveness. I have heard people say, "Well, I can forgive him/her, but I can never forget what he/she did." Unfortunately, our mind is like a computer that stores the good events, as well as the bad events in our lives. Bad memories have a tendency to crop up every now and then. Sometimes the enemy, Satan, attempts to destroy us with reminding us of the bad events. When we come to God and ask forgiveness for the things we do that hurt Him, He buries them in the sea of forgetfulness, never to be remembered anymore. Micah tells us in chapter 7, verse 19, that God will have compassion on us and will tread our sins underfoot and hurl our iniquities into the depths of the sea. Psalms 103 tell us that God removes our sins as far as the east is from the west. The depth of the sea and as far as the east is from the west! Wow! Forgetting should be as important as forgiving. If we are keeping a record of wrong or nursing the grudge we have toward someone, have we really forgiven them? Philippians 3:13 tells us to forget what is behind us and strain towards what is ahead. To press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus. We can't really press on toward the mark if we are holding on to the memories of our past hurts or events in our lives. Perhaps you have forgiven someone, but have you really forgotten? Is it really buried in the sea of forgetfulness, never to be remembered anymore? Remember, there is another half of forgiveness-forgetting! What a great Christmas present for someone – Forgetting the hurt that comes from true forgiveness! You will find a renewed relationship if you can truly forgive and forget! Blessings, Pastor Fran John 14:15
"If you love Me, keep My commands." Our Lord never insists upon obedience; He tells us very emphatically what we ought to do,
“Whoever wants to be my disciple, must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Our Lord is not talking of eternal positions, but of being of value to Himself in this order of things, that is why He sounds so stern. Luke 14:27 “Whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” Never interpret these words apart from the One Who uttered them. The Lord does not give me rules,
When once God's Redemption comes to the point of obedience in a human soul, it always creates. If I obey Jesus Christ, the Redemption of God will rush through me to other lives, because behind the deed of obedience is the Reality of Almighty God. Pastor Dick “No Room” (Luke 2:7)
This advent the Innkeeper has been on my mind. What if that had been me, what if I been one of the ones that had not even offered Mary and Joseph a place in the stable but had turned them away completely? What if I had been in their shoes? What if I had been the one to turn the promised SAVIOR of the WORLD away. Can you imagine what he must have thought when he found out the baby was the Messiah? I’d be thinking “If only I knew, I would have given them my room, my bed, my everything!” Maybe you can relate to the Innkeeper this season, maybe your schedule has been too busy lately and you haven’t made room for a prayer life, for devotions, for church, to be hospitable to your neighbors. Maybe you’re not making enough room to give Christ the time and attention He so deserves! A devotional I read the other day asked this question: “How could you make generous space in your schedule and your heart for Christ this Christmas season?” Maybe this advent you need to have a talk with the Lord about your schedule, maybe it’s time to prioritize differently, make some space, put things aside that aren’t eternal and focus on the Savior, give Him His much deserved space in your life and heart this season. You won’t regret it! Blessings, Pastor Delinda "Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy… So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” John 16:20, 22
I know that this season is often a difficult season for many. The time that normally would be cherished and cause for laughter or excitement just isn’t what it used to be. Perhaps there is an empty seat at the table. Or perhaps you have a family member who refuses to engage because of their stance on any number of issues brewing today. Perhaps your health isn’t what it used to be. For some, this time is anything but joy-filled. It’s rather gloomy and weary. Jesus knew that there would be reasons and seasons for grief. He knew his disciples would grieve while the rest of the world rejoiced. Jesus didn’t even stop the disciples from grieving. In fact, he said, “You WILL grieve.” That can be a relief—just knowing we don’t have to pretend like everything is fine, even when it isn’t. We can grieve, and should grieve. Yet found within this passage is a promise. It’s a promise that is connected to seeing the resurrected Jesus. “Your grief WILL TURN to joy… You WILL rejoice." Joy is often found on the other side of grief. Joy is found on the journey of the trials, hardships, and the difficult times. Jesus knew this and encouraged the disciples with a joy that comes from him. And the best part is, no one can take that kind of joy away from us. May you sense just a glimpse of joy as you look for Jesus this Christmas season. Pastor Michael When Faith Falters “I do believe; help my unbelief.” (Mark 9:24) Two angels are identified in scripture with specific tasks to perform. The first, Michael, is described as a warrior angel. Each time we encounter him he is contending for spiritual righteousness and the defeat of evil. The second, Gabriel, is a messenger angel. He told of the birth of John the Baptist and of Jesus. In fact, he instructed the soon to be parents, the names they should give to each child upon their birth. We are reminded from Zechariah’s encounter with the angel and the news that he and his wife of advanced years were going to become parents, that a lack of faith does not change or alter God’s eternal plans. Today if you struggle with faith at times, know you have plenty of company. Remember, God does not always depend on our faith to bring about His plans. Faith is not a mandate but a blessing and a privilege. It pleases God when we express and live out our faith in Him. Did you realize faith is unique to God’s highest creation, man? Indeed, it is not afforded to any other aspect of His creation. It is only for mankind. Faith, if allowed to develop and grow can conquer fear and provide stability in the midst of chaos, calamity and insecurity. Perhaps a holiday prayer to begin developing could be, “Lord I do believe; help my unbelief.” Pastor Holmes Advent | The Anticipation of Joy Luke 2:8-20 (NLT); Psalm 30:5; John 17:20, 22 (NLT) December 12, 2021 Main Point: The good news of Jesus Christ brings great joy.
Main Point: The good news of Jesus Christ brings great joy.
“…You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.” 2 Peter 3:15-16
I love Christmas! I love everything about it – decorating the house, buying and giving presents, wearing Christmassy clothes and jewelry, watching “Miracle on 34thStreet” for the 97th time. Don’t hate me; I even love Santa Claus! We have Santas all around our house, many of them shown in the act of worshipping the Savior. Of everything I enjoy about Christmas, the best part is the anticipation This Advent season, Pastor Jared has been preaching on the meaning of the Advent candles. The second week’s candle stands for annunciation, with the focus being on John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus. He drew the crowds, then turned them over to the one “whose sandals (he was) not worthy to untie.” He preached the message of repentance, and his hearers were encouraged to prepare themselves for salvation. When the time was right, John directed them to Jesus. Pastor Jared encouraged us to “Live like Jesus; act like John,” meaning that we should be sharing the good news of salvation with everyone we know and directing them to Jesus. What an awesome reminder. My favorite, though, is the first week’s candle, which represents anticipation. The Prophets anticipated Christ’s coming long before His arrival, and wrote about it repeatedly in the Old Testament. They were looking forward to the coming of the Messiah, even though they didn’t get to see it here on earth. But their anticipation, and ours, doesn’t end with the birth of Christ. One day He will return in power and glory, no longer a baby in a manger, but the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Certainly His first coming was miraculous, literally the turning point of our calendar from BC to AD. However, it was just the beginning of a whole new stage of anticipation, looking forward to His Second Coming. What a glorious day that will be! “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” (Rev. 22:20) Merry Christmas, Nell With Christmas close at hand, I’ve been thinking about the reason for this season. For a long time I avoided Christmas as much as possible; I had way too much anxiety associated with it. But GOD . . .
I love it whenever I come across “but GOD” in Scripture, because I know something special may be coming next. Jen Oshman (in an on-line blog about “But GOD: The Bible’s Best Words”) shared that “the word ‘but’ in Scripture often introduces the message of the gracious and compassionate intervention of GOD. This simple term captures the nature of our GOD. He redeems, resurrects, and makes all things new. All seems lost and then we hear, ‘but GOD.’ He intervenes.” Romans 5:6-8 “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but GOD shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This is why we celebrate Christmas. Father GOD gave us His only unique Son so the broken relationship between Him and mankind could be healed. My anxieties around Christmas past had to do with a lot of things, but primarily that I and my family didn’t focus on Immanuel, GOD with us. But GOD… As a new Christian, my time was spent in church whenever the doors were open. I can only describe that first Christmas as a magical experience, and my anxiety around the holiday began to lift. It was a long process and is still incomplete, but GOD… When the time was right, He brought Nell into my life. I don’t know of anyone who loves Christmas more than her, which made our first year as husband and wife very challenging because that Christmas-related anxiety was still with me. Through the years she has been very therapeutic in my life in many ways, but especially about Christmas. I still don’t share the fullness of her excitement, but GOD . . . He’s not done with me. Merry Christmas, one and all! Pastor Bill Waiting…
Have you ever had a Christmas that did not go according to plan? Growing up, my family would wake up in the morning, open our stockings, have a nice breakfast, and then open gifts. One Christmas eve almost everyone in my family got sick throughout the night. What we did that day was drastically different from what we had planned. This happens in other aspects of our lives as well. Sometimes life doesn’t go according to plan. Even when things don’t work out, we can take comfort in the fact that God has a plan that will. God’s plan began way back at the beginning of everything. After Adam and Eve had sinned God hinted at the fact that he would send someone to “crush the serpent’s head” to make everything right again (Genesis 3:15). Throughout history God began to slowly reveal his plan to people through prophets like Jeremiah. “‘The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah. “‘In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line; he will do what is just and right in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. This is the name by which it will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior. Jeremiah 33:14-16 It took 42 generations from Abraham for the one who fulfilled God’s plan to be born (Read Matthew 1:1-17). This shows us that God’s plan unfolds over generations and continues to unfold as we wait for Jesus to return. During this season of Advent, I want you to reflect and ask yourself, is there any area of your life where you are struggling to trust God’s plan? Scripture shows us that God likes to wait. Sometimes for us waiting is difficult and often feels like nothing is happening. But we know He always fulfills His promises. Are you willing to trust God and wait? Pastor Blake Memento Mori. This is a Latin maxim that means “remember your death,” or “remember you have to die.” Sounds vaguely depressing at first, doesn’t it? However, it was used by the early Church as a greeting, at least as early as the 2ndCentury AD. Right now, we’re in the middle Advent, a time of celebration and anticipation, remembering Christ’s birth. So, why am I starting out by talking about death? Well, one of the things I’ve been reminding our Montara Campus about the last two weeks is that Christ’s birth and death are a package deal. The salvific effect of Christ’s sacrificial death is part of what makes His birth worth celebrating! Romans 6:3-4 says “Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.” In this joyous season of Advent, remember that the Baby in a manger that we so rightfully celebrate, was born to give you Life, and that new Life doesn’t end when the physical life does. That is the great hope of Christianity. Memento Mori, brothers and sisters, and Merry Christmas! Pastor Jared WHO IS PEACE? A Pondering by Holly Woodbridge
Luke 2:8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, AND ON EARTH PEACE TO THOSE ON WHOM HIS FAVOR RESTS.” Who had just made his entrance? Jesus. As a wee babe, he had entered our world. Peace had arrived. Were God’s people still under Roman rule? Yes. Were taxes ridiculous? Yes. Was every day a hard day? Yes. So, how can we say Peace on Earth? Because of Who had come. Peace is not about circumstance. It is about relationship. It is about a PERSON. Fast forward a few years to the last hours of Jesus time on earth. Jesus has just washed the disciples’ feet in the upper room and is now pouring in all the last minute truth he can before he journeys to the cross. He is wanting to give them assurance that although he was leaving, they would not be alone. Hmmm. He is leaving and yet they will not be alone. John 14:23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. 25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 PEACE I LEAVE WITH YOU; MY PEACE I GIVE YOU. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. The nation of Israel is still under Roman rule. Taxes are still high. Days are still hard. And their leader will soon head to his death. And He says, “Peace I leave you.” Why? Because the Father is sending the Holy Spirit. Peace is a who, and Peace can be ours on the hardest days and the best days because HE IS OUR PEACE. Ephesians 2:14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility. So if you are looking for peace today- Look for HIM! Advent: the Promise of Peace Philippians 4:7; Isaiah 9:6-7; Mark 4:38-41; Revelation 22:20 (NIV) December 5, 2021 Main Point: Peace is the product of Christ’s presence.
Main Point: Peace is the product of Christ’s presence.
I love to share original poetry especially during the holy-day seasons. Here is a poem as we move towards Christmas day.
Give me some of dat hope on a rope Not soap on a rope, not another tie this season We need some hope for our scope, not soap on a roap To celebrate this season for His reason Don’t need another sappy, sentimental sonnet Just some Hope in an optimistic bonnet Try on some faith-filled shoes Soon you’ll tap away the blues as they bee-bop you to Bethlehem Jesus thank for the Hope on a rope That causes us to cope when the cruisin to the crèche gets crazy Thank you for the star from afar, surely shines to where we are When terrain through the territory’s hazy Don’t need a Hollywood-like Haiku in a huddle With subversive verses seeking to befuddle We need some Hope on a rope, not soap on a rope This Christmas This Year Pastor Donny God’s Christmas Tree
At this time of the year, we find a Christmas trees with presents underneath in homes everywhere. It’s a symbol of Christmas that stands out in this country. Regardless of what the Christmas trees origin or reason, we can observe it as a positive way to remember the birth of the Savior, who He is and why He came into the world. The truth of Christ's birth and the reason for the Christmas Season is that God the Son, the second person of the trinity, became the baby in a manger, that He might become the man of the cross, the gift to free us from the penalty of sin, reconcile us to God that we might receive eternal life as the ultimate gift through His life, and all of this as a gift by faith in Christ. God's Christmas tree was the Cross. The presents that lie at the foot of that tree remind us of the gifts God has given to us in Christ and that He offers to the world. God has His own Christmas tree, a tree in likeness of His Son Jesus. Not a tree decorated with lights and ornaments or tinsel, or surrounded by presents filled with perishable things purchased on line. Rather it is God's tree with imperishable, priceless gifts, purchased by the death of God's Son on God's tree. Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot (1 Peter 1:18-19) God’s tree is different, not available in the store, on the corner tree lot, or local tree farm, but His tree is different. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. (Revelation 21:6) This tree is planted by the waters of life, brings life, without price, is freely given as a gift, available to each of us. “COME”, “TAKE” the “TREE OF LIFE” It’s the gift that keeps on giving, but wait, there is still more! It’s the gift of GRACE through faith ALONE. The gift of God in Christ ALONE, not by our religion or works, but through God’s divine creation. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9) It is A FREE GIFT, without cost to us. God's Christmas tree, our Salvation in Christ is free, but it was not cheap. It cost God the death of His only begotten Son. A gift wrapped in swaddling clothes, tied and sealed with Jesus blood. There is no Grace and it is not free if you and I must pay a price. No cheap, sale, or discount would reduce it to something you or I might be able to achieve on our own. Rather it is a GIFT given freely to you and I with a price fully paid by another. Placed on a tree, for you and I to open and receive. This Christmas season, receive that gift. John said it thus: But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, (John 1:12) But there is still more, more gifts under the tree to be opened. Open the Gift of Peace! Sin separated us from God and his holiness, but now we are reconciled. Christ tore down that barrier that kept us apart from God, and now we have "Peace with God", the peace of salvation that is manifest through the one who is truly Peace, Jesus Christ. Unwrap access to God Himself! “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace” (Hebrews 4:16). Christ has given us access, access to those who believe on His Name; "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father except by me" (Jn. 14:6). Tear open the wrapping on still more; unwrap Hope! Hope that we will one day share in God's kingdom as heirs to His thrown, and now, as we grow in the Lord. Hope of change, hope of the old sinful nature and habits broken. We’re not done yet, keep shredding that wrapping, open the BIG PACKAGES … Love of God and the Holy Spirit just for starters! John expressed it like this: "By this the love of God was manifested in us that God has sent His only begotten Son into the World so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins" (1 Jn. 4:9-10). By the way, this comes with a No Wrath policy: Because Christ died for us, He took our judgement, the wrath of God that was due us, has been paid for in full. That’s not all, it also includes free delivery: Christ delivers us from the power of sin. “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me” (Gal. 2:20). Because of God’s Gift on the Tree for you and I we can REJOICE, as we thank God for the works of His Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. God’s precious gift, wrapped in swaddling clothes, laid in a mange, and ultimately placed on God’s Christmas tree for us to open and receive His precious life-giving gift. May we all remember Christ, who is the reason for the season, and the true Christmas spirit, God’s Gift on the Tree. May you have a very Merry Christmas in the Lord. Rev. Jerry SchmidGod’s Christmas Tree At this time of the year, we find a Christmas trees with presents underneath in homes everywhere. It’s a symbol of Christmas that stands out in this country. Regardless of what the Christmas trees origin or reason, we can observe it as a positive way to remember the birth of the Savior, who He is and why He came into the world. The truth of Christ's birth and the reason for the Christmas Season is that God the Son, the second person of the trinity, became the baby in a manger, that He might become the man of the cross, the gift to free us from the penalty of sin, reconcile us to God that we might receive eternal life as the ultimate gift through His life, and all of this as a gift by faith in Christ. God's Christmas tree was the Cross. The presents that lie at the foot of that tree remind us of the gifts God has given to us in Christ and that He offers to the world. God has His own Christmas tree, a tree in likeness of His Son Jesus. Not a tree decorated with lights and ornaments or tinsel, or surrounded by presents filled with perishable things purchased on line. Rather it is God's tree with imperishable, priceless gifts, purchased by the death of God's Son on God's tree. Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot (1 Peter 1:18-19) God’s tree is different, not available in the store, on the corner tree lot, or local tree farm, but His tree is different. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. (Revelation 21:6) This tree is planted by the waters of life, brings life, without price, is freely given as a gift, available to each of us. “COME”, “TAKE” the “TREE OF LIFE” It’s the gift that keeps on giving, but wait, there is still more! It’s the gift of GRACE through faith ALONE. The gift of God in Christ ALONE, not by our religion or works, but through God’s divine creation. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9) It is A FREE GIFT, without cost to us. God's Christmas tree, our Salvation in Christ is free, but it was not cheap. It cost God the death of His only begotten Son. A gift wrapped in swaddling clothes, tied and sealed with Jesus blood. There is no Grace and it is not free if you and I must pay a price. No cheap, sale, or discount would reduce it to something you or I might be able to achieve on our own. Rather it is a GIFT given freely to you and I with a price fully paid by another. Placed on a tree, for you and I to open and receive. This Christmas season, receive that gift. John said it thus: But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, (John 1:12) But there is still more, more gifts under the tree to be opened. Open the Gift of Peace! Sin separated us from God and his holiness, but now we are reconciled. Christ tore down that barrier that kept us apart from God, and now we have "Peace with God", the peace of salvation that is manifest through the one who is truly Peace, Jesus Christ. Unwrap access to God Himself! “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace” (Hebrews 4:16). Christ has given us access, access to those who believe on His Name; "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father except by me" (Jn. 14:6). Tear open the wrapping on still more; unwrap Hope! Hope that we will one day share in God's kingdom as heirs to His thrown, and now, as we grow in the Lord. Hope of change, hope of the old sinful nature and habits broken. We’re not done yet, keep shredding that wrapping, open the BIG PACKAGES … Love of God and the Holy Spirit just for starters! John expressed it like this: "By this the love of God was manifested in us that God has sent His only begotten Son into the World so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins" (1 Jn. 4:9-10). By the way, this comes with a No Wrath policy: Because Christ died for us, He took our judgement, the wrath of God that was due us, has been paid for in full. That’s not all, it also includes free delivery: Christ delivers us from the power of sin. “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me” (Gal. 2:20). Because of God’s Gift on the Tree for you and I we can REJOICE, as we thank God for the works of His Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. God’s precious gift, wrapped in swaddling clothes, laid in a mange, and ultimately placed on God’s Christmas tree for us to open and receive His precious life-giving gift. May we all remember Christ, who is the reason for the season, and the true Christmas spirit, God’s Gift on the Tree. May you have a very Merry Christmas in the Lord. Rev. Jerry SchmidGod’s Christmas Tree At this time of the year, we find a Christmas trees with presents underneath in homes everywhere. It’s a symbol of Christmas that stands out in this country. Regardless of what the Christmas trees origin or reason, we can observe it as a positive way to remember the birth of the Savior, who He is and why He came into the world. The truth of Christ's birth and the reason for the Christmas Season is that God the Son, the second person of the trinity, became the baby in a manger, that He might become the man of the cross, the gift to free us from the penalty of sin, reconcile us to God that we might receive eternal life as the ultimate gift through His life, and all of this as a gift by faith in Christ. God's Christmas tree was the Cross. The presents that lie at the foot of that tree remind us of the gifts God has given to us in Christ and that He offers to the world. God has His own Christmas tree, a tree in likeness of His Son Jesus. Not a tree decorated with lights and ornaments or tinsel, or surrounded by presents filled with perishable things purchased on line. Rather it is God's tree with imperishable, priceless gifts, purchased by the death of God's Son on God's tree. Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot (1 Peter 1:18-19) God’s tree is different, not available in the store, on the corner tree lot, or local tree farm, but His tree is different. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. (Revelation 21:6) This tree is planted by the waters of life, brings life, without price, is freely given as a gift, available to each of us. “COME”, “TAKE” the “TREE OF LIFE” It’s the gift that keeps on giving, but wait, there is still more! It’s the gift of GRACE through faith ALONE. The gift of God in Christ ALONE, not by our religion or works, but through God’s divine creation. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9) It is A FREE GIFT, without cost to us. God's Christmas tree, our Salvation in Christ is free, but it was not cheap. It cost God the death of His only begotten Son. A gift wrapped in swaddling clothes, tied and sealed with Jesus blood. There is no Grace and it is not free if you and I must pay a price. No cheap, sale, or discount would reduce it to something you or I might be able to achieve on our own. Rather it is a GIFT given freely to you and I with a price fully paid by another. Placed on a tree, for you and I to open and receive. This Christmas season, receive that gift. John said it thus: But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, (John 1:12) But there is still more, more gifts under the tree to be opened. Open the Gift of Peace! Sin separated us from God and his holiness, but now we are reconciled. Christ tore down that barrier that kept us apart from God, and now we have "Peace with God", the peace of salvation that is manifest through the one who is truly Peace, Jesus Christ. Unwrap access to God Himself! “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace” (Hebrews 4:16). Christ has given us access, access to those who believe on His Name; "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father except by me" (Jn. 14:6). Tear open the wrapping on still more; unwrap Hope! Hope that we will one day share in God's kingdom as heirs to His thrown, and now, as we grow in the Lord. Hope of change, hope of the old sinful nature and habits broken. We’re not done yet, keep shredding that wrapping, open the BIG PACKAGES … Love of God and the Holy Spirit just for starters! John expressed it like this: "By this the love of God was manifested in us that God has sent His only begotten Son into the World so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins" (1 Jn. 4:9-10). By the way, this comes with a No Wrath policy: Because Christ died for us, He took our judgement, the wrath of God that was due us, has been paid for in full. That’s not all, it also includes free delivery: Christ delivers us from the power of sin. “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me” (Gal. 2:20). Because of God’s Gift on the Tree for you and I we can REJOICE, as we thank God for the works of His Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. God’s precious gift, wrapped in swaddling clothes, laid in a mange, and ultimately placed on God’s Christmas tree for us to open and receive His precious life-giving gift. May we all remember Christ, who is the reason for the season, and the true Christmas spirit, God’s Gift on the Tree. May you have a very Merry Christmas in the Lord. Rev. Jerry Schmid "Thy Word have I hidden in my heart that I might not sin against You': Psalm 119:11
"Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105 God gifted me with a very inquisitive photogenic mind. As a child, I had to see how things were put together, what made things tick and why they all fit together the way they did. All I had to do was watch something being done and I could go and do it. As a very small child, my favorite toy was a screwdriver. I loved to take things apart and put them back together again - not that I was always able to get them back to their original design - but I tried my best. I remember one time in particular, when I removed all the screws from the hot plate that my foster parents had. I didn't realize that there were little nuts behind the screws that would fall down inside the hotplate. My foster parents came in about the time I was trying to put it back together, so I just left it the way it was with all intentions of going back to fix it. How was I supposed to know that my foster mom was going to use the hotplate at that very moment? Watches didn't survive very long either. There was something within me that compelled me to take the back off and try to figure out how all those little wheels and gears worked. I guess I have never outgrown that curiosity, for those things still absolutely fascinate me! As I got older and learned to read, I realized that I could gain so much from books and the material they contained. I was fascinated by all the knowledge within those pages and, having such a great imaginative mind, it was easy for me to become the person in the book or to put myself there at the time of the writing. I could take apart books in my mind, and I didn't have to worry about having to put them back together again. My mind became a sponge, and I couldn't get enough of reading. I would do my chores with one hand and hold the book with the other, because I just couldn't put a book down until I had fully devoured each and every page! Even today I am still a sponge when it comes to learning. I usually watch TV with a book in my hands! I have such a hunger for learning and for reading. In my vast collection of books, you will find a large selection of books on theology and holiness, all of which I have devoured from cover to cover. The Bible clearly teaches us the importance of being in the Word. Try to picture in your mind what was really taking place at the time when Jesus walked this earth and walked with his disciples. Wow! What it must have been like for those disciples to be able to physically sit at his feet and learn from Him! Although we can't physically sit at His feet, we can sit at His feet mentally and learn from Him. We can say the words, "Thy Word have I hidden in my heart that I might not sin against You”: Or we can sing the words, “Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light for my path." But, how does that Word get hidden in our hearts, and how does it become a light unto our paths? By reading the Word! The problem is, do we really take the time to sit and learn? Do we take the time to read? Someone said to me the other day, "I don't like to read. I will just wait until it comes out on DVD." Well, guess what? You can read by listening also! With today's technology, you don't have to visually read a book any more-people will actually read it to you and all you have to do is listen. Even the Bible is available on CD now. It can't get much easier than that! There are a lot of great books on CD’s today! But, it is like everything else-we have to have the desire in our heart to learn. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled" (Matthew 5:6) Do you have a hunger and thirst for learning and for a closer walk with Christ? Then Read! Read! Read! Blessings, Pastor Fran |
AuthorNotes from the Staff @The Woods Archives
March 2023
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