My home church recently became aware of a small congregation on the Oregon coast that finds themselves without a pastor, following their pastor's retirement after 25 years. As an outreach of our church, God has given me the privilege to go and minister to these brothers and sisters in Christ. I have been graced with the opportunity to teach their adult Sunday School class and preach their morning message. As the Lord allows, the current plan is for my wife and I to travel there each Sunday for the next several weeks. God has already blessed us in this ministry and travel time together.
As I shared with them for the first time last week, I felt compelled to remind them of an important truth. God cares for the local church. He cares for their church, those who fellowship there and for the people that live in the communities surrounding it. Their congregation is not large in number but their love for the Savior is evident. I was reminded of Acts 17:17, where speaking of the Apostle Paul, the author wrote, "So he was reasoning in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles, and in the market place every day with those who happened to be present." I so much appreciate what it says here. Paul was not moved by the Spirit to speak only to a certain number of people but he shared God's truth "with those who happened to be present."
Paul was concerned for the church that met in Prisca and Aquila's house. He was inspired to write to the church in Rome, the church in Corinth, the churches of Galatia, the church of Ephesus, of Philippi, of Colossae and of Thessalonica. He wrote to Titus regarding the churches on the island of Crete. God is building His Church, the body of Christ. But He cares for the local church. As only God could do, He inspired various letters to be written to believers located in different places and then preserved them for His use in speaking to all members of the body of Christ who have gathered through the centuries at various churches around the world. Praise the Lord for such a miraculous work as that.
May God give direction to this group of believers that He has privileged me to work with and may He give me the words to share each week with those who happen to be present.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Sunday, February 20, 2011
The Time is Now
Some readers may remember a passage of scripture I have commented on from the eleventh chapter of the Book of Hebrews. In this great chapter of faith, in the fourth verse, the writer tells us that by faith, though Abel is dead, he still speaks. As is the case for Abel, I see God reminding us of a couple of undeniable truths for us to consider. We will all "speak" after we are dead and the life that we live now will determine the sort of things we "speak" after we are gone.
Through the death of my father in-law and through His holy word, God has spoken to my heart recently about the importance of "the now". My father in-law left behind many memories and the life that he lived will dictate how he continues to speak to his family and friends as time goes on. But the dead are not afforded another opportunity to speak something new. They may only speak what they previously lived. I pray that this truth may instill in me a sober mindedness that will draw me to a closer walk with Christ through His word and promised Helper.
In a portion of Isaiah chapter 38, Isaiah was inspired to include "a writing of Hezekiah king of Judah". In the 19th verse we find in Hezekiah's writing, these words; "It is the living who give thanks to Thee, as I do today; A father tells his sons about Thy faithfulness." It is while we are living that we can give thanks to God. It is while we are living that we can love and serve one another. It is while we are living that we can "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ". It is while we are living that we can "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God". It is while we are living that we can write in the hearts and minds of others the things that we will later speak when we are gone.
Fathers, while we are living and breathing, let us tell our sons and daughters about His faithfulness today! And may our life in Christ, while we walk this earth now, be such that we will continue to speak to them and others of faith; faith unto salvation and faith for living, when we are gone. May He be praised!
Through the death of my father in-law and through His holy word, God has spoken to my heart recently about the importance of "the now". My father in-law left behind many memories and the life that he lived will dictate how he continues to speak to his family and friends as time goes on. But the dead are not afforded another opportunity to speak something new. They may only speak what they previously lived. I pray that this truth may instill in me a sober mindedness that will draw me to a closer walk with Christ through His word and promised Helper.
In a portion of Isaiah chapter 38, Isaiah was inspired to include "a writing of Hezekiah king of Judah". In the 19th verse we find in Hezekiah's writing, these words; "It is the living who give thanks to Thee, as I do today; A father tells his sons about Thy faithfulness." It is while we are living that we can give thanks to God. It is while we are living that we can love and serve one another. It is while we are living that we can "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ". It is while we are living that we can "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God". It is while we are living that we can write in the hearts and minds of others the things that we will later speak when we are gone.
Fathers, while we are living and breathing, let us tell our sons and daughters about His faithfulness today! And may our life in Christ, while we walk this earth now, be such that we will continue to speak to them and others of faith; faith unto salvation and faith for living, when we are gone. May He be praised!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Thoughts and Memories
My father in-law passed away on Monday, February 7, 2011. He was a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. He has left me with a multitude of memories that are two many to put into words. On behalf of his family I shared the following at his memorial service.
Bernard's family has been experiencing all of these emotions since Monday afternoon when he passed away peacefully at his and Donna's home just a few miles from here. Bernard was graced with an unusual opportunity Monday; to pass into the presence of his Savior while resting in his favorite chair. Although Monday was a very difficult day for our family, it marked the end of all difficulties for Bernard and for that we are thankful.
Many years ago Bernard had already passed from death unto life when God had revealed to him the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Bernard had trusted in the saving work of Christ on Calvary's cross, believing that Jesus had died for his sins. By faith Bernard believed the gospel and believed Jesus' words recorded in John 11:25-26 where He said, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die."
Bernard was many things to many different people. He was Donna's constant companion and husband of 56 years. He was a father to their five children; four daughters and a son. He was a father in-law, a grandfather, a great grandfather, a brother, an uncle, a cousin, a nephew, a church member, a brother in Christ, a friend, a teacher, a principal, a superintendent, a boss, a fishing partner, a hunting partner and the list goes on.
Bernard was an extraordinary man with many and varied experiences and interests. He could quickly engage in a conversation with nearly anyone. He served his country in the Air Force. He was a lifelong educator as a teacher and school administrator. He had a love for golf when he was younger. He liked to cook a variety of foods, make homemade apple cider, and smoke fish. He enjoyed reading books and magazines. He enjoyed sports. He collected pocket knives. He had a thing for tooth picks. He enjoyed a variety of outdoor activities including farming, gardening, picking mushrooms, smelt dipping, clam digging, crabbing, hunting and fishing.
He was a kind and generous man with a good sense of humor. He treated people with respect unless you were the operator of a boat that was causing him to veer from his desired trolling path while fishing. He was a man of faith, not a perfect man, but a man who believed in the perfect One. He loved his family and although he might call his grandkids "mug wamps" or "magpies" or similar such names, they were just terms of endearment or he had forgotten their names for a moment. Following a heart attack he experienced a couple of years ago he was advised that only half of his heart was functioning. And although this was medically true, he continued to live life with all of his heart. Even after his 80th birthday last May he continued to drive into Warrenton early in the morning on several occasions to go sturgeon and salmon fishing this past summer.
Although his family will miss him dearly, we rejoice in our shared faith that he rests in the presence of Jesus now. We find assurance in God's word, that for the believer in Christ, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. We are thankful for the bountiful memories that we have and that we can share them with each other in the days and years to come.
We want to thank each one of you for your words of encouragement, your hugs, your cards, the food, your thoughts, your love and your prayers. We thank you for being a part of Bernard's life and pray that you might enjoy the memories he has left with you also.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
I'm Sticking with Jesus!
Late last week the headlines were everywhere. Local, national and international news agencies all covered the story. The headlines read that Pope John Paul II was to be "beatified" in May of this year. This announcement followed the decision made by Vatican officials, attributing a miracle to John Paul II. The story indicated that a panel of doctors, theologians, cardinals and bishops, appointed by the Vatican, had determined that a French nun's miraculous recovery from Parkinson's disease was due to the intercession of John Paul II. This step in the "canonization" process apparently acknowledges John Paul's entrance into heaven and his capacity to intercede on behalf of individuals who pray in his name. It will give him the title of "blessed" and give authority for him to be publicly "venerated". Another "Vatican approved miracle" and John Paul II may even become a saint some day.
I do not normally comment on matters like this but felt compelled to do so now. Let me first say, that unequivocally, the Apostle Paul's words to Timothy proclaim an everlasting truth; there is "one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus"! "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me" Jesus declared. He alone "always lives to make intercession" for "those who draw near to God through Him" stated the Hebrew author. His miracles were countless and no panel of men, appointed by men, has or ever will be required for validation.
He is the "blessed God", "the blessed and only Sovereign", the One "who is blessed forever" and there is none other like Him! Men have been the recipients of His countless blessings but He alone is the Blessed One. In Christ, all who have believed the gospel message are saints. They are saints, not by virtue of a progression of man made ordinances and requirements, but by the grace of God. I am a saint because of the kind intention of His will, where He purposed to reveal Christ in me, the hope of glory. Soon millions will publicly "venerate" John Paul II, giving him reverential adoration and respect not due any man, save the man Christ Jesus. It is the Lord Jesus Christ who has been exalted by God and given "the name which is above every name".
Yes, I suppose millions welcomed the news of John Paul's anticipated "beatification" and that many will be praying in his name. Sadly, there is no power in his name. But there is power in the name of Jesus! May God open the hearts and minds of men, women and children all over the world to the gospel of grace, the gospel of Jesus. As the words of the great hymn remind us, "Jesus paid it all. All to Him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain. He washed it white as snow."
Man may deny the truth and supremacy of Christ and continue to exalt other men to positions that He alone is worthy of. And I suppose men, in their own estimation, will continue to determine the time of "beatification", when and to whom to ascribe the title "blessed" and maintain a list of criteria for becoming a "saint". But along "with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours", I'm sticking with Jesus!
I do not normally comment on matters like this but felt compelled to do so now. Let me first say, that unequivocally, the Apostle Paul's words to Timothy proclaim an everlasting truth; there is "one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus"! "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me" Jesus declared. He alone "always lives to make intercession" for "those who draw near to God through Him" stated the Hebrew author. His miracles were countless and no panel of men, appointed by men, has or ever will be required for validation.
He is the "blessed God", "the blessed and only Sovereign", the One "who is blessed forever" and there is none other like Him! Men have been the recipients of His countless blessings but He alone is the Blessed One. In Christ, all who have believed the gospel message are saints. They are saints, not by virtue of a progression of man made ordinances and requirements, but by the grace of God. I am a saint because of the kind intention of His will, where He purposed to reveal Christ in me, the hope of glory. Soon millions will publicly "venerate" John Paul II, giving him reverential adoration and respect not due any man, save the man Christ Jesus. It is the Lord Jesus Christ who has been exalted by God and given "the name which is above every name".
Yes, I suppose millions welcomed the news of John Paul's anticipated "beatification" and that many will be praying in his name. Sadly, there is no power in his name. But there is power in the name of Jesus! May God open the hearts and minds of men, women and children all over the world to the gospel of grace, the gospel of Jesus. As the words of the great hymn remind us, "Jesus paid it all. All to Him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain. He washed it white as snow."
Man may deny the truth and supremacy of Christ and continue to exalt other men to positions that He alone is worthy of. And I suppose men, in their own estimation, will continue to determine the time of "beatification", when and to whom to ascribe the title "blessed" and maintain a list of criteria for becoming a "saint". But along "with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours", I'm sticking with Jesus!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Resolved to Turn Away, Resolved to Pray
Believers and non-believers alike often make New Year's resolutions at or near the beginning of each new year. Resolutions most commonly made are those related to losing weight, discontinuing bad habits or developing more positive ones. A comprehensive list of specific ones would be quite long. The leadership of my home church has put forth a bible reading program that encourages our members to read through the Bible this year. This has already been a blessing for me. God has reminded me of a couple of important truths that I thought I would share.
The first one is spoken of in Isaiah 5:20 where we read, "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil; who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness: who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!" Oh, how accurately this describes the times in which we live. May God help us to be aware and yet not disheartened by this truth. In a world where evil is called good, darkness is substituted for light and bitter is substituted for sweet, how much do we need the everlasting truth of God's word to light our ways.
The other passage of scripture I wanted to mention is found in the book of Job. In the beginning of the first chapter we are given some insight into the man that Job was. First, in Job 1:1 we read, "There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job; and that man was blameless, upright, fearing God and turning away from evil." And then in Job 1:5, in reference to Job's concern for his children, we read, "When the days of feasting had completed their cycle, Job would send and consecrate them, rising up early in the morning and offering burnt offerings according to the number of them all; for Job said, "Perhaps my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts." Thus Job did continually."
Oh, that like Job, we also would turn away from evil! Paul wrote of abhorring that which is evil and clinging to that which is good. Peter wrote of the importance of turning away from evil and doing good. We will not turn away from that which we do not see. By His Spirit and through the study of His holy word, may we have the mind of Christ to recognize evil when it is before us. As the Hebrew author was inspired to write about the importance of maturity, he said that "solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil." Oh, how important that we avail ourselves to all that God has provided for spiritual maturity!
And oh, that like Job, we would have a heart for our children in regards to spiritual matters. No, we are not called to offer burnt offerings for our children's sins and we cannot live their life in Christ for them. But I'm talking about the heart of Job. The relationship that his children had with the Lord was a deep concern of his heart continually. When did you last, with great humility of heart, pray earnestly for your sons or daughters? Or perhaps for your grandchildren. If it has been some time, please do so today. May we be serious minded regarding the impact that our life in Christ can have on those close to us.
I cannot help but think of the effect that would be upon the Church, the body of Christ, if God's people resolved to turn away from evil and to cling to what is good. And one can only imagine the impact of believing parents being resolved to be concerned for their children in spiritual matters, continually. Perhaps we will not see the impact of such on the entire body of Christ. But how about an individual life or perhaps a family or a local church? Oh, that Christ may work in our lives, in accordance with His glorious might, to accomplish His will in us. May Christ be glorified in and through our lives this and every other year He grants us.
The first one is spoken of in Isaiah 5:20 where we read, "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil; who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness: who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!" Oh, how accurately this describes the times in which we live. May God help us to be aware and yet not disheartened by this truth. In a world where evil is called good, darkness is substituted for light and bitter is substituted for sweet, how much do we need the everlasting truth of God's word to light our ways.
The other passage of scripture I wanted to mention is found in the book of Job. In the beginning of the first chapter we are given some insight into the man that Job was. First, in Job 1:1 we read, "There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job; and that man was blameless, upright, fearing God and turning away from evil." And then in Job 1:5, in reference to Job's concern for his children, we read, "When the days of feasting had completed their cycle, Job would send and consecrate them, rising up early in the morning and offering burnt offerings according to the number of them all; for Job said, "Perhaps my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts." Thus Job did continually."
Oh, that like Job, we also would turn away from evil! Paul wrote of abhorring that which is evil and clinging to that which is good. Peter wrote of the importance of turning away from evil and doing good. We will not turn away from that which we do not see. By His Spirit and through the study of His holy word, may we have the mind of Christ to recognize evil when it is before us. As the Hebrew author was inspired to write about the importance of maturity, he said that "solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil." Oh, how important that we avail ourselves to all that God has provided for spiritual maturity!
And oh, that like Job, we would have a heart for our children in regards to spiritual matters. No, we are not called to offer burnt offerings for our children's sins and we cannot live their life in Christ for them. But I'm talking about the heart of Job. The relationship that his children had with the Lord was a deep concern of his heart continually. When did you last, with great humility of heart, pray earnestly for your sons or daughters? Or perhaps for your grandchildren. If it has been some time, please do so today. May we be serious minded regarding the impact that our life in Christ can have on those close to us.
I cannot help but think of the effect that would be upon the Church, the body of Christ, if God's people resolved to turn away from evil and to cling to what is good. And one can only imagine the impact of believing parents being resolved to be concerned for their children in spiritual matters, continually. Perhaps we will not see the impact of such on the entire body of Christ. But how about an individual life or perhaps a family or a local church? Oh, that Christ may work in our lives, in accordance with His glorious might, to accomplish His will in us. May Christ be glorified in and through our lives this and every other year He grants us.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Overshadowed by the Most High
The wondrous story of Christmas is a timeless proclamation of good news, great joy, hope, salvation, and grace. As I recently considered the birth of Christ, my attention was drawn to the interaction between the angel Gabriel and Mary as he revealed to her the approaching miracle. Sure, I have read the story many times, but God seemed to speak to my heart about something I had never considered before.
In Luke 1:26-37 we read the following, "Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And coming in, he said to her, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you." But she was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was. The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end." Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" The angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God. "And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month. "For nothing will be impossible with God."
Following Gabriel's announcement, Mary asked a very practical and a most appropriate question of the angel. "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" As I considered Gabriel's response, I was reminded of several other questions that find their answer resting, at least in part, on the one he gave. How can God remain holy and righteous while imparting forgiveness and righteousness to sinners? How could He be "made like His brethren in all things"? How could God partake of flesh and blood? How can He bid me to come boldly to the throne of grace? How can He use these vessels that are you and I to accomplish His will? How can this mortality someday put on immortality? May we never forget Gabriel's inspired proclamation of truth to Mary. And may we ever lean on the hope that it speaks of. "Nothing is impossible with God." Repeat these words to yourself again and again and never forget them.
As I thought about Gabriel's response to Mary's question further, it occurred to me that Mary and I had something quite significant in common. As she wondered how she could "bear a son" while yet a virgin, Gabriel announced that the Holy Spirit would come upon her and that the power of the Most High would overshadow her. It seemed so clear to me. Had I not also experienced the Holy Spirit coming upon me? Could I not rejoice forevermore that the power of the Most High had overshadowed me? Had not my "empty womb" been given life? And did not the life that grew in Mary bear the same name as The Life that was given me? The wonderful name of Jesus! Praise the Lord for the life giving message of Christmas!!!
In Luke 1:26-37 we read the following, "Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And coming in, he said to her, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you." But she was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was. The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end." Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" The angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God. "And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month. "For nothing will be impossible with God."
Following Gabriel's announcement, Mary asked a very practical and a most appropriate question of the angel. "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" As I considered Gabriel's response, I was reminded of several other questions that find their answer resting, at least in part, on the one he gave. How can God remain holy and righteous while imparting forgiveness and righteousness to sinners? How could He be "made like His brethren in all things"? How could God partake of flesh and blood? How can He bid me to come boldly to the throne of grace? How can He use these vessels that are you and I to accomplish His will? How can this mortality someday put on immortality? May we never forget Gabriel's inspired proclamation of truth to Mary. And may we ever lean on the hope that it speaks of. "Nothing is impossible with God." Repeat these words to yourself again and again and never forget them.
As I thought about Gabriel's response to Mary's question further, it occurred to me that Mary and I had something quite significant in common. As she wondered how she could "bear a son" while yet a virgin, Gabriel announced that the Holy Spirit would come upon her and that the power of the Most High would overshadow her. It seemed so clear to me. Had I not also experienced the Holy Spirit coming upon me? Could I not rejoice forevermore that the power of the Most High had overshadowed me? Had not my "empty womb" been given life? And did not the life that grew in Mary bear the same name as The Life that was given me? The wonderful name of Jesus! Praise the Lord for the life giving message of Christmas!!!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Blessed be The Blessor
I have so much to be thankful for! Our blessed Savior, my family, my new granddaughter, my church family, opportunities to serve, my job, etc.... But today I would like to use the words of the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Ephesian believers to express my thanks to our great God. The passage is found in Ephesians 1:3-14 and speaks of so many wonderful truths.
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory. In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation--having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory."
Lord, thank you!
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