Pastors Pen 2008

How Big is God in Your Life?

4.27.08

Psalms 147:1 Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely. KJV

The preacher may make us ponder or laugh and the songs may make use weep or dance. The fellowship may warm our souls, but if God does not enjoy our worship our worship service has failed. The goal of worship is that God is lifted up. He will never be any greater than He is; He knows the beginning from the end, created all things through His imagination and took on flesh so that He could save us, He is great. But, when we choose to worship Him we are making Him bigger in our own lives.

I like Paul’s view of Jesus, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” Now that’s a big view of God, a magnified view. God wasn’t just Paul’s Savior, but his possibility in any situation. Snake bit, shake it off and give God glory. Jailed, sing praise and watch what God can do. Paul understood worship; it wasn’t based on conditions, but possibility. It wasn’t based on circumstances but the understanding that all things worked together for his good.

In closing I leave you with one question, how big is God in your life?

Amazing Grace
4.20.08

Psalms 84:11
For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.

John Newton put it this way:

Amazing grace, How sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me, I once was lost, But now I’m found, Was blind but now I see.

Israel Haughton sings it in a more contemporary way:

Let the redeemed of the Lord rise up

Let the redeemed of the Lord say so

I am redeemed, I am redeemed, I am redeemed.

No matter how we sing it, may we never forget that we are saved, kept and our hope is in His grace and mercy. I ran across this little saying a few years ago and it has stuck with me:

Grace: God giving us what we don’t deserve.

Mercy: God not giving us what we deserve.

No matter what talents, ability and gifts God has given us, no matter how Holy or righteous we try to live, there is one thing that keeps us, His grace. Live in it.

Praise-Will Bring You Out

4.6.08

2 Corinthians 10:4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. NASB

They’re in the deepest and darkest part of prison, bound hand and feet and they’ve been beaten. The plan of the adversary had worked perfectly. He had Paul and Silas right where he wanted them; out of sight and out of commission. Mission accomplished. Except for one thing, he forgot to gag their mouths. With that the rest of the story is history. With their words they changed their situation. With an opportunity to be negative and defeated, they chose to keep positive and sing praises. The result; change of circumstances.

What the adversary fears most is your praise. He can mess with your finances, bring sickness to your body and manipulate your family, but he can’t stop your praise. He will try to make you too weary to praise, too discouraged to praise, but he can’t stop you from worshipping, only you can do that when you let circumstances control you. Let me encourage someone today to use your most powerful weapon against your current dilemma, Praise. It will bring you out!

Resurrection

3.23.2008

Mark 15:48 We hear Him say, I will destroy this temple made with hands, and in three days I build another made without hands.

Twenty-four, that’s all it will take. A week earlier He had paraded in on palm branches and praise. Soon, the very ones who had been cheering will be jeering. It was a short road from celebration to crucifixion. What starts with a prayer ends on a cross. As Jesus prays in the garden, He knew twenty four hours from now it will be over. That’s why He prays, “if it be possible, let this cup pass from me,” that’s why He says from the cross, “it is finished,” He knows. But there is something else He knows, he had already proclaimed, “tear down this temple and three days I’ll raise it.” Not only is it a short journey from the garden to the cross, but its also a short journey from the cross to the Resurrection. Three days and He is risen, life is different; sin and death have lost their power, Jesus reigns, no longer does sin control this world, but His blood.

Resurrection, a time to celebrate that our life can be changed in just a moment by the work of Jesus. When we celebrate Easter, we celebrate a risen Savior, but more, the victory He brings to our own lives and families. Live in the power of His Resurrection.

Celebrate King Jesus
3.16.2008

Revelation 12:12-13

On the next day a great multitude who had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took the branches of palm trees, and went out to meet Him, and began to cry out, Hosanna, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel.

For one amazing day He was a celebrity. The music was festive, there was dancing in the streets, palms were waved and laid in the street and the disciples were honored to be seen with Jesus. Palm Sunday; the day Jesus was celebrated. Who could have imagined in seven short days the applause would be traded for the words, “crucify Him.” To suggest it would bring laughter and mockery. The crowd was energized, filled with those He had healed and hopes of others. It was popular to be seen with Jesus, but how quickly it would change. An accusation, a fraudulent trial and suddenly Jesus is alone, the worshippers are gone. No time to celebrate.

Thankfully we know the rest of the story. We don’t look to seven days later, but ten. An empty tomb, a resurrected savior and victory over sin forever settled. Today we raise our palms, not because our circumstances are perfect, but because we know the outcome. Jesus lives! We can forever raise our hands and praise. Join with me today and every day and celebrate the victorious King Jesus!

Looking Forward
3.9.2008

1 Chronicles 15:29

And it happened when the ark of the covenant of the Lord came to the city of David, that Michal the daughter of Saul looked out of the window, and saw King David leaping and making merry; and she despised him in her heart.

Celebrating is important. The Bible is full of examples of God’s people celebrating victories that came through the power of God. The Passover, still celebrated today, reminds us of how God made a way when the Israelites chances of a life change were slim. Easter is a celebration of Gods victory over the grave. But my favorite celebration is David’s. When the Ark of the Covenant is brought to Jerusalem we find David celebrating with all his might; dancing in the streets. What was he celebrating? Might I suggest he was celebrating both the past and the future. He was recalling what God had done for his nation, but also celebrating what he knew God was going to do in the future. David was a person who looked forward.

Today, Life Connections celebrates its fourth anniversary. We reflect back on the year that just finished; the moments when God’s presence came into our services, the baptisms, anointing of our ground, the worship and the fun, it’s been a good year. But today we also celebrate what God is going to do in the future; more baptisms, more moves of His Spirit and more memories that we will make. We look forward!

As we reflect, we can look forward with excitement and expectancy. Knowing what God has done in the past should cause us to celebrate our future. I’m looking forward!

A Matter of Prospective
3.2.8

Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!

We experienced the extremes of emotions yesterday. Both kids played their final basketball games for the year. Two games, two very different results. First was Risa’s. Her team dominated their opponent. The came out of the gate hard and fast and never let up. Two hours later, it was Gentry's turn. His was a nail biter, the game going down to the last seconds. His team missed three shots in the last seconds that would have won the game, we left dejected and defeated.

Our experience yesterday mirrors the various spirits that walk into our church each week. Some walk in on mountain top highs, their week has been full of success stories and blessings. Others walk in quite differently, their week has been stress filled and difficult.

The difference though, is this. Once we get in here our focus changes. No longer are some winners and others losers. We are all winners. The meaningless events of this life shrink when compared to the victory that comes through the cross. In case you’ve forgot or failed to read the end of the book. We win. Those who have placed their life in Christ will one day be called home to live with Him in victory. No pain, no suffering, no sickness, no sorrow and no death. Jesus has conquered it all and we will celebrate over eternity some day, and that is why we worship. Let’s rejoice in the Lord today!

The Storm

2.24.08

Matthew 8:24

And behold, there arose a great storm in the sea, so that the boat

was covered with the waves; but He Himself was asleep. NASB

It was evident that the storm had came suddenly, leaving travelers to deal with wind, snow and ice. Cars, trucks and semi’s were scattered along the highway like a child’s matchbox car collection. As we drove through the piles of cars, I wondered if people either weren’t prepared for the storm or had disregarded the warnings. Regardless of what the reason, for many their day had turned to chaos.

Storms hit our lives as well. Sometimes we have time to prepare. Sometimes there are warning signs while other times we fail to heed the warnings. What I know is that storms show no respect for education, wealth or social status. They come when they want, stay as long as they desire and are unconcerned about the damage they leave in their wake. Storms brings perspective to life. They help us see what is important, they change our attitudes and direction of our lives and eventually let up and give us a reprieve.

Monday, we eventually drove through the storm and our journey continued. We made it home. Let me encourage you, if you’re going through a storm today, Jesus is with you, hang on. The winds will cease, the sun will shine and you too will make it home.

The Innocence of a Child

2.17.08

Matthew 18:2-4

And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

It was one of those moments that will forever leave an impression on my heart. The innocence of children intrigues me! To be like them, think like them, or have the concepts they have! I want that more in my life! Jesus requires that of us according to Matthew 18. When was the last time you took the time to get on your knees and look eye to eye with one of these profound beautiful children and get engrossed in a conversation with them? Try it, if it’s been a while!

Chase Lewey did this for me in Kids Connection a few weeks ago! I was getting the kids excited about the New Year and the possibility of each of them getting refilled or filled for the first time with the Holy Spirit! I had called the kids to the front who wanted the Holy Spirit so that Patty and I could pray for them! As they were making their way to the front I noticed Chase stood back with his hand raised. Eagerly anticipating what he may have to say, I gave him the opportunity to make his request known! He asked, “Would it be okay if I wait until next year to pray for the Holy Ghost, there are some things I need to take care of?” Wow!! I was so intrigued with his honesty, with his sincerity. It impressed me! Yes, Chase its not only okay with me, but its okay with God too!God is impressed with innocence too!

When you talk to God, He’s concerned about what you are really dealing with. He wants to take care of you, you are His child! Withhold nothing back! Tell him exactly what is on your heart! Thank you Chase for reminding me again to be honest and innocent before God!! It feels so good to know that He wants us to be this way; we just need a gentle reminder every once in a while!

Mary Hudson

Get Involved

2.10.08

Exodus 36:1

"Now Bezalel and Oholiab, and every skillful person in whom the Lord has put skill and understanding to know how to perform all the work in the construction of the sanctuary, shall perform in accordance with all that the Lord has commanded." NASB

Bezalel, Oholiab and skillful people were blessed with abilities and understanding for a purpose; to build a sanctuary for God. When Moses received instruction on a mountain it was without comprehension of how to accomplish the work. Unbeknownst to Moses, God had surrounded him with men who were blessed with talents and wisdom. God blessed them, not just so that they might profit, but so they could help build the sanctuary. In essence, Moses cast God’s vision, Bezalel, Oholiab and skilled people brought it to life. This is God’s formula for success.

Might I suggest, that getting involved in the Kingdom of God can be one of the most rewarding and fulfilling things you do in your life. No doubt Bezalel and Oholiab felt this on completion of the sanctuary. Being a part of something that helps bring someone to a relationship with God or salvation is one of the most satisfying experience a person can have. Today we invite you to get involved in something that brings immediate satisfaction and eternal value.

Take God at His Word

1.13.08

Psalms 119:162

I rejoice at Thy word, As one who finds great spoil.

Wanted. Someone to take God at His Word in 2008. Why? At His Word light and land appeared. At His Word enemies were scattered. At His Word water transformed into wine. At His Word demons cowered. At His Word disease retreated, blindness disappeared and death surrendered.

Do you want to have a great year? Take God at His Word! Read it, live it, obey it and then watch as it transforms your own life. God’s Word brings strength, peace and power. It offers resolution, solution, direction and vision. Yet the best news, it brings hope for eternal salvation.

The old hymn says it well, “tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, just to take Him at His Word.” Join with me today and make a commitment this year to put Bible reading at the top of your daily priorities!

Walk in Faith in 2008

1-6-08

Psalms 139:2-3

Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. 3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.

We are often surprised by life’s dealings, but God never is. That is important to know as you go about your day. While we have no idea what will happen in five minutes, five days or five years, God does, He is never caught off guard.

David’s words describing God’s ever watching eye are comforting. There is nothing we go through or challenge we face that God is not aware. When tragedies visit Job, God is not on vacation. When the three Hebrew children stand before a fiery furnace, God is not asleep. He is very much aware. So why the tragedy, why the difficulty? To teach us to trust. To give us strength for our future. To teach us that He will never leave us or forsake us.

Who sent the disciples into the storm? Jesus. Who arrived just at the right time? Jesus. While we may not know where life’s journey will take us in 2008, be confident of this, He will be there with us. Determine to walk in faith in 2008, God is for us and nothing that comes our way surprises Him!