PASTOR JACK'S THOUGHTS MAY 31, 2010
JOY
What produces joy in a Christian's life? Happiness is often confused with joy but it is so very different. Happiness is usually realized when we are content with material things or pleasing situations in our lives. It can change in proportion to how pleased we are with those things. Joy on the other hand comes from within a contented heart and is not dependent on things or situations. One can be very poor and without material possessions or very ill and feel much pain, but still have an abundance of joy! Amazing isn't it? Christians who suffered in concentration camps have often said that it was the joy of the presence of the Lord that sustained them during difficult times. Joy is like a fountain of water coming from the inside of a person. True joy is a gift of God Himself. It is His blessing. Joy comes from within when we walk with God and obey Him and it is often displayed on the outside of a person too. Proverbs 15:13 says, "A joyful heart makes a cheerful face."
God's Word says, "The joy of the Lord is your strength!" So it is not only seen by others on your face but it is strength that helps you in all parts of daily life! God also gives a promise in Deut. 33:25, "As your days, so shall your strength be." That means that God's strength that comes from the joy of the Lord is unending. It is replenished on a daily basis...in abundance and running over because the source of joy is God Himself!! These are promises in God's Word. We can depend on them.
This coming Sunday, I plan to preach on entering into the joy of the Lord. We, as Christians, must be joyfully obedient to our Father, so we can enter into His joy and make it the daily dwelling place of our inmost being! Joy is contagious so share it. You will be glad you did because your joy will double as you share with others.
Joyfully,
Pastor Jack
PASTOR JACK'S THOUGHTS MAY 24, 2010
SEIZE YOUR OPPORTUNITIES!
Last week I mentioned that Jesus was the Master communicator. We saw how he communicated with the woman at the well in the message yesterday. Now, I would like for you to think about how He always tookevery opportunity to help people. He is a master at that too and He encourages us to do the same. He gave us His own example of this when He was on earth and now He leads us through the power of His Spirit who lives in us. Galatians 5:25 urges us to "live and walk" in His Spirit daily! And Galatians 6:10 tells us "Therefore as we have opportunity, let us do good to all...." just as He did.
Opportunities come into our day like little golden nuggets of surprise. They are not often planned in our schedule but they are suddenly right in front of us and we must reach out and take them. Jesus was tired and weary but He saw the well and He saw the woman standing there and He jumped right into conversation with her. He knew that everyone has a need and she was certainly no exception! He broke all the cultural barriers and reached out to her. It is exciting to see how one opportunity in conversation lead to the next and in the end of it all she ran and got others to come and hear this amazing Man, Jesus. This was not a planned event in Jesus' day but it was a world changing event since that event has been told over and over even until today. It is a story well worth some study. Learn from it and follow Jesus example this week.
Find your opportunities to be kind, to help others, to tell someone of Jesus' love. Try this. Get a piece of paper and write down the opportunities that you had in your last 24 hours. Then write down how you responded to those opportunities. Jesus met people who were lonely and talked with them, He met those who were sick or sad and healed them. Little children came to Jesus and He did not turn them away. He grasped every opportunity with great delight. Look for your opportunities and grasp them, just like Jesus did! Look for the unexpected in your day and make it a golden opportunity to glorify God and love others.
I had a golden opportunity a few days ago. It is my habit to give Bible tracts to people as I go about my day. I was standing in line at the grocery store and turned to a woman behind me. It was the end of the day and she was tired just like I was. The tract title was "You are Special." She took it and with a huge smile she said with great surprise "This says, I am special!!" I responded, "Yes, you are very special to God!" She went away with a joyful smile just because I had seized the golden opportunity that God had suddenly put into my day. Find your opportunities, it will bless your day!
Looking for God's golden opportunities!
Pastor Jack
SEIZE YOUR OPPORTUNITIES!
Last week I mentioned that Jesus was the Master communicator. We saw how he communicated with the woman at the well in the message yesterday. Now, I would like for you to think about how He always tookevery opportunity to help people. He is a master at that too and He encourages us to do the same. He gave us His own example of this when He was on earth and now He leads us through the power of His Spirit who lives in us. Galatians 5:25 urges us to "live and walk" in His Spirit daily! And Galatians 6:10 tells us "Therefore as we have opportunity, let us do good to all...." just as He did.
Opportunities come into our day like little golden nuggets of surprise. They are not often planned in our schedule but they are suddenly right in front of us and we must reach out and take them. Jesus was tired and weary but He saw the well and He saw the woman standing there and He jumped right into conversation with her. He knew that everyone has a need and she was certainly no exception! He broke all the cultural barriers and reached out to her. It is exciting to see how one opportunity in conversation lead to the next and in the end of it all she ran and got others to come and hear this amazing Man, Jesus. This was not a planned event in Jesus' day but it was a world changing event since that event has been told over and over even until today. It is a story well worth some study. Learn from it and follow Jesus example this week.
Find your opportunities to be kind, to help others, to tell someone of Jesus' love. Try this. Get a piece of paper and write down the opportunities that you had in your last 24 hours. Then write down how you responded to those opportunities. Jesus met people who were lonely and talked with them, He met those who were sick or sad and healed them. Little children came to Jesus and He did not turn them away. He grasped every opportunity with great delight. Look for your opportunities and grasp them, just like Jesus did! Look for the unexpected in your day and make it a golden opportunity to glorify God and love others.
I had a golden opportunity a few days ago. It is my habit to give Bible tracts to people as I go about my day. I was standing in line at the grocery store and turned to a woman behind me. It was the end of the day and she was tired just like I was. The tract title was "You are Special." She took it and with a huge smile she said with great surprise "This says, I am special!!" I responded, "Yes, you are very special to God!" She went away with a joyful smile just because I had seized the golden opportunity that God had suddenly put into my day. Find your opportunities, it will bless your day!
Looking for God's golden opportunities!
Pastor Jack
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thoughts May 17 2010
PASTOR JACK'S THOUGHTS MAY 17, 2010
COME UNTO ME
Have you ever noticed how many times in the Bible Jesus gives a very gracious invitation to us? That invitation is often followed by a promise or a word of encouragement. He says, "Come unto Me all who are tired and weary and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 He often urges us to"Ask" and promises that He will hear and answer. Matthew 7:7 In other places, Jesus invites us to "knock and the door will be opened" and He also tells us that we should not fear because we are more important to Him than the little sparrows that He cares for daily! Matthew 10:31 Why is it so difficult for us to trust His invitation and believe that God is gracious to us? We are prone to question God and not to trust Him yet, He blesses our trust and faith in Him when we do trust.
There is a very wonderful account in Matthew 8 that tells about Jesus' and a poor leper. The leper, of course, was an outcast due to his illness but he bravely approached Jesus and said, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean (from my disease)." Then Jesus did an astounding thing that surely startled the crowd. He touched the leper. No one else would touch him. Actually, the law forbid anyone to come close to a leper, much less touch him. But Matthew 8:3 gives Jesus' reply to the man, "I am willing!! Be cleansed.' Immediately his leprosy was cleansed." Our Lord is so gracious!
Jesus is willing to meet all of us at our point of need too. He longs to touch us. He desires that we communicate with Him in prayer. So, why are we so reluctant? We put off our prayer time and Bible study in order to do 'other' things. We ask Him for things but then forget to thank Him when He answers! That is a very human response because we live in a sinful world and Satan tries, at all times, to draw us away from Him.
Think this week about how Jesus responded to the woman at the Samaritan well. John 4 Study His reactions to her questions and to her need in spite of the fact that she didn't know who He was. He was truthful but yet very gracious to her. By the law of the Jews, He shouldn't have even talked to her but He is the God of compassion and love. He knew how to communicate with her in order to draw her to faith in God. What a wonderful Savior we have. Get to know Him better this week by reading about some of the people that He touched as recorded in the New Testament. We can all learn a lot from Him by the way He responded and communicated with people.
Come to Him and learn,
Pastor Jack
COME UNTO ME
Have you ever noticed how many times in the Bible Jesus gives a very gracious invitation to us? That invitation is often followed by a promise or a word of encouragement. He says, "Come unto Me all who are tired and weary and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 He often urges us to"Ask" and promises that He will hear and answer. Matthew 7:7 In other places, Jesus invites us to "knock and the door will be opened" and He also tells us that we should not fear because we are more important to Him than the little sparrows that He cares for daily! Matthew 10:31 Why is it so difficult for us to trust His invitation and believe that God is gracious to us? We are prone to question God and not to trust Him yet, He blesses our trust and faith in Him when we do trust.
There is a very wonderful account in Matthew 8 that tells about Jesus' and a poor leper. The leper, of course, was an outcast due to his illness but he bravely approached Jesus and said, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean (from my disease)." Then Jesus did an astounding thing that surely startled the crowd. He touched the leper. No one else would touch him. Actually, the law forbid anyone to come close to a leper, much less touch him. But Matthew 8:3 gives Jesus' reply to the man, "I am willing!! Be cleansed.' Immediately his leprosy was cleansed." Our Lord is so gracious!
Jesus is willing to meet all of us at our point of need too. He longs to touch us. He desires that we communicate with Him in prayer. So, why are we so reluctant? We put off our prayer time and Bible study in order to do 'other' things. We ask Him for things but then forget to thank Him when He answers! That is a very human response because we live in a sinful world and Satan tries, at all times, to draw us away from Him.
Think this week about how Jesus responded to the woman at the Samaritan well. John 4 Study His reactions to her questions and to her need in spite of the fact that she didn't know who He was. He was truthful but yet very gracious to her. By the law of the Jews, He shouldn't have even talked to her but He is the God of compassion and love. He knew how to communicate with her in order to draw her to faith in God. What a wonderful Savior we have. Get to know Him better this week by reading about some of the people that He touched as recorded in the New Testament. We can all learn a lot from Him by the way He responded and communicated with people.
Come to Him and learn,
Pastor Jack
Focus on Jesus Coming May 10 2010
PASTOR JACK'S THOUGHTS MAY 10, 2010
KEEP YOUR FOCUS
Begin this week by asking yourself "Where is my focus?" Have you noticed lately that the focus of many people is shifting? We seem to be living in a world where our focus is changing from being God centered to being centered on ourselves and other things. Our days are consumed with "me and my." " What makes me happy? How can I make enough to buy what I want?" These are common attitudes with people in our world today. There seems to be a race to succeed and do well for self. On the surface that doesn't seem so bad but when we think of God's desire for His children, it is all backwards.
Take a moment to think about what Jesus taught. He reminded us to love God with all our heart, mind and soul and to show our love for others by putting them first!! That is different isn't it?! He also told us to focus on God's will for our life and to watch and wait for His return as the last days of this world approach. Jesus told the story of the virgins who were waiting for the 'bridegroom' to arrive. Some of them were focused and vigil. They had prepared oil for their lamps and were waiting in the dark night for the bridegroom's arrival. The other virgins were too busy to spend their precious time by keeping their lamps trimmed and filled with oil. They didn't see the need to wait but went about their way doing other things. Then suddenly the call went out, "The bridegroom is coming!! The foolish virgins ran around trying to hurriedly get oil and be prepared but alas, it was too late. They had consumed their time with selfish things and they were not ready!! The virgin who had keep their focus were ready and found great joy and rejoicing in the arrival of the bridegroom!
Jesus used that story to illustrate the need for us to stay focused on His will and His return. He is the bridegroom and the we (the church) are His bride. Have we taken His word lightly and become too consumed with ourselves, our things, our needs, our wants? Or are we ready for Him by staying focused on His will, His way, His Word? It is time for us towake up and look at where we are focused! Blessings await those who work to take care of daily needs for themselves and their family but at the same time stay focused on God.
Should Jesus return to earth today, would you and I be ready? Here are a few hints on how to stay 'God focused.'
Focus on Jesus the Author and Finisher of your faith!! Hebrews 12:2
Pastor Jack
KEEP YOUR FOCUS
Begin this week by asking yourself "Where is my focus?" Have you noticed lately that the focus of many people is shifting? We seem to be living in a world where our focus is changing from being God centered to being centered on ourselves and other things. Our days are consumed with "me and my." " What makes me happy? How can I make enough to buy what I want?" These are common attitudes with people in our world today. There seems to be a race to succeed and do well for self. On the surface that doesn't seem so bad but when we think of God's desire for His children, it is all backwards.
Take a moment to think about what Jesus taught. He reminded us to love God with all our heart, mind and soul and to show our love for others by putting them first!! That is different isn't it?! He also told us to focus on God's will for our life and to watch and wait for His return as the last days of this world approach. Jesus told the story of the virgins who were waiting for the 'bridegroom' to arrive. Some of them were focused and vigil. They had prepared oil for their lamps and were waiting in the dark night for the bridegroom's arrival. The other virgins were too busy to spend their precious time by keeping their lamps trimmed and filled with oil. They didn't see the need to wait but went about their way doing other things. Then suddenly the call went out, "The bridegroom is coming!! The foolish virgins ran around trying to hurriedly get oil and be prepared but alas, it was too late. They had consumed their time with selfish things and they were not ready!! The virgin who had keep their focus were ready and found great joy and rejoicing in the arrival of the bridegroom!
Jesus used that story to illustrate the need for us to stay focused on His will and His return. He is the bridegroom and the we (the church) are His bride. Have we taken His word lightly and become too consumed with ourselves, our things, our needs, our wants? Or are we ready for Him by staying focused on His will, His way, His Word? It is time for us towake up and look at where we are focused! Blessings await those who work to take care of daily needs for themselves and their family but at the same time stay focused on God.
Should Jesus return to earth today, would you and I be ready? Here are a few hints on how to stay 'God focused.'
- Before you get out of bed in the morning, submit your day to Him. Pray and ask Him to direct your day.
- Spend time in His Word. We all have 24 hours, surely some part of 24 hours can be spend reading God's Word.
- Invite His Holy Spirit to direct your actions and attitudes....yes, and even the thoughts you have and the words you say.
Focus on Jesus the Author and Finisher of your faith!! Hebrews 12:2
Pastor Jack
Be Thankful Pastor thoughts May 5 2010
PASTOR JACK'S THOUGHTS MAY 5, 2010
BE THANKFUL!!
These are two simple yet powerful little words, be thankful! They are words that carry with them much peace, comfort and joy. God's Word urges us to be thankful and to rejoice. It is a standard for every Christian. Actually being thankful is an attitude by which we should live our lives. Hebrews 12:28b says, "....let us be thankful and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe..." Thankfulness is a meaningful part of our worship to God everyday.
Unfortunately, we often forget to be thankful and ask, "What do I have to be thankful for?" I am reminded of a man in the Old Testament who didn't see the need to be thankful. The story is found in I Samuel 25. David's troops had protected the servants and property of a certain man named Nabal. It was the time of harvest when food was plentiful and David sent word to Nabal and asked if he would please give a little food to his troops since they had provided protection for him and his family throughout the year. Nabal was drunk and refused to show any thankfulness for David and his men. He was not thankful!! David was furious and immediately prepared to take revenge on Nabal but Nabal's wife, Abigail heard about the incident and protected the life of her husband by quickly preparing food for David and his servant and begging David's forgiveness for her husband's rude and unthankful attitude. David listened to her and forgave Nabal because of Abigail's thankful actions and words. Actually, the Bible says that God, Himself, took Nabal's life because of his unthankful attitude and later, Abigail became David's wife. Interesting story!
This week, we have a golden opportunity to show our thankfulness to someone we love and cherish. This Sunday is Mother's Day. We all have or have had a mother. With a few exceptions, she is the one who cared for us and gave us so much during the first 18 years of life! Once a year, we have the blessed opportunity to honor her and thank her for all her selfless work during childhood. It is a special day! Be thankful! We often think of giving flowers or gifts, which is great, but the most cherished thing for a mother's heart is when her child says, "Thank you Mom. I love you." These are golden words for a golden lady. We should express our thanks everyday throughout the whole year, but especially on 'her day.'
Col. 3:15b says, "Be thankful!" It is a command and not an option. Let us not be like Nabal but let us freely give thanks to God, our parents and others. Be a thankful person! You will find that your life will be changed when you are truly thankful!
With Thanksgiving!
Pastor Jack
BE THANKFUL!!
These are two simple yet powerful little words, be thankful! They are words that carry with them much peace, comfort and joy. God's Word urges us to be thankful and to rejoice. It is a standard for every Christian. Actually being thankful is an attitude by which we should live our lives. Hebrews 12:28b says, "....let us be thankful and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe..." Thankfulness is a meaningful part of our worship to God everyday.
Unfortunately, we often forget to be thankful and ask, "What do I have to be thankful for?" I am reminded of a man in the Old Testament who didn't see the need to be thankful. The story is found in I Samuel 25. David's troops had protected the servants and property of a certain man named Nabal. It was the time of harvest when food was plentiful and David sent word to Nabal and asked if he would please give a little food to his troops since they had provided protection for him and his family throughout the year. Nabal was drunk and refused to show any thankfulness for David and his men. He was not thankful!! David was furious and immediately prepared to take revenge on Nabal but Nabal's wife, Abigail heard about the incident and protected the life of her husband by quickly preparing food for David and his servant and begging David's forgiveness for her husband's rude and unthankful attitude. David listened to her and forgave Nabal because of Abigail's thankful actions and words. Actually, the Bible says that God, Himself, took Nabal's life because of his unthankful attitude and later, Abigail became David's wife. Interesting story!
This week, we have a golden opportunity to show our thankfulness to someone we love and cherish. This Sunday is Mother's Day. We all have or have had a mother. With a few exceptions, she is the one who cared for us and gave us so much during the first 18 years of life! Once a year, we have the blessed opportunity to honor her and thank her for all her selfless work during childhood. It is a special day! Be thankful! We often think of giving flowers or gifts, which is great, but the most cherished thing for a mother's heart is when her child says, "Thank you Mom. I love you." These are golden words for a golden lady. We should express our thanks everyday throughout the whole year, but especially on 'her day.'
Col. 3:15b says, "Be thankful!" It is a command and not an option. Let us not be like Nabal but let us freely give thanks to God, our parents and others. Be a thankful person! You will find that your life will be changed when you are truly thankful!
With Thanksgiving!
Pastor Jack
Pastor thoughts Failure and Victory April 26 2010
PASTOR'S THOUGHTS APRIL 26, 2010
FAILURE AND VICTORY
As long as we live in this world, we will face both failure and victory. We, as Christians, do not like to talk about failure and we are a little reluctant to mention our victories, but both of them are realities in life. Along with many other things, the Bible is a huge 'human interest story book.' Let your mind go back to some of the most colorful people listed in God's Word. I am sure you will remember Moses who killed a man, but also led God's people in victory out of slavery! David was a 'man after God's own heart' but also failed terribly when he committed adultery and suffered much because of his failure. Then there were others like Adam, Jacob, Sarah, Noah, all of whom had both failure and victory in their lives. Oh yes, what about Peter?! Peter was commended by Jesus for his bold statement of faith, "You are the Christ the Son of the Living God" but also had great failure when he said, "I don't know the Man (Jesus)" not once but three times!! Each one of these people had failed, but each one also knew the great victory of overcoming their failure. They knew that through repentance and asking God to forgive them, they could go on in life to realize many wonderful victories. God says that His way to victory over failure is 'to repent and believe'!
Take a look at Peter's life. He denied His Lord, but Jesus forgave him and he went on to lead many to Christ. He preached and healed and even wrote several books of the New Testament. When we think of Peter, we have hope that "our sins that so easily beset us" can be put behind us through God's forgiveness and strength. Then we should walk forward in a life of victory that displays God's grace to all around us.
When you do wrong things and know that it is sin, come quickly to repent and ask God to restore you. Remember what the prophet Micah said, "But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me! Do not rejoice over me my enemy (Satan). Though I fall....I will rise! Though I dwell in darkness....the Lord is a Light for me!" Micah 7:7-8. God brings us back to victory even as He did Peter.
Know His Victory and walk in Holy Spirit and in hope!!
Pastor Jack
FAILURE AND VICTORY
As long as we live in this world, we will face both failure and victory. We, as Christians, do not like to talk about failure and we are a little reluctant to mention our victories, but both of them are realities in life. Along with many other things, the Bible is a huge 'human interest story book.' Let your mind go back to some of the most colorful people listed in God's Word. I am sure you will remember Moses who killed a man, but also led God's people in victory out of slavery! David was a 'man after God's own heart' but also failed terribly when he committed adultery and suffered much because of his failure. Then there were others like Adam, Jacob, Sarah, Noah, all of whom had both failure and victory in their lives. Oh yes, what about Peter?! Peter was commended by Jesus for his bold statement of faith, "You are the Christ the Son of the Living God" but also had great failure when he said, "I don't know the Man (Jesus)" not once but three times!! Each one of these people had failed, but each one also knew the great victory of overcoming their failure. They knew that through repentance and asking God to forgive them, they could go on in life to realize many wonderful victories. God says that His way to victory over failure is 'to repent and believe'!
Take a look at Peter's life. He denied His Lord, but Jesus forgave him and he went on to lead many to Christ. He preached and healed and even wrote several books of the New Testament. When we think of Peter, we have hope that "our sins that so easily beset us" can be put behind us through God's forgiveness and strength. Then we should walk forward in a life of victory that displays God's grace to all around us.
When you do wrong things and know that it is sin, come quickly to repent and ask God to restore you. Remember what the prophet Micah said, "But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me! Do not rejoice over me my enemy (Satan). Though I fall....I will rise! Though I dwell in darkness....the Lord is a Light for me!" Micah 7:7-8. God brings us back to victory even as He did Peter.
Know His Victory and walk in Holy Spirit and in hope!!
Pastor Jack
Pastor Thoughts April 19 2010
PASTOR JACK'S THOUGHTS APRIL 19, 2010
WHO DO YOU LOOK LIKE?!
Interesting question?! Sometimes when a baby is born we try to decide which parent the baby looks like. It seems that all of us look like someone or something. The way we appear brings up images of something in people's minds. People sometimes think, "Oh that person looks wealthy, educated, happy, angry, kind" or many other things. The Bible even speaks about idols and says that "Those who make idols and trust in them will be like them." (Ps. 115:8) That is a scary thought. People sometime become like the thing or person that is most important in their life!
The Bible also says that in the beginning, "God made man in His own image." (Genesis 1:26) It is God's desire and will, that we become like Him and His Son, Jesus. This is His will and goal for our lives. Sometimes it is a process that takes a long time. God patiently works on us to mold us into what He wants us to be, like His Son! We see this in many Bible characters, but one of the most interesting people in the Bible is how God molded and worked on one of Jesus' disciples, Peter! When Jesus first called Peter to follow Him, he was a 'rough and tumble' fisherman. He probably did not have much formal education and he certainly was not 'refined' in ways and speech. Yet, we can clearly see how Jesus worked with Peter until evidently he became an outstanding evangelist and author!! God took a fisherman and made him into a 'fisher of men' as Jesus promised Peter in Mark 1:17. Jesus worked on Peter and made him like Himself! It was a long hard journey for Peter. He went through some times of doubt and denial, but in the end of his life no one could deny that Peter did not look like His Savior in words and in actions. People could look at him and tell that he had 'been with Jesus' because he looked like Him and talked like Him.
So, who do you look like? Who do I look like? Do we look like Jesus? Remember, we become like the person who we honor and love the most! Let us all try for the next four or five days to judge everything we do and say but "What would Jesus do in this situation?" "How would He look at this person or that person?" "What would His reaction be to this?" Then let us do exactly what we think Jesus would do. Keep a note of this on paper so you can go back and read your response to life and see if you looked like Jesus in word and action. I'll try, will you?
I want to be a "Jesus look-alike"
Pastor Jack
WHO DO YOU LOOK LIKE?!
Interesting question?! Sometimes when a baby is born we try to decide which parent the baby looks like. It seems that all of us look like someone or something. The way we appear brings up images of something in people's minds. People sometimes think, "Oh that person looks wealthy, educated, happy, angry, kind" or many other things. The Bible even speaks about idols and says that "Those who make idols and trust in them will be like them." (Ps. 115:8) That is a scary thought. People sometime become like the thing or person that is most important in their life!
The Bible also says that in the beginning, "God made man in His own image." (Genesis 1:26) It is God's desire and will, that we become like Him and His Son, Jesus. This is His will and goal for our lives. Sometimes it is a process that takes a long time. God patiently works on us to mold us into what He wants us to be, like His Son! We see this in many Bible characters, but one of the most interesting people in the Bible is how God molded and worked on one of Jesus' disciples, Peter! When Jesus first called Peter to follow Him, he was a 'rough and tumble' fisherman. He probably did not have much formal education and he certainly was not 'refined' in ways and speech. Yet, we can clearly see how Jesus worked with Peter until evidently he became an outstanding evangelist and author!! God took a fisherman and made him into a 'fisher of men' as Jesus promised Peter in Mark 1:17. Jesus worked on Peter and made him like Himself! It was a long hard journey for Peter. He went through some times of doubt and denial, but in the end of his life no one could deny that Peter did not look like His Savior in words and in actions. People could look at him and tell that he had 'been with Jesus' because he looked like Him and talked like Him.
So, who do you look like? Who do I look like? Do we look like Jesus? Remember, we become like the person who we honor and love the most! Let us all try for the next four or five days to judge everything we do and say but "What would Jesus do in this situation?" "How would He look at this person or that person?" "What would His reaction be to this?" Then let us do exactly what we think Jesus would do. Keep a note of this on paper so you can go back and read your response to life and see if you looked like Jesus in word and action. I'll try, will you?
I want to be a "Jesus look-alike"
Pastor Jack
Thoughts:relationships April 12 2010
PASTOR JACK'S THOUGHTS APRIL 12, 2010
RELATIONSHIPS: BROKEN OR WHOLE!
Let us recap our theme from last week. Relationships are emphasized from the beginning to the end of our Bible! God Himself IS a 'Holy Relationship' between the Father, Son and Holy Spirit! God created man to live in a relationship by making Adam a partner, named Eve. God designed relationships! Not only did He establish relationships, but He gave us rules and regulations for our relationships both toward Him and others.
Here are a few things that God's Word teaches us about our relationship to Him and others:
2. Then toward others, "Let brotherly love continue..." Hebrews 13:1 Our relationship with other people is built on our love for God!
Having said this, let me ask, "What happens when relationships get broken?" This should not happen, but let us face it, broken relationships do happen and cause us much grief. How do you fix a broken relationship? What does God's Word say? Forgiveness is the key to restoring relationships! Peter asked Jesus how many times the law requires us to forgive and Jesus replied, "Forgive....seventy times seven" meaning that we should continually forgive. Matthew 18:21-22. Jesus also gives us a warning, "If you forgive men whey they sin against you, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you! But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." Matthew 6:14. Forgiveness and an attitude of forgiveness is essential in restoring broken relationships.
This week, think on forgiveness and the Words of Jesus and ask God to reveal to you what relationships in your life need 'fixing.' Ask His guidance in helping you go to that person and make things right. Another little hint is to do something special for a person or persons who have hurt you or who you have ill feelings toward. It has been my experience that by reaching out and making yourself do something for a person will draw you closer to them and help you to restore that broken feeling in your heart. By doing this, you are building a bridge of communication with that person. Try it!!
Remember these commands from God's Word: "Live in peace with each other" I Thes. 5:13, "Encourage and build up one another" I Thes. 5:11; "....consider others better than yourselves" Phil. 2:1-4; "...carry each other's burdens" Galatians 6:2. These are good words to remember and live by when you are restoring relationships with others.
Forgiveness is the key to restoration!
Pastor Jack
RELATIONSHIPS: BROKEN OR WHOLE!
Let us recap our theme from last week. Relationships are emphasized from the beginning to the end of our Bible! God Himself IS a 'Holy Relationship' between the Father, Son and Holy Spirit! God created man to live in a relationship by making Adam a partner, named Eve. God designed relationships! Not only did He establish relationships, but He gave us rules and regulations for our relationships both toward Him and others.
Here are a few things that God's Word teaches us about our relationship to Him and others:
- Love the Lord your God with all your mind, soul and strength! See Deut. 6:5 and Mark 12:30. Our relationship with Him is built on our total love for Him. His Word tells us that our love for Him will draw us to talk with Him, seek His will, honor and praise Him, worship Him, put Him first....on and on...which means to put God ahead of everything else in your life.
2. Then toward others, "Let brotherly love continue..." Hebrews 13:1 Our relationship with other people is built on our love for God!
Having said this, let me ask, "What happens when relationships get broken?" This should not happen, but let us face it, broken relationships do happen and cause us much grief. How do you fix a broken relationship? What does God's Word say? Forgiveness is the key to restoring relationships! Peter asked Jesus how many times the law requires us to forgive and Jesus replied, "Forgive....seventy times seven" meaning that we should continually forgive. Matthew 18:21-22. Jesus also gives us a warning, "If you forgive men whey they sin against you, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you! But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." Matthew 6:14. Forgiveness and an attitude of forgiveness is essential in restoring broken relationships.
This week, think on forgiveness and the Words of Jesus and ask God to reveal to you what relationships in your life need 'fixing.' Ask His guidance in helping you go to that person and make things right. Another little hint is to do something special for a person or persons who have hurt you or who you have ill feelings toward. It has been my experience that by reaching out and making yourself do something for a person will draw you closer to them and help you to restore that broken feeling in your heart. By doing this, you are building a bridge of communication with that person. Try it!!
Remember these commands from God's Word: "Live in peace with each other" I Thes. 5:13, "Encourage and build up one another" I Thes. 5:11; "....consider others better than yourselves" Phil. 2:1-4; "...carry each other's burdens" Galatians 6:2. These are good words to remember and live by when you are restoring relationships with others.
Forgiveness is the key to restoration!
Pastor Jack
Pastor Thoughts march 29 2010
PASTOR JACK'S THOUGHTS MARCH 29, 2010
FIX (FOCUS) YOUR EYES ON JESUS!!
"Fix (look at or focus) your eyes on Jesus the Author and Finisher of your faith, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2 As we begin 'Holy Week' as some refer to it, let us keep our focus on our Savior who gave His life for us on a cross two thousand years ago.
In honor of Him, let us focus our thoughts, praise and thanksgiving on His wonderful gift to us. Since He gave His life for us, surely we can take time to worship and adore Him in our daily lives this week. And remember as you do, this week in not only in memory of His sacrifice on the cross but also of His victory in the resurrection! All of us who have trusted Him as Savior are a part of this celebration of victory and His reign!
As we prepare our minds (hearts) for Easter Sunday, let me suggest that each of us do several things:
3. Ask God to give you opportunities this week to speak a word of Him to others, lend a helping hand to someone in honor of Him, and above all, honor Him in your actions and thoughts each day.
Rejoice and be exceedingly glad because great is our Savior and Lord!! Let this week truly be a 'holy week' as we, each in our own way and time, give glory through our lives to our Risen Lord and King, Jesus!!
Fix your eyes on Him!!
Pastor Jack
FIX (FOCUS) YOUR EYES ON JESUS!!
"Fix (look at or focus) your eyes on Jesus the Author and Finisher of your faith, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2 As we begin 'Holy Week' as some refer to it, let us keep our focus on our Savior who gave His life for us on a cross two thousand years ago.
In honor of Him, let us focus our thoughts, praise and thanksgiving on His wonderful gift to us. Since He gave His life for us, surely we can take time to worship and adore Him in our daily lives this week. And remember as you do, this week in not only in memory of His sacrifice on the cross but also of His victory in the resurrection! All of us who have trusted Him as Savior are a part of this celebration of victory and His reign!
As we prepare our minds (hearts) for Easter Sunday, let me suggest that each of us do several things:
- Remember in prayer and praise the day that you prayed and invited Him to be your Savior. Thank Him and praise Him for His new life in you.
3. Ask God to give you opportunities this week to speak a word of Him to others, lend a helping hand to someone in honor of Him, and above all, honor Him in your actions and thoughts each day.
Rejoice and be exceedingly glad because great is our Savior and Lord!! Let this week truly be a 'holy week' as we, each in our own way and time, give glory through our lives to our Risen Lord and King, Jesus!!
Fix your eyes on Him!!
Pastor Jack
Pastor Jack's Thoughts March 23, 2010
PASTOR JACK'S THOUGHTS MARCH 23, 2010
GOD'S SURPRISES
Have you ever been surprised by God? If you have you will never forget it!! The Bible is full of stories of God's surprises to His people. In the Old Testament, we find so many stories of how God changed events and surprised His people. Think of David and the giant! Here was a young man who wasn't even of age to go to battle and yet God used him to fight and KILL a giant who was the enemy of God's people! Even King Saul tried to make him use his armor for protection and David said, "No, I am going in the strength of God!" I Samuel 17:45 Then there was Gideon who said, "I'm a nobody! I can't!!" Yet God told him, "Go in the strength that you have (and lead my people) and I will help you!!" Surprise, surprise, Gideon became one of God's strong leaders who lead the people to repent of their evil ways and follow God for 40 years!! Judges 6,7 Then another timewas when Israel's enemy was coming against them in battle, David cried out to God and God told him to take his troops and stand in front of the mulberry trees and "when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, go quickly and fight" because God had already defeated the enemy!! God's huge surprise both to the enemies and to His people! 2 Samuel 5:22-25
Yet, the most glorious surprise that God had was after the crucifixion! The Jewish leaders thought, "We will kill this man Jesus and then all our problems with him will be over! Crucify Him! Crucify Him!" And they did! They hung him on a cross and His physical life was snuffed out! His blood drained onto the ground and His body was laid in a tomb and they thought, "Well, that is the end of Him." We don't have to worry about this man anymore.......WRONG! Then came God's delightful surprise! On the third day, God brought Him back from death and the cry rang out among His beloved disciples, "He's alive, He's alive!" God surprised the Jewish leaders and the disciples were surprised too! Even today we are still surprised by God's power of the resurrection! Events seemed to be one way, but then God reached out and turned things around and we are blessed today because He did! We serve a risen Savior!!
Watch for God's ongoing surprises in your own life this week! Make note of them and praise Him for His power and grace on events in your life. Don't miss His delightful handiwork in your life! When bad events turn into good, know that He is still working today! Places to look: an 'almost' accident on the highway, and event that seemed bad but turned out good, hurtful words by a friend but God gave you peace, a time when you needed something and God provided! The list is endless! God gave the Martins a wonderful surprise yesterday when we had an unexpected visit with a dear friend from Thailand! What an encouraging day! God's surprises in daily life! What a blessing!
Watch for God's wonderful surprises!!
Pastor Jack
GOD'S SURPRISES
Have you ever been surprised by God? If you have you will never forget it!! The Bible is full of stories of God's surprises to His people. In the Old Testament, we find so many stories of how God changed events and surprised His people. Think of David and the giant! Here was a young man who wasn't even of age to go to battle and yet God used him to fight and KILL a giant who was the enemy of God's people! Even King Saul tried to make him use his armor for protection and David said, "No, I am going in the strength of God!" I Samuel 17:45 Then there was Gideon who said, "I'm a nobody! I can't!!" Yet God told him, "Go in the strength that you have (and lead my people) and I will help you!!" Surprise, surprise, Gideon became one of God's strong leaders who lead the people to repent of their evil ways and follow God for 40 years!! Judges 6,7 Then another timewas when Israel's enemy was coming against them in battle, David cried out to God and God told him to take his troops and stand in front of the mulberry trees and "when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, go quickly and fight" because God had already defeated the enemy!! God's huge surprise both to the enemies and to His people! 2 Samuel 5:22-25
Yet, the most glorious surprise that God had was after the crucifixion! The Jewish leaders thought, "We will kill this man Jesus and then all our problems with him will be over! Crucify Him! Crucify Him!" And they did! They hung him on a cross and His physical life was snuffed out! His blood drained onto the ground and His body was laid in a tomb and they thought, "Well, that is the end of Him." We don't have to worry about this man anymore.......WRONG! Then came God's delightful surprise! On the third day, God brought Him back from death and the cry rang out among His beloved disciples, "He's alive, He's alive!" God surprised the Jewish leaders and the disciples were surprised too! Even today we are still surprised by God's power of the resurrection! Events seemed to be one way, but then God reached out and turned things around and we are blessed today because He did! We serve a risen Savior!!
Watch for God's ongoing surprises in your own life this week! Make note of them and praise Him for His power and grace on events in your life. Don't miss His delightful handiwork in your life! When bad events turn into good, know that He is still working today! Places to look: an 'almost' accident on the highway, and event that seemed bad but turned out good, hurtful words by a friend but God gave you peace, a time when you needed something and God provided! The list is endless! God gave the Martins a wonderful surprise yesterday when we had an unexpected visit with a dear friend from Thailand! What an encouraging day! God's surprises in daily life! What a blessing!
Watch for God's wonderful surprises!!
Pastor Jack
Rejection to Victory Easter Thoughts
PASTOR JACK'S THOUGHTS MARCH 15, 2010
REJECTION TO VICTORY
God's Word is amazing! This week take time to see Jesus from Isaiah, through the Gospels and into Revelation. It all focuses on Jesus! Isaiah 53 shows us a perfect picture of the sadness of the cross. Take time to read that chapter. It talks about our Savior's pain, suffering and rejection....don't miss reading this in preparation for Easter. Think about His grief and rejection! He was rejected by men, smitten by God and carried our sins to the cross so that we might have salvation from sin and death!! What a gracious Savior! He came from the glory of being One with the Father to receiving all the sin of the world and separation from His Father so that He could deliver us from death into life! What a sacrifice!
Then we see Him in Matthew 28:6 "He is risen!!"; John 20: 19, 21, 26 "Peace be unto you!!" We see the victory after His tremendous suffering. The angel said, "HE IS RISEN!!" Those are victory words! He has done what no other man could do! The power in Him brought Him back from death and hell. Then Jesus concludes with His giving us a gift, "Peace be unto you!!" He came to suffer and die so that He could secure our peace and salvation! What a gracious Savior!
Now we go from history to the future when we read Revelation 19, we see Him in victory as "King of Kings and Lord of Lords;" in Revelation 21 we find Him as "The Beginning and and End" and also as the "Lamb" who saves us from our sins. He re-enters the world with victory and honor. The One who was once rejected by man is Victor of Glory! What a King!
Easter is a celebration of his death and resurrection but don't forget the whole picture: He suffered, He died and He will return as King!! Rejoice! Be exceeding glad and praise His wonderful Name.
What a sacrifice! What a gracious Savior!! What a King!
Pastor Jack
REJECTION TO VICTORY
God's Word is amazing! This week take time to see Jesus from Isaiah, through the Gospels and into Revelation. It all focuses on Jesus! Isaiah 53 shows us a perfect picture of the sadness of the cross. Take time to read that chapter. It talks about our Savior's pain, suffering and rejection....don't miss reading this in preparation for Easter. Think about His grief and rejection! He was rejected by men, smitten by God and carried our sins to the cross so that we might have salvation from sin and death!! What a gracious Savior! He came from the glory of being One with the Father to receiving all the sin of the world and separation from His Father so that He could deliver us from death into life! What a sacrifice!
Then we see Him in Matthew 28:6 "He is risen!!"; John 20: 19, 21, 26 "Peace be unto you!!" We see the victory after His tremendous suffering. The angel said, "HE IS RISEN!!" Those are victory words! He has done what no other man could do! The power in Him brought Him back from death and hell. Then Jesus concludes with His giving us a gift, "Peace be unto you!!" He came to suffer and die so that He could secure our peace and salvation! What a gracious Savior!
Now we go from history to the future when we read Revelation 19, we see Him in victory as "King of Kings and Lord of Lords;" in Revelation 21 we find Him as "The Beginning and and End" and also as the "Lamb" who saves us from our sins. He re-enters the world with victory and honor. The One who was once rejected by man is Victor of Glory! What a King!
Easter is a celebration of his death and resurrection but don't forget the whole picture: He suffered, He died and He will return as King!! Rejoice! Be exceeding glad and praise His wonderful Name.
What a sacrifice! What a gracious Savior!! What a King!
Pastor Jack
Thoughts for March 10, 2010
PASTOR JACK'S THOUGHTS MARCH 10, 2010
CITIZENS OF GOD'S KINGDOM
Have you ever thought about the world's idea of an earthly kingdom' as opposed to God's Kingdom? Kingdoms always have kings and they both have subjects or citizens. Citizens or subjects make up a kingdom. so let us think about how different the standards of this world are to the standards that God teaches us about His Kingdom.
**The world puts a lot of emphasis on wealth and how to attain it at all costs.
Jesus said, "What does it profit you if you gain the whole world and lose your soul?!"
**The world puts great emphasis on the importance of body and health.
God's Word says that the heart (feelings, thinking) is the well-spring of life and the body must obey the heart.
**The world says that if someone hurts you, you have the right to get even or set the record straight.
God says that we should never take revenge and that a soft word turns away wrath.
**The world says, "It is all about me and mine."
God says that we should love others like we love ourselves, being kind and helpful, and putting them before ourselves.
** The world says, "I can chose who I like."
God says that we must love everyone because God Himself loves us all and He IS love!!
I could go on and on with these difference between world-thinking and God-thinking, but God-thinking is far superior to the thinking and actions that the world uplifts in daily life. God expects His children to think and act like He does. We, as citizens of God's Kingdom, must be different from the world. It is a much higher standard and will bring greater joy and peace to you and all those around you. Your life will honor God and His Kingdom will be honored on earth even as it is in heaven. Isn't it exciting that God gives us the opportunity to be partners with Him in His Kingdom?!! We are about our Father's business!!
It would be interesting for each of us to make a mental note this week on the ways that our acts and reactions, that God teaches us, are different from the world's teachings. That is the way that we can make a difference in our world and honor God's kingdom here on earth!!
Let's be "Kingdom People,"
Pastor Jack
CITIZENS OF GOD'S KINGDOM
Have you ever thought about the world's idea of an earthly kingdom' as opposed to God's Kingdom? Kingdoms always have kings and they both have subjects or citizens. Citizens or subjects make up a kingdom. so let us think about how different the standards of this world are to the standards that God teaches us about His Kingdom.
**The world puts a lot of emphasis on wealth and how to attain it at all costs.
Jesus said, "What does it profit you if you gain the whole world and lose your soul?!"
**The world puts great emphasis on the importance of body and health.
God's Word says that the heart (feelings, thinking) is the well-spring of life and the body must obey the heart.
**The world says that if someone hurts you, you have the right to get even or set the record straight.
God says that we should never take revenge and that a soft word turns away wrath.
**The world says, "It is all about me and mine."
God says that we should love others like we love ourselves, being kind and helpful, and putting them before ourselves.
** The world says, "I can chose who I like."
God says that we must love everyone because God Himself loves us all and He IS love!!
I could go on and on with these difference between world-thinking and God-thinking, but God-thinking is far superior to the thinking and actions that the world uplifts in daily life. God expects His children to think and act like He does. We, as citizens of God's Kingdom, must be different from the world. It is a much higher standard and will bring greater joy and peace to you and all those around you. Your life will honor God and His Kingdom will be honored on earth even as it is in heaven. Isn't it exciting that God gives us the opportunity to be partners with Him in His Kingdom?!! We are about our Father's business!!
It would be interesting for each of us to make a mental note this week on the ways that our acts and reactions, that God teaches us, are different from the world's teachings. That is the way that we can make a difference in our world and honor God's kingdom here on earth!!
Let's be "Kingdom People,"
Pastor Jack
Pastor's Thoughts March 3, 2010
PASTOR JACK'S THOUGHTS MARCH 1, 2010
IN THE HOUSE OF GOD
The dwelling place (house) of the Lord God is mentioned several places in the Bible. When bad events happen people are prone to faithlessly ask, "Where is GOD?" The answer is, "He is in His dwelling place." Well, where is that?! Let us look at some facts from the Bible: The Lord inhabits (lives in) the praise of His people (Ps. 22:3). The Lord God dwells in His temple and our bodies are a temple for Him and His spirit (I Cor. 3:16). God's 'house' is in heaven where He has prepared a place for us (John 14:1-3). He is not hiding from us! He promised to "never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5)." So, He is ever present with us!!
A huge point of confusion about God comes from the fact that we, as humans in human bodies, think that God is just like us. We can not conceive that He is 'other' than us. He is not confined to a physical body! We think small! God says, "My thoughts are not your thoughts, my ways are not your ways."Isaiah 55:8 God is much bigger and more complex than our human minds will allow us to understand. That is where faith comes in. We must trust the Lord! We must have faith! Faith is being sure of what we hope for, the evidence of things not seen. God appears in our life every day, but many do not see Him, because they are not looking for HIM. We don't look through physical eyes, but through spiritual eyes focused by faith!
This week, watch for appearances of God in your life. Maybe it will be through a spoken word to your heart at a very important moment, or maybe God will suddenly change events in your day for your good, maybe you will see that God protected you from some downfall. Maybe you will have an opportunity to help someone or give a word of encouragement and think to yourself "where did THAT come from?!" From God? Watch for His work around you and you will be surprised how much He does in your day!
So where is God's dwelling, where is His House?! He dwell with us and at the same time He dwells in majesty in heaven. He, unlike us, is ever present, every where! Where is He when bad things happen? He is waiting for us to run to Him for safety, comfort and orders about what He wants us to do. "The Name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run to it and are safe." Proverbs 18: 10
Watching for Him,
Pastor Jack
IN THE HOUSE OF GOD
The dwelling place (house) of the Lord God is mentioned several places in the Bible. When bad events happen people are prone to faithlessly ask, "Where is GOD?" The answer is, "He is in His dwelling place." Well, where is that?! Let us look at some facts from the Bible: The Lord inhabits (lives in) the praise of His people (Ps. 22:3). The Lord God dwells in His temple and our bodies are a temple for Him and His spirit (I Cor. 3:16). God's 'house' is in heaven where He has prepared a place for us (John 14:1-3). He is not hiding from us! He promised to "never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5)." So, He is ever present with us!!
A huge point of confusion about God comes from the fact that we, as humans in human bodies, think that God is just like us. We can not conceive that He is 'other' than us. He is not confined to a physical body! We think small! God says, "My thoughts are not your thoughts, my ways are not your ways."Isaiah 55:8 God is much bigger and more complex than our human minds will allow us to understand. That is where faith comes in. We must trust the Lord! We must have faith! Faith is being sure of what we hope for, the evidence of things not seen. God appears in our life every day, but many do not see Him, because they are not looking for HIM. We don't look through physical eyes, but through spiritual eyes focused by faith!
This week, watch for appearances of God in your life. Maybe it will be through a spoken word to your heart at a very important moment, or maybe God will suddenly change events in your day for your good, maybe you will see that God protected you from some downfall. Maybe you will have an opportunity to help someone or give a word of encouragement and think to yourself "where did THAT come from?!" From God? Watch for His work around you and you will be surprised how much He does in your day!
So where is God's dwelling, where is His House?! He dwell with us and at the same time He dwells in majesty in heaven. He, unlike us, is ever present, every where! Where is He when bad things happen? He is waiting for us to run to Him for safety, comfort and orders about what He wants us to do. "The Name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run to it and are safe." Proverbs 18: 10
Watching for Him,
Pastor Jack
Pastor's thoughts 2 22 2010
PASTOR JACK'S THOUGHTS 2/22/2010
THE WONDERFUL COUNSELOR
We have talked about the trials, troubles and disappointments that we all face in daily life. Now, this week, let us remember that Jesus gave us a wonderful gift when He left to return to the Father. He gave us the Holy Spirit, who Jesus said would help us through the troubles we face daily. Jesus said in John, "I will not leave you as orphans" but I give you Someone to help you and live with you. Even the description that He used in John 15,16,17 helps us to understand what a great and powerful gift He gave to us. In those chapters,Jesus calls Him the Spirit of Truth, Counselor, Helper, Teacher and in other places the Comforter and Guide. He gives us this gift when we invite Jesus into our hearts as Lord and Savior and become His child. We are never alone!!
Jesus taught us in these chapters in John that everything we need to live life, even in troubled times, is provided by His own dear Spirit that lives, walks, works, with us in every part of our day!! What more could we ask for and need? True,sometime we ignore Him and sometime we are think we are "smart in our own wisdom" not acknowledging that He gave us the wisdom we needed at any given point and we could never have been that wise on our own. We say, "how lucky I was in this or that," or "I don't know why I thought about how to solve that, but I did" and never give thought to the fact that the Counselor was guiding you in those times and decisions.
Try this week to pause when making decisions and simply pray, "Lord give me the counsel of your Spirit right now, guide me." Then honor Him in your heart when answers come that delight your day. And even when answers do not come quickly, wait in hopeful expectation knowing that He has heard you and He will answer in His time, which is always right. Praise Him for His presence and for being your Counselor, Helper and Guide.
Thank you Jesus for our Counselor,
Pastor Jack
Pastor Thoughts
PASTOR JACK'S THOUGHTS FEBRUARY 15, 2010
STAND STRONG IN THE LORD
With all the troubles and problems in our world and around us these days, I would like for us to think this week about standing strong. Yes, I know that phrase is easy to say but difficult to do! The problem is that we live in a fallen world and Satan constantly prowls around seeing who he can cause to fall in their faith. Satan wants us to fall and to be discouraged and dismayed because he knows when we stand strong in faith in the Lord that we are tearing down his (Satan's) evil kingdom. This past week all of us have faced discouragements, loss of jobs, sickness, and even having our church program disrupted due to sewage problems!! We all know what discouragement is like.
How can we stand strong in the Lord in the face of discouragement and troubles?! It is difficult to do but with God all things are possible. God's Word teaches us that we live by His grace in our lives when we have struggles. In a time of great discouragement in his life God told the Apostle Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you for My power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9 We are weak and we need to rely on our Lord for strength in all troubles. We do this by turning over our problems to Him and letting Him work out the process for getting us through those tough times. We don't know what the future holds and really honestly we don't need to know the future. God sees what is in the future for us so let us simply fix our focus on Him and trust that His way will be perfect for us.
God's servant Job, when he had lost everything he had and was in terrible pain, made a statement of trust that can give us strength in our troubles. Job said, "Though He (God) slay me, yet will I trust Him." Job 13:15 Then in Job 19:25-27 he expressed his faith in God, "I know that my Redeemer lives and that in the end He will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God......how my heart yearns within me." Job knew the God of grace! Job trusted Him!
During difficult days, run to the Lord in prayer, then get up and walk by His power and grace to face the struggles. In His timing these things will melt away and we will have victory through His power and grace to us.
In His Grace,
Pastor Jack
STAND STRONG IN THE LORD
With all the troubles and problems in our world and around us these days, I would like for us to think this week about standing strong. Yes, I know that phrase is easy to say but difficult to do! The problem is that we live in a fallen world and Satan constantly prowls around seeing who he can cause to fall in their faith. Satan wants us to fall and to be discouraged and dismayed because he knows when we stand strong in faith in the Lord that we are tearing down his (Satan's) evil kingdom. This past week all of us have faced discouragements, loss of jobs, sickness, and even having our church program disrupted due to sewage problems!! We all know what discouragement is like.
How can we stand strong in the Lord in the face of discouragement and troubles?! It is difficult to do but with God all things are possible. God's Word teaches us that we live by His grace in our lives when we have struggles. In a time of great discouragement in his life God told the Apostle Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you for My power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9 We are weak and we need to rely on our Lord for strength in all troubles. We do this by turning over our problems to Him and letting Him work out the process for getting us through those tough times. We don't know what the future holds and really honestly we don't need to know the future. God sees what is in the future for us so let us simply fix our focus on Him and trust that His way will be perfect for us.
God's servant Job, when he had lost everything he had and was in terrible pain, made a statement of trust that can give us strength in our troubles. Job said, "Though He (God) slay me, yet will I trust Him." Job 13:15 Then in Job 19:25-27 he expressed his faith in God, "I know that my Redeemer lives and that in the end He will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God......how my heart yearns within me." Job knew the God of grace! Job trusted Him!
During difficult days, run to the Lord in prayer, then get up and walk by His power and grace to face the struggles. In His timing these things will melt away and we will have victory through His power and grace to us.
In His Grace,
Pastor Jack
Pastors thoughts 2/8/2010
PASTOR JACK'S THOUGHTS FEBRUARY 8, 2010
A GREAT EXAMPLE OF LOVE
For two weeks now, I have addressed the subject of love in conjunction with the valentine theme. As I said in my message yesterday, there are two thoughts about love. One is God's view of love and the other is the world's view of love. This week, please consider a very good example of love-lived-out as found in the life of Mary in Luke 10:38-42, John 12:1-8 and John 11:28-35. These are three separate occasions where we get a view of the believer, Mary. In the first incident, Mary chooses to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to his teachings. In the second incident Mary bravely goes into an 'all male' dinner' (which was against the custom of that day) and lavishly anoints the Lord with her tears and expensive perfume as she knelt at His feet. The last incident finds Mary grieving over the death of her brother. She threw herself at Jesus feet when he arrived at the place of mourning. It seems that Mary was always at Jesus feet! This is a true sign of submission to the Lord as her Master. Her love for the Lord compelled her to be in subjection to Him. We can learn from Mary that love for God compels us to worship Him and be in subjection to our Lord.
So, how does that translate into our daily lives? Look at it this way, when we love God will all our soul, mind and strength we return His love to Him in our submission and worship on a daily basis. Jesus gave us that formula when he said, "Love the Lord your God will all your soul, mind and strength".....and......"love your neighbor as yourself." He knew that when we love Him and others, life would be abundant for us! We would have more joy, more peace and more contentment than ever before!! What a huge dividend for a small word like 'love.'
When Glad and I married 52 years ago, I told her that "the closer I get to God and the more I love Him, the more I will love her too." She feels secure in my love because she understands that the love I have for her is based on the love I have for God!! It has been a comfort in our marriage. I urge you to put this to the test in your own life and relationships.
Pastor Jack
A GREAT EXAMPLE OF LOVE
For two weeks now, I have addressed the subject of love in conjunction with the valentine theme. As I said in my message yesterday, there are two thoughts about love. One is God's view of love and the other is the world's view of love. This week, please consider a very good example of love-lived-out as found in the life of Mary in Luke 10:38-42, John 12:1-8 and John 11:28-35. These are three separate occasions where we get a view of the believer, Mary. In the first incident, Mary chooses to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to his teachings. In the second incident Mary bravely goes into an 'all male' dinner' (which was against the custom of that day) and lavishly anoints the Lord with her tears and expensive perfume as she knelt at His feet. The last incident finds Mary grieving over the death of her brother. She threw herself at Jesus feet when he arrived at the place of mourning. It seems that Mary was always at Jesus feet! This is a true sign of submission to the Lord as her Master. Her love for the Lord compelled her to be in subjection to Him. We can learn from Mary that love for God compels us to worship Him and be in subjection to our Lord.
So, how does that translate into our daily lives? Look at it this way, when we love God will all our soul, mind and strength we return His love to Him in our submission and worship on a daily basis. Jesus gave us that formula when he said, "Love the Lord your God will all your soul, mind and strength".....and......"love your neighbor as yourself." He knew that when we love Him and others, life would be abundant for us! We would have more joy, more peace and more contentment than ever before!! What a huge dividend for a small word like 'love.'
When Glad and I married 52 years ago, I told her that "the closer I get to God and the more I love Him, the more I will love her too." She feels secure in my love because she understands that the love I have for her is based on the love I have for God!! It has been a comfort in our marriage. I urge you to put this to the test in your own life and relationships.
Concentrate on loving God totally as He requested and then pay attention to how that love and submission to Him translates into the way that you view other people and how you react to them. You will joyfully find that this is God's secret formula for joy, peace, contentment and all of His gifts for your life. Live a 'Mary life'.....at the feet of Jesus!!
God's love to all,
God's love to all,
Pastor Jack
Pastor Thoughts
PASTOR JACK'S THOUGHTS FEBRUARY 1, 2010
LOVE EXPRESSED = LOVE ENJOYED
The subject of love is so broad that it is difficult to write about it in one page! Valentine's Day is almost upon us and we will hear the "L-O-V-E " word a lot every where we go!! Most of us think of 'love' as soft, cuddly and happy and indeed that is one facet of the 'diamond' called love!! Love is something that we all desire! Love enriches us and give us strength and growth in our inner being!! We are very wise when we work at the way we love God, others and ourselves! There is a book written by Kaye Miller that is entitled "Called to Love." Kaye encourages us to realize that every Christian is 'called' to love God through worship and others through service.
We need to understand that another facet of love is the fact that it is hard work and might be difficult. Love is, more often than not, painful, expensive and time consuming! Have you ever thought about that?! We need to put effort into our love of God and others. For instance, it costs time and (sometime) money to make a happy marriage!! A couple needs to invest love and also time in their marriage. Couples need to share not only love for each other, but they must share each other's burdens! Have you ever heard that when a burden is shared (with someone we love) it becomes half as heavy because each person lifts up half as much weight. Also, a burden shared with love doubles in happiness, when we complete the task, because both partners are filled with joy so there is 'double joy'. Interesting thought! Shared love (and work) is very rewarding!
This Sunday, I will be speaking on the ultimate example of love which is, of course, God's limitless love for us! Was it painful? Yes!! The love that God has for us cost Him pain through Jesus' death on the cross. It was sacrificial because Jesus gave everything He had including His life blood for us! Now, His painful and sacrificial love for us has resulted in our joy, peace and salvation. Focus on the way that God gave us His love through Jesus' death on the cross. How precious is that love to you? Are you willing to pass it on to others?
In the days before Sunday, let us be aware of the ways we are called to express our love to others since God has so graciously expressed His love to us. Share it with others!
A caring, concerned, loving look as you meet people can encourage them. A loving, helping-hand can make a difference in the life of someone struggling with their burdens. A loving and listening attitude as someone shares his thoughts with you can ease a weary person's heart. A sacrificial, loving gift can enable a struggling hungry person to have a meal. Others ways? Find them and share them with me on Sunday.
Pastor Jack
LOVE EXPRESSED = LOVE ENJOYED
The subject of love is so broad that it is difficult to write about it in one page! Valentine's Day is almost upon us and we will hear the "L-O-V-E " word a lot every where we go!! Most of us think of 'love' as soft, cuddly and happy and indeed that is one facet of the 'diamond' called love!! Love is something that we all desire! Love enriches us and give us strength and growth in our inner being!! We are very wise when we work at the way we love God, others and ourselves! There is a book written by Kaye Miller that is entitled "Called to Love." Kaye encourages us to realize that every Christian is 'called' to love God through worship and others through service.
We need to understand that another facet of love is the fact that it is hard work and might be difficult. Love is, more often than not, painful, expensive and time consuming! Have you ever thought about that?! We need to put effort into our love of God and others. For instance, it costs time and (sometime) money to make a happy marriage!! A couple needs to invest love and also time in their marriage. Couples need to share not only love for each other, but they must share each other's burdens! Have you ever heard that when a burden is shared (with someone we love) it becomes half as heavy because each person lifts up half as much weight. Also, a burden shared with love doubles in happiness, when we complete the task, because both partners are filled with joy so there is 'double joy'. Interesting thought! Shared love (and work) is very rewarding!
This Sunday, I will be speaking on the ultimate example of love which is, of course, God's limitless love for us! Was it painful? Yes!! The love that God has for us cost Him pain through Jesus' death on the cross. It was sacrificial because Jesus gave everything He had including His life blood for us! Now, His painful and sacrificial love for us has resulted in our joy, peace and salvation. Focus on the way that God gave us His love through Jesus' death on the cross. How precious is that love to you? Are you willing to pass it on to others?
In the days before Sunday, let us be aware of the ways we are called to express our love to others since God has so graciously expressed His love to us. Share it with others!
A caring, concerned, loving look as you meet people can encourage them. A loving, helping-hand can make a difference in the life of someone struggling with their burdens. A loving and listening attitude as someone shares his thoughts with you can ease a weary person's heart. A sacrificial, loving gift can enable a struggling hungry person to have a meal. Others ways? Find them and share them with me on Sunday.
Pastor Jack
PASTOR JACK'S THOUGHTS JANUARY 25, 2010
HONESTY IS GOD'S POLICY
The eighth commandment, as recorded in Exodus 20:15 says, "You shall not steal!" God requires that His children practice honesty always. We often think, "But I don't steal from anyone." According to God's Word, there are many ways of stealing! How about stealing someone's reputation by ill spoken gossip? How about using someone's written thoughts and ideas and as your own in school work? How about stealing from God?!! Yes, that is recorded in God's Word in Malachi 3:8-10 "Will a man (person) rob God? Yet you have robbed Me!!" The verses that follow tell us that when we do not give God's tithe and offerings back to Him, we have stolen from God! How dreadful. Think about it, honesty and giving are 'twin' virtues in the Christian's life. We are to be honest with God and with our fellow humans! God requires it!! We give back to God a portion of our earnings in order to be honest to Him. In turn, we also give our time, love, help and sometimes money to others in a kind and gracious way.
Honesty is God's policy!! He desires that His children be like Him. When we think about God, we see that
HONESTY IS GOD'S POLICY
The eighth commandment, as recorded in Exodus 20:15 says, "You shall not steal!" God requires that His children practice honesty always. We often think, "But I don't steal from anyone." According to God's Word, there are many ways of stealing! How about stealing someone's reputation by ill spoken gossip? How about using someone's written thoughts and ideas and as your own in school work? How about stealing from God?!! Yes, that is recorded in God's Word in Malachi 3:8-10 "Will a man (person) rob God? Yet you have robbed Me!!" The verses that follow tell us that when we do not give God's tithe and offerings back to Him, we have stolen from God! How dreadful. Think about it, honesty and giving are 'twin' virtues in the Christian's life. We are to be honest with God and with our fellow humans! God requires it!! We give back to God a portion of our earnings in order to be honest to Him. In turn, we also give our time, love, help and sometimes money to others in a kind and gracious way.
Honesty is God's policy!! He desires that His children be like Him. When we think about God, we see that
He is honest and he has given to so gracious to give us His gifts. Also, we know that we can never out give Him! Let us all take stock of our own attitudes toward honesty and giving this week. We need to be sure that we are following God's policy in His Word. It is not a policy that we can overlook. Let us ask ourselves this week:
Oh yes, there are many ways of breaking God's commandment, "You shall not steal!!" Let us watch and be careful to be honest in all our ways. Then we can pray with Job (Job 31:6) "Let God weigh ME (my life) in honest scales!" We can trust Him to be honest so let us do the same!
Be Honest With All,
Pastor Jack
- Am I being honest with God by giving my tithe and offerings on a regular basis?
- Am I being honest with others? Are the words of my mouth stealing someone's self esteem or reputation?
- Do I too readily take something that belongs to someone else and say, "Well, they aren't using it or they have too much of this or that anyway. I'll just take a little!"
- Am I stealing someone's happiness by hurtful, unkind and critical words?
Oh yes, there are many ways of breaking God's commandment, "You shall not steal!!" Let us watch and be careful to be honest in all our ways. Then we can pray with Job (Job 31:6) "Let God weigh ME (my life) in honest scales!" We can trust Him to be honest so let us do the same!
Be Honest With All,
Pastor Jack
Pastor Thoughts 1 18 2010
PASTOR JACK'S THOUGHTS JANUARY 18, 2010
WHERE IS GOD IN DISASTER?
Last week was a difficult time in our world. So much suffering and death suddenly became a part of our world after the earthquake in Haiti. We are all touched deeply by the horrible suffering and death that we watched on television after the earthquake. Many have asked questions about why these things happen. God has already told us that because our world is imperfect, there will be tragedies of this type until He returns and makes a new heaven and a new earth that will not be under the control of Satan. Satan is the father of death and he comes to destroy God creation. The Bible says that creation groans and we, ourselves, groan inwardly as we wait for our redemption that comes through our Savior. (Romans 8:22-23) People often blame God for all the suffering in life but it is clear that Satan is the one who instigates that but that God is the one who offers help and hope. Life is a battle between Satan's acts of evil and God's offer of hope.
Some people are saying that this is God's judgment because this nation is godless, others say that there is no God since they can not see him at work, others ask why God allows these things to happen. As Christians we know that God is working in these events in spite of the devastation. Let us be reminded that we must trust God in this and take the 'high road' knowing that we can not make a judgment call on disasters of this nature. We must trust that God is God of all and that He is ultimately working to bring people to Himself and into His love, in spite of situations that we would not choose to live through but that we find ourselves struggling with.
MATTHEW 24:3-8 Says that there will be wars, famines and earthquakes but He said that we should not be alarmed because this is the beginning of the 'birth pangs' of the Jesus' return to earth.
The people of Jesus' day lived through disasters and said that tragedies come upon cities and kingdoms because those kingdoms were evil but Jesus has a broader statement that each of us should hear. He said that because we all live in a fallen, sinful world, each of us are in danger of great tragedy but, He offers hope that if we repent and turn to Him we will receive His presence and salvation in all of life, including uncertain and difficult times. Read Luke 13:1-5
We might ask, "Where is God in all the tragedy of this current devastation in Haiti?" Our answer must be an answer of faith, that God is working through all this to help people come to know Him. His heart is always reaching out to people and He has promised this in His Word over and over again. Choose faith in God who offers hope!
Praying for our world,
Pastor Jack
WHERE IS GOD IN DISASTER?
Last week was a difficult time in our world. So much suffering and death suddenly became a part of our world after the earthquake in Haiti. We are all touched deeply by the horrible suffering and death that we watched on television after the earthquake. Many have asked questions about why these things happen. God has already told us that because our world is imperfect, there will be tragedies of this type until He returns and makes a new heaven and a new earth that will not be under the control of Satan. Satan is the father of death and he comes to destroy God creation. The Bible says that creation groans and we, ourselves, groan inwardly as we wait for our redemption that comes through our Savior. (Romans 8:22-23) People often blame God for all the suffering in life but it is clear that Satan is the one who instigates that but that God is the one who offers help and hope. Life is a battle between Satan's acts of evil and God's offer of hope.
Some people are saying that this is God's judgment because this nation is godless, others say that there is no God since they can not see him at work, others ask why God allows these things to happen. As Christians we know that God is working in these events in spite of the devastation. Let us be reminded that we must trust God in this and take the 'high road' knowing that we can not make a judgment call on disasters of this nature. We must trust that God is God of all and that He is ultimately working to bring people to Himself and into His love, in spite of situations that we would not choose to live through but that we find ourselves struggling with.
MATTHEW 24:3-8 Says that there will be wars, famines and earthquakes but He said that we should not be alarmed because this is the beginning of the 'birth pangs' of the Jesus' return to earth.
The people of Jesus' day lived through disasters and said that tragedies come upon cities and kingdoms because those kingdoms were evil but Jesus has a broader statement that each of us should hear. He said that because we all live in a fallen, sinful world, each of us are in danger of great tragedy but, He offers hope that if we repent and turn to Him we will receive His presence and salvation in all of life, including uncertain and difficult times. Read Luke 13:1-5
We might ask, "Where is God in all the tragedy of this current devastation in Haiti?" Our answer must be an answer of faith, that God is working through all this to help people come to know Him. His heart is always reaching out to people and He has promised this in His Word over and over again. Choose faith in God who offers hope!
Praying for our world,
Pastor Jack
Pastor's thoughts 1 11 2010
PASTOR JACK'S THOUGHTS JANUARY 11, 2010
GOD'S GIFT OF 'HEART' RENEWAL
Last month, I talked about Christmas attitudes. I would like for us to talk about the source of our good and bad attitudes , the heart. The Bible has a lot to say about heart issues. Jesus Himself mentioned several major sins that are connected to our minds and our hearts! These are sins that often are secret and known only to us and God. Jesus gave a warning which we should always keep in mind in Matthew 15:10-11 and Proverbs 23:7, "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he." In other words, we become like the thoughts that we think! Jesus elaborates on this in the New Testament when He says that if I think about evil in my heart, I have actually already sinned in that way. Powerful words!! Then in I Samuel 16:7 the Bible says, "For man looks at the outward appearance but God looks at the heart." He is constantly looking for those whose hearts are completely His. (Read II Chron. 16:9)
When was the last time that you had a spiritual "heart check-up?" Actually our spiritual heart is more important than our physical heart since the spiritual heart is eternal and the physical heart is only temporary! Let me urge you this week to talk with God daily about the attitudes you have in your mind and heart. Give yourself a 'spiritual heart check up.' Are your thoughts pure and pleasing to God? Do you think more about what YOU want for your day or about what GOD wants? It might be a good thing to sit down and ready Psalm 51 and let King David show you the attitudes of his heart so that you can ask God to adjust your own thoughts and attitudes. May our prayer, this week, be "Create in me a new heart of God and renew a steadfast spirit within me." (v 7) As our heart changes, so will our attitudes become more pleasing to God!
Praying for a pure heart,
Pastor Jack
GOD'S GIFT OF 'HEART' RENEWAL
Last month, I talked about Christmas attitudes. I would like for us to talk about the source of our good and bad attitudes , the heart. The Bible has a lot to say about heart issues. Jesus Himself mentioned several major sins that are connected to our minds and our hearts! These are sins that often are secret and known only to us and God. Jesus gave a warning which we should always keep in mind in Matthew 15:10-11 and Proverbs 23:7, "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he." In other words, we become like the thoughts that we think! Jesus elaborates on this in the New Testament when He says that if I think about evil in my heart, I have actually already sinned in that way. Powerful words!! Then in I Samuel 16:7 the Bible says, "For man looks at the outward appearance but God looks at the heart." He is constantly looking for those whose hearts are completely His. (Read II Chron. 16:9)
When was the last time that you had a spiritual "heart check-up?" Actually our spiritual heart is more important than our physical heart since the spiritual heart is eternal and the physical heart is only temporary! Let me urge you this week to talk with God daily about the attitudes you have in your mind and heart. Give yourself a 'spiritual heart check up.' Are your thoughts pure and pleasing to God? Do you think more about what YOU want for your day or about what GOD wants? It might be a good thing to sit down and ready Psalm 51 and let King David show you the attitudes of his heart so that you can ask God to adjust your own thoughts and attitudes. May our prayer, this week, be "Create in me a new heart of God and renew a steadfast spirit within me." (v 7) As our heart changes, so will our attitudes become more pleasing to God!
Praying for a pure heart,
Pastor Jack
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