Our church's theme verse for 2012 is found in Hosea 10.12, which says:
"Sow for yourselves righteousness,
reap the fruit of unfailing love,
and break up the unplowed ground;
for it is time to seek the Lord,
until He comes and showers righteousness on you."
When studying the Bible, context is extremely important. Hosea chapter 10 begins, "Israel was a spreading vine." The word "was" is a very sad word in this context. It implies that they were no longer growing or vibrant. Hosea gives us the reason why: sin. Although they were God's chosen people, they became a self-focused nation. Although they knew the Shema in Deuteronomy 6.4 which states, "love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength;" they had become a people with divided attentions and shared loyalties. Jesus put it this way: "no man can serve two masters." That's exactly what Israel had done, and in the process God had allowed the consequences of their sin to come upon them. God's punishment was meant to get their attention and bring about reform.
Though God does punish sin and sin has consequences, God still called out to Israel to repent and change their direction.
This is where our theme verse comes into play. Like a farmer that sows seeds, Israel was to begin sowing seeds of righteousness. Righteousness has the idea of being just or being in the right. It also carries with it the idea of being in right relationship, both with God and people. Sowing seeds of truth and right living that brings glory to God and benefits those who are around us. The result is seen in the fruit we harvest.
In order to plant seeds, the ground must be prepared. In Hosea's day, the farmer used a plow. God says to break up the hardened ground and prepare it for the good seed. A farmer would never throw his seed out on unplowed ground. It needs to be prepared.
When I think of the church in America, we've been plowing the same ground over and over, expecting a great harvest. I sense the Lord saying to us to quit doing church as usual and begin to plow where we have not plowed before. For us in Occidental, there is plenty of soil that has never been put to the plow nor has the seed of God's word been scattered over it. Now plowing is hard work, and so is the scattering of seed. But if we want a full harvest, we must get out of our comfort zones and do this. In a way, I'm plowing new ground and planting seeds because I have taken a part time job as a warehouse helper and fork lift driver. When I work, I bring Jesus with me, not to shine a blinding light in the faces of my co-workers, but to simply be Jesus to them. To serve them, to pray for them, to share the truth of the gospel with them, that they too may some day come to know Jesus. I have a hunch that some of us need to stop plowing the same ground and begin asking the Lord of the harvest where He wants us to plow.
The verse concludes with the admonition, "It is time to seek the Lord until He comes and showers righteousness on you." Let me say this: The time is short. The Lord is near. The Lord is looking to see who is faithful and dependable. Those who have undivided hearts and are willing to do the hard work of planting the seeds of the Word of God among a nation of people who no longer know about the Lord. God is looking to enrich the lives of those who are bearing fruit that lasts.
May this coming year be a year of sowing and reaping, of seeking and enrichment.
Above all, may God be praised.
Blessings,
Pastor Pete
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Saturday, December 3, 2011
What's In Your Family Tree?
I find it amazing to look at the family tree of Jesus, for it is not what one would expect of the Savior of the world. The Gospels of Matthew and Luke give us two different Family Tree's of Jesus. Some stumble on this by setting aside the Bible and conclude it is full of errors. Upon closer examination though, we see that Matthew, who wrote to the Jews, recorded the legal line from King David to Joseph. Matthew's account is a list of "Who's Who" in Judah's history. Many of the names recorded were kings of Israel. Luke records the biological line of Jesus through Mary. It was the custom of the day to not list the mother. In Luke 3.23, Luke said "Jesus...was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph," and then proceeded to list the Family Tree. God said through the prophet Jeremiah (22.24-30) that none of Jeconiah's children would ever sit on the throne of David. If Joseph, a direct descendent of Jeconiah, were the father of Jesus, then Jesus could not sit on David's throne nor fulfill the promise given to King David that one of his heirs would one day sit on his throne forever. The Bible tells us that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, not Joseph.
There is also the matter of five women being mentioned in Matthew's Family Tree of Jesus. They are" Tamar (1.3), Rahab (1.5), Ruth (1.5), Beersheba (1.6 described but not mentioned by name) and Mary (1.16) Very unusual to record a woman in the family tree. But these were no ordinary women. Tamar posed as a prostitute and became pregnant by her father-in-law; Rahab was a prostitute in Jerricho who helped the two Israeli spies escape; Ruth was from Moab- an outsider; Beersheba commited adultery with King David; and Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph- a status similiar to our engagement period but according to Jewish law were legally married. During the engagement period the bride and groom were to be kept apart until the wedding day. Mary's pregnancy was a scandal in the little village of Nazareth. You could say that the Family Tree of Jesus was messed up. Yet God worked through both the faithful and sinful of Judah to bring His Son to earth to save us from our sin.
Perhaps you may be thinking your Family Tree and life are messed up. Perhaps your family tree has a few scandals of its own. Perhaps there is a history that you would like to sweep away. Perhaps you see your own children living life apart from God. Yet, even in the worst of circumstances God is at work and accomplishing His plan. Take your eyes off of the failures and place them on the One who is Perfect, Holy and who died on the cross for you. Put your trust in Jesus, who overcame the curse on his Family Tree and became a curse on Calvary's Tree in order that we may have the curse of sin removed from us and live a life in freedom, love, joy and peace with God. For this is why Jesus came to earth and why we celebrate His birth.
Merry Christmas,
Pastor Pete
There is also the matter of five women being mentioned in Matthew's Family Tree of Jesus. They are" Tamar (1.3), Rahab (1.5), Ruth (1.5), Beersheba (1.6 described but not mentioned by name) and Mary (1.16) Very unusual to record a woman in the family tree. But these were no ordinary women. Tamar posed as a prostitute and became pregnant by her father-in-law; Rahab was a prostitute in Jerricho who helped the two Israeli spies escape; Ruth was from Moab- an outsider; Beersheba commited adultery with King David; and Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph- a status similiar to our engagement period but according to Jewish law were legally married. During the engagement period the bride and groom were to be kept apart until the wedding day. Mary's pregnancy was a scandal in the little village of Nazareth. You could say that the Family Tree of Jesus was messed up. Yet God worked through both the faithful and sinful of Judah to bring His Son to earth to save us from our sin.
Perhaps you may be thinking your Family Tree and life are messed up. Perhaps your family tree has a few scandals of its own. Perhaps there is a history that you would like to sweep away. Perhaps you see your own children living life apart from God. Yet, even in the worst of circumstances God is at work and accomplishing His plan. Take your eyes off of the failures and place them on the One who is Perfect, Holy and who died on the cross for you. Put your trust in Jesus, who overcame the curse on his Family Tree and became a curse on Calvary's Tree in order that we may have the curse of sin removed from us and live a life in freedom, love, joy and peace with God. For this is why Jesus came to earth and why we celebrate His birth.
Merry Christmas,
Pastor Pete
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Occupy the Land
It seems that Occupy Wall Street has every one's attention, whether you agree with it or not. It does reveal that people are wanting change. The Book of Joshua begins with a huge change. Moses has died and Joshua is selected by God to lead the people of Israel into the promised land.
While many things on earth change, there is something that never changes. What remained constant was God. God promised Israel the land of Canaan. God said to Joshua, "I will give you everywhere you set your feet." What an incredible promise. But success wasn't guaranteed. There were things that Joshua and the people of Israel had to do.
The secret of their success is found in their desire to obey all that God commanded as well as remembering that God was with them as they stepped into the promised land. God has given us promises which still ring true and relevant today. Success doesn't come to us just because we are Christians, but does come when we seek to honor God in all we do. The Israelites were to work together. No one could rest until all of the tribes took possession of their land.
This took a willingness to obey God first in their lives, then to put others before themselves. This sounds similar to the conversation Jesus had with an expert in the Law of Moses. Jesus was asked which is the greatest command. Perhaps this was asked to trick Jesus in some way. The response surprised the religious leaders while reminding us of that which is most important. Jesus said the greatest command is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. The second is like it. To love your neighbor as yourself.
This was put into practice by the people of Israel as they occupied the promised land. I'm not sensing God leading me to join up with an Occupy Wall Street movement, but I do sense this: that wherever I am and wherever I go, I am to honor God through obeying His commands and by loving others. This may not necessarily lead to worldly success, but it will lead you to be right before God, which is the best success one could ever desire. Go occupy the land for the glory of God.
While many things on earth change, there is something that never changes. What remained constant was God. God promised Israel the land of Canaan. God said to Joshua, "I will give you everywhere you set your feet." What an incredible promise. But success wasn't guaranteed. There were things that Joshua and the people of Israel had to do.
The secret of their success is found in their desire to obey all that God commanded as well as remembering that God was with them as they stepped into the promised land. God has given us promises which still ring true and relevant today. Success doesn't come to us just because we are Christians, but does come when we seek to honor God in all we do. The Israelites were to work together. No one could rest until all of the tribes took possession of their land.
This took a willingness to obey God first in their lives, then to put others before themselves. This sounds similar to the conversation Jesus had with an expert in the Law of Moses. Jesus was asked which is the greatest command. Perhaps this was asked to trick Jesus in some way. The response surprised the religious leaders while reminding us of that which is most important. Jesus said the greatest command is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. The second is like it. To love your neighbor as yourself.
This was put into practice by the people of Israel as they occupied the promised land. I'm not sensing God leading me to join up with an Occupy Wall Street movement, but I do sense this: that wherever I am and wherever I go, I am to honor God through obeying His commands and by loving others. This may not necessarily lead to worldly success, but it will lead you to be right before God, which is the best success one could ever desire. Go occupy the land for the glory of God.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Are You Awake?
Romans 13.10-12 says, "Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light."
Some people sleep walk. They get up out of bed and go about various activities while asleep. They might turn on the TV. Others go to the fridge and eat. Some walk around outside. But they all have this in common: they are asleep.
Many Christians live in the state of deep sleep, unaware of what they are doing or for that matter what God is doing in their lives. Due to their slumber, they are unaware that the things they are involved in are not pleasing to God. God is always present and at work, but we proceed through life unaware of His presence or activity, whether it is in our life or in anothers. Jacob had an experience like this. On a journey, he came to the place to camp for the night. Finding a rock for a pillow, he laid down and fell asleep. During the night he dreamt of a stairway to heaven, and the Lord speaking to Him about giving his descendents the very land where he was sleeping. When he awoke, he said, "Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it." Up to that point, he went through life unaware, as if he were sleep walking. But at that moment he became aware. He awoke up from his sleep, fully aware that God was present and promising to do great things for him and his descendents.
The Apostle Paul said, "It's time to wake up." God is present. God is at work. God will fulfill all of His promises to His people. If so, how should we be? To be spiritually awake is to be aware that God is with you always. Saints in both Old Testament and New have taken great comfort in this fact. The Psalmist said, "though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me." And "The Lord is my refuge and strength. An ever present help in time of trouble." Jesus promised to never leave us nor forsake us. Are you going through life aware of God's presence and work? If not, you just might be asleep.
To be spiritually awake opens our eyes so we can see what God is doing. Philippians 2.13 "it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." Are you aware of what God is doing in your life? I wonder, what is it that God wants to do? What is it that He needs to do? Yes, God is a surgeon and surgeons work best when the patient is asleep. This is different though, because spiritual sleep is self-induced, often brought on by a casual regard for sin. But God is telling us to "wake up." Paul reminds us that "the day is almost here." The day when our Savior returns. Will he find us awake and aware, embracing the presence and work of God or will we finally wake up on "that day" and realize all that we have missed?
Friends, the Bible tells us we are in the last days leading up to the Lord's return. This isn't a time for sleep but to be awake and to engage our world. People around us are hurting. It seems the whole world is on edge. Edge of default. Edge of crisis. Edge of war. Edge of loss jobs, illness and famine and more. Why not ask the Lord to tell you what you should do? What could our response be to so many who are hurting? Could it be that the Lord is waiting for us to wake up in order to tangibly touch people in His name?
Blessings,
Pastor Pete
Some people sleep walk. They get up out of bed and go about various activities while asleep. They might turn on the TV. Others go to the fridge and eat. Some walk around outside. But they all have this in common: they are asleep.
Many Christians live in the state of deep sleep, unaware of what they are doing or for that matter what God is doing in their lives. Due to their slumber, they are unaware that the things they are involved in are not pleasing to God. God is always present and at work, but we proceed through life unaware of His presence or activity, whether it is in our life or in anothers. Jacob had an experience like this. On a journey, he came to the place to camp for the night. Finding a rock for a pillow, he laid down and fell asleep. During the night he dreamt of a stairway to heaven, and the Lord speaking to Him about giving his descendents the very land where he was sleeping. When he awoke, he said, "Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it." Up to that point, he went through life unaware, as if he were sleep walking. But at that moment he became aware. He awoke up from his sleep, fully aware that God was present and promising to do great things for him and his descendents.
The Apostle Paul said, "It's time to wake up." God is present. God is at work. God will fulfill all of His promises to His people. If so, how should we be? To be spiritually awake is to be aware that God is with you always. Saints in both Old Testament and New have taken great comfort in this fact. The Psalmist said, "though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me." And "The Lord is my refuge and strength. An ever present help in time of trouble." Jesus promised to never leave us nor forsake us. Are you going through life aware of God's presence and work? If not, you just might be asleep.
To be spiritually awake opens our eyes so we can see what God is doing. Philippians 2.13 "it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." Are you aware of what God is doing in your life? I wonder, what is it that God wants to do? What is it that He needs to do? Yes, God is a surgeon and surgeons work best when the patient is asleep. This is different though, because spiritual sleep is self-induced, often brought on by a casual regard for sin. But God is telling us to "wake up." Paul reminds us that "the day is almost here." The day when our Savior returns. Will he find us awake and aware, embracing the presence and work of God or will we finally wake up on "that day" and realize all that we have missed?
Friends, the Bible tells us we are in the last days leading up to the Lord's return. This isn't a time for sleep but to be awake and to engage our world. People around us are hurting. It seems the whole world is on edge. Edge of default. Edge of crisis. Edge of war. Edge of loss jobs, illness and famine and more. Why not ask the Lord to tell you what you should do? What could our response be to so many who are hurting? Could it be that the Lord is waiting for us to wake up in order to tangibly touch people in His name?
Blessings,
Pastor Pete
Saturday, July 30, 2011
WHICH TEAM ARE YOU ON?
I noticed a store advertisement to join their team of employees. Since then, I've noticed the same kind of sign elsewhere. The signs are similar: "join the TEAM and enjoy a friendly workplace environment with great benefits."
Jesus invited people to join His TEAM. While Jesus had many followers who would come and go, Jesus chose a select group of disciples to become TEAM JESUS. Jesus invested in them and then gave them marching orders to continue to expand the TEAM. Though we live 2,000 years later, we are a part of that extension and also have the privilege of passing the good news on to others, inviting them to join the TEAM too.
What does it take to be a member in good standing on TEAM JESUS?
I'm not talking about being religious, the world has enough of that. I'm not talking about being a great church member either, although this aspect of your life will be affected too. I am talking about what it looks like when a person truly follows after Jesus.
Matthew 16.24 "Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.' " While people may interpret and apply this differently, there is no getting around the idea of self-denial, nor of the daily dying to self implied by "taking up his cross." The cross, though glorified now and adorned as jewelry, was a symbol of a violent death. If we are dying and denying ourselves, then what is it that we are coming alive to? The answer is God through faith in Jesus.
As we go through life, we no longer ask what we want, but what Jesus wants. No longer are we concerned with what others say, for the only thing that truly matters is what Jesus says. We will move from being concerned with what others are thinking and want to know what Jesus is thinking. No longer will we be people pleasers, but God pleasers. No longer will we live by what we see, rather by that which is unseen. To follow Jesus means we are set free from our sinful world and all that concerns the world. To be on TEAM JESUS means to be an extension of His life in ours, so that the life of Jesus may touch the world with His love, grace and peace.
We have 2 teams. TEAM SELF and TEAM JESUS. Which team are you on?
Blessings,
Pastor Pete
Jesus invited people to join His TEAM. While Jesus had many followers who would come and go, Jesus chose a select group of disciples to become TEAM JESUS. Jesus invested in them and then gave them marching orders to continue to expand the TEAM. Though we live 2,000 years later, we are a part of that extension and also have the privilege of passing the good news on to others, inviting them to join the TEAM too.
What does it take to be a member in good standing on TEAM JESUS?
I'm not talking about being religious, the world has enough of that. I'm not talking about being a great church member either, although this aspect of your life will be affected too. I am talking about what it looks like when a person truly follows after Jesus.
Matthew 16.24 "Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.' " While people may interpret and apply this differently, there is no getting around the idea of self-denial, nor of the daily dying to self implied by "taking up his cross." The cross, though glorified now and adorned as jewelry, was a symbol of a violent death. If we are dying and denying ourselves, then what is it that we are coming alive to? The answer is God through faith in Jesus.
As we go through life, we no longer ask what we want, but what Jesus wants. No longer are we concerned with what others say, for the only thing that truly matters is what Jesus says. We will move from being concerned with what others are thinking and want to know what Jesus is thinking. No longer will we be people pleasers, but God pleasers. No longer will we live by what we see, rather by that which is unseen. To follow Jesus means we are set free from our sinful world and all that concerns the world. To be on TEAM JESUS means to be an extension of His life in ours, so that the life of Jesus may touch the world with His love, grace and peace.
We have 2 teams. TEAM SELF and TEAM JESUS. Which team are you on?
Blessings,
Pastor Pete
Friday, July 1, 2011
A tool in God's hand
It happened again this past Thursday morning just as I was ready to leave for the day. I rubbed my eye which caused my contact to fold up and disappear somewhere in the deep recesses of my eye. It's happened before, so I was not too worried. But it was an irritation to my eye and my driving ability. About an hour later I felt something odd in my eye and out the contact fell into my hand. Within a minute I had the contact cleaned and reinserted back to where it was designed to be.
Contact lenses are a wonderful tool that enable us to see without having to wear glasses. They are wonderful only when they are in the right place and at the right time. Although they are a great tool, they do not help my eyesight at all when folded up and hiding somewhere in the back of my eyeball. Nor are they useful in their package. Contacts are a tool only when they are inserted correctly and doing what they are supposed to do.
People are like tools in God's hands. The Bible says that "we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2.10 NIV
How many times has God intended to do something good through us, yet we remain in the wrong spot, intent on some purpose other than that which God so designed us for. We miss out on the good God planned to do through us because we are out of place and focused on "ourselves" instead of seeking to bless others in Jesus' name.
God made us for a purpose. We are His creation. God gave us our personalities, our gifts and natural abilities. Are we living up to God's purpose? Perhaps all it would take is a rearrangement of location. My contact only had to move a short distance and it was where it was supposed to be.
Perhaps you desire to serve the Lord and it is a struggle, like trying to force a square block into a round hole. Maybe it's time to find the correct shaped hole for which you were designed to fit. We may be in the right place but with the wrong attitude, much like a piece of dirt on a contact lens. This too is irritating. Perhaps we need an attitude adjustment or ask the Lord to forgive us and cleanse us so that we can once again be useful for our Master.
A friend of mine was hired to teach 6th grade. At the last minute before the school began, he was switched to Kindergarten. That was where the need was, but he didn't fit. He struggled with it for several months before he quit. He was not wired to be a Kindergarten teacher. Later he was hired at a different school and for a job he was "wired" to do. What a huge difference he has made in the lives of 6th-8th graders.
God has a plan and purpose for you, so that no matter where you are or where you go, you may glorify your heavenly Father. Jesus said in Matthew 5.16, "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
Are you fulfilling God's purpose for you? If not, what would it take for you to step into His purpose? May you find great joy as you serve the Lord. May each of us be instruments in His hands that He may be glorified.
Blessings,
Pastor Pete
Contact lenses are a wonderful tool that enable us to see without having to wear glasses. They are wonderful only when they are in the right place and at the right time. Although they are a great tool, they do not help my eyesight at all when folded up and hiding somewhere in the back of my eyeball. Nor are they useful in their package. Contacts are a tool only when they are inserted correctly and doing what they are supposed to do.
People are like tools in God's hands. The Bible says that "we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2.10 NIV
How many times has God intended to do something good through us, yet we remain in the wrong spot, intent on some purpose other than that which God so designed us for. We miss out on the good God planned to do through us because we are out of place and focused on "ourselves" instead of seeking to bless others in Jesus' name.
God made us for a purpose. We are His creation. God gave us our personalities, our gifts and natural abilities. Are we living up to God's purpose? Perhaps all it would take is a rearrangement of location. My contact only had to move a short distance and it was where it was supposed to be.
Perhaps you desire to serve the Lord and it is a struggle, like trying to force a square block into a round hole. Maybe it's time to find the correct shaped hole for which you were designed to fit. We may be in the right place but with the wrong attitude, much like a piece of dirt on a contact lens. This too is irritating. Perhaps we need an attitude adjustment or ask the Lord to forgive us and cleanse us so that we can once again be useful for our Master.
A friend of mine was hired to teach 6th grade. At the last minute before the school began, he was switched to Kindergarten. That was where the need was, but he didn't fit. He struggled with it for several months before he quit. He was not wired to be a Kindergarten teacher. Later he was hired at a different school and for a job he was "wired" to do. What a huge difference he has made in the lives of 6th-8th graders.
God has a plan and purpose for you, so that no matter where you are or where you go, you may glorify your heavenly Father. Jesus said in Matthew 5.16, "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
Are you fulfilling God's purpose for you? If not, what would it take for you to step into His purpose? May you find great joy as you serve the Lord. May each of us be instruments in His hands that He may be glorified.
Blessings,
Pastor Pete
Friday, June 3, 2011
Grace
While driving in a parking lot recently, someone told me that my jeep has "fun" written all over it. The jeep is fun, but when I look at my jeep, I see "project" written all over it. It is amazing how different perspectives can be.
There is a vast difference in how we see ourselves and each other compared to how God see's us. We might describe ourselves, especially after studying the first part of Romans each Sunday, that we have "guilty" written all over us. In contrast, God see's the word "grace" written all over us. When we're honest with ourselves, what often comes to mind is our sins and failures. But when we come to faith in Jesus, it's as if God uses a huge eraser to get rid of the word "guilty." Then God writes in huge, permanent ink marker the word "grace." It is only by God's grace that we are saved, forgiven, cleansed, renewed, reclaimed and recreated in Christ Jesus. Yes our sins haunt us. We've let many people down. We've let ourselves down. But God's grace is bigger than any failure.
Is that really true? Will God really forgive all of our sins? We've done some rotten things, and sometimes we can be down right mean to one another. Our sins affect us deeply, and can hurt others even more. Sometimes, people use the hurt we cause them as an excuse to not trust God or others. Walls are built as safe havens, keeping God and people at a distance. Walls allow only a few select people in and keep others out. If someone were to break in, we would be quite upset. Forgiving ourselves and others is the first step to tearing down the walls we build. Finding God's grace for ourselves and others is not a fantasy, but a reality. For God's grace is a gift to all people. According to Ephesians 2.14 "Jesus is our peace, who has made the two one (complete opposites) and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility." Because of Jesus the wall is torn down between us and God. Through Jesus peace is now possible. Though some may irk you, what if we could pass on the grace that God has given us?
What if we strived to be gracious to one another. Perhaps we should start at home with those closest to us. Then to neighbors and those we meet along the way each day. Perhaps it is picking up a piece of trash off of the floor in a store. Or holding the door open for someone. Or giving a warm greeting to each one you meet. Or not judging someone on the basis of their appearance. Or extending grace instead of anger when someone cuts us off on the highway. Or thinking the best of someone instead of the worst. Or not holding onto grudges, but instead offering forgiveness. Often what we think about affects our attitude which affects our behavior. If you want to express grace in your words and actions it begins in your heart and mind.
Grace is so contrary to the way of the world that some will take notice and wonder what is going on. Are they being "punked" or for the older generation, are they on "Candid Camera." If we live out God's grace, the world will take notice. I'm not talking about being religious. I am talking about being real. As a result, our lives will be quite different from the world around us.
Since believers are forgiven and have the word "grace" written all over us, wouldn't it be great if we could live up to how God see's us?
There is a vast difference in how we see ourselves and each other compared to how God see's us. We might describe ourselves, especially after studying the first part of Romans each Sunday, that we have "guilty" written all over us. In contrast, God see's the word "grace" written all over us. When we're honest with ourselves, what often comes to mind is our sins and failures. But when we come to faith in Jesus, it's as if God uses a huge eraser to get rid of the word "guilty." Then God writes in huge, permanent ink marker the word "grace." It is only by God's grace that we are saved, forgiven, cleansed, renewed, reclaimed and recreated in Christ Jesus. Yes our sins haunt us. We've let many people down. We've let ourselves down. But God's grace is bigger than any failure.
Is that really true? Will God really forgive all of our sins? We've done some rotten things, and sometimes we can be down right mean to one another. Our sins affect us deeply, and can hurt others even more. Sometimes, people use the hurt we cause them as an excuse to not trust God or others. Walls are built as safe havens, keeping God and people at a distance. Walls allow only a few select people in and keep others out. If someone were to break in, we would be quite upset. Forgiving ourselves and others is the first step to tearing down the walls we build. Finding God's grace for ourselves and others is not a fantasy, but a reality. For God's grace is a gift to all people. According to Ephesians 2.14 "Jesus is our peace, who has made the two one (complete opposites) and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility." Because of Jesus the wall is torn down between us and God. Through Jesus peace is now possible. Though some may irk you, what if we could pass on the grace that God has given us?
What if we strived to be gracious to one another. Perhaps we should start at home with those closest to us. Then to neighbors and those we meet along the way each day. Perhaps it is picking up a piece of trash off of the floor in a store. Or holding the door open for someone. Or giving a warm greeting to each one you meet. Or not judging someone on the basis of their appearance. Or extending grace instead of anger when someone cuts us off on the highway. Or thinking the best of someone instead of the worst. Or not holding onto grudges, but instead offering forgiveness. Often what we think about affects our attitude which affects our behavior. If you want to express grace in your words and actions it begins in your heart and mind.
Grace is so contrary to the way of the world that some will take notice and wonder what is going on. Are they being "punked" or for the older generation, are they on "Candid Camera." If we live out God's grace, the world will take notice. I'm not talking about being religious. I am talking about being real. As a result, our lives will be quite different from the world around us.
Since believers are forgiven and have the word "grace" written all over us, wouldn't it be great if we could live up to how God see's us?
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
HOPE
Waiting seems to be a part of our lives. As children, we can hardly wait to grow up. Birthdays and Christmas are especially tough on children. The days before Christmas stretch their patience as well as their parents. Waiting is not viewed as much fun, whether it is at Disneyland, DMV or the Doctor's office. Or waiting on a reply, for help, on circumstances to change, loved ones to return home from the war, for houses to sell, for the stock market to rise, for life to get back to pre-recession normal.
Though we may dislike waiting, God uses it to build into our lives. At the heart of waiting is hope. Hope, like waiting, anticipates what is next. Hope is confident expectation. Hope sounds so much more positive than waiting. Often these two words are used interchangeable in the Bible. One translation may use "wait" while the other uses "hope." As followers of Christ, we find ourselves waiting on the Lord. There is an expectation that the Lord will act on our behalf. So we wait on the Lord to comfort, provide, and fulfill His Word. Though these two words are similiar, they can take us in opposite directions. For instance, "waiting" from an earthly viewpoint, is focused more on ourselves and the misery we feel. It is putting in time and keeps our eyes on our circumstance. It is something we have to put up with. On the other hand, "hope" keeps our eyes on Jesus and what He will do. Hope helps us endure the hardship, for we know that God will not abandon us nor forsake us.
Consider our theme verse for the year: Romans 15.4 "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." In the midst of life's storms, we have God's Word which instills in us hope, a confident expectation that God will act on our behalf. That God will fulfill His Word. That we belong to Him, therefore He will show up at just the right time.
Consider Isaiah 40.28-31 "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
The Lord doesn't grow tired, His strength is endless. God doesn't give up, He is patient with us, and will act at just the right time to give us just what we need when we need it. So keep your eyes on Jesus and He will see you through. God will not forget you! You belong to Him! You are special and God will keep you in His capable hands.
Blessings,
Pastor Pete
Though we may dislike waiting, God uses it to build into our lives. At the heart of waiting is hope. Hope, like waiting, anticipates what is next. Hope is confident expectation. Hope sounds so much more positive than waiting. Often these two words are used interchangeable in the Bible. One translation may use "wait" while the other uses "hope." As followers of Christ, we find ourselves waiting on the Lord. There is an expectation that the Lord will act on our behalf. So we wait on the Lord to comfort, provide, and fulfill His Word. Though these two words are similiar, they can take us in opposite directions. For instance, "waiting" from an earthly viewpoint, is focused more on ourselves and the misery we feel. It is putting in time and keeps our eyes on our circumstance. It is something we have to put up with. On the other hand, "hope" keeps our eyes on Jesus and what He will do. Hope helps us endure the hardship, for we know that God will not abandon us nor forsake us.
Consider our theme verse for the year: Romans 15.4 "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." In the midst of life's storms, we have God's Word which instills in us hope, a confident expectation that God will act on our behalf. That God will fulfill His Word. That we belong to Him, therefore He will show up at just the right time.
Consider Isaiah 40.28-31 "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
The Lord doesn't grow tired, His strength is endless. God doesn't give up, He is patient with us, and will act at just the right time to give us just what we need when we need it. So keep your eyes on Jesus and He will see you through. God will not forget you! You belong to Him! You are special and God will keep you in His capable hands.
Blessings,
Pastor Pete
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
The Lord is Near
Perhaps it is the sign of the times, but our world seems to be racing towards chaos. The world has changed drastically and dynamically just in the last 3 years. The economy is shattered. Governments are bankrupt. People are unemployed. The housing market is in decline. The Arab nations are in transition and turmoil. Where are we headed? The prophet Zephaniah said the that "great day of the Lord is near..." Jesus said of that day and hour that no one knows when it will occur, "not even the angels, nor the Son, but only the Father." Therefore it will come like a thief in the night. Even though we do not know exactly when, Jesus gave us details so that it will not overtake us by surprise. He said there would be wars and rumors of war, nations rising against nations. There will be famines, pestilence and earthquakes. These are the beginning of birth pains. Well, the contractions are getting closer and closer, so that we know the time is near.
What should we do? Zephaniah said to be silent before the Sovereign Lord. Though the world may seem to be spinning out of control, yet there is One who is still in control: the Lord Jesus. Being silent doesn't mean doing nothing. It is a time to reflect and mediate on the Lord and His Word. Am I doing what the Lord wants me to do? Am I listening to His voice or my own? It's time to be silent before the Lord.
Zephaniah also said to seek the Lord and do what He commands. The Lord said through Jeremiah, "you will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Now is the time to seek the Lord. Not half-heartedly, but with all your heart. But what does that look like? Zephaniah said to seek righteousness and humility. Righteousness because we desire to be in right relationship with God and our fellow man. Humility because we know that we cannot save ourselves, so we need to look beyond ourselves to the One who can truly save us: Jesus.
The Lord spoke through Hosea, in chapter 10 verse 12: "sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord until He comes and showers righteousness on you." We will reap what we sow. What is it that we are sowing? Is it righteousness? Is it love? Is it humility. Sin has a way of making our hearts hard and unreceptive to the Lord and His Word. The central letter in the word "sin" is the letter "I". When we are focused on ourselves, when we care more for ourselves than for others, when we are self seeking rather than God seeking, our hearts become hard. God says enough is enough. Plow up the hardened ground of your heart and seek God while He may still be found. Then you will be ready to meet your Lord, whether He returns to earth or comes to take you to be with Him.
The Lord is near! Look up for your redemption is near.
Blessings,
Pastor Pete
What should we do? Zephaniah said to be silent before the Sovereign Lord. Though the world may seem to be spinning out of control, yet there is One who is still in control: the Lord Jesus. Being silent doesn't mean doing nothing. It is a time to reflect and mediate on the Lord and His Word. Am I doing what the Lord wants me to do? Am I listening to His voice or my own? It's time to be silent before the Lord.
Zephaniah also said to seek the Lord and do what He commands. The Lord said through Jeremiah, "you will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Now is the time to seek the Lord. Not half-heartedly, but with all your heart. But what does that look like? Zephaniah said to seek righteousness and humility. Righteousness because we desire to be in right relationship with God and our fellow man. Humility because we know that we cannot save ourselves, so we need to look beyond ourselves to the One who can truly save us: Jesus.
The Lord spoke through Hosea, in chapter 10 verse 12: "sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord until He comes and showers righteousness on you." We will reap what we sow. What is it that we are sowing? Is it righteousness? Is it love? Is it humility. Sin has a way of making our hearts hard and unreceptive to the Lord and His Word. The central letter in the word "sin" is the letter "I". When we are focused on ourselves, when we care more for ourselves than for others, when we are self seeking rather than God seeking, our hearts become hard. God says enough is enough. Plow up the hardened ground of your heart and seek God while He may still be found. Then you will be ready to meet your Lord, whether He returns to earth or comes to take you to be with Him.
The Lord is near! Look up for your redemption is near.
Blessings,
Pastor Pete
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Looking Up
We live in troubling times when what we know is right according to God's Word is cast as out of date, out of step or even wrong, whether it is moral or political. The world stage is evolving too. Just a month ago, who would have guessed the turmoil in the middle east would have changed leadership in Egypt or brought about the near collapse of leadership in Libya. We do live in interesting and yet troubling times.
There is another word that describes our times. Anticipation. We anticipate a turn around in the economy. We anticipate better times. Kids of all ages in Sonoma County are anticipating snow levels to drop down to their own backyards. I remember back to my childhood days when my family went to Chicago for Christmas. The weather was freezing, but there was no snow. At bedtime I prayed for snow and dreamt of snow all night long. I woke up early to discover a couple of inches of snow on the ground. Anticipation can be a good thing. It raises our level of expectation as it stirs up hope. It gives us energy to keep going. It raises our eyes to see the possibility of something better and brighter.
As Christians, we ought to be a people characterized by anticipation. The gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ. In the gospel, God anticipates our need and provides a Savior. God calls us out of darkness that we might walk in His light. There is expectation. We are saved for a purpose, that we might live according to the high calling of God through Christ Jesus. Part of that calling is to be light and salt in our world. If we are not letting our light shine, our world will remain in spiritual darkness. If we do not season our world with God's truth, the world will remain living in the lie.
In addition, as Christians our sights are set not on earthly things but on heavenly things. This is not our permanent home. We are on a journey. Our destination is heaven. One day we will see Jesus face to face. One day we will be part of the myriads of people who bow down before the very throne of God and will praise Him with all our hearts.
Yes we live in troubling times. So we cling to Jesus, our Emmanuel who has promised to be with us no matter what. Yes we live in interesting times, but may our interest in God overshadow the earthly interests of today. Yes we are a people of anticipation. May our hope in the Lord bring joy where there is sorrow, strength where there is weakness, and faith when all around gives way.
Beloved, let us continue to look up, for our Lord loves us so.
Blessings,
Pastor Pete
There is another word that describes our times. Anticipation. We anticipate a turn around in the economy. We anticipate better times. Kids of all ages in Sonoma County are anticipating snow levels to drop down to their own backyards. I remember back to my childhood days when my family went to Chicago for Christmas. The weather was freezing, but there was no snow. At bedtime I prayed for snow and dreamt of snow all night long. I woke up early to discover a couple of inches of snow on the ground. Anticipation can be a good thing. It raises our level of expectation as it stirs up hope. It gives us energy to keep going. It raises our eyes to see the possibility of something better and brighter.
As Christians, we ought to be a people characterized by anticipation. The gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ. In the gospel, God anticipates our need and provides a Savior. God calls us out of darkness that we might walk in His light. There is expectation. We are saved for a purpose, that we might live according to the high calling of God through Christ Jesus. Part of that calling is to be light and salt in our world. If we are not letting our light shine, our world will remain in spiritual darkness. If we do not season our world with God's truth, the world will remain living in the lie.
In addition, as Christians our sights are set not on earthly things but on heavenly things. This is not our permanent home. We are on a journey. Our destination is heaven. One day we will see Jesus face to face. One day we will be part of the myriads of people who bow down before the very throne of God and will praise Him with all our hearts.
Yes we live in troubling times. So we cling to Jesus, our Emmanuel who has promised to be with us no matter what. Yes we live in interesting times, but may our interest in God overshadow the earthly interests of today. Yes we are a people of anticipation. May our hope in the Lord bring joy where there is sorrow, strength where there is weakness, and faith when all around gives way.
Beloved, let us continue to look up, for our Lord loves us so.
Blessings,
Pastor Pete
Friday, January 28, 2011
Simple Things
It's On My Heart...January 2010
Life is comprised of many simple things. Things we often take for granite and do not think much about....until they are taken from us. Something as simple as taking a walk on a sunny day, singing along to a favorite song on the radio, working out, helping my child with homework, enjoying a sit down meal with family or friends, or laying in a bed for a good night's sleep. It is the simple things of life that enhance our lives so much. Whether it is a flower, a butterfly, a robin trying to fly through the kitchen window or a deer walking through your backyard. These simple things are blessings from God.
I'm not sure why God allows things to happen, but I do know that God's timing is perfect and His grace sufficient. A few weeks ago I was riding my bike and within seconds was laying in a muddy ditch filled with water. Some of the simple things I took for granite were taken away from me. They are slowly being restored as day by day I get a little stronger. The things I took for granite before the accident are now deeply appreciated. The conviction that my life is in God's hands is stronger when I think of where I landed. A little to the right and I would have hit a curb before going into the culvert. A little to the left I would have hit a telephone pole. God's hand guided me to the softest landing spot- a muddy ditch with water. Since the accident I have had a renewed sense of how special life is and how wonderful God is toward us.
King David wrote in Psalm 119.71 "It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees." In the midst of hardship, David realized he learned more of God's ways. While we may question why things happen as they do, God has a deeper purpose that is brought to the surface as we undergo tough times. Romans 8.28 says that God uses all things for our good. "All" is a tough word for us, because when we go through times of affliction, we wonder what we did to cause it or we get angry with God because we think we do not deserve it. But through it all, whether it is good or bad in our perspective, God can bring good out of it.
So, what have I learned? That life is short, so live each day to the fullest. That God cares deeply for us and works out even the smallest of details in order to show us His care and providence. That people do care, and times of trouble are really opportunities for us to show others how much they mean to us. That it is a joy to give to help others and humbling to be on the receiving end. That the simple things of life are reminders of God's blessing. And it is the simple things of life that make life so special and full.
May you enjoy the simple things of life that God has blessed you with.
Blessings,
Pastor Pete
Life is comprised of many simple things. Things we often take for granite and do not think much about....until they are taken from us. Something as simple as taking a walk on a sunny day, singing along to a favorite song on the radio, working out, helping my child with homework, enjoying a sit down meal with family or friends, or laying in a bed for a good night's sleep. It is the simple things of life that enhance our lives so much. Whether it is a flower, a butterfly, a robin trying to fly through the kitchen window or a deer walking through your backyard. These simple things are blessings from God.
I'm not sure why God allows things to happen, but I do know that God's timing is perfect and His grace sufficient. A few weeks ago I was riding my bike and within seconds was laying in a muddy ditch filled with water. Some of the simple things I took for granite were taken away from me. They are slowly being restored as day by day I get a little stronger. The things I took for granite before the accident are now deeply appreciated. The conviction that my life is in God's hands is stronger when I think of where I landed. A little to the right and I would have hit a curb before going into the culvert. A little to the left I would have hit a telephone pole. God's hand guided me to the softest landing spot- a muddy ditch with water. Since the accident I have had a renewed sense of how special life is and how wonderful God is toward us.
King David wrote in Psalm 119.71 "It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees." In the midst of hardship, David realized he learned more of God's ways. While we may question why things happen as they do, God has a deeper purpose that is brought to the surface as we undergo tough times. Romans 8.28 says that God uses all things for our good. "All" is a tough word for us, because when we go through times of affliction, we wonder what we did to cause it or we get angry with God because we think we do not deserve it. But through it all, whether it is good or bad in our perspective, God can bring good out of it.
So, what have I learned? That life is short, so live each day to the fullest. That God cares deeply for us and works out even the smallest of details in order to show us His care and providence. That people do care, and times of trouble are really opportunities for us to show others how much they mean to us. That it is a joy to give to help others and humbling to be on the receiving end. That the simple things of life are reminders of God's blessing. And it is the simple things of life that make life so special and full.
May you enjoy the simple things of life that God has blessed you with.
Blessings,
Pastor Pete
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