Which List Do You See?

The Christmas Season has commenced like a well planned marathon, running down the days to shop, starting with Black Friday and winding down on Christmas Eve. Decorations are up, lights are on, Santa is at the mall, holiday music playing, and presents are appearing under the tree. All seems well as we prepare to celebrate once again the birth of Jesus. I wonder what Mary and Joseph would think of all the glitz, glamour and clamoring for presents at Christmas, for our Christmas celebration is far removed from what it was really like on the night of Christ's birth. Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem to register and pay taxes. The village was overflowing with people, so the only place to bed down was in a stable among animals. They did not have shopping malls to get baby clothes, nor 7-Eleven or grocery stores to get milk or food. Joseph and Mary could've thought about the house back in Nazareth, the warm bed, the fire in the hearth that warmed their home, the friends, relatives and especially moms that could come help when it was time for Mary to give birth. Perhaps the list of what they didn't have was much longer than the list of what they had. But isn't that how life is? When we focus on what we do not have, we get moody and edgy. The list of what we do not have somehow overshadows the beauty of what we do have. We miss loved ones who are absent and overlook the ones who are present. We get caught up in memories of Christmas past and sometimes do not enjoy what is right before us. The challenge is to enjoy what you have and leave the list of what you do not have with God. Mary and Joseph made due with what they had in less than ideal circumstances. It wasn't long before they began to have visitors. The Shepherds came first, then others who heard of the Shepherds story of an angelic chorus proclaiming the birth of Jesus. The visitors soon replaced the longing ache for family within their hearts. Joseph began to take on the responsibility of a family. It had been difficult for Mary to travel while pregnant. Now that she had given birth, she would need time to heal up. Having a baby to travel with would slow things down too. How would he pay for all that was needed along the way? These worries were soon replaced with amazement at God's wonderful provision. For wise men came and brought gifts for Jesus, which provided for them for some time. Here's the challenge: Enjoy the moments of each day along with each one you meet. If you find yourself in less than perfect or ideal circumstances, take a long look at what you do have and praise God for each item on that list. Praise chases out worries and fear, moodiness and agitation. Make this a season of praise, for our Lord has come and has brought us salvation. Prayer: Lord, thank You for sending Your Son Jesus to bring me salvation. Help me to see Your many blessings and praise You for the things I have, for You are a God of wonder, and You delight to surprise us in ways we never thought possible, especially in less than perfect circumstances. In You I will rejoice. Amen. Have a Merry Christmas!

The Cattle On A Thousand Hills

Last Sunday I was quite surprised. Thank you all for your encouragement and gifts. Over the past several weeks, I felt like I was being hammered. Cars breaking down. Septic system not working. Laundry piling up. College bill due. Your words and gifts of encouragement were exactly what I needed. My thoughts went to the book of Philippians, where Paul mentions their gift to him. He wrote that their gifts were "a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God." On Monday morning, I shared with the guys in the warehouse about your generosity and encouragement. They were quite impressed. They were able to hear how God worked through you to encourage my family. It was a reminder to me that it is indeed the Lord God who works in you to will and to act according to His purpose. Thank you for being an instrument of encouragement. You were also an instrument of hope as I was reminded of Philippians 4.19 "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." We know that God is aware of our difficulties in life. We know that God owns the cattle on the thousand hills. But in the midst of our difficulties, it easy to wish that God would sell just a few of His cows. As Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, that the birds of the air do not sow or reap or store their food, yet God feeds them. It is a vivid reminder that God does take care of us and He blesses us in so many ways. My hope and trust in the Lord's promises were renewed because of you. Your gracious act resulted in praise to God and resulted in others hearing how good God really is. Gratitude is a form of praise. Not only are we grateful for you, but for how God works in our lives. As we near Thanksgiving, may your hearts be full of gratitude to God for He is a Mighty God full of great deeds. Blessings, Pastor Pete

Road Trip

Our family just returned from taking Bethany to college in Bellingham, WA. With a destination in mind we began our road trip, starting at home and arriving 18 hours later in Bellingham. Two days later we retraced our steps and headed home. Trips always have a destination in mind. I find each journey takes some twists and turns as we meet people, discover a new place to eat, or see something old or something new. At a gas station in Roseburg, OR the man who filled our gas tank was originally from Guerneville. At a California rest stop I met a man who lived in Humbolt county but graduated from Analy High School. Later in the day, at another rest stop, we ran into he and his wife again and greeted each other as friends. In the Gospel accounts of Jesus, we see that Jesus was always on the move. It was more than just going from point A to point B, the interesting moments were the things that he encountered along the way. Peruse through the Gospel of Matthew and we see Jesus going to the River Jordan, out into the wilderness for 40 days; to the region of Galilee, to his home town, to Jericho, Capernaum, up on the mountainside and back down again, he stepped into a boat numerous times, crossing the Sea of Galilee and often going to Jerusalem. These road trips were on foot. While I'm sure the destination was important, it was the encounters Jesus had along the way that made a huge difference to the people he met. While crossing the desert he entered a town in Samaria and began a conversation by asking for water. The woman's life was forever changed. While coming into the small town of Nain he saw a funeral possession of a widow's only son. He was deeply moved and raised her son back to life. In another city it was a little girl whose distraught parents sought out Jesus. Entering her room he raised her back to life. Along the way he healed the sick, challenged the religious leaders, taught the people as one who had authority. Along the way a woman reached out to touch him and was healed and a Roman Centurion soldier asked him to heal his servant. Upon his arrival on the other side of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus was met by a man who was filled with a legion of demons. His encounter with Jesus set him free. Jesus, knowing why he had come to earth, went to Jerusalem at the time of Passover. Jerusalem was his destination. Just as the prophet Zechariah had predicted hundred's of years earlier, Jesus fulfilled the prophecies by riding a donkey into Jerusalem. The people wanted to make him King. A week later he was nailed to the cross for our sins, so that through his death we might be forever set free from sin and have eternal life. Because Jesus went the distance, we can begin a journey with God. What happens along the way matters. Each of us are on life journeys, or road trips. We have chance encounters that change us as well as the people we meet. Sometimes we encounter tough circumstances along the way. It is especially at those times that we know that Jesus is on the trip with us, helping us, guiding us, encouraging us, upholding us. One thing is for sure: we will arrive at our Father's house in heaven according to His itinerary for us. One thing we can do is to enjoy the journey and seek to be a blessing. One way to enjoy the journey is to take time with Jesus. One way of being a blessing is to shower people with kindness. Perhaps it is letting another car into your spot or holding a door open for another family. Perhaps it is taking time to ask where someone is from and see where the conversation goes. We've been studying the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus said that those who are truly his will be like light and salt in the world. Along the way, with Jesus beside us, may we impact people for the Lord Jesus. Blessings, Pastor Pete

A popular show on TV is called the "Fear Factor" where people do crazy stunts. They face their fears and attempt awesome feats. Have you ever noticed that fear has a way of paralyzing us? Whether we freeze in the headlights or we cease to follow God's lead, fear is the factor behind it. There is a man in the Old Testament named Benaiah who overcame his fears to become a man whom God trusted and utilized. Benaiah's name literally means "God made." As we trace the Scripture we see how God transformed him into a useful vessel. He was the son of a Chief Priest. In other words, a Pastor's kid. As a Levite, it was expected that he would follow in his Father's footsteps and become a Priest. God had something else in mind for young Benaiah. In 2 Samuel 23.20-21 we read of Benaiah's exploits. You might call them a challenge or adventure. Certainly these would be on the "Fear Factor" if faced today. Benaiah was a warrior. He faced 2 of Moab's best warriors and cut them down. Later, he met a huge Egyptian warrior who held a spear. Benaiah only had a club. During the match Benaiah took the Egyptians own sword away from him and killed him with it. While these victories are noteworthy, a sentence in v.20 states, "he also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion." Can you imagine the today's news interviewers asking Benaiah why he it. Interviewer: "Why did you do it?" Benaiah: Answering like many mountain climbers do, "Because it was there!" We'll never know the why behind this feat. Was it a challenge? Was it mere stupidity? Was he afraid of lions so he jumped in and faced his fears? We do not know. What we do know is that on a snowy day he jumped into a pit and killed a lion. All of these feats were used of God to transform Benaiah into a man of God useful for God's kingdom. There are several things we learn: 1st, that we may feel boxed in by who we are and our circumstances, yet God has a plan for us that will shatter the man-made walls and enable us to be whom God meant us to be. 2nd, that in order for there to be a victory, we must jump in and face our fears. Whether it is jumping off of a cliff into water or taking on a new job or sharing your faith in Jesus with your neighbor, there is no possibility of victory unless we jump in. 3rd, Benaiah put his entire life on the line when he jumped into that pit. He held nothing back. It was all or nothing. It was the lion or him. God can use us mightily for His kingdom when we withhold nothing back from Him. When we trust God with our lives, God builds us up into the kind of man or woman that He wants. There may be plenty of fear factors, but God is more than able to achieve the victory through us. Blessings, Pastor Pete

"If I profess with the loudest voice and clearest exposition every portion of the truth of God except precisely that little point which the world and the devil are at that moment attacking, I am not confessing Christ, however boldly I may be professing Christ. Where the battle rages, there the loyalty of the soldier is proved; and to be steady on all the battlefield besides, is mere flight and disgrace if he flinches at that point." - Martin Luther (1483-1546) Many Christians are steady, faithful, well versed in what the Bible says, and on the side lines of today's great moral issues. Perhaps it is because we are fearful of what others may think. Perhaps we do not want to be viewed as intolerant or prejudiced. Perhaps we've taken St. Patrick's quote too far, when he said, "preach Christ...if necessary use words." Many of our co-workers do not know we are Christians precisely because there is no difference between us and them. We may be nice looking, own nice clothes, have nice families and live in the nice part of our community. But do any of these things say anything about Jesus to them? The society's pressure has increased and either we stand up under it or we get caught up with the flow. The Bible says, "Do not be conformed to the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds." But how have we've gone with the flow? Where have we conformed and become sidelined when God wants us to be on the front lines? We have lots of moral issues of our day. Gay marriage is the hot topic. How many of us deceive ourselves when we say that "it doesn't matter to me because it doesn't affect me"? What about abortion? Illegal aliens? The misuse of tax money? Welfare for the truly needy? Education? Healthcare for the poor? The environment? Can we honestly say that "it doesn't affect me?" I believe the Bible does speak to the issues of our day, but too often we remain quiet, deep in thought or lost in the busyness of our lives. God calls us to be different. To not bend with the wind or to go with the flow of popular thought. God calls us to the front lines, to be His ambassadors. There is a world of people who need to hear the truth that God loves them and is calling them into relationship. If we are not willing, then who will? If we do not bring Jesus into the discussions of our day, who will? If we do not strive to be a godly influence, then who will? Should not our aim be that when people see and hear us, they see and hear Jesus. We may not be accepted, but we can be right in the middle of where the battle rages. Now that is where God wants us. So, where are you? Blessings, Pastor Pete

The Anchor Holds

A few years ago I went camping with a friend along the Colorado River. We found a cove, a place of shelter from the surrounding desert. Trees providing shade at the water's edge noticably lowered the temperature. It was the perfect spot. One afternoon I loaded up my fishing gear onto a rubber raft and off I went into the wide Colorado River. After a few hours of fishing I decided it was time to go back. The winds had picked up and pushed the raft further from the shore. The oars seemed useless. No matter how hard I oared, it seemed I was not gaining ground. With several hours of great effort I finally put my foot on the shore. I was exhausted. The raft did not have a rudder, so it was at the mercy of the current and wind. It is a perfect picture of our society, for it has cast off its rudder and moves with the current philosophical trend or with the next charismatic politician bellowing great promises. The current and wind are blowing in the opposite direction of where God wants each one of us. If we are caught in it, it is rather difficult to get out of it. It seems the harder we try, the further away from God we get. But God has given us a rudder to guide and help us. The rudder is God's Word. God has also given us His Spirit to empower us. The Psalmist said "I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word... Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." Jesus said in John 14.26 "the Counselor, the Holy Spirit... will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." God has not left us alone, but has given us His Word and His Spirit to guide us and keep us from the wrong path of life. The more we yield to the Spirit and obey His Word, the more we will resist the current of the world. God is also our anchor. When we hold onto God, His presence acts like an anchor for our souls. One doesn't have to move in order to go against the flow of society. We just have to remain connected to God and God will do the work of holding us in the place that He wants us. Are you connected to God? Then you have an anchor for your soul that will not disappoint. Are you reading God's Word? Then you have a rudder to guide you along the right path. Are you filled with the Holy Spirit? Then you have God's help every moment of every day. I came across an old song by Jeff Rickel. The words go like this: "In the presence of the Lord there is hope for those in deep distress, there is a place of peacefulness. In the presence, in the presence of the Lord." Christian, rejoice in the presence of the Lord. Blessing, Pastor Pete

Let your light shine

Did you see the solar eclipse near the end of May? I was working outside when I noticed the sunlight dim. Imagine what it would be like if the sun was eclipsed all of the time. Genesis 1.18 says that God made the sun and the moon and stars “to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness.” Without the sun, we would not enjoy daylight, warmth, vegetation or life. Without the sun, we would not be able to see the moon, for the moon reflects the light of the sun. God gave another light also. John 1.9 “The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.” Jesus said he was the light of the world. In Matthew 5.16 Jesus said “let your light shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Like the sun which is the greater light and the moon, which is a lesser light; Jesus is the greater light and we are the lesser light. The moon does not have any light of its own, it only reflects the light from the sun. Christians do not have any light of their own, we reflect the light of Christ. How much of the light of Christ do you reflect? Some are full moons and while others are only slivers. During the eclipse of the sun, the moon stood inbetween the earth and the sun, blocking the sun’s light. I wonder how many Christians get in the way, blocking the light rather than reflecting it. Everything about us-our attitudes, words, actions, feelings, dreams and goals; can either reflect Jesus or they can reflect our own sinful nature. Either people see Jesus in me or they see me living for myself. I know we just finished studying Romans on Sunday mornings, but let me give you an exercise. Go back and read chapters 7 and 8. When you read chapter 7, circle the word “I” every time. When reading chapter 8, circle the word “Spirit,” Chapter 7 is all about the struggle, living in defeat because sin has gotten the better of us. What emerges is a Christian who is focused on self. But then the victory comes through Christ Jesus. Chapter 8 is all about living for Jesus in the power of the Spirit. This is where real victory and joy occur. This is also when our focus shifts from ourselves to Christ. It is when we step aside and let the light of Christ shine on us and then through us to those around us. Dear friend, let your light shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your heavenly Father. Blessings, Pastor Pete

What I've Learned About God

If there is one thing I have learned about God is that He is unpredictable. That may seem like an odd thing to say, especially when the Bible describes God as faithful, unchangeable and true. God does what He says. We can count on it. While life may overwhelm us, God meets our challenge head on and reminds us that nothing is impossible with God. This year we mark the 30th year of Pleasant Hill Christian School. By all accounts, this school should not exist. It began as the brainchild of Janlyn and Mary Jo, along with Pastor Heath and Darryl and Margie Hurst. The school began with just a few students, meeting in one room of our current school building. The other rooms were used for storage and housing for the apple ranch workers. Yet the school began to grow. God met the needs of the school more times than we could keep track of. Each circumstance reminded us that God does things His way and in His timing, and not necessarily when we think it should be. God is unpredictable. Which brings me to another thing I’ve learned about God. His timing is always perfect. The school has gone through some tough times during the last 4 or 5 years. The economy has taken a toll on everyone, including Pleasant Hill Christian School. Yet God has perfect timing. Just as the economy began to sour, our school received the largest amount of donations in its history. These donations carried the school to the present time. Several years ago, we did not have one kindergarten student signed up. We wondered, “What is God up to?” Some began to wonder if this was it. That perhaps the school would close down. The next year saw a full kindergarten class enrolled. We wondered, “What up with that? What is God doing?” This year is no exception. The current school budget was supposed to completely use up all of our reserves. Now that we are at the end of our school year, it looks like we will have about $15,000 remaining. We wonder “What is God up to?” While we are concerned with finances, God has been busy doing other things through the school. Parents worked hard on our annual Apple Blossom Parade float for which we received the highest award possible. A huge trophy now greets everyone entering our school lobby. Each year our 5th and 6th grade students participate in Sonoma County’s History Day. All of our students researched and put together displays in keeping with the National History Day theme. Nine students went to the county level to compete. All nine students won and are at the State competition now. At the time of my writing this, the 4 6th graders were finalists. They are in the top 9 presenters in the State. In preparation for this, 2 of our students interviewed someone and led them to faith in Jesus. Just when we wonder what God is up to, God intervenes and uses us to accomplish something that we never thought possible. What’s up with that? I’ve quit trying to second guess what God is going to do. I just rest in the thought that God ‘s ways are unpredictable, but always right on time. And God always accomplishes what He sets out to do. In the meantime, we can praise God through whom all blessings flow. Blessings, Pastor Pete

Forever

I like the concept of "Forever Stamps." Purchase them today and in 10 years, if you find one hiding in your desk drawer, you can stick it on the envelope and the Post Office will honor it. That's what forever means. It will always be valid, honored and accepted. Period. Forever is a long time. A lot longer than you or I will be around. I suppose that some may point out that the "Forever Stamp" is based upon the good faith and credit of the United States of America. Ok, so I guess we should qualify forever as lasting as long as our government does. That still sounds like a long time. Maybe not forever, but still a long way out.

In the Bible, the word "forever" means "forever." In ancient Hebrew, the word meant something that had a continuous existence or described by the word "always." One could define forever as everlasting, perpetual and with an unending future. Eternal.

Only God is eternal. Looking into the past or the future, there is no beginning or end to God. Only God can truly declare something to be "forever." Like His name. When Moses was sent to Egypt, he asked God, "Who should I say sent me?" God answered, "The LORD, the God of your fathers--the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob--has sent me to you.' This is my name forever." Or consider God's promises. To Abraham God said, "I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and I will give your descendants all this land I promised them, and it will be their inheritance forever." Or consider the memorials that God established for the people of Israel. Like the 12 stones placed in the middle of the Jordan River, reminding the people of Israel of God's ability to do what He says. God said, "These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever." About 290 times the word "forever" is used in the Bible. When God says "forever," He means FOREVER.

That is good news for us, for we can take God at His Word. His promises are never retracted. God isn't going to say one thing and do another. When God says that "if you seek Me you will find Me if you search for Me with all your heart," it is always true for all people who seek after God, for God's promises are forever. When God says that "I will never leave you nor forsake you" and "I will not abandon you like orphans," He means it. It is a forever promise. When Jesus said that we are in His Father's hands and nothing and no one can ever take us out of His hand. That is a forever promise. These promises are forever as long as God is around, which is for eternity. And those who take God at His Word and put their trust in Him will be with Him forever. Now that is a great concept, that one day we will be with God forever, and forever praising Him.

Forever His,
Pastor Pete

Consecration

Romans 12.1 "Therefore, I urge you, brothers in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship."

Sacrifices on the altar seem a bit foreign to us today, even for those raised up in the church and have read and heard Bible stories since childhood. Altars are unfamiliar territory. This particular verse in Romans 12.1 gives us 2 pictures in which we gain great insight into our service to the Lord. The first picture is that of a burnt offering. In Old Testament times, the sinner would bring an animal to sacrifice. Through laying hands upon the animal, sins were symbolically transferred from the person to the animal. After killing the animal, the fat portions were placed upon the altar and set ablaze as a sin offering to the Lord. Romans 12.1 is different, in that, the sacrifice is not killed, but laid upon the altar alive. It is symbolic of our giving the Lord our entire being, not withholding anything from God. The verse begins with "therefore in view of God's mercy..." The people Paul is writing to are already saved. They have put their trust in God's offer of salvation through Jesus. Romans 12.1 then is what follows - our willingness to give God our all.

Numbers 8 presents another offering called the Wave Offering. The Wave Offering gives us insight into Romans 12.1-2. In the Wave Offering, the Levites were called out from the rest of Israel, hands laid upon them by the people who in turn laid hands upon 2 bulls. Then they went before the priests who sacrificed the animals and presented the Levites as a Wave Offering. The Priests would lay hands upon the Levites and move them back and forth. In this offering, that which was offered is presented to the Lord and then given back to the presenter. At that point they were consecrated before the Lord and ready for acts of service.

Romans 12.1 presents a Wave Offering. People who have put their faith in Jesus for their salvation from sins, but now are called out from the many to serve the Lord and His church. The sequence is important. Salvation comes first, then consecration, then acts of service. Paul is calling believers out who will move beyond their salvation and offer themselves as living sacrifices. The Lord sees and accepts the offering, and then gives their life back, that they may serve God.

It takes someone who has a heart for God and is sold out to the Lord. Trusting God for everything, they present themselves first to the Lord, and then, when given their life back, they begin to serve the Lord with their entire life. This affects how we view things. We were already on the altar. Our life has hung in the balance. We no longer live, but it is Christ who lives in us. Therefore, we are the hands and feet of Christ. We are his eyes, ears and voice proclaiming the good news that salvation has come. Paul envisioned a church full of consecrated believers, who are a royal priesthood, who serve the Lord all their days. My question to you is this: have you offered yourself to the Lord as a living sacrifice? If not, what is holding you back? If you have, may you perform acts of service in His grace, love and strength. And may God be praised.

Blessings,
Pastor Pete

True Love

February is often associated with love since Valentine's Day comes mid way through the month. Love is so interesting because there are so many facets to it. Each of us feels it, expresses, shows it, talks it, thinks it, promises it, and acts upon it. But the interesting part is that we do it all differently.

The fullest and deepest expression of love is found in what God did for us. The Bible says that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son. The Apostle Paul put it into perspective when he wrote, "God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." God's love, full and uncompromising, deep and penetrating to our heart's deepest need, free yet costing Jesus His very life, so that we may live eternally with God in heaven. While the world struggles with what true love is, God reveals the ultimate definition of what love is in the person of His Son, Jesus.

Couples say "I do" at the marriage altar. These two words signify their deep love for one another, as well as their commitment to one another. When God sent Jesus, He expressed His commitment to us. A commitment that will not waver, even when we blow it, nor will it come to an end, but will last for all of eternity. Our commitments come in the form of promises. We promise to be there for one another, to stay with one another, to have each others back, to support one another and on and on our promises go. God has made promises to us too. Jesus said, "If I go away, I will return to take you to be with me." The Apostle Paul said that at the Lord's return we will be caught up with the Lord in the clouds, and so we will be with the Lord forever. What an incredible promise. We who believe in the Lord Jesus and rejoice in His love for us, look forward to the day that we will be with Him.

There is a song we used to sing at Mt. Gilead summer camp. I think it was a Barry McGuire song. It goes something like this: "Clouds, I can't keep my eyes off them clouds in the sky, 'cause I know it won't be long, it won't be long." Since the Lord's return could happen on any day or at any moment, we ought to live with the anticipation of His return. When you see clouds up in the sky, may they be a constant reminder of the Lord's love as well as His promise to take us to be with Him. The Lord's coming is the fulfillment of His promise to us, because He loves us.

May you be rooted and established in love, and be able to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ Jesus.

Blessings,
Pastor Pete