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We live in troubling times when what we know is right according to God's Word is cast as out of date, out of step or even wrong, whether it is moral or political.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

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

HOPE

If there is any one thing that needs renewal in 2011, it is hope. Resolutions may be made, but many collect dust as they lay unattended in the closest of good intentions. Circumstances may or may not get better, and whether we admit it or not, are often outside of our control. There is, however, a hope that can be renewed which isn’t totally dependent upon us, nor on our circumstances getting better, but on God.

There is a song I used to sing as a child. It was written by Wendell Loveless in 1940 as he saw the world in the throes of war. There was one thing in which he took comfort: that he belonged to God. The words go like this:

What though wars may come,
With marching feet and beat of the drum,
For I have Christ in my heart;
What though nations rage,
As we approach the end of the age,
For I have Christ in my heart.
God is still on the throne, Almighty God is He;
And He cares for His own through all eternity.
So let come what may, whatever it is, I only say
That I have Christ in my heart,
I have Christ in my heart.


Can you sense his confidence? his hope? The source of comfort in the midst of chaos?

Our theme verse for 2011 is found in 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.”

Over the next year at the Occidental Community Church we’ll be focusing on the 3 ways to renew our hope: through instruction of God’s Word, endurance and the encouragement we receive from God’s Word. All three are like cousins and together forge a formidable alliance that can renew our hope in our Sovereign Lord who is on the throne.

We do not know what the future holds, but we do belong to the One who holds the future. So fellow believers in Christ, keep your hope alive for the day of Christ is near!

Blessings,
Pastor Pete

God Keeps His Promises

Christmas is the most special of times. As a child, I could never have imagined a life without Christmas. With all of the ornaments and tinsel, cookies and pie, parties and pageants, hot cider and caroling, Santa and presents. As a Christian, I cannot begin to imagine life without it, for Christmas reminds me that God keeps His promises.

There are hundreds of promises in the Bible. Being true to His word, God has kept each one. Those not yet fulfilled are still on His “to do” list. The very first promise in the Bible was given to Adam and Eve, that through her offspring a deliverer would come to save the human race from sin. From that point on people have anticipated God keeping his promise by waiting for a deliverer. At Christmas time, we celebrate the birth of the One whom God did send, for God kept His promise. The Bible says that at the right time God sent His Son to earth, that we might believe in Jesus and receive that which was promised.

One of my all time favorite Christmas Carols is a song written by Emily Elliott in the mid 1800’s. Growing up in an English church which taught religious practice more than relationship with God, her words capture the very essence of what Christmas is all about. Emily wrote, “O come to my heart Lord Jesus, there is room in my heart for Thee!” Today, in pursuit of the perfect Christmas, we get caught up in all of the trappings and wrappings of the holiday and forget Whose day this really is. For Christmas is a birthday celebration. The Bible says in John 3.16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His One and Only Son.”

Instead of coming into the world as the King of kings and Lord of lords, Jesus came as a helpless baby, born into a working class family that happened to be homeless. Just as Bethlehem was busy and crowded the night Mary and Joseph looked for a room, our own lives, and especially the way that we celebrate Christmas, causes us to be overly busy so that Jesus is crowded out of our lives. Our busyness, not just at Christmas time, but throughout the year, echoes loudly the Inn Keepers words, “There is no room.” In all the fanfare of Christmas and religious practice, we forget that it was God who broke into human history in order to bring forgiveness of sins and to show us a better way.

“O come to my heart Lord Jesus, there is room in my heart for Thee!” This is truly the mystery of Christmas, for Jesus was born 2,000 years ago, yet can be born in our hearts today. If you do not have Jesus in your heart, you do not know what you are missing. If you have Jesus, don’t get too busy and forget Him, for He is the reason for the season.

Lord, in the hustle and bustle of life, may we take time to quiet ourselves before You and meditate on the true glory of Christmas, which is Jesus Christ, the Lord. He alone is our hope.

Blessings,
Pastor Pete

Are you a Fair-weather fan of Jesus?

Over the last few weeks the talk of the town has been all about the Giants. I'm amazed at how many are fair-weather fans who haven't been to a game in a long while. As the Giants entered the Playoffs and then World Series, people lined up to purchase anything Giant at the dug out store. Some waited several hours in line to make their purchase and advertise their support. Fans who have been fans all along already had their t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, hats and posters.

I'm reminded of the parable that Jesus taught in the gospel of Matthew, chapter 25, about His return and gathering of the church together. It is a story about ten virgins waiting for the groom to appear. In a Jewish wedding ceremony, the bride and groom would separate for about a year to prepare. The groom to build a house and the bride to get herself ready. On the day of the wedding, friends would gather and wait for the groom to come and claim the bride. The entourage would then return to the new home and a party would begin. In this story, 5 of the 10 virgins did not have enough oil in their lamps, so their lights were going out. As the time neared for the groom to appear, they had to leave their positions to find more oil. Upon their return, they realized their mistake because the groom had already come and the wedding feast had begun. They begged to be let in but the groom said he didn't know them.

To put this in baseball perspective: the real fan followed the team, knew the players and schedule, the scores and the standing. They had their fan gear and tickets in hand. When it came to the playoffs and the World Series, they were ready to go. Some say they are a fan of Jesus but do not go the distance with Him. They go through out their lives as if Jesus will never return. Sure, they attend church...at Easter and Christmas, and at the occasional wedding or funeral. They know enough about Jesus but never follow through with an act of faith or actions that would prove their faith. They give Jesus lip service but have no room in their heart.

When Jesus comes, it will be His true followers (fans) who are tracking with Him, who love Him and want to know Him more and serve Him with all their hearts. Are you a true friend of Jesus or a fair-weather follower? I do not presume to judge you if you are, because I do not know your heart. But Jesus does. Either Jesus knows you or He does not. Either you have put your faith in Him or you have not. But this you can be certain of: there is a coming day when Jesus will return. Will He find you ready?

Blessings,
Pastor Pete

Got Questions?

From time to time I am asked questions which are not always easy to answer. I believe that God has given us His Word, the Bible, to guide us through life and any questions that may arise. Here is one recent question:

"I have a question for you, if you don't mind. I have been wondering lately about something. Are there sins that are not forgiven? For instance, Murder?? (not thinking of doing it...just to set you at ease). Two instances, if the person is saved before they commit the murder, and genuinely ask for forgiveness after the fact. The other, if they are not saved when they commit the Murder, but genuinely ask Christ to be their Savior after, and ask for forgiveness, (are they forgiven) even if they are put to death for that crime? I know I should probably already know this, but don't, so I was hoping you could offer some insight. Thanks."

My answer: This is a question that has fueled debates among Christians for generations. Two Scriptures to consider. First, Matthew 12.31 says "every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven." And second, 1 Timothy 1.15 "...Jesus came into the world to save sinners..." Jesus paid the penalty for all sin- everything a person has done or will do that is contrary to God's Word and His nature. Although Jesus did this, it is not credited to our account personally until we accept God's gracious gift of salvation. The blasphemy of the Spirit is not accepting what God has done for us, but choosing to go our own way. If we accept Christ and then blow it by committing a sin, we have a remedy in 1 John 1.9 which says, "If we confess our sins God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." When we confess our sins, we agree with God that our acts are sin. We also bring them out of hiding and into His light. This begins to break the power of sin in our lives. Through confession we step back into God's light and into His righteousness. Can a believer commit murder or some other heinous crime? Unfortunately yes. All sin is forgiven through Christ, and although we may have a right standing with God, the consequences of our sins on earth will still need to be met. This means we need to ask forgiveness of those we sin against and face the consequences, such as broken relationships, time in prison or even execution.

God has given us a preventative strategy for this. Psalm 119.11 "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against You." Galatians 5.16 "...live by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature..." John 14.15 "If you love me, you will obey what I command." Simply put: maintain your relationship with God through listening to Him, obeying Him, and following His Spirit. If you do these things, you will avoid the heartache of hurting others and displeasing God. If you have a question, feel free to email me and I will strive to give you a quick response.

At OCC we're in the middle of our 40 day Spiritual Adventure. The theme is servanthood. One way to serve God and people is finding a need and filling it. There are holes everywhere. People who have fallen through the cracks. A program that could use another hand. It may be something small, but if it is a hole that you are in, it is huge when someone comes along and lends a helping hand. Jesus said, "If you want to be great in God's kingdom, learn to be a servant of all."
See any holes? Then fill them, in Jesus name and for His glory.

Blessings,
Pastor Pete

God's Forgiveness Is The Key

The Bible tells us a lot about who God is and what He does. People often ask, "If God is a loving God, how can He send anyone to hell?" It is true to say that God is a loving God, however, God does not send anyone to hell. People choose their destination.

2 Peter 3.9 "The Lord...is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." Many Christians can quote this verse with ease and conviction, however, our own thoughts may not quite grasp its truth. We are not ready for the Lord to save and redeem everyone. For there are many that we wish the Lord would send down judgment on. Whether its Sadaam Hussein, Osama Ben Ladin, the thief that stole something from us or the murderer who stole our loved ones away, we desire judgment, not mercy. Revenge, not love. Hell, not heaven.

When we point fingers at some and say with certainty that God could never save or redeem that person, we are in essence sitting in the place of God. In judging others, we make ourselves to be much better than they. Though we like to think more highly of ourselves than we should, the reality is that all of us are standing in the need of prayer.

Passing judgment on others is never OK. But that isn't our only problem. Our theology of the cross of Jesus is distorted . Either Jesus died for all people or he died for a select few. As I read the Bible, I discover that through Jesus God expressed His love to the world and so the death he died, he died for all, that all may choose to live in Him. 2 Corinthians 5.15 "And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again." While Christ's death is sufficient for all people in all generations, yet it is not credited to them personally until they receive Jesus and confess Him as their Lord.

Since God loves all people and sent His Son to die for all people, believers ought to love people. When we judge others, we are in fact not expressing love but disgust. While some may be annoying and certainly some may hurt us, the real problem is with us, not them. We hold on petty things and refuse to forgive. But it is forgiveness that softens our hearts and frees us to truly live and give the way that Jesus desires to.

As believers, we have a message of love that needs to be proclaimed to all people. May we, who have been forgiven of our sins, be quick to forgive and express the same mercy and love that we have been given, that all people may know firsthand of God's precious love.