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
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
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
Friday, December 31, 2010
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
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
Thursday, December 2, 2010
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
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
Friday, November 5, 2010
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
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
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