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

A New Year's Resolution

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