Faithless or Faithful?

The Bible tells us "The fruit of the spirit is love, peace, patience, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Against such things there is no law". What is faithfulness? It has often been described as loyalty, dependability, allegience and trust-worthiness. As well as the other fruit of the spirit, it is essential in the life of the believer in Christ.

We often start new projects, programs, initiatives, etc. with great enthusiasm, but then for some reason, this enthusiasm fades. As humans, we are all prone to this. We all start the New Year with resolutions, only to realize in a few months we have stopped pursuing them. The story could be told over and over again of believers that actively followed Christ only to be turned aside for one reason or another. For reasons unknown even to them, their dedication waned, and other interests took the place of their walk with God.

God loves us with a faithful and constant love. He loves us no matter what. However, often the problem is our lack of faithfulness to him.

The greatest commandment is to love the Lord with all our hearts, souls, and minds. That is also the ultimate definition of faithfulness. And God demands nothing less from any of us. The scripture says "Moreover, it is required of a steward that a man be found faithful." We should ask ourselves "Are we loyal, dependable, true, and trustworthy to God's purpose?"

As Christians we should not require anyone or anything to motivate us to be faithful. Faithfulness should be a driving force in our lives. Today is a great day to begin anew a life of faithfulness.

Faithfulness is rooted in our belief and trust in God. It should be clearly evident in our lives, and will be visibly demonstrated by our actions. We should be faithful to be in church; we should be faithful in our tithe. Simply put, if we really believe, we will be faithful.

As Lamentations 3:23 tells us of our God, "Great is Thy faithfulness:. He is faithful when we are tempted. He is faithful to keep us He is faithful to forgive us. He is faithful to strengthen us. Second Timothy tells us "if we are faithless, yet He remains faithful". Oh! That we should be faithful to Him!

See you on Sunday and Monday! Be faithful!
Pastor

Battles & Blessings

Over the past years I've met many Pastors. I love preachers. God has given me a heart for these special men. I've met Pastors fresh out of college to those who have been at it for a long time. My favorite ones are those who smile at each new day. Their Bible pages are yellowed and dog-eared, but their spirit is childlike. What a blessing to be around. Nothing is choreographed. They are never surprised when someone finds Christ, yet amazed that God would use them in such a way. They are always fresh. The fire still burns. When they preach, their stuff is new and fresh. They know every hymn in the book but still are moved when they sing them. There is nothing canned about their ministry, it's real and powerful.

I've often wondered, why does the zeal die for some? I believe it's not a blowout rather a slow leak. The demands of the pastorate are many. The clamour for your time is commonplace. It's easy to become weary of trying to please the masses. As Jethro told Moses ,"The thing you are doing is not good, you will surely wear out."

The Bible is full of examples of those who have lost their freshness. Solomon trusted in lesser strength. Saul waffled in obedience. John Mark turned back. The sons of the prophets followed afar off. Peter let Jesus down and became discouraged. Jonah saw the storm but not the Savior. We have all been beat up by the ministry, yet the responsibility is still the same. I want to stay fresh. I often pray "God create in me a pure heart and renew a right spirit within me. Restore to me the joy of my salvation." And you know what? He always does!

There are battles and blessings in God's work. We are about to come into a time of blessing. Receive it, and ask God to keep you fresh. Please pray for me.

See you this Sunday!

Pastor

Surviving vs Thriving

When life is going well it's easy to feel hopeful. But when life brings you trouble, feelings of hopelessness seem to follow. It's in these times, however, that we can most experience the presence of God. We can experience Him in any difficult situation; when health fails, the loss of a job, a spouse going to heaven, or any number of other tragedies that may confront us.

What many of us need to do is stop surviving and start thriving.

Don't let difficult circumstances stop you from making the most of each day you are alive. Realize that even when times are tough you can do much more than endure the current situation. You can actually experience life to the fullest, even in the midst of difficulty. When we remeber that life is a gift from God and decide to embrace it, all things change for the better.

This past year has been one of my most difficult as a pastor. If I could stand before the people and explain what I was doing I'm sure they would be sympathetic. However, a leader cannot always do that. You can only trust that you have exhibited integrity and leadership, and hope the people share your vision for the future.

I now see the light at the end of the tunnel. I knew I would, but it was not easy. Everyday for this past year I would thank God for all my blessings. I tried not to see my difficulty. I would repeat the phrase "Today is a gift from God, thank Him for it." And I would. I was reminded of the song "Through It All". One verse says "If I never had a problem I wouldn't know God could solve them. I'd never know what faith in God could do."

The direction of life should always be forward. As the Psalmist said "I will look to the hills from whence came my help; my help cometh from the Lord." I feel today I am on good footing. I didn't think that a while ago, but I trusted and it has paid off. I don't think, I know, great days lie ahead. So in the valley or on the mountaintop, I will always praise you Lord!

I sure do appreciate you good folks! God bless you!
Pastor

Firsts and Lasts.....

Children are born, and then for us parents the long good-bye begins. Every year that I have been a parent has marked not just firsts, but lasts. This year, my youngest will go back to school. It's always a tough time saying good-bye.
Over the years I have watched many parents say good-bye to their kids when they depart for college, war, or service, and I have seen and experienced many a tear. For some parents, the hardest experience of life is letting go of their kids. I personally have never enjoyed that process. I don't know why but I feel better when I am in control of things; it gives me a security I can't describe. As I have seen my gang leave the nest, the reality has set in that I am not in control. I can pray, work, and be there if needed, but no longer do I call the shots. I am amazed as I see my children put into practice the truths that my wife and I have taught them. It gives me a sense of accomplishment and also loneliness at the same time. So next week, I will say good-bye again. I'll do it because I know it's right, not because I want to.
I hope for those of you who again will endure the process that it will strengthen you. It does not get any easier with each child. After a while, you become accustomed to it, but never used to it. I thank God for the privilege and opportunity to be a dad. I can honestly and sincerely say that my children have taught me more than I could ever teach them.
What a great life God gives us. All by His grace, so undeserved and unmerited, yet richly poured out. What a challenge to be a parent who has the thrill of firsts and lasts.
God bless, and I will see, Lord willing, on Sunday.

Physics is the study of matter and energy and the relationship between the two. We owe much to the world's great physicists. There is Archimedes, whose studies of hydraulics changed science forever, Sir Isaac Newton who uncovered the Law of Gravity, and Albert Einstein, whose theory of relativity explains how to split the atom.
Some of the most imaginative of all physicists have to be those in Hollywood. Their cartoon characters have re-written every physical law known to mankind! We've seen their handiwork develop over the last few years and it's amazing what they have done. I marvel when I watch and see how these animations have literally changed movie watching - not to mention the baby sitting services they provide for parents! These characters defy the laws of gravity, go through solid matter and run so fast they become a blur! Rewriting physical laws in cartoons is fun and reckless, but only a fool would deny the law of physics.
The same is true when it comes to Scripture. Changing or ignoring God's Word is dangerous and yet many have tried it. History is littered with those nations who ignored God's laws. Some have tried to write their own laws hoping to outsmart creation. Diocletian, the Roman Emporer, gloated when stating, "The name 'Christian' is forever extinguished" yet five years later Constantine declared Christianity as Rome's religion. Voltaire, the French atheist, said, "Fifty years from now the world will hear no more of the Bible." On the 50th anniversary of his claim the Geneva Bible Society was using Voltaire's house as a print shop! Carl Sagan, the astonomer, stated, "The cosmos is all that is or ever will be." He died believing his fallacy.
You can make the Road Runner pass through solid mountains but you cannot deny God's Word. The Bible says, "Nations that forget God will be turned into Hell!"

Getting Our Focus Right

Focus means "to concentrate on a center of interest or activity. To sharpen or clearly define."
As you study the life of the Lord Jesus you understand that He was focused. To some it may appear that Jesus was a nomad, wandering from village to village, performing miracles and displaying goodness as He went. However, nothing could be further from the truth.

Jesus, God robed in human flesh loved people, but nevertheless He remained focused. Though constantly challenged, He never wavered. He was harrassed by the rebellious leaders of the day. They dogged him day and night trying to harm His ministry. His disciples always had new ideas. One time they requested Jesus to call down fire from heaven to consume those they disagreed with.

Even Jesus' hometown would would not accept His ministry. Scripture tells us he could do no great work there because of their lack of faith. Satan tempted Him, trying to turn Him aside.

Jesus remained resolute. And His focus has served as a template for all of us as His disciples.

Nothing should be more important to us than focusing on what God wants us to accomplish. Jesus said "My heart is to do the will of Him that sent me." And that also should be our desire. It's easy for us to become comfortable and stagnant. But our minstries should always be fresh; and that should be our goal. Our passion should be to be used of God so as to bring glory to our Lord.

For three years the disciples were taught by the Master. Jesus held nothing back from them. He taught them in every phase of ministry. They saw Him laugh, weep, teach, pray, challenge, rest, serve, heal, answer, and lead. When it was their turn, they never asked how. They were focused.

Our work is demanding but the model of our teacher is simple "focus".
See you Sunday!

Going Up Higher

When Joshua succeeded to leadership in Israel there was no doubt in his or anyone else's mind what his commission involved. His charge was three-fold. Lead Israel across the Jordan, engage the nations in Canaan and expel them, and settle the people in their new land according to the word of God.

Leadership is unique, in the sense that it serves as a model for others to possess the promises of God to the fullest extent. But for this to occur, leaders must insist on leaving old ways behind and charting a new course, by divine leadership of the Holy Spirit.

Many of us are not pressing forward, we're sitting back while there is still land to conquer!

I like the hymn that says, "I'm pressing on the upward way, new heights I'm gaining every day, still praying as I'm onward bound, Lord plant my feet on higher ground."

Israel was about to do what she had never done before. The Lord calls us to go up on a higher plane. It's uncomfortable at times - it's difficult at times - but nevertheless, He has called us to conquer the land.

We here at Chestertown Baptist Church have much land to conquer - and, by the grace of God, we will. However, you and I must be willing to go spiritually higher than we have ever gone. Let's take the land before us. Let's inhabit the land where the milk and honey flows. Together let's accomplish what God has for us as people.

Let us be courageous and strong, let's keep our vision secure and understand that prosperity comes from following divine intervention.

God bless you! See you Sunday!

Pastor