Wow! That’s all I can say about the fantastic Christmas Program our school put on last evening. I am amazed every year and this year was no different. If you missed it I feel sorry for you. You missed a big blessing.
The High School musical was phenomenal. What a presentation of the gospel and the meaning of Christmas. You guys did an outstanding job! Thank you!
The elementary production of “Angel Alert” was superb! Those kids amaze me with their memorization, singing and humor.
Our music director puts his heart into every Christmas program and it shows. Great job Dave!
What an enjoyable evening. If that didn’t bless your heart your heart is broken!
I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I have been involved in church work for over 35 years. I do not exaggerate when I tell you our Christmas Program is by far the best I have ever seen. Thanks guys!
May God bless all of us and may I wish you a very Merry Christmas!
See ya Sunday!
Pastor
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Pride or Humility: Which Cloak Do You Wear?
It has been said that we are never more like the devil than when pride fills our heart. Pride, at its core, is the root from which all other sin originates. As we all know from the Book of Genesis, it was Adam and Eve’s prideful notion that they “could be like God” that first introduced sin into God’s good creation. And as world renowned evangelist Billy Graham has noted, the road to hell is paved with pride.
In stark contrast to the sin of pride, we have the example of our Lord Jesus Christ, who walked this earth as God robed in human flesh, and by so doing demonstrated the epitome of humility in action, as the Apostle Paul so eloquently explains in the second chapter of the book of Philippians:
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God. But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."
Now the reason I bring this dichotomy to your attention is quite simply this: Someone may be watching you. That’s right. Right now someone may be watching you. It may be an acquaintance who is trying to justify their questionable behavior by observing that your own behavior is not consistent with your beliefs. It may be your child or another young person who is scrutinizing how you handle life, your heart, your manner of speaking, or how you respond to the, well, let’s say the less “lovable” people you may encounter in your daily routine. Whether you engage these people and the issues of life with a prideful attitude, or are cloaked in a spirit of humility will greatly influence those around you.
Some do not want to recognize this responsibility. However, as Christians we do not have the option of shirking this critical area of our personal conduct. Inevitably it is thrust upon us. Though, fortunately, the truth claims of Christianity do not rise or fall on our personal testimony, but rather on the testimony of Jesus Christ, it is nonetheless imperative we represent Him to the utmost of our ability. We are either a positive role model, such as the young quarterback of the Denver Broncos, Tim Tebow, or we are a negative one such as... well, I’ll let you fill in the blank.
It has been said that the best safeguard for the younger generation is a good example by the older generation. As a Pastor, a coach, and a teacher I am constantly reminded of that fact. Humility should be a vital part of the character I display for the young people whose lives I might impact in some measure. Jesus prevailed in humility. As His ambassadors, we should strive to emulate our Lord’s example. I know it would change how we live our lives, raise our families and build a nation.
See ya Sunday!
Pastor
In stark contrast to the sin of pride, we have the example of our Lord Jesus Christ, who walked this earth as God robed in human flesh, and by so doing demonstrated the epitome of humility in action, as the Apostle Paul so eloquently explains in the second chapter of the book of Philippians:
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God. But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."
Now the reason I bring this dichotomy to your attention is quite simply this: Someone may be watching you. That’s right. Right now someone may be watching you. It may be an acquaintance who is trying to justify their questionable behavior by observing that your own behavior is not consistent with your beliefs. It may be your child or another young person who is scrutinizing how you handle life, your heart, your manner of speaking, or how you respond to the, well, let’s say the less “lovable” people you may encounter in your daily routine. Whether you engage these people and the issues of life with a prideful attitude, or are cloaked in a spirit of humility will greatly influence those around you.
Some do not want to recognize this responsibility. However, as Christians we do not have the option of shirking this critical area of our personal conduct. Inevitably it is thrust upon us. Though, fortunately, the truth claims of Christianity do not rise or fall on our personal testimony, but rather on the testimony of Jesus Christ, it is nonetheless imperative we represent Him to the utmost of our ability. We are either a positive role model, such as the young quarterback of the Denver Broncos, Tim Tebow, or we are a negative one such as... well, I’ll let you fill in the blank.
It has been said that the best safeguard for the younger generation is a good example by the older generation. As a Pastor, a coach, and a teacher I am constantly reminded of that fact. Humility should be a vital part of the character I display for the young people whose lives I might impact in some measure. Jesus prevailed in humility. As His ambassadors, we should strive to emulate our Lord’s example. I know it would change how we live our lives, raise our families and build a nation.
See ya Sunday!
Pastor
Thursday, December 1, 2011
The Reason for the Season
Luke’s familiar narrative of the angels descending to earth and announcing the birth of Christ to a group of humble shepherds is one of great joy! After the angels had delivered their message and returned to heaven, the shepherds decided to go to Bethlehem and “see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us”. There they found the Christ-child, and afterwards, having recognized the magnitude of what had been revealed to them, they went about proclaiming the glorious news!
On the other end of the spectrum, we have John Grisham’s classic book “Skipping Christmas”. It is the rather hilarious account of a family that intentionally decides they would not celebrate Christmas at their house in any form or fashion. Grisham humorously describes the complications and difficulties encountered by this family as they try to “ignore” Christmas. Truth be told, it’s one thing to try to ignore Christmas, it’s another thing to miss it all together.
Years ago our family was traveling to spend Christmas Day with relatives. I remember passing a motel on the roadside and seeing one lone car in the parking lot. I couldn’t help but wonder about the poor individual to whom this car belonged, and whether they were even aware it was Christmas Day? An overwhelming sense of loneliness swept over me as I contemplated how dreadful it must have been for that forlorn soul who I suspected was missing Christmas.
Many characters were used by God in the birth of His son. Of course there were Mary and Joseph, and the Wise Men. Ah! And how about those shepherds! All of them were integral to the historical narrative surrounding that first “Christmas”, and I am certain after they had experienced this astounding, awe-inspiring event they would never conceive of missing it!
But while many have discovered and reveled in the inherent joy surrounding the Christmas story, sadly many others have missed it altogether, and even more tragically are those who, as the family in Grisham’s story, deliberately refuse to acknowledge the wonder of what is truly being celebrated.
To find Jesus is to find Christmas. Not to know Him means you have missed the true significance of Christmas.
I trust in your life Jesus is more than a just season and Christmas just an empty celebration. I trust that you have made him your Savior. The scripture says “His name shall be called Jesus for He shall save His people from their sins”. And that ultimately is the “reason for the season” of Christmas!
See ya Sunday!
Pastor
On the other end of the spectrum, we have John Grisham’s classic book “Skipping Christmas”. It is the rather hilarious account of a family that intentionally decides they would not celebrate Christmas at their house in any form or fashion. Grisham humorously describes the complications and difficulties encountered by this family as they try to “ignore” Christmas. Truth be told, it’s one thing to try to ignore Christmas, it’s another thing to miss it all together.
Years ago our family was traveling to spend Christmas Day with relatives. I remember passing a motel on the roadside and seeing one lone car in the parking lot. I couldn’t help but wonder about the poor individual to whom this car belonged, and whether they were even aware it was Christmas Day? An overwhelming sense of loneliness swept over me as I contemplated how dreadful it must have been for that forlorn soul who I suspected was missing Christmas.
Many characters were used by God in the birth of His son. Of course there were Mary and Joseph, and the Wise Men. Ah! And how about those shepherds! All of them were integral to the historical narrative surrounding that first “Christmas”, and I am certain after they had experienced this astounding, awe-inspiring event they would never conceive of missing it!
But while many have discovered and reveled in the inherent joy surrounding the Christmas story, sadly many others have missed it altogether, and even more tragically are those who, as the family in Grisham’s story, deliberately refuse to acknowledge the wonder of what is truly being celebrated.
To find Jesus is to find Christmas. Not to know Him means you have missed the true significance of Christmas.
I trust in your life Jesus is more than a just season and Christmas just an empty celebration. I trust that you have made him your Savior. The scripture says “His name shall be called Jesus for He shall save His people from their sins”. And that ultimately is the “reason for the season” of Christmas!
See ya Sunday!
Pastor
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!
It’s once again the time of year that our world is invaded by the commercial glitz and glamour of the Christmas season. We plan special meals to share with family and friends. We take special trips and participate in traditional holiday activities. We watch the requisite seasonal movies. As the songwriter put it, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!”
In 1957 the book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” was written by the beloved Dr. Seuss, and the story became even more popular 10 years later when it was transformed into a cartoon. Now this classic animated tale has become an essential part of the Christmas season. One of the more delightful parts is the little ditty we all remember, the Grinch song: “You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch. You really are a heel. You’re as cuddly as a cactus; you’re as charming as an eel. Mr. Grinch, you’re a bad banana, with a greasy black peel. You’re a monster, Mr. Grinch. Your heart is an empty hole. Your brain is full of spiders; you’ve got garlic in your soul. Mr. Grinch, I wouldn’t touch you with a 10 foot pole. You’re a villain, Mr. Grinch. You have termites in your smile. You have all the tender sweetness, of a seasick crocodile.” The song is of course intended to characterize the Grinch as a cynical, pessimistic and generally unappealing fellow. In short, the Grinch has become synonymous with the type of person who is so miserable they want everyone else to share their misery!
As this Christmas season comes upon us Americans there seems much to be concerned with, both on a national level and globally. The general feeling of discouragement prevailing within our society would certainly make the Grinch “happy” I suppose!
But as Christians we should focus our attention this Christmas on the true reason we celebrate the season, the Divine One who invaded history, and who continues to have all authority, both in Heaven and on earth!
So don’t let the “Grinch’s” come along and ruin your Christmas celebration. Light the tree and let’s be jolly, Christ has come to a world of folly!
Enjoy the celebration by remembering It’s not to be based on present circumstances, but rather on whom it is we are celebrating.
“and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins” Mt 1:21.
See ya Sunday!
Pastor
In 1957 the book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” was written by the beloved Dr. Seuss, and the story became even more popular 10 years later when it was transformed into a cartoon. Now this classic animated tale has become an essential part of the Christmas season. One of the more delightful parts is the little ditty we all remember, the Grinch song: “You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch. You really are a heel. You’re as cuddly as a cactus; you’re as charming as an eel. Mr. Grinch, you’re a bad banana, with a greasy black peel. You’re a monster, Mr. Grinch. Your heart is an empty hole. Your brain is full of spiders; you’ve got garlic in your soul. Mr. Grinch, I wouldn’t touch you with a 10 foot pole. You’re a villain, Mr. Grinch. You have termites in your smile. You have all the tender sweetness, of a seasick crocodile.” The song is of course intended to characterize the Grinch as a cynical, pessimistic and generally unappealing fellow. In short, the Grinch has become synonymous with the type of person who is so miserable they want everyone else to share their misery!
As this Christmas season comes upon us Americans there seems much to be concerned with, both on a national level and globally. The general feeling of discouragement prevailing within our society would certainly make the Grinch “happy” I suppose!
But as Christians we should focus our attention this Christmas on the true reason we celebrate the season, the Divine One who invaded history, and who continues to have all authority, both in Heaven and on earth!
So don’t let the “Grinch’s” come along and ruin your Christmas celebration. Light the tree and let’s be jolly, Christ has come to a world of folly!
Enjoy the celebration by remembering It’s not to be based on present circumstances, but rather on whom it is we are celebrating.
“and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins” Mt 1:21.
See ya Sunday!
Pastor
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Choose To Be Thankful!
The prophet Habakkuk declared, “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vine, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there be no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord. I will be joyful in God my Savior.”
In 1620, 102 Pilgrims sailed to this continent to build a new world where they could be free to worship God. Within a short time after they had landed on the shores of what would become Massachusetts, 56 had died due to a variety of hardships, including starvation, disease, and exposure to the unrelenting, bitterly cold winter weather. However, despite the difficulties and suffering they encountered, they did not give up. They persevered and continued trusting God, and in 1621, 46 Pilgrims and 91 Indians met to give thanks for the bountiful harvest and for the preservation of their crops. Though they had every reason to be concerned as to what the future might hold, they chose to be joyful and give thanks for the modest success they had enjoyed, and which they recognized as a blessing from God.
The circumstances which life presents to us are constantly changing, often dramatically so; one day the cupboard is full, the next we may struggle to put food on the table. One day we may exhibit the epitome of good health, the next day we may be informed of a serious illness. It is an unfortunate fact of life, but no one ever lives constantly on the mountain. We all will have our share of burdens to bear, and very often these will be thrust upon us by conditions which are beyond our control.
But one thing over which we do have control is our attitude. And as Habakkuk and the Pilgrims clearly demonstrate, one of the most important decisions we can make is to have an attitude of thankfulness. As Psalm 100:4 instructs us: “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.” We must choose to be thankful.
As a nation America is certainly experiencing some unsettling economic times. But God through his lovingkindness has been mighty good to all of us. And while there will certainly always be struggles which we must endure, God is obviously pleased when we establish an attitude of thanksgiving in our hearts. This Thanksgiving let’s pull some groans out of our prayers and shove in some halleluiah’s! Make a conscious choice to be thankful.
“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” Col 2:6-7
See ya Sunday!
Pastor
In 1620, 102 Pilgrims sailed to this continent to build a new world where they could be free to worship God. Within a short time after they had landed on the shores of what would become Massachusetts, 56 had died due to a variety of hardships, including starvation, disease, and exposure to the unrelenting, bitterly cold winter weather. However, despite the difficulties and suffering they encountered, they did not give up. They persevered and continued trusting God, and in 1621, 46 Pilgrims and 91 Indians met to give thanks for the bountiful harvest and for the preservation of their crops. Though they had every reason to be concerned as to what the future might hold, they chose to be joyful and give thanks for the modest success they had enjoyed, and which they recognized as a blessing from God.
The circumstances which life presents to us are constantly changing, often dramatically so; one day the cupboard is full, the next we may struggle to put food on the table. One day we may exhibit the epitome of good health, the next day we may be informed of a serious illness. It is an unfortunate fact of life, but no one ever lives constantly on the mountain. We all will have our share of burdens to bear, and very often these will be thrust upon us by conditions which are beyond our control.
But one thing over which we do have control is our attitude. And as Habakkuk and the Pilgrims clearly demonstrate, one of the most important decisions we can make is to have an attitude of thankfulness. As Psalm 100:4 instructs us: “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.” We must choose to be thankful.
As a nation America is certainly experiencing some unsettling economic times. But God through his lovingkindness has been mighty good to all of us. And while there will certainly always be struggles which we must endure, God is obviously pleased when we establish an attitude of thanksgiving in our hearts. This Thanksgiving let’s pull some groans out of our prayers and shove in some halleluiah’s! Make a conscious choice to be thankful.
“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” Col 2:6-7
See ya Sunday!
Pastor
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Winning and Losing
Yesterday our boys’ soccer team played in our conference championship game. Over my years of coaching I have planned and prepared for many such games. Thankfully we have won far more of them than we have lost. Unfortunately, this was not the case yesterday as we were beaten handily by a better opponent.
I did my best to lift the wounded spirits of the guys, but at times such as this, words, no matter how eloquently spoken, often fall short of accomplishing this intent. The sting of losing a game of this magnitude stays with you for a long while. My Dad used to say “show me a good loser and I will show you a loser.” The fact the boys took this loss so hard is a tribute to their competitive spirit.
Sad to say, losing is an unfortunate but inescapable part of life. It certainly is not what most of us would consider something to be embraced. But in reality, not all loss is bad. Some loss can be a pathway to bigger and better things, which is especially true in the Christian life. Take these few examples from the Bible: We must lose our childhood to become adults (1 Cor 13:11); A man must lose father and mother in order to cleave unto his wife (Gen 2:24); Jesus Himself told us that in order to find our life we must first lose our life (Luke 9:24, among others).
Though losing is often quite painful, it is never the less an inevitable consequence of life, in particular for those of us who truly want to live life to the fullest, as the following quote by Teddy Roosevelt makes plainly evident:
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."
Simply stated: those who are afraid to lose will never win.
I have invested umpteen hours into the soccer program this fall. Although I feel this has been valuable time well spent with our young people, it has regrettably meant many of you reading this have been without a “full-time” Pastor these past 3 months. Soccer is now over, and so I will be returning to my “normal” duties! ;)
One final comment: although losing is part and parcel of life, one thing we can rejoice in is the fact we can never lose our salvation!!!
See you Sunday!
Pastor
I did my best to lift the wounded spirits of the guys, but at times such as this, words, no matter how eloquently spoken, often fall short of accomplishing this intent. The sting of losing a game of this magnitude stays with you for a long while. My Dad used to say “show me a good loser and I will show you a loser.” The fact the boys took this loss so hard is a tribute to their competitive spirit.
Sad to say, losing is an unfortunate but inescapable part of life. It certainly is not what most of us would consider something to be embraced. But in reality, not all loss is bad. Some loss can be a pathway to bigger and better things, which is especially true in the Christian life. Take these few examples from the Bible: We must lose our childhood to become adults (1 Cor 13:11); A man must lose father and mother in order to cleave unto his wife (Gen 2:24); Jesus Himself told us that in order to find our life we must first lose our life (Luke 9:24, among others).
Though losing is often quite painful, it is never the less an inevitable consequence of life, in particular for those of us who truly want to live life to the fullest, as the following quote by Teddy Roosevelt makes plainly evident:
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."
Simply stated: those who are afraid to lose will never win.
I have invested umpteen hours into the soccer program this fall. Although I feel this has been valuable time well spent with our young people, it has regrettably meant many of you reading this have been without a “full-time” Pastor these past 3 months. Soccer is now over, and so I will be returning to my “normal” duties! ;)
One final comment: although losing is part and parcel of life, one thing we can rejoice in is the fact we can never lose our salvation!!!
See you Sunday!
Pastor
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Busy Days
I'm sorry for being slack in writing my blog. Soccer is in full swing and in the past couple of weeks we have had four games a week. Basically, that means a lot of days I am with our kids from 2 til 8. I have gotten to know these kids pretty well! I will tell you, they are a great group. These teens have great attitudes and that is hard to find these days. I'm impressed. I rejoice over the measured success of our graduates. You parents deserve a lot of credit; you're doing a great job.
Being a coach requires a lot. These folks are all volunteers. They put in a lot of hours. The majority of our teachers leave at 4:00. The coaches spend the rest of the day and a lot of the evening working. Pray for them. They have unbelievable influence on your kids.
Next week are the playoffs, then if we move on, the champoinship. It's a tough challenge but we are up for it!
I thought our program on the cross was phenominal. Each week we were challenged to love, honor and lift up the Lord Jesus. Thanks to the Production Team for a job well done! We've got some special services coming up. Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner. Stay faithful.
Lord willing I'll see you Sunday!
Pastor
Being a coach requires a lot. These folks are all volunteers. They put in a lot of hours. The majority of our teachers leave at 4:00. The coaches spend the rest of the day and a lot of the evening working. Pray for them. They have unbelievable influence on your kids.
Next week are the playoffs, then if we move on, the champoinship. It's a tough challenge but we are up for it!
I thought our program on the cross was phenominal. Each week we were challenged to love, honor and lift up the Lord Jesus. Thanks to the Production Team for a job well done! We've got some special services coming up. Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner. Stay faithful.
Lord willing I'll see you Sunday!
Pastor
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