Most of us remember these familiar lines from a popular children’s story:
“Fee Fi Fo Fum
I smell the blood of an Englishman
Be he alive or be he dead
I’ll grind his bones to make my bread.”
The lines actually come from an old English fairy tale “Jack and the Giant Killer”. The story begins with the words, “When King Arthur reigned, there lived near lands’ end of England, in the country of Cornwall, a farmer who had an only son called Jack.” Shortly thereafter follows a rather comprehensive description of a huge giant named Comoran, which includes the detailed measurements of his massive frame: Eighteen feet tall and 3 yards about the waist! He was notorious for terrorizing the people of Cornwall, and had done so for a long time. With no end in sight to his rampaging deeds, the locals were in complete despair. Enter Jack, who comes to the rescue, and through a combination of courage and cunning, kills the giant Comoran, and seizes his treasure, thus earning himself the nickname “Jack the Giant killer”.
The Bible relates a very similar encounter from centuries ago about a young boy named David who valiantly stood against a menacing giant named Goliath. But point in fact is, this is a true story, an actual historic event, not a fairy tale. In an old edition of the monthly periodical “The Prairie Overcomer” an article appeared which contained within it a thesis stating the reason for David’s victory: that Goliath suffered from “tunnel vision”, and David won the battle that day as Jack the Giant Killer had done in the fairy tale, through superior knowledge, skill and agility. I would have to respectfully, but totally disagree. The Bible clearly states, and I am certain David himself would concur, that he was victorious because the Lord was with him.
In each of our lives there are times when “giants” may appear. Most often these are not necessarily physical in nature, but relational, emotional and spiritual. But they are no less imposing, no less foreboding, and they are just as threatening to our well being. But unlike fairy tales, the secret to confronting and defeating the seemingly unconquerable giants in life is the Lord. Victory is not in us, but in Him, as David would surely attest.
What giant do you face today? All things are possible to him that believeth. Put your faith, not in yourself, but in God and you will become a giant killer. You may not secure an earthly treasure like Jack, but you will have joy unspeakable, and peace that passes understanding.
See ya Sunday!
Pastor
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Stay fit - Spiritually!
It is incumbent upon all of us, as Christians, to cultivate our spiritual life. In his second epistle the Apostle Peter writes, “Giving all diligence, add to your faith”, and then a bit further on in the passage he continues, “If these things be in you and abound then you will not be barren, nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus”. Peter is exhorting us to “exercise” the spiritual area of our lives, for it is through these disciplines, such as prayer and Bible study, by which we add to our faith and knowledge of our Lord, which in return will provide us the basic tools to be effective in living our daily Christian walk. It is a task which requires dedication, similar to the principle often found stated by exercise gurus and in fitness rooms: “No pain, no gain”.
To emphasize further the importance of this practice, Peter adds, “He that lacketh these things is blind and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.” We need to develop a certain mentality concerning spiritual things, and it must be an “I need this!” mentality. Physical science has demonstrated that nature abhors a vacuum; what this essentially means is an empty space will not remain empty long; eventually it will be filled by something. The spiritual corollary I am attempting to draw here is simply this; if we don’t take the time to exercise the spiritual area of our minds, the time will be filled by something else, and not always for the better.
In the pamphlet “Our Daily Bread”, there was a daily devotional which quoted a study from Karen Bolla, a Johns Hopkins researcher. She was performing an investigation on human memory. She came up with these statistics regarding “Things people forget most”: names, 83%, where something is, 60%, telephone numbers 57%, words, 53%, faces, 42%. Also this little gem (one I hate to admit I seem to be more familiar with as I get older): if you can’t remember whether you have just done something, you join company with 38% of the population.
Followers of Jesus also have a problem with forgetfulness. We often forget the great importance of tending to our spiritual life. David said, “Some trust in Chariots, some in horses. We will remember the name of the Lord.” In other words, some place their trust in man made things; we as Christians trust in the Lord. But the only way to sustain this trust is to strengthen our spiritual muscle, and this requires spiritual exercise.
This year let’s heed the Apostle Peter’s admonition. Add to your faith. Through daily “spiritual exercise” you can “grow” in the fruit of the spirit: virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, Godliness and brotherly kindness. It’s up to us to develop a mindset of adding these to our Christian walk.
God bless you as you do. I love and appreciate you.
See ya Sunday!
Pastor
To emphasize further the importance of this practice, Peter adds, “He that lacketh these things is blind and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.” We need to develop a certain mentality concerning spiritual things, and it must be an “I need this!” mentality. Physical science has demonstrated that nature abhors a vacuum; what this essentially means is an empty space will not remain empty long; eventually it will be filled by something. The spiritual corollary I am attempting to draw here is simply this; if we don’t take the time to exercise the spiritual area of our minds, the time will be filled by something else, and not always for the better.
In the pamphlet “Our Daily Bread”, there was a daily devotional which quoted a study from Karen Bolla, a Johns Hopkins researcher. She was performing an investigation on human memory. She came up with these statistics regarding “Things people forget most”: names, 83%, where something is, 60%, telephone numbers 57%, words, 53%, faces, 42%. Also this little gem (one I hate to admit I seem to be more familiar with as I get older): if you can’t remember whether you have just done something, you join company with 38% of the population.
Followers of Jesus also have a problem with forgetfulness. We often forget the great importance of tending to our spiritual life. David said, “Some trust in Chariots, some in horses. We will remember the name of the Lord.” In other words, some place their trust in man made things; we as Christians trust in the Lord. But the only way to sustain this trust is to strengthen our spiritual muscle, and this requires spiritual exercise.
This year let’s heed the Apostle Peter’s admonition. Add to your faith. Through daily “spiritual exercise” you can “grow” in the fruit of the spirit: virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, Godliness and brotherly kindness. It’s up to us to develop a mindset of adding these to our Christian walk.
God bless you as you do. I love and appreciate you.
See ya Sunday!
Pastor
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Faith, not fear!
Two words that are jam packed with significance for Christians, and often are juxtaposed against each other, are faith and fear. We know as Christians we are to possess an unshakable faith; a faith that will bolster us through the storms of life, a faith which lights the way when darkness shrouds our path. So important is faith to the victorious Christian life that Jesus emphasized the point when healing the blind men in Matthew 9:29, saying “According to your faith be it unto you.” Obviously derived from this passage is the fact that success in the Christian life is not measured according to fame or fortune, but by faith.
The enemy of faith is fear. As we look around us, there are many reasons which may cause us to become fearful. We may encounter obstacles which will make the road ahead difficult to traverse. We may hear the thunder and see the lightening of impending storms approaching on the horizon. At these times our faith may be shaken. Why? Because of fear. However, many of these things we can do little or nothing about. And in our daily walk we are not to fear, but rather we are to trust God. And we are assured in 2nd Tim 1:7 that “God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind”.
The Bible also informs us that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”. Faith therefore should be visibly evident in our lives, and clearly demonstrated through every area of life. Marriage, raising children, business ventures, relationships with family and friends. We need a strong, robust faith to navigate through all these successfully, the type of faith which will cast out all fear!
Let’s endeavor this year to feed our faith and starve our fears. A sure fire way to strengthen your faith is to have a quiet time with the Lord every day. Here is another idea – let’s be faithful to all of the services at church. Yes! Sunday morning, Sunday night and Wednesday night; being present whenever the doors are open and God’s word preached will feed your faith, as Rom 10:17 states: “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God! And it wouldn’t hurt if you even threw in Sunday school once in awhile! ;)
Let’s make this year a life-changer – Faith, not fear!
See you Sunday!
Pastor
The enemy of faith is fear. As we look around us, there are many reasons which may cause us to become fearful. We may encounter obstacles which will make the road ahead difficult to traverse. We may hear the thunder and see the lightening of impending storms approaching on the horizon. At these times our faith may be shaken. Why? Because of fear. However, many of these things we can do little or nothing about. And in our daily walk we are not to fear, but rather we are to trust God. And we are assured in 2nd Tim 1:7 that “God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind”.
The Bible also informs us that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”. Faith therefore should be visibly evident in our lives, and clearly demonstrated through every area of life. Marriage, raising children, business ventures, relationships with family and friends. We need a strong, robust faith to navigate through all these successfully, the type of faith which will cast out all fear!
Let’s endeavor this year to feed our faith and starve our fears. A sure fire way to strengthen your faith is to have a quiet time with the Lord every day. Here is another idea – let’s be faithful to all of the services at church. Yes! Sunday morning, Sunday night and Wednesday night; being present whenever the doors are open and God’s word preached will feed your faith, as Rom 10:17 states: “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God! And it wouldn’t hurt if you even threw in Sunday school once in awhile! ;)
Let’s make this year a life-changer – Faith, not fear!
See you Sunday!
Pastor
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Happy New Year!
It does not require a degree in psychology to determine we Americans are obsessed with the future. All one needs to do is read the newspapers or listen to the radio and you will find a proliferation of prophets, pundits and prognosticators eagerly attempting to predict what the future holds in an effort to quench this insatiable thirst. Many gullible folks will quickly turn to the astrology section of the newspaper, trusting they will find what “the stars” hold for them in the future.
Some will visit their local psychics, who will gaze at tea leaves, read tarot cards or some other method of hocus-pocus to “determine” what the future will bring. Some of us trust our intuition, minds or intellect to study all sorts of “megatrends” to get a leg up on what these portend for the future. No matter the means to which we may resort, we want to be in the know regarding the future.
However, only One truly knows the future, and that is the omniscient, sovereign God who rules the universe. It is an unfortunate circumstance of this mortal life, but we all must contend with the stubborn fact there is a shroud of uncertainty cloaking the future. And since God is the only One who truly knows the future, it is a monumental mistake not to include Him in our plans. This is the fatal error many commit when creating their grand schemes for future success.
As the beginning of a new year is fast approaching, many are quite concerned as to what it may bring forth, while many are in the process of making plans in hopes to make it a successful one. Perhaps the best advice for both situations, at least from a spiritual perspective, has been provided by Henry Ward Beecher, who said, “Every man should be born again on the first of January.” What better mindset than this to purposefully reconnect with God and start the New Year with a fresh page and a re-invigorated spirit.
Frances Havergal wrote:”Another year is dawning dear Father. Let it be, in working or in waiting, another year with thee”. Include God in your plans, and with this type of attitude, you will have the settled reassurance that no matter what the future brings, God will be with you!
Thank you for your service to Christ this past year. Let’s endeavor to make this the best year ever in our church’s history!
See you on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day!
Pastor
Some will visit their local psychics, who will gaze at tea leaves, read tarot cards or some other method of hocus-pocus to “determine” what the future will bring. Some of us trust our intuition, minds or intellect to study all sorts of “megatrends” to get a leg up on what these portend for the future. No matter the means to which we may resort, we want to be in the know regarding the future.
However, only One truly knows the future, and that is the omniscient, sovereign God who rules the universe. It is an unfortunate circumstance of this mortal life, but we all must contend with the stubborn fact there is a shroud of uncertainty cloaking the future. And since God is the only One who truly knows the future, it is a monumental mistake not to include Him in our plans. This is the fatal error many commit when creating their grand schemes for future success.
As the beginning of a new year is fast approaching, many are quite concerned as to what it may bring forth, while many are in the process of making plans in hopes to make it a successful one. Perhaps the best advice for both situations, at least from a spiritual perspective, has been provided by Henry Ward Beecher, who said, “Every man should be born again on the first of January.” What better mindset than this to purposefully reconnect with God and start the New Year with a fresh page and a re-invigorated spirit.
Frances Havergal wrote:”Another year is dawning dear Father. Let it be, in working or in waiting, another year with thee”. Include God in your plans, and with this type of attitude, you will have the settled reassurance that no matter what the future brings, God will be with you!
Thank you for your service to Christ this past year. Let’s endeavor to make this the best year ever in our church’s history!
See you on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day!
Pastor
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
CCA Christmas Program
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
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
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
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