In Chapter 19 of Luke’s gospel, as Jesus began His entrance into Jerusalem, a multitude of disciples began to praise Him. The Pharisee’s were incensed by this display of joyful adulation, and demanded Jesus rebuke His disciples. But the Lord instead responded by admonishing the Pharisees, “I tell you that if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” Essentially, He was saying that God is due all praise, and if men did not offer this praise, nature would.
Our lives should testify to men of the goodness of God. The Bible condemns luke-warmness, which was apparent in the Pharisees’ response detailed above. This should be especially true as we celebrate this Easter; our praise and worship should be over-flowing and abounding with joy! What a time to praise the Lord and to share Him with others!
I love the hymn, “There is a fountain filled with blood”. The last verse says “Then in a nobler, sweeter song I’ll sing thy power to save. When this poor lisping, stammering tongue lies silent in the grave.” Although the words of this song cause my heart to swell with emotion when I realize I’ll be singing praises at the foot of the Heavenly throne, they also compel me to worship and praise God with all I have while I live!
God bless you and I’ll see you on Sunday!
Pastor
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Everybody is Somebody!
There is a wonderful Baptist church in Cartersville, Georgia I visited during my days traveling as an evangelist. I very much liked the motto followed by this church: "Where everybody is somebody in the body". That neatly summarizes the lesson the Apostle Paul details for the church in chapter 12 of 1st Corinthians!
Last week a survey was distributed to the congregation. I very much appreciate the time each of you took to provide your responses. I enjoyed reading through them. Thank You! The reason I wanted to do the survey was to have a means for me to receive some honest feedback from my church family. I value your opinion, and what you think is of the utmost importance to me.
I would like to emphasize that, as your Pastor, I cherish each and every representative group within our church. I love our youth. It is the highlight of my day when I walk down to the school and mingle with the kids. I think we have some of the finest young people in the world! I admire the dear ladies of the church. To me, they are the epitome of grace. The men in the church are just that - MEN! I thank God for you guys. Thanks for befriending your Pastor.
Young and old, rich and poor, all have a place here at Chestertown Baptist Church. Your value to me, and more importantly to God, is great!
God bless you dear folks. My heart overflows with love and respect for you.
See you on Sunday! Don't forget our new series on Revelation begins on Sunday evening!
Pastor
Last week a survey was distributed to the congregation. I very much appreciate the time each of you took to provide your responses. I enjoyed reading through them. Thank You! The reason I wanted to do the survey was to have a means for me to receive some honest feedback from my church family. I value your opinion, and what you think is of the utmost importance to me.
I would like to emphasize that, as your Pastor, I cherish each and every representative group within our church. I love our youth. It is the highlight of my day when I walk down to the school and mingle with the kids. I think we have some of the finest young people in the world! I admire the dear ladies of the church. To me, they are the epitome of grace. The men in the church are just that - MEN! I thank God for you guys. Thanks for befriending your Pastor.
Young and old, rich and poor, all have a place here at Chestertown Baptist Church. Your value to me, and more importantly to God, is great!
God bless you dear folks. My heart overflows with love and respect for you.
See you on Sunday! Don't forget our new series on Revelation begins on Sunday evening!
Pastor
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Don't Let Stress "Stress" you out!
Stress seems to be ingrained into our modern lives; its presence has become so second nature to us it is like breathing oxygen. I often wonder what life would be like without it, but I guess you could call that a real “fantasy”!
E-mails, Facebook, Twitter, doctor appointments and a long to-do list from here to eternity filled with unchecked boxes are all part of our daily reality. I often leave the office exasperated by the enormous amount of work that is still left undone, and worse, I realize the next day I will tackle all I can, but still never complete all of these tasks! Talk about stress inducing!
There was s a time in my life when I actually thrived on the pressures of my job. But that was when I was young; now that I am older (and wiser!) I recognize it for what it is: STRESSFUL! It often crashes in on me like a wave. I would love to avoid it, but I can’t.
As Christians we often believe this should not be the case; our focus should prevent stress. But being salt and light, as we’re called to be, will often introduce situations which will cause a great deal of stress. No matter our personality type, introvert or extrovert, we were never made to live life sedately. God designed us to be fully alive, and there are times when being fully alive will include stress!
However, remember that these difficulties are worth it. Our Lord Jesus told us that the sufferings of this present world cannot be compared to the glory that shall be revealed one day.
The next time you are felling overwhelmed by life’s trials, I recommend you reflect on these verses (there are many others as well!):
John 14:27: Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
John 16:33: These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
So, don’t stress out. Thank God for the opportunity to serve. Glory is going to be ours. Until then let’s continue on.
God bless, see you Sunday!
Pastor
E-mails, Facebook, Twitter, doctor appointments and a long to-do list from here to eternity filled with unchecked boxes are all part of our daily reality. I often leave the office exasperated by the enormous amount of work that is still left undone, and worse, I realize the next day I will tackle all I can, but still never complete all of these tasks! Talk about stress inducing!
There was s a time in my life when I actually thrived on the pressures of my job. But that was when I was young; now that I am older (and wiser!) I recognize it for what it is: STRESSFUL! It often crashes in on me like a wave. I would love to avoid it, but I can’t.
As Christians we often believe this should not be the case; our focus should prevent stress. But being salt and light, as we’re called to be, will often introduce situations which will cause a great deal of stress. No matter our personality type, introvert or extrovert, we were never made to live life sedately. God designed us to be fully alive, and there are times when being fully alive will include stress!
However, remember that these difficulties are worth it. Our Lord Jesus told us that the sufferings of this present world cannot be compared to the glory that shall be revealed one day.
The next time you are felling overwhelmed by life’s trials, I recommend you reflect on these verses (there are many others as well!):
John 14:27: Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
John 16:33: These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
So, don’t stress out. Thank God for the opportunity to serve. Glory is going to be ours. Until then let’s continue on.
God bless, see you Sunday!
Pastor
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Time is Filled with Swift Transition
Please forgive me for the absence of blogs the last two weeks. I have been rather busy and before I realized it, two weeks had flown by! My father had a saying which described how busy life can be that went something like this: "I'm busier than a one-armed paper hanger with an itch on a one-wrung ladder." Though I haven't been that busy, the thought of how fast time goes by has occurred to me, and it seems the older I get, the quicker my time here flies by. The old adage time and tide wait for no man is so true.
The Bible has many verses which allude to how quickly our time in this temporal realm passes. Job describes this as a "weavers shuttle and a hurrying messenger". James puts it this way: "it is as a vapor that appears for a moment then vanisheth away". When wandering in the wilderness the old sage Moses said in Psalms 90, "We are like grass that grows up in the morning and in the evening it is cut down." Moses also beseeches the Lord to "Teach us to number our days so we may apply our hearts to wisdom."
Personally, I love life. God has been very good to me. Sure, I've had my share of burdens, but they have served to strengthen my spiritual muscle. I often remind myself when going through a valley that I was not made for this world. I am heading toward my eternal home. No use complaining about it, go with it. Enjoy the race! But don't get too comfortable - it doesn't last long! Make good use of the time allotted to you! As the writer of Hebrews exhorts us, “let us run with patience the race that is set before us”.
God bless you all! I'll see you on Sunday. It will be here before you know it!
Time is filled with swift transition,
Naught of earth unmoved can stand,
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God's unchanging hand.
Pastor
The Bible has many verses which allude to how quickly our time in this temporal realm passes. Job describes this as a "weavers shuttle and a hurrying messenger". James puts it this way: "it is as a vapor that appears for a moment then vanisheth away". When wandering in the wilderness the old sage Moses said in Psalms 90, "We are like grass that grows up in the morning and in the evening it is cut down." Moses also beseeches the Lord to "Teach us to number our days so we may apply our hearts to wisdom."
Personally, I love life. God has been very good to me. Sure, I've had my share of burdens, but they have served to strengthen my spiritual muscle. I often remind myself when going through a valley that I was not made for this world. I am heading toward my eternal home. No use complaining about it, go with it. Enjoy the race! But don't get too comfortable - it doesn't last long! Make good use of the time allotted to you! As the writer of Hebrews exhorts us, “let us run with patience the race that is set before us”.
God bless you all! I'll see you on Sunday. It will be here before you know it!
Time is filled with swift transition,
Naught of earth unmoved can stand,
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God's unchanging hand.
Pastor
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Going Through the Motions
Many of us go to church every Sunday, sing the songs, greet friends and listen to the sermon, but we are only going through the motions. Do you ever feel as though you have lost your zeal? Do you long to reconnect with God and truly worship Him? That's how the people in Malachi's day felt. They even told God it was a weakness to serve the Lord. Literally that means they turned their nose at it!
I personally believe that one of the great maladies of our day is the sincere worship of God. Sunday after Sunday we attend church like we're doing God a favor. While the service is going on we check off things in order, wait for the final prayer and go home often as dry as when we came in. Many can hardly wait for it to be over. But we must do our duty. It's all so wearisome. The thrill is gone, the excitement has long since departed. The joy that once filled the heart has turned into monotony and boredom.
We can leave church one of two ways: full or empty. Luke 1:53 says, "He hath filled the hungry with good things and the rich He hath sent away empty." Oft times we Christians are like the Laodician's. We are rich and in need of nothing. Very few are thirsty anymore. We come in for nothing and we leave with nothing.
An unexcited Christian is one that has forgotten God and who He is.
Remember this Sunday when you come to the services Who it is we are worshipping. That will make all the difference in the world!
God bless, have a great week and I'll see you on Sunday as we come together to worship.
Pastor
I personally believe that one of the great maladies of our day is the sincere worship of God. Sunday after Sunday we attend church like we're doing God a favor. While the service is going on we check off things in order, wait for the final prayer and go home often as dry as when we came in. Many can hardly wait for it to be over. But we must do our duty. It's all so wearisome. The thrill is gone, the excitement has long since departed. The joy that once filled the heart has turned into monotony and boredom.
We can leave church one of two ways: full or empty. Luke 1:53 says, "He hath filled the hungry with good things and the rich He hath sent away empty." Oft times we Christians are like the Laodician's. We are rich and in need of nothing. Very few are thirsty anymore. We come in for nothing and we leave with nothing.
An unexcited Christian is one that has forgotten God and who He is.
Remember this Sunday when you come to the services Who it is we are worshipping. That will make all the difference in the world!
God bless, have a great week and I'll see you on Sunday as we come together to worship.
Pastor
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
The Gift of Encouragement
We all need encouragement at one time or another. We need to know that somebody cares for us and is there for us. Happy times are always more joyous when shared with a friend; sad times are more bearable when shared and shouldered with a friend.
Over and over the Bible uses the phrase,"one another". Jesus told us to weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice.
Encouragement is something that there is never enough of. The reason is simple; God made us that way. No one is an island unto themselves.
Our children need consistent, honest, encouragement in order to become well adjusted, loving, godly adults. If you are a parent one of the most important things you can do is to become a cheerleader for your children. They deserve it and the time invested in their lives will reap huge dividends.
Our spouses need encouragement. We overlook all they do and think they will be with us forever.
Our effective, timely word is valuable. A word of encouragement may be the most powerful and positive message you can send those you love.
Our employees can often wonder if they are doing a good job. Encouragement could keep a good employee and keep a company fit for service.
As a former athlete I know the coaches that took the time to encourage me got their money's worth when I took the field. My baseball coach had a way of encouragement that caused me to never want to disappoint him. When I read in a sports magazine of tragedy in his family I tried to be an encouragement, as he had been to me.
Encouragement and love. I trust at this Valentine's season that we will look closely at those around us. They don't need a boot in the tail half as much as they need a pat on the back!
I probably don't tell you enough how much of an encouragement you are to me. I know I have limitations, however, you have helped me beyond words to be what I am supposed to be. To that I say a big "Thank you!" from the bottom of my heart.
Thank you for all your many notes and expressions of love. Please know how much I appreciate you!
God bless and Lord willing I will see you Sunday!
Pastor
Over and over the Bible uses the phrase,"one another". Jesus told us to weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice.
Encouragement is something that there is never enough of. The reason is simple; God made us that way. No one is an island unto themselves.
Our children need consistent, honest, encouragement in order to become well adjusted, loving, godly adults. If you are a parent one of the most important things you can do is to become a cheerleader for your children. They deserve it and the time invested in their lives will reap huge dividends.
Our spouses need encouragement. We overlook all they do and think they will be with us forever.
Our effective, timely word is valuable. A word of encouragement may be the most powerful and positive message you can send those you love.
Our employees can often wonder if they are doing a good job. Encouragement could keep a good employee and keep a company fit for service.
As a former athlete I know the coaches that took the time to encourage me got their money's worth when I took the field. My baseball coach had a way of encouragement that caused me to never want to disappoint him. When I read in a sports magazine of tragedy in his family I tried to be an encouragement, as he had been to me.
Encouragement and love. I trust at this Valentine's season that we will look closely at those around us. They don't need a boot in the tail half as much as they need a pat on the back!
I probably don't tell you enough how much of an encouragement you are to me. I know I have limitations, however, you have helped me beyond words to be what I am supposed to be. To that I say a big "Thank you!" from the bottom of my heart.
Thank you for all your many notes and expressions of love. Please know how much I appreciate you!
God bless and Lord willing I will see you Sunday!
Pastor
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Vital Signs
I was recently called to the hospital to visit my dear Mother who had taken sick. Thankfully she is now fine and on the road to recovery.
As soon as I entered the room I wanted to know how her vital signs were. Being a Pastor for over 30 years you learn to look for certain things. Vital signs are one.
Blood pressure, respiration, and heartbeat are all important to one's well-being. Other observations are made and other tests given, but these differ from all the others. They are vital! When a person has no vital signs he or she has expired.
What is true physically is also true nationally. The Psalmist spoke of our national vital signs when he said,"Remove not the ancient landmarks". In other words,"Keep that which has kept you strong and stable".
America's vital signs are God, His Word and Christianity. The Bible says, "Blessed is the nation whose Lord is God".
Mark it down; America is strong as long as we keep God at the helm. His Word has been the anchor that has guided and directed us through unbelievable circumstances. We are most assuredly first and foremost a Christian nation. If these are ever removed our nation would cease to be a beacon of hope for the people of the world.
It is good for us to check our vital signs; to be sure we are healthy. Our enemies would seek to hurt and thwart our endeavors. We must keep our vital signs strong and be vigilant to be the mightly nation we are today.
I trust you will have a wonderful and glorious week. Thanks for being the wonderful folks you are!
See you Sunday!
Pastor
As soon as I entered the room I wanted to know how her vital signs were. Being a Pastor for over 30 years you learn to look for certain things. Vital signs are one.
Blood pressure, respiration, and heartbeat are all important to one's well-being. Other observations are made and other tests given, but these differ from all the others. They are vital! When a person has no vital signs he or she has expired.
What is true physically is also true nationally. The Psalmist spoke of our national vital signs when he said,"Remove not the ancient landmarks". In other words,"Keep that which has kept you strong and stable".
America's vital signs are God, His Word and Christianity. The Bible says, "Blessed is the nation whose Lord is God".
Mark it down; America is strong as long as we keep God at the helm. His Word has been the anchor that has guided and directed us through unbelievable circumstances. We are most assuredly first and foremost a Christian nation. If these are ever removed our nation would cease to be a beacon of hope for the people of the world.
It is good for us to check our vital signs; to be sure we are healthy. Our enemies would seek to hurt and thwart our endeavors. We must keep our vital signs strong and be vigilant to be the mightly nation we are today.
I trust you will have a wonderful and glorious week. Thanks for being the wonderful folks you are!
See you Sunday!
Pastor
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