Dear Worshippers,
I really hated not being at church on Sunday. It was the first Sunday I have missed in twelve years of ministry due to sickness. But my reasons for being there have more to do with the fact that I would love to have experienced what God did through His servant leaders who filled the gap left created by my absence.
My philosophy of ministry centers around Ephesians 4:12 which explains the role of a pastor. It says that are "for the training of the saints in the work of the ministry, to build up the body of Christ..." There is more, but let me illustrate this much. I have only had a little hand in this but Pastor Nate leading the service, Bill Fleet leading the choir, Lindy Mink, Audrey and Doug Stern singing on the team [all for the first time], Cindy Furl sharing a Life Change Story, are all examples of saints engaged in the work of the ministry in a way that built up the body of Christ. Those things are not about me. They are about the Lord we serve.
When Pastor Myron shared the glowing report of the service yesterday with me I wept. One might think it was because it went well even in my absence leaving me with feelings of dispensability, but I already knew that. One might think it was because I love the church and really hated missing such a special service, and though this is true there was another better reason for tears. Good worship at North-Mar is "not about me" or any one of us. It's about Jesus.
It's not about me. That's the phrase that has been on my mind the last few days as I am reflecting what God is saying about my present condition. And He is saying that personally as well as pastorally.
Our oldest son Samuel commented "Mom, Satan really doesn't want Dad at this church does he?" As Pastor Myron rephrased that comment later asking if the Devil was going to have his way our seven year-old Isaac responded, "No way, Devil, no way!" Now this is coming from a couple of little boys who have had quite of bit of transition lately and whose dad who hardly ever gets sick is in the hospital. God is at work it this situation. It's not about me.
Don't misunderstand. I am careful not to make promises to my boys I cannot keep. i.e. "Dad will always be here for you", but rather I try to teach them that God is. Even now in this difficulty He is there. I am using this brokenness to show that God is always and ever there carrying us. He reminded me of that in Isaiah 46:4b just the other day, "I have made you, and I will carry you; I will bear and save you." Even in these words I see it's not about me, it's about my God.
Laying here in my hospital bed considering a surgical procedure tomorrow I am reminded once again, it's not about me. It's not that I am not involved here, but simply that God is ever doing something in and through us that is much bigger than us. I hope that whatever you are facing today, that perspective will help you face it in a way that will bring glory to the name of Jesus.
Though I am aware it’s not about me I am overwhelmed at every reminder that someone is praying for me. In the last few days I have been brought to tears as I have had others, either over the phone or in person, stop and pray for me. Thank you so much for all your concern and prayers for me and my family. Please keep praying. God is doing something new and we have only begun to see the very beginning of it.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
The New "Normal"
Dear Worshippers,
Coming out from under the weight of the last week and a half just today has given me some new perspective. I was able to go about some everyday routines without loosing my breath, a side affect of the back pain I had been experiencing. This gave me a new found appreciation for the the ability to do such things without really thinking about them, or wondering if I would be stopped in my tracks with a sharp pain. Thank you Lord.
As I reflected on this new perspective, I was brought back to the idea of all the newness at church. Though it can be painful to get to a new place, the perspective we gain with our arrival can be insightful at least, and life-changing at best. I will never listen to anyone speak of back pain again the way I did before.
Though I am not skilled enough to understand all that God has willed or planned through my last few days, my outlook on some things has changed. It that happening for you as well? I spoke with someone in choir recently about Bev's calling to another place of ministry and they were struggling with the whole thing. I shared with them my perspective on the unfolding scenario. Though immediately I thought, "Easter is only six weeks away", God quickly gave me some different thoughts. He is providing for Easter. He will provide for weekly ministry. We will provide for the choir ministry. He leads one away and raises up several to care for the needs created.
This got me thinking about our "Christian" life in general. The phrase that came to mind for my this morning was, "I guess this is going to be my new 'normal'." Let me explain to you what I mean when I use that word, and what has given me perspective on that.
Years ago a dear friend pointed out a work to me whose title I found intriguing. The book was The Normal Christian Life, by Watchman Nee. The authors name is honestly about as intriguing to me as the book title. Though I do not believe I read it through at the time, or ever have, on the basis of my exposure to it, and the recommendation of my friend I include this link where you can read the entire text online. The Normal Christian Life
This man led a very interesting life, standing up for his his faith in Christ in China, founding the house church movement, convicted he should not leave China though he was in danger, being imprisoned until his death for that faith. [You can read more about him here, Watchman Nee ] A remarkable man who by his own estimation was simply living the "normal" Christian life. You begin to see very quickly and clearly, that I am not thinking of normal as average.
No, the work of which I speak has been summarized like this
That sounds like something I want to read. It sounds even more like something I want to live.
As God keeps doing this "new" thing among us, let's let Him redefine normal. I want life-change stories like the one Pam Smith told Sunday to be normal. I want to see people coming to North-Mar and meeting with God in a life-transformation encounter to be normal. I want you and me to enjoy living the Christ life, which we all possess, like we never have before. Friends, God is creating a new "normal" at North-Mar, and He is doing that by changing what "normal" is for each of us. Thank you Jesus!
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
Coming out from under the weight of the last week and a half just today has given me some new perspective. I was able to go about some everyday routines without loosing my breath, a side affect of the back pain I had been experiencing. This gave me a new found appreciation for the the ability to do such things without really thinking about them, or wondering if I would be stopped in my tracks with a sharp pain. Thank you Lord.
As I reflected on this new perspective, I was brought back to the idea of all the newness at church. Though it can be painful to get to a new place, the perspective we gain with our arrival can be insightful at least, and life-changing at best. I will never listen to anyone speak of back pain again the way I did before.
Though I am not skilled enough to understand all that God has willed or planned through my last few days, my outlook on some things has changed. It that happening for you as well? I spoke with someone in choir recently about Bev's calling to another place of ministry and they were struggling with the whole thing. I shared with them my perspective on the unfolding scenario. Though immediately I thought, "Easter is only six weeks away", God quickly gave me some different thoughts. He is providing for Easter. He will provide for weekly ministry. We will provide for the choir ministry. He leads one away and raises up several to care for the needs created.
This got me thinking about our "Christian" life in general. The phrase that came to mind for my this morning was, "I guess this is going to be my new 'normal'." Let me explain to you what I mean when I use that word, and what has given me perspective on that.
Years ago a dear friend pointed out a work to me whose title I found intriguing. The book was The Normal Christian Life, by Watchman Nee. The authors name is honestly about as intriguing to me as the book title. Though I do not believe I read it through at the time, or ever have, on the basis of my exposure to it, and the recommendation of my friend I include this link where you can read the entire text online. The Normal Christian Life
This man led a very interesting life, standing up for his his faith in Christ in China, founding the house church movement, convicted he should not leave China though he was in danger, being imprisoned until his death for that faith. [You can read more about him here, Watchman Nee ] A remarkable man who by his own estimation was simply living the "normal" Christian life. You begin to see very quickly and clearly, that I am not thinking of normal as average.
No, the work of which I speak has been summarized like this
The Normal Christian Life is a Romans-centered exposition of what Christian living should be. The key verse is Romans 6:6: "Knowing this, that our old man has been crucified with Him in order that the body of sin might be annulled, that we should no longer serve sin as slaves." Here in this book Nee brings an eternal perspective to the work of Christ (verses 7 to 11). The writings of Watchman Nee focus much on the enjoyment of the divine life, which all the believers possess, and the goal of God's work with man through His Son by His Spirit in this age.
That sounds like something I want to read. It sounds even more like something I want to live.
As God keeps doing this "new" thing among us, let's let Him redefine normal. I want life-change stories like the one Pam Smith told Sunday to be normal. I want to see people coming to North-Mar and meeting with God in a life-transformation encounter to be normal. I want you and me to enjoy living the Christ life, which we all possess, like we never have before. Friends, God is creating a new "normal" at North-Mar, and He is doing that by changing what "normal" is for each of us. Thank you Jesus!
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Purpose in Pain
Dear Worshippers,
Pastor Myron told me on several occasions that he was praying that February would go quickly and it did. The only problem with that was that I was barely able to keep up with it and by the time I had moved my family here last weekend the stress had obviously become more than my body could handle. When I am under a great deal of stress, my body generally lets me know with a nagging pain in my lower back.
For the last four days I have been a great deal of pain. I have not been able to sleep through the night, very unusual for me, due to its’ severity. I don’t remember a time before when I have been in this much pain. I made that comment to Sarah and she could remember a time when she was.
Each of the times she has gone through labor and delivery she has experienced a level of pain I never have. She said, “The difference was that it was pain that had a purpose.” A tremendous purpose I might say. Each time it produced one of our precious boys.
That got me thinking and praying. God has a purpose for everything we go through. He is very efficient and effective in His dealings with us. I began to wonder why He was allowing me to go through this and He brought several things immediately to my mind.
I do not have boundless energy. I have limits. When I cross them, well-intentioned though I may be, there will be consequences. I am not twenty anymore. [That last one came from the Lord by way of John Grundy. Thanks John]
A big part of the purpose of the stress I have experienced in the last couple of weeks was to get my family here. I had so enjoyed my first four weeks serving and settling into this wonderful church family. I can not express with words the blessing I anticipate for me and my family as we live and love at North Mar. I do not know the extent of it yet, but by faith am believing the Lord for it. Thanks for having us, and for the warm welcome I and now they have received.
Not every time we experience pain are we aware of the specific purpose it is producing. Scripture makes it very clear that there is always something being shaped when we experience pain. “Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” 2 Corinthians 4:16b-17
So that brings me to ask you, “Do you have that perspective on the light and momentary troubles you are facing right know?” God is helping me to deepen my understanding of what He is doing in me through this most recent pain. He wants to do the same in you. I just pray none of you have to feel I like I have to realize God’s activity in your life. I hope these words will help you today as you endeavor to live in a way that brings glory to our Lord. Thanks for your prayers.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
Pastor Myron told me on several occasions that he was praying that February would go quickly and it did. The only problem with that was that I was barely able to keep up with it and by the time I had moved my family here last weekend the stress had obviously become more than my body could handle. When I am under a great deal of stress, my body generally lets me know with a nagging pain in my lower back.
For the last four days I have been a great deal of pain. I have not been able to sleep through the night, very unusual for me, due to its’ severity. I don’t remember a time before when I have been in this much pain. I made that comment to Sarah and she could remember a time when she was.
Each of the times she has gone through labor and delivery she has experienced a level of pain I never have. She said, “The difference was that it was pain that had a purpose.” A tremendous purpose I might say. Each time it produced one of our precious boys.
That got me thinking and praying. God has a purpose for everything we go through. He is very efficient and effective in His dealings with us. I began to wonder why He was allowing me to go through this and He brought several things immediately to my mind.
I do not have boundless energy. I have limits. When I cross them, well-intentioned though I may be, there will be consequences. I am not twenty anymore. [That last one came from the Lord by way of John Grundy. Thanks John]
A big part of the purpose of the stress I have experienced in the last couple of weeks was to get my family here. I had so enjoyed my first four weeks serving and settling into this wonderful church family. I can not express with words the blessing I anticipate for me and my family as we live and love at North Mar. I do not know the extent of it yet, but by faith am believing the Lord for it. Thanks for having us, and for the warm welcome I and now they have received.
Not every time we experience pain are we aware of the specific purpose it is producing. Scripture makes it very clear that there is always something being shaped when we experience pain. “Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” 2 Corinthians 4:16b-17
So that brings me to ask you, “Do you have that perspective on the light and momentary troubles you are facing right know?” God is helping me to deepen my understanding of what He is doing in me through this most recent pain. He wants to do the same in you. I just pray none of you have to feel I like I have to realize God’s activity in your life. I hope these words will help you today as you endeavor to live in a way that brings glory to our Lord. Thanks for your prayers.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Firsts and Fears
Dear Worshippers,
Last week I indicated that I would write today about Revelation and Response, but I would feel led in another direction. I will come back and pick up that theme sometime soon. Thanks for flowing with me as I endeavor to follow the Lord, in this and all things.
It occurred to me as I was praying this morning for my two oldest boys that they have experienced a lot of firsts in the last few days. Friday, they woke up for the first day in their new home town. Saturday, we moved into our new house. Sunday, they attended their new church. Monday, they attended their new schools for the first day. Today, they rode a school bus for the first time. That list is overwhelming for me to write, and even more so for them to live.
The reason is that with firsts come fears. Will I like this place, this house? Will anyone like me? Will I find and friends? What will it be like riding that new school bus? There are a lot of questions with firsts, and a lot of emotions that are right behind them.
I think immediately of the Israelites moving into the Promised Land. Sure, slavery was behind them, but what lay ahead? The first time in generations they would be without the yoke of their Egyptian masters left them feeling isolated and exposed, the downside to free. The Lord told them several times in Joshua 1 to be strong and courageous, just like I have told me boys, because He would be with them, and my boys. God said this because He knew they would be afraid.
Fear manifests itself in a number of ways. The “fight or flight” response is triggered. Anger, anxiety, paralysis, nervousness, bitterness, frustration, etc. Any of these emotional responses can be difficult to deal with but when they are layered the problem becomes even more complex.
This got me thinking about the “new” things God is doing in our church. There are people seeing God like they never have before. Some are getting involved with ministries they have wanted to serve in for some time. Some are stepping away. Others are struggling with changes in our Sunday morning services. All of these firsts can evoke the same kinds of fears.
So what fears are you facing? If not you, do you know someone who is mightily struggling with some “first”? Be filled with courage yourself and pour it in to others as we walk through these changes together. God has some wonderful things in store for His church. Let’s embrace them together.
Next week?...Revelation and Response.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
Last week I indicated that I would write today about Revelation and Response, but I would feel led in another direction. I will come back and pick up that theme sometime soon. Thanks for flowing with me as I endeavor to follow the Lord, in this and all things.
It occurred to me as I was praying this morning for my two oldest boys that they have experienced a lot of firsts in the last few days. Friday, they woke up for the first day in their new home town. Saturday, we moved into our new house. Sunday, they attended their new church. Monday, they attended their new schools for the first day. Today, they rode a school bus for the first time. That list is overwhelming for me to write, and even more so for them to live.
The reason is that with firsts come fears. Will I like this place, this house? Will anyone like me? Will I find and friends? What will it be like riding that new school bus? There are a lot of questions with firsts, and a lot of emotions that are right behind them.
I think immediately of the Israelites moving into the Promised Land. Sure, slavery was behind them, but what lay ahead? The first time in generations they would be without the yoke of their Egyptian masters left them feeling isolated and exposed, the downside to free. The Lord told them several times in Joshua 1 to be strong and courageous, just like I have told me boys, because He would be with them, and my boys. God said this because He knew they would be afraid.
Fear manifests itself in a number of ways. The “fight or flight” response is triggered. Anger, anxiety, paralysis, nervousness, bitterness, frustration, etc. Any of these emotional responses can be difficult to deal with but when they are layered the problem becomes even more complex.
This got me thinking about the “new” things God is doing in our church. There are people seeing God like they never have before. Some are getting involved with ministries they have wanted to serve in for some time. Some are stepping away. Others are struggling with changes in our Sunday morning services. All of these firsts can evoke the same kinds of fears.
So what fears are you facing? If not you, do you know someone who is mightily struggling with some “first”? Be filled with courage yourself and pour it in to others as we walk through these changes together. God has some wonderful things in store for His church. Let’s embrace them together.
Next week?...Revelation and Response.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
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