A Work in Progress

Sunday morning retuning:  What a beautiful picture of God’s work through a faithful servant Val Downs painted for us Sunday!  Thank You Jesus for filling and using this woman to impact lives for Your glory.  Use her words in us to do the same as we continue to learn what it means to “serve our world.”

Is there anything in your life that is started but not yet completed?

I recently discovered that the exhaust fan from one of our bathrooms have been vented directly into the attic.  This is not good.  For years I had wondered why icicles formed at one point on our roof before any other.  I knew there was a problem but felt ill-equipped to deal with it.  It the last few weeks I felt compelled since the weight of the ice formation was pulling the gutter off the front of my house.  I had to deal with this problem.  When I finally crawled up into the attic through our tiny access door in a closet this is what I discovered.

I am ignorant of many things with regard to home care, but I knew this was a problem that needed correcting.  I do like to try to solve this problems when I can though.  There are a number of ways to solve this issue but I chose to vent that exhaust fan into the exhaust from another bathroom fan.  All that to say I found the problem that needed resolved, something had been started, the installation of a bathroom exhaust fan, that wasn't finished.

So let me return to my initial question, is there anything in your life that is started that is not completed? If your answer is no then my conclusion is you are either a weirdo or not being honest with yourself.  Sorry, but I do not think any of us are finished projects.  There is hope in the fact that we know someone who specializes in finishing things.

Allow me to remind you of this verse.

Philippians 1:6 New International Version (NIV)

6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

God has begun a good work in each of us.  He is forming us into the image of His Son.  Unlike the folks who installed my ceiling fan, He will not leave the work unfinished.  The shock to us is the way He chooses to work most of the time, through difficulties and delights, pains and pleasures, every working on us.  The issue is that we are not always thrilled with His methods.  

I was reminded of this as I spoke to someone last week.  I listened as they outlined a myriad of frustrations in their life, but ultimately expressed the faith that God is in control and using it all for their good.  Which reminds me of another verse that tells us God is at work in all things for our good.

God wants to and will finish the work He has started in you, just like I finished the work on that exhaust fan, and even better.  You will turn out much shinier than even the metal tape I used to seal my finished repair job.  And you will be even more effective at fulfilling your purpose, glorifying God than than my vent.  Hallelujah!

Now all you have to do is welcome His work, and join Him in it!  Easier said than done.  Start with this prayer.

Jesus, I want You to finish the work you have started in me.  I make a mess of things sometimes, but I want to ask You to step in and help me clean things up.  I believe You want to and can.  Please do it Lord, that Your glory may be seen. In Jesus name.  Amen.

In Christ,

Pastor Timothy

When You Don’t Feel Like Praising?

Sunday morning retuning:  God loves to use tool of tithing to fashion the hearts of His people. Little reveals our true intentions better than how we use our money.  How is God using this in your life?  If you were not with us Sunday to hear the sermon you can check it out here, along with some other valuable resources.

Praising is another tool God loves to use...

It occurred to me as I was preparing to lead worship Sunday that we were going to be singing the command many times, “O Praise Him”.  The next thought that occurred was that some people might not feel like it.  I want to lead them, and everyone else, to a place of worship, so I prayed about how I could connect with them and encourage them, rather that simply brow-beat to a point where they might resent my “encouragement”.

Then my anticipation of the potential angst increased as I thought about the transition into that from the video depiction of Psalm 148.  I think this psalmist covers us all somewhere in there.  Everyone is commanded to “Praise the Lord!”  But what about when a command is not enough?

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As I wrestled with how to connect this to the ups and downs of living the Holy Spirit reminded me that there are many references in Scripture of people who struggled to let the praise flow due to their circumstances.  Again, the Psalms come to mind.  Truthfully, we have all been there at different points.

Then as I thought about the transition for the second song, I was reminded of the phrase "under your wings I will abide".  Figuring that not everyone would have a clear mental picture of what that meant from the scriptural sense, I went looking for the verse spoke of it in the context that connected with this plea for God to assist our praise.  No surprise this was found in the words of David.  Psalm 17:6-9 NLT

David's confidence rested in the fact that he believed God would hear him.  The reality is sometimes we struggle even to have that much faith. So, I invited those who were still struggling to find their voice of praise to at least pray for the face to be able to praise him soon.  

I felt like it was a very genuine moment for us all. The kind of moment that pleases God, and creates an environment for us to honestly approach him with everything we are and have.

Have you been there lately? And that kind of moment, I'm mean.  It is so important for us to be able to be raw before God. Please take a few moments today to be open and honest with your Savior.  It's simple. We simply too often fail to take the time.

Jesus, help us to be honest with you about how are feeling. We get in trouble when we're afraid or at least unwilling to come clean before you. Teach us how to live in the placeWhere we quickly come back in the moment we realize we've grown cold toward you. In Jesus name.  Amen.

In Christ,

Pastor Timothy

Are You Listening?

Sunday morning retuning:  So who do you want to be like, Scrooge or Onesiphorus? Generosity is the character quality in question here.  If you were not with us Sunday to hear the sermon you can check it out, along with some other valuable resources here.

If you weren't with us Sunday I'm sorry to say you missed a very powerful moment in worship. I'm referring to the reading Sherry Woods shared.  Though it's not quite as good, this link will at least let you hear what she shared. And this one will help you to see it in context.

As much as I love the experience of that on Sunday, I appreciated the intent even more. The powerful reminder that though we have no words to describe him we must try just the same was a good one.  What words, even carefully chosen and crafted, can adequately describe this one who is indescribable?

As I was reflecting on that today, I was reminded of something I came across last week during a search for new songs.  It was a worship experience crafted to remind us that we need to get better at listening, especially when we consider the value of our words, many though they may be, compared to the value of the one whose words bring life.  It is an introduction, then a song, then a guided prayer time, all underscored.

Listening. It's something I'm not very good more often than I'd like to admit.  It's hard to be quiet long enough to do good listening. When I tried to listen in prayer, I lack the discipline to focus my mind. Still yet, I have firm it is a useful discipline to develop.

Two things you should know before you click the link: 1.You will need 30 minutes of uninterrupted time to make the most advantage of the experience.  2.  You will be encouraged to consider the vastness of our God as revealed in creation by inviting him to fill Your mind with himself.  Oh, and I think you will hear a Jewish cantor at the beginning so be ready for that since it is a very different sound.  If you think you're up to that challenge you can find the materials here.

If you don't think up to the challenge, I'd like for you to take one minute and honestly ask yourself why? Maybe it's just an issue of time. Boy can I understand that. But I want to encourage her at some point Between now and the next time you gather for corporate worship to take 30 minutes follow these links and be still. I honestly believe you will be astonished at the benefit you receive.

Jesus, thank You for making available to us something of such inestimable value, your presence.  Teach us to be more aware of you in each moment.  Overwhelm us today with your grace.  In Jesus name.  Amen.

In Christ,

Pastor Timothy