Dear Worshippers,
Last week I wrote about mobility and the need to be ready to able to move as God conforms us to the image of His beloved Son and our Savior, Jesus. As I said then, I have moving a lot on my mind these days. I will be packing a truck tomorrow, Lord willing and driving it to Warren on Thursday. This would not be possible were it not for a lot of packing over the last couple of months, but especially the last couple of weeks, of which my dear Sarah has down the majority. Thank you, Sweetie.
Sarah and I spent many hours the first Saturday of January packing up our garage. During that labor I came across several things I had been holding onto that I thought I might need at some point. At least that’s my response to the question, “Why are you keeping that?” [I should say at this point that Sarah is very good for me in this among so many other ways in that she has helped me to purge my life of useless things on many occasions. Don’t tell her I told you that!]
Probably the best example of keeping something that had long ago lost its usefulness was the old, rusty fire place tools which we first purchased over 10 years ago while living in Nebraska. When we moved to Florida {remember I am talking about fireplace tools} she asked why I was moving them. To which I responded, “I might need them”. I didn’t. When we moved to West Virginia she asked again but this time why we were moving a set that was beginning to look ragged. Same response.
When I pulled them out of the corner of the garage on that day she just looked at me. Nothing needed to be said. I moved them to the curb with the rest of the items to be discarded. It had become obvious that these tools were now useless; even I could see that, finally realizing what she had known for years. She had been so patient with me.
Walking by that corner the last few days has been a delight. There is much more room there. The entire surrounding area is neater. The clutter has been cleared away.
So here is the question. What is stuck in the corner of your soul today? As you contemplate moving into a new year/season/place with your Lord, what is cluttering your life making it difficult to experience the margin that would otherwise help you enjoy it? What has become useless in your life that you may need to discard to make the journey a little lighter?
Consider this. Are you holding onto something that you need to put out on the curb? Do you need to let go of something to be able to move on with Jesus in the next episode? I pray that Spirit will tune your heart as you ponder these thoughts.
In the context of what Pastor Myron said Sunday, what does God want to prune away to prepare you for the growth He so desires in you. It may be painful to let go of something that seems dear, but as the Holy Spirit leads I want to encourage you to let go and watch God do it in you. I am learning many lessons these days, and I have my eyes wide open as Jesus is doing a new thing in me. What will He do in you today?
Next week…Revelation and Response.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Mobility
Dear Worshippers,
I have moving on my mind a lot these days. I have been unpacking boxes in my study in Warren for the last several weeks as my wife has been packing boxes at our house in West Virginia. A week from today we will load the truck to move our family to our house in Warren. The idea of mobility is very much on my mind.
But this is true for other reasons as well. As we think about the new thing that God is doing in our midst we must realize that it will require mobility. If God is going to do something new in us it will probably require that we get up from where we are and demonstrate our willing to go wherever He leads us.
This concept of mobility was ingrained in the Israelites whose encounter with God in the tabernacle we are pondering these days as we look at “The Heart of the Matter”. The entire tent of meeting was mobile. God was moving His people to the Promised Land revealing Himself along the way. You may be asking yourself, “What does this have to do with me?” Here is one way the Lord showed me the answer to that question last week as I prepared for Sunday’s worship service.
As I was making my final preparations for the media, I discovered a misspelling. The title of the message was “The Alter of Sacrifice”. As I began to change that to altar, the Lord showed me that it is at the altar that we are altered. Think about it in the context of Romans 12:1-2.
The problem with living sacrifices is that they are mobile, they can climb down off the altar if you will. We of course are not speaking of an actual physical altar but rather a spiritual one. I believe the symbolism here is clear. Our heart is the altar, for it is ultimately where the altering occurs.
As you are being transformed today, because it is a daily process-not reserved for Sunday alone, where do you need to be mobile to go with God? As you are offering yourself to God wherever you find yourself, because it is not something you do only at church or at an altar built by men, where do need renewing to be more like God? As you are conforming to the mind of God, because you are no longer going to conform to the world, where do you need to think differently.
Be mobile. God with God. Get altered today.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
I have moving on my mind a lot these days. I have been unpacking boxes in my study in Warren for the last several weeks as my wife has been packing boxes at our house in West Virginia. A week from today we will load the truck to move our family to our house in Warren. The idea of mobility is very much on my mind.
But this is true for other reasons as well. As we think about the new thing that God is doing in our midst we must realize that it will require mobility. If God is going to do something new in us it will probably require that we get up from where we are and demonstrate our willing to go wherever He leads us.
This concept of mobility was ingrained in the Israelites whose encounter with God in the tabernacle we are pondering these days as we look at “The Heart of the Matter”. The entire tent of meeting was mobile. God was moving His people to the Promised Land revealing Himself along the way. You may be asking yourself, “What does this have to do with me?” Here is one way the Lord showed me the answer to that question last week as I prepared for Sunday’s worship service.
As I was making my final preparations for the media, I discovered a misspelling. The title of the message was “The Alter of Sacrifice”. As I began to change that to altar, the Lord showed me that it is at the altar that we are altered. Think about it in the context of Romans 12:1-2.
1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
The problem with living sacrifices is that they are mobile, they can climb down off the altar if you will. We of course are not speaking of an actual physical altar but rather a spiritual one. I believe the symbolism here is clear. Our heart is the altar, for it is ultimately where the altering occurs.
As you are being transformed today, because it is a daily process-not reserved for Sunday alone, where do you need to be mobile to go with God? As you are offering yourself to God wherever you find yourself, because it is not something you do only at church or at an altar built by men, where do need renewing to be more like God? As you are conforming to the mind of God, because you are no longer going to conform to the world, where do you need to think differently.
Be mobile. God with God. Get altered today.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
What Is It?
Dear Worshippers,
As I ate my bowl of frosted flakes this morning I reflected on that question, “What is it?” This was not a reaction to something floating in my cereal, but instead the Lord bringing back Pastor Myron’s words from Sunday morning. The Lord wanted me to be thinking about His provision for me today, walking through the activities this day holds with my eyes wide open to see His merciful hand. He wants to use frosted flakes and other ordinary things to show His extraordinary purposes and ways to us.
As I thought about this I realized that part of the reason the Israelites asked this question was because the manna was new. New is a theme for our church in these days, which I trust is finding expression in your life. They asked what it was even though God had already told them to expect it. They had received the quail the night before and then came this “new” stuff. And so I ask you the question, “What is it?”
“What is it”, this new thing, that God is doing in your life. What is it that God is providing for you to show you His grace and favor? What is it that will bless you today if you will receive it?
There was another nugget in that passage that confirms the constant activity and purpose of God. Right after God responds to their complaining by telling them He is going to bless them, He outlines the purpose of that provision very clearly. He says, “Then you will know that I am the Lord your God.” [Exodus 16:12b] God does not do the miraculous simply so we can be amazed. He does it with relationship in mind. See, he does not say,” then you will know that I am the Lord”. He adds two very significant words at the end of that phrase, “your God.” Amazing!
We can depend on Him not only because His is awesome, but also because He is ours. He is our God. He wants to show Himself to us today. He wants us to embrace His plans and purposes so that we can come to know Him better. What could be more exciting than that?
And so I want to encourage you to keep your eyes, ears, and heart wide open today. What is it that God is going to do for you? Though I do not know the specifics, I am confident of this. He wants you to know Him better when you lay your head on your pillow tonight than you did when you lifted it up from the same. He wants you to know not only that He is the Lord, but that He is your God. He wants you to know Him.
So as you go through the day, keep asking with each new twist and turn, “What is it”. You may be surprised at what the Lord provides. Depend on Him and all he provides.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
As I ate my bowl of frosted flakes this morning I reflected on that question, “What is it?” This was not a reaction to something floating in my cereal, but instead the Lord bringing back Pastor Myron’s words from Sunday morning. The Lord wanted me to be thinking about His provision for me today, walking through the activities this day holds with my eyes wide open to see His merciful hand. He wants to use frosted flakes and other ordinary things to show His extraordinary purposes and ways to us.
As I thought about this I realized that part of the reason the Israelites asked this question was because the manna was new. New is a theme for our church in these days, which I trust is finding expression in your life. They asked what it was even though God had already told them to expect it. They had received the quail the night before and then came this “new” stuff. And so I ask you the question, “What is it?”
“What is it”, this new thing, that God is doing in your life. What is it that God is providing for you to show you His grace and favor? What is it that will bless you today if you will receive it?
There was another nugget in that passage that confirms the constant activity and purpose of God. Right after God responds to their complaining by telling them He is going to bless them, He outlines the purpose of that provision very clearly. He says, “Then you will know that I am the Lord your God.” [Exodus 16:12b] God does not do the miraculous simply so we can be amazed. He does it with relationship in mind. See, he does not say,” then you will know that I am the Lord”. He adds two very significant words at the end of that phrase, “your God.” Amazing!
We can depend on Him not only because His is awesome, but also because He is ours. He is our God. He wants to show Himself to us today. He wants us to embrace His plans and purposes so that we can come to know Him better. What could be more exciting than that?
And so I want to encourage you to keep your eyes, ears, and heart wide open today. What is it that God is going to do for you? Though I do not know the specifics, I am confident of this. He wants you to know Him better when you lay your head on your pillow tonight than you did when you lifted it up from the same. He wants you to know not only that He is the Lord, but that He is your God. He wants you to know Him.
So as you go through the day, keep asking with each new twist and turn, “What is it”. You may be surprised at what the Lord provides. Depend on Him and all he provides.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
A New Thing
Dear Worshippers,
God is doing a new thing at North-Mar. If you were with us Sunday morning, I think you had a sense of that. So there is no misunderstanding, please know that this new thing is not about me, for it began before I arrived. There is feeling of anticipation among the people that we are entering a new season.
As I have reflected and prayed on this recently, there is a passage of Scripture God keeps bringing to mind. In the first 21 verses of Isaiah 43 God is describing Himself as Israel’s Redeemer as it will unfold through the comfort He will usher in as He restores them. I see some incredible parallels that I think are instructive for us in this season.
It opens with words of comfort for a people who have come through a difficult refining experience. It communicates again God’s purpose in that refining and redeeming. It reaffirms their call to know and declare the glory of God. It recounts His previous activity, and then swings into a powerful word of newness. Though I encourage you to read this whole passage sometime today or this week, here are the verses I read as we began this journey together Sunday morning.
19 Behold, I will do a new thing,
Now it shall spring forth;
Shall you not know it? …
21 This people I have formed for Myself;
They shall declare My praise.
Thank you for the joy of serving you in this season. Let us pray together for that new thing to unfold in our midst and for each of us to embrace it. If you have not read Pastor Myron’s annual report I want to encourage you to do that. I had not seen it as I made my transition but obviously the Lord is giving us His mind. I am excited. I hope you are too.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
God is doing a new thing at North-Mar. If you were with us Sunday morning, I think you had a sense of that. So there is no misunderstanding, please know that this new thing is not about me, for it began before I arrived. There is feeling of anticipation among the people that we are entering a new season.
As I have reflected and prayed on this recently, there is a passage of Scripture God keeps bringing to mind. In the first 21 verses of Isaiah 43 God is describing Himself as Israel’s Redeemer as it will unfold through the comfort He will usher in as He restores them. I see some incredible parallels that I think are instructive for us in this season.
It opens with words of comfort for a people who have come through a difficult refining experience. It communicates again God’s purpose in that refining and redeeming. It reaffirms their call to know and declare the glory of God. It recounts His previous activity, and then swings into a powerful word of newness. Though I encourage you to read this whole passage sometime today or this week, here are the verses I read as we began this journey together Sunday morning.
19 Behold, I will do a new thing,
Now it shall spring forth;
Shall you not know it? …
21 This people I have formed for Myself;
They shall declare My praise.
Thank you for the joy of serving you in this season. Let us pray together for that new thing to unfold in our midst and for each of us to embrace it. If you have not read Pastor Myron’s annual report I want to encourage you to do that. I had not seen it as I made my transition but obviously the Lord is giving us His mind. I am excited. I hope you are too.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Meeting Together
Dear Worshippers,
In these couple of weeks between serving the Morgantown church where I have been for the last nearly six years and the Warren church where I am headed attending church has been very different. I have attended a couple of services with the boys and we attended another church as a family this past Sunday. Not having my normal responsibilities has been refreshing, but it has also left us with an entirely different approach to church.
I have been grumpy and have felt unfulfilled, even though I have really enjoyed the increased my time with family. This got me thinking about the role of church in our lives, not just because I am a pastor, but because we see the church as having such a significant role in encouraging us in the Christ life. Though the activities at church can be overwhelming at times and can dominate family life if one is not careful, I am so thankful for the blessing of being part of the Church, and specifically a local body.
As I reflected on this I was reminded of Hebrews 10:25. There are several “let us” admonitions leading us to this verse, “let us draw near…hold unswervingly...consider”, but the final two occur in this one verse. It says, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Those verses have taken on added significant in this strange season between posts for me. I am writing to help me remember that for the future, and encourage you now.
I was looking for this verse and could not remember the address. I was searching for “gathering”, then “assembling”, until I finally came across it, thanks to some help from my helpmate. I don’t know about you, but the word meeting for me just is not very appealing. I think about a lot of talking and little action. I do not want church to be like that, and I am certain the writer of Hebrews did not imply that. Rather, the emphasis is truly on the word “together”.
Our new slogan for the Alliance is “Living the Call Together”. I love that. Because I view worship as a way of life, talking about the call as a lifestyle really resonates with me. But I really appreciate the last word as well. Together. That is how we are to do this thing. Not just the call, but the Christian life. This is meant to be done together. I praise the Lord for the wisdom of that. How many times when I have been discouraged, or frustrated, or indifferent has God used a fellow believer to speak something into my life that changed me and the situation? Many. I am so thankful that God gives us His Church to share life together.
So what about you? Are you thankful for the church? If you are attending but are not really sharing life then you probably are not. But if you are in others lives and are allowing them into yours you probably are. For those of you who have shared life with me…thank you. For those who will soon…thank you Jesus.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
In these couple of weeks between serving the Morgantown church where I have been for the last nearly six years and the Warren church where I am headed attending church has been very different. I have attended a couple of services with the boys and we attended another church as a family this past Sunday. Not having my normal responsibilities has been refreshing, but it has also left us with an entirely different approach to church.
I have been grumpy and have felt unfulfilled, even though I have really enjoyed the increased my time with family. This got me thinking about the role of church in our lives, not just because I am a pastor, but because we see the church as having such a significant role in encouraging us in the Christ life. Though the activities at church can be overwhelming at times and can dominate family life if one is not careful, I am so thankful for the blessing of being part of the Church, and specifically a local body.
As I reflected on this I was reminded of Hebrews 10:25. There are several “let us” admonitions leading us to this verse, “let us draw near…hold unswervingly...consider”, but the final two occur in this one verse. It says, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Those verses have taken on added significant in this strange season between posts for me. I am writing to help me remember that for the future, and encourage you now.
I was looking for this verse and could not remember the address. I was searching for “gathering”, then “assembling”, until I finally came across it, thanks to some help from my helpmate. I don’t know about you, but the word meeting for me just is not very appealing. I think about a lot of talking and little action. I do not want church to be like that, and I am certain the writer of Hebrews did not imply that. Rather, the emphasis is truly on the word “together”.
Our new slogan for the Alliance is “Living the Call Together”. I love that. Because I view worship as a way of life, talking about the call as a lifestyle really resonates with me. But I really appreciate the last word as well. Together. That is how we are to do this thing. Not just the call, but the Christian life. This is meant to be done together. I praise the Lord for the wisdom of that. How many times when I have been discouraged, or frustrated, or indifferent has God used a fellow believer to speak something into my life that changed me and the situation? Many. I am so thankful that God gives us His Church to share life together.
So what about you? Are you thankful for the church? If you are attending but are not really sharing life then you probably are not. But if you are in others lives and are allowing them into yours you probably are. For those of you who have shared life with me…thank you. For those who will soon…thank you Jesus.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Thank You
Dear Worshippers,
It is with tears in my eyes that I write this. I am so thankful to the Lord for the ministry we have shared these nearly six years together. Saying farewell to some of you has been a very difficult experience and that is because the Lord has knit our lives together.
When I first began to consider what leaving Morgantown to answer God’s call would mean to me the analogy that came to mind was that of tearing cloth. I can hear that sound in my mind. Thank you for making yourself available for that knitting process.
Some of you have served in our choir. We have enjoyed many times of singing praise. We have laughed together and cried together. We have prayed for each other. God has enriched my life through many of you and for that I am grateful to both Him and you.
Some of you have been involved with our orchestra. We have supported the choir and congregation through the playing of instruments. We too have laughed. It has been a joy to serve the King with you, His instrumentalists. Thank you for your service, and the tapestries of sound He has woven through you.
Other have been involved in the worship team ministry. Your faithful service has been a blessing to me. As we have labored to lead the congregation in worship, each has brought their own unique set of talents and we have endeavored to meld it together for the glory of our Lord and the good of His people. Thank you for the privilege of leading you in this. It has been a blessing.
Others have assisted in the audio/visual area, the children’s music ministry and prayer teams. Some have served in roles that have never been acknowledged, for they were ordained by God and not by man. Still others have quietly supported and worshipped and praised. Your support has been more appreciated than you will ever know until we get to glory and I finally have the words to express it to you.
One of the lessons the Lord is teaching me is to make myself even more available to the knitting process. There are some of you whom I do not know as well as I would like to. Others of you have expressed the same to me. I intend to seek the Lord in my new place for His direction on which lives He desires to closely weave with mine. Please do the same.
It has been a delight to partner with you. You are in my heart. May God bless you in this season of transition. Grace and peace to you my friends in Christ Jesus.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
It is with tears in my eyes that I write this. I am so thankful to the Lord for the ministry we have shared these nearly six years together. Saying farewell to some of you has been a very difficult experience and that is because the Lord has knit our lives together.
When I first began to consider what leaving Morgantown to answer God’s call would mean to me the analogy that came to mind was that of tearing cloth. I can hear that sound in my mind. Thank you for making yourself available for that knitting process.
Some of you have served in our choir. We have enjoyed many times of singing praise. We have laughed together and cried together. We have prayed for each other. God has enriched my life through many of you and for that I am grateful to both Him and you.
Some of you have been involved with our orchestra. We have supported the choir and congregation through the playing of instruments. We too have laughed. It has been a joy to serve the King with you, His instrumentalists. Thank you for your service, and the tapestries of sound He has woven through you.
Other have been involved in the worship team ministry. Your faithful service has been a blessing to me. As we have labored to lead the congregation in worship, each has brought their own unique set of talents and we have endeavored to meld it together for the glory of our Lord and the good of His people. Thank you for the privilege of leading you in this. It has been a blessing.
Others have assisted in the audio/visual area, the children’s music ministry and prayer teams. Some have served in roles that have never been acknowledged, for they were ordained by God and not by man. Still others have quietly supported and worshipped and praised. Your support has been more appreciated than you will ever know until we get to glory and I finally have the words to express it to you.
One of the lessons the Lord is teaching me is to make myself even more available to the knitting process. There are some of you whom I do not know as well as I would like to. Others of you have expressed the same to me. I intend to seek the Lord in my new place for His direction on which lives He desires to closely weave with mine. Please do the same.
It has been a delight to partner with you. You are in my heart. May God bless you in this season of transition. Grace and peace to you my friends in Christ Jesus.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Packing Up: Packrats Beware!
Dear Worshippers,
Sarah and I spent many hours on Saturday packing up our garage. During that labor I came across several things I had been holding onto that I thought I might need at some point. You know the response to the question, “Why are you keeping that?” [I should say at this point that Sarah is very good for me in this among so many other ways in that she has helped me to purge my life of useless things on many occasions. Don’t tell her I told you that!]
Probably the best example of keeping something that had long ago lost its usefulness was the old, rusty fire place tools which we first purchased over 10 years ago while living in Nebraska. When we moved to Florida {remember I am talking about fireplace tools} she asked why I was moving them. To which I responded, “I might need them”. I didn’t. When we moved to West Virginia she asked again but this time why we were moving a set that was beginning to look ragged. Same response.
When I pulled them out of the corner of the garage on Saturday she just looked at me. Nothing needed to be said. I moved them to the curb with the rest of the items to be discarded. It had become obvious that these tools were now useless; even I could see that, finally realizing what she had known for years. She had been so patient with me.
Walking by that corner the last few days has been a delight. There is much more room there. The entire surrounding area is neater. The clutter has been cleared away.
So here is the question. What is stuck in the corner of your soul today? As you contemplate moving into a new year/season/place with your Lord, what is cluttering your life making it difficult to experience the margin that would otherwise help you enjoy it? What has become useless in your life that you may need to discard to make the journey a little lighter?
Consider this. Are you holding onto something that you need to put out on the curb? Do you need to let go of something to be able to move on with Jesus in the next episode? I pray that Spirit will tune your heart as you ponder these thoughts.
Next week [my final Morgantown Tunings]…Thank You.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
Sarah and I spent many hours on Saturday packing up our garage. During that labor I came across several things I had been holding onto that I thought I might need at some point. You know the response to the question, “Why are you keeping that?” [I should say at this point that Sarah is very good for me in this among so many other ways in that she has helped me to purge my life of useless things on many occasions. Don’t tell her I told you that!]
Probably the best example of keeping something that had long ago lost its usefulness was the old, rusty fire place tools which we first purchased over 10 years ago while living in Nebraska. When we moved to Florida {remember I am talking about fireplace tools} she asked why I was moving them. To which I responded, “I might need them”. I didn’t. When we moved to West Virginia she asked again but this time why we were moving a set that was beginning to look ragged. Same response.
When I pulled them out of the corner of the garage on Saturday she just looked at me. Nothing needed to be said. I moved them to the curb with the rest of the items to be discarded. It had become obvious that these tools were now useless; even I could see that, finally realizing what she had known for years. She had been so patient with me.
Walking by that corner the last few days has been a delight. There is much more room there. The entire surrounding area is neater. The clutter has been cleared away.
So here is the question. What is stuck in the corner of your soul today? As you contemplate moving into a new year/season/place with your Lord, what is cluttering your life making it difficult to experience the margin that would otherwise help you enjoy it? What has become useless in your life that you may need to discard to make the journey a little lighter?
Consider this. Are you holding onto something that you need to put out on the curb? Do you need to let go of something to be able to move on with Jesus in the next episode? I pray that Spirit will tune your heart as you ponder these thoughts.
Next week [my final Morgantown Tunings]…Thank You.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Enjoy Your Hot Chocolate
Dear Worshippers,
Our second son Isaac has a sweet tooth. The other night after the Christmas musical as I watched him enjoy a cup of scalding hot chocolate, I marveled at his ability to enjoy it even though it was so hot. His eyes lit up with every sip. I realized that once again I could learn something from my children, this time Isaac teaching me to enjoy the simple things in life. [By the way, this is the same Isaac who said Sunday morning that what he is looking forward to about Christmas is a new Bible.]
A dear friend forwarded this story to me last week. Many of you may have read it before, but in this season that can be so easily overshadowed with materialism I wanted to share it with those of you who haven’t.
Enjoy your Christmas, whatever it is!
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
Our second son Isaac has a sweet tooth. The other night after the Christmas musical as I watched him enjoy a cup of scalding hot chocolate, I marveled at his ability to enjoy it even though it was so hot. His eyes lit up with every sip. I realized that once again I could learn something from my children, this time Isaac teaching me to enjoy the simple things in life. [By the way, this is the same Isaac who said Sunday morning that what he is looking forward to about Christmas is a new Bible.]
A dear friend forwarded this story to me last week. Many of you may have read it before, but in this season that can be so easily overshadowed with materialism I wanted to share it with those of you who haven’t.
The Wisdom in Hot Chocolate
A group of graduates, well established in their careers, were talking at a reunion and decided to go visit their old university professor, now retired.
During their visit, the conversation turned to complaints about stress in their work and lives.
Offering his guests hot chocolate, the professor went into the kitchen and returned with a large pot and an assortment of cups - porcelain, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the hot chocolate.
When they all had a cup of hot chocolate in hand, the professor said:
“Notice that all the nice looking, expensive cups were taken, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress. The cup that you’re drinking from adds nothing to the quality of the hot chocolate. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was hot chocolate, not the cup; but you consciously went for the best cups. And then you began eyeing each other’s cups.”
Now consider this:
Life is the hot chocolate; your job, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain life. The cup you have does not define, nor change the quality of life you have. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the hot chocolate God has provided us. God makes the hot chocolate, man chooses the cups.
The happiest people don’t have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything that they have.
Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. And enjoy your hot chocolate!!
Enjoy your Christmas, whatever it is!
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
The Mystery of Christmas
Dear Worshippers,
A little over a week ago I was holding our six-month Aiden. He was looking at his newly discovered hands half wondering if they were connected to him. As he marveled in that possibility, I found myself surprised by an awakening to a different reality. It struck me in that moment that my Savior became helpless, like my little guy, because I was hopeless. Revelation and response, a life of worship. It is amazing that our Redeemer came as an infant! WOW!
As amazing as the incarnation is, Christ coming in the flesh, it is possibly surpassed by this. That God not only sent His Son, but graciously revealed that to us. That which was a mystery hidden since ages past, has now been revealed.
When I think of mystery, my first thought is, “I have got to solve this.” That is not at all what is going with the mystery of Christmas. God is not saying, “I sent my Son. Now, figure out why.” No, this is not a mystery that we have to solve, but one that has been revealed to us. John 1 explains that very well.
I am so thankful that God revealed and keeps revealing His mystery to us, because if He had not, I would never have figured it out. I probably would not have even tried, and if I had, I would have gotten tied up in the realities that did not make sense. Thank you Lord.
I want to encourage you to go through these last few days before Christmas with you eyes wide open. It is very easy to miss the things that God is trying to reveal to us, especially when our eyes are so fixed on the things of this world that we forget they are pointing to greater possibilities and realities way beyond them. I pray the Father would reveal the mystery of Christmas to you again, in some new, fresh way today.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
Dear Worshippers,
A little over a week ago I was holding our six-month Aiden. He was looking at his newly discovered hands half wondering if they were connected to him. As he marveled in that possibility, I found myself surprised by an awakening to a different reality. It struck me in that moment that my Savior became helpless, like my little guy, because I was hopeless. Revelation and response, a life of worship. It is amazing that our Redeemer came as an infant! WOW!
As amazing as the incarnation is, Christ coming in the flesh, it is possibly surpassed by this. That God not only sent His Son, but graciously revealed that to us. That which was a mystery hidden since ages past, has now been revealed.
When I think of mystery, my first thought is, “I have got to solve this.” That is not at all what is going with the mystery of Christmas. God is not saying, “I sent my Son. Now, figure out why.” No, this is not a mystery that we have to solve, but one that has been revealed to us. John 1 explains that very well.
The Word Became Flesh
1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning.
3Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.
6There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. 8He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. 9The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.
10He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
15John testifies concerning him. He cries out, saying, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.' " 16From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. 17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known. (NIV)
I am so thankful that God revealed and keeps revealing His mystery to us, because if He had not, I would never have figured it out. I probably would not have even tried, and if I had, I would have gotten tied up in the realities that did not make sense. Thank you Lord.
I want to encourage you to go through these last few days before Christmas with you eyes wide open. It is very easy to miss the things that God is trying to reveal to us, especially when our eyes are so fixed on the things of this world that we forget they are pointing to greater possibilities and realities way beyond them. I pray the Father would reveal the mystery of Christmas to you again, in some new, fresh way today.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Living the Call-Apart
Dear Worshippers,
Here is the text on my resignation as read on Sunday morning, December 7. 2008.
God’s Revealing
Our Worship Ministries exist
to nurture worship as a lifestyle
characterized by sincere responses to God’s self-revelations.
That is the vision the Lord gave for this ministry upon my arrival early in 2003. I have endeavored to live that before you and with you over the last nearly six years. The Lord has shown Himself on numerous occasions and we have responded together. What a privilege it has been to lead you in each of those moments.
These last few months the Lord has shown me something about Himself and His purposes for me. Those of you who have been reading my Tuesday Tunings know that I have been thinking about talents and investments. I said that if we make investments into our talents they become strengths. I challenged the readers to discover their talents and invest in them.
As I was talking and teaching about this, I was experiencing it as well. The Lord was leading me into some new and different challenge for me to serve with the talents He has given me and to grow further in the journey He has laid out for me. He began stirring within me a desire for some change, either internally or externally.
The Lord was cultivating in me a desire to be exceptional in the exercising of my talents for His glory. He began this work in me through a number of different circumstances, as He often does, but it took me a while to perceive what He was doing. I even denied it for a time, trying to ignore it or at least its implications, but once I was willing to open my eyes to see the hand of the Lord, I had to respond in obedience.
My Response
I have accepted the call to serve as the Pastor of Worship of North Mar Church of the Christian and Missionary Alliance in Warren, Ohio. This letter serves as my resignation of my duties here effective January 15, 2009. Though sad about leaving Morgantown, I am excited about the prospects for ministry in a place I believe the Lord has prepared me for and prepared for me. I believe the next set of good works prepared in advance for me to do [Ephesians 2:10] are in another place.
As the Lord wills, I plan to begin in Ohio the beginning of February. I appreciate your prayers through this time of transition as I anticipate that it will not be easy to leave a place and a people that are so dear to me. Though not always easy, when the Lord shows Himself, His purposes and His ways we must then choose to respond. A life of worship is made up of many choices to respond in ways that allow the Lord to reveal Himself. I pray He has and will continue to enable me to make such choices to characterize my life.
In closing, I want to thank you for the opportunity to serve you and this body for the glory of Christ. I pray God’s clear leading as you move forward through this transition. I trust Him for kingdom advance through the church that sent me once, and now must release me again.
Thank you and may the Lord Jesus Christ continue to reveal Himself to you, and give you the grace, wisdom and courage to respond…in worship.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
Here is the text on my resignation as read on Sunday morning, December 7. 2008.
God’s Revealing
Our Worship Ministries exist
to nurture worship as a lifestyle
characterized by sincere responses to God’s self-revelations.
That is the vision the Lord gave for this ministry upon my arrival early in 2003. I have endeavored to live that before you and with you over the last nearly six years. The Lord has shown Himself on numerous occasions and we have responded together. What a privilege it has been to lead you in each of those moments.
These last few months the Lord has shown me something about Himself and His purposes for me. Those of you who have been reading my Tuesday Tunings know that I have been thinking about talents and investments. I said that if we make investments into our talents they become strengths. I challenged the readers to discover their talents and invest in them.
As I was talking and teaching about this, I was experiencing it as well. The Lord was leading me into some new and different challenge for me to serve with the talents He has given me and to grow further in the journey He has laid out for me. He began stirring within me a desire for some change, either internally or externally.
The Lord was cultivating in me a desire to be exceptional in the exercising of my talents for His glory. He began this work in me through a number of different circumstances, as He often does, but it took me a while to perceive what He was doing. I even denied it for a time, trying to ignore it or at least its implications, but once I was willing to open my eyes to see the hand of the Lord, I had to respond in obedience.
My Response
I have accepted the call to serve as the Pastor of Worship of North Mar Church of the Christian and Missionary Alliance in Warren, Ohio. This letter serves as my resignation of my duties here effective January 15, 2009. Though sad about leaving Morgantown, I am excited about the prospects for ministry in a place I believe the Lord has prepared me for and prepared for me. I believe the next set of good works prepared in advance for me to do [Ephesians 2:10] are in another place.
As the Lord wills, I plan to begin in Ohio the beginning of February. I appreciate your prayers through this time of transition as I anticipate that it will not be easy to leave a place and a people that are so dear to me. Though not always easy, when the Lord shows Himself, His purposes and His ways we must then choose to respond. A life of worship is made up of many choices to respond in ways that allow the Lord to reveal Himself. I pray He has and will continue to enable me to make such choices to characterize my life.
In closing, I want to thank you for the opportunity to serve you and this body for the glory of Christ. I pray God’s clear leading as you move forward through this transition. I trust Him for kingdom advance through the church that sent me once, and now must release me again.
Thank you and may the Lord Jesus Christ continue to reveal Himself to you, and give you the grace, wisdom and courage to respond…in worship.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Advent: The Cost
Dear Worshippers,
We have now come to my favorite time in the church year, with possibly the exception of Easter. Advent is a time preceding Christmas when we anticipate the arrival of the Lord Jesus, both the remembrance of His first and the expectation of His second. This sense of anticipation is seen in the face of children as they wait to open those gifts under the tree.
As I spoke with Pastor Miller about his focus through this coming season he mentioned he will be focusing on Christ’s Second Advent. Then He asked if we could do something special on December 21, the last Sunday before Christmas. He would like to have all the children come up front and have Pastor Etris randomly ask them wait they are anticipating about Christmas. I am sure this will be a precious time as we hear their perspectives on “arrival”. The thing we probably will not hear is a sensitivity to the cost of those things which they are anticipating.
How often do we approach this season with a similar sense of expectation which is void of a deep sense of the sacrifice of our Lord to come? Our family tries to gather around our Advent wreath at home each night and read Scripture, sing and pray that we would be mindful of every aspect of our Lord’s coming in the flesh. One part of that is the cost to Him.
I do not know what the traditions or habits are for each of your families, but I want to offer you a resource I discovered recently. Below you will find a link that will take you to a pdf file from what I believe to be a trustworthy source. It examines through Scripture, a brief reading and a couple of questions the cost of this season, from the perspectives of many of the characters. I hope you will find it a useful tool as you prepare your hearts once again to worship the Christ this Christmas.
The Cost: Christmas Devotional
Though I have not read every word on every page, I recommend this resource to you and your families as a tool to aid you in your worship through this Advent season. I pray for you that your encounter with the Christ through this will heighten your anticipation of the coming of our Lord. Whether you use this tool or some other one, be sure to take some time during this busy season to stop and celebrate the One who has come in the flesh.
Merry Christmas to you! [I love being one of the first people to send that greeting every year.]
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
We have now come to my favorite time in the church year, with possibly the exception of Easter. Advent is a time preceding Christmas when we anticipate the arrival of the Lord Jesus, both the remembrance of His first and the expectation of His second. This sense of anticipation is seen in the face of children as they wait to open those gifts under the tree.
As I spoke with Pastor Miller about his focus through this coming season he mentioned he will be focusing on Christ’s Second Advent. Then He asked if we could do something special on December 21, the last Sunday before Christmas. He would like to have all the children come up front and have Pastor Etris randomly ask them wait they are anticipating about Christmas. I am sure this will be a precious time as we hear their perspectives on “arrival”. The thing we probably will not hear is a sensitivity to the cost of those things which they are anticipating.
How often do we approach this season with a similar sense of expectation which is void of a deep sense of the sacrifice of our Lord to come? Our family tries to gather around our Advent wreath at home each night and read Scripture, sing and pray that we would be mindful of every aspect of our Lord’s coming in the flesh. One part of that is the cost to Him.
I do not know what the traditions or habits are for each of your families, but I want to offer you a resource I discovered recently. Below you will find a link that will take you to a pdf file from what I believe to be a trustworthy source. It examines through Scripture, a brief reading and a couple of questions the cost of this season, from the perspectives of many of the characters. I hope you will find it a useful tool as you prepare your hearts once again to worship the Christ this Christmas.
The Cost: Christmas Devotional
Though I have not read every word on every page, I recommend this resource to you and your families as a tool to aid you in your worship through this Advent season. I pray for you that your encounter with the Christ through this will heighten your anticipation of the coming of our Lord. Whether you use this tool or some other one, be sure to take some time during this busy season to stop and celebrate the One who has come in the flesh.
Merry Christmas to you! [I love being one of the first people to send that greeting every year.]
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Gratitude…Changes Everything
Dear Worshippers,
As I was preparing for our Thanksgiving Eve service last week, I watched again a video that will use to set the tone for the service. One of my most vivid memories in worship at our church came during one of these services a couple of years ago when Jack Clise gave this brief testimony, “I’m thankful that I’m six feet up instead of sic feet under.” Now that’s perspective.
It’s that kind of perspective that our opening video and time of quiet reflection will seek to cultivate. 2008 has been a very interesting year for most people. Frankly, it’s been a year where our gratitude levels might be low. But is there something beyond our circumstances to be grateful for? Of course there is. Watch how this video puts it. [This link takes you to a page that has a small-scale full-length preview (2.31) of the video on the site where I purchased it.]
Thanksgiving 08
Though you have seen the video, I hope you will come and worship with us tomorrow night.
The service is at 6:30. I hope you can join us as the elders lead us through a time of praise, thanksgiving and prayer. My prayer is that it will cultivate an “attitude of gratitude” within the hearts of everyone present.
As the video says, gratitude changes everything. If you can look at your current circumstance with gratitude, not because of it, but because God is right there with you in the middle of it, your countenance changes. Even if you can not see God, and do not feel that He is there, but believe that He is, gratitude can blossom. It brings to mind I Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I know you want to be in God’s will. Then give thanks…in everything, not because of everything. Little word, big difference.
Come and experience that difference with us Wednesday night. Share the video with someone who can’t be there. Exercise gratitude, this Thursday and beyond, and watch everything change, as you do.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
As I was preparing for our Thanksgiving Eve service last week, I watched again a video that will use to set the tone for the service. One of my most vivid memories in worship at our church came during one of these services a couple of years ago when Jack Clise gave this brief testimony, “I’m thankful that I’m six feet up instead of sic feet under.” Now that’s perspective.
It’s that kind of perspective that our opening video and time of quiet reflection will seek to cultivate. 2008 has been a very interesting year for most people. Frankly, it’s been a year where our gratitude levels might be low. But is there something beyond our circumstances to be grateful for? Of course there is. Watch how this video puts it. [This link takes you to a page that has a small-scale full-length preview (2.31) of the video on the site where I purchased it.]
Thanksgiving 08
Though you have seen the video, I hope you will come and worship with us tomorrow night.
The service is at 6:30. I hope you can join us as the elders lead us through a time of praise, thanksgiving and prayer. My prayer is that it will cultivate an “attitude of gratitude” within the hearts of everyone present.
As the video says, gratitude changes everything. If you can look at your current circumstance with gratitude, not because of it, but because God is right there with you in the middle of it, your countenance changes. Even if you can not see God, and do not feel that He is there, but believe that He is, gratitude can blossom. It brings to mind I Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I know you want to be in God’s will. Then give thanks…in everything, not because of everything. Little word, big difference.
Come and experience that difference with us Wednesday night. Share the video with someone who can’t be there. Exercise gratitude, this Thursday and beyond, and watch everything change, as you do.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Giving Thanks
Dear Worshippers,
I began to explore the idea of talents and gifts last week. I talked about how if we call certain things we have an aptitude for or are good at gifts, this implies there is a giver. I encouraged you to think of your abilities as talents, and told you this week we would begin to consider how we identify our talents.
As I reflected on this it occurred to me that Thanksgiving is just around the corner. I am planning services now that will highlight this response to God is this most Christian of seasons. The world has not been able to crack the code on how to commercialize this one yet. Praise the Lord for that!
As you think about what talents you have been blessed with, one easy way to begin to identify them is to think about what you are most thankful to God for, and what others seem to thank God for about you. For example, I was talking with someone today who has the gift of encouragement. This person also has the ability or talent of listening well. This is a good match for someone with encouraging gifts. This person was listening to me and encouraging me as I shared some things with them. As the conversation wound down, I affirmed his encouragement as a gift from the Lord, and his use of it a blessing to me and a delight to the Lord.
It was not the first time I had told this person thanks for using that gift and talent, but they seemed surprised that I identified it. Actually, he has each time. I think it is genuine humility at work here, but I was surprised that this person seemed taken aback by my acknowledgement of their use of God’s gifting in them. I think many people are unaware of their gifting and talent.
Think about yourself for a minute. What are you thankful about when you evaluate your life? Are you thankful that you enjoy helping others? That you seem to have a knack for organizing? That people really enjoy being with you? That you are always thinking about how to include more people in what you are doing? Or any other number of talents.
Identifying your talent is the first step toward making it into a strength. Once you identify your talent, then you can begin to make investments in it and allow the Lord to make it into a strength. If you don’t, you are not being a good steward.
Often times we focus on what we are not good at, and work on these areas. There is profit in that discipline. But we might gain a higher return on our investment if we start with something that we are already good at or really enjoy doing.
Think on that these days and determine as you approach Thanksgiving what talent you are going to thank God for…and invest in through the end of the year.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
I began to explore the idea of talents and gifts last week. I talked about how if we call certain things we have an aptitude for or are good at gifts, this implies there is a giver. I encouraged you to think of your abilities as talents, and told you this week we would begin to consider how we identify our talents.
As I reflected on this it occurred to me that Thanksgiving is just around the corner. I am planning services now that will highlight this response to God is this most Christian of seasons. The world has not been able to crack the code on how to commercialize this one yet. Praise the Lord for that!
As you think about what talents you have been blessed with, one easy way to begin to identify them is to think about what you are most thankful to God for, and what others seem to thank God for about you. For example, I was talking with someone today who has the gift of encouragement. This person also has the ability or talent of listening well. This is a good match for someone with encouraging gifts. This person was listening to me and encouraging me as I shared some things with them. As the conversation wound down, I affirmed his encouragement as a gift from the Lord, and his use of it a blessing to me and a delight to the Lord.
It was not the first time I had told this person thanks for using that gift and talent, but they seemed surprised that I identified it. Actually, he has each time. I think it is genuine humility at work here, but I was surprised that this person seemed taken aback by my acknowledgement of their use of God’s gifting in them. I think many people are unaware of their gifting and talent.
Think about yourself for a minute. What are you thankful about when you evaluate your life? Are you thankful that you enjoy helping others? That you seem to have a knack for organizing? That people really enjoy being with you? That you are always thinking about how to include more people in what you are doing? Or any other number of talents.
Identifying your talent is the first step toward making it into a strength. Once you identify your talent, then you can begin to make investments in it and allow the Lord to make it into a strength. If you don’t, you are not being a good steward.
Often times we focus on what we are not good at, and work on these areas. There is profit in that discipline. But we might gain a higher return on our investment if we start with something that we are already good at or really enjoy doing.
Think on that these days and determine as you approach Thanksgiving what talent you are going to thank God for…and invest in through the end of the year.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Talents
Dear Worshippers,
One of the comments that most commonly comes out of people’s mouths when someone shares something musically at church is “She is so gifted.” The musical ability displayed is rightly attributed to the musician as a gift, which obviously implies there is a giver. For those of us who know Him, that would be Giver.
This terminology has bothered me for some time because I believe there is a more accurate way to describe the ability. I have also just recently realized another layer of meaning that causes me to be comfortable with a different terminology. I have said to some that I might just do my doctoral work in this area of understanding “gifting”, but I will try to limit my thoughts here to a few paragraphs.
First, I like to think of these abilities as talents. [This changes the comment to “She is so talented.”] I think the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) gives credence to this way of thinking because it so clearly shows several people being given something for a particular purpose, to put that talent to work. Though the same could be said for the spiritual gifts, I prefer to think of these as being imparted with the Spirit at redemption, whereas talents I believe are given by God to all.
Second, a talent undeveloped is as good as one never possessed. In the parable we see that the master takes it away from the one who did not put it to good use. How many people have undeveloped talent? The Lord has given them ability for His glory, but they do not use it accordingly.
I believe this helps differentiate between talent and gift in the minds of even the unbeliever. It is understood that a gift is meant to be enjoyed by the recipient. A talent on the other hand is meant to be employed.
With regard to the spiritual gifts, I believe you could employ your talent to exercise your gift. Do you follow me? I could use my musical talent to exercise the gift of leadership, or for my own purposes.
All this to say, we all have been given talent. Yours may not be as much musical as it is something else, like building or solving difficult problems or helping to include people in activities, or any other number of things. Here is why I am thinking about it these days?
I want to be exceptional in my gifting and deeply satisfied in my calling. [I want the same for each of you.] This will require that I know my gifts and my talents. I will employ them in both endeavors. If I do not know my talents, I can not invest in them and make them my strengths. More on that next week.
Until then…ask the Lord what your talents are and how you can begin to develop them for His glory.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
One of the comments that most commonly comes out of people’s mouths when someone shares something musically at church is “She is so gifted.” The musical ability displayed is rightly attributed to the musician as a gift, which obviously implies there is a giver. For those of us who know Him, that would be Giver.
This terminology has bothered me for some time because I believe there is a more accurate way to describe the ability. I have also just recently realized another layer of meaning that causes me to be comfortable with a different terminology. I have said to some that I might just do my doctoral work in this area of understanding “gifting”, but I will try to limit my thoughts here to a few paragraphs.
First, I like to think of these abilities as talents. [This changes the comment to “She is so talented.”] I think the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) gives credence to this way of thinking because it so clearly shows several people being given something for a particular purpose, to put that talent to work. Though the same could be said for the spiritual gifts, I prefer to think of these as being imparted with the Spirit at redemption, whereas talents I believe are given by God to all.
Second, a talent undeveloped is as good as one never possessed. In the parable we see that the master takes it away from the one who did not put it to good use. How many people have undeveloped talent? The Lord has given them ability for His glory, but they do not use it accordingly.
I believe this helps differentiate between talent and gift in the minds of even the unbeliever. It is understood that a gift is meant to be enjoyed by the recipient. A talent on the other hand is meant to be employed.
With regard to the spiritual gifts, I believe you could employ your talent to exercise your gift. Do you follow me? I could use my musical talent to exercise the gift of leadership, or for my own purposes.
All this to say, we all have been given talent. Yours may not be as much musical as it is something else, like building or solving difficult problems or helping to include people in activities, or any other number of things. Here is why I am thinking about it these days?
I want to be exceptional in my gifting and deeply satisfied in my calling. [I want the same for each of you.] This will require that I know my gifts and my talents. I will employ them in both endeavors. If I do not know my talents, I can not invest in them and make them my strengths. More on that next week.
Until then…ask the Lord what your talents are and how you can begin to develop them for His glory.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Objectivity
Dear Worshippers,
I mentioned last week that I wanted to spend a little time thinking about talents and investments and strengths over the next few weeks. As we do, I think it is important to remember that this is a very important day in the history of our nation. If you have not already done so, take a few moments to pray for the outcome of today’s election that will most honor the Lord and bring people to [and back to] Him…
We have heard a lot about strengths and weaknesses over the last few weeks from our presidential candidates. So much so that most of us are pretty sick of it by now. I heard a very interesting poll last week. [I have heard my share of them as well.] This CNN poll asked viewers how they felt about this statement with regard to the elections: The media has lost all objectivity. The results were a little surprising to me. It indicated that 84% of the respondents agreed with that statement.
I was surprised at first because I expected people to be fairly generous and say that the media still had a little objectivity. But this result coincided with something I learned last week about objectivity. The reality is we tend to be more generous when we are considering our own ability to be objective than we are of others ability. That is, most of us view ourselves as more objective than others, or more capable of seeing things clearly. Think about that for a minute
Objectivity is hard to come by, but essential when trying to examine talents. This examination is critical when making choices about investments that will be made into those talents so they can be built into strengths. I am talking about how you spend your time in your desire to answer God’s call on your life.
How objective are you?
I have been spending a fair amount of time over the last few weeks trying to look objectively at myself and my call. It’s not easy, but it is essential. I want to be excellent in my gifting and deeply satisfied in my calling so I am doing some evaluation of my life and it’s activity. If you do not know what your talents are, how can you elect to invest in them for future development?
Make an investment in the future today. Go vote. And start asking the Lord for the ability to see yourself clearly, objectively.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
I mentioned last week that I wanted to spend a little time thinking about talents and investments and strengths over the next few weeks. As we do, I think it is important to remember that this is a very important day in the history of our nation. If you have not already done so, take a few moments to pray for the outcome of today’s election that will most honor the Lord and bring people to [and back to] Him…
We have heard a lot about strengths and weaknesses over the last few weeks from our presidential candidates. So much so that most of us are pretty sick of it by now. I heard a very interesting poll last week. [I have heard my share of them as well.] This CNN poll asked viewers how they felt about this statement with regard to the elections: The media has lost all objectivity. The results were a little surprising to me. It indicated that 84% of the respondents agreed with that statement.
I was surprised at first because I expected people to be fairly generous and say that the media still had a little objectivity. But this result coincided with something I learned last week about objectivity. The reality is we tend to be more generous when we are considering our own ability to be objective than we are of others ability. That is, most of us view ourselves as more objective than others, or more capable of seeing things clearly. Think about that for a minute
Objectivity is hard to come by, but essential when trying to examine talents. This examination is critical when making choices about investments that will be made into those talents so they can be built into strengths. I am talking about how you spend your time in your desire to answer God’s call on your life.
How objective are you?
I have been spending a fair amount of time over the last few weeks trying to look objectively at myself and my call. It’s not easy, but it is essential. I want to be excellent in my gifting and deeply satisfied in my calling so I am doing some evaluation of my life and it’s activity. If you do not know what your talents are, how can you elect to invest in them for future development?
Make an investment in the future today. Go vote. And start asking the Lord for the ability to see yourself clearly, objectively.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Transformation
Dear Worshippers,
So as you keep listening for that “new thing” that God is revealing to you…do so from a posture prepared for transformation. I have been thinking a lot about change lately, particularly the change that God wants to produce in me as I continue to offer my life in service to Him. I want to be prepared for what the Lord wants to do in me.
You may have heard me say something like this before, “The Christian life is a life of transformation.” Obviously, we are ever being formed into the likeness of the Savior. This requires constant change from us. It is constant in that it is a process and not a single event. We see this contrast of single event and process in Hebrews 10 which speaks of Christ’s sacrifice once for all. In verse 14 the writer says, “by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” How cool is that? By His sacrifice we are made perfect forever [past, present and future position] and begin the process of being made holy [present experience].
This concept of sacrifice is clearly applied to our response to God’s mercy in Romans 12:1-2. Here we are urged “to offer [our] bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is [our] spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of [our] mind[s].” This is a process, breaking from the world’s pattern of evil and corruption and entering into God’s pattern of holiness and perfection. Seem like too lofty a goal for you? Do you think this kind of process is reserved for the spiritual giants?
Allow me to offer one more “shining” example of this transformative process as described by Paul to the church at Corinth. You should remember that in his first letter he described this church as immature and unspiritual [3:1-4]. He what he had to say in his second letter [3:18], “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
Yes, Jesus wants to shine through you. The songwriter of “Shine, Jesus Shine” voiced the beautiful prayer this way. “As we gaze on Your kingly brightness/so our faces display Your likeness./Ever changing from glory to glory/ mirrored here may our lives tell Your story/Shine on me/Shine on me.”
There is hope for you. It is found in the process of transformation as you yield to the work of the Holy Spirit. He will change you to be more and more and more like Jesus, to the glory of the Father. What an exciting propect!
But we can become comfortable, can’t we? Unwilling to enter into this process on a daily basis, we convince ourselves that we are satisfied with the glory we have received and reflected. But Jesus is calling us deeper.
I have been reflecting on what that means for me lately and over the next few weeks I plan to share that with you. I have been thinking much about talents and investments and strengths. Come with me on a journey that I pray will help you become excellent in your gifting and deeply satisfied in your calling. Sound good? It will cost you. But it’s worth it.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
So as you keep listening for that “new thing” that God is revealing to you…do so from a posture prepared for transformation. I have been thinking a lot about change lately, particularly the change that God wants to produce in me as I continue to offer my life in service to Him. I want to be prepared for what the Lord wants to do in me.
You may have heard me say something like this before, “The Christian life is a life of transformation.” Obviously, we are ever being formed into the likeness of the Savior. This requires constant change from us. It is constant in that it is a process and not a single event. We see this contrast of single event and process in Hebrews 10 which speaks of Christ’s sacrifice once for all. In verse 14 the writer says, “by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” How cool is that? By His sacrifice we are made perfect forever [past, present and future position] and begin the process of being made holy [present experience].
This concept of sacrifice is clearly applied to our response to God’s mercy in Romans 12:1-2. Here we are urged “to offer [our] bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is [our] spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of [our] mind[s].” This is a process, breaking from the world’s pattern of evil and corruption and entering into God’s pattern of holiness and perfection. Seem like too lofty a goal for you? Do you think this kind of process is reserved for the spiritual giants?
Allow me to offer one more “shining” example of this transformative process as described by Paul to the church at Corinth. You should remember that in his first letter he described this church as immature and unspiritual [3:1-4]. He what he had to say in his second letter [3:18], “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
Yes, Jesus wants to shine through you. The songwriter of “Shine, Jesus Shine” voiced the beautiful prayer this way. “As we gaze on Your kingly brightness/so our faces display Your likeness./Ever changing from glory to glory/ mirrored here may our lives tell Your story/Shine on me/Shine on me.”
There is hope for you. It is found in the process of transformation as you yield to the work of the Holy Spirit. He will change you to be more and more and more like Jesus, to the glory of the Father. What an exciting propect!
But we can become comfortable, can’t we? Unwilling to enter into this process on a daily basis, we convince ourselves that we are satisfied with the glory we have received and reflected. But Jesus is calling us deeper.
I have been reflecting on what that means for me lately and over the next few weeks I plan to share that with you. I have been thinking much about talents and investments and strengths. Come with me on a journey that I pray will help you become excellent in your gifting and deeply satisfied in your calling. Sound good? It will cost you. But it’s worth it.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
To Reveal
Dear Worshippers,
Last week I challenged you to be listening because God is speaking. I hope that the Lord has spoken some things into your life over the last week that have greatly encouraged you. I trust that if you were listening He probably also spoke some things that in their application will require some changes in you life. In any event, what God spoke had purpose for God is not careless with His words, and does not waste them. In other words, when God speaks there is a reason, and the first part of that reason is to reveal Himself.
When God speaks, He is always showing us something about Himself, His purpose and His ways. When we hear these things, something happens inside of us. We are given the opportunity to respond. When God speaks He expects that something will happen.
This is in part because when God speaks He is revealing what He is about to do. Amos 3:7 says, “Indeed, the Lord does nothing without revealing His counsel to His servants the prophets.” Did you see that? NOTHING. Before God does anything He tells someone about it. This is in part to draw that person closer to Himself, but also often because He wants to use them to do it.
Are you beginning to see where this is going? As God speaks to you, He is revealing what He is about to do. His revealing it to you is an invitation to join Him in it. When you obey and do, you come to know God better. God does speak just to hear His voice, He speaks to accomplish something, and we know His word never returns void. Isaiah 55:11 “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”
In Isaiah 43:19 we find this word form the Lord.
“See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert
and streams in the wasteland.”
Here is my question for the week. What “new” thing is God speaking into your life? Your family? Our church? Will you listen and obey? Quiet yourself before Him in the next day and ask Him to speak that new thing to you. But be careful. Listening to God can be a very danger thing because His words will not return void. They will accomplish what He pleases, that which He has purposed. Make yourself available, then come and ask God to speak to you, to reveal Himself to you, and purpose to listen and obey. You will be changed.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
Last week I challenged you to be listening because God is speaking. I hope that the Lord has spoken some things into your life over the last week that have greatly encouraged you. I trust that if you were listening He probably also spoke some things that in their application will require some changes in you life. In any event, what God spoke had purpose for God is not careless with His words, and does not waste them. In other words, when God speaks there is a reason, and the first part of that reason is to reveal Himself.
When God speaks, He is always showing us something about Himself, His purpose and His ways. When we hear these things, something happens inside of us. We are given the opportunity to respond. When God speaks He expects that something will happen.
This is in part because when God speaks He is revealing what He is about to do. Amos 3:7 says, “Indeed, the Lord does nothing without revealing His counsel to His servants the prophets.” Did you see that? NOTHING. Before God does anything He tells someone about it. This is in part to draw that person closer to Himself, but also often because He wants to use them to do it.
Are you beginning to see where this is going? As God speaks to you, He is revealing what He is about to do. His revealing it to you is an invitation to join Him in it. When you obey and do, you come to know God better. God does speak just to hear His voice, He speaks to accomplish something, and we know His word never returns void. Isaiah 55:11 “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”
In Isaiah 43:19 we find this word form the Lord.
“See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert
and streams in the wasteland.”
Here is my question for the week. What “new” thing is God speaking into your life? Your family? Our church? Will you listen and obey? Quiet yourself before Him in the next day and ask Him to speak that new thing to you. But be careful. Listening to God can be a very danger thing because His words will not return void. They will accomplish what He pleases, that which He has purposed. Make yourself available, then come and ask God to speak to you, to reveal Himself to you, and purpose to listen and obey. You will be changed.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
God Speaks
Dear Worshippers,
While I was in seminary, I worked through the Bible study “Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God” by Henry Blackaby. It was a very formative period in my life as I continued to prepare to pursue God’s call on my life so I was really desirous of knowing His will and doing it.
Blackaby speaks of “Seven Realities” as foundational to experiencing God. The central one that profoundly impacted my life was this: “God speaks by the Holy Spirit through the Bible, prayer, circumstances and the church to reveal Himself, His purposes, and His ways.” Pretty simple stuff, until your start living it.
You see, expecting God to speak Himself, His purposes and His ways into your life will transform the way you live. Suddenly everything takes on a whole new meaning. God was to show Himself to me. When He does, He expects me to respond. You have heard this kind of thing from me before, but here is my context for today.
I was having a conversation last night with my two oldest boys about God speaking. We were reading the passage where Samuel comes to Bethlehem to anoint a new king. The Scripture in I Samuel reads like a conversation is going on between God and Samuel. I asked my boys if Samuel actually heard God speaking or did he just imagine it? I asked if anyone else could hear, or just Samuel? I asked them if God still speaks today?
They did pretty well answering my questions, and I am certain you would as well. The real rub comes when we consider applying that truth. Will we cultivate such a relationship with God, like Samuel, that He can speak conversationally with us? When we hear, will we trust it is truly Him? When He does speak, will we obey?
God spoke to me recently. This doesn’t happen all the time, but especially when I really need His guidance. I poured my heart out and I believed He answered me. I am still working to understand what He revealed, but I am excited that He is showing me His purposes and His ways.
God is speaking to us. This is a critical time for our church. We must be listening to what the Spirit is revealing to us. We must be willing to respond with wisdom and courage.
God is speaking to you. Are you listening?
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
While I was in seminary, I worked through the Bible study “Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God” by Henry Blackaby. It was a very formative period in my life as I continued to prepare to pursue God’s call on my life so I was really desirous of knowing His will and doing it.
Blackaby speaks of “Seven Realities” as foundational to experiencing God. The central one that profoundly impacted my life was this: “God speaks by the Holy Spirit through the Bible, prayer, circumstances and the church to reveal Himself, His purposes, and His ways.” Pretty simple stuff, until your start living it.
You see, expecting God to speak Himself, His purposes and His ways into your life will transform the way you live. Suddenly everything takes on a whole new meaning. God was to show Himself to me. When He does, He expects me to respond. You have heard this kind of thing from me before, but here is my context for today.
I was having a conversation last night with my two oldest boys about God speaking. We were reading the passage where Samuel comes to Bethlehem to anoint a new king. The Scripture in I Samuel reads like a conversation is going on between God and Samuel. I asked my boys if Samuel actually heard God speaking or did he just imagine it? I asked if anyone else could hear, or just Samuel? I asked them if God still speaks today?
They did pretty well answering my questions, and I am certain you would as well. The real rub comes when we consider applying that truth. Will we cultivate such a relationship with God, like Samuel, that He can speak conversationally with us? When we hear, will we trust it is truly Him? When He does speak, will we obey?
God spoke to me recently. This doesn’t happen all the time, but especially when I really need His guidance. I poured my heart out and I believed He answered me. I am still working to understand what He revealed, but I am excited that He is showing me His purposes and His ways.
God is speaking to us. This is a critical time for our church. We must be listening to what the Spirit is revealing to us. We must be willing to respond with wisdom and courage.
God is speaking to you. Are you listening?
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
A Time of Transition
Dear Worshippers,
I want to encourage you to be praying as we seek the Lord and His will together in the coming weeks. I especially want to encourage you to pray for the Elders. They have a daunting task ahead of them and they need our prayerful support. But there is something else they will need as well, and I want to encourage you to prayerfully give this to them as well.
There will be a survey of the congregation that will seek to discern some things as we move forward: perceived strengths and weaknesses of our church, issues or concerns that should be addressed during this time of transition, characteristics of the pastor we should be looking for, and general perceptions of our congregation. They really need the perspective of everyone in the church. Every age group needs to respond. We need to pray and answer those questions when the opportunity arises. This will aid the process of discerning God’s will for our church. Please be ready to give it.
I am taking some time away next week. I will certainly be praying for the Elders, Pastor Miller, and our entire church. I want to encourage you to do the same. Let us seek the Lord during this time of transition with the expectation that He will reveal Himself to us through it, and give us the wisdom and courage to respond.
Thank you for sharing this journey with me.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
I want to encourage you to be praying as we seek the Lord and His will together in the coming weeks. I especially want to encourage you to pray for the Elders. They have a daunting task ahead of them and they need our prayerful support. But there is something else they will need as well, and I want to encourage you to prayerfully give this to them as well.
There will be a survey of the congregation that will seek to discern some things as we move forward: perceived strengths and weaknesses of our church, issues or concerns that should be addressed during this time of transition, characteristics of the pastor we should be looking for, and general perceptions of our congregation. They really need the perspective of everyone in the church. Every age group needs to respond. We need to pray and answer those questions when the opportunity arises. This will aid the process of discerning God’s will for our church. Please be ready to give it.
I am taking some time away next week. I will certainly be praying for the Elders, Pastor Miller, and our entire church. I want to encourage you to do the same. Let us seek the Lord during this time of transition with the expectation that He will reveal Himself to us through it, and give us the wisdom and courage to respond.
Thank you for sharing this journey with me.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Bittersweet
Dear Worshippers,
Wikipedia puts it like this: “Bittersweet refers to a combination of the standard tastes of sweetness and bitterness, and is often used as a metaphor for experiences which have elements of both happiness and sadness.” That is an apt description of what transpired two days ago in our morning worship service, an experience which had elements of both happiness, remembering the lives and ministry of Rev. David and Mossie Goodin, and sadness, bidding them farewell.
In conversation following the service someone used this word and it really struck me. I had been dealing with all these thoughts and feelings without a way to encapsulate them. This really does the trick because though I am truly sad to say goodbye to these dear friends, I am also exciting for them and what the Lord has for our church in the future. This experience is bittersweet. Though mostly it is just bitter right now, I am trusting the Lord for the sweetness to be overpower in His time as the ministry of the next man begins to have an impact on us all.
As we bid Pastor David farewell we remember his ministry and service to the Lord. His impact on our church will linger as certainly as our fond memories of him will. We can honor that memory best by doing the things he taught us so well over these years.
Graciousness. I have to say that this is one of the main things I have learned from Pastor David. I have seen him deal graciously in some difficult situations. I have received his counsel to do the same because I had witnessed him do so. I have seen the Lord in him and through him in those moments.
Gentleness. One of the most powerful imagines in mind of Pastor David is of him bending down to look children in the eye as he talked with them. His concern for the smallest in our midst and his obvious love for them is something I endeavor to model. Again, Jesus has shown through in those moments as well.
Patience. I know of many situations where Pastor David exhibited patience that can only be explained by the presence of the Lord. Some of them, of which I am not at liberty to speak, cause me to simply shake my head in the awareness that I have not yet attained that level of longsuffering.
I am sure that you have fond memories of Pastor David and Mossie. As you reflect on them in these days, give praise to God, and purpose to have a similar impact on the people around you. That way, when it is your time to move on to your next assignment, whether in this world or the next, for those you have touched your departure will be bittersweet as well.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
Wikipedia puts it like this: “Bittersweet refers to a combination of the standard tastes of sweetness and bitterness, and is often used as a metaphor for experiences which have elements of both happiness and sadness.” That is an apt description of what transpired two days ago in our morning worship service, an experience which had elements of both happiness, remembering the lives and ministry of Rev. David and Mossie Goodin, and sadness, bidding them farewell.
In conversation following the service someone used this word and it really struck me. I had been dealing with all these thoughts and feelings without a way to encapsulate them. This really does the trick because though I am truly sad to say goodbye to these dear friends, I am also exciting for them and what the Lord has for our church in the future. This experience is bittersweet. Though mostly it is just bitter right now, I am trusting the Lord for the sweetness to be overpower in His time as the ministry of the next man begins to have an impact on us all.
As we bid Pastor David farewell we remember his ministry and service to the Lord. His impact on our church will linger as certainly as our fond memories of him will. We can honor that memory best by doing the things he taught us so well over these years.
Graciousness. I have to say that this is one of the main things I have learned from Pastor David. I have seen him deal graciously in some difficult situations. I have received his counsel to do the same because I had witnessed him do so. I have seen the Lord in him and through him in those moments.
Gentleness. One of the most powerful imagines in mind of Pastor David is of him bending down to look children in the eye as he talked with them. His concern for the smallest in our midst and his obvious love for them is something I endeavor to model. Again, Jesus has shown through in those moments as well.
Patience. I know of many situations where Pastor David exhibited patience that can only be explained by the presence of the Lord. Some of them, of which I am not at liberty to speak, cause me to simply shake my head in the awareness that I have not yet attained that level of longsuffering.
I am sure that you have fond memories of Pastor David and Mossie. As you reflect on them in these days, give praise to God, and purpose to have a similar impact on the people around you. That way, when it is your time to move on to your next assignment, whether in this world or the next, for those you have touched your departure will be bittersweet as well.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
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