Dear Worshipers,
What a stirring service on Sunday. The testimony from Ken was God-honoring. When a few people came to the altar during the second service as many were kneeling in their pews I was overwhelmed. Pastor Myron brought the Word to us and provided a powerful reminder: God is in control and He loves us. I am so thankful for those two things.
Then, just when everyone thought we were finished, we experienced one more powerful moment. We spent a few moments considering the sacrifice of a serviceman through the eyes of his daughter. The Sacrifice of One. This proved to be a stirring reminder of the sacrifice of many. We left with grateful hearts.
I hope you each enjoyed your celebrations of Memorial Day. Now we have moved back into another week of worshipping, working and walking. Do you still find yourself stirred by the sacrifice of the One who died for you? Are you overwhelmed by the reality that he loves you? Is it humbling to think that He is on control of everything and is working it all out for your good, that is if you love Him?
I hope you are. He is so good to us. And He is at work in our midst. If you were here Sunday I trust you are confident of that. If you were not, be here this weekend as we gather around the table and consider the last of the Core Values of the Alliance: “Achieving God’s purposes involves taking faith-filled risks; this always involves change. Hebrews 11:6” What changes does God have in store for us, for you? Let’s embrace them with a heart of wonder.
Jesus, have Your way in me. I offer up my life to You. I love You.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Telling His Story
Dear Worshipers,
As Pastor Nathan played and we sang, “I love to tell the story…” my heart soared to hear God’s people declare that simple truth. Then, over the next 30 minutes or so to have our hearts so encouraged at the telling of His story through our guest speakers was quite a blessing. Then, after we prayed for them, we were encouraged to go and continue the telling, as the Psalmist said in 66:16 “let me tell you what he has done for me.”
So how has your telling going? Has it slipped your mind, or been crowded out like mine a time or two? Oh, I did pretty well Sunday afternoon at the Worship Ministries picnic, but I do not think it was long before I was on to other pursuits. The really challenge is letting that pursuit “telling His story” shape all my other ones.
I was thinking of this during staff prayer this morning when one of the Pastors Paul prayed something about being “prone to wander”. Immediately, thought of the text of the old hymn “Come, Thou Fount” which was part of the original inspiration for the naming of this blog. [See early entries] If you do not know it here is a link with the text. "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing" David Crowder Band
The line that my mind went to was this. “Prone to wander, Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I love.” I love Him. I love His story. I love to tell the story. I love discovering everyday my part in it. And yet…I know that my mind-at the rest of me-is prone to wander and engage in other things.
I know you understand what I am talking about, but I did not write to commiserate with you but to encourage you. Think of the first line of the song. “Tune my heart to sing Thy grace.” Tune my heart. I get out of tune. I need you to tune my heart. I line me up with you again and set me back on track. That is exactly what we need. It’s what our Savior wants to do. Why no ask Him again right now to tune your heart? It really not that hard.
Then, when you start to fell a little out of tune, do it again. It’s a musical way of praying “Fill me Holy Spirit”. It is the same thought. I want to sing Your grace, live for You but I need Your help to do even that.
Jesus, tune my heart to sing Your grace. Your never-ceasing streams of mercy call for this response-loudest praise. But not only loud. In tune. Help me.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
As Pastor Nathan played and we sang, “I love to tell the story…” my heart soared to hear God’s people declare that simple truth. Then, over the next 30 minutes or so to have our hearts so encouraged at the telling of His story through our guest speakers was quite a blessing. Then, after we prayed for them, we were encouraged to go and continue the telling, as the Psalmist said in 66:16 “let me tell you what he has done for me.”
So how has your telling going? Has it slipped your mind, or been crowded out like mine a time or two? Oh, I did pretty well Sunday afternoon at the Worship Ministries picnic, but I do not think it was long before I was on to other pursuits. The really challenge is letting that pursuit “telling His story” shape all my other ones.
I was thinking of this during staff prayer this morning when one of the Pastors Paul prayed something about being “prone to wander”. Immediately, thought of the text of the old hymn “Come, Thou Fount” which was part of the original inspiration for the naming of this blog. [See early entries] If you do not know it here is a link with the text. "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing" David Crowder Band
The line that my mind went to was this. “Prone to wander, Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I love.” I love Him. I love His story. I love to tell the story. I love discovering everyday my part in it. And yet…I know that my mind-at the rest of me-is prone to wander and engage in other things.
I know you understand what I am talking about, but I did not write to commiserate with you but to encourage you. Think of the first line of the song. “Tune my heart to sing Thy grace.” Tune my heart. I get out of tune. I need you to tune my heart. I line me up with you again and set me back on track. That is exactly what we need. It’s what our Savior wants to do. Why no ask Him again right now to tune your heart? It really not that hard.
Then, when you start to fell a little out of tune, do it again. It’s a musical way of praying “Fill me Holy Spirit”. It is the same thought. I want to sing Your grace, live for You but I need Your help to do even that.
Jesus, tune my heart to sing Your grace. Your never-ceasing streams of mercy call for this response-loudest praise. But not only loud. In tune. Help me.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Saddle Up Your Horses
Dear Worshipers,
What a powerful illustration Pastor Myron brought to us Sunday morning! Giving over the reins to God. Such a simple picture. Such profound implications. As we were praying as a staff this morning, the Lord developed this image a little more while several of my brothers prayed.
I could see vast open plain, like the ones at the foothills of the Rockies. Behind them in the distance rose the majestic snow capped mountains. Immediately before me was a corral with a bunch of horses and off in the distance was a pack of wild ones.
In my mind the ones in the corral were the ones who had been broken. They had yielded themselves to a rider, would were a saddle, and follow commands. Though they did not always comply quickly to the will of their rider, they knew the benefit of such and actually welcomed that direction.
The horses in the open plain were wild. They escaped the influence of any rider, seemingly going wherever they wished, although they generally followed the herd. They were free to pursue their own will, and at the mercy of the wild.
The corral and the plain, the church and the unchurched. Clean, neat. But not really. As with any analogy there are some shortcomings.
Even in the corral, the churched, are those who though they have been broken, still fight at every turn. This portrays the Christian who has not yet given control over to the Holy Spirit. We have all seen this, and if we will be honest, we have all experienced it personally. I want to encourage each of you reading to keep giving those reins.
It made me think of that theme from last fall, Live the Adventure. The most exciting life available to each of us is living in Christ. That is what we have to share with those out in the plains. Not a life of living in a corral, penned in. But learning to yield, to be disciplined so that we can enjoy all God has for us. If you are thinking that giving the reins over to God is boring, not so. It is the most exciting thing you can ever do!
For those of you thinking I am not up for that kind of excitement, let me assure you there is also no greater peace than that which comes from knowing God has the reins of your life. Do not waste another minute plodding down your worn out trail! Give God the reins and see where He will lead you. It will be wonderful. I guarantee it!
Jesus, I give You the reins of my life. I want You to control me, lead me, guide me. I want to know the thrill of life experiencing Your promises to me. Amen.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
What a powerful illustration Pastor Myron brought to us Sunday morning! Giving over the reins to God. Such a simple picture. Such profound implications. As we were praying as a staff this morning, the Lord developed this image a little more while several of my brothers prayed.
I could see vast open plain, like the ones at the foothills of the Rockies. Behind them in the distance rose the majestic snow capped mountains. Immediately before me was a corral with a bunch of horses and off in the distance was a pack of wild ones.
In my mind the ones in the corral were the ones who had been broken. They had yielded themselves to a rider, would were a saddle, and follow commands. Though they did not always comply quickly to the will of their rider, they knew the benefit of such and actually welcomed that direction.
The horses in the open plain were wild. They escaped the influence of any rider, seemingly going wherever they wished, although they generally followed the herd. They were free to pursue their own will, and at the mercy of the wild.
The corral and the plain, the church and the unchurched. Clean, neat. But not really. As with any analogy there are some shortcomings.
Even in the corral, the churched, are those who though they have been broken, still fight at every turn. This portrays the Christian who has not yet given control over to the Holy Spirit. We have all seen this, and if we will be honest, we have all experienced it personally. I want to encourage each of you reading to keep giving those reins.
It made me think of that theme from last fall, Live the Adventure. The most exciting life available to each of us is living in Christ. That is what we have to share with those out in the plains. Not a life of living in a corral, penned in. But learning to yield, to be disciplined so that we can enjoy all God has for us. If you are thinking that giving the reins over to God is boring, not so. It is the most exciting thing you can ever do!
For those of you thinking I am not up for that kind of excitement, let me assure you there is also no greater peace than that which comes from knowing God has the reins of your life. Do not waste another minute plodding down your worn out trail! Give God the reins and see where He will lead you. It will be wonderful. I guarantee it!
Jesus, I give You the reins of my life. I want You to control me, lead me, guide me. I want to know the thrill of life experiencing Your promises to me. Amen.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Seeing God at Work
Dear Worshipers,
How is your eyesight? Can you see things clearly? Do you have to hold the newspaper at arms length to read it without your glasses? Fortunately, we do not need to have great eyesight to see God at work. All we need is the faith to acknowledge His activity as such.
I was speaking with a friend this morning. Her little boy has been sick for a while. Really sick. In the hospital sick, a number of different times. He was released last week and headed back to school on Thursday only to have to leave school to go back to the doctor. They said migraines and set mom to get some prescriptions.
While there waiting on them, a man dressed like a hobo came up to them. He placed his hands on her son, which normally would have really freaked her out, but didn’t just then. He said something to the effect of, “Jesus is with you little man. You are going to be fine.” Turning to his mom, the man said “Don’t worry. God is in control.” He looked back at her son and walked away.
By that evening all signs of sickness were gone. When she commented that the medicine had really worked, her son corrected my friend and reminded her of what the man had said. They talked about Hebrews 13:2 and how the man seemed to have been an angel to them. She said it was her best Mother’s Day ever. Her son is still well.
Tears welled up in my eyes as she told me this story. By God’s grace, I see God at work in that situation, as she did. How often is God at around us and we do not recognize it? So I ask the question again…
How’s your eyesight? I am not talking about the Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” I am talking about the spiritual eyesight that allows us to see God at work around us and acknowledge it as such. Let me ask a different question.
How do see God at work around you? God is at work around you. That is not the question. The question is can you see it. Pray for the faith to see God at work in your circumstances. He wants to rescue you for sin. He wants you to experience the abundant life. He wants you to now He loves you. Can you see it?
Pray. And then get ready to have your eyes opened.
Jesus, open my eyes that I may see glimpses of your work around me. I was blind, but now I see. I was lost but now I’m found. I was dead, but now I live. And now my lifesong sings. Amen.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
How is your eyesight? Can you see things clearly? Do you have to hold the newspaper at arms length to read it without your glasses? Fortunately, we do not need to have great eyesight to see God at work. All we need is the faith to acknowledge His activity as such.
I was speaking with a friend this morning. Her little boy has been sick for a while. Really sick. In the hospital sick, a number of different times. He was released last week and headed back to school on Thursday only to have to leave school to go back to the doctor. They said migraines and set mom to get some prescriptions.
While there waiting on them, a man dressed like a hobo came up to them. He placed his hands on her son, which normally would have really freaked her out, but didn’t just then. He said something to the effect of, “Jesus is with you little man. You are going to be fine.” Turning to his mom, the man said “Don’t worry. God is in control.” He looked back at her son and walked away.
By that evening all signs of sickness were gone. When she commented that the medicine had really worked, her son corrected my friend and reminded her of what the man had said. They talked about Hebrews 13:2 and how the man seemed to have been an angel to them. She said it was her best Mother’s Day ever. Her son is still well.
Tears welled up in my eyes as she told me this story. By God’s grace, I see God at work in that situation, as she did. How often is God at around us and we do not recognize it? So I ask the question again…
How’s your eyesight? I am not talking about the Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” I am talking about the spiritual eyesight that allows us to see God at work around us and acknowledge it as such. Let me ask a different question.
How do see God at work around you? God is at work around you. That is not the question. The question is can you see it. Pray for the faith to see God at work in your circumstances. He wants to rescue you for sin. He wants you to experience the abundant life. He wants you to now He loves you. Can you see it?
Pray. And then get ready to have your eyes opened.
Jesus, open my eyes that I may see glimpses of your work around me. I was blind, but now I see. I was lost but now I’m found. I was dead, but now I live. And now my lifesong sings. Amen.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
Positive Eternal Difference
Dear Worshipers,
Without the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, we can accomplish nothing. Have you let those words sink in since Sunday. They are pretty heavy, and I want to encourage you to spend some time allowing them to settle slowly to the bottom of your soul because this is a core value that must be a part of the foundation of your thinking if you are to be used by God.
Does this mean we can not brush our teeth with the Holy Spirit? No. Go to work, school, the grocery store? Of course not. Teach, preach and baptize? No, we can even attempt these “spiritual” things in our own strength. That is not what NOTHING means.
It is not implying that we can actually do nothing without the Holy Spirit. But we all knew that already because each of us has done far too many things without His leading. Instead, it is stating that we can not make a positive eternal difference without Him.
And that is what God wants to make through us.
It’s also wants God wants to do in us.
He wants to change us until we realize that we must be totally dependent on Him. Far too often we operate in our own strength, follow our own ideas, dream up our own creations, attack challenges with our own determination instead of waiting on God, praying, and then allowing all of our resources to be empowered by Him. I know you know what I’m talking about.
So how do we do that? Focus on the little things. Start small. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you each morning before your feet hit the floor, and then keep asking Him to fill you as you go through the day. He will reveal Himself to you and give you what you need at every turn in the road. Keep it real. Keep it practical.
Remember Pastor Myron’s challenge about looking for unexpected, financial blessings as a way to meet the need for Val Downs? As of this morning he had already received three emails from people who are stoked about sharing since they have seen God provide in an unexpected way already. God is at work in our midst! He wants to work in and through YOU! Ready? Let’s go.
Jesus, I want You to make a positive eternal difference in me today, so that You make one through me as well. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. As I see you at work I will join you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Dear Worshipers,
Without the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, we can accomplish nothing. Have you let those words sink in since Sunday. They are pretty heavy, and I want to encourage you to spend some time allowing them to settle slowly to the bottom of your soul because this is a core value that must be a part of the foundation of your thinking if you are to be used by God.
Does this mean we can not brush our teeth with the Holy Spirit? No. Go to work, school, the grocery store? Of course not. Teach, preach and baptize? No, we can even attempt these “spiritual” things in our own strength. That is not what NOTHING means.
It is not implying that we can actually do nothing without the Holy Spirit. But we all knew that already because each of us has done far too many things without His leading. Instead, it is stating that we can not make a positive eternal difference without Him.
And that is what God wants to make through us.
It’s also wants God wants to do in us.
He wants to change us until we realize that we must be totally dependent on Him. Far too often we operate in our own strength, follow our own ideas, dream up our own creations, attack challenges with our own determination instead of waiting on God, praying, and then allowing all of our resources to be empowered by Him. I know you know what I’m talking about.
So how do we do that? Focus on the little things. Start small. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you each morning before your feet hit the floor, and then keep asking Him to fill you as you go through the day. He will reveal Himself to you and give you what you need at every turn in the road. Keep it real. Keep it practical.
Remember Pastor Myron’s challenge about looking for unexpected, financial blessings as a way to meet the need for Val Downs? As of this morning he had already received three emails from people who are stoked about sharing since they have seen God provide in an unexpected way already. God is at work in our midst! He wants to work in and through YOU! Ready? Let’s go.
Jesus, I want You to make a positive eternal difference in me today, so that You make one through me as well. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. As I see you at work I will join you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Identified with Christ
Dear Worshipers,
I reminded you last week that we just marked a significant marker this weekend in the life of North-Mar Church. And though we did so with no real pomp and circumstance, Pastor Myron brought another message that could have similar impact on the life of our church should we choose to respond to it. Lord, have Your way in us.
From Romans 6 he challenged us to be identified with Christ. Dead BUT Live! Know it, claim it, live it. Many of you walked toward the front of the sanctuary to affirm your desire to claim your identity in Christ. What a powerful moment! Now what.
How is it going as you are trying to live out that identity? It will not be easy, but you already knew that. For someone, the temptation to gossip has already presented itself and you have had to consider yourself dead to gossip and alive in Christ. For someone else, the allure of pornography may have already crossed your mind and you have been able to claim victory over that in Christ. Still someone else is facing a situation and you are inclined to think that the Lord really does not see you and your pain, but you have reminded yourself that you are alive in Him and He loves you.
You see being identified with Christ comes at every moment of the day, not only the great spiritual moments while you are singing a song of praise with a Bible in one hand and your other lifted to heaven. Yielding to your Master in all things is the way that we demonstrate our identity with Christ. We associate with Him at every level.
That’s what it means to be identified with someone. To associate in name, feeling, interest, action, etc. In every way to connect with Christ. That takes some adjusting on our part. Even radical adjusting. It’s not easy, but it is worth it.
So do you know it? Sure. Did you claim it? I hope so. Are you living it? I am praying you are discovering what that means every day. And that today is not exception. Let’s live out our identity with Christ
Jesus, I want to identify with You. Help me live that out by dying to myself so that I can live in You. I want to be dead but alive. Holy Spirit, help me.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
I reminded you last week that we just marked a significant marker this weekend in the life of North-Mar Church. And though we did so with no real pomp and circumstance, Pastor Myron brought another message that could have similar impact on the life of our church should we choose to respond to it. Lord, have Your way in us.
From Romans 6 he challenged us to be identified with Christ. Dead BUT Live! Know it, claim it, live it. Many of you walked toward the front of the sanctuary to affirm your desire to claim your identity in Christ. What a powerful moment! Now what.
How is it going as you are trying to live out that identity? It will not be easy, but you already knew that. For someone, the temptation to gossip has already presented itself and you have had to consider yourself dead to gossip and alive in Christ. For someone else, the allure of pornography may have already crossed your mind and you have been able to claim victory over that in Christ. Still someone else is facing a situation and you are inclined to think that the Lord really does not see you and your pain, but you have reminded yourself that you are alive in Him and He loves you.
You see being identified with Christ comes at every moment of the day, not only the great spiritual moments while you are singing a song of praise with a Bible in one hand and your other lifted to heaven. Yielding to your Master in all things is the way that we demonstrate our identity with Christ. We associate with Him at every level.
That’s what it means to be identified with someone. To associate in name, feeling, interest, action, etc. In every way to connect with Christ. That takes some adjusting on our part. Even radical adjusting. It’s not easy, but it is worth it.
So do you know it? Sure. Did you claim it? I hope so. Are you living it? I am praying you are discovering what that means every day. And that today is not exception. Let’s live out our identity with Christ
Jesus, I want to identify with You. Help me live that out by dying to myself so that I can live in You. I want to be dead but alive. Holy Spirit, help me.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Set ME on Fire
Dear Worshipers,
I like marking time, that is celebrating the passing of time especially from a significant event. At North-Mar, we are coming up on such an occasion this weekend. Can you remember what happened in our morning services a year ago this weekend, or maybe more accurately what began to happen. Think about it a minute before you read on.
It was a year ago this weekend that Pastor Myron spoke about baptism and encouraged people to respond and be baptized the next week. What happened next was a remarkable move of God. Over the next seven weeks God chose to Soak The Church as over 180 people were baptized.
It was breath-taking as week after week, for a total of 7 weeks, in each service there were people baptized with many telling glorious LifeChange stories. If you were here during that period of time, you know there are not adequate words to express the joy and excitement of those Sundays. But as with every season, those weeks drew to a close and we moved on, ever wondering what God would do next.
I remember thinking during that time and even asking the question publicly, “Do you think God is finished working here at NMC?” The response was always an emphatic “NO!” since the strong sense that each of us had was that He had really just begun. I still believe that to be true.
Though we have not seen an outpouring in a wave like that, we continue to see ripples. Lives being changed one at a time. There is a sense of excitement in our services. People fill the building for events through the week. Still, I would not be honest if I did not admit that I continue long to see God changing lives in bunches like that season a year ago.
That desire was fueled by a request I invited you to join me in back in February. Here is what I said back then.
I wonder how many of you took my challenge and have been praying. It is easy to shrug off a broad prayer like that and assume that someone else will pray it, and then God will respond to their faithful prayer, so I feel compelled to bring it a little closer to home. Will you begin to pray, Set ME on fire? WARNING! God likes to answer this kind of prayer!
I have begun to ask God why we have not seen Him move like last spring and am searching His heart to discover if there is anything we are missing that is keeping Him from freely flowing in our midst. I believe if we begin to seek Him together to set each of us on fire, we will find ourselves positioned to burn as a community of faith. Holy Spirit come!
Jesus, let revival fire fall. Then on the heals of it, let us see a great awakening in our neighborhoods and cities. Begin that work in me.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
I like marking time, that is celebrating the passing of time especially from a significant event. At North-Mar, we are coming up on such an occasion this weekend. Can you remember what happened in our morning services a year ago this weekend, or maybe more accurately what began to happen. Think about it a minute before you read on.
It was a year ago this weekend that Pastor Myron spoke about baptism and encouraged people to respond and be baptized the next week. What happened next was a remarkable move of God. Over the next seven weeks God chose to Soak The Church as over 180 people were baptized.
It was breath-taking as week after week, for a total of 7 weeks, in each service there were people baptized with many telling glorious LifeChange stories. If you were here during that period of time, you know there are not adequate words to express the joy and excitement of those Sundays. But as with every season, those weeks drew to a close and we moved on, ever wondering what God would do next.
I remember thinking during that time and even asking the question publicly, “Do you think God is finished working here at NMC?” The response was always an emphatic “NO!” since the strong sense that each of us had was that He had really just begun. I still believe that to be true.
Though we have not seen an outpouring in a wave like that, we continue to see ripples. Lives being changed one at a time. There is a sense of excitement in our services. People fill the building for events through the week. Still, I would not be honest if I did not admit that I continue long to see God changing lives in bunches like that season a year ago.
That desire was fueled by a request I invited you to join me in back in February. Here is what I said back then.
When you think about North-Mar, when you are driving here, or away from here, anytime the Lord brings this place to mind I am asking you to join me in this simple prayer: Set Us On Fire. That God would give us an all-consuming passion for the renown of His matchless name here in our community and to the ends of the earth. Will you join me?
I wonder how many of you took my challenge and have been praying. It is easy to shrug off a broad prayer like that and assume that someone else will pray it, and then God will respond to their faithful prayer, so I feel compelled to bring it a little closer to home. Will you begin to pray, Set ME on fire? WARNING! God likes to answer this kind of prayer!
I have begun to ask God why we have not seen Him move like last spring and am searching His heart to discover if there is anything we are missing that is keeping Him from freely flowing in our midst. I believe if we begin to seek Him together to set each of us on fire, we will find ourselves positioned to burn as a community of faith. Holy Spirit come!
Jesus, let revival fire fall. Then on the heals of it, let us see a great awakening in our neighborhoods and cities. Begin that work in me.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Resurrection Hangover
Dear Worshipers,
I was visiting a church pastored by a dear friend of mine this past Sunday during my vacation. In his opening remarks and welcomed to the folks gathered to worship he mentioned that he was delighted to see so many of them again the week following Easter. As you know, many people find their way to church on Easter Sunday morning who have a hard time finding their way back the next week, or for a long time.
He said, “I’m glad to see you are not experiencing a resurrection hangover.” Those words really caught my attention. While the first and most common definition of a hangover is the ill effects experienced after a night of drinking, the term hangover was originally a 19th century expression describing unfinished business—something left over from a meeting—or "survival." [Wikipedia] Another definition and the one that I eventually wrestled with can be defined as a letdown, as after a period of excitement. [dictionary.com]
Easter is certainly exciting. I was using words leading up to and even Easter Sunday morning like pinnacle to describe the importance of the celebration of the resurrection in the yearly cycle of the gathered church. While we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection every time we gather in one way or another, Easter is IT! The DAY!
It is hard not to come down from that. If it is the pinnacle, how can one not come down. You can not live at the mountaintop. There is not much there, other than the feeling of a nearness to the Lord. But life, and ministry, happen in the valley. So how do you keep from letting the hangover come?
You can’t. I really don’t think you can avoid it. But I do think you can avoid allowing your feeling to negatively affect your countenance. As you stand on the side of the mountain or near the valley at the bottom, look up. Fix your eyes again on Jesus, the Author and FINISHER of our faith. [Hebrews 12:2] It may be finished, but you are not!
Put your faith to work for you today for there are still things Jesus wants to do in and through you. Shake off the letdown from previous period of excitement and get back at it, whatever it is for you in God’s gracious plan. There is unfinished business, but that is something to be excited about, not hungover.
Jesus, help me shake off the let down of a previous period of excitement in You. I want to get there again, to that place of exhilaration and exuberance in You. Take me there as I walk one step behind you.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
I was visiting a church pastored by a dear friend of mine this past Sunday during my vacation. In his opening remarks and welcomed to the folks gathered to worship he mentioned that he was delighted to see so many of them again the week following Easter. As you know, many people find their way to church on Easter Sunday morning who have a hard time finding their way back the next week, or for a long time.
He said, “I’m glad to see you are not experiencing a resurrection hangover.” Those words really caught my attention. While the first and most common definition of a hangover is the ill effects experienced after a night of drinking, the term hangover was originally a 19th century expression describing unfinished business—something left over from a meeting—or "survival." [Wikipedia] Another definition and the one that I eventually wrestled with can be defined as a letdown, as after a period of excitement. [dictionary.com]
Easter is certainly exciting. I was using words leading up to and even Easter Sunday morning like pinnacle to describe the importance of the celebration of the resurrection in the yearly cycle of the gathered church. While we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection every time we gather in one way or another, Easter is IT! The DAY!
It is hard not to come down from that. If it is the pinnacle, how can one not come down. You can not live at the mountaintop. There is not much there, other than the feeling of a nearness to the Lord. But life, and ministry, happen in the valley. So how do you keep from letting the hangover come?
You can’t. I really don’t think you can avoid it. But I do think you can avoid allowing your feeling to negatively affect your countenance. As you stand on the side of the mountain or near the valley at the bottom, look up. Fix your eyes again on Jesus, the Author and FINISHER of our faith. [Hebrews 12:2] It may be finished, but you are not!
Put your faith to work for you today for there are still things Jesus wants to do in and through you. Shake off the letdown from previous period of excitement and get back at it, whatever it is for you in God’s gracious plan. There is unfinished business, but that is something to be excited about, not hungover.
Jesus, help me shake off the let down of a previous period of excitement in You. I want to get there again, to that place of exhilaration and exuberance in You. Take me there as I walk one step behind you.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Only a King…
Dear Worshipers,
What an amazing encounter with our Lord Sunday was for us. From the first notes of Palm Sunday services through the dismissal at the musical there was a palpable sense of God’s presence in our midst. I want each of you who were involved in any capacity to know that I am thanking God for you and your contribution to those experiences.
As we went through the musical in the 6:00 hour, I was enjoying myself immensely, which by the way I believe God wants us to do when we are in serving Him in the center of His will. We got to the song “What Kind of King?” which asks a question rhetorically focusing on the realities of what Jesus did and what kind of King that made Him. As we got to the chorus the question is answered like this.
I have sung those words many times. Can really sing them, even direct the orchestra, without really thinking about it? But in that moment the Holy Spirit revealed another layer of the reality of who Jesus is to me. That has often happened to me as I offer my worship to my King, singing something I know, and learning something by revelation I had yet to appreciate.
What a King is our Jesus! What a joy to serve Him! What a delight to be alive forever because of what He accomplished on the cross! AMEN!
As we approach our celebrations this weekend, Good Friday and Easter Sunday, ask God to reveal something of Himself to you. To overwhelm you with the reality of Himself. To touch and heal and restore and forgive and bless. And while you are at it, pray for the many who will attend those services, particularly Easter morning, that God will show His Son to them in a life-changing way.
Jesus, You are alive forever, and because of that so are we. Help us to remember Your sacrifice and revel in Your resurrection this weekend, and always. Alleluia!
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
What an amazing encounter with our Lord Sunday was for us. From the first notes of Palm Sunday services through the dismissal at the musical there was a palpable sense of God’s presence in our midst. I want each of you who were involved in any capacity to know that I am thanking God for you and your contribution to those experiences.
As we went through the musical in the 6:00 hour, I was enjoying myself immensely, which by the way I believe God wants us to do when we are in serving Him in the center of His will. We got to the song “What Kind of King?” which asks a question rhetorically focusing on the realities of what Jesus did and what kind of King that made Him. As we got to the chorus the question is answered like this.
Only a King who gives up His crown.
Only a King his glory laid down.
Only a King who’s willing to give so that others might live.
Jesus the King.
I have sung those words many times. Can really sing them, even direct the orchestra, without really thinking about it? But in that moment the Holy Spirit revealed another layer of the reality of who Jesus is to me. That has often happened to me as I offer my worship to my King, singing something I know, and learning something by revelation I had yet to appreciate.
What a King is our Jesus! What a joy to serve Him! What a delight to be alive forever because of what He accomplished on the cross! AMEN!
As we approach our celebrations this weekend, Good Friday and Easter Sunday, ask God to reveal something of Himself to you. To overwhelm you with the reality of Himself. To touch and heal and restore and forgive and bless. And while you are at it, pray for the many who will attend those services, particularly Easter morning, that God will show His Son to them in a life-changing way.
Jesus, You are alive forever, and because of that so are we. Help us to remember Your sacrifice and revel in Your resurrection this weekend, and always. Alleluia!
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Save Us, Please!
Dear Worshipers,
That’s what the choir will be shouting as they enter the sanctuary Sunday morning carrying palm branches. For anyone with a little church background that will not seem that strange since they will recall the biblical accounts of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem at the beginning of what we now call Holy Week. But before we dismiss this as something we know all about let’s think for a minute why this event, and particularly this exclamation was so significant.
This is true of the word transliterated “Hosanna” because of what it represented.
This is very helpful for us who know this word Hosanna from our Palm Sunday chants. For those who were shouting it and hearing it on the road into Jerusalem, there was no mistaking they were heralding the arrival of their Messiah. His riding on a donkey was another fulfilled prophecy that pointed to His Kingship. [Zechariah 9:9]
It has always struck me how quickly the crowds turn on Jesus. It is only days later when the crowd says “Crucify him!” These seems like such a strange turn of events, but for the mind of the Israelite crying out to be saved from the Roman oppression Jesus simply must not have delivered quickly enough. We can be fickle like that as well, can’t we?
So what will your response be as the crowds shout Hosanna this weekend? Will you place your expectations on the Savior as to how and when and from what He should save you? Or rather, will you humbly cry out to Him to have his way and save you on His terms? May there be many who choose the latter response! Will you join me in it?
Jesus, as we have sung recently and will sing again this weekend, “Come have Your way among us. We welcome you here Lord Jesus!” Hosanna! You are the God who saves us. You’re worthy of all our praises.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
That’s what the choir will be shouting as they enter the sanctuary Sunday morning carrying palm branches. For anyone with a little church background that will not seem that strange since they will recall the biblical accounts of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem at the beginning of what we now call Holy Week. But before we dismiss this as something we know all about let’s think for a minute why this event, and particularly this exclamation was so significant.
This is true of the word transliterated “Hosanna” because of what it represented.
Our English word is a transliteration (using English letters) of a Hebrew one-word sentence meaning, "Save us, please!" John's Greek text also transliterated hosanna from Hebrew to Greek. The word is part of Psalm 118:25a where it is part of a prayer addressed to the Lord. It is not likely that John failed to appreciate the meaning of the crowd meeting Jesus with the words of a prayer the Old Testament addressed to God. In the course of time the Hebrew meaning of hosanna was forgotten and the word simply became a Christian exclamation of praise. This is the way most of us have heard hosanna; it may be that its use in the very celebrative Triumphal Entry led to this later praise use. [An excerpt from a longer article with an informative section on “John 12:12-19 - The Triumphal Entry” see that subheading about halfway down the page “The Voice” Roger Hahn]
This is very helpful for us who know this word Hosanna from our Palm Sunday chants. For those who were shouting it and hearing it on the road into Jerusalem, there was no mistaking they were heralding the arrival of their Messiah. His riding on a donkey was another fulfilled prophecy that pointed to His Kingship. [Zechariah 9:9]
It has always struck me how quickly the crowds turn on Jesus. It is only days later when the crowd says “Crucify him!” These seems like such a strange turn of events, but for the mind of the Israelite crying out to be saved from the Roman oppression Jesus simply must not have delivered quickly enough. We can be fickle like that as well, can’t we?
So what will your response be as the crowds shout Hosanna this weekend? Will you place your expectations on the Savior as to how and when and from what He should save you? Or rather, will you humbly cry out to Him to have his way and save you on His terms? May there be many who choose the latter response! Will you join me in it?
Jesus, as we have sung recently and will sing again this weekend, “Come have Your way among us. We welcome you here Lord Jesus!” Hosanna! You are the God who saves us. You’re worthy of all our praises.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
I Am Not Ashamed
Dear Worshipers,
What a challenge from the Scripture on Sunday! Paul was under obligation, eager and not ashamed. We need to envision ourselves the same way. I think the first two are a little easier for us than the last.
Under obligation. When we realize the significance of what the Lord has done for us this is not so hard to feel. I like the way one song we have sung recently puts it. “Oh, my words could not tell, not even in part, of the debt of love that is owed by this thankful heart.” But we are not only obligation to the Lord, but also to those who have yet to hear this Good News.
Eager. Again, when we consider the implications the Gospel in our lives, we are naturally enthusiastic about it. But the issue is not enthusiasm as much as faithfulness and the power by which we share must be supernatural and not just natural.
These things are obvious. But no so much so that they go without saying. Because for some reason we often do not live as though we are under obligation or eager, let alone both, and I believe the underlying reason may be that we are ashamed of the Gospel. Before you get upset with me, let me explain.
I do not think that any us of is asked would say we are ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as it is clearly described in the Scriptures. If we are ashamed, and I am only asserting that we may be, I think it derives from the fact that we have exchanged the Gospel of Jesus Christ for one that is a little less demanding, one that does not place us under obligation to share it, and one that we are not necessarily eager to share. Why might I believe this?
Because the Gospel of Jesus Christ “is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes”. (Romans 1:16b NLT) Too often, we do not see the power of God at work, saving people, and we gradually become comfortable with that, until finally we refashion the Gospel and make a gospel that closely resembles it, just without the power. Lord, have mercy on us to the extent that we have done this.
Sunday we saw the power of God demonstrated in the testimonies from those who were being baptized. We are seeing the power of God at work saving people, so we are less inclined to create our own gospel. May God bless us with a greater awareness of His power so that we will find ourselves under obligation, eager and NOT ASHAMED.
Jesus, give us eyes to see you at work around us. As we do, make us eager to proclaim Your Gospel that has the power to save everyone who believes. When as put our faith to work, may we see people trusting in You.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
What a challenge from the Scripture on Sunday! Paul was under obligation, eager and not ashamed. We need to envision ourselves the same way. I think the first two are a little easier for us than the last.
Under obligation. When we realize the significance of what the Lord has done for us this is not so hard to feel. I like the way one song we have sung recently puts it. “Oh, my words could not tell, not even in part, of the debt of love that is owed by this thankful heart.” But we are not only obligation to the Lord, but also to those who have yet to hear this Good News.
Eager. Again, when we consider the implications the Gospel in our lives, we are naturally enthusiastic about it. But the issue is not enthusiasm as much as faithfulness and the power by which we share must be supernatural and not just natural.
These things are obvious. But no so much so that they go without saying. Because for some reason we often do not live as though we are under obligation or eager, let alone both, and I believe the underlying reason may be that we are ashamed of the Gospel. Before you get upset with me, let me explain.
I do not think that any us of is asked would say we are ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as it is clearly described in the Scriptures. If we are ashamed, and I am only asserting that we may be, I think it derives from the fact that we have exchanged the Gospel of Jesus Christ for one that is a little less demanding, one that does not place us under obligation to share it, and one that we are not necessarily eager to share. Why might I believe this?
Because the Gospel of Jesus Christ “is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes”. (Romans 1:16b NLT) Too often, we do not see the power of God at work, saving people, and we gradually become comfortable with that, until finally we refashion the Gospel and make a gospel that closely resembles it, just without the power. Lord, have mercy on us to the extent that we have done this.
Sunday we saw the power of God demonstrated in the testimonies from those who were being baptized. We are seeing the power of God at work saving people, so we are less inclined to create our own gospel. May God bless us with a greater awareness of His power so that we will find ourselves under obligation, eager and NOT ASHAMED.
Jesus, give us eyes to see you at work around us. As we do, make us eager to proclaim Your Gospel that has the power to save everyone who believes. When as put our faith to work, may we see people trusting in You.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Faith Works
Dear Worshipers,
Pastor Myron will be starting a new series taking us through an overview of sorts of the book of Romans. As he spoke with me last Thursday he shared his working title, Faith Works, and that really got my juices flowing. What a perfect way to continue an emphasis on the filling of the Spirit and even more specifically Pastor Worley’s message this week about the mobilization of fully devoted disciple of Christ. As we begin this new series be praying as God continues to show Himself to us that we would be willing to adjust our living around His plans and purposes, moving on to God’s agenda.
Someone sent the following to me last week. It is a wonderful illustration of our faith working and keeping us one step behind Jesus. Oh, that we would be oft mistaken for our King?
Jesus, help us to live so in step with You that we are often mistaken for You. If that happens, it will be a demonstration of the Spirit’s power in our lives, and an opportunity for us to praise You for what only You could do! Do it Lord, for Your glory!
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Pastor Myron will be starting a new series taking us through an overview of sorts of the book of Romans. As he spoke with me last Thursday he shared his working title, Faith Works, and that really got my juices flowing. What a perfect way to continue an emphasis on the filling of the Spirit and even more specifically Pastor Worley’s message this week about the mobilization of fully devoted disciple of Christ. As we begin this new series be praying as God continues to show Himself to us that we would be willing to adjust our living around His plans and purposes, moving on to God’s agenda.
Someone sent the following to me last week. It is a wonderful illustration of our faith working and keeping us one step behind Jesus. Oh, that we would be oft mistaken for our King?
EXCUSE ME, ARE YOU JESUS? [Author unknown]
A few years ago a group of salesmen went to a regional sales convention in Chicago. They had assured their wives that they would be home in plenty of time for Friday night’s dinner. In their rush, with tickets and briefcases, one of these salesmen inadvertently kicked over
a table which held a display of apples. Apples flew everywhere Without stopping or looking back, they all managed to reach the plane in time for their nearly missed boarding.
ALL BUT ONE! He paused, took a deep breath, got in touch with his feelings, and experienced a twinge of compassion for the girl whose apple stand had been overturned.
He told his buddies to go on without him, waved good-bye, told one of them to call his wife when they arrived at their home destination and explain his taking a later flight. Then he returned to the terminal where the apples were all over the terminal floor. He was glad he did.
The 16 year old girl was totally blind! She was softly crying, tears running down her cheeks in frustration, and at the same time helplessly groping for her spilled produce as the crowd swirled about her, no one stopping and no one to care for her plight.
The salesman knelt on the floor with her, gathered up the apples, put them back on the table and helped organize her display. As he did this, he noticed that many of them had become battered and bruised; these he set aside in another basket.
When he had finished, he pulled out his wallet and said to the girl, “Here, please take this $40 for the damage we did. Are you okay?” She nodded through her tears. He continued on with, “I hope we didn’t spoil your day too badly.”
As the salesman started to walk away, the bewildered blind girl called out to him, “Mister….” He paused and turned to look back into those blind eyes. She continued, “Are you Jesus?” He stopped in mid-stride, and he wondered. Then slowly he made his way
to catch the later flight with that question burning and bouncing about in his soul: “Are you Jesus?” Do people mistake you for Jesus? That’s our destiny, is it not? To be so much like Jesus that people cannot tell the difference as we live and interact with a world that is blind to His love, life and grace.
If we claim to know Him, we should live, walk and act as He would. Knowing Him is more than simply quoting Scripture and going to church. It’s actually living the Word as life unfolds day to day. You are the apple of His eye even though we, too, have been bruised by a fall. He stopped what He was doing and picked you and me up on a hill called Calvary and paid in full for our damaged fruit.
Jesus, help us to live so in step with You that we are often mistaken for You. If that happens, it will be a demonstration of the Spirit’s power in our lives, and an opportunity for us to praise You for what only You could do! Do it Lord, for Your glory!
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Filled with the Holy Spirit
Dear Worshipers,
I trust that as we came to close in the service Sunday there were some who for the first time were asking God to fill them with His Holy Spirit, as Pastor Myron has taught and was directing and leading us. I am equally as certain that some of them were surprised when no actual fire fell from heaven, or when there were not manifestations of the Holy Spirit like tongues. I am sure some were thinking, “So how do I know that I am filled with God’s Holy Spirit?”
I thought of my two older boys who were in the service Sunday. I do not think they were wondering about the kinds of things I outlined above for they have no context to have formed such thoughts on the Spirit. We talk about the Spirit filling us and leading us, even with our 4 year old who surrendered to Christ last year. It is not always something that is demonstrated by signs and wonders, though I believe it absolutely can be.
Rather, the filling of the Holy Spirit is not always so conspicuous. Though I believe over a period of time His presence in our lives should be obvious, it is not always readily apparent. Part of the reason for that is us, and the other part is Him.
Sometimes we simply do not allow Him to move freely through us. I think of the image of heavenly Dove and imagine how easily a dove is shooed away when not welcome. We do not have to do much to cause Him to retreat from the forefront of our lives.
This can be frustrating, but it also has an encouraging parallel. We do not have to do much to welcome Him back to the forefront either. Remember that simple prayer? “Lord, fill me with Your Holy Spirit; I want to live for You.” Seems to simple, right? Well, it is. But God knows it must be simple if we are going to be able to do it. Remember, He knows us better than we know ourselves.
If you have not prayed it again yet, why not do it right now? “Lord, fill me with Your Holy Spirit; I want to live for You.” There may not be signs and wonders, but there will be a quiet confidence that you are at the disposable of the Mighty One, and are empowered to do all He calls you to do as you live for Him.
For more on the activity of the Holy Spirit and our prayers inviting it read my blog entry Never Be the Same Again, Chorus from Tuesday, May 26, 2009.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
I trust that as we came to close in the service Sunday there were some who for the first time were asking God to fill them with His Holy Spirit, as Pastor Myron has taught and was directing and leading us. I am equally as certain that some of them were surprised when no actual fire fell from heaven, or when there were not manifestations of the Holy Spirit like tongues. I am sure some were thinking, “So how do I know that I am filled with God’s Holy Spirit?”
I thought of my two older boys who were in the service Sunday. I do not think they were wondering about the kinds of things I outlined above for they have no context to have formed such thoughts on the Spirit. We talk about the Spirit filling us and leading us, even with our 4 year old who surrendered to Christ last year. It is not always something that is demonstrated by signs and wonders, though I believe it absolutely can be.
Rather, the filling of the Holy Spirit is not always so conspicuous. Though I believe over a period of time His presence in our lives should be obvious, it is not always readily apparent. Part of the reason for that is us, and the other part is Him.
Sometimes we simply do not allow Him to move freely through us. I think of the image of heavenly Dove and imagine how easily a dove is shooed away when not welcome. We do not have to do much to cause Him to retreat from the forefront of our lives.
This can be frustrating, but it also has an encouraging parallel. We do not have to do much to welcome Him back to the forefront either. Remember that simple prayer? “Lord, fill me with Your Holy Spirit; I want to live for You.” Seems to simple, right? Well, it is. But God knows it must be simple if we are going to be able to do it. Remember, He knows us better than we know ourselves.
If you have not prayed it again yet, why not do it right now? “Lord, fill me with Your Holy Spirit; I want to live for You.” There may not be signs and wonders, but there will be a quiet confidence that you are at the disposable of the Mighty One, and are empowered to do all He calls you to do as you live for Him.
For more on the activity of the Holy Spirit and our prayers inviting it read my blog entry Never Be the Same Again, Chorus from Tuesday, May 26, 2009.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
One Step Behind Jesus
Dear Worshipers,
Pastor Myron has said this phrase many times lately. I know that I am privileged to spend a good amount of time with him each week so I hear them more than some of you but I know he has been saying them on Sunday mornings as well. They are a significant part of the picture he has in his mind of what God wants North-Mar to look like, and every time he speaks them that picture becomes clearer to me and you.
So what about that picture that is emerging in your mind? Do you see the back side of the Good Shepherd? Do you see the sun beating down on His head, glistening in the sweat on His brow as He turns back to you? Do you see Him gently motioning to you to continue to follow? Do you feel the wind in your face as you press on?
We have been given an assignment this week and I want to encourage you to do it. It was on the back of the sermon notes in the bulletin. In case you failed to pick one up before you left the church here it is, “Take some time this week to root out any legalistic thinking that may be a part of your past.” There were a couple of other encouragements to believe the truth about Jesus, and that God can work in you by His Spirit so you can really follow Jesus, but I want to encourage you to do the first one.
Will you spend some time talking with the Lord about how you view the role of the Holy Spirit in your life? Will you ask Him to reveal and wrong thinking that has clouded your experience of Him? Will you ask Him to show you if there is anything in your mind in particular or your life in general that would impair your yielding entirely to Him?
Though I would want you to come every Sunday with this expectation, I want to encourage you to come expecting to meet God in a life-changing way Sunday as we conclude this two-part series on the Holy Spirit. God has been meeting us in an unusual way recently. I trust you have been sensing that. My call for you to join me in praying for His fire to fall on us is a part of seeing that unfold.
Our desire is to be like Jesus, and a dependency on the Holy Spirit is critical to being like Him. We want to follow one step behind Him, looking to Him for direction and guidance at every turn in the road. Let’s prepare to press into that shared purpose as we gather Sunday. I look forward to seeing you there.
Jesus, set us on fire. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit that we may follow one step behind you. Let Your flame burn to glorify Your name.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Pastor Myron has said this phrase many times lately. I know that I am privileged to spend a good amount of time with him each week so I hear them more than some of you but I know he has been saying them on Sunday mornings as well. They are a significant part of the picture he has in his mind of what God wants North-Mar to look like, and every time he speaks them that picture becomes clearer to me and you.
So what about that picture that is emerging in your mind? Do you see the back side of the Good Shepherd? Do you see the sun beating down on His head, glistening in the sweat on His brow as He turns back to you? Do you see Him gently motioning to you to continue to follow? Do you feel the wind in your face as you press on?
We have been given an assignment this week and I want to encourage you to do it. It was on the back of the sermon notes in the bulletin. In case you failed to pick one up before you left the church here it is, “Take some time this week to root out any legalistic thinking that may be a part of your past.” There were a couple of other encouragements to believe the truth about Jesus, and that God can work in you by His Spirit so you can really follow Jesus, but I want to encourage you to do the first one.
Will you spend some time talking with the Lord about how you view the role of the Holy Spirit in your life? Will you ask Him to reveal and wrong thinking that has clouded your experience of Him? Will you ask Him to show you if there is anything in your mind in particular or your life in general that would impair your yielding entirely to Him?
Though I would want you to come every Sunday with this expectation, I want to encourage you to come expecting to meet God in a life-changing way Sunday as we conclude this two-part series on the Holy Spirit. God has been meeting us in an unusual way recently. I trust you have been sensing that. My call for you to join me in praying for His fire to fall on us is a part of seeing that unfold.
Our desire is to be like Jesus, and a dependency on the Holy Spirit is critical to being like Him. We want to follow one step behind Him, looking to Him for direction and guidance at every turn in the road. Let’s prepare to press into that shared purpose as we gather Sunday. I look forward to seeing you there.
Jesus, set us on fire. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit that we may follow one step behind you. Let Your flame burn to glorify Your name.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Set Us On Fire
Dear Worshipers,
A week ago Sunday we celebrated what God did at North-Mar church in 2009. For me, as I reflected on my inaugural year of ministry here it is overshadowed by these three words “Soak Your Church”. This is exactly what God did as we saw 180 people baptized in May and June. It was a remarkable moving of God.
We sang a song during that season tilted “I Will Never Be the Same Again”. In it were these words. “Fall like fire…burn away the chaff…let a flame burn to glorify Your name”. I think those words were still on my mind as I headed into our weekly time of praying as a pastoral staff.
Pastor Myron was challenging us to pray courageously, being willing to ask God for things that will bring glory to only His name as he does them. We were praying for people to be set free from addictions, for lives to be healed, and marriages transformed. As we prayed, I felt God impressing upon me to ask Him to set us on fire, that we would be filled with the Holy Spirit. I prayed and have continued praying and know what to ask you to join me.
When you think about North-Mar, when you are driving here, or away from here, anytime the Lord brings this place to mind I am asking you to join me in this simple prayer: Set Us On Fire. That God would give us an all-consuming passion for the renown of His matchless name here in our community and to the ends of the earth. Will you join me?
As certainly as 2009 was the year God chose to Soak His Church, may 2010 be the year he chose to Set Us On Fire. Nothing fancy here, just desperation for God to do what only He can do so that when He does it He receives all that glory. That’s the kind of place he wants North-Mar to be. That’s the kind of people He wants us to be. How gracious!
Jesus, set us on fire. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit burn away the chaff of uselessness in our lives and our church. Let Your flame burn to glorify Your name.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
A week ago Sunday we celebrated what God did at North-Mar church in 2009. For me, as I reflected on my inaugural year of ministry here it is overshadowed by these three words “Soak Your Church”. This is exactly what God did as we saw 180 people baptized in May and June. It was a remarkable moving of God.
We sang a song during that season tilted “I Will Never Be the Same Again”. In it were these words. “Fall like fire…burn away the chaff…let a flame burn to glorify Your name”. I think those words were still on my mind as I headed into our weekly time of praying as a pastoral staff.
Pastor Myron was challenging us to pray courageously, being willing to ask God for things that will bring glory to only His name as he does them. We were praying for people to be set free from addictions, for lives to be healed, and marriages transformed. As we prayed, I felt God impressing upon me to ask Him to set us on fire, that we would be filled with the Holy Spirit. I prayed and have continued praying and know what to ask you to join me.
When you think about North-Mar, when you are driving here, or away from here, anytime the Lord brings this place to mind I am asking you to join me in this simple prayer: Set Us On Fire. That God would give us an all-consuming passion for the renown of His matchless name here in our community and to the ends of the earth. Will you join me?
As certainly as 2009 was the year God chose to Soak His Church, may 2010 be the year he chose to Set Us On Fire. Nothing fancy here, just desperation for God to do what only He can do so that when He does it He receives all that glory. That’s the kind of place he wants North-Mar to be. That’s the kind of people He wants us to be. How gracious!
Jesus, set us on fire. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit burn away the chaff of uselessness in our lives and our church. Let Your flame burn to glorify Your name.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Knowing and Obeying God’s Word
Dear Worshipers,
Has this ever happened to you? You hear a message about ________ [you supply words]. A few days later you read a book that talks about ________ as a key element for spiritual growth. Someone sends you an email about ________. You find yourself thinking, “OK Lord, I get the picture.”
That has been my experience these last few days with this core value, knowing and obeying God’s word. I want to share the text from the email I received.
We all want to be obedient to God’s word, written and spoken. Ask Him with me for the grace and courage to be obedient to His voice.
Jesus, I want to be obedient to Your voice. Fill me with Your Spirit that I may have the grace and courage to listen and obey, radically and immediately.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Has this ever happened to you? You hear a message about ________ [you supply words]. A few days later you read a book that talks about ________ as a key element for spiritual growth. Someone sends you an email about ________. You find yourself thinking, “OK Lord, I get the picture.”
That has been my experience these last few days with this core value, knowing and obeying God’s word. I want to share the text from the email I received.
Strange Instructions
"And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands" (2 John 6).
A distinguished Indian evangelist named Sadhu Chellappa was on a mission trip to a village north of Madras, when in the middle of the night he suddenly sensed God speaking to him: "Leave this house quickly and run away!"
Not exactly a convenient thing to do. But Chellappa was accustomed to accepting even strange instructions from the Lord without debate, so he dressed quickly and ran into the darkness.
After a while, he was in open country. As he passed beneath a large tree, he felt God tell him, "Stay here and start to preach!" Now, even for an experienced evangelist, this was puzzling--because there was no one to be seen. Why did God want him to preach to an empty field in the middle of the night? But he stopped under the tree and began to preach the gospel.
Finally, he reached the point at which he called on his unseen listeners to give their lives to Jesus. He was surprised to hear a voice from the top of the tree and see a man climb down, crying. The man tearfully gave his life to Jesus. When Chellappa asked why he was in a tree out in the middle of nowhere, the man admitted, "I came out here to hang myself.."
How is your obedience quotient? God calls us to be obedient to that small voice inside that can direct us to sometimes do strange things. Jesus was obedient in ALL things. "For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous" (Rom 5:19). God can do exceedingly great things through one man or woman who is willing to be obedient to God's voice.
We all want to be obedient to God’s word, written and spoken. Ask Him with me for the grace and courage to be obedient to His voice.
Jesus, I want to be obedient to Your voice. Fill me with Your Spirit that I may have the grace and courage to listen and obey, radically and immediately.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Highest Purposes
Dear Worshipers,
Last week I wrote encouraging you to set some goals. I gave you a biblical example of the overarching goal that encompasses each of our lives, Christ-likeness. I want to give you another Scripture to consider today as you prayerfully place some goals before you to guide your living.
In a book we are reading as a staff, there is a section titled “Radical, Immediate Obedience”. I know, when I read that I was a little hesitant to flip the page, but wanting to be conscientious I did. The author wrote about the need to guard against comfortable disobedience, rationalizing our unwillingness to fully obey by doing a little less than God has called us to do. He spoke of the need for repentance when we fail to obey, citing Saul and David as bad and good examples respectively. Then came the section that really hit me, and here is where it ties in to our lives and worship.
His highest purposes! Wow. That jumped off the page at me. I consulted several other translations and no others read like this. Most had wording like, “every good work” or something to that effect. [Keep in mind TLB is a paraphrase.] Still, I think there is something profitable to be mined from this.
Certainly, all of the work that God has called us to is noble and honorable. But there are many things that we could set our hearts and minds on that are less than God has called us to do that might be regarded by many as worthy of causes to spend our lives pursuing. These lesser purposes can consume us and become a good reason for not doing the higher things God has actually called us to do.
Though these lesser/higher purposes may be different for you and me let me give you an example. I am confident that part of God’s higher purposes for me is the ministry I exercise on Sunday morning, leading God’s people in worship. I could be involved in a lesser role in the same activity, but that would not be my pursuing God’s highest purposes in my life.
The question I want to pose to you is this. Are you fully invested in God’s highest purposes, or have a myriad of lesser purposes diluted your focus and rendered you ineffective? Consider this question before our Lord and commit to become a dish of pure gold.
Jesus, I want to be engaged in Your highest purposes. Reveal to me if I have rationalized by behavior and soothed my conviction with good works. I am fully dependent on Your leading me and using me.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Last week I wrote encouraging you to set some goals. I gave you a biblical example of the overarching goal that encompasses each of our lives, Christ-likeness. I want to give you another Scripture to consider today as you prayerfully place some goals before you to guide your living.
In a book we are reading as a staff, there is a section titled “Radical, Immediate Obedience”. I know, when I read that I was a little hesitant to flip the page, but wanting to be conscientious I did. The author wrote about the need to guard against comfortable disobedience, rationalizing our unwillingness to fully obey by doing a little less than God has called us to do. He spoke of the need for repentance when we fail to obey, citing Saul and David as bad and good examples respectively. Then came the section that really hit me, and here is where it ties in to our lives and worship.
If you stay away from sin, you will be like one of those dishes made of purest gold-the very best in the house-so that Christ Himself can use you for His highest purposes. [2 Timothy 2:21, The Living Bible]
His highest purposes! Wow. That jumped off the page at me. I consulted several other translations and no others read like this. Most had wording like, “every good work” or something to that effect. [Keep in mind TLB is a paraphrase.] Still, I think there is something profitable to be mined from this.
Certainly, all of the work that God has called us to is noble and honorable. But there are many things that we could set our hearts and minds on that are less than God has called us to do that might be regarded by many as worthy of causes to spend our lives pursuing. These lesser purposes can consume us and become a good reason for not doing the higher things God has actually called us to do.
Though these lesser/higher purposes may be different for you and me let me give you an example. I am confident that part of God’s higher purposes for me is the ministry I exercise on Sunday morning, leading God’s people in worship. I could be involved in a lesser role in the same activity, but that would not be my pursuing God’s highest purposes in my life.
The question I want to pose to you is this. Are you fully invested in God’s highest purposes, or have a myriad of lesser purposes diluted your focus and rendered you ineffective? Consider this question before our Lord and commit to become a dish of pure gold.
Jesus, I want to be engaged in Your highest purposes. Reveal to me if I have rationalized by behavior and soothed my conviction with good works. I am fully dependent on Your leading me and using me.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Goals
Dear Worshipers,
I read an article a couple of weeks ago, right after the turn of the year that talked about coming up with some goals, both personally and pastorally…
I saw a note that Sarah had written with regard to a goal she has set for herself that challenged and motivated me…
I am feeling led to prayerfully consider writing down some things I hope to accomplish with God’s help in 2010…
And I want you to join me.
Setting and striving for goals is a very biblical concept. Sure, management and self-help books will speak of the necessity of writing down realistic and measurable goals, but they did not invent this idea. God did. This is how Paul put his goal setting.
What powerful word! Forgetting what is behind…straining toward what is ahead…pressing on toward the goal to win the prize. That’s the best goal anyone could have, but there are also lesser goals that are very important, some of them being steps in reaching that ultimate one.
I want to encourage you to pray and write down at least one goal. Maybe it is something short-term, in the next month, or by summer, or by the end of the year. Be realistic. “I will loose 98 pounds this in 2010”, would not be a good example. Make it measureable. “I will grow closer to Jesus”, another bad example.
Take some time this week to ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to set at least one goal. Write it down and put it where you will see it regularly. Tell somebody about and ask them pray for you that you will be able to press on toward reaching it. Make a plan to take steps to see it fulfilled. Give glory to God when it is.
Jesus, help me set a goal that will help me press on. I want to be more like You, and that means taking steps toward to the goal that you have called me heavenward to attain. Fill me with Your Spirit as I do.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
I read an article a couple of weeks ago, right after the turn of the year that talked about coming up with some goals, both personally and pastorally…
I saw a note that Sarah had written with regard to a goal she has set for herself that challenged and motivated me…
I am feeling led to prayerfully consider writing down some things I hope to accomplish with God’s help in 2010…
And I want you to join me.
Setting and striving for goals is a very biblical concept. Sure, management and self-help books will speak of the necessity of writing down realistic and measurable goals, but they did not invent this idea. God did. This is how Paul put his goal setting.
12Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. [Philippians 3:12-14, NIV]
What powerful word! Forgetting what is behind…straining toward what is ahead…pressing on toward the goal to win the prize. That’s the best goal anyone could have, but there are also lesser goals that are very important, some of them being steps in reaching that ultimate one.
I want to encourage you to pray and write down at least one goal. Maybe it is something short-term, in the next month, or by summer, or by the end of the year. Be realistic. “I will loose 98 pounds this in 2010”, would not be a good example. Make it measureable. “I will grow closer to Jesus”, another bad example.
Take some time this week to ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to set at least one goal. Write it down and put it where you will see it regularly. Tell somebody about and ask them pray for you that you will be able to press on toward reaching it. Make a plan to take steps to see it fulfilled. Give glory to God when it is.
Jesus, help me set a goal that will help me press on. I want to be more like You, and that means taking steps toward to the goal that you have called me heavenward to attain. Fill me with Your Spirit as I do.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Worship and Suffering
Dear Worshipers,
To follow up on my thoughts about a generous life from last week I want to borrow the words of a new friend to help you think about worship in a broader sense.
Jesus, help me understand how stepping into pain can be a powerful act of worship. Lead me with regard to Haiti, and the arenas in my life where I must experience pain first-hand. Give me Your heart of love, the most generous.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
To follow up on my thoughts about a generous life from last week I want to borrow the words of a new friend to help you think about worship in a broader sense.
True Worship Steps Into Pain
From Dan On Haiti
Tonight, my heart is half a world away, with friends who are aggressively working to respond to the crisis in Haiti. I don't know all those friends by name; I do know that I am
thankful for their feet going in my stead, ambling through airports and stepping into rubble.
It is ours to remember, that in a time like this in the world, when poverty stricken nations find trouble upon trouble mounting toward them, that we who bear the Hope of the
world enter into their pain - like the God Who we follow.
If Jesus' life evidences anything to us about true worship, it is that the God unseen enters into, walks into, even runs into, the pain of those who are "other." He spends Him-
self on behalf of those He loves. This is His way.
We who live far from Haiti in these moments must allow ourselves to bear pain with them, as part of our human family, and as another reason for the great wealth and gifts we possess in our parts of the world. Strength finds its reason and purpose in covering another's weakness. This is His Design.
They are our family, no matter each one's faith perspective.
We do not all need to be in Haiti. We must trust that those who must go, will go. But is not enough to shake our heads and share moments of awe and sorrow. We must make the
request of God that He reveal to us our part to play, no matter how simple it may be.
I encourage you, as an act of living worship as your read this, to ask what your part is to play. Then, simply respond.
We each have a portion in one another's story. We are connected with Haiti's turmoil in ways we may only sense when the lights are out and we are considering the world in which we find ourselves.
In this case of pain that reaches our eyes and ears, we are invited by God to weep and mourn with them over what is all of our great loss. If it were directly my own, I would wan them to ask what their part was to play in coming to my loved one's support.
True worship, in the face of great suffering, asks for an invitation into the pain that God and the sufferers carry. Simply ask, then simply respond. It is enough.
In this journey of willingness, we find real prayers rising, authentic acts of physical and spiritual generosity, and the ability to partner with God in the ways in which He is inviting us.
It is a privilege to worship with you, in our generation, and to lead others into the kind of worship encounters that compel us into the very Heart of Love, and into the very Heart of Suffering.
We, as followers of Jesus, choose both.
In prayer with you for Haiti,
Dan
Dan Wilt, M.Min.
Learning Community Director
WorshipTraining.com
Jesus, help me understand how stepping into pain can be a powerful act of worship. Lead me with regard to Haiti, and the arenas in my life where I must experience pain first-hand. Give me Your heart of love, the most generous.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
A Generous Life
Dear Worshipers,
I hope you are looking forward to what God is going to do in us as a church and in you individually as we consider His truth over these next several weeks. I want to encourage you to pick up the devotional booklet and go through it, either with your family a friend or with Jesus alone. I know as a family we are going to consider how God would want to love us along in this continuum of living a generous life.
This is an area where I am aware I need to grow. I might be tempted at times to use this as an excuse even though I should know better but giving is not one of my primary love languages. Actually, it may very well be the lowest. For this reason I know this is an area where I need to grow in grace. Though I endeavor to be a faithful and dutiful tither, the above and beyond is not something I excel at. I say this to my shame. But God is at work in me, and I trust will be faithful to complete that work.
Maybe for you giving of your resources is not an issue. Maybe you struggle giving in some other arena, whether it is time or talent. Maybe it is relationally or emotionally. There are a lot of ways we can give and I trust that this season will be a very fruitful one for you if you will spend some time reflecting on the scriptures in the devotional book and what Pastor Myron brings to us on Sunday mornings.
We are going to be memorizing some scripture together over these next few weeks and I would encourage you to do the same. We are starting with Psalm 24.1, “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” As you are reading and reflecting on those scriptures take some time to allow the Spirit to write them on you heart. As you do, trust Him to work those truths out in your life. He will amaze you.
Reflect on the words of the song we will be singing through this season and consider if it is your expression of worship. “I Will Offer Up My Life” by Matt Redman.
Jesus, make my life a generous life. One that reflects your heart to those around me. Change me to be like you.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
I hope you are looking forward to what God is going to do in us as a church and in you individually as we consider His truth over these next several weeks. I want to encourage you to pick up the devotional booklet and go through it, either with your family a friend or with Jesus alone. I know as a family we are going to consider how God would want to love us along in this continuum of living a generous life.
This is an area where I am aware I need to grow. I might be tempted at times to use this as an excuse even though I should know better but giving is not one of my primary love languages. Actually, it may very well be the lowest. For this reason I know this is an area where I need to grow in grace. Though I endeavor to be a faithful and dutiful tither, the above and beyond is not something I excel at. I say this to my shame. But God is at work in me, and I trust will be faithful to complete that work.
Maybe for you giving of your resources is not an issue. Maybe you struggle giving in some other arena, whether it is time or talent. Maybe it is relationally or emotionally. There are a lot of ways we can give and I trust that this season will be a very fruitful one for you if you will spend some time reflecting on the scriptures in the devotional book and what Pastor Myron brings to us on Sunday mornings.
We are going to be memorizing some scripture together over these next few weeks and I would encourage you to do the same. We are starting with Psalm 24.1, “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” As you are reading and reflecting on those scriptures take some time to allow the Spirit to write them on you heart. As you do, trust Him to work those truths out in your life. He will amaze you.
Reflect on the words of the song we will be singing through this season and consider if it is your expression of worship. “I Will Offer Up My Life” by Matt Redman.
I will offer up my life
In spirit and truth,
Pouring out the oil of love
As my worship to You
In surrender I must give my every part;
Lord, receive the sacrifice
Of a broken heart
CHORUS:
Jesus, what can I give, what can I bring
To so faithful a friend, to so loving a King?
Savior, what can be said, what can be sung
As a praise of Your name
For the things You have done?
Oh my words could not tell, not even in part
Of the debt of love that is owed
By this thankful heart
You deserve my every breath
For You've paid the great cost;
Giving up Your life to death,
Even death on a cross
You took all my shame away,
There defeated my sin
Opened up the gates of heaven
And have beckoned me in
Jesus, make my life a generous life. One that reflects your heart to those around me. Change me to be like you.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
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