Dear Worshippers,
Last night I mowed my lawn for the second time this summer. Before you spend too many brain cells trying to figure out why that is let me give praise to the Lord for all of the men who have come over and helped during my recovery so that I would not be burdened with that physical exertion. I praise God for each of them, and a church family so willing to help.
After the other time I mowed my oldest son Samuel asked if he could help. You must now that I see the four boys that I will have to feed over the next 17 years and then some as a tremendous workforce, in time of course. This is one of the most strenuous things Samuel had ever asked to help with, and I was more than happy to have the help.
Any of you that have worked with young people know the blessing and the challenges of doing so. The blessing is in their eagerness to help and the boundless enthusiasm they bring to learning and trying something new. The challenge is in sometimes keeping them focused after the newness has worn off and the enthusiasm has waned. Samuel was a trooper mowing for probably over an hour with no complaints. I was so proud of him.
It occurred to me as we worked that he needed leadership and training. I told him several things about mower safety and we began. Some things that I had totally forgotten about mowing came back as I saw him struggle with a few things. Starting the mower was hard for him until I told him to slowly pull the cord until it was tight then give it a strong, quick jerk. Mowing in a line was difficult until I trained him to keep one wheel just inside the already mowed section. Pushing the mower was difficult until we lowered the handle to make it more manageable.
I realized through this experience what I already knew on some: leading others can be demanding, but it is far more rewarding.
So I ask you the question: Who are you leading? Some of you are leading family members. Others of you are leading employees or maybe even peers. I would venture to say that every one of you at some point in your week is leading someone, whether you realize it or not. At the very least, you are leading yourself, and self-leadership may actually be the most demanding kind of leadership by far.
Whomever you happen to be leading, can you say to them like Paul said to the Corinthians, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ”? [I Corinthians 11.1] For as certainly as we are all leaders, we are followers as well. Who you follow determines how well you will lead, regardless of the parameters.
Jesus, help us to lead well, starting with ourselves, and going outward from there from the most formal to the most casual of encounters. Help us to do this by first following You well. Thanks for such a great example.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Weeding
Dear Worshippers,
I was reminded a couple of weeks ago that the best time to do weeding is shortly after a rainstorm. This is of course because the soil is loose and the weeds come up a little easier. It is a little messier process though due to the fact that the soil has been transformed into mud. Muddy or not, weeding is an essential activity if you want the plants to grow and thrive. Anyone who has ever tried to grow anything knows this reality.
I was thinking of this a few weeks ago and the Lord reminded me that weeding is an essential activity in our spiritual lives as well. The weeds of sin and slothfulness can quickly come in and choke of the growth of your spiritual life. The Parable of the Sower comes to mind. [Matthew 13:1-22] Instead of weeds, this parable says thorns, but the idea of the plants being choked out remains the same.
As I was weeding the first thought that came to mind was how hard it was. This is toilsome work. This is dirty work. You do not always get the entire root, knowing full well you will see that weed again. This is true with spiritual weeding as well. It is not easy. Sometimes you know you did not get the entire root. Sometimes you think you did only to learn later that some still remained.
I thought also of how necessary this work is, and that it would have been better tended to long before. If neglected, plants will suffer and can even be entirely choked out. A similar thought is true of your spiritual life. If you neglect the necessary weeding there your spirit will suffer and maybe even worse.
I finally thought that I wish I had done this right after the rain. With the ground soaked it would have been much easier to deal with the weeds. But that timing was not convenient for me so I had to do my weeding when the ground was pretty dry.
Our church has recently been “soaked”. I hope you got caught up in that. I do not think it is too late to take advantage of that recent shower. Ask the Holy Spirit if there is any weeding that needs to be done in you, and willingly submit even if it gets toilsome and dirty. The labor will not be in vain.
Be encouraged with these words.
Sow for yourselves righteousness,
reap the fruit of unfailing love,
and break up your unplowed ground;
for it is time to seek the LORD,
until he comes
and showers righteousness on you. [Hosea 10:12]
Spirit, continue to soak Your church.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
I was reminded a couple of weeks ago that the best time to do weeding is shortly after a rainstorm. This is of course because the soil is loose and the weeds come up a little easier. It is a little messier process though due to the fact that the soil has been transformed into mud. Muddy or not, weeding is an essential activity if you want the plants to grow and thrive. Anyone who has ever tried to grow anything knows this reality.
I was thinking of this a few weeks ago and the Lord reminded me that weeding is an essential activity in our spiritual lives as well. The weeds of sin and slothfulness can quickly come in and choke of the growth of your spiritual life. The Parable of the Sower comes to mind. [Matthew 13:1-22] Instead of weeds, this parable says thorns, but the idea of the plants being choked out remains the same.
As I was weeding the first thought that came to mind was how hard it was. This is toilsome work. This is dirty work. You do not always get the entire root, knowing full well you will see that weed again. This is true with spiritual weeding as well. It is not easy. Sometimes you know you did not get the entire root. Sometimes you think you did only to learn later that some still remained.
I thought also of how necessary this work is, and that it would have been better tended to long before. If neglected, plants will suffer and can even be entirely choked out. A similar thought is true of your spiritual life. If you neglect the necessary weeding there your spirit will suffer and maybe even worse.
I finally thought that I wish I had done this right after the rain. With the ground soaked it would have been much easier to deal with the weeds. But that timing was not convenient for me so I had to do my weeding when the ground was pretty dry.
Our church has recently been “soaked”. I hope you got caught up in that. I do not think it is too late to take advantage of that recent shower. Ask the Holy Spirit if there is any weeding that needs to be done in you, and willingly submit even if it gets toilsome and dirty. The labor will not be in vain.
Be encouraged with these words.
Sow for yourselves righteousness,
reap the fruit of unfailing love,
and break up your unplowed ground;
for it is time to seek the LORD,
until he comes
and showers righteousness on you. [Hosea 10:12]
Spirit, continue to soak Your church.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Synchronized
Dear Worshippers,
I have been working for a while today trying to synchronize a couple of electronic devices. This simply means to go through a process to make certain the same information is in both places and every time they connect both sources are updated with any changes since the last time they connected. It is a more complicated version of “Synchronize your watches”, but the same principle is in play. This is also the process used when you update an iPod or mp3 player.
It occurred to me that this is a great picture of our relationship with God, especially the music player side of it. When we connect with God we want to make sure we have the same information [TRUTH] that He has. This is why we read His Word, pray, and meditate. We want to always be in sync with Him.
The main difference is that He never changes. We change and must be brought back in line with Him. Nothing we do ever changes Him. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:9)
The music player analogy is closer to this picture because none of the information from the player ever changes the computer. Even though settings might change that are resident to the player the computer never changes. The player is dependent on the computer to give it any information it needs to function.
Ideally, all the information on the computer that should be on the PDA or player automatically goes to the other device every time they connect. Issues can develop which derail this process, but the computer will diligently notify of any problems and try to correct them. The player is mostly oblivious to these developments.
That leads me to the question, “Are you synchronized?” Is all the information the Father wants to get on you being received? Are you connecting with Him regularly? Are there issues that have developed that He is trying to point out to you?
One other part of this is that with most devices, when they are being synchronized they are simultaneously being recharged. Their on-board power source is resupplied. Are you feeling depleted, run down, empty? Maybe you simply need to reconnect to your Source to strengthen your power level. It’s a simple thing. Get connected today! You will not be able to function per the Designers’ specifications until you do. I am praying for you.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
I have been working for a while today trying to synchronize a couple of electronic devices. This simply means to go through a process to make certain the same information is in both places and every time they connect both sources are updated with any changes since the last time they connected. It is a more complicated version of “Synchronize your watches”, but the same principle is in play. This is also the process used when you update an iPod or mp3 player.
It occurred to me that this is a great picture of our relationship with God, especially the music player side of it. When we connect with God we want to make sure we have the same information [TRUTH] that He has. This is why we read His Word, pray, and meditate. We want to always be in sync with Him.
The main difference is that He never changes. We change and must be brought back in line with Him. Nothing we do ever changes Him. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:9)
The music player analogy is closer to this picture because none of the information from the player ever changes the computer. Even though settings might change that are resident to the player the computer never changes. The player is dependent on the computer to give it any information it needs to function.
Ideally, all the information on the computer that should be on the PDA or player automatically goes to the other device every time they connect. Issues can develop which derail this process, but the computer will diligently notify of any problems and try to correct them. The player is mostly oblivious to these developments.
That leads me to the question, “Are you synchronized?” Is all the information the Father wants to get on you being received? Are you connecting with Him regularly? Are there issues that have developed that He is trying to point out to you?
One other part of this is that with most devices, when they are being synchronized they are simultaneously being recharged. Their on-board power source is resupplied. Are you feeling depleted, run down, empty? Maybe you simply need to reconnect to your Source to strengthen your power level. It’s a simple thing. Get connected today! You will not be able to function per the Designers’ specifications until you do. I am praying for you.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Greater Things…
Dear Worshippers,
“Greater things have yet to come. Greater things are still to be done here in this city.” That’s pretty encouraging considering all that has happened over the last 40 years or so. Steel mills closing, and the slow decline which followed…now the uncertainty of GM and its subsidiaries. God is not finished here, and those opening statements are based on His word.
Jesus said, “I tell you the truth” which is actually kind of humorous, being the Son of God and all, but He was obviously very serious about this. He continued, “anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” I have faith, but I must admit that whenever I have read this passage it really makes me stop and consider carefully what Jesus is saying.
When Jesus says “greater things than these”, do you know what He is referring to? The miracles that proved He was one with the Father. Those are the things He said people with faith would do greater. He was referencing miracles. What is a miracle?
Wikipedia says, “A miracle is a perceptible interruption of the laws of nature, such that can be attempted to be explained by divine intervention. Merriam-Webster says a miracle is “an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs.” Those are insufficient to me. My friend John Grundy in a conversation last week defined a miracle as “God restoring something [i.e. a situation or person] to the condition it would have been in had the Fall never occurred.” I like that. That’s what Jesus has said we would do, and has called us to do.
Seeing things restored to the untainted condition they were intended to possess before the Fall. That is a miracle. A blind person seeing. A lame person walking. A dead man living. Greater things have yet to come…
How can someone as ordinary as me be involved in something so extraordinary? I still struggle with this thought. It is overwhelming. But I believe Jesus. Do you? Are you trusting Him to do things through you that when they occur God gets all the glory? Are you trusting Him to use you in miraculous ways? Are you living the same way day after day, or are you believing that God wants to do something through you that will require you to change?
God is changing me, causing me to long for more of Him in every area of my life. I want more of Him in my marriage, in my family, in our ministry, in our church, in our city. I am believing you do to. Pray with me to that end.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
“Greater things have yet to come. Greater things are still to be done here in this city.” That’s pretty encouraging considering all that has happened over the last 40 years or so. Steel mills closing, and the slow decline which followed…now the uncertainty of GM and its subsidiaries. God is not finished here, and those opening statements are based on His word.
Jesus said, “I tell you the truth” which is actually kind of humorous, being the Son of God and all, but He was obviously very serious about this. He continued, “anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” I have faith, but I must admit that whenever I have read this passage it really makes me stop and consider carefully what Jesus is saying.
When Jesus says “greater things than these”, do you know what He is referring to? The miracles that proved He was one with the Father. Those are the things He said people with faith would do greater. He was referencing miracles. What is a miracle?
Wikipedia says, “A miracle is a perceptible interruption of the laws of nature, such that can be attempted to be explained by divine intervention. Merriam-Webster says a miracle is “an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs.” Those are insufficient to me. My friend John Grundy in a conversation last week defined a miracle as “God restoring something [i.e. a situation or person] to the condition it would have been in had the Fall never occurred.” I like that. That’s what Jesus has said we would do, and has called us to do.
Seeing things restored to the untainted condition they were intended to possess before the Fall. That is a miracle. A blind person seeing. A lame person walking. A dead man living. Greater things have yet to come…
How can someone as ordinary as me be involved in something so extraordinary? I still struggle with this thought. It is overwhelming. But I believe Jesus. Do you? Are you trusting Him to do things through you that when they occur God gets all the glory? Are you trusting Him to use you in miraculous ways? Are you living the same way day after day, or are you believing that God wants to do something through you that will require you to change?
God is changing me, causing me to long for more of Him in every area of my life. I want more of Him in my marriage, in my family, in our ministry, in our church, in our city. I am believing you do to. Pray with me to that end.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Courting Collisions
I like Pastor Ed more every time I hear him. As I was praying last week about what the Lord would do next, I wondered how He would use our brothers’ words to challenge us. Not if, but how. And indeed He did.
So we have been challenged to keep our eyes open for sovereign encounters, collisions ordained by God to provide opportunities for an impact on the people around us. I wonder what kind of such opportunities God has already provided for us. Not if, but what kind.
You see, I have begun to expect that God is going to do something in the people who call North-Mar home. I have become so accustomed to such activity that I would be surprised to not hear of God at work in us. But we must continue to be quick to give Him the glory when we see Him at work.
Remember the question, “What are you asking God to do, so that when He does it He alone gets the glory?” I am asking God to continue to move in our church. That will mean that we need to stay open to His activity in our lives.
Even if it means running headlong into some situation for which I might not feel adequately prepared, where I may even fear making a fool of myself or being rejected? Yes, yes. Absolutely yes! Collisions are not calculated endeavors. I have this illustration of automobiles colliding. Generally unintentional. Yet, though unintentional there is no doubt an impact upon all involved.
By definition, a collision is when two or more things come together with solid or direct impact. That is exactly what God has called us to be about at
If you follow the logic here, it means that we are unintentionally intentional. I know it seems like a paradox, but only to the extent that we are driving the car, or conducting the train, if you will. You see we are really just along for the ride. Jesus is in control. He is the intention behind our apparent unintention. We are not truly unintentional, though at times it may appear that way. We are simply surrendered to the reign of One who is sovereignly orchestrating the affairs of this world to bring them to their ordained conclusion.
Church, Daddy is driving this car. It has been an exciting ride lately. Not always the path we would have chosen if given the opportunity, but none of us can navigate like He can. So if you find yourself in some collisions this week, let me know. I love hearing how God is moving. Holy Spirit, get us ready to make the impact you desire when the collisions occur.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
And the Soaking Continues...
Dear Worshippers,
So as the water in the baptistery settles to a stillness, I wonder if a similar stillness will settle over us. The Lord has been stirring us up over the last several months and I am so thankful for that. I asked a question on Sunday, and I want to ask it again of you now. Do you want to see this soaking come to an end? I imagine the answer is no, but what are we willing to let God do to continue to position ourselves in that place.
There are other ways to get soaked you know. Some of you have shed a few tears as you have watched and listened to what was taking place in the baptismal tank. I know I certainly have. One day I remember looking down and seeing my shirt with all these dark spots on it from the tears I had shed. Are we will to allow God to continue to bring the tears that flow from humility and brokenness?
Ultimately the soaking that we truly desire is the baptism of the Holy Spirit. It is recorded in Scripture what that looked like, as the disciples turned the known world upside-down. I kind of wish I could tell you what that looks like for a church to experience that in an ongoing way, but I do not think I have ever experienced that first-hand, that is for any prolonged period. Though I have seen God at work, the churches I have served, and most of the ones I know of, have unfortunately not continued to ask the Holy Spirit to soak them. And that included me.
We want the might and the power of the Holy Spirit, but we are often are unwilling to truly surrender to His purposes in us. We want to use the Spirit more than be used by Him. I do not want to live and lead that way any more.
So I come to another question…How are you praying? Now that the tsunami of baptisms has washed over us, are you continuing to pray, “Spirit, soak the church”? I am. And as I am praying, I am also trusting that the soaking will continue, first in me and then through me. I want to encourage you to pray with me.
As you do, please do not think about it like you will persuade God if you pray long and hard enough, staying constantly on your knees. The posture God is most concerned about is one of the heart. If we will allow our disposition toward Him to remain humble, He will have His way in us. We can stay “wet”. I believe that is how God wants us to live. I am coming to understand that in a new way these days. How about you?
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
So as the water in the baptistery settles to a stillness, I wonder if a similar stillness will settle over us. The Lord has been stirring us up over the last several months and I am so thankful for that. I asked a question on Sunday, and I want to ask it again of you now. Do you want to see this soaking come to an end? I imagine the answer is no, but what are we willing to let God do to continue to position ourselves in that place.
There are other ways to get soaked you know. Some of you have shed a few tears as you have watched and listened to what was taking place in the baptismal tank. I know I certainly have. One day I remember looking down and seeing my shirt with all these dark spots on it from the tears I had shed. Are we will to allow God to continue to bring the tears that flow from humility and brokenness?
Ultimately the soaking that we truly desire is the baptism of the Holy Spirit. It is recorded in Scripture what that looked like, as the disciples turned the known world upside-down. I kind of wish I could tell you what that looks like for a church to experience that in an ongoing way, but I do not think I have ever experienced that first-hand, that is for any prolonged period. Though I have seen God at work, the churches I have served, and most of the ones I know of, have unfortunately not continued to ask the Holy Spirit to soak them. And that included me.
We want the might and the power of the Holy Spirit, but we are often are unwilling to truly surrender to His purposes in us. We want to use the Spirit more than be used by Him. I do not want to live and lead that way any more.
So I come to another question…How are you praying? Now that the tsunami of baptisms has washed over us, are you continuing to pray, “Spirit, soak the church”? I am. And as I am praying, I am also trusting that the soaking will continue, first in me and then through me. I want to encourage you to pray with me.
As you do, please do not think about it like you will persuade God if you pray long and hard enough, staying constantly on your knees. The posture God is most concerned about is one of the heart. If we will allow our disposition toward Him to remain humble, He will have His way in us. We can stay “wet”. I believe that is how God wants us to live. I am coming to understand that in a new way these days. How about you?
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
What’s Going on Here?
Dear Worshippers,
That’s the question that four of our Elders addressed on Sunday. It was a wonderful opportunity to listen to each of them. To have the opportunity to consider their perspective on what they see God doing in our midst. But most of all to hear their hearts.
The collective answer I came away from the service with was, “God is at work!” From each of them we heard evidence of this. In the church life. In our services. In the staff and elders. God is at work. What an exciting time in the history of North-Mar.
I met a lady Sunday who told me she just started attending North-Mar. She shared that she was really enjoying our fellowship. I told her that she had come at just the right time. Of course I could say the same thing to myself, having arrived very recently. It has been an eventful four months, but as Jim Benich said Sunday, we are just at the beginning of it.
What is happening at North-Mar is much more about God than us. I was reminded of Jesus words in John 5:19, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.” We are following Jesus’ example as we join the Father in what He is doing right here, right now.
What I want to encourage you to consider as we continue on this journey together is “What is God doing around you?” It is one thing to marvel at what God is doing at church, to come expecting to see Him at work; it is an entirely different thing to marvel at what God is doing in you, to live expecting to see Him at work. They can be the same expectancy, but can also be something different.
I am on that same path. Just this morning I dealt with one of our sons in a way that was not gentle. I immediately felt conviction from the Holy Spirit. It was as though the Holy Spirit was saying to me, “Do you really want to be gentle?” Though I was tempted to justify my anger, Sarah quickly called me on it, and even though I struggled initially in my response I knew what I had to do. I went back to my son a few minutes later and asked for his forgiveness for not dealing with him gently. He forgave me. I was humbled and broken. It was painful and wonderful. I am changing. God is at work.
The Father is always at work around you. Will you open your eyes to see, and then your heart to embrace the work He wants to do? To paraphrase Jim Benich again, please say yes more often that you say no.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
That’s the question that four of our Elders addressed on Sunday. It was a wonderful opportunity to listen to each of them. To have the opportunity to consider their perspective on what they see God doing in our midst. But most of all to hear their hearts.
The collective answer I came away from the service with was, “God is at work!” From each of them we heard evidence of this. In the church life. In our services. In the staff and elders. God is at work. What an exciting time in the history of North-Mar.
I met a lady Sunday who told me she just started attending North-Mar. She shared that she was really enjoying our fellowship. I told her that she had come at just the right time. Of course I could say the same thing to myself, having arrived very recently. It has been an eventful four months, but as Jim Benich said Sunday, we are just at the beginning of it.
What is happening at North-Mar is much more about God than us. I was reminded of Jesus words in John 5:19, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.” We are following Jesus’ example as we join the Father in what He is doing right here, right now.
What I want to encourage you to consider as we continue on this journey together is “What is God doing around you?” It is one thing to marvel at what God is doing at church, to come expecting to see Him at work; it is an entirely different thing to marvel at what God is doing in you, to live expecting to see Him at work. They can be the same expectancy, but can also be something different.
I am on that same path. Just this morning I dealt with one of our sons in a way that was not gentle. I immediately felt conviction from the Holy Spirit. It was as though the Holy Spirit was saying to me, “Do you really want to be gentle?” Though I was tempted to justify my anger, Sarah quickly called me on it, and even though I struggled initially in my response I knew what I had to do. I went back to my son a few minutes later and asked for his forgiveness for not dealing with him gently. He forgave me. I was humbled and broken. It was painful and wonderful. I am changing. God is at work.
The Father is always at work around you. Will you open your eyes to see, and then your heart to embrace the work He wants to do? To paraphrase Jim Benich again, please say yes more often that you say no.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Never Be the Same Again, Chorus
Dear Worshippers,
After three weeks of singing this I feel like we are really able to lend our full voices to our corporate praise and prayer which this song so powerfully enables. [I Will Never Be (the Same Again)] I hope to be leading again in a couple weeks and for the me the only sad part about that is not getting to stand beside my lovely wife Sarah or my dear friend Pastor Myron as we pour out our hearts to the Lord. That is part of the sacrifice of my call, and I am alright with that.
I have been moved to tears a few times over these past weeks as I have sung and heard others sing this song. The section that is the greatest blessing to sing and hear sung is the chorus. What an incredible prayer to pray!
Fall like fire, soak like rain,I think these words are pretty straightforward but let me give some perspective to them. The metaphors or simile of fire and water to represent the work of the Holy Spirit are beautifully mingled here. But do we really understand the significance of what we are asking for as we sing/pray them?
Flow like mighty waters, again and again.
Sweep away the darkness, burn away the chaff,
And let a flame burn to glorify Your name.
Water is difficult to control, especially flood level. I have witnessed the power of a small flood before, so this metaphor is not lost on me. This idea of the Holy Spirit soaking our church first came in the idea of getting so many people wet through baptism. It also has significance for the tears of humble joy that are becoming a common occurrence in our gatherings. But I am hoping it will also be evident in an outpouring or baptism of the Holy Spirit that will cause us to long for even more of Him.
Fire is even more difficult to control, especially fire from heaven, just ask Elijah. This was his prayer. God show how powerful You are by coming and consuming us. John Wesley said “Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come for miles to watch you burn.” I have often thought of this quote and wondered about the self-centeredness of it so I did a search.
My first thought of enthusiasm is a strong of excitement or fervor. But the first definition offered by Merriam-Webster is actually “belief in special revelations of the Holy Spirit”. I am not certain what they mean by special revelations, but as it turns out enthusiasm comes from the Greek word enthousiasmos, entheos inspired, from en- + theos god. If Wesley had this definition in mind, and I would like to think he did, the enthusiasm of which he spoke was one that would come from God. May translation, “Catch on fire with God and people will watch how you live closely. This is not so much about attracting attention to ourselves as to His work in us. I want to live like that. Don’t you? Look at that last line that you’ve been singing.
This idea of sweeping away darkness and burning away chaff are an important part of that. Darkness runs from light. When you open the door to a closet light floods into the closet, the darkness does come out. As God brings the light of His presence to us darkness is swept away. Chaff is an analogy for the seed covering and other debris separated from grain during threshing, basically worthless material. Burn away anything useless to Your purposes that is a part of my life.
This is a powerful prayer. Easy to sing. Not so easy to live. But as we allow the Holy Spirit to fill us, it becomes easier. Light does not have to fight to push the darkness back, the darkness flees. Fire does not have to work hard to burn away chaff, it is quickly consumed. I pray that Spirit will do that kind of work in me and you as He prepares us for what is ahead.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Never Be the Same Again, Verse Two
Dear Worshippers,
As God continues to tell His story through me, I am overwhelmed at the response. When I reflect on all that God has done in me through this illness I am amazed. What is truly humbling though is how God is using it in the lives of others. To God alone be the glory!
I have had numerous people tell me that they find themselves singing our “Soak the Church” theme song [I Will Never Be (the Same Again)] at various times through the week. This includes a couple of little boys whose parents told me they sing it all the time! As a parent of young children, I know what that can be like. But what a blessing to know our church is affirming the powerful truths the song contains through the week. Music is a wonderful tool for worship AND discipleship, how gracious of our God to give it to us for His glory and our good.
Next week we will consider the incredible prayer of the chorus, but this week we take a closer look at Verse 2.
It’s one thing to acknowledge this, but an entirely different thing to pursue it. This next line may be the most transformative, challenging one in the entire song. It is for me right now. To give the Lord permission to do whatever He needs to do to change you until you are more like Him is something many believers never really do. If you ready to see God answer prayer pray this one. Trust me.
I thought about changing the next line to flow from the previous. It would have read “until the Glory of God fills me life.” Do you see how that flows? Do whatever you need to do until…then the Lord rebuked me. I do not have to wait for the Glory of God to fill my life. Though there is more of the Christ-life to experience, there is no more inheritance to be imparted. The Eternal One sees us having received it already, though we do not always live out that reality. We are seated with Christ in the heavenly realms. [Ephesians 2:6] For every believer, the Glory of God fills our lives. Amen! May it be so Lord.
The last line then flows logically from the third. Because the Glory of God fills my life I WILL never be the same again. This is not something we are hoping for, it is a transaction that has already been completed. This song is such a powerful affirmation of what Christ has already done in us to change our standing before Almighty God through His redemptive work. And yet the chorus points to the simple fact that there is more work for the Holy Spirit to do in us. Though Christ’s work in redemption finished, the Spirit’s work in sanctification is not.
We will consider His work in us and our desire for it next week.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
As God continues to tell His story through me, I am overwhelmed at the response. When I reflect on all that God has done in me through this illness I am amazed. What is truly humbling though is how God is using it in the lives of others. To God alone be the glory!
I have had numerous people tell me that they find themselves singing our “Soak the Church” theme song [I Will Never Be (the Same Again)] at various times through the week. This includes a couple of little boys whose parents told me they sing it all the time! As a parent of young children, I know what that can be like. But what a blessing to know our church is affirming the powerful truths the song contains through the week. Music is a wonderful tool for worship AND discipleship, how gracious of our God to give it to us for His glory and our good.
Next week we will consider the incredible prayer of the chorus, but this week we take a closer look at Verse 2.
There are higher heights, there are deeper seas,“Higher heights, deeper seas”? What? I am so thankful that the Lord gave us poetry as a tool to communicate truth. Things can be said in this form that require a little thinking to grasp the meaning. What I believe the writer is saying is simply, there is more to You, Lord than I have yet perceived thus far. More in every direction. Truths that are as yet too lofty for me: Your thoughts are higher than my thoughts. [Isaiah 55:9] There is more to Your ways than I have yet to discern: Your ways are deep. [Psalm 42:7] Thank You, Lord.
Whatever you need to do, Lord do in me.
The Glory of God fills my life,
And I will never be the same again.
It’s one thing to acknowledge this, but an entirely different thing to pursue it. This next line may be the most transformative, challenging one in the entire song. It is for me right now. To give the Lord permission to do whatever He needs to do to change you until you are more like Him is something many believers never really do. If you ready to see God answer prayer pray this one. Trust me.
I thought about changing the next line to flow from the previous. It would have read “until the Glory of God fills me life.” Do you see how that flows? Do whatever you need to do until…then the Lord rebuked me. I do not have to wait for the Glory of God to fill my life. Though there is more of the Christ-life to experience, there is no more inheritance to be imparted. The Eternal One sees us having received it already, though we do not always live out that reality. We are seated with Christ in the heavenly realms. [Ephesians 2:6] For every believer, the Glory of God fills our lives. Amen! May it be so Lord.
The last line then flows logically from the third. Because the Glory of God fills my life I WILL never be the same again. This is not something we are hoping for, it is a transaction that has already been completed. This song is such a powerful affirmation of what Christ has already done in us to change our standing before Almighty God through His redemptive work. And yet the chorus points to the simple fact that there is more work for the Holy Spirit to do in us. Though Christ’s work in redemption finished, the Spirit’s work in sanctification is not.
We will consider His work in us and our desire for it next week.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Never Be the Same Again, Verse One
It was such a joy to lead in worship on Sunday. Before God and His people is where I am supposed to be, and I am so thankful to be on a path that is bringing me back to that place. Thank you for your prayers for me as I have run the race God ordained for me in this season.
I mentioned last week that we would be looking closely at the words to the song I Will Never Be (the Same Again) here while we sing it over the next few weeks at church. It is a new song so it is helpful to think about what it is saying as we consider the change and the Source of the change it embraces. Here are the words to the first verse.
I will never be the same again,
I can never return, I've closed the door.
I will walk the path, I'll run the race
And I will never be the same again.
One of the first things that strikes me about these words is that they are such a powerful declaration. NEVER! The poet author could just have easily said, “I have been changed”, a statement of intellectual ascent for certain with virtually the same meaning. Instead the first line is a statement of will. This embraces a transformation that is permanent. While certainly true of the moment of salvation, the same can be said of other points in the journey of faith, particularly the process of sanctification. We will delve into this as we walk through this text together.
The next line, made up of two powerful word pictures, flows from and fleshes out the first statement. I cannot go back to being/living/thinking as I did. Why? I have closed the door locked it and thrown away the key is really what the author is saying. How many believers leave doors open to old habits and addictions? They would benefit by finding ways to demonstrate “I can not, will not, go back.” But is this new place a sedentary one? Rather, do we keep from going back by essentially nailing our shoes to the floor? NO!
On the contrary, the third line, which offers two more wonderful word pictures, gives movement to this commitment. Even as you read them, and sing them, you get a growing sense of urgency, walking then running. You also get a clear sense that this is not only a new standing or position, but that the one making this commitment has embarked on a journey. And of course, it is easier to keep from going back when you are heading in the opposite direction from where you came.
In the
The final line of this first verse flows out of the third line. The author has used different language to strengthen the initial statement but ultimately comes back to it. The repetition in and of itself is a very powerful literary tool and is especially effective here as a culmination of the previous illustrations. If those being baptized demonstrate this kind of commitment their lives will surely change. If we all continue to do the same, there’s no telling what the Lord will do!
Let’s sing it, but more importantly, let’s live it. By Gods’ grace and for His glory. I will never be the same again.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Never Be the Same Again
Dear Worshippers,
I can think of almost 30 thirty people who will never be the same again, having just been baptized this past Sunday. I am also confident that the same could be said for the 90 and more who will be baptized over the next four weeks. Pastor Myron is calling what God has decided to do in the month of May “Soak the Church”, but you need to understand that as much as a declaration it is also a prayer.
We are going to baptize over 15% of our average weekly attendance this month. People young and old, some who have just recently given their lives to Jesus and others who have walked with Him for years. But this soaking that we are praying for is not limited to having people pass through the baptismal waters, and I am hope you realized that on Sunday.
The song I introduced [I Will Never Be (the Same Again)] could certainly be my theme song as I come out of this trial the Lord has carried me and my family through recently. If you have been reading my Tunings you can see the correlation. Here are the words of this great song.
Over the next few weeks we will take some time here to unpack and ponder what these words mean while at church we will sing the song.
I struggled with the title of this entry because of this double meaning this concept has for me right now. Certainly, “I will” never be the same again, but also “they will” never be the same again either, those being baptized that is. But even as I write I remember Pastor Myron’s words from Sunday, as these wet people rub off on us, we are going to get wet too. Maybe not literally as much as spiritually. So a third meaning comes as certainly “we will” never be the same again after this unprecedented month in the history of North Mar Church.
Did you realize you have a part to play in that transformation? I said it Sunday, you do not have to go through a life-altering illness, or be baptized this month to say “I want You to change me, Lord”. Don’t you want to be more like Jesus? Don’t you want to know the joy, confidence and peace that was evidenced by those friends in the tank on Sunday? As we learn and sing this song this month, may it become more than a song.
May it become the prayerful anthem of our church. I have included the words here so that you can pray this with me. Prayer always precedes revival. We are becoming a praying church. We don’t want to be the same. We want You to have Your way in us Holy Spirit. SOAK YOUR CHURCH!
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
I can think of almost 30 thirty people who will never be the same again, having just been baptized this past Sunday. I am also confident that the same could be said for the 90 and more who will be baptized over the next four weeks. Pastor Myron is calling what God has decided to do in the month of May “Soak the Church”, but you need to understand that as much as a declaration it is also a prayer.
We are going to baptize over 15% of our average weekly attendance this month. People young and old, some who have just recently given their lives to Jesus and others who have walked with Him for years. But this soaking that we are praying for is not limited to having people pass through the baptismal waters, and I am hope you realized that on Sunday.
The song I introduced [I Will Never Be (the Same Again)] could certainly be my theme song as I come out of this trial the Lord has carried me and my family through recently. If you have been reading my Tunings you can see the correlation. Here are the words of this great song.
I will never be the same again,
I can never return, I've closed the door.
I will walk apart, I'll run the race
And I will never be the same again.
Fall like fire, soak like rain,
Flow like mighty waters, again and again.
Sweep away the darkness, burn away the chaff,
And let a flame burn to glorify Your name.
There are higher heights, there are deeper seas,
Whatever you need to do, Lord do in me.
The Glory of God fills my life,
And I will never be the same again.
Over the next few weeks we will take some time here to unpack and ponder what these words mean while at church we will sing the song.
I struggled with the title of this entry because of this double meaning this concept has for me right now. Certainly, “I will” never be the same again, but also “they will” never be the same again either, those being baptized that is. But even as I write I remember Pastor Myron’s words from Sunday, as these wet people rub off on us, we are going to get wet too. Maybe not literally as much as spiritually. So a third meaning comes as certainly “we will” never be the same again after this unprecedented month in the history of North Mar Church.
Did you realize you have a part to play in that transformation? I said it Sunday, you do not have to go through a life-altering illness, or be baptized this month to say “I want You to change me, Lord”. Don’t you want to be more like Jesus? Don’t you want to know the joy, confidence and peace that was evidenced by those friends in the tank on Sunday? As we learn and sing this song this month, may it become more than a song.
May it become the prayerful anthem of our church. I have included the words here so that you can pray this with me. Prayer always precedes revival. We are becoming a praying church. We don’t want to be the same. We want You to have Your way in us Holy Spirit. SOAK YOUR CHURCH!
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Perspective: From My Hammock
Dear Worshippers,
On Saturday a small band of servants descended on our house. Knowing that I am not well enough to care for all the life that spring unfolds, they had come to help with a number of things outside. May God bless you, our wonderful North Martian friends.
Their work inspired me to get my hammock out. It took my a while to secure the two straps around two trees, but eventually, somewhat exhausted, I was able to recline in the peaceful support of my Mayan hammock, last years Father’s Day present from my boys. It is a great place to pray and ponder, and that’s a big part of why I have longed to get it hung.
Looking up through the trees, I thought of all the Lord has brought me through in this last season. Last Friday was four weeks since what Pastor Myron has called “Black Friday”, the day of my second (emergency) procedure. I continue to learn how serious my condition was, teetering on the edge of life. I praise the Lord for carrying me through and preserving my life. I thank each of you for your prayers.
As I was reflecting on all the Lord is saying to me and how He is changing me I stared through the branches above me. On first glance, they looked dead. No obvious signs of life on the limbs high over my head. But as I began to look more closely, I saw signs of life. Little buds here and there. Some already starting to open. Where there was the appearance of death, life was bursting forth.
I think that is how I looked those first hours and maybe even days following that Friday. It gave me an incredible new perspective on death and life, and the power of our Lord. Perspective is very helpful thing.
Perspective has been defined as “The ability to perceive things in their actual interrelations or comparative importance”. In other words, perspective helps you to see things clearly, as they actually are. This is helpful because we all bring preconceived notions of how things interrelate, assigning importance based on our point of view. But only when we attain the perspective of our Lord do we begin to see things as they truly are.
And so I ask you to join me in this change of perspective. What perspective do you have if you look through your life, as I looked through the tree? Do things look mostly dead? I hope not. Are there signs of life? There should be!
Seek God’s perspective on your life. You may not have a hammock to recline in but there is somewhere you can go to quiet yourself before Him. Ask Him today to show you something that He wants to change.
He who began a good work in you wants to complete it. [Phil. 1:6] I am confident of this, just as Paul was. What change does that require in this season? Will you allow God to do a new thing in you in these days?
He is changing me and let me say it is wonderful and painful. He is also at work in our church changing lives and wants to work in each of us to birth the kind of new life that will help us better declare the grace and peace only available in Him. I know you want to be a part of that. Join me, won’t you?
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Name Change – Of Sorts
Dear Worshippers,
Last week I challenged us all to consider if we are going through the motions or if God’s all-consuming passion is living inside of us. This sickness has caused me to think about such things. Though I am still trying to process and discern what God is saying to me through all this, one thing for certain, God is changing me. And I do not want to go back to living as I did before this experience. I would like your help to remind me of this change.
Last week I challenged us all to consider if we are going through the motions or if God’s all-consuming passion is living inside of us. This sickness has caused me to think about such things. Though I am still trying to process and discern what God is saying to me through all this, one thing for certain, God is changing me. And I do not want to go back to living as I did before this experience. I would like your help to remind me of this change.
In the hospital they kept calling me Timothy. For those of you who did not know, that is my first name, with my middle name being Scott. For some reason, as I grew up my parents decided to call me by my middle name rather that my first and I just went with that through the rest of my life. I think it is time for that to change.
There is tremendous Biblical precedent for this of course. You remember Jacob’s encounter with God by the
Again, I want that to be true of me because of the way the Lord has met me in this life-altering episode. As I laid there in my hospital bed and the nurses kept calling me Timothy, it occurred to me that maybe it was time to start being known by that name. I have always understood Timothy to mean “servant of God” and have wanted on more than one occasion to be known by that name. I learned during some research last week that a more common meaning is “to honor God, to fear God”. When I read that, it confirmed the change to me, with the timing being now.
I then got to thinking of the meaning of my names together. Scott means “traveler” or “wanderer”. When I put this with Timothy, basically my name means that I honor God as I wander. That sounds like a lifestyle of worship to me, the very calling that God has placed on my life. Amazing!
All that to say, I would like you to begin to call me by my first given name, Timothy. I know it may seem strange at first, having to adjust from Pastor Scott to Pastor Timothy, but it will feel more natural over time to both you and me. I may not always answer at first since it will take some getting used to for me as well, but I feel strongly about this change. It will help me, and you, remember this significant trial that God has brought me through, and maybe even help to highlight the changes He is producing in me as I learn how to better honor and fear His matchless name. Thank you for your help in this.
In Christ,
Pastor Timothy
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Going Through the Motions
Dear Worshippers,
I want to thank each of you for every prayer, every card, every meal, every call, every visit, every act of kindness that you have showered on me and my family through these difficult days. You have made them easier by showing us the love of Christ through His body. We are still getting to know you and yet you have loved us so well. To God be the glory!
I have had a lot of time to pray and reflect. I have thought about my personal life and relationship with Christ. I have thought about my family and how I cherish them. I have thought about the church and the ministry that has been entrusted to my care. I am so thankful to our Lord for sustaining me through this trial that I might enjoy each of these to a greater degree in the days ahead.
One thing for certain is that this time has disrupted any extent to which I may have been “going through the motions”. You know that feeling of just doing what you know has to be done and making it through the day. Every one of us has experienced some degree of doing something in a mechanical manner indicative of a lack of interest or involvement. Though I have to admit that I did not feel like I had gotten there since I had only at North-Mar for about seven weeks before this happened, this experience has given me time to reflect and try to make some decisions that will keep me from ever getting there.
I want to encourage you to think about this idea of “going through the motions”. This is not God’s desire for us. Jesus said that He came “that [we] may have life, and have it abundantly.” [John 10:10] The mechanical lack of interest or involvement of going through the motions does not lead to the abundant life. It requires a tremendous intentionality that is absent when we are simply going through the motions.
God wants us to give all that we are over to Him so that He can fill us with passion and purpose. If you know that, but are lacking it today, let me encourage you. It does not take a life-altering illness or something as extensive as this to help you break the cycle. You do not have to be at the end of your rope, if you will. You can make the choice to give Christ everything today and everyday no matter what you are facing. Though the following video is about an illness and the effects of it on another Christ-worshipper, I hope you can hear God’s message to you today through it. The words can be found at the second link.
Video: The Motions - Video Lyrics: The Motions
The question appears at the end of the video “What if we really gave everything?” Ask yourself that question, but even more importantly just do it. You can discover the answer as the Lord has His way in you and helps you break the cycle of “going through the motions”. Let go of the rope and experience the paradise of the abundant life Jesus has for you here and now.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
I want to thank each of you for every prayer, every card, every meal, every call, every visit, every act of kindness that you have showered on me and my family through these difficult days. You have made them easier by showing us the love of Christ through His body. We are still getting to know you and yet you have loved us so well. To God be the glory!
I have had a lot of time to pray and reflect. I have thought about my personal life and relationship with Christ. I have thought about my family and how I cherish them. I have thought about the church and the ministry that has been entrusted to my care. I am so thankful to our Lord for sustaining me through this trial that I might enjoy each of these to a greater degree in the days ahead.
One thing for certain is that this time has disrupted any extent to which I may have been “going through the motions”. You know that feeling of just doing what you know has to be done and making it through the day. Every one of us has experienced some degree of doing something in a mechanical manner indicative of a lack of interest or involvement. Though I have to admit that I did not feel like I had gotten there since I had only at North-Mar for about seven weeks before this happened, this experience has given me time to reflect and try to make some decisions that will keep me from ever getting there.
I want to encourage you to think about this idea of “going through the motions”. This is not God’s desire for us. Jesus said that He came “that [we] may have life, and have it abundantly.” [John 10:10] The mechanical lack of interest or involvement of going through the motions does not lead to the abundant life. It requires a tremendous intentionality that is absent when we are simply going through the motions.
God wants us to give all that we are over to Him so that He can fill us with passion and purpose. If you know that, but are lacking it today, let me encourage you. It does not take a life-altering illness or something as extensive as this to help you break the cycle. You do not have to be at the end of your rope, if you will. You can make the choice to give Christ everything today and everyday no matter what you are facing. Though the following video is about an illness and the effects of it on another Christ-worshipper, I hope you can hear God’s message to you today through it. The words can be found at the second link.
Video: The Motions - Video Lyrics: The Motions
The question appears at the end of the video “What if we really gave everything?” Ask yourself that question, but even more importantly just do it. You can discover the answer as the Lord has His way in you and helps you break the cycle of “going through the motions”. Let go of the rope and experience the paradise of the abundant life Jesus has for you here and now.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
It's Not About Me
Dear Worshippers,
I really hated not being at church on Sunday. It was the first Sunday I have missed in twelve years of ministry due to sickness. But my reasons for being there have more to do with the fact that I would love to have experienced what God did through His servant leaders who filled the gap left created by my absence.
My philosophy of ministry centers around Ephesians 4:12 which explains the role of a pastor. It says that are "for the training of the saints in the work of the ministry, to build up the body of Christ..." There is more, but let me illustrate this much. I have only had a little hand in this but Pastor Nate leading the service, Bill Fleet leading the choir, Lindy Mink, Audrey and Doug Stern singing on the team [all for the first time], Cindy Furl sharing a Life Change Story, are all examples of saints engaged in the work of the ministry in a way that built up the body of Christ. Those things are not about me. They are about the Lord we serve.
When Pastor Myron shared the glowing report of the service yesterday with me I wept. One might think it was because it went well even in my absence leaving me with feelings of dispensability, but I already knew that. One might think it was because I love the church and really hated missing such a special service, and though this is true there was another better reason for tears. Good worship at North-Mar is "not about me" or any one of us. It's about Jesus.
It's not about me. That's the phrase that has been on my mind the last few days as I am reflecting what God is saying about my present condition. And He is saying that personally as well as pastorally.
Our oldest son Samuel commented "Mom, Satan really doesn't want Dad at this church does he?" As Pastor Myron rephrased that comment later asking if the Devil was going to have his way our seven year-old Isaac responded, "No way, Devil, no way!" Now this is coming from a couple of little boys who have had quite of bit of transition lately and whose dad who hardly ever gets sick is in the hospital. God is at work it this situation. It's not about me.
Don't misunderstand. I am careful not to make promises to my boys I cannot keep. i.e. "Dad will always be here for you", but rather I try to teach them that God is. Even now in this difficulty He is there. I am using this brokenness to show that God is always and ever there carrying us. He reminded me of that in Isaiah 46:4b just the other day, "I have made you, and I will carry you; I will bear and save you." Even in these words I see it's not about me, it's about my God.
Laying here in my hospital bed considering a surgical procedure tomorrow I am reminded once again, it's not about me. It's not that I am not involved here, but simply that God is ever doing something in and through us that is much bigger than us. I hope that whatever you are facing today, that perspective will help you face it in a way that will bring glory to the name of Jesus.
Though I am aware it’s not about me I am overwhelmed at every reminder that someone is praying for me. In the last few days I have been brought to tears as I have had others, either over the phone or in person, stop and pray for me. Thank you so much for all your concern and prayers for me and my family. Please keep praying. God is doing something new and we have only begun to see the very beginning of it.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
I really hated not being at church on Sunday. It was the first Sunday I have missed in twelve years of ministry due to sickness. But my reasons for being there have more to do with the fact that I would love to have experienced what God did through His servant leaders who filled the gap left created by my absence.
My philosophy of ministry centers around Ephesians 4:12 which explains the role of a pastor. It says that are "for the training of the saints in the work of the ministry, to build up the body of Christ..." There is more, but let me illustrate this much. I have only had a little hand in this but Pastor Nate leading the service, Bill Fleet leading the choir, Lindy Mink, Audrey and Doug Stern singing on the team [all for the first time], Cindy Furl sharing a Life Change Story, are all examples of saints engaged in the work of the ministry in a way that built up the body of Christ. Those things are not about me. They are about the Lord we serve.
When Pastor Myron shared the glowing report of the service yesterday with me I wept. One might think it was because it went well even in my absence leaving me with feelings of dispensability, but I already knew that. One might think it was because I love the church and really hated missing such a special service, and though this is true there was another better reason for tears. Good worship at North-Mar is "not about me" or any one of us. It's about Jesus.
It's not about me. That's the phrase that has been on my mind the last few days as I am reflecting what God is saying about my present condition. And He is saying that personally as well as pastorally.
Our oldest son Samuel commented "Mom, Satan really doesn't want Dad at this church does he?" As Pastor Myron rephrased that comment later asking if the Devil was going to have his way our seven year-old Isaac responded, "No way, Devil, no way!" Now this is coming from a couple of little boys who have had quite of bit of transition lately and whose dad who hardly ever gets sick is in the hospital. God is at work it this situation. It's not about me.
Don't misunderstand. I am careful not to make promises to my boys I cannot keep. i.e. "Dad will always be here for you", but rather I try to teach them that God is. Even now in this difficulty He is there. I am using this brokenness to show that God is always and ever there carrying us. He reminded me of that in Isaiah 46:4b just the other day, "I have made you, and I will carry you; I will bear and save you." Even in these words I see it's not about me, it's about my God.
Laying here in my hospital bed considering a surgical procedure tomorrow I am reminded once again, it's not about me. It's not that I am not involved here, but simply that God is ever doing something in and through us that is much bigger than us. I hope that whatever you are facing today, that perspective will help you face it in a way that will bring glory to the name of Jesus.
Though I am aware it’s not about me I am overwhelmed at every reminder that someone is praying for me. In the last few days I have been brought to tears as I have had others, either over the phone or in person, stop and pray for me. Thank you so much for all your concern and prayers for me and my family. Please keep praying. God is doing something new and we have only begun to see the very beginning of it.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
The New "Normal"
Dear Worshippers,
Coming out from under the weight of the last week and a half just today has given me some new perspective. I was able to go about some everyday routines without loosing my breath, a side affect of the back pain I had been experiencing. This gave me a new found appreciation for the the ability to do such things without really thinking about them, or wondering if I would be stopped in my tracks with a sharp pain. Thank you Lord.
As I reflected on this new perspective, I was brought back to the idea of all the newness at church. Though it can be painful to get to a new place, the perspective we gain with our arrival can be insightful at least, and life-changing at best. I will never listen to anyone speak of back pain again the way I did before.
Though I am not skilled enough to understand all that God has willed or planned through my last few days, my outlook on some things has changed. It that happening for you as well? I spoke with someone in choir recently about Bev's calling to another place of ministry and they were struggling with the whole thing. I shared with them my perspective on the unfolding scenario. Though immediately I thought, "Easter is only six weeks away", God quickly gave me some different thoughts. He is providing for Easter. He will provide for weekly ministry. We will provide for the choir ministry. He leads one away and raises up several to care for the needs created.
This got me thinking about our "Christian" life in general. The phrase that came to mind for my this morning was, "I guess this is going to be my new 'normal'." Let me explain to you what I mean when I use that word, and what has given me perspective on that.
Years ago a dear friend pointed out a work to me whose title I found intriguing. The book was The Normal Christian Life, by Watchman Nee. The authors name is honestly about as intriguing to me as the book title. Though I do not believe I read it through at the time, or ever have, on the basis of my exposure to it, and the recommendation of my friend I include this link where you can read the entire text online. The Normal Christian Life
This man led a very interesting life, standing up for his his faith in Christ in China, founding the house church movement, convicted he should not leave China though he was in danger, being imprisoned until his death for that faith. [You can read more about him here, Watchman Nee ] A remarkable man who by his own estimation was simply living the "normal" Christian life. You begin to see very quickly and clearly, that I am not thinking of normal as average.
No, the work of which I speak has been summarized like this
That sounds like something I want to read. It sounds even more like something I want to live.
As God keeps doing this "new" thing among us, let's let Him redefine normal. I want life-change stories like the one Pam Smith told Sunday to be normal. I want to see people coming to North-Mar and meeting with God in a life-transformation encounter to be normal. I want you and me to enjoy living the Christ life, which we all possess, like we never have before. Friends, God is creating a new "normal" at North-Mar, and He is doing that by changing what "normal" is for each of us. Thank you Jesus!
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
Coming out from under the weight of the last week and a half just today has given me some new perspective. I was able to go about some everyday routines without loosing my breath, a side affect of the back pain I had been experiencing. This gave me a new found appreciation for the the ability to do such things without really thinking about them, or wondering if I would be stopped in my tracks with a sharp pain. Thank you Lord.
As I reflected on this new perspective, I was brought back to the idea of all the newness at church. Though it can be painful to get to a new place, the perspective we gain with our arrival can be insightful at least, and life-changing at best. I will never listen to anyone speak of back pain again the way I did before.
Though I am not skilled enough to understand all that God has willed or planned through my last few days, my outlook on some things has changed. It that happening for you as well? I spoke with someone in choir recently about Bev's calling to another place of ministry and they were struggling with the whole thing. I shared with them my perspective on the unfolding scenario. Though immediately I thought, "Easter is only six weeks away", God quickly gave me some different thoughts. He is providing for Easter. He will provide for weekly ministry. We will provide for the choir ministry. He leads one away and raises up several to care for the needs created.
This got me thinking about our "Christian" life in general. The phrase that came to mind for my this morning was, "I guess this is going to be my new 'normal'." Let me explain to you what I mean when I use that word, and what has given me perspective on that.
Years ago a dear friend pointed out a work to me whose title I found intriguing. The book was The Normal Christian Life, by Watchman Nee. The authors name is honestly about as intriguing to me as the book title. Though I do not believe I read it through at the time, or ever have, on the basis of my exposure to it, and the recommendation of my friend I include this link where you can read the entire text online. The Normal Christian Life
This man led a very interesting life, standing up for his his faith in Christ in China, founding the house church movement, convicted he should not leave China though he was in danger, being imprisoned until his death for that faith. [You can read more about him here, Watchman Nee ] A remarkable man who by his own estimation was simply living the "normal" Christian life. You begin to see very quickly and clearly, that I am not thinking of normal as average.
No, the work of which I speak has been summarized like this
The Normal Christian Life is a Romans-centered exposition of what Christian living should be. The key verse is Romans 6:6: "Knowing this, that our old man has been crucified with Him in order that the body of sin might be annulled, that we should no longer serve sin as slaves." Here in this book Nee brings an eternal perspective to the work of Christ (verses 7 to 11). The writings of Watchman Nee focus much on the enjoyment of the divine life, which all the believers possess, and the goal of God's work with man through His Son by His Spirit in this age.
That sounds like something I want to read. It sounds even more like something I want to live.
As God keeps doing this "new" thing among us, let's let Him redefine normal. I want life-change stories like the one Pam Smith told Sunday to be normal. I want to see people coming to North-Mar and meeting with God in a life-transformation encounter to be normal. I want you and me to enjoy living the Christ life, which we all possess, like we never have before. Friends, God is creating a new "normal" at North-Mar, and He is doing that by changing what "normal" is for each of us. Thank you Jesus!
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Purpose in Pain
Dear Worshippers,
Pastor Myron told me on several occasions that he was praying that February would go quickly and it did. The only problem with that was that I was barely able to keep up with it and by the time I had moved my family here last weekend the stress had obviously become more than my body could handle. When I am under a great deal of stress, my body generally lets me know with a nagging pain in my lower back.
For the last four days I have been a great deal of pain. I have not been able to sleep through the night, very unusual for me, due to its’ severity. I don’t remember a time before when I have been in this much pain. I made that comment to Sarah and she could remember a time when she was.
Each of the times she has gone through labor and delivery she has experienced a level of pain I never have. She said, “The difference was that it was pain that had a purpose.” A tremendous purpose I might say. Each time it produced one of our precious boys.
That got me thinking and praying. God has a purpose for everything we go through. He is very efficient and effective in His dealings with us. I began to wonder why He was allowing me to go through this and He brought several things immediately to my mind.
I do not have boundless energy. I have limits. When I cross them, well-intentioned though I may be, there will be consequences. I am not twenty anymore. [That last one came from the Lord by way of John Grundy. Thanks John]
A big part of the purpose of the stress I have experienced in the last couple of weeks was to get my family here. I had so enjoyed my first four weeks serving and settling into this wonderful church family. I can not express with words the blessing I anticipate for me and my family as we live and love at North Mar. I do not know the extent of it yet, but by faith am believing the Lord for it. Thanks for having us, and for the warm welcome I and now they have received.
Not every time we experience pain are we aware of the specific purpose it is producing. Scripture makes it very clear that there is always something being shaped when we experience pain. “Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” 2 Corinthians 4:16b-17
So that brings me to ask you, “Do you have that perspective on the light and momentary troubles you are facing right know?” God is helping me to deepen my understanding of what He is doing in me through this most recent pain. He wants to do the same in you. I just pray none of you have to feel I like I have to realize God’s activity in your life. I hope these words will help you today as you endeavor to live in a way that brings glory to our Lord. Thanks for your prayers.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
Pastor Myron told me on several occasions that he was praying that February would go quickly and it did. The only problem with that was that I was barely able to keep up with it and by the time I had moved my family here last weekend the stress had obviously become more than my body could handle. When I am under a great deal of stress, my body generally lets me know with a nagging pain in my lower back.
For the last four days I have been a great deal of pain. I have not been able to sleep through the night, very unusual for me, due to its’ severity. I don’t remember a time before when I have been in this much pain. I made that comment to Sarah and she could remember a time when she was.
Each of the times she has gone through labor and delivery she has experienced a level of pain I never have. She said, “The difference was that it was pain that had a purpose.” A tremendous purpose I might say. Each time it produced one of our precious boys.
That got me thinking and praying. God has a purpose for everything we go through. He is very efficient and effective in His dealings with us. I began to wonder why He was allowing me to go through this and He brought several things immediately to my mind.
I do not have boundless energy. I have limits. When I cross them, well-intentioned though I may be, there will be consequences. I am not twenty anymore. [That last one came from the Lord by way of John Grundy. Thanks John]
A big part of the purpose of the stress I have experienced in the last couple of weeks was to get my family here. I had so enjoyed my first four weeks serving and settling into this wonderful church family. I can not express with words the blessing I anticipate for me and my family as we live and love at North Mar. I do not know the extent of it yet, but by faith am believing the Lord for it. Thanks for having us, and for the warm welcome I and now they have received.
Not every time we experience pain are we aware of the specific purpose it is producing. Scripture makes it very clear that there is always something being shaped when we experience pain. “Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” 2 Corinthians 4:16b-17
So that brings me to ask you, “Do you have that perspective on the light and momentary troubles you are facing right know?” God is helping me to deepen my understanding of what He is doing in me through this most recent pain. He wants to do the same in you. I just pray none of you have to feel I like I have to realize God’s activity in your life. I hope these words will help you today as you endeavor to live in a way that brings glory to our Lord. Thanks for your prayers.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Firsts and Fears
Dear Worshippers,
Last week I indicated that I would write today about Revelation and Response, but I would feel led in another direction. I will come back and pick up that theme sometime soon. Thanks for flowing with me as I endeavor to follow the Lord, in this and all things.
It occurred to me as I was praying this morning for my two oldest boys that they have experienced a lot of firsts in the last few days. Friday, they woke up for the first day in their new home town. Saturday, we moved into our new house. Sunday, they attended their new church. Monday, they attended their new schools for the first day. Today, they rode a school bus for the first time. That list is overwhelming for me to write, and even more so for them to live.
The reason is that with firsts come fears. Will I like this place, this house? Will anyone like me? Will I find and friends? What will it be like riding that new school bus? There are a lot of questions with firsts, and a lot of emotions that are right behind them.
I think immediately of the Israelites moving into the Promised Land. Sure, slavery was behind them, but what lay ahead? The first time in generations they would be without the yoke of their Egyptian masters left them feeling isolated and exposed, the downside to free. The Lord told them several times in Joshua 1 to be strong and courageous, just like I have told me boys, because He would be with them, and my boys. God said this because He knew they would be afraid.
Fear manifests itself in a number of ways. The “fight or flight” response is triggered. Anger, anxiety, paralysis, nervousness, bitterness, frustration, etc. Any of these emotional responses can be difficult to deal with but when they are layered the problem becomes even more complex.
This got me thinking about the “new” things God is doing in our church. There are people seeing God like they never have before. Some are getting involved with ministries they have wanted to serve in for some time. Some are stepping away. Others are struggling with changes in our Sunday morning services. All of these firsts can evoke the same kinds of fears.
So what fears are you facing? If not you, do you know someone who is mightily struggling with some “first”? Be filled with courage yourself and pour it in to others as we walk through these changes together. God has some wonderful things in store for His church. Let’s embrace them together.
Next week?...Revelation and Response.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
Last week I indicated that I would write today about Revelation and Response, but I would feel led in another direction. I will come back and pick up that theme sometime soon. Thanks for flowing with me as I endeavor to follow the Lord, in this and all things.
It occurred to me as I was praying this morning for my two oldest boys that they have experienced a lot of firsts in the last few days. Friday, they woke up for the first day in their new home town. Saturday, we moved into our new house. Sunday, they attended their new church. Monday, they attended their new schools for the first day. Today, they rode a school bus for the first time. That list is overwhelming for me to write, and even more so for them to live.
The reason is that with firsts come fears. Will I like this place, this house? Will anyone like me? Will I find and friends? What will it be like riding that new school bus? There are a lot of questions with firsts, and a lot of emotions that are right behind them.
I think immediately of the Israelites moving into the Promised Land. Sure, slavery was behind them, but what lay ahead? The first time in generations they would be without the yoke of their Egyptian masters left them feeling isolated and exposed, the downside to free. The Lord told them several times in Joshua 1 to be strong and courageous, just like I have told me boys, because He would be with them, and my boys. God said this because He knew they would be afraid.
Fear manifests itself in a number of ways. The “fight or flight” response is triggered. Anger, anxiety, paralysis, nervousness, bitterness, frustration, etc. Any of these emotional responses can be difficult to deal with but when they are layered the problem becomes even more complex.
This got me thinking about the “new” things God is doing in our church. There are people seeing God like they never have before. Some are getting involved with ministries they have wanted to serve in for some time. Some are stepping away. Others are struggling with changes in our Sunday morning services. All of these firsts can evoke the same kinds of fears.
So what fears are you facing? If not you, do you know someone who is mightily struggling with some “first”? Be filled with courage yourself and pour it in to others as we walk through these changes together. God has some wonderful things in store for His church. Let’s embrace them together.
Next week?...Revelation and Response.
In Christ,
Pastor Scott
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Moving…Packing Up revised
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
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 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
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