Remembering

Sunday morning retuning:  We never actually got the chance to tune Sunday so...I got the text from Pastor Myron Saturday evening that due to the fact that the temperatures were going to be below zero until after noon on Sunday that services were going to be cancelled.  The reasoning?  The Celebration Service we had planned was simply too important to be seen by only a handful of people.  If you missed not hearing a sermon, you can find an archive of some good ones here.

My immediate thought about the decision to cancel services on Sunday was that there was absolutely wisdom in that. As I reflected on it, my agreement with the decision only grew. Here's why…

Remembering is a very important biblical concept.  In the Old Testament I immediately think of God instructing Moses to teach the children of Israel the amazing things he did. The Scriptures themselves are an incredible tool for remembering what God is done. Think of Jesus in the New Testament, instructing his disciples to remember the New Covenant every time they broke bread together.

One of the most powerful demonstrations that remembering is important are the different altars the various individuals, or groups of people, built to commemorate God's activity In their lives.  One of my favorites is when Samuel set up a stone he calls Ebenezer after God routed the Philistines, declaring “thus far the Lord has helped us. I Samuel 7:12  

I am fond of that reference because it appears in one of the original stanzas of the hymn “Come Thou Fount”, which inspired the tunings part of these epistles.  You can find all the original stanzas here.  There are even more than I remember.  And in the event you do not know the old hymn, listen to David Crowder's version here.

The goal of the services that were planned for this past Sunday, which we will enjoy together this weekend, was to remember.  Remember and celebrate. God is doing a great work among us, and it is important that we remember the things He has done.  As we look back at a number of different things that transpired in 2014 we will remember.

It occurred to me as I was thinking about this the many things that we will celebrate this weekend I was not aware of at the time they happened.  If I didn't know about them, I could not help but wonder how many other people did not.  As important as it is to remember, we must acknowledge that the events which we will commemorate this weekend really point to a much bigger reality,  The point of God working in us is not so much that we can celebrate what transpires, as much as it teaches us about him.

So, as we prepare to remember let us consider a few things. You cannot remember what you do not know.  You can not know something you are not willing to learn.  You can not learn something without a teachable attitude.

So my question for you to ponder this week is, will you come with a heart ready to learn even as we remember?

Jesus, help me to remember all that You have done and all that You are.  Help me first to know You, then help me live every day remembering what I know, even as I discover more of You.  In Jesus name.  Amen.

In Christ,

Pastor Timothy

Redefining Faithful

Sunday morning retuning:  Pastor Myron gave us a great overview of the challenging part of Jesus teaching in the 21 Sunday. We need to be living diligent and vigilant logs as we await the return of our King.  Can you comfortably pray “build your kingdom here, in me”?  If you are not sure, maybe you can find some inspiration here.

Here is a faithful group of people. Volume three of our engage band just finished their final Sunday service in this rotation. I am so honored to have served with each of themAnd to have witnessed their growth and development over the six months.  Thank you for your faithfulness my friends.

For much of my ministry career the parable of the talents (Luke 19:11-27), or a story about three servants,  has been one of my favorites. I've often used it to encourage people to develop their ability and offer the best they have to the Lord. I see tremendous parallels in it with what we're called to do as we serve through music to help the church worship our God.

I've also endeavored to live out that challenge by constantly endeavoring to grow and develop my own abilities. Recently I have done so through Internet course from a good friend of mine Jon Nichols. Jon is a worship pastor at a sister alliance Church in Mansfield Ohio, but he also has an Internet-based worship leader training resource at www.worshipteamcoach.com.

I have learned many things from Jon over the past few months going through the course, but one of the greatest treasures was on covering the first perspective from this parable that I thought I knew fairly well.  Though Jon makes a number of really good points in his blog, I really zeroed in on the idea of faithfulness requiring risk-taking.

It's not just enough to hold on to the resources the master has given you. You must develop them, and then invest them in opportunities which can grow them. Of course investing always requires some degree of risk.

Over the years, I have often found myself at the close of services thinking team members for their faithfulness. My thinking was primarily limited to the fact that they had shown up and served.Though there is something tremendously beneficial in such an act, this idea of encouraging service laced with risk is at least a slightly new concept to me.  I think I have taught it and lived it out in some measure, but John's thoughts encouraged me to teach it as well.

So this Sunday we come to our fourth set of auditions in our new band model with a six-month commitment of two week rotations.There are some new servants who will audition to become a part of our bands and this ministry we share. That is exciting! But equally as exciting to me is seeing our current band members demonstrate risk laced faithfulness.  

How will you model this in your life over these next six months?

[Jon has a lot of resources available online, but if you are interested in growing beyond what those resources might produce in you, let me know and I will get you connected to the resources I've been using.]

Jesus, teach me how to be faithful. I want to be willing to take risks that will allow me to produce what You desire in and through me.  In Jesus name.  Amen.

In Christ,

Pastor Timothy

Is your antenna up?

Sunday morning retuning:  Pastor Paul Armitage reminded us that Jesus sees what we offer to Him.  He is more interested in our hearts than any outward expression.  How will you grow in your giving your heart to Jesus.  If you are not sure, maybe you can find some inspiration here.

I was having lunch with a friend last week and we were discussing a high-capacity young person.  He was commenting on how much he was impressed with this young person, and felt badly that a recent experience and left them a little disillusioned. He went on to ask me what I felt the greatest asset was. After commenting about the quality of their heart, their desire to serve, and a reasonably well sharpened intellect, he just sat back and smiled.  "All true," he said, "but her greatest asset is that her antenna is up.  This is the crucial issue."

That really resonated with me for couple of reasons.  First of all, I heard someone say a while back that if you have to leave an animal at home for extended periods of time it's a good idea to leave the radio on to stimulate their minds and keep them used to hearing human voices.To me this seems like a great idea so I grabbed a small boombox that we were not putting to good use and put it in the room where we leave our dog.  What was interesting to me was what a difference it made in the reception based on the direction the antenna was pointed.

Second of all, as a leader of people, and a leader of leaders, I can agree with that comment. I agree because I can attest to the fact that skill is not the most important issue, and neither is capacity.  Someone can have incredible skill but lock the direction to apply it.  Someone can have incredible capacity But lack the vision to employ it.  However, if someone is listening for direction, they can put even limited skill and capacity to great effect.

Then, as I was pondering this idea over the last week I heard someone else speak generally of spiritual discipline, calling it spiritual practice.  They likened spiritual practice to that of an athlete with basketball or musician with scales. The point of the practice is not the practice itself, but the skill that is developed especially when one practices well.

So what does this mean for us?  It is crucial for us to listen well to our Masters voice.  We simply cannot lead ourselves well with confidence unless we have developed our ability to listen  The point of practicing our listening is not the practice, but to get better at listening.  Then, even when any number of things are swirling around you you can still discern the voice of God.

Are you developing this ability? In order to follow God, one step behind Jesus, we must be able to hear his voice. We cannot do this if we are not listening.  Take some time today to listen. Open the Scriptures. Read and pray. Worship and wait.  Learn how to put your antenna up, and keep it there!

Jesus, teach me how to listen. This is my prayer, my desperate cry. In these days I'm living, I want Your kingdom to come and Your will to be done, so help me hear Your voice as I give you my life, my heart. In Jesus name.  Amen.

In Christ,

Pastor Timothy

A Work in Progress

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

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

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

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

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

Allow me to remind you of this verse.

Philippians 1:6 New International Version (NIV)

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Christ,

Pastor Timothy

When You Don’t Feel Like Praising?

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

Praising is another tool God loves to use...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Christ,

Pastor Timothy

Are You Listening?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Christ,

Pastor Timothy

Bleak Midwinter

Sunday morning retuning:  As we continue to walk through our “The Gifts of Christmas” series Pastor Myron Daum challenged us to be different that the man in the video by allowing grace to characterize how people see us.  It was a challenging and inspiring reminder of our need to do so.  Have you accepted the gift of grace yourself?  Are you compelled to keep the gift of grace ever before you? If you are not sure, maybe you can find some inspiration here.

I have often been fond of saying that we celebrate Christmas at the perfect time of year, when the lights are the longest.  The long dark only serves to accentuate the coming of the light that we commemorate and this most blessed of seasons. That's probably why the title of an article I saw last week really resonated with me.

I saw an article that listed Youngstown among the bleakest places to live on earth.  The Vindy confirms it.  We had that feeling when we moved into the Mahoning Valley six years ago. A sense of hopelessness seemed to blanket the entire region. That has been confirmed living here, listening to people talk and observing the average countenance of people who call this valley home.

Now before you begin to think that this is some strange way of putting down this place, let me make the connection. This place is bleak, with the closing of the steel mills and the impact that had on the local economy, the population exodus and ultimately the demeanor of many who live here, but I have a different perspective.  Like the world Jesus entered, this place could use some hope, and there is a glimmer of it even in the articles above, but much more so in Him.

It was a humble place Jesus came to be born, and this tells me he's still looking for similar places to enter.  So what will our response be? Will we mirror the hopelessness of many of our neighbors, or will we shine with the radiant beauty of Christ in the midst of otherwise bleak surroundings?

When I think of the word bleak, there was always one song that comes to mind. It is a great old, traditional Christmas Carol, "in the bleak midwinter".  Here is the text and a video of one of my favorite versions of it. Notice the response in the last stanza and consider your own. Merry Christmas!

Jesus, use us to bring hope into bleak circumstances. We dare not try to do it in our own strength.  We look to You and ask for Your power.  In Jesus name.  Amen.

In Christ,

Pastor Timothy

Gifts

Sunday morning retuning:  Pastor Myron Daum continued to walk us through Luke, every trying to encourage us to stay one step behind Jesus.  He challenged us to deal humbly with God’s word.  Have you done that at all since Sunday? Are you committed to getting into it so it can get into you? If you are not sure, maybe you can find some inspiration here.

Who doesn’t like receiving gifts?  I mean really.  When someone has a beautifully wrapped present and says, "This is for you", who doesn't get excited?  Probably most of what you're thinking about his material and that's understandable. But what about the immaterial, eternal gifts that God gives us in the season were about to celebrate?

Next Sunday signals the beginning of another Christmas season with the first Sunday of Advent. Over those five Sundays we will ponder together the gifts that God has given us through his son, Jesus Christ, Emmanuel.  We will think of Jesus, grace, adoption, reconciliation, and expectancy, each of them gifts of immeasurable value, all expressions of God's great love for us.

The series is called “The Gift of Christmas”. We are putting together a postcard and some other resources for you to be able to share these precious gifts with the people in your lives over this next season. Who will you offer them to?

It makes me think of Romans 6:23.  “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. “ I am confident there are people in your life who do not know this.  This is the Gospel.  Good news.  Even if you feel unequipped to share it with them, will you please invite them to come and hear it at church over these five Sundays?  I do not want you to feel guilty, but I hope you do feel some conviction!  We must tell them, and what better time and way than through this amazing season.

Let me tell you a story to drive this point home.  Many of you know that Julia leaves for Jordan in January.  Julia, Jordan, January.  She has been such a blessing to our worship ministries I felt inclined to bless her as she goes to be a blessing elsewhere.  She had mentioned a desire to purchase a guitar to take with her.  Perfect!  We purchased this for her from our Music Fund last week.  YAY!

Here’s the point.  I wish you could have seen her face when we opened the box.  It is a beautiful guitar she will play beautifully to reveal the beauty of our God.  She was so excited!  And yet that pales in comparison to how excited the people you invite will be when they receive the gifts Jesus offers them.  Will you offer the gifts of Christmas to someone this season that you might usher in a whole host of blessings they currently do not even realize are theirs for the taking? I know I will.

Jesus, overwhelm my heart again today with the extravagance of your gifts to me, and compel me to share them with others. In Jesus name.  Amen.

In Christ,

Pastor Timothy

Reflect

Reflect

Sunday morning retuning:  Pastor Myron Daum continued to walk us through Luke, every trying to encourage us to stay one step behind Jesus.  He told us to reflect on our resurrection.  Have you done that at all since Sunday.  How will you reflect on this life-altering reality ? If you are not sure, maybe you can find some inspiration it here or below.

I’m curious.  When you think of reflecting, what is your default setting?  

Do you immediately look inward, or outward?

Do you look down or up?

Neither is inherently flawed, though there probably is a better choice.  It is important to see ourselves clearly, but we can easily get caught up staring at our belly buttons.  The first Scripture that comes to mind for me is, Psalm 121:1-2, “I lift up my eyes to the mountains-where does my help come from?  My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth”.  No surprise coming from this mountain boy who has walked my share of valleys.

Here is my challenge today.  You could take four more minutes to read my thoughts as you might normally do, or you could spend them reflecting on your resurrection.  Get some Scripture before your eyes and do the latter.  The link at the top takes you to sermon notes that can guide you, or you could read I Corinthians 15, the most developed place in Scripture regarding Christ’s resurrection and the implications on those who follow Him.  

Take some time to reflect on that today.  Please.

Jesus, open my heart to the power of Your resurrection again today.  It is the foundation of my hope. In Jesus name.  Amen.

In Christ,

Pastor Timothy

Inspired

Sunday morning retuning:  Pastor Scott Praxl took us to Luke 20:19-26.  We looked ito Jesus spiritual response to a temporal question.  He elevated the discussion with His words “likeness and inscription”.  We are made in God’s likeness, but we must choose to be inscribed with His name.  What’s your next step? If you are not sure, maybe you will discover it here.

Over the weekend I, along with 12 other members of our worship bands, had the opportunity to attend a worship workshop in Akron offered by Paul Baloche called leadworship.  Paul Baloche is the author of such songs as "Above All" and "Hosanna (Praise is Rising)”.  It was a great time of learning, and simply just being together.

I challenged everyone and prayed for them hoping that each would be able to walk away with one thing that would have an impact on their service to our Lord in worship.  Right from the opening session, it became clear that the Lord had something for each of us. For me, though much of the information was not new, it was good to be reminded of it, and to laugh along the way.

The opening session of worship and teaching with Paul was encouraging, especially being lead in worship using a song that's become very familiar to us at North-Mar, "The Same Love".  Making the trip would've been worthwhile for just that session, but the Lord had much more in store for each of us as we had to break out sessions with excellent clinicians.

None of our drummers were able to attend. This, coupled with the fact that we are poised to make a transition to using an acoustic kit in our worship services, caused me to be inclined to attend the drum master class. Little did I know that our instructor would be Carl Albrecht.  I am immediately recognized his name as a drummer on numerous worship recordings I have benefited from over the years.  Not all performers can teach well though. Not so with Carl I would quickly see. I knew that I would learn a lot in those sessions, but I walked away more than simply informed.

The first thing that struck me about Carl was his humility. Even though a professional drummer for over 30 years, he quickly admitted his need to continue to grow, learn, and adapt.  He spent time working through a number of practice rudiments, breaking down drunk grooves, talking about tuning and clicks and preparation, amidst a myriad of other things.  Spending the morning and afternoon sessions with him left me, in a word, inspired. I went up at the end and told him as much.

I am not sure if it was because it was mostly new, or simply because I was in the presence of someone who is world-class in his discipline,but those moments spent in those master classes changed me.  They reminded me of a need to think creatively and be disciplined to work that creativity out. I am thankful to God for that experience.

It leaves me with a few questions for you.  How are you being inspired? Can you remember the last time you had an experience that left you aspiring to be something different than you were before it? What are you doing to act on that?

I want to encourage you to take the next step.  Get inspired and act on it.  Do something! If you're looking for resources there are a bunch of them online, but we also have some at our disposal to grow in your worship leadership.  If you're not sure where to look, please do not hesitate to ask.

Jesus, inspire me again today as in the hour I first asked You to inscribe Your name on my heart.  My Your love, creativity, grace and Presence be ever seen in me.  And help me to enjoy the journey, even as I long for my destination. In Jesus name.  Amen.

In Christ,

Pastor Timothy