There will be no blog posting this week due to Pastor Stan being out of the country with the Nicaragua Mission Team. Please keep the team in your prayers as they minister to the people of Nicaragua.
As I was pondering all the glamour and glitz of the “Easter Egg” these days I began to see my life in a whole new way. The shells of the Easter Eggs can be beautifully dyed, bejeweled, stickered , crayoned etc. etc. They can be hidden and found; much to the delight of many a child or they can be placed in a beautiful basket or container with beautifully colored artificial grass to enhance its beauty. Families and friends all get together to color eggs together and show off “their particular artwork”. Many smiles, fond memories, stained coffee mugs and tea towels are to be had during these fun times together. Everyone oohs and aaaaahhhh’s over each other’s “colored eggs” in hopes that their eggs will also be noticed and accepted as beautiful. On Easter day the eggs are usually taken out and hidden amongst trees and bushes to be found later during a hunt. Sometimes special eggs with prizes are hidden thereby giving them even more value than just its beauty if by chance you were the one who found it. After that some of the eggs may be eaten, tossed in the trash, or worse lost and never found. Some eggs are actually cracked in the preparation process and are deemed useless before the beautiful beginnings ever start; while other eggs may make it all the way through the process only to be stepped upon and smashed with one small foot during the massive “hunt”. What usefulness is there of the egg when the beautifully decorated shell is cracked, crushed, bruised, or smashed. Some would say the egg is useless, but I say it may not be so. I once read where eggs are considered the “perfect food”. Although it is touted as having a high cholesterol content, it has a lot of good potential in the food group. Eggs are used for all kinds of things from helping to bind ingredients together in your favorite cake or muffin mix to actual facial skin tighteners and hair tonics. Not to mention those scrambled eggs, breakfast burritos, and omelets….yummy!!!
How much are we like eggs….kind of a gross thought unless you ponder the Easter egg and its beauty. Sometimes we can paint out faces, dye our hair, bejewel our outfits, sticker our skin etc. etc. Sometimes we can be placed in a beautiful atmosphere where we are continually looked upon and placed upon a pedestal. At other times we may be hidden, never noticed and never looked upon. Perhaps during our lifetime we get cracked, broken, bruised, or lost. Sometimes we try so hard just to fit in or to be noticed by others. Then again, we may be the one who is overlooking, ignoring, hiding from, and never looking at the person(s) around you. Those that are in need of a gentle, kind word of encouragement, a hug, or perhaps even a smile to say “its gonna be ok”.
Time and time again people overlook those that are broken, bruised, etc. because they are not just like us. This Easter season I want to remember those around me who may be hurting, broken or cracked. I want to remember the good stuff that can be found on the inside. The stuff that Jesus can put there as a special treasure to our world around us when one’s brokenness is turned to wholeness, hurting and pain is turned to healing, and those who are isolating can find freedom in friendships.
May you have a joyful Easter as you reach out to the cracked shells around you!!
With this year coming to an end, I wanted to make sure to thank you all for your faithfulness. It’s an honor to serve as your Pastor.
Due to Christmas and New Years we will be taking a two week break from the blog.
Stay tuned for our next new post on January, 7th!
Blessing,
Stan
Tis the season for asking for things, but do you really know what you’re asking for??? In a country where greed is rampant, sin is non-consequential, and lust for everything under the sun is an everyday occurrence…..do we really know what we’re asking for??? I believe these underlying ‘character flaws’ are one of the biggest reasons we are in the economic tailspin that we find ourselves in.
Do we truly seek what God wants for us or do we just beg Him for our wants, desires, and what we feel we deserve. Perhaps we’ve finally gotten what we deserve ~ I don’t know. But I do know in my own life there have been times when I thought I NEEDED something (when in actuality it was a want) only to get it and then be disappointed that it wasn’t prettier, fancier, or the latest, etc. etc. You get my point! I had to get a new computer at the beginning of this year and I was so proud cause I had a new computer and it was fast, and top of the line ~ could hold all my pictures and on and on and on I bragged about my “new” computer. Well a month ago Stan had to get a new computer – a fancy Apple, slim line, silver laptop with a lighted keyboard – it even boots up ten times faster than mine, AND I AM JEALOUS!!!! Can you believe it, jealousy over a stinkin’ computer!! As I looked back over my life I realized that this was only one of many times that jealousy, greed, coveting, etc. has ruled and reigned in my life.
What about those who want a child and can’t have one? What about those who have children and don’t want them? What about those who are handicapped or sick and can’t work? What about those who can work and don’t want to? What about those with lots of money and no happiness. What about those with no money and lots of happiness. What about those who have it all ~ money, happiness, kids, jobs, homes, etc. etc. but no savior!!
The bottom line to me ~ The grass always looks greener on the other side, therefore I MUST put my total trust in GOD and only HIM…..otherwise I’ll continue to try to live someone else’s life and not the one that God has purposed and planned for me.
As I was reading the news yesterday I came across this news clip.
When I watched this video three thoughts came to my mind….
1. God’s incredible protection of this office employee.
2. The spiritual battle that was going on inside the heart and mind of this young man.
3. A reminder of the unique opportunities we are given to share His love…if we will take advantage of them.
This video brings a whole new meaning to be ready in season and out of season 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
Remember as the Bible tells us don’t grow weary in well doing.
Be Blessed,
Stan
I’m showing my age here…. But I loved the 80’s T.V. show the A-Team. You had this group of ex soldiers that would use their military training and expertise to come to the rescue of people in need….While all along they were being hunted by the government.
They would come up with these elaborate plans to save the day…. There was always plenty of action and explosions that went into their plan… but no one was ever killed.
In the end the good guy always won…
It was tradition that at the end of each episode the leader of the A-Team would always say I love it when a plan comes together…
I think we all receive joy and pleasure when we see a plan come together especially when we know God is behind it.…
With the economy in a recession you can look in all directions and see the ramifications of it. It is easy to become discouraged and overwhelmed with what we see.
But at the same time we need to remind our selves that God is not affected by the recession. That He will provide for our needs.
Several weeks ago on a Wednesday I received a call from a young family that was in desperate need of a car….We prayed together that God would provide transportation for them. That following Sunday one of our members came up to me and asked if I knew of a young family… that needed a car… because he had one that was very reliable and he wanted to give it to someone in need. Well the rest is history…As the A-team leader would say I love it when a plan comes together. Be encouraged God is not affected by the economy…He knows our needs even before we ask.
Remember what Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:25-33″Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
28″And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Be Blessed,
Stan
This past week I was e-mailed an article that I would like to share It’s called…Character in a Tech-Overloaded World…It’s written by Lindy Keffer
We live in a culture saturated by technology. The information, promotions, opportunities and noise it creates seem to fill in the cracks of our already-busy lives so that every waking moment is occupied. In the midst of the hubbub, teachable moments for developing character are often lost. But parents who are intentional about finding those moments can succeed at raising kids with moral fiber — and at creating small pockets of sanity in a tech-overloaded world.
Beating the Stuff Monster
You may remember what life was like without digital cameras, iPods, tiny cell phones, video game consoles, high definition TVs and laptops, but your kids don’t. So it’s easy for them to adopt the mentality that they need the newest techno devices on the market. That’s expensive. And in the rush to get their hands on the newest and best items, giving is often the last thing on kids’ minds — unless you help them to remember.
It’s important to start early — as soon as kids have an allowance or other income — and set standards that emphasize the importance of generosity. For example, one family required their young teens to save double the amount needed for any major purchase. The extra money was to go into savings, but families interested in raising generous kids could just as easily split it between savings and giving.
Another approach is the envelope system recommended by Christian financial counselors. The idea here is to reserve a certain percentage of earnings for giving and to limit the percentage that can be spent on stuff.
Either of these strategies slows down the accumulation of new gadgets. At the same time, setting aside cash specifically for giving helps kids to prioritize generosity. After the money is saved, make sure to give youngsters some ownership in deciding where it goes. Encourage them to give to your church, but allow them some freedom to meet other needs they feel strongly about. They might support a child through a sponsorship organization or anonymously buy school supplies for a classmate who can’t afford them. When giving is personal, it’s easier for children to see that they’re making a difference. In turn, they’re more likely to make generosity a way of life.
Entertain Me! … Or Maybe Not
A 2006 Yahoo online poll reported that the average U.S. family owns 12 tech devices, including three TVs, two computers, and seven other gadgets such as MP3 players, video game consoles and mobile phones. Poll respondents said their overlapping use of all these devices adds up to about 43 hours during each 24-hour day.3 Sound like your house?
Unless we make a deliberate effort to unplug, we can literally be entertained all day long. That doesn’t leave much room for important spiritual pursuits like praying (1 Thes. 5:17), meditating on God’s Word (Josh. 1:8, Ps. 1:2) and examining ourselves (Lam. 3:40, 1 Cor. 11:28 and 2 Cor. 13:5). It’s not that technology is bad, but its constant presence can distract us from important exercises that make our spirits strong.
Whatever our normal tech-drenched state is, let’s call its opposite contentment. It’s the ability to be still (Ps. 37:7, Ps. 46:10, Zech. 2:13) — to be alone with our thoughts and be at peace (Prov. 14:30; Is. 26:3, Jn. 14:27, 2 Tim. 1:7). Getting there in today’s culture takes some work, but it’s possible. We can start with the biblical discipline of fasting — but instead of fasting from food, we can fast from technology. Pick a week and turn off the TV. Stay off the Internet for a day. Once in a while, leave the radio off when you get in the car. Create some space in your life — and your kids’ lives — that’s free from electronic input.
Another practical option is to teach kids to be comfortable with silence and solitude. In later years, these can become rich spiritual disciplines, but with little ones the goal is to help them get comfortable with noiseless time in their lives. Start by declaring a tech-free hour each afternoon or evening. Books are definitely allowed in this quiet zone, as are walks outside and time spent on hobbies. A gadget-free hour probably isn’t practical every day, but honoring this quiet time often can create in kids a lasting appreciation for a bit of peace and quiet.
Love the Ones You’re With
It’s funny: Our techno-gadgetry allows us to stay in contact with so many different friends that we’re often guilty of ignoring the people in the room with us in favor of those we’re talking to online or on the cell phone. Furthermore, we sometimes interact long-distance in ways that we wouldn’t up close, and intimacy is lost. It takes some intentionality to ensure that real, high-touch bonds get maintained in an age of cyber-communication.
Priority number one is to create time for your family to focus on each other, without the distractions of technology. That might mean no text messaging at the dinner table. (Even better: no electronics at the dinner table.) Take time to look each other in the eye and catch up on everyone’s day.
Second, talk with your teens about how they communicate with their online friends. Are they being honest, or are they trying to look like someone they’re not? Treating others with honor means shooting straight about your identity.
Finally, kindness toward others also means not taking advantage of them just because you have the tech-skills to do so. Anastasia Goodstein, author of the book Totally Wired: What Teens and Tweens Are Really Doing Online, says that the Internet has made it possible for anyone to become a bully. And many are doing so: One third of kids say they’ve been victims of online bullying; 16 percent say they’ve done some bullying of their own.4 Clearly that’s not kindness, but since it’s becoming common practice, you may need to give your teen some encouragement to be uncommon.
Logging Off
It goes without saying that children are most likely to pick-up on these character-building practices if they see you doing them yourself. Make yours a home where character is the core and technology is an accessory — not vice-versa.
Let’s remember to keep the main thing the main thing.
Feel free to share this article with someone else.
Be Blessed,
Pastor Stan
One comedian had a great take on the whole aging thing…
He said, “Do you realize the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we are kids. When you’re less than ten years old you’re so excited about aging you think in fractions. ‘How old are you?’ I’m four and a half. You’re never thirty-six and a half. You’re four and a half, going on five. You get into your teens and now they can’t hold you back. You jump to the next number, even a few ahead. ‘How old are you?’ I’m going to be sixteen. You could be thirteen but you’re going to be sixteen. Then the greatest day of your life. You become twenty-one. Even the words sound like a ceremony. You become twenty-one. Yes. But then you turn thirty. What happened there? It makes you sound like bad milk. He turned! No fun now, you just soured. What’s wrong? What changed? You become twenty-one, you turn thirty. Then you’re pushing forty. Whoa! Put on the breaks. It’s all slipping away now! Before you know it, you reach fifty and your dreams are gone. But wait! You make it to sixty. They didn’t think you would but you make it to sixty. So you become twenty-one, turn thirty, push forty, reach fifty, make it to sixty. You build up so much speed now that you hit seventy. After that it’s a day to day thing. You hit Wednesday. Then you get into your eighties and everything’s a complete cycle. You hit lunch. You turn four thirty. You reach bedtime. It doesn’t end there. Into your nineties you start going backwards. I was just ninety-two. Then if you make it over a hundred you become a little kid again. I’m a hundred and a half.”
He definitely hit the nail on the head.
Solomon in Psalm 90:12 tells us this about aging…“Teach us to number our days and recognize how few they are: help us to spend them as we should.”
What does that… look like?
It means loving God with your whole heart… and serving Him passionately.
What is passion? A lot of people think passion and excitement is one and the same. It’s not.
Excitement comes and goes… Passion is much deeper.
One person put it this way…”Passion bubbles up in your soul. It’s what you live for. It’s what you get up in the morning for.”
When you connect the dots about what matters the most…and you begin to move that direction…passion shows up.
Here is the cool thing….God will give you the power to go after what matters the most in life.
Eph.1:18-23 (NIV) I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
That’s saying that the same power that defeated death is available to you.
The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to you.
The same power that created the heavens and earth is available to you.
It’s the power to help you live your life with meaning.
There’s a condition to obtaining the power.
The power is available to those of us “who believe in Him.”
If you’re not a believer…you can change that right now.
All you’ve got to do is say yes to Him and open up your heart and say…
“God, I want to believe that You can come into my life… that you can forgive me of my sins… that we can restore a broken relationship and I can be connected with You. Jesus I ask you to come into my heart…Make me a new person.”
You will instantly have access to God’s power.
He is truly an awesome God.
Be Blessed,
Stan
It is hard to believe that it has been 8 years since the 9-11 attack on our country. I remember just after the attack there was a coming together of Americans. People seemed to go out of their way to greet and help each other.
Even in Congress… for a time there were no Republicans or Democrats but Americans wearing flag pins united together against a common enemy that wanted to take away our freedom and our way of life.
8 short years later… in my opinion we have forgotten the lessons that was learned….following 9-11. We are more divided today politically then we ever have been.
Have you watched on the news the town hall meetings…where they are debating healthcare…a guy actually had part of his finger bit off last week at one of the meetings.
(UNBELIEVEABLE)
President Obama and his administration refuse to use the term war on terror because we may offend someone. Yet we have soldiers dying on a regular basis in Afghanistan.
I read yesterday where a town is canceling their 9-11 memorial service because a lack of interest. In other words we have forgotten that we are at war.
There is a lesson in this for us as Christians… we can forget as well… that you and I are in an unseen spiritual war.
The apostle Paul says, “For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood … but against principalities and powers in high places.” Ephesians 6:12
The term he uses to describe the battle we are in… is wrestle. If you’ve ever watched a wrestling match it is non-stop with no timeouts and it is a constant engagement.
We have an enemy who does not fight fair…he kicks us when we are down…he looks for any opportunity to exploit our weaknesses.
But the good news is this we serve the one who gives us the power to overcome our adversity….
The Bible says greater is He that is in you then he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4
We are not to walk in fear but… we have to be on our spiritual toes…keeping short accounts with God and each other. Don’t neglect your spiritual walk. As Hebrews 10:25 says “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Be Blessed,
Pastor Stan
As we look around and see the chaos and the uncertainty around…
I want to remind you of what God has been reminding me of….
And that is this… To maintain a simple child like faith.
Matthew 6:26-36 (NIV) Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
In my devotional reading this week Oswald Chambers the author of My Upmost for His Highest…addresses this very issue but with a different insight he said…
Every time you venture out in the life of faith, you will find something in your common-sense circumstances that flatly contradicts your faith.
Common sense is not faith, and faith is not common sense; they stand in the relation of the natural and the spiritual.
Can you trust Jesus Christ where your common sense cannot trust Him?
Can you venture heroically on Jesus Christ’s statements when the facts of your common-sense life shout – “It’s a lie?” ….
Every time my programme of belief is clear to my own mind, I come across something that contradicts it.
Let me say I believe God will supply all my need, and then let me run dry, with no outlook, and see whether I will go through the trial of faith, or whether I will sink back to something lower.
Faith must be tested, because it can be turned into a personal possession only through conflict.
What is your faith up against just now?
The test will either prove that your faith is right, or it will kill it. “Blessed is he whosoever shall not be offended in Me.”
The final thing is confidence in Jesus. Believe steadfastly on Him and all you come up against will develop your faith.
There is continual testing in the life of faith, and the last great test is death. May God keep us in fighting trim!
Faith is unutterable trust in God, trust which never dreams that He will not stand by us. (End of Quote)
Keep the faith and remember God is on your side.
Be Blessed,
Stan