Posted by Tom on
April 17, 2012 at 9:27 am under Pastor's Pen
1 Peter 5:5, "...And all of you, clothe yourself with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble."
The image of being clothed with lowliness of mind and submitting to others conjures the picture of an indentured servant (slave) putting on an apron to serve those above him. It is a humbling attitude, but that is what we are being called to have. It is a selfless act, but that is what we are being called to do. It is a blessed position before God. God’s unmerited favor is disposed towards those who take such a position. It is not a position of convenience for the server, nor is it a temporary act that can “purchase” the desired grace from God like a commodity. Humility and service of one another is a reflection of Jesus who gave up what was rightfully His to serve the lost. As the image of Christ Jesus is born in us, the Father’s grace will abound to His Son, which the Son shares with us as co-heirs. It is the reward of Christ Jesus that we share.
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Posted by Tom on
February 22, 2012 at 2:12 pm under Pastor's Pen
One of the things that have occurred to me when I hear my children speak about things that I have taught them, is that they are not as merciful as I am. I don't mean to say that they do not know tact or mercy at all, but I do find that the principle of Matthew 23:15 can have its effect. In Matthew 23:15, Jesus scolds the Jewish leaders of the day for making a disciple twice the problem that they were. While we don't likely see ourselves as Pharisees, scribes or hypocrites, it is possible to create aspects of pride, criticalness, and duplicity in our children. We teach them what we believe is right. That’s good, we should. However, we do risk them taking the letter of that teaching and becoming cruel task masters to their peers if we do not also intentionally teach them about the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of others, the mercy and grace of Christ Jesus applied to us, and the potential that even we in our teaching could be wrong. In the end, if we have all knowledge and yet it is not applied in love, what do we have? I will leave you to look up 1 Corinthians 13 to answer that one. So we ought to seek to temper what we teach with the attitude we ought to carry our convictions in, humility and love. That way our children will be taught well and be able to live well with others. Amen?
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Posted by Tom on
October 13, 2011 at 12:16 pm under Pastor's Pen
23 But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; 24 yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. (Philippians 1:23-24 NAS)
May it be that the only reason we hang on so hard to this life is that we feel it necessary for the sake of others. That our goal is not merely to live, but to be with Christ. The quickest way for a Christian to be with Christ is either His gathering of us in the air, or our death. Short of the parousia (in-gathering), we should look forward to death as we know what it means. If we our torn, it should be for the sake of others. We aren't to merely be interested in keeping others from sorrow, but seeking their growth in godliness.
25 And convinced of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith"
Then and only then may we say, "to live is Christ and die is Gain."
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Posted by Tom on
September 29, 2011 at 11:56 am under Pastor's Pen
NAS Psalm 103:1 A Psalm of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits;
3 Who pardons all your iniquities; Who heals all your diseases;
4 Who redeems your life from the pit; Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
5 Who satisfies your years with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.
6 The LORD performs righteous deeds, And judgments for all who are oppressed.
7 He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the sons of Israel.
8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness.
9 He will not always strive with us; Nor will He keep His anger forever.
10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him.
12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
13 Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.
14 For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust.
15 As for man, his days are like grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
16 When the wind has passed over it, it is no more; And its place acknowledges it no longer.
17 But the lovingkindness of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children's children,
18 To those who keep His covenant, And who remember His precepts to do them.
19 The LORD has established His throne in the heavens; And His sovereignty rules over all.
20 Bless the LORD, you His angels, Mighty in strength, who perform His word, Obeying the voice of His word!
21 Bless the LORD, all you His hosts, You who serve Him, doing His will.
22 Bless the LORD, all you works of His, In all places of His dominion; Bless the LORD, O my soul!
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Posted by Tom on
September 9, 2011 at 12:24 pm under Evangelism
http://www.usatoday.com/news/graphics/pew-religion-08/flash.htm
Use the link to see the break out of religions by percentage. This might be a useful guide as we pray through specific states.
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