Say What?

Gen 1:1 "In the beginning God created the Heaven and the earth."

Little Johnny came home from Sunday School and dad asked him what he had learned. He said "dad, it was a really exciting story of how Moses was leading the people away from Egypt and Pharaoh got mad and began to chase them. Moses was stuck on the side of a river with no place to go, so they chopped down a bunch of trees and make a whole lot of boats for the people to cross over on. This made Pharaoh rally mad and he began to shoot at them with these big guns and..." About that time his father interrupted him and asked "Johnny, is that really the way that you learned this story?" Little Johnny thought for a moment and said "no dad it isn't". "But, if I told it they way they did, you wouldn't believe that either". Sometimes, I guess we do find stories in the Bible rather hard to believe, but then again they are accomplished by God and not man. Usually what happens when we come face to face with a situation like that we do try to change it so as to make it more believable. Take, for instance, Creation. Man just can't wrap his brain around the fact that God Almighty spoke this world into existence approximately 6000 years ago, so they logically come to the conclusion that it had to have evolved over billions of years. That is where faith comes into the picture. Heb 11:3 reminds us that "by faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God". So, don't try to explain away a mighty act of God, just accept it by faith and be reminded of what an Awesome God we have.

Good Ol' Peter

II Cor 5:7 "For we walk by faith, not by sight."

I don't know of a more interesting character in the New Testament than Peter. He is often referred to as "Impetuous Peter" because many time his motto was act now, think later. One of those instances comes while sailing across the Sea of Galilee. Jesus had sent the disciples on ahead and assured them that He would meet them on the other side. Without consideration as to how this would happen, they set sail. As they are making their way toward their destination, a storm comes up rather suddenly. This is not an unusual occurrence on this particular sea, but what was strange is that while they were fighting the storm, they saw a figure on the water that appeared to be walking. After Jesus spoke to them, to calm their fears, our guy Peter quickly says "Lord, if it is really you, let me come out there too". (paraphrased) At Jesus' bidding, Peter began to make his way to Jesus on top of the water. At some point, Peter took his eyes off of Jesus and began to sink. But, as is always the case, Jesus was right there, ready to lend a hand and they all made it safely to the other side. We are prone to question Peter's faith, because he began to sink. But, the fact of the matter is that there were still 11 men left in the boat. Why do you suppose that Peter was willing to leave the security of the boat during this storm, having, no doubt, sailed through storms like this in his past as a fisherman? I think it is because, Peter understood a very valuable lesson - regardless of what is going on around you, the safest place to be is the nearest to God. As you face the storms in your life, make sure that you seek out the presence of God and get just as close as you can.

Its The Same Thing Only Different

Psa 139:14 "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are Thy works; and that my soul knowth right well."

I am astounded at Creation. Especially the human body. How anyone could believe that from a big bang in space man has evolved into the intricate details of the body in which we live, is beyond me. One of the things that I find so amazing is how similar we are, one with another, yet so very different. We all have 2 eyes, 2 ears, a nose and a mouth on our face. But, we syre don't look the same! And most of what makes the difference in our appearance is hidden from the naked eye. For instance, we say that a person has high cheek bones, or a chubby face. We see someone whose features reflect their ethnic background or someone who has allowed a Doctor to go beneath the skin and make alterations. But, with all of these subtle differences, there are a few things that are very much the same. We all come into this world the same way - birth. We will all leave this world the same way - death. And, again, it is that which cannot be seen with the naked eye that makes the difference. We are all born into this world with a sin nature that has separated us from God and brought about condemnation. John 3:16-19. Because of this condition, God in His Great Love for man, sent His Son to die for man on the cross of Calvary to pay man's sin debt. If a person remains in unbelief they will spend all of eternity in hell. But, if they will believe on Jesus and accept His free gift of Salvation, they will be in Heaven forever. As you look around you, we are all the same, only different and Jesus is what makes the difference. Has He made a difference in your life?

Some Strange Sayings

II Tim 2:15 "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth."

Since my calling as a Pastor is to use words, I am a word person. I pay close attention to the words people choose. I was taught a long time ago in college how important good grammar is and try my best to use it. I also like the use of puns in humor and catchy sayings. One in particular goes like this - "the more you know, the more you know you don't know" . I realize that it takes a moment to soak in, but it has such a good message to it. Sometimes we get the idea that we have a pretty good handle on a subject only to find out we really don't know as much about it as we think we do. Take life, for instance. Things seem to be going well and we begin to think we have it all figured out. Then God decides to drop something else into the mix. And, once again, we find there is so much more to learn. I like what one person said " by the time I have all the answers, I have forgotten the questions". God's Word is another prime example. If you have been in Church for a lot of years, you are probably very familiar with the most popular Bible stories and if someone asks, you are able to take them right to the passage. That is a good thing. But there is something else that is even better. We need to know more than just what the Bible says, we need to know what it means. It just amazes me how that we can read over a very familiar verse and all of a sudden, God gives us another jewel that we had never seen before. Not another interpretation, just another application. So, don't be in a hurry to read over those areas that you know so well without deep consideration. God may have a nugget of gold just waiting below the surface. We really don't know as much as we think we do.

What's In A Building

Matt 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven."

Having had the opportunity to be involved in building programs over the years, I am always amazed at the craftsmanship that some people have. When you enter a new building you can see the intricate design and the ornate woodwork that seems to jump out at you. You can be stunned by the beauty of the choice of paint colors and personal touches that the new owners have added. But, none of that would be possible if it were not for those who poured the foundation or put up the studs for the walls. Those areas of expertise and labor that never get seen by the new tenant because they become covered over with the beautiful things that finish that structure. Bare stud walls are by no means as beautiful as the finished product, but they are just as needful. As a matter of fact, without them there would be no building. Here is my point. There are a lot of people who labor in the Church whose jobs are never seen by the average person. But, those jobs are of great necessity to the overall mission and ministry of the Church. Some areas of service seem to stand out more because they are in the public eye. But, without those who tirelessly give of themselves in the "background", out of site, our service to God would be greatly hindered. I want to say a very special thank you to all those wall builders who do not seem to get the recognition and appreciation that they deserve. God knows of your service to Him and your reward is coming. In Matt 6 Jesus speaks of the pious religious acts of the Pharisees and says "they have their reward". They seek the praise of man and that is all they get. He then goes on to say that we should pray and give in secret and God will reward us openly. So, keep up the good work for God and know that we appreciate you labor of love.