Reflections, on the spiritual side of life ………………..
Today, as I write this column, a primary election is in New Hampshire. A word came to mind as I was thinking about it, and that word is CITIZENSHIP. Our responsibility is to be good citizens, and by being reasonable, I mean taking part in one of the most significant responsibilities we are blessed to have in this great nation. Considering how many gave their lives for us to have this honorable privilege, it would be a sin not to do so.
I was reading an article on CITIZENSHIP in one of my favorite booklets, "My Daily Bread," which I use in this column. Today, I am going to do so with their approval.
This true story will both uplift and humble us, as it should and give us pause for reflection and consideration as to its importance in our lives and our elected leaders' lives.
In July 2022, Britain's prime minister was forced to step down after what many felt were lapses in integrity. This event was triggered when the country's health minister attended an annual parliamentary prayer breakfast, and after being convicted of the need for integrity in public life, he resigned. When other ministers resigned, the prime minister realized he had also to leave. It was a remarkable moment that all came about from a peaceful prayer meeting.
The Holy Spirit of God was at work, as it became evident. Believers in Jesus are called to pray for our political leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2), and Psalm 72 is a good guide for doing so, being both a ruler's job description and a prayer to help them achieve it. It describes the ideal leader as a person of justice and integrity (VV.1-2) who defends the vulnerable (V.4), serves the needy (VV.12-13), and stands against oppression V.14). Their time in office should be thoughtful and uplifting, challenging and righteous, like "showers watering the earth" (V 6), bringing prosperity to the land (VV.3,7, 16). While only Jesus the Messiah can perfectly fulfill such a role (V 11), what better standard of leadership could be followed?
The health of our country is reflected in the leaders we choose and elect and is governed by how that man or woman fulfills the office they are elected to. Again, integrity, which too often seems to be lacking. As individuals and as a nation, it is true that we "reap what we sow." Our leaders are a reflection of us.
Question: what qualities do you look for in a leader? Remember, praying for these men and women is our God-given duty. Criticism comes easily and should be balanced with prayer.
PLEASE, let us pray and use good common sense and personal integrity to choose leaders who reflect the qualities spoken of above. God, please empower our leaders to be men and women of justice, integrity, and goodness.
Amen!
Pastor Tom
Little Church in the Pines
January 23, 2024
Today, as I write this column, a primary election is in New Hampshire. A word came to mind as I was thinking about it, and that word is CITIZENSHIP. Our responsibility is to be good citizens, and by being reasonable, I mean taking part in one of the most significant responsibilities we are blessed to have in this great nation. Considering how many gave their lives for us to have this honorable privilege, it would be a sin not to do so.
I was reading an article on CITIZENSHIP in one of my favorite booklets, "My Daily Bread," which I use in this column. Today, I am going to do so with their approval.
This true story will both uplift and humble us, as it should and give us pause for reflection and consideration as to its importance in our lives and our elected leaders' lives.
In July 2022, Britain's prime minister was forced to step down after what many felt were lapses in integrity. This event was triggered when the country's health minister attended an annual parliamentary prayer breakfast, and after being convicted of the need for integrity in public life, he resigned. When other ministers resigned, the prime minister realized he had also to leave. It was a remarkable moment that all came about from a peaceful prayer meeting.
The Holy Spirit of God was at work, as it became evident. Believers in Jesus are called to pray for our political leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2), and Psalm 72 is a good guide for doing so, being both a ruler's job description and a prayer to help them achieve it. It describes the ideal leader as a person of justice and integrity (VV.1-2) who defends the vulnerable (V.4), serves the needy (VV.12-13), and stands against oppression V.14). Their time in office should be thoughtful and uplifting, challenging and righteous, like "showers watering the earth" (V 6), bringing prosperity to the land (VV.3,7, 16). While only Jesus the Messiah can perfectly fulfill such a role (V 11), what better standard of leadership could be followed?
The health of our country is reflected in the leaders we choose and elect and is governed by how that man or woman fulfills the office they are elected to. Again, integrity, which too often seems to be lacking. As individuals and as a nation, it is true that we "reap what we sow." Our leaders are a reflection of us.
Question: what qualities do you look for in a leader? Remember, praying for these men and women is our God-given duty. Criticism comes easily and should be balanced with prayer.
PLEASE, let us pray and use good common sense and personal integrity to choose leaders who reflect the qualities spoken of above. God, please empower our leaders to be men and women of justice, integrity, and goodness.
Amen!
Pastor Tom
Little Church in the Pines
January 23, 2024
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life………
January 4, 2024
Lamentations 3, “His (God’s) mercies are new every morning.”
New Year’s is not a time for celebration; other than that, I am still around to embrace the change and the truth that in my time of reflection, His mercies are indeed new every morning! Every single morning! I don’t think I would be as tolerant and compassionate with myself as God is when I reflect on the year I am leaving behind, and I do take the time to do so.
Think about it, ok? We don’t have to wait for the end of the calendar year to reflect on our choices and lives, specifically if we have the Spirit of God within us. He, the Holy Spirit, is the Great Convictor. The word Convictor I just made up!
Anyway, it is one role of the Spirit to alert us by internal conviction when we have done something wrong, such as sinning, and I find He is very good at His job.
Now that’s where when once we reflect on the day just passed, not waiting for a whole year to go by, and we find something(s) amiss, it should be our immediate response to repent and accept (we don’t have to plead), for that’s where Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross comes into play. Once repented, it’s done and even forgotten. Psalm 103:12: “as far as the east is from the west, so far does He remove our transgressions from us.” Then, at that moment, we can and should, with great relief, embrace God’s New Every Morning Mercies. Then, we can approach God with meaning and sincerity, “Your will today, not mine.”
Now, that’s an excellent way to start our day! I seem to use many exclamation points today, but I find it somewhat appropriate and fun.
You see, God is deeply compassionate towards us. We get in trouble by abusing the gift of free will. Now, if we didn’t have free will, we would be nothing more than puppets in the hands of a Great Puppeteer. God desires that we choose to love Him and worship He and His Son by choice, not decree. I often fail to count behaviorally, so I rely heavily on “His mercies that are NEW every morning. I don’t like reflecting on where I would be now if His mercies were not free without asking for them. YIKES! There are also times when I do request.
I pray all of you have an outstanding, healthy, spiritual, and even HAPPY NEW YEAR.
P.S. Remember also that we are called to pray for PEACE and be
PEACEMAKES. Matthew 5:9: “Blessed are the peacemakers, because they
will be called the children of God.”
Blessing, Pastor Tom
Little Church in the Pines
January 4, 2024
Lamentations 3, “His (God’s) mercies are new every morning.”
New Year’s is not a time for celebration; other than that, I am still around to embrace the change and the truth that in my time of reflection, His mercies are indeed new every morning! Every single morning! I don’t think I would be as tolerant and compassionate with myself as God is when I reflect on the year I am leaving behind, and I do take the time to do so.
Think about it, ok? We don’t have to wait for the end of the calendar year to reflect on our choices and lives, specifically if we have the Spirit of God within us. He, the Holy Spirit, is the Great Convictor. The word Convictor I just made up!
Anyway, it is one role of the Spirit to alert us by internal conviction when we have done something wrong, such as sinning, and I find He is very good at His job.
Now that’s where when once we reflect on the day just passed, not waiting for a whole year to go by, and we find something(s) amiss, it should be our immediate response to repent and accept (we don’t have to plead), for that’s where Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross comes into play. Once repented, it’s done and even forgotten. Psalm 103:12: “as far as the east is from the west, so far does He remove our transgressions from us.” Then, at that moment, we can and should, with great relief, embrace God’s New Every Morning Mercies. Then, we can approach God with meaning and sincerity, “Your will today, not mine.”
Now, that’s an excellent way to start our day! I seem to use many exclamation points today, but I find it somewhat appropriate and fun.
You see, God is deeply compassionate towards us. We get in trouble by abusing the gift of free will. Now, if we didn’t have free will, we would be nothing more than puppets in the hands of a Great Puppeteer. God desires that we choose to love Him and worship He and His Son by choice, not decree. I often fail to count behaviorally, so I rely heavily on “His mercies that are NEW every morning. I don’t like reflecting on where I would be now if His mercies were not free without asking for them. YIKES! There are also times when I do request.
I pray all of you have an outstanding, healthy, spiritual, and even HAPPY NEW YEAR.
P.S. Remember also that we are called to pray for PEACE and be
PEACEMAKES. Matthew 5:9: “Blessed are the peacemakers, because they
will be called the children of God.”
Blessing, Pastor Tom
Little Church in the Pines
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life……….
I want to thank those who took the time to say how much you appreciated last week’s column. In an article such as it was, there will always be those on the opposite side of the spectrum. And you know what? That is just okay with me. That is the bedrock of the First Amendment of our Constitution. Freedom of speech. It is how we choose to disagree that divides us more than the content itself.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
If someone wants to counter what I shared logically and factually free of hate, go for it. It is a fact that over the past decade, we as a people have forgotten how to disagree without expressing ugly rhetoric, leading at times to the point of violence. Even though we may believe passionately in our particular stance, why can’t we discuss the subjects we disagree on (as mature adults) without resorting to emotion being the overriding factor? Intense emotion, when expressed as such, often overrides any possibility of coming to a mutual consensus, if nothing else, to agree to disagree.
There are some in our government and social media. Who wants to monitor every word printed and every word spoken? They are the ones who want to do the monitoring, calling much that they disagree with “hate speech,” and to a modified point, I do agree. One of those is overtly threatening a person or organization. Another involves using children in sexual exploitation, or adults for that matter. If you remember, personals on Craigslist were deleted because people were being exploited through them. It was a good move.
There are those who I simply refuse to listen to, as I cannot bear to hear what they have to say, having already heard it over and over again! So, what do I do? I hit the mute button on the television and voice a few quiet expletives. Or if it is a published article, and I feel strongly enough about my stance and way of thinking, I will throw it away, or after rereading and underlining all the things I disagree with, I then promise myself if I know the person, I will attempt to TALK with them.
There is a good possibility that some who read this paper will not read my column because they disagree with me, which is okay, too.
Isaiah 1:18a applies directly to what I am attempting to say here.
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD:
I respect your right to believe and express your opinions, even though they may be far opposite mine. I do. And though I may disagree with you vehemently, I only ask that you do the same with me. If we use reason and respect in talking about our differences, we may find we have more in common than not, and wouldn’t that be amazing and even a good thing?
Pastor Tom,
Little Church in the Pines
I want to thank those who took the time to say how much you appreciated last week’s column. In an article such as it was, there will always be those on the opposite side of the spectrum. And you know what? That is just okay with me. That is the bedrock of the First Amendment of our Constitution. Freedom of speech. It is how we choose to disagree that divides us more than the content itself.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
If someone wants to counter what I shared logically and factually free of hate, go for it. It is a fact that over the past decade, we as a people have forgotten how to disagree without expressing ugly rhetoric, leading at times to the point of violence. Even though we may believe passionately in our particular stance, why can’t we discuss the subjects we disagree on (as mature adults) without resorting to emotion being the overriding factor? Intense emotion, when expressed as such, often overrides any possibility of coming to a mutual consensus, if nothing else, to agree to disagree.
There are some in our government and social media. Who wants to monitor every word printed and every word spoken? They are the ones who want to do the monitoring, calling much that they disagree with “hate speech,” and to a modified point, I do agree. One of those is overtly threatening a person or organization. Another involves using children in sexual exploitation, or adults for that matter. If you remember, personals on Craigslist were deleted because people were being exploited through them. It was a good move.
There are those who I simply refuse to listen to, as I cannot bear to hear what they have to say, having already heard it over and over again! So, what do I do? I hit the mute button on the television and voice a few quiet expletives. Or if it is a published article, and I feel strongly enough about my stance and way of thinking, I will throw it away, or after rereading and underlining all the things I disagree with, I then promise myself if I know the person, I will attempt to TALK with them.
There is a good possibility that some who read this paper will not read my column because they disagree with me, which is okay, too.
Isaiah 1:18a applies directly to what I am attempting to say here.
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD:
I respect your right to believe and express your opinions, even though they may be far opposite mine. I do. And though I may disagree with you vehemently, I only ask that you do the same with me. If we use reason and respect in talking about our differences, we may find we have more in common than not, and wouldn’t that be amazing and even a good thing?
Pastor Tom,
Little Church in the Pines
REFLECTIONS, on the Spiritual Side of Life…………….
The HOLY SPIRIT of GOD
Greetings today in the Name of the LORD and God Bless You!
The Holy Spirit has been a source of misunderstanding, strife, and contention since He "fell upon all believers" on the Day of Pentecost. Acts 2:1-4. (Take a break here to read it for yourself, please.) From that day forward, the power that was to build The Church Jesus said He came to make, in conjunction with the teachings of Jesus, Matthew 16:18: "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build MY CHURCH, and the gates of Hades will NOT overcome it, and it continues to this day.
The Power of the Holy Spirit is a force, the powerful force that holds together, builds up, and protects THE CHURCH. Not only the institution but the people who make up the church, the living body of Christ on earth.
Some have tried to destroy it both from within and without, and those attempting to replace it, but God by His Spirit will NEVER permit this to happen, so said Jesus as quoted above.
Don't mess with the Spirit is a warning Jesus stated when the religious leaders attributed to Satan the miracles of Jesus. Instead of glorifying God, He responded, "Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come." Again, don't mess with the Holy Spirit! That also includes extra-biblical teachings that do not align with the Bible's teachings.
The Holy Spirit I am speaking of here is, of course, the same Spirit we read of in Genesis 1:1-2," In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters."
The Holy Spirit in Judaism and the King James version of the Bible is also called the Holy Ghost. This is a misnomer referring specifically to the fact that the Holy Spirit does not have a body, but as God is Spirit, the Holy Spirit is, yes, Spirit.
Through the power of the Holy Spirit, then and today, believers are saved, filled, sealed, and sanctified. The Holy Spirit reveals God's thoughts and teachings, guiding all believers into all truth. God established the truth through Jesus, written and published by the apostles the church leaders, and canonized by the early Church fathers. That means these teachings are sanctioned as accurate by Church authorities.
Next week, I will delve further into the role of the Holy Spirit in our individual lives and the life of The Church.
Have a blessed day! Pastor Tom
The HOLY SPIRIT of GOD
Greetings today in the Name of the LORD and God Bless You!
The Holy Spirit has been a source of misunderstanding, strife, and contention since He "fell upon all believers" on the Day of Pentecost. Acts 2:1-4. (Take a break here to read it for yourself, please.) From that day forward, the power that was to build The Church Jesus said He came to make, in conjunction with the teachings of Jesus, Matthew 16:18: "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build MY CHURCH, and the gates of Hades will NOT overcome it, and it continues to this day.
The Power of the Holy Spirit is a force, the powerful force that holds together, builds up, and protects THE CHURCH. Not only the institution but the people who make up the church, the living body of Christ on earth.
Some have tried to destroy it both from within and without, and those attempting to replace it, but God by His Spirit will NEVER permit this to happen, so said Jesus as quoted above.
Don't mess with the Spirit is a warning Jesus stated when the religious leaders attributed to Satan the miracles of Jesus. Instead of glorifying God, He responded, "Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come." Again, don't mess with the Holy Spirit! That also includes extra-biblical teachings that do not align with the Bible's teachings.
The Holy Spirit I am speaking of here is, of course, the same Spirit we read of in Genesis 1:1-2," In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters."
The Holy Spirit in Judaism and the King James version of the Bible is also called the Holy Ghost. This is a misnomer referring specifically to the fact that the Holy Spirit does not have a body, but as God is Spirit, the Holy Spirit is, yes, Spirit.
Through the power of the Holy Spirit, then and today, believers are saved, filled, sealed, and sanctified. The Holy Spirit reveals God's thoughts and teachings, guiding all believers into all truth. God established the truth through Jesus, written and published by the apostles the church leaders, and canonized by the early Church fathers. That means these teachings are sanctioned as accurate by Church authorities.
Next week, I will delve further into the role of the Holy Spirit in our individual lives and the life of The Church.
Have a blessed day! Pastor Tom
Reflections on the spiritual side . . . . .
Pastor Tom listed fifteen aspects of Jesus' personality during last Sunday's message. Naturally, the list only partially captures who Jesus was while ministering on earth, but it does highlight qualities that humankind should strive to emanate.
My brain has a knack for taking anything business and turning it into faith-based, and vice versa. I constantly think about how to apply what I just heard or read to my daily life, which is currently 90% business. One statement I was reminded of at the beginning of the summer was Firm, Fair, and Consistent. I love that short and defined motto and have done my best to follow it. Sometimes, it isn't easy in my inner circle. Since Team Connie's is very close, there is a fine line between employment and friendship. Upon more profound thought, it is essential to follow, Firm, Fair, and Consistent with everyone and in all situations. As Pastor Tom is speaking of Jesus' personality, I thought, who was/is the unsurpassed example of Firm, Fair, and Consistent? Jesus!!!
Jesus, Our Lord and Savior! Firm in His commitment as we are to be firm with our commitment to God's Truth. Fair in all His association with the masses of people that followed Him and despised Him. Consistent in His mission regardless of His surroundings.
Why is it essential to stand firm in the Lord? When we build on a firm foundation of Christ, we can withstand whatever comes our way. A foundation based on God produces steadfast faith and life. Standing firm on the Lord's promises helps us persevere during difficult times because we know that no matter what, God will be with us every step of the way. His faithfulness is a source of assurance that He will never leave or forsake us. (Matthew 7:24-29).
Besides the Disciples and close followers of Jesus, think of the multitudes of people that Jesus associated with. Fair, good grief, the only One that could remain fair would be Jesus. I assume because of who Jesus is, He had no fine line to consider when dealing with people. God has been more than adequate in His dealings with people. Despite our sins (Romans 3:23), He has offered forgiveness (1 John 1:9) and eternal life to those who will believe in His Son Jesus (John 3:16). Further, as King and Creator of all things, He can do as He pleases. He is not obligated to treat us as we wish or in ways that we "feel" are fair. Instead, He works all things together for our good (Romans 8:28), as part of His perfect plan.
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8). He is immutable, which means he never changes. Jesus was always consistent in His relationship with God, and Christians must be consistent in their relationship with the life of the Son of God in them. To list a few consistent and inspiring characteristics of Jesus:
Blessings Be Yours,
Connie Himes Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines
Steering Committee Chair
Pastor Tom listed fifteen aspects of Jesus' personality during last Sunday's message. Naturally, the list only partially captures who Jesus was while ministering on earth, but it does highlight qualities that humankind should strive to emanate.
My brain has a knack for taking anything business and turning it into faith-based, and vice versa. I constantly think about how to apply what I just heard or read to my daily life, which is currently 90% business. One statement I was reminded of at the beginning of the summer was Firm, Fair, and Consistent. I love that short and defined motto and have done my best to follow it. Sometimes, it isn't easy in my inner circle. Since Team Connie's is very close, there is a fine line between employment and friendship. Upon more profound thought, it is essential to follow, Firm, Fair, and Consistent with everyone and in all situations. As Pastor Tom is speaking of Jesus' personality, I thought, who was/is the unsurpassed example of Firm, Fair, and Consistent? Jesus!!!
Jesus, Our Lord and Savior! Firm in His commitment as we are to be firm with our commitment to God's Truth. Fair in all His association with the masses of people that followed Him and despised Him. Consistent in His mission regardless of His surroundings.
Why is it essential to stand firm in the Lord? When we build on a firm foundation of Christ, we can withstand whatever comes our way. A foundation based on God produces steadfast faith and life. Standing firm on the Lord's promises helps us persevere during difficult times because we know that no matter what, God will be with us every step of the way. His faithfulness is a source of assurance that He will never leave or forsake us. (Matthew 7:24-29).
Besides the Disciples and close followers of Jesus, think of the multitudes of people that Jesus associated with. Fair, good grief, the only One that could remain fair would be Jesus. I assume because of who Jesus is, He had no fine line to consider when dealing with people. God has been more than adequate in His dealings with people. Despite our sins (Romans 3:23), He has offered forgiveness (1 John 1:9) and eternal life to those who will believe in His Son Jesus (John 3:16). Further, as King and Creator of all things, He can do as He pleases. He is not obligated to treat us as we wish or in ways that we "feel" are fair. Instead, He works all things together for our good (Romans 8:28), as part of His perfect plan.
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8). He is immutable, which means he never changes. Jesus was always consistent in His relationship with God, and Christians must be consistent in their relationship with the life of the Son of God in them. To list a few consistent and inspiring characteristics of Jesus:
- Jesus showed grace and forgiveness.
- Empathy is a characteristic of Jesus.
- Wisdom was an attribute of Jesus.
- Obedience was a characteristic of Jesus.
- Jesus was a good listener.
- Truth is an attribute of Jesus.
- Humility was a character trait of Jesus.
Blessings Be Yours,
Connie Himes Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines
Steering Committee Chair
Reflections on the spiritual side of life………..
As I stated last week, this mini-series is just that, regarding the reliability of the Bible as we know it today.
I also said I am not a scholar or a historian, though I study the Bible and believe it is the Word of God spoken through men. To sort out what appear to be discrepancies, alleged errors, etc., is different from my goal. Men that are much more intelligent than I have been working on this for many years. Like all research, the more information that comes to
light either verifies or debunks parts or all of anything as that information is proven legitimate. Actual historians hold that the Bible should not be treated differently than other historical (or literary) sources from the ancient world. This also includes all other so-called historical, spiritual books such as the Hindu, Bhagavad Gita, the Muslim Koran, the Jewish and Christian Bible, the Book of Mormon, etc.
As a (whole) the Bible has proven to be a reliable and legitimate resource not only for spiritual living and truth but also, in part, for the history of cultures, geography, geology, politics, resources, events, theology, well-known and unknown individuals, human behavior, climate, environments, ideas and so on.
Man should never manipulate history to force-prove his biases but should be allowed to stand on its merit of discovery and verified facts. Too many (even scholars) have tried to do just this and ended up being made fools of when discovered, and over time, the truth will always prevail.
Today, the focus of biblical history has diversified during this area in our history. The most significant and prolonged focus has been on archeology which has often but not always verified biblical as to be fact.
In talking about the history of discovery, there is the history of theology (the relationship between God and humankind), political history (usually an account of both Great Men and Women, (were these figures indeed actual or myth,) the unfolding and chronology of events, intellectual development, socio-cultural history, institutions, as an example the
temple, the latest being Solomon’s Temple. The advancement and the use of warfare weapons, food, and resources overall, and on a larger scale, EXODUS, the Noahic Flood, the Garden of Eden, etc.
In large part, the Bible is the most highly regarded and studied BOOK OF BOOKS on many levels, as noted above. Still, Historian/Scholar Paula McNutt notes that the Old Testament narratives do not record ‘history’ in the sense that history is even understood today as the past, for biblical writers as well as we who read the Bible today, has whole meaning only when it is considered (even prophetically) in light of the present.
Some of the events as they are recorded are factual and, at times, an allegory with a fuller and richer meaning. Jewish scholars say that we Believers are often too literal, sometimes missing what the Scriptures are attempting to relate to us. This is where we are to THINK and look for evidence, looking deeper into what the Scriptures are trying to tell us.
For the average Christian or Jew, studying and reading the Bible is considered a guide to whole and prosperous life and a love story between God and humankind. Just as in life itself, there are good times, great times, sad times, times of grieving, times of celebration, boring times, party times, worship times, and quiet times as recorded in Ecclesiastes 3 and written by King Solomon. It is an accurate reflection on
the condition of humankind without and with God.
The study of HISTORY in its many venues of study has not yet been revealed and backed up all that we would like it to, but there have been, thus far, enough factual discoveries to keep us intrigued and believing in God’s Word in His Bible verifiable, for us to know we are indeed following the true and only God, as well as His Son Jesus Christ.
There is indeed this thing called faith, and again enough has been discovered as reliable and factual as to build up our faith, and therefore it is not “blind faith” we employ, but faith is backed by facts, by God, and His love for us exhibited through His Son.
God Bless and keep every one of you,
Pastor Tom, LCIP
As I stated last week, this mini-series is just that, regarding the reliability of the Bible as we know it today.
I also said I am not a scholar or a historian, though I study the Bible and believe it is the Word of God spoken through men. To sort out what appear to be discrepancies, alleged errors, etc., is different from my goal. Men that are much more intelligent than I have been working on this for many years. Like all research, the more information that comes to
light either verifies or debunks parts or all of anything as that information is proven legitimate. Actual historians hold that the Bible should not be treated differently than other historical (or literary) sources from the ancient world. This also includes all other so-called historical, spiritual books such as the Hindu, Bhagavad Gita, the Muslim Koran, the Jewish and Christian Bible, the Book of Mormon, etc.
As a (whole) the Bible has proven to be a reliable and legitimate resource not only for spiritual living and truth but also, in part, for the history of cultures, geography, geology, politics, resources, events, theology, well-known and unknown individuals, human behavior, climate, environments, ideas and so on.
Man should never manipulate history to force-prove his biases but should be allowed to stand on its merit of discovery and verified facts. Too many (even scholars) have tried to do just this and ended up being made fools of when discovered, and over time, the truth will always prevail.
Today, the focus of biblical history has diversified during this area in our history. The most significant and prolonged focus has been on archeology which has often but not always verified biblical as to be fact.
In talking about the history of discovery, there is the history of theology (the relationship between God and humankind), political history (usually an account of both Great Men and Women, (were these figures indeed actual or myth,) the unfolding and chronology of events, intellectual development, socio-cultural history, institutions, as an example the
temple, the latest being Solomon’s Temple. The advancement and the use of warfare weapons, food, and resources overall, and on a larger scale, EXODUS, the Noahic Flood, the Garden of Eden, etc.
In large part, the Bible is the most highly regarded and studied BOOK OF BOOKS on many levels, as noted above. Still, Historian/Scholar Paula McNutt notes that the Old Testament narratives do not record ‘history’ in the sense that history is even understood today as the past, for biblical writers as well as we who read the Bible today, has whole meaning only when it is considered (even prophetically) in light of the present.
Some of the events as they are recorded are factual and, at times, an allegory with a fuller and richer meaning. Jewish scholars say that we Believers are often too literal, sometimes missing what the Scriptures are attempting to relate to us. This is where we are to THINK and look for evidence, looking deeper into what the Scriptures are trying to tell us.
For the average Christian or Jew, studying and reading the Bible is considered a guide to whole and prosperous life and a love story between God and humankind. Just as in life itself, there are good times, great times, sad times, times of grieving, times of celebration, boring times, party times, worship times, and quiet times as recorded in Ecclesiastes 3 and written by King Solomon. It is an accurate reflection on
the condition of humankind without and with God.
The study of HISTORY in its many venues of study has not yet been revealed and backed up all that we would like it to, but there have been, thus far, enough factual discoveries to keep us intrigued and believing in God’s Word in His Bible verifiable, for us to know we are indeed following the true and only God, as well as His Son Jesus Christ.
There is indeed this thing called faith, and again enough has been discovered as reliable and factual as to build up our faith, and therefore it is not “blind faith” we employ, but faith is backed by facts, by God, and His love for us exhibited through His Son.
God Bless and keep every one of you,
Pastor Tom, LCIP
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life…………..
Today, I will present PART II of the Bible and its accuracy in the present day. There is no way I can do justice to this topic in this short format, but I hope you will be compelled to do further study and research on your own. This is, in fact, a very mini-series at best.
If you read last week’s column, you will have read how serious and important the Scribes (whose role it was to accurately copy scripture) took their calling or vocation and the methodology employed.
ARCHEOLOGY is today’s subject, as to its importance in verifying the Bible and its accuracy both geographically and in textural writings. Also, its role in biblical studies and Christian apologetics in several ways. It has confirmed the historical accuracy of the Modern Bible by verifying many ancient sites, civilizations, and biblical characters, whose existence has been proven when once questioned by the academic world and often dismissed as myths.
For example, the Rosetta Stone was discovered in 1798 by Napoleon’s scientific team of scholars and draftsmen to verify the monuments in Egypt mentioned in the Bible and opened the door to reading Egyptian scrolls that spoke of these people, events, and places.
THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS and THEIR IMPORTANCE
In 1947, shepherds stumbled upon a cave in a rugged, arid area on the western side of the Dead Sea. What they discovered was soon proclaimed the most remarkable archeological find of the twentieth century. Over (800) fragmentary documents, mainly consisting of Hebrew writings on leather with a few on parchment, including fragments of 190 biblical scrolls. Most of these are small, containing no more than one-tenth of a book. However, a complete Isaiah scroll had been found. Almost every OT book is present, and other writings are valued by the community that dwelt in those caves. It appears the earliest scrolls date to the mid-third century BC. And most to the first or second century BC.
The Dead Sea Scrolls preserved, by far, our oldest copies of biblical manuscripts. The textural tradition preserved in the medieval (Masoretic Text), (the authoritative Hebrew and Aramaic text of the 24 books of the Hebrew Bible in Rabbinic Judaism) is well attested in these ancient biblical manuscripts from Qumran, demonstrating quite forcefully the faithful translation and transmission of these texts over the centuries. These scrolls also attest to various textural traditions during the Second Temple period. In other words, the text tradition in the (Masoretic Text) existed alongside other textural practices at Qumran.
While the biblical scrolls from Qumran do confirm the reliability of the current biblical text, the other text traditions written with their variant readings also present wonderful and exciting challenges in compelling you and me to better understand the text of ancient and current Scripture.
More to come next week!
God bless you all! Be safe and be thankful,
Pastor Tom, LCIP
Today, I will present PART II of the Bible and its accuracy in the present day. There is no way I can do justice to this topic in this short format, but I hope you will be compelled to do further study and research on your own. This is, in fact, a very mini-series at best.
If you read last week’s column, you will have read how serious and important the Scribes (whose role it was to accurately copy scripture) took their calling or vocation and the methodology employed.
ARCHEOLOGY is today’s subject, as to its importance in verifying the Bible and its accuracy both geographically and in textural writings. Also, its role in biblical studies and Christian apologetics in several ways. It has confirmed the historical accuracy of the Modern Bible by verifying many ancient sites, civilizations, and biblical characters, whose existence has been proven when once questioned by the academic world and often dismissed as myths.
For example, the Rosetta Stone was discovered in 1798 by Napoleon’s scientific team of scholars and draftsmen to verify the monuments in Egypt mentioned in the Bible and opened the door to reading Egyptian scrolls that spoke of these people, events, and places.
THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS and THEIR IMPORTANCE
In 1947, shepherds stumbled upon a cave in a rugged, arid area on the western side of the Dead Sea. What they discovered was soon proclaimed the most remarkable archeological find of the twentieth century. Over (800) fragmentary documents, mainly consisting of Hebrew writings on leather with a few on parchment, including fragments of 190 biblical scrolls. Most of these are small, containing no more than one-tenth of a book. However, a complete Isaiah scroll had been found. Almost every OT book is present, and other writings are valued by the community that dwelt in those caves. It appears the earliest scrolls date to the mid-third century BC. And most to the first or second century BC.
The Dead Sea Scrolls preserved, by far, our oldest copies of biblical manuscripts. The textural tradition preserved in the medieval (Masoretic Text), (the authoritative Hebrew and Aramaic text of the 24 books of the Hebrew Bible in Rabbinic Judaism) is well attested in these ancient biblical manuscripts from Qumran, demonstrating quite forcefully the faithful translation and transmission of these texts over the centuries. These scrolls also attest to various textural traditions during the Second Temple period. In other words, the text tradition in the (Masoretic Text) existed alongside other textural practices at Qumran.
While the biblical scrolls from Qumran do confirm the reliability of the current biblical text, the other text traditions written with their variant readings also present wonderful and exciting challenges in compelling you and me to better understand the text of ancient and current Scripture.
More to come next week!
God bless you all! Be safe and be thankful,
Pastor Tom, LCIP
Reflections on the spiritual side of life…………
Greetings to those of you who read this column from week to week. I assume (safely, I’m sure) that you are people who love God and His Son and are looking to deepen your spiritual life in Christ. I have found that by writing this column and the challenge it presents to me every week, I have gained a new depth and understanding and the value of God’s Word.
This verse has been on my mind to discuss for quite a while. It is a sobering verse that needs to be taken seriously by all of us.
ISAIAH 30:10 They say to the seers, “Do not see,” and to the prophets, “DO NOT PROPHECY TO US RIGHT THINGS; SPEAK TO US ONLY PLEASANT, SMOOTH THINGS.”
In context, these words are being spoken to the rebellious Judeans who are about to make a pact with Egypt instead of relying on God.
This verse can also apply to those of us who desire only a pleasant and superficial faith that does not challenge us to grow in the things of the Lord. In times of trial and great difficulty, these are those who will often lose their faith in God and His Son.
Let’s first differentiate between a ‘prophet’ and a ‘seer, or are they the same?
A prophet is regarded as an inspired teacher or proclaimer of the will of God, as well as a person who advocates or speaks in a visionary way, including predictions of the future.
A seer, too, is a person who is given insight and vision, which can also be traced to God’s Holy Spirit but are not also teachers.
Both roles can cross over and yet be distinct, for not often is a pastor/teacher given the mantel of a prophet.
Jesus was a teacher/prophet and spoke to us of complicated and challenging things to come, both during His days on earth and in the future down to our days. He was faulted at times for doing so, but that did not stop Him.
It is within the calling and role of pastors and teachers that, at times, God gives us the mantel of a prophet and or seer, though I have never experienced this.
Today, we can tell the difference between a false teacher or prophet (and they do exist today) if what is being spoken and taught does not align with God’s written Word, the Bible. This brings us to the accuracy of the Bible as we know it today, and next week I will tackle that issue, though it may take more than one weekly column to do so.
Thank you so much for following this column, and if you desire to speak of or discuss what I write, you are most welcome to do so, but do so in the spirit of a healthy discourse, please.
May the LORD bless you and keep you,
Pastor Tom, Little Church in the Pines
P.O. Box 292
Island Park, ID 83429
Greetings to those of you who read this column from week to week. I assume (safely, I’m sure) that you are people who love God and His Son and are looking to deepen your spiritual life in Christ. I have found that by writing this column and the challenge it presents to me every week, I have gained a new depth and understanding and the value of God’s Word.
This verse has been on my mind to discuss for quite a while. It is a sobering verse that needs to be taken seriously by all of us.
ISAIAH 30:10 They say to the seers, “Do not see,” and to the prophets, “DO NOT PROPHECY TO US RIGHT THINGS; SPEAK TO US ONLY PLEASANT, SMOOTH THINGS.”
In context, these words are being spoken to the rebellious Judeans who are about to make a pact with Egypt instead of relying on God.
This verse can also apply to those of us who desire only a pleasant and superficial faith that does not challenge us to grow in the things of the Lord. In times of trial and great difficulty, these are those who will often lose their faith in God and His Son.
Let’s first differentiate between a ‘prophet’ and a ‘seer, or are they the same?
A prophet is regarded as an inspired teacher or proclaimer of the will of God, as well as a person who advocates or speaks in a visionary way, including predictions of the future.
A seer, too, is a person who is given insight and vision, which can also be traced to God’s Holy Spirit but are not also teachers.
Both roles can cross over and yet be distinct, for not often is a pastor/teacher given the mantel of a prophet.
Jesus was a teacher/prophet and spoke to us of complicated and challenging things to come, both during His days on earth and in the future down to our days. He was faulted at times for doing so, but that did not stop Him.
It is within the calling and role of pastors and teachers that, at times, God gives us the mantel of a prophet and or seer, though I have never experienced this.
Today, we can tell the difference between a false teacher or prophet (and they do exist today) if what is being spoken and taught does not align with God’s written Word, the Bible. This brings us to the accuracy of the Bible as we know it today, and next week I will tackle that issue, though it may take more than one weekly column to do so.
Thank you so much for following this column, and if you desire to speak of or discuss what I write, you are most welcome to do so, but do so in the spirit of a healthy discourse, please.
May the LORD bless you and keep you,
Pastor Tom, Little Church in the Pines
P.O. Box 292
Island Park, ID 83429
Reflections, on the spiritual side of life………
Today, I am going to add an addendum to my column several weeks ago, when I wrote on “loving our neighbors as ourselves” from Mark 12:29-31, And Jesus answered him, “The first and greatest of all the commandments is, ‘Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength;: this is the first and greatest commandment, 31. And the second is like it, namely this, Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself. There is no other commandment greater than these.’”
The Jews had six hundred thirteen commandments from the Old Testament law. Three hundred sixty-five were negative commandments-one for each day of the year, and two hundred forty-eight positive commandments-one for each of the two hundred generations from Adam to their day. In Psalm 15, however, David reduced this number to eleven; and in the sixth chapter of his book, Micah reduced it to three. Here, Jesus reduces it to two; and in Galatians 5:14, Paul reduces it to one: LOVE.
LOVE, the love of God in Jesus Christ is to be the spiritual foundation on which we stand, and how we live out our everyday lives if indeed we are to call ourselves Christians and mean it.
Who is our neighbor?
The Jews of Jesus’ day would largely have understood their “neighbor” as fellow Israelites. But God has a broader definition in mind. Loving one’s neighbor is more than simply loving those who are like us and who can love us in return.
Our neighbor is thus anyone in our proximity with whom we can share God’s love. We are called not only to love those with whom we are like-minded, or with whom we are comfortable, but all whom God and life places us in proximity with. The checkout clerk at our local grocery store, etc. In fact, Jesus said, “I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven, for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good.”
These commandments are just that. Commandments, and therefore not an option. And what I am asking each of you who read this to do, is to think, ponder and meditate on these. Not only would these if followed, by we Christians, change our lives but that of the entire world, of whom ALL in the greater sense are our Neighbors. One small rotating planet in the vastness of the Universe.
May God bless you and keep you, make His face to shine upon you and give you peace.
Amen, Pastor Tom
The Little Church in the Pines
Today, I am going to add an addendum to my column several weeks ago, when I wrote on “loving our neighbors as ourselves” from Mark 12:29-31, And Jesus answered him, “The first and greatest of all the commandments is, ‘Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength;: this is the first and greatest commandment, 31. And the second is like it, namely this, Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself. There is no other commandment greater than these.’”
The Jews had six hundred thirteen commandments from the Old Testament law. Three hundred sixty-five were negative commandments-one for each day of the year, and two hundred forty-eight positive commandments-one for each of the two hundred generations from Adam to their day. In Psalm 15, however, David reduced this number to eleven; and in the sixth chapter of his book, Micah reduced it to three. Here, Jesus reduces it to two; and in Galatians 5:14, Paul reduces it to one: LOVE.
LOVE, the love of God in Jesus Christ is to be the spiritual foundation on which we stand, and how we live out our everyday lives if indeed we are to call ourselves Christians and mean it.
Who is our neighbor?
The Jews of Jesus’ day would largely have understood their “neighbor” as fellow Israelites. But God has a broader definition in mind. Loving one’s neighbor is more than simply loving those who are like us and who can love us in return.
Our neighbor is thus anyone in our proximity with whom we can share God’s love. We are called not only to love those with whom we are like-minded, or with whom we are comfortable, but all whom God and life places us in proximity with. The checkout clerk at our local grocery store, etc. In fact, Jesus said, “I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven, for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good.”
These commandments are just that. Commandments, and therefore not an option. And what I am asking each of you who read this to do, is to think, ponder and meditate on these. Not only would these if followed, by we Christians, change our lives but that of the entire world, of whom ALL in the greater sense are our Neighbors. One small rotating planet in the vastness of the Universe.
May God bless you and keep you, make His face to shine upon you and give you peace.
Amen, Pastor Tom
The Little Church in the Pines
Reflections on the spiritual side of life………………
Dear Readers and faithful followers, sometimes I come into my office and sit at my computer, ready to go. Not today. Today my head feels a bit out of tune—nothing to do with my age. I hope.
Anyway, I have brought you a small portion of my sermon (teaching) this coming Sunday. It is a lesson on PRAYER.
This illustration I am going to use comes from a booklet called "Our Daily Bread," sent to anyone for FREE if you want to order it. An excellent, simple, yet, straightforward publication.
Write to" OUR DAILY BREAD Ministries,"
P.O. Box 270, Grand Rapids, MI
49501-0270
Here is a condensed version of today's reading and lesson.
David Willis had been upstairs in Waterstones Book Store when he came down the stairs and found the lights were turned off and the doors locked. He was trapped inside the store! Not knowing what else to do, he turned to Twitter and tweeted: "Hi Waterstones. I've been locked inside your Trafalgar Square Bookstore for 2 hours now. Please let me out." Not too long after his tweet, he was rescued.
It's good to have a way to get help when we are in trouble. Isaiah said someone will answer our cries when we're trapped in a problem of our own making. (Thank God) The prophet wrote that God had charged his people with practicing their religion irresponsibly. They were going through the motions of religion but masking their oppression of the poor with empty and self-serving rituals (ISAIAH 58;1-7). (Please read) Because of this, they did not have God's divine favor.
God hid His eyes from them and didn't answer their prayers (1:15). He told them to repent and
perform outward acts of caring for others (58:6-7). If they do this, He revealed to them, "You will call for help, (PRAYER)
and the LORD will say: Here am I. If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing of your finger and malicious talk" (GOSSIP) (VS.9). God will strive with us if we are generous, kind, helpful, and serve those who have less than we do. In doing so, it is also literally a way of worshiping God by doing these things in His Name, thereby honoring Him.
Are there behaviors or attitudes of ours that prevent God from hearing our prayers. Please give it some thought. Be honest with both God and us. Hear Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant." There are few sweeter words than these for those who love God and His Son, Jesus Christ.
Amen,
Pastor Tom
Little Church in the Pines
Dear Readers and faithful followers, sometimes I come into my office and sit at my computer, ready to go. Not today. Today my head feels a bit out of tune—nothing to do with my age. I hope.
Anyway, I have brought you a small portion of my sermon (teaching) this coming Sunday. It is a lesson on PRAYER.
This illustration I am going to use comes from a booklet called "Our Daily Bread," sent to anyone for FREE if you want to order it. An excellent, simple, yet, straightforward publication.
Write to" OUR DAILY BREAD Ministries,"
P.O. Box 270, Grand Rapids, MI
49501-0270
Here is a condensed version of today's reading and lesson.
David Willis had been upstairs in Waterstones Book Store when he came down the stairs and found the lights were turned off and the doors locked. He was trapped inside the store! Not knowing what else to do, he turned to Twitter and tweeted: "Hi Waterstones. I've been locked inside your Trafalgar Square Bookstore for 2 hours now. Please let me out." Not too long after his tweet, he was rescued.
It's good to have a way to get help when we are in trouble. Isaiah said someone will answer our cries when we're trapped in a problem of our own making. (Thank God) The prophet wrote that God had charged his people with practicing their religion irresponsibly. They were going through the motions of religion but masking their oppression of the poor with empty and self-serving rituals (ISAIAH 58;1-7). (Please read) Because of this, they did not have God's divine favor.
God hid His eyes from them and didn't answer their prayers (1:15). He told them to repent and
perform outward acts of caring for others (58:6-7). If they do this, He revealed to them, "You will call for help, (PRAYER)
and the LORD will say: Here am I. If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing of your finger and malicious talk" (GOSSIP) (VS.9). God will strive with us if we are generous, kind, helpful, and serve those who have less than we do. In doing so, it is also literally a way of worshiping God by doing these things in His Name, thereby honoring Him.
Are there behaviors or attitudes of ours that prevent God from hearing our prayers. Please give it some thought. Be honest with both God and us. Hear Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant." There are few sweeter words than these for those who love God and His Son, Jesus Christ.
Amen,
Pastor Tom
Little Church in the Pines
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life………
Leviticus 19:18 You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself.
Mark 12:30-31 "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."
Luke 10:29, the question is asked, "who is my neighbor'? Jesus answers the man's question with the parable of the man attacked and injured. A Jewish priest and a Levite pass the injured man without doing a thing then comes a despised Samaritan who ministers to the man. He takes him to an inn and pays for someone to look after him.
OUR neighbor is anyone in our proximity with whom we encounter even briefly. It matters not their race, their religion, their sex, their age, rich or poor, or stature in life. What matters is this. They are fellow human beings, and since God created all humanity, we are to be a help and a blessing when called upon by circumstances to "treat them how we desire to be treated." Can you say amen?
Our community is also our neighbor here in Island Park. Whether year-round residents, summer residents, or visitors, we encounter them anywhere and at any time.
Sunday evening at the Fourth of July Celebration hosted by the LDS church, I experienced a kinship and a welcoming that touched my heart and soul. As the Little Church in the Pines pastor, I felt honored to be asked to participate by bringing the evening's INVOCATION. I looked over 500 people and said thank you, Lord.
Yes, we have doctrinal differences and some big ones, but we have the best connection possible. Our mutual love for Jesus Christ, our Lord, Savior, and Friend, and we have a community of neighbors whom we care for, trust, admire, and would do anything required to help one another if needed.
I look at our connections instead of our differences, seeing each as individuals who loves our LORD and treat one another as NEIGHBORS. Mr. Rogers said, "It's a beautiful day in our neighborhood," I experienced just that Sunday night! Here is the rest of Mr. Roger's quote. "A beautiful day for a neighbor. Would you be mine? Could you be mine?" WE ALREADY ARE.
Thank you, God, for my neighbor, who are neighbors not only to myself but to the church I pastor, and may I and we continue to be good neighbors in return.
God loves all His children.
Pastor Tom,
The LITTLE CHURCH in the Pines
Leviticus 19:18 You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself.
Mark 12:30-31 "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."
Luke 10:29, the question is asked, "who is my neighbor'? Jesus answers the man's question with the parable of the man attacked and injured. A Jewish priest and a Levite pass the injured man without doing a thing then comes a despised Samaritan who ministers to the man. He takes him to an inn and pays for someone to look after him.
OUR neighbor is anyone in our proximity with whom we encounter even briefly. It matters not their race, their religion, their sex, their age, rich or poor, or stature in life. What matters is this. They are fellow human beings, and since God created all humanity, we are to be a help and a blessing when called upon by circumstances to "treat them how we desire to be treated." Can you say amen?
Our community is also our neighbor here in Island Park. Whether year-round residents, summer residents, or visitors, we encounter them anywhere and at any time.
Sunday evening at the Fourth of July Celebration hosted by the LDS church, I experienced a kinship and a welcoming that touched my heart and soul. As the Little Church in the Pines pastor, I felt honored to be asked to participate by bringing the evening's INVOCATION. I looked over 500 people and said thank you, Lord.
Yes, we have doctrinal differences and some big ones, but we have the best connection possible. Our mutual love for Jesus Christ, our Lord, Savior, and Friend, and we have a community of neighbors whom we care for, trust, admire, and would do anything required to help one another if needed.
I look at our connections instead of our differences, seeing each as individuals who loves our LORD and treat one another as NEIGHBORS. Mr. Rogers said, "It's a beautiful day in our neighborhood," I experienced just that Sunday night! Here is the rest of Mr. Roger's quote. "A beautiful day for a neighbor. Would you be mine? Could you be mine?" WE ALREADY ARE.
Thank you, God, for my neighbor, who are neighbors not only to myself but to the church I pastor, and may I and we continue to be good neighbors in return.
God loves all His children.
Pastor Tom,
The LITTLE CHURCH in the Pines
Reflections on the spiritual side of life………………….
Come…. can be used in just two ways. It can be a command or an invitation. Several months ago, my focus on this word in my sermon was to illustrate the value and enormity of this word, when spoken by Jesus.
One of my favorite verses stated by Jesus and recorded by the writers of the Gospel uses the world COME as an invitation. “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and “learn” from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
In Jesus saying this, He referred to 1. sin, 2. perhaps excessive demands of religious leaders, 3. oppression or even persecution, 4. simply weariness from the burdens that come with living.
In following the teachings of Jesus, we are taught that in these difficult times of our life, He wants us to give them to Him so that He can help carry them so that we do not have to do so alone. He promises us during these times He will never leave or forsake us, and by trusting in Him, we will not have to carry the full weight alone. The “key” is to believe He means what He says, and once we do understand, we will begin to feel the weight of these burdens become lighter and lighter.
Walking with Him in a two-way relationship of faith and trust, we will also learn valuable lessons that we, by choice, can remember as more trials and difficulties come into our lives. We will not have to go through the learning process over again; from the beginning, walk in peace, and the assurance of His Presence is with us from the beginning.
Now, coming back to the word “COME.”
There are other places where Jesus repeats Himself repeatedly with the word COME, so much so that it seems to be one of His favorites.
“Come, let us talk about these things. Though your sins are like scarlet, they can be white as snow.”
“All you who are thirsty, come and drink.”
“Come to the wedding feast.”
“Come follow Me, and I will make you fish for people.”
“Let anyone who is thirsty come to Me and drink.”
God, through His Son is our God who invites, and never forces.
God is our God who calls, never herds.
The largeness of His invitation to COME to join Him in His kingdom and take up residence in a world waiting for us beyond understanding and comprehension is so beautiful. No more tears, no more death or sorrow…. only JOY. The JOY of BELONGING, of PEACE, HAPPINESS, and CELEBRATION, and being with our Creator, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
In coming to Him, we learn (as His Holy Spirit teaches us, through His written Word, for He is clear in what He asks and clear in what He offers. The choice is ours.
This life is brief. Not even a blip on the backdrop of the Universe. Choose this day if you will COME to Him…or NOT.
Thank you,
Something to meditate on,
P.Tom, Little Church in the Pines
Come…. can be used in just two ways. It can be a command or an invitation. Several months ago, my focus on this word in my sermon was to illustrate the value and enormity of this word, when spoken by Jesus.
One of my favorite verses stated by Jesus and recorded by the writers of the Gospel uses the world COME as an invitation. “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and “learn” from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
In Jesus saying this, He referred to 1. sin, 2. perhaps excessive demands of religious leaders, 3. oppression or even persecution, 4. simply weariness from the burdens that come with living.
In following the teachings of Jesus, we are taught that in these difficult times of our life, He wants us to give them to Him so that He can help carry them so that we do not have to do so alone. He promises us during these times He will never leave or forsake us, and by trusting in Him, we will not have to carry the full weight alone. The “key” is to believe He means what He says, and once we do understand, we will begin to feel the weight of these burdens become lighter and lighter.
Walking with Him in a two-way relationship of faith and trust, we will also learn valuable lessons that we, by choice, can remember as more trials and difficulties come into our lives. We will not have to go through the learning process over again; from the beginning, walk in peace, and the assurance of His Presence is with us from the beginning.
Now, coming back to the word “COME.”
There are other places where Jesus repeats Himself repeatedly with the word COME, so much so that it seems to be one of His favorites.
“Come, let us talk about these things. Though your sins are like scarlet, they can be white as snow.”
“All you who are thirsty, come and drink.”
“Come to the wedding feast.”
“Come follow Me, and I will make you fish for people.”
“Let anyone who is thirsty come to Me and drink.”
God, through His Son is our God who invites, and never forces.
God is our God who calls, never herds.
The largeness of His invitation to COME to join Him in His kingdom and take up residence in a world waiting for us beyond understanding and comprehension is so beautiful. No more tears, no more death or sorrow…. only JOY. The JOY of BELONGING, of PEACE, HAPPINESS, and CELEBRATION, and being with our Creator, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
In coming to Him, we learn (as His Holy Spirit teaches us, through His written Word, for He is clear in what He asks and clear in what He offers. The choice is ours.
This life is brief. Not even a blip on the backdrop of the Universe. Choose this day if you will COME to Him…or NOT.
Thank you,
Something to meditate on,
P.Tom, Little Church in the Pines
Reflections on the spiritual side of life……
Emotions…. are mental states brought on by neurophysiological changes associated with thoughts, behavioral responses, and a degree of pleasure and displeasure.
Strangely enough, there has yet to be a scientific consensus on a definition. Emotions often intertwined with mood, temperament, personality, disposition, or creativity. The degree to which emotions are expressed depends on the aforementioned personality of the individual, their disposition, and also the lack of, or possession of, learned control. Emotions in their expressions are complex, involving multiple components such as life’s experiences in growing up and current everyday lifestyle choices and circumstances.
Positive and negative experiences are both experienced and
‘felt’ in our conception of and personal experiences with religion, God, and Jesus.
LOVE is an emotion that can be expressed positively and negatively. Love can be loving, but it also can be possessive and threatening.
This morning I received a phone call that my uncle, the last of all my aunts and uncles, had died. In his nineties, he had lived a whole and good life. Always ready to listen and to help if needed. I can still see his eyes dancing with laughter and his extensive and bright smile. I will miss him. My emotional experience this morning upon receiving the phone call is what promoted today’s Reflections On the spiritual side of life…. the first and greatest commandment is, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” Mark 12:30-31 Because of the love we have of our Lord and God, we can express that love on many different levels, which include emotions, for love is encapsulated with emotion, including expressions through worship, adoration, tears, joy, laughter, thankfulness, creativity, and many more.
On the human side (which affects our spiritual life), if expressing a negative or hurtful emotion by way of words, or physical activity, we MUST STOP and reel in our first (if negative) desired response and take a breath-filled prayer, asking the Lord what and how to say or express our thoughts and feelings. When Jesus is in righteous anger, He expressed His emotions in overturning the tables of the money changers and sellers of animals. He first sat and braided the whip He used to clear the Temple courtyard. He planned His response. Remember, in expressing anger, there is righteous anger… and unrighteous anger. In expressing anger and love, there is a right and wrong way.
In Galatians 5:22-23, one of the fruits of the Spirit spoken of is (self-control.)
Emotions must always be under the control of the Holy Spirit within us. Such should be our relationship with Him. Unchecked emotional responses have started wars, ended relationships, broken up families, divided churches, and so much more. We can never take it back once whatever we say is said out loud. Sadly.
Proverbs 15:2 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger, and from the mouth of the fool gushes folly. 3. The eyes of the Lord are everywhere. 4. The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the Spirit.
James 3:6, The tongue is a fire, a world of evil among the body parts. It corrupts the whole body, sets the entire course of one’s life on fire, and is set on fire by hell. Emotional self-control is vital to a good life, a healthy spiritual life.
Just something to think about,
Pastor Tom, LCIP
Emotions…. are mental states brought on by neurophysiological changes associated with thoughts, behavioral responses, and a degree of pleasure and displeasure.
Strangely enough, there has yet to be a scientific consensus on a definition. Emotions often intertwined with mood, temperament, personality, disposition, or creativity. The degree to which emotions are expressed depends on the aforementioned personality of the individual, their disposition, and also the lack of, or possession of, learned control. Emotions in their expressions are complex, involving multiple components such as life’s experiences in growing up and current everyday lifestyle choices and circumstances.
Positive and negative experiences are both experienced and
‘felt’ in our conception of and personal experiences with religion, God, and Jesus.
LOVE is an emotion that can be expressed positively and negatively. Love can be loving, but it also can be possessive and threatening.
This morning I received a phone call that my uncle, the last of all my aunts and uncles, had died. In his nineties, he had lived a whole and good life. Always ready to listen and to help if needed. I can still see his eyes dancing with laughter and his extensive and bright smile. I will miss him. My emotional experience this morning upon receiving the phone call is what promoted today’s Reflections On the spiritual side of life…. the first and greatest commandment is, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” Mark 12:30-31 Because of the love we have of our Lord and God, we can express that love on many different levels, which include emotions, for love is encapsulated with emotion, including expressions through worship, adoration, tears, joy, laughter, thankfulness, creativity, and many more.
On the human side (which affects our spiritual life), if expressing a negative or hurtful emotion by way of words, or physical activity, we MUST STOP and reel in our first (if negative) desired response and take a breath-filled prayer, asking the Lord what and how to say or express our thoughts and feelings. When Jesus is in righteous anger, He expressed His emotions in overturning the tables of the money changers and sellers of animals. He first sat and braided the whip He used to clear the Temple courtyard. He planned His response. Remember, in expressing anger, there is righteous anger… and unrighteous anger. In expressing anger and love, there is a right and wrong way.
In Galatians 5:22-23, one of the fruits of the Spirit spoken of is (self-control.)
Emotions must always be under the control of the Holy Spirit within us. Such should be our relationship with Him. Unchecked emotional responses have started wars, ended relationships, broken up families, divided churches, and so much more. We can never take it back once whatever we say is said out loud. Sadly.
Proverbs 15:2 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger, and from the mouth of the fool gushes folly. 3. The eyes of the Lord are everywhere. 4. The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the Spirit.
James 3:6, The tongue is a fire, a world of evil among the body parts. It corrupts the whole body, sets the entire course of one’s life on fire, and is set on fire by hell. Emotional self-control is vital to a good life, a healthy spiritual life.
Just something to think about,
Pastor Tom, LCIP
Reflections on the spiritual side of life……….
WORKS versus GRACE
Ephesians 2:8-9
(New Living Translation)
“God saved you by His GRACE when you believed. And you cannot take credit for it. Salvation is not a reward for our good deeds, so we cannot boast about it. (HUMILITY) He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.”
This….is one of the bedrock truths of historic Christianity!
WE CANNOT WORK OUR WAY TO HEAVEN!
If we think we can work our way to heaven or are taught we can, both are wrong and irrevocably WRONG. Believing as such completely negates Jesus’ death on the CROSS. The sole purpose of His crucifixion, death, and resurrection was His willingness to die for us as the sacrificial LAMB OF GOD, taking upon Himself the “SINS OF THE WORLD”, redeeming us from death, hell, and condemnation. THIS IS THE CORE BELIEF OF OUR FAITH! All else is secondary to this, and what we are taught in God’s written WORD, both in the Old Testament and New Testaments, tell us this. Also, another thing to consider. Why did He have to die IF there was another way, or ways, to Heaven?
Some (Christians) love to boast and be known for all the good things they do and are involved in, which in God’s eyes, negates their works, for they are doing them for all the wrong reasons.
Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount. “But when you give to the needy, (or any other charitable deed), do not let your left hand know what the right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then, your Father who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:3-4
Our true value in God’s eyes is inherited in our belief, love, and faith in His Son and what He has done for us. What good we do for others should be because we love Him and therefore do them in His name, not ours.
Matthew 10:42 “And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.”
We do good…because we are grateful and love Him, not to earn our way into His favor and heaven. This is NOT the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Jesus’s message about giving is both clean and simple. 1. Give 2. Give lovingly. 3. Give purely to glorify God; by example, it may motivate others to do the same.
Matthew 6:1-5 (NLT) “WATCH OUT! Don’t do your good deeds publicly to be admired by others; if you do, you will lose your reward from your Father in heaven.
We should always check and recheck our motivation. Is what we are doing to His glory or ours? Colossians 3:17 Whatever we do (no matter what it is) in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
P.S. Something to think about
Pastor Tom Shanor
Little Church in the Pines
WORKS versus GRACE
Ephesians 2:8-9
(New Living Translation)
“God saved you by His GRACE when you believed. And you cannot take credit for it. Salvation is not a reward for our good deeds, so we cannot boast about it. (HUMILITY) He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.”
This….is one of the bedrock truths of historic Christianity!
WE CANNOT WORK OUR WAY TO HEAVEN!
If we think we can work our way to heaven or are taught we can, both are wrong and irrevocably WRONG. Believing as such completely negates Jesus’ death on the CROSS. The sole purpose of His crucifixion, death, and resurrection was His willingness to die for us as the sacrificial LAMB OF GOD, taking upon Himself the “SINS OF THE WORLD”, redeeming us from death, hell, and condemnation. THIS IS THE CORE BELIEF OF OUR FAITH! All else is secondary to this, and what we are taught in God’s written WORD, both in the Old Testament and New Testaments, tell us this. Also, another thing to consider. Why did He have to die IF there was another way, or ways, to Heaven?
Some (Christians) love to boast and be known for all the good things they do and are involved in, which in God’s eyes, negates their works, for they are doing them for all the wrong reasons.
Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount. “But when you give to the needy, (or any other charitable deed), do not let your left hand know what the right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then, your Father who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:3-4
Our true value in God’s eyes is inherited in our belief, love, and faith in His Son and what He has done for us. What good we do for others should be because we love Him and therefore do them in His name, not ours.
Matthew 10:42 “And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.”
We do good…because we are grateful and love Him, not to earn our way into His favor and heaven. This is NOT the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Jesus’s message about giving is both clean and simple. 1. Give 2. Give lovingly. 3. Give purely to glorify God; by example, it may motivate others to do the same.
Matthew 6:1-5 (NLT) “WATCH OUT! Don’t do your good deeds publicly to be admired by others; if you do, you will lose your reward from your Father in heaven.
We should always check and recheck our motivation. Is what we are doing to His glory or ours? Colossians 3:17 Whatever we do (no matter what it is) in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
P.S. Something to think about
Pastor Tom Shanor
Little Church in the Pines
Reflections on the spiritual side of life………………………………………
My topic this week is our ATTITUDE (mine included) that we carry around with us in our everyday lives. Yes, it will vary from time to time, considering both the people and events that affect our attitude, but I am writing now about our overall attitude or personality. This means we are to examine our behavior and general attitude(s) in His light, the light of the Holy Spirit.
Years ago, I learned how to handle criticism in a complicated situation that arose from two good friends and our differences on a particular topic. I was deeply hurt by their words and tone, so much so that I had to retreat literally in tears. Then, a dear older friend, a JAG in the army, prayed with me. Through his prayer, the Lord Himself, by His Spirit, spoke these words to me. “There is a valuable lesson to learn here, Tom; turn this over to Me, let it go, and let Me take care of it.” The words then came to me, “If you choose this day to listen to Me, you will never by your obedience be susceptible to this depth of pain again.” Since that day, thirty years ago, those words have been proven true. Oh, I can be hurt, but my attitude is entirely different. It has been, and now is, my choice as to my attitude when others turn on me.
I ask Jesus what I am to learn from this, and yes, a valuable lesson is always involved. He will not give us more than we can bear. Therefore, I am free to forgive and forget by choice. Telling them I respect their right to believe and speak their mind, but by putting on the armor of God, they cannot pierce my heart and soul, and I can walk away without bearing the burden of their words and attitude. 2nd Corinthians 2:16, Paul quotes Isaiah 40:13 and then makes a statement concerning all believers: “We are to have the mind of Christ.” Having the mind of Christ means sharing in the plan, purpose, and perspective of Christ and is something that, upon believing in Him, we automatically inherit. It means we identify with Christ’s purpose in life, church, family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers in times of disagreement. These contentions are almost always due to our different perspectives and opinions, and we are too often eager to voice them, no matter who it hurts.
For we Christians, we can and should tap into His perspective of humility and obedience to the truths He teaches us in His written Word by exhibiting patience and understanding. I said last week, “reasoning together” (civil dialogue). Matthew 9:36 listening to one another and dispensing grace, no matter how strongly we feel about any given person, subject, or topic. I concluded those thirty years ago, that humility is not necessarily meekness but is controlled strength. The ability given to us by knowing the truth, applying it, and when it seems impossible for us in our strength to be like Him, we rely on the Holy Spirit to infuse us with the power we need to do so.
When face-to-face with Herod at His trial, in response to Herod’s questions, Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge, to the great amazement of the governor. There are times to defend ourselves and times to not. But remember who it is we always represent! The more we come to know our Lord and Savior, the more we become like Him and the
more we exhibit His attitude instead of our own.
God bless each and all of you,
Pastor Tom, LCIP
My topic this week is our ATTITUDE (mine included) that we carry around with us in our everyday lives. Yes, it will vary from time to time, considering both the people and events that affect our attitude, but I am writing now about our overall attitude or personality. This means we are to examine our behavior and general attitude(s) in His light, the light of the Holy Spirit.
Years ago, I learned how to handle criticism in a complicated situation that arose from two good friends and our differences on a particular topic. I was deeply hurt by their words and tone, so much so that I had to retreat literally in tears. Then, a dear older friend, a JAG in the army, prayed with me. Through his prayer, the Lord Himself, by His Spirit, spoke these words to me. “There is a valuable lesson to learn here, Tom; turn this over to Me, let it go, and let Me take care of it.” The words then came to me, “If you choose this day to listen to Me, you will never by your obedience be susceptible to this depth of pain again.” Since that day, thirty years ago, those words have been proven true. Oh, I can be hurt, but my attitude is entirely different. It has been, and now is, my choice as to my attitude when others turn on me.
I ask Jesus what I am to learn from this, and yes, a valuable lesson is always involved. He will not give us more than we can bear. Therefore, I am free to forgive and forget by choice. Telling them I respect their right to believe and speak their mind, but by putting on the armor of God, they cannot pierce my heart and soul, and I can walk away without bearing the burden of their words and attitude. 2nd Corinthians 2:16, Paul quotes Isaiah 40:13 and then makes a statement concerning all believers: “We are to have the mind of Christ.” Having the mind of Christ means sharing in the plan, purpose, and perspective of Christ and is something that, upon believing in Him, we automatically inherit. It means we identify with Christ’s purpose in life, church, family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers in times of disagreement. These contentions are almost always due to our different perspectives and opinions, and we are too often eager to voice them, no matter who it hurts.
For we Christians, we can and should tap into His perspective of humility and obedience to the truths He teaches us in His written Word by exhibiting patience and understanding. I said last week, “reasoning together” (civil dialogue). Matthew 9:36 listening to one another and dispensing grace, no matter how strongly we feel about any given person, subject, or topic. I concluded those thirty years ago, that humility is not necessarily meekness but is controlled strength. The ability given to us by knowing the truth, applying it, and when it seems impossible for us in our strength to be like Him, we rely on the Holy Spirit to infuse us with the power we need to do so.
When face-to-face with Herod at His trial, in response to Herod’s questions, Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge, to the great amazement of the governor. There are times to defend ourselves and times to not. But remember who it is we always represent! The more we come to know our Lord and Savior, the more we become like Him and the
more we exhibit His attitude instead of our own.
God bless each and all of you,
Pastor Tom, LCIP
Reflections, on the spiritual side of life………….
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!
Since the community center election, I have pondered how to address today’s column. Sure, I voted for it, thinking it would be an excellent addition to the community. Not just seniors but all adults, families, kids, teens, and visitors. A neutral place where many kinds of activities could have taken place. Family reunions for residents and visitors, who could have rented it for a reasonable cost, generating a little additional income for special programs for kids and teens. (As an example) Art classes, guest speakers, exercise classes, etc., and all it would have taken was a mere 5% lodging tax. 5%!
West Yellowstone has had a similar lodging tax in place for years, and the benefits have been excellent. It is a great way for people visiting to benefit from the services, people, and activities that are already available to them.
What saddens me more than its defeat is how it was defeated. There will be an investigation as to irregularities that may have occurred in the registration of some of those who voted, and only time will tell if this is true. The irregularities had nothing to do with the good people who volunteer to ensure all procedures are followed correctly but with those registering from out of state who do not live here full time and the documents shown to verify their eligibility to vote.
Yet, even worse is how such a wonderful project became tarnished by lies and exaggerations, pitting residents against one another and non-residents against residents over such a potentially excellent goal. Also, signs that were at times illegally placed, and with wording that was deceptive in its statement, alluding to a tax that everyone would have to pay. These signs should also have printed on them who it was that was behind them.
I have been here seven years, have lived in (being a church planter) at least 20 different communities across our great country, and found Island Park to exhibit the best sense of a caring, helpful, and lovely community above all those others. The exciting thing is that we have a great diversity of people with diverse, very diverse backgrounds and incomes. Yet, when it came down to cohesion and singular focus when needing to help an individual or family, all these folks came together with loving care and generosity, often going far above the actual need.
I hope we move ahead in bringing about a Community Center. In stating this, I also hope and pray that divisions will be reconciled and that we all can learn from this experience, working together in what I feel is a much-needed project that will further enhance our times of gathering together as a community and those activities and more that I mentioned above.
Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, and let us reason ‘together,’ says the Lord.
I want to thank those on the original committee who worked very hard to put the plans together and had the vision for the original project. With your heart and vision for our community, I pray you continue to hold on to and move forward toward your initial goal with greater support and help.
God bless you all, Pastor Tom
P.S. This is now, even more so as we grow, a much-needed goal…………………
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!
Since the community center election, I have pondered how to address today’s column. Sure, I voted for it, thinking it would be an excellent addition to the community. Not just seniors but all adults, families, kids, teens, and visitors. A neutral place where many kinds of activities could have taken place. Family reunions for residents and visitors, who could have rented it for a reasonable cost, generating a little additional income for special programs for kids and teens. (As an example) Art classes, guest speakers, exercise classes, etc., and all it would have taken was a mere 5% lodging tax. 5%!
West Yellowstone has had a similar lodging tax in place for years, and the benefits have been excellent. It is a great way for people visiting to benefit from the services, people, and activities that are already available to them.
What saddens me more than its defeat is how it was defeated. There will be an investigation as to irregularities that may have occurred in the registration of some of those who voted, and only time will tell if this is true. The irregularities had nothing to do with the good people who volunteer to ensure all procedures are followed correctly but with those registering from out of state who do not live here full time and the documents shown to verify their eligibility to vote.
Yet, even worse is how such a wonderful project became tarnished by lies and exaggerations, pitting residents against one another and non-residents against residents over such a potentially excellent goal. Also, signs that were at times illegally placed, and with wording that was deceptive in its statement, alluding to a tax that everyone would have to pay. These signs should also have printed on them who it was that was behind them.
I have been here seven years, have lived in (being a church planter) at least 20 different communities across our great country, and found Island Park to exhibit the best sense of a caring, helpful, and lovely community above all those others. The exciting thing is that we have a great diversity of people with diverse, very diverse backgrounds and incomes. Yet, when it came down to cohesion and singular focus when needing to help an individual or family, all these folks came together with loving care and generosity, often going far above the actual need.
I hope we move ahead in bringing about a Community Center. In stating this, I also hope and pray that divisions will be reconciled and that we all can learn from this experience, working together in what I feel is a much-needed project that will further enhance our times of gathering together as a community and those activities and more that I mentioned above.
Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, and let us reason ‘together,’ says the Lord.
I want to thank those on the original committee who worked very hard to put the plans together and had the vision for the original project. With your heart and vision for our community, I pray you continue to hold on to and move forward toward your initial goal with greater support and help.
God bless you all, Pastor Tom
P.S. This is now, even more so as we grow, a much-needed goal…………………
Reflections on the spiritual side . . .
The dreaded boredom. I have often thought about what it would be like and, at moments, looked forward to boredom. You know, a lot less busy, a casual day of no responsibilities, not having to go here or there, being so caught up on chores and life that I had nothing to do, or being so lazy that maybe I would know how boredom felt. I will never forget when my stepdaughter was 4 or 5 years old, coming up to her Dad and I. Suzy declared she was bored. Her Dad said, “Use your imagination and try to find something to do.” She contemplated his suggestion, then replied, “Well, that is fine, but where would I find my imagination?” During this past slack season, I have found that boredom is not in my DNA, and I have given it my best shot.
Nothing to do – boredom is the dry rot of our souls. Boredom can be the result of living too efficiently and less effectively. It comes when we feel what we are doing is not worth the time and is not interesting, challenging, or entertaining. That is when our life becomes a series of habits and routines. The first thought of a boring routine is driving back and forth to a job that has become dull. Fortunately, for us blessed enough to live and work in Island Park, our Creator surprises us every day with new scenery and a multitude of routes to get from point A to point B. I must add, choosing to work in a tourist community, many of you know, working with the public is never dull.
Even though Suzy’s Dad had a unique response to solving her boredom issue, as adults, we must remind ourselves it is our responsibility to handle the dreaded emotion of boredom. It is not the job of others to keep our life interesting. As I go through life, I am learning that each stage has its challenges. Those challenges can either draw us closer or further away from God. Make us more like Him or less like Him. That is why it is essential to keep our thoughts captive to the truth daily (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Before boredom becomes a non-favorable habit, attempt to make a change that will help use your mind and expand your horizons. With the recent warmth and sunshine, starting a new activity or hobby will undoubtedly help us see old things in new ways. Doing something specifically helpful for others each day will force our minds into positive and creative thoughts. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Another novel step in keeping boredom at a distance is to stop activities that are just busyness adding nothing to the quality of our lives, referencing my living too efficiently and less effectively — (Full disclosure; guilty as charged. Within the last year or so I have been very selective in what I chose to be involved with. A lot fewer meetings open new doors for expanding my horizons.) Self analyzes of a blah attitude is a personal responsibility. What score would you give yourself on personal self-management?
A fun question to ask yourself when boredom is creeping in; What do you think God wants you to do with your time right now? Whatever your secret is not to allow boredom to sneak into your mind or life; I hope you work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not men, for it is the Lord Christ we are serving (Colossians 3:23-24). Who, by the way, is never boring.
On that note, I am sure God is nudging me away from this computer to head out to my back deck and plant a few hearty herbs since I do not think I will make it out to my greenhouse anytime soon. Plus, with Connie’s opening on Friday, I guarantee boredom will not be an emotional dilemma of mine.
Blessings to All!
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines
Steering Committee Chair
The dreaded boredom. I have often thought about what it would be like and, at moments, looked forward to boredom. You know, a lot less busy, a casual day of no responsibilities, not having to go here or there, being so caught up on chores and life that I had nothing to do, or being so lazy that maybe I would know how boredom felt. I will never forget when my stepdaughter was 4 or 5 years old, coming up to her Dad and I. Suzy declared she was bored. Her Dad said, “Use your imagination and try to find something to do.” She contemplated his suggestion, then replied, “Well, that is fine, but where would I find my imagination?” During this past slack season, I have found that boredom is not in my DNA, and I have given it my best shot.
Nothing to do – boredom is the dry rot of our souls. Boredom can be the result of living too efficiently and less effectively. It comes when we feel what we are doing is not worth the time and is not interesting, challenging, or entertaining. That is when our life becomes a series of habits and routines. The first thought of a boring routine is driving back and forth to a job that has become dull. Fortunately, for us blessed enough to live and work in Island Park, our Creator surprises us every day with new scenery and a multitude of routes to get from point A to point B. I must add, choosing to work in a tourist community, many of you know, working with the public is never dull.
Even though Suzy’s Dad had a unique response to solving her boredom issue, as adults, we must remind ourselves it is our responsibility to handle the dreaded emotion of boredom. It is not the job of others to keep our life interesting. As I go through life, I am learning that each stage has its challenges. Those challenges can either draw us closer or further away from God. Make us more like Him or less like Him. That is why it is essential to keep our thoughts captive to the truth daily (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Before boredom becomes a non-favorable habit, attempt to make a change that will help use your mind and expand your horizons. With the recent warmth and sunshine, starting a new activity or hobby will undoubtedly help us see old things in new ways. Doing something specifically helpful for others each day will force our minds into positive and creative thoughts. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Another novel step in keeping boredom at a distance is to stop activities that are just busyness adding nothing to the quality of our lives, referencing my living too efficiently and less effectively — (Full disclosure; guilty as charged. Within the last year or so I have been very selective in what I chose to be involved with. A lot fewer meetings open new doors for expanding my horizons.) Self analyzes of a blah attitude is a personal responsibility. What score would you give yourself on personal self-management?
A fun question to ask yourself when boredom is creeping in; What do you think God wants you to do with your time right now? Whatever your secret is not to allow boredom to sneak into your mind or life; I hope you work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not men, for it is the Lord Christ we are serving (Colossians 3:23-24). Who, by the way, is never boring.
On that note, I am sure God is nudging me away from this computer to head out to my back deck and plant a few hearty herbs since I do not think I will make it out to my greenhouse anytime soon. Plus, with Connie’s opening on Friday, I guarantee boredom will not be an emotional dilemma of mine.
Blessings to All!
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines
Steering Committee Chair
Reflections, on the spiritual side of life…………
Greetings…. We are blessed to have another day in paradise in ISLAND PARK, Idaho!
TODAY, my goal is to share a portion of my sermon this last Sunday on how to be a minister for and to Jesus. As a prelude example of who He is and how He ministered to the outcasts and everyday humans in their daily lives, my example is in John 4.
Jesus, weary from his journey, sent the disciples into the village to buy food, and Himself sat by the town well, where people came to draw their water for everyday use.
At about noon, when a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" The woman said to Him, "You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask 'me' for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans, especially a woman)
In their ensuing conversation, her life story unfolds. She has a somewhat checkered past. She has five previous husbands, and the man she lives with is not her husband. In this discourse no condemnation, finger-pointing, or overt judgment. Two people engaged in an unfolding human drama.
Jesus opened His ministry and His title/position to her, exposing this woman and her hated people group to the love of God for all people. In doing this, and I suggest you read the whole story, you will look into our LORD's heart. He, too, sets an example for us to emulate and how to be.
Here is what we can learn if only we open our hearts, our souls, and spirit in our desire to be ministers of His love and His Gospel, for we are all called to be ministers, male, female, old, young, rich, poor, child for adult, for the Spirit of God and His kingdom resides in those of us who call Jesus LORD.
Jesus reached down inside her (whose name we don't know), into her damaged, hurting soul, and drew her into His healing heart, and He did this first by engaging her in conversation.
Dear friends, our true worship is that we do the will of the Father. Our Father seeks those who will worship Him that way in spirit and truth. Full of grace, mercy, and all the fruit of the spirit.
Amen, and God bless you all!
P. Tom
The Little Church in the Pines.
Greetings…. We are blessed to have another day in paradise in ISLAND PARK, Idaho!
TODAY, my goal is to share a portion of my sermon this last Sunday on how to be a minister for and to Jesus. As a prelude example of who He is and how He ministered to the outcasts and everyday humans in their daily lives, my example is in John 4.
Jesus, weary from his journey, sent the disciples into the village to buy food, and Himself sat by the town well, where people came to draw their water for everyday use.
At about noon, when a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" The woman said to Him, "You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask 'me' for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans, especially a woman)
In their ensuing conversation, her life story unfolds. She has a somewhat checkered past. She has five previous husbands, and the man she lives with is not her husband. In this discourse no condemnation, finger-pointing, or overt judgment. Two people engaged in an unfolding human drama.
Jesus opened His ministry and His title/position to her, exposing this woman and her hated people group to the love of God for all people. In doing this, and I suggest you read the whole story, you will look into our LORD's heart. He, too, sets an example for us to emulate and how to be.
Here is what we can learn if only we open our hearts, our souls, and spirit in our desire to be ministers of His love and His Gospel, for we are all called to be ministers, male, female, old, young, rich, poor, child for adult, for the Spirit of God and His kingdom resides in those of us who call Jesus LORD.
Jesus reached down inside her (whose name we don't know), into her damaged, hurting soul, and drew her into His healing heart, and He did this first by engaging her in conversation.
- His ministry and ours start by taking the time to be available.
- To be cloaked in humility, not pride.
- To be without judgment or prejudice.
- To listen and listen well.
- To be in prayer during the conversation.
- To listen for the still, quiet voice of the Holy Spirit
- To give to that person or persons that which we to have received, and that is love, forgiveness, restoration, and healing.
- Remember that ministry is giving, not taking.
- It's not about conversion but about introducing them to Jesus, not a religion.
- He is the Healer and the Savior of their soul.
Dear friends, our true worship is that we do the will of the Father. Our Father seeks those who will worship Him that way in spirit and truth. Full of grace, mercy, and all the fruit of the spirit.
Amen, and God bless you all!
P. Tom
The Little Church in the Pines.
Reflections, on the spiritual side of life………..
Christianity
Religion, Relationship or both
RELIGION ~ “a particular system of faith and worship, along with the belief of a superhuman power or powers, especially a God or gods.”
RELATIONSHIP ~ “how two entities or even objects are connected, or in the state of being connected. They can be identical or very different from one another.”
In my way of thinking of the two, RELIGION and RELATIONSHIP are, yes, connected, yet there are degrees of connectedness. A person can go through all the required rituals and observations, including a form of worship, and remain unconnected in a personal relationship with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. A measure of comfort for some is found in the consistent, often meaningful rituals observed, but their lives will lack the JOY that comes with the relationship.
My goal is not to judge or find fault here but to point out that for a full, viable, rich, and significant faith, missing the one-on-one personal relationship with God through His Son is like having a one-course meal instead of a banquet.
I love old hymns, for they often tell a story of faith, trust, and often of a personal nature. This is one of my favorites written by Charles Austin Miles and was inspired by the gospel of John, chapter 20. This hymn celebrates the JOYOUS relationship/companionship of man, woman, or child, and their Savior and Friend, Jesus Christ.
I Come to the garden alone,
While the dew is still on the roses,
And the voice I hear falling on my ear,
The Son of God discloses…
And He walks with me, and He talks with me.
And He tells me I am His own,
And the J.O.Y. we share as we tarry there,
None other, has ever known!
He speaks and sound of His voice,
Is so sweet, the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that He gives to me, within my heart is ringing...
We should set time aside from our busy lives daily to enhance and deepen our friendship with Jesus. I guarantee He will spend time with you, listen to you, and communicate with you in some subtle and not-so-subtle ways. Reread the words to this timeless hymn, and you will be drawn to do as I encourage you. Whether it be in a garden or at your kitchen table……He will come. Keep your Bible with you, for He often speaks to us through His written WORD.
God bless you, and have a blessed time alone with Him.
P.Tom L.C.I.P.
Christianity
Religion, Relationship or both
RELIGION ~ “a particular system of faith and worship, along with the belief of a superhuman power or powers, especially a God or gods.”
RELATIONSHIP ~ “how two entities or even objects are connected, or in the state of being connected. They can be identical or very different from one another.”
In my way of thinking of the two, RELIGION and RELATIONSHIP are, yes, connected, yet there are degrees of connectedness. A person can go through all the required rituals and observations, including a form of worship, and remain unconnected in a personal relationship with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. A measure of comfort for some is found in the consistent, often meaningful rituals observed, but their lives will lack the JOY that comes with the relationship.
My goal is not to judge or find fault here but to point out that for a full, viable, rich, and significant faith, missing the one-on-one personal relationship with God through His Son is like having a one-course meal instead of a banquet.
I love old hymns, for they often tell a story of faith, trust, and often of a personal nature. This is one of my favorites written by Charles Austin Miles and was inspired by the gospel of John, chapter 20. This hymn celebrates the JOYOUS relationship/companionship of man, woman, or child, and their Savior and Friend, Jesus Christ.
I Come to the garden alone,
While the dew is still on the roses,
And the voice I hear falling on my ear,
The Son of God discloses…
And He walks with me, and He talks with me.
And He tells me I am His own,
And the J.O.Y. we share as we tarry there,
None other, has ever known!
He speaks and sound of His voice,
Is so sweet, the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that He gives to me, within my heart is ringing...
We should set time aside from our busy lives daily to enhance and deepen our friendship with Jesus. I guarantee He will spend time with you, listen to you, and communicate with you in some subtle and not-so-subtle ways. Reread the words to this timeless hymn, and you will be drawn to do as I encourage you. Whether it be in a garden or at your kitchen table……He will come. Keep your Bible with you, for He often speaks to us through His written WORD.
God bless you, and have a blessed time alone with Him.
P.Tom L.C.I.P.
Reflections, on the spiritual side of life………..
WORKS VERSES GRACE
Ephesians 2:8-9
(New Living Translation)
“God saved you by His GRACE when you believed. And you cannot take credit for it. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. (HUMILITY) He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.”
This….is one of the bedrock truths of historic Christianity!
WE CAN NOT WORK OUR WAY TO HEAVEN!
If we think we can, or are taught we can, both are wrong, simply wrong, because it negates all that we are taught in God’s written WORD concerning Christ’s birth, life, death, and resurrection. Why therefore did He have to die, if there is another way to Heaven? WORKS! How shallow, but good motivation (though wrong motivation) for the type A personality.
Some (Christians) love to boast, to be known for all the good things they do and are involved in, which in God’s eyes, negates their very actions because they are doing them for all the wrong reasons. Underlying this (I believe) is they unknowingly think so little of themselves, needing outside validation to build them up. Simply stated, their actual value, in God’s eyes, is inherent in their belief and adherence to His Son and what He has done for them—an unfortunate state of mind.
We do well because we are grateful and love Him, not to earn our way into His favor and to Heaven, or God forbid, a more exalted position. This is NOT the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus’s message about giving is both clean and simple. 1. Give 2. Give lovingly. 3. Give purely to glorify God; by example, it may motivate others to do the same.
Matthew 6:1-5 (NLT) “WATCH OUT! Don’t do your good deeds publicly to be admired by others, for if you do, you will lose your reward from your Father in Heaven. When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do – blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they will have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father who sees everything will reward you.”
When we give and what we give can’t be measured in value by the amount of, or the item given for Jesus said this in Matthew 10:42 “And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my disciples, you have done it unto Me.”
Behind all of this is our motivation for giving. Giving purely, not looking to receive anything in return, even a thank you or a higher and more exalted position in Heaven, is wrong. It is not so important whether your giving becomes known to others; it is more critical to how and why it was made known to others. At times, others do find out due to circumstances. If we readily seek to deflect the praise by giving glory to the Father for having given first to us, our motivation is pure.
We are to give from a good heart, and because we desire for Jesus to be glorified through our giving, for out of the heart flows our motivation, and we KNOW in our spirit what our real motivation is, as does our Father in Heaven. We can fool people, but we cannot fool Him, ever.
We should always be aware of our motivation in giving and all we do and speak. Also, remember that your heart and spirit will feel genuine JOY and a deep sense of spiritual satisfaction when led by the right motivation.
To exalt the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen.
P. Tom, Little Church in the Pines
WORKS VERSES GRACE
Ephesians 2:8-9
(New Living Translation)
“God saved you by His GRACE when you believed. And you cannot take credit for it. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. (HUMILITY) He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.”
This….is one of the bedrock truths of historic Christianity!
WE CAN NOT WORK OUR WAY TO HEAVEN!
If we think we can, or are taught we can, both are wrong, simply wrong, because it negates all that we are taught in God’s written WORD concerning Christ’s birth, life, death, and resurrection. Why therefore did He have to die, if there is another way to Heaven? WORKS! How shallow, but good motivation (though wrong motivation) for the type A personality.
Some (Christians) love to boast, to be known for all the good things they do and are involved in, which in God’s eyes, negates their very actions because they are doing them for all the wrong reasons. Underlying this (I believe) is they unknowingly think so little of themselves, needing outside validation to build them up. Simply stated, their actual value, in God’s eyes, is inherent in their belief and adherence to His Son and what He has done for them—an unfortunate state of mind.
We do well because we are grateful and love Him, not to earn our way into His favor and to Heaven, or God forbid, a more exalted position. This is NOT the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus’s message about giving is both clean and simple. 1. Give 2. Give lovingly. 3. Give purely to glorify God; by example, it may motivate others to do the same.
Matthew 6:1-5 (NLT) “WATCH OUT! Don’t do your good deeds publicly to be admired by others, for if you do, you will lose your reward from your Father in Heaven. When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do – blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they will have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father who sees everything will reward you.”
When we give and what we give can’t be measured in value by the amount of, or the item given for Jesus said this in Matthew 10:42 “And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my disciples, you have done it unto Me.”
Behind all of this is our motivation for giving. Giving purely, not looking to receive anything in return, even a thank you or a higher and more exalted position in Heaven, is wrong. It is not so important whether your giving becomes known to others; it is more critical to how and why it was made known to others. At times, others do find out due to circumstances. If we readily seek to deflect the praise by giving glory to the Father for having given first to us, our motivation is pure.
We are to give from a good heart, and because we desire for Jesus to be glorified through our giving, for out of the heart flows our motivation, and we KNOW in our spirit what our real motivation is, as does our Father in Heaven. We can fool people, but we cannot fool Him, ever.
We should always be aware of our motivation in giving and all we do and speak. Also, remember that your heart and spirit will feel genuine JOY and a deep sense of spiritual satisfaction when led by the right motivation.
To exalt the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen.
P. Tom, Little Church in the Pines
Reflections on the spiritual side . . .
Luke tells us in 24:13-35 that two Disciples were leaving Jerusalem on their way to Emmaus, approximately seven miles. They had been told Jesus had risen. They wanted to believe, but their faith had been shaken. On the road, they met a stranger. The Disciples told him the story of Jesus and how they thought He was the One who would redeem Israel. The stranger talked about the Scriptures and how they pointed to the Messiah. (I smile at this and think, Jesus being Jesus, might as well pass the time with Bible Study.) They invited the stranger in to share a meal. (The actual Scripture in Luke is much more interesting than my summary.) As they broke bread, the Disciples finally recognized who the stranger was, and then Jesus vanished. The Disciples immediately departed to return to Jerusalem to share the news, “the Lord has risen indeed,” (vs. 34).
The Journey after the Cross . . . Now What?
Easter is the beginning, not the conclusion. Just as our faith does not end with Good Friday crucifixion, neither does it end with Easter resurrection. The New Testament, God’s New Covenant, our journey after Calvary continues. Jesus’ future, His resurrection prophesied/planned by God Himself, is absolutely 100% linked to our future. You may say the Bible is a two-thousand-year-old story, an entirely different culture. We could not apply that ancient story to our lives today. The truth is; the application of our relationship with our Lord and Savior must be directly associated with God’s Word, regardless of the span of time.
The New Testament and the journey that leads us to the resurrection of Jesus Christ is not a life insurance policy only to be used in case of an emergency, sometimes referred to as Life Insurance Theology. Once you read the policy and make payment arrangements, you file away the paperwork and hope you do not need to cash it in anytime soon. No, as our journey continues and we abide in God’s Word, it is more like mobilization orders for someone in the military: the deliberate action and the moving forward with purpose as God being our Commander in Chief.
To those who believe in Jesus, He is the Savior of abounding love and forgiveness. God created this world and made us to have a relationship with Him. On the cross, Jesus did not say, “I am finished.” He said, “It is finished,” (John 19:30 NKJV). He was just getting started. With most humankind, their work stops at their death, but with Christ, it had only begun. Jesus and all He accomplished on the cross is our GATEWAY to salvation.
Our salvation is based on the completed work of Jesus Christ, not our work(s). If we add a single work requirement, it is no longer given to us freely; it is payment for services rendered (similar to the Life Insurance Theology). That is not how God operates in our lives. Regarding salvation, we bring sin, and God brings everything else. Absolutely nothing can revoke what He has given us. Salvation begins with God, not with us. Salvation is all His Grace, all of God, all the time. Salvation springs from the heart of God, who loved and sent us His Son.
So now what? Our journey with Jesus by our side and, at times, carrying us continues. God, the Author of history, has a purpose. He is not making all this up as we go along. Knowing that God is working out His plan for us in all our situations and circumstances is comforting, and as crazy as it sounds, surrounds us with the presence of peace. Be confident that God, His One and Only Son, and the Holy Spirit are with us on our journey.
A summary of Christian Theology can be found in the follow three Scriptures:
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines
Steering Committee Chair
Luke tells us in 24:13-35 that two Disciples were leaving Jerusalem on their way to Emmaus, approximately seven miles. They had been told Jesus had risen. They wanted to believe, but their faith had been shaken. On the road, they met a stranger. The Disciples told him the story of Jesus and how they thought He was the One who would redeem Israel. The stranger talked about the Scriptures and how they pointed to the Messiah. (I smile at this and think, Jesus being Jesus, might as well pass the time with Bible Study.) They invited the stranger in to share a meal. (The actual Scripture in Luke is much more interesting than my summary.) As they broke bread, the Disciples finally recognized who the stranger was, and then Jesus vanished. The Disciples immediately departed to return to Jerusalem to share the news, “the Lord has risen indeed,” (vs. 34).
The Journey after the Cross . . . Now What?
Easter is the beginning, not the conclusion. Just as our faith does not end with Good Friday crucifixion, neither does it end with Easter resurrection. The New Testament, God’s New Covenant, our journey after Calvary continues. Jesus’ future, His resurrection prophesied/planned by God Himself, is absolutely 100% linked to our future. You may say the Bible is a two-thousand-year-old story, an entirely different culture. We could not apply that ancient story to our lives today. The truth is; the application of our relationship with our Lord and Savior must be directly associated with God’s Word, regardless of the span of time.
The New Testament and the journey that leads us to the resurrection of Jesus Christ is not a life insurance policy only to be used in case of an emergency, sometimes referred to as Life Insurance Theology. Once you read the policy and make payment arrangements, you file away the paperwork and hope you do not need to cash it in anytime soon. No, as our journey continues and we abide in God’s Word, it is more like mobilization orders for someone in the military: the deliberate action and the moving forward with purpose as God being our Commander in Chief.
To those who believe in Jesus, He is the Savior of abounding love and forgiveness. God created this world and made us to have a relationship with Him. On the cross, Jesus did not say, “I am finished.” He said, “It is finished,” (John 19:30 NKJV). He was just getting started. With most humankind, their work stops at their death, but with Christ, it had only begun. Jesus and all He accomplished on the cross is our GATEWAY to salvation.
Our salvation is based on the completed work of Jesus Christ, not our work(s). If we add a single work requirement, it is no longer given to us freely; it is payment for services rendered (similar to the Life Insurance Theology). That is not how God operates in our lives. Regarding salvation, we bring sin, and God brings everything else. Absolutely nothing can revoke what He has given us. Salvation begins with God, not with us. Salvation is all His Grace, all of God, all the time. Salvation springs from the heart of God, who loved and sent us His Son.
So now what? Our journey with Jesus by our side and, at times, carrying us continues. God, the Author of history, has a purpose. He is not making all this up as we go along. Knowing that God is working out His plan for us in all our situations and circumstances is comforting, and as crazy as it sounds, surrounds us with the presence of peace. Be confident that God, His One and Only Son, and the Holy Spirit are with us on our journey.
A summary of Christian Theology can be found in the follow three Scriptures:
- Ephesians 2:8-9
- 2 Corinthians 5:21
- 2 Thessalonians 2:13
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines
Steering Committee Chair
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life……
From a Christian viewpoint….
Greetings friends! A bit of condensed wisdom from God's Word. Here are some clear and simple words to ponder and meditate on today.
KINDNESS: this is a universal language that surpasses all barriers. Whether humans and even some species, compassion and care are innate truths.
"THOSE WHO BRING SUNSHINE INTO THE LIVES OF OTHERS CANNOT KEEP IT FROM THEMSELVES."
"Do not be deceived; God will not be mocked: For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap".
Galatians 6:7
"THE BEST WAY TO FORGET YOUR PROBLEMS IS TO HELP SOMEONE SOLVE THEIRS."
"Don't look out for only your interests, but take an interest in others, too.
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had."
Philippians 2:4
"EVERY PERSON SHOULD HAVE A SPECIAL CEMETERY LOT IN WHICH TO BURY THE FAULTS OF FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES."
"And be yet kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God, for Christ's sake has forgiven you."
Ephesians 4:32
"TO FORGIVE IS TO SET A PRISONER FREE AND AS A RESULT YOU WILL DISCOVER THE PRISONER WAS YOU."
"For if you forgive others their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if you do not forgive them their sins, neither will you Father forgive you your sins."
Matthew 6:14, 15
Pastor Tom, Little Church in the Pines
From a Christian viewpoint….
Greetings friends! A bit of condensed wisdom from God's Word. Here are some clear and simple words to ponder and meditate on today.
KINDNESS: this is a universal language that surpasses all barriers. Whether humans and even some species, compassion and care are innate truths.
"THOSE WHO BRING SUNSHINE INTO THE LIVES OF OTHERS CANNOT KEEP IT FROM THEMSELVES."
"Do not be deceived; God will not be mocked: For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap".
Galatians 6:7
"THE BEST WAY TO FORGET YOUR PROBLEMS IS TO HELP SOMEONE SOLVE THEIRS."
"Don't look out for only your interests, but take an interest in others, too.
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had."
Philippians 2:4
"EVERY PERSON SHOULD HAVE A SPECIAL CEMETERY LOT IN WHICH TO BURY THE FAULTS OF FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES."
"And be yet kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God, for Christ's sake has forgiven you."
Ephesians 4:32
"TO FORGIVE IS TO SET A PRISONER FREE AND AS A RESULT YOU WILL DISCOVER THE PRISONER WAS YOU."
"For if you forgive others their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if you do not forgive them their sins, neither will you Father forgive you your sins."
Matthew 6:14, 15
Pastor Tom, Little Church in the Pines
Reflections, on the spiritual side of life…..
An EASTER Allegory! As you read it, you will see and grasp the connection.
This story is true and one of my all-time favorites. It is both sad and uplifting.
Butterfly Miracles
Cancer had reduced six-year-old Christian to skin and bones. It was during his final days that nature bestowed its annual miracle. Millions of Monarch Butterflies invade northeast Oklahoma with a gentle but stunning firestorm of color and advance, covering the landscape and bringing unbridled joy after the bleakness of an Oklahoma winter. But this gift seldom lasts more than a week before they depart on a warm Spring uplifting breeze.
Some friends went to the hospital to visit Christian. Though most of the butterflies had already flown away, one friend had managed to catch one and place it in a jar for him. Christian peered at the imprisoned butterfly and then handed the jar to his mother. “Mommy, please set it free. It is like me; in a place it does not want to be.” Mom opened the window, took the lid off the jar, and the butterfly gently lifted off, and flew on that warm Spring breeze to its freedom. A wistful smile crossed Christian’s face. “Mom ‘I’m going to be like that butterfly when I fly away to Jesus in heaven.’”
Christian did die shortly thereafter. There are few events filled with more anguish than a child’s funeral. Marsha, Christian’s mother and Gary, His dad dreaded going back to their home in the country, to a house full of memories of their little boy. So, their friends drove them back to the home they hadn’t seen in weeks.
As the car turned into the long driveway, an amazing sight awaited. The lawn was covered with a carpet of golden butterflies. They rose by the thousands in a joyous aerial ballet. Marsha ran into their swirling midst. For several beautiful minutes, butterflies danced about her. She at that moment forgot about her grief as it lifted from her, and she began to laugh and dance with childish delight. They then rose all at the same time to catch that warm gentle breeze to a faraway place.
Grief returned as quickly as it had left, and Marsha stood alone in the yard where Christian had once played. Just then, a solitary butterfly gently descended, alighting on her nose. It sat for several seconds, its wings gently caressing her tear-stained cheeks before rising and joining the other butterflies.
The transformation from a caterpillar to a butterfly is one of the great mysteries and miracles that takes place in nature.
Pastor Tom’s Comment
The transformation of Jesus Christ from death to life eternal, changing His earthly body to an eternal heavenly body was a mystery and miracle. As the caterpillar creating its own tomb, Jesus too, chose to die and enter His tomb to make the transition. Life from death. Sorrow to beauty. Both are stories of resurrection. No wonder the day Jesus rose from the dead is symbolized by butterflies. So, whenever you feel like hope is outside your grasp, remember Christian Dance’s story and the truth it teaches us.
1 CORINTHIANS 15:32
“It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised up to LIVE FOREVER.”
Amen
The story comes from the publication, “Book of Amazing Stories”
Tyndale House Publishers
by: Robert Petterson
An EASTER Allegory! As you read it, you will see and grasp the connection.
This story is true and one of my all-time favorites. It is both sad and uplifting.
Butterfly Miracles
Cancer had reduced six-year-old Christian to skin and bones. It was during his final days that nature bestowed its annual miracle. Millions of Monarch Butterflies invade northeast Oklahoma with a gentle but stunning firestorm of color and advance, covering the landscape and bringing unbridled joy after the bleakness of an Oklahoma winter. But this gift seldom lasts more than a week before they depart on a warm Spring uplifting breeze.
Some friends went to the hospital to visit Christian. Though most of the butterflies had already flown away, one friend had managed to catch one and place it in a jar for him. Christian peered at the imprisoned butterfly and then handed the jar to his mother. “Mommy, please set it free. It is like me; in a place it does not want to be.” Mom opened the window, took the lid off the jar, and the butterfly gently lifted off, and flew on that warm Spring breeze to its freedom. A wistful smile crossed Christian’s face. “Mom ‘I’m going to be like that butterfly when I fly away to Jesus in heaven.’”
Christian did die shortly thereafter. There are few events filled with more anguish than a child’s funeral. Marsha, Christian’s mother and Gary, His dad dreaded going back to their home in the country, to a house full of memories of their little boy. So, their friends drove them back to the home they hadn’t seen in weeks.
As the car turned into the long driveway, an amazing sight awaited. The lawn was covered with a carpet of golden butterflies. They rose by the thousands in a joyous aerial ballet. Marsha ran into their swirling midst. For several beautiful minutes, butterflies danced about her. She at that moment forgot about her grief as it lifted from her, and she began to laugh and dance with childish delight. They then rose all at the same time to catch that warm gentle breeze to a faraway place.
Grief returned as quickly as it had left, and Marsha stood alone in the yard where Christian had once played. Just then, a solitary butterfly gently descended, alighting on her nose. It sat for several seconds, its wings gently caressing her tear-stained cheeks before rising and joining the other butterflies.
The transformation from a caterpillar to a butterfly is one of the great mysteries and miracles that takes place in nature.
Pastor Tom’s Comment
The transformation of Jesus Christ from death to life eternal, changing His earthly body to an eternal heavenly body was a mystery and miracle. As the caterpillar creating its own tomb, Jesus too, chose to die and enter His tomb to make the transition. Life from death. Sorrow to beauty. Both are stories of resurrection. No wonder the day Jesus rose from the dead is symbolized by butterflies. So, whenever you feel like hope is outside your grasp, remember Christian Dance’s story and the truth it teaches us.
1 CORINTHIANS 15:32
“It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised up to LIVE FOREVER.”
Amen
The story comes from the publication, “Book of Amazing Stories”
Tyndale House Publishers
by: Robert Petterson
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life………..
GOOD FRIDAY…. seems like a misnomer for the event that took place on that day one thousand, nine hundred and ninety years ago. Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, Son of Man, Lord, Savior, Good Shepherd, King of kings and Lord of lords killed on a cross which was motivated primarily by the religious leaders of Judaism.
Let’s first define the word (good) of which there are multiple definitions. Each specific in a particular definition, which I will define, using just several of those I found.
a. “Possessing or displaying moral virtue”
b. “Acting within the confines of an established moral code”
c. “Used in conjunction with the name of God”
d. “Giving pleasure, that is good and satisfying with pleasant results”
Zechariah 13:7 is the scripture Jesus quoted: “God will strike the shepherd and his sheep will scatter.”
Isaiah 53:7b says, “He was led like a lamb to the slaughter and as a sheep is silent before shearers, He never said a word.”
Psalm 22:16 states, “My enemies surround me like a pack of dogs, and evil gang closes in on me. They have pierced my hands and my feet.” This scripture was written by King David in approximately 900 B.C” crucifixion of this kind had not yet been used or created.
Isaiah 50:6 says, “I offered my back to those who beat me and my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard. I did not hide my face from mockery and spitting.”
Psalm 22:14a, 15: “My life is poured out of me like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My strength has dried up like sunbaked clay. My tongue stick to the roof of my mouth.”
Psalm 60:21b, “They offer me sour wine for my thirst.”
These are only some of the scriptures that prophesied of what Jesus would endure for your and my sins, and the sins of the entire world.
Now to the GOOD that came from that which He both chose, and had to do for our RECONCILATON with God, our Father in Heaven. Our Creator and giver of life.
1. Forgiveness of all our sins, no matter their smallness or enormity. “They are not only forgiven, “but forgotten as far as the east is from the west.”
2. From this forgiveness comes the FREEDOM and ability to lead a “good” life. A God centered life.
3. Eternal life with our Creator and LORD.
4. Also, as a gift to us, He gives us the Holy Spirit who will teach us in all things. Who too is our Comforter, Companion and Advocate.
5. Another is that we who believe in Jesus, are family. We are all members of the Body of Christ…the Bride of Christ. The family of God.
Let us express our thanksgiving, praise and love to Him for all He has done for us…every day, and by how we live our lives.
Amen!
Pastor Tom
Little Church in the Pines
GOOD FRIDAY…. seems like a misnomer for the event that took place on that day one thousand, nine hundred and ninety years ago. Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, Son of Man, Lord, Savior, Good Shepherd, King of kings and Lord of lords killed on a cross which was motivated primarily by the religious leaders of Judaism.
Let’s first define the word (good) of which there are multiple definitions. Each specific in a particular definition, which I will define, using just several of those I found.
a. “Possessing or displaying moral virtue”
b. “Acting within the confines of an established moral code”
c. “Used in conjunction with the name of God”
d. “Giving pleasure, that is good and satisfying with pleasant results”
Zechariah 13:7 is the scripture Jesus quoted: “God will strike the shepherd and his sheep will scatter.”
Isaiah 53:7b says, “He was led like a lamb to the slaughter and as a sheep is silent before shearers, He never said a word.”
Psalm 22:16 states, “My enemies surround me like a pack of dogs, and evil gang closes in on me. They have pierced my hands and my feet.” This scripture was written by King David in approximately 900 B.C” crucifixion of this kind had not yet been used or created.
Isaiah 50:6 says, “I offered my back to those who beat me and my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard. I did not hide my face from mockery and spitting.”
Psalm 22:14a, 15: “My life is poured out of me like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My strength has dried up like sunbaked clay. My tongue stick to the roof of my mouth.”
Psalm 60:21b, “They offer me sour wine for my thirst.”
These are only some of the scriptures that prophesied of what Jesus would endure for your and my sins, and the sins of the entire world.
Now to the GOOD that came from that which He both chose, and had to do for our RECONCILATON with God, our Father in Heaven. Our Creator and giver of life.
1. Forgiveness of all our sins, no matter their smallness or enormity. “They are not only forgiven, “but forgotten as far as the east is from the west.”
2. From this forgiveness comes the FREEDOM and ability to lead a “good” life. A God centered life.
3. Eternal life with our Creator and LORD.
4. Also, as a gift to us, He gives us the Holy Spirit who will teach us in all things. Who too is our Comforter, Companion and Advocate.
5. Another is that we who believe in Jesus, are family. We are all members of the Body of Christ…the Bride of Christ. The family of God.
Let us express our thanksgiving, praise and love to Him for all He has done for us…every day, and by how we live our lives.
Amen!
Pastor Tom
Little Church in the Pines
Reflections on the spiritual side . . .
Curious, do you find yourself reminiscing and reflecting on your life to a greater extent during a particular season or special event more than at other times of the year? Such as birthdays, springtime, a favorite holiday, or even a not so glamours chapter in your life that you share with only God Himself? I do, and we are about to enter one of those seasons of deep reflection.
Holy Week, the final week of Lent, Christians recount, reflect, and reminisce the events leading up to Jesus' death by crucifixion and, according to their faith, His Resurrection. The week includes five days of particular significance. The first is Palm Sunday, also called Passion Sunday, in the Christian tradition, which commemorates Jesus' humble entry (on a donkey) into Jerusalem to observe Passover.
We know so much more about Christ's final week than any other week in the Bible. The New Testament Gospels recount the story. Riding on a donkey, Jesus entered Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover festival. The crowds placed their clothes and palm branches on the road before Him, shouting, "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord" (Matthew 21:9 NKJV). Reading and reflecting on what was about to happen, Jesus knowing what was to take place, and precisely why this sequence of events needed to unfold, is something that causes a deep sense of wonderment, and in particular, gratitude which I am unable to express.
Holy Week is one of those times of the year when I reflect. Naturally . . . biblically and spiritually as the journey to the cross precedes, but on my journey, that encompasses much. Family, friends, acquaintances, and friendships that have been placed on hold or are no longer. The good, the bad, the ugly, and the lessons learned along the way. How I desire to continue to grow in God's Word, the changes that I want to create, professionally and personally, and what I can do at this exact moment to assist others in their journeys as well.
I take comfort in knowing God has placed me here at this exact time for His purpose(s). I never let the blessings of living and working in Island Park escape me. I am surrounded by beauty, family, friends, and people that enhance and challenge my life. Difficulties are not happening to me but preparing me for the journey ahead, whether next week, year, or eternity. I am genuinely not concerned with the why, only because I know that I have chosen to journey with God's Spirit, the Holy Spirit.
As we approach Holy Week, April 2-8, I encourage you to delve into the meaning of this week and what is about to transpire. Reflect on God's promise of salvation that is offered to all. Scripture relates the grand story of how God has acted in grace to save His wayward children. This journey that Jesus willingly took to the cross is for us, yes, all of us. He is intensely passionate about reconciling us to Him.
The gift of salvation happens on Calvary. Calvary, is where we come with our sins and receive His salvation. Calvary, where we come with our ruin and receive His righteousness. Calvary, the place where we come with our darkness and receive His light. Calvary, the place where we come with our hate and rebellion and receive His love. Make the journey and collect what is yours.
Reflect, marvel, and sit in amazement and gratitude because this is for You!
A Blessed Easter to All, and if you can, witness the sunrise on Easter morning. Rest assured; the S*o*n (sun) is rising for you 😊.
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines
Steering Committee Chair
Curious, do you find yourself reminiscing and reflecting on your life to a greater extent during a particular season or special event more than at other times of the year? Such as birthdays, springtime, a favorite holiday, or even a not so glamours chapter in your life that you share with only God Himself? I do, and we are about to enter one of those seasons of deep reflection.
Holy Week, the final week of Lent, Christians recount, reflect, and reminisce the events leading up to Jesus' death by crucifixion and, according to their faith, His Resurrection. The week includes five days of particular significance. The first is Palm Sunday, also called Passion Sunday, in the Christian tradition, which commemorates Jesus' humble entry (on a donkey) into Jerusalem to observe Passover.
We know so much more about Christ's final week than any other week in the Bible. The New Testament Gospels recount the story. Riding on a donkey, Jesus entered Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover festival. The crowds placed their clothes and palm branches on the road before Him, shouting, "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord" (Matthew 21:9 NKJV). Reading and reflecting on what was about to happen, Jesus knowing what was to take place, and precisely why this sequence of events needed to unfold, is something that causes a deep sense of wonderment, and in particular, gratitude which I am unable to express.
Holy Week is one of those times of the year when I reflect. Naturally . . . biblically and spiritually as the journey to the cross precedes, but on my journey, that encompasses much. Family, friends, acquaintances, and friendships that have been placed on hold or are no longer. The good, the bad, the ugly, and the lessons learned along the way. How I desire to continue to grow in God's Word, the changes that I want to create, professionally and personally, and what I can do at this exact moment to assist others in their journeys as well.
I take comfort in knowing God has placed me here at this exact time for His purpose(s). I never let the blessings of living and working in Island Park escape me. I am surrounded by beauty, family, friends, and people that enhance and challenge my life. Difficulties are not happening to me but preparing me for the journey ahead, whether next week, year, or eternity. I am genuinely not concerned with the why, only because I know that I have chosen to journey with God's Spirit, the Holy Spirit.
As we approach Holy Week, April 2-8, I encourage you to delve into the meaning of this week and what is about to transpire. Reflect on God's promise of salvation that is offered to all. Scripture relates the grand story of how God has acted in grace to save His wayward children. This journey that Jesus willingly took to the cross is for us, yes, all of us. He is intensely passionate about reconciling us to Him.
The gift of salvation happens on Calvary. Calvary, is where we come with our sins and receive His salvation. Calvary, where we come with our ruin and receive His righteousness. Calvary, the place where we come with our darkness and receive His light. Calvary, the place where we come with our hate and rebellion and receive His love. Make the journey and collect what is yours.
Reflect, marvel, and sit in amazement and gratitude because this is for You!
A Blessed Easter to All, and if you can, witness the sunrise on Easter morning. Rest assured; the S*o*n (sun) is rising for you 😊.
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines
Steering Committee Chair
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life…..
Christian greetings to each of you! I hope you are holding up through this long, cold and snowy winter. I just read yesterday that Island Park is the coldest area in the state, and the snowiest.
Now, back to today’s REFLECTIONS. By the way, I always welcome your comments and input. You can reach me at 208-240-2327 or P.O. Box 292, Island Park, Idaho 83429
During this LENTEN season, I find it (for me) essential to remember what it cost our LORD and Savior to bring us the gifts of repentance, forgiveness, mercy, grace, eternal life, and inclusion into the family of God. We are adopted into God’s family. “Among the blessings of God bestowed on us in Christ is the blessing of adoption. We have been brought into God’s family and made God’s children.” Romans 8:15. We do not share the same family blood here on earth as does a natural family, but the blood we share that brings us even closer is the shed blood of Christ. In our Communion Service, we quote Jesus in 1 Corinthians 11:25b. “This cup is the New Covenant in My blood, this do as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”
To know what He endured to bring us these multiple gifts, I will have you more deeply understand what pain and humiliation He suffered for you, me, and the entire world.
The Roman flogging or scourging that Jesus endured before being crucified is described as such. The flogging was typically 39 lashes but it could have been more. Mark 15:15. The whip used was called a flag rum, consisting of braided leather thongs with small lead balls and pieces of sharp bone woven into the braiding of the whip. The balls added weight, causing deep bruising as He was struck. The fragment of bone served to cut into His flesh. As
the beating continued; the resulting cuts were so severe that His skeletal muscles, underlying veins, and sinews went so deep as to expose His bowels. This beating and those given to others were often so severe that some died in the process. We know He survived, though weakened by blood loss and pain. Jesus collapsed because of the loss of blood, pain, and weakness. A man named Simon, we are told was pulled out of the crowd and forced to carry our LORDS cross to Golgotha, an area called The Skull.
Arriving at the hilltop, He was laid on the Cross as it lay on the ground. Spikes then nailed into His hands and feet, the Cross stood upright and then dropped with a thud into a pre-dug hole, jarring Him throughout His body.
Through all the colorful and fun Easter activities, I ask that we again remember what Easter is about. Please take the time to reflect on what you have just read and what this observance of LENT means to you personally as you pursue a deeper and more personal relationship with JESUS THE CHRIST, THE SAVIOR, THE SON OF GOD, OUR FRIEND.
Will you…. please?
Pastor Tom, LCIP
Christian greetings to each of you! I hope you are holding up through this long, cold and snowy winter. I just read yesterday that Island Park is the coldest area in the state, and the snowiest.
Now, back to today’s REFLECTIONS. By the way, I always welcome your comments and input. You can reach me at 208-240-2327 or P.O. Box 292, Island Park, Idaho 83429
During this LENTEN season, I find it (for me) essential to remember what it cost our LORD and Savior to bring us the gifts of repentance, forgiveness, mercy, grace, eternal life, and inclusion into the family of God. We are adopted into God’s family. “Among the blessings of God bestowed on us in Christ is the blessing of adoption. We have been brought into God’s family and made God’s children.” Romans 8:15. We do not share the same family blood here on earth as does a natural family, but the blood we share that brings us even closer is the shed blood of Christ. In our Communion Service, we quote Jesus in 1 Corinthians 11:25b. “This cup is the New Covenant in My blood, this do as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”
To know what He endured to bring us these multiple gifts, I will have you more deeply understand what pain and humiliation He suffered for you, me, and the entire world.
The Roman flogging or scourging that Jesus endured before being crucified is described as such. The flogging was typically 39 lashes but it could have been more. Mark 15:15. The whip used was called a flag rum, consisting of braided leather thongs with small lead balls and pieces of sharp bone woven into the braiding of the whip. The balls added weight, causing deep bruising as He was struck. The fragment of bone served to cut into His flesh. As
the beating continued; the resulting cuts were so severe that His skeletal muscles, underlying veins, and sinews went so deep as to expose His bowels. This beating and those given to others were often so severe that some died in the process. We know He survived, though weakened by blood loss and pain. Jesus collapsed because of the loss of blood, pain, and weakness. A man named Simon, we are told was pulled out of the crowd and forced to carry our LORDS cross to Golgotha, an area called The Skull.
Arriving at the hilltop, He was laid on the Cross as it lay on the ground. Spikes then nailed into His hands and feet, the Cross stood upright and then dropped with a thud into a pre-dug hole, jarring Him throughout His body.
Through all the colorful and fun Easter activities, I ask that we again remember what Easter is about. Please take the time to reflect on what you have just read and what this observance of LENT means to you personally as you pursue a deeper and more personal relationship with JESUS THE CHRIST, THE SAVIOR, THE SON OF GOD, OUR FRIEND.
Will you…. please?
Pastor Tom, LCIP
Reflections, on the spiritual side of life…….
Lenten Greetings to all of you!
Lent is one of the truly serious and deeply observed seasons of the year for Christians, and one that should be followed with the heart of a servant of Jesus Christ, to show Him the depth and breadth of our love for Him.
The season started last Wednesday with Ash Wednesday. Tens of millions of Christians from multiple denominations across the world observes this day as the beginning of the Lenten Season, observing this 6-week time period with a contrite heart and repentance. Often observed with a unique service, the palm leaves from the previous year’s Palm Sunday service are saved and burned, turning them into ash to be placed in the form of a cross on the forehead of the penitent, following prayer and time of personal repentance. This is worn throughout the day as a symbol of the greatest gift ever given mankind. The gift of Salvation through life, death and RESURRECTION of Jesus Christ the Messiah, and Savior of all mankind, on the CROSS.
Ash Wednesday, is meant to open up Christians to a deeper spiritual reflection, and to personally connect with God, often through both communal and personal fasting and prayer.
The overall purpose of Ash Wednesday is to honor the 40 days Christ spent in the desert by fasting and practicing self-control.
Before giving His sermons, Jesus spent 40 days traveling in the desert, where He was tempted by Satan, symbolically, the temptations were not only for Jesus, but represented those which we too are often tempted.
That day is also a day once having reflected on its meaning, then making the choice of giving up some thing or behavior enjoyed, as an act of honoring Him by this sacrifice, we choosing and following through that discipline during the period of the next six weeks, until Resurrection Sunday, EASTER!
The following Sunday, the first Sunday of Lent, six weeks leading up to Easter, I spoke on Jesus’ teaching on you and I being the “Salt of the Earth” found in Matthew 5:13-16, “You are the salt of the Earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.” If you care to read this sermon you can find it on our Web Page: www.littlechurchinthepines.org, or you can follow us on Facebook, as we stream live on Sundays.
God bless you and keep each day holy, by keeping our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in your hearts and minds throughout your day.
Peace and Life to you, Pastor Tom
LCIP
Lenten Greetings to all of you!
Lent is one of the truly serious and deeply observed seasons of the year for Christians, and one that should be followed with the heart of a servant of Jesus Christ, to show Him the depth and breadth of our love for Him.
The season started last Wednesday with Ash Wednesday. Tens of millions of Christians from multiple denominations across the world observes this day as the beginning of the Lenten Season, observing this 6-week time period with a contrite heart and repentance. Often observed with a unique service, the palm leaves from the previous year’s Palm Sunday service are saved and burned, turning them into ash to be placed in the form of a cross on the forehead of the penitent, following prayer and time of personal repentance. This is worn throughout the day as a symbol of the greatest gift ever given mankind. The gift of Salvation through life, death and RESURRECTION of Jesus Christ the Messiah, and Savior of all mankind, on the CROSS.
Ash Wednesday, is meant to open up Christians to a deeper spiritual reflection, and to personally connect with God, often through both communal and personal fasting and prayer.
The overall purpose of Ash Wednesday is to honor the 40 days Christ spent in the desert by fasting and practicing self-control.
Before giving His sermons, Jesus spent 40 days traveling in the desert, where He was tempted by Satan, symbolically, the temptations were not only for Jesus, but represented those which we too are often tempted.
That day is also a day once having reflected on its meaning, then making the choice of giving up some thing or behavior enjoyed, as an act of honoring Him by this sacrifice, we choosing and following through that discipline during the period of the next six weeks, until Resurrection Sunday, EASTER!
The following Sunday, the first Sunday of Lent, six weeks leading up to Easter, I spoke on Jesus’ teaching on you and I being the “Salt of the Earth” found in Matthew 5:13-16, “You are the salt of the Earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.” If you care to read this sermon you can find it on our Web Page: www.littlechurchinthepines.org, or you can follow us on Facebook, as we stream live on Sundays.
God bless you and keep each day holy, by keeping our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in your hearts and minds throughout your day.
Peace and Life to you, Pastor Tom
LCIP
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life…..
“YOU SHALL NOT ADD TO”
Proverbs30:6
“Do not add to the Word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.”
Deuteronomy 12:32
“Do not add to His words, or He will reprove you, and you will be proven a liar.”
Proverbs 30:5-6
“Every Word of God is tested; for He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words or He will reprove you, and you (in time) will be proven a liar”.
Deuteronomy 12:32
“Whatever I have commanded you, you shall be careful to do: you shall not add to nor take away from it.”
The Teacher, who will teach us about all things and who is the Holy Spirit will guard God’s written Word!
This does not mean man, in his attempt to be like God, cannot mess with it because he has and will continue to do so. In guarding it, the purity of God’s written and spoken Word has been and always will be in existence. Man’s free will is to choose the Truth of His pure Word, depending on his motivation and ego.
You will know them by their fruit. You see, it takes a long time for fruit to grow and ripen. From a healthy tree first comes a beautiful blossom, then the flower dies, and what comes forth is that which will both taste wonderful and nourish our bodies. This is a simple analogy of Jesus Christ. A beautiful man born of God and woman, nurtured and grown into a man/God who spent three years walking amongst us, teaching, healing, loving, reprimanding, encouraging, feeding both the poor and the rich, the leaders and the common folks about the Love of God for His children. He nourished and fed the multitudes with His heart, love, and WORDS of truth. This only begotten Son of God.
THE ONCE FOR ALL GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST GIVEN TO THE WORLD IT COST HIM HIS LIFE
On the CROSS, He said, “IT IS FINISHED.”
The reason He came had been accomplished, and He said, “I will build my church, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.” EVER!
GALATIANS 1-8
“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one, we preached to you, let him be under a curse.”
My “calling” as a minister/preacher is to preach the truth…even if it brings human condemnation down upon me. To summarize, let me quote you from JAMES 3:1, “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.”
MY VERSION ~ I WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THAT WHICH I TEACH.
That, my friends, is a very sobering statement, which is why my teachings come from THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST.
Thank you, and God bless and keep you,
Pastor Tom LCIP
“YOU SHALL NOT ADD TO”
Proverbs30:6
“Do not add to the Word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.”
Deuteronomy 12:32
“Do not add to His words, or He will reprove you, and you will be proven a liar.”
Proverbs 30:5-6
“Every Word of God is tested; for He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words or He will reprove you, and you (in time) will be proven a liar”.
Deuteronomy 12:32
“Whatever I have commanded you, you shall be careful to do: you shall not add to nor take away from it.”
The Teacher, who will teach us about all things and who is the Holy Spirit will guard God’s written Word!
This does not mean man, in his attempt to be like God, cannot mess with it because he has and will continue to do so. In guarding it, the purity of God’s written and spoken Word has been and always will be in existence. Man’s free will is to choose the Truth of His pure Word, depending on his motivation and ego.
You will know them by their fruit. You see, it takes a long time for fruit to grow and ripen. From a healthy tree first comes a beautiful blossom, then the flower dies, and what comes forth is that which will both taste wonderful and nourish our bodies. This is a simple analogy of Jesus Christ. A beautiful man born of God and woman, nurtured and grown into a man/God who spent three years walking amongst us, teaching, healing, loving, reprimanding, encouraging, feeding both the poor and the rich, the leaders and the common folks about the Love of God for His children. He nourished and fed the multitudes with His heart, love, and WORDS of truth. This only begotten Son of God.
THE ONCE FOR ALL GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST GIVEN TO THE WORLD IT COST HIM HIS LIFE
On the CROSS, He said, “IT IS FINISHED.”
The reason He came had been accomplished, and He said, “I will build my church, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.” EVER!
GALATIANS 1-8
“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one, we preached to you, let him be under a curse.”
My “calling” as a minister/preacher is to preach the truth…even if it brings human condemnation down upon me. To summarize, let me quote you from JAMES 3:1, “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.”
MY VERSION ~ I WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THAT WHICH I TEACH.
That, my friends, is a very sobering statement, which is why my teachings come from THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST.
Thank you, and God bless and keep you,
Pastor Tom LCIP
Reflections on the spiritual side . . .
The third of the Ten Commandments recognizes that God has entrusted us with something special, something precious. “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain” (Exodus 20:7). The Commandment, and it is a command, is concerned about harming the reputation and name of God. It addresses our attitude and approach to God. He has invited us into a relationship with Him. He has given us His name, which should be honored, protected, and not used for any idle or insincere purpose.
I write this respectfully; our names are our reputation. Living in a small community, we know people either by name or are familiar enough with residents that causally greeting someone is part of our day. Some may think that they do not care about their reputation, but if you were responsible for someone else, for example, your Creator, would you be more committed and diligent in protecting His Name? How much value do you invest in your reputation?
God cares about His reputation. Therefore, so should we. Often, we say or do things that reflect poorly on the Lord we claim to follow. Our mission is to encourage people to find and follow Jesus. We should care deeply about Jesus’ reputation and never be careless about it. As His representatives, we can enhance His reputation or damage it through our words and actions.
The sake of God’s name is a factor in many prayers and actions in the Bible, so I think, yes, we should be concerned about how we represent God in what we say and do. Granted, we all have chosen different standards to live our lives. Whether our standards are over the top strict, or undisciplined, our life is a testimony. Our standards are part of the reputation equation. What I mean by standards are the practical ways people work out their beliefs and convictions that may vary from person to person. I think people being critical of others’ different standards does far more harm to the reputation of God’s people than the various standards. The Bible does teach grace in dealing with others who may not see everything quite the same way we do. But our motivating factor should be God’s honor and glory.
Yes, God can take care of His reputation and act clearly and decisively to protect the honor of His name. Sometimes God calls someone to do something that seems harmful to their reputation and His. For example, Mary’s reputation suffered with the conception and Jesus’ virgin birth, but it suffered only in the eyes of unbelievers. God is willing to risk being misunderstood to do what is right and necessary in any situation. He is more concerned with how His people dishonor His name than how unbelievers mock Him. He is willing to be misunderstood in the short term, but someday everything will be set to rights, and people will see and know Him for who He is.
One of the beautiful truths revealed through God’s Word is that God has given us knowledge of His name. To know the name of God is to have access to Him. He is our God, and we are to call on Him in the name of the Lord. The meaning of His name is even more significant. God’s name stands for His reputation, and when we use that name wrongly in our speech or lives, we disrespect our Lord. I find this heartbreaking. Just as sons and daughters who love their fathers desire to bring honor to the family name, Christians also choose not to bring dishonor to the name of their Heavenly Father.
Regardless of what is happening around us, we have the privilege of ensuring that what is happening among us and within us honors His name and brings glory to Him in this world. The name of God is on display through the way we live. It is by His name we are identified. Our lifestyle is expected to portray the moral values, character, and virtues of God. (I know, a challenging calling.) The character we display in our public and private lives must be consistent with the qualities the name of God represents. Our lives and godly behavior are the greater force for good and God’s glory in this world.
Today, I want to live in such a way that God’s name is honored ~ We should live for the sake of His name. Amen!
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines Steering Committee Chair
The third of the Ten Commandments recognizes that God has entrusted us with something special, something precious. “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain” (Exodus 20:7). The Commandment, and it is a command, is concerned about harming the reputation and name of God. It addresses our attitude and approach to God. He has invited us into a relationship with Him. He has given us His name, which should be honored, protected, and not used for any idle or insincere purpose.
I write this respectfully; our names are our reputation. Living in a small community, we know people either by name or are familiar enough with residents that causally greeting someone is part of our day. Some may think that they do not care about their reputation, but if you were responsible for someone else, for example, your Creator, would you be more committed and diligent in protecting His Name? How much value do you invest in your reputation?
God cares about His reputation. Therefore, so should we. Often, we say or do things that reflect poorly on the Lord we claim to follow. Our mission is to encourage people to find and follow Jesus. We should care deeply about Jesus’ reputation and never be careless about it. As His representatives, we can enhance His reputation or damage it through our words and actions.
The sake of God’s name is a factor in many prayers and actions in the Bible, so I think, yes, we should be concerned about how we represent God in what we say and do. Granted, we all have chosen different standards to live our lives. Whether our standards are over the top strict, or undisciplined, our life is a testimony. Our standards are part of the reputation equation. What I mean by standards are the practical ways people work out their beliefs and convictions that may vary from person to person. I think people being critical of others’ different standards does far more harm to the reputation of God’s people than the various standards. The Bible does teach grace in dealing with others who may not see everything quite the same way we do. But our motivating factor should be God’s honor and glory.
Yes, God can take care of His reputation and act clearly and decisively to protect the honor of His name. Sometimes God calls someone to do something that seems harmful to their reputation and His. For example, Mary’s reputation suffered with the conception and Jesus’ virgin birth, but it suffered only in the eyes of unbelievers. God is willing to risk being misunderstood to do what is right and necessary in any situation. He is more concerned with how His people dishonor His name than how unbelievers mock Him. He is willing to be misunderstood in the short term, but someday everything will be set to rights, and people will see and know Him for who He is.
One of the beautiful truths revealed through God’s Word is that God has given us knowledge of His name. To know the name of God is to have access to Him. He is our God, and we are to call on Him in the name of the Lord. The meaning of His name is even more significant. God’s name stands for His reputation, and when we use that name wrongly in our speech or lives, we disrespect our Lord. I find this heartbreaking. Just as sons and daughters who love their fathers desire to bring honor to the family name, Christians also choose not to bring dishonor to the name of their Heavenly Father.
Regardless of what is happening around us, we have the privilege of ensuring that what is happening among us and within us honors His name and brings glory to Him in this world. The name of God is on display through the way we live. It is by His name we are identified. Our lifestyle is expected to portray the moral values, character, and virtues of God. (I know, a challenging calling.) The character we display in our public and private lives must be consistent with the qualities the name of God represents. Our lives and godly behavior are the greater force for good and God’s glory in this world.
Today, I want to live in such a way that God’s name is honored ~ We should live for the sake of His name. Amen!
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines Steering Committee Chair
Reflections on the spiritual side of life……………………
BELIEVE, BELIEVED, BELIEF, BELIEVING, BELIEVER
JOHN 3:16
For God so loved the world, (all of humanity) that He gave His only begotten Son.
Begotten is an old-fashioned adjective and is the past particle of the verb beget, which means to father or produce as offspring.
Using the word only means just that. There is only one Son of God, begotten not in the same manner as you and I were begotten through a sexual union but by the combined creative power that existed from the beginning. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The three have always existed as ONE.
To our finite and limited minds, it is hard to grasp this essence rationally, but once we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, we take a deep breath and emit a resounding aha! The Spirit within us affirms the truth of these words.
God does not clarify how this is but only defines that He and the Son are ONE. As Jesus said to Philip, "Philip, have you not known me so long that you do not recognize that the Father and I are ONE?"
To BELIEVE….is to accept (something or, in this case, someone) is true. Faith surrounds *believing, or perhaps *believing surrounds faith. One cannot have faith unless one believes, and one cannot believe unless one has faith.
Now to finish the verse. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life."
Jesus, speaking to Martha during her time of morning for Lazarus, says to her that He Jesus is the resurrection and the life. (He used the word resurrection before His death and resurrection.) Pointing out that through exercising faith in him died, he would come to life. When Jesus asked Martha, "do you believe this?" she clearly showed her faith by replying: "Yes, Lord, I have believed that you are the Christ the Son of God, the One coming into the world." John 11:19-27
Where is your belief and your faith? Do you believe in Him alone as your Lord and Savior, or do you hold onto all the extra peripheral attachments and rules of order that man has attached to this simple pronouncement?
SALVATION IS SO SIMPLE as to be blown off by those men and women who believe that by adhering to all the rules and regulations put for by men, who loved and today love to be known for their spirituality and perhaps charisma, proclaiming themselves as prophets and teachers.
God speaks harshly against false prophets, occult practices, and other means of sorcery. God describes a false prophet as one who "presumes to speak in My name anything I have not commanded, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods" Deuteronomy 18:20.
Jeremiah 14:14, God says these evildoers prophesy lies, offering "false visions, divinations, idolatries, and the delusions of their own mind."
When we believe, we believe in the only Begotten Son of God and His teachings of TRUTH as written in His Living Word…the Bible.
BELIEF AND FAITH…but belief and faith in JESUS CHRIST, and Him alone.
God bless you faithful readers,
Pastor Tom
Little Church in the Pines
P.S. Romans 10:13 (KJV), "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Simple.
BELIEVE, BELIEVED, BELIEF, BELIEVING, BELIEVER
JOHN 3:16
For God so loved the world, (all of humanity) that He gave His only begotten Son.
Begotten is an old-fashioned adjective and is the past particle of the verb beget, which means to father or produce as offspring.
Using the word only means just that. There is only one Son of God, begotten not in the same manner as you and I were begotten through a sexual union but by the combined creative power that existed from the beginning. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The three have always existed as ONE.
To our finite and limited minds, it is hard to grasp this essence rationally, but once we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, we take a deep breath and emit a resounding aha! The Spirit within us affirms the truth of these words.
God does not clarify how this is but only defines that He and the Son are ONE. As Jesus said to Philip, "Philip, have you not known me so long that you do not recognize that the Father and I are ONE?"
To BELIEVE….is to accept (something or, in this case, someone) is true. Faith surrounds *believing, or perhaps *believing surrounds faith. One cannot have faith unless one believes, and one cannot believe unless one has faith.
Now to finish the verse. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life."
Jesus, speaking to Martha during her time of morning for Lazarus, says to her that He Jesus is the resurrection and the life. (He used the word resurrection before His death and resurrection.) Pointing out that through exercising faith in him died, he would come to life. When Jesus asked Martha, "do you believe this?" she clearly showed her faith by replying: "Yes, Lord, I have believed that you are the Christ the Son of God, the One coming into the world." John 11:19-27
Where is your belief and your faith? Do you believe in Him alone as your Lord and Savior, or do you hold onto all the extra peripheral attachments and rules of order that man has attached to this simple pronouncement?
SALVATION IS SO SIMPLE as to be blown off by those men and women who believe that by adhering to all the rules and regulations put for by men, who loved and today love to be known for their spirituality and perhaps charisma, proclaiming themselves as prophets and teachers.
God speaks harshly against false prophets, occult practices, and other means of sorcery. God describes a false prophet as one who "presumes to speak in My name anything I have not commanded, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods" Deuteronomy 18:20.
Jeremiah 14:14, God says these evildoers prophesy lies, offering "false visions, divinations, idolatries, and the delusions of their own mind."
When we believe, we believe in the only Begotten Son of God and His teachings of TRUTH as written in His Living Word…the Bible.
BELIEF AND FAITH…but belief and faith in JESUS CHRIST, and Him alone.
God bless you faithful readers,
Pastor Tom
Little Church in the Pines
P.S. Romans 10:13 (KJV), "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Simple.
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life…..
EPHESIANS 4:32 COMPASSION; "be kind and COMPASSIONATE to one another, forgiving each other…..just as in Christ God forgave you."
There, my friends is an apt description of compassion. Be kind to one another, as kindness is one of several outreach behaviors of compassion.
Fifteen verses in the New Testament speak of COMPASSION.
The following is one of my very favorites.
Lamentations 3:22-23, "Because of the LORD'S great love we are not consumed, for His COMPASSIONS never fail. They are NEW EVERY MORNING, great is Your faithfulness." I used this several weeks ago in another REFLECTIONS, but it tied so wonderfully to this one that I just had to use it again.
1 Peter 3:8, "Finally, ALL OF YOU, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be COMPASSIONATE and humble." Three more attributes of COMPASSION. Sympathy and Humility, and last but the best…LOVE.
They keep coming. Colossians 3:12 "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with COMPASSION, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." Here we are…two more additional attributes.
2nd Corinthians 1:3-4, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of COMPASSION AND THE God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." Add one more! COMPASSION is also comforting.
Zechariah 7:9-10, This is what the Lord Almighty said: 'Administer true justice, show mercy and COMPASSION to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other."
Add to our growing collection justice and mercy.
THIS ONE IS AMAZING…..Isaiah 54:10 "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills removed, My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," said the Lord, who has COMPASSION on you."
COMPASSION also brings peace into the lives of those in need of it. KINDNESS, FORGIVENESS, LOVE, SYMPATHY, HUMILITY, GENTLENESS, PATIENCE, COMFORT, JUSTICE, MERCY, AND UNFAILING LOVE! Let's look at the list.
Let's look at these words and then look at ourselves. These words are far more descriptive than if you looked up COMPASSION in the dictionary. Are you, am I a COMPASSIONATE man or woman of God?
This is who 'we' are to be as followers of Jesus. Let's take the time to search our hearts and mind, and souls to see if we, the sons and daughters of God through Jesus Christ, are as described.
May your day, year, and life be full of compassion for others and yourself.
God bless you, everyone!
Pastor Tom, The Little Church in the Pines
EPHESIANS 4:32 COMPASSION; "be kind and COMPASSIONATE to one another, forgiving each other…..just as in Christ God forgave you."
There, my friends is an apt description of compassion. Be kind to one another, as kindness is one of several outreach behaviors of compassion.
Fifteen verses in the New Testament speak of COMPASSION.
The following is one of my very favorites.
Lamentations 3:22-23, "Because of the LORD'S great love we are not consumed, for His COMPASSIONS never fail. They are NEW EVERY MORNING, great is Your faithfulness." I used this several weeks ago in another REFLECTIONS, but it tied so wonderfully to this one that I just had to use it again.
1 Peter 3:8, "Finally, ALL OF YOU, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be COMPASSIONATE and humble." Three more attributes of COMPASSION. Sympathy and Humility, and last but the best…LOVE.
They keep coming. Colossians 3:12 "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with COMPASSION, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." Here we are…two more additional attributes.
2nd Corinthians 1:3-4, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of COMPASSION AND THE God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." Add one more! COMPASSION is also comforting.
Zechariah 7:9-10, This is what the Lord Almighty said: 'Administer true justice, show mercy and COMPASSION to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other."
Add to our growing collection justice and mercy.
THIS ONE IS AMAZING…..Isaiah 54:10 "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills removed, My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," said the Lord, who has COMPASSION on you."
COMPASSION also brings peace into the lives of those in need of it. KINDNESS, FORGIVENESS, LOVE, SYMPATHY, HUMILITY, GENTLENESS, PATIENCE, COMFORT, JUSTICE, MERCY, AND UNFAILING LOVE! Let's look at the list.
Let's look at these words and then look at ourselves. These words are far more descriptive than if you looked up COMPASSION in the dictionary. Are you, am I a COMPASSIONATE man or woman of God?
This is who 'we' are to be as followers of Jesus. Let's take the time to search our hearts and mind, and souls to see if we, the sons and daughters of God through Jesus Christ, are as described.
May your day, year, and life be full of compassion for others and yourself.
God bless you, everyone!
Pastor Tom, The Little Church in the Pines
REFLECTIONS…. ON THE SPIRITUAL SIDE OF LIFE…..
JOHN 14:6
JESUS said, "I am THE WAY, THE TRUTH, and THE LIFE."
He is THE WAY to THE TRUTH, as all truth comes from the source of who He is.
He is the way to Life, both an abundant and eternal life.
His challenge is: "You are disciples only IF you remain faithful to MY teachings."
During this brief sojourn on planet earth, I have found both you and I need anchors of truth to keep us steady and safe.
Pull up the anchor on a boat, and it will begin to go in whatever direction the water and wind will take it. It could be out into the vastness of the ocean, lake, or river, adrift. Without Him and His TRUTH, His teachings to hold us steady and then guide us, like the boat we too go adrift, subject to wherever the winds of error and the changing tides of time will take us, becoming either lost or tossed up on the rocks of destruction.
Our lives are to be built and sustained on HIM and HIS teachings. He is our foundation for both the present and the future. Purchase a red-letter edition of the New Testament and read His words. In religion alone, we can get caught up in non-essential and even dictatorial MUSTS that have little to do with walking this Life of faith in Him.
His teachings are simple, reaching down into our hearts, spirit, and soul. Man can take the simplest, best, and purest of things and turn them into complicated and hard to attain. When this happens, we often become judgmental of ourselves and others—a sad state of living.
Religion loses its grace when it becomes nothing but do's and don'ts. If you don't know what grace is, take a bit of time to study it. C. S. Lewis said it is the one attitude and foundation that sets Christianity apart from all other religions.
Without grace, we are not following in the footsteps of our LORD, FRIEND, SAVIOR, AND KING, JESUS.
Remember His commandment found in John 13:14.
"So now I am giving you a NEW commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other."
Don't compete and compare yourself to anyone else, but be the best of who He made you to be, Yourself.
God bless and keep you in the center of His love!
Pastor Tom, Little Church in the Pines
JOHN 14:6
JESUS said, "I am THE WAY, THE TRUTH, and THE LIFE."
He is THE WAY to THE TRUTH, as all truth comes from the source of who He is.
He is the way to Life, both an abundant and eternal life.
His challenge is: "You are disciples only IF you remain faithful to MY teachings."
During this brief sojourn on planet earth, I have found both you and I need anchors of truth to keep us steady and safe.
Pull up the anchor on a boat, and it will begin to go in whatever direction the water and wind will take it. It could be out into the vastness of the ocean, lake, or river, adrift. Without Him and His TRUTH, His teachings to hold us steady and then guide us, like the boat we too go adrift, subject to wherever the winds of error and the changing tides of time will take us, becoming either lost or tossed up on the rocks of destruction.
Our lives are to be built and sustained on HIM and HIS teachings. He is our foundation for both the present and the future. Purchase a red-letter edition of the New Testament and read His words. In religion alone, we can get caught up in non-essential and even dictatorial MUSTS that have little to do with walking this Life of faith in Him.
His teachings are simple, reaching down into our hearts, spirit, and soul. Man can take the simplest, best, and purest of things and turn them into complicated and hard to attain. When this happens, we often become judgmental of ourselves and others—a sad state of living.
Religion loses its grace when it becomes nothing but do's and don'ts. If you don't know what grace is, take a bit of time to study it. C. S. Lewis said it is the one attitude and foundation that sets Christianity apart from all other religions.
Without grace, we are not following in the footsteps of our LORD, FRIEND, SAVIOR, AND KING, JESUS.
Remember His commandment found in John 13:14.
"So now I am giving you a NEW commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other."
Don't compete and compare yourself to anyone else, but be the best of who He made you to be, Yourself.
God bless and keep you in the center of His love!
Pastor Tom, Little Church in the Pines
Reflections on the spiritual side . . .
The word focus and the characteristics of focus have been on my mind lately.
One of the candles on our altar needed to be straightened. Pastor Tom said he was surprised I did not fix it before he noticed. I immediately thought about how I'm not too fond of distractions. They are obstacles to my focus. In this scenario, I would have been focused on the crooked candle during Worship versus our Sunday morning message. (I know, I am simple like that.) Because of how my mind works, I have trained myself to live in a state of focus. For me, it is a challenge, an exciting challenge, that keeps me interested and indeed deflects boredom.
Consider Noah in Genesis 6. You remember the story. Noah was confronted by God and told to build an ark, a massive vessel that could preserve his family and himself during the coming flood. Noah had likely never seen rain and probably never built a boat. Yet he was focused on this specific task for 120 years. Noah's unwavering focus was trust in God's wishes and demonstrated patience to the highest degree. No doubt Noah faced criticism and was the brunt of jokes as he prepared for the flood. Can you imagine the focus Noah must have possessed? Staying true to God's instructions despite all kinds of opposition enabled him to use his abilities and succeed in sparing the human race. You and I are the beneficiaries of Noah's deep focus.
The Bible is full of Scripture that speaks on focus. Probably one of the most popular is Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate [FOCUS] on these things." For some of us, focusing on all the above takes practice, practicing so much that commendable thoughts become admirable habits.
Do you find yourself unable to focus due to the fear of missing something or being judged for having failed by making the wrong choice? The fear of being judged is always part of making a decision. Some individuals would rather be considered to be a person of potential rather than attempt something new, possibly failing. Biblically speaking, taking that proverbial leap of faith. Ironically, many carry the idea of potential success more lightly than actually sacrificing to make it happen. Effective focus is achieved through proper prioritization and intense attention; it is a matter of choice.
Passions typically keep us focused. We can have many passions that drive us. Think of what you are passionate about, especially kicking off the New Year. What have you chosen to practice, to work on that will not only benefit you but have a reflection on those in your inner circle of family and friends? The advantages of focused passion(s) are many. It brings purpose, unity, intensity, and concentration. It leads to accomplishment. It gives intentionality to live. Passion gives depth, keeping us from the shallowness of mediocrity. With passion and focus determination, a person's potential is unlimited.
Back to Noah, his focus and passion were on complete display. I believe he was a brave soul who chose to be driven by God's direction. Thinking of Noah and his unwavering trust, it is something that we are to emulate, trust, not building an ark 😉. I wonder how many distractions Noah had in those 120 years? Good grief, a crooked candle distracts me. Thankfully Noah was the right candidate for the task ahead.
The truth is that Jesus Christ is the source of our faith. He is the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Which is why it is extremely crucial and beneficial to us as children of God to always "focus" on Him, to look to Him in everything regardless of the circumstance, the storms of life, the so-called obstacles/distractions that come our way.
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines Steering Committee Chair
(All emphasis is mine.)
The word focus and the characteristics of focus have been on my mind lately.
One of the candles on our altar needed to be straightened. Pastor Tom said he was surprised I did not fix it before he noticed. I immediately thought about how I'm not too fond of distractions. They are obstacles to my focus. In this scenario, I would have been focused on the crooked candle during Worship versus our Sunday morning message. (I know, I am simple like that.) Because of how my mind works, I have trained myself to live in a state of focus. For me, it is a challenge, an exciting challenge, that keeps me interested and indeed deflects boredom.
Consider Noah in Genesis 6. You remember the story. Noah was confronted by God and told to build an ark, a massive vessel that could preserve his family and himself during the coming flood. Noah had likely never seen rain and probably never built a boat. Yet he was focused on this specific task for 120 years. Noah's unwavering focus was trust in God's wishes and demonstrated patience to the highest degree. No doubt Noah faced criticism and was the brunt of jokes as he prepared for the flood. Can you imagine the focus Noah must have possessed? Staying true to God's instructions despite all kinds of opposition enabled him to use his abilities and succeed in sparing the human race. You and I are the beneficiaries of Noah's deep focus.
The Bible is full of Scripture that speaks on focus. Probably one of the most popular is Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate [FOCUS] on these things." For some of us, focusing on all the above takes practice, practicing so much that commendable thoughts become admirable habits.
Do you find yourself unable to focus due to the fear of missing something or being judged for having failed by making the wrong choice? The fear of being judged is always part of making a decision. Some individuals would rather be considered to be a person of potential rather than attempt something new, possibly failing. Biblically speaking, taking that proverbial leap of faith. Ironically, many carry the idea of potential success more lightly than actually sacrificing to make it happen. Effective focus is achieved through proper prioritization and intense attention; it is a matter of choice.
Passions typically keep us focused. We can have many passions that drive us. Think of what you are passionate about, especially kicking off the New Year. What have you chosen to practice, to work on that will not only benefit you but have a reflection on those in your inner circle of family and friends? The advantages of focused passion(s) are many. It brings purpose, unity, intensity, and concentration. It leads to accomplishment. It gives intentionality to live. Passion gives depth, keeping us from the shallowness of mediocrity. With passion and focus determination, a person's potential is unlimited.
Back to Noah, his focus and passion were on complete display. I believe he was a brave soul who chose to be driven by God's direction. Thinking of Noah and his unwavering trust, it is something that we are to emulate, trust, not building an ark 😉. I wonder how many distractions Noah had in those 120 years? Good grief, a crooked candle distracts me. Thankfully Noah was the right candidate for the task ahead.
The truth is that Jesus Christ is the source of our faith. He is the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Which is why it is extremely crucial and beneficial to us as children of God to always "focus" on Him, to look to Him in everything regardless of the circumstance, the storms of life, the so-called obstacles/distractions that come our way.
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines Steering Committee Chair
(All emphasis is mine.)
Reflections on the Spiritual Side of Life….
Greetings and Blessings this second week of the year 2023. I hope and pray you are all well, excited, and thoughtful about what the Lord has in store for you.
Last week if you read my column, I wrote of the prophet Jeremiah and his ability to hold onto one ray of hope as to the future of Israel as she was being taken into captivity.
What I am about to convey is another ray of hope to hold onto, especially for those of you who have lost someone dear to you due to death this last year or even before.
I struggle a bit about sharing this, as it is a very personal and precious event in my life, but I felt nudged by the Spirit to do so.
This, too, is about New Beginnings, for we are told death is swallowed up by life. NLT. 2 Corinthians 5:4. “While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it’s not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to ‘put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life.’” New bodies promised us by our LORD and SAVIOR Jesus Christ.
Both my parents died within five years of each other. Dad was 57, and Mom was 61. Unable to attend mom’s funeral, being thousands of miles away and deficient of funds. Her funeral was on a Sunday, so I went to church. I was sitting in my chair, my wife beside me, when I was no longer in that chair singing but at the edge of heaven. The colors were vivid, the atmosphere charged, and my sweet loving mother stood before me about 30 feet away, looking radiant, alive, and young. To her right was Jesus, both of them smiling broadly. The song was over, and it was time for me to turn the overhead for the next song. So, there I was, back in the service. I did what I was supposed to but in a state of amazement. After putting the next overhead on the projector, I again found myself back at the same place I had left. This time, my dad was on the other side of Jesus. I need to laugh here because dad had hated becoming bald. He looked awesome now, just as mom did, and had his full head of hair back. Jesus then placed one arm around mom and the other around dad. The next thing they all three did was smile those heavenly smiles, and then all three waved goodbyes to me, and I found myself back in my seat in the service.
To say the least, my life was changed, and my FAITH and HOPE deepened, assured that following death, those who believe in and adhere to the Lord Jesus Christ shall be saved and transformed from earthly bodies to heavenly.
Also, Jesus loved me enough to comfort my heart and mind during my loss. I pass this on to you, hoping it will do the same if, as I said in the beginning, you have lost someone dear to you through death this past year or before.
Rejoice and be Glad, for the LORD THY GOD IS WITH YOU!
Amen…..Pastor Tom
Greetings and Blessings this second week of the year 2023. I hope and pray you are all well, excited, and thoughtful about what the Lord has in store for you.
Last week if you read my column, I wrote of the prophet Jeremiah and his ability to hold onto one ray of hope as to the future of Israel as she was being taken into captivity.
What I am about to convey is another ray of hope to hold onto, especially for those of you who have lost someone dear to you due to death this last year or even before.
I struggle a bit about sharing this, as it is a very personal and precious event in my life, but I felt nudged by the Spirit to do so.
This, too, is about New Beginnings, for we are told death is swallowed up by life. NLT. 2 Corinthians 5:4. “While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it’s not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to ‘put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life.’” New bodies promised us by our LORD and SAVIOR Jesus Christ.
Both my parents died within five years of each other. Dad was 57, and Mom was 61. Unable to attend mom’s funeral, being thousands of miles away and deficient of funds. Her funeral was on a Sunday, so I went to church. I was sitting in my chair, my wife beside me, when I was no longer in that chair singing but at the edge of heaven. The colors were vivid, the atmosphere charged, and my sweet loving mother stood before me about 30 feet away, looking radiant, alive, and young. To her right was Jesus, both of them smiling broadly. The song was over, and it was time for me to turn the overhead for the next song. So, there I was, back in the service. I did what I was supposed to but in a state of amazement. After putting the next overhead on the projector, I again found myself back at the same place I had left. This time, my dad was on the other side of Jesus. I need to laugh here because dad had hated becoming bald. He looked awesome now, just as mom did, and had his full head of hair back. Jesus then placed one arm around mom and the other around dad. The next thing they all three did was smile those heavenly smiles, and then all three waved goodbyes to me, and I found myself back in my seat in the service.
To say the least, my life was changed, and my FAITH and HOPE deepened, assured that following death, those who believe in and adhere to the Lord Jesus Christ shall be saved and transformed from earthly bodies to heavenly.
Also, Jesus loved me enough to comfort my heart and mind during my loss. I pass this on to you, hoping it will do the same if, as I said in the beginning, you have lost someone dear to you through death this past year or before.
Rejoice and be Glad, for the LORD THY GOD IS WITH YOU!
Amen…..Pastor Tom
Reflections on the spiritual side of life…..
A New Year…..calls us to tomorrow, and the one we leave behind us should call us to a measure of reflection. REFLECTION: Think deeply and carefully about something, someone, or some event. This time in the new year, we are to think deeply and carefully about where we are today because of the choices we made the year behind us up to this very moment.
Are we…..where we want to be, or should be? Did we choose wisely in all the decisions and choices that presented themselves to us, or did we act purely on emotions, neglecting to pray, seek counsel or take the time to think deeply about what the consequences might be if we chose this way or that way?
Have we…..left things undone that we should have taken care of? One could be reconciling relationships. The longer we leave schisms in relationships, no matter who they are with, we carry the weight of those that affect our lives in multiple ways. Physically, mentally, emotionally, and definitely spiritually.
It can be.….so easy to hold on to bitterness and anger. Still, God desires for us to experience the PEACE that can only come when we ask Him to help us release (feelings) of perhaps resentment (EPHESIANS 4:31). Instead of harboring these unresolved feelings, we instead can look at the examples of Jesus Himself in forgiving, that comes from a place of “LOVE and GRACE, STRIVING to be KIND AND COMPASSIONATE” and to FORGIVE each other, just as in Christ God forgave (us), that would be YOU and Me. No matter how many times we fall short, His compassion never fails) LAMENTATIONS 3:22. (the same verses I spoke on last week).
When we…..find it challenging to forgive, we have to consider the grace He extends to us every minute of every day, no matter how many times we fall short. It is that kind of attitude we need to extend to those with whom we are offended. By doing so, God helps us remove our bitterness from our hearts, so we are free to remain within ourselves HOPEFUL and RECEPTIVE to His LOVE.
In every situation…..we find ourselves in, there is always something to learn. Always! Even in good ones. And in learning something, we are then to put it into an actual- life application. If we don’t, we will forget it and often must learn it all over again!
Take some real time…..to do some deep and authentic reflection, and I guarantee that you will be better off following that special time than you were before doing so.
God bless you, and God keep you!
Pastor Tom,
The Little Church in the Pines
A New Year…..calls us to tomorrow, and the one we leave behind us should call us to a measure of reflection. REFLECTION: Think deeply and carefully about something, someone, or some event. This time in the new year, we are to think deeply and carefully about where we are today because of the choices we made the year behind us up to this very moment.
Are we…..where we want to be, or should be? Did we choose wisely in all the decisions and choices that presented themselves to us, or did we act purely on emotions, neglecting to pray, seek counsel or take the time to think deeply about what the consequences might be if we chose this way or that way?
Have we…..left things undone that we should have taken care of? One could be reconciling relationships. The longer we leave schisms in relationships, no matter who they are with, we carry the weight of those that affect our lives in multiple ways. Physically, mentally, emotionally, and definitely spiritually.
It can be.….so easy to hold on to bitterness and anger. Still, God desires for us to experience the PEACE that can only come when we ask Him to help us release (feelings) of perhaps resentment (EPHESIANS 4:31). Instead of harboring these unresolved feelings, we instead can look at the examples of Jesus Himself in forgiving, that comes from a place of “LOVE and GRACE, STRIVING to be KIND AND COMPASSIONATE” and to FORGIVE each other, just as in Christ God forgave (us), that would be YOU and Me. No matter how many times we fall short, His compassion never fails) LAMENTATIONS 3:22. (the same verses I spoke on last week).
When we…..find it challenging to forgive, we have to consider the grace He extends to us every minute of every day, no matter how many times we fall short. It is that kind of attitude we need to extend to those with whom we are offended. By doing so, God helps us remove our bitterness from our hearts, so we are free to remain within ourselves HOPEFUL and RECEPTIVE to His LOVE.
In every situation…..we find ourselves in, there is always something to learn. Always! Even in good ones. And in learning something, we are then to put it into an actual- life application. If we don’t, we will forget it and often must learn it all over again!
Take some real time…..to do some deep and authentic reflection, and I guarantee that you will be better off following that special time than you were before doing so.
God bless you, and God keep you!
Pastor Tom,
The Little Church in the Pines
Reflections on the spiritual side of life…..
December 29, 2022
Greetings, as we forge ahead to the New Year only three days away. 2023, we all pray and hope it will be a better year worldwide.
Some of us feel your loss, grief, and pain from a distance. There is no need to go over all the wars, rumors of wars, starvation, Covid, mass shootings, etc. We have all lived through them, but some of us are more deeply impacted under the worst circumstances.
The year seems compressed upon year and event upon event. We all wonder where we are headed, and what is next. We work hard to keep our outlook positive, though only sometimes successful.
Yet…for those of us who follow Jesus, we find comfort, assurance, and even hope in His Person, in His words, and His life. At times in the Old Testament, I find words that correlate to His teachings and assurance for me on a very personal level. Of all places today, I found that very thing in Lamentations 3:22-25.
Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning: Great is Your faithfulness.
I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion: Therefore, I will wait for Him” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks.
We see where the world has gone astray, and we often think we know the answers that would fix it, but we also, at the end of a year, need to take an inward look, asking the Spirit of God to do an inventory and then a report for us to ponder.
This is when we find assurance, help, and hope. Jeremiah saw one ray of hope in all the sin and sorrow around him. “The faithful love of the Lord never ends!”
Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning.” God reaches out and gladly responds with help when we seek His forgiveness; we all need to do so. “None of us is perfect, no, not one.” God’s steadfast love and mercy are greater than any sin, and He promises forgiveness through His Son, whose birth we just celebrated.
All might not be right in the world, but all can be right in each of us by letting go of the old: the bad habits, that sin that persists in holding us in its clutches, and then once accomplished, by accepting His love and compassion, for they are new every morning; great is His faithfulness.
Take JOY in the opportunity every day to begin anew! Slate clean!
So great is our Lord and our God! Amen
P.S. I pray you have a blessed and Happy New Year……..
P.Tom
December 29, 2022
Greetings, as we forge ahead to the New Year only three days away. 2023, we all pray and hope it will be a better year worldwide.
Some of us feel your loss, grief, and pain from a distance. There is no need to go over all the wars, rumors of wars, starvation, Covid, mass shootings, etc. We have all lived through them, but some of us are more deeply impacted under the worst circumstances.
The year seems compressed upon year and event upon event. We all wonder where we are headed, and what is next. We work hard to keep our outlook positive, though only sometimes successful.
Yet…for those of us who follow Jesus, we find comfort, assurance, and even hope in His Person, in His words, and His life. At times in the Old Testament, I find words that correlate to His teachings and assurance for me on a very personal level. Of all places today, I found that very thing in Lamentations 3:22-25.
Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning: Great is Your faithfulness.
I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion: Therefore, I will wait for Him” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks.
We see where the world has gone astray, and we often think we know the answers that would fix it, but we also, at the end of a year, need to take an inward look, asking the Spirit of God to do an inventory and then a report for us to ponder.
This is when we find assurance, help, and hope. Jeremiah saw one ray of hope in all the sin and sorrow around him. “The faithful love of the Lord never ends!”
Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning.” God reaches out and gladly responds with help when we seek His forgiveness; we all need to do so. “None of us is perfect, no, not one.” God’s steadfast love and mercy are greater than any sin, and He promises forgiveness through His Son, whose birth we just celebrated.
All might not be right in the world, but all can be right in each of us by letting go of the old: the bad habits, that sin that persists in holding us in its clutches, and then once accomplished, by accepting His love and compassion, for they are new every morning; great is His faithfulness.
Take JOY in the opportunity every day to begin anew! Slate clean!
So great is our Lord and our God! Amen
P.S. I pray you have a blessed and Happy New Year……..
P.Tom
Reflections, on the spiritual side of life………
Greetings and a Blessed Christmas to all our faithful followers of this column. We, Connie and I, are grateful and hopeful that the topics and content of what we sometimes share comforts, sometimes challenges, and overall blesses you in some small way. We are thankful to Ann for giving us this space to voice our faith, hopes, and sometimes opinions.
THIS CHRISTMAS EVE, the fifth week of Advent, having covered HOPE, PEACE, JOY, and LOVE, we light the fifth candle, the candle representing JESUS CHRIST, born to live and die for us.
John 8:12 "When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness and will have the light of life.” Our LORD, our SAVIOR, our LIGHT.
Jesus was LOVE, Jesus is LOVE, and Jesus will always be LOVE.
These five topics Jesus emphasized in speaking on LOVE, the very essence of who He is.
1. LOVE IS THE MOST IMPORTANT COMMANDMENT
Prefaced with these words, "The Lord our God, the Lord is ONE.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The 'second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There are no commandments greater than these."
2. LOVE IS TO BE OUR (Christians) TRADEMARK
"As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another." Do we? (John 34b – 35)
3. LOVE IS FULL OF MERCY
A man asked Him, "What must I do to inherit eternal life, and Jesus after telling him the above numbers #1 and #2, the man asked Jesus, who is my neighbor?” To understand number 3, please read the parable of the Good Samaritan. Luke 10:25-37 The man listened, and then Jesus said to him, of the three men who encountered the man who was robbed, which proved to be the man's neighbor? The man answered, "the one who had MERCY on him." MERCY IS LOVE.
4. LOVE IS EVEN FOR OUR ENEMIES
You have heard it said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'
"But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in Heaven."
He causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5:43-48
5. LOVE UNIFIES US WITH THE FATHER, SON, and HOLY SPIRIT
"If you love Me, keep my commandments. And I will ask of the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to help you and be with you forever-the, Spirit of Truth.
The world will not accept Him because it neither sees nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you.
He said, "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you."
On that day, you will fully realize that I am in my Father, and you are in Me, and I am in you.
This Christmas, may you fully recognize that the LOVE Jesus has for you is the greatest Gift you have and will ever receive by LIVING and LOVING accordingly…. thereby showing Him how much you truly love Him.
Amen!
Pastor Tom Shanor
Little Church in the Pines
Greetings and a Blessed Christmas to all our faithful followers of this column. We, Connie and I, are grateful and hopeful that the topics and content of what we sometimes share comforts, sometimes challenges, and overall blesses you in some small way. We are thankful to Ann for giving us this space to voice our faith, hopes, and sometimes opinions.
THIS CHRISTMAS EVE, the fifth week of Advent, having covered HOPE, PEACE, JOY, and LOVE, we light the fifth candle, the candle representing JESUS CHRIST, born to live and die for us.
John 8:12 "When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness and will have the light of life.” Our LORD, our SAVIOR, our LIGHT.
Jesus was LOVE, Jesus is LOVE, and Jesus will always be LOVE.
These five topics Jesus emphasized in speaking on LOVE, the very essence of who He is.
1. LOVE IS THE MOST IMPORTANT COMMANDMENT
Prefaced with these words, "The Lord our God, the Lord is ONE.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The 'second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There are no commandments greater than these."
2. LOVE IS TO BE OUR (Christians) TRADEMARK
"As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another." Do we? (John 34b – 35)
3. LOVE IS FULL OF MERCY
A man asked Him, "What must I do to inherit eternal life, and Jesus after telling him the above numbers #1 and #2, the man asked Jesus, who is my neighbor?” To understand number 3, please read the parable of the Good Samaritan. Luke 10:25-37 The man listened, and then Jesus said to him, of the three men who encountered the man who was robbed, which proved to be the man's neighbor? The man answered, "the one who had MERCY on him." MERCY IS LOVE.
4. LOVE IS EVEN FOR OUR ENEMIES
You have heard it said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'
"But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in Heaven."
He causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5:43-48
5. LOVE UNIFIES US WITH THE FATHER, SON, and HOLY SPIRIT
"If you love Me, keep my commandments. And I will ask of the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to help you and be with you forever-the, Spirit of Truth.
The world will not accept Him because it neither sees nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you.
He said, "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you."
On that day, you will fully realize that I am in my Father, and you are in Me, and I am in you.
This Christmas, may you fully recognize that the LOVE Jesus has for you is the greatest Gift you have and will ever receive by LIVING and LOVING accordingly…. thereby showing Him how much you truly love Him.
Amen!
Pastor Tom Shanor
Little Church in the Pines
Reflections on the spiritual side . . .
Joy becomes Love ~ Love is Born!
One of the most famous verses in the Bible is Jesus’ explanation of why God sent Him to earth. “For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but will have everlasting life” (John 3:16, NKJV). This verse tells us about God’s unconditional love for His creation. It is also a promise of eternal life waiting for those who accept God’s Gift of His One and Only Son.
Love is a gift, a gift from God. Love plays a vital role in the Christmas story. At Christmastime, we as Christians believe that God's greatest gift of love was Jesus, the Savior of the world, and His love that came down on Christmas.
This fourth week of advent is the week of love. Love is one of those words that is too easy to throw around in its sentimental sense. It is far too easy to talk about times like the Christmas season as times of joy and love, but we all know that love is more than a sappy Hallmark movie. Love gets really heavy really fast when it is real. Real love requires intimacy, and risk, and vulnerability, and action, and sacrifice, and passion.
God loves us dearly, and His love is demonstrated in the passion of His action. Our God is not distant and removed. Advent reminds us that our God’s love moved Him to jump into the mess and the pain with us. He walked with us, suffered with us, and ultimately suffered for us. Jesus is our model for love. A deep and sincere friendship with Jesus motivates us to love as He loves. Let us be honest; this command is a difficult one.
Not surprisingly, the Bible has a lot to say about love. Depending on your translation, the word appears 100-300 times throughout Scripture. God is love (1 John 4). They know we are Christians by our love (1 Corinthians 13:1). Love sacrificed Jesus’ son for our sins. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 alone tallies off a number of characteristics of love: it is patient, kind, it does not envy, etc. Love is the greatest of all the virtues on the Advent wreath and encompasses Jesus’ entire purpose for being on earth (1 Corinthians 13:13). Jesus focused on preaching love throughout His ministry. Two of his greatest commands involve love: Love God, love your neighbor (Matthew 22:36-40).
We were created as an object of God’s love. He made us to love us. His love is why we are alive and the Reason for the Season. Because God’s unconditional love is unconditional, He loves us as much on our bad days as on our good ones. His love is unchanging, everything in our lives will change, but His love is constant, steady, and continuous. Thank God, His love is based on His character, not our conduct.
We cannot walk with Christ without it, and we cannot have the Christmas story without it. As Linus states in A Charlie Brown Christmas, “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”
“Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know,
but I pray that you will be able to know that love”
(Ephesians 3:19).
* * Love is Born * * Come, Lord Jesus * * I Love You! * *
Keeping Christ in Christmas!
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines Steering Committee Chair
Joy becomes Love ~ Love is Born!
One of the most famous verses in the Bible is Jesus’ explanation of why God sent Him to earth. “For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but will have everlasting life” (John 3:16, NKJV). This verse tells us about God’s unconditional love for His creation. It is also a promise of eternal life waiting for those who accept God’s Gift of His One and Only Son.
Love is a gift, a gift from God. Love plays a vital role in the Christmas story. At Christmastime, we as Christians believe that God's greatest gift of love was Jesus, the Savior of the world, and His love that came down on Christmas.
This fourth week of advent is the week of love. Love is one of those words that is too easy to throw around in its sentimental sense. It is far too easy to talk about times like the Christmas season as times of joy and love, but we all know that love is more than a sappy Hallmark movie. Love gets really heavy really fast when it is real. Real love requires intimacy, and risk, and vulnerability, and action, and sacrifice, and passion.
God loves us dearly, and His love is demonstrated in the passion of His action. Our God is not distant and removed. Advent reminds us that our God’s love moved Him to jump into the mess and the pain with us. He walked with us, suffered with us, and ultimately suffered for us. Jesus is our model for love. A deep and sincere friendship with Jesus motivates us to love as He loves. Let us be honest; this command is a difficult one.
Not surprisingly, the Bible has a lot to say about love. Depending on your translation, the word appears 100-300 times throughout Scripture. God is love (1 John 4). They know we are Christians by our love (1 Corinthians 13:1). Love sacrificed Jesus’ son for our sins. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 alone tallies off a number of characteristics of love: it is patient, kind, it does not envy, etc. Love is the greatest of all the virtues on the Advent wreath and encompasses Jesus’ entire purpose for being on earth (1 Corinthians 13:13). Jesus focused on preaching love throughout His ministry. Two of his greatest commands involve love: Love God, love your neighbor (Matthew 22:36-40).
We were created as an object of God’s love. He made us to love us. His love is why we are alive and the Reason for the Season. Because God’s unconditional love is unconditional, He loves us as much on our bad days as on our good ones. His love is unchanging, everything in our lives will change, but His love is constant, steady, and continuous. Thank God, His love is based on His character, not our conduct.
We cannot walk with Christ without it, and we cannot have the Christmas story without it. As Linus states in A Charlie Brown Christmas, “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”
“Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know,
but I pray that you will be able to know that love”
(Ephesians 3:19).
* * Love is Born * * Come, Lord Jesus * * I Love You! * *
Keeping Christ in Christmas!
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines Steering Committee Chair
Reflections on the spiritual side of life………..
December 8, 2022
Joy ~ JOY ~ JOY ~ JOY ~ JOY ~JOY ~ Joy ~ JOY ~ JOY ~ JOY
Luke 2:11 ~ For unto you is born this day…..a Savior….
If ever there was something to be JOYFUL about, this is it. If ever there was someone to be JOYFUL about, it is this Messiah, Jesus the Christ, the only begotten Son of God. Born of God and woman. The Son of God and the Son of Man.
The Christmas hymn JOY to the WORLD encapsulates the very essence and heart of this JOY.
JOY to the world! The Lord has come: Let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare Him room, And heaven and nature sing, And heaven and nature sing.
JOY to the world! The Savior reigns: Let men their songs employ: While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains repeat the sounding JOY, repeat the sounding JOY, repeat, repeat the sounding JOY.
No longer let sins and sorrows grow, Nor thorns infest the ground: He comes to make the blessings flow, far as the curse if found.
He rules the world with truth and grace and makes the nations prove the glories of His righteousness, and wonders of His love, and wonders of His LOVE.
Prophecies speak of His birth. His coming to earth in the form of a man, a babe born in humble circumstances, to understand fully what it is to be human. Than to live and die for the sake of all humankind.
JOY TO THE WORLD…the LORD has come!
Genesis 22:18 We are told that through Abraham’s offspring, “all nations on earth will be blessed.” JOY TO THE WORLD!
Numbers 24:17 “I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near, for a STAR will come out of Jacob; a Scepter will rise out of Israel.” JOY TO THE WORLD!
Micah, 5:2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for Me, One, who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from old, from ancient of times.” JOY TO THE WORLD!
Isaiah 7:14 “Therefore the LORD Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a Son, and you will call Him Immanuel. JOY TO THE WORLD!
The name Immanuel means “God with us” and indicates the divinity of His Son, Jesus. JOY TO THE WORLD!
I am reminded of the words of the angels to the humble shepherds who were in awe and greatly afraid. The angel said to them, “do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of GREAT JOY which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the LORD. And this will be a sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloth, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly hosts praising and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” JOY TO THE WORLD!
Lord, we celebrate with Great Joy, our hearts rejoicing this Advent season. Your birth means we, too, in being re-born through You, will be with you forever and ever. Amen
Thank You!
Pastor Tom Shanor
December 8, 2022
Joy ~ JOY ~ JOY ~ JOY ~ JOY ~JOY ~ Joy ~ JOY ~ JOY ~ JOY
Luke 2:11 ~ For unto you is born this day…..a Savior….
If ever there was something to be JOYFUL about, this is it. If ever there was someone to be JOYFUL about, it is this Messiah, Jesus the Christ, the only begotten Son of God. Born of God and woman. The Son of God and the Son of Man.
The Christmas hymn JOY to the WORLD encapsulates the very essence and heart of this JOY.
JOY to the world! The Lord has come: Let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare Him room, And heaven and nature sing, And heaven and nature sing.
JOY to the world! The Savior reigns: Let men their songs employ: While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains repeat the sounding JOY, repeat the sounding JOY, repeat, repeat the sounding JOY.
No longer let sins and sorrows grow, Nor thorns infest the ground: He comes to make the blessings flow, far as the curse if found.
He rules the world with truth and grace and makes the nations prove the glories of His righteousness, and wonders of His love, and wonders of His LOVE.
Prophecies speak of His birth. His coming to earth in the form of a man, a babe born in humble circumstances, to understand fully what it is to be human. Than to live and die for the sake of all humankind.
JOY TO THE WORLD…the LORD has come!
Genesis 22:18 We are told that through Abraham’s offspring, “all nations on earth will be blessed.” JOY TO THE WORLD!
Numbers 24:17 “I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near, for a STAR will come out of Jacob; a Scepter will rise out of Israel.” JOY TO THE WORLD!
Micah, 5:2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for Me, One, who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from old, from ancient of times.” JOY TO THE WORLD!
Isaiah 7:14 “Therefore the LORD Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a Son, and you will call Him Immanuel. JOY TO THE WORLD!
The name Immanuel means “God with us” and indicates the divinity of His Son, Jesus. JOY TO THE WORLD!
I am reminded of the words of the angels to the humble shepherds who were in awe and greatly afraid. The angel said to them, “do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of GREAT JOY which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the LORD. And this will be a sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloth, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly hosts praising and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” JOY TO THE WORLD!
Lord, we celebrate with Great Joy, our hearts rejoicing this Advent season. Your birth means we, too, in being re-born through You, will be with you forever and ever. Amen
Thank You!
Pastor Tom Shanor
The Advent Journey
Hope becomes Peace,
Peace becomes Joy,
Joy becomes Love,
Love becomes Christ.
Reflections on the spiritual side . . .
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit,” (Romans 15:13, NKJV).
God, the source of Hope, will fill us with His Peace because we trust Him. Then we will overflow with confident Hope through the power of His Spirit, the Holy Spirit.
Advent Hope is the anticipation of the Messiah's first coming and the hope we have as we wait for Christ’s second coming. The virtue of Hope we celebrate in Advent is about the arrival of Jesus into the world and how He can reach into anything in our lives. It is waiting for the plans of God to be discovered through Him. Hope is an active waiting, always listening to God, constantly learning from God, and always walking with God.
There is no other way to say this, “I live on prayer and Hope,” and have for years. Hope is my constant companion. Hope is so embedded in my soul, and I trust in God so completely that I am at Peace with every fiber of my being. Often, I visualize I am the woman reaching for the thread of Hope hanging from Jesus’ cloak. Taking comfort in knowing that I am close enough to Jesus that I have received His Peace, surpassing my limited human understanding. (I am not revealing this to gain sympathy, only for an illustration.) These trials are part of my Advent journey. I am a witness to the above statement, “Hope becomes Peace.” It is crazy; how can I, we, have so much Hope that I, we, are at Peace? It is a Hope so profoundly rooted in the certainty of our personal relationship with Jesus that it lets us unwrap the gift of peace.
The virtue of Peace is a blessing from God, offered to those actively pursuing it and applying it to their lives. Godly peace is a gift of God’s Spirit that can be multiplied in our lives. God's peace gives assurance that all is right in our souls, even if we cannot resolve all the issues affecting us or predict the outcome of anything. God's peace provides the assurance that God is still in control.
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” is a frequent greeting found in the New Testament. This is a heartfelt expression of a prayerful request that God’s people experience unity and a special blessing. Reflecting on our personal worlds, we can control only so much. Once we come to terms with our limitations, then give them to God, the One who can handle our concerns, peace - His Peace will surround us like a warm blanket on the coldest of Island Park winter days.
During Advent, we remember our reason to Hope; we are assured in a most overwhelming way that God always keeps His promises. We also remember Peace; God’s peace has either arrived in our hearts or is on the way for you individually and our world. Peace is a gift that we must be prepared for. God gives us the gift of peace when we turn to God in faith. For on that first Christmas, He sent His only Son Jesus, the Prince of Peace, as the greatest gift of all, the long-awaited fulfillment of God’s promise who will bring world peace to a troubled world and the gift of salvation.
The Gift of Peace, given to us by our Creator ~ Open it, cherish it, and share it.
Keeping Christ in Christmas,
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines Steering Committee Chair
Next week our Advent journey continues. Pastor Tom will be writing Reflections on the spiritual side of Joy!
Thanksgiving Reflections . . . on the Spiritual side
We all know what the traditional celebration is about concerning today. Let us take a moment to reflect on the Spiritual side of Thanksgiving.
Jesus is the foundation of a life of thanksgiving. Our gratitude is rooted in Him—including all we have and who we are because of His sacrificial work. Our foundation must be in the Lord, seeking Him and His righteousness.
“A thankful heart,” John MacArthur says, “is one of the primary identifying characteristics of a believer. No matter how choppy the seas become, a believer’s heart is buoyed by constant praise and gratefulness to the Lord.” Thankfulness is, in fact, a command for the Christ-follower, the invitation of a lifetime—the opportunity to draw near to Him at any moment of the day. And that is Thanks*Living.
Our habit of gratitude forms the framework for Thanks*Living. Authentic gratitude builds on the foundation of Christ. We are grateful for what we can do and for many things that did not negatively touch our lives. With spiritual maturity, we will even learn to be thankful for the trials, knowing Romans 8:28 is true: “… all things work together for good….”
“No matter our circumstances,” Dr. David Jeremiah said, “we can find a reason to be thankful.” “Gratitude is a decision of the will,” Pastor Chuck Swindoll said. “Deciding to be thankful is no easy task. It takes work.”
We must learn to desire the Giver more than His gifts and thank Him for His steadfast love and grace. He is a kind and generous Father, and our daily habit should be thanking Him for the small things, the simple pleasures.
We can learn to be content, which is the focus of Thanks*Living. “It is not how much we have,” Charles Spurgeon said, “but how much we enjoy that makes happiness.” Spurgeon also reminds us, “God is too good to be unkind, and He is too wise to be mistaken. And when we cannot trace His hand, we must trust His heart.” Thanks*Living purposefully seeks out what God is doing in every situation and treasures and celebrates it.
Thanks*Living should flow out of us to touch others. Just as grumbling is contagious, so is gratitude. We “feed” or nourish others by verbalizing our appreciation and nourishing their souls with positive statements. Scripture says, "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up….”
We can nourish our spouse, children, neighbors, church family, and others by acknowledging them, admiring them, and treasuring them. We can pray and thank God for them in their presence. We might share gratitude about others on Facebook, place an encouraging note in our child’s lunchbox, or leave a post-it on the coffee maker or mirror for our spouse to discover later.
It is one thing to be grateful. It’s another to give thanks. Gratitude is what you feel. Thanks*Living is what you do. Lifting up, helping, and serving our neighbors and community as they may struggle with practicing Thanks*Living. Our community of Island Park is a role model for serving those going through the difficult seasons of life.
The word “gratitude” comes from the same word as freedom (gratis = free). Gratitude is the freeing expression of a free heart toward One who freely gave. God freely gives His children life and breath, wisdom, peace, grace, heart desires when they delight in Him, and many good gifts. The beautiful truth is—that without Christ, we can do nothing. In Him, we are free and can do “all things” because God freely gives His children all things to enjoy. And we, in turn, can freely share with others.
Almost ready to dive into your Thanksgiving Feast? Always remember, “in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NKJV). To be clear, in everything, perhaps not for everything.
Happy Thanksgiving to All, and may your life of Thanks*Living encourage all fortunate to be in your presence.
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines Steering Committee Chair
We all know what the traditional celebration is about concerning today. Let us take a moment to reflect on the Spiritual side of Thanksgiving.
Jesus is the foundation of a life of thanksgiving. Our gratitude is rooted in Him—including all we have and who we are because of His sacrificial work. Our foundation must be in the Lord, seeking Him and His righteousness.
“A thankful heart,” John MacArthur says, “is one of the primary identifying characteristics of a believer. No matter how choppy the seas become, a believer’s heart is buoyed by constant praise and gratefulness to the Lord.” Thankfulness is, in fact, a command for the Christ-follower, the invitation of a lifetime—the opportunity to draw near to Him at any moment of the day. And that is Thanks*Living.
Our habit of gratitude forms the framework for Thanks*Living. Authentic gratitude builds on the foundation of Christ. We are grateful for what we can do and for many things that did not negatively touch our lives. With spiritual maturity, we will even learn to be thankful for the trials, knowing Romans 8:28 is true: “… all things work together for good….”
“No matter our circumstances,” Dr. David Jeremiah said, “we can find a reason to be thankful.” “Gratitude is a decision of the will,” Pastor Chuck Swindoll said. “Deciding to be thankful is no easy task. It takes work.”
We must learn to desire the Giver more than His gifts and thank Him for His steadfast love and grace. He is a kind and generous Father, and our daily habit should be thanking Him for the small things, the simple pleasures.
We can learn to be content, which is the focus of Thanks*Living. “It is not how much we have,” Charles Spurgeon said, “but how much we enjoy that makes happiness.” Spurgeon also reminds us, “God is too good to be unkind, and He is too wise to be mistaken. And when we cannot trace His hand, we must trust His heart.” Thanks*Living purposefully seeks out what God is doing in every situation and treasures and celebrates it.
Thanks*Living should flow out of us to touch others. Just as grumbling is contagious, so is gratitude. We “feed” or nourish others by verbalizing our appreciation and nourishing their souls with positive statements. Scripture says, "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up….”
We can nourish our spouse, children, neighbors, church family, and others by acknowledging them, admiring them, and treasuring them. We can pray and thank God for them in their presence. We might share gratitude about others on Facebook, place an encouraging note in our child’s lunchbox, or leave a post-it on the coffee maker or mirror for our spouse to discover later.
It is one thing to be grateful. It’s another to give thanks. Gratitude is what you feel. Thanks*Living is what you do. Lifting up, helping, and serving our neighbors and community as they may struggle with practicing Thanks*Living. Our community of Island Park is a role model for serving those going through the difficult seasons of life.
The word “gratitude” comes from the same word as freedom (gratis = free). Gratitude is the freeing expression of a free heart toward One who freely gave. God freely gives His children life and breath, wisdom, peace, grace, heart desires when they delight in Him, and many good gifts. The beautiful truth is—that without Christ, we can do nothing. In Him, we are free and can do “all things” because God freely gives His children all things to enjoy. And we, in turn, can freely share with others.
Almost ready to dive into your Thanksgiving Feast? Always remember, “in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NKJV). To be clear, in everything, perhaps not for everything.
Happy Thanksgiving to All, and may your life of Thanks*Living encourage all fortunate to be in your presence.
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines Steering Committee Chair
Reflections on the spiritual side of life………
Advent Greetings, Friends! Another beautiful day in our very own Paradise! As we wind up toward Thanksgiving, I am constantly reminded of our Christian Advent Season and the beginning of the Christian calendar. I hum Christmas carols, getting a tree for the front window, and all those other beautiful addendums that come along with the season. (I have almost all my Christmas shopping done. Four to go! Yet, most of all, I look forward to celebrating the Advent of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Today and the next several weeks, Connie Funkhouser and I will focus on the weeks leading up to Christmas, the most celebrated holiday worldwide, hands down. Many moan and groan about the commercialization (Scrooges) and that every year ads come sooner and the decorations earlier. All that may be true, but I choose a more positive attitude. Songs are sung about my Jesus, and the reminder (even through all the commercialization) is a constant reference of Him. This makes me happy even if it annoys others. No matter how hard and eager those who try to take Christ out of Christ-mas work at it, they have not been able to succeed! Holidays, this, and holiday that used instead, but the word still keeps coming up! Christ since it is obviously in the word Christ-mas.
Anyway, back to my subject, Advent. The celebration begins with what is known as the Advent-Candles-Circle, the circle referring to eternity. A pine bough wreath that lies flat often incorporates four candles. Each one is lit separately and individually until the last week when it is illuminated preceding the four weeks before Jesus' birth. One candle is lavender, and three are purple. These four candles represent HOPE, JOY, PEACE, and LOVE. Each Sunday's message or sermon will be based on these four topics. Each week the JOY and excitement grow within the church congregation as the day draws closer.
The word Advent comes from the Latin term adventus meaning "arrival" or "coming." This is particularly the coming of something with great importance. The Advent season is a time of JOY-filled, anticipatory celebration for the arrival of Jesus Christ, and a preparatory period of repentance, meditation, and penance, up to that final day. Christians celebrate Advent not only by thanking God for Christ's first coming to Earth as a baby and the only begotten Son of God but also for His Presence among us today through the Holy Spirit and in preparation and anticipation of His final coming at the end of the age.
Advent begins this year on Sunday, November 27th, four weeks before Christmas, on a Sunday this year. This celebration has been on the Christian calendar for some time after the fourth century. As a time of fasting and preparation for Epiphany, rather than Christmas. Epiphany celebrates the manifestation of Christ by remembering the wise men's visit and, in some traditions, the baptism of Jesus. As we move toward Christmas, let us keep in our hearts and minds the attitude of JOY and excitement in the coming birth and arrival of our precious Lord and Savior. If we do so, the season will be all the more meaningful and richer.
God bless and keep you all in the palm of His hand!
Pastor Tom, Little Church in the Pines
p.s. There is more to come.
Advent Greetings, Friends! Another beautiful day in our very own Paradise! As we wind up toward Thanksgiving, I am constantly reminded of our Christian Advent Season and the beginning of the Christian calendar. I hum Christmas carols, getting a tree for the front window, and all those other beautiful addendums that come along with the season. (I have almost all my Christmas shopping done. Four to go! Yet, most of all, I look forward to celebrating the Advent of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Today and the next several weeks, Connie Funkhouser and I will focus on the weeks leading up to Christmas, the most celebrated holiday worldwide, hands down. Many moan and groan about the commercialization (Scrooges) and that every year ads come sooner and the decorations earlier. All that may be true, but I choose a more positive attitude. Songs are sung about my Jesus, and the reminder (even through all the commercialization) is a constant reference of Him. This makes me happy even if it annoys others. No matter how hard and eager those who try to take Christ out of Christ-mas work at it, they have not been able to succeed! Holidays, this, and holiday that used instead, but the word still keeps coming up! Christ since it is obviously in the word Christ-mas.
Anyway, back to my subject, Advent. The celebration begins with what is known as the Advent-Candles-Circle, the circle referring to eternity. A pine bough wreath that lies flat often incorporates four candles. Each one is lit separately and individually until the last week when it is illuminated preceding the four weeks before Jesus' birth. One candle is lavender, and three are purple. These four candles represent HOPE, JOY, PEACE, and LOVE. Each Sunday's message or sermon will be based on these four topics. Each week the JOY and excitement grow within the church congregation as the day draws closer.
The word Advent comes from the Latin term adventus meaning "arrival" or "coming." This is particularly the coming of something with great importance. The Advent season is a time of JOY-filled, anticipatory celebration for the arrival of Jesus Christ, and a preparatory period of repentance, meditation, and penance, up to that final day. Christians celebrate Advent not only by thanking God for Christ's first coming to Earth as a baby and the only begotten Son of God but also for His Presence among us today through the Holy Spirit and in preparation and anticipation of His final coming at the end of the age.
Advent begins this year on Sunday, November 27th, four weeks before Christmas, on a Sunday this year. This celebration has been on the Christian calendar for some time after the fourth century. As a time of fasting and preparation for Epiphany, rather than Christmas. Epiphany celebrates the manifestation of Christ by remembering the wise men's visit and, in some traditions, the baptism of Jesus. As we move toward Christmas, let us keep in our hearts and minds the attitude of JOY and excitement in the coming birth and arrival of our precious Lord and Savior. If we do so, the season will be all the more meaningful and richer.
God bless and keep you all in the palm of His hand!
Pastor Tom, Little Church in the Pines
p.s. There is more to come.
Reflections on the spiritual side. . .
Confirmation ~ A Validating Guarantee
Last week in Bible Study, we began to study Philippians. As we were working through chapter 1, verse by verse, the word confirmation in verse 7 piqued my interest. Since we all read and study different versions of the Bible, I asked if everyone else read the word confirmation. Four different versions were present, and each was confirmed with a nod of yes. My personal favorite is the NKJV Study Bible.
Philippians 1:7, “. . . in the defense of and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace.”
The final “confirmation” of our salvation is, of course, in the future. Those who are Christians, the Bible tells us, will persevere to the end, “eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end” (1 Corinthians 1:7-8 NKJV). We are sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, “Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory” (Ephesians 1:13-14).
This, then, is the true meaning of confirmation—salvation was purchased by the blood of Christ in whom we have faith, evidenced by our walk with Him, and confirmed to us by the Holy Spirit within.
Confirmation: this word is a legal and commercial term meaning “a validating guarantee” (NKJV).
Validate - check or prove the validity, accuracy, or stronger word inerrancy of (something) as the Bible.
What is meant by inerrancy in the Bible? Lack of error; infallibility. The belief is that the Bible is free from error in matters of science and faith.
Warranty – a written guarantee, a promise that something is represented, repaired, or replaced within a specific time. I am grateful that God continuously repairs me.
Apologies, my intent is not to give an elementary lesson on the definition of words. It all comes together, maybe one of those mental enlightenment moments. I continue to reflect on the term validating guarantee. The Bible is our Validating Guarantee – The Confirmation of God’s Promises that will never be changed or broken. God will finish what He started. His Word, His Truth, is enough.
The Bible is the one guarantee that should not be filed away with all the other warranties and guarantees we accumulate. Keep yours within reach, read, study, reference, let one page carry you to the next, and refer to the index for a specific term or personal dilemma. Just use it! The promises of our Creator are the only confirmation we need.
Next time I receive a bothersome vehicle warranty call, my new response will be, “thank you, but please know, we already have been given the only validating written guarantee that we will ever need, The Bible. Good-bye.”
Continue to be a Blessing to all who are fortunate to be in your presence. Have a most splendid week!
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines
Steering Committee Chair
Confirmation ~ A Validating Guarantee
Last week in Bible Study, we began to study Philippians. As we were working through chapter 1, verse by verse, the word confirmation in verse 7 piqued my interest. Since we all read and study different versions of the Bible, I asked if everyone else read the word confirmation. Four different versions were present, and each was confirmed with a nod of yes. My personal favorite is the NKJV Study Bible.
Philippians 1:7, “. . . in the defense of and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace.”
The final “confirmation” of our salvation is, of course, in the future. Those who are Christians, the Bible tells us, will persevere to the end, “eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end” (1 Corinthians 1:7-8 NKJV). We are sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, “Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory” (Ephesians 1:13-14).
This, then, is the true meaning of confirmation—salvation was purchased by the blood of Christ in whom we have faith, evidenced by our walk with Him, and confirmed to us by the Holy Spirit within.
Confirmation: this word is a legal and commercial term meaning “a validating guarantee” (NKJV).
Validate - check or prove the validity, accuracy, or stronger word inerrancy of (something) as the Bible.
What is meant by inerrancy in the Bible? Lack of error; infallibility. The belief is that the Bible is free from error in matters of science and faith.
Warranty – a written guarantee, a promise that something is represented, repaired, or replaced within a specific time. I am grateful that God continuously repairs me.
Apologies, my intent is not to give an elementary lesson on the definition of words. It all comes together, maybe one of those mental enlightenment moments. I continue to reflect on the term validating guarantee. The Bible is our Validating Guarantee – The Confirmation of God’s Promises that will never be changed or broken. God will finish what He started. His Word, His Truth, is enough.
The Bible is the one guarantee that should not be filed away with all the other warranties and guarantees we accumulate. Keep yours within reach, read, study, reference, let one page carry you to the next, and refer to the index for a specific term or personal dilemma. Just use it! The promises of our Creator are the only confirmation we need.
Next time I receive a bothersome vehicle warranty call, my new response will be, “thank you, but please know, we already have been given the only validating written guarantee that we will ever need, The Bible. Good-bye.”
Continue to be a Blessing to all who are fortunate to be in your presence. Have a most splendid week!
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines
Steering Committee Chair
Reflections, on the spiritual side of life…………….
PART 1
Today and next week, we are going to reflect on PROVERBS 9:10 which states to us, “THE FEAR OF THE LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the KNOWLEDGE OF THE HOLY ONE is understanding.”
ON A PURELY HUMAN LEVEL, fear and worries don’t come from just thinking about the future…. but from wanting total control of it.
A wise person has learned, that as much as we want control and work hard to obtain it…. controlling the future is as elusive as wind in the trees, not knowing where it is going to come from next.
We take precautions…with many people living in constant fear. We take try by using good common sense, and using what tools are available to us, often stifling our lives by missing experiences and people encounters that could have brought us a measure of joy, beauty, laughter and much more.
The right kind of fear is healthy, the wrong kind is at times terrifying. More on this later.
The BIBLE translates fear in several ways. It can refer to terror one feels in a harrowing situation, such as just last week, when (as we read in the paper) of the two young men’s encounter with a Grizzly Bear. Now that is sheer terror!
It also can mean RESPECT, which is part of the case in Proverbs 9:10. An illustration of this is found in Isaiah 6:5, where Isaiah is sensing deeply his own smallness in the Presence of the Almighty, the One and Only God. “Woe is me for I am ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips, and because my eyes have seen the KING, the LORD of Hosts.” In the very presence of God, he finally sees who he is and is humbled. Isaiah now fully understands his place as a mere man before the ALMIGHTY GOD.
In another illustration in 1 Deuteronomy 4:35, 39 – Unto thee it was shown, that thou mightiest know that the LORD He is God; there Is none else besides Him. 1 Kings 8:60 – That all the people of the earth may know that the LORD is God, and there is none else.
Without the healthy fear of God on several levels…. the only God, who created and loves us, and in Jesus Christ as illustrated in the Trinity who chose to sacrifice His human life for our sins…. without whom we are in trouble folks. That respectful fear, awe and love of God, by knowing Him through His Son Jesus Christ, must be in place in our mind, heart and soul. This attitude brings with it DEEPER JOY, DEEPER WORSHIP, DEEPER LOVE, and therefore
A CLOSER and MORE DEPENDENT RELATIONSHIP with GOD, HIS SON, and EACH OTHER.
Until our hearts are in a right relationship with God, in harmony with who He is and who we are relationship to Him, we are worshiping a different god. One of our own making’s which therefore degenerates into idol worship. We may not have made this god with our hands, but certainly in our own imagination. Many are guilty of this, because they themselves think more highly of themselves than God Himself.
He said in Exodus 3:124. “God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ And He said, ‘Say this to the people of Israel:’ ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”
Be Blessed Friends….in Jesus Name,
Pastor Tom, Little Church in the Pines
PART 1
Today and next week, we are going to reflect on PROVERBS 9:10 which states to us, “THE FEAR OF THE LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the KNOWLEDGE OF THE HOLY ONE is understanding.”
ON A PURELY HUMAN LEVEL, fear and worries don’t come from just thinking about the future…. but from wanting total control of it.
A wise person has learned, that as much as we want control and work hard to obtain it…. controlling the future is as elusive as wind in the trees, not knowing where it is going to come from next.
We take precautions…with many people living in constant fear. We take try by using good common sense, and using what tools are available to us, often stifling our lives by missing experiences and people encounters that could have brought us a measure of joy, beauty, laughter and much more.
The right kind of fear is healthy, the wrong kind is at times terrifying. More on this later.
The BIBLE translates fear in several ways. It can refer to terror one feels in a harrowing situation, such as just last week, when (as we read in the paper) of the two young men’s encounter with a Grizzly Bear. Now that is sheer terror!
It also can mean RESPECT, which is part of the case in Proverbs 9:10. An illustration of this is found in Isaiah 6:5, where Isaiah is sensing deeply his own smallness in the Presence of the Almighty, the One and Only God. “Woe is me for I am ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips, and because my eyes have seen the KING, the LORD of Hosts.” In the very presence of God, he finally sees who he is and is humbled. Isaiah now fully understands his place as a mere man before the ALMIGHTY GOD.
In another illustration in 1 Deuteronomy 4:35, 39 – Unto thee it was shown, that thou mightiest know that the LORD He is God; there Is none else besides Him. 1 Kings 8:60 – That all the people of the earth may know that the LORD is God, and there is none else.
Without the healthy fear of God on several levels…. the only God, who created and loves us, and in Jesus Christ as illustrated in the Trinity who chose to sacrifice His human life for our sins…. without whom we are in trouble folks. That respectful fear, awe and love of God, by knowing Him through His Son Jesus Christ, must be in place in our mind, heart and soul. This attitude brings with it DEEPER JOY, DEEPER WORSHIP, DEEPER LOVE, and therefore
A CLOSER and MORE DEPENDENT RELATIONSHIP with GOD, HIS SON, and EACH OTHER.
Until our hearts are in a right relationship with God, in harmony with who He is and who we are relationship to Him, we are worshiping a different god. One of our own making’s which therefore degenerates into idol worship. We may not have made this god with our hands, but certainly in our own imagination. Many are guilty of this, because they themselves think more highly of themselves than God Himself.
He said in Exodus 3:124. “God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ And He said, ‘Say this to the people of Israel:’ ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”
Be Blessed Friends….in Jesus Name,
Pastor Tom, Little Church in the Pines
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life………
“The New-Testament”
(Its Source and Viability)
Rule #1 in its content and composition.
ONLY those documents written by the Apostles or those endorsed explicitly by them (Luke, Mark, Jude, James as examples) were to be included! All others were to be discarded/excluded. Consequently, these books had authority in themselves because of the authorship.
Now that is the best foundational beginning possible for the Testament of Jesus Christ, which would come to change and continue to change the world.
We believe that all Scripture is inspired by God (therefore, don’t mess with it by adding to or deleting any of the original texts). Using those men, He also chose to bring us His TRUTHS in both the Old and New Testaments. TRUTHS that, if followed and lived out, would change us and the world.
In some ways, how the books were chosen and compiled was, at first, a complicated process. As in the #1 rule above, there had to be specific guidelines, or errors could be made.
The inspiration of Scripture is connected to what is called the canon, which means authority. The authority that comes directly from God, and those called by God, to write and establish His WORD. The early church looked to the Apostles for the authoritative word about what would become sound doctrine known as The New Testament. A testament to the life and teachings of J.E.S.U.S.
Jesus chose and trained the original Apostles. After His death and resurrection, Jesus chose Saul, whom He renamed Paul, to take His Gospel to the Gentiles. He promised the Apostles; John 14, He “would bring to remembrance all the things that HE had taught them,” so that He would be able to communicate through them the eternal TRUTHS to all who would accept Him as the Christ, the begotten Son of God, the Messiah. The Apostles agreed, in complete unity, that they were to represent the teachings and words of Jesus that occurred throughout their time with Him over the three years of His ministry.
The point I want to make today is the early church did not randomly assemble a collection of manuscripts and letters. In compiling the New Testament, it was not just a matter that a vote was taken by a bunch of people who saw themselves as the authority over its authenticity. Instead, it was an act of Christian leaders who recognized the authority inherent in the books we rely on today and live our lives by through the apostolic connection that the totality of the New Testament had and has. That is the foundational manner that gave us this accurate and powerful collection in getting to know J.E.S.U.S., His ministry, and the fullness of the many facets of Him being the Son of God.
There are over 50 titles in the Old and New Testaments ascribed to Him. These are but a few, as He is known as much more than the Savior.
ADVOCATE, BREAD OF LIFE, BELOVED SON OF GOD, CHIEF CORNERSTONE, DELIVERER, THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD, THE LIGHT OF LIFE, BRIDEGROOM, THE WAY, THE WORD, THE TRUE VINE, VICTORIOUS ONE, WONDERFUL, COUNSELOR, MIGHTY GOD, EVERLASTING FATHER, PRINCE OF PEACE.
Beautiful and Amazing is our LORD. J.E.S.U.S.
Next week, “How the New Testament Books Were Compiled.”
Be Blessed in the Name of J.E.S.U.S.!
Pastor Tom, L.C.I.P.
P. S. The more we come to know, the more we grow, and learning is a choice.
“The New-Testament”
(Its Source and Viability)
Rule #1 in its content and composition.
ONLY those documents written by the Apostles or those endorsed explicitly by them (Luke, Mark, Jude, James as examples) were to be included! All others were to be discarded/excluded. Consequently, these books had authority in themselves because of the authorship.
Now that is the best foundational beginning possible for the Testament of Jesus Christ, which would come to change and continue to change the world.
We believe that all Scripture is inspired by God (therefore, don’t mess with it by adding to or deleting any of the original texts). Using those men, He also chose to bring us His TRUTHS in both the Old and New Testaments. TRUTHS that, if followed and lived out, would change us and the world.
In some ways, how the books were chosen and compiled was, at first, a complicated process. As in the #1 rule above, there had to be specific guidelines, or errors could be made.
The inspiration of Scripture is connected to what is called the canon, which means authority. The authority that comes directly from God, and those called by God, to write and establish His WORD. The early church looked to the Apostles for the authoritative word about what would become sound doctrine known as The New Testament. A testament to the life and teachings of J.E.S.U.S.
Jesus chose and trained the original Apostles. After His death and resurrection, Jesus chose Saul, whom He renamed Paul, to take His Gospel to the Gentiles. He promised the Apostles; John 14, He “would bring to remembrance all the things that HE had taught them,” so that He would be able to communicate through them the eternal TRUTHS to all who would accept Him as the Christ, the begotten Son of God, the Messiah. The Apostles agreed, in complete unity, that they were to represent the teachings and words of Jesus that occurred throughout their time with Him over the three years of His ministry.
The point I want to make today is the early church did not randomly assemble a collection of manuscripts and letters. In compiling the New Testament, it was not just a matter that a vote was taken by a bunch of people who saw themselves as the authority over its authenticity. Instead, it was an act of Christian leaders who recognized the authority inherent in the books we rely on today and live our lives by through the apostolic connection that the totality of the New Testament had and has. That is the foundational manner that gave us this accurate and powerful collection in getting to know J.E.S.U.S., His ministry, and the fullness of the many facets of Him being the Son of God.
There are over 50 titles in the Old and New Testaments ascribed to Him. These are but a few, as He is known as much more than the Savior.
ADVOCATE, BREAD OF LIFE, BELOVED SON OF GOD, CHIEF CORNERSTONE, DELIVERER, THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD, THE LIGHT OF LIFE, BRIDEGROOM, THE WAY, THE WORD, THE TRUE VINE, VICTORIOUS ONE, WONDERFUL, COUNSELOR, MIGHTY GOD, EVERLASTING FATHER, PRINCE OF PEACE.
Beautiful and Amazing is our LORD. J.E.S.U.S.
Next week, “How the New Testament Books Were Compiled.”
Be Blessed in the Name of J.E.S.U.S.!
Pastor Tom, L.C.I.P.
P. S. The more we come to know, the more we grow, and learning is a choice.
Reflections on the spiritual side . . .
Last week in Pastor Tom’s article, he wrote on the origin and validity of the Bible. He asked a question. “If I can’t trust it (the Bible), why follow and believe in it?” This prompted another question in my mind. What should Christians believe?
God did not create the Bible because He wanted to become the most significant and well-known author of all time. The Bible is for us, and all generations before and after us. The Bible is Divinely written and reveals God’s promises and instructions. We cannot be a Christian without believing and trusting in God’s Word, His Truth, also known as the Bible. We cannot dissect it, change it to our liking, believe some it, or disregard what does not fit into our world. We are to believe in its entirety, we may not understand some or most, but we trust that we will according to God’s timing. The Bible is a history book, but it also clarifies the how-to of a life well-lived and having a personal relationship with His one and only Son, Jesus.
The most important decision anyone will make is whether or not to accept or reject Jesus Christ as Savior. Jesus is the most important person to have worn a pair of sandals and lived throughout history. Christianity is not an idea, but the most challenging aspect of the Christian faith is a person, Jesus. Jesus of Nazareth not only is introduced to us in the Bible, but continues to live in and through us. Jesus, the second Person of the Trinity has a unique role, “as the way” to, what? To God and the recipient of His promises. John 14:6, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life.” A life spent in eternity with our Lord and Savior.
Individuals have the free will to disbelieve that Jesus “is the way,” but no one can ignore Him. Jesus comes to us with a question, “Who do you say I am?” (A simple but thus powerful question.) My answer, You are my Lord, Savior, forgiver, strength, my everything. I know me, and without doubt I know I would be unable to function without Jesus in my life and the gift of His Holy Spirit that resides within. It is as simple as that.
Ultimately, Christian’s faith is our trusting response to God’s Word, His faithfulness (not ours). I enjoy the statement by Karl Barth, “Faith is trust in the divine faithfulness.” The notion, the realization that God is faithful is the foundation of biblical teaching. When we stumble and our faith fails, our God remains faithful to us. . . Halleluiah ~ Amen!
Christians believe in the ongoing confidence in and a way of life that draws its strength from the conviction that God is truly for us. Please do not misinterpret; the Christian life is full of ups and downs, struggles, and challenges. But an individual that has entered into a personal relationship with the “One” is secure in His Word. I may have presented this question before, does God live in your world, or do you live in God’s world? May I encourage you to live in Gods? Reading, studying, learning, and trusting in the most vital history book ever written is a way to bring glory to the author of our lives.
The hymn, “Blessed Assurance,” which we sang last Sunday continues to play in my mind. “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! I in my Savior am happy and blest. This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long.”
I read the following in one of my textbooks, “whatever we say about God’s glory, love, will, and word, we must say in reference to Jesus, for Jesus defines for us what God’s glory, love, will, and word mean!”
As a Christian, I believe in much!
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines
Steering Committee Chair
Last week in Pastor Tom’s article, he wrote on the origin and validity of the Bible. He asked a question. “If I can’t trust it (the Bible), why follow and believe in it?” This prompted another question in my mind. What should Christians believe?
God did not create the Bible because He wanted to become the most significant and well-known author of all time. The Bible is for us, and all generations before and after us. The Bible is Divinely written and reveals God’s promises and instructions. We cannot be a Christian without believing and trusting in God’s Word, His Truth, also known as the Bible. We cannot dissect it, change it to our liking, believe some it, or disregard what does not fit into our world. We are to believe in its entirety, we may not understand some or most, but we trust that we will according to God’s timing. The Bible is a history book, but it also clarifies the how-to of a life well-lived and having a personal relationship with His one and only Son, Jesus.
The most important decision anyone will make is whether or not to accept or reject Jesus Christ as Savior. Jesus is the most important person to have worn a pair of sandals and lived throughout history. Christianity is not an idea, but the most challenging aspect of the Christian faith is a person, Jesus. Jesus of Nazareth not only is introduced to us in the Bible, but continues to live in and through us. Jesus, the second Person of the Trinity has a unique role, “as the way” to, what? To God and the recipient of His promises. John 14:6, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life.” A life spent in eternity with our Lord and Savior.
Individuals have the free will to disbelieve that Jesus “is the way,” but no one can ignore Him. Jesus comes to us with a question, “Who do you say I am?” (A simple but thus powerful question.) My answer, You are my Lord, Savior, forgiver, strength, my everything. I know me, and without doubt I know I would be unable to function without Jesus in my life and the gift of His Holy Spirit that resides within. It is as simple as that.
Ultimately, Christian’s faith is our trusting response to God’s Word, His faithfulness (not ours). I enjoy the statement by Karl Barth, “Faith is trust in the divine faithfulness.” The notion, the realization that God is faithful is the foundation of biblical teaching. When we stumble and our faith fails, our God remains faithful to us. . . Halleluiah ~ Amen!
Christians believe in the ongoing confidence in and a way of life that draws its strength from the conviction that God is truly for us. Please do not misinterpret; the Christian life is full of ups and downs, struggles, and challenges. But an individual that has entered into a personal relationship with the “One” is secure in His Word. I may have presented this question before, does God live in your world, or do you live in God’s world? May I encourage you to live in Gods? Reading, studying, learning, and trusting in the most vital history book ever written is a way to bring glory to the author of our lives.
The hymn, “Blessed Assurance,” which we sang last Sunday continues to play in my mind. “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! I in my Savior am happy and blest. This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long.”
I read the following in one of my textbooks, “whatever we say about God’s glory, love, will, and word, we must say in reference to Jesus, for Jesus defines for us what God’s glory, love, will, and word mean!”
As a Christian, I believe in much!
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines
Steering Committee Chair
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life…..
Origin of the Bible
SOURCES OF INFORMATION
THE BIBLE – DICTIONARY OF THEOLOGY – WIKIPEDIA - MYSELF
If you are an auto mechanic, you obviously must know how to repair a car. It is a multi-step process. 1st. The desire to be one. 2nd. Have an aptitude for learning of this kind. 3rd. Study hard and long. 4th. Love that which you have chosen. It is the same for our faith/religion.
THE BIBLE and LIFE’S EXPERIENCES and how I relate to the Bible are my source for living a good life. (I often wish I were better at it!) The four necessary things I wrote above apply similarly to using the BIBLE as the directory for living. If I can’t trust it, why follow and believe in it?
The origin and validity of the BIBLE are backed by prophecy fulfilled. It is also a historical book that is validated by several things, including archeology. (verified)
Prophecy: An amazing 668 prophecies written in the Bible have been fulfilled, and none have EVER been proven false (three are unconfirmed). God Himself decided this was to be one of the truths of affirmation of His written Words. It is His test of Divine authorship. If you doubt…. then please study, and you will find this test accurate, with a supernatural origin. No other holy book comes even close to the Bible in the amount of evidence supporting its credibility, authenticity, and authorship.
Archeology: This is an ever-evolving occurrence of rock-solid validity for the BIBLE.
The claim of divine authorship and inspiration seems dramatic and over the top to many, but that is because they don’t care enough to spend the time researching and studying for confirmation or simply ignoring the facts presented.
The BIBLE is God’s letter to humanity collected into 66 books, written by 40 divinely inspired writers over a period of 1,600 years.
The written words of wisdom influence our personal lives, government, culture, and society. Many hate the influence of the BIBLE and seek as often and where they can to have it devalued and its wisdom and words removed in as many places as possible. In doing so (thinking their own ‘wisdom’ is better) are little more than fools. That is a fact that is and can be proven over and over again.
EVIDENCE, EVIDENCE, EVIDENCE.
Belief goes a long way in our walk of FAITH which 2nd Corinthians 5:7 tells us to do. “For we walk by faith and not by sight.” At times this is necessary, yet existing actual validation for what we believe is essential to build our faith.
Evidence supports our faith, and our incredible BIBLE overruns with evidence, and being a person who demands a measure of proof, I therefore overrun with faith.
Next week I will supply you with more validated evidence that, in the end, demands a verdict. TRUE OR FALSE. The BIBLE.
Every holy book written should be looked at with a magnifying glass, discussed, compared, and validated. It stands or falls on evidence.
Amen, Pastor Tom L.C.I.P.
Origin of the Bible
SOURCES OF INFORMATION
THE BIBLE – DICTIONARY OF THEOLOGY – WIKIPEDIA - MYSELF
If you are an auto mechanic, you obviously must know how to repair a car. It is a multi-step process. 1st. The desire to be one. 2nd. Have an aptitude for learning of this kind. 3rd. Study hard and long. 4th. Love that which you have chosen. It is the same for our faith/religion.
THE BIBLE and LIFE’S EXPERIENCES and how I relate to the Bible are my source for living a good life. (I often wish I were better at it!) The four necessary things I wrote above apply similarly to using the BIBLE as the directory for living. If I can’t trust it, why follow and believe in it?
The origin and validity of the BIBLE are backed by prophecy fulfilled. It is also a historical book that is validated by several things, including archeology. (verified)
Prophecy: An amazing 668 prophecies written in the Bible have been fulfilled, and none have EVER been proven false (three are unconfirmed). God Himself decided this was to be one of the truths of affirmation of His written Words. It is His test of Divine authorship. If you doubt…. then please study, and you will find this test accurate, with a supernatural origin. No other holy book comes even close to the Bible in the amount of evidence supporting its credibility, authenticity, and authorship.
Archeology: This is an ever-evolving occurrence of rock-solid validity for the BIBLE.
The claim of divine authorship and inspiration seems dramatic and over the top to many, but that is because they don’t care enough to spend the time researching and studying for confirmation or simply ignoring the facts presented.
The BIBLE is God’s letter to humanity collected into 66 books, written by 40 divinely inspired writers over a period of 1,600 years.
The written words of wisdom influence our personal lives, government, culture, and society. Many hate the influence of the BIBLE and seek as often and where they can to have it devalued and its wisdom and words removed in as many places as possible. In doing so (thinking their own ‘wisdom’ is better) are little more than fools. That is a fact that is and can be proven over and over again.
EVIDENCE, EVIDENCE, EVIDENCE.
Belief goes a long way in our walk of FAITH which 2nd Corinthians 5:7 tells us to do. “For we walk by faith and not by sight.” At times this is necessary, yet existing actual validation for what we believe is essential to build our faith.
Evidence supports our faith, and our incredible BIBLE overruns with evidence, and being a person who demands a measure of proof, I therefore overrun with faith.
Next week I will supply you with more validated evidence that, in the end, demands a verdict. TRUE OR FALSE. The BIBLE.
Every holy book written should be looked at with a magnifying glass, discussed, compared, and validated. It stands or falls on evidence.
Amen, Pastor Tom L.C.I.P.
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life………
You can become (in Christ) a new creation!
It’s never too late
2nd Corinthians 5:17
“If anyone is in Christ, he (or she) is a New Creation; the OLD (man or woman) is gone, having been replaced by the NEW!” This dovetails in beautifully with the words in the New Testament where Jesus said, “you must be born again!”
The story I am about to tell you is true, from a book written by Phillip Gully. Philip is a Christian minister and author. His stories are often humorous but with a specific life application. This is from his book, “Front Porch Tales” He does not credit Jesus here but read it, and you will most assuredly understand his intent.
~ Streams in the Desert ~
I went to my folks’ house one spring day to celebrate my nephew’s first birthday. I took a walk and saw people working in their yards, folks I hadn’t seen for years. I saw Mr. Amos Welty down on the corner, raking the winter deadfall from his yard, getting it ready for six months of flowers, starting with the crocuses and ending with the mums. His crocuses were up. I stopped to look at them. He came over to talk, which made me nervous since we had parted enemies twenty years before.
My Welty had been a sour man, a mean man, truth be told. Once, he even threw a shovel at me for walking on his grass. I upped the ante the next day by nailing him with a water balloon. He was pulling weeds, stood to stretch, and I caught him amidship---POW!
He called the town police officer, Charlie Morelock, who put out an all-points bulletin on me. Officer Morelock found me in my front yard. He stopped his cruiser, climbed out, and walked toward me with his hand on his gun. He drew near, reached out, laid his heavy hand on my shoulder, looked me in the eye, and said, “Good shot.” He didn’t like Mr. Welty either.
Twenty years later, he stopped what he was doing, walked up to me, and extended his hand to shake. He was gentleness personified. He had CHANGED. His mother had died. She was all he had, and now he was alone. It occurred to him that instead of throwing shovels at children, he should invite them to his front porch for companionship and cookies. Now his yard had bare spots where grass once grew, but it seemed a far lovelier place.
The prophet Isaiah talks about God making streams in the desert. Talks about how God puts things (good things) where they never were before, like love, where hate once reigned. Streams in the desert, Isaiah calls it.
I am telling you that these streams from God are real, for early one spring, when the crocuses bloomed, I waded into one….and so can you not only wade into one but become one if desired and needed.
Amen
Pastor Tom L.C.I.P.
You can become (in Christ) a new creation!
It’s never too late
2nd Corinthians 5:17
“If anyone is in Christ, he (or she) is a New Creation; the OLD (man or woman) is gone, having been replaced by the NEW!” This dovetails in beautifully with the words in the New Testament where Jesus said, “you must be born again!”
The story I am about to tell you is true, from a book written by Phillip Gully. Philip is a Christian minister and author. His stories are often humorous but with a specific life application. This is from his book, “Front Porch Tales” He does not credit Jesus here but read it, and you will most assuredly understand his intent.
~ Streams in the Desert ~
I went to my folks’ house one spring day to celebrate my nephew’s first birthday. I took a walk and saw people working in their yards, folks I hadn’t seen for years. I saw Mr. Amos Welty down on the corner, raking the winter deadfall from his yard, getting it ready for six months of flowers, starting with the crocuses and ending with the mums. His crocuses were up. I stopped to look at them. He came over to talk, which made me nervous since we had parted enemies twenty years before.
My Welty had been a sour man, a mean man, truth be told. Once, he even threw a shovel at me for walking on his grass. I upped the ante the next day by nailing him with a water balloon. He was pulling weeds, stood to stretch, and I caught him amidship---POW!
He called the town police officer, Charlie Morelock, who put out an all-points bulletin on me. Officer Morelock found me in my front yard. He stopped his cruiser, climbed out, and walked toward me with his hand on his gun. He drew near, reached out, laid his heavy hand on my shoulder, looked me in the eye, and said, “Good shot.” He didn’t like Mr. Welty either.
Twenty years later, he stopped what he was doing, walked up to me, and extended his hand to shake. He was gentleness personified. He had CHANGED. His mother had died. She was all he had, and now he was alone. It occurred to him that instead of throwing shovels at children, he should invite them to his front porch for companionship and cookies. Now his yard had bare spots where grass once grew, but it seemed a far lovelier place.
The prophet Isaiah talks about God making streams in the desert. Talks about how God puts things (good things) where they never were before, like love, where hate once reigned. Streams in the desert, Isaiah calls it.
I am telling you that these streams from God are real, for early one spring, when the crocuses bloomed, I waded into one….and so can you not only wade into one but become one if desired and needed.
Amen
Pastor Tom L.C.I.P.
Reflections on the spiritual side of life……………………………….
THE MEANING AND PURPOSE OF FEAR
Fear the meaning of, is described as an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, with the potential to cause harm or even death. The danger can be outside ourselves or inside, as in the case of disease. The causes and ramifications are multiple. BUT FEAR can also be A GOOD THING! Good in that if it involves pain, internally or externally, it can be a sign of the need to see a doctor. Outside, let’s say we are walking in the desert as an example. Rattlesnakes live in the desert, and to have a healthy fear of them is a GOOD thing that will cause us to be extra cautious and thereby perhaps save ourselves from being bitten and poisoned.
Regarding the eternal and only God, the “FEAR of the LORD” is a common expression that occurs 14 times in the Book of Proverbs. Fear is declared to be the beginning of knowledge… and the beginning of wisdom. The fear of the Lord is to hate evil and that it prolongs life. Fear also is to give us courage. Palm 14:26 Fear also is to keep us from sinning! The reward of humility and the fear of the LORD bring blessings. 22:4 This “fear of the LORD” does not just mean being overtly afraid of God; rather, it is a reverential trust in God that MAKES US WANT TO PLEASE HIM BY OBEYING HIM. It is not to earn a reward or His favor, but by obeying Him, we show Him we are choosing to express our love for Him. And yet…. there SHOULD be in that same reverential fear….an understanding that comes from knowing Scripture is that at times, disobedience and God’s demand for justice brings with it [potential consequences. Both the Old and New Testaments speak of the consequences of disobedience by individuals and the nation of Israel. Jesus said to avoid many problematic issues, “All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; for anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” If not revealed in this life, lying will undoubtedly be in the next. John 1:5-7 This is the message we have heard from Him and proclaim to you, that God is Light, and in Him is no darkness. If we say we have fellowship with Him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the TRUTH. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son cleanses us from all sin. Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. “The key to living without FEAR is to “LOVE the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31 “Fear not, for I am with you says the LORD.”
Amen Pastor Tom, LCIP
THE MEANING AND PURPOSE OF FEAR
Fear the meaning of, is described as an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, with the potential to cause harm or even death. The danger can be outside ourselves or inside, as in the case of disease. The causes and ramifications are multiple. BUT FEAR can also be A GOOD THING! Good in that if it involves pain, internally or externally, it can be a sign of the need to see a doctor. Outside, let’s say we are walking in the desert as an example. Rattlesnakes live in the desert, and to have a healthy fear of them is a GOOD thing that will cause us to be extra cautious and thereby perhaps save ourselves from being bitten and poisoned.
Regarding the eternal and only God, the “FEAR of the LORD” is a common expression that occurs 14 times in the Book of Proverbs. Fear is declared to be the beginning of knowledge… and the beginning of wisdom. The fear of the Lord is to hate evil and that it prolongs life. Fear also is to give us courage. Palm 14:26 Fear also is to keep us from sinning! The reward of humility and the fear of the LORD bring blessings. 22:4 This “fear of the LORD” does not just mean being overtly afraid of God; rather, it is a reverential trust in God that MAKES US WANT TO PLEASE HIM BY OBEYING HIM. It is not to earn a reward or His favor, but by obeying Him, we show Him we are choosing to express our love for Him. And yet…. there SHOULD be in that same reverential fear….an understanding that comes from knowing Scripture is that at times, disobedience and God’s demand for justice brings with it [potential consequences. Both the Old and New Testaments speak of the consequences of disobedience by individuals and the nation of Israel. Jesus said to avoid many problematic issues, “All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; for anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” If not revealed in this life, lying will undoubtedly be in the next. John 1:5-7 This is the message we have heard from Him and proclaim to you, that God is Light, and in Him is no darkness. If we say we have fellowship with Him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the TRUTH. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son cleanses us from all sin. Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. “The key to living without FEAR is to “LOVE the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31 “Fear not, for I am with you says the LORD.”
Amen Pastor Tom, LCIP
Reflections on the spiritual side . . . .
Fair warning, I was debating about which direction to go with this week’s article, so I decided to go for a run with the hope of bringing clarity to my thoughts. Well, I ended up in the zone, ran further than I intended, and began singing Hallelujah Amen in the home stretch. Trust me, not a bear within earshot would have come towards the noise.
Even with everyday challenges, dealing with those challenges “here” is a blessing. I get out in the forest and never get tired of God’s creation. As long as I have been running the same trails, listening to my jogging shoes move on the gravel, I often shout, “Thank You, Jesus!”
I reflect on Colossians 1:16-17, “For all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible, and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.” Pause, reread, “All things through Him and for Him.” We were created by God and for God. His One and only Son provided the way to reconcile us to our Creator, and “His” spirit (the invisible) is given to us as the constant companion in all things.
Everything got started in Him and finds its purpose in Him. He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together. Let God hold it all together. After all, who else can? Certainly not me. God is our source of wisdom for decision-making, our peace amid stress and uncertainty, and our love for those who challenge us, and yes, when we are the challenge.
I believe Jesus is the best of God’s revelation of Himself. Knowing Jesus is knowing God who has come to us. He came from heaven to earth to show us the way. Making Him known is a desire of mine. I want people to have that relationship, a relationship that is life changing and secure. I have chosen not to disguise my personal relationship with our Lord and Savior. I have been told a bold decision, but I intend to do it with humility. I want to share that natural high and the peace that can only be contributed to His spirit.
A cute story, one of the gals that work for me received a nice gratuity plus a note with a couple of scriptures written on it. She was going through her tips at the end of a shift, and a coworker asked if she got a love note. I said no, but a note referencing scripture. She says with a smile, “Scripture, love note, all the same.” Amen.
My prayer is this, help me, Jesus, to be a reflection of you today. I pray that others will see You in me. Amen!
Not sure if my run brought the clarity I was hoping for, but I do know there is nothing like being on a natural high after spending alone time with the One who loves us most.
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines
Steering Committee Chair
Fair warning, I was debating about which direction to go with this week’s article, so I decided to go for a run with the hope of bringing clarity to my thoughts. Well, I ended up in the zone, ran further than I intended, and began singing Hallelujah Amen in the home stretch. Trust me, not a bear within earshot would have come towards the noise.
Even with everyday challenges, dealing with those challenges “here” is a blessing. I get out in the forest and never get tired of God’s creation. As long as I have been running the same trails, listening to my jogging shoes move on the gravel, I often shout, “Thank You, Jesus!”
I reflect on Colossians 1:16-17, “For all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible, and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.” Pause, reread, “All things through Him and for Him.” We were created by God and for God. His One and only Son provided the way to reconcile us to our Creator, and “His” spirit (the invisible) is given to us as the constant companion in all things.
Everything got started in Him and finds its purpose in Him. He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together. Let God hold it all together. After all, who else can? Certainly not me. God is our source of wisdom for decision-making, our peace amid stress and uncertainty, and our love for those who challenge us, and yes, when we are the challenge.
I believe Jesus is the best of God’s revelation of Himself. Knowing Jesus is knowing God who has come to us. He came from heaven to earth to show us the way. Making Him known is a desire of mine. I want people to have that relationship, a relationship that is life changing and secure. I have chosen not to disguise my personal relationship with our Lord and Savior. I have been told a bold decision, but I intend to do it with humility. I want to share that natural high and the peace that can only be contributed to His spirit.
A cute story, one of the gals that work for me received a nice gratuity plus a note with a couple of scriptures written on it. She was going through her tips at the end of a shift, and a coworker asked if she got a love note. I said no, but a note referencing scripture. She says with a smile, “Scripture, love note, all the same.” Amen.
My prayer is this, help me, Jesus, to be a reflection of you today. I pray that others will see You in me. Amen!
Not sure if my run brought the clarity I was hoping for, but I do know there is nothing like being on a natural high after spending alone time with the One who loves us most.
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines
Steering Committee Chair
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life…..
HUMILITY
….is little understood and even less practiced. Its importance in both the spiritual and secular sides of life, if followed, would improve our lives, the lives around us, and the entire world.
There is a Christian song that sings, “Humble thyself in the sight of the LORD, and HE will lift you up,” (James 4:10). We spend far too much time attempting to lift ourselves HIGHER and HIGHER so that others will think HIGHLY of us, when, if we took the road of humility and were lifted up by Him, it would be a genuine and authentic lifting up by the Lord Himself. We love the praises of men and women, all too much counting on them to make us FEEL worthwhile, and all the time, it is the inner man and woman we need to be nurturing and paying close attention to as to how and what we feed ourselves.
The simplest way to describe humility is this. Putting others before yourself! This does not mean we don’t count and shouldn’t do things for ourselves. It simply means that before we indulge ourselves, look around and see if someone is in need close to us, such as a neighbor, just as JESUS did in giving Himself to even those who rejected Him. God said in 2nd Chronicles 7:14, “and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, (narcissism included) then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sins and heal their land.”
Augustine said, “If you ask me, what is the first precept of the Christian religion? I will answer; first, second and third, HUMILITY.” There is no place for pride in our religion or personal faith. WE DID NOT AND CAN NOT EARN IT! All that we are, all we have, and all we desire to be, should be grounded in Christ Jesus alone, given to us as a gift.
1. Mark 9:41 (ESV)” For truly I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward.”
2. Philippians 2:8 “and being found in the appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”
Pride in following all the rules (spiritual dos and don’ts established by so-called spiritual men/women) does not bring one closer to God, for all it does is a cause that person, man or woman, to become prideful, and pride is a sin…and sin separates us from God and His AMAZING GRACE. It is only by honoring God above all else and humbling ourselves by thanking Him for using us to help people, and build His Kingdom on earth, that we find favor in His sigh as we follow in the footsteps of His Son, Jesus Christ.
The deepest and most remarkable example JESUS gave us is found in John 23. “so, He got up from the meal, took off His outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around His waist. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around Him.”
I am more in awe of this singular act of love, acceptance, and humility than any miracle. God Himself was on His knees before these men, washing the dirtiest part of their bodies, setting an example for all of us to follow.
If PRIDE drives you or your church…you have missed the essence of Christianity and faith…. HUMILITY AND GRACE. Amen
Pastor Tom
Little Church in the Pines
HUMILITY
….is little understood and even less practiced. Its importance in both the spiritual and secular sides of life, if followed, would improve our lives, the lives around us, and the entire world.
There is a Christian song that sings, “Humble thyself in the sight of the LORD, and HE will lift you up,” (James 4:10). We spend far too much time attempting to lift ourselves HIGHER and HIGHER so that others will think HIGHLY of us, when, if we took the road of humility and were lifted up by Him, it would be a genuine and authentic lifting up by the Lord Himself. We love the praises of men and women, all too much counting on them to make us FEEL worthwhile, and all the time, it is the inner man and woman we need to be nurturing and paying close attention to as to how and what we feed ourselves.
The simplest way to describe humility is this. Putting others before yourself! This does not mean we don’t count and shouldn’t do things for ourselves. It simply means that before we indulge ourselves, look around and see if someone is in need close to us, such as a neighbor, just as JESUS did in giving Himself to even those who rejected Him. God said in 2nd Chronicles 7:14, “and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, (narcissism included) then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sins and heal their land.”
Augustine said, “If you ask me, what is the first precept of the Christian religion? I will answer; first, second and third, HUMILITY.” There is no place for pride in our religion or personal faith. WE DID NOT AND CAN NOT EARN IT! All that we are, all we have, and all we desire to be, should be grounded in Christ Jesus alone, given to us as a gift.
1. Mark 9:41 (ESV)” For truly I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward.”
2. Philippians 2:8 “and being found in the appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”
Pride in following all the rules (spiritual dos and don’ts established by so-called spiritual men/women) does not bring one closer to God, for all it does is a cause that person, man or woman, to become prideful, and pride is a sin…and sin separates us from God and His AMAZING GRACE. It is only by honoring God above all else and humbling ourselves by thanking Him for using us to help people, and build His Kingdom on earth, that we find favor in His sigh as we follow in the footsteps of His Son, Jesus Christ.
The deepest and most remarkable example JESUS gave us is found in John 23. “so, He got up from the meal, took off His outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around His waist. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around Him.”
I am more in awe of this singular act of love, acceptance, and humility than any miracle. God Himself was on His knees before these men, washing the dirtiest part of their bodies, setting an example for all of us to follow.
If PRIDE drives you or your church…you have missed the essence of Christianity and faith…. HUMILITY AND GRACE. Amen
Pastor Tom
Little Church in the Pines
Reflections on the spiritual side of life……
WAITING ON THE LORD
ISAIAH 30:18
Therefore, the LORD will wait, that He may be gracious to you; and because He waits, He will be exalted, that He will have MERCY on you. For the LORD is a God of justice; all those who wait for Him are blessed.
WAITING and PATIENCE certainly go hand in hand. With their intent and meaning, these two words are often the bane of our decisions. (Bane means a cause of great distress or annoyance)
There are certainly degrees of importance in waiting, but from the smallest to the biggest…. often takes patient waiting. To wait patiently, whether, as an example, for the birth of our first grandchild or something less important, such as waiting for a package to be delivered, we ordered from Amazon. In a difficult situation, it could be waiting for test results from a medical condition or to see if we have been accepted to the college we desire to attend. All the anxiety we have suffered with impatient waiting takes a toll on us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Regarding our salvation, God is perfect and patient in waiting, as examined in the parable of the Prodigal Son, wanting to give us every chance possible to say yes to Him about, let's say, His place in our lives. But there comes a time when there is a limit to His patience. Then, well, here is an example.
In ISAIAH, the Jews were about to be attacked by the Assyrians at this time. Stupidly, the Jews allied with an enemy country (EGYPT). Trying to protect themselves, they looked to themselves and relied on themselves and got themselves in deep trouble….. with God.
Getting and staying ahead of God and not waiting and listening for His direction, even in our everyday life, can be rather dangerous without prayer and consulting Him.…which as in the case of the Jews, can bring consequences of unchangeable events. Often it is because we want what we want, and we want it our way, and in the timetable, we think is best.
We are a culture in a hurry, and when we can't press a button to make something happen immediately, we lose interest and go on to something else, but in the area of the eternal, there is no button to push. Instead, God wants us to wait. Slow down. Rest. Be quiet for "Blessed are those who wait for Me;" He says, and listen when He speaks.
For the Believer, waiting has nothing to do with being lazy. Waiting is not a matter of folding our arms and waiting for something to happen. It's a matter of lifting our prayers and arms while we wait to hear from HIM. Waiting is active. It is being on our knees before the LORD, returning to Him, again and again if needed, in faith and belief.
"But that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31 KJV). Teach me, LORD, teach me, LORD, to wait."
Amen!
Pastor Tom L.C.I.P
P.S. We will save ourselves a lot of pain and mistakes by waiting on our SAVIOR
WAITING ON THE LORD
ISAIAH 30:18
Therefore, the LORD will wait, that He may be gracious to you; and because He waits, He will be exalted, that He will have MERCY on you. For the LORD is a God of justice; all those who wait for Him are blessed.
WAITING and PATIENCE certainly go hand in hand. With their intent and meaning, these two words are often the bane of our decisions. (Bane means a cause of great distress or annoyance)
There are certainly degrees of importance in waiting, but from the smallest to the biggest…. often takes patient waiting. To wait patiently, whether, as an example, for the birth of our first grandchild or something less important, such as waiting for a package to be delivered, we ordered from Amazon. In a difficult situation, it could be waiting for test results from a medical condition or to see if we have been accepted to the college we desire to attend. All the anxiety we have suffered with impatient waiting takes a toll on us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Regarding our salvation, God is perfect and patient in waiting, as examined in the parable of the Prodigal Son, wanting to give us every chance possible to say yes to Him about, let's say, His place in our lives. But there comes a time when there is a limit to His patience. Then, well, here is an example.
In ISAIAH, the Jews were about to be attacked by the Assyrians at this time. Stupidly, the Jews allied with an enemy country (EGYPT). Trying to protect themselves, they looked to themselves and relied on themselves and got themselves in deep trouble….. with God.
Getting and staying ahead of God and not waiting and listening for His direction, even in our everyday life, can be rather dangerous without prayer and consulting Him.…which as in the case of the Jews, can bring consequences of unchangeable events. Often it is because we want what we want, and we want it our way, and in the timetable, we think is best.
We are a culture in a hurry, and when we can't press a button to make something happen immediately, we lose interest and go on to something else, but in the area of the eternal, there is no button to push. Instead, God wants us to wait. Slow down. Rest. Be quiet for "Blessed are those who wait for Me;" He says, and listen when He speaks.
For the Believer, waiting has nothing to do with being lazy. Waiting is not a matter of folding our arms and waiting for something to happen. It's a matter of lifting our prayers and arms while we wait to hear from HIM. Waiting is active. It is being on our knees before the LORD, returning to Him, again and again if needed, in faith and belief.
"But that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31 KJV). Teach me, LORD, teach me, LORD, to wait."
Amen!
Pastor Tom L.C.I.P
P.S. We will save ourselves a lot of pain and mistakes by waiting on our SAVIOR
Reflections on the spiritual side . . . .
July 28, 2022
I enjoy the word discernment. Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines discernment as “the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure.” How many times per day do I discern an action and or situation? Upon life’s daily challenges and the need to discern, I scroll through my mind that each reaction and decision, must be centered in God’s Word. This gets me reflecting on “Biblical Discernment.” Are believers gifted with discernment, a trait that is earned, or something that is a choice? Once an individual has biblical discernment, is it partial or total discernment in all aspects of life?
Discernment in the Bible is the spiritual characteristic of sound judgment for perceiving the difference between right and wrong, good and evil, truth and error, and identifying God’s Will and direction for His people. Discernment is necessary to understand spiritual truth, live holy as God intends, and avoid life’s pitfalls and dangers.
Discernment is a spiritual gift given by God through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Believers receive discernment by reading and meditating on the Word of God and through the renewal of the mind. God’s Truth, the Bible, teaches believers to seek discernment to grow in wisdom, understanding, and knowledge of spiritual truth. The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 2:12-15,
“Now that we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. These things we speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches . . .” (NKJV).
My earlier inquiries are confirmed. God is the source of wisdom and discernment. Wisdom and discernment are closely related in the Bible. Wisdom has its source in discernment. When we study the Bible, we gain knowledge, but that knowledge only leads to wisdom when discernment is present. (No coincidence, as I am composing this, I just received a text from a former employee. I am choosing to follow my biblical gift of discernment 😉 as not responding until I know my reaction is from the Holy Spirit vs my disgruntled self.)
“My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, for they will refresh your soul. They are like jewels on a necklace. They keep you safe on your way, and your feet will not stumble”
Proverbs 3:21-23 (NIV).
Discernment is the ability to see and instinctually recognize subtle differences. The gift of discernment allows one’s knowledge to cut through the layers of confusion and to perceive distinctions accurately and naturally. If you recall from a past article, I deeply appreciate and respect the Gift of the Holy Spirit who resides within. By receiving the life changing gift of God’s Spirit, I also acknowledge the spiritual gift of discernment. Does my old self want to override? Yes, but by taking a brief moment, I am able to get myself re-centered so that I am able to discern accurately.
Understanding God’s Word with our natural minds is a challenge. His truth can only be understood spiritually by the Holy Spirit revealing it to us (1 Corinthians 2:14). God’s truth is absolute for us when it becomes ours. When the Holy Spirit reveals something in God’s Word, we must discern to take possession of it and make it our own. It must renew our mind again and again (Romans 12:2). God’s Truth then becomes what we believe. Now it is our truth. It is natural and powerful in our lives so that we may live by the Biblical Discernment of God’s Will.
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines
Steering Committee Chair
July 28, 2022
I enjoy the word discernment. Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines discernment as “the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure.” How many times per day do I discern an action and or situation? Upon life’s daily challenges and the need to discern, I scroll through my mind that each reaction and decision, must be centered in God’s Word. This gets me reflecting on “Biblical Discernment.” Are believers gifted with discernment, a trait that is earned, or something that is a choice? Once an individual has biblical discernment, is it partial or total discernment in all aspects of life?
Discernment in the Bible is the spiritual characteristic of sound judgment for perceiving the difference between right and wrong, good and evil, truth and error, and identifying God’s Will and direction for His people. Discernment is necessary to understand spiritual truth, live holy as God intends, and avoid life’s pitfalls and dangers.
Discernment is a spiritual gift given by God through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Believers receive discernment by reading and meditating on the Word of God and through the renewal of the mind. God’s Truth, the Bible, teaches believers to seek discernment to grow in wisdom, understanding, and knowledge of spiritual truth. The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 2:12-15,
“Now that we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. These things we speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches . . .” (NKJV).
My earlier inquiries are confirmed. God is the source of wisdom and discernment. Wisdom and discernment are closely related in the Bible. Wisdom has its source in discernment. When we study the Bible, we gain knowledge, but that knowledge only leads to wisdom when discernment is present. (No coincidence, as I am composing this, I just received a text from a former employee. I am choosing to follow my biblical gift of discernment 😉 as not responding until I know my reaction is from the Holy Spirit vs my disgruntled self.)
“My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, for they will refresh your soul. They are like jewels on a necklace. They keep you safe on your way, and your feet will not stumble”
Proverbs 3:21-23 (NIV).
Discernment is the ability to see and instinctually recognize subtle differences. The gift of discernment allows one’s knowledge to cut through the layers of confusion and to perceive distinctions accurately and naturally. If you recall from a past article, I deeply appreciate and respect the Gift of the Holy Spirit who resides within. By receiving the life changing gift of God’s Spirit, I also acknowledge the spiritual gift of discernment. Does my old self want to override? Yes, but by taking a brief moment, I am able to get myself re-centered so that I am able to discern accurately.
Understanding God’s Word with our natural minds is a challenge. His truth can only be understood spiritually by the Holy Spirit revealing it to us (1 Corinthians 2:14). God’s truth is absolute for us when it becomes ours. When the Holy Spirit reveals something in God’s Word, we must discern to take possession of it and make it our own. It must renew our mind again and again (Romans 12:2). God’s Truth then becomes what we believe. Now it is our truth. It is natural and powerful in our lives so that we may live by the Biblical Discernment of God’s Will.
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines
Steering Committee Chair
Reflections, on the spiritual side of Life……..
PART iii Our Nation’s Spiritual Heritage
(THE FOUNDATION ON WHICH OUR NATION WAS BUILT AND CONTINUES TO STAND)
13 Colonies later…..England is breathing down our necks, controlling almost every aspect of our lives with taxes and more taxes. NO MORE…the rebellion that had been building for years. The last straw came with the TEA ACT, which allowed the British East India Company to sell tea from China in America without paying taxes. Protestors known as the Tea Party boarded the ship and destroyed an entire shipment of tea. This took place on the U.S.S. Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, and occurred in the Boston Harbor in 1773. The British Government considered the protest an act of treason and responded harshly. This episode escalated into the American Revolution because Americans were being taxed without representation. The crisis escalated, and the American Revolutionary War began near Boston in 1775. With the convening of the First Continental Congress, and from that convening came the war and, in time, our beloved Constitution.
The 39 men of the 55 delegates who signed our Constitution were by and prominent men of deep faith. Mostly of different Protestant denominations, but also included were one Catholic, one Jew, and an agnostic, all working together to assure us, guide, and compel us to move forward into the world as an independent nation from England but dependent on God. One nation under God, with Liberty and Justice for all.
These set out to do what seemed the impossible, but through debate, prayer, challenges, negatives, and positives…worked together to forge one of the most essential documents in the history of humanity, leading us onto the pathway of freedom. Guided within that document by God’s written Word, the BIBLE, inspired by the Holy Spirit…in the way of justice and wholeness.
Historians have determined that the legal system that exists in the United States of America, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights are directly influenced by Jewish Law. Similarly, critical principles in American law come straight from the Bible and Talmud.
From our Pilgrim Founding Fathers to our Constitutional Fathers…deep faith, God’s Word and Spirit, along with those of faith who fought and died to win the freedoms we have today, gave us our deep spiritual roots on which we, to this day, stand. Our heritage as a nation and our religious freedom is profoundly and irrevocably rooted in our spiritual heritage.
Amendment 1. “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, (no state or national sanctioned religion) or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or the press; or the right of the people to peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”
We Christians, as do all religious people (if deep in their faith), live in two worlds, both secular and spiritual, and our goal should be to live by our principles in both, especially when they clash. That, my friends, takes prayer, wisdom, and grace, seeking whom we will serve daily. God or man.
We are to be people of prayer, of unity, oneness and action, in order to combat the slide that our country is in today. Though it seems our influence as Christians has diminished in our Government and culture, we MUST take our stance in our faith….and on the foundation on which this nation was built. That of righteousness and TRUTH….no matter the personal cost to us.
As believers, I desire that we stand in Him, our Lord, and God. Philippians 2:13-14 says, “God will make a way, when there seems to be no way. He works in ways we cannot see, but He will make a way”
This I am about to say….is a warning to us, and are Jesus words to us….
“And if a kingdom (nation) be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.”
PEOPLE OF FAITH RISE UP!
We live in a time of great division and strife, and we must get involved. We MUST VOTE, WE MUST SPEAK OUT…and pay attention to our times. For united we stand, divided we fall.
PRAYER
Open our eyes, Lord, that we may see and count our blessings, and may they also see and hear those things which come against the good of ourselves and our nation. That we may counteract those things, and those who come against us with TRUTH…and with WISDOM and GRACE. That we are unafraid to STAND, unafraid to A.C.T., and BOLD to enter in when we see where wrong can be made RIGHT.
Selah and Amen…….
Pastor Tom, LCIP
PART iii Our Nation’s Spiritual Heritage
(THE FOUNDATION ON WHICH OUR NATION WAS BUILT AND CONTINUES TO STAND)
13 Colonies later…..England is breathing down our necks, controlling almost every aspect of our lives with taxes and more taxes. NO MORE…the rebellion that had been building for years. The last straw came with the TEA ACT, which allowed the British East India Company to sell tea from China in America without paying taxes. Protestors known as the Tea Party boarded the ship and destroyed an entire shipment of tea. This took place on the U.S.S. Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, and occurred in the Boston Harbor in 1773. The British Government considered the protest an act of treason and responded harshly. This episode escalated into the American Revolution because Americans were being taxed without representation. The crisis escalated, and the American Revolutionary War began near Boston in 1775. With the convening of the First Continental Congress, and from that convening came the war and, in time, our beloved Constitution.
The 39 men of the 55 delegates who signed our Constitution were by and prominent men of deep faith. Mostly of different Protestant denominations, but also included were one Catholic, one Jew, and an agnostic, all working together to assure us, guide, and compel us to move forward into the world as an independent nation from England but dependent on God. One nation under God, with Liberty and Justice for all.
These set out to do what seemed the impossible, but through debate, prayer, challenges, negatives, and positives…worked together to forge one of the most essential documents in the history of humanity, leading us onto the pathway of freedom. Guided within that document by God’s written Word, the BIBLE, inspired by the Holy Spirit…in the way of justice and wholeness.
Historians have determined that the legal system that exists in the United States of America, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights are directly influenced by Jewish Law. Similarly, critical principles in American law come straight from the Bible and Talmud.
From our Pilgrim Founding Fathers to our Constitutional Fathers…deep faith, God’s Word and Spirit, along with those of faith who fought and died to win the freedoms we have today, gave us our deep spiritual roots on which we, to this day, stand. Our heritage as a nation and our religious freedom is profoundly and irrevocably rooted in our spiritual heritage.
Amendment 1. “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, (no state or national sanctioned religion) or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or the press; or the right of the people to peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”
We Christians, as do all religious people (if deep in their faith), live in two worlds, both secular and spiritual, and our goal should be to live by our principles in both, especially when they clash. That, my friends, takes prayer, wisdom, and grace, seeking whom we will serve daily. God or man.
We are to be people of prayer, of unity, oneness and action, in order to combat the slide that our country is in today. Though it seems our influence as Christians has diminished in our Government and culture, we MUST take our stance in our faith….and on the foundation on which this nation was built. That of righteousness and TRUTH….no matter the personal cost to us.
As believers, I desire that we stand in Him, our Lord, and God. Philippians 2:13-14 says, “God will make a way, when there seems to be no way. He works in ways we cannot see, but He will make a way”
This I am about to say….is a warning to us, and are Jesus words to us….
“And if a kingdom (nation) be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.”
PEOPLE OF FAITH RISE UP!
We live in a time of great division and strife, and we must get involved. We MUST VOTE, WE MUST SPEAK OUT…and pay attention to our times. For united we stand, divided we fall.
PRAYER
Open our eyes, Lord, that we may see and count our blessings, and may they also see and hear those things which come against the good of ourselves and our nation. That we may counteract those things, and those who come against us with TRUTH…and with WISDOM and GRACE. That we are unafraid to STAND, unafraid to A.C.T., and BOLD to enter in when we see where wrong can be made RIGHT.
Selah and Amen…….
Pastor Tom, LCIP
Reflections on the spiritual side of life………………
PART II “Our Spiritual Heritage” America (a series in celebration of July 4th)
Even before our Beloved Constitution came men and women of deep faith. A small group of the persecuted by the Church of England, losing property, land, homes, torture, and even death, led by William Bradford, sold their land and homes. Believing with all their faith that God was leading them to sail to the then wilderness in America. Chartering three ships, they began the dangerous and arduous journey across the vast Atlantic for the sole purpose of founding a colony where they would be free to worship God in the way He was leading them. Not ritual, but with hearts of love for God and His Son Jesus Christ that were spontaneous, real, and not ritualized.
Their lives and their journey are celebrated once a year, as we know, on the recognized day set aside, THANKSGIVING.
These brave and dear people laid for us a foundation that exists to this day in our Constitution. They suffered the loss of life, tumult, famine, and disease but held to their convictions and beliefs. Their faith and trust in the God of the Bible became their strength, authority, and guiding light in all that they experienced, and they unknowingly laid the foundation for a great nation.
William Bradford penned these words. “All great and honorable actions are accompanied by great difficulties, and both must be enterprised and overcome with answerable courage.”
These too. “Thus, out of small beginnings, greater things have been produced by His hand, that made all things from nothing, and give being to all things that are; and, as one small candle may light a thousand, so the light here (now) kindled, will be shone unto many.”
So….the first foundation was being laid….and though on a godly quest, there was as is the way in the natural world, loss, sorrow, pain, change, and at times, despair would come upon them but NEVER their loss of faith or belief. With solid leadership and staying focused on their goals, God strove with them, as we know, and not only did they make it to this new land, but they succeeded through great difficulty in establishing what they had set out to do.
A Nation Was Being Born!
God Bless You All!
Pastor Tom, LCIP
NEXT WEEK PART iii (13 Colonies later)
PART II “Our Spiritual Heritage” America (a series in celebration of July 4th)
Even before our Beloved Constitution came men and women of deep faith. A small group of the persecuted by the Church of England, losing property, land, homes, torture, and even death, led by William Bradford, sold their land and homes. Believing with all their faith that God was leading them to sail to the then wilderness in America. Chartering three ships, they began the dangerous and arduous journey across the vast Atlantic for the sole purpose of founding a colony where they would be free to worship God in the way He was leading them. Not ritual, but with hearts of love for God and His Son Jesus Christ that were spontaneous, real, and not ritualized.
Their lives and their journey are celebrated once a year, as we know, on the recognized day set aside, THANKSGIVING.
These brave and dear people laid for us a foundation that exists to this day in our Constitution. They suffered the loss of life, tumult, famine, and disease but held to their convictions and beliefs. Their faith and trust in the God of the Bible became their strength, authority, and guiding light in all that they experienced, and they unknowingly laid the foundation for a great nation.
William Bradford penned these words. “All great and honorable actions are accompanied by great difficulties, and both must be enterprised and overcome with answerable courage.”
These too. “Thus, out of small beginnings, greater things have been produced by His hand, that made all things from nothing, and give being to all things that are; and, as one small candle may light a thousand, so the light here (now) kindled, will be shone unto many.”
So….the first foundation was being laid….and though on a godly quest, there was as is the way in the natural world, loss, sorrow, pain, change, and at times, despair would come upon them but NEVER their loss of faith or belief. With solid leadership and staying focused on their goals, God strove with them, as we know, and not only did they make it to this new land, but they succeeded through great difficulty in establishing what they had set out to do.
A Nation Was Being Born!
God Bless You All!
Pastor Tom, LCIP
NEXT WEEK PART iii (13 Colonies later)
Reflections on the spiritual side. . . .
OUR SPIRITUAL HERITAGE as a Nation
Part I (Who We Have Been and Are)
The question is…. did our great nation start in God's or man's heart? My thoughts are with God because all good things come from God….and this nation has been, in many ways and times, the harbinger of good….as an example…when entering a war, we did not start, the Second Word War…drawn into reluctantly to save the world from Nazism… and then the advance of Japan to secure the resources of Southeast Asia and much of China, and to stop the advance of the United States in assisting China. Most of our young men went to war to stop these insidious advances, losing in death 405,399 and wounded 671,278. 16,112,566 have served.
Once defeating our enemies at a high cost, did we turn our back on those who were defeated? NO! This great nation stepped in, spending money, time, and resources to help Germany and Japan rebuild and those nations in Europe that the Nazis overran. We helped our enemies and made friends and allies with them today.
How many times have we continued to do the same over the past almost 80 years? Today, the latest example is Ukraine.
Are we perfect…no? Have and do we make mistakes? Yes, some of them are costly, but we try to learn from and rectify them if it is within our power to do so, though, at times, it has taken a while.
Nations play a significant role in the heart and mind of God. This we can find in the words of Jesus Himself, where He spoke both realistically and prophetically in Matthew 25:31; Jesus said, "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit of the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left."
"Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took me in, I was naked and you clothed Me, I was in prison and you came to Me."
These words, to me, personify who we as a people and as a nation has been, are, and will be as long we exist on this planet. I believe with all my heart we as a nation began in the heart of God from the very beginning.
Blessing, LCIP Pastor Tom
Part II Next Week "REVIEWING OUR FOUNDATIONAL HISTORY.”
OUR SPIRITUAL HERITAGE as a Nation
Part I (Who We Have Been and Are)
The question is…. did our great nation start in God's or man's heart? My thoughts are with God because all good things come from God….and this nation has been, in many ways and times, the harbinger of good….as an example…when entering a war, we did not start, the Second Word War…drawn into reluctantly to save the world from Nazism… and then the advance of Japan to secure the resources of Southeast Asia and much of China, and to stop the advance of the United States in assisting China. Most of our young men went to war to stop these insidious advances, losing in death 405,399 and wounded 671,278. 16,112,566 have served.
Once defeating our enemies at a high cost, did we turn our back on those who were defeated? NO! This great nation stepped in, spending money, time, and resources to help Germany and Japan rebuild and those nations in Europe that the Nazis overran. We helped our enemies and made friends and allies with them today.
How many times have we continued to do the same over the past almost 80 years? Today, the latest example is Ukraine.
Are we perfect…no? Have and do we make mistakes? Yes, some of them are costly, but we try to learn from and rectify them if it is within our power to do so, though, at times, it has taken a while.
Nations play a significant role in the heart and mind of God. This we can find in the words of Jesus Himself, where He spoke both realistically and prophetically in Matthew 25:31; Jesus said, "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit of the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left."
"Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took me in, I was naked and you clothed Me, I was in prison and you came to Me."
These words, to me, personify who we as a people and as a nation has been, are, and will be as long we exist on this planet. I believe with all my heart we as a nation began in the heart of God from the very beginning.
Blessing, LCIP Pastor Tom
Part II Next Week "REVIEWING OUR FOUNDATIONAL HISTORY.”
Reflections on the spiritual side . . .
June 30, 2022
During our recent Bible Study, we discussed being content versus being non-complacent. Think about it; are you content and content to continue life being content? Or, are you content but choose not to be complacent in your contentment?
“Content. A state of heart in which you would be at peace if God gave you nothing more than He already has. What if God’s only gift to you were His grace to save you? Would you be content?” (Max Lucado). From Heaven’s perspective, grace, God’s grace, is enough. Well then, I inquire to myself, yes, I am content, but I am of the mindset that I am not complacent in my contentment. I have much to do, and my desire to learn as much as possible is rooted in God’s truth.
A myth – Contentment is earned. This is an untruth that we
can earn our contentment.
The Apostle Paul says contentment is not earned; it is learned. “. . . I have learned to be content . . . “(Philippians 4:10). The learning Paul is talking about is not discussing philosophical ideas on contentment but the hands-on approach to learning to be content. The school of hard knocks taught Paul that we learn, not earn, contentment. Paul continues, “. . . I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11-12). I am no scholar; but I want to think that this statement from Paul reflects a peace attained from the residence of the Holy Spirit from within. To be content and secure in our relationship with our Lord and Savior.
Have you ever met someone that appears never to get rattled, regardless of circumstances? They are always on an even keel, always at peace, la de da da, all is well mentality? I have and contribute it to their contentment in the peace found in God’s word alone. Why be concerned? Gods got this. This kind of contentment is admirable, but can we simultaneously be content in God’s truth but not be complacent?
Yes, I believe that we can be both, but it takes a particular approach. The key to happiness is to realize that we have what we need and become content. The key to success (I am not talking about monetary success) is constantly improving and never becoming complacent. On one of my “I Am Statement” posters, written numerous years ago, I wrote, “I am content, but not complacent.” To this day, I remain true to that statement.
I know God has me exactly where He has chosen me to be at this precise moment. May I add how grateful I am to be in Island Park, Idaho, doing what I am doing. This adds to my peace; even though I am content, I am not complacent. Admittingly, I have a burning desire to learn more, reach my full potential, evolve into a better individual, accomplish my degree, and do better at balancing commitments vs free time. I know many folks that have reached a stage in their lives where they are content with being content. If you are one of these folks, God Bless.
I do not want to underestimate the fact that there is a part of contentment that does not depend on our actions. Changing our attitude and perspective can help with finding contentment to a certain degree. Because of God’s grace, we do not need to work for our spiritual contentment to receive what God has done and continues to do for us.
Contentment goes hand in hand with gratitude. Being appreciative of the things in our lives, we see everything as a miracle, a blessing. The key to being happy and successful (no monetary implications) at the same time is to learn how to be content without becoming complacent.
"Complacency is a deadly foe of all spiritual growth.”
A.W. Tozer
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines
Steering Committee Chair
June 30, 2022
During our recent Bible Study, we discussed being content versus being non-complacent. Think about it; are you content and content to continue life being content? Or, are you content but choose not to be complacent in your contentment?
“Content. A state of heart in which you would be at peace if God gave you nothing more than He already has. What if God’s only gift to you were His grace to save you? Would you be content?” (Max Lucado). From Heaven’s perspective, grace, God’s grace, is enough. Well then, I inquire to myself, yes, I am content, but I am of the mindset that I am not complacent in my contentment. I have much to do, and my desire to learn as much as possible is rooted in God’s truth.
A myth – Contentment is earned. This is an untruth that we
can earn our contentment.
- If I could get that promotion, then I would be content.
- If I could just purchase that new car.
- If I could live in a nicer home.
- If I had better skills, stayed in school.
- If I could get married, be single, you get the idea.
The Apostle Paul says contentment is not earned; it is learned. “. . . I have learned to be content . . . “(Philippians 4:10). The learning Paul is talking about is not discussing philosophical ideas on contentment but the hands-on approach to learning to be content. The school of hard knocks taught Paul that we learn, not earn, contentment. Paul continues, “. . . I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11-12). I am no scholar; but I want to think that this statement from Paul reflects a peace attained from the residence of the Holy Spirit from within. To be content and secure in our relationship with our Lord and Savior.
Have you ever met someone that appears never to get rattled, regardless of circumstances? They are always on an even keel, always at peace, la de da da, all is well mentality? I have and contribute it to their contentment in the peace found in God’s word alone. Why be concerned? Gods got this. This kind of contentment is admirable, but can we simultaneously be content in God’s truth but not be complacent?
Yes, I believe that we can be both, but it takes a particular approach. The key to happiness is to realize that we have what we need and become content. The key to success (I am not talking about monetary success) is constantly improving and never becoming complacent. On one of my “I Am Statement” posters, written numerous years ago, I wrote, “I am content, but not complacent.” To this day, I remain true to that statement.
I know God has me exactly where He has chosen me to be at this precise moment. May I add how grateful I am to be in Island Park, Idaho, doing what I am doing. This adds to my peace; even though I am content, I am not complacent. Admittingly, I have a burning desire to learn more, reach my full potential, evolve into a better individual, accomplish my degree, and do better at balancing commitments vs free time. I know many folks that have reached a stage in their lives where they are content with being content. If you are one of these folks, God Bless.
I do not want to underestimate the fact that there is a part of contentment that does not depend on our actions. Changing our attitude and perspective can help with finding contentment to a certain degree. Because of God’s grace, we do not need to work for our spiritual contentment to receive what God has done and continues to do for us.
Contentment goes hand in hand with gratitude. Being appreciative of the things in our lives, we see everything as a miracle, a blessing. The key to being happy and successful (no monetary implications) at the same time is to learn how to be content without becoming complacent.
"Complacency is a deadly foe of all spiritual growth.”
A.W. Tozer
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines
Steering Committee Chair
Reflections on the spiritual side of life……
Father's Day has just passed, so that I will write this week's topic from my sermon. It was written and spoken in honor of both OUR FATHER and His SON, our Lord.
The prayer OUR FATHER is one of our Christian faith's most well-known and beloved statements/prayers. As we well know, the first words are "OUR FATHER, which art in heaven." This prayer is a universal treasure across all denominations! Also common to this prayer is the endearing and loving title used in addressing the Almighty God. It is said that the fundamental essence of our Christian faith can be reduced to two points: the brotherhood of man and the universal fatherhood of God. Now for some information, you may not know in this regard.
A few years ago, a German scholar was doing research in New Testament literature, exploring at the same time the entire history of Judaism. In all existing books of the Old Testament, and all current books of extra-biblical Jewish writings dating from the beginning of Judaism until the tenth century A.D. in Italy, there is NOT a single reference of a Jewish person addressing God directly in the first person as Father, not one!
There were designated appropriate forms of address that were used by Jewish people in the Old Testament, where the children were taught to address God in proper phrases of respect. The term Father was NOT among them.
The first Jewish Rabbi/Teacher in the history of Judaism to call God by the familiar term "Father" was Jesus of Nazareth. It was a radical departure from Jewish legalism regarding how to address God, which was a significant cause for the priests and lawyers to despise Jesus as profoundly as they did. The intimacy inferred in daring to speak and pray determined to be blasphemous and was too much for the religious and non-religious leaders to handle. Hence, one of the reasons for their rage ultimately leads to our Lord's death.
Even more radical is what Jesus says to us, His people: "When you pray, you are to say, "Our Father." He Jesus has given us the right and privilege to come into the very presence of the Majesty of God and address Him as Father because indeed He is OUR FATHER, YOUR FATHER.
"God chose in advance to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. He wanted to do this, and it gave Him great pleasure." Ephesians 1:5
"He has adopted us into His family and made us coheirs with His only begotten Son!" Romans 8:17
This is what I call AMAZING GRACE, and how sweet it is! Amen
Pastor Tom,
Little Church in the Pines
P.S. Next week, I will be delving into the prayer, "OUR FATHER."
Father's Day has just passed, so that I will write this week's topic from my sermon. It was written and spoken in honor of both OUR FATHER and His SON, our Lord.
The prayer OUR FATHER is one of our Christian faith's most well-known and beloved statements/prayers. As we well know, the first words are "OUR FATHER, which art in heaven." This prayer is a universal treasure across all denominations! Also common to this prayer is the endearing and loving title used in addressing the Almighty God. It is said that the fundamental essence of our Christian faith can be reduced to two points: the brotherhood of man and the universal fatherhood of God. Now for some information, you may not know in this regard.
A few years ago, a German scholar was doing research in New Testament literature, exploring at the same time the entire history of Judaism. In all existing books of the Old Testament, and all current books of extra-biblical Jewish writings dating from the beginning of Judaism until the tenth century A.D. in Italy, there is NOT a single reference of a Jewish person addressing God directly in the first person as Father, not one!
There were designated appropriate forms of address that were used by Jewish people in the Old Testament, where the children were taught to address God in proper phrases of respect. The term Father was NOT among them.
The first Jewish Rabbi/Teacher in the history of Judaism to call God by the familiar term "Father" was Jesus of Nazareth. It was a radical departure from Jewish legalism regarding how to address God, which was a significant cause for the priests and lawyers to despise Jesus as profoundly as they did. The intimacy inferred in daring to speak and pray determined to be blasphemous and was too much for the religious and non-religious leaders to handle. Hence, one of the reasons for their rage ultimately leads to our Lord's death.
Even more radical is what Jesus says to us, His people: "When you pray, you are to say, "Our Father." He Jesus has given us the right and privilege to come into the very presence of the Majesty of God and address Him as Father because indeed He is OUR FATHER, YOUR FATHER.
"God chose in advance to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. He wanted to do this, and it gave Him great pleasure." Ephesians 1:5
"He has adopted us into His family and made us coheirs with His only begotten Son!" Romans 8:17
This is what I call AMAZING GRACE, and how sweet it is! Amen
Pastor Tom,
Little Church in the Pines
P.S. Next week, I will be delving into the prayer, "OUR FATHER."
Reflections on the spiritual side of life…….
June 15, 2022
GOOD DAY to all of you faithful readers. I want to thank you for your words of encouragement concerning this column. I desire that you know how very much it means to me. Your prayers are appreciated as I strive to speak Biblical truths as my foundation, not just my opinion. (Though sometimes I do tell that as well)
Several times lately, I believe my attitude in general needs some upgrading. Whether it seems like winter never left, Spring isn't going to arrive, or just turning 77 and becoming (I HOPE NOT) a cranky older man? Well, for whatever reason, it's time to do something about it; my attitude.
Being a minister, I sometimes receive both justified and un-justified criticism (in my opinion). Either way, I often feel my attitude shifting hither and yon until it (my attitude) is lousy. Unknown to what I have been thinking, I talked to my good friend and co-worker in Christ, Connie Funkhouser, who felt compelled to send a clip (just for me) to read this morning on ATTITUDE.
Being a Christian, I pray that if justified or unjustified, I may learn something from whatever criticism is delivered to me. It often, and in myriad ways and some not so pleasant ways. Oh well, on with the article. It's true; I look for something positive to take away from it, no matter how it is delivered. I wouldn't say I always like the answer the Spirit reveals to me. I am just being honest here.
Attitude is like a reflection pool, and therefore, whatever we see when our image is reflected, shows me or us, something a Christian should pay attention to and correct if necessary. Also, I am sometimes guilty of getting upset when no criticism was intended. We, (I), are so complicated and sometimes overly sensitive that we get ourselves in trouble where no trouble was intended.
Here's what Connie sent to me.
Judas had;
The EASIEST thing for us to do is cop an attitude when something or someone does not perform according to what you or I want. We often make ourselves miserable and those closest to us miserable.
Hypothetically, let us say the church service's problem last Sunday was what, where, and whomever it was perceived to be? The supposed problem was not with the leadership, music, etc., that needed criticism and correction, though that possibility sometimes does exist. Either way, it is HOW AND WITH WHAT ATTITUDE YOU and (ME) approach what we perceive as THE PROBLEM even if there isn't one, except in YOUR (MY) own head and attitude.
If YOUR (MY) attitude or character is open to correction, Spirit correction, YOUR (MY) heart attitude can be transformed. If YOU and I are too often a thorn in someone's side through our attitude, we need to consider that thorns are annoying and hurtful and, until removed, may even cause an infection that down the road will need some serious intervention and healing.
ATTITUDE WITH GRATITUDE….IS FAR BETTER THAN BEING AN ANNOYING PERSON FEW PEOPLE WANT TO BE AROUND, LET ALONE FRIENDS.
Which are you, and which am I?
Before COMMUNION every Sunday, I ask our congregation to take a few minutes for Spirit and self-examination before participating in Communion. For it is the right thing to do and the most significant attitude adjustment we can make.
GALATIANS 5:22," For the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."
If so…PEACE. The PEACE that passes all understanding will rule in our hearts! The GREAT ATTITUDE adjustors are the WORD and the SPIRIT, NOT you and I! PRAY until our attitude is adjusted in our hearts and souls.
Amen… God bless you ALL!
Pastor Tom, LCIP
June 15, 2022
GOOD DAY to all of you faithful readers. I want to thank you for your words of encouragement concerning this column. I desire that you know how very much it means to me. Your prayers are appreciated as I strive to speak Biblical truths as my foundation, not just my opinion. (Though sometimes I do tell that as well)
Several times lately, I believe my attitude in general needs some upgrading. Whether it seems like winter never left, Spring isn't going to arrive, or just turning 77 and becoming (I HOPE NOT) a cranky older man? Well, for whatever reason, it's time to do something about it; my attitude.
Being a minister, I sometimes receive both justified and un-justified criticism (in my opinion). Either way, I often feel my attitude shifting hither and yon until it (my attitude) is lousy. Unknown to what I have been thinking, I talked to my good friend and co-worker in Christ, Connie Funkhouser, who felt compelled to send a clip (just for me) to read this morning on ATTITUDE.
Being a Christian, I pray that if justified or unjustified, I may learn something from whatever criticism is delivered to me. It often, and in myriad ways and some not so pleasant ways. Oh well, on with the article. It's true; I look for something positive to take away from it, no matter how it is delivered. I wouldn't say I always like the answer the Spirit reveals to me. I am just being honest here.
Attitude is like a reflection pool, and therefore, whatever we see when our image is reflected, shows me or us, something a Christian should pay attention to and correct if necessary. Also, I am sometimes guilty of getting upset when no criticism was intended. We, (I), are so complicated and sometimes overly sensitive that we get ourselves in trouble where no trouble was intended.
Here's what Connie sent to me.
Judas had;
- The BEST pastor
- The BEST leader
- The BEST advisor
- The BEST counselor
The EASIEST thing for us to do is cop an attitude when something or someone does not perform according to what you or I want. We often make ourselves miserable and those closest to us miserable.
Hypothetically, let us say the church service's problem last Sunday was what, where, and whomever it was perceived to be? The supposed problem was not with the leadership, music, etc., that needed criticism and correction, though that possibility sometimes does exist. Either way, it is HOW AND WITH WHAT ATTITUDE YOU and (ME) approach what we perceive as THE PROBLEM even if there isn't one, except in YOUR (MY) own head and attitude.
If YOUR (MY) attitude or character is open to correction, Spirit correction, YOUR (MY) heart attitude can be transformed. If YOU and I are too often a thorn in someone's side through our attitude, we need to consider that thorns are annoying and hurtful and, until removed, may even cause an infection that down the road will need some serious intervention and healing.
ATTITUDE WITH GRATITUDE….IS FAR BETTER THAN BEING AN ANNOYING PERSON FEW PEOPLE WANT TO BE AROUND, LET ALONE FRIENDS.
Which are you, and which am I?
Before COMMUNION every Sunday, I ask our congregation to take a few minutes for Spirit and self-examination before participating in Communion. For it is the right thing to do and the most significant attitude adjustment we can make.
GALATIANS 5:22," For the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."
If so…PEACE. The PEACE that passes all understanding will rule in our hearts! The GREAT ATTITUDE adjustors are the WORD and the SPIRIT, NOT you and I! PRAY until our attitude is adjusted in our hearts and souls.
Amen… God bless you ALL!
Pastor Tom, LCIP
Reflections on the spiritual side of life……
June 9, 2022
Worship on Sundays is the primary reason those of like faith come together. Worship means to show reverence and adoration to (a deity) and in our faith to God the Father, Creator of heaven and earth, and His Son Jesus Christ. During our time of worship, we participate individually and together in what is called a religious ceremony that will involve a variety of expressions.
These expressions can vary from denomination to denomination, and within a denomination, from church to church. These can include singing hymns, Psalms, spiritual songs, reading Scripture audibly, praying, testimonies, preaching and teaching, special music as in (choir or individual presentations), and for those usually in the Pentecostal churches, the use of Spiritual Gifts.
In the Little Church, we begin with a greeting and a time of welcoming new people, asking them to stand, tell their names, and where they are from. This can be a little unnerving for some of them, but we enjoy hearing where they are from and what brought them to our historic sanctuary in the pines. After their brief introduction, we always welcome them with a small gift and applause. We are a very welcoming congregation and thoroughly enjoy meeting families from around the globe!
To come to this point in our service, all this is called our Call to Worship. Up to this time, things are casual, and we even have some fun. Our Call to Worship is when the congregation comes together as one in a time of responsive reading. This simple but marvelous act or action pulls us into unity and bonding with the Spirit. Here is an example of that act of worship.
(L) is for whoever is leading that day.
(PPL) Is for everyone else.
Call to Worship (We all stand)
L: Let all who love Him come rejoicing,
PPL: To the Almighty praises voicing.
L: All nature does to Him belong,
PPL: Yet we, His children, own the song.
L: That age to age has made us strong.
PPL: There dawns no day but with His blessing,
L: No night without the stars confessing.
PPL: Within His hand, He does contain all pow’r of sun, moon, wind, and rain.
L: And watchful to His vast domain,
PPL: Through all the years that are before us,
L: His love forever reigning o’er us:
ALL: GOD IS IN HIS HEAVEN! Amen
There follows a brief time of silence….and perhaps you can understand how this collective act of communal worship can quiet the inward noise, bring focus to all, and with that focus, not only a blessing but a peace that makes a pathway to and through the rest of our Worship Service.
God is in His heaven. . . but His Kingdom lives within us, helping us become the people He has created us to be.
God Bless You All,
Pastor Tom Shanor
June 9, 2022
Worship on Sundays is the primary reason those of like faith come together. Worship means to show reverence and adoration to (a deity) and in our faith to God the Father, Creator of heaven and earth, and His Son Jesus Christ. During our time of worship, we participate individually and together in what is called a religious ceremony that will involve a variety of expressions.
These expressions can vary from denomination to denomination, and within a denomination, from church to church. These can include singing hymns, Psalms, spiritual songs, reading Scripture audibly, praying, testimonies, preaching and teaching, special music as in (choir or individual presentations), and for those usually in the Pentecostal churches, the use of Spiritual Gifts.
In the Little Church, we begin with a greeting and a time of welcoming new people, asking them to stand, tell their names, and where they are from. This can be a little unnerving for some of them, but we enjoy hearing where they are from and what brought them to our historic sanctuary in the pines. After their brief introduction, we always welcome them with a small gift and applause. We are a very welcoming congregation and thoroughly enjoy meeting families from around the globe!
To come to this point in our service, all this is called our Call to Worship. Up to this time, things are casual, and we even have some fun. Our Call to Worship is when the congregation comes together as one in a time of responsive reading. This simple but marvelous act or action pulls us into unity and bonding with the Spirit. Here is an example of that act of worship.
(L) is for whoever is leading that day.
(PPL) Is for everyone else.
Call to Worship (We all stand)
L: Let all who love Him come rejoicing,
PPL: To the Almighty praises voicing.
L: All nature does to Him belong,
PPL: Yet we, His children, own the song.
L: That age to age has made us strong.
PPL: There dawns no day but with His blessing,
L: No night without the stars confessing.
PPL: Within His hand, He does contain all pow’r of sun, moon, wind, and rain.
L: And watchful to His vast domain,
PPL: Through all the years that are before us,
L: His love forever reigning o’er us:
ALL: GOD IS IN HIS HEAVEN! Amen
There follows a brief time of silence….and perhaps you can understand how this collective act of communal worship can quiet the inward noise, bring focus to all, and with that focus, not only a blessing but a peace that makes a pathway to and through the rest of our Worship Service.
God is in His heaven. . . but His Kingdom lives within us, helping us become the people He has created us to be.
God Bless You All,
Pastor Tom Shanor
Reflections, on the spiritual side of life……………
“HOW SHOULD WE RESPOND?” “WITH GRACE.”
ACTS 20:24, “But I do not account my life of any value or as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the Gospel of the Grace of God.” (a word from Paul of Paul)
Yesterday, I spent the day with my two daughters, six of my grandchildren, and my good friend Marilee, mother of our children at Mammoth having therefore a great and fun day.
As we drove and waited in car back-ups, traffic due to Bison….my son-in-law and I had ample opportunity to talk, Clint is the Chaplin to the Army Rangers, (movie-Band of Brothers) stationed in Kentucky. Getting ready to be deployed who knows where we exchanged our views on faith and religion. I have never really liked the word ‘religion’ for it seems so impersonal, whereas faith speaks of the opposite to me. Anyway, we were sharing our experiences with different ‘religions’ in simply trying to dialogue in and through those differences to come to a place of understanding each other’s faith.
I have found that mostly they do not go well. Each ‘religion’ of course believes that it is the one true religion, therefore carrying with it often a lack of humility, but instead arrogance and a defense mode. I have found that all too often, asking questions to do with other’s tenants of belief and faith, instead of listening respectfully and intelligently to what I am saying and asking, the response is most often a knee-jerk reaction to any questioning that brings with it a defense mechanism called, ‘this is an ATTACK!’
It seems to be true that the two subjects of politics and religion, are TABOO to discuss as verified the last several years in our nation in the area of politics. I have to say here in regards to my faith, that I DO BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST as THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD. In believing and living this, I simply cannot remain passive, and nor can I compromise His words or teachings just because I don’t like them. But I better truly listen and respond with both intelligence and faith and not unkindly.
I have former friends (not by my choice) who when I spoke on comparative beliefs between their faith and mine, chose to see what I had to say as an attack on their faith, and barely speak to me now. It hurts….and makes me sad. My words were not an attack, but, because I spoke on the differences between our somewhat related faiths and I quoted directly (from their writings) using verifiable quotes, and not out of context I became the enemy.
It would help me to be able to look eye to eye and discuss these things without the defensive anger. In my own faith, I welcome both intelligent questions and even criticism, as an avenue for being able to share why I believe as I do. It should be for me an opportunity to witness the depth and validity which I should and can do, with a measure of emotion, intelligence, and historic verification.
Whatever happened to the art of discussion? When did serious questioning and differences become walls instead of steps to understanding? I pray for my former friends, and my prayer is for not only them but that I must offer up them, and to all people of all faiths the greatest gift that (we as believers and give, the GIFT OF GRACE that Jesus Christ spoke of, lived and bestowed. Too few know and understand the cost and the power of His grace.
It is a tragedy! Just think about how a much better place the world would be if we all did so.
God, open up our understanding and enable us to grasp this through Your SON, our SAVIOR, LORD, and FRIEND, Jesus of Nazareth.
Amen
SONG…..Lord, I want to be more like You, like You. I want to be a vessel you work through; I want to be more like You!
Pastor Tom, LCIP
“HOW SHOULD WE RESPOND?” “WITH GRACE.”
ACTS 20:24, “But I do not account my life of any value or as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the Gospel of the Grace of God.” (a word from Paul of Paul)
Yesterday, I spent the day with my two daughters, six of my grandchildren, and my good friend Marilee, mother of our children at Mammoth having therefore a great and fun day.
As we drove and waited in car back-ups, traffic due to Bison….my son-in-law and I had ample opportunity to talk, Clint is the Chaplin to the Army Rangers, (movie-Band of Brothers) stationed in Kentucky. Getting ready to be deployed who knows where we exchanged our views on faith and religion. I have never really liked the word ‘religion’ for it seems so impersonal, whereas faith speaks of the opposite to me. Anyway, we were sharing our experiences with different ‘religions’ in simply trying to dialogue in and through those differences to come to a place of understanding each other’s faith.
I have found that mostly they do not go well. Each ‘religion’ of course believes that it is the one true religion, therefore carrying with it often a lack of humility, but instead arrogance and a defense mode. I have found that all too often, asking questions to do with other’s tenants of belief and faith, instead of listening respectfully and intelligently to what I am saying and asking, the response is most often a knee-jerk reaction to any questioning that brings with it a defense mechanism called, ‘this is an ATTACK!’
It seems to be true that the two subjects of politics and religion, are TABOO to discuss as verified the last several years in our nation in the area of politics. I have to say here in regards to my faith, that I DO BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST as THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD. In believing and living this, I simply cannot remain passive, and nor can I compromise His words or teachings just because I don’t like them. But I better truly listen and respond with both intelligence and faith and not unkindly.
I have former friends (not by my choice) who when I spoke on comparative beliefs between their faith and mine, chose to see what I had to say as an attack on their faith, and barely speak to me now. It hurts….and makes me sad. My words were not an attack, but, because I spoke on the differences between our somewhat related faiths and I quoted directly (from their writings) using verifiable quotes, and not out of context I became the enemy.
It would help me to be able to look eye to eye and discuss these things without the defensive anger. In my own faith, I welcome both intelligent questions and even criticism, as an avenue for being able to share why I believe as I do. It should be for me an opportunity to witness the depth and validity which I should and can do, with a measure of emotion, intelligence, and historic verification.
Whatever happened to the art of discussion? When did serious questioning and differences become walls instead of steps to understanding? I pray for my former friends, and my prayer is for not only them but that I must offer up them, and to all people of all faiths the greatest gift that (we as believers and give, the GIFT OF GRACE that Jesus Christ spoke of, lived and bestowed. Too few know and understand the cost and the power of His grace.
It is a tragedy! Just think about how a much better place the world would be if we all did so.
God, open up our understanding and enable us to grasp this through Your SON, our SAVIOR, LORD, and FRIEND, Jesus of Nazareth.
Amen
SONG…..Lord, I want to be more like You, like You. I want to be a vessel you work through; I want to be more like You!
Pastor Tom, LCIP
Reflections on the spiritual side of life……
NEGLECT, whether deliberate or unintentional, is still neglect, and when so much depends on what we are commanded to do, it is up to us to rectify that neglect. In this case, I am talking about PRAYER, REJOICING in our Lord, ALWAYS, and GIVING THANKS in ALL circumstances.
1 Thessalonians 5:16. Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (NASB)
1. REJOICE ALWAYS
2. PRAY CONTINUALLY
3. GIVING THANKS
WOW, to participate fully in all three of these, 1st, takes the desire, 2nd choosing to discipline ourselves by incorporating these powerful elements into our lives, and 3rd, be aware of the outflow of the benefits that follow. For in that which follows by making these choices, you will find encouragement building into your life, thereby seeing Him more clearly, loving Him more dearly, and following Him more nearly, day by day by day. (From the musical GODSPELL)
You are in direct communication with your Lord and God in ALL three of these, your SAVIOR and FRIEND Jesus Christ, yes, FRIEND.
PRAYER…IS COMMUNICATION and can take the form of many applications, such as THANKSGIVING, WORSHIP, SUPPLICATION, and INTERCESSION. ALL achieved by knowing WHO you are communicating with! The incredible thing here is that we are given the right to approach our Lord directly and personally. We don’t NEED a priest, a minister, a bishop, or an intercessor, but only a pure and honest heart made so by Jesus our Lord and Friend. LORD first, Friend second.
I am not minimizing the importance of priests, ministers, or bishops here, but emphasizing in this area of our personal spiritual lives, we are exhorted and expected to go to ALMIGHTY GOD through our LORD JESUS CHRIST in this area of PRAYER.
Think deeply about this. Jesus said, “No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his Master is doing, but “I” have called you My friends, because all the things I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.” OH Lord, how we REJOICE in knowing that You are not only our SAVIOR but the BEST FRIEND we could ever have. Therefore, we REJOICE in You, always!
PRAYER is simply…. honest, humble, direct COMMUNICATION/CONVERSATION between you and HIM. The Great I AM. He who humbled Himself, coming in the form of a man. Philippians 2:8 “And
being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”
1. REJOICE ALWAYS, 2. PRAY CONTINUALLY, 3. GIVE THANKS!
God Bless you…………
Amen, Pastor Tom
NEGLECT, whether deliberate or unintentional, is still neglect, and when so much depends on what we are commanded to do, it is up to us to rectify that neglect. In this case, I am talking about PRAYER, REJOICING in our Lord, ALWAYS, and GIVING THANKS in ALL circumstances.
1 Thessalonians 5:16. Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (NASB)
1. REJOICE ALWAYS
2. PRAY CONTINUALLY
3. GIVING THANKS
WOW, to participate fully in all three of these, 1st, takes the desire, 2nd choosing to discipline ourselves by incorporating these powerful elements into our lives, and 3rd, be aware of the outflow of the benefits that follow. For in that which follows by making these choices, you will find encouragement building into your life, thereby seeing Him more clearly, loving Him more dearly, and following Him more nearly, day by day by day. (From the musical GODSPELL)
You are in direct communication with your Lord and God in ALL three of these, your SAVIOR and FRIEND Jesus Christ, yes, FRIEND.
PRAYER…IS COMMUNICATION and can take the form of many applications, such as THANKSGIVING, WORSHIP, SUPPLICATION, and INTERCESSION. ALL achieved by knowing WHO you are communicating with! The incredible thing here is that we are given the right to approach our Lord directly and personally. We don’t NEED a priest, a minister, a bishop, or an intercessor, but only a pure and honest heart made so by Jesus our Lord and Friend. LORD first, Friend second.
I am not minimizing the importance of priests, ministers, or bishops here, but emphasizing in this area of our personal spiritual lives, we are exhorted and expected to go to ALMIGHTY GOD through our LORD JESUS CHRIST in this area of PRAYER.
Think deeply about this. Jesus said, “No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his Master is doing, but “I” have called you My friends, because all the things I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.” OH Lord, how we REJOICE in knowing that You are not only our SAVIOR but the BEST FRIEND we could ever have. Therefore, we REJOICE in You, always!
PRAYER is simply…. honest, humble, direct COMMUNICATION/CONVERSATION between you and HIM. The Great I AM. He who humbled Himself, coming in the form of a man. Philippians 2:8 “And
being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”
1. REJOICE ALWAYS, 2. PRAY CONTINUALLY, 3. GIVE THANKS!
God Bless you…………
Amen, Pastor Tom
Reflections on the spiritual side . . .
Urgency and Patience
Wait for a second, do urgency and patience belong in the same sentence? Both terms are unrelated, or are they?
I often mention to potential hires that you must have a natural sense of urgency to make it on Team Connie’s. Meaning; a natural hustle, working with purpose, and keeping in step with a fast-paced environment.
Patience is a virtue that escaped me for an exceptionally long time. I now harbor patience (for the most part, well, kind of, ok - at times, I fail miserably), but God continues to provide opportunities to practice and enhance my patience. Often, the topic of patience seems to enter into our Bible Study discussions.
Urgency says, “The time to act is now!” Patience says, “Everything is in God’s hands; wait on God.” Urgency says, “Do not just sit there, do something!” Patience says, “Do not act until you are sure that God is in it.” Both voices need to be heard.
In Jesus’ ministry, He places people in front of an urgent decision, and if they delay or waffle, the opportunity passes. There are also powerful calls in scripture for believers to be patient. After Jesus’ resurrection, He tells His disciples, “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised.” The entire book of Revelation is a call for believers to practice “patient endurance.”
In the friction between urgency and patience, the challenge is to know when it is time for which and how the two are related. If we tend to rely on one or the other, our faith becomes unbalanced and shaky. If it cannot hear the voice of urgency, patience becomes resignation to the way things are. Patience taken to the extreme leaves everything in God’s hands and diminishes and devalues our own creative role as stewards of God’s creation.
If we believe that there is a Redeemer, then we cannot believe that the future of humanity is at stake in our own actions. We are most decisively not the saviors of the world. Maybe a more realistic perspective; we are not the General Managers of the world. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus is God’s action that gives us the promise of a New Creation.
This confidence in God’s redemption is the heart of calm amid the storm. This hope gives us patience (and peace) that can nourish and empower productive action. This confidence in God’s redeeming work frees us from arrogance and puts our actions in perspective.
Jesus calls each of us to partner with Him to bring the kingdom of heaven to earth. “Partner with Him.” As we work with Him, we see His blessings in abundance, and our faith is strengthened. Sharing the Gospel is urgent, but it demands men and women with the patience to commit to God’s means to accomplish His purpose. There are also times for urgent prayer. Periodically we have requests for urgent prayer needs within our Little Church in the Pines Prayer Circle.
To live an effective life, we need to live in the Presence of God so that we may respond to urgent demands which have our name on them and confidently let the others go. Our Creator will continue to work with us with a patient love that only He can provide. And for that, I am grateful, for when I do overemphasize urgency, I will demonstrate the patience of an apprentice of Jesus Christ.
Blessings Be Yours ~ Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines
Steering Committee Chair
Rewrite from February 2021. Since I am currently preparing Connie’s for re-opening, both patience and urgency are on my mind
Urgency and Patience
Wait for a second, do urgency and patience belong in the same sentence? Both terms are unrelated, or are they?
I often mention to potential hires that you must have a natural sense of urgency to make it on Team Connie’s. Meaning; a natural hustle, working with purpose, and keeping in step with a fast-paced environment.
Patience is a virtue that escaped me for an exceptionally long time. I now harbor patience (for the most part, well, kind of, ok - at times, I fail miserably), but God continues to provide opportunities to practice and enhance my patience. Often, the topic of patience seems to enter into our Bible Study discussions.
Urgency says, “The time to act is now!” Patience says, “Everything is in God’s hands; wait on God.” Urgency says, “Do not just sit there, do something!” Patience says, “Do not act until you are sure that God is in it.” Both voices need to be heard.
In Jesus’ ministry, He places people in front of an urgent decision, and if they delay or waffle, the opportunity passes. There are also powerful calls in scripture for believers to be patient. After Jesus’ resurrection, He tells His disciples, “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised.” The entire book of Revelation is a call for believers to practice “patient endurance.”
In the friction between urgency and patience, the challenge is to know when it is time for which and how the two are related. If we tend to rely on one or the other, our faith becomes unbalanced and shaky. If it cannot hear the voice of urgency, patience becomes resignation to the way things are. Patience taken to the extreme leaves everything in God’s hands and diminishes and devalues our own creative role as stewards of God’s creation.
If we believe that there is a Redeemer, then we cannot believe that the future of humanity is at stake in our own actions. We are most decisively not the saviors of the world. Maybe a more realistic perspective; we are not the General Managers of the world. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus is God’s action that gives us the promise of a New Creation.
This confidence in God’s redemption is the heart of calm amid the storm. This hope gives us patience (and peace) that can nourish and empower productive action. This confidence in God’s redeeming work frees us from arrogance and puts our actions in perspective.
Jesus calls each of us to partner with Him to bring the kingdom of heaven to earth. “Partner with Him.” As we work with Him, we see His blessings in abundance, and our faith is strengthened. Sharing the Gospel is urgent, but it demands men and women with the patience to commit to God’s means to accomplish His purpose. There are also times for urgent prayer. Periodically we have requests for urgent prayer needs within our Little Church in the Pines Prayer Circle.
To live an effective life, we need to live in the Presence of God so that we may respond to urgent demands which have our name on them and confidently let the others go. Our Creator will continue to work with us with a patient love that only He can provide. And for that, I am grateful, for when I do overemphasize urgency, I will demonstrate the patience of an apprentice of Jesus Christ.
Blessings Be Yours ~ Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines
Steering Committee Chair
Rewrite from February 2021. Since I am currently preparing Connie’s for re-opening, both patience and urgency are on my mind
Reflections on the spiritual side of life……
May 12. 2022
Used as a NOUN, REFLECT is to “give serious thought and consideration” to whatever topic or statement we have chosen to reflect on.
Last Sunday, my sermon topic was “encouragement versus discouragement” and the importance of being an aye-sayer instead of a nay-sayer, uplifting fellow human beings instead of tearing them down. There are often life-long consequences from both.
I spoke of Paul in particular, his ability to write letters to the churches to encourage them and, if necessary, correct them. How he did both reveals two things. On the one hand, it proved how much he loved the people he was instrumental in bringing to Jesus Christ, and on the other, how vital it was (and is) to keep them (us) on the right track regarding TRUTH, GOSPEL TRUTH.
I came across an illustration in OUR DAILY BREAD, which I will relay to you as an example.
Encouragement is like oxygen—we can’t live without it. This was true for 9-year-old James Savage. The boy swam more than two miles from the San Francisco shoreline to Alcatraz Island and back, breaking the record for the youngest person to accomplish the feat. But thirty minutes into his quest, the choppy frigid waters made James want to quit. However, a fleet of paddlers called out, “YOU CAN DO IT!” Their encouraging words gave him the boost he needed to accomplish his goal…and he did.
How many times in our lives it would have helped or did help us in attempting something significant to us? We had gauged our abilities, knowledge, and reasons for doing what we set out to do. In the beginning, our confidence was high, and our strength seemed to match our quest, BUT, when the first thoughts of potential failure snuck in due to some unforeseen circumstance, those thoughts took hold and began to weigh us down and down and down.
Then someone…. seeing our struggle, stepped up and in to encourage us, and like 9-year-old James, it suddenly seemed out of nowhere a surge of hope and strength coursed through our mind, then heart, to not give up, but to continue to successful completion of our original quest.
In our spiritual lives, struggles with our thorn(s)-in-the-side (like Paul’s) seem to go deeper and deeper, and we are about to give up and succumb. Suddenly, a Scripture from God’s Word or a word from someone comes along at just the right time, and we find ourselves closer to our desire and goal than we were moments before.
Some practical things to do:
1. Read your Bible regularly so that when challenges come along and you need encouragement, both your achieved knowledge and the Holy Spirit can and will come to your rescue at your greatest time of need.
2. Develop friendships with people of like faith and positive and encouraging people.
3. Work to become an encourager, overcoming perhaps your penchant to be negative.
4. Lastly, choose to become more like Jesus, for in this quest alone…the above I just spoke of will come to be.
Selah and Amen
Pastor Tom L.C.I.P.
May 12. 2022
Used as a NOUN, REFLECT is to “give serious thought and consideration” to whatever topic or statement we have chosen to reflect on.
Last Sunday, my sermon topic was “encouragement versus discouragement” and the importance of being an aye-sayer instead of a nay-sayer, uplifting fellow human beings instead of tearing them down. There are often life-long consequences from both.
I spoke of Paul in particular, his ability to write letters to the churches to encourage them and, if necessary, correct them. How he did both reveals two things. On the one hand, it proved how much he loved the people he was instrumental in bringing to Jesus Christ, and on the other, how vital it was (and is) to keep them (us) on the right track regarding TRUTH, GOSPEL TRUTH.
I came across an illustration in OUR DAILY BREAD, which I will relay to you as an example.
Encouragement is like oxygen—we can’t live without it. This was true for 9-year-old James Savage. The boy swam more than two miles from the San Francisco shoreline to Alcatraz Island and back, breaking the record for the youngest person to accomplish the feat. But thirty minutes into his quest, the choppy frigid waters made James want to quit. However, a fleet of paddlers called out, “YOU CAN DO IT!” Their encouraging words gave him the boost he needed to accomplish his goal…and he did.
How many times in our lives it would have helped or did help us in attempting something significant to us? We had gauged our abilities, knowledge, and reasons for doing what we set out to do. In the beginning, our confidence was high, and our strength seemed to match our quest, BUT, when the first thoughts of potential failure snuck in due to some unforeseen circumstance, those thoughts took hold and began to weigh us down and down and down.
Then someone…. seeing our struggle, stepped up and in to encourage us, and like 9-year-old James, it suddenly seemed out of nowhere a surge of hope and strength coursed through our mind, then heart, to not give up, but to continue to successful completion of our original quest.
In our spiritual lives, struggles with our thorn(s)-in-the-side (like Paul’s) seem to go deeper and deeper, and we are about to give up and succumb. Suddenly, a Scripture from God’s Word or a word from someone comes along at just the right time, and we find ourselves closer to our desire and goal than we were moments before.
Some practical things to do:
1. Read your Bible regularly so that when challenges come along and you need encouragement, both your achieved knowledge and the Holy Spirit can and will come to your rescue at your greatest time of need.
2. Develop friendships with people of like faith and positive and encouraging people.
3. Work to become an encourager, overcoming perhaps your penchant to be negative.
4. Lastly, choose to become more like Jesus, for in this quest alone…the above I just spoke of will come to be.
Selah and Amen
Pastor Tom L.C.I.P.
Reflections on the spiritual side of life…..
May 5, 2022
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus. I want to apologize for last week's column. I felt I kind of lost my direction in what I wrote. My intention has not been to teach doctrine specifically but to share from my perspective the everyday things we all share and reflect upon in our spiritual lives that join us together.
So… if you desire to study the three accepted topics of Free Will, the next two are "Indeterminism" and "Self-determinism."
Now I want to share a true story of forgiveness that parallels the miraculous and ultimate story of forgiveness. This other true story is somewhat a reflection of the Easter story. You will see the similarities.
A pastor in Connecticut had a son, the JOY of his life, who was needlessly murdered. Living out his faith, this pastor deeply felt he was to visit the young man, now in prison, who murdered his son.
Over visits and time, the pastor offered his forgiveness to the young man, who accepted it humbly, and at the same time, asked God to forgive him, accepting His Son Jesus Christ as both his LORD and SAVIOR.
The Reverend Walter Everett came to love this young man as a son and was instrumental in getting him released from prison early. He recently officiated at his wedding. Here is a quote from the pastor. "I had known people whose loved ones had been murdered, and years later were still consumed by what had happened, being eaten alive from the inside by their anger and hatred. I could not let that happen to me," he said.
If it is freedom you desire, a refreshing of your spiritual life, and the JOY of the Lord as your strength, there is no place in a Christian's heart for unforgiveness. Those who do not forgive are not forgiven. Matthew 6:14-15.
This pastor's love is a replica of God's love for us. Though His Beloved Son was killed, and those who did so deserved punishment unto death, Jesus, from the cross before He died, said, "Father,
forgive them, for they know not what they are doing." We are to do the same from the most minor infraction (sin) to the greatest.
We, who desire to follow Him, must also be like Him in every way and the only way we can be like Him is by having Him live through us as we submit to His LOVE and LORDSHIP.
God Bless You All!
P. Tom
May 5, 2022
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus. I want to apologize for last week's column. I felt I kind of lost my direction in what I wrote. My intention has not been to teach doctrine specifically but to share from my perspective the everyday things we all share and reflect upon in our spiritual lives that join us together.
So… if you desire to study the three accepted topics of Free Will, the next two are "Indeterminism" and "Self-determinism."
Now I want to share a true story of forgiveness that parallels the miraculous and ultimate story of forgiveness. This other true story is somewhat a reflection of the Easter story. You will see the similarities.
A pastor in Connecticut had a son, the JOY of his life, who was needlessly murdered. Living out his faith, this pastor deeply felt he was to visit the young man, now in prison, who murdered his son.
Over visits and time, the pastor offered his forgiveness to the young man, who accepted it humbly, and at the same time, asked God to forgive him, accepting His Son Jesus Christ as both his LORD and SAVIOR.
The Reverend Walter Everett came to love this young man as a son and was instrumental in getting him released from prison early. He recently officiated at his wedding. Here is a quote from the pastor. "I had known people whose loved ones had been murdered, and years later were still consumed by what had happened, being eaten alive from the inside by their anger and hatred. I could not let that happen to me," he said.
If it is freedom you desire, a refreshing of your spiritual life, and the JOY of the Lord as your strength, there is no place in a Christian's heart for unforgiveness. Those who do not forgive are not forgiven. Matthew 6:14-15.
This pastor's love is a replica of God's love for us. Though His Beloved Son was killed, and those who did so deserved punishment unto death, Jesus, from the cross before He died, said, "Father,
forgive them, for they know not what they are doing." We are to do the same from the most minor infraction (sin) to the greatest.
We, who desire to follow Him, must also be like Him in every way and the only way we can be like Him is by having Him live through us as we submit to His LOVE and LORDSHIP.
God Bless You All!
P. Tom
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life……
April 28, 2022
FREEDOM, FREE WILL II (and determinism)
There are three theological and philosophical views of FREE WILL.
1. Determinism 2. Indeterminism 3. Self-determinism
In my research, the word I came across to explain determinism and FREE WILL is “antecedent.” Antecedent means (preexisting). A thing or event that preexisted before time. Therefore, God established certain precepts to be followed by humankind before the Creation of humanity.
Humanity’s role is vital to God’s architectural overall plan for Creation. This is a naturalistic view and therefore sees human beings as holistic, dynamic and integrated, and necessary parts of Creation. Creation without us, as an example, would be like having a body without a heart, brain, etc.
In Creation, we are an anomaly—Unique in being given as a living organism, FREE WILL. CHOICES, through reasoning/thought. Not reaction. Since good and evil exist, we, in our tiny influence on the Universe, but huge influence on earth and each other, are choosing in the way of those choices, the potential for destruction, or wholeness and therefore completeness.
Enter prophecy…. without the intervention of Jesus (as prophesied), it appears we would be headed for destruction. Just look around our world today, now. As I stated last week, our FREE WILL can become either a gift or a curse depending on an individual basis through their choices. Unfortunately, not only for the individual but the world.
At this point in this Reflection, I feel I may have taken on a bigger chore than I can handle sufficiently and correctly, but I think the necessity of pushing on. Hang in there, and let’s see where this ends up. Next week, remember to come in the topic is also (self-determinism) and (indeterminism).
There is so much more that I could write here, but I will wrap this up with this paragraph. I am given so much space to write my column. Thank the Good Lord and Ann, who are both quite generous!
God sovereignly gave humankind His freedom by creating him a free creature. God sovereignly allows humanity to exercise his freedom by sustaining us moment by moment as the Universe continues to expand and grow. Col 1:17. By allowing this, the sovereignty of God is not thwarted by our (God-given human freedom) but glorified through (human freedom). The few who choose God’s desires and commandments carry more weight than those who prefer their desires. Therefore, He brings about all His purposes without violating humankind’s FREE WILL. This is perfectly exampled in His Only Begotten Son, who gave up His one life for ALL people.
A perfect example cannot be found!
Selah… stop and think about it, ok.
P.S. The main lesson here is that though given FREE-WILL, no matter our choices, good or bad…. God has made away, and that WAY is His Son, Jesus Christ.
Pastor Tom Shanor
April 28, 2022
FREEDOM, FREE WILL II (and determinism)
There are three theological and philosophical views of FREE WILL.
1. Determinism 2. Indeterminism 3. Self-determinism
In my research, the word I came across to explain determinism and FREE WILL is “antecedent.” Antecedent means (preexisting). A thing or event that preexisted before time. Therefore, God established certain precepts to be followed by humankind before the Creation of humanity.
Humanity’s role is vital to God’s architectural overall plan for Creation. This is a naturalistic view and therefore sees human beings as holistic, dynamic and integrated, and necessary parts of Creation. Creation without us, as an example, would be like having a body without a heart, brain, etc.
In Creation, we are an anomaly—Unique in being given as a living organism, FREE WILL. CHOICES, through reasoning/thought. Not reaction. Since good and evil exist, we, in our tiny influence on the Universe, but huge influence on earth and each other, are choosing in the way of those choices, the potential for destruction, or wholeness and therefore completeness.
Enter prophecy…. without the intervention of Jesus (as prophesied), it appears we would be headed for destruction. Just look around our world today, now. As I stated last week, our FREE WILL can become either a gift or a curse depending on an individual basis through their choices. Unfortunately, not only for the individual but the world.
At this point in this Reflection, I feel I may have taken on a bigger chore than I can handle sufficiently and correctly, but I think the necessity of pushing on. Hang in there, and let’s see where this ends up. Next week, remember to come in the topic is also (self-determinism) and (indeterminism).
There is so much more that I could write here, but I will wrap this up with this paragraph. I am given so much space to write my column. Thank the Good Lord and Ann, who are both quite generous!
God sovereignly gave humankind His freedom by creating him a free creature. God sovereignly allows humanity to exercise his freedom by sustaining us moment by moment as the Universe continues to expand and grow. Col 1:17. By allowing this, the sovereignty of God is not thwarted by our (God-given human freedom) but glorified through (human freedom). The few who choose God’s desires and commandments carry more weight than those who prefer their desires. Therefore, He brings about all His purposes without violating humankind’s FREE WILL. This is perfectly exampled in His Only Begotten Son, who gave up His one life for ALL people.
A perfect example cannot be found!
Selah… stop and think about it, ok.
P.S. The main lesson here is that though given FREE-WILL, no matter our choices, good or bad…. God has made away, and that WAY is His Son, Jesus Christ.
Pastor Tom Shanor
Reflections, on the spiritual side of life……
April 21, 2022
Free Will!
We are just days away from observing the greatest of all Christian celebrations, EASTER. Remembering this, I looked up 1 Peter 4:2, “So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude He had, and be ready to suffer too. (If you are called to this) For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you will have finished with sin.” (Its consequences are often suffering). 2. “You ‘therefore’ will choose NOT to spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God.”
Suffering helps us to be more like Jesus, and if we choose (free-will) to follow His will, there will follow (because we are to be in the world but not of it) a natural outflow of consequences with a measure of suffering.
When this happens, and often it will happen, those with whom we have had past relationships with will often turn away from us. We may be scorned, not only because we refuse to participate in former past activities, but also because our priorities have changed and theirs have not. Our lives as they change will be a constant reminder to them just by our presence of their own free-will choices, and will make them uncomfortable or down-right angry.
The hurt of pain we will suffer is nothing compared to the scorn, rejection and pain that He suffered for us. We are told to rejoice in the LORD always, no matter what comes our way. I know from a personal point of view that this is sometimes so very difficult, but in time we will come to see the blessings and benefits of doing so. Our personal, intimacy with Jesus will become deeper and more and more dear to us. He called us His friends, even if it turns out He is our only friend.
Fellow Christians should too, become our closest friends, for we are to be there to support one another. Mature Christians should always be available to help new and newer Christians in their own progressive walk toward becoming like Jesus. Never with guilt or judgement when failure happens, but always with encouragement and love.
The true sign of maturity in a Believer is being a servant to all. When faced with a choice (free-will) a mature Christian will respond as our LORD would respond, and that way is with humility, kindness, and in love. That is also to be our response, when both family members and old friends reject or make derisive comments about or to us.
FREE-WILL IS EITHER OUR FRIEND OR FOE, always depending on how we use it.
Next week’s column I will begin to discuss more clinically the three basic positions concerning man’s choices: Determinism is the belief that all mankind’s actions are the result of God’s choice to give us FREE-WILL.
1. Determinism
2. Indeterminism
3. Self-determinism
God bless you….and have a wonderful post-Easter week, as you seek to deepen your own faith and walk with Jesus. Amen
Pastor Tom Shanor
April 21, 2022
Free Will!
We are just days away from observing the greatest of all Christian celebrations, EASTER. Remembering this, I looked up 1 Peter 4:2, “So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude He had, and be ready to suffer too. (If you are called to this) For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you will have finished with sin.” (Its consequences are often suffering). 2. “You ‘therefore’ will choose NOT to spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God.”
Suffering helps us to be more like Jesus, and if we choose (free-will) to follow His will, there will follow (because we are to be in the world but not of it) a natural outflow of consequences with a measure of suffering.
When this happens, and often it will happen, those with whom we have had past relationships with will often turn away from us. We may be scorned, not only because we refuse to participate in former past activities, but also because our priorities have changed and theirs have not. Our lives as they change will be a constant reminder to them just by our presence of their own free-will choices, and will make them uncomfortable or down-right angry.
The hurt of pain we will suffer is nothing compared to the scorn, rejection and pain that He suffered for us. We are told to rejoice in the LORD always, no matter what comes our way. I know from a personal point of view that this is sometimes so very difficult, but in time we will come to see the blessings and benefits of doing so. Our personal, intimacy with Jesus will become deeper and more and more dear to us. He called us His friends, even if it turns out He is our only friend.
Fellow Christians should too, become our closest friends, for we are to be there to support one another. Mature Christians should always be available to help new and newer Christians in their own progressive walk toward becoming like Jesus. Never with guilt or judgement when failure happens, but always with encouragement and love.
The true sign of maturity in a Believer is being a servant to all. When faced with a choice (free-will) a mature Christian will respond as our LORD would respond, and that way is with humility, kindness, and in love. That is also to be our response, when both family members and old friends reject or make derisive comments about or to us.
FREE-WILL IS EITHER OUR FRIEND OR FOE, always depending on how we use it.
Next week’s column I will begin to discuss more clinically the three basic positions concerning man’s choices: Determinism is the belief that all mankind’s actions are the result of God’s choice to give us FREE-WILL.
1. Determinism
2. Indeterminism
3. Self-determinism
God bless you….and have a wonderful post-Easter week, as you seek to deepen your own faith and walk with Jesus. Amen
Pastor Tom Shanor
Reflections on the spiritual side . . . .
Palm Sunday is our path to receiving God’s Gift of Salvation
Christ knew the road to Jerusalem, but He also knew the journey. This is true of the paths we walk in our lives.
Ask people to describe life, and most will depict it similarly, as a path or road. Some will add an extra narrative as a road of puddles, potholes, and craters. Some will say their road is full of speed bumps, hurdles, and dreaded roadblocks. Each path may be different, and although we know the roads of our lives, Jesus knows the journey. Life is a journey; it is a voyage from one experience to the next – from one tribulation to triumph and back again. Walking a path between offered prayers and answered prayer. Between help me Lord, and thank you Lord. As we walk with our Savoir on the path to salvation may we remember our journey is with Him.
Going to Jerusalem on Palm Sunday was not a casual occurrence; it was a deliberate decision, a necessary journey in the process of OUR salvation. SALVATION: one of the greatest themes that could ever challenge the mind of humankind.
Confusion about salvation means disaster, for the message of the Gospel is a matter of eternal life or eternal death. The Gospel, God’s Truth, God’s Word affects the destiny of every sinner as well as the activity of every witnessing Christian and every soul-winning ministry. The Gospel is the good news of the grace of God to offer assurance and the confidence of salvation, to give forgiveness, and eternal life.
One of the most popular Scriptures on Salvation through faith, is John 3:16, “for God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 15:3, “Christ died for our sins,” that is as plain as it could possibly be. This is called, “substitutionary atonement.” Christ died instead of us. He did not die for Himself; He died in our place, as our substitute, to atone for our sins and allow us to enter into a right relationship with God our Father. The death of Christ as our substitute is the Heart of the Gospel.
Sinners need a Savior. Christ is that Savior and the only valid one. Through faith we receive Him and His forgiveness. Only the Lord Jesus, God who became man, could and did resolve the problem by dying for us. He had to be human in order to be able to die. And He had to be God - in order for that death to be able to pay for the sins of the world. The agony on Gethsemane was the agony of the Son of God fulfilling His destiny as the Savior of the world. His agony was the basis for the simplicity of our salvation. “Every” human has been provided with a way of access into the very presence of God.
The cross was not something that happened to Jesus – He came to die; the Cross was His purpose in coming. “Death” writes Bishop Fulton Sheen, “was the goal and fulfillment of His life, the gold that He was seeking. Few of His words or actions are intelligible without reference to His Cross . . . the story of every human life begins with birth and ends with death. In the Person of Christ, however, it was His death that was first and His life that was last . . . It was not so much that His birth cast a shadow on His life and thus led to His death; it was rather that the Cross was first, and cast its shadow back to His birth. His has been the only life in the world that was ever lived backward.” (Think about it . . .)
Salvation is God-given, God-driven, God-empowered, and God-originated. The gift is not from man to God, it is from God to man. We do not offer Him anything, how could we? To vow our willingness to change is to affirm something we will not consistently keep, and even if we could, it would not remove the guilt of sin.
In salvation we are always the recipient, never the donor. If we try to donate anything with respect to becoming a Christian, then we have added a work, and salvation is no longer solely and purely of grace. Salvation is a GIFT, not a reward. The New Testament says that salvation is through faith, not because of faith (Ephesians 2:8-10).
Palm Sunday is the path our Savior rode on in majesty as He went to suffer and die for our sins. It is about the path Christ humbly rides into our hearts through His Word. Reflect, ponder, marvel, sit in a state of amazement and gratitude because this is for US! God’s plan to save us is about to unfold. The Gift of Salvation happens on Calvary. Calvary, where we come with our sin and receive His Salvation.
We have so much to be grateful for this week. Let us choose to focus on worshipping No other King than our Lord and Savior, thanking Him for the gift of His sacrifice, celebrating the power of His Resurrection, and the new life found in Him alone.
“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:15 Amen!
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines Steering Committee Chair
Excerpt from my passionate Palm Sunday Message
Palm Sunday is our path to receiving God’s Gift of Salvation
Christ knew the road to Jerusalem, but He also knew the journey. This is true of the paths we walk in our lives.
Ask people to describe life, and most will depict it similarly, as a path or road. Some will add an extra narrative as a road of puddles, potholes, and craters. Some will say their road is full of speed bumps, hurdles, and dreaded roadblocks. Each path may be different, and although we know the roads of our lives, Jesus knows the journey. Life is a journey; it is a voyage from one experience to the next – from one tribulation to triumph and back again. Walking a path between offered prayers and answered prayer. Between help me Lord, and thank you Lord. As we walk with our Savoir on the path to salvation may we remember our journey is with Him.
Going to Jerusalem on Palm Sunday was not a casual occurrence; it was a deliberate decision, a necessary journey in the process of OUR salvation. SALVATION: one of the greatest themes that could ever challenge the mind of humankind.
Confusion about salvation means disaster, for the message of the Gospel is a matter of eternal life or eternal death. The Gospel, God’s Truth, God’s Word affects the destiny of every sinner as well as the activity of every witnessing Christian and every soul-winning ministry. The Gospel is the good news of the grace of God to offer assurance and the confidence of salvation, to give forgiveness, and eternal life.
One of the most popular Scriptures on Salvation through faith, is John 3:16, “for God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 15:3, “Christ died for our sins,” that is as plain as it could possibly be. This is called, “substitutionary atonement.” Christ died instead of us. He did not die for Himself; He died in our place, as our substitute, to atone for our sins and allow us to enter into a right relationship with God our Father. The death of Christ as our substitute is the Heart of the Gospel.
Sinners need a Savior. Christ is that Savior and the only valid one. Through faith we receive Him and His forgiveness. Only the Lord Jesus, God who became man, could and did resolve the problem by dying for us. He had to be human in order to be able to die. And He had to be God - in order for that death to be able to pay for the sins of the world. The agony on Gethsemane was the agony of the Son of God fulfilling His destiny as the Savior of the world. His agony was the basis for the simplicity of our salvation. “Every” human has been provided with a way of access into the very presence of God.
The cross was not something that happened to Jesus – He came to die; the Cross was His purpose in coming. “Death” writes Bishop Fulton Sheen, “was the goal and fulfillment of His life, the gold that He was seeking. Few of His words or actions are intelligible without reference to His Cross . . . the story of every human life begins with birth and ends with death. In the Person of Christ, however, it was His death that was first and His life that was last . . . It was not so much that His birth cast a shadow on His life and thus led to His death; it was rather that the Cross was first, and cast its shadow back to His birth. His has been the only life in the world that was ever lived backward.” (Think about it . . .)
Salvation is God-given, God-driven, God-empowered, and God-originated. The gift is not from man to God, it is from God to man. We do not offer Him anything, how could we? To vow our willingness to change is to affirm something we will not consistently keep, and even if we could, it would not remove the guilt of sin.
In salvation we are always the recipient, never the donor. If we try to donate anything with respect to becoming a Christian, then we have added a work, and salvation is no longer solely and purely of grace. Salvation is a GIFT, not a reward. The New Testament says that salvation is through faith, not because of faith (Ephesians 2:8-10).
Palm Sunday is the path our Savior rode on in majesty as He went to suffer and die for our sins. It is about the path Christ humbly rides into our hearts through His Word. Reflect, ponder, marvel, sit in a state of amazement and gratitude because this is for US! God’s plan to save us is about to unfold. The Gift of Salvation happens on Calvary. Calvary, where we come with our sin and receive His Salvation.
We have so much to be grateful for this week. Let us choose to focus on worshipping No other King than our Lord and Savior, thanking Him for the gift of His sacrifice, celebrating the power of His Resurrection, and the new life found in Him alone.
“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:15 Amen!
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines Steering Committee Chair
Excerpt from my passionate Palm Sunday Message
Reflections on the spiritual side of life…….
April 7, 2022
Isaiah 43:16-19
This is what the LORD says. He is the One who made a road
through the sea and a pathway through the waters.
He is the One who defeated the chariots and the horses,
and the mighty army.
They fell together and will never rise again.
They were destroyed as a flame was put out.
The LORD says, “forget what happened before, and do not think about the past.”
“Look at the ‘NEW THING’ I am going to do!”
As I read these verses….it came to me that though these words directly reference God leading the Jews out of captivity in Egypt, they have a much broader application. A worldwide application. God is saying to the Jews here, “even though you have done wrong things, I will no longer remember them.” From today on, “I am going to do something new!” With this EXODUS and entering the Promised Land, Israel would take on a new dynamic…a new place on the world stage. God’s voice would go out from His people and this land as never before. I believe that included these words, the establishment of the Temple and His powerful voice across the land, all ultimately, were for the single purpose of the coming of the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God. Eventually, this event would change the world in a multitude of ways.
Included in this and making it possible is what we celebrate this time of year in the Church calendar, called LENT. The six weeks leading up to ultimately Jesus’ RESURRECTION from the dead. Jesus, the humble yet MIGHTY God/man. He, who sacrificed His life on the CROSS, to atone for the sins of all individuals who are born and yet destined to die.
A carpenter by trade, the son of both God and man, a servant to all, SAVIOR for ALL. ALL! Making no distinction regardless of race, sex, status, rich, poor, beautiful, homely, brilliant, or handicapped.
God LOVES YOU and ME through the sacrifice of His Son. What more could He possibly do to prove it?
“Look at the ‘new thing’ I am going to do.”
And he did it!
Give thanks with a grateful heart.
Give thanks unto the Holy One.
Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ His Son.
And now
Let the poor say I am rich
Let the weak say I am strong
Because of what the Lord has done for me.
This one thing I ask you to do is read this. May your heart be full of Gratitude today, tomorrow, and forever for what the LORD has done for you!
Amen
Pastor Tom Shanor
April 7, 2022
Isaiah 43:16-19
This is what the LORD says. He is the One who made a road
through the sea and a pathway through the waters.
He is the One who defeated the chariots and the horses,
and the mighty army.
They fell together and will never rise again.
They were destroyed as a flame was put out.
The LORD says, “forget what happened before, and do not think about the past.”
“Look at the ‘NEW THING’ I am going to do!”
As I read these verses….it came to me that though these words directly reference God leading the Jews out of captivity in Egypt, they have a much broader application. A worldwide application. God is saying to the Jews here, “even though you have done wrong things, I will no longer remember them.” From today on, “I am going to do something new!” With this EXODUS and entering the Promised Land, Israel would take on a new dynamic…a new place on the world stage. God’s voice would go out from His people and this land as never before. I believe that included these words, the establishment of the Temple and His powerful voice across the land, all ultimately, were for the single purpose of the coming of the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God. Eventually, this event would change the world in a multitude of ways.
Included in this and making it possible is what we celebrate this time of year in the Church calendar, called LENT. The six weeks leading up to ultimately Jesus’ RESURRECTION from the dead. Jesus, the humble yet MIGHTY God/man. He, who sacrificed His life on the CROSS, to atone for the sins of all individuals who are born and yet destined to die.
A carpenter by trade, the son of both God and man, a servant to all, SAVIOR for ALL. ALL! Making no distinction regardless of race, sex, status, rich, poor, beautiful, homely, brilliant, or handicapped.
God LOVES YOU and ME through the sacrifice of His Son. What more could He possibly do to prove it?
“Look at the ‘new thing’ I am going to do.”
And he did it!
Give thanks with a grateful heart.
Give thanks unto the Holy One.
Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ His Son.
And now
Let the poor say I am rich
Let the weak say I am strong
Because of what the Lord has done for me.
This one thing I ask you to do is read this. May your heart be full of Gratitude today, tomorrow, and forever for what the LORD has done for you!
Amen
Pastor Tom Shanor
Reflections, on the spiritual side of life…….
March 31, 2022
Peace & Love
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness;
Only LIGHT CAN DO THAT. HATE cannot
drive out hate; Only LOVE can do that.”
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be
called the children of God.
Matthew 5:9
Squalls and storms are in store for all of us in this life.
But, in Jesus, we outlast life’s tempests as He stands
with us in and through them all.
“Jesus, You, calm every spiritual storm, for when
Tempests rage, You, speak both love and peace to
our souls, as we put our hope in You.”
Patricia Rayborn
“Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s
sight by faith, we have PEACE with God because of
what Jesus Christ our Lord had done for us.”
Romans 5:1
As we celebrate Lent and the coming of Easter….it is the story of Jesus, the Light of the world overcoming darkness, loneliness, pain and sorrow. Giving us comfort, giving us Himself, so that we freely can receive ETERNAL LIFE IN HIM. With Jesus also comes PEACE grounded in His Love.
Amen,
Pastor Tom
March 31, 2022
Peace & Love
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness;
Only LIGHT CAN DO THAT. HATE cannot
drive out hate; Only LOVE can do that.”
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be
called the children of God.
Matthew 5:9
Squalls and storms are in store for all of us in this life.
But, in Jesus, we outlast life’s tempests as He stands
with us in and through them all.
“Jesus, You, calm every spiritual storm, for when
Tempests rage, You, speak both love and peace to
our souls, as we put our hope in You.”
Patricia Rayborn
“Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s
sight by faith, we have PEACE with God because of
what Jesus Christ our Lord had done for us.”
Romans 5:1
As we celebrate Lent and the coming of Easter….it is the story of Jesus, the Light of the world overcoming darkness, loneliness, pain and sorrow. Giving us comfort, giving us Himself, so that we freely can receive ETERNAL LIFE IN HIM. With Jesus also comes PEACE grounded in His Love.
Amen,
Pastor Tom
Reflections, on the spiritual side of life……….
Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, all you faithful readers.
I have desired to approach this subject for quite a while, so here goes. The topic concerns our oversight and care of this stunning round ball in space called Earth. Scripture will be my source of inspiration if one wants to call it that. You'll notice I did not use the word (wisdom), for if there is any from me, it comes from the Lord Himself. I must give credit where credit is due.
Genesis 2:15 "The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and keep it."
God gave humankind a command and told him to tend or keep the garden. (Earth) The Hebrew word for "tend" translates "keep" and is "shamar," and it means more than keeping it neat or tidy. The Hebrew word means "to guard" or "watch and protect." The other Hebrew word in this verse that is very important is the word "work" or, as some translations more accurately say, "to cultivate" and is from the Hebrew word "abad" meaning "to serve." That MEANS that we are to be "stewards" of what has been given to us. So far, we have failed too often and on too large a scale when considering the superfund sites, our polluted rivers, lakes, and even our oceans and landfills overflowing with un-dissolvable plastics, Styrofoam, and so much more. This stewardship we have been given to us by God Himself will require an account of how we have failed to keep this commandment.
STEWARD: "a person or persons whose responsibility is to 'take care' of something."
STEWARD: "a person whose responsibility is to manage another's property." The Earth belongs to the Lord God, who entrusted it to us to tend and take care of. How do you think we are doing?
We are sure to use and even enjoy the multiple resources that we have been given in His design and wisdom, but (in my opinion) we, by the evidence seen, could and should be tending the Earth so much better and with much more excellent care than we do. God gave us brains to use, so why has it taken us the necessity of coming to a place of crisis before we give serious thought and planning to take care of the problem(s)?
This is a spiritual and well as material matter. Both our spirit and soul are affected by our external environment. We are called to tend our souls and the Earth on which we live.
Here is a verse that many use incorrectly for exploitation without conscience.
Genesis 1:26 "Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the Earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the Earth."
In my opinion, (again), God gave humankind dominion over the Earth, but not to misuse and exploitation at any cost, or for any reason, (usually greed). We have destroyed and are destroying many areas of this jewel in space to suit our own selfish needs. We can't seem satisfied with living simple and good lives, but instead, we need every new novelty or entertainment gadget made. One example is every time the most recent and latest iPhone is available.
We HAVE to remember this! Our resources are NOT limitless. I see in a vision in my mind where all of us have a stainless-steel straw poked deep into the Earth…. sucking out of it all that I, and we THINK I, and we need, to live out our lives thirstily and excessively. Unquenchable. At some point, I and we will begin to suck air only, and that too is diminishing until it too is gone.
In this season of Lent….it would be good to think about living more simply by simply living with less. We need to remember the difference between wants and needs. It's called self-denial, and that is a lesson we are all too reluctant to learn.
Selah, which means "stop and think about it."
Amen
Pastor Tom (LCIP)
Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, all you faithful readers.
I have desired to approach this subject for quite a while, so here goes. The topic concerns our oversight and care of this stunning round ball in space called Earth. Scripture will be my source of inspiration if one wants to call it that. You'll notice I did not use the word (wisdom), for if there is any from me, it comes from the Lord Himself. I must give credit where credit is due.
Genesis 2:15 "The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and keep it."
God gave humankind a command and told him to tend or keep the garden. (Earth) The Hebrew word for "tend" translates "keep" and is "shamar," and it means more than keeping it neat or tidy. The Hebrew word means "to guard" or "watch and protect." The other Hebrew word in this verse that is very important is the word "work" or, as some translations more accurately say, "to cultivate" and is from the Hebrew word "abad" meaning "to serve." That MEANS that we are to be "stewards" of what has been given to us. So far, we have failed too often and on too large a scale when considering the superfund sites, our polluted rivers, lakes, and even our oceans and landfills overflowing with un-dissolvable plastics, Styrofoam, and so much more. This stewardship we have been given to us by God Himself will require an account of how we have failed to keep this commandment.
STEWARD: "a person or persons whose responsibility is to 'take care' of something."
STEWARD: "a person whose responsibility is to manage another's property." The Earth belongs to the Lord God, who entrusted it to us to tend and take care of. How do you think we are doing?
We are sure to use and even enjoy the multiple resources that we have been given in His design and wisdom, but (in my opinion) we, by the evidence seen, could and should be tending the Earth so much better and with much more excellent care than we do. God gave us brains to use, so why has it taken us the necessity of coming to a place of crisis before we give serious thought and planning to take care of the problem(s)?
This is a spiritual and well as material matter. Both our spirit and soul are affected by our external environment. We are called to tend our souls and the Earth on which we live.
Here is a verse that many use incorrectly for exploitation without conscience.
Genesis 1:26 "Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the Earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the Earth."
In my opinion, (again), God gave humankind dominion over the Earth, but not to misuse and exploitation at any cost, or for any reason, (usually greed). We have destroyed and are destroying many areas of this jewel in space to suit our own selfish needs. We can't seem satisfied with living simple and good lives, but instead, we need every new novelty or entertainment gadget made. One example is every time the most recent and latest iPhone is available.
We HAVE to remember this! Our resources are NOT limitless. I see in a vision in my mind where all of us have a stainless-steel straw poked deep into the Earth…. sucking out of it all that I, and we THINK I, and we need, to live out our lives thirstily and excessively. Unquenchable. At some point, I and we will begin to suck air only, and that too is diminishing until it too is gone.
In this season of Lent….it would be good to think about living more simply by simply living with less. We need to remember the difference between wants and needs. It's called self-denial, and that is a lesson we are all too reluctant to learn.
Selah, which means "stop and think about it."
Amen
Pastor Tom (LCIP)
Reflections on the spiritual side . . .
March 17, 2022
It is remarkable what we can learn from studying God’s Word. The more I understand, the less I know. Crazy as it may sound, my lack of knowledge and deep desire to learn keep me entertained and focused. Every day I have a burning desire to learn, keep the lesson from trials, become a better individual, and sincerely reflect the patience, grace, and love that God exhibits every second of the day, regardless of deserved or not. I read something a while back; before going to sleep at night, ask yourself if you were an excellent example of God’s reputation today? Sometimes yes, sometimes definitely not (to be specific last Friday), and does answering with percentages count? Fifty percent yes, seventy-five, twenty-five, okay, never mind, I will look forward to giving it another attempt tomorrow.
I have a way of looking at life; each day, we are presented with situations that prepare us for something greater than now. When something not so pleasant pops up, it is not happening to us; it prepares us. Whether here on earth or eternity spent with God our Father. An Old Testament example of unknowingly being prepared is Joshua. An original military leader became a spiritual leader while accomplishing a mission from God. Joshua was chosen from God Himself to take the baton from Moses and lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. Not just lead, but to victoriously lead. Little did Joshua know what he was being prepared for all those years under the direction of Moses. Joshua is an example of trusting God and placing his confidence and leadership role in the God he served. Even through adversity from God’s people, God encouraged Joshua to stay the course, compromise nothing, and fulfill everything.
God’s commission to Joshua 1: 5-9 (please take the time to read it) is powerful and profound, a message from God to His new chosen leader. This Scripture is one for humankind, regardless of whether they are in a leadership role or not. The key to success is found in the Bible (imagine that?). A successful mission in the service of the Lord is dependent upon courage, meditation, and obedience. Keeping God’s words in our hearts molds our character and guides our steps. As we train ourselves to live in sync with God’s purpose, the result will be successful and prosperous. God knew humankind would need reminders. In these four verses alone, we read several times to remain obedient, “be strong, and of good courage, for the Lord God is with us wherever we go.” (the phrase is actually written twenty-five times in the Bible, four of which is from God Himself.)
Joshua has become my latest role model. He took being prepared to a new level and powerfully depicted trust in God. He had the burning desire to learn and observe, specifically from Moses. He was a no-nonsense guy and had a “whatever it took” determination. Joshua challenges us to lay hold of God’s promises and walk in His victory despite adversity. He was also an example that a method may need to be comprised, but never on convictions or principles.
So today, remember whatever may come your way, be strong and of good courage, for your Lord God is with you wherever you may venture. And when you begin to reflect at the end of the day, hopefully, you can nod your head and say, “yes, Lord, I humbling think my percentages were high today of being an example of your reputation. To you, I praise and give you thanks!”
Be of good courage because the Lord God is on “Your” side.
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines Steering Committee Chair
March 17, 2022
It is remarkable what we can learn from studying God’s Word. The more I understand, the less I know. Crazy as it may sound, my lack of knowledge and deep desire to learn keep me entertained and focused. Every day I have a burning desire to learn, keep the lesson from trials, become a better individual, and sincerely reflect the patience, grace, and love that God exhibits every second of the day, regardless of deserved or not. I read something a while back; before going to sleep at night, ask yourself if you were an excellent example of God’s reputation today? Sometimes yes, sometimes definitely not (to be specific last Friday), and does answering with percentages count? Fifty percent yes, seventy-five, twenty-five, okay, never mind, I will look forward to giving it another attempt tomorrow.
I have a way of looking at life; each day, we are presented with situations that prepare us for something greater than now. When something not so pleasant pops up, it is not happening to us; it prepares us. Whether here on earth or eternity spent with God our Father. An Old Testament example of unknowingly being prepared is Joshua. An original military leader became a spiritual leader while accomplishing a mission from God. Joshua was chosen from God Himself to take the baton from Moses and lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. Not just lead, but to victoriously lead. Little did Joshua know what he was being prepared for all those years under the direction of Moses. Joshua is an example of trusting God and placing his confidence and leadership role in the God he served. Even through adversity from God’s people, God encouraged Joshua to stay the course, compromise nothing, and fulfill everything.
God’s commission to Joshua 1: 5-9 (please take the time to read it) is powerful and profound, a message from God to His new chosen leader. This Scripture is one for humankind, regardless of whether they are in a leadership role or not. The key to success is found in the Bible (imagine that?). A successful mission in the service of the Lord is dependent upon courage, meditation, and obedience. Keeping God’s words in our hearts molds our character and guides our steps. As we train ourselves to live in sync with God’s purpose, the result will be successful and prosperous. God knew humankind would need reminders. In these four verses alone, we read several times to remain obedient, “be strong, and of good courage, for the Lord God is with us wherever we go.” (the phrase is actually written twenty-five times in the Bible, four of which is from God Himself.)
Joshua has become my latest role model. He took being prepared to a new level and powerfully depicted trust in God. He had the burning desire to learn and observe, specifically from Moses. He was a no-nonsense guy and had a “whatever it took” determination. Joshua challenges us to lay hold of God’s promises and walk in His victory despite adversity. He was also an example that a method may need to be comprised, but never on convictions or principles.
So today, remember whatever may come your way, be strong and of good courage, for your Lord God is with you wherever you may venture. And when you begin to reflect at the end of the day, hopefully, you can nod your head and say, “yes, Lord, I humbling think my percentages were high today of being an example of your reputation. To you, I praise and give you thanks!”
Be of good courage because the Lord God is on “Your” side.
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines Steering Committee Chair
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life……
March 10, 2022
Humility, Humble, do you know what it means, and are you? Why should you desire to be humble?
HUMILITY is "A modest view of one's own importance."
HUMBLE is "Not seeking recognition for an accomplishment or having done a good deed."
Some see humility as a weakness, while in actuality is "controlled strength." Human nature often loves recognition, especially for doing something good, and therefore (while feigning humility) is hungering for recognition quietly or overtly. Strength of character comes into play by not letting the right hand know what the left hand is doing. In plain English…. only telling those with whom it is necessary to do so to bring it about if, indeed, there have to be others involved for known specific reasons, legal or otherwise.
Some are intellectually better off than others, often taking pride in knowing what they know, especially when it comes to discussions where we are lauded as such. There is nothing wrong with being intelligent or knowledgeable, but seeking recognition to feed our egos is contrary to humility.
Jesus is recorded saying in Luke 9:46-48, that the Pharisees, sought prominence and recognition because of their schooling and intellect, said these words in response found in ((Luke 14:11) to them and to us. "Everyone that exalts himself will be humbled and they that humble themselves will be exalted." HUMILITY is but one of the very important virtues that every Christian should have in their ever day life.
A VIRTUE is a moral excellence. A trait or quality that is deemed morally good and thus is valued as a foundation of principle and good moral being.
Here are a few verses about HUMILITY.
Old Testament, 2nd Chronicles 7:14 "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We need to do this as individuals, as Christians, and as a nation…. for our nation is in peril today.
New Testament, "Be of the same mind toward one another, do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation."
James 4:6b. "God opposes the proud but gives GRACE to the humble."
I will finish with this from Matthew 20:25-26. "But Jesus called them to Him and said, 'you know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great one’s exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant.'"
PRIDE will destroy your life, while HUMILITY will bless and enhance it. Tom1:1
May God Bless and protect you……….
Pastor Tom LCIP
March 10, 2022
Humility, Humble, do you know what it means, and are you? Why should you desire to be humble?
HUMILITY is "A modest view of one's own importance."
HUMBLE is "Not seeking recognition for an accomplishment or having done a good deed."
Some see humility as a weakness, while in actuality is "controlled strength." Human nature often loves recognition, especially for doing something good, and therefore (while feigning humility) is hungering for recognition quietly or overtly. Strength of character comes into play by not letting the right hand know what the left hand is doing. In plain English…. only telling those with whom it is necessary to do so to bring it about if, indeed, there have to be others involved for known specific reasons, legal or otherwise.
Some are intellectually better off than others, often taking pride in knowing what they know, especially when it comes to discussions where we are lauded as such. There is nothing wrong with being intelligent or knowledgeable, but seeking recognition to feed our egos is contrary to humility.
Jesus is recorded saying in Luke 9:46-48, that the Pharisees, sought prominence and recognition because of their schooling and intellect, said these words in response found in ((Luke 14:11) to them and to us. "Everyone that exalts himself will be humbled and they that humble themselves will be exalted." HUMILITY is but one of the very important virtues that every Christian should have in their ever day life.
A VIRTUE is a moral excellence. A trait or quality that is deemed morally good and thus is valued as a foundation of principle and good moral being.
Here are a few verses about HUMILITY.
Old Testament, 2nd Chronicles 7:14 "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We need to do this as individuals, as Christians, and as a nation…. for our nation is in peril today.
New Testament, "Be of the same mind toward one another, do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation."
James 4:6b. "God opposes the proud but gives GRACE to the humble."
I will finish with this from Matthew 20:25-26. "But Jesus called them to Him and said, 'you know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great one’s exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant.'"
PRIDE will destroy your life, while HUMILITY will bless and enhance it. Tom1:1
May God Bless and protect you……….
Pastor Tom LCIP
Reflections, on the spiritual side of life….
March 3, 2022
Help me…. I know that you have been in this position in your life, for we all have. More than once or twice, we have run out of solutions to a bigger situation than us. We feel helpless on our own to get through it or overcome it. Usually, it involves pain of some kind, be it emotional, physical, mental, or possibly even spiritual, or all four.
We have gone to our friends, looked at our abilities, evaluated all our resources, but forgot who we should have gone to first. Not a chubby Wizard behind a curtain speaking over a loudspeaker, which promises everything but gives nothing.
WE SHOULD HAVE GONE TO OUR KNEES AND SOUGHT THE LORD OUR GOD. ASKING THE “COMFORTER,” THE EVER WISE AND KNOWLEDGABLE SPIRIT OF GOD…. the HOLY SPIRIT, GIVEN TO US BY HIS SON JESUS CHRIST what we should do, how we should respond and then trust Him completely, as the old hymn states; “I Surrender All.”
You see, we need help, help from the inside out—the kind of help that Jesus promised. “I will ask of the Father, and He will give you another Helper to be with you forever…. the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it does not see Him or know Him. But ‘you’ know Him, because He lives WITH you and will be IN you,” John 14:16-17.
Think about this. “If God can place the stars in the universe, our galaxy being only one of over a billion, moving at 490,000 miles an hour, taking 200 million years to make one complete rotation, it is humbling and amazing that God, who can accomplish this, would give us (individual human beings) all that we need, to make it through this life successfully…… and that He personally, has placed Himself within us by His Spirit, to call upon in our most significant times of need.
Please note the dwelling place of God. Not in some far distant heaven. Not near us. Not above us. Not beside us. Not around us, but IN us. It is our place, our work, to develop this relationship to a place of intimacy and personal interaction so that indeed, we can hear His still, quiet voice when He speaks above the din of our situation, giving us the wisdom, help, and knowledge, as to who and what we are to be, in our reliance upon Him, at that moment.
We must recognize that Jesus’ gift of the Holy Spirit is a genuine and tangible expression of His care, concern, and love for us. All of us who accepted and will accept Christ, as our LORD, the Son of God, come in the flesh, to die for us, therefore becoming our Savior. Upon that confession of belief, you/we receive the Holy Spirit of God, as He says, forever.
Romans 5:5 “And this hope will never disappoint us because He has poured out His love to fill our hearts. He gave us His love through the Holy Spirit whom God has given to us.”
You will be delighted and surprised as the two of you draw closer and closer. Remember, please…it is up to you to deepen that relationship. Do your own study on the person of the Holy Spirit to understand further the value and importance of His role in your life.
Psalm 37:5 “Depend on the LORD; trust Him and He will take care of you!”
Pastor Tom, LCIP
P.S. Seriously consider your personal research and study of the Holy Spirit.
March 3, 2022
Help me…. I know that you have been in this position in your life, for we all have. More than once or twice, we have run out of solutions to a bigger situation than us. We feel helpless on our own to get through it or overcome it. Usually, it involves pain of some kind, be it emotional, physical, mental, or possibly even spiritual, or all four.
We have gone to our friends, looked at our abilities, evaluated all our resources, but forgot who we should have gone to first. Not a chubby Wizard behind a curtain speaking over a loudspeaker, which promises everything but gives nothing.
WE SHOULD HAVE GONE TO OUR KNEES AND SOUGHT THE LORD OUR GOD. ASKING THE “COMFORTER,” THE EVER WISE AND KNOWLEDGABLE SPIRIT OF GOD…. the HOLY SPIRIT, GIVEN TO US BY HIS SON JESUS CHRIST what we should do, how we should respond and then trust Him completely, as the old hymn states; “I Surrender All.”
You see, we need help, help from the inside out—the kind of help that Jesus promised. “I will ask of the Father, and He will give you another Helper to be with you forever…. the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it does not see Him or know Him. But ‘you’ know Him, because He lives WITH you and will be IN you,” John 14:16-17.
Think about this. “If God can place the stars in the universe, our galaxy being only one of over a billion, moving at 490,000 miles an hour, taking 200 million years to make one complete rotation, it is humbling and amazing that God, who can accomplish this, would give us (individual human beings) all that we need, to make it through this life successfully…… and that He personally, has placed Himself within us by His Spirit, to call upon in our most significant times of need.
Please note the dwelling place of God. Not in some far distant heaven. Not near us. Not above us. Not beside us. Not around us, but IN us. It is our place, our work, to develop this relationship to a place of intimacy and personal interaction so that indeed, we can hear His still, quiet voice when He speaks above the din of our situation, giving us the wisdom, help, and knowledge, as to who and what we are to be, in our reliance upon Him, at that moment.
We must recognize that Jesus’ gift of the Holy Spirit is a genuine and tangible expression of His care, concern, and love for us. All of us who accepted and will accept Christ, as our LORD, the Son of God, come in the flesh, to die for us, therefore becoming our Savior. Upon that confession of belief, you/we receive the Holy Spirit of God, as He says, forever.
Romans 5:5 “And this hope will never disappoint us because He has poured out His love to fill our hearts. He gave us His love through the Holy Spirit whom God has given to us.”
You will be delighted and surprised as the two of you draw closer and closer. Remember, please…it is up to you to deepen that relationship. Do your own study on the person of the Holy Spirit to understand further the value and importance of His role in your life.
Psalm 37:5 “Depend on the LORD; trust Him and He will take care of you!”
Pastor Tom, LCIP
P.S. Seriously consider your personal research and study of the Holy Spirit.
Reflections on the spiritual side of life………
February 24, 2022
PATIENCE & ENDURANCE
These are two of life's greatest VIRTUES.
VIRTUE….as a NOUN means "behavior showing high moral standards," thereby showing MORAL EXCELLENCE. In this article, my main focus is PATIENCE: and secondarily ENDURANCE.
Question: Are You and I a paradigm of VIRTUE, and by being as such, an example of something: a model for others to follow?
There is a promise for us from Isaiah 40:31 "They that wait upon the Lord, shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as an eagle; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Teach me, Lord, teach me Lord to wait." Teach me, Lord, to be patient and endure until Your answer comes, for we do not want to get ahead of the Lord or lag-behind Him. We need to be walking with Him.
Question: How many of us have this down pat? How many of us not only have this VIRTUE down pat but excel in having patience no matter the circumstances?
Answer: ALMOST NONE.
Question: What is God's best method to teach us this VIRTUE?
Answer: Our everyday, ordinary lives.
So much in life calls for waiting. We twiddle our thumbs, shuffle our feet, sigh long and loud, fret in frustration, and manifest impatience in other ways like I did last week by throwing my shovel across my driveway when I got stuck in the snow could NOT get it unstuck. During that whole time, the Spirit, I am sure, was (in that still small voice) attempting to get through to me to simply (be still), and I would have calmed down, but been able to perhaps, even hear a practical solution. Yes, the Holy Spirit even gives helpful advice.
Waiting is one of life's best teachers, for only in life can we learn the VIRTUE of patience. Waiting in patience while God, unseen, works in us and for us in many ways in His desire for our individual good. All of this also involves TRUST. "Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart and lean NOT on our own understanding; in ALL your ways ACKNOWLEDGE Him, (and listen to this), and He shall direct your paths." TRUST, ACKNOWLEDGE, LISTEN, then He will direct our paths. Not path, but paths. According to Scripture, we begin to see why PATIENCE IS A NEEDED VIRTUE. We will be in step with our LORD and our GOD in patience. Never lagging behind or, getting ahead of Him, which results in UNITY of the Spirit in the bond of peace. You and I, and God.
Our impatience often gets us in trouble and washes over onto those we love, and even at times to innocent bystanders around us. Instead of impatience, GRACE, PATIENCE, and ENDURANCE should flow from us. These VIRTUES, when exhibited together, prove one vital and essential thing for our loved ones and strangers. We are sure being His disciples in the way He would have us be, as we manifest His LOVE through us because His LOVE is abundant and overflowing in us.
Amen
(Something to think about and meditate on)
Pastor Tom
The Little Church in the Pines
Year-round Pastor
February 24, 2022
PATIENCE & ENDURANCE
These are two of life's greatest VIRTUES.
VIRTUE….as a NOUN means "behavior showing high moral standards," thereby showing MORAL EXCELLENCE. In this article, my main focus is PATIENCE: and secondarily ENDURANCE.
Question: Are You and I a paradigm of VIRTUE, and by being as such, an example of something: a model for others to follow?
There is a promise for us from Isaiah 40:31 "They that wait upon the Lord, shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as an eagle; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Teach me, Lord, teach me Lord to wait." Teach me, Lord, to be patient and endure until Your answer comes, for we do not want to get ahead of the Lord or lag-behind Him. We need to be walking with Him.
Question: How many of us have this down pat? How many of us not only have this VIRTUE down pat but excel in having patience no matter the circumstances?
Answer: ALMOST NONE.
Question: What is God's best method to teach us this VIRTUE?
Answer: Our everyday, ordinary lives.
So much in life calls for waiting. We twiddle our thumbs, shuffle our feet, sigh long and loud, fret in frustration, and manifest impatience in other ways like I did last week by throwing my shovel across my driveway when I got stuck in the snow could NOT get it unstuck. During that whole time, the Spirit, I am sure, was (in that still small voice) attempting to get through to me to simply (be still), and I would have calmed down, but been able to perhaps, even hear a practical solution. Yes, the Holy Spirit even gives helpful advice.
Waiting is one of life's best teachers, for only in life can we learn the VIRTUE of patience. Waiting in patience while God, unseen, works in us and for us in many ways in His desire for our individual good. All of this also involves TRUST. "Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart and lean NOT on our own understanding; in ALL your ways ACKNOWLEDGE Him, (and listen to this), and He shall direct your paths." TRUST, ACKNOWLEDGE, LISTEN, then He will direct our paths. Not path, but paths. According to Scripture, we begin to see why PATIENCE IS A NEEDED VIRTUE. We will be in step with our LORD and our GOD in patience. Never lagging behind or, getting ahead of Him, which results in UNITY of the Spirit in the bond of peace. You and I, and God.
Our impatience often gets us in trouble and washes over onto those we love, and even at times to innocent bystanders around us. Instead of impatience, GRACE, PATIENCE, and ENDURANCE should flow from us. These VIRTUES, when exhibited together, prove one vital and essential thing for our loved ones and strangers. We are sure being His disciples in the way He would have us be, as we manifest His LOVE through us because His LOVE is abundant and overflowing in us.
Amen
(Something to think about and meditate on)
Pastor Tom
The Little Church in the Pines
Year-round Pastor
Reflections on the spiritual side . . .
February 18, 2022
Have you ever been driving and wanted to keep driving, not turning off to where you need to be? Have you ever found yourself in a dreaded rut? You know, navigating from point A to point B on a daily basis, going through the necessary motions to get through another day, functioning on auto-pilot?
Last Sunday, as I drove to Church these unwelcome thoughts occupied my mind. Not that I did not want to be in attendance, it was a beautiful day, but I felt the desire to keep driving. Typically, I check in with Pastor Tom, and this morning was no exception. I asked him if he ever been driving and, instead of pulling off to begin his daily responsibilities, if he had the yearning to keep going? He said, "yes, and I have; you should try it sometime." We both laughed and began our morning worship service.
We have a sequence for our Sunday morning service. Following Tithes and Offerings, we stand to sing the Doxology, Hymn #382. A hymn that never is sung out of routine or a motion from auto-pilot. The words are deep, powerful, and should not be taken casually—a hymn of worship and adoration for our Creator.
"Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him,
all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen"
written by; Thomas Ken
. . . who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings. Ephesians 1:3
A brief story behind the acclaimed doxology to the Holy Trinity and best-loved hymn: Reverend Thomas Ken, who wrote and composed three hymns in 1674 to encourage the devotional habits of boys enrolled at Winchester College. One hymn was to be sung in the morning, another at bedtime, and another at midnight if sleep did not come easy. All three hymns ended with a common stanza, which has since become the most widely sung verse in the world.
The meaning of doxology is the expression of praise to God. At its core, doxology is a hymn of thanksgiving that expresses gratitude to God. The apostle Paul writes, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3). God has created the Church from many diverse members to embrace, share, and come together in Christ that we may equip one another to honor God in day-to-day life.
Praising God is easy in our historic sanctuary. Granted, we are in beautiful Island Park, surrounded by God's magnificent creation. Additionally, we stand or sit before a simple yet elegant altar, behind the altar is a handmade replica of a well-designed wooden cross that symbolizes the cornerstone of our faith. Our talented pianist Pam White (Sunday, Pam played the piano with gusto passion, she rocked it) is an extra blessing. The combined package is a lovely setting to begin the day, week, to center our hearts and souls in the greatness of God. I mentioned granted; please do not interpret that I, we, take for granted our surroundings.
God does not guarantee the New Testament believer's health, wealth, and prosperity. The blessings of Christianity are primarily spiritual. Maybe you have read the following snippet: What is there to gain by believing and regularly praying to God? Nothing, but let me give you a shortlist of what can be lost; anger, ego, greed, depression, insecurity, anxiety, fears, and fear of death. For this and so much more, I select to express adoration and praise to God in clearly obvious ways.
Next time I get that urge to keep driving, which I am sure my crew would love for me to follow through 😉, I have no concerns; I'm too disciplined, committed, with full-filling my responsibilities and obligations. But no matter what the extracurricular clutter is, I will continue to hum the doxology,
"Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.
Praise Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost."
Like studying God's Truth, reflecting on the meaning of each word is a form of worship. I pray and hope you have a song of praise in your heart, a go-to diddly that will surface amongst all the distractions and noise of your everyday lives.
Raising joyful praise to the Lord ~ Hallelujah!
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines
Steering Committee Chair
February 18, 2022
Have you ever been driving and wanted to keep driving, not turning off to where you need to be? Have you ever found yourself in a dreaded rut? You know, navigating from point A to point B on a daily basis, going through the necessary motions to get through another day, functioning on auto-pilot?
Last Sunday, as I drove to Church these unwelcome thoughts occupied my mind. Not that I did not want to be in attendance, it was a beautiful day, but I felt the desire to keep driving. Typically, I check in with Pastor Tom, and this morning was no exception. I asked him if he ever been driving and, instead of pulling off to begin his daily responsibilities, if he had the yearning to keep going? He said, "yes, and I have; you should try it sometime." We both laughed and began our morning worship service.
We have a sequence for our Sunday morning service. Following Tithes and Offerings, we stand to sing the Doxology, Hymn #382. A hymn that never is sung out of routine or a motion from auto-pilot. The words are deep, powerful, and should not be taken casually—a hymn of worship and adoration for our Creator.
"Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him,
all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen"
written by; Thomas Ken
. . . who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings. Ephesians 1:3
A brief story behind the acclaimed doxology to the Holy Trinity and best-loved hymn: Reverend Thomas Ken, who wrote and composed three hymns in 1674 to encourage the devotional habits of boys enrolled at Winchester College. One hymn was to be sung in the morning, another at bedtime, and another at midnight if sleep did not come easy. All three hymns ended with a common stanza, which has since become the most widely sung verse in the world.
The meaning of doxology is the expression of praise to God. At its core, doxology is a hymn of thanksgiving that expresses gratitude to God. The apostle Paul writes, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3). God has created the Church from many diverse members to embrace, share, and come together in Christ that we may equip one another to honor God in day-to-day life.
Praising God is easy in our historic sanctuary. Granted, we are in beautiful Island Park, surrounded by God's magnificent creation. Additionally, we stand or sit before a simple yet elegant altar, behind the altar is a handmade replica of a well-designed wooden cross that symbolizes the cornerstone of our faith. Our talented pianist Pam White (Sunday, Pam played the piano with gusto passion, she rocked it) is an extra blessing. The combined package is a lovely setting to begin the day, week, to center our hearts and souls in the greatness of God. I mentioned granted; please do not interpret that I, we, take for granted our surroundings.
God does not guarantee the New Testament believer's health, wealth, and prosperity. The blessings of Christianity are primarily spiritual. Maybe you have read the following snippet: What is there to gain by believing and regularly praying to God? Nothing, but let me give you a shortlist of what can be lost; anger, ego, greed, depression, insecurity, anxiety, fears, and fear of death. For this and so much more, I select to express adoration and praise to God in clearly obvious ways.
Next time I get that urge to keep driving, which I am sure my crew would love for me to follow through 😉, I have no concerns; I'm too disciplined, committed, with full-filling my responsibilities and obligations. But no matter what the extracurricular clutter is, I will continue to hum the doxology,
"Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.
Praise Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost."
Like studying God's Truth, reflecting on the meaning of each word is a form of worship. I pray and hope you have a song of praise in your heart, a go-to diddly that will surface amongst all the distractions and noise of your everyday lives.
Raising joyful praise to the Lord ~ Hallelujah!
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines
Steering Committee Chair
Reflections on the spiritual side of life……
PART iv ~ the impact of Jesus Christ on our world…
The POWER and IMPACT of Christ know no boundary of time or space. In our age and ages past, many skeptics have been convinced that Jesus was not the Christ, nor would there ever be a Christ, and set out to prove it. For example, Lew Wallace, a famous general and accepted as a literary genius, was an outspoken atheist. For (two years) studied in the leading libraries of both Europe and America. His goal was to destroy the myth of Jesus and therefore topple the Church, hence Christianity.
While writing the second chapter of his book, outlining his researched arguments, he suddenly and without thought found himself on his knees crying out to Jesus, “my LORD and my GOD.” His life turned around 180 degrees, and he now found himself writing and speaking with the same enthusiasm for, as he once did against, Jesus and Christianity. An event that mirrored another intellectual named Paul, on the road to Damascus, whose onetime goal was to do the same as Lew Wallace.
Similarly, the late C.S. Lewis, professor and intellectual at Oxford University in England, was an agnostic who denied the deity of Christ for years. With a reborn intellectual honesty, he submitted to Jesus as his LORD and SAVIOR while studying the (evidence) he had hoped would confirm his previous denial, that Christ was both divine and God.
These two men went on to write books such as Mere Christianity, Screwtape Letters, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Great Divorce, The Chronicles of Narnia, the Problem of Pain, and many others as a witness as to the POWER and PERSON OF GOD IN JESUS CHRIST.
The IMPACT of Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God (not born of man but God Himself, through the power of the Holy Spirit) continues to this day, influencing and changing the lives of those who, insincere honesty, are seeking truth. I believe (my opinion as I study) that at some time, not far off, there will once again be significant numbers of people around the world turning to Christ as events unfold. Events, such as we are seeing today exponentially expand; these being lawlessness, injustice, distrust, loss of hope, fear of the future, wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes in various places, famines, pestilence, floods, and much more…….and this Gospel shall be preached in all the world, for a witness unto every nation….and then the end shall come.
COMPASSION AND MERCY are two deeply impactful outflows of Jesus’ ministry.
In a book the two authors collaborated on, Kennedy and Newcombe, writing details of the rise of charity in the name of Jesus over the centuries, is an excellent place to finish today’s column. However, it falls short of all He is and the IMPACT He has had, and has to this day, on our everyday world.
Historians record that before Jesus, the ancient world left little trace of any compassionate and merciful organized charitable efforts. Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan is the classic illustration that is still a part of our language today, pointing out the example of doing good birthed in Christianity.
We have the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, religious-based hospitals, Church-supported food kitchens, housing for the homeless, unwed mothers with nowhere to turn, orphanages supported by Christians worldwide, and oh so many more such organizations. All in the name of JESUS CHRIST under the umbrella of Christianity. PRAISE BE TO GOD.
I have just touched the surface of the IMPACT OF JESUS CHRIST on the world we live in and have not decided if I will write one more or several more. I guess next week we will know.
May you have a blessed and wonderful week as you walk in His footsteps.
Amen!
Pastor Tom
Little Church in the Pines
Year-round Pastor
PART iv ~ the impact of Jesus Christ on our world…
The POWER and IMPACT of Christ know no boundary of time or space. In our age and ages past, many skeptics have been convinced that Jesus was not the Christ, nor would there ever be a Christ, and set out to prove it. For example, Lew Wallace, a famous general and accepted as a literary genius, was an outspoken atheist. For (two years) studied in the leading libraries of both Europe and America. His goal was to destroy the myth of Jesus and therefore topple the Church, hence Christianity.
While writing the second chapter of his book, outlining his researched arguments, he suddenly and without thought found himself on his knees crying out to Jesus, “my LORD and my GOD.” His life turned around 180 degrees, and he now found himself writing and speaking with the same enthusiasm for, as he once did against, Jesus and Christianity. An event that mirrored another intellectual named Paul, on the road to Damascus, whose onetime goal was to do the same as Lew Wallace.
Similarly, the late C.S. Lewis, professor and intellectual at Oxford University in England, was an agnostic who denied the deity of Christ for years. With a reborn intellectual honesty, he submitted to Jesus as his LORD and SAVIOR while studying the (evidence) he had hoped would confirm his previous denial, that Christ was both divine and God.
These two men went on to write books such as Mere Christianity, Screwtape Letters, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Great Divorce, The Chronicles of Narnia, the Problem of Pain, and many others as a witness as to the POWER and PERSON OF GOD IN JESUS CHRIST.
The IMPACT of Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God (not born of man but God Himself, through the power of the Holy Spirit) continues to this day, influencing and changing the lives of those who, insincere honesty, are seeking truth. I believe (my opinion as I study) that at some time, not far off, there will once again be significant numbers of people around the world turning to Christ as events unfold. Events, such as we are seeing today exponentially expand; these being lawlessness, injustice, distrust, loss of hope, fear of the future, wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes in various places, famines, pestilence, floods, and much more…….and this Gospel shall be preached in all the world, for a witness unto every nation….and then the end shall come.
COMPASSION AND MERCY are two deeply impactful outflows of Jesus’ ministry.
In a book the two authors collaborated on, Kennedy and Newcombe, writing details of the rise of charity in the name of Jesus over the centuries, is an excellent place to finish today’s column. However, it falls short of all He is and the IMPACT He has had, and has to this day, on our everyday world.
Historians record that before Jesus, the ancient world left little trace of any compassionate and merciful organized charitable efforts. Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan is the classic illustration that is still a part of our language today, pointing out the example of doing good birthed in Christianity.
We have the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, religious-based hospitals, Church-supported food kitchens, housing for the homeless, unwed mothers with nowhere to turn, orphanages supported by Christians worldwide, and oh so many more such organizations. All in the name of JESUS CHRIST under the umbrella of Christianity. PRAISE BE TO GOD.
I have just touched the surface of the IMPACT OF JESUS CHRIST on the world we live in and have not decided if I will write one more or several more. I guess next week we will know.
May you have a blessed and wonderful week as you walk in His footsteps.
Amen!
Pastor Tom
Little Church in the Pines
Year-round Pastor
Reflections on the spiritual side of life….
PART II, of “The Impact of the one Man/GOD, JESUS THE CHRIST”
Thanks to those who contacted me this week to tell me you enjoyed last week’s column, PART I.
Starting where I left off…. Though in many ways His childhood was not unlike that of the other children in His community, EXCEPT, this boy, the only begotten Son of His Father Jehovah God, the ONE God, the Great I AM, Creator of all…would have a deep and eternal IMPACT on this world we call earth. Not just the nation in which He was born and raised, one of the smallest nations in the world but throughout the entire world….and beyond.
Selah (pause and think about it)
Amen, Pastor Tom
The Little Church in the Pines
NEXT WEEK: PART III
PART II, of “The Impact of the one Man/GOD, JESUS THE CHRIST”
Thanks to those who contacted me this week to tell me you enjoyed last week’s column, PART I.
Starting where I left off…. Though in many ways His childhood was not unlike that of the other children in His community, EXCEPT, this boy, the only begotten Son of His Father Jehovah God, the ONE God, the Great I AM, Creator of all…would have a deep and eternal IMPACT on this world we call earth. Not just the nation in which He was born and raised, one of the smallest nations in the world but throughout the entire world….and beyond.
- He would profoundly influence and elevate the VALUE of human life, particularly women, the poor, and the outcast.
- COMPASSION and MERCY were values that were at the core of His teachings.
- GRACE: almost previously unheard of, seldom understood, and even less applied, is at the forefront of His teachings.
- The Elevation of MARRIAGE and FAMILLY
- EDUCATION: Schools and Colleges established on the principles of those values He taught.
- MORAL advancements undergird the CHURCH and GOVERNMENT, hence JUSTICE, LAW, and ORDER.
- Moral advancements became the foundation for SOCIAL order, with guidelines to preserve and establish right from wrong, allowing interactive human behavior, established consequences for errant behavior, and rewards for good behavior.
- Science in the early church flourished once it was established that the Sun was not the center of the Universe.
- ART, MUSIC, and LITERATURE flourished and flourished due to His Persona and His teachings, used as inspiration in paintings, books, poems, and many more mediums.
- FREEDOM manifested in our nation as an example to the world on a new level.
- This last, I have noted (though not the previous, really), is the greatest. The individual, and significant personal changes available to each man, woman, and child who lives, through His love, acceptance, and forgiveness, upon accepting Him as their Savior, has reached billions of people who live according to His life and teachings. Because these individuals were changed for the better, they have helped make this world a brighter, better, and more loving, peaceful place to live. All because of this one Man/God, Jesus Christ. The humblest and also the mightiest. KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
Selah (pause and think about it)
Amen, Pastor Tom
The Little Church in the Pines
NEXT WEEK: PART III
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life……
THE IMPACT OF ONE MAN, Jesus, the Christ!
Greetings, and God's blessings to all who read this weekly column. I thank the Lord and Ann for giving me this opportunity to write about our Lord and His impact on me personally, the church I pastor, and the greater community we call home. It has amazed me how many folks I do not know come up to me and tell me they read this article every week and are grateful for it.
This week and for the following several weeks, I will write on the title as given above. With this in mind, I will open with Jesus' words to all who believe in and are, His disciples. This commandment is to all of us.
His disciples come from all levels of society and occupations, from the least to the most notable. "He who is least in the Kingdom, shall be the greatest. Matthew 28:19, "Go yet, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
There are countless ways to teach, countless ways to exhibit His role and place in our lives….and it is in this myriad of ways that we find the cross-section of humankind turning to Him, loving Him, devoted to Him…. living out their lives for Him as each of us coming to know deeper and deeper who He is, and what His mission and goal was and is in this world. First and foremost, it was His obedience to the Father to become the GREAT SACRIFICE for all of humankind, no matter color, position in the world from the poorest to the richest.
With His obedience to the Father, the One True God, the GREAT I AM. His willingness to die for sins of all men and women of the world, who come to Him in acknowledgment and repentance. At that moment…that very moment, are filled and sealed by the Holy Spirit of God unto Salvation….and life with Him forevermore.
Along with this AMAZING GRACE-FILLED GIFT came countless other ways this humble God/Man impacted our world.
Born as we know, again, in the humblest of circumstances, I ask you to hold on to that knowledge as we move forward. The story, apart from the Lord's spiritual impact on the world, carries within it, His impact in so many other amazing ways.
Jesus…. a common name in His day, born in the then and still tiny nation of Israel. Taught in religious schools, which included instructive, experiential, argument, and discussion, led by Jewish scholars and His Rabbi. The family life also had informative teachings in observing the Law of Moses in daily life, as taught in the Torah. With this learning, He would one day confront the religious leaders of His day at 12 with His wisdom.
The adopted son of Joseph, a carpenter, He Himself following in the footsteps of His adopted Father, learning a trade that would add income too meet the needs of His family. Our Lord had calloused and splintered hands. The same hands that would not only one day wash the feet of His disciples, but one day would be nailed to a Cross. Through all this, He was no different in most ways from any other man who worked hard to put food on the table and keep a roof over the heads of the family. He learned deeply by experience what it was to be human.
In many ways, I would assume His childhood, though much the same as any boy his age, was also distinctly different from His calling on His life.
Except…He, this child of His literal Father, Jehovah God, the ONE God, Creator of all, would have a profound and eternal IMPACT, not only on the nation where He was born and raised but throughout this world and beyond.
Selah (stop and think about it)
(more to come next week)
P.Tom
THE IMPACT OF ONE MAN, Jesus, the Christ!
Greetings, and God's blessings to all who read this weekly column. I thank the Lord and Ann for giving me this opportunity to write about our Lord and His impact on me personally, the church I pastor, and the greater community we call home. It has amazed me how many folks I do not know come up to me and tell me they read this article every week and are grateful for it.
This week and for the following several weeks, I will write on the title as given above. With this in mind, I will open with Jesus' words to all who believe in and are, His disciples. This commandment is to all of us.
His disciples come from all levels of society and occupations, from the least to the most notable. "He who is least in the Kingdom, shall be the greatest. Matthew 28:19, "Go yet, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
There are countless ways to teach, countless ways to exhibit His role and place in our lives….and it is in this myriad of ways that we find the cross-section of humankind turning to Him, loving Him, devoted to Him…. living out their lives for Him as each of us coming to know deeper and deeper who He is, and what His mission and goal was and is in this world. First and foremost, it was His obedience to the Father to become the GREAT SACRIFICE for all of humankind, no matter color, position in the world from the poorest to the richest.
With His obedience to the Father, the One True God, the GREAT I AM. His willingness to die for sins of all men and women of the world, who come to Him in acknowledgment and repentance. At that moment…that very moment, are filled and sealed by the Holy Spirit of God unto Salvation….and life with Him forevermore.
Along with this AMAZING GRACE-FILLED GIFT came countless other ways this humble God/Man impacted our world.
Born as we know, again, in the humblest of circumstances, I ask you to hold on to that knowledge as we move forward. The story, apart from the Lord's spiritual impact on the world, carries within it, His impact in so many other amazing ways.
Jesus…. a common name in His day, born in the then and still tiny nation of Israel. Taught in religious schools, which included instructive, experiential, argument, and discussion, led by Jewish scholars and His Rabbi. The family life also had informative teachings in observing the Law of Moses in daily life, as taught in the Torah. With this learning, He would one day confront the religious leaders of His day at 12 with His wisdom.
The adopted son of Joseph, a carpenter, He Himself following in the footsteps of His adopted Father, learning a trade that would add income too meet the needs of His family. Our Lord had calloused and splintered hands. The same hands that would not only one day wash the feet of His disciples, but one day would be nailed to a Cross. Through all this, He was no different in most ways from any other man who worked hard to put food on the table and keep a roof over the heads of the family. He learned deeply by experience what it was to be human.
In many ways, I would assume His childhood, though much the same as any boy his age, was also distinctly different from His calling on His life.
Except…He, this child of His literal Father, Jehovah God, the ONE God, Creator of all, would have a profound and eternal IMPACT, not only on the nation where He was born and raised but throughout this world and beyond.
Selah (stop and think about it)
(more to come next week)
P.Tom
Reflections on the spiritual side . . .
January 20, 2022
Continually Using Our Gifts:
Using our gifts is to train to get better.
The other day I opened one of my previous textbooks, and the following prayer fell out, dated May 2021;
I trust in God. God is my strength. I have no concerns. His perfect plan is unfolding before my eyes. Regardless of current circumstances, I know God is preparing me and people who will assist me with operating a successful business, rock the season, have fun, study, and enjoy summer 2021.
I realize that I talk and often write of work, yes, a passion of mine . . . but that is what I do. I do my best to keep God in the center of my life, occupation and passions. The result is exhilarating days, challenging (oh the challenge), humorous (I have trained myself to find humor within challenges), and fun.
When we continually use our gifts, we develop our capabilities further. Not only do we find out just how gifted we really are in a particular area, but we also become more “useful” in ministry and “ready for every good work” (Titus 3:1; 2 Timothy 2:20-21). A Christian’s work ethic should be more substantial and aspirations higher than the world’s because we ultimately serve the “King” of the universe. We know that our life has eternal significance. I believe the world is watching us see if what we say we believe motivates us to live all-out for God (Titus 2:7-8). This is why Paul said to “. . . fan into flame” our gifts (2 Timothy 1:6), because while God gave us our gifts and abilities, how well we apply ourselves, how hard we work, how much we strive to learn, and how much we master our capabilities is our responsibility.
** We may never be the best at something – but we can work to be our best **
I am sure you have heard the adage, “Pray as though everything depended on God; work as though everything depended on you.” Whether right or wrong, we absolutely should do everything we can to hone our skills, improve our abilities, and increase our knowledge to become more effective.
The Old Testament contains many wise proverbs about hard work and diligence. “Commit your work to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established” (Proverbs 16:3). In the New Testament, Paul says to “work heartily” (Colossians 3:23), to “aspire to . . .work” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12), and to “not grow weary of doing good” . . . and to not “give up” (Galatians 6:9).
When we have a healthy value of our capabilities and respect the God who gave them to us, we utilize them to their fullest potential, making way for God to equip us with more capabilities and a more effective platform to use them.
Our current situation, once again I reflect on a working environment, may very well be a test to prove our faithfulness to God and the leadership over us because, as Paul says, “those who serve well . . . gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 3:13).
While the modern-day Church and ultimately the world needs people that are gifted in communication and leadership to fill the role of pastor, preacher, and teacher, it also needs people who embrace their abilities and step into the countless other roles to minister wherever they live, work, learn, or play.
No matter what we do, our gifts all originate from God on one sole purpose: glorify God by serving others (1 Corinthians 12:4-7, Romans 123:3-18). Apostle Peter clearly laid this out when he wrote: “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s very grace. . . in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:10-11).
Fortunately, I find myself surrounded by talented and gifted people. People whom I admire to the extent of learning from, hopefully enhancing my life and encouraging my God-given capabilities. (This did not just happen, I committed to searching for such and making life choices and changes.) Look around your circle of friends and family. May I encourage you to find someone(s) that will do the same? If you struggle with determining your capabilities or where you fit into the Body of Christ, know your most remarkable ability is your availability and willingness.
God loves to use men and women who simply present themselves to Him as living sacrifices in response to His grace (Romans 12:1). Doubtful, take a look at Jesus’ highly dysfunctional chosen 12. Yes, if He gave that A-list of humankind capabilities, there is no limit to what He has waiting for you.
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines Steering Committee Chair
January 20, 2022
Continually Using Our Gifts:
Using our gifts is to train to get better.
The other day I opened one of my previous textbooks, and the following prayer fell out, dated May 2021;
I trust in God. God is my strength. I have no concerns. His perfect plan is unfolding before my eyes. Regardless of current circumstances, I know God is preparing me and people who will assist me with operating a successful business, rock the season, have fun, study, and enjoy summer 2021.
I realize that I talk and often write of work, yes, a passion of mine . . . but that is what I do. I do my best to keep God in the center of my life, occupation and passions. The result is exhilarating days, challenging (oh the challenge), humorous (I have trained myself to find humor within challenges), and fun.
When we continually use our gifts, we develop our capabilities further. Not only do we find out just how gifted we really are in a particular area, but we also become more “useful” in ministry and “ready for every good work” (Titus 3:1; 2 Timothy 2:20-21). A Christian’s work ethic should be more substantial and aspirations higher than the world’s because we ultimately serve the “King” of the universe. We know that our life has eternal significance. I believe the world is watching us see if what we say we believe motivates us to live all-out for God (Titus 2:7-8). This is why Paul said to “. . . fan into flame” our gifts (2 Timothy 1:6), because while God gave us our gifts and abilities, how well we apply ourselves, how hard we work, how much we strive to learn, and how much we master our capabilities is our responsibility.
** We may never be the best at something – but we can work to be our best **
I am sure you have heard the adage, “Pray as though everything depended on God; work as though everything depended on you.” Whether right or wrong, we absolutely should do everything we can to hone our skills, improve our abilities, and increase our knowledge to become more effective.
The Old Testament contains many wise proverbs about hard work and diligence. “Commit your work to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established” (Proverbs 16:3). In the New Testament, Paul says to “work heartily” (Colossians 3:23), to “aspire to . . .work” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12), and to “not grow weary of doing good” . . . and to not “give up” (Galatians 6:9).
When we have a healthy value of our capabilities and respect the God who gave them to us, we utilize them to their fullest potential, making way for God to equip us with more capabilities and a more effective platform to use them.
Our current situation, once again I reflect on a working environment, may very well be a test to prove our faithfulness to God and the leadership over us because, as Paul says, “those who serve well . . . gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 3:13).
While the modern-day Church and ultimately the world needs people that are gifted in communication and leadership to fill the role of pastor, preacher, and teacher, it also needs people who embrace their abilities and step into the countless other roles to minister wherever they live, work, learn, or play.
No matter what we do, our gifts all originate from God on one sole purpose: glorify God by serving others (1 Corinthians 12:4-7, Romans 123:3-18). Apostle Peter clearly laid this out when he wrote: “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s very grace. . . in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:10-11).
Fortunately, I find myself surrounded by talented and gifted people. People whom I admire to the extent of learning from, hopefully enhancing my life and encouraging my God-given capabilities. (This did not just happen, I committed to searching for such and making life choices and changes.) Look around your circle of friends and family. May I encourage you to find someone(s) that will do the same? If you struggle with determining your capabilities or where you fit into the Body of Christ, know your most remarkable ability is your availability and willingness.
God loves to use men and women who simply present themselves to Him as living sacrifices in response to His grace (Romans 12:1). Doubtful, take a look at Jesus’ highly dysfunctional chosen 12. Yes, if He gave that A-list of humankind capabilities, there is no limit to what He has waiting for you.
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines Steering Committee Chair
Reflections, on the spiritual side of life………
January 13, 2022
OFFENSE-OFFEND-OFFENSIVE-OFFENDED-OFFENDING
I was so offended because the person has a history of offending, and I find them myself very offensive, in who they are so I am going to turn the tables and offend them so they can see how off-ended they are.
I am basing this topic on Philippians 1:9-10-11. (9) “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowing and all discernment, (10) that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ. (11) being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”
*Excellent, *sincere *and without offense.
The actual title of this topic is, “IS IT A SIN TO ‘STAY’ OFFENDED?”
It not only is a SIN, but it is also a burden, to carry, tying us to the negative, life-sapping emotion of offense. A chain around our heart, mind, and spirit, not only affecting us…. but even unknowingly, those around us.
This is wrong…creating wrongness. Let us read what James has to say in 4:17. “Remember,” he says, “it is a sin to know what you ought to do, and then not do it.” Sin…is not doing the right thing or things when given the choice, and it is a choice to hold onto being offended, even if the offense was unintentional or intentional, hurtful, and offensive. It is a commandment of Jesus for us to forgive, even those who are our enemies and who willfully hurt us. A COMMANDMENT, not a suggestion.
Matthew 5:43-44 speaks clearly and can only be achieved when we are like Him. “You have heard it said, to hate your enemies, but ‘I’ say to you, love your enemies and do good to those that persecute you.” That is, in word or indeed. Jesus goes on to say, “you will be acting as true children of your Father who is in heaven if you do as He says.” Therefore, we, need to be more like Him.
At best, staying offended is one of the most pointless and potentially devastating emotional indulgences possible. At its worst, it is the very seed of potential violence, persecution, and separation. To stay offended should not be in the Christian vernacular. There is not one virtue in being indignant, and we have as Christians, no (right) according to our Lord and Savior to hold on to an offense. We all have initially been offended and sometimes with an exceptionally good reason or reasons, but to get to the root of the issue, and as peacemakers, with His help, make peace, even at times when it takes everything we have to do so. This is how we can be LIKE HIM.
To hold onto an offense, even if untrue, means we have not understood or grasped the meaning of forgiveness and grace. “For we are saved by GRACE and not by works.” We are to be without offense.
We Christians are to be ministers of reconciliation, peacemakers, with understanding, tolerance, justice, mercy, kindness, and finally, forgiveness, if necessary, on our part….and then, there is the wonderful word of RECONCILIATION.
How we would help change the world, if we stopped being self-righteous and full of indignation, speaking of all the wrongs that have been done to us, or perceived to have been done to us. Our work is to again, be ministers of reconciliation to the least and the worst of humanity.
Instead of nurturing our offenses and hurts, we MUST give them to the Lord, exhibiting and actively showing forth, the FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT, found in Galatians 5:22-23.
“But the “Fruit of the Spirit” is LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS AND SELF-CONTROL. Against such things, there is no law.” Lord, help us every day, to start with grace, and lead with the fruit of the Spirit, holding onto no offense, no matter how ugly and difficult they are. Help us to LET IT GO, giving it or them instead, to You and thereby, all that would separate us from the Love and Grace gave to us by Him our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Amen, Pastor Tom
January 13, 2022
OFFENSE-OFFEND-OFFENSIVE-OFFENDED-OFFENDING
I was so offended because the person has a history of offending, and I find them myself very offensive, in who they are so I am going to turn the tables and offend them so they can see how off-ended they are.
I am basing this topic on Philippians 1:9-10-11. (9) “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowing and all discernment, (10) that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ. (11) being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”
*Excellent, *sincere *and without offense.
The actual title of this topic is, “IS IT A SIN TO ‘STAY’ OFFENDED?”
It not only is a SIN, but it is also a burden, to carry, tying us to the negative, life-sapping emotion of offense. A chain around our heart, mind, and spirit, not only affecting us…. but even unknowingly, those around us.
This is wrong…creating wrongness. Let us read what James has to say in 4:17. “Remember,” he says, “it is a sin to know what you ought to do, and then not do it.” Sin…is not doing the right thing or things when given the choice, and it is a choice to hold onto being offended, even if the offense was unintentional or intentional, hurtful, and offensive. It is a commandment of Jesus for us to forgive, even those who are our enemies and who willfully hurt us. A COMMANDMENT, not a suggestion.
Matthew 5:43-44 speaks clearly and can only be achieved when we are like Him. “You have heard it said, to hate your enemies, but ‘I’ say to you, love your enemies and do good to those that persecute you.” That is, in word or indeed. Jesus goes on to say, “you will be acting as true children of your Father who is in heaven if you do as He says.” Therefore, we, need to be more like Him.
At best, staying offended is one of the most pointless and potentially devastating emotional indulgences possible. At its worst, it is the very seed of potential violence, persecution, and separation. To stay offended should not be in the Christian vernacular. There is not one virtue in being indignant, and we have as Christians, no (right) according to our Lord and Savior to hold on to an offense. We all have initially been offended and sometimes with an exceptionally good reason or reasons, but to get to the root of the issue, and as peacemakers, with His help, make peace, even at times when it takes everything we have to do so. This is how we can be LIKE HIM.
To hold onto an offense, even if untrue, means we have not understood or grasped the meaning of forgiveness and grace. “For we are saved by GRACE and not by works.” We are to be without offense.
We Christians are to be ministers of reconciliation, peacemakers, with understanding, tolerance, justice, mercy, kindness, and finally, forgiveness, if necessary, on our part….and then, there is the wonderful word of RECONCILIATION.
How we would help change the world, if we stopped being self-righteous and full of indignation, speaking of all the wrongs that have been done to us, or perceived to have been done to us. Our work is to again, be ministers of reconciliation to the least and the worst of humanity.
Instead of nurturing our offenses and hurts, we MUST give them to the Lord, exhibiting and actively showing forth, the FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT, found in Galatians 5:22-23.
“But the “Fruit of the Spirit” is LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS AND SELF-CONTROL. Against such things, there is no law.” Lord, help us every day, to start with grace, and lead with the fruit of the Spirit, holding onto no offense, no matter how ugly and difficult they are. Help us to LET IT GO, giving it or them instead, to You and thereby, all that would separate us from the Love and Grace gave to us by Him our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Amen, Pastor Tom
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life……..
January 6, 2022
WORRY AND PEACE
Through Christ’s sacrifice, our sinful past is both forgiven and forgotten by God. Our future is secure. “Since we have been made right with God by our faith, we have PEACE with God.” Romans 5:1
PEACE is so elusive to grasp at times, and once we have it, it seems all too quickly gone unless we walk closely with the Lord. Walking close and never leaving His side will keep us in PERFECT PEACE, and whose mind remains on Him.
As the hymn says, PEACE is a by-product of a closer walk with Jesus.
“Just a closer walk with Thee
Grant it, Jesus is my plea
Daily walking close to Thee
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.”
How do we let it be? We let it be by not taking it back with worry or distress; once in Him, we have it. Sometimes it takes work with the help of the Holy Spirit to both achieve this PEACE and hold on to it. Again, why? Because of our fallen nature, most of us are natural worriers. Faith and Trust MUST be hand in hand to walk in His PEACE. Why do we worry, as believers, realizing that we must draw on someone stronger than us to achieve this elusive PEACE, as well as who this Person is, we must come to.
Why? Because I am weak but Thou art strong
Jesus, keep me from all wrong
I’ll be satisfied as long
As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.
We sometimes make the grave mistake of taking back (because of guilt, the enemy of God), and we often revisit our past when we had already asked for forgiveness and received it. When in fact, once forgiven, as I said above, God remembers it no more. Hebrews 8:12 (KJV)
“For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”
John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, My peace, I give to you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid!”
Please do not allow the enemy or the world, take HIS peace from you, no matter your circumstances, for, in reality, the enemy (no matter what form he takes) and the world cannot take it from you, but you can give it up.
In FAITH, TRUST in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
In His Peace, I leave you today,
Pastor Tom
January 6, 2022
WORRY AND PEACE
Through Christ’s sacrifice, our sinful past is both forgiven and forgotten by God. Our future is secure. “Since we have been made right with God by our faith, we have PEACE with God.” Romans 5:1
PEACE is so elusive to grasp at times, and once we have it, it seems all too quickly gone unless we walk closely with the Lord. Walking close and never leaving His side will keep us in PERFECT PEACE, and whose mind remains on Him.
As the hymn says, PEACE is a by-product of a closer walk with Jesus.
“Just a closer walk with Thee
Grant it, Jesus is my plea
Daily walking close to Thee
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.”
How do we let it be? We let it be by not taking it back with worry or distress; once in Him, we have it. Sometimes it takes work with the help of the Holy Spirit to both achieve this PEACE and hold on to it. Again, why? Because of our fallen nature, most of us are natural worriers. Faith and Trust MUST be hand in hand to walk in His PEACE. Why do we worry, as believers, realizing that we must draw on someone stronger than us to achieve this elusive PEACE, as well as who this Person is, we must come to.
Why? Because I am weak but Thou art strong
Jesus, keep me from all wrong
I’ll be satisfied as long
As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.
We sometimes make the grave mistake of taking back (because of guilt, the enemy of God), and we often revisit our past when we had already asked for forgiveness and received it. When in fact, once forgiven, as I said above, God remembers it no more. Hebrews 8:12 (KJV)
“For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”
John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, My peace, I give to you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid!”
Please do not allow the enemy or the world, take HIS peace from you, no matter your circumstances, for, in reality, the enemy (no matter what form he takes) and the world cannot take it from you, but you can give it up.
In FAITH, TRUST in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
In His Peace, I leave you today,
Pastor Tom
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life…
Christmas is once again past. The shopping, gatherings, religious observations, nostalgia, JOY, a renewed appreciation for all that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit have done for us resonates in our hearts and minds. We are so very BLESSED!
Today, you will be reading a chapter from a book titled; “A Gift for All People” written by Max Lucado. The chapter is named “IT BEGAN IN A MANGER.” It is a lovely and loving rendition that I believe you will enjoy.
It all happened in a most remarkable moment…a moment like no other. For through that segment of time, an astonishing thing occurred.
God became man. Divinity arrived. Heaven opened herself and placed her most precious One in a human womb.
The omnipotent, in one instant, became flesh and blood. The One who was more significant than the universe became a microscopic embryo. And He who sustains the world with a Word chose to be dependent upon the nourishment of a young peasant girl and her aging husband.
God had come near.
He came not as a flash of light or as an unapproachable conqueror but as one whose first cries were heard by a peasant girl and a tired and worn-down carpenter. Mary and Joseph were anything but royalty. Yet heaven entrusted its greatest treasure to these simple but both of deep character and faith.
It began in a manger, this momentous moment in time. Nothing physically notable to set Him apart from any other newborn. Majesty, in-the- midst of the ordinary. Holiness in the dust of straw and domestic animals. This baby, who had had His role in all creation, was wrapped in swaddling cloths. Not robes of royalty, but instead the Robe of Eternity. His heavenly throne was abandoned for this simple manger in a building built for cows, sheep, and other domestic animals. Worshiping angels replaced by humble and dirty shepherds in awe of what angels had told them, of this extraordinary babe.
Majesty of God in a human infant. It could have begun anywhere, this story of the king, but curiously, it started in the best place and in the right time, with the correct characters, as it was and is in the heart of God to redeem humankind. God never gives up, making a way where there seemed to be no way, and that way is THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND LIFE, and His name is Jesus.
Step into the doorway of the humble barn. Look at the scene that opens your mind, your spirit, and your soul to the incredible wonder of God. You will fall to your knees in awe and joy as the light of this little One penetrates to the depth of all that you have been and are, revealing TRUTH as you have never beheld it before, transforming you into all that you can be.
He beckons you, Come…Follow Me.
He gives you the GRACE to say Yes Lord, and I come, I come….
Pastor Tom
Christmas is once again past. The shopping, gatherings, religious observations, nostalgia, JOY, a renewed appreciation for all that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit have done for us resonates in our hearts and minds. We are so very BLESSED!
Today, you will be reading a chapter from a book titled; “A Gift for All People” written by Max Lucado. The chapter is named “IT BEGAN IN A MANGER.” It is a lovely and loving rendition that I believe you will enjoy.
It all happened in a most remarkable moment…a moment like no other. For through that segment of time, an astonishing thing occurred.
God became man. Divinity arrived. Heaven opened herself and placed her most precious One in a human womb.
The omnipotent, in one instant, became flesh and blood. The One who was more significant than the universe became a microscopic embryo. And He who sustains the world with a Word chose to be dependent upon the nourishment of a young peasant girl and her aging husband.
God had come near.
He came not as a flash of light or as an unapproachable conqueror but as one whose first cries were heard by a peasant girl and a tired and worn-down carpenter. Mary and Joseph were anything but royalty. Yet heaven entrusted its greatest treasure to these simple but both of deep character and faith.
It began in a manger, this momentous moment in time. Nothing physically notable to set Him apart from any other newborn. Majesty, in-the- midst of the ordinary. Holiness in the dust of straw and domestic animals. This baby, who had had His role in all creation, was wrapped in swaddling cloths. Not robes of royalty, but instead the Robe of Eternity. His heavenly throne was abandoned for this simple manger in a building built for cows, sheep, and other domestic animals. Worshiping angels replaced by humble and dirty shepherds in awe of what angels had told them, of this extraordinary babe.
Majesty of God in a human infant. It could have begun anywhere, this story of the king, but curiously, it started in the best place and in the right time, with the correct characters, as it was and is in the heart of God to redeem humankind. God never gives up, making a way where there seemed to be no way, and that way is THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND LIFE, and His name is Jesus.
Step into the doorway of the humble barn. Look at the scene that opens your mind, your spirit, and your soul to the incredible wonder of God. You will fall to your knees in awe and joy as the light of this little One penetrates to the depth of all that you have been and are, revealing TRUTH as you have never beheld it before, transforming you into all that you can be.
He beckons you, Come…Follow Me.
He gives you the GRACE to say Yes Lord, and I come, I come….
Pastor Tom
Reflections on the spiritual side . . .
December 23, 2021
Listen . . . It is echoing through the mountains and rising through the valley. The Angels are singing, “Glory to God in the Highest.” Come to Bethlehem and see, come and worship. Our Savior is born, He is Christ the Lord. Let us sing with the Angels and proclaim with the shepherds, “Glory to God in the Highest Christ the Lord, the New Born King.”
If you have been reading Reflections by Pastor Tom Shanor the last few weeks, you know we have been taking a journey around the Advent Wreath. Christmas Eve, tomorrow evening, we will be lighting the Christ Candle appropriately placed in the center of the wreath. With the candles of Hope and Peace purple, the candle of Joy pink, the Christ Candle is white and more prominent. The Christ candle represents the light that the Son brought into the world when He was born. White is for purity because Christ is our sinless, pure Savior. Christmas Eve and lighting of the Christ candle focuses on the particular moment of His birth, the moment of transition from prophecy to fulfillment.
Leading up to the birth of our New Born King, I reflect on the trust that Mary, the mother of Jesus, revealed with the conception by the Holy Spirit, God’s Spirit. Indeed, that is one reason why she was chosen, but did she know she was assisting God with the fulfillment of one of His most significant promises? Like the song written by Mark Lowry, “Mary Did You Know?” did she know the purpose of His birth, all her baby was going to accomplish, the one that would calm the storm(s), and most importantly, the “Great I AM?” Mary, knowing or not knowing, but exhibiting perfect trust and faithfulness is behavior that we can only hope to exemplify. (Side note: most of the lyrics are posed as questions versus declarations. The popular song is not doctrinally factual, but beautiful nonetheless.)
The moment, the “Event” that is about to unfold, is life-changing for all. Not only believers but for all that will prayerfully come to Christ and proclaim He is their Lord and Savior. Past, current, and future generations. Jesus, His very name, means the Lord is salvation. He is not only with us in our suffering but is also the actively working force of deliverance from it. This is the Savior we celebrate on Christmas Eve and Christmas. Jesus, our Immanuel, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23) NKJV. Not a deity who is distant, unconcerned, or unaware of what we face. Instead, He is God intimately with us and actively working to help us in His perfect power and wisdom. Jesus came for you. He wants His desire to become your desire, to know Him, and rest in His care.
I want to extend an invitation to join us at the Little Church in the Pines on Christmas Eve at 7pm. Bring the family. We will have a Jesus Birthday Celebration for the young ones, lighting the Christ Candle, followed with Scripture readings, familiar hymns, and a Christmas message by Pastor Tom.
I pray we never lose the true Reason for the Season. Regardless of where we are in life, the birth of Jesus was created for “us.” May we know that Jesus is the Greatest Gift given to “us” to accept, unwrap, cherish, and share.
"Glory to God in the Highest, Christ the Lord our New Born King!”
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines
Steering Committee Chair
(My favorite verse of Mary Did You Know . . . “when you kiss your little Baby did you know you kissed the face of God?”) Yes, Mary knew, she believed the word of God.
Merry Christmas Everyone!
December 23, 2021
Listen . . . It is echoing through the mountains and rising through the valley. The Angels are singing, “Glory to God in the Highest.” Come to Bethlehem and see, come and worship. Our Savior is born, He is Christ the Lord. Let us sing with the Angels and proclaim with the shepherds, “Glory to God in the Highest Christ the Lord, the New Born King.”
If you have been reading Reflections by Pastor Tom Shanor the last few weeks, you know we have been taking a journey around the Advent Wreath. Christmas Eve, tomorrow evening, we will be lighting the Christ Candle appropriately placed in the center of the wreath. With the candles of Hope and Peace purple, the candle of Joy pink, the Christ Candle is white and more prominent. The Christ candle represents the light that the Son brought into the world when He was born. White is for purity because Christ is our sinless, pure Savior. Christmas Eve and lighting of the Christ candle focuses on the particular moment of His birth, the moment of transition from prophecy to fulfillment.
Leading up to the birth of our New Born King, I reflect on the trust that Mary, the mother of Jesus, revealed with the conception by the Holy Spirit, God’s Spirit. Indeed, that is one reason why she was chosen, but did she know she was assisting God with the fulfillment of one of His most significant promises? Like the song written by Mark Lowry, “Mary Did You Know?” did she know the purpose of His birth, all her baby was going to accomplish, the one that would calm the storm(s), and most importantly, the “Great I AM?” Mary, knowing or not knowing, but exhibiting perfect trust and faithfulness is behavior that we can only hope to exemplify. (Side note: most of the lyrics are posed as questions versus declarations. The popular song is not doctrinally factual, but beautiful nonetheless.)
The moment, the “Event” that is about to unfold, is life-changing for all. Not only believers but for all that will prayerfully come to Christ and proclaim He is their Lord and Savior. Past, current, and future generations. Jesus, His very name, means the Lord is salvation. He is not only with us in our suffering but is also the actively working force of deliverance from it. This is the Savior we celebrate on Christmas Eve and Christmas. Jesus, our Immanuel, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23) NKJV. Not a deity who is distant, unconcerned, or unaware of what we face. Instead, He is God intimately with us and actively working to help us in His perfect power and wisdom. Jesus came for you. He wants His desire to become your desire, to know Him, and rest in His care.
I want to extend an invitation to join us at the Little Church in the Pines on Christmas Eve at 7pm. Bring the family. We will have a Jesus Birthday Celebration for the young ones, lighting the Christ Candle, followed with Scripture readings, familiar hymns, and a Christmas message by Pastor Tom.
I pray we never lose the true Reason for the Season. Regardless of where we are in life, the birth of Jesus was created for “us.” May we know that Jesus is the Greatest Gift given to “us” to accept, unwrap, cherish, and share.
"Glory to God in the Highest, Christ the Lord our New Born King!”
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines
Steering Committee Chair
(My favorite verse of Mary Did You Know . . . “when you kiss your little Baby did you know you kissed the face of God?”) Yes, Mary knew, she believed the word of God.
Merry Christmas Everyone!
Reflections, on the spiritual side of life….
Advent Part III
The Candle of peace
Greetings in the Lord Jesus this third week of the Celebration of Advent……….
Although in last Sunday’s Service we celebrated the meaning of the Candle of JOY, I am one week behind as I was not in Island Park when the candle of PEACE was lit during our Celebration Service. Since I could not write on PEACE last week I just have to do so today.
PEACE can be so very difficult to hold on to when life hands us a time of difficulty, loss and oh so much more as what happened in Kentucky this last week.
In times such as those I hold on to one verse in particular to see me though, and that verse is this; “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:26-27)
Natural events, the attack of the enemy (Satan) who in every way he can, will try to separate us from our Lord and God. If our faith is strong, we can do as Jesus tell us. Will it always be easy? No. But can it be done? YES!
Philippians 4:13, (NKJ) I CAN do ALL THINGS “through Christ who strengthens me!” ALL things THROUGH Christ. Two very key words these two are. The moment we think we can get through it alone is the very moment we begin to fail. Our human strength cannot do the impossible, especially when our heart, soul and spirit are involved.
Loss…is certainly one of the most difficult human feelings we go thorough. The second perhaps is watching someone we love enduring pain, disease and disaster.
OUR KEY…is to be of help instead of a basket case, is to get on our knees in some quiet place and commune with our LORD and SAVIOR. To still our minds, to give over to Jesus our emotions, to call upon His NAME and His HOLY SPIRIT to give us the PEACE that can only come from Him. IF we trust Him that all things will work together for good. If we truly believe that, and like the woman with the years of long issues, simply hold on to the hem of His garment. He will then turn around, reach down His arms and hands, as we reach up with tear-stained eyes, meeting His….and He will lift us up, embrace us and whisper in our ear…. I have you, I am here for you, trust me my child for all will work together for the good. “Believe in me and believe also in Him who sent Me.”
Believe, Believe, Believe……
“I am the WAY the TRUTH and the LIFE!”
Believe His words as I quoted earlier, “PEACE I leave with you, My PEACE I give unto you. Let NOT your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
I am with YOU always, even unto the end of the world. (Matthew 28:20)
This Advent Season leading up to Christmas…may we open our hearts more fully to Jesus, born as a baby, who grew into a man, only to give Himself completely unto death for our Salvation…. THE GREATEST GIFT THE WORLD HAS EVER RECEIVED…AND WILL EVER RECEIVE.
PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME….by loving Him with your whole heart. If you do, you will have that PEACE, which is the only PEACE worth having. PEACE in all things and situations and with all people.
PEACE ON EARTH AND GOODWILL TOWARD MEN!
God bless you all, everyone, this Advent Season!
Amen, Pastor Tom
Advent Part III
The Candle of peace
Greetings in the Lord Jesus this third week of the Celebration of Advent……….
Although in last Sunday’s Service we celebrated the meaning of the Candle of JOY, I am one week behind as I was not in Island Park when the candle of PEACE was lit during our Celebration Service. Since I could not write on PEACE last week I just have to do so today.
PEACE can be so very difficult to hold on to when life hands us a time of difficulty, loss and oh so much more as what happened in Kentucky this last week.
In times such as those I hold on to one verse in particular to see me though, and that verse is this; “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:26-27)
Natural events, the attack of the enemy (Satan) who in every way he can, will try to separate us from our Lord and God. If our faith is strong, we can do as Jesus tell us. Will it always be easy? No. But can it be done? YES!
Philippians 4:13, (NKJ) I CAN do ALL THINGS “through Christ who strengthens me!” ALL things THROUGH Christ. Two very key words these two are. The moment we think we can get through it alone is the very moment we begin to fail. Our human strength cannot do the impossible, especially when our heart, soul and spirit are involved.
Loss…is certainly one of the most difficult human feelings we go thorough. The second perhaps is watching someone we love enduring pain, disease and disaster.
OUR KEY…is to be of help instead of a basket case, is to get on our knees in some quiet place and commune with our LORD and SAVIOR. To still our minds, to give over to Jesus our emotions, to call upon His NAME and His HOLY SPIRIT to give us the PEACE that can only come from Him. IF we trust Him that all things will work together for good. If we truly believe that, and like the woman with the years of long issues, simply hold on to the hem of His garment. He will then turn around, reach down His arms and hands, as we reach up with tear-stained eyes, meeting His….and He will lift us up, embrace us and whisper in our ear…. I have you, I am here for you, trust me my child for all will work together for the good. “Believe in me and believe also in Him who sent Me.”
Believe, Believe, Believe……
“I am the WAY the TRUTH and the LIFE!”
Believe His words as I quoted earlier, “PEACE I leave with you, My PEACE I give unto you. Let NOT your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
I am with YOU always, even unto the end of the world. (Matthew 28:20)
This Advent Season leading up to Christmas…may we open our hearts more fully to Jesus, born as a baby, who grew into a man, only to give Himself completely unto death for our Salvation…. THE GREATEST GIFT THE WORLD HAS EVER RECEIVED…AND WILL EVER RECEIVE.
PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME….by loving Him with your whole heart. If you do, you will have that PEACE, which is the only PEACE worth having. PEACE in all things and situations and with all people.
PEACE ON EARTH AND GOODWILL TOWARD MEN!
God bless you all, everyone, this Advent Season!
Amen, Pastor Tom
Reflections, on the spiritual side of life…………….
Advent, Part II
December 9, 2021
Within the church this time of year lay great expectation, great anticipation, in the four weeks of celebration leading up to the birth of Jesus the Christ, the Messiah, the Savior of the World.
Carried along with this expectation and anticipation comes, HOPE, prayer, prophets and prophecies fulfilled. The first prophecy written of Jesus Christ, was in the Garden of Eden given to Adam and Eve. It is often referred to as the “first gospel” a partial unveiling of God’s plan of SALVATION.
God said to the serpent: “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” Gen. 3:15 In a general sense, this verse says that the battle between Satan and the human family will continue through many generations. More specifically, tradition, understands the “seed” of the woman, as referring to a specific descendant of the woman: Jesus, the promised Messiah.
Sin entered the world through one man – Adam. As the “head” of the human race Adam lost friendship with God through his disobedience, not just for himself, but for the entire human family to come. At the same time, SALVATION comes through one man – Jesus. Jesus is the “New Adam,” who undoes Adam’s disobedience through His perfect obedience, and who reunites us to God as the head of the Body, the Church.
While the prophecy made in the garden was only fully understood after it was fulfilled in Jesus, we now see that from the beginning, God shows His power in promising to bring something good out of (man’s fall.) The seed of sin sown in us through Adam, becomes through the Advent of Jesus an opportunity for God to make known a plan SALVATION, that brings with it a plan also of HOPE, PEACE, JOY and LOVE, that is greater than our sin and greater even than His original gifts to Adam and Eve.
The first candle in the Advent Wreath represents HOPE. HOPE, at times it seems is all we have…but HOPE turned into prayer goes from being anxiety based, to a conversation with God. One that can move mountains when embedded in faith, to being alive and active, able to achieve what HOPE itself cannot. Results.
In our own time of darkness (COVID) as an example, and with wars still raging. Christians being persecuted and killed more than any other time in history. As morality declines, as neighbor turns against neighbor over politics, He remains our true HOPE, and our light through the darkness. In the midst of the dark night and confusion, we must turn HOPE into prayer and pray for Peace on Earth and Goodwill toward man. We should HOPE and PRAY as we never have before, that God will hear our prayers, and mankind will turn from their wicked ways, and seek His face…. then He will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins and will heal their land.
Only then, will there be “PEACE ON EARTH AND GOODWILL TOWARD MEN.”
P. S. Next week, PEACE.
God Bless and Keep You…….
P. Tom, LCIP
Advent, Part II
December 9, 2021
Within the church this time of year lay great expectation, great anticipation, in the four weeks of celebration leading up to the birth of Jesus the Christ, the Messiah, the Savior of the World.
Carried along with this expectation and anticipation comes, HOPE, prayer, prophets and prophecies fulfilled. The first prophecy written of Jesus Christ, was in the Garden of Eden given to Adam and Eve. It is often referred to as the “first gospel” a partial unveiling of God’s plan of SALVATION.
God said to the serpent: “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” Gen. 3:15 In a general sense, this verse says that the battle between Satan and the human family will continue through many generations. More specifically, tradition, understands the “seed” of the woman, as referring to a specific descendant of the woman: Jesus, the promised Messiah.
Sin entered the world through one man – Adam. As the “head” of the human race Adam lost friendship with God through his disobedience, not just for himself, but for the entire human family to come. At the same time, SALVATION comes through one man – Jesus. Jesus is the “New Adam,” who undoes Adam’s disobedience through His perfect obedience, and who reunites us to God as the head of the Body, the Church.
While the prophecy made in the garden was only fully understood after it was fulfilled in Jesus, we now see that from the beginning, God shows His power in promising to bring something good out of (man’s fall.) The seed of sin sown in us through Adam, becomes through the Advent of Jesus an opportunity for God to make known a plan SALVATION, that brings with it a plan also of HOPE, PEACE, JOY and LOVE, that is greater than our sin and greater even than His original gifts to Adam and Eve.
The first candle in the Advent Wreath represents HOPE. HOPE, at times it seems is all we have…but HOPE turned into prayer goes from being anxiety based, to a conversation with God. One that can move mountains when embedded in faith, to being alive and active, able to achieve what HOPE itself cannot. Results.
In our own time of darkness (COVID) as an example, and with wars still raging. Christians being persecuted and killed more than any other time in history. As morality declines, as neighbor turns against neighbor over politics, He remains our true HOPE, and our light through the darkness. In the midst of the dark night and confusion, we must turn HOPE into prayer and pray for Peace on Earth and Goodwill toward man. We should HOPE and PRAY as we never have before, that God will hear our prayers, and mankind will turn from their wicked ways, and seek His face…. then He will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins and will heal their land.
Only then, will there be “PEACE ON EARTH AND GOODWILL TOWARD MEN.”
P. S. Next week, PEACE.
God Bless and Keep You…….
P. Tom, LCIP
Reflections, on the spiritual side of life…….
December 2, 2021
Neighbor, Greetings…I sincerely hope you ALL had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day. A day of sincerely giving thanks to God, for the blessings you have, along with prayers for one another, and for our nation and world. Of course, followed by that once-a year-feast. I can still smell the great variety of delicious aromas, savoring every one of them.
Now that Thanksgiving in behind us, we the Universal Church of Jesus Christ, crossing all denominations, beginning last Sunday as we entered into the Advent Season. Let’s take a little journey into the word and meaning. The word ADVENT is a noun, and means “the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event. The literal meaning for the church is, “the first season of the Christian church year, leading up to Christmas and including the four preceding Sundays, which are filled with ceremony, events, and the anticipation of the Coming of the Christ Child, fulfilling all the Old Testament prophecies with His arrival. Halleluiah!! God, come in the flesh! The Savior of the World, born in humble surroundings of humble parents.
The Gospel of Matthew gives us one of many reasons to be thankful for this time of year. The events associated with the birth of Jesus fulfilled numerous Old Testament prophecies, some given centuries before the events they describe. Matthew 1:22 introduces a common statement in his Gospel. He wrote, “So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophets.
“Behold, the virgin shall be with child. And bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, God with us.” Matthew 1:23 This prophecy was made more than 700 years prior to His arrival.
“But you, Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not in the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler who will shepherd My people Israel.” (Matthew 2:6; cf. Micah 5:2; John 7:42
Herod’s murderous response of slaughtering the young boys of Bethlehem led to the fulfillment of three more prophecies. For this tragic massacre of all males’ boys two years and under, fulfilling the words of Jeremiah.
“A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentations, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” (Matthew 2:18; cf. Jeremiah 31:5)
The second fulfilled prophecy resulting from Herod’s paranoiac rage took place after Joseph took Mary and Jesus to Egypt. Upon their return, God’s words to Hosea were fulfilled.
“Out of Egypt I called My Son.” Matthew 2:15; cf Hosea 11:1”)
The third of these three prophecies and more, I will continue to quote and explain next week and in the several weeks to come. I will also write additional information as I proceed, including the significance of the 4 candles of the Advent wreath, one being lit each week until Christmas arrives. 1. HOPE 2. PEACE 3. JOY 4. LOVE
P.S. The advent celebration began as early as the 4th century, as a time of fasting and prayer for new Christians. The first mention of Advent occurred in the 300’s A.D. at a meeting of church leaders called the Council of Sargossa. It gradually developed into a season that stretched across the month of December. The Advent season not only symbolizes the waiting for Christ’s birth, but also for His final return…the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
Blessings, Pastor Tom
Little Church in the Pines
Year-round Pastor
December 2, 2021
Neighbor, Greetings…I sincerely hope you ALL had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day. A day of sincerely giving thanks to God, for the blessings you have, along with prayers for one another, and for our nation and world. Of course, followed by that once-a year-feast. I can still smell the great variety of delicious aromas, savoring every one of them.
Now that Thanksgiving in behind us, we the Universal Church of Jesus Christ, crossing all denominations, beginning last Sunday as we entered into the Advent Season. Let’s take a little journey into the word and meaning. The word ADVENT is a noun, and means “the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event. The literal meaning for the church is, “the first season of the Christian church year, leading up to Christmas and including the four preceding Sundays, which are filled with ceremony, events, and the anticipation of the Coming of the Christ Child, fulfilling all the Old Testament prophecies with His arrival. Halleluiah!! God, come in the flesh! The Savior of the World, born in humble surroundings of humble parents.
The Gospel of Matthew gives us one of many reasons to be thankful for this time of year. The events associated with the birth of Jesus fulfilled numerous Old Testament prophecies, some given centuries before the events they describe. Matthew 1:22 introduces a common statement in his Gospel. He wrote, “So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophets.
“Behold, the virgin shall be with child. And bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, God with us.” Matthew 1:23 This prophecy was made more than 700 years prior to His arrival.
“But you, Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not in the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler who will shepherd My people Israel.” (Matthew 2:6; cf. Micah 5:2; John 7:42
Herod’s murderous response of slaughtering the young boys of Bethlehem led to the fulfillment of three more prophecies. For this tragic massacre of all males’ boys two years and under, fulfilling the words of Jeremiah.
“A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentations, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” (Matthew 2:18; cf. Jeremiah 31:5)
The second fulfilled prophecy resulting from Herod’s paranoiac rage took place after Joseph took Mary and Jesus to Egypt. Upon their return, God’s words to Hosea were fulfilled.
“Out of Egypt I called My Son.” Matthew 2:15; cf Hosea 11:1”)
The third of these three prophecies and more, I will continue to quote and explain next week and in the several weeks to come. I will also write additional information as I proceed, including the significance of the 4 candles of the Advent wreath, one being lit each week until Christmas arrives. 1. HOPE 2. PEACE 3. JOY 4. LOVE
P.S. The advent celebration began as early as the 4th century, as a time of fasting and prayer for new Christians. The first mention of Advent occurred in the 300’s A.D. at a meeting of church leaders called the Council of Sargossa. It gradually developed into a season that stretched across the month of December. The Advent season not only symbolizes the waiting for Christ’s birth, but also for His final return…the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
Blessings, Pastor Tom
Little Church in the Pines
Year-round Pastor
Reflections on the Spiritual side . . .
Happy Thanksgiving Week, Day, Weekend to All!
November 18, 2021
We all know what the traditional celebration is all about concerning Thanksgiving. Since this article is called Reflections on the Spiritual side, I thought I would take giving thanks to a deeper understanding.
Without a doubt, Thanksgiving Day is special. Typically, families and friends gather to share their love for one another, reminisce, and feast on the traditional meal of turkey and all the fixings, plus some.
As a Christian, Thanksgiving is a day to celebrate and give thanks to our Creator. Moments shared with family, friends, and community that we can collectively give thanks for the abundance of blessings. (This may trigger a few sour thoughts, but we can and should learn to give thanks for the smallest of blessings.) Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth wrote, “Thanksgiving really should be Thanksliving – a way of life – morning, noon, and night – continually, forever giving thanks to the Lord.”
Thanksliving is applying our faith and living in a constant state of gratitude. It is a lifestyle, showing appreciation in action, every single day and at all times. Thanksliving begins in the mind, filters through our attitudes, and effortlessly becomes a reflection of our actions.
Authentic gratitude builds on the foundation of Christ. Jesus is the foundation of a life of Thanksliving. No matter the ripples or shifting tides of life, we are presented with a choice to live in constant praise and gratefulness to our Lord and Savior. A thankful heart that can see past the turmoil is a characteristic of a believer. Thanksliving is our response to the great mercy and grace we have been shown. We all can remember situations that God specifically had a hand in our lives. How about the times that He guided us away from unfavorable conditions that we are unaware of? Just the thought makes me shudder. I, for one, can say, “Thank You Lord Jesus!”
Counting our past and present blessings and being receptive to what God is doing in and through our lives is a choice. With practice it becomes a lifestyle instead of a temporary faze. With spiritual maturity we will even learn to be grateful for the trials, knowing, “all things work together for good” (Romans 8:28). A mindset of being prepared, rather than tested. We can teach ourselves and be content by simply giving thanks when we first open our eyes in the morning. Followed by an afternoon, evening, home or work and choosing Thanksliving. Paul tells us in Philippians that true contentment is in Christ. True joy and happiness are being able to be known by Jesus and our salvation is in Jesus. The Christian life is active, serving God and others simply by sharing our resources and encouraging others to a life of Thanksliving.
As humans we often desire a life of worth and significance. Although significance is in the eye of the beholder, if we believe our life carries a weight of goodness that benefits the world and those we love, we desire to leave this world knowing we served a purpose. Gratitude creates a deep sense of happiness and satisfaction within us, which is significant in enriching our relationships, nurtures the formation of friendships, and is an overall reflection on society.
A tremendous benefit of Thanksliving is the ability to minister to others and live securely in God’s presence. A life of Thanksliving will transform lives and I pray that this little article may be the beginning of transformation someone may need.
God, we give Thanks for much. For today, encourage us to start living out Your promises and trusting Your heart. We thank You for the blessing of family and friends, and those who are unable to join us. Thank You for today and providing all we need to prosper in a life of Thanksliving as we praise and glorify You.
Amen!
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines
Steering Committee Chair
Happy Thanksgiving Week, Day, Weekend to All!
November 18, 2021
We all know what the traditional celebration is all about concerning Thanksgiving. Since this article is called Reflections on the Spiritual side, I thought I would take giving thanks to a deeper understanding.
Without a doubt, Thanksgiving Day is special. Typically, families and friends gather to share their love for one another, reminisce, and feast on the traditional meal of turkey and all the fixings, plus some.
As a Christian, Thanksgiving is a day to celebrate and give thanks to our Creator. Moments shared with family, friends, and community that we can collectively give thanks for the abundance of blessings. (This may trigger a few sour thoughts, but we can and should learn to give thanks for the smallest of blessings.) Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth wrote, “Thanksgiving really should be Thanksliving – a way of life – morning, noon, and night – continually, forever giving thanks to the Lord.”
Thanksliving is applying our faith and living in a constant state of gratitude. It is a lifestyle, showing appreciation in action, every single day and at all times. Thanksliving begins in the mind, filters through our attitudes, and effortlessly becomes a reflection of our actions.
Authentic gratitude builds on the foundation of Christ. Jesus is the foundation of a life of Thanksliving. No matter the ripples or shifting tides of life, we are presented with a choice to live in constant praise and gratefulness to our Lord and Savior. A thankful heart that can see past the turmoil is a characteristic of a believer. Thanksliving is our response to the great mercy and grace we have been shown. We all can remember situations that God specifically had a hand in our lives. How about the times that He guided us away from unfavorable conditions that we are unaware of? Just the thought makes me shudder. I, for one, can say, “Thank You Lord Jesus!”
Counting our past and present blessings and being receptive to what God is doing in and through our lives is a choice. With practice it becomes a lifestyle instead of a temporary faze. With spiritual maturity we will even learn to be grateful for the trials, knowing, “all things work together for good” (Romans 8:28). A mindset of being prepared, rather than tested. We can teach ourselves and be content by simply giving thanks when we first open our eyes in the morning. Followed by an afternoon, evening, home or work and choosing Thanksliving. Paul tells us in Philippians that true contentment is in Christ. True joy and happiness are being able to be known by Jesus and our salvation is in Jesus. The Christian life is active, serving God and others simply by sharing our resources and encouraging others to a life of Thanksliving.
As humans we often desire a life of worth and significance. Although significance is in the eye of the beholder, if we believe our life carries a weight of goodness that benefits the world and those we love, we desire to leave this world knowing we served a purpose. Gratitude creates a deep sense of happiness and satisfaction within us, which is significant in enriching our relationships, nurtures the formation of friendships, and is an overall reflection on society.
A tremendous benefit of Thanksliving is the ability to minister to others and live securely in God’s presence. A life of Thanksliving will transform lives and I pray that this little article may be the beginning of transformation someone may need.
God, we give Thanks for much. For today, encourage us to start living out Your promises and trusting Your heart. We thank You for the blessing of family and friends, and those who are unable to join us. Thank You for today and providing all we need to prosper in a life of Thanksliving as we praise and glorify You.
Amen!
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines
Steering Committee Chair
Reflections on the spiritual side of life………..
November 11
Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ…it is good to reach out to you in this public format, and I want to thank Ann, Editor of the Island Park News, for allowing me to do so. Thank you, Ann!!!
At the Little Church in the Pines this Friday, we are starting a new study that includes a workbook titled, Experiencing the Heart of Jesus by writer and author Max Lucado. To say the least, we are pretty excited about it.
I have spoken on “religion and faith, the difference” in a past REFLECTIONS article. Religion can stand independently without faith, merely fulfilling the precepts, commandments, structural observation, ceremony, etc. All the while, an individual’s heart remains separate, devoid of emotion and faith, and therefore dead.
The Bible itself reflects the HEART of God, and therefore the HEART of the Savior. In John 14:9, Philip says to Jesus, “Show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip?” “Whoever has seen Me has seen the Father.”
This goes to the HEART of the TRUTH. In discovering the Heart of Jesus, we also find the HEART of God Himself…. for Jesus says, “The Father and I are ONE.” The heart of Jesus and the heart of God are identical.
As vibrant or dry, and even tyrannical as religion has been, and can be all of these and more, it is because people have not discovered and immersed themselves in the very HEART of the Father and Son. When our religion is wrapped up in just ritual and ceremony, fulfilling all the precepts and rules, it is only the high achievers (or so it seems) who can make the goals, most often leaving left somewhere in the dust of achievement, the HEART, and SOUL of our religion/faith. You see, Jesus came for all types of people. Rich, poor, intellectuals, those of us of average intelligence, and even those we consider mentally handicapped. Power and position mean nothing to God unless used for Him.
“Go ye into all the world, making disciples of all nations and peoples.” The keyword here is ALL.
If we live in the Kingdom of God, we then truly have the heart of God….and we can say with assurance that He is the only way to the Father. If indeed we have the HEART of the Son and the Father, we will think like them, perceive like them, forgive like them, restore like them…not only those who have gone astray but even ourselves when it becomes necessary. “Treat others as you would have them treat you!”
Jesus stands as a symbol of good to many, thinking highly of His teachings, but has not embraced His divinity, and therefore His heart. The HEART of Jesus….is truly only understood and embraced by those who have EXPERIENCED His saving Grace….and therefore having received the fullness of Him, like the men and women whose lives are touched daily by His, in the gospels and in we ordinary everyday people, who through Him have been able to change from strictly earthly thinking to His way. Thereby having a living testimony of what He has done for us, for He is,
The Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Selah, P. Tom
November 11
Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ…it is good to reach out to you in this public format, and I want to thank Ann, Editor of the Island Park News, for allowing me to do so. Thank you, Ann!!!
At the Little Church in the Pines this Friday, we are starting a new study that includes a workbook titled, Experiencing the Heart of Jesus by writer and author Max Lucado. To say the least, we are pretty excited about it.
I have spoken on “religion and faith, the difference” in a past REFLECTIONS article. Religion can stand independently without faith, merely fulfilling the precepts, commandments, structural observation, ceremony, etc. All the while, an individual’s heart remains separate, devoid of emotion and faith, and therefore dead.
The Bible itself reflects the HEART of God, and therefore the HEART of the Savior. In John 14:9, Philip says to Jesus, “Show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip?” “Whoever has seen Me has seen the Father.”
This goes to the HEART of the TRUTH. In discovering the Heart of Jesus, we also find the HEART of God Himself…. for Jesus says, “The Father and I are ONE.” The heart of Jesus and the heart of God are identical.
As vibrant or dry, and even tyrannical as religion has been, and can be all of these and more, it is because people have not discovered and immersed themselves in the very HEART of the Father and Son. When our religion is wrapped up in just ritual and ceremony, fulfilling all the precepts and rules, it is only the high achievers (or so it seems) who can make the goals, most often leaving left somewhere in the dust of achievement, the HEART, and SOUL of our religion/faith. You see, Jesus came for all types of people. Rich, poor, intellectuals, those of us of average intelligence, and even those we consider mentally handicapped. Power and position mean nothing to God unless used for Him.
“Go ye into all the world, making disciples of all nations and peoples.” The keyword here is ALL.
If we live in the Kingdom of God, we then truly have the heart of God….and we can say with assurance that He is the only way to the Father. If indeed we have the HEART of the Son and the Father, we will think like them, perceive like them, forgive like them, restore like them…not only those who have gone astray but even ourselves when it becomes necessary. “Treat others as you would have them treat you!”
Jesus stands as a symbol of good to many, thinking highly of His teachings, but has not embraced His divinity, and therefore His heart. The HEART of Jesus….is truly only understood and embraced by those who have EXPERIENCED His saving Grace….and therefore having received the fullness of Him, like the men and women whose lives are touched daily by His, in the gospels and in we ordinary everyday people, who through Him have been able to change from strictly earthly thinking to His way. Thereby having a living testimony of what He has done for us, for He is,
The Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Selah, P. Tom
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life…………
November 4, 2021
FAITH…in action is, in my opinion, one of the great forces, and yet one of the most mysterious and hard to define topics. Be it faith in God, self, someone else or something. Faith can be established on facts, but also on belief that has by the Spirit, has taken root in our heart, mind and soul.
FAITH in tandem with perseverance and endurance, can change not only our individual self, but in some cases the world. This kind of FAITH was supremely exemplified by Jesus Christ, as He fulfilled the mission given to Him by the Father. Why? To establish by the success of His mission, in making a way for you and I through repentance and forgiveness, to come into the very presence of God, our Creator Himself. Forever.
To accomplish this took supreme endurance, as Jesus looked ahead to that which He would have to endure, and knowing this, He knew full well what lay before Him, when He accepted the mantel of His mission.
Hebrews 12:2-4 “Looking to Jesus, the Champion, who initiated and perfects OUR FAITH, who for the sake of the JOY awaiting Him, endured the CROSS, disregarding its shame, and has taken His place of honor at the right hand of God. Think please, that from the very start of His three-year ministry, the consistent and malicious hostility He endured from not only the religious leaders of His day, but from those of the highest positions in society to the poorest, leading to His ultimate death, but also His Resurrection, Ascension and someday…. His Coming again.
This qualifying character trait He lived He earned, by successfully pushing through all that He endured, successfully, but at a great cost. You are I, though few of us will ever have to endure that which He did, will encounter and some have encountered, overt hostility and rejection because of our faith. It is to be expected. As our society becomes less and less tolerant of our Christian Faith, we are and will become more and more, the enemies of our changing societal and cultural warfare. I am sharing this simply because I desire that all who call on Christ Jesus will not be surprised as these things occur.
This has already occurred on a massive scale in the Middle East, Africa. China, Russia, India and other nations, accounting for in the 20th Century alone, over 45,000,000 Christians having been killed, simply because of their Christian faith.
There are many today of our faith, who do not want to hear of things such as I am writing on today, but instead, “having itching ears, are individuals who seek out messages, teachings and doctrine that condones their own lifestyle, as opposed to adhering to the teachings of the apostles.” 2nd Timothy 4:3
My goal is not to bring anyone down, or to sound like I have a prophetic mantel myself, but to simply and with as much clarity as I can, speak truth in what Holy Scripture is telling us, and what is potentially applicable (I believe) in our day and age. Whether what I have spoken of happens tomorrow, or twenty years or more down the road, it is important to be aware and be prepared, to endure with strength, grace and HOPE, that which could lie before you and I in this age of deep change.
I will finish with this encouraging verse. James 1:2
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trails of many kinds. (NIV)
God bless you and keep you safely in the palms of His hands!
P. Tom
The Little Church in the Pines
November 4, 2021
FAITH…in action is, in my opinion, one of the great forces, and yet one of the most mysterious and hard to define topics. Be it faith in God, self, someone else or something. Faith can be established on facts, but also on belief that has by the Spirit, has taken root in our heart, mind and soul.
FAITH in tandem with perseverance and endurance, can change not only our individual self, but in some cases the world. This kind of FAITH was supremely exemplified by Jesus Christ, as He fulfilled the mission given to Him by the Father. Why? To establish by the success of His mission, in making a way for you and I through repentance and forgiveness, to come into the very presence of God, our Creator Himself. Forever.
To accomplish this took supreme endurance, as Jesus looked ahead to that which He would have to endure, and knowing this, He knew full well what lay before Him, when He accepted the mantel of His mission.
Hebrews 12:2-4 “Looking to Jesus, the Champion, who initiated and perfects OUR FAITH, who for the sake of the JOY awaiting Him, endured the CROSS, disregarding its shame, and has taken His place of honor at the right hand of God. Think please, that from the very start of His three-year ministry, the consistent and malicious hostility He endured from not only the religious leaders of His day, but from those of the highest positions in society to the poorest, leading to His ultimate death, but also His Resurrection, Ascension and someday…. His Coming again.
This qualifying character trait He lived He earned, by successfully pushing through all that He endured, successfully, but at a great cost. You are I, though few of us will ever have to endure that which He did, will encounter and some have encountered, overt hostility and rejection because of our faith. It is to be expected. As our society becomes less and less tolerant of our Christian Faith, we are and will become more and more, the enemies of our changing societal and cultural warfare. I am sharing this simply because I desire that all who call on Christ Jesus will not be surprised as these things occur.
This has already occurred on a massive scale in the Middle East, Africa. China, Russia, India and other nations, accounting for in the 20th Century alone, over 45,000,000 Christians having been killed, simply because of their Christian faith.
There are many today of our faith, who do not want to hear of things such as I am writing on today, but instead, “having itching ears, are individuals who seek out messages, teachings and doctrine that condones their own lifestyle, as opposed to adhering to the teachings of the apostles.” 2nd Timothy 4:3
My goal is not to bring anyone down, or to sound like I have a prophetic mantel myself, but to simply and with as much clarity as I can, speak truth in what Holy Scripture is telling us, and what is potentially applicable (I believe) in our day and age. Whether what I have spoken of happens tomorrow, or twenty years or more down the road, it is important to be aware and be prepared, to endure with strength, grace and HOPE, that which could lie before you and I in this age of deep change.
I will finish with this encouraging verse. James 1:2
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trails of many kinds. (NIV)
God bless you and keep you safely in the palms of His hands!
P. Tom
The Little Church in the Pines
Reflections on the spiritual side. . .
October 28, 2021 (Will be out of town, so posting early)
Do you believe in Angels? If you do believe in Angels, how much is scriptural versus fable? Do we actually have a Guardian Angel? If we do, is it the same for everyone, or are we given a specific Guardian Angel?
A couple of weeks ago, I subbed for Pastor Tom. My topic of choice was Angels: God’s Created Agents. I had no idea how my message would be received. When I introduced the message title, I noticed the smiles on many, and what really caught my attention, the men were the ones smiling the most. It was great!
I am a self-proclaimed Angel Collector. In my home office, I have a metal sign that says, “Angel Collector.” I have no idea why and how I started collecting angel souvenirs, but I enjoy them, and each one is a gift from an individual that puts a smile on my face.
When we come to the discussion of angels, we are entering upon a subject that in some ways, is the most unusual and puzzling of all theology. Ancient theologians describe the topic of angels as the most remarkable and complex of all.
Angels ~ God’s Created Agents: Angels and humans are the only moral and highly intelligent beings created; however, unlike humankind, Angels are not made in the image of God, and they are not subject to the limitation of human flesh. Some have remained faithful to God, carried out His work. Others, who fell from their created state of holiness, live to oppose God and His children. God’s care and concern for His creation are evident in the ministrations of good angels.
Some would say that Christian doctrine would be unaffected if we were to bypass this area, and in a sense, it is true. It would be possible to maintain the doctrines of creation and providence without reference to angels, for God certainly created and can sustain and guide the universe by His own direct action without utilizing angels as His agents. Yet, the teaching of Scripture is that He has created these spiritual beings and has chosen to carry out many of His acts through them. Therefore, if we are to be faithful students of the Bible, God’s Word, we have no choice but to learn and speak of these created beings.
The Hebrew and Greek basic meaning for angel is “messenger.” Angels do the bidding of God and Jesus. Angels minister to believers. They obey and worship God, carry out His plans, and watch over the earth. They praise and glorify God. Angels being spirits or spiritual creatures, usually do not have physical bodies. However, on important and selective occasions, they take on the appearance of humans. They are also in charge of guarding and protecting us. Angels observe God’s people with interest.
Not only did God create all things, everything was created for His purposes. Angels are part of the universe that God created. Another reminder is that despite the ministries that angels carry out for believers, it is essential to remember that the Lord of hosts is our Savior. He is the one who ultimately sends them. We are not to give worship to the created but to our Creator.
Where does and maybe the most popular of angels – Our Guardian Angel enter into this equation?
Matthew 18:10 concludes that each believer has an angel assigned to him. “In heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.” The word “their” certainly implies that these angels have a unique personal role to play in relation to Jesus’ disciples. But the plural “angels” may simply mean that all believers have numerous angels assigned to serve them, not just one.
Hebrews 1:14 states all the angels — all of them — are specifically sent “for ministry,” not minister “to” Christians, but ministry “for the sake of” Christians. This means that everything angels do, everywhere in the world, at all times, is for the good of Christians. An angel who does something by God’s assignment anywhere in the world is fulfilling the promise that God will work all things for the good of all Christians — everywhere. This is a sweeping and stunning promise. All angels serve for the good of all Christians all the time. They are Agents of God.
It is a comfort and an encouragement to us to realize that powerful and numerous agents are available to help us. An angel may bring an important message, but the Holy Spirit truly makes the lives of Christians utterly different from anyone else. Angels are ministering spirits that minister to our needs by bringing us messages of Hope and Joy.
By writing a letter of Joy or sending a card of Hope to someone, you can be an Angel too.
A Wish, A Hope, A Prayer
I wish that every one of your days will dawn with a sense of hope streaming in with the sunlight, a sense of strength woven into the winds, and as many things to be thankful for as there are stars in the evening sky.
I hope that the distance between where you are and where you want to be grows shorter every day. I will never stop wishing that your journey through this world will be touched by kindness, inspired by wisdom, graced with understanding, and kept safe from all harm.
I hope and pray that you have a charmed existence and that your heart will always be an open window to a joy so lasting and deep.
And I pray that you will always have an Angel watching over you, there to trace on your wonderful face a smile that you can share and keep.
†Douglas Pagels
*To all that shared your personal Angel stories with me ~ Thank You! *
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines
Steering Committee Chair
(This is a compact version of my 10/10 Message)
October 28, 2021 (Will be out of town, so posting early)
Do you believe in Angels? If you do believe in Angels, how much is scriptural versus fable? Do we actually have a Guardian Angel? If we do, is it the same for everyone, or are we given a specific Guardian Angel?
A couple of weeks ago, I subbed for Pastor Tom. My topic of choice was Angels: God’s Created Agents. I had no idea how my message would be received. When I introduced the message title, I noticed the smiles on many, and what really caught my attention, the men were the ones smiling the most. It was great!
I am a self-proclaimed Angel Collector. In my home office, I have a metal sign that says, “Angel Collector.” I have no idea why and how I started collecting angel souvenirs, but I enjoy them, and each one is a gift from an individual that puts a smile on my face.
When we come to the discussion of angels, we are entering upon a subject that in some ways, is the most unusual and puzzling of all theology. Ancient theologians describe the topic of angels as the most remarkable and complex of all.
Angels ~ God’s Created Agents: Angels and humans are the only moral and highly intelligent beings created; however, unlike humankind, Angels are not made in the image of God, and they are not subject to the limitation of human flesh. Some have remained faithful to God, carried out His work. Others, who fell from their created state of holiness, live to oppose God and His children. God’s care and concern for His creation are evident in the ministrations of good angels.
Some would say that Christian doctrine would be unaffected if we were to bypass this area, and in a sense, it is true. It would be possible to maintain the doctrines of creation and providence without reference to angels, for God certainly created and can sustain and guide the universe by His own direct action without utilizing angels as His agents. Yet, the teaching of Scripture is that He has created these spiritual beings and has chosen to carry out many of His acts through them. Therefore, if we are to be faithful students of the Bible, God’s Word, we have no choice but to learn and speak of these created beings.
The Hebrew and Greek basic meaning for angel is “messenger.” Angels do the bidding of God and Jesus. Angels minister to believers. They obey and worship God, carry out His plans, and watch over the earth. They praise and glorify God. Angels being spirits or spiritual creatures, usually do not have physical bodies. However, on important and selective occasions, they take on the appearance of humans. They are also in charge of guarding and protecting us. Angels observe God’s people with interest.
Not only did God create all things, everything was created for His purposes. Angels are part of the universe that God created. Another reminder is that despite the ministries that angels carry out for believers, it is essential to remember that the Lord of hosts is our Savior. He is the one who ultimately sends them. We are not to give worship to the created but to our Creator.
Where does and maybe the most popular of angels – Our Guardian Angel enter into this equation?
Matthew 18:10 concludes that each believer has an angel assigned to him. “In heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.” The word “their” certainly implies that these angels have a unique personal role to play in relation to Jesus’ disciples. But the plural “angels” may simply mean that all believers have numerous angels assigned to serve them, not just one.
Hebrews 1:14 states all the angels — all of them — are specifically sent “for ministry,” not minister “to” Christians, but ministry “for the sake of” Christians. This means that everything angels do, everywhere in the world, at all times, is for the good of Christians. An angel who does something by God’s assignment anywhere in the world is fulfilling the promise that God will work all things for the good of all Christians — everywhere. This is a sweeping and stunning promise. All angels serve for the good of all Christians all the time. They are Agents of God.
It is a comfort and an encouragement to us to realize that powerful and numerous agents are available to help us. An angel may bring an important message, but the Holy Spirit truly makes the lives of Christians utterly different from anyone else. Angels are ministering spirits that minister to our needs by bringing us messages of Hope and Joy.
By writing a letter of Joy or sending a card of Hope to someone, you can be an Angel too.
A Wish, A Hope, A Prayer
I wish that every one of your days will dawn with a sense of hope streaming in with the sunlight, a sense of strength woven into the winds, and as many things to be thankful for as there are stars in the evening sky.
I hope that the distance between where you are and where you want to be grows shorter every day. I will never stop wishing that your journey through this world will be touched by kindness, inspired by wisdom, graced with understanding, and kept safe from all harm.
I hope and pray that you have a charmed existence and that your heart will always be an open window to a joy so lasting and deep.
And I pray that you will always have an Angel watching over you, there to trace on your wonderful face a smile that you can share and keep.
†Douglas Pagels
*To all that shared your personal Angel stories with me ~ Thank You! *
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines
Steering Committee Chair
(This is a compact version of my 10/10 Message)
Reflections on the spiritual side of life…..
HYMNS AND THEIR STORIES
…..The first church I started from the ground up was in Star Valley, Wyoming. A valley surrounded by mountains approximately 40 miles long and at the widest, maybe four miles. A stunning but frigid place to live. One winter, it dropped to a flat minus 50.
The valley was and remains predominantly Latter-Day Saints, but there were a few traditional protestants in their midst. We had a mutually amicable and good relationship with all who lived there.
Getting to the hymn part, the main topic, even in Star Valley, the music during our services was very contemporary, as it was with the following four churches, I would start in other places in the country. Contemporary was the way to go, complete with good-sized worship teams made up of a wide range of instruments and ages of those musicians.
Then came where I pastor now, at the Little Church in the Pines, wherefrom the start (the first church I pastored that I did not start), hymns were and are the way to go. To (in a sense) go backward from contemporary to long-established hymns was difficult, but as time went on and I listened to the words, the music, I discovered through research the background and history of these hymns, and I fell in love with them.
As an example, I am going to illustrate what I just shared using the Hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” each Hymn has a story to tell, often written in times of great difficulty the author went through, and at times also, of great JOY and celebration. Oh, also, we sing all the stanzas because, without them, the story is incomplete.
"What A friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry, everything to God in prayer.
Oh, what peace we often forfeit. Oh, what needless pain we bear. All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged; Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful, who, will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness; Take it to the Lord in prayer. Are we weak and heavy-laden, Cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge! Take it to the Lord in prayer. Do thy friends despise, forsake Thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer. In His arms He’ll take and shield Thee; Thou wilt find a solace there!"
Joseph Scriven watched in shock as the body of his fiancée was pulled from the lake. Their wedding had been planned for the next day. In his grief, he left his family and all he knew behind, emigrating to Canada.
Meanwhile, Joseph fell in love again. But once more, tragedy struck a second time when his bride, Eliza Roche, contracted tuberculosis and died before their wedding could take place.
Joseph poured himself into ministry to escape his sorrow, doing charity work for the Plymouth Brethren and preaching. He lived a simple, obscure life in Port Hope, Canada. A man of short stature with iron-gray hair, close-cropped beard, and light blue eyes that even through his sorrow sparkled when he talked.
His deep friendship with His Jesus never faltered or waned. Before his death, a friend, upon finding a manuscript of this Hymn, asked him if it was true that he had composed it, knowing the depth of loss and sorrow Joseph had experienced. His reply was, “the Lord and I did it between us.”
I would venture to say that he sought not to understand his losses but continued to do as he wrote, “Precious Savior, still our “my” refuge! Take it to the Lord in prayer.”
The Lord Jesus Christ says, “Come to Me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
All I can say is, Selah, “pause and think about it.”
& Amen, or “so be it.”
P. Tom
HYMNS AND THEIR STORIES
…..The first church I started from the ground up was in Star Valley, Wyoming. A valley surrounded by mountains approximately 40 miles long and at the widest, maybe four miles. A stunning but frigid place to live. One winter, it dropped to a flat minus 50.
The valley was and remains predominantly Latter-Day Saints, but there were a few traditional protestants in their midst. We had a mutually amicable and good relationship with all who lived there.
Getting to the hymn part, the main topic, even in Star Valley, the music during our services was very contemporary, as it was with the following four churches, I would start in other places in the country. Contemporary was the way to go, complete with good-sized worship teams made up of a wide range of instruments and ages of those musicians.
Then came where I pastor now, at the Little Church in the Pines, wherefrom the start (the first church I pastored that I did not start), hymns were and are the way to go. To (in a sense) go backward from contemporary to long-established hymns was difficult, but as time went on and I listened to the words, the music, I discovered through research the background and history of these hymns, and I fell in love with them.
As an example, I am going to illustrate what I just shared using the Hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” each Hymn has a story to tell, often written in times of great difficulty the author went through, and at times also, of great JOY and celebration. Oh, also, we sing all the stanzas because, without them, the story is incomplete.
"What A friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry, everything to God in prayer.
Oh, what peace we often forfeit. Oh, what needless pain we bear. All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged; Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful, who, will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness; Take it to the Lord in prayer. Are we weak and heavy-laden, Cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge! Take it to the Lord in prayer. Do thy friends despise, forsake Thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer. In His arms He’ll take and shield Thee; Thou wilt find a solace there!"
Joseph Scriven watched in shock as the body of his fiancée was pulled from the lake. Their wedding had been planned for the next day. In his grief, he left his family and all he knew behind, emigrating to Canada.
Meanwhile, Joseph fell in love again. But once more, tragedy struck a second time when his bride, Eliza Roche, contracted tuberculosis and died before their wedding could take place.
Joseph poured himself into ministry to escape his sorrow, doing charity work for the Plymouth Brethren and preaching. He lived a simple, obscure life in Port Hope, Canada. A man of short stature with iron-gray hair, close-cropped beard, and light blue eyes that even through his sorrow sparkled when he talked.
His deep friendship with His Jesus never faltered or waned. Before his death, a friend, upon finding a manuscript of this Hymn, asked him if it was true that he had composed it, knowing the depth of loss and sorrow Joseph had experienced. His reply was, “the Lord and I did it between us.”
I would venture to say that he sought not to understand his losses but continued to do as he wrote, “Precious Savior, still our “my” refuge! Take it to the Lord in prayer.”
The Lord Jesus Christ says, “Come to Me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
All I can say is, Selah, “pause and think about it.”
& Amen, or “so be it.”
P. Tom
REFLECTIONS ON THE SPIRITUAL SIDE OF LIFE …..
Little upsets me more than gossip and assumptions based on incomplete information. When put into action, both are a not-so-subtle form of bullying, and I HATE bullying, having been the recipient of it as a skinny kid.
Those of my age category, I am sure, remember the show on the radio that Paul Harvey wrote and presented daily, called "The Rest of The Story." Always a time of learning, in both the spiritual and practical realms of life.
Years ago, in the church I started, in the college town of Berea, Kentucky, I preached a sermon with the same title as Paul Harvey's radio show, going into the facts that incomplete information, alleged facts, and assumptions can harm the recipient, sometimes irreparably. I told the students that if we do not have all the information and truthful information, it would be honorable and best to KEEP OUR MOUTH'S SHUT. Perhaps even if we did have all the information, it might be best to say nothing.
Today, in reading a story out of "MY Daily Bread," a booklet published quarterly of daily lessons on God's Word and how to apply its truths.
This is the story of the REST OF THE STORY:
During the 2018 baseball season, a Chicago Cubs coach wanted to give a baseball to a young boy sitting by the dugout. Earlier, the man had helped the young boy snag a foul ball, and they agreed to share any additional balls that came their way. But when the coach tossed the ball toward him, a man scooped it up instead. The video of the event went viral. News outlets and social media skewered this "brute" of a man for the media, and viewers did not know "the rest of the story." Unfortunately, it took twenty-four hours before the actual story emerged. The media mob and public had already condemned and executed, demonizing an innocent man.
All too often, we think we have all the facts when we only have fragments. With snippets of dramatic video and inflamed tweets in our modern gotcha culture, it's easy to condemn people without hearing the whole story. However, Scripture warns us NOT to "spread false reports" (EXODUS 23:1). We must do everything possible to confirm the truth before leveling accusations, making sure NOT to participate in lies. We should be cautious whenever a deceiving spirit takes hold and whenever passions ignite and waves of judgment swell. Innocent people and even animals have been destroyed because incomplete information is spoken when it should have been stopped. We MUST not follow the crowd if there is one, such as on the day of Jesus' execution.
As believers, may God help us NOT to spread falsehoods, innuendos, lies, and incomplete information…EVER. May He, when speaking through His written Word, or the quiet voice of His Holy Spirit, give us the power to say NO, so we will NOT speak untruths.
God, with things changing and moving so fast these days, it's often hard to know what's true. Please help us to listen, pay attention to facts, and speak only the truth.
EXODUS 23:1 Do not spread false reports.
P.S. The Daily Bread Booklet is free, but they will accept donations to help with publishing and mailing. You can write them at, Our Daily Bread Ministries, P.O. Box 2222, Grand Rapids MI 49501-2222
God Bless you all and keep on keeping on in His Word by living out His truths.
Amen,
Pastor Tom
The Little Church in the Pines
Little upsets me more than gossip and assumptions based on incomplete information. When put into action, both are a not-so-subtle form of bullying, and I HATE bullying, having been the recipient of it as a skinny kid.
Those of my age category, I am sure, remember the show on the radio that Paul Harvey wrote and presented daily, called "The Rest of The Story." Always a time of learning, in both the spiritual and practical realms of life.
Years ago, in the church I started, in the college town of Berea, Kentucky, I preached a sermon with the same title as Paul Harvey's radio show, going into the facts that incomplete information, alleged facts, and assumptions can harm the recipient, sometimes irreparably. I told the students that if we do not have all the information and truthful information, it would be honorable and best to KEEP OUR MOUTH'S SHUT. Perhaps even if we did have all the information, it might be best to say nothing.
Today, in reading a story out of "MY Daily Bread," a booklet published quarterly of daily lessons on God's Word and how to apply its truths.
This is the story of the REST OF THE STORY:
During the 2018 baseball season, a Chicago Cubs coach wanted to give a baseball to a young boy sitting by the dugout. Earlier, the man had helped the young boy snag a foul ball, and they agreed to share any additional balls that came their way. But when the coach tossed the ball toward him, a man scooped it up instead. The video of the event went viral. News outlets and social media skewered this "brute" of a man for the media, and viewers did not know "the rest of the story." Unfortunately, it took twenty-four hours before the actual story emerged. The media mob and public had already condemned and executed, demonizing an innocent man.
All too often, we think we have all the facts when we only have fragments. With snippets of dramatic video and inflamed tweets in our modern gotcha culture, it's easy to condemn people without hearing the whole story. However, Scripture warns us NOT to "spread false reports" (EXODUS 23:1). We must do everything possible to confirm the truth before leveling accusations, making sure NOT to participate in lies. We should be cautious whenever a deceiving spirit takes hold and whenever passions ignite and waves of judgment swell. Innocent people and even animals have been destroyed because incomplete information is spoken when it should have been stopped. We MUST not follow the crowd if there is one, such as on the day of Jesus' execution.
As believers, may God help us NOT to spread falsehoods, innuendos, lies, and incomplete information…EVER. May He, when speaking through His written Word, or the quiet voice of His Holy Spirit, give us the power to say NO, so we will NOT speak untruths.
God, with things changing and moving so fast these days, it's often hard to know what's true. Please help us to listen, pay attention to facts, and speak only the truth.
EXODUS 23:1 Do not spread false reports.
P.S. The Daily Bread Booklet is free, but they will accept donations to help with publishing and mailing. You can write them at, Our Daily Bread Ministries, P.O. Box 2222, Grand Rapids MI 49501-2222
God Bless you all and keep on keeping on in His Word by living out His truths.
Amen,
Pastor Tom
The Little Church in the Pines
Reflections on the spiritual side of life……
This morning I was texting back and forth with a friend. We, among other things, were discussing a picture he had just sent me of this morning’s sunrise over a reservoir he lives adjacent to. It was stunning. I commented on how grateful I was for the beauty of just such places, that when we take the time to “pause and meditate” on God’s Creation, the profound effect it can have on body, mind, and spirit.
There are two words, one of which we all often use during our church services, especially in prayer. That word is “AMEN.” Perhaps you don’t know the literal meaning of the word? It is “so be it,” which the primary purpose of the prayer or words just spoken is “firm,” “fixed,” or “sure,” and the related Hebrew verb also means “to be reliable” and “to be trusted.” The Greek Old Testament translates AMEN as “so be it!” Prayer of TRUTH just spoken is now established, and there is no deviation.
The second-word one rarely is used, though I often use it concerning something I want my congregation to think about, and I have used it in these articles on rare occasions. That word is “SELAH.” Selah is an ancient word used in a musical arrangement, especially when a choir is singing. It means to pause, give it a rest.
In our modern English language, it has come to mean “stop and think about it.” I try to challenge my congregation to listen closely to what I am sharing, asking them to pause, and think deeply and later meditate about a particular TRUTH that I am speaking of, mainly because that specific TRUTH if meditated on and thought about, could actually help them in their everyday lives if applied.
We all too often, because of our sometimes familiarity with a TRUTH or even a familiar phrase, let it slide on by, and by doing so, we have just lost an opportunity for spiritual and personal growth. Too many of us are comfort-driven and don’t want to grow either spiritually or personally. We are content. Familiarity breeds contentment. Some elements of contentment are good, but when it comes to our FAITH…this should not be the case.
When you are reading God’s written word, and, or yes, even listening to your teacher/preacher/pastor/bishop, etc., please listen. Take control of your thoughts. For when a TRUTH that they have been working on to bring to you is being spoken, it is for your good and shows respect to the one representing God, and has your best in heart and mind.
So…SELAH (pause and think about this article) and check yourself as to whether after having put your Bible down, or after having left your church, you will remember what God was talking to you about in your Bible, or, through your pastor, minister, bishop or teacher, and how you can apply what it was that was meant perhaps, just for you.
Amen, and have a blessed day!
Pastor Tom
The Little Church in the Pines
This morning I was texting back and forth with a friend. We, among other things, were discussing a picture he had just sent me of this morning’s sunrise over a reservoir he lives adjacent to. It was stunning. I commented on how grateful I was for the beauty of just such places, that when we take the time to “pause and meditate” on God’s Creation, the profound effect it can have on body, mind, and spirit.
There are two words, one of which we all often use during our church services, especially in prayer. That word is “AMEN.” Perhaps you don’t know the literal meaning of the word? It is “so be it,” which the primary purpose of the prayer or words just spoken is “firm,” “fixed,” or “sure,” and the related Hebrew verb also means “to be reliable” and “to be trusted.” The Greek Old Testament translates AMEN as “so be it!” Prayer of TRUTH just spoken is now established, and there is no deviation.
The second-word one rarely is used, though I often use it concerning something I want my congregation to think about, and I have used it in these articles on rare occasions. That word is “SELAH.” Selah is an ancient word used in a musical arrangement, especially when a choir is singing. It means to pause, give it a rest.
In our modern English language, it has come to mean “stop and think about it.” I try to challenge my congregation to listen closely to what I am sharing, asking them to pause, and think deeply and later meditate about a particular TRUTH that I am speaking of, mainly because that specific TRUTH if meditated on and thought about, could actually help them in their everyday lives if applied.
We all too often, because of our sometimes familiarity with a TRUTH or even a familiar phrase, let it slide on by, and by doing so, we have just lost an opportunity for spiritual and personal growth. Too many of us are comfort-driven and don’t want to grow either spiritually or personally. We are content. Familiarity breeds contentment. Some elements of contentment are good, but when it comes to our FAITH…this should not be the case.
When you are reading God’s written word, and, or yes, even listening to your teacher/preacher/pastor/bishop, etc., please listen. Take control of your thoughts. For when a TRUTH that they have been working on to bring to you is being spoken, it is for your good and shows respect to the one representing God, and has your best in heart and mind.
So…SELAH (pause and think about this article) and check yourself as to whether after having put your Bible down, or after having left your church, you will remember what God was talking to you about in your Bible, or, through your pastor, minister, bishop or teacher, and how you can apply what it was that was meant perhaps, just for you.
Amen, and have a blessed day!
Pastor Tom
The Little Church in the Pines
Reflections on the spiritual side . . .
September 23, 2021
In one of my morning devotionals, I read the following, “Never dull your sense of being your utmost for His highest – your best for His glory.” I love this statement and think it is simple yet profound. If we begin our days with such a mission statement, our perspective on the day will take on new and fresh awareness. Naturally, this statement needs to be “applied” in all that we say and do regardless of daily challenges that present themselves.
I am sure I am not alone when I reveal that I have moments when I say to myself, I cannot possibly do this or that another day. Be nice to avoid all responsibility and people, just for a day, and wallow in my own unproductive thoughts. I am not talking about taking a day of rest and/or time for myself. Gosh, after this summer, it may take numerous days to recover 😉 I am writing about being our best for our Creator and bringing glory to Him at all times, even when we may feel too tired or unworthy of glorifying our Lord and Savior.
The concept of glorifying God is that of honoring God with one’s life. To glorify God requires total commitment to Him. “And whatsoever we do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men” (Colossians 3:23). Honoring or glorifying God in everything includes having a solid work ethic, even working through difficult situations, as we were to be serving Jesus. Besides my husband as my business partner and consultant, I envision showing up and working with God each day. Need to be my best, knowing He will take care of the rest (yes, folks, that is how I function).
When we put our all, our best into what God has entrusted us to work with, it pleases Him and has the potential to draw others to Him. Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Letting the Light that lives within us shine through our work, routines, and a typical day is essential whether you have a job or fulfill a significant role at home. When we do it well enough, others will see the hand of God on you and your work. People’s interest in your abilities will allow you an opportunity to direct their praise to the One who truly deserves the credit. This is one of my most burning desires, is that others will see the reflection of Jesus within me and will want the same.
Every area of life is vital to evaluate and live to its fullest for God’s glory and honor. We should strive for every thought and deed to bring joy to our Father in heaven. Remember, every action is an opportunity for being your utmost for His highest and never dull your own sense of purpose in God’s perfect plan. Believe it or not, you do have a leading role.
Blessings Be Yours,
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines
Steering Committee Chair
September 23, 2021
In one of my morning devotionals, I read the following, “Never dull your sense of being your utmost for His highest – your best for His glory.” I love this statement and think it is simple yet profound. If we begin our days with such a mission statement, our perspective on the day will take on new and fresh awareness. Naturally, this statement needs to be “applied” in all that we say and do regardless of daily challenges that present themselves.
I am sure I am not alone when I reveal that I have moments when I say to myself, I cannot possibly do this or that another day. Be nice to avoid all responsibility and people, just for a day, and wallow in my own unproductive thoughts. I am not talking about taking a day of rest and/or time for myself. Gosh, after this summer, it may take numerous days to recover 😉 I am writing about being our best for our Creator and bringing glory to Him at all times, even when we may feel too tired or unworthy of glorifying our Lord and Savior.
The concept of glorifying God is that of honoring God with one’s life. To glorify God requires total commitment to Him. “And whatsoever we do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men” (Colossians 3:23). Honoring or glorifying God in everything includes having a solid work ethic, even working through difficult situations, as we were to be serving Jesus. Besides my husband as my business partner and consultant, I envision showing up and working with God each day. Need to be my best, knowing He will take care of the rest (yes, folks, that is how I function).
When we put our all, our best into what God has entrusted us to work with, it pleases Him and has the potential to draw others to Him. Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Letting the Light that lives within us shine through our work, routines, and a typical day is essential whether you have a job or fulfill a significant role at home. When we do it well enough, others will see the hand of God on you and your work. People’s interest in your abilities will allow you an opportunity to direct their praise to the One who truly deserves the credit. This is one of my most burning desires, is that others will see the reflection of Jesus within me and will want the same.
Every area of life is vital to evaluate and live to its fullest for God’s glory and honor. We should strive for every thought and deed to bring joy to our Father in heaven. Remember, every action is an opportunity for being your utmost for His highest and never dull your own sense of purpose in God’s perfect plan. Believe it or not, you do have a leading role.
Blessings Be Yours,
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines
Steering Committee Chair
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life
Proverbs 17:22 (NASB) “A merry heart does good like a medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.”
(The Message) “A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired.”
(King James)” A merry heart doeth good like a medicine, but a broken spirit drieth up the bones.”
This last Sunday I spoke on the “peace of God that passes all understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.”
With this peace comes, well, peace.
With peace…comes a sense of oneness with Jesus, a sense of well-being, a calm and gentle heart, capable of laughter and even Joy. With these come health, spiritual, mental, and even physical.
This next verse has come to mean a lot to me, and I hope will to you. It is found in Luke 1:78-79. (NIV) “Because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the Rising Sun will come to us from heaven, to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
We all desire peace…we all desire health, we all desire laughter, joy, contentment, spiritual comfort, and it is only right to seek these, even in our times of sadness, change, loss, fear. It is only in Christ, that we both can have and maintain this peace, for it is a ‘gift’ from the Lord Himself, that again passes all understanding. It comes with a deep and intimately personal, ongoing relationship with Jesus.
I had the opportunity to explain that peace to a dear friend who is in the midst, of a battle with cancer. I can’t presume to know what that is like, but I could help in my own way, the way of my Lord, to guide them into a better place. Prayer is a major weapon in any physical or spiritual warfare, but also, I recommended that they take time every day to sit in a quiet and peaceful place. While doing so, to willingly quiet their mind, fear and anxiety, by picturing them walking along the ocean shore, hand and hand, side by side with the Lord. To feel His strong yet gentle hand-holding theirs. As they walked, not a word was spoken, but with a gentle warm breeze, the sound of waves lapping at the shore, the early morning sun rising over the horizon…. His loving presence…that the peace of God, knowing that He would never leave or forsake them, ever, a peace, the peace that would take away the fear, anxiety, and even pain…would come over them as they quietly walked side by side, trusting and knowing their ultimate destination, where pain, fear, and sadness would no longer even exist. “For God will wipe away every tear (in His tender mercy) from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
God bless you today, and if you are in the midst of turmoil, pain, sorrow of any kind, know that He, Jesus, is with you and will never leave or forsake you, ever.
PEACE be yours….in Him,
P. Tom
Proverbs 17:22 (NASB) “A merry heart does good like a medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.”
(The Message) “A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired.”
(King James)” A merry heart doeth good like a medicine, but a broken spirit drieth up the bones.”
This last Sunday I spoke on the “peace of God that passes all understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.”
With this peace comes, well, peace.
With peace…comes a sense of oneness with Jesus, a sense of well-being, a calm and gentle heart, capable of laughter and even Joy. With these come health, spiritual, mental, and even physical.
This next verse has come to mean a lot to me, and I hope will to you. It is found in Luke 1:78-79. (NIV) “Because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the Rising Sun will come to us from heaven, to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
We all desire peace…we all desire health, we all desire laughter, joy, contentment, spiritual comfort, and it is only right to seek these, even in our times of sadness, change, loss, fear. It is only in Christ, that we both can have and maintain this peace, for it is a ‘gift’ from the Lord Himself, that again passes all understanding. It comes with a deep and intimately personal, ongoing relationship with Jesus.
I had the opportunity to explain that peace to a dear friend who is in the midst, of a battle with cancer. I can’t presume to know what that is like, but I could help in my own way, the way of my Lord, to guide them into a better place. Prayer is a major weapon in any physical or spiritual warfare, but also, I recommended that they take time every day to sit in a quiet and peaceful place. While doing so, to willingly quiet their mind, fear and anxiety, by picturing them walking along the ocean shore, hand and hand, side by side with the Lord. To feel His strong yet gentle hand-holding theirs. As they walked, not a word was spoken, but with a gentle warm breeze, the sound of waves lapping at the shore, the early morning sun rising over the horizon…. His loving presence…that the peace of God, knowing that He would never leave or forsake them, ever, a peace, the peace that would take away the fear, anxiety, and even pain…would come over them as they quietly walked side by side, trusting and knowing their ultimate destination, where pain, fear, and sadness would no longer even exist. “For God will wipe away every tear (in His tender mercy) from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
God bless you today, and if you are in the midst of turmoil, pain, sorrow of any kind, know that He, Jesus, is with you and will never leave or forsake you, ever.
PEACE be yours….in Him,
P. Tom
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life…..
September 02, 2021
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is not law.
Today, this short column is a tribute to the community where I live—Island Park and extending to West Yellowstone.
What a summer! Short of adequate help to meet the overt needs of our summer visitors/crowd, overall, I have seen our business owners, their employees, and other residents put forth a tremendous measure of just those things found in Galatians 5. It has not been easy.
Add to the number of visitors, on the heels of COVID and national political changes; they/you have been nothing short of admirable. I have helped my friend Connie at Connie’s Restaurant several times and have been a part of that extra effort and push to make all seem normal and upbeat. Employees are putting forth a special effort to make our visitors stay memorable in a good way.
I have watched where a few impatient visitors have become upset over having to wait, not grasping the monumental effort on the part of their hosts to do the best they can with what they have. In response, every employee I saw never lost it but maintained an attitude of respect and patience, only to have to quietly find alone time to deal with what they had just encountered. For the most part, visitors have understood and too attempted to be patient.
Every business I have visited in Island Park and West is to be thanked and respected, and I wish there were a way to let you all know more thoroughly.
I want to say this, God bless you all. . . and let us continue to work together, with all our occupational and spiritual diversity, “the Unity of the Spirit and Bond of Peace.”
Pastor Tom
Reflections . . . on the spiritual side
August 26, 2021
Difficult to think that we are already at the end of August. With the recent rains and cooler temps, it is feeling like Fall will be upon us earlier than normal. I am typically a summer girl, but after surviving the pure craziness of the last few months and various challenges, I am looking forward to the change of seasons. The shift of weather and foliage colors always brings reflection and reminiscing of another summer that went by a little too fast.
A lot of people cross my path, and I have an opportunity to visit with many. I have noticed one of my go-to words this summer has been core, in reference to my core team within my business. Yes, I am exceedingly grateful, and they deserve to be recognized. (Do not be concerned, I will not use this allotted space to brag about my Team.) Or maybe it is because one of my new textbooks is titled; “Core Facts, the Strategy for Understandable and Teachable Christian Defense.” Regardless, the more I use the word core, it gets me thinking about the core group of individuals within our community, church, non-profits, and events, which work tirelessly behind the scenes. Volunteers that share a common vision for the many functions and fundraisers that have taken place this summer.
I am sure that you have noticed that the core group of volunteers is usually the same individuals. Thank You! I hope you know how valuable you are and for someone who is passionate about our community, I appreciate you. The commonality that is found in this core group is their hearts, hearts of servants. What does the Bible say about the Servant’s Heart? Scripture calls us to serve others in love as Galatians 5:13 says, “For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” The servant’s heart means to help others in love without expecting recognition or something in return, serving in appreciation of the gifts and resources God has given us.
Obviously, I am focusing on the core group of people that make a community strong. We all harbor core beliefs, core values, and we have our core circle of friends and family. I often reflect on my core group and team and how their influence inspires me. Our personal core is our fundamental characteristic, the essence within our hearts, and how we treat the world around us. How we apply those characteristics has a ripple effect on every aspect of our lives and everyone around us.
With the ever-changing dynamic of Island Park, the foundation, the core within our community, is strong, passionate, compassionate, and may add, sometimes to a fault. Experiencing the challenges of today, we are fortunate to live within a community that has a strong core. I know that I could not possibly do what I do without the many volunteers and my core team that has come to my rescue. Personally, I believe Island Park defines the sincerity of a Servant’s Heart.
** Heart of a Servant **
Give me the heart of a Servant,
Tender and Faithful and True.
Fill me with love, then use me, O Lord,
So that the world can see you.
To all that keep our community strong, thank you for your passion, kindness, working without a hidden agenda, and your timeless hours. You need to know. . .Your Gift of Service is a Heart of Love ♥ and so very much appreciated.
Blessings!
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines
Steering Committee Chair
August 26, 2021
Difficult to think that we are already at the end of August. With the recent rains and cooler temps, it is feeling like Fall will be upon us earlier than normal. I am typically a summer girl, but after surviving the pure craziness of the last few months and various challenges, I am looking forward to the change of seasons. The shift of weather and foliage colors always brings reflection and reminiscing of another summer that went by a little too fast.
A lot of people cross my path, and I have an opportunity to visit with many. I have noticed one of my go-to words this summer has been core, in reference to my core team within my business. Yes, I am exceedingly grateful, and they deserve to be recognized. (Do not be concerned, I will not use this allotted space to brag about my Team.) Or maybe it is because one of my new textbooks is titled; “Core Facts, the Strategy for Understandable and Teachable Christian Defense.” Regardless, the more I use the word core, it gets me thinking about the core group of individuals within our community, church, non-profits, and events, which work tirelessly behind the scenes. Volunteers that share a common vision for the many functions and fundraisers that have taken place this summer.
I am sure that you have noticed that the core group of volunteers is usually the same individuals. Thank You! I hope you know how valuable you are and for someone who is passionate about our community, I appreciate you. The commonality that is found in this core group is their hearts, hearts of servants. What does the Bible say about the Servant’s Heart? Scripture calls us to serve others in love as Galatians 5:13 says, “For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” The servant’s heart means to help others in love without expecting recognition or something in return, serving in appreciation of the gifts and resources God has given us.
Obviously, I am focusing on the core group of people that make a community strong. We all harbor core beliefs, core values, and we have our core circle of friends and family. I often reflect on my core group and team and how their influence inspires me. Our personal core is our fundamental characteristic, the essence within our hearts, and how we treat the world around us. How we apply those characteristics has a ripple effect on every aspect of our lives and everyone around us.
With the ever-changing dynamic of Island Park, the foundation, the core within our community, is strong, passionate, compassionate, and may add, sometimes to a fault. Experiencing the challenges of today, we are fortunate to live within a community that has a strong core. I know that I could not possibly do what I do without the many volunteers and my core team that has come to my rescue. Personally, I believe Island Park defines the sincerity of a Servant’s Heart.
** Heart of a Servant **
Give me the heart of a Servant,
Tender and Faithful and True.
Fill me with love, then use me, O Lord,
So that the world can see you.
To all that keep our community strong, thank you for your passion, kindness, working without a hidden agenda, and your timeless hours. You need to know. . .Your Gift of Service is a Heart of Love ♥ and so very much appreciated.
Blessings!
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines
Steering Committee Chair
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life……….
OFFENDED, OFFENSIVE, OFFENDING, OFFEND
As you can read, in each of these related words is the word OFF. Something is off when we choose to stay offended. We can do little about the initial reaction of being offended but choosing to remain offended is another matter. The offense may be justified or may not. But this I will tell you….even because of justified reasons you hold on to that offense, it will eventually do you and others damage, both immediately and down the road. It will become a vise around your mind, heart, and spirit, even causing deformities in how you think, respond and act. So potent is an offense held on to; it is like drinking a measure of poison every day until finally, it has worked all through your system with the potential to kill.
At best, being offended is one of the most pointless and devastating emotional indulgences possible. At its worst, it is the very seed of potential violence, persecution, and separation. To stay “offended” should never be entertained in the life of anyone, especially in the life of a Christian. Why? Because we know better. To stay offended is a sin. With sin comes separation from all that is good and from God in Christ Himself. Forgiveness is the only answer.
What is the next best word that corresponds so closely to forgiveness, which is the antithesis of offense held on to? Grace. The most misunderstood and least practiced word in the New Testament. Forgiveness is to be extended when it feels to do so would be impossible. Not only for the one being forgiven but the one forgiving.
Forgiveness is a choice …. Grace is a gift. Unearned and unmerited.
The Lord Himself was never personally offended even though verbal abuse was hurled at Him incessantly. Though never for Himself, but on several occasions was for His Father, where He expressed His outrage. That was in the Temple courtyard, where we read in Luke 19:46. Then Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people selling animals for sacrifices. He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be a house of prayer; but you, you have turned it into a den of thieves.”
We Christians must be agents of reconciliation, peacemaking, understanding, tolerance, justice, mercy, kindness, and restoration. These are anathema to indignation and offense while never compromising our core beliefs, which we know to be true.
If we are to be truly useful to Christ, especially in times of disagreement with others, whether over politics, religion, justice, etc., we must remember the words He spoke from the cross just before he died. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Sometimes in hurting us, just as in the Lord’s situation here, the leaders thought they knew what they were doing and why, but they indeed did not. So offended and angry, full of bitterness, hatred, and rage, they were consumed by what they thought of His blatant offenses to them.
In situations where we are deliberately misspoken of and mistreated, we must call upon the Lord to help us be just like Him. By doing so, He will say to us in His still small voice to our hearts, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Well done………… God’s Blessings,
P. Tom
OFFENDED, OFFENSIVE, OFFENDING, OFFEND
As you can read, in each of these related words is the word OFF. Something is off when we choose to stay offended. We can do little about the initial reaction of being offended but choosing to remain offended is another matter. The offense may be justified or may not. But this I will tell you….even because of justified reasons you hold on to that offense, it will eventually do you and others damage, both immediately and down the road. It will become a vise around your mind, heart, and spirit, even causing deformities in how you think, respond and act. So potent is an offense held on to; it is like drinking a measure of poison every day until finally, it has worked all through your system with the potential to kill.
At best, being offended is one of the most pointless and devastating emotional indulgences possible. At its worst, it is the very seed of potential violence, persecution, and separation. To stay “offended” should never be entertained in the life of anyone, especially in the life of a Christian. Why? Because we know better. To stay offended is a sin. With sin comes separation from all that is good and from God in Christ Himself. Forgiveness is the only answer.
What is the next best word that corresponds so closely to forgiveness, which is the antithesis of offense held on to? Grace. The most misunderstood and least practiced word in the New Testament. Forgiveness is to be extended when it feels to do so would be impossible. Not only for the one being forgiven but the one forgiving.
Forgiveness is a choice …. Grace is a gift. Unearned and unmerited.
The Lord Himself was never personally offended even though verbal abuse was hurled at Him incessantly. Though never for Himself, but on several occasions was for His Father, where He expressed His outrage. That was in the Temple courtyard, where we read in Luke 19:46. Then Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people selling animals for sacrifices. He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be a house of prayer; but you, you have turned it into a den of thieves.”
We Christians must be agents of reconciliation, peacemaking, understanding, tolerance, justice, mercy, kindness, and restoration. These are anathema to indignation and offense while never compromising our core beliefs, which we know to be true.
If we are to be truly useful to Christ, especially in times of disagreement with others, whether over politics, religion, justice, etc., we must remember the words He spoke from the cross just before he died. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Sometimes in hurting us, just as in the Lord’s situation here, the leaders thought they knew what they were doing and why, but they indeed did not. So offended and angry, full of bitterness, hatred, and rage, they were consumed by what they thought of His blatant offenses to them.
In situations where we are deliberately misspoken of and mistreated, we must call upon the Lord to help us be just like Him. By doing so, He will say to us in His still small voice to our hearts, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Well done………… God’s Blessings,
P. Tom
Reflections, on the spiritual side of life……
Holy, holy, holy, Lord god almighty………….
Leviticus 19:2b “I, the Lord your God, am HOLY, and you must be holy.”
It is my opinion, much of today’s Christianity in America, little is understood of the deep meaning and true usage, of both, the word HOLY and its place in ‘knowing’ God, and in worshiping God. According to ‘His’ statement about Himself above, HOLINESS should be the first adjective that we should remember when speaking, both of, and to Him. When gathered in our churches, synagogues, mosques, and even our homes to worship, we should always keep in mind, that He who we worship is Holy, thereby producing in our hearts first, an attitude of reverence and celebration as to whom we are approaching, for whatever reason.
Why is this important? Because He, the God of the Universe, the Creator of you and I, and of all we see, hear and experience, should, in thinking of Him or approaching Him, in petition or worship, bring to our minds a great sense of awe.
The word sacred is used at times in describing holy, so then what is sacred? Sacred is that which has any connection with God that is dedicated to a religious purpose, therefore deserving veneration. Veneration means having great respect…due regard…and all these combined bring us back to the word HOLY.
As an example, a personal experience I have had in my past, I have been, (though rarely) in worship services that I am going to describe to you. Very personal and memorable. At one of those times, the Spirit of God, because of the combined heart of pure worship by the people, made His pleasure and presence known to all who were there. Being of one accord in worship, a deep sense of God’s presence came upon the entire congregation. Many got out of their seats and knelt on the floor with arms raise, others got out of their seats, walked out to aisles, and some up to the area in front of the stage, laying down full length, some weeping, others rejoicing. The air was literally charged with the power and love of God manifested through His Son Jesus Christ. All was done decently, orderly and in harmony with deep reverence. This went on for quite a long time, and when finished all were deeply moved and refreshed.
The Trinity….combined in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, a holy and revered mystery, deserve our worship and our love. Without Him we literally would not exist. We are His Creation, as He is our Creator, deserving our love, devotion, and praise.
In Isaiah 45:5, He says, “I AM God, the only God there is. Besides Me there are no real gods. I formed light and create harmonies and create discords. I made
the earth, and I created man and woman to live on it. I handcrafted the skies and, direct all the constellations in their turnings.
Containing that kind of creative intellect and power….is God not worthy of, and due from us His Creation, respect, worship, reverence, and love? Yes. He does, and so much more.
Here are the lyrics of a relatively contemporary song, which speaks simply and beautifully of His Majesty and Holiness.
You are Lord of Creation and Lord of my life,
Lord of the land and the sea.
You were Lord of the heavens, before there was time,
Lord of all lords you will be.
We bow down, and we worship you Lord.
We bow down and we worship you Lord,
Lord of all lords …………………
Selah….. P. Tom
Holy, holy, holy, Lord god almighty………….
Leviticus 19:2b “I, the Lord your God, am HOLY, and you must be holy.”
It is my opinion, much of today’s Christianity in America, little is understood of the deep meaning and true usage, of both, the word HOLY and its place in ‘knowing’ God, and in worshiping God. According to ‘His’ statement about Himself above, HOLINESS should be the first adjective that we should remember when speaking, both of, and to Him. When gathered in our churches, synagogues, mosques, and even our homes to worship, we should always keep in mind, that He who we worship is Holy, thereby producing in our hearts first, an attitude of reverence and celebration as to whom we are approaching, for whatever reason.
Why is this important? Because He, the God of the Universe, the Creator of you and I, and of all we see, hear and experience, should, in thinking of Him or approaching Him, in petition or worship, bring to our minds a great sense of awe.
The word sacred is used at times in describing holy, so then what is sacred? Sacred is that which has any connection with God that is dedicated to a religious purpose, therefore deserving veneration. Veneration means having great respect…due regard…and all these combined bring us back to the word HOLY.
As an example, a personal experience I have had in my past, I have been, (though rarely) in worship services that I am going to describe to you. Very personal and memorable. At one of those times, the Spirit of God, because of the combined heart of pure worship by the people, made His pleasure and presence known to all who were there. Being of one accord in worship, a deep sense of God’s presence came upon the entire congregation. Many got out of their seats and knelt on the floor with arms raise, others got out of their seats, walked out to aisles, and some up to the area in front of the stage, laying down full length, some weeping, others rejoicing. The air was literally charged with the power and love of God manifested through His Son Jesus Christ. All was done decently, orderly and in harmony with deep reverence. This went on for quite a long time, and when finished all were deeply moved and refreshed.
The Trinity….combined in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, a holy and revered mystery, deserve our worship and our love. Without Him we literally would not exist. We are His Creation, as He is our Creator, deserving our love, devotion, and praise.
In Isaiah 45:5, He says, “I AM God, the only God there is. Besides Me there are no real gods. I formed light and create harmonies and create discords. I made
the earth, and I created man and woman to live on it. I handcrafted the skies and, direct all the constellations in their turnings.
Containing that kind of creative intellect and power….is God not worthy of, and due from us His Creation, respect, worship, reverence, and love? Yes. He does, and so much more.
Here are the lyrics of a relatively contemporary song, which speaks simply and beautifully of His Majesty and Holiness.
You are Lord of Creation and Lord of my life,
Lord of the land and the sea.
You were Lord of the heavens, before there was time,
Lord of all lords you will be.
We bow down, and we worship you Lord.
We bow down and we worship you Lord,
Lord of all lords …………………
Selah….. P. Tom
Reflections . . . on the spiritual side.
July 15, 2021
“God opposes the proud,” James wrote, “but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6, NLT).
Our lives in this world are performance-based. We desire to be rewarded based on how we do. Scroll through your average day, and honestly, assess your day's plans, responsibilities, and actions. Are they performance-based, with the element of an award at the end of the day? Fortunately, God's Kingdom is the opposite. His grace is unearned and not based on us at all. (Thank you, Lord!) We do not need to perform well to win God's love, acceptance, grace, and favor. We received all His promises when we believed by faith in Jesus.
Am I a person who believes that living holy will give me a better standing with God? No. You or I do not need to prove ourselves to God. Yes, I have chosen to live a life in such a way that brings Him glory. Therefore, it is my human way of thanking God for all, including challenges, upsets, heartache, etc. Fortunately, He accepts me based on His merit and not mine. Our righteousness is a gift from Jesus. We have none of our own. The only sin that Jesus rebuked on earth was that of self-righteousness. He never rebuked sinners, only the Pharisees, and Sadducees. It was not that they were doing bad things, but their performance was based on doing good things for the wrong reasons. They were trusting in their own goodness.
Do I expect God to answer my prayers based on how good I have served Him? (No but be nice 😉) All of us have fallen short of the glory of God. But if I ask God for something because of what I have done, I ask Him to reward my performance, and that is wrong. Doing things to earn God's grace is promoting myself and trying to relate to God based on what I have done instead of what Jesus has done for me, and you. When I catch myself doing this, I am operating on pride. Pride will never raise anyone and is a thought process that needs to be deleted from our human minds.
Living a holy life is not the same as living a grace-filled life. Holiness does not render grace; only Jesus gives us grace, plain and simple. Humility is our response to the grace of the Cross.
Humility is laying self-down and recognizing the omnipotent power of God. Not sure if you have noticed but humbling oneself is not a one-time event. We must deal with "self" for the rest of our lives. Humility is trusting God and recognizing that He is the source of all good things. Pastor Tom mentioned in Bible Study, "Humility is controlled strength." Interesting concept. Thinking about this as I go on with each day, remaining humble in all arenas takes a controlled strength and does become second nature when directed and centered in God's Spirit.
Everything good we have in our lives comes from God. If self is on the throne, our goodness becomes our own. Humility before God gives life. "I know, Lord, that our lives are not our own, Jeremiah prayed. "We are not able to plan our own course" (Jeremiah 10:23, NKJV). Belief in what we can do instead of faith in God's ability leads to pride. God is not the author of pride. He is the one whose glory raises the humblest heart. According to His power working in us, God can do exceedingly and abundantly above all we ask or think.
A quick reminder and something to reflect on as each day unfolds, proving yourself to God is not a requirement. We have already been approved on the Cross. When we humble ourselves before God, His grace (free and unmerited favor) abounds in our lives. Experiencing God's unconditional grace and inherent goodness humbles our hearts. Believing and living God's plan is better than anything you can dream of.
God's grace can only be received through faith.
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast"
(Ephesians 2:8-9, NKJV).
Summer Blessings to All! Pastor Tom will be back next week.
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines
Steering Committee Chair
July 15, 2021
“God opposes the proud,” James wrote, “but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6, NLT).
Our lives in this world are performance-based. We desire to be rewarded based on how we do. Scroll through your average day, and honestly, assess your day's plans, responsibilities, and actions. Are they performance-based, with the element of an award at the end of the day? Fortunately, God's Kingdom is the opposite. His grace is unearned and not based on us at all. (Thank you, Lord!) We do not need to perform well to win God's love, acceptance, grace, and favor. We received all His promises when we believed by faith in Jesus.
Am I a person who believes that living holy will give me a better standing with God? No. You or I do not need to prove ourselves to God. Yes, I have chosen to live a life in such a way that brings Him glory. Therefore, it is my human way of thanking God for all, including challenges, upsets, heartache, etc. Fortunately, He accepts me based on His merit and not mine. Our righteousness is a gift from Jesus. We have none of our own. The only sin that Jesus rebuked on earth was that of self-righteousness. He never rebuked sinners, only the Pharisees, and Sadducees. It was not that they were doing bad things, but their performance was based on doing good things for the wrong reasons. They were trusting in their own goodness.
Do I expect God to answer my prayers based on how good I have served Him? (No but be nice 😉) All of us have fallen short of the glory of God. But if I ask God for something because of what I have done, I ask Him to reward my performance, and that is wrong. Doing things to earn God's grace is promoting myself and trying to relate to God based on what I have done instead of what Jesus has done for me, and you. When I catch myself doing this, I am operating on pride. Pride will never raise anyone and is a thought process that needs to be deleted from our human minds.
Living a holy life is not the same as living a grace-filled life. Holiness does not render grace; only Jesus gives us grace, plain and simple. Humility is our response to the grace of the Cross.
Humility is laying self-down and recognizing the omnipotent power of God. Not sure if you have noticed but humbling oneself is not a one-time event. We must deal with "self" for the rest of our lives. Humility is trusting God and recognizing that He is the source of all good things. Pastor Tom mentioned in Bible Study, "Humility is controlled strength." Interesting concept. Thinking about this as I go on with each day, remaining humble in all arenas takes a controlled strength and does become second nature when directed and centered in God's Spirit.
Everything good we have in our lives comes from God. If self is on the throne, our goodness becomes our own. Humility before God gives life. "I know, Lord, that our lives are not our own, Jeremiah prayed. "We are not able to plan our own course" (Jeremiah 10:23, NKJV). Belief in what we can do instead of faith in God's ability leads to pride. God is not the author of pride. He is the one whose glory raises the humblest heart. According to His power working in us, God can do exceedingly and abundantly above all we ask or think.
A quick reminder and something to reflect on as each day unfolds, proving yourself to God is not a requirement. We have already been approved on the Cross. When we humble ourselves before God, His grace (free and unmerited favor) abounds in our lives. Experiencing God's unconditional grace and inherent goodness humbles our hearts. Believing and living God's plan is better than anything you can dream of.
God's grace can only be received through faith.
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast"
(Ephesians 2:8-9, NKJV).
Summer Blessings to All! Pastor Tom will be back next week.
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines
Steering Committee Chair
Reflections on the Spiritual side . . .
1 Corinthians 3:10-11
“According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds upon it.
For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ”
(NKJV).
The word “foundation” kept coming up throughout last weekend. Whether it was our Country’s celebration of Independence Day or one of my favorite hymns, “The Solid Rock,” or building the foundation of reinstating the Island Park Sawtelle Fun Run. I thought this is it; I will write my Reflections article on foundations whether we choose to build and or build onto a foundation laid before us.
Living in a culture that seems to put instant gratification and recognition foremost can sometimes be discouraging. Rather than thinking about what the instant benefits will be if I do this or that, how about turning that train of thought into the foundation(s) we are creating and building for others. Whatever happened to the thought process of whoever takes over after me, I hope they do better than I?
I believe we all have intentionally been put in a role by our Creator to build solid foundations. After all, Jesus built us the best foundations that we can build upon, and as an Apprentice of His, there are plenty of opportunities to build on His example. Lately, there have been several situations that have presented themselves in my life. I could have easily chosen to ignore them since it would not have made an immediate difference. But I looked at it as something positive that might enhance someone else’s life while building a foundation for their future.
Remember, someone is always watching, and you are laying a foundation that can either improve or destruct. My article seems to be leaning towards moral foundations and setting good examples regardless of our roles. I take this seriously. Since I do know I am being watched, I keep in mind that all situations are an opportunity to build a foundation or add on to a foundation. Our behavior and actions/reactions could be a life-changing moment or, at the very least, an encounter that can be carried forward.
God is the solid foundation on which to build our life. Nothing else will do. Faith is not an accessory in life. It needs to be the top priority and a fundamental attitude to life. Sure, storms hit; you can count on it. Life is full of storms. Obviously, the house built on sand will not last. The one built on solid rock will weather those storms. We should let God move in and make the necessary changes in our lives so our house, our foundations will last when the inevitable storms rage and nothing seems to last. . . Except for Jesus, the rock of our salvation.
Jesus is the solid foundation we can build our lives on. God has promised to be with us through thick and thin. God does not break His promises. God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. When we build our lives on Jesus, we can be confident that nothing can ever separate us from the love of God.
“My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and
righteousness: I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.”
"The Solid Rock”
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines
Steering Committee Chair
1 Corinthians 3:10-11
“According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds upon it.
For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ”
(NKJV).
The word “foundation” kept coming up throughout last weekend. Whether it was our Country’s celebration of Independence Day or one of my favorite hymns, “The Solid Rock,” or building the foundation of reinstating the Island Park Sawtelle Fun Run. I thought this is it; I will write my Reflections article on foundations whether we choose to build and or build onto a foundation laid before us.
Living in a culture that seems to put instant gratification and recognition foremost can sometimes be discouraging. Rather than thinking about what the instant benefits will be if I do this or that, how about turning that train of thought into the foundation(s) we are creating and building for others. Whatever happened to the thought process of whoever takes over after me, I hope they do better than I?
I believe we all have intentionally been put in a role by our Creator to build solid foundations. After all, Jesus built us the best foundations that we can build upon, and as an Apprentice of His, there are plenty of opportunities to build on His example. Lately, there have been several situations that have presented themselves in my life. I could have easily chosen to ignore them since it would not have made an immediate difference. But I looked at it as something positive that might enhance someone else’s life while building a foundation for their future.
Remember, someone is always watching, and you are laying a foundation that can either improve or destruct. My article seems to be leaning towards moral foundations and setting good examples regardless of our roles. I take this seriously. Since I do know I am being watched, I keep in mind that all situations are an opportunity to build a foundation or add on to a foundation. Our behavior and actions/reactions could be a life-changing moment or, at the very least, an encounter that can be carried forward.
God is the solid foundation on which to build our life. Nothing else will do. Faith is not an accessory in life. It needs to be the top priority and a fundamental attitude to life. Sure, storms hit; you can count on it. Life is full of storms. Obviously, the house built on sand will not last. The one built on solid rock will weather those storms. We should let God move in and make the necessary changes in our lives so our house, our foundations will last when the inevitable storms rage and nothing seems to last. . . Except for Jesus, the rock of our salvation.
Jesus is the solid foundation we can build our lives on. God has promised to be with us through thick and thin. God does not break His promises. God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. When we build our lives on Jesus, we can be confident that nothing can ever separate us from the love of God.
“My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and
righteousness: I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.”
"The Solid Rock”
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines
Steering Committee Chair
Reflections, on the spiritual side of life…….
KINDNESS AND CRITRICISM
EPHESIANS 4:32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave (and forgives) you. (VS 31) Let all bitterness, wrath anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. (VS 30) Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (Think about that)
You probably noticed that I wrote these three verses in reverse, starting the third first and the first third. It just made sense to me as to what I want to share with you.
Let us start with KINDNESS!
KINDNESS means having compassion with someone even if you at that moment do not have it in you to do so. KINDNESS also means to respect one another in a mutual manner. Kindness is the action of love….no matter who they are…or how you feel about them, you treat them with fairness and respect.
KINDNESS was and is one of the beautiful character traits of Jesus. He spoke directly to women as though they were equals. (The Woman at the Well) He touched the untouchables. (Lepers) He ministered to the outcast, the broken hearted, even ate dinner with a tax collector and healed the servant of the enemy of Israel, a Centurion…and oh so many more. His KINDNESS had no bias or parameters. He came to set the captives free! All of them, not one would be left out.
Jesus said these words to all of us. “Be KIND and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons (and daughters) of the Most High, for He is KIND to the ungrateful and the evil.”
One KIND word and turn a person’s upside-down world right side up. One KIND act can turn a life around.
Unwarranted criticism can be included with bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking, containing one or all these words, and their meanings. Biased criticism, based on one’s personal outlook as to how things should be done, or always have been done, or even how someone should act, simply to fit a model or mold of that biased person’s preferred model or mold is wrong, unless that model was laid out for that person before moving into the position they were hired or volunteered for.
Churches, or individuals in churches, have the ability and sometimes the power to stymie the natural gifts and methods of ministry of the person hired or volunteer to fill said position(s).
If that person is Scripturally sound, kind, compassionate, forgiving, loving, and doing good, why should their methodology be up for unkind criticism? I am talking about Christian leaders, teachers, minsters, and other church offices. Often….a breath of fresh air is needed compared to the sometimes-stale air of the “way things have always been done.”
To those of you who readily offer unkind and unnecessary criticism in your chosen faith, these words need to be considered by you, prayed over, and prayed over again. “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you” (HEBREWS 13:17, NIV).
Just something to think about….for it is so much better to speak joy, kindness, love, compassion, comfort, acceptance, and all those other good qualities that come with loving and knowing Jesus, which brings life and happiness and contentment.
The Joy of the Lord is our strength…….Pastor Tom
KINDNESS AND CRITRICISM
EPHESIANS 4:32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave (and forgives) you. (VS 31) Let all bitterness, wrath anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. (VS 30) Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (Think about that)
You probably noticed that I wrote these three verses in reverse, starting the third first and the first third. It just made sense to me as to what I want to share with you.
Let us start with KINDNESS!
KINDNESS means having compassion with someone even if you at that moment do not have it in you to do so. KINDNESS also means to respect one another in a mutual manner. Kindness is the action of love….no matter who they are…or how you feel about them, you treat them with fairness and respect.
KINDNESS was and is one of the beautiful character traits of Jesus. He spoke directly to women as though they were equals. (The Woman at the Well) He touched the untouchables. (Lepers) He ministered to the outcast, the broken hearted, even ate dinner with a tax collector and healed the servant of the enemy of Israel, a Centurion…and oh so many more. His KINDNESS had no bias or parameters. He came to set the captives free! All of them, not one would be left out.
Jesus said these words to all of us. “Be KIND and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons (and daughters) of the Most High, for He is KIND to the ungrateful and the evil.”
One KIND word and turn a person’s upside-down world right side up. One KIND act can turn a life around.
Unwarranted criticism can be included with bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking, containing one or all these words, and their meanings. Biased criticism, based on one’s personal outlook as to how things should be done, or always have been done, or even how someone should act, simply to fit a model or mold of that biased person’s preferred model or mold is wrong, unless that model was laid out for that person before moving into the position they were hired or volunteered for.
Churches, or individuals in churches, have the ability and sometimes the power to stymie the natural gifts and methods of ministry of the person hired or volunteer to fill said position(s).
If that person is Scripturally sound, kind, compassionate, forgiving, loving, and doing good, why should their methodology be up for unkind criticism? I am talking about Christian leaders, teachers, minsters, and other church offices. Often….a breath of fresh air is needed compared to the sometimes-stale air of the “way things have always been done.”
To those of you who readily offer unkind and unnecessary criticism in your chosen faith, these words need to be considered by you, prayed over, and prayed over again. “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you” (HEBREWS 13:17, NIV).
Just something to think about….for it is so much better to speak joy, kindness, love, compassion, comfort, acceptance, and all those other good qualities that come with loving and knowing Jesus, which brings life and happiness and contentment.
The Joy of the Lord is our strength…….Pastor Tom
Reflections on the spiritual side . . . . Keeping it Healthy
I received a fun text from a non-running friend. She wrote that she was thinking of going for a run, but remembered Proverbs 28:1, “the wicked run when no one is chasing them” . . . so, there is that. Naturally, I giggled, and referenced Isaiah 40:31, “they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint,”. . . so, there is that.
In Biblical times, people would mainly run into battle and from threats of danger. Today, we mostly run for competitive races and maintaining our health. I used to run for the physical rewards, but now run for mental clarity, time alone, and to revel in the goodness of God’s surroundings. Afterall, to take a jog in our glorious forest with a pal that rides along on a bicycle (for safety purposes), is time and energy well spent reminding oneself just how fortunate we are to live where we do. Despite these differences, we can find inspiration from Scripture when seeking motivation to run – whether literally or figuratively the race of life.
Running inspiration is found in the New Testament, which contains the Gospels, the Epistles of Paul, and much more. In the Bible run/running is a metaphor that teaches about strength, discipline, endurance, suffering, patience, faith, perseverance, encouragement, and hope. When our Daisy’s Angels’ Ministry Team led worship service at the Juvenile Correction Center, I used Jonah as an example of an individual running away from God. Sometimes people run from God because they think He is angry or too strict or impossible to please. They might run because of fear; whether fear of failure or fear of the unknown or fear of what God will ask them to do.
May I encourage you to run towards God. Of course, we cannot physically run to God, but we can make decisions and take actions that sends us into His arms. A few suggestions, go to Him immediately, no need to fear, he already knows. Speak His name, tell Him what worries you or is upsetting you. Ask for guidance in every aspect of your life. Not sure where to begin or what to say, remember we all must begin at the start line sometime or another. Ask the Holy Spirit to petition and advocate for you. God has given you the assurance of who He is in your life through His Word. Find a favorite verse in the Bible that highlights the metaphor of run/running. Put it on the home screen of your phone, tape it to your dashboard, bathroom mirror, refrigerator, you get the picture. Plant it deeply in your heart so that when unrest and problems arise (and they will), you run to God in faith, hope, and trust.
Keeping yourself healthy, relationally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually is the bedrock for grand living. Whether I have inspired you to grab your jogging shoes, register for the Fun Run, or take a step towards God, just remember He is waiting and willing to go the distance with you.
Blessings today and every day!
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines
Steering Committee Chairperson
#WalkRun4Joy#KeepingitHealthy
I received a fun text from a non-running friend. She wrote that she was thinking of going for a run, but remembered Proverbs 28:1, “the wicked run when no one is chasing them” . . . so, there is that. Naturally, I giggled, and referenced Isaiah 40:31, “they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint,”. . . so, there is that.
In Biblical times, people would mainly run into battle and from threats of danger. Today, we mostly run for competitive races and maintaining our health. I used to run for the physical rewards, but now run for mental clarity, time alone, and to revel in the goodness of God’s surroundings. Afterall, to take a jog in our glorious forest with a pal that rides along on a bicycle (for safety purposes), is time and energy well spent reminding oneself just how fortunate we are to live where we do. Despite these differences, we can find inspiration from Scripture when seeking motivation to run – whether literally or figuratively the race of life.
Running inspiration is found in the New Testament, which contains the Gospels, the Epistles of Paul, and much more. In the Bible run/running is a metaphor that teaches about strength, discipline, endurance, suffering, patience, faith, perseverance, encouragement, and hope. When our Daisy’s Angels’ Ministry Team led worship service at the Juvenile Correction Center, I used Jonah as an example of an individual running away from God. Sometimes people run from God because they think He is angry or too strict or impossible to please. They might run because of fear; whether fear of failure or fear of the unknown or fear of what God will ask them to do.
May I encourage you to run towards God. Of course, we cannot physically run to God, but we can make decisions and take actions that sends us into His arms. A few suggestions, go to Him immediately, no need to fear, he already knows. Speak His name, tell Him what worries you or is upsetting you. Ask for guidance in every aspect of your life. Not sure where to begin or what to say, remember we all must begin at the start line sometime or another. Ask the Holy Spirit to petition and advocate for you. God has given you the assurance of who He is in your life through His Word. Find a favorite verse in the Bible that highlights the metaphor of run/running. Put it on the home screen of your phone, tape it to your dashboard, bathroom mirror, refrigerator, you get the picture. Plant it deeply in your heart so that when unrest and problems arise (and they will), you run to God in faith, hope, and trust.
- Psalm 119:32, “I run the course of Your commandments, for You shall enlarge my heart” (NKJV).
- Psalm 18:29, “For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my god have I leaped over a wall” (KJV).
- Romans 5:3-4, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (NIV).
- 1 Corinthians 9:26, “Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air” (NIV).
- I already mentioned one of my favorites, Isaiah 40:31, “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (NKJV).
Keeping yourself healthy, relationally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually is the bedrock for grand living. Whether I have inspired you to grab your jogging shoes, register for the Fun Run, or take a step towards God, just remember He is waiting and willing to go the distance with you.
Blessings today and every day!
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines
Steering Committee Chairperson
#WalkRun4Joy#KeepingitHealthy
Reflections on the spiritual side of life…
June 17, 2021
In the Beginning….God created the heavens and the earth. The earth without form and void and darkness were over the face of the deep….and the Spirit of God (the Holy Spirit) was hovering over the face of the waters. Then God said, “let there be light,” and God saw that there was light and that it was good.
The Spirit, the Holy Spirit was involved in every aspect of Creation….from the finite to the infinite, giving both light and life, from fundamental particles (the smallest building blocks in the Universe) which make up all that exists in the vastness of the Universe, including you and me. We, who are both finite, (step one) and infinite, (step two) when, we who believe in Jesus Christ, and the totality of who He is, join with He and God the Father in Heaven, upon finishing (step one), this life, entering there into (step two) eternal life.
This is this same Holy Spirit Jesus spoke of in Acts 1:8 (NKJV) “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be witnessed to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
I am writing of this since we had recently come through the Christian Liturgical Calendar ‘Feast of Weeks’ culminating with the Day of Pentecost, when the Christian Church was birthed, through the coming of the Holy Spirit in power upon the disciples and other followers of Jesus. This, Feast of Weeks, is vital because it foreshadows throughout Jewish history the coming of the Messiah and His ministry.
With the promised indwelling of the Holy Spirit, the first fruits of God’s Holy Spirit speak of the harvest of souls under the New Covenant, which was to include the Gentiles….all non-Jews. In other words, us, and so it happened and continues to happen today throughout the world. This world will one day see the Great and Awesome Day of His Second Coming.
There were 44 specific prophecies fulfilled regarding the birth of Jesus Christ upon His arrival. The role of the Holy Spirit is also the source of all true Prophecy and never makes a mistake. He also speaks of this Second Coming, which can be found in Revelation 1:7a, as the Spirit spoke to the Disciple John when in exile on the Isle of Patmos. “Look! He comes with the clouds of heaven. And everyone will see Him.”
Acts 1:10-11 They were looking intently up into the sky as He was going when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. Men of Galilee; they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.” (NIV)
The Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Trinity, the Creative force, or power of God, has more than several names ascribed to Him. These are but a few.
Holy Ghost, Dove, Holy Spirit, Comforter, Intercessor, Paraclete, Presence of God, Spirit, Spirit of Truth. His role in the Trinity is evident and, at the same time, mysterious. Powerful and beautiful.
Today’s Reflections is multi-purposed. Hopefully, you will more fully understand the Spirit’s role, as well as become more curious and take it upon yourself to do a bit of serious study on your own. Now that would be awesome.
Blessings, P. Tom
June 17, 2021
In the Beginning….God created the heavens and the earth. The earth without form and void and darkness were over the face of the deep….and the Spirit of God (the Holy Spirit) was hovering over the face of the waters. Then God said, “let there be light,” and God saw that there was light and that it was good.
The Spirit, the Holy Spirit was involved in every aspect of Creation….from the finite to the infinite, giving both light and life, from fundamental particles (the smallest building blocks in the Universe) which make up all that exists in the vastness of the Universe, including you and me. We, who are both finite, (step one) and infinite, (step two) when, we who believe in Jesus Christ, and the totality of who He is, join with He and God the Father in Heaven, upon finishing (step one), this life, entering there into (step two) eternal life.
This is this same Holy Spirit Jesus spoke of in Acts 1:8 (NKJV) “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be witnessed to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
I am writing of this since we had recently come through the Christian Liturgical Calendar ‘Feast of Weeks’ culminating with the Day of Pentecost, when the Christian Church was birthed, through the coming of the Holy Spirit in power upon the disciples and other followers of Jesus. This, Feast of Weeks, is vital because it foreshadows throughout Jewish history the coming of the Messiah and His ministry.
With the promised indwelling of the Holy Spirit, the first fruits of God’s Holy Spirit speak of the harvest of souls under the New Covenant, which was to include the Gentiles….all non-Jews. In other words, us, and so it happened and continues to happen today throughout the world. This world will one day see the Great and Awesome Day of His Second Coming.
There were 44 specific prophecies fulfilled regarding the birth of Jesus Christ upon His arrival. The role of the Holy Spirit is also the source of all true Prophecy and never makes a mistake. He also speaks of this Second Coming, which can be found in Revelation 1:7a, as the Spirit spoke to the Disciple John when in exile on the Isle of Patmos. “Look! He comes with the clouds of heaven. And everyone will see Him.”
Acts 1:10-11 They were looking intently up into the sky as He was going when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. Men of Galilee; they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.” (NIV)
The Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Trinity, the Creative force, or power of God, has more than several names ascribed to Him. These are but a few.
Holy Ghost, Dove, Holy Spirit, Comforter, Intercessor, Paraclete, Presence of God, Spirit, Spirit of Truth. His role in the Trinity is evident and, at the same time, mysterious. Powerful and beautiful.
Today’s Reflections is multi-purposed. Hopefully, you will more fully understand the Spirit’s role, as well as become more curious and take it upon yourself to do a bit of serious study on your own. Now that would be awesome.
Blessings, P. Tom
The Little Church in the Pines
June 10, 2021
Reflections on the spiritual side of life……
Worship on Sundays is the primary reason those of like faith come together. Worship means to show reverence and adoration to (a deity) and in our faith to God the Father, Creator of heaven and earth, and His Son Jesus Christ. During our time of worship, we take part individually and together in what is called a religious ceremony that will involve a variety of expressions.
These expressions can vary from denomination to denomination, and within a denomination, from church to church. Those can include singing hymns, Psalms, and spiritual songs, reading Scripture audibly, praying, testimonies, preaching and teaching, special music as in (choir or individual presentations); and for those usually in the Pentecostal churches, the use of Spiritual Gifts.
In the Little Church, we begin with both a greeting and a time of welcoming new people, asking them to stand, tell their names, and where they are from. This can be a little unnerving for some of them, but we enjoy both putting them on the spot just a little bit and welcoming them with applause when they are finished. We are a very welcoming congregation!
All this, to come to this point in our service, is called our Call to Worship. Up to this time, things are casual, and we even have some fun. Our Call to Worship is when the congregation comes together as one in a time of responsive reading. This simple but marvelous act or action pulls us into unity and bonding of the Spirit. Here is an example of that act of worship.
(L) is for whoever is leading that day.
(PPL) Is for everyone else.
L. Let all who love Him come rejoicing,
PPL. To the Almighty praises voicing.
L. All nature does to Him belong,
PPL. Yet we, His children, own the song.
L. That age to age has made us strong.
PPL. There dawns no day, but with His blessing,
L. No night without the stars confessing.
PPL. Within His hand, He does contain all pow’r of sun, moon, wind, and rain.
L. And watchful to His vast domain,
PPL. Through all the years that are before us,
L. His love forever reigning o’er us:
ALL: GOD IS IN HIS HEAVEN! Amen
There follows a brief time of silence….and perhaps you can understand how this collective act of communal worship can quiet the inward noise, bring focus for all, and with that focus not only a blessing but a peace that makes a pathway to and through the rest of our Worship Service.
God is in His heaven. . . but His Kingdom lives within us, helping us become the people He has created us to be.
God Bless You All, P. Tom
June 10, 2021
Reflections on the spiritual side of life……
Worship on Sundays is the primary reason those of like faith come together. Worship means to show reverence and adoration to (a deity) and in our faith to God the Father, Creator of heaven and earth, and His Son Jesus Christ. During our time of worship, we take part individually and together in what is called a religious ceremony that will involve a variety of expressions.
These expressions can vary from denomination to denomination, and within a denomination, from church to church. Those can include singing hymns, Psalms, and spiritual songs, reading Scripture audibly, praying, testimonies, preaching and teaching, special music as in (choir or individual presentations); and for those usually in the Pentecostal churches, the use of Spiritual Gifts.
In the Little Church, we begin with both a greeting and a time of welcoming new people, asking them to stand, tell their names, and where they are from. This can be a little unnerving for some of them, but we enjoy both putting them on the spot just a little bit and welcoming them with applause when they are finished. We are a very welcoming congregation!
All this, to come to this point in our service, is called our Call to Worship. Up to this time, things are casual, and we even have some fun. Our Call to Worship is when the congregation comes together as one in a time of responsive reading. This simple but marvelous act or action pulls us into unity and bonding of the Spirit. Here is an example of that act of worship.
(L) is for whoever is leading that day.
(PPL) Is for everyone else.
L. Let all who love Him come rejoicing,
PPL. To the Almighty praises voicing.
L. All nature does to Him belong,
PPL. Yet we, His children, own the song.
L. That age to age has made us strong.
PPL. There dawns no day, but with His blessing,
L. No night without the stars confessing.
PPL. Within His hand, He does contain all pow’r of sun, moon, wind, and rain.
L. And watchful to His vast domain,
PPL. Through all the years that are before us,
L. His love forever reigning o’er us:
ALL: GOD IS IN HIS HEAVEN! Amen
There follows a brief time of silence….and perhaps you can understand how this collective act of communal worship can quiet the inward noise, bring focus for all, and with that focus not only a blessing but a peace that makes a pathway to and through the rest of our Worship Service.
God is in His heaven. . . but His Kingdom lives within us, helping us become the people He has created us to be.
God Bless You All, P. Tom
Reflections on the spiritual side . . . . . .
Apparently, I come across as a serious individual and have been told this more lately than ever. For a second, I think maybe I am too serious, but then do remember I am highly focused, driven, and wholeheartedly “Passionate” about fulfilling my purpose and pursuing my goals. Yes, even at my age and maybe yours too, you have caught yourself reflecting on how new goals present themselves, and the desires of your heart lead to a motivation which is driven by a deep passion. A sincere and holy determination that awakens each morning that is not indifferent or passive.
What we are passionate about does change through our life’s journey, which is all a part of the growing and learning process. You know the adage, “live and learn.” I prefer turning that around to "learn and live.” I encourage everyone to continue their education, to heighten their knowledge, and to believe in something that they are relentless about. Whether it is the school of hard knocks, pursuing a hobby, or from an educational institution. Fortunately, we live in a world where the pursuit of knowledge is at our fingertips.
Being an Apprentice of Jesus, we are confident in knowing that it is never too late to stir the heart's desires and pursue something that we wish that we would have done in our earlier years. We have been provided the source of direction that will get us back on track. Found in the pages of Scripture, particularly the wisdom literature, are directions for learning and living. The promise of skillful living is made to all those who will “listen to advice and accept instruction” (Proverbs 19.20). God has revealed truths about life; the Bible is a guidebook, a road map, a blueprint to living, and a solid foundation of a well-built life.
Living with passion creates a mindset that is not moved by how impossible it looks, discourages by how long it is taking, and not giving up even when peers have done their best to dissuade us. The negativity flames the burning desire to precede. God blessed us with a sense of passion that focuses on His purpose for our lives and to be passionate about the right things. Since God created and sustained a universe as amazingly complex as ours, He can certainly be trusted in every component of our lives. His purpose for our lives is better than that which we could construct on our own.
God has a unique purpose for each of us, and this relates to our distinctive temperaments, abilities, experiences, spiritual gifts, education, and spheres of influence. Few people can articulate a clear purpose statement for their lives. Ironically, people tend to put more effort into planning a two-week vacation than they do in thinking about the destiny of their earthly journey. Regardless of age, have you sat down lately to have a heart-to-heart dialogue with yourself and “God?” If you know that you have completed one purpose, then it is time to pursue your following purpose. I honestly believe that we are presented with plentiful opportunities to meet one and continue to another. Right now, take a moment and reflect on what is your purpose for existing at this precise time and in this beautiful and wonderful community. What are you enthusiastic about, so passionate about that you do not care what others think? What is so clear to you that you know this passion is driven by the Holy Spirit and is leading you towards a purpose that is personalized specifically for you? If you are uncertain or maybe have not developed a purpose statement for your life, ask God to guide you in the process of creating one that fits with your gifts and passion.
Then get serious, become focused, maintain that burning desire, take note of new energy that carries you through the day, and grasp the opportunity to learn and “live.”
Blessings Be Yours!
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines
Steering Committee Chair
(By the way, I am not that serious of an individual. I am as passionate about Fun as I am Living in the Presence of God 😉)
Apparently, I come across as a serious individual and have been told this more lately than ever. For a second, I think maybe I am too serious, but then do remember I am highly focused, driven, and wholeheartedly “Passionate” about fulfilling my purpose and pursuing my goals. Yes, even at my age and maybe yours too, you have caught yourself reflecting on how new goals present themselves, and the desires of your heart lead to a motivation which is driven by a deep passion. A sincere and holy determination that awakens each morning that is not indifferent or passive.
What we are passionate about does change through our life’s journey, which is all a part of the growing and learning process. You know the adage, “live and learn.” I prefer turning that around to "learn and live.” I encourage everyone to continue their education, to heighten their knowledge, and to believe in something that they are relentless about. Whether it is the school of hard knocks, pursuing a hobby, or from an educational institution. Fortunately, we live in a world where the pursuit of knowledge is at our fingertips.
Being an Apprentice of Jesus, we are confident in knowing that it is never too late to stir the heart's desires and pursue something that we wish that we would have done in our earlier years. We have been provided the source of direction that will get us back on track. Found in the pages of Scripture, particularly the wisdom literature, are directions for learning and living. The promise of skillful living is made to all those who will “listen to advice and accept instruction” (Proverbs 19.20). God has revealed truths about life; the Bible is a guidebook, a road map, a blueprint to living, and a solid foundation of a well-built life.
Living with passion creates a mindset that is not moved by how impossible it looks, discourages by how long it is taking, and not giving up even when peers have done their best to dissuade us. The negativity flames the burning desire to precede. God blessed us with a sense of passion that focuses on His purpose for our lives and to be passionate about the right things. Since God created and sustained a universe as amazingly complex as ours, He can certainly be trusted in every component of our lives. His purpose for our lives is better than that which we could construct on our own.
God has a unique purpose for each of us, and this relates to our distinctive temperaments, abilities, experiences, spiritual gifts, education, and spheres of influence. Few people can articulate a clear purpose statement for their lives. Ironically, people tend to put more effort into planning a two-week vacation than they do in thinking about the destiny of their earthly journey. Regardless of age, have you sat down lately to have a heart-to-heart dialogue with yourself and “God?” If you know that you have completed one purpose, then it is time to pursue your following purpose. I honestly believe that we are presented with plentiful opportunities to meet one and continue to another. Right now, take a moment and reflect on what is your purpose for existing at this precise time and in this beautiful and wonderful community. What are you enthusiastic about, so passionate about that you do not care what others think? What is so clear to you that you know this passion is driven by the Holy Spirit and is leading you towards a purpose that is personalized specifically for you? If you are uncertain or maybe have not developed a purpose statement for your life, ask God to guide you in the process of creating one that fits with your gifts and passion.
Then get serious, become focused, maintain that burning desire, take note of new energy that carries you through the day, and grasp the opportunity to learn and “live.”
Blessings Be Yours!
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines
Steering Committee Chair
(By the way, I am not that serious of an individual. I am as passionate about Fun as I am Living in the Presence of God 😉)
Reflections, on the spiritual side of life……..
Christian greetings to all….
My friend Connie and I were texting earlier in the week, discussing the year now past, and the one present. In one text I sent as a reply I received an answer in return stating, “I think you have the outline for your next Reflections article.” So, I am going to write this exchange with just a few changes. You can decide whether she was correct…or not. I am also going to quote a Psalm following the quote.
“What a year…so many we know, and all of us going through so much together, but also alone. Our commonality with those of us still here is simply being alive, and that which connects us with those departed is our Lord, and our trust in His will and wisdom. There is at times a comforting understanding in both the natural and spiritual we obtain…yet, and with that understanding too, there exists within all of us a deep love, along with compassion and support for both those still here and those departed. That we have lost a few due to passing, and more than several moving far away, our hearts at times weigh heavy in our breast. But knowing where they are, both those in heaven, and those still on earth, makes their loss somewhat easier because it is shared by many who love and miss them all.”
Each day comes with its own new challenges, but we know “that through Christ we can do all things and can endure all things”, encourages us, and makes our hearts lighter, more compassionate, trusting and steady. .
God has heard our former prayers, today, our now prayers, and tomorrow our future prayers yet unspoken. Mingled with those prayers is the undergirding of both faith and hope. This too we share.
Psalm 121
“I lift my eyes to the hills; where is the help I need? The Lord, my Creator is my help: a present help indeed. He will not let my foot be moved, my soul He ever keeps. The One who watches Israel, never slumbers or sleeps. The Sun will not prevail on me, even though it gives me light. The moon shall not impede my way, within the realms of night. The Lord shall always be my shade, wherever I may roam; and when my days are at an end….he’ll take me safely home.”
Amen, and may God Bless each and all of you, today, tomorrow and forever.
P. Tom
Christian greetings to all….
My friend Connie and I were texting earlier in the week, discussing the year now past, and the one present. In one text I sent as a reply I received an answer in return stating, “I think you have the outline for your next Reflections article.” So, I am going to write this exchange with just a few changes. You can decide whether she was correct…or not. I am also going to quote a Psalm following the quote.
“What a year…so many we know, and all of us going through so much together, but also alone. Our commonality with those of us still here is simply being alive, and that which connects us with those departed is our Lord, and our trust in His will and wisdom. There is at times a comforting understanding in both the natural and spiritual we obtain…yet, and with that understanding too, there exists within all of us a deep love, along with compassion and support for both those still here and those departed. That we have lost a few due to passing, and more than several moving far away, our hearts at times weigh heavy in our breast. But knowing where they are, both those in heaven, and those still on earth, makes their loss somewhat easier because it is shared by many who love and miss them all.”
Each day comes with its own new challenges, but we know “that through Christ we can do all things and can endure all things”, encourages us, and makes our hearts lighter, more compassionate, trusting and steady. .
God has heard our former prayers, today, our now prayers, and tomorrow our future prayers yet unspoken. Mingled with those prayers is the undergirding of both faith and hope. This too we share.
Psalm 121
“I lift my eyes to the hills; where is the help I need? The Lord, my Creator is my help: a present help indeed. He will not let my foot be moved, my soul He ever keeps. The One who watches Israel, never slumbers or sleeps. The Sun will not prevail on me, even though it gives me light. The moon shall not impede my way, within the realms of night. The Lord shall always be my shade, wherever I may roam; and when my days are at an end….he’ll take me safely home.”
Amen, and may God Bless each and all of you, today, tomorrow and forever.
P. Tom
Reflections, on the spiritual side of life……
Good day faithful readers….I hope that with the advent of Spring, the receding of COVID and with God in your heart, mind, and spirit, you are finding yourself with a little spring in your walk. At 75 my spring is not what it used to be, but I thank the Good Lord that it still exists at all.
Today, I have something to share with you that might be called a parable, well, perhaps a metaphoric parable. This story has to do with the essence of who we are ‘in Christ,’ if indeed we are followers or disciples of His. If you are not, I believe it will still speak to you, though, also thinking that perhaps, it will challenge you (all of you) to look within yourself and assess who you are when it comes to the necessity of changing or NOT changing. Especially when presented with the challenge to change. Discernment is always needed when it comes to making changes.
I apologize first-of-all for all my comas, but I have learned in presenting my sermons comas help me keep track of my thoughts in a more ordered way than I would otherwise, and that carries over into how I write.
Anyway, here it is. The metaphoric parable that is.
There is an ancient story of a holy man, who while meditating under the shade of a blossom covered tree, that a clear but rapid and swirling stream also flows by. While praying, the Holy man notices a scorpion who is caught in the rapid current of the little stream. Its efforts to climb on various rocks are futile, as they are too slippery and steep sided. The holy man taking pity on the struggling creature, attempts to help it. But the scorpion keeps striking at him with each effort, even from the water.
A friend of the holy man passing by, said, “don’t you realize that it is the nature of the scorpion to attack and sting, my friend?”
“Yes,” said the holy man, “but it is my God-given-nature to save and rescue. Why should I change my nature just because the scorpion does not change his?”
Our Christian nature, newly born upon becoming a disciple of Christ, and nurtured both by Scripture, and the teachings of Jesus, also exampled by His life….is no longer to be our nature which is that of this fallen-world we live in, but, our newly-born-nature that is of the new world to come, being honed and re-fashioned in the time we have here on earth. We become over time more like Jesus, not only in our nature, but in every area that He touches our lives, and that often means a total make-over for some of us, depending on the condition of our lives at that time.
The goal in the new-nature that is being re-formed from the old, over time destroys the old sin-nature, which came about because of the FALL of mankind. In Christ Alone, it is (thankfully) re-formed into the nature of peace, goodness, mercy, grace, forgiveness, patience, justice, and most of all love. Simply said, it, we, become like Jesus! You see, we can do this, because in Christ Jesus, “we can do all things as He strengthens and enables us.”
Philippian’s 4:13
P. Tom
P.S. but, we must be willing, even though it may hurt at times, a lot.
Good day faithful readers….I hope that with the advent of Spring, the receding of COVID and with God in your heart, mind, and spirit, you are finding yourself with a little spring in your walk. At 75 my spring is not what it used to be, but I thank the Good Lord that it still exists at all.
Today, I have something to share with you that might be called a parable, well, perhaps a metaphoric parable. This story has to do with the essence of who we are ‘in Christ,’ if indeed we are followers or disciples of His. If you are not, I believe it will still speak to you, though, also thinking that perhaps, it will challenge you (all of you) to look within yourself and assess who you are when it comes to the necessity of changing or NOT changing. Especially when presented with the challenge to change. Discernment is always needed when it comes to making changes.
I apologize first-of-all for all my comas, but I have learned in presenting my sermons comas help me keep track of my thoughts in a more ordered way than I would otherwise, and that carries over into how I write.
Anyway, here it is. The metaphoric parable that is.
There is an ancient story of a holy man, who while meditating under the shade of a blossom covered tree, that a clear but rapid and swirling stream also flows by. While praying, the Holy man notices a scorpion who is caught in the rapid current of the little stream. Its efforts to climb on various rocks are futile, as they are too slippery and steep sided. The holy man taking pity on the struggling creature, attempts to help it. But the scorpion keeps striking at him with each effort, even from the water.
A friend of the holy man passing by, said, “don’t you realize that it is the nature of the scorpion to attack and sting, my friend?”
“Yes,” said the holy man, “but it is my God-given-nature to save and rescue. Why should I change my nature just because the scorpion does not change his?”
Our Christian nature, newly born upon becoming a disciple of Christ, and nurtured both by Scripture, and the teachings of Jesus, also exampled by His life….is no longer to be our nature which is that of this fallen-world we live in, but, our newly-born-nature that is of the new world to come, being honed and re-fashioned in the time we have here on earth. We become over time more like Jesus, not only in our nature, but in every area that He touches our lives, and that often means a total make-over for some of us, depending on the condition of our lives at that time.
The goal in the new-nature that is being re-formed from the old, over time destroys the old sin-nature, which came about because of the FALL of mankind. In Christ Alone, it is (thankfully) re-formed into the nature of peace, goodness, mercy, grace, forgiveness, patience, justice, and most of all love. Simply said, it, we, become like Jesus! You see, we can do this, because in Christ Jesus, “we can do all things as He strengthens and enables us.”
Philippian’s 4:13
P. Tom
P.S. but, we must be willing, even though it may hurt at times, a lot.
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life……
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains,
You raise me up, to walk on storm seas,
I am strong when I am on Your shoulders,
You raise me up….to be more than I can be.
Here is the thing folks, we think we have to go it alone in this life, but we do not. Yes, there are those who go through life strong, assured of their own strength to handle anything that comes along, until they cannot. Oh, they can pretend they can, but inside themselves, when there are new and steep mountains to climb, stormy seas to cross (all that life brings us) even the strongest of us (if it can be admitted) need some serious help along this journey called life. We were never meant by God to do this alone.
I showed a music video this last Sunday in church as part of my sermon, “You Raise Me UP” produced and sung by the BYU Men’s Choir. I would recommend that you go to your computers to view and listen to it on YOU TUBE. A powerful and moving rendition of this beautifully written song/hymn. It was written to comfort, encourage, strengthen and “lift us up.” Us being, the ordinary, everyday Christian and even non-Christian. The setting, the music, the words reach down into our very souls and touch our spirit, mind, and heart.
There are times in my life when a high mountain (a place I needed to go for a view of my life) and crossing a stormy sea, and there have been so many of those these last seventy-five years, especially in raising children, and most recently health issues, or the loss of a friend, congregation member, family, and more. When being alone was not what I needed in those times.
When I view my Lord as I have come to know Him, there are most assuredly times when He bent down, bowed His head, took my hands, and helped me onto His shoulders where He carried me, both to the mountain top and across the stormy seas. His hand tightly holding mine as we walked together through all the uncertainties that were before me.
Simply said, I know I could not have gone it alone, and even then, at times, I struggled to hold on, but His strength and assurance kept me where I needed to be…even when I felt myself slipping He would also tell me, because even then we conversed, that there were others praying for me and that together with their prayers, hopes and love I (we) indeed would make it across that stormy sea and to that long distant high mountain top.
You, we, do not have to go it alone, for we have a God who loves and cares for us in the brightest of daylights and the darkest of nights.
When I am down and, oh my soul so weary,
When troubles come and my heart burdened be
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until You come and sit awhile with me………………….
He….Jesus Christ the Messiah, the Son of God is there (here) for every one of us in our times of need, of any kind. Please believe me and not only me but those who have gone before us and today stand with us.
God Bless Each and Everyone of You…Today!
Pastor Tom
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains,
You raise me up, to walk on storm seas,
I am strong when I am on Your shoulders,
You raise me up….to be more than I can be.
Here is the thing folks, we think we have to go it alone in this life, but we do not. Yes, there are those who go through life strong, assured of their own strength to handle anything that comes along, until they cannot. Oh, they can pretend they can, but inside themselves, when there are new and steep mountains to climb, stormy seas to cross (all that life brings us) even the strongest of us (if it can be admitted) need some serious help along this journey called life. We were never meant by God to do this alone.
I showed a music video this last Sunday in church as part of my sermon, “You Raise Me UP” produced and sung by the BYU Men’s Choir. I would recommend that you go to your computers to view and listen to it on YOU TUBE. A powerful and moving rendition of this beautifully written song/hymn. It was written to comfort, encourage, strengthen and “lift us up.” Us being, the ordinary, everyday Christian and even non-Christian. The setting, the music, the words reach down into our very souls and touch our spirit, mind, and heart.
There are times in my life when a high mountain (a place I needed to go for a view of my life) and crossing a stormy sea, and there have been so many of those these last seventy-five years, especially in raising children, and most recently health issues, or the loss of a friend, congregation member, family, and more. When being alone was not what I needed in those times.
When I view my Lord as I have come to know Him, there are most assuredly times when He bent down, bowed His head, took my hands, and helped me onto His shoulders where He carried me, both to the mountain top and across the stormy seas. His hand tightly holding mine as we walked together through all the uncertainties that were before me.
Simply said, I know I could not have gone it alone, and even then, at times, I struggled to hold on, but His strength and assurance kept me where I needed to be…even when I felt myself slipping He would also tell me, because even then we conversed, that there were others praying for me and that together with their prayers, hopes and love I (we) indeed would make it across that stormy sea and to that long distant high mountain top.
You, we, do not have to go it alone, for we have a God who loves and cares for us in the brightest of daylights and the darkest of nights.
When I am down and, oh my soul so weary,
When troubles come and my heart burdened be
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until You come and sit awhile with me………………….
He….Jesus Christ the Messiah, the Son of God is there (here) for every one of us in our times of need, of any kind. Please believe me and not only me but those who have gone before us and today stand with us.
God Bless Each and Everyone of You…Today!
Pastor Tom
Reflections…….On Religion, the spiritual side of life……….
April 28, 2021
Deity always evolves into a religion, and in religion there is always a core set of spiritual and non-spiritual values. Deity usually reflects that there is a Being in the manifestation of a God, or gods to worship, pray to, reflect on and in some cases be fearful of.
The need for Deity and religion runs deep in the human-race when we take-into-account the sheer volume of people, who belong to the numerous religions that humanity adheres too. Here is a rundown numerically of those religions (we know of) and their number of adherents. These are the statistics for the United States only.
CHRISTIAN 78.4% ~ (under that umbrella it breaks down this way)
Religion plays an important and valuable (in most cases) place in the lives of individuals, nations, and the world.
What drives this need….and, this is my opinion only, is driven by the simple truth that God Himself placed a spiritual hunger in our souls, that, could only be filled by our Creator. By reaching out beyond our finite lives to explore this inner hunger as it drives us to do so as we look at life and death, the vastness of space, a blade of grass. All so perfectly (even in seeming randomness) balanced, ever moving, changing, evolving. It is at times so exceedingly difficult to fully grasp the wonder of it all, if indeed we just take the time to reflect.
Then there is the “fall of mankind,” (sin) which accounts (in my Christian faith) for chaos, confusion, wars, jealousy, hatred, and all manner of spoiling effects.
I know how I felt, thought, and acted before my faith took root, and before my own personal relationship with God through His Son came to be a very real part of my life. When that hole was finally filled, even to this day there resides in me, a peace that I could not find prior, that passes all understanding, and that until I believed in Jesus Christ I did not and could not know.
I am struggling a bit with how to say this correctly, but, yes, God is everywhere and in everything since He is the Creator. We can “go to church” to find God, and we can go to the mountains and find God. We can also go anywhere in the natural world to find God, but the easiest and best way to find Him is to look within. Jesus said that by what He did for us, God placed within us His Kingdom, and that this Kingdom established by Him would be forever. Luke 17:21 “The Kingdom of God is within you.”
Look no deeper than in yourself……and see what wonderful things await you. Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Forgiveness, Goodness, Mercy, and most of all Grace.
As God reaches down toward you, and you reach up toward Him, finding that Kingdom within, and may your hands clasp together, forever.
Amen, P. Tom
April 28, 2021
Deity always evolves into a religion, and in religion there is always a core set of spiritual and non-spiritual values. Deity usually reflects that there is a Being in the manifestation of a God, or gods to worship, pray to, reflect on and in some cases be fearful of.
The need for Deity and religion runs deep in the human-race when we take-into-account the sheer volume of people, who belong to the numerous religions that humanity adheres too. Here is a rundown numerically of those religions (we know of) and their number of adherents. These are the statistics for the United States only.
CHRISTIAN 78.4% ~ (under that umbrella it breaks down this way)
- Protestant 51.3 Evangelical 26.3%
- Mainline churches 18:1%%
- Historically Black churches 6.9%
- Catholic 23.9%
- Latter Day Saints 1.7%
- Jehovah Witness 0.7%
- Orthodox 0.6%
- Other 0.3%
Religion plays an important and valuable (in most cases) place in the lives of individuals, nations, and the world.
What drives this need….and, this is my opinion only, is driven by the simple truth that God Himself placed a spiritual hunger in our souls, that, could only be filled by our Creator. By reaching out beyond our finite lives to explore this inner hunger as it drives us to do so as we look at life and death, the vastness of space, a blade of grass. All so perfectly (even in seeming randomness) balanced, ever moving, changing, evolving. It is at times so exceedingly difficult to fully grasp the wonder of it all, if indeed we just take the time to reflect.
Then there is the “fall of mankind,” (sin) which accounts (in my Christian faith) for chaos, confusion, wars, jealousy, hatred, and all manner of spoiling effects.
I know how I felt, thought, and acted before my faith took root, and before my own personal relationship with God through His Son came to be a very real part of my life. When that hole was finally filled, even to this day there resides in me, a peace that I could not find prior, that passes all understanding, and that until I believed in Jesus Christ I did not and could not know.
I am struggling a bit with how to say this correctly, but, yes, God is everywhere and in everything since He is the Creator. We can “go to church” to find God, and we can go to the mountains and find God. We can also go anywhere in the natural world to find God, but the easiest and best way to find Him is to look within. Jesus said that by what He did for us, God placed within us His Kingdom, and that this Kingdom established by Him would be forever. Luke 17:21 “The Kingdom of God is within you.”
Look no deeper than in yourself……and see what wonderful things await you. Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Forgiveness, Goodness, Mercy, and most of all Grace.
As God reaches down toward you, and you reach up toward Him, finding that Kingdom within, and may your hands clasp together, forever.
Amen, P. Tom
Reflections on the spiritual side . . . .
April 22, 2021
Seems a lot of prayers for family, friends, and our tight knit community has been kicked into overdrive the last few months. Prayer certainly is a key element in our faith walk and I know prayer pleases God and changes me in numerous ways. Most importantly, when I pray for family and friends it lets them know that I am not only thinking of them but petitioning for them to Our Lord and Savior.
During challenging circumstances, we may find it difficult opening a dialogue with God, or we are simply too tired for words. The Holy Spirit is our Advocate and will intercede on our behalf. Therefore, God’s Spirit, the Holy Spirit will pray for us upon our requests. I passionately believe the Holy Spirit encourages us to advocate and intercede for others. Christ is pictured in the New Testament as the ultimate intercessor, and because of this, all Christian prayer becomes intercessory since it is offered to God through and by Christ. Jesus closed the gap between us and God when He died on the cross. Because of Jesus’ mediation, we can now intercede in prayer on behalf of others, asking God to grant their requests according to His will.
Little Church in the Pines has a Prayer Circle and I know a few others in our community. When groups gather in prayer whether in person, via email, etc., it produces a community of overwhelming support and love. Recently, we put one of our dear friends on speaker phone so she could hear our voices while we prayed for her and her husband. If that was me laying in the hospital and listening to my Church Family and Friends praying on my behalf, my spirits would immediately be lifted, yes, I would have felt the support and love.
After the Gulf War General Schwarzkopf appeared on numerous television programs. One he mentioned community prayer. He said he came just to express appreciation for the tremendous prayers of the American people which the soldiers felt during military deployment. “We felt the upholding love and the community it formed around us.” (God Bless!)
I think the more people who are praying are inclined to engage in worship, desiring God’s Will, and acknowledging His sovereignty. Does a large gathering of prayer warriors affect God’s Will, no, but I do think it pleases Him. To say that God is impressed or influenced by the number of those praying for someone or something is to humanize Him. With that being said, if it will encourage, boost spirits, and at the same time add an extra nudge to continue persevering, then so be it. We cannot go wrong with prayer and it is never a waste of time, mine, yours, and certainly not God’s.
On several occasions I have been asked, “hey Connie, you have a direct line to God, will you please ask for this or that for me?” Naturally, I smile, and my heart skips a beat, but my response is always the same. “Of course, I will pray for you, but you can do the same because that direct line is universal and never busy if you choose to make the call yourself.” I know it is said in jest, but scripture tells us God is no respecter of persons. Religious affiliation, status, life choices, profession, has no bearing on whether God hears our prayers or not. Scripture also says the prayer of a righteous individual accomplishes much, but it does not say the number or status of the person is key to that accomplishment.
Our prayer pleases God and changes us, by aligning us with God, not Him with us. It creates a community of love, and an opportunity for corporate worship. When we are in prayer, we are wired to Him and to each other.
"Mysterious is the nature of intercessory prayer. How can my request affect God’s love for others? How can my prayer influence His activity in their lives? Yet, in scripture we are instructed to pray for one another. Frankly, I would be so frustrated if I did not have the opportunity to pray for others when there is absolutely nothing else, I could do for them. Prayer is one of God's greatest tools and gifts.” (My BWF Moment. Ironically, this post popped up on my FB History.)
Who is the individual, the love one of your most passionate prayers this week? How has God changed you through prayer, or are you receptive to being changed through prayer? An additional side note: it is okay if you are the focus of your deepest prayers. Even Jesus prayed for Himself. Put that into perspective, if He can pray for Himself, be confident in knowing it is ok for us to pray for ourselves as well.
Blessings in Abundance!
Connie Funkhouser Passionate & Committed Prayer Warrior 😉
Little Church in the Pines
Steering Committee Chair
April 22, 2021
Seems a lot of prayers for family, friends, and our tight knit community has been kicked into overdrive the last few months. Prayer certainly is a key element in our faith walk and I know prayer pleases God and changes me in numerous ways. Most importantly, when I pray for family and friends it lets them know that I am not only thinking of them but petitioning for them to Our Lord and Savior.
During challenging circumstances, we may find it difficult opening a dialogue with God, or we are simply too tired for words. The Holy Spirit is our Advocate and will intercede on our behalf. Therefore, God’s Spirit, the Holy Spirit will pray for us upon our requests. I passionately believe the Holy Spirit encourages us to advocate and intercede for others. Christ is pictured in the New Testament as the ultimate intercessor, and because of this, all Christian prayer becomes intercessory since it is offered to God through and by Christ. Jesus closed the gap between us and God when He died on the cross. Because of Jesus’ mediation, we can now intercede in prayer on behalf of others, asking God to grant their requests according to His will.
Little Church in the Pines has a Prayer Circle and I know a few others in our community. When groups gather in prayer whether in person, via email, etc., it produces a community of overwhelming support and love. Recently, we put one of our dear friends on speaker phone so she could hear our voices while we prayed for her and her husband. If that was me laying in the hospital and listening to my Church Family and Friends praying on my behalf, my spirits would immediately be lifted, yes, I would have felt the support and love.
After the Gulf War General Schwarzkopf appeared on numerous television programs. One he mentioned community prayer. He said he came just to express appreciation for the tremendous prayers of the American people which the soldiers felt during military deployment. “We felt the upholding love and the community it formed around us.” (God Bless!)
I think the more people who are praying are inclined to engage in worship, desiring God’s Will, and acknowledging His sovereignty. Does a large gathering of prayer warriors affect God’s Will, no, but I do think it pleases Him. To say that God is impressed or influenced by the number of those praying for someone or something is to humanize Him. With that being said, if it will encourage, boost spirits, and at the same time add an extra nudge to continue persevering, then so be it. We cannot go wrong with prayer and it is never a waste of time, mine, yours, and certainly not God’s.
On several occasions I have been asked, “hey Connie, you have a direct line to God, will you please ask for this or that for me?” Naturally, I smile, and my heart skips a beat, but my response is always the same. “Of course, I will pray for you, but you can do the same because that direct line is universal and never busy if you choose to make the call yourself.” I know it is said in jest, but scripture tells us God is no respecter of persons. Religious affiliation, status, life choices, profession, has no bearing on whether God hears our prayers or not. Scripture also says the prayer of a righteous individual accomplishes much, but it does not say the number or status of the person is key to that accomplishment.
Our prayer pleases God and changes us, by aligning us with God, not Him with us. It creates a community of love, and an opportunity for corporate worship. When we are in prayer, we are wired to Him and to each other.
"Mysterious is the nature of intercessory prayer. How can my request affect God’s love for others? How can my prayer influence His activity in their lives? Yet, in scripture we are instructed to pray for one another. Frankly, I would be so frustrated if I did not have the opportunity to pray for others when there is absolutely nothing else, I could do for them. Prayer is one of God's greatest tools and gifts.” (My BWF Moment. Ironically, this post popped up on my FB History.)
Who is the individual, the love one of your most passionate prayers this week? How has God changed you through prayer, or are you receptive to being changed through prayer? An additional side note: it is okay if you are the focus of your deepest prayers. Even Jesus prayed for Himself. Put that into perspective, if He can pray for Himself, be confident in knowing it is ok for us to pray for ourselves as well.
Blessings in Abundance!
Connie Funkhouser Passionate & Committed Prayer Warrior 😉
Little Church in the Pines
Steering Committee Chair
Reflections, on the spiritual side of life…….
April 15, 2021
Greetings, readers, and friends. I got myself in a little bit of trouble a few weeks ago with a posting on Facebook. Yes, Facebook. I expected I would, but since I was writing my (opinion) as an ordinary citizen, not identifying myself as a minister. I thought being an American citizen I had the freedom to voice what was in my head and heart. Well, you can guess that the blowback came mostly from those who (because I am a minister) felt I had no right to express my opinion, especially because I used the term ‘idiots’ in describing the people in a particular social/political movement. I must admit that I suppose I was somewhat harsh but, I could not come up with a description that was politically correct enough to be acceptable, so ‘idiots’ I chose.
Here is the rub. As a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I have a heavy responsibility to not only teach the Word of God as it is written, and so, hopefully by the Truth as I understand it, and with the Spirit of God giving me deeper understanding, am to do so correctly avoiding my own personal prejudices and misaligned opinions. I take this very seriously because I am told in Scripture that I will be held to a higher accountability as a teacher of God’s Word. Now that in and of itself makes me legitimately a bit nervous, and rightly so.
Yet, Scripture also tells me that as a shepherd of my ‘flock’ I am to always be on the lookout for enemies from both within and outside of the church, (people) as to keep them safe and secure from all alarm. You see, today, with social media as it is used to attack, harm, judge, reject and more, without accountability or repercussions, to those doing the harm, we are in serious trouble. What I find all too often, is, little to zero grace in most situations where this is happening. For there are ‘social minded groups’ out there who hate, and I mean hate, anyone who deviates in any way from what these groups think is socially or politically correct, and their goal is both to discredit and even sometimes destroy those of us who disagree with their vitriolic goals.
Please…in saying this, attempt to understand where I am coming from. You see, as minister, and as a citizen of our beloved country, I recognize and even respect the right of ALL people to both have their opinion, and the freedom to voice that opinion, even those I disagree with, sometime vehemently. What I desire is that though we may be opposites in many areas, we still should be able to discuss and tolerate one another without fear of reprisals that can be deeply harmful and life changing in the negative.
As a minister and a Christian, I see myself as no better than anyone, for all men and women, and yes, whether red, yellow, black, or white, male, female, vocation, sexual orientation, etc., we are all children of God. You see, I look to God to sort out the messes we create in our prejudices and biases. This
though does not excuse us (me) from attempting to do the same with His help, but in doing so (and we may never come to an agreement) but, especially, as Christians, we MUST look at all people as people first, without labels, and show (whether we agree or disagree) the LOVE of Christ in God to and for them.
Even if I think and voice that someone is an ‘idiot’ I still want to talk with that person, so I can better understand who they are and why they are choosing the road they are on, and hope they, also most assuredly thinking I am an ‘idiot’ will want to hear from me as to why I have chosen the road I have.
I love people, (well most of them) from all backgrounds, races, social strata, etc., and find often, when I have the opportunity, to sit down and talk one on one find that we have more in common than we don’t. Perhaps, I might even learn something. Wow.
As a representative of Jesus, I so desire to be like Him who saw people as people first. He recognized their essence, their pain, their hearts, hopes and dreams. Confronting when necessary but never condemning, except to the hard-hearted religious leaders. Now that is another story, for when we become too religious…. we are in danger of self-righteousness and arrogance.
For we are all saved by GRACE! It is just that simple, really!
There is a hymn we sing where the first line reads, “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.” I hope you can say amen to that!
Taking a risk here……. Pastor Tom
April 15, 2021
Greetings, readers, and friends. I got myself in a little bit of trouble a few weeks ago with a posting on Facebook. Yes, Facebook. I expected I would, but since I was writing my (opinion) as an ordinary citizen, not identifying myself as a minister. I thought being an American citizen I had the freedom to voice what was in my head and heart. Well, you can guess that the blowback came mostly from those who (because I am a minister) felt I had no right to express my opinion, especially because I used the term ‘idiots’ in describing the people in a particular social/political movement. I must admit that I suppose I was somewhat harsh but, I could not come up with a description that was politically correct enough to be acceptable, so ‘idiots’ I chose.
Here is the rub. As a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I have a heavy responsibility to not only teach the Word of God as it is written, and so, hopefully by the Truth as I understand it, and with the Spirit of God giving me deeper understanding, am to do so correctly avoiding my own personal prejudices and misaligned opinions. I take this very seriously because I am told in Scripture that I will be held to a higher accountability as a teacher of God’s Word. Now that in and of itself makes me legitimately a bit nervous, and rightly so.
Yet, Scripture also tells me that as a shepherd of my ‘flock’ I am to always be on the lookout for enemies from both within and outside of the church, (people) as to keep them safe and secure from all alarm. You see, today, with social media as it is used to attack, harm, judge, reject and more, without accountability or repercussions, to those doing the harm, we are in serious trouble. What I find all too often, is, little to zero grace in most situations where this is happening. For there are ‘social minded groups’ out there who hate, and I mean hate, anyone who deviates in any way from what these groups think is socially or politically correct, and their goal is both to discredit and even sometimes destroy those of us who disagree with their vitriolic goals.
Please…in saying this, attempt to understand where I am coming from. You see, as minister, and as a citizen of our beloved country, I recognize and even respect the right of ALL people to both have their opinion, and the freedom to voice that opinion, even those I disagree with, sometime vehemently. What I desire is that though we may be opposites in many areas, we still should be able to discuss and tolerate one another without fear of reprisals that can be deeply harmful and life changing in the negative.
As a minister and a Christian, I see myself as no better than anyone, for all men and women, and yes, whether red, yellow, black, or white, male, female, vocation, sexual orientation, etc., we are all children of God. You see, I look to God to sort out the messes we create in our prejudices and biases. This
though does not excuse us (me) from attempting to do the same with His help, but in doing so (and we may never come to an agreement) but, especially, as Christians, we MUST look at all people as people first, without labels, and show (whether we agree or disagree) the LOVE of Christ in God to and for them.
Even if I think and voice that someone is an ‘idiot’ I still want to talk with that person, so I can better understand who they are and why they are choosing the road they are on, and hope they, also most assuredly thinking I am an ‘idiot’ will want to hear from me as to why I have chosen the road I have.
I love people, (well most of them) from all backgrounds, races, social strata, etc., and find often, when I have the opportunity, to sit down and talk one on one find that we have more in common than we don’t. Perhaps, I might even learn something. Wow.
As a representative of Jesus, I so desire to be like Him who saw people as people first. He recognized their essence, their pain, their hearts, hopes and dreams. Confronting when necessary but never condemning, except to the hard-hearted religious leaders. Now that is another story, for when we become too religious…. we are in danger of self-righteousness and arrogance.
For we are all saved by GRACE! It is just that simple, really!
There is a hymn we sing where the first line reads, “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.” I hope you can say amen to that!
Taking a risk here……. Pastor Tom
REFLECTIONS on the spiritual side of life…………………..
April 6, 2021
Dear Readers….following my sermon on Easter Sunday, I read to my congregation this true account of a story called “Butterfly Miracles” from a book I have spoken to you about before, titled, “Book of Amazing Stories” by Robert Petterson, recommending that if you are looking for inspiration, this will satisfy that desire. I will let the story speak for itself but will say that there was not a single dry eye (including my own) upon completion of the reading.
Cancer had reduced six-year-old Christian to skin and bones. It was during his final days that nature bestowed its annual miracle. Millions of yellow butterflies invade northeast Oklahoma with a gentle firestorm of color and dance, covering the landscape and brining unbridled joy after the bleakness of an Oklahoma winter. But this gift seldom lasts more than a week before the yearly exodus of butterflies, leaving once again on warm spring breezes continuing their migration.
Dear friends went to the hospital to visit Christian. Though most of the butterflies had already flown away, one friend of Christian managed to trap one for the dying boy. Christian peered at the imprisoned butterfly and then handed the jar to his mother, saying, “Mommy, please set him free. He’s like me, in a place he doesn’t like to be.” His mom opened the window, took the lid off the jar, and let the butterfly soar away. A wistful smile crossed Christian’s face. “I’m going to be that butterfly when I fly away to Jesus in heaven!”
Christian died a few days later. There are few events filled with more anguish than a child’s funeral. Marsha (mom) and Gary (dad) dreaded going back to their country house filled with memories of their little Christian, so their friends drove them back to the home they had not seen in weeks.
As the car turned in to the long driveway, an amazing sight awaited. The lawn was covered with a carpet of yellow butterflies. They rose by the thousands in a joyous aerial ballet. Marsha ran into their swirling midst. For several joyous moments, butterflies danced about her. She forgot her grief and began to laugh with childish delight. The butterflies then arose en-masse to catch spring winds to faraway places.
Grief returned as quickly as it had left, and Marsha stood alone in the yard where Christian had once played. Then, a solitary butterfly returned and landed gently on her nose. It sat for several seconds, its wings gently caressing her tear-stained cheeks before too flying away.
Nature has no explanation for butterflies awaiting a grieving mother two weeks after the annual migration had left. Marsha was convinced the butterfly that came back to caress her face was the one released from the hospital room. To this day, all of us are sure that we witnessed a miracle. God had
orchestrated this dance of the butterflies to remind Marsha and Gary Dance of what their boy had uttered during his final days in the hospital. “I’m going to be like that butterfly and fly away to Jesus.”
When a caterpillar is ready to turn into a butterfly, it fixes itself to a branch and wriggles out of its outer skin. Underneath is the chrysalis which hardens to protect the insect as it transforms. It literally creates its own coffin. Then it dies, only to break out of its coffin as a butterfly destined for the heavens. It too is a story of resurrection. No wonder the day Jesus rose from the dead is often symbolized by butterflies.
Whenever you lose someone and feel like hope is gone, remember our Lord, and remember Christian Dance’s story and the truth it teaches us.
If there were no death, there would be no butterflies.
1 Corinthians 15:52 “It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever.
Revelation 21:4 “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Amen, so be it! Hallelujah!
Pastor Tom Shanor
April 6, 2021
Dear Readers….following my sermon on Easter Sunday, I read to my congregation this true account of a story called “Butterfly Miracles” from a book I have spoken to you about before, titled, “Book of Amazing Stories” by Robert Petterson, recommending that if you are looking for inspiration, this will satisfy that desire. I will let the story speak for itself but will say that there was not a single dry eye (including my own) upon completion of the reading.
Cancer had reduced six-year-old Christian to skin and bones. It was during his final days that nature bestowed its annual miracle. Millions of yellow butterflies invade northeast Oklahoma with a gentle firestorm of color and dance, covering the landscape and brining unbridled joy after the bleakness of an Oklahoma winter. But this gift seldom lasts more than a week before the yearly exodus of butterflies, leaving once again on warm spring breezes continuing their migration.
Dear friends went to the hospital to visit Christian. Though most of the butterflies had already flown away, one friend of Christian managed to trap one for the dying boy. Christian peered at the imprisoned butterfly and then handed the jar to his mother, saying, “Mommy, please set him free. He’s like me, in a place he doesn’t like to be.” His mom opened the window, took the lid off the jar, and let the butterfly soar away. A wistful smile crossed Christian’s face. “I’m going to be that butterfly when I fly away to Jesus in heaven!”
Christian died a few days later. There are few events filled with more anguish than a child’s funeral. Marsha (mom) and Gary (dad) dreaded going back to their country house filled with memories of their little Christian, so their friends drove them back to the home they had not seen in weeks.
As the car turned in to the long driveway, an amazing sight awaited. The lawn was covered with a carpet of yellow butterflies. They rose by the thousands in a joyous aerial ballet. Marsha ran into their swirling midst. For several joyous moments, butterflies danced about her. She forgot her grief and began to laugh with childish delight. The butterflies then arose en-masse to catch spring winds to faraway places.
Grief returned as quickly as it had left, and Marsha stood alone in the yard where Christian had once played. Then, a solitary butterfly returned and landed gently on her nose. It sat for several seconds, its wings gently caressing her tear-stained cheeks before too flying away.
Nature has no explanation for butterflies awaiting a grieving mother two weeks after the annual migration had left. Marsha was convinced the butterfly that came back to caress her face was the one released from the hospital room. To this day, all of us are sure that we witnessed a miracle. God had
orchestrated this dance of the butterflies to remind Marsha and Gary Dance of what their boy had uttered during his final days in the hospital. “I’m going to be like that butterfly and fly away to Jesus.”
When a caterpillar is ready to turn into a butterfly, it fixes itself to a branch and wriggles out of its outer skin. Underneath is the chrysalis which hardens to protect the insect as it transforms. It literally creates its own coffin. Then it dies, only to break out of its coffin as a butterfly destined for the heavens. It too is a story of resurrection. No wonder the day Jesus rose from the dead is often symbolized by butterflies.
Whenever you lose someone and feel like hope is gone, remember our Lord, and remember Christian Dance’s story and the truth it teaches us.
If there were no death, there would be no butterflies.
1 Corinthians 15:52 “It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever.
Revelation 21:4 “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Amen, so be it! Hallelujah!
Pastor Tom Shanor
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life…….
March 18, 2021
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, in all your ways acknowledge HIM, and HE will direct your paths.
I have been pondering this verse lately. Trust sometimes is the very hardest thing we can do, for at times, our circumstances scream at us otherwise. I, being a pastor, you would think I had this one down pat. Well, sometimes I do and sometimes I do not, and that is the truth. Sometimes my humanness gets in the way and I simply must kick in my faith factor to push up and into trust. God has proven over and over to me that indeed He can be trusted, yet at times I doubt.
Strangely enough instead of feeling ashamed to admit this, I feel relieved and even humbled that I can do so, openly.
A lot of pressure is sometimes put on we pastors to be more than human, but to be seen as kind of “little gods.” Scripture does say we are held to a higher judgement/standard, and I can tell you that is a bit unsettling at times too, but it does help keep me on my spiritual toes especially when teaching. I do my best with His help, and trust for myself that “all things work together for good, to those who are called,” even me.
This kind of ties into last week’s Reflections and this week’s sermon, “What’s So Amazing About Grace.”
These words, trust, faith, and grace, all though different are tied together (for me) by a quote I read on a little calendar I have sitting on my desk. It was put together by Mrs. Gene Newsome, who lives in Pocatello, and who has a following on-line, of several hundred people for whom she also posts these quotes daily. Gene is I think 100, soon to be 101. She is also the mother of a member of my congregation, Jack Newsome.
Anyway, here is the quote that for me is coming to mean so much and exemplifies what it means (for me) to be both a Christian and a pastor, as I incorporate into my daily life Trust, Faith and Grace. I think I will add to those three, Hope.
“Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly----leave the rest to God.”
Those words resonate through my mind, heart, soul, spirit, and even body.
They are to me, a summation of my Lord’s life, heart, ministry, and teachings, and therefore, are to be a summation of mine as well. I hope and pray that indeed I do so and live out this quote every day. Then I remember that, “I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.” Ahhhh, so I do not have to worry or stress about it, but simply “trust in Him with all my heart, leaning not on my own understanding, and in all my ways acknowledge Him…and He will direct my paths”. Halleluiah! Yours also!
Proverbs 3: 5-6.
Amen, Pastor Tom
March 18, 2021
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, in all your ways acknowledge HIM, and HE will direct your paths.
I have been pondering this verse lately. Trust sometimes is the very hardest thing we can do, for at times, our circumstances scream at us otherwise. I, being a pastor, you would think I had this one down pat. Well, sometimes I do and sometimes I do not, and that is the truth. Sometimes my humanness gets in the way and I simply must kick in my faith factor to push up and into trust. God has proven over and over to me that indeed He can be trusted, yet at times I doubt.
Strangely enough instead of feeling ashamed to admit this, I feel relieved and even humbled that I can do so, openly.
A lot of pressure is sometimes put on we pastors to be more than human, but to be seen as kind of “little gods.” Scripture does say we are held to a higher judgement/standard, and I can tell you that is a bit unsettling at times too, but it does help keep me on my spiritual toes especially when teaching. I do my best with His help, and trust for myself that “all things work together for good, to those who are called,” even me.
This kind of ties into last week’s Reflections and this week’s sermon, “What’s So Amazing About Grace.”
These words, trust, faith, and grace, all though different are tied together (for me) by a quote I read on a little calendar I have sitting on my desk. It was put together by Mrs. Gene Newsome, who lives in Pocatello, and who has a following on-line, of several hundred people for whom she also posts these quotes daily. Gene is I think 100, soon to be 101. She is also the mother of a member of my congregation, Jack Newsome.
Anyway, here is the quote that for me is coming to mean so much and exemplifies what it means (for me) to be both a Christian and a pastor, as I incorporate into my daily life Trust, Faith and Grace. I think I will add to those three, Hope.
“Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly----leave the rest to God.”
Those words resonate through my mind, heart, soul, spirit, and even body.
They are to me, a summation of my Lord’s life, heart, ministry, and teachings, and therefore, are to be a summation of mine as well. I hope and pray that indeed I do so and live out this quote every day. Then I remember that, “I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.” Ahhhh, so I do not have to worry or stress about it, but simply “trust in Him with all my heart, leaning not on my own understanding, and in all my ways acknowledge Him…and He will direct my paths”. Halleluiah! Yours also!
Proverbs 3: 5-6.
Amen, Pastor Tom
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life!
Grace……. “is the greatest gift both we as individuals and the Church Universal has and will ever receive, and yet it is the least of the best that we as individuals and the Church fails to extend with others”, so writes. Philip Yancey in his book, ‘What’s So Amazing About Grace’. Yancey goes on to say, “that the future of the Church depends on how we master this ‘gift’ of giving grace, even when it is not expected or even received.”
This Sunday I am preaching/teaching on this, one of my very favorite subjects that I cover at least once a year. GRACE. Of all the gifts that Christ has given to me and the one I cherish the most is it. My life is one of imperfection and mistakes, but deep in my heart when I am too hard on myself, this word, this wonderful word rises out of the mire of my emotions and begins its wonderful work of cleansing.
One of the many meanings of the word grace is “undeserved favor given freely through the atonement of Christ.” Undeserved, as in the forgiveness of wrongdoing without having to pay the penalty. Once a person experiences being the recipient of this grace, he or she is forever changed.
If…. we do not give what has been given to us, we miss the joy of forgiveness, the joy of fellowship in our church community, never achieving the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace….and so much more.
Robert Kennedy, speaking at a rally during his run for the presidency received word of the shooting of Martin Luther King. Upon sharing this with the large crowd, there was an immediate response of both grief and anger. Having experienced the death of his brother JFK, he in solemn and heart-felt feelings quoted to the crowd which was growing more and more angry.
“Even in our sleep,
Pain, which we cannot forget or forgive,
Falls drop by drop by drop upon our heart,
Until in our own despair, and against our will,
Comes wisdom, unsolicited,
Through the awful grace of God.”
Wisdom through the awful grace of God is what John Newton came to understand when writing Amazing Grace. It is a remarkable statement and means this; that God’s GRACE should fill us with awe during life’s most difficult times, asking Him to give us the opportunity to grow in wisdom and Grace itself, even toward those who are against us.
Without a doubt, it has been a difficult year for many personally, especially this last year with all the sorrow, pain, and confusion we have all experienced. If ever we need to both receive and extend grace it is now, again, it is now! Please consider, pray, and give it some serious thought. Psalm 84:11 reads, “For the Lord God is a sun and a shield; for the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.”
My life and yours, and our quality of life in the spiritual realm, and in our everyday life…. depends deeply on this short five letter word. Take it to heart and give it away, especially to those who may not even understand or want it. In doing so you will find freedom, forgiveness, joy and even laughter.
Freely, freely you have received, freely, freely give. Go in my name and because you
believe, others will know that I live.
God Bless and keep you under His Grace today, tomorrow, and forever!
Amen, P. Tom
Grace……. “is the greatest gift both we as individuals and the Church Universal has and will ever receive, and yet it is the least of the best that we as individuals and the Church fails to extend with others”, so writes. Philip Yancey in his book, ‘What’s So Amazing About Grace’. Yancey goes on to say, “that the future of the Church depends on how we master this ‘gift’ of giving grace, even when it is not expected or even received.”
This Sunday I am preaching/teaching on this, one of my very favorite subjects that I cover at least once a year. GRACE. Of all the gifts that Christ has given to me and the one I cherish the most is it. My life is one of imperfection and mistakes, but deep in my heart when I am too hard on myself, this word, this wonderful word rises out of the mire of my emotions and begins its wonderful work of cleansing.
One of the many meanings of the word grace is “undeserved favor given freely through the atonement of Christ.” Undeserved, as in the forgiveness of wrongdoing without having to pay the penalty. Once a person experiences being the recipient of this grace, he or she is forever changed.
If…. we do not give what has been given to us, we miss the joy of forgiveness, the joy of fellowship in our church community, never achieving the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace….and so much more.
Robert Kennedy, speaking at a rally during his run for the presidency received word of the shooting of Martin Luther King. Upon sharing this with the large crowd, there was an immediate response of both grief and anger. Having experienced the death of his brother JFK, he in solemn and heart-felt feelings quoted to the crowd which was growing more and more angry.
“Even in our sleep,
Pain, which we cannot forget or forgive,
Falls drop by drop by drop upon our heart,
Until in our own despair, and against our will,
Comes wisdom, unsolicited,
Through the awful grace of God.”
Wisdom through the awful grace of God is what John Newton came to understand when writing Amazing Grace. It is a remarkable statement and means this; that God’s GRACE should fill us with awe during life’s most difficult times, asking Him to give us the opportunity to grow in wisdom and Grace itself, even toward those who are against us.
Without a doubt, it has been a difficult year for many personally, especially this last year with all the sorrow, pain, and confusion we have all experienced. If ever we need to both receive and extend grace it is now, again, it is now! Please consider, pray, and give it some serious thought. Psalm 84:11 reads, “For the Lord God is a sun and a shield; for the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.”
My life and yours, and our quality of life in the spiritual realm, and in our everyday life…. depends deeply on this short five letter word. Take it to heart and give it away, especially to those who may not even understand or want it. In doing so you will find freedom, forgiveness, joy and even laughter.
Freely, freely you have received, freely, freely give. Go in my name and because you
believe, others will know that I live.
God Bless and keep you under His Grace today, tomorrow, and forever!
Amen, P. Tom
Reflections on the spiritual side . . .
Urgency and Patience
Wait a second, does urgency and patience belong in the same sentence? Both terms are unrelated, or are they?
I often mention to potential hires that you must have a natural sense of urgency to make it on Team Connie’s. Meaning; a natural hustle, working with purpose, and keeping in step with a fast-pace environment.
Patience is a virtue that escaped me for an exceptionally long time. I now harbor patience (for the most part, well kind of, ok - at times I fail miserably), but God continues to provide opportunities to practice and enhance my patience.
Urgency says, “The time to act is now!” Patience says, “Everything is in God’s hands; wait on God.” Urgency says, “Do not just sit there, do something!” Patience says, “Do not act until you are sure that God is in it.” Both voices need to be heard.
There are times in Jesus’ ministry where He places people in front of an urgent decision, and if they delay or waffle, the opportunity passes. There are also powerful calls in scripture for believers to be patient. After Jesus’ resurrection He tells His disciples, “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised.” The entire book of Revelation is a call for believers to practice “patient endurance.”
In the friction between urgency and patience, the challenge is to know when it is time for which, and how the two are related. If we tend to rely on one or the other, our faith becomes unbalanced and shaky. Patience, if it cannot hear the voice of urgency, becomes resignation to the way things are. Patience taken to the extreme leaves everything in God’s hands and diminishes and devalues our own creative role as stewards of God’s creation.
If we believe that there is a Redeemer, then we cannot believe that the future of humanity is at stake in our own actions. We are most decisively not the saviors of the world. Maybe a more realistic perspective; we are not the General Managers of the world. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus is God’s action that gives us the promise of a New Creation.
This confidence in God’s redemption is the heart of calm amid the storm. This hope gives us a patience (and peace) that can nourish and empower productive action. This confidence in God’s redeeming work frees us from arrogance and puts our actions in perspective.
Jesus calls each of us to partner with Him to bring the kingdom of heaven to earth. “Partner with Him.” As we work with Him, we see His blessings in abundance and our faith is strengthened. Sharing the Gospel is urgent, but it demands men and women with the patience to commit to God’s means to accomplish His purpose. There are also times for urgent prayer. Periodically we have requests for urgent prayer needs within our Little Church in the Pines Prayer Circle.
To live an effective life, we need to live in the Presence of God, so that we may respond to urgent demands which have our name on them, and confidently let the others go. Our Creator will continue to work with us, with a patient love that only He can provide. And for that I am grateful, for when I do over emphasize urgency, I will demonstrate the patience of an apprentice of Jesus Christ.
Blessings Be Yours ~ Connie Funkhouser
February 25, 2021
Urgency and Patience
Wait a second, does urgency and patience belong in the same sentence? Both terms are unrelated, or are they?
I often mention to potential hires that you must have a natural sense of urgency to make it on Team Connie’s. Meaning; a natural hustle, working with purpose, and keeping in step with a fast-pace environment.
Patience is a virtue that escaped me for an exceptionally long time. I now harbor patience (for the most part, well kind of, ok - at times I fail miserably), but God continues to provide opportunities to practice and enhance my patience.
Urgency says, “The time to act is now!” Patience says, “Everything is in God’s hands; wait on God.” Urgency says, “Do not just sit there, do something!” Patience says, “Do not act until you are sure that God is in it.” Both voices need to be heard.
There are times in Jesus’ ministry where He places people in front of an urgent decision, and if they delay or waffle, the opportunity passes. There are also powerful calls in scripture for believers to be patient. After Jesus’ resurrection He tells His disciples, “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised.” The entire book of Revelation is a call for believers to practice “patient endurance.”
In the friction between urgency and patience, the challenge is to know when it is time for which, and how the two are related. If we tend to rely on one or the other, our faith becomes unbalanced and shaky. Patience, if it cannot hear the voice of urgency, becomes resignation to the way things are. Patience taken to the extreme leaves everything in God’s hands and diminishes and devalues our own creative role as stewards of God’s creation.
If we believe that there is a Redeemer, then we cannot believe that the future of humanity is at stake in our own actions. We are most decisively not the saviors of the world. Maybe a more realistic perspective; we are not the General Managers of the world. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus is God’s action that gives us the promise of a New Creation.
This confidence in God’s redemption is the heart of calm amid the storm. This hope gives us a patience (and peace) that can nourish and empower productive action. This confidence in God’s redeeming work frees us from arrogance and puts our actions in perspective.
Jesus calls each of us to partner with Him to bring the kingdom of heaven to earth. “Partner with Him.” As we work with Him, we see His blessings in abundance and our faith is strengthened. Sharing the Gospel is urgent, but it demands men and women with the patience to commit to God’s means to accomplish His purpose. There are also times for urgent prayer. Periodically we have requests for urgent prayer needs within our Little Church in the Pines Prayer Circle.
To live an effective life, we need to live in the Presence of God, so that we may respond to urgent demands which have our name on them, and confidently let the others go. Our Creator will continue to work with us, with a patient love that only He can provide. And for that I am grateful, for when I do over emphasize urgency, I will demonstrate the patience of an apprentice of Jesus Christ.
Blessings Be Yours ~ Connie Funkhouser
February 25, 2021
Reflections, on the spiritual side of life…………
The Art and discipline of listening……yes, listening.
Acts 8:6a “and the multitude in (one accord) listened to the words spoken by Philip, hearing, and seeing the miracles which he did.” (Hold on to this)
Here is a rather dark but somewhat humorous illustration of a person who heard the words spoken, but did not listen with understanding and the consequences, well, you will see.
Two hunters, good friends are out in the forest, when one of them simply falls to the ground. Checking on him his friend notices he does (not seem to be) breathing and his eyes are rolled back in his head. His friend frantically calls 911 on his cell phone, blurting out to the operator, “My friend Jackson appears to be dead! What can I do”? The operator, trying to calm him down says, “take it easy, I can help, just listen to me and follow my instructions sir. First, make sure he is dead.” There is a short pause and then the operator is puzzled when she heard a gunshot. The hunter comes back on the line and says breathlessly, “ok, now what?”
Listening, really listening in most situations, is vital to our understanding and well-being, even in our every-day-lives. Even when reading we are listening. Not with our ears of course but with our brain. Whether they be teachers, professors, ministers, friends, family, even our-selves, we must train our-selves to listen. With listening comes understanding and with understanding comes wisdom, and Lord how very much we often need wisdom.
I believe our Lord never spoke a word He did not mean to be understood. Ever. That is why to gain deep understanding of truths on which to build our lives, no matter our faith or background, we must listen to, think, and then if appropriate…. apply
Proverbs 2:21-22. My son, my daughter, if you receive my words and treasure my commandments, making your ear attentive to wisdom and incline your heart to understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then (and only then) will you understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.
All too often in a conversation, instead of waiting until the person speaking to us is finished, we are ahead of them in our mind, not even hearing what they are saying anymore because of something we want to add to the dialogue that, in our opinion has more relevance than that which they are sharing.
Are you a good listener?
Steven Covey, an educator, author, businessman and motivational speaker says, “seek first to understand, then…to be understood.” Only by listening will this happen. He also said, “most people do not listen with the intent to understand, they listen with the intent to respond.”
Are you a good listener? Jesus often said, “but I say to you who hear” James 1:22-25 “be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
Selah (pause and think about it)
P. Tom
The Art and discipline of listening……yes, listening.
Acts 8:6a “and the multitude in (one accord) listened to the words spoken by Philip, hearing, and seeing the miracles which he did.” (Hold on to this)
Here is a rather dark but somewhat humorous illustration of a person who heard the words spoken, but did not listen with understanding and the consequences, well, you will see.
Two hunters, good friends are out in the forest, when one of them simply falls to the ground. Checking on him his friend notices he does (not seem to be) breathing and his eyes are rolled back in his head. His friend frantically calls 911 on his cell phone, blurting out to the operator, “My friend Jackson appears to be dead! What can I do”? The operator, trying to calm him down says, “take it easy, I can help, just listen to me and follow my instructions sir. First, make sure he is dead.” There is a short pause and then the operator is puzzled when she heard a gunshot. The hunter comes back on the line and says breathlessly, “ok, now what?”
Listening, really listening in most situations, is vital to our understanding and well-being, even in our every-day-lives. Even when reading we are listening. Not with our ears of course but with our brain. Whether they be teachers, professors, ministers, friends, family, even our-selves, we must train our-selves to listen. With listening comes understanding and with understanding comes wisdom, and Lord how very much we often need wisdom.
I believe our Lord never spoke a word He did not mean to be understood. Ever. That is why to gain deep understanding of truths on which to build our lives, no matter our faith or background, we must listen to, think, and then if appropriate…. apply
Proverbs 2:21-22. My son, my daughter, if you receive my words and treasure my commandments, making your ear attentive to wisdom and incline your heart to understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then (and only then) will you understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.
All too often in a conversation, instead of waiting until the person speaking to us is finished, we are ahead of them in our mind, not even hearing what they are saying anymore because of something we want to add to the dialogue that, in our opinion has more relevance than that which they are sharing.
Are you a good listener?
Steven Covey, an educator, author, businessman and motivational speaker says, “seek first to understand, then…to be understood.” Only by listening will this happen. He also said, “most people do not listen with the intent to understand, they listen with the intent to respond.”
Are you a good listener? Jesus often said, “but I say to you who hear” James 1:22-25 “be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
Selah (pause and think about it)
P. Tom
Reflections, on the spiritual side of life…………….
In scripture, courage is also referred to as “good cheer” which means boldness and confidence. Throughout the Bible, God commands us to fear not, to be of good cheer, and to have courage in our life. Sometimes we doubt our own strength and convictions, but can turn to Scripture for the encouragement to live in good cheer and trust in God, no matter what circumstances we face or find ourselves in.
Courage is the choice or willingness to confront things such as agony, pain, danger, uncertainty, or intimidation, to name just a few.
PHYSICAL courage is bravery in the face of physical pain, hardship, even death or the threat of death.
MORAL courage is the right to act and choose rightly in the face of what may be popular opposition, shame, scandal, discouragement, or personal loss, and with exhibiting that courage, you will pay a price. In this arena, we as Christians or non-Christians when opposing whatever it is, make sure we are on a firm foundation of truth/scripture. Also, remember that we can oppose legitimately, but our attitude and actions must also reflect the One we are representing. Therefore, we do not voice our opposition, running on emotions leading to actions that would bring shame to our Lord, our church or ourselves.
Courage in both small matters and large matters takes a measure of fortitude. Fortitude means “strength of mind that enables a person to encounter danger or bear pain or adversity with COURAGE.”
EXAMPLE:
1. “They showed fortitude in the face of a hostile encounter.”
2. “We pray for the fortitude to carry on fighting for what is right.”
We, you, and I when facing unpopular opposition, which can be manifested in politics, religion or in any other realm or topic, must remember again, who we in Christ, and that in all that we do and say courageously, we represent the Savior.
These courageous conversations may be in admitting a wrong (sin) we have committed against someone, and need to ask forgiveness, or it may be courageously (in love) confronting a wrong done to us.
Jesus said, “you will know them (us) by our fruit”. So, are you and I courageously bearing good fruit for the Kingdom, and also in and for ourselves, especially among those whom we love, and also our neighbor. Our neighbor being anyone we encounter every day.
That question I close with and leave with you to think about.
Amen
In scripture, courage is also referred to as “good cheer” which means boldness and confidence. Throughout the Bible, God commands us to fear not, to be of good cheer, and to have courage in our life. Sometimes we doubt our own strength and convictions, but can turn to Scripture for the encouragement to live in good cheer and trust in God, no matter what circumstances we face or find ourselves in.
Courage is the choice or willingness to confront things such as agony, pain, danger, uncertainty, or intimidation, to name just a few.
PHYSICAL courage is bravery in the face of physical pain, hardship, even death or the threat of death.
MORAL courage is the right to act and choose rightly in the face of what may be popular opposition, shame, scandal, discouragement, or personal loss, and with exhibiting that courage, you will pay a price. In this arena, we as Christians or non-Christians when opposing whatever it is, make sure we are on a firm foundation of truth/scripture. Also, remember that we can oppose legitimately, but our attitude and actions must also reflect the One we are representing. Therefore, we do not voice our opposition, running on emotions leading to actions that would bring shame to our Lord, our church or ourselves.
Courage in both small matters and large matters takes a measure of fortitude. Fortitude means “strength of mind that enables a person to encounter danger or bear pain or adversity with COURAGE.”
EXAMPLE:
1. “They showed fortitude in the face of a hostile encounter.”
2. “We pray for the fortitude to carry on fighting for what is right.”
We, you, and I when facing unpopular opposition, which can be manifested in politics, religion or in any other realm or topic, must remember again, who we in Christ, and that in all that we do and say courageously, we represent the Savior.
These courageous conversations may be in admitting a wrong (sin) we have committed against someone, and need to ask forgiveness, or it may be courageously (in love) confronting a wrong done to us.
Jesus said, “you will know them (us) by our fruit”. So, are you and I courageously bearing good fruit for the Kingdom, and also in and for ourselves, especially among those whom we love, and also our neighbor. Our neighbor being anyone we encounter every day.
That question I close with and leave with you to think about.
Amen
Reflections on the spiritual side . . .
January 28, 2021
A few years ago, I printed the following poem in our Little Church in the Pines Sunday Bulletin. Recently, during Bible Study I was asked to share again on Pastor Tom’s weekly Reflections article.
When I say, “I am a Christian,” I’m not shouting, “I’ve been saved!”
I’m whispering, “I get lost! That’s why I chose this way.”
When I say, “I am a Christian,” I don’t speak with human pride
I’m confessing that I stumble — needing God to be my guide.
When I say, “I am a Christian,” I’m not trying to be strong
I’m professing that I’m weak and pray for strength to carry on.
When I say, “I am a Christian,” I’m not bragging of success
I’m admitting that I’ve failed and cannot ever pay the debt.
When I say, “I am a Christian,” I don’t think I know it all
I submit to my confusion asking humbly to be taught.
When I say, “I am a Christian,” I’m not claiming to be perfect
My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I’m worth it.
When I say, “I am a Christian,” I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartache which is why I seek His name.
When I say, “I am a Christian,” I do not wish to judge
I have no authority — I only know I’m loved.
“When I Say, ‘I Am a Christian'” was penned in 1988 by Carol Wimmer.
I have been asked to contribute to “Reflections on the spiritual side,” once a month. Since I am a willing participant in expanding my horizons and stepping out of my comfort zone, I have agreed. I view the new opportunity as an enhancement of my Theological Studies at Trinity College of the Bible and Theological Seminary. I do not claim to be a theological expert, I only claim to be a Christian that is grateful, forgiven, loves our Lord and Savior, and enjoys learning God’s Truth through His Word.
Yes, I Am a Christian in all the aspects listed in Carol Wimmer’s poem and I am committed to being an apprentice of Jesus Christ.
Blessings!
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines
Steering Committee Chair
January 28, 2021
A few years ago, I printed the following poem in our Little Church in the Pines Sunday Bulletin. Recently, during Bible Study I was asked to share again on Pastor Tom’s weekly Reflections article.
When I say, “I am a Christian,” I’m not shouting, “I’ve been saved!”
I’m whispering, “I get lost! That’s why I chose this way.”
When I say, “I am a Christian,” I don’t speak with human pride
I’m confessing that I stumble — needing God to be my guide.
When I say, “I am a Christian,” I’m not trying to be strong
I’m professing that I’m weak and pray for strength to carry on.
When I say, “I am a Christian,” I’m not bragging of success
I’m admitting that I’ve failed and cannot ever pay the debt.
When I say, “I am a Christian,” I don’t think I know it all
I submit to my confusion asking humbly to be taught.
When I say, “I am a Christian,” I’m not claiming to be perfect
My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I’m worth it.
When I say, “I am a Christian,” I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartache which is why I seek His name.
When I say, “I am a Christian,” I do not wish to judge
I have no authority — I only know I’m loved.
“When I Say, ‘I Am a Christian'” was penned in 1988 by Carol Wimmer.
I have been asked to contribute to “Reflections on the spiritual side,” once a month. Since I am a willing participant in expanding my horizons and stepping out of my comfort zone, I have agreed. I view the new opportunity as an enhancement of my Theological Studies at Trinity College of the Bible and Theological Seminary. I do not claim to be a theological expert, I only claim to be a Christian that is grateful, forgiven, loves our Lord and Savior, and enjoys learning God’s Truth through His Word.
Yes, I Am a Christian in all the aspects listed in Carol Wimmer’s poem and I am committed to being an apprentice of Jesus Christ.
Blessings!
Connie Funkhouser
Little Church in the Pines
Steering Committee Chair
REFLECTIONS……. on the spiritual side of life
January 21, 2021
“WHY PRAY?”
Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. By the time you read this the inauguration of the 46th President of the “United States of America, will have taken place. Because of the events of the previous week, I have been compelled to do the one thing that I can do, and that thing is PRAY.
My purpose in writing that which I am this week, is not to pass on to you my opinion of, or on any of those things/actions which have transpired. My position as a minster of the Lord Jesus Christ……is laced with my hope that between those events and the inauguration, you too (who are people of faith and believe in the effectiveness of this one thing) have done that one thing also, and that one thing is PRAYED.
Emotions literally for years now have run on high, along with strife, anger, loss of friends and family due to our political differences, along with COVID. We as Christians like anyone else, are entitled to OUR OPINIONS as such, but in response to these, we are to respond as Christ would. This is the biggest challenge we have in our lives as his disciples. To do and be as he would have us do and be.
Here are several verses that give us distinct guidelines for doing so.
Philippians 4:6 “Do not worry about anything; instead, PRAY about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then, you will experience God’s peace when you present your requests to God.” But we cannot expect a return on our prayers if we do not believe they have been heard, so faith is indeed an important factor.
A major mistake we all too often make is running with our emotions, instead of being LED by our faith, and the truths given to us in The Word, that we hold close in our hearts and minds.
My desire in writing on PRAYER is that we can see it as a real and practical reality in our everyday lives for everything. It is spiritual in essence, yes, but it is often also practical in outcome and vital to our lives, and the lives or events of what we are praying for…. even for such a thing as a peaceful transition of power and even if we do or do not adhere to the outcome. Even more so, we are told to PRAY “for kings and those who are in authority, so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.”
Times of change without a doubt we are currently living in, but perhaps even deeper changes are coming upon us and I HOPE and PRAY, that we will not neglect to use one of our most powerful tools in our spiritual toolbox. PRAYER!
This I know…. God ultimately has the best for us, as we can read in Romans 8:28 “And we know that to those that love God, all things work together for good, to those that are called according to his purpose.”
Amen
January 21, 2021
“WHY PRAY?”
Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. By the time you read this the inauguration of the 46th President of the “United States of America, will have taken place. Because of the events of the previous week, I have been compelled to do the one thing that I can do, and that thing is PRAY.
My purpose in writing that which I am this week, is not to pass on to you my opinion of, or on any of those things/actions which have transpired. My position as a minster of the Lord Jesus Christ……is laced with my hope that between those events and the inauguration, you too (who are people of faith and believe in the effectiveness of this one thing) have done that one thing also, and that one thing is PRAYED.
Emotions literally for years now have run on high, along with strife, anger, loss of friends and family due to our political differences, along with COVID. We as Christians like anyone else, are entitled to OUR OPINIONS as such, but in response to these, we are to respond as Christ would. This is the biggest challenge we have in our lives as his disciples. To do and be as he would have us do and be.
Here are several verses that give us distinct guidelines for doing so.
Philippians 4:6 “Do not worry about anything; instead, PRAY about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then, you will experience God’s peace when you present your requests to God.” But we cannot expect a return on our prayers if we do not believe they have been heard, so faith is indeed an important factor.
A major mistake we all too often make is running with our emotions, instead of being LED by our faith, and the truths given to us in The Word, that we hold close in our hearts and minds.
My desire in writing on PRAYER is that we can see it as a real and practical reality in our everyday lives for everything. It is spiritual in essence, yes, but it is often also practical in outcome and vital to our lives, and the lives or events of what we are praying for…. even for such a thing as a peaceful transition of power and even if we do or do not adhere to the outcome. Even more so, we are told to PRAY “for kings and those who are in authority, so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.”
Times of change without a doubt we are currently living in, but perhaps even deeper changes are coming upon us and I HOPE and PRAY, that we will not neglect to use one of our most powerful tools in our spiritual toolbox. PRAYER!
This I know…. God ultimately has the best for us, as we can read in Romans 8:28 “And we know that to those that love God, all things work together for good, to those that are called according to his purpose.”
Amen
| reflections_january_21_2021.pdf |
Reflections, on the spiritual side of life………
January 14, 2021
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will cease; they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away….
And now…. these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1st (Corinthians 13)
Hope is my focus today. These three; faith hope and love, are braided together, making them indestructible in their combined unity. Beginning with my personal faith, I cannot help but add hope and love.
I remember years ago watching a movie with my wife “Hope Floats”, a romance I believe starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan….and a little boy whose HOPE kept the engine running to his desired conclusion. Family.
As much weight that rests on the word HOPE it is amazing that it continues to float, and not only float but carry the weight of whatever HOPE it carries.
My faith gives me HOPE. Hope in the truth of the relationship I have with my Lord. Hope for me, based on anything else is misplaced. A little chorus I have sung over these many years goes like this; My life is in you Lord, “My strength is in you Lord, my hope is in you Lord, in you, it’s in you.”
When fear, doubt and troubles come, I often think of and sing this simple chorus, for in many ways my faith is simple. Simplicity can in truth, unscramble and declutter the complexity of whatever it is I am going through.
During the process of going through my two strokes in December, lying on a bed in the ER, (4 times) and then enduring several MRI’s, CT scans, a plethora of caring, ministering doctors, nurses, aids, etc., I held onto HOPE. Hope that I would see my family again, my friends, my church family, a pine tree covered in snow and to stand in my pulpit, looking out once again at those who love and support me every day in prayer.
My hope now….is multi-faceted. Recovery of course over time, counting my blessings EVERY DAY, hoping, and praying for those who showed and show me their LOVE every day. I have HOPE for my kids, grandkids, friends, my little church, our community, our nation, and the world. Hope that one day “the peace of God that passes all understanding” will be a fact. A fact in the lives of all humanity and the world.
If I am going to HOPE in FAITH, I am going to HOPE BIG! Yet, with this HOPE I KNOW…. this will happen when HE, Christ, come back at His Second Advent.
Now that is hope realized…. Pastor Tom
January 14, 2021
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will cease; they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away….
And now…. these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1st (Corinthians 13)
Hope is my focus today. These three; faith hope and love, are braided together, making them indestructible in their combined unity. Beginning with my personal faith, I cannot help but add hope and love.
I remember years ago watching a movie with my wife “Hope Floats”, a romance I believe starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan….and a little boy whose HOPE kept the engine running to his desired conclusion. Family.
As much weight that rests on the word HOPE it is amazing that it continues to float, and not only float but carry the weight of whatever HOPE it carries.
My faith gives me HOPE. Hope in the truth of the relationship I have with my Lord. Hope for me, based on anything else is misplaced. A little chorus I have sung over these many years goes like this; My life is in you Lord, “My strength is in you Lord, my hope is in you Lord, in you, it’s in you.”
When fear, doubt and troubles come, I often think of and sing this simple chorus, for in many ways my faith is simple. Simplicity can in truth, unscramble and declutter the complexity of whatever it is I am going through.
During the process of going through my two strokes in December, lying on a bed in the ER, (4 times) and then enduring several MRI’s, CT scans, a plethora of caring, ministering doctors, nurses, aids, etc., I held onto HOPE. Hope that I would see my family again, my friends, my church family, a pine tree covered in snow and to stand in my pulpit, looking out once again at those who love and support me every day in prayer.
My hope now….is multi-faceted. Recovery of course over time, counting my blessings EVERY DAY, hoping, and praying for those who showed and show me their LOVE every day. I have HOPE for my kids, grandkids, friends, my little church, our community, our nation, and the world. Hope that one day “the peace of God that passes all understanding” will be a fact. A fact in the lives of all humanity and the world.
If I am going to HOPE in FAITH, I am going to HOPE BIG! Yet, with this HOPE I KNOW…. this will happen when HE, Christ, come back at His Second Advent.
Now that is hope realized…. Pastor Tom
Reflections, on the spiritual side of life…….
Do not worry about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
Well, most of us have had almost a full year of both collective and individual things to worry about. Some quite serious
Worry, it seems to me from personal experience, comes almost as natural as breathing when circumstances come upon us that cause anxiety or stress.
Worry can be overt or so subtle, that at times we do not even know we are worrying at a subconscious level, but mostly we do know. Overt or subtle, worry is destructive on many levels. It destroys our peace, causing sometimes physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual problems. Some of these cause problems that can last a lifetime.
I looked up 25 well-known, legitimate translations of this verse and in each, with subtle variance they all said in their own wording, exactly the same thing. Turn worry from a negative reaction to a positive action.
Turn worry into prayer and even worship, trusting God that when by prayer and petitioning Him, with thanksgiving, present our request to Him.
PRAYER – WORSHIP – TRUST – FAITH
We can turn our worry into a productive, engaging experience with our God, which will be interactive and definitely not one sided. I am challenging myself and you to think about this, and with God’s help, turn our worries around 180 degrees, so that instead of the wrong direction we will be headed straight into the hands and heart of our Father.
Ephesians 6:8 reads, “pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition.” Giving thanks always for all things unto God in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
“By prayer” is meant worship, for both words' prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, are the two greatest element of true worship. Here is a suggestion as to how to do this.
I leave with you this:
"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace" (Numbers 6:24-26).
Amen
Do not worry about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
Well, most of us have had almost a full year of both collective and individual things to worry about. Some quite serious
Worry, it seems to me from personal experience, comes almost as natural as breathing when circumstances come upon us that cause anxiety or stress.
Worry can be overt or so subtle, that at times we do not even know we are worrying at a subconscious level, but mostly we do know. Overt or subtle, worry is destructive on many levels. It destroys our peace, causing sometimes physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual problems. Some of these cause problems that can last a lifetime.
I looked up 25 well-known, legitimate translations of this verse and in each, with subtle variance they all said in their own wording, exactly the same thing. Turn worry from a negative reaction to a positive action.
Turn worry into prayer and even worship, trusting God that when by prayer and petitioning Him, with thanksgiving, present our request to Him.
PRAYER – WORSHIP – TRUST – FAITH
We can turn our worry into a productive, engaging experience with our God, which will be interactive and definitely not one sided. I am challenging myself and you to think about this, and with God’s help, turn our worries around 180 degrees, so that instead of the wrong direction we will be headed straight into the hands and heart of our Father.
Ephesians 6:8 reads, “pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition.” Giving thanks always for all things unto God in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
“By prayer” is meant worship, for both words' prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, are the two greatest element of true worship. Here is a suggestion as to how to do this.
- Sit in your most comfortable place and ask the Lord to join you.
- Make a written list of all, and I mean all your worries and concerns.
- In your mind ask the Spirit to show you those things that are truly needing prayer.
- Then…sit quietly, just you and the Lord, going over each one of your petitions in faith; and with HOPE in your heart talk to Him, for He is listening.
- Then…trust that He heard you and will act according to what is best, moving on both on your behalf and for the person or situation you are praying for or about.
I leave with you this:
"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace" (Numbers 6:24-26).
Amen
Reflections on the spiritual side of life…………….
2020 Many of us are looking forward to this year wrapping itself up and sending it as far away as the east is from the west. This saying is found in where else, but the Bible. Psalm 103:12 The rest of the verse goes like this; “as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. Hallelujah!
As is the way it is for most of us, it was a mixed time of sadness, sorrow, grief, and yet, there were also many good things that came out of the difficult and sadness. Often, we realize in the difficult times how much people we love mean to us, and if on the receiving end of their kindness, just how much we are loved.
Yesterday day in my sermon at the Little Church in the Pines, I focused, well, here is brief thumb print of it. “yesterday, today and tomorrow…. this year, this month, this day, this hour, this minute and second is what we have, until we don’t. The implications of life…attempting to understand life….and how to therefore live the life we have, is our biggest challenge. The choices we made yesterday have brought us to where we are today, and those we make today will carry us into tomorrow. We do not know what choices we will have to make tomorrow, or even if we will have a tomorrow.
We are born, we live, we die, and what we fill this life we have been given with, well, what about that? How have I and how have you done so far? It is a time to reflect, evaluate and perhaps repent of the wrong choices we have made and move fully into today, living and choosing wisely knowing that in repentance our transgressions do not need to tail along behind us.
In using the Bible’s truths, and the teachings of Jesus as a measuring-rod for the choices we have made, how have we done?
I have found myself wanting (badly) in areas where the choices I have made have been the wrong ones, some deliberately and others by mistake. But either way I go to the Scripture quoted above in Psalm 103:12 which helps me to not beat myself up again and again for those choices. That seems to come naturally to many of us.
I then remembered a verse found in of all places, the book of Lamentations which reads; “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
As I was typing those words getting this message ready, the reality of what they meant to me almost overwhelmed me, both with shame and then with deep and abiding gratitude got both the lessons I learned in those wrong choices, and for the deep abiding gratefulness (remembering this Christmas Season that we celebrate. You see, God so loved me and the world, that He gave His only begotten Son as a sacrifice for me…. but not only for me, but for every man, woman or child that walks the surface to this little blue ball in space. Life takes on meaning and substance when we realized this amazing truth. Jesus too was born, lived, and died but as we know, came back to life…but I will save that for a few months down the road.
I leave with you this. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”
I have had deep difficulties this year and continue to have the ramifications from those on both a physical and mental level. Yet, through it all the Lord has been and will continue to be with me, because His mercies are new every morning.” I feel them and appreciate so very much not only His mercies, but His grace and love for this one man on this planet of six billion and shows it to me every day. Every day!
P.S. I pray each of you will have a blessed and yes, happy new year. We could all use a little happiness that comes with His mercy.
Pastor Tom LCIP
2020 Many of us are looking forward to this year wrapping itself up and sending it as far away as the east is from the west. This saying is found in where else, but the Bible. Psalm 103:12 The rest of the verse goes like this; “as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. Hallelujah!
As is the way it is for most of us, it was a mixed time of sadness, sorrow, grief, and yet, there were also many good things that came out of the difficult and sadness. Often, we realize in the difficult times how much people we love mean to us, and if on the receiving end of their kindness, just how much we are loved.
Yesterday day in my sermon at the Little Church in the Pines, I focused, well, here is brief thumb print of it. “yesterday, today and tomorrow…. this year, this month, this day, this hour, this minute and second is what we have, until we don’t. The implications of life…attempting to understand life….and how to therefore live the life we have, is our biggest challenge. The choices we made yesterday have brought us to where we are today, and those we make today will carry us into tomorrow. We do not know what choices we will have to make tomorrow, or even if we will have a tomorrow.
We are born, we live, we die, and what we fill this life we have been given with, well, what about that? How have I and how have you done so far? It is a time to reflect, evaluate and perhaps repent of the wrong choices we have made and move fully into today, living and choosing wisely knowing that in repentance our transgressions do not need to tail along behind us.
In using the Bible’s truths, and the teachings of Jesus as a measuring-rod for the choices we have made, how have we done?
I have found myself wanting (badly) in areas where the choices I have made have been the wrong ones, some deliberately and others by mistake. But either way I go to the Scripture quoted above in Psalm 103:12 which helps me to not beat myself up again and again for those choices. That seems to come naturally to many of us.
I then remembered a verse found in of all places, the book of Lamentations which reads; “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
As I was typing those words getting this message ready, the reality of what they meant to me almost overwhelmed me, both with shame and then with deep and abiding gratitude got both the lessons I learned in those wrong choices, and for the deep abiding gratefulness (remembering this Christmas Season that we celebrate. You see, God so loved me and the world, that He gave His only begotten Son as a sacrifice for me…. but not only for me, but for every man, woman or child that walks the surface to this little blue ball in space. Life takes on meaning and substance when we realized this amazing truth. Jesus too was born, lived, and died but as we know, came back to life…but I will save that for a few months down the road.
I leave with you this. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”
I have had deep difficulties this year and continue to have the ramifications from those on both a physical and mental level. Yet, through it all the Lord has been and will continue to be with me, because His mercies are new every morning.” I feel them and appreciate so very much not only His mercies, but His grace and love for this one man on this planet of six billion and shows it to me every day. Every day!
P.S. I pray each of you will have a blessed and yes, happy new year. We could all use a little happiness that comes with His mercy.
Pastor Tom LCIP
REFLECTIONS ON THE SPIRITUALS LIFE OF LIFE…….
A NOTE OF EXPLANATIONS & THANKS-GIVING
In our western vernacular we have a saying, that when absent for any number of reasons that when making a comeback, “we are back in the saddle again.”
As some of you may have noticed, there have been several reruns of older Reflection articles. Well, there is a reason of that. I was on vacation, visiting a good friend in Lincoln City, Oregon, walking the Beach. Had a great time until I felt my left arm and leg disappear or go numb. It passed quickly but left some problems such as partial vision loss in my left eye. I quickly drove back home from Oregon to Idaho to have my eyes checked. As it turns out I had what I came to find out was a TIA stroke. I had a second one about a week later.
I ended up in the ER four times in as many days, and found through a second MRI, CT Scan, and a plethora of blood tests that I had the second one in the same area. Without going into all the details. I am grateful to God, to my family, my church family, and the community I live in. I am also so incredibly grateful to the Doctors, nurses, and aides at both Madison Memorial and EIRMAC in Idaho Falls. The moment I arrived all four times, it as if I were the only person in the hospital in need of immediate care. I still get emotional when I think of what fine and good and smart and gifted people, we are fortunate to have care for us in our time of great need.
I also want to thank the two EMT’S that were with me in the ambulance from my home to Madison Memorial. I was more than a bit out of it but remember a woman named Karen, and a man named Bill, whom I believe is our Mormon Bishop here in IP. Love you both for being there for me and so encouraging and kind.
Through my Little Church in the Pines, I have received texts, cards, visits, help AND FOOD plus lots of love. God has blessed me over and over again through the love and care I have and continue to receive.
A funny story: I had dinner last night at Larry and Joyce Johnsons, having a delightful time of fellowship. Well, I had no problem getting there as it was still daylight, but when I left, I turned the wrong direction and Larry had to do a search and rescue, leading me safely back home. That is another story. Home is not where it used to be.
I also want to thank our staff, Blair, Karen, and others who have been so good to me at our own clinic. We are blessed to have them a part of our care and community! Love them to.
I have been told it will take about six months to get back to “normal” whatever that might be, and so I would appreciate your prayers and thoughts as all progresses.
One more person I must thank deeply is Connie Funkhouser, who via phone, texts, and in person, has been my right and good hand from the beginning of this journey. I do not know what I would have done without my faithful co-worker in Jesus at the Little Church. A pastor could not have a more able, kind, and helpful assistant as Chairperson of our Steering Committee.
My goal is to do what I am told, hopefully and prayerfully heal so I really can get back fully in that saddle again.
P.S. I am managing to preach but do have to sit on a tall stool while doing so.
I thank God for all of you and for being a part of this caring and loving community. You are all precious in God’s heart and sight.
P.S.S. Thanks Ann for being patient and so understanding. Bless you!
Pastor Tom. Little Church in the Pines
A NOTE OF EXPLANATIONS & THANKS-GIVING
In our western vernacular we have a saying, that when absent for any number of reasons that when making a comeback, “we are back in the saddle again.”
As some of you may have noticed, there have been several reruns of older Reflection articles. Well, there is a reason of that. I was on vacation, visiting a good friend in Lincoln City, Oregon, walking the Beach. Had a great time until I felt my left arm and leg disappear or go numb. It passed quickly but left some problems such as partial vision loss in my left eye. I quickly drove back home from Oregon to Idaho to have my eyes checked. As it turns out I had what I came to find out was a TIA stroke. I had a second one about a week later.
I ended up in the ER four times in as many days, and found through a second MRI, CT Scan, and a plethora of blood tests that I had the second one in the same area. Without going into all the details. I am grateful to God, to my family, my church family, and the community I live in. I am also so incredibly grateful to the Doctors, nurses, and aides at both Madison Memorial and EIRMAC in Idaho Falls. The moment I arrived all four times, it as if I were the only person in the hospital in need of immediate care. I still get emotional when I think of what fine and good and smart and gifted people, we are fortunate to have care for us in our time of great need.
I also want to thank the two EMT’S that were with me in the ambulance from my home to Madison Memorial. I was more than a bit out of it but remember a woman named Karen, and a man named Bill, whom I believe is our Mormon Bishop here in IP. Love you both for being there for me and so encouraging and kind.
Through my Little Church in the Pines, I have received texts, cards, visits, help AND FOOD plus lots of love. God has blessed me over and over again through the love and care I have and continue to receive.
A funny story: I had dinner last night at Larry and Joyce Johnsons, having a delightful time of fellowship. Well, I had no problem getting there as it was still daylight, but when I left, I turned the wrong direction and Larry had to do a search and rescue, leading me safely back home. That is another story. Home is not where it used to be.
I also want to thank our staff, Blair, Karen, and others who have been so good to me at our own clinic. We are blessed to have them a part of our care and community! Love them to.
I have been told it will take about six months to get back to “normal” whatever that might be, and so I would appreciate your prayers and thoughts as all progresses.
One more person I must thank deeply is Connie Funkhouser, who via phone, texts, and in person, has been my right and good hand from the beginning of this journey. I do not know what I would have done without my faithful co-worker in Jesus at the Little Church. A pastor could not have a more able, kind, and helpful assistant as Chairperson of our Steering Committee.
My goal is to do what I am told, hopefully and prayerfully heal so I really can get back fully in that saddle again.
P.S. I am managing to preach but do have to sit on a tall stool while doing so.
I thank God for all of you and for being a part of this caring and loving community. You are all precious in God’s heart and sight.
P.S.S. Thanks Ann for being patient and so understanding. Bless you!
Pastor Tom. Little Church in the Pines
Reflections on the spiritual side of life . . .
December 1, 2020
Advent
“I ONCE WAS LOST BUT NOW AM FOUND”
Luke 15:6-7
In John 9:5, during the miracle of healing the blind at birth, saying, “When I am in the world, I am the LIGHT of the world.” This episode leads into John 9:39 where Jesus metaphorically explains that He came into this world, so that the blind may see.
“The people who have walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelled in a land of deep darkness . . . to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into
His marvelous light.”
Isaiah 9:2
A Marvelous Light!
(THE ARRIVAL OF A NOTABLE PERSON, THING, OR EVENT)
The coming (in the case of Christmas) of the Light of the World, the Messiah, The Christ Child. As spoken by the prophets of God, the only Begotten Son of God, conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of a young virgin girl . . . Mary.
The Advent season is the period of four Sundays and weeks before Christ-mass, or Christmas. All this condensed down to one word and that word is “coming.” Not only are these weeks a time of anticipation, but in those minutes, hours, days, and weeks, we feel His light within us and is getting brighter and brighter.
Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection all build to an even greater anticipation. That anticipation one day will be fulfilled in His Second Coming, when indeed the world will be awash with His light, bathed in glorious brightness, cleansed from all darkness, made new in the Glory of His Presence. All things . . . all things will be new!
A new heaven, a new earth, all of Creation will sing a song of praise, harmony will reign and finally there will be PEACE ON EARTH AND GOOD WILL TOWARD ALL OF MANKIND . . . FOREVER.
God of Hope, we look to you with an open heart and a yearning spirit. During this Advent season, we will keep alert and awake, listening for Your Word, looking for Your Presence even in the unlovely, the harsh, and unkind, for they, like us are of the same need, YOU! “Our hope is in You, Lord, our life is in You, Lord, in You, It’s in You.”
Today is no different from yesterday, nor tomorrow as our hope rises this time of year in anticipation of those who like us, will open their hearts and minds to receive Him as the Savior of every individual man, woman, and child who live and breathe. How will they hear of Him, how will they come to know Him? Only through those of us who are living images of Him and who are unafraid to speak of what He has done and continues to do in our hearts and lives.
As we celebrate Advent at the LCIP, we will light one candle each Sunday. Representing HOPE, then LOVE, then JOY, and then PEACE. The fourth candle also representing purity of heart, mind, soul, and body. A fifth candle will be set to light and it becomes the brightest flame of all, the LIGHT of CHRIST. A flame that we are to light our own candle (life) with, as we are individually and collectively the Body of Christ shining into the darkness of the world.
There is much darkness today, but there is also light, and that light is the “Light of God in Christ” that shines through us from Him. A Marvelous Light that comes from the very center of the universe He created and given to us freely. Freely we have received, and freely we are to give.
Together, let us share in a blessed and beautiful Advent Season!
TO GOD BE THE GLORY ~ AMEN!
Pastor Tom
December 1, 2020
Advent
“I ONCE WAS LOST BUT NOW AM FOUND”
Luke 15:6-7
In John 9:5, during the miracle of healing the blind at birth, saying, “When I am in the world, I am the LIGHT of the world.” This episode leads into John 9:39 where Jesus metaphorically explains that He came into this world, so that the blind may see.
“The people who have walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelled in a land of deep darkness . . . to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into
His marvelous light.”
Isaiah 9:2
A Marvelous Light!
(THE ARRIVAL OF A NOTABLE PERSON, THING, OR EVENT)
The coming (in the case of Christmas) of the Light of the World, the Messiah, The Christ Child. As spoken by the prophets of God, the only Begotten Son of God, conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of a young virgin girl . . . Mary.
The Advent season is the period of four Sundays and weeks before Christ-mass, or Christmas. All this condensed down to one word and that word is “coming.” Not only are these weeks a time of anticipation, but in those minutes, hours, days, and weeks, we feel His light within us and is getting brighter and brighter.
Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection all build to an even greater anticipation. That anticipation one day will be fulfilled in His Second Coming, when indeed the world will be awash with His light, bathed in glorious brightness, cleansed from all darkness, made new in the Glory of His Presence. All things . . . all things will be new!
A new heaven, a new earth, all of Creation will sing a song of praise, harmony will reign and finally there will be PEACE ON EARTH AND GOOD WILL TOWARD ALL OF MANKIND . . . FOREVER.
God of Hope, we look to you with an open heart and a yearning spirit. During this Advent season, we will keep alert and awake, listening for Your Word, looking for Your Presence even in the unlovely, the harsh, and unkind, for they, like us are of the same need, YOU! “Our hope is in You, Lord, our life is in You, Lord, in You, It’s in You.”
Today is no different from yesterday, nor tomorrow as our hope rises this time of year in anticipation of those who like us, will open their hearts and minds to receive Him as the Savior of every individual man, woman, and child who live and breathe. How will they hear of Him, how will they come to know Him? Only through those of us who are living images of Him and who are unafraid to speak of what He has done and continues to do in our hearts and lives.
As we celebrate Advent at the LCIP, we will light one candle each Sunday. Representing HOPE, then LOVE, then JOY, and then PEACE. The fourth candle also representing purity of heart, mind, soul, and body. A fifth candle will be set to light and it becomes the brightest flame of all, the LIGHT of CHRIST. A flame that we are to light our own candle (life) with, as we are individually and collectively the Body of Christ shining into the darkness of the world.
There is much darkness today, but there is also light, and that light is the “Light of God in Christ” that shines through us from Him. A Marvelous Light that comes from the very center of the universe He created and given to us freely. Freely we have received, and freely we are to give.
Together, let us share in a blessed and beautiful Advent Season!
TO GOD BE THE GLORY ~ AMEN!
Pastor Tom
Reflections, on the spiritual side . . . Twenty years ago, I was one of ten ministers on a staff of twenty. I was the minister overseeing all of the Men’s Ministries, but along with those, I was also in charge of upgrading the interior of the main church building which, primarily, was where almost all ministries met, one of course being the main worship center where we met as a congregation every Sunday for worship. One of the first things I did was have a beautiful sign lettered and painted, then put up saying simply “Sanctuary” which was placed above the main entrance. One of the men I counseled individually during my ministry was a Vietnam Veteran who suffered with lack of self-worth, and Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. After I had the sign over the main entry into the Worship Center put up, he came to me and said, that every time he entered that room, that is exactly what it represented and also came to be for him. A sanctuary from both internal struggles, and a sanctuary from all the external struggles he personally encountered every day of his life in the world. He said he would literally experience a calming peace that happened when entering that room and nowhere else.
The last four years while serving at the church here in Island Park, his words often come back to me when I enter our “sanctuary” at the Little Church in the Pines which for me includes a feeling of a comforting Presence. Psalm 27:5 reads, “For He will conceal me there when troubles come; He will hide me in His ‘sanctuary’” The seventy nine year history of the Little Church, and all the generations of individuals and families seeking the Lord’s presence in this little log church, saturate every part of its existence. It would be wonderful if people, both strangers and residents would come by, and simply sit in a pew and meditate on the Lord and His Presence in that place.
Sanctuary in its original meaning is a sacred place, such as a shrine. …The secondary use can be categorized as a human sanctuary, a safe place for humans to take refuge. A safe place. Today with COVID, with the political atmosphere that persists and pervades, with intolerance toward individuals who think different from us and with so much that divides, a sanctuary should be available and be a place when every and all individuals should be able to come, setting aside those things that divide, and look for the peace of God that surpasses all understanding that is available to all of us, if we but seek Him with our whole hearts.
I know, that living where we do that the country that surrounds us every day is in itself (forest, mountains, and streams) a sanctuary, yet as minister of “The Little Church in the Pines” I invite you to come when you feel either the desire or need just to have a place apart, where you can pray, meditate and seek the Lord our God, through His Son Jesus Christ.
I am in my office Thursday through Saturday which means the building will be unlocked and open to you. The doors will be unlocked from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. I will not disturb you. The Sanctuary will be warm and lit subtly for your time of meditation, prayer, or simply just a quiet place to be.
May the Lord bless you and keep you, make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you Peace.. Amen
The last four years while serving at the church here in Island Park, his words often come back to me when I enter our “sanctuary” at the Little Church in the Pines which for me includes a feeling of a comforting Presence. Psalm 27:5 reads, “For He will conceal me there when troubles come; He will hide me in His ‘sanctuary’” The seventy nine year history of the Little Church, and all the generations of individuals and families seeking the Lord’s presence in this little log church, saturate every part of its existence. It would be wonderful if people, both strangers and residents would come by, and simply sit in a pew and meditate on the Lord and His Presence in that place.
Sanctuary in its original meaning is a sacred place, such as a shrine. …The secondary use can be categorized as a human sanctuary, a safe place for humans to take refuge. A safe place. Today with COVID, with the political atmosphere that persists and pervades, with intolerance toward individuals who think different from us and with so much that divides, a sanctuary should be available and be a place when every and all individuals should be able to come, setting aside those things that divide, and look for the peace of God that surpasses all understanding that is available to all of us, if we but seek Him with our whole hearts.
I know, that living where we do that the country that surrounds us every day is in itself (forest, mountains, and streams) a sanctuary, yet as minister of “The Little Church in the Pines” I invite you to come when you feel either the desire or need just to have a place apart, where you can pray, meditate and seek the Lord our God, through His Son Jesus Christ.
I am in my office Thursday through Saturday which means the building will be unlocked and open to you. The doors will be unlocked from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. I will not disturb you. The Sanctuary will be warm and lit subtly for your time of meditation, prayer, or simply just a quiet place to be.
May the Lord bless you and keep you, make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you Peace.. Amen
Reflections……. on the spiritual side of life
October 22, 2020
COURAGE
JOSHUA 1:9
“Have I not commanded you, ‘be strong and be of good courage;’ do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
COURAGE (also called bravery and valor) is the choice and willingness to confront agony, pain, danger, uncertainty, or intimidation. Within the sphere of one’s given circumstances this makes a courageous response either difficult or easy. With God at our side when having to do so, we know we are not alone.
There are times in our lives we have had to be courageous and there are times in our lives, perhaps even today, when we will once again have to be courageous. When looking at those five descriptive words any sane person would want to avoid them completely if possible.
Jesus did not exhibit a lack of courage once His ministry began; as He faced danger, uncertainty, attempted intimidation, pain, and eventual agony. Knowing God was at His side, the New Testament tells us He never backed down, flinched, or turned away from being courageous. When conviction undergirds our necessity of being strong and courageous with His help, whether it is facing an illness, an accident, rift with a loved one, confronting a bully, COVID, or standing up for our faith, we can be like Him! “STRONG AND COURAGEOUS”
I have both a son and daughter who are police officers. One in Idaho Falls and my daughter in Dallas, Texas. I watched my son prepare for his shift one day as he is on the night shift. Each item he put on was to be used either to defend himself or someone else, or to apprehend a man or woman breaking the law. (the weight of all those things alone is intimidating,) let alone each of their purpose. The last thing he did was pin on his badge. That badge symbolizes all that he (and my daughter) had sworn to do, in taking a vow in which often they have to be courageous and strong, protecting and defending you and I.
I also think of men and women such as Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a Lutheran minister in Germany during World War II, who laid down his life for His Lord, and speaking out in defense of those being slaughtered. And then there was Corrie ten Boom, the daughter of a watchmaker in Holland, who while feeding the Nazi enemies (as Christ commanded, we do) in her small kitchen, also hid Jewish men, women, and children in her attic. Corrie was eventually arrested and imprisoned in Ravensbruck for years, almost dying, but survived to tell of the grace of God even in such horror.
Sometimes courage can be something small though important, and sometimes it can be a huge and vital action, necessary for the well-being of one or for many. Having the wisdom to know when to act, along with the act itself. I have read many accounts of bravery in our men and women in the military, police officers, doctors, nurses and, also, in many ordinary, everyday people just like you and I. Circumstances dictate when we will have to be strong and courageous, and in those circumstances, for those of us who know Him, we will find exactly what and when we need to make them.
This could be simply standing up for our faith, and in turn standing up for our Lord. “BE STRONG AND OF GOOD COURAGE” ... Selah……
October 22, 2020
COURAGE
JOSHUA 1:9
“Have I not commanded you, ‘be strong and be of good courage;’ do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
COURAGE (also called bravery and valor) is the choice and willingness to confront agony, pain, danger, uncertainty, or intimidation. Within the sphere of one’s given circumstances this makes a courageous response either difficult or easy. With God at our side when having to do so, we know we are not alone.
There are times in our lives we have had to be courageous and there are times in our lives, perhaps even today, when we will once again have to be courageous. When looking at those five descriptive words any sane person would want to avoid them completely if possible.
Jesus did not exhibit a lack of courage once His ministry began; as He faced danger, uncertainty, attempted intimidation, pain, and eventual agony. Knowing God was at His side, the New Testament tells us He never backed down, flinched, or turned away from being courageous. When conviction undergirds our necessity of being strong and courageous with His help, whether it is facing an illness, an accident, rift with a loved one, confronting a bully, COVID, or standing up for our faith, we can be like Him! “STRONG AND COURAGEOUS”
I have both a son and daughter who are police officers. One in Idaho Falls and my daughter in Dallas, Texas. I watched my son prepare for his shift one day as he is on the night shift. Each item he put on was to be used either to defend himself or someone else, or to apprehend a man or woman breaking the law. (the weight of all those things alone is intimidating,) let alone each of their purpose. The last thing he did was pin on his badge. That badge symbolizes all that he (and my daughter) had sworn to do, in taking a vow in which often they have to be courageous and strong, protecting and defending you and I.
I also think of men and women such as Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a Lutheran minister in Germany during World War II, who laid down his life for His Lord, and speaking out in defense of those being slaughtered. And then there was Corrie ten Boom, the daughter of a watchmaker in Holland, who while feeding the Nazi enemies (as Christ commanded, we do) in her small kitchen, also hid Jewish men, women, and children in her attic. Corrie was eventually arrested and imprisoned in Ravensbruck for years, almost dying, but survived to tell of the grace of God even in such horror.
Sometimes courage can be something small though important, and sometimes it can be a huge and vital action, necessary for the well-being of one or for many. Having the wisdom to know when to act, along with the act itself. I have read many accounts of bravery in our men and women in the military, police officers, doctors, nurses and, also, in many ordinary, everyday people just like you and I. Circumstances dictate when we will have to be strong and courageous, and in those circumstances, for those of us who know Him, we will find exactly what and when we need to make them.
This could be simply standing up for our faith, and in turn standing up for our Lord. “BE STRONG AND OF GOOD COURAGE” ... Selah……
Reflections, on the spiritual side of life…………..
Encouragement….Lord, some days I seem to need it more than others, but these days I seem to crave it, perhaps even more than I crave dark chocolate, and that’s a lot. Seriously, encouragement brings with it the ability to often: simply make that next step in my everyday life, and then the next and the next. By nature, I am (or perceive myself as such) a half-glass-full person in my perspective of looking at life in general. Encouragement means “the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope.” I am blessed by having family, a congregation, friends outside my congregation, and even those in the community who ‘help me’ when I am at a restaurant eating or buying groceries. Living alone, it is critical for me to get out of the house and interact with people other than my wonderful cat “Churchill.” If he and I spoke the same language it might be easier for both of us. I don’t know where he goes when outside to find encouragement. Maybe I’m enough, as long as I feed, house and give him some affection? Anyway….a friend I have not seen for over twenty years posted on Facebook, his borderline despair at the conditions existing in our country today with all the division, strife, hatred, lack of tolerance, unkindness, etc., etc. I found myself right in alignment with most of his evaluations of our current unsettling conditions and started to sink mentally and emotionally. I read on, and next came his solution in part to counteract and lift-up, to encourage not only himself but those around him. (me) The first he found in the Psalms. Psalm 61:1-3, “Hear my cry, O God; attend unto to my prayer. From the ends of the earth will I cry out to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the Rock that is higher than I. For You (are) and have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from my enemy.” There are three metaphors in here that represent God as a shelter, a rock, and a fortified tower. Each of these are places to go to find protection, encouragement and safety from whatever assails us, whatever! The key here is looking beyond ourselves, our personal situations and even that of our nation, and turning out face toward Him. Verse 4 says, “I will abide in Your house forever; I will trust in the shelter of your wings.” The metaphor here speaks to a mother hen covering her chicks with her wings to protect them. Finally, my friend quoted a song that I knew years ago but had forgotten about that so beautifully, wonderfully and immediately when I sang it, gave me that 2 next step of encouragement in my day. Wish I could sing it to you, but perhaps it is better just to type it. ; ) I go to the Rock of my Salvation, I go the Rock that the builders rejected. I turn to the mountain and the mountain stands by me. When the earth all around me is sinking sand, on Christ the Solid Rock I stand. When I need a shelter, when I need a friend, I go to the Rock.” There is no need to explain or expand with more words, for they would be redundant. Both the Psalm and the song tells us clearly where we can find encouragement when we need it. I simply say, thank you Lord! Amen
Encouragement….Lord, some days I seem to need it more than others, but these days I seem to crave it, perhaps even more than I crave dark chocolate, and that’s a lot. Seriously, encouragement brings with it the ability to often: simply make that next step in my everyday life, and then the next and the next. By nature, I am (or perceive myself as such) a half-glass-full person in my perspective of looking at life in general. Encouragement means “the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope.” I am blessed by having family, a congregation, friends outside my congregation, and even those in the community who ‘help me’ when I am at a restaurant eating or buying groceries. Living alone, it is critical for me to get out of the house and interact with people other than my wonderful cat “Churchill.” If he and I spoke the same language it might be easier for both of us. I don’t know where he goes when outside to find encouragement. Maybe I’m enough, as long as I feed, house and give him some affection? Anyway….a friend I have not seen for over twenty years posted on Facebook, his borderline despair at the conditions existing in our country today with all the division, strife, hatred, lack of tolerance, unkindness, etc., etc. I found myself right in alignment with most of his evaluations of our current unsettling conditions and started to sink mentally and emotionally. I read on, and next came his solution in part to counteract and lift-up, to encourage not only himself but those around him. (me) The first he found in the Psalms. Psalm 61:1-3, “Hear my cry, O God; attend unto to my prayer. From the ends of the earth will I cry out to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the Rock that is higher than I. For You (are) and have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from my enemy.” There are three metaphors in here that represent God as a shelter, a rock, and a fortified tower. Each of these are places to go to find protection, encouragement and safety from whatever assails us, whatever! The key here is looking beyond ourselves, our personal situations and even that of our nation, and turning out face toward Him. Verse 4 says, “I will abide in Your house forever; I will trust in the shelter of your wings.” The metaphor here speaks to a mother hen covering her chicks with her wings to protect them. Finally, my friend quoted a song that I knew years ago but had forgotten about that so beautifully, wonderfully and immediately when I sang it, gave me that 2 next step of encouragement in my day. Wish I could sing it to you, but perhaps it is better just to type it. ; ) I go to the Rock of my Salvation, I go the Rock that the builders rejected. I turn to the mountain and the mountain stands by me. When the earth all around me is sinking sand, on Christ the Solid Rock I stand. When I need a shelter, when I need a friend, I go to the Rock.” There is no need to explain or expand with more words, for they would be redundant. Both the Psalm and the song tells us clearly where we can find encouragement when we need it. I simply say, thank you Lord! Amen
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side life…….
Hello All……today’s subject(s) are ones that I tread lightly into, but know they need to be discussed in their interrelatedness. Those are government and religion and our role in both. No matter how hard one tries, there is no absolute way in which they can be separated. Many blame religions for all the discord, and most of the war’s humans have engaged in, using history as verification. Surprisingly, in- regards to wars they are correct. Overall discord….not so.
Today, with all the changes, disturbances and fighting that is occurring in our own nation, religion is playing a part. Our nation’s laws and justice system are deeply rooted in our Judeo-Christian values, and for the most part, are responsible for the stability and freedoms we have lived with over these many, many years. It is, in my opinion, not the system that is corrupt, but those individuals who are using the system for their own corrupt goals as a pathway to power. This has been proven time and time again in the history of the world. Power corrupts, not just in the governments of the world, but also (again as history proves) even in religion. In my opinion the worst and most lethal and devastating government, is when religion and governments come together as one.
Does this mean they cannot not and should not co-exist? Absolutely not, but they should support one another for the fulfillment of the human experience, and as our Declaration of Independence states clearly, “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” This phrase gives three examples of the unalienable rights which the Declaration says have been given to all humans by their Creator, and which not only our government, but all governments are to enable and protect.
I seem to have quite a few opinions, even writing some of them here, but in our nation, at least for now, I am free (though with ever tightening screws) to express those opinions. When I do, I have learned to expect that often there will be potential serious repercussions. This next one will most likely get me in trouble with a segment of my fellow Christians. I make no apologies.
We Christians have gotten ourselves in trouble, often being seen as vitriolic haters of certain segments of our population with whom often we disagree. We have resorted to name calling, even resorted to actions that are far different than the Lord Jesus whom we profess to follow, love and obey would do. Yes, we are free to disagree and even speak of those disagreements, but in a way that reflects love and tolerance for our fellow humans. You see, we are not the judge, He told us to not only love those we consider our enemies, but to do them good.
Matthew 5:43-46, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven, for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?” We need to get to know those with whom we disagree with as people. People with whom we have many of the same goals and desires. People. “Let he (or she) who is without sin throw the first stone.”
In this great nation, we are told we are all created equal, seen as equal and need to treat all others as equals. If we lived as we should, no matter our religion, skin color, sexual identification, social status, rich or poor, as both our Lord and government says we should, we would not be (as a nation) in the state that we are in today. We MUST learn to listen to one another, and together resolve and solve the issues together that divide us, or God knows where we will eventually end up. Just think about in what way(s) you and I need to change and to be a part of the solution, and not the problem. Amen
Hello All……today’s subject(s) are ones that I tread lightly into, but know they need to be discussed in their interrelatedness. Those are government and religion and our role in both. No matter how hard one tries, there is no absolute way in which they can be separated. Many blame religions for all the discord, and most of the war’s humans have engaged in, using history as verification. Surprisingly, in- regards to wars they are correct. Overall discord….not so.
Today, with all the changes, disturbances and fighting that is occurring in our own nation, religion is playing a part. Our nation’s laws and justice system are deeply rooted in our Judeo-Christian values, and for the most part, are responsible for the stability and freedoms we have lived with over these many, many years. It is, in my opinion, not the system that is corrupt, but those individuals who are using the system for their own corrupt goals as a pathway to power. This has been proven time and time again in the history of the world. Power corrupts, not just in the governments of the world, but also (again as history proves) even in religion. In my opinion the worst and most lethal and devastating government, is when religion and governments come together as one.
Does this mean they cannot not and should not co-exist? Absolutely not, but they should support one another for the fulfillment of the human experience, and as our Declaration of Independence states clearly, “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” This phrase gives three examples of the unalienable rights which the Declaration says have been given to all humans by their Creator, and which not only our government, but all governments are to enable and protect.
I seem to have quite a few opinions, even writing some of them here, but in our nation, at least for now, I am free (though with ever tightening screws) to express those opinions. When I do, I have learned to expect that often there will be potential serious repercussions. This next one will most likely get me in trouble with a segment of my fellow Christians. I make no apologies.
We Christians have gotten ourselves in trouble, often being seen as vitriolic haters of certain segments of our population with whom often we disagree. We have resorted to name calling, even resorted to actions that are far different than the Lord Jesus whom we profess to follow, love and obey would do. Yes, we are free to disagree and even speak of those disagreements, but in a way that reflects love and tolerance for our fellow humans. You see, we are not the judge, He told us to not only love those we consider our enemies, but to do them good.
Matthew 5:43-46, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven, for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?” We need to get to know those with whom we disagree with as people. People with whom we have many of the same goals and desires. People. “Let he (or she) who is without sin throw the first stone.”
In this great nation, we are told we are all created equal, seen as equal and need to treat all others as equals. If we lived as we should, no matter our religion, skin color, sexual identification, social status, rich or poor, as both our Lord and government says we should, we would not be (as a nation) in the state that we are in today. We MUST learn to listen to one another, and together resolve and solve the issues together that divide us, or God knows where we will eventually end up. Just think about in what way(s) you and I need to change and to be a part of the solution, and not the problem. Amen
Reflections, on the spiritual side of life………
October 1, 2020
Greetings in our Lord Jesus Christ. I don’t know if you realized or not, but my last three REFLECTIONS were re-runs so to speak. I have been on (vacation) for the past two and a half weeks, sort of. I had great plans to camp my way to the Oregon coast, visit my good friend Lance (who had to evacuate his home due to the Lincoln City fire) but thank the Lord, his home did not burn. So, with all the fires, riots and the sudden onset of bronchitis, I made it as far as Twin Falls and had to come back. In 20 days, I had one night and two days away from Island Park. I must say though, that Shoshone Falls just east of Twin Falls is absolutely worth the drive, but then again, so is Island Park!
My heart breaks for the thousands of people who have lost their homes, family members and friends, due to both the fires and COVID. My son in Idaho Falls came down with COVID, but again, I thank the Lord he recovered quickly and none of his four children or his wife contracted it.
“The Times They are a Changing” falls short, in defining all of our lives since February of this year. Fear is the most defining word I can come up with. This is our new and more prevalent reality.
FEAR is an emotion induced by perceived danger or threat, which causes physiological changes and ultimately behavioral changes, arising from the perception of danger leading to confrontation or escape.” Condensed from Wikipedia. As far as emotions, it is one of the strongest at its’ root for self-preservation.
I wondered if Jesus ever experienced fear and came up with only one time that it is written of. Scripture says, (MSG) “Now that we know what we have – Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God – let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through (even fear) weakness and testing, experienced it all – all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to Him and get what He is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.” These verses lead up to this next about His fear.
Jesus fear was manifested when He knowingly was facing His greatest trial, the cross. The certainty of what lay ahead found in Matthew 26:39 – Then He went a short distance farther and fell on his face and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, take this cup of suffering away from me, yet, I want Your will to be done, not mine.” He experienced every emotion that we have and as these scriptures say…..He KNOWS what we are going through and will go through, saying to us, “fear not those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” Matthew 10:28.
1 Peter 5:7 reads, Cast all your anxiety on Hm because He cares for you!
Hebrews 4:16, Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our times of need.
Romans 8:28, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.
We, who call ourselves Believers in the Lord, do not know what each of us or all of us collectively will have to endure in the days, weeks, months and even years ahead. If 2020 is any indication, we need to be strong in the Lord and in the power of HIS strength, not ours.
Isaiah 41:10 I love and rely upon in the weakest and down moments in my own life. It read, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you.
Be courageous, be strong….trust! Amen
October 1, 2020
Greetings in our Lord Jesus Christ. I don’t know if you realized or not, but my last three REFLECTIONS were re-runs so to speak. I have been on (vacation) for the past two and a half weeks, sort of. I had great plans to camp my way to the Oregon coast, visit my good friend Lance (who had to evacuate his home due to the Lincoln City fire) but thank the Lord, his home did not burn. So, with all the fires, riots and the sudden onset of bronchitis, I made it as far as Twin Falls and had to come back. In 20 days, I had one night and two days away from Island Park. I must say though, that Shoshone Falls just east of Twin Falls is absolutely worth the drive, but then again, so is Island Park!
My heart breaks for the thousands of people who have lost their homes, family members and friends, due to both the fires and COVID. My son in Idaho Falls came down with COVID, but again, I thank the Lord he recovered quickly and none of his four children or his wife contracted it.
“The Times They are a Changing” falls short, in defining all of our lives since February of this year. Fear is the most defining word I can come up with. This is our new and more prevalent reality.
FEAR is an emotion induced by perceived danger or threat, which causes physiological changes and ultimately behavioral changes, arising from the perception of danger leading to confrontation or escape.” Condensed from Wikipedia. As far as emotions, it is one of the strongest at its’ root for self-preservation.
I wondered if Jesus ever experienced fear and came up with only one time that it is written of. Scripture says, (MSG) “Now that we know what we have – Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God – let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through (even fear) weakness and testing, experienced it all – all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to Him and get what He is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.” These verses lead up to this next about His fear.
Jesus fear was manifested when He knowingly was facing His greatest trial, the cross. The certainty of what lay ahead found in Matthew 26:39 – Then He went a short distance farther and fell on his face and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, take this cup of suffering away from me, yet, I want Your will to be done, not mine.” He experienced every emotion that we have and as these scriptures say…..He KNOWS what we are going through and will go through, saying to us, “fear not those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” Matthew 10:28.
1 Peter 5:7 reads, Cast all your anxiety on Hm because He cares for you!
Hebrews 4:16, Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our times of need.
Romans 8:28, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.
We, who call ourselves Believers in the Lord, do not know what each of us or all of us collectively will have to endure in the days, weeks, months and even years ahead. If 2020 is any indication, we need to be strong in the Lord and in the power of HIS strength, not ours.
Isaiah 41:10 I love and rely upon in the weakest and down moments in my own life. It read, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you.
Be courageous, be strong….trust! Amen
REFLECTIONS
On the spiritual side of life…
Another week has come and gone, and with it more upheaval and confusion. These two elements seem to have become the norm. A friend emailed me today speaking of the effect that these are having on her, and the best words I could come up with to illustrate her feelings were fear, and not so subtle un-settledness.
I could say the same for myself, and yet, I also carry within me a word that helps me keep those two emotions within a manageable sphere of handling them. That word is faith. Often, I will read something that will boost both my faith and morale. This last Friday a friend at our weekly Bible study at the Little Church gave me a book, that is helping do just that. I have been wanting to read the book ever since I heard it advertised, and that book is “Killing Jesus” by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard. There have only been two other times since I began writing this column now two years ago, that I have recommended a book to you. I am doing so now.
This book illustrates through available writings and research, a composite history the ‘man’ Jesus. Quoting the authors, they say, “Much has been written about Jesus, the son of a humble carpenter. But little is actually known about him other than the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Who Jesus was and what exactly happened to him, are emotional subjects that often lead to contentious discussion.”
“In the writing of this fact-based book, Martin Dugard and I do not aim to suggest that we know everything about Jesus. But we know much and will tell you things that you might not have heard. Our research has uncovered a narrative that is both fascinating and frustrating. We have researched and read classical works based upon the best available evidence.”
As they have said, this book is about the ‘man’ Jesus, and is not treatise on his divinity, but a treatise on, again, Jesus the man, and again, based on available historical data.
“To understand what Jesus accomplished and how he paid with his life, we have to understand what was happening around him. His was a time when Rome dominated the then Western world and brooked no dissent. Human life was worth little. Life expectancy was less than 40 years.”
And so, the narrative begins.
An excellent description of the time was written – perhaps with some bombast – by journalist Vermont Royster in 1949.
“There was an expression – for those who were not the friends of Tiberius Caesar…. ‘what was man for but to serve Caesar’.
There was persecution of men who dared think differently, who heard strange voices or read strange manuscripts. There was enslavement of men whose tribes came not from Rome, disdain for those who did not have the familiar visage. And most of all, there was contempt for human life. What, to the strong, was one man more-or-less in a crowded world.
Then, of a sudden, there was a light in the world, and a man from Galilee came saying, ‘render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and unto God the things that are God’s’.
And the voice from Galilee, which would defy Caesar, offered a new kingdom in which each man could stand upright and bow to none but his God…..so the light came into the world and the men who lived in darkness were afraid, and they tried to lower a curtain so that man would still believe that salvation lay with the leaders.
But it came to pass for a while in diverse places, that the Truth did set men free, although the men of darkness were offended, and they tried to put out the light.”
I am both enjoying and learning almost with each new page, and I thought (not being prideful) I knew quite a bit. So, this time I am challenging you to read it, for it is both uplifting and challenging. A good read!!!
Selah……P. Tom
On the spiritual side of life…
Another week has come and gone, and with it more upheaval and confusion. These two elements seem to have become the norm. A friend emailed me today speaking of the effect that these are having on her, and the best words I could come up with to illustrate her feelings were fear, and not so subtle un-settledness.
I could say the same for myself, and yet, I also carry within me a word that helps me keep those two emotions within a manageable sphere of handling them. That word is faith. Often, I will read something that will boost both my faith and morale. This last Friday a friend at our weekly Bible study at the Little Church gave me a book, that is helping do just that. I have been wanting to read the book ever since I heard it advertised, and that book is “Killing Jesus” by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard. There have only been two other times since I began writing this column now two years ago, that I have recommended a book to you. I am doing so now.
This book illustrates through available writings and research, a composite history the ‘man’ Jesus. Quoting the authors, they say, “Much has been written about Jesus, the son of a humble carpenter. But little is actually known about him other than the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Who Jesus was and what exactly happened to him, are emotional subjects that often lead to contentious discussion.”
“In the writing of this fact-based book, Martin Dugard and I do not aim to suggest that we know everything about Jesus. But we know much and will tell you things that you might not have heard. Our research has uncovered a narrative that is both fascinating and frustrating. We have researched and read classical works based upon the best available evidence.”
As they have said, this book is about the ‘man’ Jesus, and is not treatise on his divinity, but a treatise on, again, Jesus the man, and again, based on available historical data.
“To understand what Jesus accomplished and how he paid with his life, we have to understand what was happening around him. His was a time when Rome dominated the then Western world and brooked no dissent. Human life was worth little. Life expectancy was less than 40 years.”
And so, the narrative begins.
An excellent description of the time was written – perhaps with some bombast – by journalist Vermont Royster in 1949.
“There was an expression – for those who were not the friends of Tiberius Caesar…. ‘what was man for but to serve Caesar’.
There was persecution of men who dared think differently, who heard strange voices or read strange manuscripts. There was enslavement of men whose tribes came not from Rome, disdain for those who did not have the familiar visage. And most of all, there was contempt for human life. What, to the strong, was one man more-or-less in a crowded world.
Then, of a sudden, there was a light in the world, and a man from Galilee came saying, ‘render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and unto God the things that are God’s’.
And the voice from Galilee, which would defy Caesar, offered a new kingdom in which each man could stand upright and bow to none but his God…..so the light came into the world and the men who lived in darkness were afraid, and they tried to lower a curtain so that man would still believe that salvation lay with the leaders.
But it came to pass for a while in diverse places, that the Truth did set men free, although the men of darkness were offended, and they tried to put out the light.”
I am both enjoying and learning almost with each new page, and I thought (not being prideful) I knew quite a bit. So, this time I am challenging you to read it, for it is both uplifting and challenging. A good read!!!
Selah……P. Tom
Reflections, on the spiritual side of life………
August 27, 2020
As we know by experience, life is full of requirements and expectations, both from ourselves and, yes, the entire world, it just is. If We are going to live ‘together’ in harmony, obedience to these requirements and expectations (when reasonable and sensible) they must be adhered to. There are realistic and applicable expectations and unrealistic and absurd ones. When they come from God Himself (yes, Himself) we had better listen for our own good and the good of humanity. History and today’s culture show us that we really are not very good at it, even though His expectations are always life-applicable and necessary for our well-being.
MICAH 6:8 – “He has told you, O mankind, what is good and what the Lord ‘requires’ of you, and that is, to act with justice, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
To me, this verse captures the heart of God, and with that my goal today is to wake us up to the eventual destination we are headed for, if we do not. Let’s look at this verse again.
We then will become intimate with this verse and others like it, therefore having a personal hand in our own salvation, and improving not only our lives but the lives that we touch every ordinary day. Our goal in doing so is not only to please God, but to become more like His Son, Jesus Christ.
Requirements and expectations are right in line with Commandments, that itself being a word that potentially annoys us, because we do not like being told what to do, but is necessary as I said earlier, in living a godly and good life.
My questions at this point is, is this easy? My answer is of course, no, but it is possible. This, friends, is the crux on which all of these and their success or failure in our lives depend. Do we want to please God or please ourselves? Do we want to have full and good lives or not? What must come about first is our desire based upon the commandments to love and worship Him, or ourselves. When that desire is settled, our focus is then on the right path following the footsteps of our Savior. Then, justice, mercy and humility will seamlessly flow from within us, thus fulfilling this great commandment and thereby pleasing God.
Amen
August 27, 2020
As we know by experience, life is full of requirements and expectations, both from ourselves and, yes, the entire world, it just is. If We are going to live ‘together’ in harmony, obedience to these requirements and expectations (when reasonable and sensible) they must be adhered to. There are realistic and applicable expectations and unrealistic and absurd ones. When they come from God Himself (yes, Himself) we had better listen for our own good and the good of humanity. History and today’s culture show us that we really are not very good at it, even though His expectations are always life-applicable and necessary for our well-being.
MICAH 6:8 – “He has told you, O mankind, what is good and what the Lord ‘requires’ of you, and that is, to act with justice, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
To me, this verse captures the heart of God, and with that my goal today is to wake us up to the eventual destination we are headed for, if we do not. Let’s look at this verse again.
- We have been told (therefore we can’t claim ignorance)
- What is good in the sight of God
- What our requirements are straight from God Himself
- Justice
- Mercy
- Humility
We then will become intimate with this verse and others like it, therefore having a personal hand in our own salvation, and improving not only our lives but the lives that we touch every ordinary day. Our goal in doing so is not only to please God, but to become more like His Son, Jesus Christ.
Requirements and expectations are right in line with Commandments, that itself being a word that potentially annoys us, because we do not like being told what to do, but is necessary as I said earlier, in living a godly and good life.
My questions at this point is, is this easy? My answer is of course, no, but it is possible. This, friends, is the crux on which all of these and their success or failure in our lives depend. Do we want to please God or please ourselves? Do we want to have full and good lives or not? What must come about first is our desire based upon the commandments to love and worship Him, or ourselves. When that desire is settled, our focus is then on the right path following the footsteps of our Savior. Then, justice, mercy and humility will seamlessly flow from within us, thus fulfilling this great commandment and thereby pleasing God.
Amen
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side life…….
Good Morning Island Park residents. I am sitting in front of my screen asking two things; is summer really almost over, and what a crazy and difficult one it has been! I am not going to be redundant by noting all that has made it as such, for you already are more than aware. My prayers and hopes that a sense of normalcy will return at some point in the future.
Speaking of normalcy, this is my third and final article on the ABSOLUTES upon which the Universe lives, moves and has its Being. Three IMMUTABLE LAWS…. which had their origin in the mind of God and keeps all things functioning together in harmony. These are those which makes us truly One in the Spirit and One in the Lord. Everything we experience in our physical and spiritual world, has its origin in the invisible, mental and spiritual realm. As I mentioned before, it is upon these three Laws that existence itself is.
#1. The Law of Mental-ism, as is noted by religion, science and philosophy all began in the mind of God, and because of that. The theory that physical and psychological phenomena are ultimately understood only in terms of a creative and interpretative mind.
#2. The Law of Communication, which says, “As is above, so below, as below, so above.” This means that there is HARMONY, AGREEMENT AND COMMUNICATION” between the physical, mental and spiritual realms. There is not real separation, since everything in the Universe, including you, originated from ONE Source. The same pattern exists throughout the Universe from the smallest electron to the largest star. All is One in different manifestations.
#3. The Law of Vibration, (interesting word to use) This law is perpetual motion, nothing rests, everything moves, everything (even when dead) is changing. (how often we hate that word) It, we, either is evolving or devolving. Science has confirmed that everything in the Universe including you and I is “pure energy.” I like that! This Law says we are all VIBRATING or emitting energy. I think it would certainly be great if we all vibrated in unity and harmony as does all the rest of the Universe!
This Law is in harmony with the other two IMMUTABLE Laws, including the mental realm where even our thoughts emit vibrations. All our emotions are vibrations including ‘hate’ which is deemed the densest and most base, and ‘love’ is the highest and most desirable, especially in the Law of Communication. God through Christ proved to us the depth of His Love, and if we as Christians would fully adhere to this knowledge, adhere to and fully embrace it, living out our lives in Christ, we could and would change the course and history of this world for the better, forever.
My desire in all of this in writing these articles, is to see, hear and understand at least to some small degree, the mystery and majesty of life….and of the Universe which God has bequeathed to us to live in, take care of and to acknowledge Him as the Creator, and in turn give Him the worship due Him. All too often our vision is self-limited, too small by our lack of knowledge, or even the desire to acquire both knowledge, hence understanding, taking for granted that which we have been given by God.
PROVERBS 5:14 “The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feed on folly.”
PROVERBS 18:15 “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.”
Just something to meditate on……. May your day be blessed!
Good Morning Island Park residents. I am sitting in front of my screen asking two things; is summer really almost over, and what a crazy and difficult one it has been! I am not going to be redundant by noting all that has made it as such, for you already are more than aware. My prayers and hopes that a sense of normalcy will return at some point in the future.
Speaking of normalcy, this is my third and final article on the ABSOLUTES upon which the Universe lives, moves and has its Being. Three IMMUTABLE LAWS…. which had their origin in the mind of God and keeps all things functioning together in harmony. These are those which makes us truly One in the Spirit and One in the Lord. Everything we experience in our physical and spiritual world, has its origin in the invisible, mental and spiritual realm. As I mentioned before, it is upon these three Laws that existence itself is.
#1. The Law of Mental-ism, as is noted by religion, science and philosophy all began in the mind of God, and because of that. The theory that physical and psychological phenomena are ultimately understood only in terms of a creative and interpretative mind.
#2. The Law of Communication, which says, “As is above, so below, as below, so above.” This means that there is HARMONY, AGREEMENT AND COMMUNICATION” between the physical, mental and spiritual realms. There is not real separation, since everything in the Universe, including you, originated from ONE Source. The same pattern exists throughout the Universe from the smallest electron to the largest star. All is One in different manifestations.
#3. The Law of Vibration, (interesting word to use) This law is perpetual motion, nothing rests, everything moves, everything (even when dead) is changing. (how often we hate that word) It, we, either is evolving or devolving. Science has confirmed that everything in the Universe including you and I is “pure energy.” I like that! This Law says we are all VIBRATING or emitting energy. I think it would certainly be great if we all vibrated in unity and harmony as does all the rest of the Universe!
This Law is in harmony with the other two IMMUTABLE Laws, including the mental realm where even our thoughts emit vibrations. All our emotions are vibrations including ‘hate’ which is deemed the densest and most base, and ‘love’ is the highest and most desirable, especially in the Law of Communication. God through Christ proved to us the depth of His Love, and if we as Christians would fully adhere to this knowledge, adhere to and fully embrace it, living out our lives in Christ, we could and would change the course and history of this world for the better, forever.
My desire in all of this in writing these articles, is to see, hear and understand at least to some small degree, the mystery and majesty of life….and of the Universe which God has bequeathed to us to live in, take care of and to acknowledge Him as the Creator, and in turn give Him the worship due Him. All too often our vision is self-limited, too small by our lack of knowledge, or even the desire to acquire both knowledge, hence understanding, taking for granted that which we have been given by God.
PROVERBS 5:14 “The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feed on folly.”
PROVERBS 18:15 “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.”
Just something to meditate on……. May your day be blessed!
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life......
KNOWLEDGE & Absolutes & human behavior
My message today is a follow-up on last weeks and that being the word (ABSOLUTES). This is not a word you will find anywhere in the Word of God but is a principle behind the Word made up of seven elements or principles.
Please be patient with me, as I delve into this, letting you know that I had no intention of turning this not a series of sorts, but given the moral condition of our nation at this time, with all the chaos, hatred and intolerance I want to at least (my opinion) answer some of the questions as to why things are the way they have become. When God established humankind on this tiny blue orb in space, He established certain principles, three of which as I said are immutable and four that are mutable. They all deeply affect us, mostly unseen. Several, consciously by (FREE WILL) we have been given the ability to choose the effect on us.
Next week I will write of the first three Principles or ABSOLUTES, so that we may fully (I hope) understand their impact on us by our conscious and unconscious participation. This three are, 1. The Law of Mentalism
2. The Law of Communication
3. The Law of what is called Vibration
These three undergird the Law of MORALISM established by God for our well-being.
God is in everything, God is everything…. God is, and without Him nothing would exist. Nothing.
PROVERBS 18:15 “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.”
PEACE be with you! P.Tom
p.s. If I can grasp this and help shape my life by it, anyone can, really. It is good stuff and good to be challenged. Amen
KNOWLEDGE & Absolutes & human behavior
My message today is a follow-up on last weeks and that being the word (ABSOLUTES). This is not a word you will find anywhere in the Word of God but is a principle behind the Word made up of seven elements or principles.
- In Philosophy it is understood as a principle, which is regarded universally factual or true.
- It is also something that exists (tangible but unseen) without being dependent on anything else. It exists…. period!
- It is always expanding but consistently, that is, if it is one of the three immutable of the seven universal laws of ABSOLUTISM.
- The ultimate reality and example is God.
Please be patient with me, as I delve into this, letting you know that I had no intention of turning this not a series of sorts, but given the moral condition of our nation at this time, with all the chaos, hatred and intolerance I want to at least (my opinion) answer some of the questions as to why things are the way they have become. When God established humankind on this tiny blue orb in space, He established certain principles, three of which as I said are immutable and four that are mutable. They all deeply affect us, mostly unseen. Several, consciously by (FREE WILL) we have been given the ability to choose the effect on us.
Next week I will write of the first three Principles or ABSOLUTES, so that we may fully (I hope) understand their impact on us by our conscious and unconscious participation. This three are, 1. The Law of Mentalism
2. The Law of Communication
3. The Law of what is called Vibration
These three undergird the Law of MORALISM established by God for our well-being.
God is in everything, God is everything…. God is, and without Him nothing would exist. Nothing.
PROVERBS 18:15 “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.”
PEACE be with you! P.Tom
p.s. If I can grasp this and help shape my life by it, anyone can, really. It is good stuff and good to be challenged. Amen
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life….,,,
Greetings - I am apologizing, for not writing my third part of what had turned into a three-part series on my subject of ABSOLUTES. This week has been a difficult one for me, in making the decision for the Little Church to not meet on Sunday’s until October, due to the COVID situation in Fremont County and Island Park in particular.
Also, given the state of our nation at this time I felt it relevant to write what I am now putting on paper. Following will be the complete Gettysburg Address, with following opinions. (mine)
The Gettysburg Address
Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now engaged in a great Civil War, testing whether that nation or any other nations so conceived and so dedicated, and long endure. We are meeting on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here, gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
But in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have already consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, not long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought there thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us here to be dedicated to the GREAT TASK remaining before us – that from these honored dead, we take increased devotion to that cause for which ‘they’ gave their last full measure of devotion – that here highly resolved that these dead should not have died in vain – that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom and that the government of the people, by the people, for the people should not perish from the earth.
Selah
Jesus and Lincoln
Jesus, the man of God, the man of peace, who died for our salvation, followed by Lincoln and the men and women who died for, and still die for our freedom – and those whom they left behind to mourn. I grieve that there are those in our nation, and sadly even in our government, who no longer see, care, or understand, the great sacrifices made, including Lincoln, himself a martyr. These rioters know nothing, absolutely nothing of what they have, the choices for the better they can be making. Nothing of the great cost of either Christ, Lincoln, or the average men and women who too paid with their lives for the freedoms we have.
Are changes needed in our government and in Christianity? Yes! We who love this nation and love our freedom and our Lord, must honestly and deeply pray, seek, and in unity, work with each other, not against each other find a way to bring about the answers to the problems. If not, we just may not survive as a nation, but if we do, we might no longer be the nation that our forefathers worked to conceive and create.
Jesus said to all humanity in the realm of the Spirit, “come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” He also said, that from Him we could be given the PEACE that passes all understanding in the midst of all that comes our way.
Lincoln as we read, said these words to us; “it is rather for us here (in this nation) to be dedicated to the GREAT TASK remaining before us – that this nation under God, shall have a NEW BIRTH OF FREEDOM – and that the government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth!
CITIZENS RISE – to meet the challenges before us, with God as our guide,
God bless you all….P.Tom
Greetings - I am apologizing, for not writing my third part of what had turned into a three-part series on my subject of ABSOLUTES. This week has been a difficult one for me, in making the decision for the Little Church to not meet on Sunday’s until October, due to the COVID situation in Fremont County and Island Park in particular.
Also, given the state of our nation at this time I felt it relevant to write what I am now putting on paper. Following will be the complete Gettysburg Address, with following opinions. (mine)
The Gettysburg Address
Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now engaged in a great Civil War, testing whether that nation or any other nations so conceived and so dedicated, and long endure. We are meeting on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here, gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
But in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have already consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, not long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought there thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us here to be dedicated to the GREAT TASK remaining before us – that from these honored dead, we take increased devotion to that cause for which ‘they’ gave their last full measure of devotion – that here highly resolved that these dead should not have died in vain – that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom and that the government of the people, by the people, for the people should not perish from the earth.
Selah
Jesus and Lincoln
Jesus, the man of God, the man of peace, who died for our salvation, followed by Lincoln and the men and women who died for, and still die for our freedom – and those whom they left behind to mourn. I grieve that there are those in our nation, and sadly even in our government, who no longer see, care, or understand, the great sacrifices made, including Lincoln, himself a martyr. These rioters know nothing, absolutely nothing of what they have, the choices for the better they can be making. Nothing of the great cost of either Christ, Lincoln, or the average men and women who too paid with their lives for the freedoms we have.
Are changes needed in our government and in Christianity? Yes! We who love this nation and love our freedom and our Lord, must honestly and deeply pray, seek, and in unity, work with each other, not against each other find a way to bring about the answers to the problems. If not, we just may not survive as a nation, but if we do, we might no longer be the nation that our forefathers worked to conceive and create.
Jesus said to all humanity in the realm of the Spirit, “come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” He also said, that from Him we could be given the PEACE that passes all understanding in the midst of all that comes our way.
Lincoln as we read, said these words to us; “it is rather for us here (in this nation) to be dedicated to the GREAT TASK remaining before us – that this nation under God, shall have a NEW BIRTH OF FREEDOM – and that the government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth!
CITIZENS RISE – to meet the challenges before us, with God as our guide,
God bless you all….P.Tom
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life......
KNOWLEDGE & WISDOM + APPLICATION
Are you a curious person? Do you love learning new things, new facts? Does learning something new give you a rush? Do words, even ordinary words sometimes explode in your head as you discover the depth and origin of their meaning? Does your curiosity then drive you to know even more? Sometimes a word has multiple applications, and I then want to know as much as I possibly can. There are ancient words and contemporary words. Some are discarded forever and others last but a short time, replaced by some new word or term.
The Bible, its words, phrases and potential application to one’s life is remarkable, and the fact that it sits on a shelf in millions of homes gathering dust is reprehensible. So much knowledge, wisdom and applications to life are within reach, but ignored. We need wisdom today, desperately, and so I am asking you to take those Bibles off your shelves and read.
There is a word that struck me last week, and this coming Sunday, I am going to talk about it in my sermon. That word is ABSOLUTES. Without absolutes chaos will reign, especially moral absolutes. Many in our nation are discarding those absolutes and we are seeing the results today. We are floundering and in danger of coming apart if we do not reestablish what has worked for us since our origin.
Here are but a few verses, and a mean a few that tell the story of knowledge and wisdom and importance.
PROVERBS 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
PROVERBS 2:6 “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth comes both knowledge and understanding.”
PROVERBS 18:15a “An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.”
JAMES 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, let them ask of God, who give generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to them”
My hope and desire in encouraging us to read God’s written word is that just perhaps we will hear, see and understand, at least to some degree the mystery and majesty of life. Once grasping those, our thinking will change, and we will again perhaps see the beauty of the Universe that God has bequeathed to us, and therefore take care of this tiny blue orb in space as well as each other. All too often our vision is self-limited by our lack of knowledge or even desire to acquire knowledge, taking for granted that which we have been given by God.
We should repent of our lackadaisical attitude and laziness. There is so much to know, understand and apply that can truly make a difference. He has established ABSOLUTES! Science tells us this in regard to the unfolding of the Universe, and God tells us there are ABSOLUTES in regard to the MORAL ABSOLUTES He established for the well-being of humankind.
Selah, (pause and think about it) P.T.
KNOWLEDGE & WISDOM + APPLICATION
Are you a curious person? Do you love learning new things, new facts? Does learning something new give you a rush? Do words, even ordinary words sometimes explode in your head as you discover the depth and origin of their meaning? Does your curiosity then drive you to know even more? Sometimes a word has multiple applications, and I then want to know as much as I possibly can. There are ancient words and contemporary words. Some are discarded forever and others last but a short time, replaced by some new word or term.
The Bible, its words, phrases and potential application to one’s life is remarkable, and the fact that it sits on a shelf in millions of homes gathering dust is reprehensible. So much knowledge, wisdom and applications to life are within reach, but ignored. We need wisdom today, desperately, and so I am asking you to take those Bibles off your shelves and read.
There is a word that struck me last week, and this coming Sunday, I am going to talk about it in my sermon. That word is ABSOLUTES. Without absolutes chaos will reign, especially moral absolutes. Many in our nation are discarding those absolutes and we are seeing the results today. We are floundering and in danger of coming apart if we do not reestablish what has worked for us since our origin.
Here are but a few verses, and a mean a few that tell the story of knowledge and wisdom and importance.
PROVERBS 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
PROVERBS 2:6 “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth comes both knowledge and understanding.”
PROVERBS 18:15a “An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.”
JAMES 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, let them ask of God, who give generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to them”
My hope and desire in encouraging us to read God’s written word is that just perhaps we will hear, see and understand, at least to some degree the mystery and majesty of life. Once grasping those, our thinking will change, and we will again perhaps see the beauty of the Universe that God has bequeathed to us, and therefore take care of this tiny blue orb in space as well as each other. All too often our vision is self-limited by our lack of knowledge or even desire to acquire knowledge, taking for granted that which we have been given by God.
We should repent of our lackadaisical attitude and laziness. There is so much to know, understand and apply that can truly make a difference. He has established ABSOLUTES! Science tells us this in regard to the unfolding of the Universe, and God tells us there are ABSOLUTES in regard to the MORAL ABSOLUTES He established for the well-being of humankind.
Selah, (pause and think about it) P.T.
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life.................
PART III The Call to Study God’s Word
Greetings readers, I hope you are all well, and taking care of yourselves during these difficult days. It is times like this that cause some of us to draw closer to God, as we try to gain some understanding, strength and comfort from Him, and from His written Word.
I just spent a week visiting and helping my daughter and family of all places, in Portland, Oregon. Sobering is a word for me that sums up the overall experience. She, her husband and two boys are moving to Eastern Idaho, and for this I am grateful. Now, back to today’s column.
Having spent two weeks prior going over a method for study of and in God’s Word; now in summation, I am going to focus somewhat on #6, the PRESENT and on #7, PARALLELS.
Two thousand years is not long time in history, but the events that have occurred since the arrival of Christ and the establishment of His Church are extraordinary and many not good. Then as in today, there were wars (many) wars and rumors of wars. Earthquakes, pandemics, tsunamis, and all the while nations have risen and have fallen. The parallels of human behavior have not changed an iota.
As you study the New Testament, you will see many places that these parallels can be drawn, and once drawn can observe how Christians and non-Christians have acted and reacted to one another. Then as in now, we are often seen as obstacles and enemies, even among our own ranks. What can we learn and how then can we apply the lessons that are available to us? Can we do better as we study and pray?
The answer is quite simple. By observation of Jesus in His actions and reactions there were more than several principles at work.
This interpretation is from the EXB, (Expanded Bible Version) which I believe does a good job of explanation of this verse.
2 Timothy 2:15
“Make every effort (Do your best; Be diligent) to give (present) yourself to God as the kind of person He will approve. Be a worker who is not ashamed (or will not be shamed) and who uses the true teaching in the right way (correctly handles the true message/word of truth; or holds carefully to the true message/word of truth). Lastly….apply the truths you discover during your study time.
Thank you for your times and may God bless and keep you under the shadow of His wings! P.Tom
PART III The Call to Study God’s Word
Greetings readers, I hope you are all well, and taking care of yourselves during these difficult days. It is times like this that cause some of us to draw closer to God, as we try to gain some understanding, strength and comfort from Him, and from His written Word.
I just spent a week visiting and helping my daughter and family of all places, in Portland, Oregon. Sobering is a word for me that sums up the overall experience. She, her husband and two boys are moving to Eastern Idaho, and for this I am grateful. Now, back to today’s column.
Having spent two weeks prior going over a method for study of and in God’s Word; now in summation, I am going to focus somewhat on #6, the PRESENT and on #7, PARALLELS.
Two thousand years is not long time in history, but the events that have occurred since the arrival of Christ and the establishment of His Church are extraordinary and many not good. Then as in today, there were wars (many) wars and rumors of wars. Earthquakes, pandemics, tsunamis, and all the while nations have risen and have fallen. The parallels of human behavior have not changed an iota.
As you study the New Testament, you will see many places that these parallels can be drawn, and once drawn can observe how Christians and non-Christians have acted and reacted to one another. Then as in now, we are often seen as obstacles and enemies, even among our own ranks. What can we learn and how then can we apply the lessons that are available to us? Can we do better as we study and pray?
The answer is quite simple. By observation of Jesus in His actions and reactions there were more than several principles at work.
- Please His Father
- Apply the principle of love
- Extend the gift of grace
- Live truth
- Seek justice
- Live righteously
- Oh, so many more
This interpretation is from the EXB, (Expanded Bible Version) which I believe does a good job of explanation of this verse.
2 Timothy 2:15
“Make every effort (Do your best; Be diligent) to give (present) yourself to God as the kind of person He will approve. Be a worker who is not ashamed (or will not be shamed) and who uses the true teaching in the right way (correctly handles the true message/word of truth; or holds carefully to the true message/word of truth). Lastly….apply the truths you discover during your study time.
Thank you for your times and may God bless and keep you under the shadow of His wings! P.Tom
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life........
PART ii ~ “a WAY TO STUDY BIBLE scriptures”
Life application
Last week I covered Part I of ‘a method’ for studying God’s written word. There are two words I want to write of, and those two words are Rhema and Logos. “Rhema is something the Lord has spoken previously which He is now speaking again.” In other words, rhema is the word which the Lord speaks the second time. This is something living. The living word is Scripture that is infused by the Spirit of God and is applicable to our lives, in living as He would have us live, and therefore is alive in us by our words and deeds.
The second word, Logos is God, active in Creation, revelation, and redemption. Jesus Christ not only gives God’s Word to us; He is the Word. The Logos is God, begotten and therefore distinguishable from the Father, but, being God, of the same essence or substance. Therefore, all the words spoken by Jesus Christ are living Scriptures.
This is why in our study at LCIP right now, we are discussing only the words of Jesus, while keeping in mind how to apply His words into our lives that will make a difference in how we live, affecting not only ourselves but those around us.
As I spoke of last week, there are nine guides to follow in studying to help us accomplish this goal of life application. Not all of them are applicable in all His spoken words but vary depending on the topic, and who He is talking to.
THEY ARE:
1. PEOPLE – identify the main people/characters, while remembering the author and what his intent in writing was. What role do these people play in the unfolding story?
2. WORDS – such as ‘kingdom’. There is ‘God’s Kingdom’ and then there is an earthly kingdom. Which applies, and as an example, find out by studying and research. What exactly does Jesus mean by God’s kingdom?
3. PLACE – what is the setting of a particular passage or passages/details about? Perhaps it even reminds you of a similar place today.
4. PLOT – what specifically is happening in this passage or passages? Is there any conflict or tension and why? If there is, what were the consequences? What would you do in a similar situation? The same as what was done or differently?
5. POINT – always keep in mind who this passage was written for or to, and would it matter at all in today’s culture, or was it culture applicable then only? What is Jesus attempting to do? A clear understanding of the POINT can prevent damaging misapplication and is invaluable for determining the timeless truth in any given/spoken passage. Did the people respond as He desired them to, and the implications of doing or not doing so?
Think about it and you can see where often question births another question! In each point you should stop and reflect on each, and then apply to your life that which is applicable.
Enjoy your journey......P.Tom
p.s. please keep praying for an end and cure for Covid-19, and take personal precautions....PLEASE!
PART ii ~ “a WAY TO STUDY BIBLE scriptures”
Life application
Last week I covered Part I of ‘a method’ for studying God’s written word. There are two words I want to write of, and those two words are Rhema and Logos. “Rhema is something the Lord has spoken previously which He is now speaking again.” In other words, rhema is the word which the Lord speaks the second time. This is something living. The living word is Scripture that is infused by the Spirit of God and is applicable to our lives, in living as He would have us live, and therefore is alive in us by our words and deeds.
The second word, Logos is God, active in Creation, revelation, and redemption. Jesus Christ not only gives God’s Word to us; He is the Word. The Logos is God, begotten and therefore distinguishable from the Father, but, being God, of the same essence or substance. Therefore, all the words spoken by Jesus Christ are living Scriptures.
This is why in our study at LCIP right now, we are discussing only the words of Jesus, while keeping in mind how to apply His words into our lives that will make a difference in how we live, affecting not only ourselves but those around us.
As I spoke of last week, there are nine guides to follow in studying to help us accomplish this goal of life application. Not all of them are applicable in all His spoken words but vary depending on the topic, and who He is talking to.
THEY ARE:
1. PEOPLE – identify the main people/characters, while remembering the author and what his intent in writing was. What role do these people play in the unfolding story?
2. WORDS – such as ‘kingdom’. There is ‘God’s Kingdom’ and then there is an earthly kingdom. Which applies, and as an example, find out by studying and research. What exactly does Jesus mean by God’s kingdom?
3. PLACE – what is the setting of a particular passage or passages/details about? Perhaps it even reminds you of a similar place today.
4. PLOT – what specifically is happening in this passage or passages? Is there any conflict or tension and why? If there is, what were the consequences? What would you do in a similar situation? The same as what was done or differently?
5. POINT – always keep in mind who this passage was written for or to, and would it matter at all in today’s culture, or was it culture applicable then only? What is Jesus attempting to do? A clear understanding of the POINT can prevent damaging misapplication and is invaluable for determining the timeless truth in any given/spoken passage. Did the people respond as He desired them to, and the implications of doing or not doing so?
Think about it and you can see where often question births another question! In each point you should stop and reflect on each, and then apply to your life that which is applicable.
Enjoy your journey......P.Tom
p.s. please keep praying for an end and cure for Covid-19, and take personal precautions....PLEASE!
Reflections on the spiritual side of life..................
Today I am going to cover what “I think” is an important topic for anyone who has a real desire to understand Scripture. The guide I begin to provide today will be helpful to anyone studying any number of subjects, especially when it comes to understanding humanity and Gods Word.
This will be a two to three-part series. We (at LCIP) have restarted this study again (having stopped because of Covid-19) our on the words of Jesus and His teachings. Anyone is welcome, as we meet on Friday mornings at 9:30, inside or outside, depending on the weather. In our start up I presented the importance of not only study and memorization, but of Life Application. Most of know how to read, but too many of us do not really know how to study, especially Scripture.
What is the point of reading if we do not apply that which is applicable to our lives? When, let’s say a man or woman studying those many years to be a physician, does not go through an internship where they learn to put into practice what they have in their heads, and by experimenting on each other in classroom situations. If this does not happen, they will lose much of what they ‘learned’.
It is the same for we Christians or people of any faith. Unless we apply what we ‘learn’ what is the point? We can follow certain accepted rules (so to speak) and come across as learned and so-called righteous, but unless we truly apply Gods word to our lives, well, I think you get the point.
This nine-point guide is called “Life Application Pyramid”.
This is just my opinion. Once a person learns how to study and then to apply what is applicable, they will start a whole new way of looking at life in general, and the potential is there for a new and exciting adventure that will last a lifetime
I spent more time on my introduction than I thought I would. My apologies.
Enjoy your day, breathe in that wonderful Island Park air, and go do something enjoyable. Winter is not that far off!!!!
God Bless You All, P.Tom
P.S. It helps a lot to have a ‘study Bible’.
Today I am going to cover what “I think” is an important topic for anyone who has a real desire to understand Scripture. The guide I begin to provide today will be helpful to anyone studying any number of subjects, especially when it comes to understanding humanity and Gods Word.
This will be a two to three-part series. We (at LCIP) have restarted this study again (having stopped because of Covid-19) our on the words of Jesus and His teachings. Anyone is welcome, as we meet on Friday mornings at 9:30, inside or outside, depending on the weather. In our start up I presented the importance of not only study and memorization, but of Life Application. Most of know how to read, but too many of us do not really know how to study, especially Scripture.
What is the point of reading if we do not apply that which is applicable to our lives? When, let’s say a man or woman studying those many years to be a physician, does not go through an internship where they learn to put into practice what they have in their heads, and by experimenting on each other in classroom situations. If this does not happen, they will lose much of what they ‘learned’.
It is the same for we Christians or people of any faith. Unless we apply what we ‘learn’ what is the point? We can follow certain accepted rules (so to speak) and come across as learned and so-called righteous, but unless we truly apply Gods word to our lives, well, I think you get the point.
This nine-point guide is called “Life Application Pyramid”.
- PEOPLE
- PLACE
- PLOT
- POINT
- PRINCIPLES
- PRESENT
- PARALLELS
- PRIORITIES
- PLAN
This is just my opinion. Once a person learns how to study and then to apply what is applicable, they will start a whole new way of looking at life in general, and the potential is there for a new and exciting adventure that will last a lifetime
I spent more time on my introduction than I thought I would. My apologies.
Enjoy your day, breathe in that wonderful Island Park air, and go do something enjoyable. Winter is not that far off!!!!
God Bless You All, P.Tom
P.S. It helps a lot to have a ‘study Bible’.
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life……………
Matthew 9:27-38, When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like a sheep with out a shepherd. Vs. 36
When Jeff became a new Believer in Christ, and fresh out of college he worked for a major oil company. In his role as a salesman, he traveled; and in his travels he heard people’s life stories—many of them heart breaking. He realized that what his customers needed was God in their lives. His major role he saw was not that of a salesman, but that of a listener who, in the name of Jesus was to be just that and extend to these people--compassion.
Last evening, I watched “America’s Got Talent” which is always fun, touching and even crazy. Two of the contestants touched not only my heart but those of the entire assembly. One was Archie, who had been wrongfully imprisoned for 37 years, coming out of prison because someone had compassion on him, researched his case, finding through DNA that he was innocent. I was struck by his lack of bitterness, and the song he sang that spoke of his journey. It was amazing, and he received a heart-felt and rousing standing ovation.
The last contestants were a choir made up of street-people from San Diego. Their organizer was a woman who saw in them their need to be part of something better and bigger, lifting them out of their daily living conditions by singing. As the camera scanned across their faces, I could see the pain, rejection, fear, and yet joy deeply etched in the eyes of each and all of them. It broke me, literally. It does even now as I write this. When led by a simple guitar and director, as they sang, I could sense something miraculous going on, not only in them but in me. This woman saw worth in these people no one else did and gave not only them but herself (through compassion) value.
When Host Terry Crews came out from backstage, and pushed the golden button sending them straight to the finals, the JOY was palpable. Compassion, value, worth! One older dear woman collapsed on the floor, weeping. We, most likely, seeing any one of those people on a street would ignore (if we could,) walk by (as distant as possible,) and perhaps think unkind, judgmental thoughts. You know; in our security in life we do not know what brought each of those people to where they are today. What pain, rejection, bad choices, loss of work, and the list goes one. WE JUST DON’T KNOW, and by God it is not our place to pass judgment on them.
Jesus would have had compassion, and what He would have done I don’t know, but I know He would have done something, just as He did that hot, dusty day when through the small offering of the bread and fish, he fed 5000 people. What long-term impact seeing and hearing what I did last night, if any, will have on me I do not know. I do know this, that God will give me an opportunity to so something, and I had better be on the outlook so as not to blow it when I have the chance to also show compassion.
God bless you all and be thankful for who and what you do have!
P. Tom
Matthew 9:27-38, When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like a sheep with out a shepherd. Vs. 36
When Jeff became a new Believer in Christ, and fresh out of college he worked for a major oil company. In his role as a salesman, he traveled; and in his travels he heard people’s life stories—many of them heart breaking. He realized that what his customers needed was God in their lives. His major role he saw was not that of a salesman, but that of a listener who, in the name of Jesus was to be just that and extend to these people--compassion.
Last evening, I watched “America’s Got Talent” which is always fun, touching and even crazy. Two of the contestants touched not only my heart but those of the entire assembly. One was Archie, who had been wrongfully imprisoned for 37 years, coming out of prison because someone had compassion on him, researched his case, finding through DNA that he was innocent. I was struck by his lack of bitterness, and the song he sang that spoke of his journey. It was amazing, and he received a heart-felt and rousing standing ovation.
The last contestants were a choir made up of street-people from San Diego. Their organizer was a woman who saw in them their need to be part of something better and bigger, lifting them out of their daily living conditions by singing. As the camera scanned across their faces, I could see the pain, rejection, fear, and yet joy deeply etched in the eyes of each and all of them. It broke me, literally. It does even now as I write this. When led by a simple guitar and director, as they sang, I could sense something miraculous going on, not only in them but in me. This woman saw worth in these people no one else did and gave not only them but herself (through compassion) value.
When Host Terry Crews came out from backstage, and pushed the golden button sending them straight to the finals, the JOY was palpable. Compassion, value, worth! One older dear woman collapsed on the floor, weeping. We, most likely, seeing any one of those people on a street would ignore (if we could,) walk by (as distant as possible,) and perhaps think unkind, judgmental thoughts. You know; in our security in life we do not know what brought each of those people to where they are today. What pain, rejection, bad choices, loss of work, and the list goes one. WE JUST DON’T KNOW, and by God it is not our place to pass judgment on them.
Jesus would have had compassion, and what He would have done I don’t know, but I know He would have done something, just as He did that hot, dusty day when through the small offering of the bread and fish, he fed 5000 people. What long-term impact seeing and hearing what I did last night, if any, will have on me I do not know. I do know this, that God will give me an opportunity to so something, and I had better be on the outlook so as not to blow it when I have the chance to also show compassion.
God bless you all and be thankful for who and what you do have!
P. Tom
Reflections, on the spiritual side of life…………….
End Times……. Matthew 24 is the chapter in the Bible that this column is based on. I used what is called PLAYBILL lettering, because it seems every time some major event, be they earthquake, hurricane, pandemic and so many other events of note take place, we find these so-called prophets loudly exclaiming to us that it is the sign of the end of world, and therefore these so-called prophets get top billing. Me, I am tired of their rantings and besmirching done by them, and the outfall that washes over onto all sane, everyday Christians. Do I believe that one day the world will cease to exist? Yes. Do I believe that my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will as Scripture says, come again, yes, as prophetic Scripture is (true biblical scripture) fulfilled to the T.
There are those who devotedly follow these so-called prophets, sometimes to their own demise or even simply embarrassment. Many of these doomsday folks eat, sleep and drink this stuff, so overgorged are they that they do not know how to live in and for today, sometimes finding glee in the fact that both innocent and so-called sinners are dealt a death blow by these natural and man-made events. The mass killing of the innocent and so-called sinners (in my opinion) is not how the God I have come to know and love, works. It seems again, (in my opinion) as I listen to them, that God is the Big Bad Guy in the Sky, who randomly brings about these calamities in his wrath, being so angry, showing us that we are nothing but mites upon the earth, to be swept away at His whim. NOT!
Then there are those who set dates for the Second Coming, where their followers sell their homes, etc., just waiting, and waiting and waiting, once again disappointed when time passes and what these false prophets predicted never comes to pass. This too has been going on for almost 2000 years.
2nd Peter 3:1-10 reads, where is the promise of his appearing? (no room to type it all her) so you may want to read it on your own). I do not see myself as Peter says a scoffer, but there is a real difference between hype, Scripture, and reality. “They will say, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers (disciples) fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning.” Vs.9. The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish. Now that is the God I know, the only true and one God.
Here is what Jesus said we are to be aware of and on guard about, also found in Matthew 24, which I personally believe He found painful to speak of. Staring in verse 10, “And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And the Good News about the Kingdom will have been preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it, and then the end will come.
Again, (in my opinion) this is what we are to do, look for and live, until His time arrives to come back. We are to seek balance in our lives with healthy thinking, reasonable living, loving, and caring for one another, even the strangers in our midst. God desires we be people of mercy, justice, and grace. Forgiving and restoring, and therefore following the footsteps of our Lord and Savior. Being like Him. If we do these things…. we will have accomplished all that we are here on Earth for if we do so in His name.
Amen
P.S. if you care to read the sermon you can find it on our website, www.littlechurchinthepines.org
End Times……. Matthew 24 is the chapter in the Bible that this column is based on. I used what is called PLAYBILL lettering, because it seems every time some major event, be they earthquake, hurricane, pandemic and so many other events of note take place, we find these so-called prophets loudly exclaiming to us that it is the sign of the end of world, and therefore these so-called prophets get top billing. Me, I am tired of their rantings and besmirching done by them, and the outfall that washes over onto all sane, everyday Christians. Do I believe that one day the world will cease to exist? Yes. Do I believe that my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will as Scripture says, come again, yes, as prophetic Scripture is (true biblical scripture) fulfilled to the T.
There are those who devotedly follow these so-called prophets, sometimes to their own demise or even simply embarrassment. Many of these doomsday folks eat, sleep and drink this stuff, so overgorged are they that they do not know how to live in and for today, sometimes finding glee in the fact that both innocent and so-called sinners are dealt a death blow by these natural and man-made events. The mass killing of the innocent and so-called sinners (in my opinion) is not how the God I have come to know and love, works. It seems again, (in my opinion) as I listen to them, that God is the Big Bad Guy in the Sky, who randomly brings about these calamities in his wrath, being so angry, showing us that we are nothing but mites upon the earth, to be swept away at His whim. NOT!
Then there are those who set dates for the Second Coming, where their followers sell their homes, etc., just waiting, and waiting and waiting, once again disappointed when time passes and what these false prophets predicted never comes to pass. This too has been going on for almost 2000 years.
2nd Peter 3:1-10 reads, where is the promise of his appearing? (no room to type it all her) so you may want to read it on your own). I do not see myself as Peter says a scoffer, but there is a real difference between hype, Scripture, and reality. “They will say, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers (disciples) fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning.” Vs.9. The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish. Now that is the God I know, the only true and one God.
Here is what Jesus said we are to be aware of and on guard about, also found in Matthew 24, which I personally believe He found painful to speak of. Staring in verse 10, “And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And the Good News about the Kingdom will have been preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it, and then the end will come.
Again, (in my opinion) this is what we are to do, look for and live, until His time arrives to come back. We are to seek balance in our lives with healthy thinking, reasonable living, loving, and caring for one another, even the strangers in our midst. God desires we be people of mercy, justice, and grace. Forgiving and restoring, and therefore following the footsteps of our Lord and Savior. Being like Him. If we do these things…. we will have accomplished all that we are here on Earth for if we do so in His name.
Amen
P.S. if you care to read the sermon you can find it on our website, www.littlechurchinthepines.org
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life………….
1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV: “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”
You have got to be kidding I say to myself when I read this, and not for the first time but almost every time I read it. Then I remember it does not say for, but in. Well, that helps a bit.
Pandemic 2020 has filled and changed our lives, to the extent we will only know as time goes forward. As for now it fills the news, fuels rumors; causes divisions, strife, and stress, bringing out both the good and ugly in people. Paranoia reigns amidst all of this and more.
AND YET…these words of Paul’s resonate through it all. Earlier in this letter he states starting in verse 3, “When people are saying, everything is peaceful and secure,” then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin.” In the history of humankind, disasters of great impact have hit us again and again, and yet we recover (sometimes with great loss) but recover we do. This is part of life, for with life comes death and all in between.
In being a Christian, we are told our attitude in these and all kinds of trials is be different than that of those who are not. Paul states we can even be joyful. Our joy, our prayers and thankfulness are not to fluctuate with our circumstance. If…we put our trust in God and in His Son, we are to see these things differently. Of course, we are not joyful over losing someone, or joyful when suffering is a part of our life or the life of someone we love. Our joy is a different kind of joy that comes from our faith and trust, that God who knows the beginning from the end, and all in between ultimately will work all things together for the good.
When we make a conscious decision to do what Christ in God tells us to do, it is always for our benefit, and often the benefit of others. In being obedient, however, we will begin to see not only our circumstances, but people in those circumstances from a new perspective, and move deeper into our faith and understanding. We can be joyful that God knows our pain, our fears, our hopes and even dreams, but avoiding circumstances such as we are in now, we can’t, and our attitude through it all will often influence and even perhaps determine our outcome.
A well-known stress researcher names Hans Seyle claims through his research results that two attitudes more than any others influence the quality of our every-day lives, and on those two emotions “depends our peace of mind.” Our feelings of security or insecurity, of fulfillment or frustration and in short, the way we make our way through life.
The most destructive emotion is revenge, but in contrast, deep contrast among ALL emotions, there is one which more than any other, accounts for the absence of stress in human relations; and that is choosing the feeling of gratitude.
Even during such as, we are going through, we have much to be grateful for! Very much! Amidst our concerns and fears, simply take some time to live. Thank the good Lord for what and who you have in your life. Find something(s) to find JOY in and express that to the Lord and even another person, in that you choose to have an attitude of thankfulness. Not only will doing so lift you up, it will lift them also.
I say, Amen
P.S. Give thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks unto the Holy One, give thanks because He has given Jesus Christ His Son….to us.
1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV: “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”
You have got to be kidding I say to myself when I read this, and not for the first time but almost every time I read it. Then I remember it does not say for, but in. Well, that helps a bit.
Pandemic 2020 has filled and changed our lives, to the extent we will only know as time goes forward. As for now it fills the news, fuels rumors; causes divisions, strife, and stress, bringing out both the good and ugly in people. Paranoia reigns amidst all of this and more.
AND YET…these words of Paul’s resonate through it all. Earlier in this letter he states starting in verse 3, “When people are saying, everything is peaceful and secure,” then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin.” In the history of humankind, disasters of great impact have hit us again and again, and yet we recover (sometimes with great loss) but recover we do. This is part of life, for with life comes death and all in between.
In being a Christian, we are told our attitude in these and all kinds of trials is be different than that of those who are not. Paul states we can even be joyful. Our joy, our prayers and thankfulness are not to fluctuate with our circumstance. If…we put our trust in God and in His Son, we are to see these things differently. Of course, we are not joyful over losing someone, or joyful when suffering is a part of our life or the life of someone we love. Our joy is a different kind of joy that comes from our faith and trust, that God who knows the beginning from the end, and all in between ultimately will work all things together for the good.
When we make a conscious decision to do what Christ in God tells us to do, it is always for our benefit, and often the benefit of others. In being obedient, however, we will begin to see not only our circumstances, but people in those circumstances from a new perspective, and move deeper into our faith and understanding. We can be joyful that God knows our pain, our fears, our hopes and even dreams, but avoiding circumstances such as we are in now, we can’t, and our attitude through it all will often influence and even perhaps determine our outcome.
A well-known stress researcher names Hans Seyle claims through his research results that two attitudes more than any others influence the quality of our every-day lives, and on those two emotions “depends our peace of mind.” Our feelings of security or insecurity, of fulfillment or frustration and in short, the way we make our way through life.
The most destructive emotion is revenge, but in contrast, deep contrast among ALL emotions, there is one which more than any other, accounts for the absence of stress in human relations; and that is choosing the feeling of gratitude.
Even during such as, we are going through, we have much to be grateful for! Very much! Amidst our concerns and fears, simply take some time to live. Thank the good Lord for what and who you have in your life. Find something(s) to find JOY in and express that to the Lord and even another person, in that you choose to have an attitude of thankfulness. Not only will doing so lift you up, it will lift them also.
I say, Amen
P.S. Give thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks unto the Holy One, give thanks because He has given Jesus Christ His Son….to us.
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life…….
We live…. until we do not, on this absolutely stunning, whirling, speeding little blue ball in space, made up of water and rock in all its multitude of forms.
Whether you believe in a seven-day creation or several billion-year-evolution bringing us to where we are today, to me, is unimportant. That is up to you.
But again, to me, in Genesis 1:1, the verse states, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” However, He chose to do so. I personally (because of science) choose to see this as an allegory. However, God did it, He did it and here we are! I am simply happy just to be here and I thank God for that fact every day that I have, until I will not be here, though then, I will be there with Him. I do believe that is true because of my faith and several very real experiences I was given the honor and gift of experiencing.
I also believe in science, and in the many manifestations of the hard work of exploration and study, these men and women, often, mental giants working hard to discover and understand more about the planet we live on and the space we inhabit. Science itself is evolving, for the more they and we learn, the more we understand, and the more we understand, the more we see that once what was held to be true can change given further exploration and study. In the case of Creation, we just simply cannot discount the science of geology and paleontology. Personally, I find both fascinating and exhilarating and not at all in conflict with God, Creation and God’s written word.
God Himself is like that for me. The more I pursue, study and follow God the more I discover about Him, and the more I discover about Him tells me the more there is to know, and that with my finite mind I even entertain just how mysterious and BIG He really is. I like mysteries.
We do know this. Our planet and all we are capable of seeing and understanding is finite, but God, well, God, I have come to learn is infinite, though I do have trouble comprehending infinite, and in fact I sometimes get the heebie-jeebies (depending on the state of my mind) when I attempt to comprehend infinite. I do know this for sure, that, in being alive brings with it wonder, questions, pain, joy, sorrow, love, and sometimes hate and so much more. The wonder of it all!!! We are certainly today in a time of sorrows.
One of the amazing things to me in this life is how personal God has become to meet this time, even in the vastness of this Universe, especially through His Son, my friend, Lord and Savior. Sometimes just thinking of God overwhelms me, but the moment I think of Jesus I am at peace, hopeful and comforted. Our everyday world has changed drastically recently that I have needed a solid foundation of faith on which to stand, and from which to move forward as well. All of us have been affected by our current circumstances, some far more than others. I grieve for those who have lost loved ones and hope that they can find comfort in their faith, if they have any, and if not, that our prayers will be enough to wash over them and ease their pain. Even in our separation we can come together, the evidence of which I personally have seen and felt.
Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Infinite or finite, yesterday and today and forever, He is there to give us not only comfort, but all that we need to see us through all that we do not understand, and even have trouble comprehending.
Thank you, Lord, thank you………………. Amen
We live…. until we do not, on this absolutely stunning, whirling, speeding little blue ball in space, made up of water and rock in all its multitude of forms.
Whether you believe in a seven-day creation or several billion-year-evolution bringing us to where we are today, to me, is unimportant. That is up to you.
But again, to me, in Genesis 1:1, the verse states, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” However, He chose to do so. I personally (because of science) choose to see this as an allegory. However, God did it, He did it and here we are! I am simply happy just to be here and I thank God for that fact every day that I have, until I will not be here, though then, I will be there with Him. I do believe that is true because of my faith and several very real experiences I was given the honor and gift of experiencing.
I also believe in science, and in the many manifestations of the hard work of exploration and study, these men and women, often, mental giants working hard to discover and understand more about the planet we live on and the space we inhabit. Science itself is evolving, for the more they and we learn, the more we understand, and the more we understand, the more we see that once what was held to be true can change given further exploration and study. In the case of Creation, we just simply cannot discount the science of geology and paleontology. Personally, I find both fascinating and exhilarating and not at all in conflict with God, Creation and God’s written word.
God Himself is like that for me. The more I pursue, study and follow God the more I discover about Him, and the more I discover about Him tells me the more there is to know, and that with my finite mind I even entertain just how mysterious and BIG He really is. I like mysteries.
We do know this. Our planet and all we are capable of seeing and understanding is finite, but God, well, God, I have come to learn is infinite, though I do have trouble comprehending infinite, and in fact I sometimes get the heebie-jeebies (depending on the state of my mind) when I attempt to comprehend infinite. I do know this for sure, that, in being alive brings with it wonder, questions, pain, joy, sorrow, love, and sometimes hate and so much more. The wonder of it all!!! We are certainly today in a time of sorrows.
One of the amazing things to me in this life is how personal God has become to meet this time, even in the vastness of this Universe, especially through His Son, my friend, Lord and Savior. Sometimes just thinking of God overwhelms me, but the moment I think of Jesus I am at peace, hopeful and comforted. Our everyday world has changed drastically recently that I have needed a solid foundation of faith on which to stand, and from which to move forward as well. All of us have been affected by our current circumstances, some far more than others. I grieve for those who have lost loved ones and hope that they can find comfort in their faith, if they have any, and if not, that our prayers will be enough to wash over them and ease their pain. Even in our separation we can come together, the evidence of which I personally have seen and felt.
Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Infinite or finite, yesterday and today and forever, He is there to give us not only comfort, but all that we need to see us through all that we do not understand, and even have trouble comprehending.
Thank you, Lord, thank you………………. Amen
Reflections, on the spiritual side of life……………….
Hello friends, family and neighbors. I hope and pray that each and all of you remain physically free from this scourge. I also hope that good sense reins, and that all of us follow the directive we have been given to remain free of this virus.
I have grown weary of all the should haves and would haves, as well as the proverbial finger pointing. I wonder often, why, we just can’t remain free of criticism and political blaming. This event we are living through because of its danger, and far reaching effects, should cause us to drop the nonsense, and work together to alleviate as much danger and pain as possible. Dear God, open our eyes to see with and our ears to hear with. May we join hearts and hands to stand together in unity and compassion.
Today I received a note and enclosed article from a friend and member of the Little Church, stating that “this article was interesting, and the title is misleading, but the information is uplifting and good.” Marty has been a long-time resident here in Island Park, and for the first time spending her winters n the balmy climate of Blackfoot. The article is written by a Capuchin Franciscan brother living in Ireland, posting this on Facebook on Friday.
LOCKDOWN by Brother Richard Hendrick
Yes, there is fear.
Yes, there is isolation.
Yes, there is sickness.
Yes, there is even death.
But they say that in Wuhan after so many years of noise, you can HEAR the birds sing again.
They say that after just a few weeks of quiet the sky is no longer thick with FUMES but blue and clear.
They say that in Italy people are SINGING to each other across the empty lanes, keeping their windows open so that those who are alone, may HEAR the sounds of families around them.
They say that in the West of Ireland, a young girl is spreading fliers with her number through the neighborhood, so that the elders may have someone to call.
All over the world people are SLOWING DOWN and reflecting, looking at their neighbors in a NEW WAY.
All over the world people are WAKING UP to the reality of how big we really are, and to our interconnectedness, and to how little control we really have.
Waking up to what really matters, to the power of prayer, meditation, kindness, caring Love.
So, we PRAY and remember, that while there is fear, there does not have to be hate.
Yes, there is isolation but there does not have to be loneliness.
Yes, there is pain, suffering and death but there can always be a REBIRTH of community, peace, harmony and LOVE.
Wake to the choices you make as to how to LIVE today and now.
BREATHE, LISTEN, PAY ATTENTION, for the birds are singing, and the sky is clearing….and love encompasses us.
OPEN the window of your SOUL and though you are not able to TOUCH across the empty square….SING, and GIVE THANKS for your life and all you have been given.
Please take some time to meditate, reflect and be grateful. Pray for those who are sick, and for those who have lost someone to this illness….and you will have succeeded to reach across that empty square…..and have loved in a whole new way.
God bless and protect you……P.Tom
Hello friends, family and neighbors. I hope and pray that each and all of you remain physically free from this scourge. I also hope that good sense reins, and that all of us follow the directive we have been given to remain free of this virus.
I have grown weary of all the should haves and would haves, as well as the proverbial finger pointing. I wonder often, why, we just can’t remain free of criticism and political blaming. This event we are living through because of its danger, and far reaching effects, should cause us to drop the nonsense, and work together to alleviate as much danger and pain as possible. Dear God, open our eyes to see with and our ears to hear with. May we join hearts and hands to stand together in unity and compassion.
Today I received a note and enclosed article from a friend and member of the Little Church, stating that “this article was interesting, and the title is misleading, but the information is uplifting and good.” Marty has been a long-time resident here in Island Park, and for the first time spending her winters n the balmy climate of Blackfoot. The article is written by a Capuchin Franciscan brother living in Ireland, posting this on Facebook on Friday.
LOCKDOWN by Brother Richard Hendrick
Yes, there is fear.
Yes, there is isolation.
Yes, there is sickness.
Yes, there is even death.
But they say that in Wuhan after so many years of noise, you can HEAR the birds sing again.
They say that after just a few weeks of quiet the sky is no longer thick with FUMES but blue and clear.
They say that in Italy people are SINGING to each other across the empty lanes, keeping their windows open so that those who are alone, may HEAR the sounds of families around them.
They say that in the West of Ireland, a young girl is spreading fliers with her number through the neighborhood, so that the elders may have someone to call.
All over the world people are SLOWING DOWN and reflecting, looking at their neighbors in a NEW WAY.
All over the world people are WAKING UP to the reality of how big we really are, and to our interconnectedness, and to how little control we really have.
Waking up to what really matters, to the power of prayer, meditation, kindness, caring Love.
So, we PRAY and remember, that while there is fear, there does not have to be hate.
Yes, there is isolation but there does not have to be loneliness.
Yes, there is pain, suffering and death but there can always be a REBIRTH of community, peace, harmony and LOVE.
Wake to the choices you make as to how to LIVE today and now.
BREATHE, LISTEN, PAY ATTENTION, for the birds are singing, and the sky is clearing….and love encompasses us.
OPEN the window of your SOUL and though you are not able to TOUCH across the empty square….SING, and GIVE THANKS for your life and all you have been given.
Please take some time to meditate, reflect and be grateful. Pray for those who are sick, and for those who have lost someone to this illness….and you will have succeeded to reach across that empty square…..and have loved in a whole new way.
God bless and protect you……P.Tom
Reflections on the spiritual side of life…………….
I awoke this morning thinking of the current situation that every single person in the world is involved in. We have been told for decades that a probable viral pandemic would one day settle on all humanity. It is certainly not the first, nor will be the last, but this one has hit us hard, touching every area of our lives.
At the heart of this resides one word, and that word is “fear.” I then thought of the story found in Matthew 8, where the disciples and Jesus have just set out on a journey across the Sea of Galilee. Jesus being exhausted, falls immediately asleep. Meanwhile, these men who fish for a living, see on the horizon a storm building. Verse (24) reads, and suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with waves. But He was asleep. Vs. (25) Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord save us! We are perishing.”
The disciples, being intimately familiar with the Sea of Galilee, and how quickly storms could arise, waited until their boat was covered in waves before waking the Lord whom they knew could rescue them. Why was this? They had seen the miracles He had brought about. Was it because they also feared Him, respecting the power that they knew resided in Him, and did not want to be seen as weak, or was it something else? Perhaps due to the waves and rocking of the boat they thought He would wake up on His own? Who knows? But we do know, they came to the conclusion that He, and He alone was the only answer to their current, dire situation.
In regards, to our own current situation, with foreknowledge of the potential for just what is happening, we should have been better prepared. We both, as individuals and those whose job it was to see that everything possible could have been done ahead of time was done. Finger pointing and what ifs are simply unnecessary at this time, for now is the time to learn and work together to prepare for both now and the future.
This also parallels our spiritual lives. So many of us ignore the fact that God created in us a place for Him to reside. Again, so many of us wait until one, or many of the possible, difficult to tragic events that come about in our lives, to seek His help and guidance. If instead we prepared ahead of time, by forming a solid and healthy spiritual relationship with God through His Son and with each other, we would find ourselves less fearful, more stable and definitely more trusting that He will see us in and through all the things that life often it seems, unfairly, can throw at us.
The most wonderful places to be in the world are in someone’s thoughts, someone’s prayers, someone’s heart and in the loving arms of God.
Matthew 11:28-30 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV) “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, and will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
My prayers are with you also…….
I awoke this morning thinking of the current situation that every single person in the world is involved in. We have been told for decades that a probable viral pandemic would one day settle on all humanity. It is certainly not the first, nor will be the last, but this one has hit us hard, touching every area of our lives.
At the heart of this resides one word, and that word is “fear.” I then thought of the story found in Matthew 8, where the disciples and Jesus have just set out on a journey across the Sea of Galilee. Jesus being exhausted, falls immediately asleep. Meanwhile, these men who fish for a living, see on the horizon a storm building. Verse (24) reads, and suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with waves. But He was asleep. Vs. (25) Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord save us! We are perishing.”
The disciples, being intimately familiar with the Sea of Galilee, and how quickly storms could arise, waited until their boat was covered in waves before waking the Lord whom they knew could rescue them. Why was this? They had seen the miracles He had brought about. Was it because they also feared Him, respecting the power that they knew resided in Him, and did not want to be seen as weak, or was it something else? Perhaps due to the waves and rocking of the boat they thought He would wake up on His own? Who knows? But we do know, they came to the conclusion that He, and He alone was the only answer to their current, dire situation.
In regards, to our own current situation, with foreknowledge of the potential for just what is happening, we should have been better prepared. We both, as individuals and those whose job it was to see that everything possible could have been done ahead of time was done. Finger pointing and what ifs are simply unnecessary at this time, for now is the time to learn and work together to prepare for both now and the future.
This also parallels our spiritual lives. So many of us ignore the fact that God created in us a place for Him to reside. Again, so many of us wait until one, or many of the possible, difficult to tragic events that come about in our lives, to seek His help and guidance. If instead we prepared ahead of time, by forming a solid and healthy spiritual relationship with God through His Son and with each other, we would find ourselves less fearful, more stable and definitely more trusting that He will see us in and through all the things that life often it seems, unfairly, can throw at us.
The most wonderful places to be in the world are in someone’s thoughts, someone’s prayers, someone’s heart and in the loving arms of God.
Matthew 11:28-30 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV) “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, and will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
My prayers are with you also…….
REFLECTIONS on the spiritual side of life……………………
I awakened this morning to SUNSHINE, and to the thoughts of water dripping off the eaves of my cabin, dry roads and blue sky all the way to West Yellowstone, and what awaited me there. Nothing but a warm, drizzled, orange marmalade scone, and a cup of my favorite hot tea at the Book Peddler. So, with my book in hand, dressed and ready for my weekly drive, I headed out into the wonderland of Island Park, and whatever lay between myself and that incredible scone, better not get in my way. I drive 25 miles one way once a week to imbibe in this wonderland of dough, sugar, orange peel and icing, because I both want to and HAVE to. It’s called an addiction.
On my way I began to think of politics and what I call the Great Divide these days. By the way, I got myself in trouble this week simply by quoting on Facebook, which is a public forum, a paragraph with a twist, from the Atlantic Monthly which is a liberal leaning magazine, with a history of over 150 years of publications. Being a moderate myself, and always attempting to find good in even difficult times, places and people, I STILL get myself in trouble, mostly because I am a minister and ministers are not supposed to voice our opinions since we have influence (really?) over our congregations. Well…..I do very well (I believe) of not voicing my personal opinions even subtly, though at times via a reference, etc., something will slip out which of course (seriously) I have no intention of influence or bias.
Anyway, still reeling from some feedback on Facebook, I again thought of what was waiting for me in West. My mouth was almost watering, and I could even smell the aroma, and feel the warmth of that first bite as it touched my tongue. Even mow as I write this it is happening all over again. So, here is what came to me. I think as Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Libertarians, right-leaning, left-leaning, middle of the road and even those on extreme opposite end of the political spectrum, Catholic, Protestant, LDS, Independents, Muslim, Hindu and all others, should all go to the Book Peddler, order ourselves a warm scones, along with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, latte’ or whatever is your favorite, say a simple prayer together, wait for a while following the prayer, and each take that first bite at the same time, of that warm, comforting, delicious scone, and then as friends, neighbors, supposed enemies and for sure, fellow human beings, begin to talk while first really listening to why each of us believes as we do, showing each other the respect we all need ourselves when we speak. Whether right or wrong in each other’s eyes, we owe it to ourselves one another to listen, then respond in a respectful and neighborly manner.
All this misplaced passion is killing us as individuals, and as a nation. Jesus said this to all of us. “But I say to you (us) love your enemies, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” Matthew 5:44. Please let us quit persecuting each other for our differences, and instead come together to help not only one another, but in all sincerity, attempt together to find solutions instead of creating deeper differences. We can do all things in Christ who enables us (if we sincerely desire it), Philippians 4:13 Also, don’t forget those wonderful, delicious scones, for they too, can do wonderful things for us.
God bless each and all of you in I.P. P.T.
P.S. We really need a year-round bakery in Island Park!!!!
I awakened this morning to SUNSHINE, and to the thoughts of water dripping off the eaves of my cabin, dry roads and blue sky all the way to West Yellowstone, and what awaited me there. Nothing but a warm, drizzled, orange marmalade scone, and a cup of my favorite hot tea at the Book Peddler. So, with my book in hand, dressed and ready for my weekly drive, I headed out into the wonderland of Island Park, and whatever lay between myself and that incredible scone, better not get in my way. I drive 25 miles one way once a week to imbibe in this wonderland of dough, sugar, orange peel and icing, because I both want to and HAVE to. It’s called an addiction.
On my way I began to think of politics and what I call the Great Divide these days. By the way, I got myself in trouble this week simply by quoting on Facebook, which is a public forum, a paragraph with a twist, from the Atlantic Monthly which is a liberal leaning magazine, with a history of over 150 years of publications. Being a moderate myself, and always attempting to find good in even difficult times, places and people, I STILL get myself in trouble, mostly because I am a minister and ministers are not supposed to voice our opinions since we have influence (really?) over our congregations. Well…..I do very well (I believe) of not voicing my personal opinions even subtly, though at times via a reference, etc., something will slip out which of course (seriously) I have no intention of influence or bias.
Anyway, still reeling from some feedback on Facebook, I again thought of what was waiting for me in West. My mouth was almost watering, and I could even smell the aroma, and feel the warmth of that first bite as it touched my tongue. Even mow as I write this it is happening all over again. So, here is what came to me. I think as Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Libertarians, right-leaning, left-leaning, middle of the road and even those on extreme opposite end of the political spectrum, Catholic, Protestant, LDS, Independents, Muslim, Hindu and all others, should all go to the Book Peddler, order ourselves a warm scones, along with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, latte’ or whatever is your favorite, say a simple prayer together, wait for a while following the prayer, and each take that first bite at the same time, of that warm, comforting, delicious scone, and then as friends, neighbors, supposed enemies and for sure, fellow human beings, begin to talk while first really listening to why each of us believes as we do, showing each other the respect we all need ourselves when we speak. Whether right or wrong in each other’s eyes, we owe it to ourselves one another to listen, then respond in a respectful and neighborly manner.
All this misplaced passion is killing us as individuals, and as a nation. Jesus said this to all of us. “But I say to you (us) love your enemies, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” Matthew 5:44. Please let us quit persecuting each other for our differences, and instead come together to help not only one another, but in all sincerity, attempt together to find solutions instead of creating deeper differences. We can do all things in Christ who enables us (if we sincerely desire it), Philippians 4:13 Also, don’t forget those wonderful, delicious scones, for they too, can do wonderful things for us.
God bless each and all of you in I.P. P.T.
P.S. We really need a year-round bakery in Island Park!!!!
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life……………
Having experienced a plethora of ‘feelings’ this last several weeks, and one of these being anger, I thought I would make this the topic of my article. So here goes!
Let me begin with the dictionary meaning of anger; “a strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure or hostility.” Please keep in mind that anger unchecked can be a precursor of ‘wrath’, of which I will not cover today except to say you don’t ever want to go there! From past personal experience it is like stepping off a cliff into the dark, and you will never know how far, dark and long it will be once you hit bottom, and you will hit bottom. Wrath can damage both yourself and those to whom it is directed, deeply.
Is there a place for anger? Absolutely, but it must be justifiable, directed correctly and in such a manner as to do no permanent harm. God himself, has been angry on more than several occasions at His people, (believers) and humanity as a whole. It seems we have a habit individually and collectively, of going off the path of righteousness or right living. Righteous means acting in ways that are morally right, justifiable, very good, excellent and virtuous.
BUT…..here is some good news when we fail, which we find in Psalm 30:5 which has been and I am sure will again minister to me, “for His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning”. Too many times I have permitted myself to express my anger, thinking that it was justifiable, only to find out later, (once I knew the rest of the story) that it was not! Have you ever done the same thing? What I had to do after coming into a deeper understanding, was go to that person or persons and apologize.
Anger is as we know, one of many “feelings” that we are capable of expressing, and as I said previously at times justifiable. The better thing (if possible), is to work together to resolve an issue before anger is the result. If not, please, also as I said above, it must be justifiable, directed correctly and expressed in such a manner as to do no permanent harm.
I have had (sadly) the experience of (rarely, thank the Lord) people getting up in the middle of one of my sermons and angrily leave. Little shuts down a pastor from talking, but this sure does!! If I had the chance to talk with the person or person’s we usually worked, it out. Having too on occasions be a mediator, my main goal is to bring peace, and peace comes from deeper understanding through truly listening. I believe listening can be one of the greatest gifts God gives us, and one we can develop simply by keeping our mouths silent as they talk.
One of my favorite verses on this subject is found in Proverbs 15:1 “A gentle answer turns away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” (2) The tongue of the wise uses knowledge correctly: but the mouth of fools pours out foolishness. (3) The eyes of the Lord are in every place, seeing both the evil and the good. (4) A soothing tongue is a tree of life: but perversion in it crushes the spirit. (18) A wrathful person stirs up strife: but they that are slow to anger appeases strife.”
It would be good for our soul, mind and body. to read and reread these words of wisdom, but it would be even better if we applied them to the way we live.
P.T
Having experienced a plethora of ‘feelings’ this last several weeks, and one of these being anger, I thought I would make this the topic of my article. So here goes!
Let me begin with the dictionary meaning of anger; “a strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure or hostility.” Please keep in mind that anger unchecked can be a precursor of ‘wrath’, of which I will not cover today except to say you don’t ever want to go there! From past personal experience it is like stepping off a cliff into the dark, and you will never know how far, dark and long it will be once you hit bottom, and you will hit bottom. Wrath can damage both yourself and those to whom it is directed, deeply.
Is there a place for anger? Absolutely, but it must be justifiable, directed correctly and in such a manner as to do no permanent harm. God himself, has been angry on more than several occasions at His people, (believers) and humanity as a whole. It seems we have a habit individually and collectively, of going off the path of righteousness or right living. Righteous means acting in ways that are morally right, justifiable, very good, excellent and virtuous.
BUT…..here is some good news when we fail, which we find in Psalm 30:5 which has been and I am sure will again minister to me, “for His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning”. Too many times I have permitted myself to express my anger, thinking that it was justifiable, only to find out later, (once I knew the rest of the story) that it was not! Have you ever done the same thing? What I had to do after coming into a deeper understanding, was go to that person or persons and apologize.
Anger is as we know, one of many “feelings” that we are capable of expressing, and as I said previously at times justifiable. The better thing (if possible), is to work together to resolve an issue before anger is the result. If not, please, also as I said above, it must be justifiable, directed correctly and expressed in such a manner as to do no permanent harm.
I have had (sadly) the experience of (rarely, thank the Lord) people getting up in the middle of one of my sermons and angrily leave. Little shuts down a pastor from talking, but this sure does!! If I had the chance to talk with the person or person’s we usually worked, it out. Having too on occasions be a mediator, my main goal is to bring peace, and peace comes from deeper understanding through truly listening. I believe listening can be one of the greatest gifts God gives us, and one we can develop simply by keeping our mouths silent as they talk.
One of my favorite verses on this subject is found in Proverbs 15:1 “A gentle answer turns away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” (2) The tongue of the wise uses knowledge correctly: but the mouth of fools pours out foolishness. (3) The eyes of the Lord are in every place, seeing both the evil and the good. (4) A soothing tongue is a tree of life: but perversion in it crushes the spirit. (18) A wrathful person stirs up strife: but they that are slow to anger appeases strife.”
It would be good for our soul, mind and body. to read and reread these words of wisdom, but it would be even better if we applied them to the way we live.
P.T
Reflections, on the spiritual side of life…………….
Thank you……..for your prayers for my son. The situation was indeed a potentially serious one with the ramifications lifelong. All turned out extremely well, with no diseases or other health issues manifesting in any way from the pile of dirty needles he was thrown into as he was fighting with a person during a drug take-down. Hallelujah!!!!
I was reminded of a chorus that goes like this. “My hope is in you Lord, my life is in You Lord, it’s in you, it’s in YOU. And indeed, it was, under-girded by both your prayers and prayers throughout the western U.S. Again, thank you!
This is a verse that stirred up a deep well of hope in myself. “I pray that God, the source of ‘hope,’ will fill you (He did) completely, with joy and peace, because you trust in Him. Then you (me) will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.’”
Hope is just one of the spiritual threads that is woven together to form in me, and in all our lives, the life we all can have in Christ. The other two are faith and love. I never tire of hearing about these, never. I have preached on them more than several times over the last four years and will on occasion continue to do so, sometimes for my own personal needs.
We humans have been given (too often sitting unused) the ability to seriously reason, think, and weigh the benefits or consequences of action or actions that are needed, followed by choosing how, what and where these actions are to be. So, what exactly is Hope?
According to most dictionaries, it means to have an optimistic state of mind that is based on an expectation of a positive outcome, with respect to events, people, and, or circumstances in our lives. As a verb (action) its definitions include: “expect with confidence, and to cherish a desire with anticipation of a desired outcome.” The fact that we can even entertain this type of expectation makes us set apart from all the rest of Creation, and this makes us distinctly human. In the New International Bible, the word is used 180 times, often with varied and great meaning.
Hope is one of those forever words used in a great variety of ways, both with depth and in-passing. I would be interested to know why so many towns, lakes, rivers, etc., names are founded in hope. Hope River, Hopewell, New Hope, Point Hope, Cape of Good Hope, Mount Hope as examples. There just has to be a story of some kind behind each of them.
We often look to each new coming year desiring specific change attached to hope, and so within each of our Hope Chests lets add some tools to help build up our foundational spiritual strength and vision of hope. These could be reading Scriptures more, regular in-depth study, prayer, doing good works, helping at our chosen churches and helping our neighbors, and so much more.
I will end this with Psalm 42:11, “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disillusioned within me? HOPE in God, for in the midst of my despair, I will still praise Him.” All of us, living this life on earth encounter sorrow and despair. Our hope and our reality is that whatever we go through, difficult as it may be, He, our Lord and God comforts us, and will never leave or forsake us. This is Hope based on Truth.
Amen
Thank you……..for your prayers for my son. The situation was indeed a potentially serious one with the ramifications lifelong. All turned out extremely well, with no diseases or other health issues manifesting in any way from the pile of dirty needles he was thrown into as he was fighting with a person during a drug take-down. Hallelujah!!!!
I was reminded of a chorus that goes like this. “My hope is in you Lord, my life is in You Lord, it’s in you, it’s in YOU. And indeed, it was, under-girded by both your prayers and prayers throughout the western U.S. Again, thank you!
This is a verse that stirred up a deep well of hope in myself. “I pray that God, the source of ‘hope,’ will fill you (He did) completely, with joy and peace, because you trust in Him. Then you (me) will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.’”
Hope is just one of the spiritual threads that is woven together to form in me, and in all our lives, the life we all can have in Christ. The other two are faith and love. I never tire of hearing about these, never. I have preached on them more than several times over the last four years and will on occasion continue to do so, sometimes for my own personal needs.
We humans have been given (too often sitting unused) the ability to seriously reason, think, and weigh the benefits or consequences of action or actions that are needed, followed by choosing how, what and where these actions are to be. So, what exactly is Hope?
According to most dictionaries, it means to have an optimistic state of mind that is based on an expectation of a positive outcome, with respect to events, people, and, or circumstances in our lives. As a verb (action) its definitions include: “expect with confidence, and to cherish a desire with anticipation of a desired outcome.” The fact that we can even entertain this type of expectation makes us set apart from all the rest of Creation, and this makes us distinctly human. In the New International Bible, the word is used 180 times, often with varied and great meaning.
Hope is one of those forever words used in a great variety of ways, both with depth and in-passing. I would be interested to know why so many towns, lakes, rivers, etc., names are founded in hope. Hope River, Hopewell, New Hope, Point Hope, Cape of Good Hope, Mount Hope as examples. There just has to be a story of some kind behind each of them.
We often look to each new coming year desiring specific change attached to hope, and so within each of our Hope Chests lets add some tools to help build up our foundational spiritual strength and vision of hope. These could be reading Scriptures more, regular in-depth study, prayer, doing good works, helping at our chosen churches and helping our neighbors, and so much more.
I will end this with Psalm 42:11, “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disillusioned within me? HOPE in God, for in the midst of my despair, I will still praise Him.” All of us, living this life on earth encounter sorrow and despair. Our hope and our reality is that whatever we go through, difficult as it may be, He, our Lord and God comforts us, and will never leave or forsake us. This is Hope based on Truth.
Amen
Reflections, on the spiritual side of life……………………
Today I am going to introduce you to Mrs. Gene Newsome. Mrs. Newsome is the mother of Jack and his wife Julie, and granddaughter Kelley, who own a home here in Island Park and are originally from the Blackfoot/Pocatello areas. Mrs. Newsome will be 100 this month but you would not know it, as she is a sharp, bright and articulate, and as well owns and projects a delightful sense of humor.
At the age of 92, Gene (yes, her first name starts with a G) began texting quotes and Scriptures to her family. Her messages were so inspiring, they quickly became a “ministry.” Julie, her daughter-in-law compiled these quotes this year, in celebration of her 100th birthday, to a 365-day calendar, each day with a quote of inspiration or reflection to carry those who received them into their day. If Gene is quoting someone else, she also gives credit to that person or publication. These calendars are not for sale, but have been given to her family, friends and followers.
Today’s quote struck me rather directly and sharply; “I never knew how strong I was until I had to forgive someone who wasn’t sorry, an accept an apology I never received.”
I spoke on Grace (again) a few weeks ago, little realizing how soon and how deeply I was going to have to live up to my understanding of the word and its application. Initially I was quite angry and quietly verbal about the incident. In fact (again) I had to let it all go, because if I brought it up to the person, more pain and anger could easily manifest itself, and this time from both of us. Having taken it to the Lord in prayer and following His instruction in Matthew 6:15; “but if you don’t forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your sins.”
Why, oh why is it so difficult to do so sometimes? Why?
The why is simple. Because pain is involved, and sometimes a lot of pain. I am going to tell you a not so little secret. If YOU forgive, whether the person ever apologizes or not, that pain will diminish over time, though at times it just may take a lot of time, but it will be time well spent. Former Senator Alan Simpson of Wyoming speaking at the funeral of President George H.W. Bush said, “Hatred corrodes the container that carries it.” Re-quoting his words, I will insert the word ‘un-forgiveness,’
How do you know if you have un-forgiveness in your mind and heart? You may try to ignore it, but down deep inside in your spirit, YOU KNOW IT! Like a cancer it quietly and maliciously goes about eating the contentment, peace and joy you otherwise could have. Is it worth it to carry such a heavy burden, knowing what it is doing to you, and even perhaps to others around and dear to you? Is it? Jeremiah 29:11 – “For ‘I’ know the plans ‘I’ have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” God wants the best for us and wants us to give the best of us to all those around us.
Selah…. which in one of its’ several meanings is, “pause and think about it.’
P.T.
Today I am going to introduce you to Mrs. Gene Newsome. Mrs. Newsome is the mother of Jack and his wife Julie, and granddaughter Kelley, who own a home here in Island Park and are originally from the Blackfoot/Pocatello areas. Mrs. Newsome will be 100 this month but you would not know it, as she is a sharp, bright and articulate, and as well owns and projects a delightful sense of humor.
At the age of 92, Gene (yes, her first name starts with a G) began texting quotes and Scriptures to her family. Her messages were so inspiring, they quickly became a “ministry.” Julie, her daughter-in-law compiled these quotes this year, in celebration of her 100th birthday, to a 365-day calendar, each day with a quote of inspiration or reflection to carry those who received them into their day. If Gene is quoting someone else, she also gives credit to that person or publication. These calendars are not for sale, but have been given to her family, friends and followers.
Today’s quote struck me rather directly and sharply; “I never knew how strong I was until I had to forgive someone who wasn’t sorry, an accept an apology I never received.”
I spoke on Grace (again) a few weeks ago, little realizing how soon and how deeply I was going to have to live up to my understanding of the word and its application. Initially I was quite angry and quietly verbal about the incident. In fact (again) I had to let it all go, because if I brought it up to the person, more pain and anger could easily manifest itself, and this time from both of us. Having taken it to the Lord in prayer and following His instruction in Matthew 6:15; “but if you don’t forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your sins.”
Why, oh why is it so difficult to do so sometimes? Why?
The why is simple. Because pain is involved, and sometimes a lot of pain. I am going to tell you a not so little secret. If YOU forgive, whether the person ever apologizes or not, that pain will diminish over time, though at times it just may take a lot of time, but it will be time well spent. Former Senator Alan Simpson of Wyoming speaking at the funeral of President George H.W. Bush said, “Hatred corrodes the container that carries it.” Re-quoting his words, I will insert the word ‘un-forgiveness,’
How do you know if you have un-forgiveness in your mind and heart? You may try to ignore it, but down deep inside in your spirit, YOU KNOW IT! Like a cancer it quietly and maliciously goes about eating the contentment, peace and joy you otherwise could have. Is it worth it to carry such a heavy burden, knowing what it is doing to you, and even perhaps to others around and dear to you? Is it? Jeremiah 29:11 – “For ‘I’ know the plans ‘I’ have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” God wants the best for us and wants us to give the best of us to all those around us.
Selah…. which in one of its’ several meanings is, “pause and think about it.’
P.T.
Reflections, on the spiritual side of life
Let me begin by saying something all of you must know by now: I, am not perfect, and if there is something you disagree with or confuses you, please let me know. If I make a mistake I will attempt to correct it, especially in regards to my use of Scripture. That is of course opening a Pandora's Box with the multitude of Scripture interpretations, though there is a difference, but some good conversations might come out of it.
My main goal is to make Scripture relevant to our everyday lives, in helping each of us, no matter denomination or even religion. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV, (16) "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in right living: (17) That the man (or woman) of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."
Should we, again no matter our denomination or religion, want to live good and decent lives, especially if we are Disciples of Christ. For those of us who are, it is important that we come across as doers of the Word, and not hearers only, thereby deceiving ourselves", and in my opinion, others too.
There is a fairly old saying that says, you and I may be the Jesus (representative) that some people will ever encounter. That my friends, but the 'onus' or responsibility on the shoulders of each one of us. I remember once taking something back to a store to exchange it for another color, but did not have a receipt. The customer service (young girl) said she could not let me do that unless I had a receipt. Of course I began to get just a little annoyed. A little; Well, the conversation escalated to the point where I said rather angrily and loudly. You can just keep the *#@*# lamp, and break it for all I care. Well, I didn't get too far out the door that I heard the Spirit speak to me a particular Scripture about being bearers of peace. PEACE! Conviction hit me like a ton of bricks and I immediately turned around and went back int to apologize sincerely, ask forgiveness and (get my lamp back too).
Did she know I was a Christian? No. Did it matter? No. It was my relationship with myself and between myself and the Lord, that would have been negatively affected. You see, Scripture is good for even self-reproof, self-correction and some great instruction on how to live our everyday lives.
Think about it! Have a great day and enjoy this amazing snow! It also means lots of flowers this Spring and Summer.......from a Winter of little color to fields of a plethora of color!
Selah, P.T.
Let me begin by saying something all of you must know by now: I, am not perfect, and if there is something you disagree with or confuses you, please let me know. If I make a mistake I will attempt to correct it, especially in regards to my use of Scripture. That is of course opening a Pandora's Box with the multitude of Scripture interpretations, though there is a difference, but some good conversations might come out of it.
My main goal is to make Scripture relevant to our everyday lives, in helping each of us, no matter denomination or even religion. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV, (16) "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in right living: (17) That the man (or woman) of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."
Should we, again no matter our denomination or religion, want to live good and decent lives, especially if we are Disciples of Christ. For those of us who are, it is important that we come across as doers of the Word, and not hearers only, thereby deceiving ourselves", and in my opinion, others too.
There is a fairly old saying that says, you and I may be the Jesus (representative) that some people will ever encounter. That my friends, but the 'onus' or responsibility on the shoulders of each one of us. I remember once taking something back to a store to exchange it for another color, but did not have a receipt. The customer service (young girl) said she could not let me do that unless I had a receipt. Of course I began to get just a little annoyed. A little; Well, the conversation escalated to the point where I said rather angrily and loudly. You can just keep the *#@*# lamp, and break it for all I care. Well, I didn't get too far out the door that I heard the Spirit speak to me a particular Scripture about being bearers of peace. PEACE! Conviction hit me like a ton of bricks and I immediately turned around and went back int to apologize sincerely, ask forgiveness and (get my lamp back too).
Did she know I was a Christian? No. Did it matter? No. It was my relationship with myself and between myself and the Lord, that would have been negatively affected. You see, Scripture is good for even self-reproof, self-correction and some great instruction on how to live our everyday lives.
Think about it! Have a great day and enjoy this amazing snow! It also means lots of flowers this Spring and Summer.......from a Winter of little color to fields of a plethora of color!
Selah, P.T.
REFLECTIONS, ON THE SPIRITUAL SIDE OF LIFE……………….
Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood television show begun in 1968, was a part of the life of my children growing up. Low key and unspectacular, he and it helped our children understand what it meant to live around people who were the same as they, and different than they. I have to admit that I personally found the puppets physical appearance somewhat disturbing in their primitiveness, but the kids didn’t seem to mind. I can remember the three of them sitting on the floor watching and discussing the particular situation that was unfolding. As to how they incorporated the lessons into their daily lives was not as obvious, but there were subtle indications of having done so.
I have not yet seen the movie starring Tom Hanks as Mr. Rogers but hear that the movie and Tom did an excellent job of an accurate portrayal of the show. I will in time watch it, but as we know, living in Island Park somewhat prohibits us from keeping up on the latest of most anything.
Mr. Rogers as most of you know, was an ordained Presbyterian Minister, with many of his daily lessons based on Christ’s teachings as to how we should treat one another, even our neighbors. Having attended several functions over the past several weeks here in Island Park, I am reminded as to how like Mr. Roger’s neighborhood Island Park is. Our community reaches out wonderfully to our “neighbors” when a need has arisen, with little attention paid as to their social, financial or so-called status of any kind.
The Berean Literal Bible reads, “The second is this; ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than this one”. The question comes up; who is our neighbor? Jesus uses the illustration in the parable of the Good Samaritan, who stopped to minister to an injured man on the road he was traveling, when a priest and Levite passed by this very man who was injured. The Jews hated the Samaritans and the Samaritan hated the Jews, but the Samaritan overcame his own feelings, not caring who or what the injured man was or represented, ministering to him simply because he was a fellow human-being in need.
Galatians 5:14, For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:40 reads, Jesus said unto him, “Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and GREATEST COMMANDMENT. And the second is like unto it. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments stand all the law and the prophets”.
I am pleased to be part of a community of diversity, who cares for whoever is in need. I want to thank all the good-hearted people who live here in the Caldera and who are of such kind and helpful character. Not that all or any of us are perfect, but that we share our common humanity, touching one another’s lives in both spiritual and physical ways.
Have a Happy and Blessed New Year!
P.T.
Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood television show begun in 1968, was a part of the life of my children growing up. Low key and unspectacular, he and it helped our children understand what it meant to live around people who were the same as they, and different than they. I have to admit that I personally found the puppets physical appearance somewhat disturbing in their primitiveness, but the kids didn’t seem to mind. I can remember the three of them sitting on the floor watching and discussing the particular situation that was unfolding. As to how they incorporated the lessons into their daily lives was not as obvious, but there were subtle indications of having done so.
I have not yet seen the movie starring Tom Hanks as Mr. Rogers but hear that the movie and Tom did an excellent job of an accurate portrayal of the show. I will in time watch it, but as we know, living in Island Park somewhat prohibits us from keeping up on the latest of most anything.
Mr. Rogers as most of you know, was an ordained Presbyterian Minister, with many of his daily lessons based on Christ’s teachings as to how we should treat one another, even our neighbors. Having attended several functions over the past several weeks here in Island Park, I am reminded as to how like Mr. Roger’s neighborhood Island Park is. Our community reaches out wonderfully to our “neighbors” when a need has arisen, with little attention paid as to their social, financial or so-called status of any kind.
The Berean Literal Bible reads, “The second is this; ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than this one”. The question comes up; who is our neighbor? Jesus uses the illustration in the parable of the Good Samaritan, who stopped to minister to an injured man on the road he was traveling, when a priest and Levite passed by this very man who was injured. The Jews hated the Samaritans and the Samaritan hated the Jews, but the Samaritan overcame his own feelings, not caring who or what the injured man was or represented, ministering to him simply because he was a fellow human-being in need.
Galatians 5:14, For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:40 reads, Jesus said unto him, “Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and GREATEST COMMANDMENT. And the second is like unto it. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments stand all the law and the prophets”.
I am pleased to be part of a community of diversity, who cares for whoever is in need. I want to thank all the good-hearted people who live here in the Caldera and who are of such kind and helpful character. Not that all or any of us are perfect, but that we share our common humanity, touching one another’s lives in both spiritual and physical ways.
Have a Happy and Blessed New Year!
P.T.
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life!
Advent, the Season has once again come and gone. Christmas trees are dried out (unless you were faithful to keep them watered), most presents have been unwrapped, the paper and ribbons discarded. Many family members and friends are heading home but the memories you have will be cherished. We are left with what we started with, and that is the baby born in a manger who grew up, brought us truth, living and dying for you and me. Not only that; but great and wonderful gifts, the greatest of them being Himself.
He said two thousand years ago and continues to say, much to the chagrin of many, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is ‘born again’, he (or she) cannot see the Kingdom of God.” We skip to verse five where He adds to these words; “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one if born of the water and the Spirit, he (or she) cannot enter the Kingdom of God.”
In saying these words, Jesus is letting us know that if we recognize we sin, and if we recognize we need a fresh start or a new beginning, He is telling us there is a way, and that way is Himself. I had a friend say that religion is just a crutch, nothing more. My reply was; “religion may be a crutch, but Jesus Christ is so much better than simply a crutch, for He is a very real Savior, Friend and Companion for those of us who have placed our lives and faith in Him, and who He is”. His words also in relation to being born again are, “I am the Resurrection and the life. He (or she) who believes in Me will live, even though they die….and everyone who lives and believe in Me will never die.” Amen
I say these words and quote His words, to those who are looking for a fresh start this coming year. A new beginning. The Spirit speaks to our spirit, telling us it is time for a change, a new start, and by reading His words and accepting Him for who He says He is, we can have just that. A new and fresh start, a new beginning. Will it always be easy? No. Will it be without tears or pain? No, but you will never be alone, never be without hope, for if we desire, He will give us the peace that passes understanding, for of the Spirit He says in John 4:14b, “but the water (spirit) I give them, a fountain of water springing up into ever-lasting life.
Of all my articles this past year and a half, this is the most spiritually aggressive (in a sense) that I have been. I see people hurting in every way, people who are lonely, and people who are adrift with no mooring to hold on to and it makes me deeply sad. I ask you to respond to the Spirit by saying yes Lord, and then find a fellowship, a church a group of people with whom to share your life and heart, and you too will find a sense of belonging and peace and JOY!
To me…. this is what Christmas is all about! The rest is tradition, merriment, songs, family, celebration and even more, but this is the bottom line of Christmas. A Child born to die for all of mankind, bringing us into the heart of God. LOVE………………………………. Amen
Advent, the Season has once again come and gone. Christmas trees are dried out (unless you were faithful to keep them watered), most presents have been unwrapped, the paper and ribbons discarded. Many family members and friends are heading home but the memories you have will be cherished. We are left with what we started with, and that is the baby born in a manger who grew up, brought us truth, living and dying for you and me. Not only that; but great and wonderful gifts, the greatest of them being Himself.
He said two thousand years ago and continues to say, much to the chagrin of many, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is ‘born again’, he (or she) cannot see the Kingdom of God.” We skip to verse five where He adds to these words; “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one if born of the water and the Spirit, he (or she) cannot enter the Kingdom of God.”
In saying these words, Jesus is letting us know that if we recognize we sin, and if we recognize we need a fresh start or a new beginning, He is telling us there is a way, and that way is Himself. I had a friend say that religion is just a crutch, nothing more. My reply was; “religion may be a crutch, but Jesus Christ is so much better than simply a crutch, for He is a very real Savior, Friend and Companion for those of us who have placed our lives and faith in Him, and who He is”. His words also in relation to being born again are, “I am the Resurrection and the life. He (or she) who believes in Me will live, even though they die….and everyone who lives and believe in Me will never die.” Amen
I say these words and quote His words, to those who are looking for a fresh start this coming year. A new beginning. The Spirit speaks to our spirit, telling us it is time for a change, a new start, and by reading His words and accepting Him for who He says He is, we can have just that. A new and fresh start, a new beginning. Will it always be easy? No. Will it be without tears or pain? No, but you will never be alone, never be without hope, for if we desire, He will give us the peace that passes understanding, for of the Spirit He says in John 4:14b, “but the water (spirit) I give them, a fountain of water springing up into ever-lasting life.
Of all my articles this past year and a half, this is the most spiritually aggressive (in a sense) that I have been. I see people hurting in every way, people who are lonely, and people who are adrift with no mooring to hold on to and it makes me deeply sad. I ask you to respond to the Spirit by saying yes Lord, and then find a fellowship, a church a group of people with whom to share your life and heart, and you too will find a sense of belonging and peace and JOY!
To me…. this is what Christmas is all about! The rest is tradition, merriment, songs, family, celebration and even more, but this is the bottom line of Christmas. A Child born to die for all of mankind, bringing us into the heart of God. LOVE………………………………. Amen
REFLECTIONS, ON THE SPIRITUAL SIDE OF LIFE
Advent, as most of us are aware, is the Season observed by many (but not all) Christian Churches, as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the coming birth of Christ Jesus, celebrated in its fullness on Christmas Day. Perhaps you did not know this, but in this celebration is included the return of Christ at His “Second Coming.” The word advent in its singular meaning is simply ‘coming’.
The beginning of the four-weeks of celebration and anticipation, begins on the fourth Sunday before the actual day Christmas falls on, being celebrated primarily by what are called the ‘high churches’ which involves liturgy by the reading of specific Scriptures, spoken by these denominations as follows; Roman Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, Moravian, Presbyterian, Episcopal, Methodist and several others.
Before coming to the Little Church in the Pines and having been an Evangelical pastor for almost twenty years, I knew very little of these weeks of observation, and quite frankly feel deprived of their ceremony, serious Scriptural observances and celebrations. I find them to be rich in history, rich in content and rich in their holy meanings. Christmas takes on a deeper and brighter meaning in taking part and adaptation.
The practices we express this celebration with include keeping an Advent Calendar, lighting of the five candles on the Advent wreath each week in this order; first the Prophet’s Candle symbolizing HOPE; the Bethlehem Candle, symbolizing PEACE; the Shepard’s Candle symbolizing JOY; the Angel’s Candle, symbolizing LOVE. Lastly, the Christ Candle symbolizing Jesus as The Light of the World, bringing to all mankind, HOPE, PEACE, JOY and LOVE. These are shown forth in the way He lived His life, the teachings He gave us and so much more.
We too know, that Christmas has become commercialized to the hilt, but that should not stop us from CELEBRATING the day and keeping it holy, and also a time for family, friends and even strangers to show forth the gift of LOVE that has been given us.
I do have to chuckle a bit, when I think of those who bemoan Christmas, including our unbelieving citizens for this reason. They (whether they like it or not) have-to listen to all the Christmas Carols being sung about the birth of our Savior, and the spirit of JOY, laughter and celebration that comes with it. I know there are some of them who have been brought to Him just by this very means.
For all you Scrooges, yes you, lighten up and embrace the Season. It will do your soul good and make you much better company through the coming weeks!
Until next week, Shalom! P.T.
Advent, as most of us are aware, is the Season observed by many (but not all) Christian Churches, as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the coming birth of Christ Jesus, celebrated in its fullness on Christmas Day. Perhaps you did not know this, but in this celebration is included the return of Christ at His “Second Coming.” The word advent in its singular meaning is simply ‘coming’.
The beginning of the four-weeks of celebration and anticipation, begins on the fourth Sunday before the actual day Christmas falls on, being celebrated primarily by what are called the ‘high churches’ which involves liturgy by the reading of specific Scriptures, spoken by these denominations as follows; Roman Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, Moravian, Presbyterian, Episcopal, Methodist and several others.
Before coming to the Little Church in the Pines and having been an Evangelical pastor for almost twenty years, I knew very little of these weeks of observation, and quite frankly feel deprived of their ceremony, serious Scriptural observances and celebrations. I find them to be rich in history, rich in content and rich in their holy meanings. Christmas takes on a deeper and brighter meaning in taking part and adaptation.
The practices we express this celebration with include keeping an Advent Calendar, lighting of the five candles on the Advent wreath each week in this order; first the Prophet’s Candle symbolizing HOPE; the Bethlehem Candle, symbolizing PEACE; the Shepard’s Candle symbolizing JOY; the Angel’s Candle, symbolizing LOVE. Lastly, the Christ Candle symbolizing Jesus as The Light of the World, bringing to all mankind, HOPE, PEACE, JOY and LOVE. These are shown forth in the way He lived His life, the teachings He gave us and so much more.
We too know, that Christmas has become commercialized to the hilt, but that should not stop us from CELEBRATING the day and keeping it holy, and also a time for family, friends and even strangers to show forth the gift of LOVE that has been given us.
I do have to chuckle a bit, when I think of those who bemoan Christmas, including our unbelieving citizens for this reason. They (whether they like it or not) have-to listen to all the Christmas Carols being sung about the birth of our Savior, and the spirit of JOY, laughter and celebration that comes with it. I know there are some of them who have been brought to Him just by this very means.
For all you Scrooges, yes you, lighten up and embrace the Season. It will do your soul good and make you much better company through the coming weeks!
Until next week, Shalom! P.T.
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life!
Thanksgiving…….brings to mind many images of Thanksgiving’s past, from first grade, cutting out of construction paper colorful turkeys, pilgrims, Indians and even ships. Memories of the family at Grandmaw and Pap’s house, cousins, laughter, lots and lots of food, especially desserts. I also recall from history classes the story of that day and of events leading up to the great feast.
Well, I have been doing some historical research, where the whole story of that great day debunks much of the white-washed one I learned about, where myth and facts have been merged. Many of us, myself included would really like to keep that one as the one to recall. I take the risk here of ticking some of you off, but that’s ok, as I think the truth is more important. Either way, I do cherish the day as it is, because I, like you, have so very much to be thankful for. “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus.”
This is a brief version of the life of Squanto, from the Patuxet tribe, when he saw for the first time, a ship arriving from England, pre-Pilgrims, he came out from his hiding place, though being fearful to greet them. His reward was being kidnapped, taken back to England to be displayed as a curiosity. He was taught English, and then used as a scout to explore the coast of the New World. After years of service he was returned to his tribe.
Another English ship soon arrived. In leading a party to greet them, he again along with his friends were kidnapped, transported to Spain where they were all sold as slaves. Squanto became deathly ill but was bought by a kind monk from a nearby monastery, where he was nursed back to health. The brothers that nursed him drew him to Jesus, who he came to love in-spite of his prior treatment by the English.
Nursed back to health and finding a ship headed for New England, and working his way home, he arrived only to find that his entire family and tribe were wiped out by the deadly disease of Smallpox which was left behind by the English sailors. Squanto was now alone, consumed by despair and loneliness, wandering from place to place, ending up in what is now Massachusetts.
Still wandering along the shoreline, Squanto once again saw the familiar sails of another English ships arriving which turned out to be that of the Mayflower.
Stay tuned for the “rest of the story” next week!
God bless each and all of you and have a wonderful day of Thanksgiving!
Count your blessings, name them one by one.
P. Tom
Thanksgiving…….brings to mind many images of Thanksgiving’s past, from first grade, cutting out of construction paper colorful turkeys, pilgrims, Indians and even ships. Memories of the family at Grandmaw and Pap’s house, cousins, laughter, lots and lots of food, especially desserts. I also recall from history classes the story of that day and of events leading up to the great feast.
Well, I have been doing some historical research, where the whole story of that great day debunks much of the white-washed one I learned about, where myth and facts have been merged. Many of us, myself included would really like to keep that one as the one to recall. I take the risk here of ticking some of you off, but that’s ok, as I think the truth is more important. Either way, I do cherish the day as it is, because I, like you, have so very much to be thankful for. “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus.”
This is a brief version of the life of Squanto, from the Patuxet tribe, when he saw for the first time, a ship arriving from England, pre-Pilgrims, he came out from his hiding place, though being fearful to greet them. His reward was being kidnapped, taken back to England to be displayed as a curiosity. He was taught English, and then used as a scout to explore the coast of the New World. After years of service he was returned to his tribe.
Another English ship soon arrived. In leading a party to greet them, he again along with his friends were kidnapped, transported to Spain where they were all sold as slaves. Squanto became deathly ill but was bought by a kind monk from a nearby monastery, where he was nursed back to health. The brothers that nursed him drew him to Jesus, who he came to love in-spite of his prior treatment by the English.
Nursed back to health and finding a ship headed for New England, and working his way home, he arrived only to find that his entire family and tribe were wiped out by the deadly disease of Smallpox which was left behind by the English sailors. Squanto was now alone, consumed by despair and loneliness, wandering from place to place, ending up in what is now Massachusetts.
Still wandering along the shoreline, Squanto once again saw the familiar sails of another English ships arriving which turned out to be that of the Mayflower.
Stay tuned for the “rest of the story” next week!
God bless each and all of you and have a wonderful day of Thanksgiving!
Count your blessings, name them one by one.
P. Tom
REFFLECTIONS, on the Spiritual Side of Life........
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases. Psalm 103:2-3
Well, I stated last week that I was finished with writing on hymns and the history associated with them. I was wrong. In writing today about the hymn "God Will Take Care of You", I am presenting a brief biography of one James Cash Penney, of J.C. Penney fame.
J.C. Penney's first store was in Kemmerer, WyomIng, which is a rather small town in the high desert country, far from any other town of significance. The store opened in 1902, and it was called the "Golden Rule Store, meaning that he, through himself and his employees, would treat his customers as he himself would want to be treated.
Mr. Penney came from a long line of Baptist preachers, and was on his way to a successful career when the 1929 Great Depression arrived. All his business deals turned sour, and Penney became overwhelmed with anxiety and insomnia. He developed a bad case of shingles and his mental state became worse, until finally, as he later said, "I was broken nervously and physically, filled with despair, unable to see a way out.” His hope was gone. At that same time his entire family turned against him, causing even deeper despair.
But one morning he heard people singing a hymn, coming from the little hospital chapel where he was. The words of the hymn said, "Be not dismayed what'er ‘betide’ (or happens to you)/God will take care of you." Entering the chapel, he listened to the hymn and to the Scripture reading, and to the prayer. He recalls, "Suddenly-something happened, I can't explain it. I can only call it a miracle. I felt as if I had been instantly lifted out of the darkness of a dungeon into warm, brilliant sunlight." All worry left him as he realized more fully than he had ever imagined how much the Lord Jesus Christ loved him. From that day on J.C. Penney was never plagued with worry, and he later recalled those moments in the chapel as, "the most dramatic and glorious twenty minutes of my life."
"GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU"
Be not dismayed what e'er betide thee, God will take care of you;
Beneath His wings of love abide, God will take care of you.
All you may need He will provide, God will take care of you;
Lean weary one, upon His breast, God will take care of you.
May you have a beautiful Thanksgiving, and remember to give God thanks for the beauty and bounty that He has given you. Look around and see what good and great things He has done.
Amen
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases. Psalm 103:2-3
Well, I stated last week that I was finished with writing on hymns and the history associated with them. I was wrong. In writing today about the hymn "God Will Take Care of You", I am presenting a brief biography of one James Cash Penney, of J.C. Penney fame.
J.C. Penney's first store was in Kemmerer, WyomIng, which is a rather small town in the high desert country, far from any other town of significance. The store opened in 1902, and it was called the "Golden Rule Store, meaning that he, through himself and his employees, would treat his customers as he himself would want to be treated.
Mr. Penney came from a long line of Baptist preachers, and was on his way to a successful career when the 1929 Great Depression arrived. All his business deals turned sour, and Penney became overwhelmed with anxiety and insomnia. He developed a bad case of shingles and his mental state became worse, until finally, as he later said, "I was broken nervously and physically, filled with despair, unable to see a way out.” His hope was gone. At that same time his entire family turned against him, causing even deeper despair.
But one morning he heard people singing a hymn, coming from the little hospital chapel where he was. The words of the hymn said, "Be not dismayed what'er ‘betide’ (or happens to you)/God will take care of you." Entering the chapel, he listened to the hymn and to the Scripture reading, and to the prayer. He recalls, "Suddenly-something happened, I can't explain it. I can only call it a miracle. I felt as if I had been instantly lifted out of the darkness of a dungeon into warm, brilliant sunlight." All worry left him as he realized more fully than he had ever imagined how much the Lord Jesus Christ loved him. From that day on J.C. Penney was never plagued with worry, and he later recalled those moments in the chapel as, "the most dramatic and glorious twenty minutes of my life."
"GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU"
Be not dismayed what e'er betide thee, God will take care of you;
Beneath His wings of love abide, God will take care of you.
All you may need He will provide, God will take care of you;
Lean weary one, upon His breast, God will take care of you.
May you have a beautiful Thanksgiving, and remember to give God thanks for the beauty and bounty that He has given you. Look around and see what good and great things He has done.
Amen
REFLECTIONS, On The Spiritual Side of Life....
History was one of my favorite subjects in school and remains so to this day. As a minister in these latter days of mine, church history; in particular the Christian Church has become a subject I find fascinating and tragic. I grieve over what man has done in the name of "The Church" for personal gain of both power and wealth. Jesus exalts humility and serving while The Church often chose the opposite, and still to this day in some segments.
American history is also a subject that I love, and yet once again I am horrified what man has done for the very same reason above. Power and wealth, with countless lives lost as the result. Most often it is the soldier and the citizenry that become the real victims and pawns. "War and rumors of wars", is what Jesus said would come upon us.
Recognizing the need to know both the church's historic roots and the nation as well, most of us are woefully ignorant except for the major events, and even there, often ignorant of details of the ordinary lives that have been given for us. Historic events are now being left out of the history books our children and grandchildren are reading, as well as heroes, accurate facts and outcomes. We need to know our roots, our success and our mistakes, so perhaps we can learn from them.
You are now probably wondering where a spiritual hymn comes into play with this article, the last of three. This particular hymn is not about victory in war, but about bounty, beauty, blessings that God has bestowed on us, and for which many of us take for granted and even abuse. The hymn is "My Country, 'Tis of Thee, written by a native Bostonian named Samuel Francis Smith.
On a cold February afternoon, about a half hour before sunset, Samuel sat in his sparsely furnished room, pouring over materials he had collected. While reading through them he was struck by the words of "Gott segne Sachsenland ("God Bless our Saxon Land"), set to the tune we know as "America" (used in Great Britain for "God Save the Queen").
"I instantly felt the impulse to write a patriotic hymn of my own adapted to this tune," Samuel later said. "Picking up a scrap of paper which lay near me, I wrote at once, probably within a half an hour. In the years that followed Samuel grew into a powerful Baptist preacher, pastor, college professor, hymnist, and linguist, written and missionary advocate. Of all that he accomplished he has been most revered for this patriotic hymn he wrote as a 23-year-old student.
This hymn, in my opinion is a 'perfect' blend of spiritual-patriotism, because it's focus is thankfulness, while speaking of God's gift of Creation in it's bounty, and that having recognized our Veterans this week, their sacrifices it shouts out liberty, nobility, the holiness of freedom, being a beacon of light to the world....while God Himself is the author and originator of all.
Stanza 4. Our fathers' God, to Thee, Author of Liberty, to Thee we sing:
Long may our land be bright with freedom's holy light, protect us by
Thy might, Great God, our King!
Thank you, thank you, thank you, to all our Veterans who served and serve "we the people", our Nation and our God. You deserve to be honored, respected and blessed by this nation, never to be forgotten. P.T.
History was one of my favorite subjects in school and remains so to this day. As a minister in these latter days of mine, church history; in particular the Christian Church has become a subject I find fascinating and tragic. I grieve over what man has done in the name of "The Church" for personal gain of both power and wealth. Jesus exalts humility and serving while The Church often chose the opposite, and still to this day in some segments.
American history is also a subject that I love, and yet once again I am horrified what man has done for the very same reason above. Power and wealth, with countless lives lost as the result. Most often it is the soldier and the citizenry that become the real victims and pawns. "War and rumors of wars", is what Jesus said would come upon us.
Recognizing the need to know both the church's historic roots and the nation as well, most of us are woefully ignorant except for the major events, and even there, often ignorant of details of the ordinary lives that have been given for us. Historic events are now being left out of the history books our children and grandchildren are reading, as well as heroes, accurate facts and outcomes. We need to know our roots, our success and our mistakes, so perhaps we can learn from them.
You are now probably wondering where a spiritual hymn comes into play with this article, the last of three. This particular hymn is not about victory in war, but about bounty, beauty, blessings that God has bestowed on us, and for which many of us take for granted and even abuse. The hymn is "My Country, 'Tis of Thee, written by a native Bostonian named Samuel Francis Smith.
On a cold February afternoon, about a half hour before sunset, Samuel sat in his sparsely furnished room, pouring over materials he had collected. While reading through them he was struck by the words of "Gott segne Sachsenland ("God Bless our Saxon Land"), set to the tune we know as "America" (used in Great Britain for "God Save the Queen").
"I instantly felt the impulse to write a patriotic hymn of my own adapted to this tune," Samuel later said. "Picking up a scrap of paper which lay near me, I wrote at once, probably within a half an hour. In the years that followed Samuel grew into a powerful Baptist preacher, pastor, college professor, hymnist, and linguist, written and missionary advocate. Of all that he accomplished he has been most revered for this patriotic hymn he wrote as a 23-year-old student.
This hymn, in my opinion is a 'perfect' blend of spiritual-patriotism, because it's focus is thankfulness, while speaking of God's gift of Creation in it's bounty, and that having recognized our Veterans this week, their sacrifices it shouts out liberty, nobility, the holiness of freedom, being a beacon of light to the world....while God Himself is the author and originator of all.
Stanza 4. Our fathers' God, to Thee, Author of Liberty, to Thee we sing:
Long may our land be bright with freedom's holy light, protect us by
Thy might, Great God, our King!
Thank you, thank you, thank you, to all our Veterans who served and serve "we the people", our Nation and our God. You deserve to be honored, respected and blessed by this nation, never to be forgotten. P.T.
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life……………
Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble.”
Today, I will be introducing a short series of columns on the history of some of the best-known hymns of the Christian faith. Most protestant churches today have embraced contemporary music into their times of worship. These include instrumentally, drums, keyboard, trumpets, stringed instruments etc., though (thank goodness) tambourines have fallen out of favor. I will admit though that if someone is trained how to use one, it can be fun and meaningful. In fact, during the twenty years of my early pastorate, I too had worship teams with all of the above and loved them, and the atmosphere of worship that could be achieved.
Since coming to the “Little Church” I found myself falling in love with many of the older hymns, especially those whose history I have been able to track. If you are interested in doing some of your own tracking, you can find quite a few in a book titled, “Then Sings My Soul,” by one Robert J Morgan, Thomas Nelson Publishers.
Let’s start with Martin Luther, the great reformer, Bible translator, political leader, fiery preacher, and theologian. Few know that he was also a musician having been born in an area of Germany know for its music. He became proficient with the flute (recorder) working weddings, funerals, etc.
When the reformation began, he worked with skilled musicians to create new music for Christian Churches and helped revive congregational singing, writing a number of hymns himself.
Quote. “Luther once wrote: “Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world…..A person who…..does not regard music as a marvelous creation of God…..does not deserve to be called a human being; he should be permitted to hear nothing but the braying of asses and grunting of hogs!” We all know through history, that Martin Luther spoke his mind!
Luther’s most famous hymn is “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” Based on Psalm 46, as it reflects Luther’s awareness of our intense struggle with sin.” In difficulty and danger, Luther would often resort to this song, saying to his associate, “Come Philipp, let us sing the 46th Psalm”
A mighty fortress is our God, A bulwark never failing;
Our helper He amidst the flood, Of mortal ills, prevailing
For still our ancient foe, doth seek to work his woe –
His craft and power are great, and armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal……..
God is our fortress and strength, and never will He leave us. Our helper in times of violence, illness, sorrow, and need of any kind. His enemy and ours, who works tirelessly to defeat us as strong as he seems, cannot overcome us.
Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
Something to think about……P.Tom
Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble.”
Today, I will be introducing a short series of columns on the history of some of the best-known hymns of the Christian faith. Most protestant churches today have embraced contemporary music into their times of worship. These include instrumentally, drums, keyboard, trumpets, stringed instruments etc., though (thank goodness) tambourines have fallen out of favor. I will admit though that if someone is trained how to use one, it can be fun and meaningful. In fact, during the twenty years of my early pastorate, I too had worship teams with all of the above and loved them, and the atmosphere of worship that could be achieved.
Since coming to the “Little Church” I found myself falling in love with many of the older hymns, especially those whose history I have been able to track. If you are interested in doing some of your own tracking, you can find quite a few in a book titled, “Then Sings My Soul,” by one Robert J Morgan, Thomas Nelson Publishers.
Let’s start with Martin Luther, the great reformer, Bible translator, political leader, fiery preacher, and theologian. Few know that he was also a musician having been born in an area of Germany know for its music. He became proficient with the flute (recorder) working weddings, funerals, etc.
When the reformation began, he worked with skilled musicians to create new music for Christian Churches and helped revive congregational singing, writing a number of hymns himself.
Quote. “Luther once wrote: “Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world…..A person who…..does not regard music as a marvelous creation of God…..does not deserve to be called a human being; he should be permitted to hear nothing but the braying of asses and grunting of hogs!” We all know through history, that Martin Luther spoke his mind!
Luther’s most famous hymn is “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” Based on Psalm 46, as it reflects Luther’s awareness of our intense struggle with sin.” In difficulty and danger, Luther would often resort to this song, saying to his associate, “Come Philipp, let us sing the 46th Psalm”
A mighty fortress is our God, A bulwark never failing;
Our helper He amidst the flood, Of mortal ills, prevailing
For still our ancient foe, doth seek to work his woe –
His craft and power are great, and armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal……..
God is our fortress and strength, and never will He leave us. Our helper in times of violence, illness, sorrow, and need of any kind. His enemy and ours, who works tirelessly to defeat us as strong as he seems, cannot overcome us.
Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
Something to think about……P.Tom
Reflections, on the spiritual side of life~
“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him, who brings good news!”
Isaiah 52:7
“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach The Good News!”
Romans 10:14b
My message during out Sunday service last Sunday was titled, “BEAUTIFUL FEET….really?” With my not so vast experience of looking at feet, I don’t find them particularly beautiful, with the exception of the feet of babies. Now, those are precious to look at, touch and hold. Also, since I have gotten older, and I mean older, my once passable feet are not longer, well, passable. Therefore, I keep them hidden most of the time with socks and shoes. You should be glad!
I shared a true story of a young woman playing the part of Cinderella in Disney World. A young boy, dwarfed and disfigured, holding the hand of his big brother in Cinderella’s castle, resting, suddenly realized that indeed Cinderella had just show up in the very same large room. The room crowded with children all gasped and began to hurriedly surround her, reaching out to touch her, if at all possible. As the brothers stood rooted to their spot, a gap formed between them and the other children. Cinderella spotted the brothers, looking across the room especially at the little dwarfed boy looking forlorn, as he desired so deeply to be able to join the other children, yet fear of one more rejection and humiliation kept him rooted to his spot, as he tightly clutched his brother’s hand.
Cinderella grew quiet, then gently but resolutely broke from the crowd of children, walking toward the little dwarfed boy. Upon reaching the brothers, she knelt down, taking his little hands, giving him a kiss on his forehead and telling him soft words of acceptance that only he could hear. Can you imagine how fast his little heart beat, and how full it suddenly became. That moment in his life he would always remember the warmth, love and acceptance of the beautiful young woman. Always.
To this now older man, I remember at the age of 12 my initial encounter with Jesus. How fast my heart beat, how full it became and along with that the warmth, love and acceptance. As I matured, going through my tumultuous teen years and beyond, during the hippie era, experimenting and seeking, I never felt alone as I KNEW that He was with me wherever I went and whatever I did.
That my friends, is called the Good News, and even though I do not have beautiful feet, I have feet that allows me wherever I choose, and whomever I am with, to share that Good News. Even though I have a pulpit from which to share it every Sunday, I also attempt to do in my everyday life. We are all capable and called to share this Good News. All who call Him, Lord. Amen
“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him, who brings good news!”
Isaiah 52:7
“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach The Good News!”
Romans 10:14b
My message during out Sunday service last Sunday was titled, “BEAUTIFUL FEET….really?” With my not so vast experience of looking at feet, I don’t find them particularly beautiful, with the exception of the feet of babies. Now, those are precious to look at, touch and hold. Also, since I have gotten older, and I mean older, my once passable feet are not longer, well, passable. Therefore, I keep them hidden most of the time with socks and shoes. You should be glad!
I shared a true story of a young woman playing the part of Cinderella in Disney World. A young boy, dwarfed and disfigured, holding the hand of his big brother in Cinderella’s castle, resting, suddenly realized that indeed Cinderella had just show up in the very same large room. The room crowded with children all gasped and began to hurriedly surround her, reaching out to touch her, if at all possible. As the brothers stood rooted to their spot, a gap formed between them and the other children. Cinderella spotted the brothers, looking across the room especially at the little dwarfed boy looking forlorn, as he desired so deeply to be able to join the other children, yet fear of one more rejection and humiliation kept him rooted to his spot, as he tightly clutched his brother’s hand.
Cinderella grew quiet, then gently but resolutely broke from the crowd of children, walking toward the little dwarfed boy. Upon reaching the brothers, she knelt down, taking his little hands, giving him a kiss on his forehead and telling him soft words of acceptance that only he could hear. Can you imagine how fast his little heart beat, and how full it suddenly became. That moment in his life he would always remember the warmth, love and acceptance of the beautiful young woman. Always.
To this now older man, I remember at the age of 12 my initial encounter with Jesus. How fast my heart beat, how full it became and along with that the warmth, love and acceptance. As I matured, going through my tumultuous teen years and beyond, during the hippie era, experimenting and seeking, I never felt alone as I KNEW that He was with me wherever I went and whatever I did.
That my friends, is called the Good News, and even though I do not have beautiful feet, I have feet that allows me wherever I choose, and whomever I am with, to share that Good News. Even though I have a pulpit from which to share it every Sunday, I also attempt to do in my everyday life. We are all capable and called to share this Good News. All who call Him, Lord. Amen
reflections......on the spiritual side of life
Good day each and all of you. What I am about to share has literally nothing to do with my subject today. I simply want to apologize for the snowfall yesterday if an apology is needed. You see, I had my studded snow tires put on my car! God must be on my side (at least to a measure) in that I awoke to hearing a loud Halleluiah coming from my innermost being, that He held off this snow until now, down almost to the hour! How about that!
Summer was a busy one here at the Little Church in the Pines, Not only did we have visitors from various parts of the world and country, but often folks from our surrounding communities, and it continued even through this last Sunday. Notes of gratitude and joy have been received from those who have given us the pleasure of their presence. Our little church continues to grow and bless not only we who call it our church home, but those in the Caldera. We are humbled and blessed to be a part of this community as we have the last 78 years in its many roles. God has been good to us and it is our desire to bless Him as He has us.
Just as a reminder, AA meets here on Saturday evenings at 7, and other community groups such as the Quilt Guild, home owner associations, and at times the forest service and etc. We offer our meeting room downstairs to other community groups who may need a place to meet, and for other kinds of gatherings that don't conflict with our core values.
On the spiritual side of life, a number of us on Friday mornings at 9:30, meet for a study of God's Word. At this time we are studying the words of Jesus, his teachings, parables and actions. Our study format is reading out loud his words, and openly discussing them, and our personal understanding how to apply his words to our everyday lives. We invite anyone to come who would be sincerely interested in this study/discussion. Our study crosses denominational barriers and faiths. All are welcome, and FYI we pretty much stay on topic. We also serve coffee, tea, hot chocolate and a few things to go with those.
Jesus says to all of us in Matthew 11:28-29, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me 'teach' you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
God bless you, everyone!
Good day each and all of you. What I am about to share has literally nothing to do with my subject today. I simply want to apologize for the snowfall yesterday if an apology is needed. You see, I had my studded snow tires put on my car! God must be on my side (at least to a measure) in that I awoke to hearing a loud Halleluiah coming from my innermost being, that He held off this snow until now, down almost to the hour! How about that!
Summer was a busy one here at the Little Church in the Pines, Not only did we have visitors from various parts of the world and country, but often folks from our surrounding communities, and it continued even through this last Sunday. Notes of gratitude and joy have been received from those who have given us the pleasure of their presence. Our little church continues to grow and bless not only we who call it our church home, but those in the Caldera. We are humbled and blessed to be a part of this community as we have the last 78 years in its many roles. God has been good to us and it is our desire to bless Him as He has us.
Just as a reminder, AA meets here on Saturday evenings at 7, and other community groups such as the Quilt Guild, home owner associations, and at times the forest service and etc. We offer our meeting room downstairs to other community groups who may need a place to meet, and for other kinds of gatherings that don't conflict with our core values.
On the spiritual side of life, a number of us on Friday mornings at 9:30, meet for a study of God's Word. At this time we are studying the words of Jesus, his teachings, parables and actions. Our study format is reading out loud his words, and openly discussing them, and our personal understanding how to apply his words to our everyday lives. We invite anyone to come who would be sincerely interested in this study/discussion. Our study crosses denominational barriers and faiths. All are welcome, and FYI we pretty much stay on topic. We also serve coffee, tea, hot chocolate and a few things to go with those.
Jesus says to all of us in Matthew 11:28-29, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me 'teach' you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
God bless you, everyone!
REFLECTIONS……on the spiritual side of life
Yesterday afternoon I was driving back (again) from Idaho Falls, and decided to call my good friend and cousin in Washoe, Nevada, Howard. It is always interesting to talk to Howard. He knows how to do more things such as repairs, build, and create, more than anyone I know. He also is knowledgeable, smart and funny. Can you believe one person can have so much going for him and still be able to talk to an ordinary person like me. Anyway, when Howard speaks, I listen. He is a trustee at his church in Reno, as well as repairs and plays the church organ. Sometimes I actually am jealous of him.
Being a trustee, Howard had to speak to the congregation about their annual pledge drive so that a budget could be established. Money, being a tricky subject in church finances, must be approached Biblically and reasonably. Being an organist, the hymn came to him, “Count Your Many Blessings.” As he stood at the podium, he asked the gathered congregation, when was the last time any of them had sat down and named their blessings one by one? Not one hand went up. He then went to the organ and led them in the hymn, Count your blessings, name them one by one, (chorus)
Count your blessing, see what God has done!
Count your blessing, name them one by one,
Count your many blessings, see what God has done.
Howard later heard of one man who upon arriving home, sat down at his table, took a pen and piece of paper, and began making a list. His wife asked him what he was doing, and he said, “I am doing what Howard said we should do, so that I can thank God for all the blessings in our lives. Following that, he decided it was in his best interest and in the interest of the church he worshiped at, to increase his pledge. Overall, instead of pleading for money, Howard’s focus was on the upside, and the pledges came pouring in. The people loved their church and desired to see it prosper instead of struggle.
Most of us have little concept of the time and effort, prayer and hope, that goes into not only one Sunday service, but all the other special events and celebrations that happen during the course of one week let alone a whole calendar year. We arrive Sunday morning and other times ready to be served, without thinking one thought as to why all is ready, organized and runs smoothly.
We know giving is more than money, as most work is done voluntarily, but giving is part of worship and worship is directed to our Lord and God. Be generous and Count Your Blessings, see what God has done, count your many blessings, name them one by one. God Bless You All!
Yesterday afternoon I was driving back (again) from Idaho Falls, and decided to call my good friend and cousin in Washoe, Nevada, Howard. It is always interesting to talk to Howard. He knows how to do more things such as repairs, build, and create, more than anyone I know. He also is knowledgeable, smart and funny. Can you believe one person can have so much going for him and still be able to talk to an ordinary person like me. Anyway, when Howard speaks, I listen. He is a trustee at his church in Reno, as well as repairs and plays the church organ. Sometimes I actually am jealous of him.
Being a trustee, Howard had to speak to the congregation about their annual pledge drive so that a budget could be established. Money, being a tricky subject in church finances, must be approached Biblically and reasonably. Being an organist, the hymn came to him, “Count Your Many Blessings.” As he stood at the podium, he asked the gathered congregation, when was the last time any of them had sat down and named their blessings one by one? Not one hand went up. He then went to the organ and led them in the hymn, Count your blessings, name them one by one, (chorus)
Count your blessing, see what God has done!
Count your blessing, name them one by one,
Count your many blessings, see what God has done.
Howard later heard of one man who upon arriving home, sat down at his table, took a pen and piece of paper, and began making a list. His wife asked him what he was doing, and he said, “I am doing what Howard said we should do, so that I can thank God for all the blessings in our lives. Following that, he decided it was in his best interest and in the interest of the church he worshiped at, to increase his pledge. Overall, instead of pleading for money, Howard’s focus was on the upside, and the pledges came pouring in. The people loved their church and desired to see it prosper instead of struggle.
Most of us have little concept of the time and effort, prayer and hope, that goes into not only one Sunday service, but all the other special events and celebrations that happen during the course of one week let alone a whole calendar year. We arrive Sunday morning and other times ready to be served, without thinking one thought as to why all is ready, organized and runs smoothly.
We know giving is more than money, as most work is done voluntarily, but giving is part of worship and worship is directed to our Lord and God. Be generous and Count Your Blessings, see what God has done, count your many blessings, name them one by one. God Bless You All!
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life
A HISTORY LESSON……an important one!
Greetings from in the Caldera! The word blithely means, “in a way that shows a casual, even cheerful indifference, considered to be callous or improper.”
I, and we Christians in general, especially in America, own an average of four Bibles that seldom are read on a daily basis, taking them off the shelf most often when we are headed for church, if even then. My purpose in sharing this bit of history is to awaken or recall to us, how much it cost those, to bring us the version and availability of this magnificent book. For those who don’t know, the Bible is not only the most printed book in the world, but also the best-selling, and has held that place and position consistently.
Thousands of years before a single line was penned, an unbroken chain of story tellers retold the world’s greatest of spiritual journeys. These included prophets, poets and kings. Then along with this book came the next and most vital story of all, reaching out to not only one racial group of people, but to all the peoples of the world. The New Covenant now joined with the Old Covenant to bring us what today is the completion of God’s Words to us. Jesus said, “it is finished.” His death that day, His life, His ministry and the coming of the church of Jesus Christ and its story, sealed for all time God’s love and intention for all.
The Book became priceless to generations of saints, many who paid the ultimate price to preserve and pass it down too many more generations to this day. The then church and its hierarchy, considering themselves the only one’s worthy to translate and speak the words of the Bible, reacted violently when men and women attempted to have copies printed for the common people.
After John Wycliffe and his associates translated the Bible into English, he and his followers were severely persecuted. In 1415, the Council of Constance declared Wycliffe a heretic. His corpse was dug up and burned, and his ashes were strewn in a nearby river. That same council condemned the Czech Priest, John Huss, as an archenemy of the faith for translating the Bible into the Czech language. He was burned alive at the stake. Englishman William Tyndale became a fugitive with a price on his head. Yet he sent copies of his Bible translation back to England in bales of hay. He was eventually caught and strangled at the stake before his body was consumed by fire. His translation became the basis for the King James version we hold dear to today.
These are only a few of those who suffered martyrdom to produce, preserve and preach, the contents of God’s Word to a spiritually hungry world. Charles Spurgeon said it best: “read many good books but live the Bible.”
Jeremiah 15:16, “When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight.” Selah
A HISTORY LESSON……an important one!
Greetings from in the Caldera! The word blithely means, “in a way that shows a casual, even cheerful indifference, considered to be callous or improper.”
I, and we Christians in general, especially in America, own an average of four Bibles that seldom are read on a daily basis, taking them off the shelf most often when we are headed for church, if even then. My purpose in sharing this bit of history is to awaken or recall to us, how much it cost those, to bring us the version and availability of this magnificent book. For those who don’t know, the Bible is not only the most printed book in the world, but also the best-selling, and has held that place and position consistently.
Thousands of years before a single line was penned, an unbroken chain of story tellers retold the world’s greatest of spiritual journeys. These included prophets, poets and kings. Then along with this book came the next and most vital story of all, reaching out to not only one racial group of people, but to all the peoples of the world. The New Covenant now joined with the Old Covenant to bring us what today is the completion of God’s Words to us. Jesus said, “it is finished.” His death that day, His life, His ministry and the coming of the church of Jesus Christ and its story, sealed for all time God’s love and intention for all.
The Book became priceless to generations of saints, many who paid the ultimate price to preserve and pass it down too many more generations to this day. The then church and its hierarchy, considering themselves the only one’s worthy to translate and speak the words of the Bible, reacted violently when men and women attempted to have copies printed for the common people.
After John Wycliffe and his associates translated the Bible into English, he and his followers were severely persecuted. In 1415, the Council of Constance declared Wycliffe a heretic. His corpse was dug up and burned, and his ashes were strewn in a nearby river. That same council condemned the Czech Priest, John Huss, as an archenemy of the faith for translating the Bible into the Czech language. He was burned alive at the stake. Englishman William Tyndale became a fugitive with a price on his head. Yet he sent copies of his Bible translation back to England in bales of hay. He was eventually caught and strangled at the stake before his body was consumed by fire. His translation became the basis for the King James version we hold dear to today.
These are only a few of those who suffered martyrdom to produce, preserve and preach, the contents of God’s Word to a spiritually hungry world. Charles Spurgeon said it best: “read many good books but live the Bible.”
Jeremiah 15:16, “When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight.” Selah
REFLECTIONS…….on the spiritual side of life
Children can be an enigma, enigma meaning, “a person that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand.” You might ask how I can, with a bit of understanding and even authority state this? Well, I have first-hand knowledge having been a child myself many years ago, and having raised three children somewhere in between then and now, but also having the (sometimes) blessing of ten grandchildren. In the Old Testament we can turn to Psalm 127 and read, “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, for the fruit of the womb is a reward, and happy is the man who has his quiver full of them.” This last one is especially true because in most cases, it is the wife who lives with, and gives the children the majority of her time, leaving the husband to do, well, husband kinds of things. You know what I mean.
Proverbs 22:6 KJV – Train up a child in the way he (or she) should go, and when he or she is old, they will not depart from it.” To do this in this day and time has to be, one of the most difficult and sacred things a parent can do. This edict has not changed over the millennia, and I would say most, but not all parents take this seriously. My wife and I chose to raise our two daughters and son knowing above all else they were loved, and as best we could, example what it meant to walk in the ways of the Lord through our guidance and everyday lives. In some areas we were very successful and others not so much. Today, they all love and follow the Lord, work hard and love their own children deeply and passionately. What more could a parent ask for.
Don’t get me wrong, they are still mysterious and at times an enigma. With that in mind, I see them trying their best to grasp an understanding of life as it evolves today, and their abilities to maneuver the complexities that they are presented that would have swept me off my feet and down the river. A parents’ beliefs and personal understanding of Scriptures that helps lead them on this mysterious path of child-raising today, along with the help of the Lord Himself and mutual friends, who find themselves on the same journey.
The complexities, the information availability, the sometimes quick and massive changes in our culture such as school shootings, angry politics, moral uncertainty, gender dynamics, financial disparity, climate change, true or false, extreme liberalism, extreme right wing politics, extreme opinions with little room for real dialogue. Churches of all denominations losing children, and we older ones reluctant to adapt to new technology, and new ways of expression of faith which our children are experimenting.
Turmoil, clamoring, rootlessness, churning, embroiling. No wonder our kids are scared and searching for stability in areas we would have never tread. Both the questions and the answers we ask, can God help us? YES!
God, give us wisdom, love, light in the darkness to help answer their questions and their honest searching, though it may not look so from the outside looking in. We have to remember that not all the answers are as black and white, as we think they are. This is where the wisdom we seek comes into play. Wisdom garnered from the Word, prayer, hope, love, understanding, non-judgmental proclamations, discussions, listening. Our Children are looking to us to help them along this way of change and confusion. Are we up for it?
Selah….(which means pause and think about it)
Children can be an enigma, enigma meaning, “a person that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand.” You might ask how I can, with a bit of understanding and even authority state this? Well, I have first-hand knowledge having been a child myself many years ago, and having raised three children somewhere in between then and now, but also having the (sometimes) blessing of ten grandchildren. In the Old Testament we can turn to Psalm 127 and read, “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, for the fruit of the womb is a reward, and happy is the man who has his quiver full of them.” This last one is especially true because in most cases, it is the wife who lives with, and gives the children the majority of her time, leaving the husband to do, well, husband kinds of things. You know what I mean.
Proverbs 22:6 KJV – Train up a child in the way he (or she) should go, and when he or she is old, they will not depart from it.” To do this in this day and time has to be, one of the most difficult and sacred things a parent can do. This edict has not changed over the millennia, and I would say most, but not all parents take this seriously. My wife and I chose to raise our two daughters and son knowing above all else they were loved, and as best we could, example what it meant to walk in the ways of the Lord through our guidance and everyday lives. In some areas we were very successful and others not so much. Today, they all love and follow the Lord, work hard and love their own children deeply and passionately. What more could a parent ask for.
Don’t get me wrong, they are still mysterious and at times an enigma. With that in mind, I see them trying their best to grasp an understanding of life as it evolves today, and their abilities to maneuver the complexities that they are presented that would have swept me off my feet and down the river. A parents’ beliefs and personal understanding of Scriptures that helps lead them on this mysterious path of child-raising today, along with the help of the Lord Himself and mutual friends, who find themselves on the same journey.
The complexities, the information availability, the sometimes quick and massive changes in our culture such as school shootings, angry politics, moral uncertainty, gender dynamics, financial disparity, climate change, true or false, extreme liberalism, extreme right wing politics, extreme opinions with little room for real dialogue. Churches of all denominations losing children, and we older ones reluctant to adapt to new technology, and new ways of expression of faith which our children are experimenting.
Turmoil, clamoring, rootlessness, churning, embroiling. No wonder our kids are scared and searching for stability in areas we would have never tread. Both the questions and the answers we ask, can God help us? YES!
God, give us wisdom, love, light in the darkness to help answer their questions and their honest searching, though it may not look so from the outside looking in. We have to remember that not all the answers are as black and white, as we think they are. This is where the wisdom we seek comes into play. Wisdom garnered from the Word, prayer, hope, love, understanding, non-judgmental proclamations, discussions, listening. Our Children are looking to us to help them along this way of change and confusion. Are we up for it?
Selah….(which means pause and think about it)
REFLECTIONS…………on the spiritual side of life
“What does the Lord require of you? to Act Justly, and to Love Mercy, and to Walk Humbly with your God.”
This last Sunday my message spoke on the unfairness of life at times. Why bad things happen to good people, and how out of these happenings we often ask the questions, why me, why do I deserve this, why now, why, why, why? My simplified answer was, “because we live in a fallen world,” and with understanding that we are no different than every other individual living on this beautiful little ball in space. Bad things, difficult things such as illness, car accidents, sexual molestations, theft, murder, etc., etc., are all probable, just by being alive.
Being a Christian does not insulate us from all of these things, but the real difference comes in the Presence of the Lord who is with us, comforting us, giving us strength and compassion by His Spirit and His people to assist and help us when one or several of these events come upon us.
A person whom I respect and like, came up to me after the service on Sunday and spoke of their disagreement on my use of the word fallen, and it was suggested instead of fallen, I perhaps could have used the word troubled. If we take the narrative of the “fall of man” into sin, it is truly the only word that works in my opinion, and with that fall come the entrance of sin, the loss of innocence, and with the loss of innocence comes the knowledge of good and evil. Yes, good and evil. To deny the reality of evil is to also deny the presence of good. All is therefore neutral! Wrong. Is evil worse than bad? Yes! Evil exists, and we see it all around us in the statistics such as this. One female in sixteen’s first experience with sex is rape. With both boys and men, the rate is one in thirty-three. The greatest number of victims are children. Fallen, not troubled!!!!
This as we all know, is just a small portion of the acts of evil. Look at the holocaust, the purge of Mao in China resulting in the death of tens of millions, then Stalin in Russia, others. The list goes on and onto this day, where Christians by the thousands are killed every year, being the most persecuted religion in the world today.
I pray and believe that one day, one fair day, evil will be done away with, and that peace on earth and good will to mankind will become a reality. That one fair day….justice, mercy and humility will become the reality through the love and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. I see this given humanity’s history as the only real possibility for salvation, true justice and mercy for all of human kind.
Amen, and please pray with me!
“What does the Lord require of you? to Act Justly, and to Love Mercy, and to Walk Humbly with your God.”
This last Sunday my message spoke on the unfairness of life at times. Why bad things happen to good people, and how out of these happenings we often ask the questions, why me, why do I deserve this, why now, why, why, why? My simplified answer was, “because we live in a fallen world,” and with understanding that we are no different than every other individual living on this beautiful little ball in space. Bad things, difficult things such as illness, car accidents, sexual molestations, theft, murder, etc., etc., are all probable, just by being alive.
Being a Christian does not insulate us from all of these things, but the real difference comes in the Presence of the Lord who is with us, comforting us, giving us strength and compassion by His Spirit and His people to assist and help us when one or several of these events come upon us.
A person whom I respect and like, came up to me after the service on Sunday and spoke of their disagreement on my use of the word fallen, and it was suggested instead of fallen, I perhaps could have used the word troubled. If we take the narrative of the “fall of man” into sin, it is truly the only word that works in my opinion, and with that fall come the entrance of sin, the loss of innocence, and with the loss of innocence comes the knowledge of good and evil. Yes, good and evil. To deny the reality of evil is to also deny the presence of good. All is therefore neutral! Wrong. Is evil worse than bad? Yes! Evil exists, and we see it all around us in the statistics such as this. One female in sixteen’s first experience with sex is rape. With both boys and men, the rate is one in thirty-three. The greatest number of victims are children. Fallen, not troubled!!!!
This as we all know, is just a small portion of the acts of evil. Look at the holocaust, the purge of Mao in China resulting in the death of tens of millions, then Stalin in Russia, others. The list goes on and onto this day, where Christians by the thousands are killed every year, being the most persecuted religion in the world today.
I pray and believe that one day, one fair day, evil will be done away with, and that peace on earth and good will to mankind will become a reality. That one fair day….justice, mercy and humility will become the reality through the love and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. I see this given humanity’s history as the only real possibility for salvation, true justice and mercy for all of human kind.
Amen, and please pray with me!
Reflections.....on the spiritual side of life
Grace
This is a quote from Philip Yancy’s book; What's So AMAZING About GRACE. An excellent book by the way, and one I would recommend every Christian and even-non Christian read. "Many years ago I was driven to the conclusion that the two major causes of most emotional problems among Christians are these: the failure to understand, receive, and live out God's unconditional grace and forgiveness; and the failure to give out that unconditional love, forgiveness, and grace to other people. We read, we hear, we believe a good theology of grace. But that's not the way we live our everyday lives. The Good News of the Gospel of Grace has not penetrated and taken over to the level of our emotions."
I realize that is a rather long quote, but I to this day, believe those of us who live under the banner of Christianity need to further study, fully grasp, and then apply the meaning of this momentous gift, first to ourselves and then others. We often judge ourselves more harshly than we do others, though we all too often very good at judging others too.
I am sure most of you are familiar with the song from years ago, named "What the World Needs Now is Love Sweet Love," and so very true that is, but included in that needed love, is the act/action of giving and receiving grace. So what exactly is Grace in Christian Theology? Grace is "the love and mercy given to us by God because God desires us to have it, not because we have to or can earn it, as it is given to us freely through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ." Having received it without earning it, we are to freely give it. In giving it, it takes the form of divine favor, love, clemency, and a share in the divine life of God! Also, deeply attached to this Grace is the choice we all have to forgive, for in forgiving we are forgiven. Matthew 6:9-15 and Ephesians 4:32-5:2.
The Church should be a haven of Grace, not a building with a set of rules and rituals, where if a person fulfills each and all of those rules, they will finally have made it, but instead, a place where ALL people should be able to come as coming into a (sanctuary) where they find safety, comfort and encouragement. Within that (sanctuary) they hopefully will find unconditional love, hope, forgiveness, joy, celebration of life, teaching that leads to a richer and a closer relationship to both Jesus Christ, and each other. A place of harmony and not discordance.
GRACE...unearned favor that allows us to be free in Christ and therefore free indeed. "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."
Something to think about.....and maybe even study"
Selah
Grace
This is a quote from Philip Yancy’s book; What's So AMAZING About GRACE. An excellent book by the way, and one I would recommend every Christian and even-non Christian read. "Many years ago I was driven to the conclusion that the two major causes of most emotional problems among Christians are these: the failure to understand, receive, and live out God's unconditional grace and forgiveness; and the failure to give out that unconditional love, forgiveness, and grace to other people. We read, we hear, we believe a good theology of grace. But that's not the way we live our everyday lives. The Good News of the Gospel of Grace has not penetrated and taken over to the level of our emotions."
I realize that is a rather long quote, but I to this day, believe those of us who live under the banner of Christianity need to further study, fully grasp, and then apply the meaning of this momentous gift, first to ourselves and then others. We often judge ourselves more harshly than we do others, though we all too often very good at judging others too.
I am sure most of you are familiar with the song from years ago, named "What the World Needs Now is Love Sweet Love," and so very true that is, but included in that needed love, is the act/action of giving and receiving grace. So what exactly is Grace in Christian Theology? Grace is "the love and mercy given to us by God because God desires us to have it, not because we have to or can earn it, as it is given to us freely through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ." Having received it without earning it, we are to freely give it. In giving it, it takes the form of divine favor, love, clemency, and a share in the divine life of God! Also, deeply attached to this Grace is the choice we all have to forgive, for in forgiving we are forgiven. Matthew 6:9-15 and Ephesians 4:32-5:2.
The Church should be a haven of Grace, not a building with a set of rules and rituals, where if a person fulfills each and all of those rules, they will finally have made it, but instead, a place where ALL people should be able to come as coming into a (sanctuary) where they find safety, comfort and encouragement. Within that (sanctuary) they hopefully will find unconditional love, hope, forgiveness, joy, celebration of life, teaching that leads to a richer and a closer relationship to both Jesus Christ, and each other. A place of harmony and not discordance.
GRACE...unearned favor that allows us to be free in Christ and therefore free indeed. "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."
Something to think about.....and maybe even study"
Selah
Reflections.....on the spiritual side of life
They that wait upon the Lord, shall renew their strength, they shall rise up with wings as eagles, they will walk and not be weary, they shall run and not faint, teach me Lord, teach me Lord to wait." Isaiah 40:31
Waiting and patience are deeply attached to one another. Kind of like the horse and carriage; "you can't have one without the other!" These, my friends and fellow life journey mates, are combined and one of the most difficult virtues that a person can learn, and learn we must, for I don't believe that this comes naturally.
If we have not yet learned this valuable lesson, there is not a better time to start than today. For today is what we know we have.
It is proven time and time again, that those who spend time cultivating their life in God through Christ (as Christians) are those who when difficulties assail or assault them, come through the storm(s) not untouched, but with an inward strength and ability to cope far above those who do not have the spiritual walk and strength that comes through that relationship. Being a "believer" is not protection from the hard times in life, it is simply that we have the Creator at our side through all that we endure. Also, as a community of believers, we have each other for support that comes in a myriad of wonderful ways.
Have you ever watched and eagle rise, and how little they actually move their wings, as they go from updraft to updraft so effortlessly, so beautifully, going from one to the next when it comes along, eventually rising to sometimes over 10,000 feet, soaring elegantly, silently and simply enjoying the sheer pleasure of rising to the heavens.
This is how we too….with God as our wings, staying in His updrafts of faith, taking us to great heights even when through serious events, illness and circumstances that can weigh us down if alone. He will always be with, never leaving us. He desires to carry us up, if we will just let Him by first walking with Him in Christ, and talking with Him along the way, our relationship ever deepening and getting closer and closer. Intimacy brings trust and faith and the greatest of all gifts, LOVE.
Examine your own spiritual life, whether Christian or Jew, Muslim or Buddhist, or any of the multiple faiths humans follow and believe. Ask God by simply talking, praying, seeking for a revelation of God and how you can partner together, to have a richer, more blessed and fuller life. Look around you, and see what great things God has done, and has given you.
God bless you all! Amen
They that wait upon the Lord, shall renew their strength, they shall rise up with wings as eagles, they will walk and not be weary, they shall run and not faint, teach me Lord, teach me Lord to wait." Isaiah 40:31
Waiting and patience are deeply attached to one another. Kind of like the horse and carriage; "you can't have one without the other!" These, my friends and fellow life journey mates, are combined and one of the most difficult virtues that a person can learn, and learn we must, for I don't believe that this comes naturally.
If we have not yet learned this valuable lesson, there is not a better time to start than today. For today is what we know we have.
It is proven time and time again, that those who spend time cultivating their life in God through Christ (as Christians) are those who when difficulties assail or assault them, come through the storm(s) not untouched, but with an inward strength and ability to cope far above those who do not have the spiritual walk and strength that comes through that relationship. Being a "believer" is not protection from the hard times in life, it is simply that we have the Creator at our side through all that we endure. Also, as a community of believers, we have each other for support that comes in a myriad of wonderful ways.
Have you ever watched and eagle rise, and how little they actually move their wings, as they go from updraft to updraft so effortlessly, so beautifully, going from one to the next when it comes along, eventually rising to sometimes over 10,000 feet, soaring elegantly, silently and simply enjoying the sheer pleasure of rising to the heavens.
This is how we too….with God as our wings, staying in His updrafts of faith, taking us to great heights even when through serious events, illness and circumstances that can weigh us down if alone. He will always be with, never leaving us. He desires to carry us up, if we will just let Him by first walking with Him in Christ, and talking with Him along the way, our relationship ever deepening and getting closer and closer. Intimacy brings trust and faith and the greatest of all gifts, LOVE.
Examine your own spiritual life, whether Christian or Jew, Muslim or Buddhist, or any of the multiple faiths humans follow and believe. Ask God by simply talking, praying, seeking for a revelation of God and how you can partner together, to have a richer, more blessed and fuller life. Look around you, and see what great things God has done, and has given you.
God bless you all! Amen
Reflections, on the spiritual side of life..................
Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you. Psalm 55:22a.
These words were written by King David when two of those, who once were his closest friends, turned on him. Little hurts more than a wound from a friend. At times friends may need to lovingly confront us in order to help us, but betrayal truly hurts. Friends are to stick by us in times of trouble and bring healing, love, acceptance, and understanding. Have you turned against a friend, been betrayed or betrayed someone else. If you have experienced either of these you understand where David is coming from and the heartfelt anguish he is experiencing.
Jesus too experienced this with one of His disciples, when for 30 pieces of silver and a sense of self-righteousness, Judas betrayed His Lord and friend over to the religious leaders. This of course ultimately leading to His death on the cross.
I too have had a 'friend' turn on me. Someone I trusted to keep confidential an issue that I shared with very few. I need to talk and I needed prayer. He told a friend, who told a friend and you know how that goes. The result caused hurt in both my family and the congregation I was serving at the time. I could do little on my own to cause the resultant ramifications to bring understanding and healing. What I did was what David did, in that as Peter stated in 1st Peter 5:7, where he states simply; "cast all your worries and cares on God, for He cares about you." In doing so, it lifted a great deal off my shoulders. Did all things immediately turn around? No. But in time I looked back and saw God's hand at work, and so very much good, came out of what the enemy meant for destruction. In my own faith walk, these words proved to be true, "and we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God, and are called according to His purpose for them."
Forgiveness is a huge part of all things working out for good, and forgiveness is one of the most difficult things, depending on the level of betrayal that we experience. Here is where I recall some of the last words Jesus spoke. While hanging there on the cross, fully feeling His betrayal, he said; "Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." If at that level of betrayal Jesus could say these words, I too, being a follower of His, must do the same. This then lifts another enormous burden off of me, that the burden and consequences of un-forgiveness. A true poison in the lives of those who will not, or think they cannot forgive, which comes with long term physical, spiritual, mental and emotional consequences.
"Cast your cares upon the Lord, for He cares for you!"
It is just that simple.
Give it some thought.
Amen
Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you. Psalm 55:22a.
These words were written by King David when two of those, who once were his closest friends, turned on him. Little hurts more than a wound from a friend. At times friends may need to lovingly confront us in order to help us, but betrayal truly hurts. Friends are to stick by us in times of trouble and bring healing, love, acceptance, and understanding. Have you turned against a friend, been betrayed or betrayed someone else. If you have experienced either of these you understand where David is coming from and the heartfelt anguish he is experiencing.
Jesus too experienced this with one of His disciples, when for 30 pieces of silver and a sense of self-righteousness, Judas betrayed His Lord and friend over to the religious leaders. This of course ultimately leading to His death on the cross.
I too have had a 'friend' turn on me. Someone I trusted to keep confidential an issue that I shared with very few. I need to talk and I needed prayer. He told a friend, who told a friend and you know how that goes. The result caused hurt in both my family and the congregation I was serving at the time. I could do little on my own to cause the resultant ramifications to bring understanding and healing. What I did was what David did, in that as Peter stated in 1st Peter 5:7, where he states simply; "cast all your worries and cares on God, for He cares about you." In doing so, it lifted a great deal off my shoulders. Did all things immediately turn around? No. But in time I looked back and saw God's hand at work, and so very much good, came out of what the enemy meant for destruction. In my own faith walk, these words proved to be true, "and we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God, and are called according to His purpose for them."
Forgiveness is a huge part of all things working out for good, and forgiveness is one of the most difficult things, depending on the level of betrayal that we experience. Here is where I recall some of the last words Jesus spoke. While hanging there on the cross, fully feeling His betrayal, he said; "Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." If at that level of betrayal Jesus could say these words, I too, being a follower of His, must do the same. This then lifts another enormous burden off of me, that the burden and consequences of un-forgiveness. A true poison in the lives of those who will not, or think they cannot forgive, which comes with long term physical, spiritual, mental and emotional consequences.
"Cast your cares upon the Lord, for He cares for you!"
It is just that simple.
Give it some thought.
Amen
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life...........
July 30, 2019
Genesis 1:19 and evening passed, and morning came marking the fifth fourth day.
Then God said, "Let the waters swarm with fish and other life. (up here in Island Park, this is certainly true) Let the skies be filled with birds of every kind." (here too) So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that scurries and swarms in the water, and every sort of bird--each producing offspring of the same kind. And God saw that it was good. Then God blessed them, saying. "Be fruitful and multiply. Let the fish fill the seas, and let the birds multiply on the earth.
And evening passes and morning came, marking the fifth day.
Then God said, "let the earth produce every sort of animal, each producing offspring of the same kind--livestock, small animals that scurry along the ground, and wild animals." and that is what happened. God made all sorts of wild animals, livestock and small animals, each able to produce offspring of the same kind. And God saw that it was good.
Next came we human beings. So, God created human being in His own image. In the image of God, He created them; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them and said, "Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth (that we have done) and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground."
Then....God looked over all He had made, and He saw that it was very good!
I have not put all the verses in sequence here that speak of creation, as I do not have the room in this limited space. I have used those I felt were relevant to what I want to share. Nor is this article about creation as such, or evolution. Science is helping us in this on-going topic to understand more deeply the unification of both, in my opinion. In the opinion of Einstein, he did not believe in a personal God, but did believe in Intelligence behind what we see and are coming to know.
The is one sentence I want to point out and two words.
1. And God saw that it was good!
2. Govern
3. Reign
It was good and is good, and therefore, we are to be responsible humans and treat this amazing and beautiful sphere we live on and draw our life and sustenance from as if our very lives depended on it, which of course they do. Not only ours but those of our loved ones and others who come after us for generations to come.
I believe we are making progress, some real progress, but we must push on and up. For me (not being a scientist) who can help with creative solutions, I must do what is within my own power to do. RECYCLE! Take the time and get serious about sorting and even consuming less. Lead simpler lives and be grateful for all things "great and small" especially those critters we are fortunate to live with up here in the Caldera. Slow down......when driving, PLEASE. This week alone I had a bear, deer, a porcupine and coyote, pop up unexpectedly and was so happy I wasn't speeding. God asks us to govern and reign over all of creation, and to do so with understanding, respect, wisdom and care. Consume less and preserve more.
This goes for each other too. Human to human. I believe God cares for the least of creation to the greatest, and desires that we respect not only all of creation, but to be in awe of what we see, hear and experience all around us today, and every day. Live lives of gratefulness and thank God for all that we have. A mathematician (of which I am not either) came up with a calculation that will keep you in awe. That being that by his calculation, the chances of the sheer existence of our planet earth is one in seven hundred quadrillion.
Think about that and in awe you will be. Amazing God, how can it be!
Selah
July 30, 2019
Genesis 1:19 and evening passed, and morning came marking the fifth fourth day.
Then God said, "Let the waters swarm with fish and other life. (up here in Island Park, this is certainly true) Let the skies be filled with birds of every kind." (here too) So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that scurries and swarms in the water, and every sort of bird--each producing offspring of the same kind. And God saw that it was good. Then God blessed them, saying. "Be fruitful and multiply. Let the fish fill the seas, and let the birds multiply on the earth.
And evening passes and morning came, marking the fifth day.
Then God said, "let the earth produce every sort of animal, each producing offspring of the same kind--livestock, small animals that scurry along the ground, and wild animals." and that is what happened. God made all sorts of wild animals, livestock and small animals, each able to produce offspring of the same kind. And God saw that it was good.
Next came we human beings. So, God created human being in His own image. In the image of God, He created them; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them and said, "Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth (that we have done) and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground."
Then....God looked over all He had made, and He saw that it was very good!
I have not put all the verses in sequence here that speak of creation, as I do not have the room in this limited space. I have used those I felt were relevant to what I want to share. Nor is this article about creation as such, or evolution. Science is helping us in this on-going topic to understand more deeply the unification of both, in my opinion. In the opinion of Einstein, he did not believe in a personal God, but did believe in Intelligence behind what we see and are coming to know.
The is one sentence I want to point out and two words.
1. And God saw that it was good!
2. Govern
3. Reign
It was good and is good, and therefore, we are to be responsible humans and treat this amazing and beautiful sphere we live on and draw our life and sustenance from as if our very lives depended on it, which of course they do. Not only ours but those of our loved ones and others who come after us for generations to come.
I believe we are making progress, some real progress, but we must push on and up. For me (not being a scientist) who can help with creative solutions, I must do what is within my own power to do. RECYCLE! Take the time and get serious about sorting and even consuming less. Lead simpler lives and be grateful for all things "great and small" especially those critters we are fortunate to live with up here in the Caldera. Slow down......when driving, PLEASE. This week alone I had a bear, deer, a porcupine and coyote, pop up unexpectedly and was so happy I wasn't speeding. God asks us to govern and reign over all of creation, and to do so with understanding, respect, wisdom and care. Consume less and preserve more.
This goes for each other too. Human to human. I believe God cares for the least of creation to the greatest, and desires that we respect not only all of creation, but to be in awe of what we see, hear and experience all around us today, and every day. Live lives of gratefulness and thank God for all that we have. A mathematician (of which I am not either) came up with a calculation that will keep you in awe. That being that by his calculation, the chances of the sheer existence of our planet earth is one in seven hundred quadrillion.
Think about that and in awe you will be. Amazing God, how can it be!
Selah
REFLECTIONS….on the spiritual side of life!
July 19 2019
Last Sunday I spoke in our church service on the topic of “reconciliation.” It is a beautiful word when put into practice by we who are at times unreconciled relationally, especially with someone we once walked side by side with. Being a minister I am at times called upon to assist in whatever small way I can, to help heal a difficult set of circumstances between former friends, husbands and wives, siblings, parents and children, and even those of us who find it difficult if not almost impossible, to reconcile with and even at times within ourselves, aspects of our personalities that we are in conflict over. In all these cases and situations, too many are never reconciled which makes for a difficult and unsettling life. Pain is always involved.
Why seek reconciliation, even if we are the ones who believe we are blameless in the on-going situation? The answer is simple. Because estrangement brings with it as I said already, pain. Not only personal pain, but pain that in ways we don’t know that burdens our body, mind, soul and spirit. The manifestations can overtly affect us in one, or all these areas of our lives. To choose to unburden ourselves and the one(s) we are estranged from, can bring “health to our bones,” and health to them.
2nd Corinthians 5:14-21 speaks of God reconciling us to Himself through Jesus by saying, “all this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ….and….gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” All of us, not just ministers and leadership in the church, but all of us. In saying this he is also saying, “don’t become estranged in the first place, always working towards peace.” In today’s climate estrangement is wide-spread and almost rampant. That makes our dependence on the Lord, and our goal even that much greater and harder, but it is what we are called to do!
A true story. “Inside St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland, there’s a door that tells a five-century-old tale. It 1492 two families, the Butlers and the Fitz Geralds, began fighting over a high-level position in the region. The fight escalated, and the Butlers took refuge in the cathedral. When the FitzGeralds came to ask for a truce, the Butlers were afraid to open the cathedral door. So, the FitzGeralds cut a hole in the door, and their leader offered his hand in peace. The two families then reconciled, and adversaries became friends once again.
Once we accept God’s hand in peace, He gave us the personal and vital ministry to do what He himself did in seeking reconciliation between himself and us. “He made a way where there seemed to be no way,” but He made a way, and that way was through His Son. We don’t have anyone to offer but ourselves, and our love and desire to please Him, by taking upon ourselves the ministry He gave and gives us every day. Opportunities to minister to others!
PEACE…..
July 19 2019
Last Sunday I spoke in our church service on the topic of “reconciliation.” It is a beautiful word when put into practice by we who are at times unreconciled relationally, especially with someone we once walked side by side with. Being a minister I am at times called upon to assist in whatever small way I can, to help heal a difficult set of circumstances between former friends, husbands and wives, siblings, parents and children, and even those of us who find it difficult if not almost impossible, to reconcile with and even at times within ourselves, aspects of our personalities that we are in conflict over. In all these cases and situations, too many are never reconciled which makes for a difficult and unsettling life. Pain is always involved.
Why seek reconciliation, even if we are the ones who believe we are blameless in the on-going situation? The answer is simple. Because estrangement brings with it as I said already, pain. Not only personal pain, but pain that in ways we don’t know that burdens our body, mind, soul and spirit. The manifestations can overtly affect us in one, or all these areas of our lives. To choose to unburden ourselves and the one(s) we are estranged from, can bring “health to our bones,” and health to them.
2nd Corinthians 5:14-21 speaks of God reconciling us to Himself through Jesus by saying, “all this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ….and….gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” All of us, not just ministers and leadership in the church, but all of us. In saying this he is also saying, “don’t become estranged in the first place, always working towards peace.” In today’s climate estrangement is wide-spread and almost rampant. That makes our dependence on the Lord, and our goal even that much greater and harder, but it is what we are called to do!
A true story. “Inside St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland, there’s a door that tells a five-century-old tale. It 1492 two families, the Butlers and the Fitz Geralds, began fighting over a high-level position in the region. The fight escalated, and the Butlers took refuge in the cathedral. When the FitzGeralds came to ask for a truce, the Butlers were afraid to open the cathedral door. So, the FitzGeralds cut a hole in the door, and their leader offered his hand in peace. The two families then reconciled, and adversaries became friends once again.
Once we accept God’s hand in peace, He gave us the personal and vital ministry to do what He himself did in seeking reconciliation between himself and us. “He made a way where there seemed to be no way,” but He made a way, and that way was through His Son. We don’t have anyone to offer but ourselves, and our love and desire to please Him, by taking upon ourselves the ministry He gave and gives us every day. Opportunities to minister to others!
PEACE…..
Reflections, on the spiritual side of life......................._
This morning I got up early (for my day off), went out for breakfast at one of the few, but always good places to go, the Trout Hunter. Please, somebody open another restaurant at the north end of the valley focusing on breakfast!!! ; ) Anyway, I then took a drive on a side road, to explore the intimacy of the beauty, of this incredible caldera we live in. Sometimes, I believe, we lose sight of why we left the mad, mad world behind to live up here. The intimacy of the beauty I was seeking, I found!
I was reminded of 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12, and especially verse 11, where we read, "make it your ambition to lead a quiet life." There is excellent advice in verses nine through twelve, if you care to read them, but again, verse 11 in particular caught my attention.
Many of us here the caldera, who live here year-round are either fully retired or semi-retired, (like me). One of the main aspects of living here was its beauty, and it being somewhat separate from the mainstream of what is happening in the rest of the country and even the world, but real escape could only truly happen by deliberate design (which some have chosen) to live off the grid, so to speak. That is not me, as I love people, well most people anyway.
Here are some aspects of "living a quiet life" that I try to incorporate into my life every day. "You should mind your own business and work with your hands" so outsiders respect you and you're not a burden on anyone." In my case I do work with my hands, but not likely in the way Paul speaks of here. I work with my hands on the keyboard quite a bit, so I hope that counts.
Apart from taking the hands thing literally, I believe that Paul is saying, that we are to literally do what we must do to earn a living in a way that pleases God, and again, "mind our own business!" Whatever we have chosen to do, or choose to do, in our everyday lives we are to do with a quiet spirit and attitude. How much better the entire world would be if we simply "minded our own business and all worked hard as to not be a burden on others.”
Considering the world, we live in, the words ambitious and quiet couldn't seem further apart. It seems there are so many clamoring to be heard, that all is produced is a cacophony of noise that we feel at times we are drowning in, especially if we don't shut of the x@#$ television, and instead seek the peace of "peace of God that passes all understanding." We can then be a blessing to ourselves and to others!
So, everyone, who reads this, take some time apart, slow down, and let’s all mind our own business, and enjoy this remarkable place we by choice, or engineering by God, find ourselves living out our lives.
God bless you all, and have a remarkable and spirit-filled day!
Selah
This morning I got up early (for my day off), went out for breakfast at one of the few, but always good places to go, the Trout Hunter. Please, somebody open another restaurant at the north end of the valley focusing on breakfast!!! ; ) Anyway, I then took a drive on a side road, to explore the intimacy of the beauty, of this incredible caldera we live in. Sometimes, I believe, we lose sight of why we left the mad, mad world behind to live up here. The intimacy of the beauty I was seeking, I found!
I was reminded of 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12, and especially verse 11, where we read, "make it your ambition to lead a quiet life." There is excellent advice in verses nine through twelve, if you care to read them, but again, verse 11 in particular caught my attention.
Many of us here the caldera, who live here year-round are either fully retired or semi-retired, (like me). One of the main aspects of living here was its beauty, and it being somewhat separate from the mainstream of what is happening in the rest of the country and even the world, but real escape could only truly happen by deliberate design (which some have chosen) to live off the grid, so to speak. That is not me, as I love people, well most people anyway.
Here are some aspects of "living a quiet life" that I try to incorporate into my life every day. "You should mind your own business and work with your hands" so outsiders respect you and you're not a burden on anyone." In my case I do work with my hands, but not likely in the way Paul speaks of here. I work with my hands on the keyboard quite a bit, so I hope that counts.
Apart from taking the hands thing literally, I believe that Paul is saying, that we are to literally do what we must do to earn a living in a way that pleases God, and again, "mind our own business!" Whatever we have chosen to do, or choose to do, in our everyday lives we are to do with a quiet spirit and attitude. How much better the entire world would be if we simply "minded our own business and all worked hard as to not be a burden on others.”
Considering the world, we live in, the words ambitious and quiet couldn't seem further apart. It seems there are so many clamoring to be heard, that all is produced is a cacophony of noise that we feel at times we are drowning in, especially if we don't shut of the x@#$ television, and instead seek the peace of "peace of God that passes all understanding." We can then be a blessing to ourselves and to others!
So, everyone, who reads this, take some time apart, slow down, and let’s all mind our own business, and enjoy this remarkable place we by choice, or engineering by God, find ourselves living out our lives.
God bless you all, and have a remarkable and spirit-filled day!
Selah
REFLECTIONS…………. ON THE SPIRITUAL SIDE OF LIFE
July 4, 2019
“You ‘must’ love the Lord your God with all your heart, and all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Please bear with me. On a personal level this has been a tumultuous, intense and difficult week for me. I won’t get into the details as it would not be appropriate, but I could use some prayer if you could take a moment to do so.
Two weeks ago, I taught my beloved congregation on how to “love our enemies,” and then last week on “what is truth?” Every time I teach or preach, I am always in the position of learning more about myself, and some of it is revelatory, and not always good. God’s word is like that. There is so much to learn in this short time we have down here on this little blue ball in space.
What I have discovered this week and the previous two weeks, is that expectations of and from others, especially unspoken ones when not met, can cause great damage and rift. It is the unspoken ones that can kill not only a relationship, but the heart, soul and strength that Jesus spoke about. The strength is drained by emotion, the soul shrinks from despair and the heart is broken through those damn expectation that we don’t know about.
‘“Love your neighbor as ‘yourself.’” Yourself? You mean it is ok to love ourselves? That is what it sounds like to me here, though this love is not ego-centric, but God-centered. By loving God following His Scripture, and His Spirit, we will be the people He has given us the opportunities, strength and direction to become. Then…. we can legitimately and lovingly, love ourselves. From that position, we can then love God and our neighbor.
Who is our neighbor? Our neighbor is not just the people in our ‘neighborhood,’ but our family, our friends, our town, community, strangers and even enemies. His words, not mine! Please remember that. Our expectations of this collection and beyond must be realistic considering the differences that can separate us. I work hard at being as God would have me be, but being the sometimes, weak human I am, I fail all to often. Yet, even in failure I do try to learn something, anything, that will make me feel better about that failure.
This week in trying to be honest, open and straight-forward, I naively blundered ahead in sharing what I thought mistakenly, would be accepted and understood. Those expectations of me to maintain a certain invisible line were shattered with those I love dearly. A rift of the deepest kind entered into my life and I am not sure it can ever be healed, but I trust, I really do that “all things work together for good to those that love God, and are called according to His purpose. That is both faith and hope.
I am being this transparent because I know others of you (out there) have gone through and perhaps are in a similar situation. I want to encourage you as the Lord is encouraging me, to be patient, to hold no ill-feelings, to continue to be kind, to continue to love, to continue to trust and definitely continue to hope. Faith-Hope & Love, but the greatest of these is love. Please do not permit bitterness or anger take root in your heart, but give it all to the Lord and continue to bless Him by being who He has called us to be like. Himself…. the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen
July 4, 2019
“You ‘must’ love the Lord your God with all your heart, and all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Please bear with me. On a personal level this has been a tumultuous, intense and difficult week for me. I won’t get into the details as it would not be appropriate, but I could use some prayer if you could take a moment to do so.
Two weeks ago, I taught my beloved congregation on how to “love our enemies,” and then last week on “what is truth?” Every time I teach or preach, I am always in the position of learning more about myself, and some of it is revelatory, and not always good. God’s word is like that. There is so much to learn in this short time we have down here on this little blue ball in space.
What I have discovered this week and the previous two weeks, is that expectations of and from others, especially unspoken ones when not met, can cause great damage and rift. It is the unspoken ones that can kill not only a relationship, but the heart, soul and strength that Jesus spoke about. The strength is drained by emotion, the soul shrinks from despair and the heart is broken through those damn expectation that we don’t know about.
‘“Love your neighbor as ‘yourself.’” Yourself? You mean it is ok to love ourselves? That is what it sounds like to me here, though this love is not ego-centric, but God-centered. By loving God following His Scripture, and His Spirit, we will be the people He has given us the opportunities, strength and direction to become. Then…. we can legitimately and lovingly, love ourselves. From that position, we can then love God and our neighbor.
Who is our neighbor? Our neighbor is not just the people in our ‘neighborhood,’ but our family, our friends, our town, community, strangers and even enemies. His words, not mine! Please remember that. Our expectations of this collection and beyond must be realistic considering the differences that can separate us. I work hard at being as God would have me be, but being the sometimes, weak human I am, I fail all to often. Yet, even in failure I do try to learn something, anything, that will make me feel better about that failure.
This week in trying to be honest, open and straight-forward, I naively blundered ahead in sharing what I thought mistakenly, would be accepted and understood. Those expectations of me to maintain a certain invisible line were shattered with those I love dearly. A rift of the deepest kind entered into my life and I am not sure it can ever be healed, but I trust, I really do that “all things work together for good to those that love God, and are called according to His purpose. That is both faith and hope.
I am being this transparent because I know others of you (out there) have gone through and perhaps are in a similar situation. I want to encourage you as the Lord is encouraging me, to be patient, to hold no ill-feelings, to continue to be kind, to continue to love, to continue to trust and definitely continue to hope. Faith-Hope & Love, but the greatest of these is love. Please do not permit bitterness or anger take root in your heart, but give it all to the Lord and continue to bless Him by being who He has called us to be like. Himself…. the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen
reflections........on the spiritual side of life!
We, you and I, are told in 2nd Timothy 2:21, "that we are to be vessels for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for doing good works.
Just what are these good works we are to be prepared to be doing, and what does being prepared mean? Being prepared means in this situation, being of the right heart and with the right motives. Not to get ourselves all puffed up, telling everyone all the "good" things we do to gain recognition or praise, but to do all for our Lord, and thereby drawing others to Him though the good we do.....to bring honor to Him. He is the Creator and we are His creation.
I know this sounds a bit religious, and it is. Humanity, fallen humanity, has within us, a fairly strong sense of self-worth and ego. When we attribute to God the Father, God the Son and God the Spirit as the source of all good in our lives, we bring honor to the Master.
What in this setting does Master mean? The meaning is fairly universal. As in the case of all religions, Master is simply the One in charge. The One we worship, honor, respect, sometimes fear and do things for. Kind of like the CEO or big boss not only in Christianity, but in all religions. There are consequences when disobeying the Master, and rewards when we do good. Sometimes, we do good just by being followers of the Master, living out in our every-day-lives the teachings we come to learn. Then sometimes He has pre-arranged things for us to do, and people to do them for. To know this we must pay close attention when He speaks to us by several means. One is by the still small voice of the Spirit and His written Word, prayer, meditation, a fellow believer, certain events and of course ministers and priests. It does really pay to be on our spiritual toes all the time.
Myself, being both a called and appointed minister, I really have to try to keep the channel open to hear Him speak to me. Do I always hear or always get it right? I try, but sometimes I fail, being the imperfect human that I am. I also always thank Him for HIs grace all the time, and for the grace my congregation and fellow believers extend to me.
Some of these good works are small, such as helping someone who can't clean their home, raking leaves, visiting someone in a hospital or nursing facility, lending money, giving money, food, a ride to anywhere they need to go. Some of these good works are huge and difficult but all good things great and small benefit our heart, mind and spirit. Besides that, they please the Lord! It can also mean doing good to our enemy or enemies, which I spoke on in our worship service just last week. I probably learned more than anyone on that one. How much better, happier and richer we and the entire world would be, if we simply would do two things found in Luke 6:31, “Treat others as you yourself want to be treated.” What do you think? Do it….I know you can!
We, you and I, are told in 2nd Timothy 2:21, "that we are to be vessels for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for doing good works.
Just what are these good works we are to be prepared to be doing, and what does being prepared mean? Being prepared means in this situation, being of the right heart and with the right motives. Not to get ourselves all puffed up, telling everyone all the "good" things we do to gain recognition or praise, but to do all for our Lord, and thereby drawing others to Him though the good we do.....to bring honor to Him. He is the Creator and we are His creation.
I know this sounds a bit religious, and it is. Humanity, fallen humanity, has within us, a fairly strong sense of self-worth and ego. When we attribute to God the Father, God the Son and God the Spirit as the source of all good in our lives, we bring honor to the Master.
What in this setting does Master mean? The meaning is fairly universal. As in the case of all religions, Master is simply the One in charge. The One we worship, honor, respect, sometimes fear and do things for. Kind of like the CEO or big boss not only in Christianity, but in all religions. There are consequences when disobeying the Master, and rewards when we do good. Sometimes, we do good just by being followers of the Master, living out in our every-day-lives the teachings we come to learn. Then sometimes He has pre-arranged things for us to do, and people to do them for. To know this we must pay close attention when He speaks to us by several means. One is by the still small voice of the Spirit and His written Word, prayer, meditation, a fellow believer, certain events and of course ministers and priests. It does really pay to be on our spiritual toes all the time.
Myself, being both a called and appointed minister, I really have to try to keep the channel open to hear Him speak to me. Do I always hear or always get it right? I try, but sometimes I fail, being the imperfect human that I am. I also always thank Him for HIs grace all the time, and for the grace my congregation and fellow believers extend to me.
Some of these good works are small, such as helping someone who can't clean their home, raking leaves, visiting someone in a hospital or nursing facility, lending money, giving money, food, a ride to anywhere they need to go. Some of these good works are huge and difficult but all good things great and small benefit our heart, mind and spirit. Besides that, they please the Lord! It can also mean doing good to our enemy or enemies, which I spoke on in our worship service just last week. I probably learned more than anyone on that one. How much better, happier and richer we and the entire world would be, if we simply would do two things found in Luke 6:31, “Treat others as you yourself want to be treated.” What do you think? Do it….I know you can!
REFLECTIONS..............on the spiritual side of life!
A Merry Heart....does good like a medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22 "NKJ” Also, "A merry heart is the JOY of the Lord!"
This verse was the main emphasis of my sermon this last Sunday, and one that I believe, especially in the societal and political climate that we are living in today. Living out our everyday lives at times, brings with it sorrow, anger, hurt, offense, pain, fear and even at times horror, but also the absolute opposite. For there are many times we experience happiness, joyful anticipation as an example, the birth of a new family member, the visit of a dear friend, love, worship of God and His Son, laughter, deep appreciation of beauty all around us, peace, family, friends, etc.
Often, the difficult part in all of this besides the actually out-working of these things is that they can at any moment, unexpected come upon us with little to no notice. Where we are, in our personal and abiding relationship with God, though His Son Jesus Christ, is critical, in not only the unexpected, but the ordinary routine of our day-to-day lives. In that relationship with God in Christ, we should recognize God with us, God in us, and God through us.
Also often, I think of how temporal we are, how vulnerable, and no matter how secure we try to make our lives seeking out stability, often fighting change, and to what end. Change comes no matter how hard we prepare for or pretend that we can stop change.
Our attitude based on realistic thinking, taking into account known facts, research and known truths, are keys in all situations, coming into an attitude where a merry heart can mount to the skies as praise to God. I believe with all my faith and heart that Romans 8:28, lies within it the heart of God for us who believe. "All things work together for the ultimate good for those who love Him. "
An illustration. Years ago, Dr. Norman Cousins, on the medical staff of the UCLA School of medicine was diagnosed with a rare disease that destroyed the all the connective tissue of the body. A full battery of test verified the truth having no cure, he was going to die, and soon.
Dr. Cousins said, "Well, I didn't want to give us." (ATTITUDE) So, he established a regime of exercise, high doses of Vitamin C, and then he added an unusual plan. A mental/spiritual one. He rented a projector and as many comedic movies such as, the then well-known Marx Brothers, The Three Stooges and all the cartoons he could find. For hours each day, he was follow the regime, finding out that ten minutes of hearty laughter gave him an our free of pain. He would watch and laugh, and laugh, and laugh. Slowly, he began to feel better.
Dr. Cousins was then retested only to find that the disease had disappeared. A merry heart, a regime to joy, laughter, vitamins and exercise had worked, verifying what Solomon wrote over 3000 years ago was true. "A merry heart does good, like a medicine."
Again, the world we live in can be completely unfair and overwhelming because of sin, sickness, heartache and despair, but also in that same world can be joy, laughter, trust, and a merry heart. An ATTITUDE undergirded by faith, and filled with the Presence of the Lord comes a word that stand above all words....and that single, powerful, loving and honorable word....is Jesus.
God bless all of you….no matter your faith, there is truth here to apply to all!
A Merry Heart....does good like a medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22 "NKJ” Also, "A merry heart is the JOY of the Lord!"
This verse was the main emphasis of my sermon this last Sunday, and one that I believe, especially in the societal and political climate that we are living in today. Living out our everyday lives at times, brings with it sorrow, anger, hurt, offense, pain, fear and even at times horror, but also the absolute opposite. For there are many times we experience happiness, joyful anticipation as an example, the birth of a new family member, the visit of a dear friend, love, worship of God and His Son, laughter, deep appreciation of beauty all around us, peace, family, friends, etc.
Often, the difficult part in all of this besides the actually out-working of these things is that they can at any moment, unexpected come upon us with little to no notice. Where we are, in our personal and abiding relationship with God, though His Son Jesus Christ, is critical, in not only the unexpected, but the ordinary routine of our day-to-day lives. In that relationship with God in Christ, we should recognize God with us, God in us, and God through us.
Also often, I think of how temporal we are, how vulnerable, and no matter how secure we try to make our lives seeking out stability, often fighting change, and to what end. Change comes no matter how hard we prepare for or pretend that we can stop change.
Our attitude based on realistic thinking, taking into account known facts, research and known truths, are keys in all situations, coming into an attitude where a merry heart can mount to the skies as praise to God. I believe with all my faith and heart that Romans 8:28, lies within it the heart of God for us who believe. "All things work together for the ultimate good for those who love Him. "
An illustration. Years ago, Dr. Norman Cousins, on the medical staff of the UCLA School of medicine was diagnosed with a rare disease that destroyed the all the connective tissue of the body. A full battery of test verified the truth having no cure, he was going to die, and soon.
Dr. Cousins said, "Well, I didn't want to give us." (ATTITUDE) So, he established a regime of exercise, high doses of Vitamin C, and then he added an unusual plan. A mental/spiritual one. He rented a projector and as many comedic movies such as, the then well-known Marx Brothers, The Three Stooges and all the cartoons he could find. For hours each day, he was follow the regime, finding out that ten minutes of hearty laughter gave him an our free of pain. He would watch and laugh, and laugh, and laugh. Slowly, he began to feel better.
Dr. Cousins was then retested only to find that the disease had disappeared. A merry heart, a regime to joy, laughter, vitamins and exercise had worked, verifying what Solomon wrote over 3000 years ago was true. "A merry heart does good, like a medicine."
Again, the world we live in can be completely unfair and overwhelming because of sin, sickness, heartache and despair, but also in that same world can be joy, laughter, trust, and a merry heart. An ATTITUDE undergirded by faith, and filled with the Presence of the Lord comes a word that stand above all words....and that single, powerful, loving and honorable word....is Jesus.
God bless all of you….no matter your faith, there is truth here to apply to all!
Reflections........on the spiritual side of life
Greetings in the name of the Lord, to all and any of you who read my weekly article. I have been writing this column now for a year, or thereabouts. Thank God my resource is His Word, as there are endless topics on which to write. The last of more than several, have been rather on the down side of both our culture, with a light smattering of fringe politics. This has been an attempt, (however meager) to get us all to rise up and do what is right, in attitude and actions. All within my ultimate focus on the "Spiritual Side of Life."
Well, today, I personally need a break from the serious topics, and am going to focus on some of the humorous quotes, quips and even jokes that I use, (at least one) every Sunday prior to our tithes and offerings.
To keep this on the spiritual side of life, I will start with two translation versions of Proverbs 17:22
The New King James Version, "A merry heart does good, like a medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones."
The Message, "A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired."
CHILD SPEAKING OF HIS VERSION OF ADAM AND EVE
In Sunday-School, they were teaching how God created everything, including human beings. Little Sammy seemed especially intent, when they told him how Eve was created out of one of Adam's ribs. Later in the week, his mother noticed him lying down as though he were ill, and said, 'Sammy what is the matter? 'Little Sammy responded. 'I have a pain in my side and I think I'm going to have a wife.'
HOW TO GET TO HEAVEN
A Sunday school teacher asked her 4-5 year old kids this question. "If I sold my house and my car, had a big garage sale and gave all my money to the church would I get into heaven?" 'NO!' all the children answered. "If I cleaned the church every day, mowed the yard, and kept everything neat and tidy, would I get into heaven?' Again the answer was a resounding, 'NO!" Well, 'she continued, 'then how can I get to heaven?'
A five-year-old little girl shouted, "YOU GOTTA BE DEAD!'
A FEW ACTUAL CHURCH BULLETIN BLOOPERS
"Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24th in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days."
"This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn sing in the park across from the church. Bring a blanket and be prepared to sin."
"Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help."
That’s all folks, and put a little medicinal humor in your days! Amen
Greetings in the name of the Lord, to all and any of you who read my weekly article. I have been writing this column now for a year, or thereabouts. Thank God my resource is His Word, as there are endless topics on which to write. The last of more than several, have been rather on the down side of both our culture, with a light smattering of fringe politics. This has been an attempt, (however meager) to get us all to rise up and do what is right, in attitude and actions. All within my ultimate focus on the "Spiritual Side of Life."
Well, today, I personally need a break from the serious topics, and am going to focus on some of the humorous quotes, quips and even jokes that I use, (at least one) every Sunday prior to our tithes and offerings.
To keep this on the spiritual side of life, I will start with two translation versions of Proverbs 17:22
The New King James Version, "A merry heart does good, like a medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones."
The Message, "A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired."
CHILD SPEAKING OF HIS VERSION OF ADAM AND EVE
In Sunday-School, they were teaching how God created everything, including human beings. Little Sammy seemed especially intent, when they told him how Eve was created out of one of Adam's ribs. Later in the week, his mother noticed him lying down as though he were ill, and said, 'Sammy what is the matter? 'Little Sammy responded. 'I have a pain in my side and I think I'm going to have a wife.'
HOW TO GET TO HEAVEN
A Sunday school teacher asked her 4-5 year old kids this question. "If I sold my house and my car, had a big garage sale and gave all my money to the church would I get into heaven?" 'NO!' all the children answered. "If I cleaned the church every day, mowed the yard, and kept everything neat and tidy, would I get into heaven?' Again the answer was a resounding, 'NO!" Well, 'she continued, 'then how can I get to heaven?'
A five-year-old little girl shouted, "YOU GOTTA BE DEAD!'
A FEW ACTUAL CHURCH BULLETIN BLOOPERS
"Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24th in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days."
"This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn sing in the park across from the church. Bring a blanket and be prepared to sin."
"Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help."
That’s all folks, and put a little medicinal humor in your days! Amen
Reflections, on the spiritual side of life!
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. So, if there was a beginning (which mankind is still trying to figure out how) there also is an end, but in between the two, is now. How long the now will last, our scientists have a pretty good idea, unless of course humankind decides for whatever reason, to end it sooner. We live on a finite planet, with finite resources. On a difficult day I see us (self-included) all sucking on giant straws that are plunged into the earth, blissfully drawing out all that we think we NEED to satisfy not only our needs, but our wants.
Then we come to man and woman, also knows as humankind. Genesis 1:28, “God blessed them: “Prosper! Reproduce! Fill the earth! Take charge! Be RESPONSIBLE for fish in the sea and birds in the air, for every living thing that moves on the face of the Earth.” Vs. 31, “Then God looked over all that he had made, and He saw that it was very good.” Whether you see this story of creations as an allegory or factual is not what is important here. What is important is to hear the heart of the message.
Responsible. Adjective. Having an obligation or having control over, or care for someone or something, as part of one’s job or role. Care comes in many packages, such as excellent care, good care, ok care, poor care or horrible care. Excellent care of course is the best. Take care of your family in love, and in every possible way you can, and you in most circumstances have a healthy, loving family. Take care of your car with regular maintenance, keep it clean and use the right fuel, and it should last far longer than if you didn’t. Right?
Well…..this planet is like our family or car, or ourselves for that matter. Sure, the unexpected sometimes happens, but we should, plan-for-the-future in a way that takes care of the present too.
Simple good sense is one of the things we need. Good sense helps us prioritize what we should and should not do, what we should get upset over and not. How we manifest our behavior as to create discussion, before we go into a battle. There is so much we can learn from each other, from reading, from listening.
Whether it’s this planet we live on, the church we go to, or don’t, the food we eat, the Bible version we study, the books we read, the television programs we watch, the prejudices we carry around, the things we love and the things we hate, the things we get annoyed over, etc., etc.. Let’s work at being responsible in everything, caring where care is needed, looking to other’s needs as well as our own. If we live this way, our loads will be lightened, our conscience clearer, our minds brighter, our vision purer, our lives and the lives of those around us better.
Walk lightly on this absolutely, amazing planet, enjoy everything from a blade of grass, the insects that fertilize the soil, the brilliance and beauty of a Western Tanager, towering trees and small shrubs. Sunrises and sunsets. Remember this please, that our time on this planet is so very short, and the time we have with our loved ones and friends even shorter. So, neighbors, let’s just all get along, help one another and talk instead of the alternative. Let there be peace on Earth and let it begin with me, with you. Amen
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. So, if there was a beginning (which mankind is still trying to figure out how) there also is an end, but in between the two, is now. How long the now will last, our scientists have a pretty good idea, unless of course humankind decides for whatever reason, to end it sooner. We live on a finite planet, with finite resources. On a difficult day I see us (self-included) all sucking on giant straws that are plunged into the earth, blissfully drawing out all that we think we NEED to satisfy not only our needs, but our wants.
Then we come to man and woman, also knows as humankind. Genesis 1:28, “God blessed them: “Prosper! Reproduce! Fill the earth! Take charge! Be RESPONSIBLE for fish in the sea and birds in the air, for every living thing that moves on the face of the Earth.” Vs. 31, “Then God looked over all that he had made, and He saw that it was very good.” Whether you see this story of creations as an allegory or factual is not what is important here. What is important is to hear the heart of the message.
Responsible. Adjective. Having an obligation or having control over, or care for someone or something, as part of one’s job or role. Care comes in many packages, such as excellent care, good care, ok care, poor care or horrible care. Excellent care of course is the best. Take care of your family in love, and in every possible way you can, and you in most circumstances have a healthy, loving family. Take care of your car with regular maintenance, keep it clean and use the right fuel, and it should last far longer than if you didn’t. Right?
Well…..this planet is like our family or car, or ourselves for that matter. Sure, the unexpected sometimes happens, but we should, plan-for-the-future in a way that takes care of the present too.
Simple good sense is one of the things we need. Good sense helps us prioritize what we should and should not do, what we should get upset over and not. How we manifest our behavior as to create discussion, before we go into a battle. There is so much we can learn from each other, from reading, from listening.
Whether it’s this planet we live on, the church we go to, or don’t, the food we eat, the Bible version we study, the books we read, the television programs we watch, the prejudices we carry around, the things we love and the things we hate, the things we get annoyed over, etc., etc.. Let’s work at being responsible in everything, caring where care is needed, looking to other’s needs as well as our own. If we live this way, our loads will be lightened, our conscience clearer, our minds brighter, our vision purer, our lives and the lives of those around us better.
Walk lightly on this absolutely, amazing planet, enjoy everything from a blade of grass, the insects that fertilize the soil, the brilliance and beauty of a Western Tanager, towering trees and small shrubs. Sunrises and sunsets. Remember this please, that our time on this planet is so very short, and the time we have with our loved ones and friends even shorter. So, neighbors, let’s just all get along, help one another and talk instead of the alternative. Let there be peace on Earth and let it begin with me, with you. Amen
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life!
Control and FEAR! The first one we want and the second one we hate, and wish it would never come our way. Alas, both often go hand in hand.
Control is what we wish we had over most everything in our lives. If we did, we would say to ourselves and anyone who would listen, "if I were in control, everything would run smoothly, and not only my world, but the world itself would be better off." I was talking to a public office candidate in Idaho Falls, and after listening to him and what and how he wanted to control in regards to the city, I looked at him and said, "you know Eric (not his name) if you manage to win this office, I can see your heel prints of resistance from one end of the city to the other." He denied it, but he also did not obtain the office.
Every Sunday before stepping up to the podium, though in a real sense I do have a measure of both control and fear, for I know that at any moment something could happen that would take that illusive control from me. The fear is a healthy fear, in that I hope to please God and my congregation, so I strive to bring a message that exalts one and touches in some way all those in front of me. So, being the deeply spiritual man that I am! (sigh) I quote to myself Isaiah 41:10, (New Living Translation) "Do not be afraid, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand." Hallelujah! I apply this verse and several others when anything comes along, that has the potential to disrupt my illusion of control. Then if it does, it does, and God will give me the ability to know what to both do and say. I know this, because I have experienced over the years just such scenarios.
There are extreme measures of both these words. There are those who grow red in the face and taunt in the body, attempting to control everything, and those who have little ability to control anything, fearing even getting out of bed in the morning.
There is healthy fear and there is healthy control. To know and understand this is crucial to living a good and healthy life. Irrational fear has the potential to literally kill us, and a person, who thinks they know what is best for everyone and tries with manipulation and force, to control others to do what is so called best for them will do great harm.
Fear can be good, as it heightens our senses as to something we need to be aware of. If something is wrong in our body, we know we need to go to a physician to find out what is going on, and needs a solution. Fear of cars coming toward us keeps us alert to avoid and accident. Healthy fear is vital to survival. Control of our own passions and consequences from lack of control, keeps us from doing stupid things like breaking the law. God has given us the ability to use reason, knowledge and intelligence, along with a healthy measure of control to get through this life, even in the very difficult times. He has also given us His written word and each other, along with his Spirit, to pray and seek for answers, knowledge and increasing wisdom if we seek and ask for it.
There two verses from a contemporary Christian song based on Scripture that I love. “God will make a way where there seems to be no way. He works in ways we cannot see, He will make a way for me. He will be my guide, hold me closely to His side. With love and strength for each new day, He will make a way.”
Amen, and have a wonderful new day!
Control and FEAR! The first one we want and the second one we hate, and wish it would never come our way. Alas, both often go hand in hand.
Control is what we wish we had over most everything in our lives. If we did, we would say to ourselves and anyone who would listen, "if I were in control, everything would run smoothly, and not only my world, but the world itself would be better off." I was talking to a public office candidate in Idaho Falls, and after listening to him and what and how he wanted to control in regards to the city, I looked at him and said, "you know Eric (not his name) if you manage to win this office, I can see your heel prints of resistance from one end of the city to the other." He denied it, but he also did not obtain the office.
Every Sunday before stepping up to the podium, though in a real sense I do have a measure of both control and fear, for I know that at any moment something could happen that would take that illusive control from me. The fear is a healthy fear, in that I hope to please God and my congregation, so I strive to bring a message that exalts one and touches in some way all those in front of me. So, being the deeply spiritual man that I am! (sigh) I quote to myself Isaiah 41:10, (New Living Translation) "Do not be afraid, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand." Hallelujah! I apply this verse and several others when anything comes along, that has the potential to disrupt my illusion of control. Then if it does, it does, and God will give me the ability to know what to both do and say. I know this, because I have experienced over the years just such scenarios.
There are extreme measures of both these words. There are those who grow red in the face and taunt in the body, attempting to control everything, and those who have little ability to control anything, fearing even getting out of bed in the morning.
There is healthy fear and there is healthy control. To know and understand this is crucial to living a good and healthy life. Irrational fear has the potential to literally kill us, and a person, who thinks they know what is best for everyone and tries with manipulation and force, to control others to do what is so called best for them will do great harm.
Fear can be good, as it heightens our senses as to something we need to be aware of. If something is wrong in our body, we know we need to go to a physician to find out what is going on, and needs a solution. Fear of cars coming toward us keeps us alert to avoid and accident. Healthy fear is vital to survival. Control of our own passions and consequences from lack of control, keeps us from doing stupid things like breaking the law. God has given us the ability to use reason, knowledge and intelligence, along with a healthy measure of control to get through this life, even in the very difficult times. He has also given us His written word and each other, along with his Spirit, to pray and seek for answers, knowledge and increasing wisdom if we seek and ask for it.
There two verses from a contemporary Christian song based on Scripture that I love. “God will make a way where there seems to be no way. He works in ways we cannot see, He will make a way for me. He will be my guide, hold me closely to His side. With love and strength for each new day, He will make a way.”
Amen, and have a wonderful new day!
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life
DISTURBED….is the best way to describe in one word how I feel today. As a minister, I am called on to speak every Sunday and sometimes more often. I put research, personal thought, prayerful hope and a bit of my heart into these times, using Holy Scripture as my foundation and guide.
When I am speaking to my own congregation, I adhere to the thought that I am speaking to friends and even family, therefore I can be myself, relaxed, trusting that if I say something that they do not agree with, they can come to me afterwards, and we can talk it through. It is not my goal to change their way of thinking, but to challenge both them, and myself, to think more deeply and to come up with sound reasoning, as to why both they and I have arrived at where each of us has. This kind of discussion is an opportunity to grow and yes, at times, change and expand our opinions.
Jesus and the religious leaders whom he encountered almost every day often had great differences which caused as we know in time, His violent death. He often tried to reason with them, but it was like reasoning with a stone. Listen to this dialogue in John 18:19-22a. The high priest then asked Jesus about His disciples and His doctrine. Jesus answered him. “I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet, and in secret I have said nothing. Why do you ask Me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them. Indeed, they know what I said.” And when He had said these things, one of the officers who stood by struck Him.
Sometimes from my pulpit I say something which upsets someone or multiple someone’s. I never do this on purpose, though as I said above, I do like to challenge people to think. Our faith is not to be milk-toast neutral, but vibrant, alive and ever growing. Hence, I have on rare occasion (I hope) said something that pierced the armor of an individual, causing their “blood to boil” so to speak. Here is what disturbs me. Ninety nine percent of the people have accepted it without issue, the one who does not, instead of asking me afterwards can we sit down and talk about what you said, rips into me, and I mean rips, rending my psyche temporarily into pieces. Where does the right to do this come from, I wonder?
My question is this. What is happening to reason, to healthy dialogue, sane discussion instead of over the top reactions? If through the discussion compromise is not able to be met, then at the least, acceptance of one another, that even though differences exist, we can focus on that which we are in unity on, accepting our differences with a measure of grace. Why do we think we have the right to maim someone with our words? This kind of anger is now a nation-wide malaise, which if we do not bring it under control as individuals and a people, has the potential to rend our nation in half. It is already doing so in our homes, businesses, churches, communities and nation. WE HAVE TO WAKE UP and COME TOGETHER before it is too late. This is about survival, and again, I am deeply disturbed.
Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. Selah….
DISTURBED….is the best way to describe in one word how I feel today. As a minister, I am called on to speak every Sunday and sometimes more often. I put research, personal thought, prayerful hope and a bit of my heart into these times, using Holy Scripture as my foundation and guide.
When I am speaking to my own congregation, I adhere to the thought that I am speaking to friends and even family, therefore I can be myself, relaxed, trusting that if I say something that they do not agree with, they can come to me afterwards, and we can talk it through. It is not my goal to change their way of thinking, but to challenge both them, and myself, to think more deeply and to come up with sound reasoning, as to why both they and I have arrived at where each of us has. This kind of discussion is an opportunity to grow and yes, at times, change and expand our opinions.
Jesus and the religious leaders whom he encountered almost every day often had great differences which caused as we know in time, His violent death. He often tried to reason with them, but it was like reasoning with a stone. Listen to this dialogue in John 18:19-22a. The high priest then asked Jesus about His disciples and His doctrine. Jesus answered him. “I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet, and in secret I have said nothing. Why do you ask Me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them. Indeed, they know what I said.” And when He had said these things, one of the officers who stood by struck Him.
Sometimes from my pulpit I say something which upsets someone or multiple someone’s. I never do this on purpose, though as I said above, I do like to challenge people to think. Our faith is not to be milk-toast neutral, but vibrant, alive and ever growing. Hence, I have on rare occasion (I hope) said something that pierced the armor of an individual, causing their “blood to boil” so to speak. Here is what disturbs me. Ninety nine percent of the people have accepted it without issue, the one who does not, instead of asking me afterwards can we sit down and talk about what you said, rips into me, and I mean rips, rending my psyche temporarily into pieces. Where does the right to do this come from, I wonder?
My question is this. What is happening to reason, to healthy dialogue, sane discussion instead of over the top reactions? If through the discussion compromise is not able to be met, then at the least, acceptance of one another, that even though differences exist, we can focus on that which we are in unity on, accepting our differences with a measure of grace. Why do we think we have the right to maim someone with our words? This kind of anger is now a nation-wide malaise, which if we do not bring it under control as individuals and a people, has the potential to rend our nation in half. It is already doing so in our homes, businesses, churches, communities and nation. WE HAVE TO WAKE UP and COME TOGETHER before it is too late. This is about survival, and again, I am deeply disturbed.
Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. Selah….
reflections, on the spiritual side of life......................................
Greetings from the talking pastor. Though I do speak every Sunday, I first of course, compose, edit and attempt to say (out-loud) in my messages, what I believe I am by the Spirit of God supposed to say, and then speak clearly, succinctly and in as few words as possible. ; )
This column is of course is another way of conveying my thoughts without actually speaking. Some might prefer this method over my speaking, or neither. As I started to type this, a song from my youth popped into my head singing, "You talk too much, you worry me to death, you taaaaaalk, talk too much!" If I have a longer than usual sermon, I tell everyone to settle in a bit, because I have a lot to say on the subject that day. If I see someone looking at their watch I know they either are going fishing or I am once again taaaalking too much.
In seems in the political realm there is one heck of a lot of taaaalking, and little action. That is really true about most things, including sermons. Therefore, if there is too much talking, there must be too little listening? Yep, it's true, and then it seems the speaker by way of the audience’s interpretation, is saying a number of different perspectives due to their own interpretation! How does that happen? It simply is prejudicial listening. Listening without prejudice? Really? Can it really happen.? It takes discipline, and can actually can become a fine art form, and a skill that can be honed and sharpened. It really can, but first has to be recognized as prejudicial listening.
Here is how the Pharisee's listened to Jesus whenever He spoke. In John 10:20 "And many of them said, "He has a demon and is mad. Why do 'you' listen to Him?" Were they prejudicial? Yes, a large number of generations prejudicial. They could not and would not listen to this Man of peace, who was doing nothing more than giving them a full, richer and more loving word picture of God. Well, a few did listen, and then a few more, and then more and more and more, and some are still listening!
In faith, in government, in business in churches, in homes and everywhere, some are listening. You see, sometimes it is easier to hear the words, without hearing the real message. That is how things get really messy. We think we know what is being said, but we often don't even listen to the end of the message before jumping (prejudice) to foregone conclusions, which them obstruct every word from that point on.
Come on everyone.....let's show some respect and listen. Show some depth, in that we can (learn) to reason, and even discuss our different opinions, so that we can all come to a better place. Compromise is not a dirty word! We all should be able to give a little bit here and there. Also, let us not taaaaaalk too much!
Cheers & God Bless!
“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply” (Steven Covey)
Greetings from the talking pastor. Though I do speak every Sunday, I first of course, compose, edit and attempt to say (out-loud) in my messages, what I believe I am by the Spirit of God supposed to say, and then speak clearly, succinctly and in as few words as possible. ; )
This column is of course is another way of conveying my thoughts without actually speaking. Some might prefer this method over my speaking, or neither. As I started to type this, a song from my youth popped into my head singing, "You talk too much, you worry me to death, you taaaaaalk, talk too much!" If I have a longer than usual sermon, I tell everyone to settle in a bit, because I have a lot to say on the subject that day. If I see someone looking at their watch I know they either are going fishing or I am once again taaaalking too much.
In seems in the political realm there is one heck of a lot of taaaalking, and little action. That is really true about most things, including sermons. Therefore, if there is too much talking, there must be too little listening? Yep, it's true, and then it seems the speaker by way of the audience’s interpretation, is saying a number of different perspectives due to their own interpretation! How does that happen? It simply is prejudicial listening. Listening without prejudice? Really? Can it really happen.? It takes discipline, and can actually can become a fine art form, and a skill that can be honed and sharpened. It really can, but first has to be recognized as prejudicial listening.
Here is how the Pharisee's listened to Jesus whenever He spoke. In John 10:20 "And many of them said, "He has a demon and is mad. Why do 'you' listen to Him?" Were they prejudicial? Yes, a large number of generations prejudicial. They could not and would not listen to this Man of peace, who was doing nothing more than giving them a full, richer and more loving word picture of God. Well, a few did listen, and then a few more, and then more and more and more, and some are still listening!
In faith, in government, in business in churches, in homes and everywhere, some are listening. You see, sometimes it is easier to hear the words, without hearing the real message. That is how things get really messy. We think we know what is being said, but we often don't even listen to the end of the message before jumping (prejudice) to foregone conclusions, which them obstruct every word from that point on.
Come on everyone.....let's show some respect and listen. Show some depth, in that we can (learn) to reason, and even discuss our different opinions, so that we can all come to a better place. Compromise is not a dirty word! We all should be able to give a little bit here and there. Also, let us not taaaaaalk too much!
Cheers & God Bless!
“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply” (Steven Covey)
REFLECTIONS……on the spiritual side of life!
Religion….is serious business. There has been and is a saying out there that has been around for years, and with it is an element of truth. “He (or she) is too religious to be of any earthly good.” There are those I believe, who are called by God to a deep walk, and who spend lives in prayer and relative solitude. Then there are those who are ‘religious’ in the negative sense of the word. These are those who need to feel superior, and who truly have little self-esteem or true understanding of faith and its real value. These dear folks live in a black and white world of rules and requirements, focusing on the negative, being critical, and not knowing the value and meaning of grace. I have two immediate reactions to them. The first one is anger, because in a real sense they are spiritual bullies, and the second one is sadness because they have little happiness, humor or joy in their lives and are to be pitied as well.
Yes, religion and faith are serious matters, but there is also a place for humor, merriment, joy, happiness and laughter. Having just celebrated the Easter season and all its darkness, death and sorrow, we next come to the radiant light of the resurrection. The Lord is Risen! Joy comes in the morning and lasts throughout the day, and the next and the next. Cat Stevens made an old hymn popular at the height of his career. “Morning Has Broken Like the First Morning.” Every morning of every day we have a choice, in spite of our circumstances, which at times can be very difficult circumstances. I am not always successful at times in living up to this edict myself, but when I am, I am blessed. Knowing the God of the Universe has the whole world in His hands, and I could not be in better hands than His. Simple things like bird song, the sound of wind in the pines, morning light coming through my window and so much more touch me and raise me up, and I thank God for the magnificence of His Creation!
Here are a few verses to back me up. Proverbs 17:19-22, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Galatians 5:22, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control.” John 15:11, “These things I have spoken to you that My JOY main remain in you, and that your JOY may be full.”
We have so much, so very much to be thankful for and hit would do us good to “count your blessings, count them one by one, count your many blessings, see what God has done.” Charles Spurgeon said in a sermon, “Joy is very contagious. One down spirit can bring a kind of plague into the house, into the church, one person who is wretched seems to stop all the birds from singing wherever he or she goes……(but) the grace of joy is even more contagious!”
Every Sunday morning prior to our receiving our tithes and offerings I tell a joke or humorous story, (it is always a good thing to do prior to asking for money) and I have found that the congregation looks forward to these, and I hear them quoted more than my sermons. Of course my sermons are longer!! Humor, laughter, joy and the resultant mood and feelings that come from these, often carry us through difficulties. You see, God is the author of laughter, joy and so many good things in our lives, where else could they come from?
Thank you Lord, and thank YOU for reading!
Religion….is serious business. There has been and is a saying out there that has been around for years, and with it is an element of truth. “He (or she) is too religious to be of any earthly good.” There are those I believe, who are called by God to a deep walk, and who spend lives in prayer and relative solitude. Then there are those who are ‘religious’ in the negative sense of the word. These are those who need to feel superior, and who truly have little self-esteem or true understanding of faith and its real value. These dear folks live in a black and white world of rules and requirements, focusing on the negative, being critical, and not knowing the value and meaning of grace. I have two immediate reactions to them. The first one is anger, because in a real sense they are spiritual bullies, and the second one is sadness because they have little happiness, humor or joy in their lives and are to be pitied as well.
Yes, religion and faith are serious matters, but there is also a place for humor, merriment, joy, happiness and laughter. Having just celebrated the Easter season and all its darkness, death and sorrow, we next come to the radiant light of the resurrection. The Lord is Risen! Joy comes in the morning and lasts throughout the day, and the next and the next. Cat Stevens made an old hymn popular at the height of his career. “Morning Has Broken Like the First Morning.” Every morning of every day we have a choice, in spite of our circumstances, which at times can be very difficult circumstances. I am not always successful at times in living up to this edict myself, but when I am, I am blessed. Knowing the God of the Universe has the whole world in His hands, and I could not be in better hands than His. Simple things like bird song, the sound of wind in the pines, morning light coming through my window and so much more touch me and raise me up, and I thank God for the magnificence of His Creation!
Here are a few verses to back me up. Proverbs 17:19-22, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Galatians 5:22, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control.” John 15:11, “These things I have spoken to you that My JOY main remain in you, and that your JOY may be full.”
We have so much, so very much to be thankful for and hit would do us good to “count your blessings, count them one by one, count your many blessings, see what God has done.” Charles Spurgeon said in a sermon, “Joy is very contagious. One down spirit can bring a kind of plague into the house, into the church, one person who is wretched seems to stop all the birds from singing wherever he or she goes……(but) the grace of joy is even more contagious!”
Every Sunday morning prior to our receiving our tithes and offerings I tell a joke or humorous story, (it is always a good thing to do prior to asking for money) and I have found that the congregation looks forward to these, and I hear them quoted more than my sermons. Of course my sermons are longer!! Humor, laughter, joy and the resultant mood and feelings that come from these, often carry us through difficulties. You see, God is the author of laughter, joy and so many good things in our lives, where else could they come from?
Thank you Lord, and thank YOU for reading!
REFLECTIONS…..ON THE SPIRITUAL SIDE OF LIFE
“By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life”. 1 Peter 1:3 A godly life…..and so, what is a godly life, and what does this godly life look and sound like? As a Christian, I can tell you for me, it can only come by centering myself on the teachings of Jesus. Morality is a quality that can only come about by learning, and by learning from our parental, social and spiritual examples, and, or a specific doctrine or creed we adopt in faith. Simply said, by what we believe and adhere to on our life path.
Each religion has its own beliefs and moral standards, at times in conflict with each other, but each is an attempt to serve as a guide in an individual’s and a population’s faith. There are five religions that are considered major religions, and those are Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam. In three of them you will find distinct similarities, and in the other two similar strains, offering up teachings and doctrine that brings similar truths to both, guiding an individual and a population with a measure of harmony and morality. Still, there are conflicts, even within each of these religions, and of course between the various religions themselves.
In my Christian faith, Jesus said during His sermon on the Mount, “God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.” Peace is a moral stance, and it breaks my heart and at times makes me angry, to both see and hear my fellow believers going at each other, let alone those of other faiths. This is not who we are called to be. This does not mean we are to lay down, roll over and surrender any time a conflict arises, but it does mean as it says; that during times of conflict our first response should be to “work for peace.” If that cannot not be achieved, then we must stay within the specific teachings that relate to morality, and how we react and respond to those with whom we are-in-conflict-with. This takes work, faith, hope and also of all things love. Yes, love. Love for our fellow human beings, no matter their religion or lack thereof.
On the lighter side of this, in attending our Thursday morning men’s breakfast there are in our midst, Catholics, Latter Day Saints, Protestants, agnostics, atheists and perhaps some unstated positions. With all our differences, we thoroughly enjoy the diversity of backgrounds, social positions, income variations, work histories, family lives, etc. These add to the fun and richness of our social times together, and we are often learning with mouths agape at times some amazing revelations. I wish the world were more like this gathering, as, I have not yet heard one angry word coming out of any of our great variety of topics and discussions. I am saying this a bit tongue-in-cheek, but also in an element of seriousness. All of us, no matter our religious or non-religious beliefs and diverse backgrounds, should work for peace! Please……………Selah
“By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life”. 1 Peter 1:3 A godly life…..and so, what is a godly life, and what does this godly life look and sound like? As a Christian, I can tell you for me, it can only come by centering myself on the teachings of Jesus. Morality is a quality that can only come about by learning, and by learning from our parental, social and spiritual examples, and, or a specific doctrine or creed we adopt in faith. Simply said, by what we believe and adhere to on our life path.
Each religion has its own beliefs and moral standards, at times in conflict with each other, but each is an attempt to serve as a guide in an individual’s and a population’s faith. There are five religions that are considered major religions, and those are Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam. In three of them you will find distinct similarities, and in the other two similar strains, offering up teachings and doctrine that brings similar truths to both, guiding an individual and a population with a measure of harmony and morality. Still, there are conflicts, even within each of these religions, and of course between the various religions themselves.
In my Christian faith, Jesus said during His sermon on the Mount, “God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.” Peace is a moral stance, and it breaks my heart and at times makes me angry, to both see and hear my fellow believers going at each other, let alone those of other faiths. This is not who we are called to be. This does not mean we are to lay down, roll over and surrender any time a conflict arises, but it does mean as it says; that during times of conflict our first response should be to “work for peace.” If that cannot not be achieved, then we must stay within the specific teachings that relate to morality, and how we react and respond to those with whom we are-in-conflict-with. This takes work, faith, hope and also of all things love. Yes, love. Love for our fellow human beings, no matter their religion or lack thereof.
On the lighter side of this, in attending our Thursday morning men’s breakfast there are in our midst, Catholics, Latter Day Saints, Protestants, agnostics, atheists and perhaps some unstated positions. With all our differences, we thoroughly enjoy the diversity of backgrounds, social positions, income variations, work histories, family lives, etc. These add to the fun and richness of our social times together, and we are often learning with mouths agape at times some amazing revelations. I wish the world were more like this gathering, as, I have not yet heard one angry word coming out of any of our great variety of topics and discussions. I am saying this a bit tongue-in-cheek, but also in an element of seriousness. All of us, no matter our religious or non-religious beliefs and diverse backgrounds, should work for peace! Please……………Selah
Reflections on the spiritual side of life……………….
Spring is here! Every fall I hope I will still be here to see and experience another spring. It is not that I dislike winter, it is just simply that spring, with its promise of renewed life, similar, to the prophetic promises of the resurrection of Christ is exhilarating to me. Being a minister of the Gospel, on Good Friday following our Tenebrae Service, I look at the darkness once the Christ candle is extinguished, imagining my Lord now lying on a cold stone slab, covered in a shroud. Even though the candle is extinguished, there seems to be an afterglow in my heart of His light shining in my spirit, as I anticipate He who is now dead will once again be filled with life, light, love and joy. It is called hope.
Again, like Spring, I think of others I know and love, whose lives have been resurrected from despair, hopelessness, anger, loneliness, fear, rejection, abuse, wrong choices. I put myself in some of those categories, for I too was and am continually being resurrected through this man/God, who felt all the emotions I do, and the same temptations I once succumbed to, and I rejoice for myself and millions of others who in our personal vulnerability, came to the understanding we could not walk this journey successfully on our own.
Each, and every one of us experiences pain, emotional and physical. Some of us have a higher tolerance than others and have a tendency, to look down on those who don’t. Sometimes, sucking it up just cannot be done by even the strongest. Admitting this does not make us weak, it simply makes us real. This is when, as that first new shoot of green breaks forth from its captivity under the snow, we too, when recognizing the freedom that comes from knowing Christ, truly sets us free to continue pushing up toward the Son and into a new, changing, growing life. Is it always easy? No. Other obstacles will come, but with each one is the opportunity to grown stronger, taller, more vibrant in the strength of our Lord as we become like Him, while maintaining our own individuality and uniqueness.
Just as Easter Sunday morning came, and from my pulpit I looked out over those God has put in my spiritual care, I saw people of so many different backgrounds and life choices, who all are amazing, all unique, all different in so many ways but with one commonality. Their faith. With this faith is no arrogance, no superiority, but simply people on the same journey, finding comfort and a deep sense of belonging, as we gather to worship and rejoice in our common salvation.
We can therefore join with people of other faiths, living out our lives in harmony and love and acceptance. This is what our Lord requires that we do. ‘”Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, love your neighbor as yourself.’”
That is the meaning of the Resurrection!
Spring is here! Every fall I hope I will still be here to see and experience another spring. It is not that I dislike winter, it is just simply that spring, with its promise of renewed life, similar, to the prophetic promises of the resurrection of Christ is exhilarating to me. Being a minister of the Gospel, on Good Friday following our Tenebrae Service, I look at the darkness once the Christ candle is extinguished, imagining my Lord now lying on a cold stone slab, covered in a shroud. Even though the candle is extinguished, there seems to be an afterglow in my heart of His light shining in my spirit, as I anticipate He who is now dead will once again be filled with life, light, love and joy. It is called hope.
Again, like Spring, I think of others I know and love, whose lives have been resurrected from despair, hopelessness, anger, loneliness, fear, rejection, abuse, wrong choices. I put myself in some of those categories, for I too was and am continually being resurrected through this man/God, who felt all the emotions I do, and the same temptations I once succumbed to, and I rejoice for myself and millions of others who in our personal vulnerability, came to the understanding we could not walk this journey successfully on our own.
Each, and every one of us experiences pain, emotional and physical. Some of us have a higher tolerance than others and have a tendency, to look down on those who don’t. Sometimes, sucking it up just cannot be done by even the strongest. Admitting this does not make us weak, it simply makes us real. This is when, as that first new shoot of green breaks forth from its captivity under the snow, we too, when recognizing the freedom that comes from knowing Christ, truly sets us free to continue pushing up toward the Son and into a new, changing, growing life. Is it always easy? No. Other obstacles will come, but with each one is the opportunity to grown stronger, taller, more vibrant in the strength of our Lord as we become like Him, while maintaining our own individuality and uniqueness.
Just as Easter Sunday morning came, and from my pulpit I looked out over those God has put in my spiritual care, I saw people of so many different backgrounds and life choices, who all are amazing, all unique, all different in so many ways but with one commonality. Their faith. With this faith is no arrogance, no superiority, but simply people on the same journey, finding comfort and a deep sense of belonging, as we gather to worship and rejoice in our common salvation.
We can therefore join with people of other faiths, living out our lives in harmony and love and acceptance. This is what our Lord requires that we do. ‘”Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, love your neighbor as yourself.’”
That is the meaning of the Resurrection!
Reflections………on the spiritual side of life
Easter……even though Jesus fulfilled all the Old Testament prophecies concerning the coming of the Suffering Messiah, he did not meet the expectations of the majority, especially those of the religious Jews, who were looking only for a Conquering Messiah. The people were taught by their leaders of this conquering Messiah, who would free them from the iron grip of the Roman Empire.
Their desire and consuming need for freedom, overrode the whole truth written by the prophets, and in that truth is revealed two very distinct roles and time periods, in the one man/God. Jesus, the Suffering Messiah, and Jesus, the Conquering Messiah. Though the coming of the day of the Lord’s death on the cross was foretold and necessary, to fulfill the justice God sought and seeks in the affairs of mankind, the underlying drive came from majority of the people’s unmet expectations of the Messiah.
This “so called” Messiah came with a fuller and deeper revelation of God, who desired to be more deeply and personally involved in the lives of individuals. He revealed love, acceptance, forgiveness with repentance, and words that stirred one’s heart and one’s spirit. He brought hope of a better life, and he brought that hope to the lost, the outcast, the fugitive, the crippled, the unclean. In other words, to the then average man, woman and child who were looked down upon. He also attempted to break through the religious shell of the self-righteous and rich and successful. In other words, he came for all.
During the so-called Triumphant ride of Jesus on a donkey, (a sign of humility) into the city, and of the people waving palm branches, throwing their cloaks in front of his path, and shouting “Hosanna, Hosanna, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord,” I can’t help but remember that it was many of these same celebrants, who a week later were shouting for His death. All because of their misunderstanding of His mission, and therefore of their unmet expectations.
How many times have each of us had wrong expectations we place on others? These are often expectations we would never put on ourselves, and when these were not met, we judged them, often harshly. Also, how many times, (being honest with ourselves) have we disappointed or made angry, those whom ‘we’ disappointed by not meeting their expectations? In doing so, we set both them, and ourselves up for disappointment, perhaps even anger with the potential result of broken relationships and friendships. This is a valuable lesson for all people, not just people of faith.
There is a very simple Scripture to apply in our every day lives, and it is one I try to do, though I fail all too often. Jesus gave us these valuable and precious words in his Sermon on the Mount. “Do unto others, as you would have them do to you.” The Mosaic law contains a parallel commandment: “Whatever is hurtful to you, do not do to any other person.” This Easter……remember please, how damaging our expectations of others can be, and instead apply the above words of this amazing personage. Jesus! Amen
Easter……even though Jesus fulfilled all the Old Testament prophecies concerning the coming of the Suffering Messiah, he did not meet the expectations of the majority, especially those of the religious Jews, who were looking only for a Conquering Messiah. The people were taught by their leaders of this conquering Messiah, who would free them from the iron grip of the Roman Empire.
Their desire and consuming need for freedom, overrode the whole truth written by the prophets, and in that truth is revealed two very distinct roles and time periods, in the one man/God. Jesus, the Suffering Messiah, and Jesus, the Conquering Messiah. Though the coming of the day of the Lord’s death on the cross was foretold and necessary, to fulfill the justice God sought and seeks in the affairs of mankind, the underlying drive came from majority of the people’s unmet expectations of the Messiah.
This “so called” Messiah came with a fuller and deeper revelation of God, who desired to be more deeply and personally involved in the lives of individuals. He revealed love, acceptance, forgiveness with repentance, and words that stirred one’s heart and one’s spirit. He brought hope of a better life, and he brought that hope to the lost, the outcast, the fugitive, the crippled, the unclean. In other words, to the then average man, woman and child who were looked down upon. He also attempted to break through the religious shell of the self-righteous and rich and successful. In other words, he came for all.
During the so-called Triumphant ride of Jesus on a donkey, (a sign of humility) into the city, and of the people waving palm branches, throwing their cloaks in front of his path, and shouting “Hosanna, Hosanna, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord,” I can’t help but remember that it was many of these same celebrants, who a week later were shouting for His death. All because of their misunderstanding of His mission, and therefore of their unmet expectations.
How many times have each of us had wrong expectations we place on others? These are often expectations we would never put on ourselves, and when these were not met, we judged them, often harshly. Also, how many times, (being honest with ourselves) have we disappointed or made angry, those whom ‘we’ disappointed by not meeting their expectations? In doing so, we set both them, and ourselves up for disappointment, perhaps even anger with the potential result of broken relationships and friendships. This is a valuable lesson for all people, not just people of faith.
There is a very simple Scripture to apply in our every day lives, and it is one I try to do, though I fail all too often. Jesus gave us these valuable and precious words in his Sermon on the Mount. “Do unto others, as you would have them do to you.” The Mosaic law contains a parallel commandment: “Whatever is hurtful to you, do not do to any other person.” This Easter……remember please, how damaging our expectations of others can be, and instead apply the above words of this amazing personage. Jesus! Amen
REFLECTIONS…..on the spiritual side of life…………………………..
Vanity of Vanities…..all of life is vanity? Ecclesiastes 1:1-11. Not exactly an uplifting way to begin an article, is it? Well, some mornings are, no matter how I try to overcome the feeling, just that way. Usually when a day starts out that way, I can at some point make my way out of the pit. It is rare indeed to feel as such, but being human and susceptible to events, emotions, people and environment it does happen.
King Solomon is the one to whom this book is attributed to and is known as one of the Wisdom Books. My opinion of King Solomon (and I may get in trouble here) is that at times he showed in his lifestyle, both a lack of wisdom and character. Oh, I guess that make him human too!
Textually, the book is the musings of a King of Jerusalem as he relates his experiences and draws lessons from them, often self-critical. In this book he also proclaims all the actions of man to be inherently “vain” or “futile”, (mere breath), as both the wise and the foolish have the same end. But the king clearly endorses wisdom as a means for a well-lived life, such as eating, drinking, and taking enjoyment in one’s work, which are gifts from the hand of God. The book concludes with the injunction: “Fear God and keep his commandments; for that is the whole duty of everyone” (12-13).
Ecclesiastes has had, and continues to have a deep influence on individuals and on Western literature. It contains several phrases that have resonated in British and American culture, being quoted by Abraham Lincoln addressing Congress in 1682. American novelist Thomas Wolfe wrote: “Of all I have ever seen or learned, this book seems to me the noblest, the wisest, and the most powerful expression of mankind’s life upon this earth-and also the highest flower of poetry, eloquence, and truth.” I would say that is a rather remarkable endorsement.
To me, and the manner and subjects in which I both teach and preach, it is my hope and desire to apply practical, everyday truths, wrapped in spiritual application to help not only myself, but those in my care, how to live out my and their everyday lives in a way that produces life, happiness, depth and substance. I do not see all as vanity, but instead as a pathway to God in His Son Jesus Christ. I do not desire to be “so heavenly minded as to be no earthly good”, but to please God by desiring (even when I fail) to be a better person in how I follow and love him, but in also how I treat my family, my friends, my congregation and both neighbors and strangers and this planet we live on.
I have been the recipient of so many blessings in-spite-of my abject, at times failures, that on those days of rough beginnings I lean in a bit closer to my Lord, finding immediate acceptance and forgiveness when needed. Difficulties, sorrows and again, failures come just by living, but I don’t even want to consider where I would be without him, and without those who have come to mean so much to me. “God is good…all the time”. Amen
Vanity of Vanities…..all of life is vanity? Ecclesiastes 1:1-11. Not exactly an uplifting way to begin an article, is it? Well, some mornings are, no matter how I try to overcome the feeling, just that way. Usually when a day starts out that way, I can at some point make my way out of the pit. It is rare indeed to feel as such, but being human and susceptible to events, emotions, people and environment it does happen.
King Solomon is the one to whom this book is attributed to and is known as one of the Wisdom Books. My opinion of King Solomon (and I may get in trouble here) is that at times he showed in his lifestyle, both a lack of wisdom and character. Oh, I guess that make him human too!
Textually, the book is the musings of a King of Jerusalem as he relates his experiences and draws lessons from them, often self-critical. In this book he also proclaims all the actions of man to be inherently “vain” or “futile”, (mere breath), as both the wise and the foolish have the same end. But the king clearly endorses wisdom as a means for a well-lived life, such as eating, drinking, and taking enjoyment in one’s work, which are gifts from the hand of God. The book concludes with the injunction: “Fear God and keep his commandments; for that is the whole duty of everyone” (12-13).
Ecclesiastes has had, and continues to have a deep influence on individuals and on Western literature. It contains several phrases that have resonated in British and American culture, being quoted by Abraham Lincoln addressing Congress in 1682. American novelist Thomas Wolfe wrote: “Of all I have ever seen or learned, this book seems to me the noblest, the wisest, and the most powerful expression of mankind’s life upon this earth-and also the highest flower of poetry, eloquence, and truth.” I would say that is a rather remarkable endorsement.
To me, and the manner and subjects in which I both teach and preach, it is my hope and desire to apply practical, everyday truths, wrapped in spiritual application to help not only myself, but those in my care, how to live out my and their everyday lives in a way that produces life, happiness, depth and substance. I do not see all as vanity, but instead as a pathway to God in His Son Jesus Christ. I do not desire to be “so heavenly minded as to be no earthly good”, but to please God by desiring (even when I fail) to be a better person in how I follow and love him, but in also how I treat my family, my friends, my congregation and both neighbors and strangers and this planet we live on.
I have been the recipient of so many blessings in-spite-of my abject, at times failures, that on those days of rough beginnings I lean in a bit closer to my Lord, finding immediate acceptance and forgiveness when needed. Difficulties, sorrows and again, failures come just by living, but I don’t even want to consider where I would be without him, and without those who have come to mean so much to me. “God is good…all the time”. Amen
REFLECTIONS…on the spiritual side of life
For Lo, the winter is past, the snow is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the Meadowlark is heard in our land. Pardon me…for adapting verses 11-12 from The Son of Solomon, to fit Island Park by changing just three words. Rain to snow and Turtle Dove to Meadowlark. Also, the snow is by any measurement NOT gone, but going, but I think you get the drift. Snow-drift! On the lighter side, I am not particularly known for my humor, as you can probably tell.
Spring for me is always a spiritual time as it carries with it the promise of life to come. From the often, dark days of winter, the sun rising in the sky is warmer, the scent of pines begins to waft through on breeze, water is flowing from the roof tops, and once again (hallelujah) birds are singing, animals of all sizes are stretching their legs, scampering and making grateful noises of freedom. You and I remembering where flowers had profusely bloomed last summer, still under snow, are eager to again give us the pleasure of their form, smell and color, making us simply itch all over as we wait for their first appearing.
We too begin to find that our steps are lighter, more purposeful, and of course not having to be as careful, for fear of slipping on the ice, or sinking in snow to our hips or higher. Freedom from putting on layers of time-consuming clothing just to keep warm and cushion us when we do fall on the ice.
Spring, with all its promises brings to my mind, 2 Corinthians 5:17, “therefore if any man or woman be in Christ, they are a new person: old things have passed away; behold all things are now new.” Does this mean that we are immediately transformed? Of course not, for we like the very shoots of Rocky Mountain Spring Beauty. A small almost inconspicuous flower, which is one of the first to send forth is delicate but beautiful blossoms. I, actually do a little dance, when I spot the very first one often coming up through the snow as it melts. In Christ, we are like the Spring Beauty and every flower that follows. We have a new beginning, a new start in which also like a flower, increment by increment as we grow and bloom, turn by choice, circumstances and attitude, into a more Christ-like man or woman.
We come in a great variety of shapes, sizes, colors and scents. Each one of us an individual unlike anyone else on earth. How we nurture our lives in Christ or apart from Him, will determine our spiritual, mental, emotional, physical growth and health. With some son-shine, fertilizer from His teachings, fellowship with one another, and both giving and receiving to those we know and love, also to our neighbors and strangers, we can and will grow into men and women of strength and beauty. Let us not just be content to live, but to be in Christ all that he has enabled and encourages us to be. How do you want to be seen by others, or does it matter to you? When asking this question, I am not asking on the superficial level, but on a deeper and more profound level regarding the essence of what and who you are. I hope it matters to each of us!
Just something to think about……
For Lo, the winter is past, the snow is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the Meadowlark is heard in our land. Pardon me…for adapting verses 11-12 from The Son of Solomon, to fit Island Park by changing just three words. Rain to snow and Turtle Dove to Meadowlark. Also, the snow is by any measurement NOT gone, but going, but I think you get the drift. Snow-drift! On the lighter side, I am not particularly known for my humor, as you can probably tell.
Spring for me is always a spiritual time as it carries with it the promise of life to come. From the often, dark days of winter, the sun rising in the sky is warmer, the scent of pines begins to waft through on breeze, water is flowing from the roof tops, and once again (hallelujah) birds are singing, animals of all sizes are stretching their legs, scampering and making grateful noises of freedom. You and I remembering where flowers had profusely bloomed last summer, still under snow, are eager to again give us the pleasure of their form, smell and color, making us simply itch all over as we wait for their first appearing.
We too begin to find that our steps are lighter, more purposeful, and of course not having to be as careful, for fear of slipping on the ice, or sinking in snow to our hips or higher. Freedom from putting on layers of time-consuming clothing just to keep warm and cushion us when we do fall on the ice.
Spring, with all its promises brings to my mind, 2 Corinthians 5:17, “therefore if any man or woman be in Christ, they are a new person: old things have passed away; behold all things are now new.” Does this mean that we are immediately transformed? Of course not, for we like the very shoots of Rocky Mountain Spring Beauty. A small almost inconspicuous flower, which is one of the first to send forth is delicate but beautiful blossoms. I, actually do a little dance, when I spot the very first one often coming up through the snow as it melts. In Christ, we are like the Spring Beauty and every flower that follows. We have a new beginning, a new start in which also like a flower, increment by increment as we grow and bloom, turn by choice, circumstances and attitude, into a more Christ-like man or woman.
We come in a great variety of shapes, sizes, colors and scents. Each one of us an individual unlike anyone else on earth. How we nurture our lives in Christ or apart from Him, will determine our spiritual, mental, emotional, physical growth and health. With some son-shine, fertilizer from His teachings, fellowship with one another, and both giving and receiving to those we know and love, also to our neighbors and strangers, we can and will grow into men and women of strength and beauty. Let us not just be content to live, but to be in Christ all that he has enabled and encourages us to be. How do you want to be seen by others, or does it matter to you? When asking this question, I am not asking on the superficial level, but on a deeper and more profound level regarding the essence of what and who you are. I hope it matters to each of us!
Just something to think about……
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life…………………….
The sweetest thing in all my life has been the longing…..to reach the mountain, to find the place where all beauty comes from. C.S Lewis
Beauty can sometimes be difficult to find, but not here in Island Park. I find it every morning when I wake up. Not only in that which is outside my doors, but also in the people, both in the church I pastor and in the community in which I find myself being fortunate to live in these past three years. Kindness, friendliness, helpfulness and genuine caring seems to be part of the overall personality of those who choose to live here year-round.
One example was when I managed to get high-centered coming out of my access road onto Buttermilk. (I only got stuck one time this winter) Anyway, there I was, my seventy-three-year-old muscles straining to dig myself out to no avail. Within three minutes, a large pickup truck carrying four much younger and stronger men stopped and offered help. Within another three minutes I was thanking them and on my way to my office.
Wherever I go in the Caldera, I run across people who say hello, wave, whether it is at the post office, Connie’s, Trouthunter, Elk Creek Station, Robin’s Roost, Subway, Lakeside Lodge, etc., etc., etc. Some of these folks (I haven’t before met personally) call me pastor. It is both humbling and a thrill. Oh, calling me pastor is not a requirement. I have had the name Tom much longer than pastor.
Beauty is not hard to find, for all we have to do, is take the time to look. It is all around us, as I have been stating, I have found it every day in the Caldera, taking on many forms in both nature and people. Beauty is spiritual, for its source is spiritual, and whether in people or in nature, we are moved often emotionally and challenged intellectually. John 4:24: “God is spirit” and his worshipers must worship him in spirit and in truth.” God as our Creator has instilled in us the capacity to see beauty, to appreciate and love beauty. He has also given us the ability for another form of beauty. Love.
To truly appreciate beauty, I understand C.S. Lewis’ words as he directs us to seek this One above all else. This way our appreciation and ability to grasp just how beautiful all of life is, will take us to a deeper understanding, depth and breadth in our heart mind, and spirit. Psalm 27:4 “One thing I have desired of the Lord, that I will seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord.
Life is a partnership. A partnership with the spirit and the flesh. God is in all life, for he inhabits all life by his Spirit. People, animals, plants, every molecule, atom and particle accelerator, on this little blue ball plummeting through the Universe we call home. He is the Ancient of Days, Father/Abba which is Hebrew for Most High, El-Shaddai, Yahweh, Jehovah and Adonai.
Selah
The sweetest thing in all my life has been the longing…..to reach the mountain, to find the place where all beauty comes from. C.S Lewis
Beauty can sometimes be difficult to find, but not here in Island Park. I find it every morning when I wake up. Not only in that which is outside my doors, but also in the people, both in the church I pastor and in the community in which I find myself being fortunate to live in these past three years. Kindness, friendliness, helpfulness and genuine caring seems to be part of the overall personality of those who choose to live here year-round.
One example was when I managed to get high-centered coming out of my access road onto Buttermilk. (I only got stuck one time this winter) Anyway, there I was, my seventy-three-year-old muscles straining to dig myself out to no avail. Within three minutes, a large pickup truck carrying four much younger and stronger men stopped and offered help. Within another three minutes I was thanking them and on my way to my office.
Wherever I go in the Caldera, I run across people who say hello, wave, whether it is at the post office, Connie’s, Trouthunter, Elk Creek Station, Robin’s Roost, Subway, Lakeside Lodge, etc., etc., etc. Some of these folks (I haven’t before met personally) call me pastor. It is both humbling and a thrill. Oh, calling me pastor is not a requirement. I have had the name Tom much longer than pastor.
Beauty is not hard to find, for all we have to do, is take the time to look. It is all around us, as I have been stating, I have found it every day in the Caldera, taking on many forms in both nature and people. Beauty is spiritual, for its source is spiritual, and whether in people or in nature, we are moved often emotionally and challenged intellectually. John 4:24: “God is spirit” and his worshipers must worship him in spirit and in truth.” God as our Creator has instilled in us the capacity to see beauty, to appreciate and love beauty. He has also given us the ability for another form of beauty. Love.
To truly appreciate beauty, I understand C.S. Lewis’ words as he directs us to seek this One above all else. This way our appreciation and ability to grasp just how beautiful all of life is, will take us to a deeper understanding, depth and breadth in our heart mind, and spirit. Psalm 27:4 “One thing I have desired of the Lord, that I will seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord.
Life is a partnership. A partnership with the spirit and the flesh. God is in all life, for he inhabits all life by his Spirit. People, animals, plants, every molecule, atom and particle accelerator, on this little blue ball plummeting through the Universe we call home. He is the Ancient of Days, Father/Abba which is Hebrew for Most High, El-Shaddai, Yahweh, Jehovah and Adonai.
Selah
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life
Genesis has some powerful things to say which are worthy of serious thought. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth,” then in Exodus, “I Am that I Am.” Then back to Genesis, some of the most profound and thought-provoking words to meditate on, “remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.”
As part of this Lenten season, observing the forty days leading up to Easter and the Resurrection, it is to be to be a time of taking one’s faith seriously. These words from Genesis are one of the doorways to doing just that, as they serve as a much-needed reminder that we are all mortal, and as we think deeply on these words and with good reason. No matter how long we live, our time is short, so why not use this time wisely and for good.
Without great observation skills, it does not take much to see that the times we are living in are fraught with unrest, change, distress, worry, fear and oh so much more. In both Matthew and Revelation, it is said the time will come when brother is against brother and father will be against his son. In other words, the days are full of division and strife within and outside our families.
I am asking that during this Lenten season we, all of us look within ourselves, deeply within ourselves, taking the time to look at our attitudes, our perspectives, our opinions, seeking ways if possible, to turn negative relationships and negative attitudes into positive ones.
Remembering we are mortal and with a time limit, and therefore we should be grateful for every moment we have on this amazing planet. As Believers and for those of you who are not, our mortality should make us grateful, and every moment we possess is precious, and if precious, our time should be spent in gratefulness, not fault-finding, not looking for ways to be upset, not focusing on the thorn instead of the rose. Our words are windows of our heart. “For out of the abundance of the mouth, the heart speaks.” Matthew 12:34
If we but take serious this temporal journey we all are on this Lenten season, I guarantee that by the end of it, on Easter Sunday, you and I will experience a new revelation, a new way of thinking and acting, a happiness and a joy in being once again, given an opportunity to experience new life….life in the Spirit of truth, joy. Laying down differences, prejudices, division and strife….and oh so much more, if indeed this is what you desire. To be like Him.
In many ways by choice, you are the master of your own fate, your own ship, your way of thinking and perceiving. By saying yes to necessary changes, each step of the way you will be renewed inside and out!
God bless you, each and every one of you! Amen
Genesis has some powerful things to say which are worthy of serious thought. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth,” then in Exodus, “I Am that I Am.” Then back to Genesis, some of the most profound and thought-provoking words to meditate on, “remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.”
As part of this Lenten season, observing the forty days leading up to Easter and the Resurrection, it is to be to be a time of taking one’s faith seriously. These words from Genesis are one of the doorways to doing just that, as they serve as a much-needed reminder that we are all mortal, and as we think deeply on these words and with good reason. No matter how long we live, our time is short, so why not use this time wisely and for good.
Without great observation skills, it does not take much to see that the times we are living in are fraught with unrest, change, distress, worry, fear and oh so much more. In both Matthew and Revelation, it is said the time will come when brother is against brother and father will be against his son. In other words, the days are full of division and strife within and outside our families.
I am asking that during this Lenten season we, all of us look within ourselves, deeply within ourselves, taking the time to look at our attitudes, our perspectives, our opinions, seeking ways if possible, to turn negative relationships and negative attitudes into positive ones.
Remembering we are mortal and with a time limit, and therefore we should be grateful for every moment we have on this amazing planet. As Believers and for those of you who are not, our mortality should make us grateful, and every moment we possess is precious, and if precious, our time should be spent in gratefulness, not fault-finding, not looking for ways to be upset, not focusing on the thorn instead of the rose. Our words are windows of our heart. “For out of the abundance of the mouth, the heart speaks.” Matthew 12:34
If we but take serious this temporal journey we all are on this Lenten season, I guarantee that by the end of it, on Easter Sunday, you and I will experience a new revelation, a new way of thinking and acting, a happiness and a joy in being once again, given an opportunity to experience new life….life in the Spirit of truth, joy. Laying down differences, prejudices, division and strife….and oh so much more, if indeed this is what you desire. To be like Him.
In many ways by choice, you are the master of your own fate, your own ship, your way of thinking and perceiving. By saying yes to necessary changes, each step of the way you will be renewed inside and out!
God bless you, each and every one of you! Amen
REFLECTIONS......on the spiritual side of life
Traditions, Rituals and Celebrations are contained within the boundaries of any and all religions, and within Christianity these will vary from denomination to denomination, sect to sect. It doesn't take long for mankind to come up with these observations. Included in traditions, etc., is order, for with order comes those boundaries with content that separate us (all to often making us feel better, even exclusive) in our religious faith.
Jesus in Matthew 15:1-9 he hits the religious leaders of Judaism hard, really hard with these words in verse 6b, "And so you cancel the word of God for the sake of your own tradition," then in verses 8-9, "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from the Lord." That is a zinger that we all need to pay attention to.
In saying that, I am not condemning traditions, rituals and celebrations, but I am saying we have to do what is right, and that is keep the main thing the main thing. What is that or rather who is that? It is Jesus Christ. If he is kept the center of these observations, exalting him in the process, not only are the celebrations then legitimate, but truly filled with richness and love that they were created for.
An example is Ash Wednesday. This is often observed with a service in the church and is the beginning of the Lenten Season, a period of forty days leading up to Easter Sunday. It is a Christian holy day of prayer, fasting and repentance, having been preceded by Shrove Tuesday. Because it is the first day of Lent, many Christian, on Ash Wednesday, often begin marking a Lenten calendar, praying a Lenten daily devotional, and abstaining from a luxury that is focused on personal indulgence for the entire Lenten period.
Ash Wednesday derives its name from the placing of repentance ashes on the foreheads of participants, by a minister or priest praying these words, "Repent, and believe in the Gospel" or the dictum, "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return." This is one of the many traditions, rituals and celebration that can be truly profound and deeply personal, to the one who understands its significance and solemnity.
I am a advocate of history, whether it be the church, nation or world. There is so much we can learn, and so much in learning we can avoid by understanding past mistakes and past successes. My goal here and will be during the next forty days, is to see how our lives can be enriched by more fully understanding our religious and church history, but always keeping the main thing the main thing, and again that is Jesus the Christ
Be blessed and have a good week! Amen
Traditions, Rituals and Celebrations are contained within the boundaries of any and all religions, and within Christianity these will vary from denomination to denomination, sect to sect. It doesn't take long for mankind to come up with these observations. Included in traditions, etc., is order, for with order comes those boundaries with content that separate us (all to often making us feel better, even exclusive) in our religious faith.
Jesus in Matthew 15:1-9 he hits the religious leaders of Judaism hard, really hard with these words in verse 6b, "And so you cancel the word of God for the sake of your own tradition," then in verses 8-9, "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from the Lord." That is a zinger that we all need to pay attention to.
In saying that, I am not condemning traditions, rituals and celebrations, but I am saying we have to do what is right, and that is keep the main thing the main thing. What is that or rather who is that? It is Jesus Christ. If he is kept the center of these observations, exalting him in the process, not only are the celebrations then legitimate, but truly filled with richness and love that they were created for.
An example is Ash Wednesday. This is often observed with a service in the church and is the beginning of the Lenten Season, a period of forty days leading up to Easter Sunday. It is a Christian holy day of prayer, fasting and repentance, having been preceded by Shrove Tuesday. Because it is the first day of Lent, many Christian, on Ash Wednesday, often begin marking a Lenten calendar, praying a Lenten daily devotional, and abstaining from a luxury that is focused on personal indulgence for the entire Lenten period.
Ash Wednesday derives its name from the placing of repentance ashes on the foreheads of participants, by a minister or priest praying these words, "Repent, and believe in the Gospel" or the dictum, "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return." This is one of the many traditions, rituals and celebration that can be truly profound and deeply personal, to the one who understands its significance and solemnity.
I am a advocate of history, whether it be the church, nation or world. There is so much we can learn, and so much in learning we can avoid by understanding past mistakes and past successes. My goal here and will be during the next forty days, is to see how our lives can be enriched by more fully understanding our religious and church history, but always keeping the main thing the main thing, and again that is Jesus the Christ
Be blessed and have a good week! Amen
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life!
For Christians, next Tuesday will usher in the Lenten Season, the most important, spiritually focused time of our year. As we begin our six-week journey with Jesus to the Cross, Resurrection and Ascension, we look within ourselves as we celebrate in our private lives, and together in our church worship services.
We have so much to be thankful for, and much opportunity to celebrate, meditate, pray, and be a literal part of the reason for this time of our church-year. Each denomination observes this season in a way that best expresses their own doctrinal stance. So-called high-churches, such as Episcopal, Catholic, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Anglican, Methodist and others put forth much emphasis on ritual, reading specific scriptures and even defined services than, our more evangelical, Pentecostal and independent brothers and sisters in the faith. This I learned having been an Evangelical minister, but now am also embracing and loving, many of the rich traditions and services that I am discovering along my own spiritual journey.
Please don’t get me wrong, as I am not criticizing Evangelical or Pentecostal ways of worship and celebration, but on the contrary, having been where I was and where I am now, I find myself entering more deeply into the traditional church calendar/lectionary, and finding myself enriched in very real ways.
As I have now pastored the Little Church in the Pines for three years and recognizing quickly the denominational and spiritually diverse backgrounds of my congregation, I have worked to integrate various traditions without compromising on core beliefs and values. Having done this, I (thank God) that we (all of us) can therefore minister to the diverse traditions of our summer residents and visitors, including all, accepting all and loving all. This I believe is our mission and one of our goals here in Island Park.
No matter your denominational background, or your particular faith, I would ask that each of you think about your own faith journey this time of year. That you meditate, pray, worship with others, and be thankful for the freedom we have in this country to do so. People of diverse faiths are being killed daily, literally, around the world, simply because of their beliefs, and because of how deeply they hold to their faiths. Let us not criticize one another, but instead join hands, hearts and minds in His great love for all people, including you and me!
Jesus gave we Christians a commandment that all too often we have failed to live up to. It is found in John 13:34-35. “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other, just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” Not only have we failed to love one another all too often, but we have also too often failed to love our neighbor as ourselves. This Lenten Season, let each of us, on our spiritual journey seek to be more like the Lord we follow and believe in. Selah
For Christians, next Tuesday will usher in the Lenten Season, the most important, spiritually focused time of our year. As we begin our six-week journey with Jesus to the Cross, Resurrection and Ascension, we look within ourselves as we celebrate in our private lives, and together in our church worship services.
We have so much to be thankful for, and much opportunity to celebrate, meditate, pray, and be a literal part of the reason for this time of our church-year. Each denomination observes this season in a way that best expresses their own doctrinal stance. So-called high-churches, such as Episcopal, Catholic, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Anglican, Methodist and others put forth much emphasis on ritual, reading specific scriptures and even defined services than, our more evangelical, Pentecostal and independent brothers and sisters in the faith. This I learned having been an Evangelical minister, but now am also embracing and loving, many of the rich traditions and services that I am discovering along my own spiritual journey.
Please don’t get me wrong, as I am not criticizing Evangelical or Pentecostal ways of worship and celebration, but on the contrary, having been where I was and where I am now, I find myself entering more deeply into the traditional church calendar/lectionary, and finding myself enriched in very real ways.
As I have now pastored the Little Church in the Pines for three years and recognizing quickly the denominational and spiritually diverse backgrounds of my congregation, I have worked to integrate various traditions without compromising on core beliefs and values. Having done this, I (thank God) that we (all of us) can therefore minister to the diverse traditions of our summer residents and visitors, including all, accepting all and loving all. This I believe is our mission and one of our goals here in Island Park.
No matter your denominational background, or your particular faith, I would ask that each of you think about your own faith journey this time of year. That you meditate, pray, worship with others, and be thankful for the freedom we have in this country to do so. People of diverse faiths are being killed daily, literally, around the world, simply because of their beliefs, and because of how deeply they hold to their faiths. Let us not criticize one another, but instead join hands, hearts and minds in His great love for all people, including you and me!
Jesus gave we Christians a commandment that all too often we have failed to live up to. It is found in John 13:34-35. “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other, just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” Not only have we failed to love one another all too often, but we have also too often failed to love our neighbor as ourselves. This Lenten Season, let each of us, on our spiritual journey seek to be more like the Lord we follow and believe in. Selah
Reflections…….on the spiritual side of life.
EVERYONE……should be quick to listen and slow to speak. James 1:19
How about that for an introduction sentence. Here I am using words to speak my message today, hoping that prior to this, I first have been listening to the content deeply enough to be able to convey the right message.
These words from James are truly vital in understanding what the truth of any message is and how to apply it to our lives. Lately in my life there have been words thrown around like rice at a wedding, some of which have been been overblown and misspoken. Before speaking we need to verify facts and resources before repeating to anyone. The damage we can do to an individual, organization or country knows no limits depending on each given situation.
Listening, really listening is one of the most difficult disciplines to achieve that any human being can attempt to learn and learn we must. Wars and rumors of wars (literal and words) often start out as James also says in chapter 3:5-6. “So also, the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!” And the tongue can be like a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our member, staining the whole body.”
Steven Covey said and I quote, “seek to understand, then, to be understood.” To understand truth and to understand any situation we find we are in conflict over, we must be honest and rational, laying aside how we feel, listening and researching the facts as best we can. Jesus said we are to be people of peace and known by our love. We can only do this when we speak honestly after first listening!
We will become known by both what we speak, and our actions that most certainly will back up our words. Our words and actions reflect our underlying character. What do you think others say about you when perhaps you come up in a conversation? What do you want them to say? Does it matter to you?
Sometimes (depending on how we are listening or if we are) it is all too often easier to hear the words and not the message. Here is a non-spiritual example!
Jackson and Ted, two friends, were hunting together in the mountains.
Jackson suddenly collapsed and seemed to not be breathing, his eyes rolling back in his head.
Ted grabbed his cell phone dialing 911.
The operator came on, asking what the call was for.
Ted, extremely worked up, yelled “my friend Jackson just dropped dead!”
The operator said,” calm down, I can help you. First make sure he is dead.”
After a short time of silence, she was astonished to hear a gun shot.
Ted came back on the line and asked, “now what do I do?”
This is an example of hearing the words but not the message.
We, you and I must be quick to listen, slow to both speak and act. We are responsible ultimately for all the words we speak, and the actions we take.
This is in regard to both spiritual, and every day matters that confront us as we live out our lives.
God bless you…. everyone!
EVERYONE……should be quick to listen and slow to speak. James 1:19
How about that for an introduction sentence. Here I am using words to speak my message today, hoping that prior to this, I first have been listening to the content deeply enough to be able to convey the right message.
These words from James are truly vital in understanding what the truth of any message is and how to apply it to our lives. Lately in my life there have been words thrown around like rice at a wedding, some of which have been been overblown and misspoken. Before speaking we need to verify facts and resources before repeating to anyone. The damage we can do to an individual, organization or country knows no limits depending on each given situation.
Listening, really listening is one of the most difficult disciplines to achieve that any human being can attempt to learn and learn we must. Wars and rumors of wars (literal and words) often start out as James also says in chapter 3:5-6. “So also, the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!” And the tongue can be like a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our member, staining the whole body.”
Steven Covey said and I quote, “seek to understand, then, to be understood.” To understand truth and to understand any situation we find we are in conflict over, we must be honest and rational, laying aside how we feel, listening and researching the facts as best we can. Jesus said we are to be people of peace and known by our love. We can only do this when we speak honestly after first listening!
We will become known by both what we speak, and our actions that most certainly will back up our words. Our words and actions reflect our underlying character. What do you think others say about you when perhaps you come up in a conversation? What do you want them to say? Does it matter to you?
Sometimes (depending on how we are listening or if we are) it is all too often easier to hear the words and not the message. Here is a non-spiritual example!
Jackson and Ted, two friends, were hunting together in the mountains.
Jackson suddenly collapsed and seemed to not be breathing, his eyes rolling back in his head.
Ted grabbed his cell phone dialing 911.
The operator came on, asking what the call was for.
Ted, extremely worked up, yelled “my friend Jackson just dropped dead!”
The operator said,” calm down, I can help you. First make sure he is dead.”
After a short time of silence, she was astonished to hear a gun shot.
Ted came back on the line and asked, “now what do I do?”
This is an example of hearing the words but not the message.
We, you and I must be quick to listen, slow to both speak and act. We are responsible ultimately for all the words we speak, and the actions we take.
This is in regard to both spiritual, and every day matters that confront us as we live out our lives.
God bless you…. everyone!
Reflections…on the spiritual side of life.
Amazing Grace……how sweet the sound ~ that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost but now am found, was blind by now I see. It was ‘grace’ that taught my heart to fear, and through ‘grace’ my fears are now gone, and how precious did that grace appear….the hour I first believed.
Yes, I changed a few of the words to make the song John Newton wrote a little more understandable in our contemporary English, but when I sing it, and I sing it often, I do not change a thing. This hymn is one of the most sung worldwide, comforting often those, be they nation, community or individual in times of loss.
I believe what John is saying in the second stanza is that without grace, the grace given to all people through Jesus Christ, and specifically as he writes about it, is in reference not only to himself but to you and I. John is stating that the depth of his own acknowledged sins…the weight of not have this grace, would cause him to be swallowed up by the sin that weighed him down, and that through the willing and sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, again by not having this free grace ultimately comes death, eternal death without Christ. John Newton came deeply into the understanding just what grace meant to him. Freedom…..from fear, darkness and death.
The literal meaning of grace is, “the free and undeserved favor of God.”
Today in the world we are now living in, grace seems to have been misplaced somewhere, and simply cannot be found. We are floating in a gray world, highlighted (so to speak) by accusations, deliberate lies, misinformation, few anchors of reason and truth. I actually fear, that we may reach the point of no return from this gray area, and dissolve into chaos as a nation. That does not speak well for my faith I know, so what can I one person do? Well, I guess what I have to do is deliberately put my faith in its right place at the forefront of mind and heart. To live it as I am instructed.
How much impact can one person have in such a world? I will just have to see. As a minister I can hopefully influence my congregation, and perhaps in an article such as this, somehow have others join me in coming against this present darkness.
I hope that I can be an example of grace to my congregation, to my community and to strangers I meet every day. Will I fail at times? Of course, I will, and then I will have to extend that grace to myself.
Whether its politics, social interaction, church, recreation, driving down the highway, etc., it is my calling as a Christian to be the best example of Jesus Christ that I can be. This is the highest calling that all of we followers of the Savior can attain to, and also all of humanity no matter your own personal beliefs.
God help us all………………..
Amazing Grace……how sweet the sound ~ that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost but now am found, was blind by now I see. It was ‘grace’ that taught my heart to fear, and through ‘grace’ my fears are now gone, and how precious did that grace appear….the hour I first believed.
Yes, I changed a few of the words to make the song John Newton wrote a little more understandable in our contemporary English, but when I sing it, and I sing it often, I do not change a thing. This hymn is one of the most sung worldwide, comforting often those, be they nation, community or individual in times of loss.
I believe what John is saying in the second stanza is that without grace, the grace given to all people through Jesus Christ, and specifically as he writes about it, is in reference not only to himself but to you and I. John is stating that the depth of his own acknowledged sins…the weight of not have this grace, would cause him to be swallowed up by the sin that weighed him down, and that through the willing and sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, again by not having this free grace ultimately comes death, eternal death without Christ. John Newton came deeply into the understanding just what grace meant to him. Freedom…..from fear, darkness and death.
The literal meaning of grace is, “the free and undeserved favor of God.”
Today in the world we are now living in, grace seems to have been misplaced somewhere, and simply cannot be found. We are floating in a gray world, highlighted (so to speak) by accusations, deliberate lies, misinformation, few anchors of reason and truth. I actually fear, that we may reach the point of no return from this gray area, and dissolve into chaos as a nation. That does not speak well for my faith I know, so what can I one person do? Well, I guess what I have to do is deliberately put my faith in its right place at the forefront of mind and heart. To live it as I am instructed.
How much impact can one person have in such a world? I will just have to see. As a minister I can hopefully influence my congregation, and perhaps in an article such as this, somehow have others join me in coming against this present darkness.
I hope that I can be an example of grace to my congregation, to my community and to strangers I meet every day. Will I fail at times? Of course, I will, and then I will have to extend that grace to myself.
Whether its politics, social interaction, church, recreation, driving down the highway, etc., it is my calling as a Christian to be the best example of Jesus Christ that I can be. This is the highest calling that all of we followers of the Savior can attain to, and also all of humanity no matter your own personal beliefs.
God help us all………………..
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life
Children……are a heritage from the Lord, Psalm 127:3
The Bible tells us repeatedly in His Word how all children are a gift from God. Every single life, every single child, is a reward and a blessing. Whether they’re bringing parents pride and joy, or whether they are being difficult and even a times rebellious, they are teaching us how to be more patient and forgiving, they are a source and resource for the growth of you and I, and for His Kingdom here on earth.
On a deeply and profound level, my children have brought me at times the greatest joy I have every known, and the deepest fear and potential despair, yet by far the JOY outweighed and outweighs both the fear and the despair.
I have three and all are now mature adults. All three, along with their spouses and children are followers of Jesus Christ. Their mother and I are deeply grateful and full of happiness, knowing the paths they have chosen to follow. Considering (although I myself was once a child myself) and that was the only real experience I could rely on to raise our own children, there were three things we emphasized again and again as they were growing up. We, but mostly I made many mistakes, and God covered them all. Here they are;
Our second daughter is the mother of two boys, home schooling them, devoted wife, mother, and fulfilling her spiritual calling by visiting female strippers, of whom many are single mothers. Encouraging them in the very clubs they are working in, never judging them but offering love and support.
Our son, the youngest of the three, a husband and father of the highest caliber, continues to cause me to grow as a man, just by watching him with his wife and four children, three of whom are on the Autism scale.
I am truly humbled to be so blessed and am eternally grateful. I would encourage you to always tell your children how much they are loved, no matter their age, vocation or status. My SWAT son hugs me and tells me I am loved every time we are together, as do the girls. My life is rich….and my prayer for each of you in your relationship with your own children, is that if there are differences settle them and make them right. Love without reserve or condition, for our lives are too brief and too valuable to hold onto those things that would divide us.
Let us choose our words well…. let us seek to be mothers, fathers, sons and daughters of peace. Proverbs 16:24 “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.’ “Let us love one another” Amen
Children……are a heritage from the Lord, Psalm 127:3
The Bible tells us repeatedly in His Word how all children are a gift from God. Every single life, every single child, is a reward and a blessing. Whether they’re bringing parents pride and joy, or whether they are being difficult and even a times rebellious, they are teaching us how to be more patient and forgiving, they are a source and resource for the growth of you and I, and for His Kingdom here on earth.
On a deeply and profound level, my children have brought me at times the greatest joy I have every known, and the deepest fear and potential despair, yet by far the JOY outweighed and outweighs both the fear and the despair.
I have three and all are now mature adults. All three, along with their spouses and children are followers of Jesus Christ. Their mother and I are deeply grateful and full of happiness, knowing the paths they have chosen to follow. Considering (although I myself was once a child myself) and that was the only real experience I could rely on to raise our own children, there were three things we emphasized again and again as they were growing up. We, but mostly I made many mistakes, and God covered them all. Here they are;
- That their mother and I loved them both in the good and the bad times and told them so. They tell us that they never doubted that.
- That God loved them and had a purpose for their lives.
- That He would walk with them through both the good and the difficult times, and they believed that also.
Our second daughter is the mother of two boys, home schooling them, devoted wife, mother, and fulfilling her spiritual calling by visiting female strippers, of whom many are single mothers. Encouraging them in the very clubs they are working in, never judging them but offering love and support.
Our son, the youngest of the three, a husband and father of the highest caliber, continues to cause me to grow as a man, just by watching him with his wife and four children, three of whom are on the Autism scale.
I am truly humbled to be so blessed and am eternally grateful. I would encourage you to always tell your children how much they are loved, no matter their age, vocation or status. My SWAT son hugs me and tells me I am loved every time we are together, as do the girls. My life is rich….and my prayer for each of you in your relationship with your own children, is that if there are differences settle them and make them right. Love without reserve or condition, for our lives are too brief and too valuable to hold onto those things that would divide us.
Let us choose our words well…. let us seek to be mothers, fathers, sons and daughters of peace. Proverbs 16:24 “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.’ “Let us love one another” Amen
REFLECTIONS on the spiritual side of life………
PAIN……that is how I would describe most of this week. Both myself and Island Park lost a good young man, father, son and friend to many. This is not an obituary, as that has been completed and published. This is a ‘reflection’ on the brief but wonderful friendship I personally had with Adam Jacobson.
We connected spiritually, emotionally, and with an understanding of the difficulties and joys that life brings in the brief time we have it. I will ever remember his incredible smile, and open heart of this man. The first time he shook my hand I almost went to the ground, so I learned from that experience to prepare myself ahead of time if the occasion rose to grin and bear it. And grin I did.
In 2 Corinthians 1:6-7, “Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation. For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we endure.”
Those of us who are in pain over Adam’s loss, especially his family, it is our place to suffer that pain along with them, and at the same time offer comfort and whatever assistance we can, in whatever way we are called upon to do so. This can be done in a tangible way and also in prayer.
Adam, being a Christian and a brother in Christ, 1st Corinthians 12:26, “If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it.” This is speaking of the body of Christ, made up of all Believers in our Lord. We are to take care of one another, look out for each other and see each other through both the difficult times and good times too.
Many are in pain over his loss. We know that all of us experience pain in different manifestations and intensities. For some it is physical, for others mental/emotional and for many both. Its purpose is to tell us something is wrong depending on the intensity and place. This is something in life we all share. Loss and pain. What we should NOT do is offer empty platitudes to anyone going through loss. If we have nothing to say of substance, it would be best to say nothing, other than offering genuine condolences and then moving on.
There is much we can learn in and from pain, not only for and in ourselves, but for others. We can learn compassion, tenderness, gratefulness, mercy and grace. We can also learn to appreciate each day that we are gifted with. We should also look at the bigger picture, when we allow ourselves due to current circumstances and people, NOT to become upset, petty, vindictive, gossips, mean, angry or hateful. Life is short folks…so very short.
We will miss you friend, yet are grateful we know where you are!
PAIN……that is how I would describe most of this week. Both myself and Island Park lost a good young man, father, son and friend to many. This is not an obituary, as that has been completed and published. This is a ‘reflection’ on the brief but wonderful friendship I personally had with Adam Jacobson.
We connected spiritually, emotionally, and with an understanding of the difficulties and joys that life brings in the brief time we have it. I will ever remember his incredible smile, and open heart of this man. The first time he shook my hand I almost went to the ground, so I learned from that experience to prepare myself ahead of time if the occasion rose to grin and bear it. And grin I did.
In 2 Corinthians 1:6-7, “Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation. For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we endure.”
Those of us who are in pain over Adam’s loss, especially his family, it is our place to suffer that pain along with them, and at the same time offer comfort and whatever assistance we can, in whatever way we are called upon to do so. This can be done in a tangible way and also in prayer.
Adam, being a Christian and a brother in Christ, 1st Corinthians 12:26, “If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it.” This is speaking of the body of Christ, made up of all Believers in our Lord. We are to take care of one another, look out for each other and see each other through both the difficult times and good times too.
Many are in pain over his loss. We know that all of us experience pain in different manifestations and intensities. For some it is physical, for others mental/emotional and for many both. Its purpose is to tell us something is wrong depending on the intensity and place. This is something in life we all share. Loss and pain. What we should NOT do is offer empty platitudes to anyone going through loss. If we have nothing to say of substance, it would be best to say nothing, other than offering genuine condolences and then moving on.
There is much we can learn in and from pain, not only for and in ourselves, but for others. We can learn compassion, tenderness, gratefulness, mercy and grace. We can also learn to appreciate each day that we are gifted with. We should also look at the bigger picture, when we allow ourselves due to current circumstances and people, NOT to become upset, petty, vindictive, gossips, mean, angry or hateful. Life is short folks…so very short.
We will miss you friend, yet are grateful we know where you are!
REFLECTIONS on the spiritual side of life…….
Good Morning Fellow Citizens of the Beautiful Island Park Caldera! I come to you this morning not having a topic, or a clue as to where this is going to go today. That is not my way of doing things, so let’s see what happens.
(pause)
The first word that came to my mind is harmony. A noun, harmony has a three-fold meaning. 1. A pleasing quality when things or people are arranged together smoothly.
2. Agreement
3. The combination of musical notes sounded at the same time to produce cords with a pleasing effect.
Just now as I was typing this, my cell phone sitting beside my computer rang loudly, scaring the (whatever) out of me. My harmony was shattered. Looking at the meaning of harmony when it is a part of our lives, just like now, is often shattered by the unexpected event, person or even thing. Forest Gump said, “life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get.” Isn’t that so true? Each day holds the unexpected from moment to moment that can change in a second, literally.
Unexpected! Again, here at my computer, with my hot tea sitting close by I accidentally struck it reaching for a napkin, spilling hot liquid onto the keys. My newly achieved harmony was once more shattered. Panicking, that I had surely damaged it, but for now it continues to work. Whew!
A friend of mine, of whom I have never met but admire greatly said in Romans 15:5-6, “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” Oh, his name is Paul.
As a pastor, I truly strive for this goal, asking God by His Spirit to lead me in producing the good fruit of harmony in the church that I have been gifted to pastor here in Island Park. Am I always successful? NOT! But I am blessed with a congregation of caring, loving people who when called upon to forgive me, do so with grace, goodness and mercy. In return I am called to do the same.
HARMONY is not easy to achieve, as it truly at times take hard work, compromise, putting others first, joining hands and hearts to do as our Lord would have us do and be. We often are called to overlook our and other’s mistakes and fumbles, as that is what in doing so, brings us into one accord. There truly is in human interaction, nothing so beautiful as harmony, be it in our homes, churches, work places, nature and beyond in the galaxy and universe. Whether it’s two-part harmony, or infinite, when present produces peace. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” Matthew 5:9
Often it is our choice, so today, let us choose to be ‘part’ of the song of peace.
Selah
Good Morning Fellow Citizens of the Beautiful Island Park Caldera! I come to you this morning not having a topic, or a clue as to where this is going to go today. That is not my way of doing things, so let’s see what happens.
(pause)
The first word that came to my mind is harmony. A noun, harmony has a three-fold meaning. 1. A pleasing quality when things or people are arranged together smoothly.
2. Agreement
3. The combination of musical notes sounded at the same time to produce cords with a pleasing effect.
Just now as I was typing this, my cell phone sitting beside my computer rang loudly, scaring the (whatever) out of me. My harmony was shattered. Looking at the meaning of harmony when it is a part of our lives, just like now, is often shattered by the unexpected event, person or even thing. Forest Gump said, “life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get.” Isn’t that so true? Each day holds the unexpected from moment to moment that can change in a second, literally.
Unexpected! Again, here at my computer, with my hot tea sitting close by I accidentally struck it reaching for a napkin, spilling hot liquid onto the keys. My newly achieved harmony was once more shattered. Panicking, that I had surely damaged it, but for now it continues to work. Whew!
A friend of mine, of whom I have never met but admire greatly said in Romans 15:5-6, “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” Oh, his name is Paul.
As a pastor, I truly strive for this goal, asking God by His Spirit to lead me in producing the good fruit of harmony in the church that I have been gifted to pastor here in Island Park. Am I always successful? NOT! But I am blessed with a congregation of caring, loving people who when called upon to forgive me, do so with grace, goodness and mercy. In return I am called to do the same.
HARMONY is not easy to achieve, as it truly at times take hard work, compromise, putting others first, joining hands and hearts to do as our Lord would have us do and be. We often are called to overlook our and other’s mistakes and fumbles, as that is what in doing so, brings us into one accord. There truly is in human interaction, nothing so beautiful as harmony, be it in our homes, churches, work places, nature and beyond in the galaxy and universe. Whether it’s two-part harmony, or infinite, when present produces peace. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” Matthew 5:9
Often it is our choice, so today, let us choose to be ‘part’ of the song of peace.
Selah
Reflections….on the spiritual side of life ~
ACTS OF KINDNESS are still alive and well! Even though our national elected officials seem to have misplace this delightful and simple virtue, I experience it and attempt to give it every day.
EPHESIANS 4:32…. “and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you.”
GALATIANS 5:22… “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against these there is no law.”
So, friends and neighbors, how is kindness explained in a dictionary? KINDNESS, “the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate.”
As an everyday local example, where I shop on any given day for groceries and incidentals when needed, I stop by Robin’s Roost. Not only are their prices fair, but from the manager on down, I am always greeted kindly and attentively, always being told thank you, and to have a good morning, afternoon, evening or night, depending of course on the time of day. This simple action of these folks simply makes me want to go back. On occasion I have a quick breakfast, (when too lazy to fix my own at home) and I receive the same attitude from the sweet woman who fixes it for me. This made me recognize that I MUST learn and use her name. She always brings a smile to my face! Thank you!!!
The ac-tion or act of kindness seems like such a simple thing, but I believe with all my heart that it is one of the highest, personal and interactive virtues that we can give to one another. In kindness is grace and in kindness is humility because we are giving of ourselves in order to build up another person, not being self-focused, but outwardly giving expecting nothing in return.
Taking the time to call a friend, or an elderly shut in, picking up groceries, going to the post office for someone, helping shovel snow, a smile, a wave and so many other simple but uplifting helps that we can give, just for the sake of giving and helping another person or even an animal in need.
When I do this, I do it for three persons. The Lord, the person I am being kind to and then for myself. It is good to make another person feel they count, and again, giving, not to receive back, but simply doing so makes me feel good. For the Lord, because these actions please him and this he requires of me if indeed I am a follower of his. MICAH 6:8, “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
My hope and my prayer is that we deliberately look around as we live our everyday lives, for places, people and situations that we can show kindness.
God bless you all and have a wonderful day! Amen
ACTS OF KINDNESS are still alive and well! Even though our national elected officials seem to have misplace this delightful and simple virtue, I experience it and attempt to give it every day.
EPHESIANS 4:32…. “and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you.”
GALATIANS 5:22… “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against these there is no law.”
So, friends and neighbors, how is kindness explained in a dictionary? KINDNESS, “the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate.”
As an everyday local example, where I shop on any given day for groceries and incidentals when needed, I stop by Robin’s Roost. Not only are their prices fair, but from the manager on down, I am always greeted kindly and attentively, always being told thank you, and to have a good morning, afternoon, evening or night, depending of course on the time of day. This simple action of these folks simply makes me want to go back. On occasion I have a quick breakfast, (when too lazy to fix my own at home) and I receive the same attitude from the sweet woman who fixes it for me. This made me recognize that I MUST learn and use her name. She always brings a smile to my face! Thank you!!!
The ac-tion or act of kindness seems like such a simple thing, but I believe with all my heart that it is one of the highest, personal and interactive virtues that we can give to one another. In kindness is grace and in kindness is humility because we are giving of ourselves in order to build up another person, not being self-focused, but outwardly giving expecting nothing in return.
Taking the time to call a friend, or an elderly shut in, picking up groceries, going to the post office for someone, helping shovel snow, a smile, a wave and so many other simple but uplifting helps that we can give, just for the sake of giving and helping another person or even an animal in need.
When I do this, I do it for three persons. The Lord, the person I am being kind to and then for myself. It is good to make another person feel they count, and again, giving, not to receive back, but simply doing so makes me feel good. For the Lord, because these actions please him and this he requires of me if indeed I am a follower of his. MICAH 6:8, “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
My hope and my prayer is that we deliberately look around as we live our everyday lives, for places, people and situations that we can show kindness.
God bless you all and have a wonderful day! Amen
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life………….
Trumpeter Swans, Canada Geese, Mallards and Coots! I can’t begin to tell you how much these water fowl lift my spirit during the winter months. Saturday morning, I was sitting in the Trout Hunter having breakfast, looking out at the river and not seeing any of my winter friends. I turned to Cesa, who was my server that day and asked where they were. She no sooner said they would show up, when there they were, but I had never seen them do what they were doing that morning. I saw, first one, then two, and much to my enjoyment they kept coming single file, and kept coming, all lined up in straight row that extended perhaps seventy-five feet or more. Then along behind them, NOT in a long single line were the Canada Geese, Mallards and Coots.
What a HOOT! This winter in particular has been especially abundant in regards to these creatures. What a blessing and what lightness they bring to me, simply by being here, where I can see them every day doing what comes naturally. So elegant and so amazing. If we take time to look, listen and recognize the abundant beauty all around us every day, our spirits will always find not one, but many things to be lifted up by.
So…that is my personal uplifting time I wanted to share with all of you.
WISDOM…. another word for wisdom is ‘sapience,’ which means we have the ability to think and act, using knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense and insight. Quite a lot of work goes into the acquiring of wisdom, and unfortunately, we do not use this collection often enough. What I have seen and experienced is a high acceleration of emotion taking the place of these necessary steps before thinking and action. During the past six months in particular, with Island Parks controversy over the wildlife bridges, and in our government on a national level as well, all this has filtered down to we as individuals, and filtered also into our family lives, neighborhoods, churches and community in general
Wisdom in NOT based on emotion, but on the necessary qualities I just wrote of, for without these, emotion alone has been the cause of countless wrong actions. “Come let us reason together.” My hope and prayer is that in spite of the controversies that swirl around us, we again as individuals, neighborhoods, local and state governments, and on a national level can and will work towards using knowledge, experience, understanding common sense and insight to resolve our differences. Compromise is a critical key in our homes, our lives, our churches, our jobs, our communities and our government. To reach compromises, there must be communication based on the ability to listen to one another, to reflect, meditate, and continue to develop and use these communication skills to gain wisdom, applicable in every situation in our lives.
“For every pound of learning a person has, he or she needs ten pounds of common sense to know how to use it.” Anonymous
“A wise person learns by the experience of others whenever he or she can. An ordinary person learns by their own experience. A fool learns by nobody’s experience.” Anonymous
“Simply said, to gain wisdom, one first must want to become wise, then work towards that goal. Opinions are worthless unless based on facts.” Me
God bless you, all and I pray you have a wonder-filled new year!
Amen
Trumpeter Swans, Canada Geese, Mallards and Coots! I can’t begin to tell you how much these water fowl lift my spirit during the winter months. Saturday morning, I was sitting in the Trout Hunter having breakfast, looking out at the river and not seeing any of my winter friends. I turned to Cesa, who was my server that day and asked where they were. She no sooner said they would show up, when there they were, but I had never seen them do what they were doing that morning. I saw, first one, then two, and much to my enjoyment they kept coming single file, and kept coming, all lined up in straight row that extended perhaps seventy-five feet or more. Then along behind them, NOT in a long single line were the Canada Geese, Mallards and Coots.
What a HOOT! This winter in particular has been especially abundant in regards to these creatures. What a blessing and what lightness they bring to me, simply by being here, where I can see them every day doing what comes naturally. So elegant and so amazing. If we take time to look, listen and recognize the abundant beauty all around us every day, our spirits will always find not one, but many things to be lifted up by.
So…that is my personal uplifting time I wanted to share with all of you.
WISDOM…. another word for wisdom is ‘sapience,’ which means we have the ability to think and act, using knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense and insight. Quite a lot of work goes into the acquiring of wisdom, and unfortunately, we do not use this collection often enough. What I have seen and experienced is a high acceleration of emotion taking the place of these necessary steps before thinking and action. During the past six months in particular, with Island Parks controversy over the wildlife bridges, and in our government on a national level as well, all this has filtered down to we as individuals, and filtered also into our family lives, neighborhoods, churches and community in general
Wisdom in NOT based on emotion, but on the necessary qualities I just wrote of, for without these, emotion alone has been the cause of countless wrong actions. “Come let us reason together.” My hope and prayer is that in spite of the controversies that swirl around us, we again as individuals, neighborhoods, local and state governments, and on a national level can and will work towards using knowledge, experience, understanding common sense and insight to resolve our differences. Compromise is a critical key in our homes, our lives, our churches, our jobs, our communities and our government. To reach compromises, there must be communication based on the ability to listen to one another, to reflect, meditate, and continue to develop and use these communication skills to gain wisdom, applicable in every situation in our lives.
“For every pound of learning a person has, he or she needs ten pounds of common sense to know how to use it.” Anonymous
“A wise person learns by the experience of others whenever he or she can. An ordinary person learns by their own experience. A fool learns by nobody’s experience.” Anonymous
“Simply said, to gain wisdom, one first must want to become wise, then work towards that goal. Opinions are worthless unless based on facts.” Me
God bless you, all and I pray you have a wonder-filled new year!
Amen
Reflections, on the spiritual side of life
Christmas is over! NOT! This friends and neighbors is THE STORY that just keeps on going. What we learn every year in our celebration now, and have for the past two thousand years, is a call to refresh, enjoy, grow and take comfort in our faith. It is a love story of which there is none other in depth, scope and grace.
This of course will be my last column this year on Christmas, and as we look forward in hope to the coming year, let us carry the message of Christ as Christmas in our hearts, minds and spirits.
It all began in a most remarkable moment….a moment like no other, For in that moment in time, a spectacular event occurred. God became man. Divinity arrived. Heaven opened-up and placed its most precious One in a human womb. The Omnipotent, in that one instant became flesh and blood. The One who was larger than the universe became a microscopic embryo. And He who sustains the world with the Word, chose to be dependent upon the life and nourishment of a very young woman.
God had come near!
He came, not as a flash of light or as an unapproachable conqueror, but as One whose first cries were heard by an extraordinary girl and an aging carpenter. Mary and Joseph were anything but royal. Yet heaven entrusted its greatest Treasure to these simple parents. It began in a manger and would on this earth end on a cross.
He looked like anything but a king. His face red, His eyes tightly shut and His cry that of any newborn child.
MAJESTY in-the midst of the mundane. Holiness in the same stall as sheep, the smell of straw and the sweat of animals. This child who had overseen the Universe now wrapped in swaddling cloths that covered and kept Him warm, were not robes of rich cloth, but ordinary everyday material. He, safe in His mother’s cradling arms, being watched over by His foster-father, Joseph.
His throne, now empty, as He rests quietly in this manger, straw cushioning His small body and worshiping angels had been replaced with kind but bewildered shepherds.
MAJESTY!
This friends and neighbors is what I hope we all will carry into the New Year.
As He grew into a man, teacher, prophet and Lord, we know there were those who were jealous of Him. Those who were envious, curious and even revered Him, but there was NOT one person who was reluctant to approach Him for fear of being rejected. No, not one, not you or not me. No one!
That Babe, that Child, so long ago…still today, touches the hurting, the sorrowful, the lonely, the rejected and the drug addict, the ordinary every-day man, woman and child. Without exception. Every day………………………….
God Bless you this coming New Year! Amen
Christmas is over! NOT! This friends and neighbors is THE STORY that just keeps on going. What we learn every year in our celebration now, and have for the past two thousand years, is a call to refresh, enjoy, grow and take comfort in our faith. It is a love story of which there is none other in depth, scope and grace.
This of course will be my last column this year on Christmas, and as we look forward in hope to the coming year, let us carry the message of Christ as Christmas in our hearts, minds and spirits.
It all began in a most remarkable moment….a moment like no other, For in that moment in time, a spectacular event occurred. God became man. Divinity arrived. Heaven opened-up and placed its most precious One in a human womb. The Omnipotent, in that one instant became flesh and blood. The One who was larger than the universe became a microscopic embryo. And He who sustains the world with the Word, chose to be dependent upon the life and nourishment of a very young woman.
God had come near!
He came, not as a flash of light or as an unapproachable conqueror, but as One whose first cries were heard by an extraordinary girl and an aging carpenter. Mary and Joseph were anything but royal. Yet heaven entrusted its greatest Treasure to these simple parents. It began in a manger and would on this earth end on a cross.
He looked like anything but a king. His face red, His eyes tightly shut and His cry that of any newborn child.
MAJESTY in-the midst of the mundane. Holiness in the same stall as sheep, the smell of straw and the sweat of animals. This child who had overseen the Universe now wrapped in swaddling cloths that covered and kept Him warm, were not robes of rich cloth, but ordinary everyday material. He, safe in His mother’s cradling arms, being watched over by His foster-father, Joseph.
His throne, now empty, as He rests quietly in this manger, straw cushioning His small body and worshiping angels had been replaced with kind but bewildered shepherds.
MAJESTY!
This friends and neighbors is what I hope we all will carry into the New Year.
As He grew into a man, teacher, prophet and Lord, we know there were those who were jealous of Him. Those who were envious, curious and even revered Him, but there was NOT one person who was reluctant to approach Him for fear of being rejected. No, not one, not you or not me. No one!
That Babe, that Child, so long ago…still today, touches the hurting, the sorrowful, the lonely, the rejected and the drug addict, the ordinary every-day man, woman and child. Without exception. Every day………………………….
God Bless you this coming New Year! Amen
Reflections on the spiritual side of life…………………
Peace on earth and goodwill toward mankind. This is one of those times in our nation that these words are more than words of hope. Last week in the Advent weeks leading up to Christmas, the theme and focus in lighting the first Advent candle in our Sunday service was peace. The news last night was anything but. Thousands rioting in the streets of Paris. The country of Yemen on the brink of catastrophic starvation. Closer to home, my own son, a police officer finding himself in three separate fights within just a few days, having to go to the emergency room twice. I worry about my oldest daughter, just having graduated from the Police Academy in Dallas, soon to be pinned and on the street patrolling. Our government acting as though the opinions of each party are the only true and right ones, forgetting it seems, that working together and compromising is the key to balance and always has been.
The lead in sentence of my column this week, keeps on returning to my thoughts again and again. I almost despair emotionally when I think about all the strife and divisions that assail us daily, but the words of Jesus found in John 14:27 also keep returning to me and give me hope and comfort. “I am leaving you with a gift…peace of mind and heart. And the peace that I give is a gift the world cannot give, so do not be troubled or afraid.” As a believer and follower of Jesus, I find that many times and in many difficult situations I would rather not be in, His words come to me and give me hope.
The peace that He gives me goes beyond the natural, for it a supernatural gift that comes from the very Spirit of God. I also think of the verse found in Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good, to those who love God.” I am but one person, and I am not ashamed to say that I rely on God to make sense out of the things, events and people, that puzzle and perplex me. Romans 12:18 puts it squarely in my lap to be a person of peace. “If it is possible, as far is it depends on you, live a peace with everyone.”
Other than my vote, there is little I can do to affect peace in the world, but where I live, and the people I encounter every day, I can as much as is possible be a bringer of “peace on earth and goodwill toward mankind.” Attitude is critical. Critical. What we do have is choice. The choice to choose peace, and all that it means is totally up to you and I as individuals. Especially in-the-midst of dis-peace. We can choose to harbor ill will, unkind words, anger an self-righteousness, or any negative thoughts and feelings we choose….but if we do so, it is not only we ourselves that we are harming, but others too.
Will we choose peace at the cost of our own egos? Will you, will I? We are known by both our words and our choices of actions. What will you choose?
Be blessed friends and neighbors. “May the Peace of God that passes all understanding be yours in Christ Jesus.” Amen
Peace on earth and goodwill toward mankind. This is one of those times in our nation that these words are more than words of hope. Last week in the Advent weeks leading up to Christmas, the theme and focus in lighting the first Advent candle in our Sunday service was peace. The news last night was anything but. Thousands rioting in the streets of Paris. The country of Yemen on the brink of catastrophic starvation. Closer to home, my own son, a police officer finding himself in three separate fights within just a few days, having to go to the emergency room twice. I worry about my oldest daughter, just having graduated from the Police Academy in Dallas, soon to be pinned and on the street patrolling. Our government acting as though the opinions of each party are the only true and right ones, forgetting it seems, that working together and compromising is the key to balance and always has been.
The lead in sentence of my column this week, keeps on returning to my thoughts again and again. I almost despair emotionally when I think about all the strife and divisions that assail us daily, but the words of Jesus found in John 14:27 also keep returning to me and give me hope and comfort. “I am leaving you with a gift…peace of mind and heart. And the peace that I give is a gift the world cannot give, so do not be troubled or afraid.” As a believer and follower of Jesus, I find that many times and in many difficult situations I would rather not be in, His words come to me and give me hope.
The peace that He gives me goes beyond the natural, for it a supernatural gift that comes from the very Spirit of God. I also think of the verse found in Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good, to those who love God.” I am but one person, and I am not ashamed to say that I rely on God to make sense out of the things, events and people, that puzzle and perplex me. Romans 12:18 puts it squarely in my lap to be a person of peace. “If it is possible, as far is it depends on you, live a peace with everyone.”
Other than my vote, there is little I can do to affect peace in the world, but where I live, and the people I encounter every day, I can as much as is possible be a bringer of “peace on earth and goodwill toward mankind.” Attitude is critical. Critical. What we do have is choice. The choice to choose peace, and all that it means is totally up to you and I as individuals. Especially in-the-midst of dis-peace. We can choose to harbor ill will, unkind words, anger an self-righteousness, or any negative thoughts and feelings we choose….but if we do so, it is not only we ourselves that we are harming, but others too.
Will we choose peace at the cost of our own egos? Will you, will I? We are known by both our words and our choices of actions. What will you choose?
Be blessed friends and neighbors. “May the Peace of God that passes all understanding be yours in Christ Jesus.” Amen
Reflections, ON THE SPIRITUAL SIDE OF LIFE
By; PASTOR Tom Shanor
Advent and prophecy follow-up from last week. I hope your week has been a good one since last visiting with you. We at the Little Church, celebrated the first Sunday of Advent with Scriptural readings, a message where we learned in depth what Advent means, and the origination and depth of the symbols associated with the celebration. We also sang two meaningful carols associated with the day, and overall enjoyed our fellowship, worship and after the service, some of Drew's home made Cinnamon Rolls. Delicious…………..
In regards to the follow up regarding prophecies I wrote of last week, and the unbiased study of those I will now relate now.
Professor Emeritus of Science at Westmont College, Peter Stoner, has calculated the probability of one man fulfilling the major prophecies concerning the Messiah. The estimates of their fulfillment were worked out by twelve different classes, overall representing over 600 college students.
The students carefully weighed all the know factors, discussed each prophecy at length, and examined the various circumstances which might indicate that the student conspired together to fulfill any one specific prophecy. They made their estimates conservative enough so that there was finally a unanimous agreement as to how to do so, even among the most skeptical.
However, then Professor Stoner took their estimates and made them even more conservative. He also encouraged other skeptics and scientists to make their own estimate to see if his conclusions were more than fair. Finally, he submitted his figures for review to a Committee of the American Scientific Affiliation. Upon examination by this non-religious group, they verified that his calculations were dependable and accurate in regard to the scientific material submitted.
One example was this. Concerning Micah 5:2, where it states the messiah would be born in Bethlehem Ephrathah, Stoner and his students determined the average population of Bethlehem from the time of Micah to the present; they then divided it by the average population of the earth during the same period. The conclusion was that the change of this one man being born in Bethlehem was one in three hundred thousand.
After examining only eight prophecies, they conservatively estimated that the chance of this one man fulfilling all eight of them was one in a number containing seventeen zeros. Bear with me here.
If you mark only one of ten tickets, placing them in a hat, and thoroughly stir them, and then ask a blindfolded person to draw one, their chances of getting the right ticket is yes, one in ten.
Then suppose we take the number with the seventeen zeros, represented by silver dollars and lay them on the ground of the state of Texas. They will if we were truly able to do this, cover the entire state two feet deep in silver dollars. Now mark (one) of those silver dollars to set it apart from all the others and stir it in with others across the state. Blindfold the same person blindfolded with the ten tickets illustration and tell them that they can travel as far as they wish, but must pick up the one silver dollar that is marked while being blindfolded getting the right one What chance would they have of choosing the right one? Just the same that the prophets would have had of writing just these eight prophecies and having them all come true in any one man, from their day to the present. Incredible!
The magnitude of the fulfillment of those which have literally been fulfilled in beyond number……and yet, they have.
Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth and goodwill to all of mankind.
Thank you……..and God Bless you all!
By; PASTOR Tom Shanor
Advent and prophecy follow-up from last week. I hope your week has been a good one since last visiting with you. We at the Little Church, celebrated the first Sunday of Advent with Scriptural readings, a message where we learned in depth what Advent means, and the origination and depth of the symbols associated with the celebration. We also sang two meaningful carols associated with the day, and overall enjoyed our fellowship, worship and after the service, some of Drew's home made Cinnamon Rolls. Delicious…………..
In regards to the follow up regarding prophecies I wrote of last week, and the unbiased study of those I will now relate now.
Professor Emeritus of Science at Westmont College, Peter Stoner, has calculated the probability of one man fulfilling the major prophecies concerning the Messiah. The estimates of their fulfillment were worked out by twelve different classes, overall representing over 600 college students.
The students carefully weighed all the know factors, discussed each prophecy at length, and examined the various circumstances which might indicate that the student conspired together to fulfill any one specific prophecy. They made their estimates conservative enough so that there was finally a unanimous agreement as to how to do so, even among the most skeptical.
However, then Professor Stoner took their estimates and made them even more conservative. He also encouraged other skeptics and scientists to make their own estimate to see if his conclusions were more than fair. Finally, he submitted his figures for review to a Committee of the American Scientific Affiliation. Upon examination by this non-religious group, they verified that his calculations were dependable and accurate in regard to the scientific material submitted.
One example was this. Concerning Micah 5:2, where it states the messiah would be born in Bethlehem Ephrathah, Stoner and his students determined the average population of Bethlehem from the time of Micah to the present; they then divided it by the average population of the earth during the same period. The conclusion was that the change of this one man being born in Bethlehem was one in three hundred thousand.
After examining only eight prophecies, they conservatively estimated that the chance of this one man fulfilling all eight of them was one in a number containing seventeen zeros. Bear with me here.
If you mark only one of ten tickets, placing them in a hat, and thoroughly stir them, and then ask a blindfolded person to draw one, their chances of getting the right ticket is yes, one in ten.
Then suppose we take the number with the seventeen zeros, represented by silver dollars and lay them on the ground of the state of Texas. They will if we were truly able to do this, cover the entire state two feet deep in silver dollars. Now mark (one) of those silver dollars to set it apart from all the others and stir it in with others across the state. Blindfold the same person blindfolded with the ten tickets illustration and tell them that they can travel as far as they wish, but must pick up the one silver dollar that is marked while being blindfolded getting the right one What chance would they have of choosing the right one? Just the same that the prophets would have had of writing just these eight prophecies and having them all come true in any one man, from their day to the present. Incredible!
The magnitude of the fulfillment of those which have literally been fulfilled in beyond number……and yet, they have.
Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth and goodwill to all of mankind.
Thank you……..and God Bless you all!
Reflections
On the spiritual side of life…………………
Thanksgiving Day………when I think of that first Thanksgiving, I immediately draw up memories from my first-grade art class. Sitting at my little desk, cutting out Pilgrim hats to wear, using that wonderful white pasty glue, hoping it would hold when I put it on my buzzed little kid head. Next came colorful art paper turkeys, etc., never realizing while having all that fun, behind my kid’s rendition of that day, lay a very serious and sober history. A truly amazing story of persecution, hardship, death and in time triumph.
One hundred and two people, plus 30 crew members crowded into one ship, the Mayflower. Sixty-six days of early Fall storms, strong currents and towering waves. With those storms came illness, at times fear and asking themselves, “did we do the right thing?” “Is God with us?” Yet, for the most part these few brave souls held on to the faith, hope and eventual victory, but at a cost. Upon finally arriving, not at their original destination but further north at a location that would be named Plymouth, Massachusetts. Before leaving the ship that day and stepping onto dry land, a total of forty-four of those brave souls from the original 102 stepped ashore.
Like the early New Testament Church and the Apostles, I see these people of God, driven (literally and spiritually) by their desire for freedom of religion, needing to worship Him as they felt led to so, which was their primary reason for setting off on this arduous journey. Leaving behind their homes, their vocations and even members of their families, all to freely express their love of God. My view of them includes seeing them as veterans of a spiritual war, for which I, today, thank both God and they, for their vision and bravery. These were good people, and like us not perfect. They too had their strengths and weaknesses, but, in-spite-of those, they loved the Lord their God with all their heart, mind and strength. So much so, they were willing to sacrifice so very much to express that love.
Because of them and the foundation they laid, we have in this nation deep spiritual roots, which manifests themselves in not only that of Christianity, but the freedom for all religions to meet freely and openly.
I ask all of you today, as you meet with friends, family or strangers, no matter your belief or unbelief, to simply say thank you to those first brave souls for laying for us, all of us, a foundation on freedom.
God Bless You and God Bless America
On the spiritual side of life…………………
Thanksgiving Day………when I think of that first Thanksgiving, I immediately draw up memories from my first-grade art class. Sitting at my little desk, cutting out Pilgrim hats to wear, using that wonderful white pasty glue, hoping it would hold when I put it on my buzzed little kid head. Next came colorful art paper turkeys, etc., never realizing while having all that fun, behind my kid’s rendition of that day, lay a very serious and sober history. A truly amazing story of persecution, hardship, death and in time triumph.
One hundred and two people, plus 30 crew members crowded into one ship, the Mayflower. Sixty-six days of early Fall storms, strong currents and towering waves. With those storms came illness, at times fear and asking themselves, “did we do the right thing?” “Is God with us?” Yet, for the most part these few brave souls held on to the faith, hope and eventual victory, but at a cost. Upon finally arriving, not at their original destination but further north at a location that would be named Plymouth, Massachusetts. Before leaving the ship that day and stepping onto dry land, a total of forty-four of those brave souls from the original 102 stepped ashore.
Like the early New Testament Church and the Apostles, I see these people of God, driven (literally and spiritually) by their desire for freedom of religion, needing to worship Him as they felt led to so, which was their primary reason for setting off on this arduous journey. Leaving behind their homes, their vocations and even members of their families, all to freely express their love of God. My view of them includes seeing them as veterans of a spiritual war, for which I, today, thank both God and they, for their vision and bravery. These were good people, and like us not perfect. They too had their strengths and weaknesses, but, in-spite-of those, they loved the Lord their God with all their heart, mind and strength. So much so, they were willing to sacrifice so very much to express that love.
Because of them and the foundation they laid, we have in this nation deep spiritual roots, which manifests themselves in not only that of Christianity, but the freedom for all religions to meet freely and openly.
I ask all of you today, as you meet with friends, family or strangers, no matter your belief or unbelief, to simply say thank you to those first brave souls for laying for us, all of us, a foundation on freedom.
God Bless You and God Bless America
Reflections
On the spiritual side of life
“Peace………..on earth and goodwill toward mankind.” (Luke 2:14) When is the last time as a people in our nation have actually and collectively felt any real measure of peace? I believe I personally would have to go back to when President Eisenhower was newly in office and World War II was over, prior to the coming Korean War. Even as a kid in that brief interlude, I had a sense of peace. Then the Korean conflict arrived, Khrushchev rose to power. I remember so clearly looking into the sky, following his saying “we will bury you” thinking in my young mind that at any moment nuclear bombs could suddenly come, obliterating the entire world. Over the years to come, since those early days I have never felt free from the un-seldness of “wars and rumors of wars”.
The coming season of Advent, as we Christians celebrate the coming of the Christ child, and the promise some day of peace on earth, year after year I find within myself hope rises. “Peace on earth, and goodwill toward mankind” comes into my thoughts repeatedly. Will it be in my lifetime, I do not know, but I can hope, and hope is something I will not let die. If not for me, perhaps for my children, and if not them then my grandchildren.
The four Sundays leading up to Christmas each have their own emphasis. They are Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. This Advent Season my messages will be titled, beginning on December 2nd, Choosing Hope, Choosing Peace, Choosing Joy and Choosing Love. You see, our choices are vital to how we live our lives individually and as people of this nation. If…. on an individual level we each choose to have the attitudes of the themes of Advent, not only will we be blessed with a measure of peace within ourselves, but we will also by that attitude affect those we encounter in our every day lives.
It does not matter how ‘commercialized’ Christmas becomes, or that people who celebrate it do so without knowing Christ. There can still be an attitude of hope, peace, joy and love that comes from simply the act of giving and receiving. In doing so we can break down the barriers politically, personally, and all other reasons divisions exist.
There is a hymn we sing in our services on occasion. I am sure you have heard it in one form or another. “let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me” This peace begins right where we live within ourselves. So, I leave you with this question for you to decide. What attitude do you choose today to live with, and in the days and years ahead?
Have a thankful Thanksgiving and a Joy filled holiday season and may the Peace of God find a place of residence in your hearts and minds.
Thank you……… Amen
On the spiritual side of life
“Peace………..on earth and goodwill toward mankind.” (Luke 2:14) When is the last time as a people in our nation have actually and collectively felt any real measure of peace? I believe I personally would have to go back to when President Eisenhower was newly in office and World War II was over, prior to the coming Korean War. Even as a kid in that brief interlude, I had a sense of peace. Then the Korean conflict arrived, Khrushchev rose to power. I remember so clearly looking into the sky, following his saying “we will bury you” thinking in my young mind that at any moment nuclear bombs could suddenly come, obliterating the entire world. Over the years to come, since those early days I have never felt free from the un-seldness of “wars and rumors of wars”.
The coming season of Advent, as we Christians celebrate the coming of the Christ child, and the promise some day of peace on earth, year after year I find within myself hope rises. “Peace on earth, and goodwill toward mankind” comes into my thoughts repeatedly. Will it be in my lifetime, I do not know, but I can hope, and hope is something I will not let die. If not for me, perhaps for my children, and if not them then my grandchildren.
The four Sundays leading up to Christmas each have their own emphasis. They are Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. This Advent Season my messages will be titled, beginning on December 2nd, Choosing Hope, Choosing Peace, Choosing Joy and Choosing Love. You see, our choices are vital to how we live our lives individually and as people of this nation. If…. on an individual level we each choose to have the attitudes of the themes of Advent, not only will we be blessed with a measure of peace within ourselves, but we will also by that attitude affect those we encounter in our every day lives.
It does not matter how ‘commercialized’ Christmas becomes, or that people who celebrate it do so without knowing Christ. There can still be an attitude of hope, peace, joy and love that comes from simply the act of giving and receiving. In doing so we can break down the barriers politically, personally, and all other reasons divisions exist.
There is a hymn we sing in our services on occasion. I am sure you have heard it in one form or another. “let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me” This peace begins right where we live within ourselves. So, I leave you with this question for you to decide. What attitude do you choose today to live with, and in the days and years ahead?
Have a thankful Thanksgiving and a Joy filled holiday season and may the Peace of God find a place of residence in your hearts and minds.
Thank you……… Amen
REFLECTIONS
BLESSED ~ BLESS ~ BLESSINGS…….present, future and ongoing, I am blessed, I will bless, and good things trail along with blessings. All of us have been blessed, especially those of us who have chosen or are called to live here in Island Park. Not that we are without problems, disagreements and an occasional issue or two that tries to divide us, but overall, a more caring and unified community would be hard to find elsewhere.
The caldera most recently and for the most part, is unified in its desire and hope to be a place for all those who live and recreate here, to be able to do this when done respectfully and with loving care. We all know there is a minority always and everywhere (not only here) who for some reason(s) don’t understand, and therefore don’t care about the same things that the majority does. The key is to educate by example when and wherever we can.
So, back to blessed, bless and blessings. A blessing is a type of pronouncement, and a pronouncement is a formal authoritative announcement or declaration, and declaration is an explicit statement. A blessing is a declaration, by bestowing an upbeat and positive pronouncement on someone or someplace, and is declaring good things on whomever or whatever is the recipient. Hope you got that?
We, who live here, again are already blessed, and in my opinion should acknowledge daily (at a minimum) our thanks to the One who molded this small parcel of the world with gratitude. The grandeur, the climate, the air we breathe free of most pollutants, animals, flowers, vistas, rivers and streams, and each other. To start our day with Thanks-giving and praise, whether you believe in the Creator-God or not. With gratitude on lips and thankfulness in our hearts, the negative things that come our way will have been tempered and at times even dismissed.
Attitude…..is critical to our well-being. Good attitude that is. The attitude of blessing and being blessed brings health, happiness and contentment. Blessings offset the nitpickers that come our way, and who knows we may in doing so lift them up and out of their nay-saying attitudes.
What is a nit? I am going to tell you. A nit is an egg or young form of a louse, or other parasitic insects. Especially the egg of a head louse, that attaches itself to a human hair, and some animal’s hair such as monkeys. Most of us have seen videos of monkeys patiently searching, picking, and then eating the louse they manage to find. Now me, I would much rather be the source of being a blessing, and even receiving one than be a nitpicker or nay-sayer. How about you?
Attitude is something we choose, not something that is bestowed on us. As we head into this new winter season, let us choose to recognize the blessings that surround us every day, and out of that position, may we both bless and be a blessing in as many ways as is possible. There is an old hymn of which the chorus says it this way. “Count your blessings, name them one by one, count your many blessings, see what God has done. Selah
BLESSED ~ BLESS ~ BLESSINGS…….present, future and ongoing, I am blessed, I will bless, and good things trail along with blessings. All of us have been blessed, especially those of us who have chosen or are called to live here in Island Park. Not that we are without problems, disagreements and an occasional issue or two that tries to divide us, but overall, a more caring and unified community would be hard to find elsewhere.
The caldera most recently and for the most part, is unified in its desire and hope to be a place for all those who live and recreate here, to be able to do this when done respectfully and with loving care. We all know there is a minority always and everywhere (not only here) who for some reason(s) don’t understand, and therefore don’t care about the same things that the majority does. The key is to educate by example when and wherever we can.
So, back to blessed, bless and blessings. A blessing is a type of pronouncement, and a pronouncement is a formal authoritative announcement or declaration, and declaration is an explicit statement. A blessing is a declaration, by bestowing an upbeat and positive pronouncement on someone or someplace, and is declaring good things on whomever or whatever is the recipient. Hope you got that?
We, who live here, again are already blessed, and in my opinion should acknowledge daily (at a minimum) our thanks to the One who molded this small parcel of the world with gratitude. The grandeur, the climate, the air we breathe free of most pollutants, animals, flowers, vistas, rivers and streams, and each other. To start our day with Thanks-giving and praise, whether you believe in the Creator-God or not. With gratitude on lips and thankfulness in our hearts, the negative things that come our way will have been tempered and at times even dismissed.
Attitude…..is critical to our well-being. Good attitude that is. The attitude of blessing and being blessed brings health, happiness and contentment. Blessings offset the nitpickers that come our way, and who knows we may in doing so lift them up and out of their nay-saying attitudes.
What is a nit? I am going to tell you. A nit is an egg or young form of a louse, or other parasitic insects. Especially the egg of a head louse, that attaches itself to a human hair, and some animal’s hair such as monkeys. Most of us have seen videos of monkeys patiently searching, picking, and then eating the louse they manage to find. Now me, I would much rather be the source of being a blessing, and even receiving one than be a nitpicker or nay-sayer. How about you?
Attitude is something we choose, not something that is bestowed on us. As we head into this new winter season, let us choose to recognize the blessings that surround us every day, and out of that position, may we both bless and be a blessing in as many ways as is possible. There is an old hymn of which the chorus says it this way. “Count your blessings, name them one by one, count your many blessings, see what God has done. Selah
Reflections…………………….
On the spiritual side of life
TODAY, I begin this column with a heavy heart, yet with a ray of hope. My heaviness stems from the state of our nation, but my hope comes from deep within, because of my relationship with Jesus Christ, where He assures me “‘that all thing work together for the good’” of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them”. I believe that this nation was called and established, to be a light set on a hill, and that all the world would benefit from that light.
In my heart of hearts, I believe that running deep within this nation, as exemplified by the outreach of so many people in collective grief and sadness, and by the comforting of those of our Jewish fellow citizens because of the horrific event of last week, hope still rises to the surface. Reflecting back to the horrific shooting in Charleston, when our black brothers and sisters were killed by a lone, sick gunman I grieve. Each of those incidents, amongst all the others that have beset innocent victims of our nation and beyond, speak of a spiritual deficit throughout the world.
For those of us who call ourselves Christians, are called not only to love one another, but to love our neighbor, and of all things also our enemies. Not only love them but to do good to them who would harm us. Are we fulfilling this teaching? Undoubtedly this is a very difficult teaching, but is one we can accomplish, otherwise He would not have given it to us. “We can do all things through Christ who enables us.”
This is a time for reflection, a time for introspection, but also action. This is a time for those of us who are Christians, to step up and into the fray that besets us. Not with words of division, but with words of love, grace, mercy and kindness. Christ has called us to be a light to the world. We are to live as He teaches us to live, and to reach out by being an example of who our Lord is.
St. Francis left us, based on the teachings of Jesus, these words. “Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace; where is there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness; light, and where there is sadness, JOY.”
In these words, alive as they are, we can join hands across religions, denominations, political parties, race, social status, and all that has the potential to divide us. Joining as one, in and for the love of all humanity, all of God’s children. Amen
On the spiritual side of life
TODAY, I begin this column with a heavy heart, yet with a ray of hope. My heaviness stems from the state of our nation, but my hope comes from deep within, because of my relationship with Jesus Christ, where He assures me “‘that all thing work together for the good’” of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them”. I believe that this nation was called and established, to be a light set on a hill, and that all the world would benefit from that light.
In my heart of hearts, I believe that running deep within this nation, as exemplified by the outreach of so many people in collective grief and sadness, and by the comforting of those of our Jewish fellow citizens because of the horrific event of last week, hope still rises to the surface. Reflecting back to the horrific shooting in Charleston, when our black brothers and sisters were killed by a lone, sick gunman I grieve. Each of those incidents, amongst all the others that have beset innocent victims of our nation and beyond, speak of a spiritual deficit throughout the world.
For those of us who call ourselves Christians, are called not only to love one another, but to love our neighbor, and of all things also our enemies. Not only love them but to do good to them who would harm us. Are we fulfilling this teaching? Undoubtedly this is a very difficult teaching, but is one we can accomplish, otherwise He would not have given it to us. “We can do all things through Christ who enables us.”
This is a time for reflection, a time for introspection, but also action. This is a time for those of us who are Christians, to step up and into the fray that besets us. Not with words of division, but with words of love, grace, mercy and kindness. Christ has called us to be a light to the world. We are to live as He teaches us to live, and to reach out by being an example of who our Lord is.
St. Francis left us, based on the teachings of Jesus, these words. “Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace; where is there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness; light, and where there is sadness, JOY.”
In these words, alive as they are, we can join hands across religions, denominations, political parties, race, social status, and all that has the potential to divide us. Joining as one, in and for the love of all humanity, all of God’s children. Amen
REFLECTIONS; On the spiritual side of life………………
ROMANS 13, VERSES 1, 5 & 6. “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. (5) Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.”
(6) “This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. (7) Give to everyone what you owe them: if you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” These are the words of the Lord. (you may want to read verses, 2-4, and 7 as well)
Of course, we know that government when corrupt needs some come-uppens and correction, no doubt. Our own government nation and government exists because of a corrupt and power-hungry parent country.
Religion and government are like a couple who sometimes have a hard living together, but who find they simply cannot live apart. Both need their independence in order to flourish; and history has shown that a complete divorce is healthy for neither.
In regards to religion and worship in America, we have the First Amendment to the Constitution, (though at times abused by both entities) which tells us, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion…..OR…..prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Power in both religion and government are the number one factor in the rise of corruption. Marry the two to each other, and serious, often deadly are the results. Its’ the mind and heart of corrupt men and women that will abuse both, not the entities themselves.
I have heard it said that we are today a post Christian nation. Wrong. We have never been a Christian nation, though most of our principles, laws, etc., are founded on Christian/Judaism thought and writings. The moral and ethical foundation we live our everyday lives on mostly come from these two religions, and for this I am eternally grateful. Our forefathers had the wisdom to draw as their main resource the truths of both. The beauty of the First Amendment is that it guarantees FREEDOM to all of us, to worship God as we understand God, and to also not believe or worship without repercussions or punishment.
I have said all of this today, because we are at a vital time in the history of our nation. “One nation under God” I thank God, as I know and worship Him, that I live in a nation that I can speak into it by having the freedom to do so by my singular vote. To not take this great gift seriously, and to not vote (my opinion) is like a slap in the face of those who fought and died to give us this right. However, we do vote, we should do so by giving thought and prayer to our choices, not based on emotion alone, but with reason, prayer and serious research into the issues at hand. This mid-term election will set the course of our nation for years to come. The choice is in our hands as we mark that ballot.
God give us all wisdom however we do so, and with a clear and grace-filled conscience, and please VOTE. Amen
ROMANS 13, VERSES 1, 5 & 6. “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. (5) Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.”
(6) “This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. (7) Give to everyone what you owe them: if you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” These are the words of the Lord. (you may want to read verses, 2-4, and 7 as well)
Of course, we know that government when corrupt needs some come-uppens and correction, no doubt. Our own government nation and government exists because of a corrupt and power-hungry parent country.
Religion and government are like a couple who sometimes have a hard living together, but who find they simply cannot live apart. Both need their independence in order to flourish; and history has shown that a complete divorce is healthy for neither.
In regards to religion and worship in America, we have the First Amendment to the Constitution, (though at times abused by both entities) which tells us, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion…..OR…..prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Power in both religion and government are the number one factor in the rise of corruption. Marry the two to each other, and serious, often deadly are the results. Its’ the mind and heart of corrupt men and women that will abuse both, not the entities themselves.
I have heard it said that we are today a post Christian nation. Wrong. We have never been a Christian nation, though most of our principles, laws, etc., are founded on Christian/Judaism thought and writings. The moral and ethical foundation we live our everyday lives on mostly come from these two religions, and for this I am eternally grateful. Our forefathers had the wisdom to draw as their main resource the truths of both. The beauty of the First Amendment is that it guarantees FREEDOM to all of us, to worship God as we understand God, and to also not believe or worship without repercussions or punishment.
I have said all of this today, because we are at a vital time in the history of our nation. “One nation under God” I thank God, as I know and worship Him, that I live in a nation that I can speak into it by having the freedom to do so by my singular vote. To not take this great gift seriously, and to not vote (my opinion) is like a slap in the face of those who fought and died to give us this right. However, we do vote, we should do so by giving thought and prayer to our choices, not based on emotion alone, but with reason, prayer and serious research into the issues at hand. This mid-term election will set the course of our nation for years to come. The choice is in our hands as we mark that ballot.
God give us all wisdom however we do so, and with a clear and grace-filled conscience, and please VOTE. Amen
REFLECTIONS, on the spiritual side of life…………..
GENESIS 1:31, God saw everything he had made, and it was very good.
GENESIS 1:28, God blessed mankind, and said, “be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the earth, subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air and over all livestock, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over all the creeping things that creep on the earth.”
A cursory reading of Genesis 1:28, it almost sounds as though God, by using the word dominion, gives us the right to do whatever we want, good or bad, to this magnificent globe, in the vastness of the Universe we live in. That premise has been in operation before and since the industrial revolution, until the last thirty years or so. (in my opinion) I do believe more and more we are gaining a measure of wisdom as to the seriousness of the ramifications of that mind-set.
Living in Island Park has reignited a fire within me, as to how important it is to live reasonably and sanely, especially in regards, to my own personal lifestyle, by simply saying no to purchasing and doing things that I once considered my right to have, own and do. My soul (spirit) is nourished, not by the things I own, but by the constant and changing beauty in this place, and God’s divine handiwork.
I have lived in L.A., Pittsburgh, Seattle and Minneapolis, and have spent time in Chicago, San Diego, Portland and many other major cities of this great nation. In each of those time periods and visits, I yearned constantly for vistas, mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, streams, wild animals, quiet, peace and again, nourishment for my soul. I happened to be in Cleveland Ohio, back in the sixties when the river was on fire from so much pollution. I have been unable to forget that hideous sight. I lived in L.A. when the smog was so bad that you could not see the tops of the skyscrapers, or six blocks down the street. The toll on a person physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually can be enormous.
I am not a fanatic (so to speak) on the environment, but I do believe with all my heart, mind and spirit that we all need to take more serious and thoughtful responsibility as to our own place in Creation, and understand these underlying truths, that the resources of this planet are finite, not infinite. God gave us good minds, along with and the ability to reason and think about our choices, and the consequences of short-range thinking verses long term planning.
We have done an exceptional job of multiplying, subduing, gaining dominion, and in the process leaving a trail of havoc and wreckage. God forgive us in taking his Creation for granted and not treating it as the Sanctuary it was meant to be……and is. We here, for the most part in Island Park, cherish the land on which we tread, and the vistas that greet us everywhere we look, so let us reasonably and with intent work together to maintain a healthy balance of the lifestyle available to all, and daily thank God for this great gift. Amen
GENESIS 1:31, God saw everything he had made, and it was very good.
GENESIS 1:28, God blessed mankind, and said, “be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the earth, subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air and over all livestock, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over all the creeping things that creep on the earth.”
A cursory reading of Genesis 1:28, it almost sounds as though God, by using the word dominion, gives us the right to do whatever we want, good or bad, to this magnificent globe, in the vastness of the Universe we live in. That premise has been in operation before and since the industrial revolution, until the last thirty years or so. (in my opinion) I do believe more and more we are gaining a measure of wisdom as to the seriousness of the ramifications of that mind-set.
Living in Island Park has reignited a fire within me, as to how important it is to live reasonably and sanely, especially in regards, to my own personal lifestyle, by simply saying no to purchasing and doing things that I once considered my right to have, own and do. My soul (spirit) is nourished, not by the things I own, but by the constant and changing beauty in this place, and God’s divine handiwork.
I have lived in L.A., Pittsburgh, Seattle and Minneapolis, and have spent time in Chicago, San Diego, Portland and many other major cities of this great nation. In each of those time periods and visits, I yearned constantly for vistas, mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, streams, wild animals, quiet, peace and again, nourishment for my soul. I happened to be in Cleveland Ohio, back in the sixties when the river was on fire from so much pollution. I have been unable to forget that hideous sight. I lived in L.A. when the smog was so bad that you could not see the tops of the skyscrapers, or six blocks down the street. The toll on a person physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually can be enormous.
I am not a fanatic (so to speak) on the environment, but I do believe with all my heart, mind and spirit that we all need to take more serious and thoughtful responsibility as to our own place in Creation, and understand these underlying truths, that the resources of this planet are finite, not infinite. God gave us good minds, along with and the ability to reason and think about our choices, and the consequences of short-range thinking verses long term planning.
We have done an exceptional job of multiplying, subduing, gaining dominion, and in the process leaving a trail of havoc and wreckage. God forgive us in taking his Creation for granted and not treating it as the Sanctuary it was meant to be……and is. We here, for the most part in Island Park, cherish the land on which we tread, and the vistas that greet us everywhere we look, so let us reasonably and with intent work together to maintain a healthy balance of the lifestyle available to all, and daily thank God for this great gift. Amen
Reflections..................
Life is real! Life is earnest!
And the grave is not its goal;
"Dust thou art, to dust returnest,"
Was not spoken of the soul.
by; Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 1807 - 1882
...This article is a meditation on the 'soul', and the validation of it's existence, and a follow up to my sermon on Sunday. This is I believe, my most spiritually pointed column to date. Many will not agree with me, but at least I will have perhaps caused some to think about the soul, which ordinarily they would not. I enjoy making people think, even if they don't agree or even like the subject.
Mark 8:36 & 37, and what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?
Sobering words no doubt. At least if you believe in the reality of a soul. The soul as I will describe it is found in most religions, giving credence to the universal belief in its existence.
Life as we experience it is so brief, and both troubling and amazing. If a life is lived fully, there will be a broad range of ups and downs, ins and outs, and mysteries galore. How blessed we are to have this great gift.
Jesus Himself by His own words stated the souls existence in John 12:27, "Now my soul is deeply troubled."
The characteristics of the soul are described in moral, spiritual, and philosophical terms. Souls have sensations and thoughts, desires and beliefs, and perform intentional actions. Souls are an essential part of being human, and according to Christian eschatology, when people die, their souls will be in the presence of God.
For non-believers, when a person dies they no longer exist, period, and the third line of Longfellow’s poem above is applicable. "Dust thou art and to dust returnest."
The soul lives on past our bodies and maintains its personality so to speak. It is manifested by our behavior, our words, both in private and publicly. What we see and hear is what we are, and our choices every day make growing our diminishing our soul that lives on. As a Christian, it is vitally important as to the choices we and I make, as to the future we in faith believe we will have, once this life is over. Knowing this should make those choices easy, but being fully human this is not always so, much to my own personal disappointment. But....I get over it, get up and go on. Knowing this at least makes me want to be a better person, because down deep inside it is my desire to please my Lord.
I will end this with one more verse of Longfellow’s poem.
Now enjoyment, and not sorrow,
Is our destined end or way;
But to act, that each to-morrow
Finds us further than to-day. Selah
Life is real! Life is earnest!
And the grave is not its goal;
"Dust thou art, to dust returnest,"
Was not spoken of the soul.
by; Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 1807 - 1882
...This article is a meditation on the 'soul', and the validation of it's existence, and a follow up to my sermon on Sunday. This is I believe, my most spiritually pointed column to date. Many will not agree with me, but at least I will have perhaps caused some to think about the soul, which ordinarily they would not. I enjoy making people think, even if they don't agree or even like the subject.
Mark 8:36 & 37, and what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?
Sobering words no doubt. At least if you believe in the reality of a soul. The soul as I will describe it is found in most religions, giving credence to the universal belief in its existence.
Life as we experience it is so brief, and both troubling and amazing. If a life is lived fully, there will be a broad range of ups and downs, ins and outs, and mysteries galore. How blessed we are to have this great gift.
Jesus Himself by His own words stated the souls existence in John 12:27, "Now my soul is deeply troubled."
The characteristics of the soul are described in moral, spiritual, and philosophical terms. Souls have sensations and thoughts, desires and beliefs, and perform intentional actions. Souls are an essential part of being human, and according to Christian eschatology, when people die, their souls will be in the presence of God.
For non-believers, when a person dies they no longer exist, period, and the third line of Longfellow’s poem above is applicable. "Dust thou art and to dust returnest."
The soul lives on past our bodies and maintains its personality so to speak. It is manifested by our behavior, our words, both in private and publicly. What we see and hear is what we are, and our choices every day make growing our diminishing our soul that lives on. As a Christian, it is vitally important as to the choices we and I make, as to the future we in faith believe we will have, once this life is over. Knowing this should make those choices easy, but being fully human this is not always so, much to my own personal disappointment. But....I get over it, get up and go on. Knowing this at least makes me want to be a better person, because down deep inside it is my desire to please my Lord.
I will end this with one more verse of Longfellow’s poem.
Now enjoyment, and not sorrow,
Is our destined end or way;
But to act, that each to-morrow
Finds us further than to-day. Selah
Reflections…………….
Today’s Reflections started at the so named “Old Men’s Breakfast” at the Lakeside Lodge. I just have to add here that we once had a young man of twenty-five among us, once! That breakfast is a hoot most often, with a great cross-section of our community, last week having thirty-two in attendance. Of course, we were all talking at the same time, but at a long table the most within each individuals hearing range is about six men. So, with thirty-two men talking on a great variety of subjects, you can imagine that the nose level was not a hum, but a cacophony until one by one we began to eat.
Anyway, that morning led me to choose my sermon topic for the upcoming Sunday, that being “the Discipline of Listening”. You see, I found myself that morning listening to a point and then stopped when ‘I’ wanted to share my own story and experience on the same topic. From that point on while putting the facts together in my head, precluded my listening to the end of whatever was being said by my one of six men. All I heard following that point on was blah, blah, blah and more blah. I then looked around and wondered how many others were doing the same thing? It was simply (on my part) dis-courteous and rude. We often by doing this and simply zoning out miss some very important facts and information in general. Wouldn’t you agree?
Proverbs 18:13 quite pointedly states, “spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.” I have memorized this since then.
James 1:19, he says, “Everyone should be quick to listen and slow to speak,” I have since memorized this one too.
Jesus said in Matthew 12:12-13, “to those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge.”
Those three verses in and of themselves should be enough to keep us in the safety zone of listening before speaking. At least they are working for me these days. I hope it lasts!!!
Those who are recognized as good listeners, are usually thought highly of by all who are blessed to know them. Those who don’t, or choose not to listen, the result is quite the opposite, being known as such and often avoided by most.
It would be good for us to think about this topic and then honesty assess if we are good at it or not. We also need to recognize honestly when not and attempt to make a change. It is better to be silent and thought us as a deep person, than to talk too much and be thought of as otherwise.
Being a minister, this is a bit difficult as part of my job description is talking, but I desire to like the person James described. “one who should be quick to listen and slow to speak.” I know it’s going to take continual work to achieve.
Today’s Reflections started at the so named “Old Men’s Breakfast” at the Lakeside Lodge. I just have to add here that we once had a young man of twenty-five among us, once! That breakfast is a hoot most often, with a great cross-section of our community, last week having thirty-two in attendance. Of course, we were all talking at the same time, but at a long table the most within each individuals hearing range is about six men. So, with thirty-two men talking on a great variety of subjects, you can imagine that the nose level was not a hum, but a cacophony until one by one we began to eat.
Anyway, that morning led me to choose my sermon topic for the upcoming Sunday, that being “the Discipline of Listening”. You see, I found myself that morning listening to a point and then stopped when ‘I’ wanted to share my own story and experience on the same topic. From that point on while putting the facts together in my head, precluded my listening to the end of whatever was being said by my one of six men. All I heard following that point on was blah, blah, blah and more blah. I then looked around and wondered how many others were doing the same thing? It was simply (on my part) dis-courteous and rude. We often by doing this and simply zoning out miss some very important facts and information in general. Wouldn’t you agree?
Proverbs 18:13 quite pointedly states, “spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.” I have memorized this since then.
James 1:19, he says, “Everyone should be quick to listen and slow to speak,” I have since memorized this one too.
Jesus said in Matthew 12:12-13, “to those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge.”
Those three verses in and of themselves should be enough to keep us in the safety zone of listening before speaking. At least they are working for me these days. I hope it lasts!!!
Those who are recognized as good listeners, are usually thought highly of by all who are blessed to know them. Those who don’t, or choose not to listen, the result is quite the opposite, being known as such and often avoided by most.
It would be good for us to think about this topic and then honesty assess if we are good at it or not. We also need to recognize honestly when not and attempt to make a change. It is better to be silent and thought us as a deep person, than to talk too much and be thought of as otherwise.
Being a minister, this is a bit difficult as part of my job description is talking, but I desire to like the person James described. “one who should be quick to listen and slow to speak.” I know it’s going to take continual work to achieve.
Reflections………….
Very early one morning this last week before the sun had begun to lighten the eastern sky, I on impulse got up, put a light jacket on and went out into my driveway and looked up. I had a desire to view the multitude of stars that are part of our Milky Way. One of two thoughts usually come to mind when I do this, and they are awe and a feeling occasionally of terror, in how very small I am. A speck on the face of this planet and only one of over six billion. It is good for me to do this for the simple fact, that at times I need to adjust my own so-called self-importance, but then given my small accomplishments in life, it is really, not all that difficult.
My sermon this last Sunday was based on the song our choir sang, “Great is the Lord”! By the way they did an absolutely, wonderful job, and I wish you had all been there to hear it. They then came up at the end of the service to sing it again, and this time the whole congregation joined in and it was magnificent.
In Isaiah 55:9 Scripture reads, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”
So very many of our human differences and issues come from either an oversized ego, or the opposite by feeling we are of little to no value. It is a healthy thing to attempt to grasp who and what we are, what we have to offer and how do we go about working on that. We start with what we know God has given us to work with, such as our gifts, talents, brains, bodies and, last, but not least, our soul.
Sit down and make a list (and be honest) of what you perceive as those things that are, in your opinion good about you. Then make a list of those which you perceive are not, and those which lie somewhere in the middle. Think about them and say a prayer over them, asking God to help you by internal revelation how to improve the things you can, get rid of the things that are a hindrance and focus more on Him for wisdom and direction. I can guarantee it works. So few of us ever take the time, real time to seek God in these matters, and these matters are our personal hard-drive.
Also, maybe on occasion doing something simple, such as I did by putting on my jacket, walking out to gaze at the night sky to find my place in this world and Universe. Einstein once said as he looked at the world, the galaxy and Universe, “this is a symphony so perfect that it has to have a Conductor.” He was not a believer in a personal God, but knew that behind this amazing Creation, there had to be a Being or Creator.
We must as much as we can, have a realistic and healthy perspective of life, and of this amazing Creation we have the privilege of living on and in. Let’s take better care of ourselves, our families, our friends and neighbors as well as better care of our magnificent world, for the benefit of all. Great is the Lord!
Please…..
Very early one morning this last week before the sun had begun to lighten the eastern sky, I on impulse got up, put a light jacket on and went out into my driveway and looked up. I had a desire to view the multitude of stars that are part of our Milky Way. One of two thoughts usually come to mind when I do this, and they are awe and a feeling occasionally of terror, in how very small I am. A speck on the face of this planet and only one of over six billion. It is good for me to do this for the simple fact, that at times I need to adjust my own so-called self-importance, but then given my small accomplishments in life, it is really, not all that difficult.
My sermon this last Sunday was based on the song our choir sang, “Great is the Lord”! By the way they did an absolutely, wonderful job, and I wish you had all been there to hear it. They then came up at the end of the service to sing it again, and this time the whole congregation joined in and it was magnificent.
In Isaiah 55:9 Scripture reads, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”
So very many of our human differences and issues come from either an oversized ego, or the opposite by feeling we are of little to no value. It is a healthy thing to attempt to grasp who and what we are, what we have to offer and how do we go about working on that. We start with what we know God has given us to work with, such as our gifts, talents, brains, bodies and, last, but not least, our soul.
Sit down and make a list (and be honest) of what you perceive as those things that are, in your opinion good about you. Then make a list of those which you perceive are not, and those which lie somewhere in the middle. Think about them and say a prayer over them, asking God to help you by internal revelation how to improve the things you can, get rid of the things that are a hindrance and focus more on Him for wisdom and direction. I can guarantee it works. So few of us ever take the time, real time to seek God in these matters, and these matters are our personal hard-drive.
Also, maybe on occasion doing something simple, such as I did by putting on my jacket, walking out to gaze at the night sky to find my place in this world and Universe. Einstein once said as he looked at the world, the galaxy and Universe, “this is a symphony so perfect that it has to have a Conductor.” He was not a believer in a personal God, but knew that behind this amazing Creation, there had to be a Being or Creator.
We must as much as we can, have a realistic and healthy perspective of life, and of this amazing Creation we have the privilege of living on and in. Let’s take better care of ourselves, our families, our friends and neighbors as well as better care of our magnificent world, for the benefit of all. Great is the Lord!
Please…..
Reflections
I was awakened at 4 a.m. Saturday morning, not having to get up until 6 to help prepare for The Little Church in the Pines annual pancake breakfast. As usual it is when I do my best thinking, I think. Well, anyway, having been mulling over the sermon I would write, and having done all my research, a word popped into my mind, and that word was ‘insurance’. It rhymed with the title word of my sermon topic which was ‘assurance’. I thought, what the heck is that supposed to mean?
So now let’s start with assurance. Assurance in the spiritual realm means, “unwavering confidence of an intelligent faith as applied in trust, by our adherence to that faith in our every day lives.” Simply saying, if you believe it, apply it and live it. I do wish that more of us who call ourselves Christians would do just that, and I mean that across the board. None of us are perfect of course and certainly make mistakes, but I am taking that into account. Very gracious of me isn’t it?
Assurance means basically the same thing in the lives of those who are not religious people, and it can be applied to their every day lives as well. The accompanying words that go along with assurance, are conviction and hope. Assurance, conviction and hope are like three separate motivations powering our lives, and though separate are vitally connected, powered by the same sources, spirit and life itself.
Genuine assurance by its nature should lead those of us who are people of faith to believe fully in the truths put forth in the examples and teachings of Jesus, which in turn when fully applied, bring us internal peace, joy, thankfulness, and most of all love for all of humankind. Not just our own kind.
Our assurance can in various ways be shaken, diminished and even sometimes temporarily fail us because we are human, but the principle or foundation on which assurance is built through our beliefs and faith, cannot be taken away. These once lived and applied, will automatically resurface and provide again and again a permanent foundation from which we can build and sometimes rebuild our everyday lives.
Assurance is very like an insurance policy that when damage, theft, illness or even death comes our way, it is a contract that assures us that believe in Him, that we are never alone and always loved. He paid the premium, we reap the benefits of His policy, naming us as the beneficiaries. Pretty cool!
Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the ‘assurance’ of what we hope for, the conviction of things we cannot see.” (Selah), which means pause and think about it.
I was awakened at 4 a.m. Saturday morning, not having to get up until 6 to help prepare for The Little Church in the Pines annual pancake breakfast. As usual it is when I do my best thinking, I think. Well, anyway, having been mulling over the sermon I would write, and having done all my research, a word popped into my mind, and that word was ‘insurance’. It rhymed with the title word of my sermon topic which was ‘assurance’. I thought, what the heck is that supposed to mean?
So now let’s start with assurance. Assurance in the spiritual realm means, “unwavering confidence of an intelligent faith as applied in trust, by our adherence to that faith in our every day lives.” Simply saying, if you believe it, apply it and live it. I do wish that more of us who call ourselves Christians would do just that, and I mean that across the board. None of us are perfect of course and certainly make mistakes, but I am taking that into account. Very gracious of me isn’t it?
Assurance means basically the same thing in the lives of those who are not religious people, and it can be applied to their every day lives as well. The accompanying words that go along with assurance, are conviction and hope. Assurance, conviction and hope are like three separate motivations powering our lives, and though separate are vitally connected, powered by the same sources, spirit and life itself.
Genuine assurance by its nature should lead those of us who are people of faith to believe fully in the truths put forth in the examples and teachings of Jesus, which in turn when fully applied, bring us internal peace, joy, thankfulness, and most of all love for all of humankind. Not just our own kind.
Our assurance can in various ways be shaken, diminished and even sometimes temporarily fail us because we are human, but the principle or foundation on which assurance is built through our beliefs and faith, cannot be taken away. These once lived and applied, will automatically resurface and provide again and again a permanent foundation from which we can build and sometimes rebuild our everyday lives.
Assurance is very like an insurance policy that when damage, theft, illness or even death comes our way, it is a contract that assures us that believe in Him, that we are never alone and always loved. He paid the premium, we reap the benefits of His policy, naming us as the beneficiaries. Pretty cool!
Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the ‘assurance’ of what we hope for, the conviction of things we cannot see.” (Selah), which means pause and think about it.
Reflections.....................on the spiritual side of life
August 13, 2018
P L A T I T U D E S........don't you just hate them, and then why are we all quilty of using them?
Let's start with what a platitude is. A platitude is a trite, meaningless, or prosaic statement, often used as thought terminating clich'es, aimed at quelling social, emotional, or even cognitive unease.
Really...a platitude is even worse than a clich'e. It is often sanctimonious in that is not only old and overused, but hollow and worthless. It is better to say nothing than to speak an overused saying. The major problem with them is that they are often used, when someone truly is in need of the genuine. A genuine word, a genuine gesture, a genuine person. Our own discomfort is often the reason we use them, but the best thing would simply be to be quiet and listen, or hold the one in need.
Platitudes are sometimes flippant and thoughtless, in that we just want to get away as fast as we can. Again, the best thing is to say nothing and out of pity or kindness excuse yourself and leave.
Being a Christian minister I know most of them because perhaps more than many of you, I find myself in the position of needing to listen, give comfort and am looked to as being able to offer some genuine compassion and even wisdom. God help me.....I try, but I, yes even I, have found myself restorting to a platitude out of desperation on rare occasion.
Here are a few.
1. Better late than never. (yea, right)
2. Every cloud has a silver lining. (choke)
3. Go with the flow. (the flow of what?)
4. It is what it is. (how I hate that one)
5. Just be yourself. (that one will most likely get you in trouble)
6. Strength is something you choose. (WHAT?) (DUH)
7. You gotta do what you gotta do. (what do I gotta do?)
8. What does not kill you will make you stronger. (or cripple you for life)
I think you get the idea. Whether it is a secular, a religious, a work, or a setting of any kind, to a person who is in need, a spoken platitute is like a slap in the face.
Ephesians 4:29, "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearer(s)"
Most of all neighbors....be genuine, be real, sensitive and caring. If you don't know what to say, above all do not resort to a time worn platitude. Silence can truly be golden. Selah.........................................
August 13, 2018
P L A T I T U D E S........don't you just hate them, and then why are we all quilty of using them?
Let's start with what a platitude is. A platitude is a trite, meaningless, or prosaic statement, often used as thought terminating clich'es, aimed at quelling social, emotional, or even cognitive unease.
Really...a platitude is even worse than a clich'e. It is often sanctimonious in that is not only old and overused, but hollow and worthless. It is better to say nothing than to speak an overused saying. The major problem with them is that they are often used, when someone truly is in need of the genuine. A genuine word, a genuine gesture, a genuine person. Our own discomfort is often the reason we use them, but the best thing would simply be to be quiet and listen, or hold the one in need.
Platitudes are sometimes flippant and thoughtless, in that we just want to get away as fast as we can. Again, the best thing is to say nothing and out of pity or kindness excuse yourself and leave.
Being a Christian minister I know most of them because perhaps more than many of you, I find myself in the position of needing to listen, give comfort and am looked to as being able to offer some genuine compassion and even wisdom. God help me.....I try, but I, yes even I, have found myself restorting to a platitude out of desperation on rare occasion.
Here are a few.
1. Better late than never. (yea, right)
2. Every cloud has a silver lining. (choke)
3. Go with the flow. (the flow of what?)
4. It is what it is. (how I hate that one)
5. Just be yourself. (that one will most likely get you in trouble)
6. Strength is something you choose. (WHAT?) (DUH)
7. You gotta do what you gotta do. (what do I gotta do?)
8. What does not kill you will make you stronger. (or cripple you for life)
I think you get the idea. Whether it is a secular, a religious, a work, or a setting of any kind, to a person who is in need, a spoken platitute is like a slap in the face.
Ephesians 4:29, "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearer(s)"
Most of all neighbors....be genuine, be real, sensitive and caring. If you don't know what to say, above all do not resort to a time worn platitude. Silence can truly be golden. Selah.........................................
Reflections
August 2, 2018
Have you ever been accosted by a family member, friend, co-worker, etc., with these words. "I am just being honest with you," and then blasted you with an opinion of their supposed honest assessment of either you, or an event you were involved in or of someone else.
Often, these folks are those who hold their honest assessment in highest regard, believing that they and only they are right, without realizing how skewered in their own perspectives they are. Two people looking at the same person or event may see that person or event in two completely different ways.
I have had dear folks in a few of the churches I have ministered in, who had the un-gifted take it upon themselves attitude, to let everyone know what was wrong about them or the church. Often, projecting their so-called honest assessment which caused pain, hurt, confusion and discord. They and I eventually had to have an honest discussion. They left which was their choice, and I stayed.
What is honesty anyway? Honesty refers to a facet of moral character and connotes positive and virtuous attributes such as integrity, truthfulness, straightforwardness, including that of conduct, along with the absence of lying, cheating theft etc. Honesty also must come from a person who themselves being trustworthy, loyal, fair and sincere, who have the reputation as such. *Wikipedia.
So, if someone who comes up to you, and in a straightforward, kind and gentle way tells you something that in all honesty you need to know, I would listen to them. If their reputation is not along the lines as above, I would disregard 'their honesty', but take no offense. Whatever you choose to say back to them, do it in an intelligent, kind and gentle way.....but, be honest!
The Lord desires truth to be in our words. Psalm 51:6, "You desire truth in my inward being; therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart." One of our highest aims in life should be to be a truthful man or woman. Deceit and lies, gossip and rumors should never be a part of who we are, and we should remember always, some people and things are not always as we perceive them. We therefore need to be careful, gentle and kind, and yes, speak the truth when you absolutely know it to be truth.
Honesty and truth must go hand in hand. Selah......
August 2, 2018
Have you ever been accosted by a family member, friend, co-worker, etc., with these words. "I am just being honest with you," and then blasted you with an opinion of their supposed honest assessment of either you, or an event you were involved in or of someone else.
Often, these folks are those who hold their honest assessment in highest regard, believing that they and only they are right, without realizing how skewered in their own perspectives they are. Two people looking at the same person or event may see that person or event in two completely different ways.
I have had dear folks in a few of the churches I have ministered in, who had the un-gifted take it upon themselves attitude, to let everyone know what was wrong about them or the church. Often, projecting their so-called honest assessment which caused pain, hurt, confusion and discord. They and I eventually had to have an honest discussion. They left which was their choice, and I stayed.
What is honesty anyway? Honesty refers to a facet of moral character and connotes positive and virtuous attributes such as integrity, truthfulness, straightforwardness, including that of conduct, along with the absence of lying, cheating theft etc. Honesty also must come from a person who themselves being trustworthy, loyal, fair and sincere, who have the reputation as such. *Wikipedia.
So, if someone who comes up to you, and in a straightforward, kind and gentle way tells you something that in all honesty you need to know, I would listen to them. If their reputation is not along the lines as above, I would disregard 'their honesty', but take no offense. Whatever you choose to say back to them, do it in an intelligent, kind and gentle way.....but, be honest!
The Lord desires truth to be in our words. Psalm 51:6, "You desire truth in my inward being; therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart." One of our highest aims in life should be to be a truthful man or woman. Deceit and lies, gossip and rumors should never be a part of who we are, and we should remember always, some people and things are not always as we perceive them. We therefore need to be careful, gentle and kind, and yes, speak the truth when you absolutely know it to be truth.
Honesty and truth must go hand in hand. Selah......
July 26, 2018
I DON’T KNOW about you, but I try every day to learn from life and all that it brings, and some days it brings some unexpected lessons. For example, two weeks ago, I apologized to my congregation for bringing a small measure of politics, in my answer to a question that was asked me following my sermon. In doing so, I broke one of my own Cardinal Rules, and though I did not mention names, I felt I should not have said what I said. That was a mistake, and anytime I make a known mistake that I can apologize for, I do.
Then this last Sunday I did it again! Not politics this time, (whew) but as I mentioned before in another column, I sometimes tell a funny story or joke before our giving of tithes and offerings. Usually they go over quite well, and this was no exception. It really was quite funny, but as I later learned (from a delightful member of my congregation) that I had potentially committed an offense, thereby making once again a mistake of judgement. I had to look at it from their perspective, and by golly they were right. The lesson I learned is that even in telling funny stories or jokes, I need to look deeper into them before sharing.
So, having used myself as an illustration in making mistakes of judgement, for all mistakes come from an error in judgement. That is what a mistake is……an error in judgement. MISTAKE means there was a MISS-TAKE, and I have to admit that I just make too many of those. Sometimes I would pull out the hair on my head if it didn’t hurt so much, and if I had enough to pull out to begin with.
I then looked up the word mistake in my Bible Dictionary, and lo and behold in all those thousands of words I found it, but only once is it mentioned. It is located in Proverbs (of course) 19:2. “Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes.”
Mistakes can take place in every sphere of our lives, and they as you all know, can range from the most minute to horrendous in consequences. This brings me to the crux of where I intended to go from the beginning.
Let us recognize that we all, and I mean all make them, and when we do we who know these words from the lips of Jesus where he says; “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” We need to apply them. To me that means we extend grace and forgiveness, when both we and others make mistakes, for that is what they are…..mistakes. We also have to forgive ourselves, and perhaps that is the most difficult. Mistakes can be carried around in our minds, hearts and spirits, affecting negatively in every area of our lives. We are to be people of grace and forgiveness. What I appreciate the most in this case, was how that member of my congregation approached me about her concern. It was in love and was gentle and kind. For that I am deeply grateful, and that is how we are all to be with each other, starting in our families, extending out into our sphere of neighbors, friends and beyond. Thank you……….
Amen
I DON’T KNOW about you, but I try every day to learn from life and all that it brings, and some days it brings some unexpected lessons. For example, two weeks ago, I apologized to my congregation for bringing a small measure of politics, in my answer to a question that was asked me following my sermon. In doing so, I broke one of my own Cardinal Rules, and though I did not mention names, I felt I should not have said what I said. That was a mistake, and anytime I make a known mistake that I can apologize for, I do.
Then this last Sunday I did it again! Not politics this time, (whew) but as I mentioned before in another column, I sometimes tell a funny story or joke before our giving of tithes and offerings. Usually they go over quite well, and this was no exception. It really was quite funny, but as I later learned (from a delightful member of my congregation) that I had potentially committed an offense, thereby making once again a mistake of judgement. I had to look at it from their perspective, and by golly they were right. The lesson I learned is that even in telling funny stories or jokes, I need to look deeper into them before sharing.
So, having used myself as an illustration in making mistakes of judgement, for all mistakes come from an error in judgement. That is what a mistake is……an error in judgement. MISTAKE means there was a MISS-TAKE, and I have to admit that I just make too many of those. Sometimes I would pull out the hair on my head if it didn’t hurt so much, and if I had enough to pull out to begin with.
I then looked up the word mistake in my Bible Dictionary, and lo and behold in all those thousands of words I found it, but only once is it mentioned. It is located in Proverbs (of course) 19:2. “Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes.”
Mistakes can take place in every sphere of our lives, and they as you all know, can range from the most minute to horrendous in consequences. This brings me to the crux of where I intended to go from the beginning.
Let us recognize that we all, and I mean all make them, and when we do we who know these words from the lips of Jesus where he says; “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” We need to apply them. To me that means we extend grace and forgiveness, when both we and others make mistakes, for that is what they are…..mistakes. We also have to forgive ourselves, and perhaps that is the most difficult. Mistakes can be carried around in our minds, hearts and spirits, affecting negatively in every area of our lives. We are to be people of grace and forgiveness. What I appreciate the most in this case, was how that member of my congregation approached me about her concern. It was in love and was gentle and kind. For that I am deeply grateful, and that is how we are all to be with each other, starting in our families, extending out into our sphere of neighbors, friends and beyond. Thank you……….
Amen
Kindness…………
Once Again last week, I experienced community in Island Park at its best. I have never seen it at its worst, but I don’t think that is possible. Good people in a beautiful place coming together for Connie’s Restaurants annual Cook Off, all of us with our diverse backgrounds, including faith, enjoying each other’s company. It all just felt right and good. I believe it was as the Lord would have it be for all the world, from the youngest to the oldest, friends mixing with strangers, visitors with locals, summer folks with year-round folks, smiles and laughter abounded. Meanwhile heady competition was lying somewhat dormant beneath the surface, of those striving for first place in the Cook-Off competition but undergirded with goodwill and kindness.
I have to boast even though my role was that of a go-fer and not a cook, in that my group from the “Old Men’s Breakfast Group,” came in first place!!! Yea!!
What I felt that morning was an example of what my sermon topic was on Sunday Morning at the Little Church, which was ‘KINDNESS.’ This mix of people that I wrote of above were predominately ‘kind’ to one another in thought, word and actions. Ephesians 4:32, says “be kind to each other.” Such a simple thing, though if put into action by all of us, could change a neighbor, a neighborhood, a town, the world.
It begins in our mind by our desire and willingness, then our heart, then those closest to us in our homes. From there to our neighbors, friends, co-workers, strangers, etc. Is being kind one of the attributes that people you know would say about you in conversation with someone? Is it? THINK ABOUT IT…..please.
A little kindness goes a long, long way in touching lives for the good…………………………
Once Again last week, I experienced community in Island Park at its best. I have never seen it at its worst, but I don’t think that is possible. Good people in a beautiful place coming together for Connie’s Restaurants annual Cook Off, all of us with our diverse backgrounds, including faith, enjoying each other’s company. It all just felt right and good. I believe it was as the Lord would have it be for all the world, from the youngest to the oldest, friends mixing with strangers, visitors with locals, summer folks with year-round folks, smiles and laughter abounded. Meanwhile heady competition was lying somewhat dormant beneath the surface, of those striving for first place in the Cook-Off competition but undergirded with goodwill and kindness.
I have to boast even though my role was that of a go-fer and not a cook, in that my group from the “Old Men’s Breakfast Group,” came in first place!!! Yea!!
What I felt that morning was an example of what my sermon topic was on Sunday Morning at the Little Church, which was ‘KINDNESS.’ This mix of people that I wrote of above were predominately ‘kind’ to one another in thought, word and actions. Ephesians 4:32, says “be kind to each other.” Such a simple thing, though if put into action by all of us, could change a neighbor, a neighborhood, a town, the world.
It begins in our mind by our desire and willingness, then our heart, then those closest to us in our homes. From there to our neighbors, friends, co-workers, strangers, etc. Is being kind one of the attributes that people you know would say about you in conversation with someone? Is it? THINK ABOUT IT…..please.
A little kindness goes a long, long way in touching lives for the good…………………………
Tom Shanor
Reflections.......................................................
Little Church in the Pines
July 12, 2018
Crossing the Rubicon
A METAPHOR.....
.....Life, even if we live to or beyond a hundred really is not a very long time when measuring. We are (sorry to say) a mere blip upon the stage of life, and most of us do not leave a very big footprint. By the third generation that follows us, we are to the then living members of our family, mere fading memories. Perhaps they are curious, though briefly, about us, because of pictures they came across accidentally.
.....At 73 now, my children have little to no memories of my grandparents who meant so very much to me, and it makes me sad. They were such delightful and loving people. Then I think of my kids and grandkids and what they see and hear as I continue to age, and even change, almost before their eyes because we do not see each other very often. That too makes me kind of sad.
....This brought to my mind the relationships I have formed with my children, and are forming with my grandchildren. I have ten of them scattered around the country, and as I said above, do not often see them, so already the memories are not that many. Hence, I place a great deal of value on relationships and building memories. The words we say, the things we do, are truly vital to living with good memories down through the years.
....A careless word, a burst of anger, a look, a deed that cannot be undone, are all too often the ones that are remembered.
.....The saying, "Crossing the Rubicon" speaks of when Julius Caesar led his Thirteenth Legion across the Rubicon River and into Italy in 49 BC. It was against the Roman law and act of treason. The impact of Caesar’s decision was irreversible, generating years of civil war. "Crossing the Rubicon" is a metaphor for "passing the point of no return."
.....Sometimes we can cross a relational Rubicon with words, deeds and even looks that we use on one another. Once spoken, or once a deed is done, they cannot be taken back. We can either offer help and comfort or do damage that feels just as irreversible as Caesar's march into Rome. James gave us a word picture about words when he said in James 3:6, "The tongue is also a fire, a world of (potential) evil among the parts of the body. It can corrupt the whole body, (church) or (family), which can set the whole course of one's life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell."
.....Instead, we should do and be as Paul said in (Colossians 4:6), "Let your conversation be always full of grace", so that our words will not only honor our Lord, but lift up and encourage those around us.
.....Life is indeed short, but memories can last a lifetime and beyond. Be kind; be thoughtful, generous and loving. Life will be so much better.
Reflections.......................................................
Little Church in the Pines
July 12, 2018
Crossing the Rubicon
A METAPHOR.....
.....Life, even if we live to or beyond a hundred really is not a very long time when measuring. We are (sorry to say) a mere blip upon the stage of life, and most of us do not leave a very big footprint. By the third generation that follows us, we are to the then living members of our family, mere fading memories. Perhaps they are curious, though briefly, about us, because of pictures they came across accidentally.
.....At 73 now, my children have little to no memories of my grandparents who meant so very much to me, and it makes me sad. They were such delightful and loving people. Then I think of my kids and grandkids and what they see and hear as I continue to age, and even change, almost before their eyes because we do not see each other very often. That too makes me kind of sad.
....This brought to my mind the relationships I have formed with my children, and are forming with my grandchildren. I have ten of them scattered around the country, and as I said above, do not often see them, so already the memories are not that many. Hence, I place a great deal of value on relationships and building memories. The words we say, the things we do, are truly vital to living with good memories down through the years.
....A careless word, a burst of anger, a look, a deed that cannot be undone, are all too often the ones that are remembered.
.....The saying, "Crossing the Rubicon" speaks of when Julius Caesar led his Thirteenth Legion across the Rubicon River and into Italy in 49 BC. It was against the Roman law and act of treason. The impact of Caesar’s decision was irreversible, generating years of civil war. "Crossing the Rubicon" is a metaphor for "passing the point of no return."
.....Sometimes we can cross a relational Rubicon with words, deeds and even looks that we use on one another. Once spoken, or once a deed is done, they cannot be taken back. We can either offer help and comfort or do damage that feels just as irreversible as Caesar's march into Rome. James gave us a word picture about words when he said in James 3:6, "The tongue is also a fire, a world of (potential) evil among the parts of the body. It can corrupt the whole body, (church) or (family), which can set the whole course of one's life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell."
.....Instead, we should do and be as Paul said in (Colossians 4:6), "Let your conversation be always full of grace", so that our words will not only honor our Lord, but lift up and encourage those around us.
.....Life is indeed short, but memories can last a lifetime and beyond. Be kind; be thoughtful, generous and loving. Life will be so much better.
Reflections on the spiritual side of life......
As I do every Sunday just prior to receiving the tithes and offerings, (just to get everyone one in a good place before giving) I tell either a humorous story of even joke. Fortunately it usually does the job well, for even the most stoic of us usually laughs.
I found the word merry means "full of gaiety or high spirits." It is written in my Bible four times, but one of the verses is not so light hearted. Anyway, I am going for Proverbs 17:22 which reads; "A merry heart does good, like a medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones." As far as I am concerned especially at my age, I would much rather have my old heart be merry, than have dried up bones!
All that to pass on to you one of the humorous stories I have shared with my spiritual and fully human, caring congregation. I think you will enjoy it and maybe even laugh.
THE LOST MAN
A man had been lost and walking in the desert for five days. On the fifth very hot day, he sees a small house he can just make it to without collapsing. Exhausted, thirsty and weak, he makes it to the door and does collapse on the small porch. It belongs to a circuit preacher, who of course takes him in and nurses him back to reasonable health.
Feeling better after several days, the man asks the preacher for directions to the nearest town. The preacher directs him, and offers to lend him his horse to make the journey. The preacher says, "However, there are some specific words you have to say to make this horse both stop and go. You have to say 'Thank God' to make it go and 'Amen' to make it stop."
Anxious to get to town, the man says, "Sure, okay," and gets on the horse. He says reluctantly, "Thank God' and sure enough, the horse starts walking. A short time later he says louder, "Thank God, Thank God!!!" and the horse starts trotting. Feeling really brave the man says, "Thank God!!' "Thank God!!! THANK GOD!!!!" and the horse is soon up to a full run!
About then he realizes he's heading for a cliff with a deep chasm and yells, "WHOA!" but the horse doesn't even slow down. It's coming up REAL QUICK and he's doing everything he can to make the horse stop. "WHOA, WHOA, STOP, HOLD UP!" Finally.....he remembers, "AMEN!!!"
The horse STOPS a mere two inches from the cliff's edge, almost throwing him over its head. The man, panting and heart racing, wipes the sweat from his face and leans back in the saddle. "Oh," he said, gasping for air, "Thank God." ; )
P.S. Hope you had a blessed and great 4th of July Celebration. Thank God for all the many blessings we have. Maybe we will see you someday around the Caldera or even in our Little Church.
As I do every Sunday just prior to receiving the tithes and offerings, (just to get everyone one in a good place before giving) I tell either a humorous story of even joke. Fortunately it usually does the job well, for even the most stoic of us usually laughs.
I found the word merry means "full of gaiety or high spirits." It is written in my Bible four times, but one of the verses is not so light hearted. Anyway, I am going for Proverbs 17:22 which reads; "A merry heart does good, like a medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones." As far as I am concerned especially at my age, I would much rather have my old heart be merry, than have dried up bones!
All that to pass on to you one of the humorous stories I have shared with my spiritual and fully human, caring congregation. I think you will enjoy it and maybe even laugh.
THE LOST MAN
A man had been lost and walking in the desert for five days. On the fifth very hot day, he sees a small house he can just make it to without collapsing. Exhausted, thirsty and weak, he makes it to the door and does collapse on the small porch. It belongs to a circuit preacher, who of course takes him in and nurses him back to reasonable health.
Feeling better after several days, the man asks the preacher for directions to the nearest town. The preacher directs him, and offers to lend him his horse to make the journey. The preacher says, "However, there are some specific words you have to say to make this horse both stop and go. You have to say 'Thank God' to make it go and 'Amen' to make it stop."
Anxious to get to town, the man says, "Sure, okay," and gets on the horse. He says reluctantly, "Thank God' and sure enough, the horse starts walking. A short time later he says louder, "Thank God, Thank God!!!" and the horse starts trotting. Feeling really brave the man says, "Thank God!!' "Thank God!!! THANK GOD!!!!" and the horse is soon up to a full run!
About then he realizes he's heading for a cliff with a deep chasm and yells, "WHOA!" but the horse doesn't even slow down. It's coming up REAL QUICK and he's doing everything he can to make the horse stop. "WHOA, WHOA, STOP, HOLD UP!" Finally.....he remembers, "AMEN!!!"
The horse STOPS a mere two inches from the cliff's edge, almost throwing him over its head. The man, panting and heart racing, wipes the sweat from his face and leans back in the saddle. "Oh," he said, gasping for air, "Thank God." ; )
P.S. Hope you had a blessed and great 4th of July Celebration. Thank God for all the many blessings we have. Maybe we will see you someday around the Caldera or even in our Little Church.
POLITICAL?
by; Tom Shanor, Pastor
My friend, Senior Ace Reporter and also a serious thinker, Jerry Russel and I were sitting side by side at the Community Men's Breakfast last week, when in walked Ann (as usual) to give us of us a copy of the Island Park News. Showing that we are not chauvinists in this gathering of men, Ann sometimes joins us at the table to talk.
By the way, this breakfast gathering is open those who are both residents and visitors. Even our illustrious mayor joins us from time to time. It takes place at the Lakeside Lodge, beginning at 8:30. Some of us get there earlier as we always have much to talk about. We are an earnest and fun group from a cross section of backgrounds, faiths and vocations.
Now, to pick back up where I started with my friend Jerry. We sat there briefly reading each others columns, when Jerry looked at me and said, "getting a little political aren't you?" I looked at him and said, "well, no I don't think so." Reading what I said, I could see where Jerry was coming from. So, me being me, I looked up the word 'politics.' The literal meaning comes (from the Greek word 'politika,' meaning "affairs of the cities") and is the process of making decisions that apply to member of a group.
This meaning can be applied to anything or anyone, depending on the conversations involved in making a decision or decisions. Churches, schools, corporations, social groups, government and even family gatherings all can become 'political.'
We know that two of the topics that seem to inflame we humans are politics and religion, and that is a fact. What should not as both history and even contemporary evidence shows, join religion and government to become united as a political force, for this can become very dangerous as is exampled in the middle east that has gone on for centuries, and also in places (just to name one) such as Ireland.
This doesn't mean that both men and women of faith cannot hold a political public office, but it does mean that in their decision making process, be they individually or collectively, such as any law making body, has to keep the general population and it's varied faiths or non-faith people in mind without prejudice.
We are a moral people, and without a foundation of morality we would descend into chaos. Our combined faiths, of which all have a moral compass based on spiritual values, are what truly holds us together, along with our laws.
As Christians, for whom I can legitimately speak for being a minister, we are told in James 3:17-18. "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." My prayer is that we, on the spiritual side of life can take these words seriously, and in faith give life to these words in politics, in our cities and in our nation and even
by; Tom Shanor, Pastor
My friend, Senior Ace Reporter and also a serious thinker, Jerry Russel and I were sitting side by side at the Community Men's Breakfast last week, when in walked Ann (as usual) to give us of us a copy of the Island Park News. Showing that we are not chauvinists in this gathering of men, Ann sometimes joins us at the table to talk.
By the way, this breakfast gathering is open those who are both residents and visitors. Even our illustrious mayor joins us from time to time. It takes place at the Lakeside Lodge, beginning at 8:30. Some of us get there earlier as we always have much to talk about. We are an earnest and fun group from a cross section of backgrounds, faiths and vocations.
Now, to pick back up where I started with my friend Jerry. We sat there briefly reading each others columns, when Jerry looked at me and said, "getting a little political aren't you?" I looked at him and said, "well, no I don't think so." Reading what I said, I could see where Jerry was coming from. So, me being me, I looked up the word 'politics.' The literal meaning comes (from the Greek word 'politika,' meaning "affairs of the cities") and is the process of making decisions that apply to member of a group.
This meaning can be applied to anything or anyone, depending on the conversations involved in making a decision or decisions. Churches, schools, corporations, social groups, government and even family gatherings all can become 'political.'
We know that two of the topics that seem to inflame we humans are politics and religion, and that is a fact. What should not as both history and even contemporary evidence shows, join religion and government to become united as a political force, for this can become very dangerous as is exampled in the middle east that has gone on for centuries, and also in places (just to name one) such as Ireland.
This doesn't mean that both men and women of faith cannot hold a political public office, but it does mean that in their decision making process, be they individually or collectively, such as any law making body, has to keep the general population and it's varied faiths or non-faith people in mind without prejudice.
We are a moral people, and without a foundation of morality we would descend into chaos. Our combined faiths, of which all have a moral compass based on spiritual values, are what truly holds us together, along with our laws.
As Christians, for whom I can legitimately speak for being a minister, we are told in James 3:17-18. "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." My prayer is that we, on the spiritual side of life can take these words seriously, and in faith give life to these words in politics, in our cities and in our nation and even
the Little Church in the Pines
Reflections............
THE TIMES, THEY ARE A CHANGING! I have always heard that the two things that you can count on the most, (neither are truly desirable) are "death" and "taxes." These are true, but I think that along with these two should also be included, CHANGE.
Our beautiful earth is hurtling around our sun at approximately 18.5 miles per second at an average speed of 67,000 miles per hour, and if that is not sobering enough, our Solar System is traveling at an average speed of 514,000 miles per hour. Ever changing, never static.
CHANGE IS CONSTANT....never stops, relentless, powerful, sometimes frightening, but there is little in the big picture we can do about the big ones. One day everything that we know and hold on to dearly, quite simply will be changed.
Why am I writing this? Here's why. We (myself included) need to reasonably, smartly and sensibly, without emotion being the overriding factor, look at change as inevitable. Macks Inn is changing, and the over the road animal corridor/bridges may or may not be coming. More people every year find this lovely caldera and want to come back. How we navigate these changes together is critical. A school for our children is on the table, finally a real prospect so our children may not need to spend so much time on a bus, and be readily accessible if something difficult and unexpected happens. These are just a few of the changes facing us. Perspective and attitude are essential to arriving at hopefully, by reasonable discourse and even compromise solutions. An ingredient sorely lacking these days.
We need both a spiritual and practical perspective in these issues and in all issues. "Let us reason together." Jesus said, "be bringers of peace." Those who attempt to bring change are usually in the line of fire and take the bullet, even if peace and good things are the gift being offered. Look at what happened to Him, who simply wanted people to see a side of God that before His arrival was less visible and approachable, to the ordinary everyday man and woman. He reasoned, taught, exampled and lived love, but the envious, jealous and the naysayers could make no compromises. None.
Love of our fellow humans, and the incredibly natural, almost supernatural world we are privilege to live on, should give us an ongoing attitude of gratefulness for all God has given us. We should reason together, live life together, help and support one another as changes come all the days of our lives, as they, (changes) continue to come. Amen
Reflections............
THE TIMES, THEY ARE A CHANGING! I have always heard that the two things that you can count on the most, (neither are truly desirable) are "death" and "taxes." These are true, but I think that along with these two should also be included, CHANGE.
Our beautiful earth is hurtling around our sun at approximately 18.5 miles per second at an average speed of 67,000 miles per hour, and if that is not sobering enough, our Solar System is traveling at an average speed of 514,000 miles per hour. Ever changing, never static.
CHANGE IS CONSTANT....never stops, relentless, powerful, sometimes frightening, but there is little in the big picture we can do about the big ones. One day everything that we know and hold on to dearly, quite simply will be changed.
Why am I writing this? Here's why. We (myself included) need to reasonably, smartly and sensibly, without emotion being the overriding factor, look at change as inevitable. Macks Inn is changing, and the over the road animal corridor/bridges may or may not be coming. More people every year find this lovely caldera and want to come back. How we navigate these changes together is critical. A school for our children is on the table, finally a real prospect so our children may not need to spend so much time on a bus, and be readily accessible if something difficult and unexpected happens. These are just a few of the changes facing us. Perspective and attitude are essential to arriving at hopefully, by reasonable discourse and even compromise solutions. An ingredient sorely lacking these days.
We need both a spiritual and practical perspective in these issues and in all issues. "Let us reason together." Jesus said, "be bringers of peace." Those who attempt to bring change are usually in the line of fire and take the bullet, even if peace and good things are the gift being offered. Look at what happened to Him, who simply wanted people to see a side of God that before His arrival was less visible and approachable, to the ordinary everyday man and woman. He reasoned, taught, exampled and lived love, but the envious, jealous and the naysayers could make no compromises. None.
Love of our fellow humans, and the incredibly natural, almost supernatural world we are privilege to live on, should give us an ongoing attitude of gratefulness for all God has given us. We should reason together, live life together, help and support one another as changes come all the days of our lives, as they, (changes) continue to come. Amen
Reflections
on the spiritual side of life....
by; Pastor Tom Shanor June 12, 2018
Good Morning! It’s a beautiful day in Island Park, even at twenty six degrees this morning. The good thing is I covered all my plants and they made it, even though two weeks ago I lost the first ones I planted. I’m learning!
Maybe by now you (if you have read my previous Reflections) I LOVE words, and I suppose that is a good thing since I use them a lot, being a preacher. Mostly I like using words that lift my congregation up and or, make them think, coming to a deeper understanding of and embracing the fullness of their faith. It is my desire that we, myself included, truly know why we believe what we do. Not only in regards to our faith, but our everyday lives and how we live them.
The word "reflections" as I have named this column, has quite a few words that help more fully explain its meaning. Words such as meditation, thinking, contemplation, pondering, rumination, cogitation, interpreted, daydreaming and reverie, and these are not all of them.
If we know the why of something we believe, we can then more fully explain if asked by someone else, their question as to why we do so. Not just because someone was very convincing in converting us to their way of believing or living, but because we have sought in depth, researched and reflected on what we were read or have been told. Emotion can play a large role in our acceptance of perceived truth, but should not be the first item on our list as to embracing what we come to see as truth.
Along with our ruminations, thinking, research and acceptance, especially in regards to faith, there is a place created by God in us which responds like two magnets coming together. Powerful. That event does at times include emotion, and can be described as a feeling akin to coming home. It just simply without much ado, feels good, like a deeply satisfying sigh.
In coming to our place of acceptance, especially in faith, does not by any means mean we are better than others, for God's love and Grace are available to all. In fact, we who embrace Christ in God are to be the servants of all. That though does not mean we are to be at the beck and call of everyone for whatever reason, for that would be unhealthy. Neither are we to be walked over on a regular basis, but we are to be like Jesus Christ who ministered to the weak, the poor, the powerful, the rich and all in between, showing his love, not judgement. We all have equal status in God's love.
Scripture says, "they will know you are Christians by your love," and I find that to be a huge responsibility, that can only be achieved (for we are all fallible humans) by the power and grace we have received free of charge. It's called Amazing Grace, and hopefully we are getting better at living and dispensing it every day. Hopefully.
on the spiritual side of life....
by; Pastor Tom Shanor June 12, 2018
Good Morning! It’s a beautiful day in Island Park, even at twenty six degrees this morning. The good thing is I covered all my plants and they made it, even though two weeks ago I lost the first ones I planted. I’m learning!
Maybe by now you (if you have read my previous Reflections) I LOVE words, and I suppose that is a good thing since I use them a lot, being a preacher. Mostly I like using words that lift my congregation up and or, make them think, coming to a deeper understanding of and embracing the fullness of their faith. It is my desire that we, myself included, truly know why we believe what we do. Not only in regards to our faith, but our everyday lives and how we live them.
The word "reflections" as I have named this column, has quite a few words that help more fully explain its meaning. Words such as meditation, thinking, contemplation, pondering, rumination, cogitation, interpreted, daydreaming and reverie, and these are not all of them.
If we know the why of something we believe, we can then more fully explain if asked by someone else, their question as to why we do so. Not just because someone was very convincing in converting us to their way of believing or living, but because we have sought in depth, researched and reflected on what we were read or have been told. Emotion can play a large role in our acceptance of perceived truth, but should not be the first item on our list as to embracing what we come to see as truth.
Along with our ruminations, thinking, research and acceptance, especially in regards to faith, there is a place created by God in us which responds like two magnets coming together. Powerful. That event does at times include emotion, and can be described as a feeling akin to coming home. It just simply without much ado, feels good, like a deeply satisfying sigh.
In coming to our place of acceptance, especially in faith, does not by any means mean we are better than others, for God's love and Grace are available to all. In fact, we who embrace Christ in God are to be the servants of all. That though does not mean we are to be at the beck and call of everyone for whatever reason, for that would be unhealthy. Neither are we to be walked over on a regular basis, but we are to be like Jesus Christ who ministered to the weak, the poor, the powerful, the rich and all in between, showing his love, not judgement. We all have equal status in God's love.
Scripture says, "they will know you are Christians by your love," and I find that to be a huge responsibility, that can only be achieved (for we are all fallible humans) by the power and grace we have received free of charge. It's called Amazing Grace, and hopefully we are getting better at living and dispensing it every day. Hopefully.
Reflections on the spiritual side of life..
Pastor Tom Shanor, Little Church in the Pines
Cool morning air. Clouds racing by with bright patches of blue sky showing through, as I look up through the treetops around my cabin. One songster is singing his or her heart out nearby, and the wildflowers are resplendent this very fine day. Taking a sip of coffee as I lean on the railing, I reflect the title of my sermon from last Sunday as it comes to me. "This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."
An attitude of gratefulness, thankfulness and even peace descends on me, and I am happy in this day. So much to be grateful and thankful for.
My mind suddenly switches gears, and I now look at those same trees through which I could see the blue sky and clouds with a whole different perspective, and not a better one. Now I see I need to trim those dead branches up, and I need to rake up those pine needles, and I need to get after those dandelions, and I, I, I, I need to! DO!
You have to be in my mind to understand this jostling back and forth, but I am glad you aren't, as then you might think I should be committed. I don't know where, but somewhere. Because now these words come slamming in; "Let it be." It's my day off! Relax....and just let it be. Those words are from the Beatles 1970 song by the same name. There are for all of us times when we just need to "Let It Be," be they times of trouble or times of obsessive business. There is given to us in God's word, a commandment, and that commandment is from Exodus 20:8. "Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy."
You see, we all need a rest from both our troubles and our business to maintain our health. God knew we would not do so unless commanded, but even then, we don't, (well, most of us) because well, we can't. Not all, but many of us are just unable to grasp this simple concept. Yet when successful, it is awesome!
Here I go again with another song. This one Cat Stevens made popular also in the seventies, called "Morning Has Broken," which is a very old hymn based on Psalm 118:24. Here are the words.
Morning has broken like the first morning, blackbird has spoken like the first bird. Praise for the singing! Praise every morning! Praise for them springing, fresh from the Word:
Sweet the rain's new fall, sunlit from heaven. Like the first dew-fall on the first grass. Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden, sprung in completeness where His feet pass.
Mine in the sunlight! Mine is the morning, born of the one light Eden saw play! Praise with elation, praise every morning, God's recreation of the new day! Amen
This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Let us.... ok?
Pastor Tom Shanor, Little Church in the Pines
Cool morning air. Clouds racing by with bright patches of blue sky showing through, as I look up through the treetops around my cabin. One songster is singing his or her heart out nearby, and the wildflowers are resplendent this very fine day. Taking a sip of coffee as I lean on the railing, I reflect the title of my sermon from last Sunday as it comes to me. "This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."
An attitude of gratefulness, thankfulness and even peace descends on me, and I am happy in this day. So much to be grateful and thankful for.
My mind suddenly switches gears, and I now look at those same trees through which I could see the blue sky and clouds with a whole different perspective, and not a better one. Now I see I need to trim those dead branches up, and I need to rake up those pine needles, and I need to get after those dandelions, and I, I, I, I need to! DO!
You have to be in my mind to understand this jostling back and forth, but I am glad you aren't, as then you might think I should be committed. I don't know where, but somewhere. Because now these words come slamming in; "Let it be." It's my day off! Relax....and just let it be. Those words are from the Beatles 1970 song by the same name. There are for all of us times when we just need to "Let It Be," be they times of trouble or times of obsessive business. There is given to us in God's word, a commandment, and that commandment is from Exodus 20:8. "Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy."
You see, we all need a rest from both our troubles and our business to maintain our health. God knew we would not do so unless commanded, but even then, we don't, (well, most of us) because well, we can't. Not all, but many of us are just unable to grasp this simple concept. Yet when successful, it is awesome!
Here I go again with another song. This one Cat Stevens made popular also in the seventies, called "Morning Has Broken," which is a very old hymn based on Psalm 118:24. Here are the words.
Morning has broken like the first morning, blackbird has spoken like the first bird. Praise for the singing! Praise every morning! Praise for them springing, fresh from the Word:
Sweet the rain's new fall, sunlit from heaven. Like the first dew-fall on the first grass. Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden, sprung in completeness where His feet pass.
Mine in the sunlight! Mine is the morning, born of the one light Eden saw play! Praise with elation, praise every morning, God's recreation of the new day! Amen
This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Let us.... ok?
REFLECTIONS on the spiritual side of life...
by; Pastor Tom Shanor
Little Church in the Pines
May 31, 2018
Isaiah 40:31 "But those who wait upon the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not be weary; they will walk and not faint"
When I was a graduating senior in high school, my yearbook picture had the caption under it, "Young CO in a hurry!" The CO meaning class officer, who seldom went anywhere or did anything at a slow even pace.
I still walk fast and sometimes do what I am doing fast, but I have learned in the course of my life how to slow down, and how to live in the moment. A wonderful thing to be able to do. Waiting or learning patience for many of us in an information and do-it now age, have great difficulty even slowing down, let alone having the desire or ability to do so. I believe we are at times obsessed or possessed with the do-it-now mentality, while plotting what next we desire to do next....ad infinitum.
Moving into the spiritual realm, many of our churches are becoming media frenzy with little time for prayer, reflection, thought and God-forbid, quiet. It would behoove us to take time to feed that which is within us with spiritual food, so that in our everyday lives we can be men and women (Galatians 5:22) who by the Spirit produce love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Why that sounds just like Jesus himself!
That which we feed ourselves is who we become. Our spiritual diet, if indeed we have one at all, is vital in how we live our lives out. The illustration you will now read on patience, waiting and nurturing in regards to the growth cycle of bamboo, is an excellent reflection on spiritual and mental growth and maturity.
Well, the Chinese plant a bamboo seed; they water and fertilize it, knowing that the first year nothing will happen. The second, third and fourth years, until patiently watering and fertilizing, nothing still seems to be happening. The fifth year, once again watering and fertilizing, the shoot finally begins to grow. Then within the period of six weeks that fifth season, the bamboo grows roughly ninety feet. The question is, did it grow ninety feet in five years? The obvious answer is that it did grow ninety feet in five years, because for those five years it was growing a root system that would support the dynamic ninety feet of growth in six short weeks.
Like patiently nurturing the bamboo.....what truly counts in our lives, is both what and how we grow inside our hearts, minds and spirits that take root, eventually showing ourselves and the world who we are, because of how we nurtured who we have become. Let’s wait, be patient and trust that having done the right things, we will bless others and be blessed.
The bottom line....."Be patient and be careful of how and what you ingest."
by; Pastor Tom Shanor
Little Church in the Pines
May 31, 2018
Isaiah 40:31 "But those who wait upon the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not be weary; they will walk and not faint"
When I was a graduating senior in high school, my yearbook picture had the caption under it, "Young CO in a hurry!" The CO meaning class officer, who seldom went anywhere or did anything at a slow even pace.
I still walk fast and sometimes do what I am doing fast, but I have learned in the course of my life how to slow down, and how to live in the moment. A wonderful thing to be able to do. Waiting or learning patience for many of us in an information and do-it now age, have great difficulty even slowing down, let alone having the desire or ability to do so. I believe we are at times obsessed or possessed with the do-it-now mentality, while plotting what next we desire to do next....ad infinitum.
Moving into the spiritual realm, many of our churches are becoming media frenzy with little time for prayer, reflection, thought and God-forbid, quiet. It would behoove us to take time to feed that which is within us with spiritual food, so that in our everyday lives we can be men and women (Galatians 5:22) who by the Spirit produce love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Why that sounds just like Jesus himself!
That which we feed ourselves is who we become. Our spiritual diet, if indeed we have one at all, is vital in how we live our lives out. The illustration you will now read on patience, waiting and nurturing in regards to the growth cycle of bamboo, is an excellent reflection on spiritual and mental growth and maturity.
Well, the Chinese plant a bamboo seed; they water and fertilize it, knowing that the first year nothing will happen. The second, third and fourth years, until patiently watering and fertilizing, nothing still seems to be happening. The fifth year, once again watering and fertilizing, the shoot finally begins to grow. Then within the period of six weeks that fifth season, the bamboo grows roughly ninety feet. The question is, did it grow ninety feet in five years? The obvious answer is that it did grow ninety feet in five years, because for those five years it was growing a root system that would support the dynamic ninety feet of growth in six short weeks.
Like patiently nurturing the bamboo.....what truly counts in our lives, is both what and how we grow inside our hearts, minds and spirits that take root, eventually showing ourselves and the world who we are, because of how we nurtured who we have become. Let’s wait, be patient and trust that having done the right things, we will bless others and be blessed.
The bottom line....."Be patient and be careful of how and what you ingest."
Reflections, on the spiritual side of life.
(A weekly column posted in the Island Park News)
by; Pastor Tom Shanor
Little Church in the Pines
(A weekly column posted in the Island Park News)
by; Pastor Tom Shanor
Little Church in the Pines
May 15, 2018
Yesterday, I was having the 'Zeeker' breakfast as the Trouthunter, reflecting (now that my stomach was happy) on one of Island Park's soothing and wonderful vistas. Watching the waterfowl cruising up and down the river, the spring green in the meadows, the young Aspen leaf buds coming out of their winter sleep, and the still heavily snow covered peaks in the distance. I have to say I was a contented and very happy man.
This thought came to my mind in the midst of my musings. Why can't we all just get along?" I said it again, to myself of course, and not out loud. I tucked that thought away to be retreived again later. I then began to think of the state of our state with all the negative political ads, primarily in the governor's race. From there I thought of the state of our nation, and of course the next step was the state of the world, and how fractured and polarized we all are. Well, the state of the world, nation, and our state of Idaho were just to big for my brain to handle, let alone involving my emotions, as I grew increasingly agitated.
I then slowed my mind down, and a Scripture from the New Testament straight from the words of Jesus came to me. These words brought back my original peaceful reflections that had fled, as I pondered all the above. The words that came to my mind are found in John 14:27. "I am leaving you with a gift---peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid."
This gift is one I need to hold in my heart and mind as I do pray about, and think about, and try in my own small way to do something to help bring peace in the midst of division, strife and anger. My own.
You see, if I try to take on the world's problems, the nations and states problems, I am doomed to abject futility and failure. If...I do what I can today, where I am, and with whom I encounter in the course of living out my daily life, I and you too can have success. My...attitude is critical to both being at peace inside and outside myself, as is yours. So...here in Island Park, though we may differ in politics, or in our faith, let's just all have an attitude of gratitude that we live in a place such as this, and that we can all just get along, respecting one another and helping one another. I have discovered here a wonderful community of people who really care what happens to one another, and my attitude is one of gratitude to now be a part of you.
Peace be yours.....................oh, and mine too!
Yesterday, I was having the 'Zeeker' breakfast as the Trouthunter, reflecting (now that my stomach was happy) on one of Island Park's soothing and wonderful vistas. Watching the waterfowl cruising up and down the river, the spring green in the meadows, the young Aspen leaf buds coming out of their winter sleep, and the still heavily snow covered peaks in the distance. I have to say I was a contented and very happy man.
This thought came to my mind in the midst of my musings. Why can't we all just get along?" I said it again, to myself of course, and not out loud. I tucked that thought away to be retreived again later. I then began to think of the state of our state with all the negative political ads, primarily in the governor's race. From there I thought of the state of our nation, and of course the next step was the state of the world, and how fractured and polarized we all are. Well, the state of the world, nation, and our state of Idaho were just to big for my brain to handle, let alone involving my emotions, as I grew increasingly agitated.
I then slowed my mind down, and a Scripture from the New Testament straight from the words of Jesus came to me. These words brought back my original peaceful reflections that had fled, as I pondered all the above. The words that came to my mind are found in John 14:27. "I am leaving you with a gift---peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid."
This gift is one I need to hold in my heart and mind as I do pray about, and think about, and try in my own small way to do something to help bring peace in the midst of division, strife and anger. My own.
You see, if I try to take on the world's problems, the nations and states problems, I am doomed to abject futility and failure. If...I do what I can today, where I am, and with whom I encounter in the course of living out my daily life, I and you too can have success. My...attitude is critical to both being at peace inside and outside myself, as is yours. So...here in Island Park, though we may differ in politics, or in our faith, let's just all have an attitude of gratitude that we live in a place such as this, and that we can all just get along, respecting one another and helping one another. I have discovered here a wonderful community of people who really care what happens to one another, and my attitude is one of gratitude to now be a part of you.
Peace be yours.....................oh, and mine too!
May 8, 2018
Hello residents of Island Park. In beginning this article, I will start it by introducing myself. My name is Tom Shanor, Pastor, of the Little Church in the Pines for the past two years. In the 75 history of the Little Church I, (unbelievably blessed) am their very first year-round minister. So attached have I become to both the people, the church and Island Park, that last week I made the move from Idaho Falls to the Caldera. Having driven back and forth for these last two years, it is with great happiness and excitement, to now be a year-round, full-time resident. I first came through as many of us did, now fifty years ago on my way to Yellowstone/Jackson Hole, never thinking I would one day be living here and have the role I now have. I was a young single man then, and now returning as a father of three adult children and ten grandchildren. AWESOME!
I feel honored to be asked to write this weekly article, following in the footsteps of Pastor Connie Day. Her artciles have consistentetly been insightful, thoughtful and well written. I am hoping I can respectfully do the same. As you have read, I have renamed the title of the column. When there is change, it is often best to attempt to do it well, thoroughly and with great care.
All of us (my opinion) have been created spiritual beings, and (again my opinion) cannot live truly fullfilled lives, if we ignore or supress that aspect of who we have been created to be. Looking across humanity, every peole group and every culture, independently believe in God and in some cases gods. There is a yearning deep within us to connect with a Being and a Power that is greater than ourselves, believing that this Being is benevolent, loving and beyond reproach. Someone who knows the whats and whys concerning the meaning of this brief life we live, passing on at least in part, some of the answers we seek.
In my case, being a Christian, I will of course slant my articles toward my faith, while respecting and embracing those who believe otherwise. In a very intolerant climate today, my main goal to to emulate Jesus Christ, and to live these words as best I can. "Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you,(Matthew 7:12( and to love my neighbor(s) as much as I love myself." (Romans 13:9b)
My hope is that we have a long, thoughtful and insightful journey together. God bless you ALL!
Hello residents of Island Park. In beginning this article, I will start it by introducing myself. My name is Tom Shanor, Pastor, of the Little Church in the Pines for the past two years. In the 75 history of the Little Church I, (unbelievably blessed) am their very first year-round minister. So attached have I become to both the people, the church and Island Park, that last week I made the move from Idaho Falls to the Caldera. Having driven back and forth for these last two years, it is with great happiness and excitement, to now be a year-round, full-time resident. I first came through as many of us did, now fifty years ago on my way to Yellowstone/Jackson Hole, never thinking I would one day be living here and have the role I now have. I was a young single man then, and now returning as a father of three adult children and ten grandchildren. AWESOME!
I feel honored to be asked to write this weekly article, following in the footsteps of Pastor Connie Day. Her artciles have consistentetly been insightful, thoughtful and well written. I am hoping I can respectfully do the same. As you have read, I have renamed the title of the column. When there is change, it is often best to attempt to do it well, thoroughly and with great care.
All of us (my opinion) have been created spiritual beings, and (again my opinion) cannot live truly fullfilled lives, if we ignore or supress that aspect of who we have been created to be. Looking across humanity, every peole group and every culture, independently believe in God and in some cases gods. There is a yearning deep within us to connect with a Being and a Power that is greater than ourselves, believing that this Being is benevolent, loving and beyond reproach. Someone who knows the whats and whys concerning the meaning of this brief life we live, passing on at least in part, some of the answers we seek.
In my case, being a Christian, I will of course slant my articles toward my faith, while respecting and embracing those who believe otherwise. In a very intolerant climate today, my main goal to to emulate Jesus Christ, and to live these words as best I can. "Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you,(Matthew 7:12( and to love my neighbor(s) as much as I love myself." (Romans 13:9b)
My hope is that we have a long, thoughtful and insightful journey together. God bless you ALL!