PK’s Corner : March 2012
Mark 4:39 “He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm.”
The world is not a peaceful. Political, social and economic events are over riding the spiritual peace in our lives. Watching friends and family hurt because of the storms in life brings the storm into our own lives.
All too often we go to Jesus in prayer and scream at the top of our lungs, “don’t you care that we are about to drown and die”. Our lives are so busy and we try to make ends meet and things are not working out.
Jesus’ response to us, “Peace, be still”, these are not words to take lightly, for what storm will swallow the savior, and what bad can overcome the blessing of Christ. Christ can bring peace, but we need to listen to that still peaceful voice.
Later Jesus would say ‘Peace, be with you” and he gives us peace, but we have to be open to it. The storms of life are nothing compared to the peace of Christ. The world cannot give us peace nor does it want to, for the world has kicked up the storm. Only Christ can give true peace and calm the storms in our life.
Let you heart be open, be not afraid, let Christ give you peace. If you give him your all; your fears, your concerns, your regrets, your hopes, your dreams, and yes your life, then you will truly feel the peace of Christ.
Amen
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Fear not.
PK’s Corner February 2012
Isaiah 41:10 “Do not fear, for I AM with you…for I am your God. I will strengthen you…”
As we continue in our journey through this New Year, there is still an element of fear. We fear the unknown. We fear the power of others. For many of us, there is an innate fear of the political process.
But that doesn’t need to be. Isaiah, sharing Gods word to Judah, reassures them of God’s presence in their lives. There was much to fear then, nations sought to conquer and destroy the people of God and yet God says, “I AM with you.”
God is with us, always, there is no need to fear. Jesus even assured us before going into heaven that he would be with us “even to the end of the age.” We are never alone, and we need not fear what tomorrow will bring, for God is with us and God will strengthen us.
Are you living in fear, is the night too dark, or the road too harsh, turn to God, for God is our strength and redeemer. With God there is no need to fear, there is only wonder, awe and absolute love.
Do not fear, for God is near.
Amen
Isaiah 41:10 “Do not fear, for I AM with you…for I am your God. I will strengthen you…”
As we continue in our journey through this New Year, there is still an element of fear. We fear the unknown. We fear the power of others. For many of us, there is an innate fear of the political process.
But that doesn’t need to be. Isaiah, sharing Gods word to Judah, reassures them of God’s presence in their lives. There was much to fear then, nations sought to conquer and destroy the people of God and yet God says, “I AM with you.”
God is with us, always, there is no need to fear. Jesus even assured us before going into heaven that he would be with us “even to the end of the age.” We are never alone, and we need not fear what tomorrow will bring, for God is with us and God will strengthen us.
Are you living in fear, is the night too dark, or the road too harsh, turn to God, for God is our strength and redeemer. With God there is no need to fear, there is only wonder, awe and absolute love.
Do not fear, for God is near.
Amen
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Begin again
Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created…”
What better place to start the year than with the start of the bible? “In the beginning God created...”, these powerful words start the book that is the foundation of religion for most of the people around the world. It is within the covers of this book that we can see a chance for a new beginning.
God is the god of new beginnings. God created and then nurtured this world and creation. God cleaned up the mess we made many times and still shows love towards us. We read about Noah, and God saving humanity, and about Joseph and God saving Israel. We read on and see how kingdoms were given beginnings, and people over and over given new beginnings. Then we see the ultimate in new creations, Jesus Christ, God’s son, the word made flesh, sent to earth to save the world.
God is not done creating, and that is the assurance we have in Christ. This New Year can be a new opportunity to be a new creation in Christ. The question you have to ask yourself is, “am I truly happy this way?” If you aren’t then it is time to be created in the image of Christ.
Beginning is what it’s all about. Can you be a new creation in Christ? Do you want to be? God is ready to begin again, and all you have to do is ask.
Amen
What better place to start the year than with the start of the bible? “In the beginning God created...”, these powerful words start the book that is the foundation of religion for most of the people around the world. It is within the covers of this book that we can see a chance for a new beginning.
God is the god of new beginnings. God created and then nurtured this world and creation. God cleaned up the mess we made many times and still shows love towards us. We read about Noah, and God saving humanity, and about Joseph and God saving Israel. We read on and see how kingdoms were given beginnings, and people over and over given new beginnings. Then we see the ultimate in new creations, Jesus Christ, God’s son, the word made flesh, sent to earth to save the world.
God is not done creating, and that is the assurance we have in Christ. This New Year can be a new opportunity to be a new creation in Christ. The question you have to ask yourself is, “am I truly happy this way?” If you aren’t then it is time to be created in the image of Christ.
Beginning is what it’s all about. Can you be a new creation in Christ? Do you want to be? God is ready to begin again, and all you have to do is ask.
Amen
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Gifting
2nd Timothy 1:6a “For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you…”
The holidays are upon us. We run around in a frenzy worrying about what gift to give who, how we are going to pay for it and what will we do if Aunt Martha gives us another of her “special” fruitcakes. In essence, the time of celebration becomes a time of worry and concern.
But we need to stop the frenzy and remember the gifts that God has given us. We live in a time of Gospel Illiteracy and Spiritual Malnutrition. For those of us who grew up in an earlier tradition, we may not remember not knowing about Jesus or the Nativity, but there are whole generations who only know Christmas as a time to shop and get gifts.
We have been given a gift that needs to be shared. As the church ages it, we need to be aware that the new people coming in may not know about Christ, and it is up to us to teach.
When people come into the church, they first need fed and nourished, not put to work. We as a church need to be willing to teach and help the younger generations to grow in Christ. We have been given the gift of experience and knowledge and wisdom.
To all of us who have some age on us, this is a reminder that our job is just getting started, our call has been given, and Paul is reminding us that we have a gift that needs to be shared.
If you are worried about the gift you can give to those around you, give of the knowledge and love you have for the church. Help the younger generations grow and know Christ, so that when they are where you are, they can lead the next generation.
We have all been called to be the gift, it’s time to answer that call.
Amen
The holidays are upon us. We run around in a frenzy worrying about what gift to give who, how we are going to pay for it and what will we do if Aunt Martha gives us another of her “special” fruitcakes. In essence, the time of celebration becomes a time of worry and concern.
But we need to stop the frenzy and remember the gifts that God has given us. We live in a time of Gospel Illiteracy and Spiritual Malnutrition. For those of us who grew up in an earlier tradition, we may not remember not knowing about Jesus or the Nativity, but there are whole generations who only know Christmas as a time to shop and get gifts.
We have been given a gift that needs to be shared. As the church ages it, we need to be aware that the new people coming in may not know about Christ, and it is up to us to teach.
When people come into the church, they first need fed and nourished, not put to work. We as a church need to be willing to teach and help the younger generations to grow in Christ. We have been given the gift of experience and knowledge and wisdom.
To all of us who have some age on us, this is a reminder that our job is just getting started, our call has been given, and Paul is reminding us that we have a gift that needs to be shared.
If you are worried about the gift you can give to those around you, give of the knowledge and love you have for the church. Help the younger generations grow and know Christ, so that when they are where you are, they can lead the next generation.
We have all been called to be the gift, it’s time to answer that call.
Amen
Friday, October 28, 2011
Heartbreak
Pk’s Corner November 2011
2 Corinthians 2:4 “For out of an extremely troubled and anguished heart I wrote you with many tears…”.
This past week I was challenged, and I bring that challenge to you. The question is; What breaks your heart? My answer came as not a surprise but a confirmation as to why I am a minister.
As I look out over the congregation on Sunday mornings, I see empty seats. As I drive home after the service I see children playing, restaurants full, and the stadiums filled to over flowing with sports fans waiting for the kickoff. My heart is broken.
You see, the empty pews are not about numbers on our rolls, nor are they about the amount of money the church has received in the collection. What grieves me is that an empty pew represents a person that may die in their sin.
As a church we are called to go and make Disciples of Christ, but our churches are getting emptier and emptier over the years. The older folks are dying off and the younger folks seem to be attracted to worldly pursuits. Our economic times dictate working on the Sabbath just to keep food on the table.
People are dying, not knowing about a loving caring Christ that can give them eternal life. The empty pew grieves me, and troubles my heart, for there is a person out there that has not heard of Christ. The empty pew means a lost person is still lost. Someone out there will spend eternity in hell because that pew is empty.
The Holy Spirit saves, let’s get that straight, but the church provides a safe loving place so people can develop and grow that relationship with Christ. But if they are not there, how can they know.
And how can they come unless we bring them, invite them, love them enough to open our hearts and doors to them.
So the question I have for you, is your heart broken enough to point a soul to Christ? Who is truly responsible for those who die in their sin, simply because they haven’t heard? Why haven’t they heard? Why haven’t you told them?
As Christians we are all responsible for our brothers and sisters eternity. Will you let God call the lost through you, or are you satisfied with the extra space in the pew?
Amen
2 Corinthians 2:4 “For out of an extremely troubled and anguished heart I wrote you with many tears…”.
This past week I was challenged, and I bring that challenge to you. The question is; What breaks your heart? My answer came as not a surprise but a confirmation as to why I am a minister.
As I look out over the congregation on Sunday mornings, I see empty seats. As I drive home after the service I see children playing, restaurants full, and the stadiums filled to over flowing with sports fans waiting for the kickoff. My heart is broken.
You see, the empty pews are not about numbers on our rolls, nor are they about the amount of money the church has received in the collection. What grieves me is that an empty pew represents a person that may die in their sin.
As a church we are called to go and make Disciples of Christ, but our churches are getting emptier and emptier over the years. The older folks are dying off and the younger folks seem to be attracted to worldly pursuits. Our economic times dictate working on the Sabbath just to keep food on the table.
People are dying, not knowing about a loving caring Christ that can give them eternal life. The empty pew grieves me, and troubles my heart, for there is a person out there that has not heard of Christ. The empty pew means a lost person is still lost. Someone out there will spend eternity in hell because that pew is empty.
The Holy Spirit saves, let’s get that straight, but the church provides a safe loving place so people can develop and grow that relationship with Christ. But if they are not there, how can they know.
And how can they come unless we bring them, invite them, love them enough to open our hearts and doors to them.
So the question I have for you, is your heart broken enough to point a soul to Christ? Who is truly responsible for those who die in their sin, simply because they haven’t heard? Why haven’t they heard? Why haven’t you told them?
As Christians we are all responsible for our brothers and sisters eternity. Will you let God call the lost through you, or are you satisfied with the extra space in the pew?
Amen
Thursday, September 29, 2011
God's Memo
Pk’s Corner October 2011
Psalm 119:11 “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee”. (KJV)
We live in a time of “Biblical Illiteracy”. What this means is that so many so-called “Christians” have yet to read the word of God. Sunday Schools don’t seem to be requiring memorization of verses and people seem to insist that the Bible is irrelevant to today’s culture.
Obviously, if you believe it is irrelevant, then you have not read or studied the bible. It is amazing to me the quotes I hear that are attributed to the bible, when in reality they came from Ben Franklin, or even Carl Sagan. How many times do we quote the bible, and really have no clue if that quote is really in there?
The Bible is the love letter from God. In its pages are biographies, and adventure. You will find romance and intrigue, philosophy and law, health and well being. It can give you a diet plan and a life plan. It can tell you what is coming and share with you what has been. It can change your life, but only if you read and study it. The Psalmist knew how important those words are.
When was the last time you took a bible to church? When was the last time you even opened the covers to see what was there? When did you attend a class that helped you to learn more about the bible? Bible study is a fundamental element of spiritual and church growth.
If you are not already, join a bible study, or start one. Read, dig, enjoy and hide those words in your heart. The last thing you want to hear on Judgment day is God saying “Didn’t you get my memo?”
Amen
Psalm 119:11 “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee”. (KJV)
We live in a time of “Biblical Illiteracy”. What this means is that so many so-called “Christians” have yet to read the word of God. Sunday Schools don’t seem to be requiring memorization of verses and people seem to insist that the Bible is irrelevant to today’s culture.
Obviously, if you believe it is irrelevant, then you have not read or studied the bible. It is amazing to me the quotes I hear that are attributed to the bible, when in reality they came from Ben Franklin, or even Carl Sagan. How many times do we quote the bible, and really have no clue if that quote is really in there?
The Bible is the love letter from God. In its pages are biographies, and adventure. You will find romance and intrigue, philosophy and law, health and well being. It can give you a diet plan and a life plan. It can tell you what is coming and share with you what has been. It can change your life, but only if you read and study it. The Psalmist knew how important those words are.
When was the last time you took a bible to church? When was the last time you even opened the covers to see what was there? When did you attend a class that helped you to learn more about the bible? Bible study is a fundamental element of spiritual and church growth.
If you are not already, join a bible study, or start one. Read, dig, enjoy and hide those words in your heart. The last thing you want to hear on Judgment day is God saying “Didn’t you get my memo?”
Amen
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Romans and Christians
PK’s Corner September 2011
Psalm 105:4 “Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually.
This past weekend, our youth group participated in an annual event that we host called “Romans and Christians”. In this game, we find a large field and set up a light. The object for the youth is to find the light, and then go and bring others to the light. The trick is to avoid the “Romans”: these are the adult leaders with flashlights. If caught, the Christians (youth) must go to prison where they must share their faith story and convert the guard to Christianity in order to leave. Each year the attendance has increased and this year we hosted 79 youths.
The kids will tell you how fun and exciting it was to run in the dark and avoid getting caught, but I think the most important thing was the jail time. Here, the youth have an opportunity to share what they believe and why. In seeking the light, they find reason for following the light of the world.
What about you, how often do you seek the Light? How often do you take time to share your faith journey? Or do you?
Sometimes we forget that the Light is actually seeking us, wanting to bring us out of the darkness. Have you heard the call, have you seen the Light? If not, take time to know the Light of the world, and if so, then share that story with someone, for the Light is seeking them also.
Amen
Psalm 105:4 “Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually.
This past weekend, our youth group participated in an annual event that we host called “Romans and Christians”. In this game, we find a large field and set up a light. The object for the youth is to find the light, and then go and bring others to the light. The trick is to avoid the “Romans”: these are the adult leaders with flashlights. If caught, the Christians (youth) must go to prison where they must share their faith story and convert the guard to Christianity in order to leave. Each year the attendance has increased and this year we hosted 79 youths.
The kids will tell you how fun and exciting it was to run in the dark and avoid getting caught, but I think the most important thing was the jail time. Here, the youth have an opportunity to share what they believe and why. In seeking the light, they find reason for following the light of the world.
What about you, how often do you seek the Light? How often do you take time to share your faith journey? Or do you?
Sometimes we forget that the Light is actually seeking us, wanting to bring us out of the darkness. Have you heard the call, have you seen the Light? If not, take time to know the Light of the world, and if so, then share that story with someone, for the Light is seeking them also.
Amen
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