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11
May '20
The Value of What?
11
May '20
The Value of What?
Pop quiz! Quickly jot down ten things in nature you are thankful for. I’m guessing rainbows, puppies and butterflies may be in there somewhere? Anyone write down lice or fleas? No???!! Since October 31, 2019, as part of my devo time, every morning I have written down ten things I’m thankful for. If I were to glance back through the 1,980 items, I’m pretty sure there would be neither lice nor fleas mentioned.
In 2004, our family had a surprise lice visit. My husband had just accepted a job transfer and our family moved to Minnesota. Within days of moving into our new home, one of our children came home from school with the dreaded little bugs jumping around her head. Still thinking about it makes me cringe and itch my head. We didn’t have a washer and dryer in our new home yet, so I hauled all the bedding, clothing and stuffed animals to the laundry mat. Everyone in the family had their hair treated. This was all in the midst of the chaos of unpacking and the start of a new school year. It was an interesting way to kick off our new life in a new state. Had I been asked at the time if I appreciated lice, I wouldn’t have hesitated to say absolutely not- it added a bit of stress to our lives. However, I believe God did have a reason for the lice, beyond my understanding. Those little pests caused me to feel quite humble – because it felt like it was something I couldn’t cope with or control. It’s funny how adversity brings us to our knees.
During the summer of 2017, my husband and I traveled with friends to Amsterdam. A highlight of the trip was a guided tour through Corrie ten Boom’s home in Haarlem. Her incredible story of faith, obedience and forgiveness during the Holocaust was recorded in her biography, The Hiding Place. Seeing every room of the little house made the reality of the events in her book very real. Corrie and her sister Betsie, daughters of a watchman, worked with their father to help many Jews escape the Nazis from the Holocaust during World War ll by hiding them in their home. They were a strong Christian family who believed that God wanted them to protect Jews. The entire family was eventually caught and arrested. The sisters were incarcerated in Ravensbruck concentration camp, where Betsie died at age 59.
There was a particular flea situation in the book that caused me to have a new perspective on fleas and other “little” things in life that cause distress. The following is a paraphrased excerpt from the book. In their barracks, there were a series of platforms stacked three levels high and packed in so tight the women were like human sardines. Rancid straw placed on top of the platforms served as mattresses. Not exactly sanitary conditions. At one point Corrie became exasperated as she was being bitten by fleas. “Fleas”, she cried. “Betsie, the place is swarming with them…Betsie, how can we live in such a place?” And then Betsie did something incredible- she began to pray. “Show us. Show us how….Corrie! He has given us the answer, as He always does!” In a smuggled, hidden Bible, Betsie asked Corrie to read a passage they had read together earlier that morning. 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18: “Comfort the frightened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good for one another and to all. Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus.” Betsie had a revelation- to give thanks in all circumstances. She and Corrie thought of every thing in the barracks that they could be thankful for. It all sounded great until Betsie thanked God for the fleas. Corrie went along with this even though she was sure Betsie was wrong. As time went on, Corrie came to realize that Betsie was, in fact, correct. There was a purpose for the fleas. The sisters discovered that the guards were very aware of the infestation and refused to enter the platforms, leaving the Bible undetected, and ultimately protecting the women who were housed there from the abuse of the guards.
As I reflect on the flea affliction, our lice situation, as well as other times in my life that I have had to endure pain and hardship, I can see that God had a purpose for it. Beyond what I could see at the time. And I have always had a choice. I could choose to become bitter and resentful. Or I could choose to humble myself and turn to God, and be thankful in all circumstances.
Looking back, I can see numerous blessings that occurred during the two years that we lived in Minnesota, despite the rough patch at the beginning. When the unwelcome pests invaded our new home, I immediately drew closer to God. I turned to Him at a time when I could have easily gotten caught up with the “we are in a new place and have to start over with everything” phase. Our spiritual lives in Minnesota grew immensely and we became closer as a family. It was like God had hit a re-set button. It was the first time in our married life we found a church that fit biblically and challenged us to work out our faith. All of the obligations that had piled up in New York fell away when we moved to Minnesota. We had redeemed time with our children and they thrived. Bottom line, I am thankful for the lice as this may have been the pivotal moment when I turned toward God. Maybe lice will be #1,981 in my gratitude list tomorrow morning…
I pray that our hearts and lips overflow with gratitude as we live life out in this unusual time. Even when faced with discouraging circumstances, we all can turn to the Lord, who continues to be an ever present help in time of need. As we focus on God’s blessings, may our hearts be lightened so that we can become more able to serve God, our families and our communities and ultimately spread His light to a world in need.
-Rebekah Zehr
05
May '20
Singleness of Purpose
05
May '20
Singleness of Purpose“For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, ‘how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. “ 1
On Sunday, May 3rd, we heard a message from Pastor Matt & Eliza from Ephesians chapter 3. Pastor Matt stated that we are called out as both a prisoner and priest of Jesus Christ. The example from the life of the apostle Paul is laid out before us in Scripture in how to live as a prisoner and priest.
In my recent daily Bible reading, I recently was reading in the book of I Chronicles, and the following verse struck me as I was reading in chapter 12. “Of Zebulun 50,000 seasoned troops, equipped for battle with all the weapons of war, to help David with singleness of purpose.”2The key phrase that stuck out to me was, ‘singleness of purpose’. For a few moments today, I want us to consider what that means for us personally and corporately as a local church who seeks to bring Heaven to Earth in our community with singleness of purpose as a prisoner and priest.
At the beginning of a new year, many people often find it helpful to document a few resolutions or goals that they want to achieve during the year. In many cases, there is likely a primary goal or objective they are seeking, and the other resolutions are checkpoint markers to ensure the goal can be attained and to help guide their purpose as they progress throughout the year. There is a singleness of purpose that drives all other actions and decisions; a waypoint marked on the compass to judge direction against. There is an element of confidence, sure-footedness, in the stated goal that this is right, and it is good.
As a teen and/or an early adult Saul sought out to persecute Christians and to thwart the spread of the gospel. His goal was to stop the spread of the good news; this was his singular purpose. Acts 8:3 states, “But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison.” 3 His pursuit of persecution of the early church provided proof of the focus of his heart’s purpose. “But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. “ 4 If we are honest with ourselves, we all can recall times where we have been prisoners to our sinful nature and ill-devised plans that are not rooted in the Word of God and His righteousness. We were prisoners of our sinful and fallen human nature. We have a time where our focus is ‘but (insert your name here)’ pursuits that only lead to emptiness and destruction.
…But God
For those who have experienced new life, salvation, through the transforming work of Jesus Christ and the love of God the Father we can testify that the compass of our heart has been redirected as we are transformed from death to life. It is not only a one-time transformation, but a daily renewal of configuration that our heart’s compass is pointed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ and acts of out of the goodness of God. Ephesians 2:4-7 becomes real & personal; ‘but God’ overwhelms the shame & guilt of our past, gives us a new name, purpose, and guides us on tracks of never-ending light as we journey through life as an ambassador of His mercy and grace. We become prisoners to Him as we rightly divide the word of truth as priests in our personal walk, our household of faith, and the spheres where we work and play to disciple others in a relationship with Him. Our singleness of purpose is built on the chief cornerstone, Jesus Christ, and the goodness of God.
“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ— by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” 5
Saul had a memorable transformation experience that we can read about in Acts chapter 9. In verses 8a and 9b, it says, “Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing…and for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.” We fast forward a handful of verses to verse 18, where it is recorded, “And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight.”. During the span of those three days, I am curious to know what he experienced:
- Did he experience fear in the loss of his human sight?
- Did he experience amazement at the wonder of God & His promises being presented by the author of life?
My personal belief is that during those three days there was a radical transformation taking root in the life of Saul to turn him into who we commonly refer to as, the Apostle Paul. The Father’s purpose for Paul’s life from the beginning of time was downloaded into Paul and grafted into the purpose of his heart. I like to envision that Paul experienced a taste of the outcome of what the rest of his earthly life would produce for the history of the church for all of time—even at the expense of his own life. At a young age, Saul was trained in the Old Testament law under the teachings of Gamaliel. Saul declared himself a Pharisee of Pharisees but was also born with Roman citizenship; in that day, Saul was on a right course, the compass was set for success. However, Saul still needed to be physically blinded to allow the Father to reset the compass of his heart and fill him with all the fullness of God so that the Apostle Paul could display & declare the manifold wisdom of God throughout his missionary journeys and letters to the churches.
I trust that each of us can find personal encouragement in the story of Saul’s transformation experience and how God has used and will continue to use transformed hearts and lives with singleness of purpose to further declare His manifold wisdom and love. The Father is seeking for warriors, mighty men, and women of valor, fully equipped with gifts & talents from the Holy Spirit to serve as prisoner and priest to God for the sake of the world. May our prayer echo that which Paul penned to the church in Ephesus at the close of chapter 3.
“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” 6
-Shawn Moshier
14
Apr '20
A Heart for Home
14
Apr '20
A Heart for Home
He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it. Matthew 10:39
As we entered the Easter season a little differently this year, I thought about these words and considered their meaning. A devotional I was reading said that to follow Jesus meant we “must carry our cross”, a phrase we’ve most likely heard many times. By choosing our faith and committing our lives to God, of course we’ll carry our cross, and we have ideas about what that will look like.
It was the next sentence in my devotional that really made me pause and consider what Jesus meant with these words. The author stated “We must give up our lives, die to ourselves – our expectations, dreams, and rights – in order to be surrendered to His Kingdom…”
Our expectations, our dreams, and rights… in the midst of a pandemic, sequestered in our homes, attempting to adjust to an ever changing reality, how many of us have given up these things? I thought about how in the last few weeks our worlds have been turned upside down in so many ways. People are out of work, schools are closed, many are working from home, special events are cancelled or postponed indefinitely, the list of changes and disappointments are endless… and yet while we’ve certainly been forced to give up our “normal” in many ways, have we handed them over to God?
I’m not sure anyone would have thought dying to ourselves and carrying our cross meant giving up our dreams and expectations in this way. And yet, God has brought us to this place during the Easter season. Perhaps He’s brought us home together in this pandemic to remind everyone that we are merely temporary residents waiting for our eternal home with Him. And if during this time at home, we are willing to pursue Him with our hearts, to surrender our dreams and expectations, we will find the One who gave everything for us is there waiting.
Marcy Petzoldt
11
Apr '20
The Love of Easter – Easter Reflections
11
Apr '20
I love Easter… For a Christian it is the apex of our Holidays that celebrate our faith and our Savior. I love that Easter falls in spring and that resurrection life and new life is coming up all around us. I love that much like Christmas, even the world sets aside a day to remember and acknowledge Jesus’ existence and importance in history.
During the week leading up to Easter I often think about the steps Jesus was taking, what he endured, and what my freedom cost. I think about his sham trial, about the beatings and taunts he suffered. I think about the cross he bore and the agonizing death and separation from the Father he faced for me.
Then I think about the joyous and victorious resurrection we celebrate on Sunday morning. Easter Sunday is, and will always be, a day when I can’t wait to be in church so I can worship, celebrate the grave being emptied, and celebrate death’s defeat. Even now, just thinking about the morning of the resurrection fills me with emotions of joy and gratitude. But have you ever thought about Saturday?
On Wednesday this week Pastor Matt asked me if I would be willing to write something that he could share with the body on Saturday. His text said he would like me to write, “Reflections on what Saturday or Easter means to me.” My first thought was, what does Saturday have to do with it? Then in the way God so often does He graciously opened my eyes and spoke to me and said, “Saturday is just as important as the day of crucifixion and the resurrection”.
Saturday in the story of the resurrection is a glorious day.
On Saturday Jesus’ earthly pain and suffering were over. It was calm and still for him. The world was still running about, frantically trying to do what they had always done. For the Jews it was the Sabbath and the Passover, so it was historically a time of rest, but the events of the week had many on edge. For the disciples it was a time of fear and anguish as they had lost their friend and the Messiah. The pharisees were still trying to make sure Jesus’ story was dead with him. Pilate was compelled to place guards at Jesus tomb and to seal it. But for the body of Jesus, it was rest. The battle had been fought; he had followed through with obedience to his Father’s plan. The work was complete, everything now was in the hands of the Father. Jesus knew the prophecy in Psalms 16:10 “You will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your Holy one to see decay”. For the body of Jesus and heaven, they just waited.
As I began to understand what God was showing to me there were two main points that spoke to me.
If we are to find true life in Jesus, we must be willing to die to our flesh so we can dwell in His Body. “Very truly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains alone. But if it dies, it bears much fruit.” John 12:24
Far too often, we as believers focus on the death and the crucifixion, without realizing when we die there is rest as we wait for the Father to do his part and bring forth the harvest. Give up the fight and enter His rest. He who seeks to save his life shall lose it but he loses his life for my sake shall keep it.
Saints, let this life go and enter the rest that can be found in the grave.
Today as the world frantically scrambles with disease, distress, and doubt we can be found in the grave with our Lord resting in him, knowing all things are now in the hands of the Father.
What glorious hope that with each passing second, we draw closer to the moment when our Father steps onto the scene and shouts, “Son or daughter come forth!”. Imagine the moment when the things that have guarded your life to control you are vanquished. When the seals of the tomb are broken, and resurrection light comes pouring in.
As I considered what Saturday meant to me, I felt greater expectation and excitement knowing the move of God, resurrection life, was right around the corner. Can you just imagine the anticipation and excitement the hosts of heaven, the Father and the Son felt waiting for the word to be fulfilled and the glorious revelation of a risen Savior and the dawning of a new age?
We are living in that new age. I am sure as you read this many, if not all of us, have areas in our lives where it seems death is reigning, but you need to know you are living in Saturday. You are so close! The darkest hour of death means the dawn is right around the corner. The glorious unfolding of the power of God in your situation is just moments from exploding! Don’t give up! Don’t give in!
As a family at Abundant Life we have been like a body in a grave. For three years we have been on a prophetic mission and this year we turned our focus outward. The present crisis should be an indication the enemy is trying to thwart what God has called us to in this time. I believe with all my heart he won’t succeed because the seals of the tomb are cracking and the first ray of sunlight is cresting the horizon, Saturday is about to become Sunday and a resurrected church is about to come out of the tomb. All creation is groaning for the revelation of the sons and daughters of God. Romans 8:19
Do not despise Saturday it just means Sunday is moments away.
Day turned to night, His friends scattered, and death thought it had won. But heaven just started counting to three.
I love and miss you all. I can’t wait to be reunited with my church family and worship with you.
Steve Byers
10
Apr '20
Empty Tomb – Easter Reflections
10
Apr '20
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When I think of the empty tomb, I think of a God who is faithful, a God who is powerful, who is willing and who is present.
I’ve taken the changes caused by COVID-19 in stride. I looked at the extra family time as a blessing and I’ve fully enjoyed having my kids home. I felt confident that God was going to use this time to strengthen our family, our church and our community. We’ve been good… Until recently. Over the weekend I felt irritated and anxious. I couldn’t shake the feeling of inadequacy and the unknown seemed to loom over me. I pushed through and stayed busy. By Wednesday I felt like I hit a brick wall. My heart felt extremely heavy for those suffering, for those who were living in fear. I felt helpless, overwhelmed and depleted. I thought of Easter, always a special and sacred holiday for our family, and a wave of guilt washed over me. I didn’t feel ready or excited, I felt numb to it all. This isn’t the first time I felt this way. I knew what to do. It’s the only thing I know to do that always shines light on the deepest, darkest parts of my heart. I worshiped. I thanked Him for who He was and I held my hands out in surrender, knowing He was there in the middle of the chaos and darkness just waiting for me to acknowledge His presence.
The tomb is empty. He is faithful, He is powerful, He is willing and He is present.
Just a couple hours later I was asked to write a blog post. Just some thoughts on Easter. Ha. I smiled as I responded because isn’t that just like God? Isn’t it like God to want to use us at our weakest. He is a good God who is always reminding me to look up and to enter into His presence where I’ll find peace and abundant life. He is willing to intervene on our behalf but are we willing to let Him? Are we willing to surrender our worry, our pride, our selfishness, our laziness and replace it with praise and thankfulness? Are we willing to give Him our time, our effort, our fears? He’s willing to meet us. He’s so willing and so faithful. He never gives up on us. He is always working and I’m always learning. When I let go, He steps in.
The tomb is empty. He is faithful, He is powerful, He is willing and He is present.
For many reasons, this Easter will be like no other. I suddenly feel an urgency to celebrate who God is and all that He has done for me. I’m expectant and my heart feels ready. This Easter already feels special and sacred. I’m thankful for a God who calls us deeper- He calls us out- He draws us close. And He continues to remind us that-
The tomb is empty! He is faithful, He is powerful, He is willing and He is present.
May God bless you all this Easter season. Wendy Meleshchuk |
09
Apr '20
He is still working – Easter Reflections
09
Apr '20
He is still working“Look among the nations and watch—
Be utterly astounded!
For I will work a work in your days
Which you would not believe, though it were told you.”1
This reply from the Lord to the prophet Habakkuk was a word of comfort. Scripture tells us that Habakkuk was burdened by what he was seeing happen to his people. Scholars are unsure the exact timing of when this book was written but believe it was written near the siege and fall of Jerusalem, 588 BC, when the people of Judah became captive under Babylon rule.
In the same way that the prophet Habakkuk may have felt surrounded by the enemy as they pillaged the walls of Jerusalem and overtook the city, we may also feel that we are surrounded by worries & concerns due to the effect of the coronavirus. While we may not understand why a loving God would permit for a virus to spread across nations, inflict pain and suffering, we can rest assured that God is still at work among us. His kindness and goodness behoove us to remain confident that He will use everything for good and to fulfill His intended purpose.
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” 2
My prayer for each of you this Easter season is to be filled in a new & special way in the strength and wisdom of God.
“Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.” 3
In the strength and wisdom received from His hand, may we learn how to respond with the patient love of Christ to those around us in this difficult time. With the power of the Holy Spirit may we have the opportunity to lead others to a greater knowledge of God and the wonderful plans He has for them.
“For the earth will be filled
With the knowledge of the glory of the Lord,
As the waters cover the sea.” 4
Heavenly Father as we approach this Easter season may we be reminded, in a new way, of your redemptive work on the cross and the promise found within the empty tomb. Through the obedient sacrifice of your Son, Jesus Christ, we can experience forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with the Father, and the gift of eternal life. Allow us to experience a restful peace that encourages us to be witnesses of your love. May we joy in the God of our salvation 5. In your precious name we pray, Amen.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
1 Habakkuk 1:5 NKJV
2 Romans 8:28 NKJV
3 II Thessalonians 3:5 NKJV
4 Habakkuk 2:14 NKJV
5 Habakkuk 3:18b NKJV
In Christ, Shawn Moshier
08
Apr '20
Worship – Easter Reflections
08
Apr '20
Worship –
I know that worship does not happen only under the perfect set of circumstances – namely in a church building, with a set of musicians, with the perfect set of songs. I know that. But, do I live as though I know that? Now that the “perfect” set of circumstances has been taken away from me have I found that I have set aside worship? To be picked up when we can once again worship together as a church family? For a minute I think I did.
Can you relate?
But…In His faithfulness God will not let me (or you) stay there. I feel Him stirring in my heart that there is more to learn here. There is something powerful and true to be learned about worship individually , in isolation.
Can we go on this individual journey together? God has linked us together as a body – a church family made up of precious individuals walking together in the same direction. Each voice to be developed and honed intimately in the secret place. Then, brought together powerfully and corporately to break the strongholds of darkness.
First things first… Where are my eyes? Where am I oriented?
God brought me to 2 Chronicles 20 this morning. The story of King Jehoshaphat, a man intent on God’s commands and endeavoring to lead his people in the truth of the Word. A great army – greater than any the people of Judah could withstand – was marching against them. When word came to the King he “resolved to inquire of the Lord”. He gathered the kingdom together in fasting, stood up in the assembly and began to pray. His prayer is an example of proper orientation:
First, he proclaimed Who God is “Power and might are in Your hand, no one can withstand You” Second, he proclaimed what God had done “You drove out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel and gave it forever to the descendants of Abraham Your friend”.
Third, he brought his request to the Lord “now here are men from Ammon, Moab and Mount Sier… coming to drive us out of the possession YOU gave us as inheritance.
Finally – He said “Our God , will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”
God brings about a great victory – through no effort on their part. ( If you get a chance read this chapter)
The key was where they placed their eyes (their hopes, their answer, their deliverance).
Right now, perhaps more than ever, there are loud competing voices to capture your eyes, to turn your heart toward fear and isolation. The key to worshiping is to first and foremost stay oriented on the Creator and Lover of your soul. He has the answers and alone holds the victory. As we everyday orient our hearts on Who He is and What He has done, bring our requests and then keep our eyes on Him we will find that place of worship.
Set your heart on Him and Who He is and worship will naturally flow from your heart.
Let’s endeavor to do this together in the coming weeks. Let God hone your heart as He reveals more and more of Who He is… as your eyes stay on Him. Here is a song that was shared with me. I pray it helps you to be still and and know – to focus your eyes on the One.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4d-BlfWp280
In Love….. Eliza Zehr
19
Apr '19
Confident in Him
19
Apr '19
“Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!” Psalms 27:14 NKJV“Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the LORD.” Psalms 31:24 NKJV
The Psalmist, David, penned these verses while on the run from the efforts of King Saul to kill him. David relied on the inherent belief underpinning his life that God was good and that there was a future hope in relationship with Him.
For those that live on the other side of the river (e.g., New Bremen, Beaver Falls, Croghan, Belfort) regions of Lewis County we have recently had a wrench tossed into our normal travel plans if we seek to go to Lowville or points further south in the county. The NYS Department of Transportation has recently closed State Route 812 near Dadville due a culvert that requires replacement. I believe this came as a surprise to many residents—at least to me it was—as it appeared to be a sudden announcement and corresponding road closure. However, we can have confidence in the engineers from the state that examined the culvert and made the assessment that it is no longer safe for vehicles to pass over that section of road. The state has lost confidence in the existing structure to keep the road safe for passing motorists and will replace the culvert and rebuild the road. In a few short months we will be able to travel with confidence over that portion of road once again.
Pastor Matt presented in a recent message on March 17th entitled, “Committed to Goodness, Part 2” the seven traits that define the goodness of God. These seven traits are listed below:
Mercy Gracious Long-suffering (Patient) Abounds in goodness & truth (Love) Faithful (keeps mercy for thousands) Forgiveness Justice (Holy)
These traits are referenced in Exodus 34:5-8.
David knew that he could rest assured and wait on the Lord because of His prior faithfulness to rescue Him in times of trouble. When David shepherded His families’ flock of sheep He was able to fend off lion and bear with the strength of the Lord on His side. The demonstrations of God’s past faithfulness provided David confidence to face his current situations and have courage for the present day and a hope for tomorrow.
So, it should be with us today we may be facing or have recently faced a trial or tribulation that has diminished our strength, confidence, and hope. May we be recharged in the promise that Christ reigned triumphant over death and reigns today. He has gone before us, but is also with us, by our side, in our present situation. We may struggle with the outcome of a particular life event, and the human emotions correlated; and in the midst of the struggle question how a good Father can allow a specific outcome. In spite of the struggle His goodness overpowers. We can remain confident that His ways and His plans are so much higher than we can fathom and trust in His perfect discretion.
In II Timothy 2:11-13 we have the following Scripture, “This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him. If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.”
As we approach the Easter season this year we have the opportunity to reflect upon the ultimate example of courage and the long obedience in the same direction that the Son, Jesus Christ, exemplified. He was obedient to the plans of the Father, even unto death on a cross. This discipline of obedience and love for the sake of the world paved the only way to salvation and reconciliation with the Father. The Father glorified this obedience and raised His son from death to life so that He could overcome death and complete the circuit back to the Father where He now sits at the right hand of the Father.
My prayer as we celebrate and commemorate this Easter is that we, individually and corporately, experience renewed confidence through the salvation work of the Son and the overwhelming goodness of God to empower us with courage for today and hope for tomorrow. While we wait, the miracle is in motion. In closing, please see below for the lyrics from the song ‘Confident’ by Stephanie Gretzinger
You’re always moving in the unseen
The breath You exhale sustaining me
Before I call, You know my need
You’re always going before me
I’m confident Your faithfulness will see me through
My soul can rest, my righteousness is found in You
With every moment left, in every borrowed breath, let this be true
That all my heart, for all my life, belongs to You
Your laughter scatters my enemies
You give me joy for my mourning
You lift my head so I can see
All of heaven surrounding me
I’m confident Your faithfulness will see me through
My soul can rest, my righteousness is found in You
With every moment left, in every borrowed breath, let this be true
That all my heart, for all my life, belongs to You
I won’t win this battle with the strength in my own hands
You’re the mountain-mover and only You can
I won’t build my life on sinking sand
You’re my hope forever, the rock where I stand
I won’t win this battle with the strength in my own hands
You’re the mountain-mover and only You can
I won’t build my life on sinking sand
You’re my hope forever, the rock where I stand!
The rock where I stand!
All other ground is sinking sand
All other ground is sinking sand
I’m confident Your faithfulness will see me through
My soul can rest, my righteousness is found in You
With every moment left, in every borrowed breath, let this be true
That all my heart, for all my life, belongs to You
01
Jun '18
Spirit and Life Series Recap
01
Jun '18
It has been fifty-six days, eight weeks, since we celebrated Easter. If we take a few minutes to stop and look around, we have seen a radical transformation in the world around us throughout this time. There has been tremendous growth in the length of sunshine and the warmth of days. These things combined with timely rainfall has produced foliage on the trees and flowers in our gardens and nearby fields. For many of us this outside growth of the flowers, shrubs, and tress may have increased the daily occurrence of sternutations we experience. For the non-medical reader, of which I am included, a sternutation is a medical term for a sneeze. From the online source of knowledge, Wikipedia, a sneeze is defined as a semi-autonomous, convulsive expulsion of air from the lungs through the nose and mouth, usually caused by foreign particles irritating the nasal mucosa.
The past five weeks we have focused on a spring sermon series entitled, Spirit and Life. A quick listing of the titles of those sermons is noted below:
- Introduction and Overview
- The Communion of the Spirit
- The Preparation of the Spirit
- The Power of the Spirit
- The Witness of the Spirit
Throughout this series we have learned more about the Holy Spirit and its active role in our lives and world today. The Holy Spirit testifies of the Son, Jesus Christ, much in the way that Jesus always pointed the disciples, the religious leaders of the day, and anyone to whom He came in contact with to the Father. He was faithful in that calling—even to death on the cross. At any point during the turmoil of the crucifixion He could have summoned a legion of angels to rescue Him, out of His immense love for each one of us He chose sacrifice of His perfect blood to be our recompense.
Three days later, on that glorious resurrection morning, Peter & John came to the tomb to find the linen strips that had bound the Saviour’s body and the cloth that covered his eyes & head. In John 20 we read that this cloth was folded and placed aside, by itself. What does this folded face cloth tell us?
Have you ever made a meal perhaps utilizing a new recipe, that just didn’t turn out as expected? According to Jewish tradition if you were invited over for a meal and you disapproved of the food that you had eaten, instead of speaking verbally against the host & hostess you would fold your napkin in a certain manner as if to say, “I will never eat of this meal again.” In a similar way, Christ was declaring through this folded face cloth that He would never taste and see of death again. This promise holds true for all who believe in His name as the one way, the narrow road, to be reconciled with the Father to receive forgiveness of all sin. While we will all experience a physical death—the promise of eternal life in Heaven of our soul accompanied with a new body awaits those who have put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ.
In reflecting upon this series and the joy of springtime growth & renewal I was challenged by the trees, shrubs & flowers. It is challenge to glorify God. The living limb on a tree brings forth leaves, fruit, solely through the process of abiding in the trunk of the tree that provides nutrients for growth. While not 100% certain, I expect that the tree or flower does not seek to reproduce the same fruit as last year. Rather they seek new growth to display honor and glory to God. In 2 Chronicles 20 we read a story about King Jehoshaphat that exemplifies this illustration. In this chapter you will read that a great multitude of people across different nations had rose up against Judah. In verse three from the ESV version it reads that King Jehosophat, “…was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord…”. He set his face toward the Father; this provided a new perspective and hope. He later commanded the nation to fast and led them in a prayer that reflected upon the promises of God in the past—His faithfulness for the people in the steps that they had already trod and for the steps they had to take. These steps of preparation, rooted in seeking out God, led to a new victory and testimony of God’s faithfulness in the tapestry of their lives.
As we reflect on the example of God’s glorious creation that may cause us to physically sneeze during this time of year, I pray that we also experience spiritual convulsions that mature and deepen our relationship with the Father so that we can be an effective witness to point others to the hope found in a relationship with Jesus.
In closing I leave you with the first verse, chorus, and bridge from a song by Josh Baldwin entitled, “Get Your Hopes Up”.
Verse 1
I see the sun waking up the morning, reviving dreams
I feel the wind on my back with promise, reminding me
There’s a garment of praise for heaviness
There’s a new song burning inside my chest
I’m living in the goodness that He brings
Chorus
Get your hopes up
Lift your head up
Let your faith arise
Get your hopes up
Our God is for us
He’s brought us back to life
Bridge
Christ before me
Christ behind me
I am firmly held
In His mercy never ending
I’ll remind myself
Christ before me
Christ behind me
I am firmly held
In His mercy never ending
I’ll remind myself
Shawn Moshier
26
Apr '18
Communion of the Holy Spirit – A Reflection
26
Apr '18
On Sunday, April 22nd Pastor Matt shared with us the second sermon in our themed spring series ‘Spirit and Life’. The sermon was entitled, Communion of the Holy Spirit.
Communion requires partnership. Effective earthly communion with someone requires a partnership of two or more parties; it cannot be one-sided. Perhaps one of the most amazing but often hard to grasp concept of the heavenly kingdom is that we cannot attain it on our own. We must accept the free gift of grace, by becoming undone within and of ourselves. We must submit our will and accept the gift of eternal life through the perfect sacrifice through Jesus; believing that He went to a place that we could not go ourselves. Jesus, out of his love for us, also carried a burden that we cannot and should not carry. Out of the realization of what Jesus did for each of us should create within us a submissive spirit. He only seeks a ‘Yes’ from us to unlock all of what He has in store for us. A submissive spirit creates opportunity for the Holy Spirit to abide with us.
The personality of the Holy Spirit. We often perceive the Holy Spirit as an abstract aspect of the Trinity. Jacob Sullivan shared with Pastor Matt that he had a great realization and personalization of the Holy Spirit as a friend. This is affirmed in John 15:13-16 where the Holy Spirit can be attributed to each of us as a friend through characteristics displayed by the life of Jesus. Our focus should be on the person of the Holy Spirit, not the effect of the Holy Spirit to cause certain actions. Let’s be sure to cultivate a relationship with the Holy Spirit with full assurance that the attributes of the Holy Spirit will be available to us. Take note of and review John 14-16 to become more familiar with the promises of the Holy Spirit.
The entanglement of the Holy Spirit. Pastor Matt provided an overview of a complex physical phenomenon, quantum entanglement, that describes a physics principle where a pair of particles that could be spread out across large distances simultaneously counter balance each other when one particle moves. This is a great parallel to a life in direct and constant communion of the Holy Spirit. It portrays a picture of complete harmony and balance. Let’s become animated to be in tune with the flow of the Spirit so that when we sense Him moving, we move in tandem in the shadow-step of the Father.
Lastly, we must become obedient to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit seeks to reveal truth to us so that we can glorify Christ. It is imperative for us to be connected to the source of truth so that we can naturally bear fruit through a connection with the Spirit. We must become empty of ourselves to obey the leading and direction of the Spirit to reflect & display the glory of God. The Holy Spirit as a counsellor and guide sparks and sustains our lives. He seeks the best for us in our unique voice. We must find that unique voice, develop, and sustain it through a personal walk with the Holy Spirit. John 16:14 eludes to this promise when we submit to the Spirit to work in and through us. As we go forward this week let’s develop a heart to wait in preparation for a fresh download of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Shawn Moshier