We Hope

The First Sunday of Advent is traditionally called the Sunday of Hope. We light the Hope candle on our Advent Wreath and we hope for the return of Christ to reign in His world.


This hope is more than a wish. This hope is as needed as life and breath at this time. Hebrews says that “faith is the evidence of the unseen” (Hebrews 11:1). I think we could say the same for hope.


This year has brought us the loss of loved ones. Some who are near and dear to us will not be at our Christmas table this year. We miss them. There is a hole in our lives and we HOPE in the resurrection, that time when we hope for our own resurrection and rely on the promises of Christ Jesus that all those who belong to him will see his faith and gather around his throne to rejoice in his goodness.


This year has brought us increased racial tensions. An event happens between people of different races and others immediately proclaim that the event is the product of one race hating the other, or, maybe, both races hating the other. The consequences ripple throughout society and the world and other lives and families suffer as well. Riots, lootings, and arson destroy neighborhoods that were already on the brink of poverty and collapse. Opportunists use the tension to cause chaos and sow discord. They attempt to destroy our hope that love and peace can reign between races, cultures, political and socio-economic differences.


We need the Prince of Peace who brings Hope in our lives now more than ever. Today we light the Candle of Hope, not just because it is the First Sunday of Advent, but because we need our own act of defiance. We light a candle in the blackness of human sin and suffering and we proclaim the coming of the one who brought salvation to humankind and who will bring the fruits of the Spirit in our midst and gather us around his throne, regardless of color or any other divider we experience in this world.


We Hope.

Pastor Craig

Glorious Journey

What makes us the way we are? When we see bruised and broken adults, are they the product of their own poor choices? Or are they the victims of the poor choices that surrounded them in their youth? We say that there is a time when we must stand accountable for our own actions. Our society holds this to be true. When a thirty year old commits a crime, no one arrests the parents.

What about when a young person turns out to be an outstanding adult? Much of the time we give credit to the parents, telling them what a good job they did raising this particular child. But what about that young person who becomes caring, compassionate, trustworthy, loyal, reliable, wise, thrifty, gentle, loving, and joyful almost in spite of the influences that surrounded them rather than because of them.

I must say, I simply don’t know. I do know that when God puts his hand on a young man or woman they will indeed do something grand. That is the power of the hand of God.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

2 Co 5:17

I have heard it put best this way. When Jesus turned the water into wine at the wedding in Cana, he didn’t use new and fresh water. The water pots placed there by the door were pots for purification. In other words, the water may very well have been some of the same water the celebrants at the wedding had used to wash their feet as they came in off the dirty roads. Jesus’ command to fill the pots does not indicate the pots were empty. They only needed to be “topped off.”

When Jesus told the servants to take this water and serve it to the guests, you can guess the hesitancy of the servants might have had.

You want us to take dirty foot-washing water and serve it to the wedding party!

The amazing thing is that Jesus didn’t simply turn water into wine. No, he took dirty, polluted water, water unfit to drink, made it clean, and then turned it into wine. That is the miracle of God’s work in you. Jesus Christ takes you as you are, with all your sins, mistakes, flaws, and faults, and cleanses you in a manner worthy to be presented to the Master of the Feast. It doesn’t matter whose choices led you down that awful path you have travelled.

Next He turns you over to the Holy Spirit who takes you and forms you into something that brings joy to that same Master who proclaims you the very best that could be!

Don’t dwell on the place from which you came, rather, glory in the journey you have begun!

Pastor Craig

Sanctification

When you undergo trials, how do you look at the experience? If you think of the trial in a spiritual context, do you wonder if you have done something for which you are being punished? Do you wonder if the Holy Spirit is in the process of strengthening your faith? Do you think God must be busy dealing with someone who has a greater need?

What if God is simply trying to help you understand? What if it has nothing to do with you? What if God is simply answering our prayer that we might learn how to be more compassionate?

Rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings.

(1 Peter 4:13)

Hebrews 4:15 tell us  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet he did not sin.
That is a tremendous comfort. It is not always a moral thing. Sometimes our Lord is simply teaching us something about compassion. He might be preparing us for an opportunity to minister to someone else.

He has allowed us to follow a difficult journey so that we can understand someone else’s journey later in life. I know that seems, at times, a harsh sentence, us going through difficulties so we can understand someone else’s difficulties. I have learned to look at it as a training ground. Our life is like that. Things do not happen in a vacuum. Whatever happens in our life, god intends for us to use it for his glory. Knowing this, look at life differently, your Lord giving you all the tools you need, not just for your own life journey but to share in the journeys of others as well.

Pastor Craig

From October 31, 2014

Today is one of my favorite days of the year! Yes, for the vast majority of the country it is simply Halloween, a night to dress up, go to parties, and get candy. I gave up the costumes some time ago, and I buy my own candy now. However, as a pastor I love the day for very different reasons than I did as an elementary school age boy.

Today is the day when Martin Luther decided he had had enough and wanted to talk to someone about what was going on within his church, the Roman Catholic Church. He loved it and wanted to preserve it. He wanted it to be true to its calling. He wanted it to be faithful to the Gospel.
Dr. Luther asked for a debate. He wrote out 95 points of concern he had with his church and where he thought it had departed from the Gospel. It was 492 years ago that he took his challenge and posted it on the door of the church in Wittenberg. It was a bold move because he was declaring that he was out of step with the entire church. He was not declaring his intention to break away from the church, but he was being very clear as to what he thought he needed to do and to teach as a pastor/priest in his community.

So, began one of the central acts of the Reformation. Dr. Luther was not the first. In fact, his inspiration came from the letters of John Huss who had been burned as a heretic 115 years before Luther became so bold to nail his own concerns to the church door. For his efforts, he was eventually branded as a heretic himself, and, probably, would have met the same fate as Huss if had not developed a very powerful ally in Frederick III, Elector of Saxony. Fredrick was both an avid collector of relics and a supporter of modern scholarship. He was educated at an Augustinian monastery and made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. He collected religious relics—19,013 of them, in fact, by the year 1520—with the wish that Wittenberg, as a depository of sacred items, would become the Rome of Germany. He had such rarities (it was claimed) as four hairs from the Virgin Mary, a strand of Jesus’ beard, and a piece of the bread eaten at the Last Supper.

The pious Frederick also founded the University of Wittenberg. After inviting Luther to teach there, he found himself having to protect the troublesome professor of Bible.

When in 1518 Luther was summoned to Rome for a hearing, Frederick intervened and arranged for the meeting to take place on safer German soil. And after the Diet of Worms placed the reformer under an imperial ban, Frederick found him a hiding place at his castle, the Wartburg.

Today we remember the Reformation and continue its tradition of the primacy of Scripture over tradition. We commend ourselves to the task of study, prayer, and obedience to the Holy Spirit over the traditions of councils and denominations. Do something radical today – read your Bible!

Pastor Craig 

What Does God Want?

What does God want for your life? We all say we want God’s will? Most of us struggle to find it. However, we usually limit it to major decisions in life. Should I take this job or that job? Which college should I attend? Who will be my perfect mate? Some of us agonize over what we think God may want us to do; others assume that God wants whatever is in our best interests, whatever will make us happy, so that is how we decide.

There are a handful of things we can know for certain that God wills for our lives.

For this is the will of God, your sanctification.

(1 Thessalonians 4:1)

Many of us think Sanctification is something that is automatic, coming with salvation instantaneously. Not so, that is Justification. The process of Sanctification begins with our salvation, but it is never completed in this life.

The strict definition of Sanctification is “to set apart something for the use for which it was intended.” The “set apartness” takes place at the moment of salvation. The living out of that “set apartness” takes a lifetime. It involves a constant search for what God wants us to do with our lives. It involves active engagement in ministry. It involves intentional learning and study of the Scriptures that we might discern what God expects from us.

Sanctification is not a question of whether God is willing to bring about this work in me. The question is, “Am I willing to bow my will to His? Am I willing to put myself under his complete guidance, saying ‘More of Thee and less of me?’” Am I willing to say I will give up that which I dearly wish was God’s will for that which I see revealed in His word to be true? Am I willing to let God do in and through me everything He can for the furtherance of His kingdom and the glorification of His name?

It is time for the body of Christ to become more Christ-like. We often pray that the Spirit of Christ would fill us. Now, we must add to our prayers the actions which are indeed Christ-like.

Know, as you begin, that the road is too difficult for you. That is why Jesus provided the Comforter from the very first days of the Church. The path is steep and the way is hard. Each of us battles against our own nature, a way that seems right, but which the Holy Spirit tells will lead to our own spiritual downfall.

We have spent enough time trying to remake God in our image, with our likes and dislikes. It is time for us to be remade in His.

Pastor Craig

My Favorite Bible Verse

It’s somewhat awkward to speak of favorite Bible verses, or to say, “Now, here is a verse I really like!” It implies there are verses we find unfulfilling or don’t like. Granted, there are verses that are much more fun to hear, and there are verses that challenge us and will not allow us to go forward complacently. So, maybe it is okay to say "I really like 1Ch 12:32."

Of the sons of Issachar, men who understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their kinsmen were at their command.

You have heard me use this verse before. It is a verse of encouragement when we speak of leadership. God provides wise people to govern His people as they seek His voice. We need to be wise enough to place these people in positions of leadership and authority.

We are in an election year filled with complex issues. We are bombarded with negative ads, each one claiming the opposing candidate is incompetent, immoral, has committed crimes, is ignorant of common sense answers to the problems before us, and many other frustrating things. We need to wade through the hate-speech and look for sons of Issachar, a difficult thing to do sometimes.

This is also the season during which we look for leaders in our church. We have complex issues as well. Fortunately, we don’t have a campaigning process for the job. Most people would like to sidestep the responsibility if possible, many because of issues of time commitment or feelings of inadequacy.

The Nominating Committee will begin contacting people within the next couple of weeks. They are looking for men and women with the heritage of the men of Issachar. I do not believe that the tribe of Issachar had some special corner on the wisdom market. I DO believe that some of the men of Issachar covenanted together to pray for wisdom in all their dealings, and I DO believe God answered their prayer in their personal dealings. I believe that God put these same faithful people in positions of leadership, not because they had all the answers, but because they knew the one to whom they needed to go and ask the questions. Asking wise questions usually is the first step to getting wise answers.

As we seek for elders for the class of 2016, we will be looking for people of faith. We will also be looking for people who are engaged in ministry, or who will accept the challenge to engage in a ministry of their own.

If you are approached and asked to serve take a step back and breathe, recognize that we have prayed and see leadership in you. We believe you just might be one of these people. Pray about it. Seek wise Christian counsel. We hope you will say, “Yes,” but we want you to follow the call of Christ on your life, and He may call you to something else. Recognize, that our approaching you has been the result of our own journey and time before the Lord in prayer. As we seek God together, may he bless us with our own sons of Issachar and lead us to his glorious will.

Pastor Craig

Whatever

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 on these things.
           (Philippians 4:8)

Yesterday was a day filled with anxiety, tension, confusion, etc. A person I love dearly was lied to and lied about to others. The day was probably not the complete disaster that you might expect from reading the first part of this paragraph. However, it was one of those days we are glad to put behind us, hoping that the tomorrow will make up for it and put a positive balance in our emotional bank account.

In most of the situations the circumstances were beyond my control. There was nothing I could do but ride the day out to its end. I ended the day tired. I did not end it with praise. I did not end it thinking about purity and justice. I did not end it looking for the things of good report. I saw no virtue or praise. I meditated on myself, and therein lies the problem.

If I center only on me rather than the One who is alive in and through me, I will have a hard time finding truth, because I must seek truth in the One who is Truth, I will mourn the loss of purity because I am not pure, there will be no good report because slander, whether it is heard or spoken, rarely centers on the good in another. So, it is easy to see how one can arrive at a time for sleep having not experienced virtue and having praises unspoken.

Maybe if I start the day differently myself, concentrating on those words of encouragement from Philippians, I will find it better for myself and make it better for others as well.

Pastor Craig

When We Are At Our Best

Two weeks ago I promised some important questions concerning the past, present, and future of our congregation. The first one was, “Think back on your entire experience at this church and name a time when you felt most engage, alive, and motivated.” The challenge from that question was to accept responsibility and to take action to reawaken this in your personal spiritual life and the life of this congregation.

The second question was, “When you consider all of your experiences at this church, what has contributed the most to your spiritual life?” The challenge here was to spend time in the Scriptures aligning your spiritual priorities with those God has in mind for you.

Today’s question is, “what do you think is the single, most life-giving characteristic of this church? When we are at our best, what are we doing?” This question requires a little bit more thought than the others because each of us can recall aspects that are of tremendous sentimental value to us in this church. These memories may be of significant importance to us personally. However, are they life-giving? Are they Gospel centered? Or, are they of sentimental value only. When you consider the entirety of the Gospel message, what activities, programs, and ministries exemplify this message most?

Please, don’t answer quickly. Spend some time thinking about this one because this is something I want us to center our life, mission, and ministry around over the next year or two. This is how our session will determine our programming and budget for the coming year. As you think about this question I would like you also to consider that this is something that is life-giving in our church because it is something that the Holy Spirit has gifted us to do. It is life-giving because it is affirmed by the Spirit when we do it, when we carry it out. At that point we are doing that thing which God has called us to do and he is blessing us with his presence.

Spend some time in prayer. Spend some time in the study of the Scriptures. Spend some time listening to the voice of the Spirit. Spend some time in silence. I hope, when you are done, you will come spend some time with me and tell me where you think God is leading us.

Pastor Craig

Your Spiritual Journey

Over the next several weeks I am going to be asking you all several questions. How you answer these questions six months from now will be more important than you initial answers as you read them.

I won’t keep you guessing. The reason your answer six months from now will be more important than the answer you give today is that, if the answer remains unchanged for six months, it will show that we are headed nowhere. We may talk a great deal about the who, what, when, and where of ministry, but the only thing that matters is if we actually engage in the ministries we have planned.

You had your first question last week. Here is your second question: When you consider all of your experiences at this church, what has contributed the most to your spiritual life? Think. Think very hard. Remember a time when you felt close to God? Remember things, spiritual practices that brought you to that place in your life? What things made the most difference in your spiritual journey?

While your answers may be quite different and varied from person to person, I can tell you one thing that always guarantees a solid return in your spiritual growth. That thing is time alone with your God and His word. God promises us that His word “will not return void.”[1] This means that your faithful study of the Word of God will bring you closer to the God who gives humanity his Living Word!

Maybe your study comes with the rising of the sun. Maybe it is the last thing you do before you go to bed. It may be something you do with your spouse and family or something you do in a quiet place all by yourself. You may join a study formed at church, or you may use a book or guide you buy at a store and do it all on your own. You may read the Scriptures and meditate on a single verse all day, or you may read long sections of Scripture and drink in the larger flow of God’s interaction with humanity.

We usually stop our study of the Word when we feel the action has become something of rote. We may not get the same “feeling” we had originally. We wonder what we get out of our effort. We wonder if we are wasting our time. The Scriptures promise that we are not. God is in the reading, and if God is there it can never be a waste of time.

Whatever it was that meant so much to your spiritual life, don’t give up on it. Reclaim your first love. Remember the words of the One who cannot lie telling you that you will be blessed if you choose to spend time before Him, studying Him, learning His ways, and experiencing His eternal goodness.

Pastor Craig

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[1] I Thessalonians 2:13

Questions of Life

Over the next several weeks I am going to be asking you all several questions. How you answer these questions six months from now will be more important than you initial answers as you read them.

I won’t keep you guessing. The reason your answer six months from now will be more important than the answer you give today is that, if the answer remains unchanged for six months, it will show that we are headed nowhere. We may talk a great deal about the who, what, when, and where of ministry, but the only thing that matters is if we actually engage in the ministries we have planned.

Here is your first question: Think back on your entire experience at this church and name a time when you felt the most engaged, alive, and motivated. That may be hard for some of your. You may have to search far back in your personal history to find the answer.

I have a good guess as to your answer. I have this guess based on my experiences in asking this question before. In other settings, I can tell you this, most people felt more engaged when they were younger and had kids in the youth group. This is true for most of us. We were in the youth group or our kids were, and that led to us being involved as well.

There are two questions that must come after this first question. They relate to it very closely. First, are you sure that your spiritual activity at the time was directly related to any spiritual depth you may have experienced? What is the difference between spiritual depth and spiritual busyness? Can we recognize that difference in our own being.

Secondly, what happened that you stopped this spiritual activity if it was so grand? You don’t have to stop working with the youth group just because your kids are grown and away from home. If your activity in the church was such a tremendous source of joy and personal satisfaction with the church, I think God may be telling you to rethink you decision to take yourself out of the game.

As long as we continue to make use of the breath God breathed into us and the first human beings he created, I believe he expects us to use that breath to breathe life into the people around us. We do not retire from the kingdom of god. God calls us to be forever ready to “give an answer to the faith that lies within us.” How will you live for Jesus Christ today?

Pastor Craig

Foundations

We are success driven people. We like, and want results. Our worth, in many areas of our life, is determined by the results of our labors. Some of us thrive under those conditions. We like it. We know where we stand, and we know what we need to do to succeed. Our yearly employment evaluation is based on some score based on new sales, increased student participation or passing rates, number of cold calls, the percentage of calls that are turned into customers, eliminating shrinkage, or increased customer satisfaction ratings. I am sure you can think of dozens more.

We transfer certain amount of that to our spiritual lives as well. We want results. We want our prayers answered just the way we asked them. We want to “feel” a certain way when we leave worship. We want the songs we know and the Bible verses we like. We want to know that God is on our side. We want warm and fuzzy faith. The problem is that we don’t really live in a warm and fuzzy world. I have a friend whose mother died yesterday. I have a colleague who is dealing with a cancer they can’t find, but know is there. I have a sister who became a widow this last year and another friend whose son blames all of his misfortune on her and God. All of these people are people of faith. Their faith may be stronger than yours; then again it may not. Either way, they are trying to do the best they can, but they are not getting the results they would like. It isn’t a warm and fuzzy world.

Scripture talks about our life as a building. One of the things that matters most about this building is the foundation. Jesus speaks of the two builders, one who built his house upon a foundation of sand, and another who built his house upon the rocks. When the storm arrived, you know which one stood firm. We tend to think this means the house is undamaged, but we all know that severe storms will at least loosen a few shingles. The difference between the houses is the foundation. The house on sand is a total loss. The house on the rocks simply needs some repairs.

Paul talks about building with different materials in 1 Corinthians 3. He reminds those who build that some of their work may not stand the test of time. The best start is to begin with the only foundation that matters, and that foundation is a life based on faith in Jesus Christ.

Faith is recognizing that Jesus Christ pulls us up on the rock with himself. He does not promise success in all of our endeavors. Even Paul’s great missionary efforts met with some rejection and even violence. His message was not always welcome.  

Psalm 16:8 says, I have set the Lord always before me, Because he is at my right hand I will not be shaken. The world, our world, may be shaken. Some of the work we have built on this rock may not stand the test of time. However, because HE is at our right hand, WE indeed our secure. May that bring you peace and give you joy.

Pastor Craig

SEVEN THINGS YOU MAY NOT HAVE KNOWN ABOUT THE 4TH OF JULY

The Fourth of July may be known for its stellar picnics, fabulous fireworks and heavy doses of patriotism, but what about the coincidental deaths and jumbo-sized gifts that have also marked America's 236 birthdays?

1776: Pomp and Parade, Two Days Late

America's second president John Adams is notorious for his love of Independence Day. Adams wrote that July 2, the date the Second Continental Congress voted to declare independence from Britain, not July 4, the date Congress' president John Hancock signed the Declaration of Independence, should be "the great anniversary Festival."

1826 and 1831: The Death of a President (or Three)

John Adams, the second president, and Thomas Jefferson, the third president, were bitter rivals throughout their political careers, but nearly twins in their deaths. They died hours apart on July 4, 1826, Adams at age 90 in Massachusetts and Jefferson at age 83 in Virginia. James Monroe, the fifth president, also died on July 4, five years after Adams and Jefferson in 1831.

1863: Vicksburg Victory

After one month, 15 miles of trenches, countless battles, near-constant bombing, Confederate Gen. John Pemberton surrendered to Union forces at Vicksburg, Miss. That surrender, on July 4, 1863 would mark a turning point in the Civil War. The town of Vicksburg refused to celebrate the Fourth of July for the next 81 years.

1870: Congress Makes It Official

It took nearly 100 years for Congress to make the Fourth of July an official holiday, despite the widespread celebrations that had been ringing in America's birthday since the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776.

1884: A French Birthday Present, Size XXL

The United States got what may be the country's largest physical birthday present on July 4, 1884, when the French presented it with the Statue of Liberty. It took four months to assemble the 151-foot-tall statue, which was shipped from Paris in hundreds of pieces. In other 1884 news, miners in Swan City, Colo., blew up their local post office on Independence Day because the town did not supply them with fireworks.

                1912: The Fourth Goes Global

It may be America's birthday, but the United States isn't the only country that celebrates it. Denmark started throwing a Fourth of July bash in 1912 after thousands of Danes emigrated to the United States. The Danish tourism office bills it as the largest Fourth of July celebration outside the United States.

1938: Federal Employees Rejoice

Congress officially declared July 4 a federal holiday back in 1870, but it took them nearly 70 years to give federal employees a paid day off. July 4, 1938, was the first Independence Day that federal employees picnicked, barbequed and fireworked without denting their paychecks.

How Do We Proceed?

The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) ended its meeting and dismissed the commissioners yesterday. The several hundred men and women from all over the world now go home and try to communicate exactly what they did in Detroit for a week and why they did it. Some will return to hand shakes and “Job well done!” Others will be asked “How could this possibly happen?” with expressions of shock and dismay. Such is the nature of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Some will believe we have finally done the will of God. Others will believe we have ignored it once again.

There are few things we can say for sure. First, as a denomination we will continue to dwindle. Our stance in Detroit will be the basis for 17 international denominations to cut their ties with us. Churches will leave. Membership will decline. Our efforts to “fit in” just don’t seem to be working like we had planned.

Second, we continue to focus on the irrelevant, even when the irrelevant seems to make the front page. You have probably heard that the Presbyterian Foundation has been ordered to sell all stock in Caterpillar, Hewlett-Packard, & Motorola because of those companies’ ties to military efforts in Israel in opposition to the Palestinians. On the surface it makes sense. Is it really appropriate for a religious organization to own stock in companies that produce a product meant to bring violence on other people? This was the lead story on many internet news feeds. When you dig deeper, you find that “our” holdings in Caterpillar amount to 0.05% of the holdings owned by the foundation. When you add all three companies together the amount “skyrockets” to 0.35% of total holdings. Obviously, the sale of these stocks is limited to symbolic value only. It will not hurt our portfolio, nor will it hurt their bottom line. Actually, it is amazing this wasn’t done several years ago simply to avoid this kind of publicity!

Thirdly, our grand idea of 1001 new worshipping congregations within 10 years has been swallowed up in fights over gay ordination, same sex marriage, and divestment from the industrial military complex. Granted, the original counting of wine tasting clubs as worshipping congregations caused many people to question the emphasis. However, it was starting to look more promising until the really important matters came to the fore this summer. Yes, I am being sarcastic.

What does this mean for you as a member of the Presbyterian Church (USA) sitting in your pew the first Sunday after the dismissal of the GA? It means you should pray. You should pray for a denomination that seems to have forgotten what its mission and ministry is about. You may start to pray first and foremost for all of us right here, because it is people like us who make up this branch of the Church. Maybe we have lost our way as well. The Gospel is not that we have sold our Caterpillar stock, nor is it that we have gotten our way on a particular issue. The Gospel is Jesus Christ died for sinners like you and me. His death and resurrection restores our relationship with our Heavenly Father. It restores our relationships with one another. It heals us from our brokenness. And, hopefully, it holds us together through our petty fights and disagreements.

The months ahead will be difficult. Make sure that your prayers are among the many offered for a new sense of vision and purpose, a desire to return to that which has never become old, worn out, or irrelevant. For God so loved the world, that he sent his one and only Son, that anyone who believes in the Son shall not perish but have everlasting life!

Pastor Craig

FATHERS

I write this on the days leading up to Father’s Day. Father’s Day was first celebrated on June 19, 1910 in Spokane Washington to complement the already established Mother’s Day. The original celebration was supposed to be on June 5th to honor the birthday of William Jackson Smart, Civil War veteran, single parent to six children, father to Sonora Smart Dodd, the sponsor of the day. However, pastors wanted to write a sermon worthy of the day and begged off for two more weeks.

There is an example. Many of us feel we do well raising fewer children with two supportive parents! The model for Father’s Day seems to set the standard pretty high!

We know there are some who long for positive male role models and cannot find one who will step up and put themselves on the line. The failure of some father’s to perform their God-given duties has been one reason some have encouraged a more abstract role or title when referring to God. The idea of “father” does not always give rise to thoughts of love, support, and affection. There are those who were not as fortunate as some of us. Or even more difficult, what about those who, as they think of their father and his influence in their life, can only recall pain, abuse, and suffering.

I am a traditionalist. I hold on to the idea of God as Father. However, he is not like our earthly fathers. All fathers everywhere know they have made mistakes. They have lost their temper. They have allowed work, hobbies, and even church to drain time away from their children. They can recall times they have been too strict, and they remember times they wish they had held the reins more tightly. As fathers, we recall all those things because we are well aware of the man we wish to be, and we know we have failed to reach the goal.

Fortunately, our Heavenly Father does not falter or fail. He does not fall short in his compassion and forgiveness. He fills in the blanks where our skills are weak. If your father chose to be absent from your life growing up, you now have one who wants the rest of your life and will never leave or fail you. If you had a harsh disciplinarian as a father, know that your Heavenly Father expects much, but he gives more than he expects. Your cup overflows.

So, on this Father’s Day, take time to thank your Heavenly Father for setting the standard for your earthly father. Praise him for his never-ending mercies and his healing touch so that our hearts may be open to receive the blessed gifts he wishes to bestow upon us.

Pastor Craig

Beginnings!

We celebrate two brave beginnings this time of year. Graduations are taking place all around us. In the past week I had friends graduate from high school, college, and had several colleagues awarded their doctorate. All of these are brave beginnings in that they publicly declare that something new is happening, and that this something new is life changing.

The other brave beginning is Pentecost. Imagine the roller coaster for the disciples. Jesus’ ministry takes them to the height of popularity. They are rock stars. People envy them.

Suddenly, Jesus is crucified. He’s dead. These one time rock stars are now huddled in fear that they will be next. The doors are locked; the lights are out. Let’s pretend that no one is home! But, through that locked door walks Jesus, the risen from the dead Messiah. Everything is back on track! Life is good.

Forty days later Jesus gathers them together to say “Goodbye” for real. “I am going away. Where I go you cannot follow just yet. Wait!”

Wait? Wait for what? Haven't we be waiting long enough? We want to start something. We are ready to return to our rock star status. But, the only job they are given is to wait, just wait.

So, they gather together, probably in that very same room where the celebrated the last meal with Jesus and where he walked through the locked doors. They wait for someone or something called “The Comforter.” They wait, and they wait. Then they wait some more. Ten days they wait. They are not exactly sure what they are waiting for, but knowing Jesus, they’ll be able to spot it when it happens. Jesus does not disappoint. A sound, no, more like a thunder of rushing wind seems to descend upon their very spot. They have feelings they are not quite ready to put into words. Their fear is gone. This is The Comforter!

All of a sudden, the need to hide in the upper room vanishes. The teachings of Jesus that seemed so obscure and difficult to understand are starting to come together. Yes, Jesus had to die. Of course, Jesus would rise. Certainly, The Comforter is the next step. Everything is clear, Everything has purpose. Peter walks across the room, opens the door, and leads the disciples down the stairs and out into the street.

Pastor Craig

What Happens At The End?

The end seems to be a popular topic currently. Christian literature has its Left Behind series. Popular and classic literature is filled with stories about ultimate endings and everlasting beginnings. The Lord of the Rings is about the end of the age of magic and fantasy, of dwarves and elves, and the beginning of the age of men, the ordinary.

I am currently reading a book called The Forever War. Imagine Vietnam with time travel and you’ve got it. The time travel idea means the warriors are out of sync with the chronological time of the universe. The interstellar jumps put the soldier out of the proper timeframe. Hundreds of years have passed as he, or she, goes through interstellar jumps fighting an alien threat. The problem is that this lack of chronology is only experienced by the warriors of each side and not the population of their individual societies. The soldiers fight simply because that is what they are told to do. A peace treaty may possibly have been signed hundreds of years ago, but they cannot know about it because their time is out of sync with that of their societies. They live in a time unique to their situation as they travel across the Galaxy. Their skirmish begins a new series of confrontations between the two races. Neither wishes to continue the war, but neither knows how to stop. They want the end that never comes.

The Gatekeepers tells the story of five adolescents that reappear throughout history in new reincarnations to save humanity of its cyclical desire to destroy itself.

Will the world be destroyed in a fiery holocaust as some believe Scriptures prophecy? Will we destroy ourselves by not caring for creation? Will the sun supernova at some date billions of years in the future? We seem to want to know? We probably don’t want to be here for it, but we want to know

These aren’t things most of us fret about on any regular basis. I doubt it keeps you awake at nights, but Jesus does think about it. In fact, he has it figured out to the very end. He knows your end and mine. He mentioned it to his first disciples. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If this was not so, I would tell you. I am going to make yours ready. I will make sure the banquet to receive you is ready, your bath is drawn, and your bed is made. When all is ready, I will return and gather you to the homecoming. Then we can finally be together for all eternity.[1]

Pastor Craig

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[1] John 14:3ff

What Is the Real Mission of the Church?

In The Warrior Ethos by Stephen Pressfield the author asks this question, “Why do young men and women in a free society enlist in the military? The act seems to defy common sense. Why volunteer for low pay, lame haircuts, and a chance to be killed – particularly in a society that rewards such behavior with little of more substance than a ‘Thank you for your service’ or a yellow ribbon on a bumper sticker?’”

Fortunately he offers us his insight. As someone who served in the Marine Corps, he has some insight into the issue. “We want to be part of something greater than ourselves, something we can be proud of. And we want to come out of the process as different (and better) people than we were when we went in. . .We want to grow up.”

He puts it best in what he calls The Warrior Ethos.

• I will always place the mission first. 
• I will never accept defeat.
• I will never quit.
• I will never forsake a fallen comrade.

What if we adopted that attitude for the church? What if we really believed that we were a part of something greater? What if we believed that engaging in the mission of the church and putting it ALWAYS first would, indeed, make us different and better people? What if we reached out to all people, not just the ones like us, who believe like us, look like us, talk like us, and probably vote like us.

What if we took the words of Paul as true and acted upon his claim, If Christ is for us, who can stand against us?[1]

What if every human being was a comrade, and we refused to leave behind those who have stumbled or fallen? What if our arms were always wide open in forgiveness and forbearance? What if we didn't give up when the Gospel became difficult? What if we gave until we were poured out, as Christ was poured out for us? I know, it is a VERY scary thought. However, the world indeed would know our faith by our love for our Savior and one another!

Pastor Craig

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[1] Romans 8:31-32

HAVE YOU EVER TRIED TO FIGURE OUT GOD?

I have heard it said that trying to figure out God is like fishing in the Pacific Ocean with a 1 ft. long piece of dental floss. I guess that means it is frustrating, to say the least. 

Consider the season of Easter we are currently celebrating. Aren’t there many other ways God could have gotten our attention? I am sure that a marketing agent would have suggested Jesus make some changes to the last few days and weeks with his disciples. I am also sure that agent would have scheduled nonstop appearances for Jesus after the resurrection. Sometimes, we must simply bow to God’s wisdom and have faith. Isn’t that what it is all about anyway?! Jesus gave many clear messages as to how and why events would unfold as they did. The disciples, so much like us in so many ways, were just too thick headed to believe. They could not get out of the possibilities to which their mind limited the Son of God.

Well, God seems to love a good surprise doesn’t he? He delights in blessing us with wonderful thing we never could have seen coming our way. He loves showing up when, and where, we do not expect him. He thrills at the idea of constantly pushing our boundaries back when we tend to go for the “God in a box off the shelf” mentality.

Really, we should have seen it coming. Look at all the times in the Old Testament God brought the impossible into reality –

• Old people giving birth to children!
• Slaves gaining their freedom and plundering their former taskmasters!
• Cross a huge body of water on foot and not getting your sandals muddy!
• Giants being brought low by children!
• Raising the dead!

All of these only as a warm up to his greatest event of all!

Making you and me children of God, brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ and obtaining an eternal inheritance for us! What could possibly be next?

Pastor Craig

HUMILITY

Humility is the possible fruit of being humbled. I say “possible” because there are those who have had chances to learn humility; they have indeed been humbled; but the lesson was not assimilated into the individual’s life.

It is said the General Robert E. Lee was one of the most humble Christian men of his day. Here is an account showing his humility.

I had been a most bitter anti-South man, and fought and cursed the Confederates desperately, I could see nothing good in any of them. A ball shattered my left leg. I lay on the ground not far from Cemetery Ridge, and as General Lee ordered his retreat, he and his officers rode near me. As they came along I recognized him, and, though faint from exposure and loss of blood, I raised up my hands, looked Lee in the face, and shouted as loud as I could—‘Hurrah for the Union.’ The General heard me, looked, stopped his horse, dismounted and came toward me. I must confess I at first thought he meant to kill me. But as he came up he looked down at me with such a sad expression upon his face that all fear left me, and I wondered what he was about. He extended his hand to me, grasping mine firmly, and looking right into my eyes, said: ‘My son, I hope you will soon be well.’ If I live to a thousand years I shall never forget the expression on General Lee’s face. There he was defeated, retiring from a field that had cost him and his cause almost their last hope, and yet he stopped to say words like those to a wounded soldier of the opposition who had taunted him as he passed by! As soon as the General had left me, I cried myself to sleep there upon the bloody ground.

Of all the Scriptures on humility, maybe it is best that we remember this one first, as our example: For even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).

Pastor Craig

Peace in Chaos

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6 NIV)

Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength. (Charles Spurgeon).

Concern is a normal part of life. There are things we should be concerned about. Our teenager is about to take the car out on his or her own for the first time. You may have confidence that they will not do anything foolish, but you also know that they lack experience in dealing with the unexpected things that may happen on the road. You are concerned. Your spouse, child, parent, etc. is in the military and is about to be deployed to a dangerous part of the world. You know that they are well trained. You know they will be on guard. You trust the people who surround them during their time over there, but. . . It is that but that causes you concern.

It is one matter to be concerned about situations that involve obvious and realistic dangers and unknowns. It is another matter to NEVER allow your teenager to drive on their own because of what “might happen.”

Over anxiety has a long list of health consequences.[1] In normal situations these consequences can actually help us as we deal with mild stress. It is those times when we allow the stress to take control that the harmful consequences begin to affect our lives.

Peace comes not from the passing of the event and the return of relative safety. True peace comes when we recognize that the one who holds the outcome of events in the palm of his hand holds our heart close to his own heart as well.

Pastor Craig

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[1] http://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/how-worrying-affects-your-body

Iron Sharpens Iron

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)

There is mutual benefit in the rubbing of two iron blades together; the edges become sharper, making the knives more efficient in their task to cut and slice. Likewise the Word of God is a ‘double-edged sword’ (Hebrews 4:12), and it is with this that we are to sharpen one another—in times of meeting, fellowship, or any other interaction.

The passage in Proverb also shows the tremendous benefit we have in gather for fellowship, reflection, study, encouragement, and, yes, even correction with one another. Man was not made to be alone. This was stated from the very beginning, even in the creation story before the Fall (Genesis 2:18). How much more, then, after the Fall of Man, do we need to come together with our brothers and sisters in Christ for seasons of fellowship and prayer.

The first Christians saw the need for this sharpening (Acts 2:42-47) who “devoted themselves” to the teaching, fellowship, communion, and prayer, all corporate activities that provided opportunities for sharpening one another. The result was that they were “filled with awe” and when they met together, they praised God for the favor they found with one another.

I have been very fortunate to have my life blend with five colleagues in Grace Presbytery. We meet monthly for prayer and fellowship. We call one another on a regular basis. We have counseled one another through personal and professional times of frustration, pain, and challenge. One of us is close to retirement and does not just want to “coast home.” Another is coming to the pastorate as a second career, mid-life vocational change. A third one is in his first call out of seminary. It doesn’t matter age or experience, we are there for one another. The knowledge of their availability to me has made me a better person, husband, and pastor. The accountability we submit to with each other keeps us honest and on track.

Who sharpens you?

Pastor Craig

The Challenges

If you are the Son of God. . .(Matthew 4:3ff)

Twice, Satan challenges Jesus with those words. There is a certain arrogance in the challenge, something that asks, “This isn’t too hard for you, is it Jesus?”

The first challenge has to do with making bread out of rocks. It is said that the rocks in the wilderness of this part of the world are often of the same general shape, size, and color as the round loves used by the Jewish people. In a way, it’s like saying, “Come on, some of the work has already been done for you. It shouldn’t be that hard for a deity!”

Certainly the world of that time could have used more bread. There were many hungry people, and to find this infinite supply of nutrition for starving people everywhere would have been world-changing. But, it isn’t Jesus job to feed the hungry people; it is ours.

The second challenge involved one of authority and affection. “Certainly, you have the authority to command legions of angels, and I am sure some of them would respond to protect you.” Or, “Certainly, every son has a loving father, and your father would not permit you to splatter on the temple pavement.” A leader does not allow himself to be goaded into rash actions, and a son who truly believes in his father’s love does not have to test it in a near suicide attempt.

While the above conversation is interesting, we are reminded of the times we have issued similar challenges. “If you are really God, you will not let my loved one die. . .you will deliver me from this situation. . .you will give me my heart’s desire. . .you will help me kick my bad habits and addictions. . .
An easy life is our first choice, but since few of us have been given that, isn’t it a comfort to know the true Son of God is by our side for every step of our journey.


Pastor Craig

Redemmed

Some of you may not have heard of the Christian recording group Big Daddy Weave. Yes, you read that correctly. Well, they have a wonderful song called Redeemed. The first verse and the chorus are below.

Seems like all I could see was the struggle
Haunted by ghosts that lived in my past
Bound up in shackles of all my failures
Wondering how long is this gonna last
Then You look at this prisoner and say to me
“Son, stop fighting a fight that's already been won”

(Chorus)
I am redeemed
You set me free
So I'll shake off theses heavy chains
And wipe away every stain
Now I'm not who I used to be
I am redeemed
I am redeemed

The Scriptures put it this way. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. . .Reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ[1].

Do not live as people stuck in the past! You are no longer the slave of sin and death. You have been redeemed. You do not need to crawl like the lowest servant into the presence of the king. You may enter as one of his own children, an heir of the kingdom of God.

If we are no longer prisoners, why do we walk along our Christian journey bound by the chains of our past? We live free. We live victoriously. We live eternally. We live forgiven.

Pastor Craig

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[1] Romans 6:5-6,11

Forgiveness

So, how do we do this whole forgiveness thing? I ask because, like many of you, I really need to know. I ask because I believe that, somehow, the quality of my relationship with Jesus Christ is linked to my relationship to those around me. If I have problems giving and receiving forgiveness with those around me, might I not have problems receiving and understanding forgiveness and restoration through Jesus Christ for myself?

We pray Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Do we believe that? Do we forgive others as though our own forgiveness depended on it?

I think much of the time we just don’t know how to get started. Most of the time, we ask forgiveness for things we do accidentally. Those are easy. We trip and drop a plate at a friend’s dinner party breaking a piece of their china. Our apology is out almost before the plate hits the floor. We offer to buy another one. We go to the store and look for the same pattern, and, even though we are shocked by the price when we find it, we order a new one and take it to our friend because we want to restore the relationship.

However, it seems that we find it hardest to confess our sins when they are purposefully committed against someone else. That might be because they were done with intention. We meant to hurt. We meant to embarrass. We wanted to cause pain. It is just that we don’t want to admit that we are the kind of person who could do those things intentionally.

Mark 7:21-23 says, For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these things come from within, and defile the man. It is difficult for us to admit that all these things flow out of our own heart. It is so much more comfortable to blame them on any outside influence. We just don’t want to admit that those things are part of the way we are.

When we ask forgiveness we admit that this is our nature. We show we need forgiveness and regeneration. It is the difference from saying we made a “mistake” and saying we have committed a sin, a hurtful act. Forgiveness cannot begin until we know that we are in need of redemption. However, forgiveness is completed when we accept redemption and restoration through Jesus Christ.

Pastor Craig

The Message of the Church?

What is the message of the church? It seemed very clear to first century Christians. They scattered across the known world, and a little bit beyond, to tell people that the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ had removed the curse of the Garden of Eden and made it possible for humanity to be restored to its Creator.

When we look around our part of the world it seems that there are churches everywhere. Everyone we know belongs somewhere, even if the seldom attend. So, is the mission of Christ to the Western world complete? Can we say as Christ said on the cross, “It is finished!”? I hardly think so.

Unfortunately, we live in a society that is so overrun with religious language and messages that we become oblivious to them. People wear crosses as jewelry without any thought of the message of the cross and little effort to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. What if cross wearing was a punishable offense? Would most of us still hold onto our jewelry? Or, would we abandon it as easily as we do our faith for convenience?

I say “We” because it would be easy to point to celebrities and famous people who pray before performances or point heavenward after the performance of some athletic feat but don’t back up talk with walk! In reality, “they” are “we.” If our lives were put on screen for some reality TV show, how would our witness stand up in our local community?

James 3:9-10 says, With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. It may be that something as simple as our language, I don’t necessarily mean language free from curse words, shows what is really in our heart. When we do nothing but condemn, what does it say about our heart? Even Jesus, when confronted by the worst of sinners, saved his strongest condemnation for the religious hypocrites of his day.

The Gospel, from the first Church all the way to our church, is this. Jesus heals broken people. You and I are broken ourselves. We are surrounded by broken people. There are people caught in addictions of all kinds, a behavior that controls them and will not let them live free. Those closest to us may live amid a tattered landscape of broken relationships, families living in the same house that are separated as far as the East is from the West. There are people who can see nothing good in themselves because they have been told that they are worthless for their entire life.

We carry the good news to those people. We offer the love and compassion of Jesus Christ to them. Our message is not a simple repent and believe, but one of come and be made whole. Yes, that wholeness may involve a large portion of repentance, but wholeness comes as one broken person reaches out in forgiveness and love to another broken person and calls them family!

Pastor Craig

Which Day Do You Live In?

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.[1]

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.[2]
We spend so much time worrying about the future. We stress about the meeting with our boss that may or may not be a good thing. We aren’t quite sure if we are on the boss’s good side or his bad side. We worry about tax time. We worry about medical tests and preparations for procedures and surgeries. We worry about things that never happen because in the infinite realm of possibilities it might, it JUST might happen. Yes, there are times I do it as well. I write most of these columns for myself. It is something I need to be reminded about as well. If you ever feel like I had someone in mind when I was writing this, you are correct. It was, first and foremost, myself.

Well, back to our texts. The psalmist has a very different take on how we should approach the day, each day. “THIS is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in IT.” This day is a gift. Yes, even with its own set of challenges, it is still a gift from God.

We blast through life worrying about what might happen while few of us ever stop to enjoy what is happening! God wants you to stop and drink in the gift of the day he has made for you.

I am sure that each of you has been given a gift sometime in your life and had the giver say, “Open it! Open it right now!” You try to defer, but their enthusiasm finally convinces you to open the gift and show the appreciation it deserves. Sometimes you do it simply to humor the giver. Can we not give our Heavenly Father the same basic consideration? Know that the day you read this is a gift from God. He says to you, “Open it! Open it right now!” with all the enthusiasm that any other giver has ever exhibited for their gift to you. Open your gift and celebrate with the giver!

Pastor Craig

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[1] Psalm 118:24 (The Message)

[2] Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)

Inspiration

How does God speak to us? Where do we hear his voice? Maybe the better question is do we hear his voice?

I write a lot. I write this page each week. I write sermons even when I don’t take the notes in the pulpit. I write articles that have, from time-to-time been published in periodicals. I write. I write because God lays something on my heart. The problem is, what do you write when God seems to fail to deliver a theme which would inspire? Well, you do a lot of sitting. You get up and walk around your office. You pull random books off the shelves thinking a word, a picture, or a phrase will energize you to complete the task at hand. You doodle. Sometimes, you throw something on the page just to be done. Usually your readers know when you follow that method of inspiration. It comes across much more like a method of surrender.

Every so often you wear out and everything goes blank from exhaustion. When that occurs, it is usually time to sit up straight and listen because God is about to tell you something. God uses those times to show that a little less of your efforts and a lot more time spent before him will yield something worth more than the paper on which it is printed. This is the Holy Spirit telling you your tank is just about empty. It is the dinging sound your car makes when you get under two gallons left in your tank. You can only ignore that sound so long before the vehicle coasts to a stop due to lack of fuel. Our spiritual lives are the same way.

We lack story and testimony because we have neglected growing our relationship with the one who is the author of all inspiration. If someone were to ask you, “What is the Holy Spirit accomplishing in your life right now?” and you have nothing to reply, maybe you need a time of quiet reflection waiting for the good shepherd to come find the little lost lamb.

Even in the midst of the urgency of Jesus’ mission on earth, he told the disciples “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get yourselves some rest.” Quiet time, alone with Christ is never lost or wasted. It is a time of refueling where we get the answers to the questions the world seeks.

Pastor Craig















[1] Mark 6:31 (NIV)

Do One Thing Brave!

Do one thing brave today! If that is your goal, what would you do? What would you even consider? Some people might sit down and being to make a list. Their list may include things like sky diving, running with the bulls, whitewater rafting, or trying some disgusting sounding, yet elegantly labeled, foreign cuisine.

All of the above? Mere child’s play. Increased risk of death, or severe gastrointestinal distress at worst. Instead try picking something really risky from the list below and see what God will do.

1) Tell someone who does not know that you love them. I’m not talking about some romantic interest, but someone who you respect and highly value. Be un-Presbyterian. Don’t think. . .FEEL!

2) Share your faith journey with someone, anyone! Most of us have kept this special part of our personal history far too personal. Share it. Tell someone what Jesus Christ means to you. Tell them how your life is different because you are a child of the king.

3) Get involved! We see so many things as we pass through this life. Much of what we see we let pass us by, telling ourselves, “That really isn’t my business.” Obviously, don’t be foolish, but remind yourself that a wrong or injustice committed in your presence automatically becomes your business.

4) Be Quiet! Turn off everything and sit boldly before God asking him to give you insight into his presence and will for your life. Then take him at his word and put into action whatever he tells you to do!

Remember one thing. It may all boil down to perspective. Are you the penguin or the bear? Either way, be bold.


Pastor Craig

Thoughts On a Drive From the Airport

On New Year’s Eve, as I drove from the Atlanta airport I heard Bryan Adams’ song, Back in the Summer of ’69. Those of you who know the song probably also remember the line Those were the best days of my life. Granted, not all of the items of a “best day” for a teenager would normally be included among the wisest day(s) of our lives. However, the song got me thinking. What are the best days of my life?

Don’t worry. I’m not going to bore you with a highlight reel, but I am going to challenge you to think about your own best days. I would like to challenge you to dig deeper than those obvious moments many of us would pick. I don’t want to dismiss them. I do want to challenge you to think about what events molded you into the person who was ready for those moments. . .your wedding, the birth of your children, the defining career moment, etc.

Those moments didn’t just happen. They were the series of interconnected events that brought you to a natural conclusion. Maybe it was friends, way back in the summer of 69, or before. Maybe it was a Sunday school teacher or pastor, or someone else who helped develop the character that allowed you to approach one of those moments with faith and confidence. Maybe the moment required strength, maybe it required faith, maybe it deserved celebration, maybe reverence.

The point of this brief writing is to remind you that your loving and compassionate Heavenly Father has known your future from the beginning of creation. He has masterminded creation. He has moved mountains. He has prepared dozens of people along your way, each one with something to contribute to your development.
2013 is past. Some of our choices may have been among the best days of our lives, some of them you might rather forget. Yet, all of those experiences are part of the molding and preparing compassion of the Holy Spirit for the events coming your way in 2014.

Romans 8:28 reminds us, All things work together for good for those who love Him. Yes, there it is. ALL THINGS. Not just the pleasant things, not just the obvious spiritual things, ALL THINGS. Now, I have probably reminded you of some events this past year you would rather have done without if you could. Sorry, but I hope you will take some time to spend with God and thank him for those events, thank him for caring for you and preparing you for the year ahead, thank him for trusting you to handle the difficult things from 2013, and giving you the practice for those events which will challenge you during the year that lies ahead.

Happy New Year


Pastor Craig