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