Prayer Requests Col 1:3-15

Sermon Nuggets week of Oct 12 Col 1:3-15

Sermon Nuggets Mon Oct 12

Theme- Prayer Requests

Verses- Col 1:3-8 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints-- the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth.
You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.

Prayer for Sowing of God's Word
Last week I started a series from the book of Colossians. As Paul heard about the stories of what was happening among a new church plant that he had never been to, he wanted to compliment them and also caution them. We will get to his word of caution as we go to another chapter, but the compliments are seeing the Christian essentials demonstration. In his prayers Paul offers his thanks to God for the way HE is working in their church. He prays for their growing faith, their real love, their enduring hope, and their abiding witness.

I am surprised that the prayers I read in the Bible such this apostle are so different than my prayers. If I was in Paul's shoes I would begin my letter to them by giving them a culturally appropriate compliment. "Dear friends in Christ" I am so happy to hear things are going well and God is blessing you."

Then I would say something like this, "As you know I have been put in jail because of my faith. Would you start your prayer chain and pray specifically that I can be released. Pray for me that I not be discouraged since this is taking so long and I can have strength for endurance."

Well I am in elementary school of prayer. Paul is on the college level. His experiences and walk with God have matured him to understand things I don't quite get yet. Paul has for us a great illustration of heartfelt prayer with depth that comes from an intimacy with the Lord.

Paul joy is greater than his personal circumstances. He is truly excited that so many people are becoming Christians, so instead of crossing them off his prayer list, he is prompted to pray unceasingly for them. This is what God desires of us all as well.

As we begin verse nine he says, "For this reason we have not stopped praying for you." What is the reason he prays for them? It is because they have responded to the truth of the Word of God as it was preached to them. This word is changing peoples’ lives. This word is giving to people understanding of who they might have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, Because of this word they have exhibited love, because of this word they have a hope and peace that they never had before. This is powerful.

Paul prays that this word be sown all over the world and that is done as people share it. That through our efforts together God's name is honored in our church and in our community.

The Word of God seems less important, less obvious and less central to many churches these days because the Bible offends people. But friends this truth is the good news of the love of God. It confronts us of sin, corrects us in wisdom, guides us in spiritual things, and my prayer is that it is central to the truth we preach and teach and follow. Pray for the sowing of God's Word that it will produce of harvest of righteousness.

I reflected over a prayer letter we received from Dr. Pat who ministers to Christians in persecuted areas of the world. She wrote how Christians in the Gaza Strip in Israel were in great need of Bibles. It is very difficult to get Bibles into that area. Through the efforts of Open Door ministries and Dr. Pat money such as we helped provide, purchased 500 bibles. Br Andrew himself the author of God Smuggler carried some of the Bibles. He said he almost broke his back carrying heavy plastic bags filled with Bibles that she provided. Two weeks later the Muslims burned the Baptist Library destroying 1,000 of books and many of the Bibles that were stored there ready to be given away.

She wrote “In the hands of our Palestinian Christian brothers, the Bible will reach the terrorist. Bring a terrorist to Christ, and he won't be a terrorist any more. We can make a difference by praying for them and by providing Bibles they need in order to bring others to Christ.”

Pray for these people and the people of the world that His word is sown and produces eternal fruit.

Pastor Dale

Sermon nuggets Tues Oct 13

Verses- Col 1:9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.

Prayer for Knowing of God's Will
Paul is not praying that that God does the will of the petitioner but that the petitioner might know God’s will and do it. His prayer request is that God will fill them with the knowledge of God’s wisdom and God’s will. His prayer request is that they not just get a little knowledge in a small measure but saturated, and overflowing. We cannot achieve what it is God wants unless we first know about it.

I got a part time job I had as a 10th grader one summer. I was hired along with two other students to work in the music department of the high school to go through a whole stack of music and get them in order alphabetically. Well, we took the music and first divided them so according to the song. Then we saw the sheet music according to instruments and sorted it so all trumpets were together and all the flute music together of the same musical number and so forth. We noticed the conductors copy had the instruments in alphabetical order so we continued to categorize this big pile of unsorted music.

Every so often the director would stop in and see us working. Mr Arnoldi was surprised it was taking us so long. Finally one day he came in our room all upset and accused us of loafing and turning in hours not worked. I was feeling pretty low, accused of loafing and not doing a good job. We defended ourselves by showing him what we were doing.

Then he surprised us by telling us he didn't want that. All he wanted was for us to put the stacks of songs together and put each of the different song stacks in alphabetical order. The next day we were done.

The whole problem was a lack of communication and understanding. We were working diligently at something that was not his will. We didn't understand what he wanted us to do. Since he went over his budget we did not accomplish what he hoped to get done that summer in other areas.

So often we don't even ask what God's will is. Often we assume what we should do and forget to pray for direction and guidance. John 14:26 "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all thing and will remind you of everything I have said to you." Do we wait to listen for the leading of God’s Spirit?

We begin knowing the will of God by reading the Bible and putting what we know into practice. It was Mark Twain who said, "it isn't he passage of the Bible that I don't understand that bother, me, it is the passages I do understand."

I get lots of requests from people who want me to pray for a loved one going through surgery or marital problem or financial difficult. I got an urgent call one week from a girl whose boyfriend wanted to break up with her. After spending a long time listening I shared, "You are looking for the longing of your heart in the wrong places and with the wrong people. You will not find in other people what only God can provide. The emptiness you have cannot be filled with the men you've had, but can only be filled with the one who loves you the most.”

Do you want to be filled with the knowledge of God's will for your life? Jn 6:40 tell us it is God's will that you be saved. Have you asked Christ into your life? Don't pray for all requests unless you are willing to give Jesus your life and decide that you will obey His teachings.

I Thes 4 tells us it is God's will that you be sanctified. What does that mean? Being saved brings us as close to God as we will ever get. We are made complete by the goodness of God's gift and nothing we can do to earn salvation. That's justification. Sanctification is the process that changes us to be more like Jesus. That is the work of God also that shows us his love doesn't want us to stay the way we are, but grow in being more like the character of love and joy and peach and patience and goodness and self control. We do that by getting rid of sinful practices and trusting in the power from above.

I Thes 5:18 tells us it is Gods' will to be thankful people, not negative full of complaints all the time. I Peter 2:15 tells us it in God's will that we do good works.

Our prayer is that you will know the will of God and then put it into practice. Staring with these basics opens the door for further listening and then moving on what we know to be true.
Jesus said, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added as well.” Matt 6:33

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds Oct 14

Verses- Col 1:9-10 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.
10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,

Prayer for Growing in God's Ways(10)
Paul prays that they might live a life worthy of the Lord. How in the world can anyone live a life worthy of the Lord? Isn’t that impossible? But fortunately he gives us some thoughts to illustrate the prayer he has for the church. I will look at some of these in the next couple of days, but what does it mean to please the Lord in every way?

I feel a bit like John the Baptist when he said, “"After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.” John the Baptist was a worthy man in that he lived out his calling and spoke the words of God to bring repentance to men’s hearts. But if we look at one’s character we realize next to the Holiness of our Lord, all have sinned and are not worthy of his grace. There is nothing in ourselves to brag. So we begin with His worth who comes to receive us just as we are. We are made worthy by the sacrifice of Jesus and by his grace.

Knowing who we are in Jesus Christ and the freedom that is ours as children of God is a remarkable truth that many Christians never learn to understand and use. We need not be defeated, plagued people. Although there is an onslaught of temptations and discouragements, there is power to take it on that is available if we use it. For many they are like the man who bought a chain saw and returned it and said it actually slowed up his work in sawing trees and saved no time from using his old hand saw. The salesman was perplexed and pulled the chain and started it up. The startled customer asked, "What's that noise?" He had it. He didn't' know it, and was hindered from using it.

Oh we have resurrection power of God almighty but are content in our lives to work the old handsaw methods instead of continually growing in God's ways.

Fortunately there are other passages that help us understand how to live worthy of the Lord and please him in every way. King Solomon taught that our words are worthy when they are true and right. (Prov 8:8-9). Jesus points out faith in Him involves a love for Jesus which is greater than even family. Obeying means taking up one’s cross and following Him. It is dying to self and being filled with new purpose.(Matt 10:37-38)

Paul illustrates worthy living in his letters to other churches by identifying qualities where in Eph 4:2,3 “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

He tells Timothy in chapter 3 and Titus to find worthy leaders who are respected, sincere, sober, honest workers. Someone worthy to lead seeks to live a life that says no to the temptations of sin. They will not participate in malicious talk but temperate and trustworthy in everything.

How often does Satan remind us that we do not live up to those standards? How often when we fail or fall are we discourage realizing we are not worthy? Yet the Bible is full of “faithful followers” who got up again and continued the path laid out before them. That was true with David when he committed adultery. It was true of Peter when he lied and denied knowing Jesus. Both become humbled and the grace of God picked them up and used them in more mightily ways.

I heard the story of a man who fell down in the snow and stayed there. "why don't you get up?" someone asked? He replied, "Because I might fall down again."

How many Christians need to get up again to continue after their fall to grow in the ways of God.

I pray that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way. In the life the church I pray that all the events, clubs, programs, services were not be busy work, but well pleasing to God, honoring him, and helping others, and seeking to bring honor to our Lord. Live as Jesus would have us live in thought, speech, and action.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Thurs Oct 15

Verses- Col 1:10-12 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.

Prayer for Showing God's Works
The works of God produce spiritual fruit in our lives. It should show. Doing God's work is not easy and living God's ways can be very difficult. It is hard to face hardships, persecutions, disease, death and how might we be strengthened to do so?

We grow by having the relationship of Jesus who produces fruit through us. As one teacher said, “We need God to do something TO us, so that He can do something IN us, so that He can do something THROUGH us. We need God to save us, to cleanse us to fill us and to use us.

He wants us to grow in knowledge, but strengthened by His power. He wants us to have great endurance and patience and joy in our service. God wants to work with our God given gifts and abilities, in the circumstances, and situations in which He places us.

I was reading this Steve Sjogren’s book, “The Conspiracy of Kindness”. He tells of being at an evangelistic seminar where the instructor challenged the youth workers to take their young people out witnessing. Some went to the malls and passed out tracts, some went to the park and starting preaching. Some went door to door and asked if people were churched. All of these methods are and can be used of God.

But Steve Sjogren got his kids together and they went to the mall and started doing acts of kindness to others who were strangers. Carrying their bags, opening doors, washing dirty car windows. Some even went to businesses and asked permission to clean their toilets all for free because God’s love is free.

People who were turned off with someone trying to sell them the message were moved when they saw kindnesses done to them. They were the ones that asked about their reasons. There were more positive spiritual discussions than anticipated. They were impressed with the youth who were kind, respectful and bout a God who prompts young people to be giving, and kind and respectful.

Willing servants become God's tools to accomplish great things. Do you feel like you can't do anything, no giftedness, no qualifications, no strong faith? Sharing the works by God are not just for those who are extroverted. You are just the person God is looking for. It is not you doing the work but God working in you. It is not your power but Gods'; Not your wisdom but wisdom from above.

Look at how God demonstrates this in so many of God's workers: Fishermen, who changed the world, not politicians. Shepherd boys to demonstrated faith, not powerful generals, Farmers, like Gideon, who under God's direction had 300 take on the multitude forces of the Midianites only to show that God gets the glory, Moses who stammered and stuttered used to led millions to the Promised Land; Namaan's slave girl told her master of a man of God in Israel who was used by God to bring healing to his leprosy.

Pray that you may receive God’s power to share in God's work. He will accomplish his will in ways that are unique to us.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Fri Oct 16

Verses - Col 1:11-14… being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Prayer for Glowing in God's World
Paul prays for the Colossians. His prayer request is that they stay on the move in their faith walk. Might the Word of God affect their daily lives; might they know and walk in the will of God; mighty they live a life worthy of the Lord in all they do and say; might the works of God’s grace be evidence in the fruit of the Spirit as they work and live together. Paul knows first hand that we are God's children by God's grace. We do not deserve it. We belong not to this world, but to God's world because He gave us the right to become His children by faith.

A wealthy English family once invited a friend to spend time at an estate. The happy gathering was almost plunged into terrible tragedy on the first day, when the children went swimming in the pool. One of them got into deep water and was drowning. Fortunately, the gardener heard the other children screaming and plunged into the pool to rescue the helpless child. That youngster was Winston Churchill. His parents, deeply grateful to this gardener, asked what they could do to reward him. He hesitated and then said "I wish my son could go to college someday and become a doctor, but we have no means."

"We'll pay his way." replied the Churchills. And they did.

Later when Sir Winston was prime minister of England, he was stricken with pneumonia. Greatly concerned, king George summoned the best physician who could be found to his bedside. Doctor Alexander Fleming, the developer of penicillin, was summoned. Fleming was the son of that gardener who had saved Churchill from drowning as a boy. Rarely has one man owed his life twice to the same person.

The Heavenly Father has given us the gift of physical life, and then through His Son, the Great Physician He has imparted to us eternal life.

Paul realized his great indebtedness to a great God who made him part of his world by qualifying him to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. Paul lived in darkness. So did we. He lived in ignorance of spiritual power- so did we. He lived in sin- So did we. He lived in Satan's domain- So did we. But Jesus found us and gave us light to find our way and live in freedom from all the bondage this world has. He emancipated us as slaved to Satan and sin and literally bought us with his blood

The concept of redemption is one used for salvation. It means he bought our freedom by dying for us- even the forgiveness of sins. WE receive forgiveness for all we wished we had not done, all we are ashamed of, all we look at with embarrassment through God's holy eyes. All of the unrighteous actions and thought and speech and desires and lust are completely wiped clean and forgiven and forgotten. We don't deserve that, but that is what makes Christian glow. We are to joyfully exhibit our new life and love for God because God has done all for us.

Paul prays that our lives make a difference in a dark world that people might see the light in us.

We sing the song, “Awesome God”. It was written by a man who was tragically killed seeking to serve his awesome God by giving of his life in missionary work with the Navaho children. He wanted the glow of his love for Jesus to shine also through his musical skills not only to praise his Lord, but teach and connect with others to whom he witnessed in his concerts and on the Indian reservation. While he and his friend where driving there was an accident and he was thrown from the vehicle and left unconscious. A semi-truck seeing the vehicle swerved to miss it and unknowingly ran over Rich lying in the road.

Why tragedies occur that prematurely take the lives of God’s servants is beyond my understanding. I am too often reminded that it isn’t the quantity of days on this earth that matter but the quality that whatever days God allows we give to Him to let his light shine. Rich Mullins lived and sang of the hope he had.

The reason Paul prays with such fervency is that he knew the time was short. He wanted to live it for the Lord and prayed that request for the believers at Colossae. It is our prayer for our lives today.

Pastor Dale

Christian Essentials- Colossians 1:1-8

Sermon Nuggets Mon Oct 5

Theme- Christian Essentials

Verses- Col 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
2 To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse: Grace and peace to you from God our Father.
3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints-- the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel

Christian Essentials
This week I will start a new Biblical series from Paul's letter to the Church at Colosse. After his initial greeting to the believers he share essentails in their Christian life for which he is thankful. These essential characteristics proove themselves even during bad times.

What do you do when you are having a bad day? Do you ever see it coming? Sometimes there are signs that are evident when you know it's going to be a bad day. Here's an illustration I read. "You know it's going to be a bad day when you turn on the news and their showing emergency routes out of town." "You know it's going to be a bad day when your twin sister forgot your birthday." "your car horn goes off accidentally and remains stuck as you follow a group of Hell's Angels on the freeway." "Your pet rock snaps at you. " Your four year old tells you that its almost impossible to flush a grapefruit down the toilet"

One fellow knew it was going to be a bad day when he saw three burly motorcyclist come into a restaurant; they looked around and came up to him. The three grabbed his food, dropped it on the floor and laughed in his face. This man was a little guy. He got up said nothing paid for his meal and left.

One of the three unhappy that he didn't fight them, commented to the waitress, "he wasn't much of a man, was he?"

She looked out the window and said, "I guess not. He's not much of a truck driver, either. He crushed 3 motorcycles driving out of the parking lot."

Circumstances that surround us often define for us whether the day is going to be good or bad. I like the song the quartet sang. It is not the outward circumstances that dictate our day, but the inward resources. "I'm going to keep walking, keep talking, keep singing in Jesus name. I'm going to keep believing, receiving, everything He has for me." Their verse said, "I don't' have time to waste on these earthly pursuits, the kind of gain I'm after has ultimate use."

Paul was some kind of optimist because he was arrested, he was sentenced to go to Caesar, people hated him being a Christian they tried to kill him, but while he is in prison he is still ministering to people and to the believers. It was during this time he heard about the young church in Colossae and he write them this letter. He was not letting the outward circumstances give him a bad day. In fact as he was conscious of the presence of Jesus Christ his heart
and mind and thoughts. He was having a good day.

Paul in this letter to the Colossians contrast their hope with hopeless which many people were facing then and are facing today. Today teen suicide is rising, Alcoholism, drug abuse, hurtful lifestyle, homosexuality, financial failure, broken marriages, false friends and failed health are some of the causes for losing hope.

Lets look at some of these resources that come from the inside With them you learn to ignore and even overcome the outward circumstances. Paul's thanksgiving is a result of what is
demonstrated by believers at Colossae.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Tues Oct 5

Verses- Col 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
2 To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse: Grace and peace to you from God our Father.
3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints-- the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel


Thankful for Growth in Faith
Beginning the letter of Colossae the Apostle Paul is thankful that Christian essentials are growing in lives of the church folk. Paul was first thankful that the people were growing in their faith. They were excited about God.

Today there are 1,000s of affluent people living in luxurious homes and driving expensive cars but are dead and empty and hollow inside. I watch the stories of Bernard Madoff and Denny Hecker on the news and see their houses falling taking many people with them because their lives were growing in greed. CEO’s will still be discovered of many companies and banks who received stimulus money to help the economy only to divert it to personal benefits and gains.

This week Marge Gerdin died rather unexpectantly. I contrast her life with those who lived for money. We brought our former exchange student to her place a couple of weeks ago to buy some home processed maple syrup. He was surprised how little she wanted for the bottles compared to how much they cost in the grocery stores and especially at his home town in Germany. I teased Marge and said she would never get rich this way. She responded, “But I’m rich in friends.” She is also enjoying the riches of Christ in glory because of her faith.
Riches and royalty do not bring happiness compared to the peace on the inside demonstrated by those willing to live out their faith in reaching out to others in love and in need.

Paul wanted to see the believers grow in their faith in Jesus Christ. Some churches are known for being dead on the vine, for being lukewarm, or being battling Baptists, or being cold and unfriendly people. What is Stanchfield known for? Are we known for faith?

When he heard the people were finding peace with God and growing in their faith, I can understand a little bit how Paul felt. I suppose it is normal to feel badly when God leads people from our church to other communities. But as I got different reports on how these men were doing was quite pleased. They came to know Christ through the ministry of Stanchfield. I had been told how one man became active in a local church and ultimately on a church council. He is growing in the faith. The other man I found out took the step of being baptized and joined an evangelical church in his community. I felt like Paul thankful their faith has been growing and they are taking Jesus Christ seriously. There are a host of people that each did their part to bring those men to the place they would listen to God's call. That is exciting to get that news.

Judi and I were eating in a restaurant in North Branch when a couple came up to us and greeted me. I remember performing their wedding several years earlier. They only attended church during those pre-marital counseling days and after marriage lived in Pine City. During the counseling I presented the opportunity for them to place their trust in Christ. The bride to be was a believer, but the man was not. It is always a delight to be used of God to help someone come to personal faith in the Lord. I never heard from them again until this day several years later. What a delight to discover they not only became active in a local church, but youth leaders and workers. Their lives were changed by God's grace and they were growing in the faith.

What excites me most as a Pastor is when I see people come to Jesus Christ and take off. I am so thrilled to see changes in their lives. Others can see it and are affected by their new found friend, Jesus.

What discourages me most in the ministry is the opposite, when people for whom I feel spiritually responsible lose a love for the Lord and their faith gets cold; they no longer care about spiritual things and fall away. They are no longer interested in things of the Lord. They become inactive and even live in ways that are embarrassment to be called as Christian.

What is Stanchfield known for? Is it a desire to see more come to faith and to grow in that faith? We have had a great history, but we need a fresh touch and direction from God.

Paul's whole purpose was to tell the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and boldly proclaim Jesus is the only reason for living. "For me to live is Christ and to die is gain" he said. Even when you are having a bad day in prison it can be joyful knowing that the truth is spreading by the grace and work of God. Prayer is what lifted his spirit and his heart became one with God’s in seeing this new church grow first and foremast in their daily trust of Jesus.

But as so often is the case, there were tools of Satan to disrupt and introduce a false teaching. Satan can devastate us except for Gods' protection. It is a regular reminder to keep growing in your trust and obedience in Christ. Keep close to the teaching of the Bible and prayers. Keep putting into practice what you have learned and allow the Holy Spirit to use you according to the gifts and abilities which He graciously give you.

When it is all said and done it isn’t about how rich we are here, but how rich we are in the faith.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds Oct 7

Verses- Col 1: 3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints-- the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel

Thankful for growing in Real Love
Faith is essential for a Christian. But another identifying characteristic is love. The Apostle Paul also heard that the church at Colossae loved the saints. God's love is enduring.

Circumstances around us do not endure. We will have good days and bad days. Life changes, but you will never be outside the love of God. He calls us also to demonstrate that real love to the body of Christ and indeed beyond. The people who come together in Colossae have unity. They love the Lord, but they are also committed to each other in fellowship. They need each other due to the persecution they are experience. They were ostracized from family and homes. They were pagans in a pagan world and all was going well, but when they moved camp and became a follower of Jesus Christ Satan would do all he could to hurt them and discourage them.

To say yes to Christ may mean not being accepted by family and friends. But is also means being welcomed into a whole new group of people that have received God's love in Jesus Christ and are being changed to demonstrate it to others.

I am reminded of the prayer of one of our deacons,, "Lord thank you for the years of unity we could have at Stanchfield." I trust this is because of love and not apathy. By the grace of God who loves us he gives me a love for you and for one to another than goes beyond our human natures and sees each other as brothers and sisters, walking together and needing each other.

I have seen some of you be so kind and forgiving to people who did not act loving. Your maturity helped me see others as needing patience and love. I have seen some of you take undeserved guff and accept it as one of those things you put up with, which helped me see forgiveness isn't standing up for all your rights, it is giving them over to the Lord but consistently walking in truth even if people are going to be upset.

Now remember a poem I have quoted from time to time. "Oh to live above, with the saints I love, that will be glory. But to live below, with the saints I know, Well that's another story.”

There are unattractive saints, people whose actions attitudes and personalities aren't the easiest to adjust to. But people who need and want love. Some people say, "How I rejoice in the love of God" but I wonder if their face knows it. I was told of a little girl who the first time she saw a mule said "I don't know what you are, but you must be a Christian; you look just like Grandpa".

Paul was thankful the fruit was showing. Because of their faith they demonstrated love. I thank God for your love for all the saints. It is a decision that someone makes to let the Lord's love take over.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Thurs Oct 8

Verses- Verses- Col 1: 3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints-- the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel


Thankful for Growing in Enduring Hope
When you’re having a bad day don't forget the hope that is ours in Jesus Christ, now and forever. Hope keeps the Christian going knowing there is so much more. There is victory over death over disease over tragedy and tribulation. There is guaranteed fellowship with God. I
heard of atheists who have dial a prayer and when you call there is no answer. Indeed, there is no hope when God is not in your life.

According to the Scriptures Paul is thankful when he heard about the enduring hope the believers had in Colossae. That hope is laid up for them in heaven. They cannot lose. They can be discouraged, they can suffer hardship, they can fight the forces of the evil one. They can be persecuted, and knocked down, but not knocked out. Because after the dust settles in all our scuffles, Jesus is the victor standing there calling his people home forever. Oh that we recognize the hope that is in Jesus Christ, The good news is Jesus won and the Kingdom of God is growing in the world. We are on the winning side.

This hope comes because of the gospel which they heard. This gospel is the spreading of the word of God. Now our task together is to sow the Word. We do so in evangelistic outreach, in showing love and kindness to others in the name of Jesus.

It is the good news that is bringing forth fruit. Hope results in different life, different plans, different priorities, and different decisions. It started changing their lives as soon as they heard and knew of the grace of God.

We have the task of spreading the gospel in anticipation of the Kingdom. Hope is the root, faith is the plant and love is the fruit. Hope is foundation. What produces hope? The phrase states: "stored up for you in heaven and which you have already heard about in the word of truth.” It is awakened by the gospel, the good news. To most hope of heaven suggests life after death. After this life we will go to be with the Lord and all the glory of eternity will be ours. That is wonderful hope, but not all that this phrase means. It is not only to heaven after death but the invisible spiritual kingdom that surrounds us on all sides right now. Jesus said, “Let not your hearts be troubled for I am with you. His strength is for you now. His wisdom is available now. I confess that when it is difficult we look only for human help and forget that God's help is instantly available. Praise God he gives us people at certain times that makes us aware of the fellowship of believers, but sometimes I think human help is denied in order that we may learn how much greater the help is from his kingdom.

You are God's people if you know him as your savior. You are important people to carry out the task God wants us to carry out. You are rubbing shoulders with people who have no hope, hearing sad stories and meeting them in the streets in stores and having coffee with them. They are lacking in hope and we have the answer. There are some ready to respond because nothing they have lived for has given them any real hope for the future and for eternity. Nothing can except to trust in Jesus Christ.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nugget Fri Oct 9

Verses- Col 1:6 -8 All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth.
7 You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, 8 and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.

Thankful for growing in Bearing Fruit
Since we are beginning a new book study this week, perhaps a bit of a background is in order. Paul is in prison, most likely in Rome. It was written about 60 AD. He never had visited this church. What he knows about these believers he learned from his friend, Epaphras. It seems that the church started as a result of Paul's ministry at Ephesus. Some converts from there went on to witness in Colossae and people found purpose and meaning in Jesus Christ.

Epaphras was converted through Paul's witness. Already faith is producing fruit. So Paul wants to write a letter of encouragement as well as some correction. For although things are going well they are not going to stay that way unless they are aware of handling the dangers around and within them. But words of encouragement that the Christian essentials are being demonstrated in this newer fellowship. Faith, Love, Hope and fruit bearing delights Paul.

When I went to Russia a number of years ago to teach pastors in a Bible School it is natural to wonder how they are doing. Since they don’t speak English and I don’t speak Russian not much is communicated. But I was delighted to see in a Decision magazine a story of the evangelistic crusade that Dr. Ham had in Georgiyevsk, Russia. That was the city we ministered in. I was in the home of one of the students, who served as the chairman of that event. He not only asked that I pray for them but asked for advice on how to begin setting up a crusade so he could come into their city. I was thankful that we had a part in Ralph Bell Crusade meetings in Cambridge so I could give some suggestions. When things would be set up the Billy Graham Association would walk them through the final preparation steps. As I read this article I was full of joy to know that event did occur many came to faith when the Gospel was proclaimed.

Not long after that the local director of the Bible school, Rev. Vladymr Marmyshev, sent a letter to the former teachers which said, "We consider the school to have been a great blessing for the church of Georgiyevsk and other 12 churches of the region. 13 of the graduated students are now in leadership positions in different churches. It is hard to calculate the spiritual results of the school because repentance and baptism are the result of the combined ministry of our churches, the school and the students. In Georgiyevsk alone more than 20 people repented and 60 persons were baptized during that year. This is undoubtedly a merit of the school. Presently the students are leading 12 Bible studies groups and 1 group for preparing young preachers in Georgiyevsk and surrounding villages."

The church is producing fruit. The word of God is being spread. The prayer request was that there be increased sowing of God's Word. That by God's grace His name is honored in our church and in our community, that our faith in Jesus Christ results in love for others. It is our prayer that we at Stanchfield be faithful in sharing the gospel to see lives changed.

I read an article called the Wordless Church. The author of the article was struck by how we are now seeing wordless churches. The Word of God seems less eminent, less obvious and less central to many churches these days, because the Bible offends people. But the Bible is the truth from God that confronts us with sin, corrects us in wisdom, and guides us in spiritual things. Pray for the sowing of God's Word that it will produce of harvest of righteousness.

The gospel has power to change when people exercise their faith in Jesus Christ. When Christ comes in they learn to walk by faith in letting his truth move their decision and his will and word guide their actions and his power move their desires. From that fruit of the love is demonstrated and people will be affected by the Lord the givers of hope.

What turns a bad day into a good one? Not the circumstances but by God who gives hope, which produces faith and results in love. Then that is shared to others. Our part is to pass on the story. God’s part is to take that seed and use His servants to water, and harvest the fruit He produces. With all the struggles that go on, it is encouraging to see God at work in the world.

Pastor Dale

Peace to You 1 Peter 5:12-14

Sermon Nuggets Week of Sept 28 09

Sermon Nuggets Mon Sept 28

Theme: Peace to You

Verses- 1 Pet 5:12-14 With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.
13 She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark.
14 Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

Peace to You
Jules Verne novel "The Mysterious Island, he tells of five men who escaped a Civil War prison camp by hijacking a hot-air balloon. As they rise into the air they realize the wind is carrying them over the ocean. AS the hours pass the surface of the ocean draws closer, the men decide they must throw overboard some of the weight, for they had no way to heat the air in the balloon. Shoes overcoats, and weapons and reluctantly discarded. The balloon gradually rises, but only temporarily. Soon they find themselves dangerously close to the waves so they toss over their food.

One man showed how they can tie the ropes that hold the basket and sit on those ropes so they cut away the basket and the sever the very thing they had been standing on, it drops to the oceans, and once again the balloon rises.

Not a moment too soon, they spot land. Eager to stand on ground they jump into the water and swim to the island. They live, spared because they were able to discern the difference between what really was needed and what was not. The necessities they once thought they couldn't live without were the very weights that almost cost them their lives. Heb. 12:1 "Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles."

We come now to the conclusion of the book of 1 Peter. I am reminded that Peter was given to them the basics. What is it you really need in this world after all is said and down, and what is important to cast aside and indeed is a barrier between us and God?

When word came to him about 65 AD while he was in Rome that many of the Christians were suffering for their faith, they were rejected by their families, and leaving their homes, Peter was moved by God to write a letter of encouragement.

But what do you say? Some people were hiding literally for their lives since they were being sought by people wanting to kill them because they are Christians. Well, there couldn't have been a better teacher. Peter knew much about trials and suffering, Peter knew the height of success as well as the depth of failure. But the lessons he learned were worth sharing.

He wanted them to take comfort in their salvation, knowing the saving and sustaining grace of God. He confirmed the hope of glory, highlighting the perspective that suffering would only be temporary. He also could be a first hand illustration of the blessings that do come form suffering for the sake of Jesus and they should continue in the strength that God gives them for the day, for it will be worth it all when we see Jesus.

These couple of verses highlights relationships that will be the subject of our thought as we conclude his letter.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Tues Sept 29

Verses- 1 Pet 5:12 With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.

Through it All
There are some things to remember regarding suffering. I found this summary of some of Peter’s reflections on suffering to be helpful.

1) It is temporary.(1:6) It will not last. When we think of suffering it is short lived, we need to have eternity in mind. Peter has been through it all and reminds us to get the bigger picture. Remember what you are going through is temporary.

2) Suffering is a means of character building. (1:7) All through the Bible we are told how suffering is used to perfect us and make us stronger and more faithful. Are you willing to let God teach you and mold you, like he did Peter to be a better servant?
When Peter was on the water, he needed to learn to keep following Jesus not his fears. When he was in the garden he needed to learn to trust the power of Christ, not the power of the sword. When he was in the courtyard he needed to learn how really weak he was so that he could see it was by grace, not wisdom that anything is accomplish for God. He learned character in suffering.

3) Peter wanted them to know that they can stand anything if they remember it is a test. (1:7) Gold has to be tried and tested and purified with fire so it can be stronger and cleaner and firmer than even before. It is a means to determine if our faith is genuinely on Christ or just religion?

4) Peter wanted to prepare them by telling them suffering is a sign that you are walking with Christ if you are suffering for your faith. (4:12) Christian's call to commitment will include suffering of some type-let Jesus be your example. When he lived a holy life people were jealous, Satan was busy tempting him. Does it help to know you're doing something right if you are suffering?

5) Another way to help face suffering is by the encouragement of the Word of God. Peter tells them to prepare their minds.(1:22-25) We prepare our minds by what we read and watch and think about. It is easy to be emotionally persuaded to quit when we are suffering, but it is during these times when the promises of the Bible and the faith in the truth that we know, but lead us, for our emotions deceive us. Act on truth, not feeling.

God has set forth an expression of His will in a general way in the Bible and He has given us the Holy Spirit in order that we might be guided into all truth.

6) Suffering more aptly allows us to seek the Lord and His will in our lives. (4:19) It causes us to re-evaluate what are our priorities and what ought to change. Things of this world really aren't that important. That is the story of the hot-air balloon. Suffering many times brings people to their knees before God and allows an openness as never before. It is the means to ask, is this really of God?

7) Suffering makes Heaven seem even more inviting. (1:3,4) If someone is saved, we know this is not home. This is not all there is, we know there are greater things to come and we get even more anxious to go and be with Christ. For those outside of the faith in Christ this is all there is and it is a warning regarding eternity. There is an accounting in the judgment and Jesus judges the living and dead.

(8) Persecution is the way to glory. The cross was the way to crown. Even in this chapter how many times there is a reference to rejoicing or blessing: v. 13 Rejoice that you participate in the suffering of Christ. so you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.v.14 You are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. vs. 16 Praise God that you bear that name.

The worse they could possibly do was to harm their bodies, or imprison them. The world judges Christians on their own standards. It is the judgment of men.

Since that was the reason of Peter's writing he concludes in a very personal way. Yet even in his conclusion we are reminded of two other themes that are so important as we reflect on the days of our lives on this earth.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds Sept 30

Verses- 1 Pet 5:12-14 With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.
13 She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark.
14 Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.


Recognize the Importance of Friends
Peter acknowledges the importance of Christian friends and co workers. People are an encouragement in our life and work and in our faith walk.

Many times we are reminded that we are on this faith journey together; we are not alone. Peter may be a leader, but he needs Silas to put the words in ways that can be better communicated. Silas is a secretary, but he is also a fellow missionary and good friend of Paul as well as Peter. He was with Paul in the prison singing hymns following a beating.

Silas was rejoicing that he could also be counted worthy to suffer for Jesus sake. Silas witnessed the miracle of the earthquake and the breaking of the chains which become only signs to greater things. He witnessed the conversion of the jailer and his whole family, the encouragement of the Philippian church. He saw Lydia, and the slave girl freed from a demon.

God made us for fellowship. We need people. People need us. We are not alone in our suffering. Knowing we share in these experiences encourage us and help with peace.

Lewis Timberlake observed the California giant sequoias tress that have their roots just barely below the surface. His experience was that strong trees need deep roots to withstand winds and storms. In conversation with a guide he learned the Sequoia trees grow only in groves and their roots intertwine under the surface of the earth. So when the strong winds come, they hold each other up.

The church body is meant to be that type of haven when the strong winds of life blow these people can serve as reinforcement to strive together holding each other up. One purpose of the church is to become a spiritual family. Peter refers to Silas as a brother and Mark as a son. We are part of a family of God related by a common faith in Jesus Christ.

John Mark was believed to be the young man whose house it was where the Passover was held in the upper room. Perhaps through the preaching of Peter he came to faith in Christ. He was the missionary relative of Barnabas that left Cyprus but later in life, he had proved to be a faithful worker. Mark learned carefully from Peter and it is believed as the writer of the Gospel Mark he learned most of that information from Peter. Matthew and Luke quote much from the Gospel of Mark.

We are living in an egocentric society. The emphasis is often on taking care of oneself and forgetting about others. That is evident not only in the enormous bonuses the CEOs of companies and banks demand even in hard times, but also in the leadership of the political world. We need to be warned how much we tend to look at church from those same eyes of wanting it to serve “me”. There are embarrassing times when leaders and pastors use ministries for selfish ends. Too often the church attracts followers for what individual pleasure and local groups come into competition as to who can best serve the Christain consumer. God is not pleased.

Our leader said, "It is more blessed to give than receive." Instead we seek to be blessed instead of being a blessing. Part of the concept of the priesthood of the believers is that we represent God to each other also. I need you. You need me. God designed it that way. We are called into a fellowship.

We must recognize in our lives here we need the help of friends. Pray today for your friends and those whom God has used to help influence your spiritual growth. Find a small group of believers with whom you can share your journey in prayers and accountability. You will grow in your faith and love.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Thurs Oct 1


Verses- 1 Pet 5:12b …I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.

Recognize the Grace of God
Peter wants his readers to understand that when they face suffering be reminded of His grace. Think of the greatness of God. Recognize His work for your salvation, how He carried out his plan by the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ and then think of the wonder of the benefits you have received.

Peter reminds them in this letter of the fact that God chose them. Remember also God chose you. He loves you even though right now you may not sense that. He is carrying out the plan for which you were created. Because you are remaining faithful to Jesus Christ you will be especially blessed when Jesus Christ returns. Your heavenly inheritance which is far greater than any job, any family, any position, any money is reserved for you by God Himself. Part of what you are going through is God's means of making you more like Jesus Christ and perfecting your character and also teaching important spiritual lessons if you are willing to hear it.

Grace is seen in your great Salvation. God who began the work in you will see it through. I remember for myself as far as God the Father is concerned, I was saved when He chose me in Christ before the foundations of the world. As far as the Son is concerned, I was saved when He died for me on the cross. But as far as the Spirit is concerned I was saved one night in 1956 when I received Christ. Then it all came together. God in his Triune nature carried out His saving plan for my soul, and yours.

The grace of God is revealed in receiving the Gospel. Peter also showed his readers that what they have in Jesus Christ was far greater than what was received by Old Testament prophets, fathers, and saints. They longed for the revelation of the Messiah and now Jesus came. We are recipients of the grace of God in far greater way that people of old could even imagine. Even the Heavenly beings become observers, not participants, in the grace that is ours.

Peter showed how God marvelously called us,prepared us, purchased us through the works of the Son and purifies us through the works of the Holy Spirit. Angels long to look into the wondrous works of God that is for our rejoicing. Many people have yet to hear that good news. You've heard it and responded to it because of God's grace.

Grace is seen in the extent of His love by coming to earth in bodily form. The story of His grace is seen in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. By responding to His love in faith and receiving his salvation He further demonstrates His grace by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in your life.

Grace is seen in an inheritance that will never pass away. They lost homes, money, jobs, property and loved ones. Thing of this earth will pass away. But the reminder of our inheritance gives peace. You will see Him when He returns and rewards your faithfulness. All rights will be righted when Jesus returns. That is a cause for hope and Paul defines it as a living hope.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Fri Oct 2

Verses- 1 Pet 5:13-14 She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark.
Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

Greetings and Kisses
Greet one another with a kiss of love. The significance of the kiss is not in the context of romance as in our culture, but affection as friends and family. The greetings has behind it the deep spiritual love and unity among the believers. It is more than what we would do as a handshake. It is not just an casual greeting of politeness. It is a symbol of commitment to another.

As Peter concludes his letter it is a custom to inquire about others and share greeting to one another.

I had shared before of my surprise when I had the privilege of visiting and teaching in Russia. At their church services they did practice the holy kiss. Men would kiss men and women would kiss women. There was the real feeling of excitement to see one another. It was apparent that church gatherings were family reunions. When people have reunions it is often with that sense of excitement to see one another again and be with relatives you haven’t seen for awhile. There is catching up on news and seeing how much the kids and grandkids have grown. Children run off together to visit or play. People talk as they prepare food.

Jesus Christ is the purpose for gathering for the family of God. But when people saw each other I thought how much they really enjoyed being there. It saw how much they saw these gatherings as times to get away from the oppression of their work, challenges of their finances, and worries around them. It was an oasis of celebration in the spirit of Christ. The holy kiss was expressed with true desire to be together again with brothers and sister in the Lord.

The other thing that was unique to me was the custom of greetings. It means something more there than here. I saw one man stand from another community and say his church sends greetings to this congregation. People stood up and nodded and receiving the news in a formal way. When the pastor requested that he returned their greetings it was not something to be taken lightly. Sometimes it was in the form of a letter. When I first said that Stanchfield Baptist Church was praying for them, they stood with smiles and nodding and wanted me to return the greetings when I got home.

One man from a European country came to our church and he handed me a letter from his church back home. When he told them he was visiting relatives at Stanchfield, they sent a letter of official greeting to be read. That was the first and last time I remember that formal greeting among churches that never met each other.

Peter knew people and wanted them to share in love and greeting. He recognized the help of friends in the ministry. His expression of peace is not just a greeting but a prayer that they would experience the absence of conflict and unity of the spirit in Jesus who bring us peace with God and with one another.

It is encouraging to be thought of, and remembered. As I read stories from Dr. Pat’s letters of the churches being persecuted in Palestine and in Egypt she shares how the folks said letters, gifts and prayers meant so much to encourage their faith. It provided emotional strength knowing they were not forgotten. In one of her recent newsletters she met again with the widow of the manager of the Bible Bookstore in Gaza who was martyred. She showed the picture of the single mother with her children. She traveled to give her some money and let her know the story is still being told to churches in the U.S. How delighted she was. So the phrase, "She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings. and Mark too" It is an encouragement to them they are being remembered.

Some think Peter was referring to his wife, some think he is talking in coded language of the church in Rome, since in the book of Revelation Rome is thought to be referred to as the modern Babylon. Some take it literally that there was someone in Babylon greeting them. Whatever it was important to know others are thinking of them.

The purpose of the church is to glorify God. It is to do His work. But the blessings come when we share our hearts with one another in the ups and downs of life. It is a mistake when we think it is a spectators event when we gather. It is intended to participated in the power, truth, love and Spirit of our Lord.

To that end Peter concludes His letter.

Why not pray for someone today who is in the church? Send them an email of greeting, or a note of concern. Give someone a hug. Some need it badly!

Pastor Dale

God's Power in Struggles 1 Peter 5:5-11

Sermon Nuggets Week of Sept 21, 2009 1 Peter 5:5-11

Sermon Nuggets Mon Sept 21

Theme - God's Power in our Struggles.

Verses 1 Peter 5:8,9 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

God’s Power in our Struggles
I heard of an imaginary story of a man who met the Devil just as he stepped into the church. He inquired of Satan what he could possibly be doing there. He said, "All kinds of things will be done and said here today that will displease me, so I expect to do my best to prevent any good coming from this service.

"And how do you propose to go about your work?”

"Oh I have many devices.” said Satan. “For instance, before church, I go to each home and make a little trouble. I get the husband upset because the wife forgot to sew a button on his shirt, or forgot to fill the car up with gasoline. I make the kids upset to have to leave their television programs to come to Sunday School. Usually, it helps if one can't find a shoe, or misplaces their Bible. That really gets the Mother in a foul mood. Often this is enough to get their minds disturbed to prevent much of a blessing. I do what I can to make them late, for that almost always upsets someone in the family.

However, if they get to church in a relatively good mood despite my efforts, I have other ways of accomplishing my ends. I get one lady to look how another has fixed her hair, or how out of style her dress is. I get the better educated men disturbed by the preachers grammar or his style of delivery. Others I can disturb by the music, to use their critical ear by letting others know how really gifted they are by pointing out mistakes and out of tone notes others make.
Others I can disturb by a sight draft from a window getting their minds so occupied with the possibility of catching a cold that they hear very little of the message. If I cannot misdirect people's attention, then I just get them to apply the sermon to anyone but themselves. If some have been thinking about something God is saying to them, I manage to remove the blessing or conviction by getting someone to come up at the close of the service and talk about anything and everything but spiritual things.”

The churchman sadly shook his head, "Oh, I don't think those things would work in our church."

Satan smiled, "probably not, After all your church is much better than most." The man thought about how good he was through the whole service.

Satan works in various ways. So often the struggles we face in this life keep our focus on our needs and can get in the way for God’s best. Satan makes sure we have struggles. Some believers are faced with persecution, others with apathy, some with trials of discouragement, others with temptations of various sorts.

Peter looks at common struggles that come to us, many from the devises of Satan and reminds us how God's power is made available in different situations of our lives.

How do you see Satan seeking to dissuade you in your faith walk this week?

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Tues September 22

Verses 1 Peter 5:5,8 Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time

Grace to the Humble
As we talked about the lifestyle of a Christian leader last week we mentioned how important it was to be an example to others. 1 Pet 5:2 told us “Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers-- not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve;” God wants servants who lead, and leaders who serve. Young and old need the reminder that Jesus clothed himself as a slave that night in the upper room. Jesus girded himself with a towel to be a servant and told his followers to do likewise.

As leaders model servant hood and humility to other, so older folks need to model humility to the younger people. Experience helps persons gain wisdom. But humility recognizes ultimate wisdom comes from above.

Corrie ten Boom quotes the story of a woodpecker that pecked when lightening hit the tree and went around bragging. That is the way with many Christians- when God does the work we take credit for it. When we stop to think of Gods’ part and out part we are humbled at his power and our lack of personal ability.

There are many people who have struggled with their faith as older Christians and that struggle has taught them something younger Christians are still learning. There is no quick formula for spiritual maturity. It comes through complete humility and dependency on Christ.

Struggles humble us. It is hard to see that as a tool of the Lord, but God's grace is made perfect in our weakness. God opposes the proud, the arrogant, and the haughty. Only the humble receive the rich outpouring the His grace. Perhaps one reason God hates pride so much is that sin caused Satan to fall and rebel. He was prideful in Heaven as the most beautiful angel. He forgot his place in relationship to God and sought rebellion. The creature thought he could be like the creator. (sound familiar?)

In your struggles there is an important message. God is able to meet your needs. He is gracious. The mighty hand of God is the Old Testament's way of recognizing deliverance many times. God works on his own time schedule. In his time He will give us the solution to our problems. We want things done yesterday, but this isn't the way He works.

Peter would have his readers believe that those who humble themselves in recognition of the mighty power of God will in time experience a divine lifting up. Grace will give them the capacity to be adequate to the tasks to which God calls them.

v.6 says that the people who are humbled will be lifted up at the right time. The key is the phrase "in due time." God never exalts anyone until that person is ready for it. First comes the cross, then the crown. First comes the suffering, then the glory.

Moses was under God's hand for 40 years before God sent him to deliver the Jews from Egypt. Joseph was under God's hand for 13 years before God lifted him to the throne. One of the evidences of our pride is our impatience with God and one reason for suffering is that we might learn patience. One of the benefits of a close relationship with God is the privilege of letting Him take care of our burdens.

Hebrews 11 is also a champion passage on faith and the humble service and persistence of the saints. But in due time God will lift them up. The rewards and final judgments in glory become the encouragement to the Christian.

How have you experienced the grace of God recently? What did you do to deserve it? Is it any wonder we need to be humble people when a great God chose to demonstrate His kindness?

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds Sept 23

Verses 1 Peter 5: 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Care in our Anxiety

When circumstances are difficult, it is easy for us to be anxious and worried. We live in an anxious world. What causes anxieties? Finances, job security, family relationships, peer relationships, responsibilities that I do not want to lose results more in anxiety instead of success. What an ego-centric list! Anxiety rises over what people might say, or not say, over job evaluation, whether people like you or don't like you. Are you ever anxious over the things of the Lord?

Do you ever listen to people who share how God got their attention? People have told me God got their attention during their time of illness, divorce, financial ruin, fires, car accidents. I guess He is speaking all along, but we are too anxious over things for which we desire instead of resting in who He is.

What is the power in this struggle? HE CARES FOR YOU. That is the truth that sustains people in their troubles. You need the continual reminder that God really does care for you. You are loved by the Creator of the universe. You are on the mind of God. If you turn over these areas of your life He will do what is best for you. But it might not be money, or fame, or power, or houses, clothes and job, but it will be far better. The love of God will sustains you.

Let me add another object lesson Corrie ten Boom shared. She took her purse and started to take her cares out one by one. She identified the pills, bills, problems conflicts, she named them has she took the items out. Out came billfold, flashlight, and more odd and comical things than you would ever dream could come out of a woman's purse. Each article was a care. She started to think about them. She began to worry about the bills. She picked her billfold up from the table and put it back in her purse, and one by one she picked up each care and put it back in her purse. At the end of the illustration her purse was again bulging and she was loaded down as she had been before she began. We give our burdens to the Lord and pick them up again.

Warren Wiesbe said God shows His love and care for us when we give our cares to Him. He performs four wonderful ministries on our behalf.

1. He gives us the courage to face our cares honestly and not run away (Ish. 41:10)
2. He give us the wisdom to understand the situation (Jms 1:5)
3. He give us the strength to do what we musts do (Phl. 4:13)
4. He gives us the faith to trust Him to do the rest (Ps. 37:5).

In the midst of the humbling process we are also to learn to cast all our cares and anxieties and worries on Him for He cares for us. Humility recognizes our dependence on God and expresses confidence in Him.

The late Dr. Criswall from First Baptist in Dallas said, "It is for us to dig the well; it is for God to send the rain and the water. It is for us to plant the seed; it is for God to make it sprout and grow. It is for us to cultivate the field; it is for God to give the harvest. It is for me to witness; it is for God to give the increase, to save the soul. When I have done the best I can, then God must do the rest, and He will."

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Thurs Sept 24

Verses- 1 Pet 5: 8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

Strength in our Resistance

Satan is active. We don't have to look far to see the results of his dirty work. Marriages breaking up, rise in sexual perversions, pornography, anti-Christian bias, racism, riots, greed, injustice, poverty. You must not let down your guard for even a little bit for Satan will take opportunities and eat away at them. Many Christians give in to the temptations and as a result affect their faith and others.

Simple flirting quickly turn into affairs, innocent borrowing of a little cash quickly escalates into stealing, A little distortion of the truth so as not to embarrass oneself soon becomes a series of outright lying. A little pick me up with some drug soon captivates our desires for more. Some times to relieve tension can easily build into focusing more and more of our attentions on hobbies, pleasures, and materialism that such away on spiritual discipline and growth.

Satan is full of deceit. He is a liar. He is deadly seeking to devour anyone he can just like a lion in sheep's clothing. If he can fill you with pride he'll do it, if he can fill you with low-self esteem to keep you from using your gifts he'll do it. If he can keep you preoccupied with unimportant things he'll do it.

There are times when the evil one will smack us in the face with adversity and outright temptation, but more cunningly he attacks while we are asleep spiritually not dependent, not praying, not seeking God's will for today. We cannot stand on yesterday’s victories.

What can we do to utilize the power and protection of the Lord? There is strength given by God if we really want it and are ready to do what we can to resist temptation when it comes our way. We cannot always live on an emotional high, but spiritual growth is a walk of faith regardless of our emotional ups and downs. It is obeying God in good times and bad times.

This is why we are instructed to be sober, or self-controlled. We must have our minds under control. How we are thinking makes a difference as to our protection against Satan whose job it is to destroy you and me. We must be vigilant and always on guard. His strategy is to counterfeit whatever God does. According to the parable of the Tares wherever God plants a true Christian Satan seeks to plant a counterfeit. He could deceive us were it not for the Word of God and Spirit of God. The better we know God's Word, the keener our spiritual senses will be to detect Satan at work.

The Biblical way to protect ourselves is to resist him. Take our stand on the Word of God and refuse to be move. Be stubborn. Our weapons are the Bible, prayer, and the armor of God.

Never get the idea that you are the only one going through these battles, because your brethren are facing the same trials. We must pray for one another and encourage each other in the Lord.

Peter's call is remembering the brothers and sisters who going through trials. I am surprised when people in church think they are the only ones with a particular problem, sin or temptation. I have hardly met anyone who in a general way isn’t faced with something someone else has gone through. We all suffer although in different ways. We all have burdens we carry. We all hurt and bleed in some area of our life that others do not know about. Marriages in conflict, problems with money, infidelity, depression, sin, unsatisfied with work the list goes on. Whatever you are facing you are not alone, and even people that you greatly admire with strong faith have that faith worked out in hard times when trusting God in the dark as well as in the light is what causes it to grow. Instead of pretending it is not true, pray for one another and encourage one another. Satan delights in getting us into the attitude or self-pity, or just giving up because of repeated failures. Don’t believe him. Do not let Satan have upper hand. Stand firm believing God not your emotions and with a steadfast determination trust Him and follow Him and believe Him for Satan will do everything he can in his power to cause you to fall, fail, and quit. God will give you a way out and strength to endure it. (see 1 Cor 10:13)

Pastor Dale.

Sermon Nuggets Fri Sept 25

Verses 1 Pet 5:5-11 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Victory in our Suffering.
Because we resist Satan and stand firm in the promises of the Bible and God's word then even though there will be suffering there is the promise that God will restore us. Make us strong and make us firm and make us persevere. I look at the problems so many pastors face from the weakest to the strongest and see the fight and it is hard to be persistent.

We need the reminder that God knows what He is doing and is in complete control, no matter how difficult the fiery trial may become, a Christian always has hope. We have God's grace. We know that we are going to glory. He has called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus. Suffering will result in glory. The road may be hard, but it leads to glory and that is all that really counts.

Our present suffering is only for a while. Our various trials are only for a season. Then the glory that results is eternal. But also don't forget, our trials are building Christian character. The Greek word translated make you perfect means to equip to adjust to fit together. God has several means by which He uses to equip His people for life and service, and suffering is one of them. The Word of God is another; prayer is another. The church is an important tool. This is restoration- to mend what is broken to take what is missing and put it right.

So suffering can add to a man's character that which is missing. It can repair weaknesses and add greatness. Suffering is meant by God to add the grace awareness to life.

There are three other words to describe the kind of character God wants us to have. To be strong or “Strengthen” refers to God's strength given is enough to meet the demands of life. A life with no effort and no discipline is flabby. No one really knows what his faith means to him until that faith has been tried in the furnace of affliction.

The second word, firm is also translated Established. That means to fix firmly to set fast. We must not be unsteady in the stand for Christ but established in the truth. When we are established we will not be moved by persecution, or led away by false doctrine.

Steadfast means to lay the foundation. That is like the rock and anchor upon which we have faith. When we have to meet sorrow and suffering that we are driven down to the very bedrock of faith. It is then that we discover the things which cannot be shaken.

We began our relationship with our Almighty God when we realized that we could take no pride in ourselves. We are sinners in need of forgiveness. We are dependent upon Christ's death on the cross to make us right with God. He died for our sin. When we make our commitment to make Christ Savior and Lord, He continues the work in us and calls us together with others in Jesus to serve him together according to our abilities.

There is a focus however, and that eternal focus is heavenward. We shall see Him as He is. Jesus is returning for us and to win the victory.

Isaiah said, "but as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.""

Our eyes have seen some marvelous things. We have seen the sunset the whole earth filled with color and beauty of the glory of God. Our ears have heard inspiring songs, and beautiful music. Words that have brightened and gladdened our hearts, but we have not heard anything compared to what we shall hear over there.

The Living Bible says, "After you have suffered a little while, our God, who is full of kindness through Christ, will give you his eternal glory. He personally will come and pick you up, and set you firmly in place, and make you stronger than ever. We may suffer now. We may be under constant attack form the devil now; but this will not always be so. When He comes for His own, the victory will be ours.

How do we receive power in our struggle in our lives? First we humble ourselves as sinners and be willing to serve God completely. He gives us his grace. Then after we have given him our sin, we give him our cares and worries. We have experienced that He really does care and love us. He is in charge of all of our lives. Then we resist the evil one by being in the word, in prayer and in the fellowship of believers. Lastly we look to the victory that is ours known the strength of God is our hope, our help.

Pastor Dale

Advice to Pastors 1 Peter 5:1-4

Sermon Nuggets week of Sept 14, 2009

Theme- Advice to Pastors

Verse 1 Peter 5:1-4

Advice to Pastors
According to a poll James Patterson and Peter Kim researched the 10 sleaziest ways to make a living and the 10 most admired occupations. Let me read the worst five.

1. Drug dealer, 2 organized crime boss, 3 TV evangelist, prostitute and street peddler. I found it interesting that A TV evangelist was listed worse than a prostitute. Although a priest is mentioned number 7 in admired occupations. Protestant clergy did not making the ranking. A baby-sitter did, a mail carrier did, and a housekeeper did.

In this day and age clergy do not have a very good image. Almost weekly there is some Christian minister being named in some type of scandal. What does that do for the cause of Christ?

How can you tell if someone is a false teacher or not? I am not speaking about a cult that ignores Jesus Christ like New Age movements, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam. I am talking about people claiming to be Christian leaders and teachers. Within the evangelical circles there are many false teachers. Can you discern which are of God and which are not?

Most people will readily admit that they don't know the Bible like they should. Many are unable to discern heresy that perverts the central Christian truths and minor differences of interpretations of unclear passages of the Bible. To most a disagreement is a disagreement. But it is confusing who you believe as a spiritual leader.

Peter tells us how an elder should act. He was writing to fellow elders. The term "elder" was carried over into the church from the synagogue where they were the rulers of the synagogue, the custodians of the property and of the copies of the books of the Old Testament which were very expensive. They directed the worship and usually designated some visiting rabbi to read and expound the Scriptures.

Although most Jews knew what it meant, the Gentiles did not use that term as much as the term meaning an overseer, or superintendent which was translated bishop. The terms bishop and elder were used interchangeably of the spiritual leaders. We might call them pastors who are the teaching elders.

Incidentally, neither layman nor clergy are Biblical terms. But there is no question some people are called to ministry in special ways regardless how they earn their money.

Peter does not come to these pastors as a Pope. He is not giving orders, but exhorting them as a fellow elder. Peter was writing in times of persecution and need that Christians needed adequate spiritual leadership. In the previous message we talked about judgment beginning in the house of God. God will judge Christians and he will especially judge Christian leaders and pastors. I must ask myself regularly am I sharing to the best of my ability and knowledge from conviction from God's word and application to our day, or popular homilies to make people feel good about themselves? Because many have abused the office of elder it is important to look at Biblical criteria for judging who is of God.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Tues Sept 15

Verses 1 Peter 5:1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed:

The Hope of One’s Ministry
Peter is writing to fellow pastors. Although he is an apostle he recognizes he is a fellow elder. What is important is that we are all under Jesus. He was with Jesus. He had seen Jesus. He had heard Jesus. He watched Him perform miracles. Jesus was his personal Rabbi while on earth.

There are times when I am envious of those 12 who could sit at Jesus feet and ask him questions and delight in his presence and share in his ministry together. Then I remember that such a call to each of the 12 was a call to death. It was a commitment that was not going to be easy to share the good news to the world in which some are saved and many are violently opposed.

It was a ministry that did not promise financial security, or good home life, or retirement and comfortable houses. It was a call that would demand more of them than fishing and receiving taxes.

When I was going through a career fair as a senior at Michigan State University there was a representative from some company that grabbed my hand and shook it and said I’m looking for someone who is interested in making lots of money. I looked and him and said that is not my interest. He returned the surprise look and said, “Then I’m not interested in talking with you.”

I am sure that he had lots of takers who might have shown interest in his company.

As I continued down the rows of representatives from other potential employers there was a sign that caught my attention. It was hand written. “Lousy pay, hard work, many long hours, but GREAT RETIREMENT.” AS I stopped I saw it was an advertisement for ministry.

The great retirement that worthy of Peter’s commitment was glory. He had seen the suffering of Jesus Christ. Through Christ’s suffering came salvation to the world, to all and any who put their faith in his death, burial and resurrection. It was the atonement that captured Peter’s zeal.

But Peter’s faithfulness to the task of reaching a lost world was the sharing in glory with His master and Lord. His work was a work of faith. Glory was to be revealed at time known only to God. But he was as certain of it as he was of anything in the world. Who would have thought God would send His Son to suffer for our sins? The resurrection changed Peter’s life. He had a new purpose. When Jesus promised to come again, that was a promise without question because of all that Peter experienced. He knew God keeps His promises.

We are not saved by our works. But there are rewards to be faithful laborers for the master. That is a greater retirement than any plan can offer.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds Sept 16

Verses 1 Peter 5:1,2 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers-- not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be;

Focus of One's Ministry.
Listen to what someone is talking about and determine the main focus of ministry. Does he spend lots of time talking about self and what he has done and is doing? If the focus of ministry is on a person or pastor or church leader it is not of God. Does he speak a great deal about the church or ministry and what it is doing? If it is on the church and what great work is being done by that church it is off focus. Is there emphasis on the outward works of what man is doing, or what you can do to better yourself through your own efforts? If the focus of the ministry is on good works being done I hope you will see red flags requiring further examination.

But if the focus of the ministry first and foremost is to point you to God through Jesus Christ and lift up the Son of God for worship salvation and praise then the Spirit of God is working. The focus of one's ministry begins with Jesus Christ and makes Christ the center of attention around which all other things take perspective.

Each leader of God must have a personal, vital experience with Jesus Christ. They must be saved. You will be surprised how many pastors, and church leaders do not know the Lord. Many people sincerely get into the ministry or work in churches because they like to help other people which is noble, but if you do not know Jesus Christ in a personal way all the good works do us no good.

I have heard of others in Christian service hoping by being in ministry they will assure themselves a place in heaven. Christian works of any kind is not how we are saved. We are saved by the works of Jesus Christ on the cross and accepting and committing ourselves to Him. One must begin with a love relationship with Jesus Christ and in knowing him then point others to HIM.

Now lots of people will ministry often speaking of God and Jesus Christ. The Bible says that some will claim to have even cast out demons and healed in the name of Jesus, but God will say, "Depart from me I never knew you." Some will claim some special supernatural revelation that is added information from what the Bible. Beware.

I have a hand written note by someone who wrote to me explaining that God revealed truth to him. What he writes about is a combination of truth with superstition around the mysterious usage of words.

When someone is making the focus of their ministry secret revealed messages that require special spiritual interpretation, be warned it is false teaching and not of God. God's word alone becomes the standard of truth by which everything else is judged.

Peter writes in this book of the death the burial the resurrection and the return of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the focus of attention for all who are servants of God.

After Jesus receives the focus, ask secondly is the person ministry for his sake or the sake of other's Spiritual good? The Bible speaks of a pastor like a shepherd. But the flock belongs to the Lord, not to the pastor. It is God’s flock under the care for feeding by the pastor. One is called by God and is willing to serve His Lord and His Lord’s people.

If God and His people are not the focus of one’s ministry then one should change churches. It is not to build a bigger kingdom for himself, or for his name’s sake.

I visited one church were the picture of the pastor was literally on the side of the building as a mural to him. When a Sunday School contest was running those who got most to come to Sunday School received a huge picture of the pastor. There are times when one will use Jesus to gain personal pride, power, and possessions. How easily some people are mislead by some spiritual leaders. Many Christian media personalities can gain a following, sell books and merchandise jet plans and condos. Beware.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Thurs Sept 17

Verses- 1 Pet 5:2-3 Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers-- not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

The Tasks of One’s Ministry
The tasks of a Shepherd are four fold as explained in Peter’s letter.

1) To feed the sheep. Sheep need feeding. People need to be continually reminded what the Bible says and how to apply it in their lives. That is how people stay spiritually alive and growing. The food for the believer is God's word, not our opinions. There are many churches whose leaders will give you all the latest political information and what you should do for your community. There are others who will take significant philosophical ideas of the day and promote them. Others will emphasis the psychological principles and therapeutic counseling principles to help us adjust to the pressures and stresses of this life. But who will tell people God's truth? If it isn’t in the homes and in the church where will it come from?

I remember asking one of my chaplain supervisors from a more liberal persuasion in a hospital what the difference was between a psychologist and a chaplain. His answer was we can use more God talk. What he meant was we do exactly the same things by listening to their problems and reflecting back to them what we are hearing so they can formulate their own conclusions, but we can say a prayer, or use God's name to help them feel better about it.

Jesus said, "you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” He said, "I am the way the truth and the life no man comes unto the father but by me." Certain periodical needs to be followed in a hospital setting with strangers, but we do not need God talk we need God. The only way to God is faith in Jesus Christ and yielding ourselves to Him. By introducing the Word of God I found those whom God is prompting start asking questions and the door is open for more spiritual conversations.

2) A Pastor is also to protect the flock. The shepherd had to protect the sheep from thieves and robbers. Likewise a pastor must protect God's people from those who want to spoil the flock. We have seen evidences of that with a number of T.V. ministers. You see on the news horrible reports of ministers that misuse their office by abusing parishioners and children. Sometimes the media has a way of centering in on the unethical and immoral ministers and for every one who is exposed, I can show you a 1,000 who devote their service whole hardily to the Lord and their people.

3) A Pastor is to love his people. The faithful shepherd not only feeds and protects his flock but loves them. He wants what is best for them because he cares for them. He makes sure they would be healthy he would check for snakes, pits, poisonous plants. Some pastors today are interested only in crowds for what the crowds can do for him. They have no time for individuals. Jesus took time for those who had needs. It is a godly pastor that cares.

4) A pastor is to lead them. That is what an overseer is. One is called and responsible for helping them find pasture, health, and strength by leading them to maturity in Christ. “Teaching them to obey all things whatsoever I have command you.” That is part of the great commission. Helping them use their gifts together for the strengthening of the body of Christ for the glory of God.

Even though these qualities are directed toward pastors, how would life be different if this is how parents and employees fulfilled their tasks?

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Fri Sept 18

Verse- 1 Pet 5:4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

The Motive of One’s Ministry
As we have been reminded this week of the job of the pastor called of God we looked at Peter’s advice as to his calling, his hope, his focus and his tasks. Peter shares the motive of serving- the reward of a life that has been faithful in serving his Lord and Master.

Watch out for leaders who demand authority, seek greater possessions, violate Biblical principles, or build themselves up. John the Baptist said, "He must increase, but I must decrease?" John knew his job was to prepare the way for people to follow Jesus, not himself.
Peter also knew that in spite of his gifts of preaching, evangelism and teaching as the chef spokesman for the disciples he was to point people to the Chief Shepherd. The point Peter makes is that the sheep do not belong to the pastor, they belong to Jesus Christ. We are under His authority and care.

Be as pastors we are sheep as well to follow our Chief Shepherd. The motive for ministry is not higher wages and better salary, if needs are being met and his family is cared for. One man asked a very pointed question, “Why is it whenever pastors seek the leading of God to move to another church it is always to a place of greater salary and benefits, never to places of less material benefits?”

The minister must be careful of covetousness, not to work for money. It is perfectly proper for the church to pay their pastors and to be as generous as possible. I do not believe it is right for a church to try to get by on how cheap they can if they are not letting their ministers have a decent wage.

When Apple Computer fell on difficult days, the young chairman, Steven Jobs, traveled to NYC to convince Pepsi CEO John Scully to move west and run the company. He told Jobs, "Financially you'd have to give me a million salary, a million bonus, and million severance. "

Flabbergasted, the chairman agreed but only if he would move to Calif. But Sculley would commit only to being a consultant from New York. Steve Jobs issued a challenge, "Do you want to spend the rest of your life selling sugared water, or do you want to change the world?"

Sculley admitted that knocked the wind out of him. He had been so caught up with his pension, salary and personal benefits that the purpose of changing the world put his life in perspective.

Jesus called us not only to change the world, but have effect on people's lives that affect their eternal destination. In whatever you enjoy doing, let God move within you that you can affect others in their relationship with God.

The Biblical motive for serving is God's call on his life.

Warren Wiersbe was asked when he pastored the Moody Church in Chicago "It must be hard to keep all these people happy. He responded, "I don't even try to keep them happy I try to please the Lord and I let Him take care of the rest".

When Jesus said, "come and follow me" whether it was to Peter, James and John, or to Paul or Barnabus, or Titus, or Timothy, or to you and me, we willingly say, “I will follow Lord, what would you have me do?”

Let’s face it. There are times when attendance is up and down, times when people seem responsive to the gospel and times when they are not. There are times when people are excited about programs and times when there is nothing but complaints and problems. There is something more than professionalism or faithfulness there are seasons of the Spirit. It is appropriate to do self evaluation and listen to others to confirm one's spiritual gift, but the call to ministry is something far deeper than popularity. It is the urgency of God that we must be about his work, and are willing to do it or your are unfulfilled.

When I am discouraged and feel like quitting, I ask myself what else would I rather do than serving Jesus in ministry? There is nothing else. There are many reasons to quit. But the motive is to trust and obey ones call and that call is from the Chief Shepherd.

Part of that motive is the desire to serve Him for the glory to be revealed and the crown of glory that will never fade away.

Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd. He was the one who died for your sins, not any pastor or Sunday School superintendent or church chairman. It is the Great Shepherd who saves and empowers who gives you peace it is not found in any human being.

Let these principles guide you not only as parishioners, but as Christian laymen as you let God minister through you.

Pastor Dale