Good Friday

We celebrate the Lord's resurrection this Sunday but what about his death? What a glorious death it was! As Heaven looked down in awe that the Son of God would submit Himself to the will of His Father for the sake of beings, the most of whom will never appreciate the sacrifice, they were in another level of wonder that they had never experienced. The Son of God was giving up His omnipotence and taking on Himself frailty for humanity.

 He had submitted Himself to the Father for love. 

Have I done the same? Mine would certainly pale in comparison to the sacrifice of the Son, but have ,I at all, given up my comfort for the good of those who appreciate it, much less those who might never do so?

 God never asks us to do things above what we are able, or, things that He has not done; but He will lead us into places we might not want to go. Will you follow? It was the simple question He asked the disciples, "Follow Me". And He still asks it today. Good Friday? Yes, because of the good it did for you and me.

Pastor Brent

Be Careful To Set Aside

Following up our text to everyone I would like to share some scripture about how we as Christians are to view our obligation to tithe and to donate to the things we are committed to.

“Now in regard to the collection being made for God’s people: you are to do the same as I directed the congregations in Galatia to do. Every week on the first day of the week, let each of you set some money aside, according to their ability, so that when I come I won’t have to do fundraising.”
— 1 Corinthians 16:1

Paul is reminding the congregation of what Jesus himself said regarding our giving. He was in the process of chastising the Pharisees, when he said, "you tithe but you have forgotten the greater commands of mercy and grace. You should continue to do the former but also remember the latter." Giving isn't an either or, it is a choice we make to show God our priorities are right.

“ Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”
— Malachi 3:10

 In Malachi 3:10  God instructs the people to test Him in the tithe and see if He will not repay more than what we give. It's the only time God challenges us to test Him. We are in a unique situation for a while, one in which at best we will see each other at church at the end of April. But the work and the need goes on all the time. Our partners in missions are hit as well and they continue to need our support. The people coming for laundry can still contact us and get help, but if we don't remain faithful our funds will run out. And, like Paul, we will need to fund raise to support those who count on us.

Just as Paul said, it's according to your ability. I'm sure some of you have been hit by the layoffs, but adjust, don't stop. He who is faithful in little will be faithful in much. I cannot think of one person I know who is faithful in their tithing that is not financially stable. Put God to the test and see if He is not up for the task. And we will see you virtually again on Sunday with another word of encouragement from the scripture.

Pastor Brent

What Are You Living With?

No, I'm not talking about since the shelter in place order. Lol. I'm talking about in your and my life, what are we living with because of the fact it would require discipline and consistency to rid ourselves of what God has asked us to annihilate?

In Judges 1:19 the people settled in the hill country because the people in the valley had iron chariots, and they could not drive them out. It sounds plausible. Everything that Satan would have you give up on sounds plausible....except that it is never true! Not very many chapters from here, one of the first woman judges routes this very same enemy, with their iron chariots, because she allowed God to give her the plan and she wasn't afraid to trust Him to achieve it.

 So, the question becomes, what's your iron chariot? Because at first it will just be a compromise in a small way that doesn't really affect you and the way you live. It would be nice to have the freedom that my life would enjoy if it was gone -but it's not that big of a deal. But then it becomes more invasive. It's not satisfied with the valley that it has, but it begins to take over your life and become the focus rather than a small distraction.

“What is your iron chariot??”

Just know this, when God saved you, the very word means body, soul, and spirit 100% complete salvation without having to compromise any part of you. He granted you your Canaan land; and that means all of you. Don't feel it yet? Or haven't experienced it? Take on the iron chariots with God's plan, and get ready for the most satisfying battle since you said yes to Jesus. Reach out and ask those in your circle to join you in your battle, because light is our enemies biggest fear. Because one will put to flight a thousand, but two will put to flight ten thousand. Let's turn the tables on our enemy and put him on the run for a change. What do you say?

Pastor Brent

All That The Lord Said, He Did

“So Adonai gave Israel all the which He swore to give to their ancestors, and they took possession of it and lived in it. Then Adonai gave them rest all around, according to everything He had sworn to their ancestors. Not a man from all their enemies stood against them; Adonai handed all their enemies over to them. Not one good thing that Adonai had spoken of to the house of Israel failed to happen; it all took place.”
— Joshua 21:43-45
 
 

Does this raise the level of confidence that you have in God? Is He not watching over His promises? Are you not graven in His hand? (Is. 49:16) Does God promise anything He cannot fulfill? 

“See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;”
— Isaiah 49:16a

All that we are in the midst of is just a stop, not a destination? Can you tell me something you were concerned about before this mess began that has vanished by the wayside because this has taken it's place? 

All of the Israelites who complained that God was not big enough to handle their situation fell in the wilderness before seeing God hand them exactly what He had promised. You and I will also see God catapult those who trust in Him into a different realm of faith; one that gives God the leeway to do things His way (which are better and more productive). Settle it in your mind! God is in control! He is on the throne! Heaven is not shaken! Our God reigns!

I love the last line in the above scripture, "Not one good thing that Adonai had spoken of to the house of Israel failed to happen; it all took place. ALL. All that God says will come to pass; the more unlikely, the more that God can get the glory. Wouldn't it be awesome if we could have Easter service together? Pray that just as the plagues of Egypt were swept away in one night, that this Plague would be swept from the earth and cast back to wherever it came from. 

Remember this phrase, "All that the Lord has done , we will say." Because He has done great things. Amen?

Pastor Brent

When Do We Move?

“In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out-until the day it lifted.”
— Exodus 40:36,37

These words literally came to me as I was talking with someone about the season we are in as a people, and as a nation. We don't know when the Lord will lift His hand from the world and this plague. Just as the people of Israel did not know when the cloud would lift and they would have to pack up their tents and the tabernacle until the Lord set the pillar of fire or of cloud down again.

But they had to be ready for the move. They had to be watching and waiting for the sign. Even from a place they might like, it would be possible they would have to move the very next day. Even from a place they despised, they could be there for months. But God always knows when to move. The question I need to ask myself is....am I praying for God to heal this nation?

Because it is not about my comfort level, or the changes and inconveniences we have to endure; it is about the soul of our nation. Will we turn and seek the Lord, and His forgiveness for our hard hearts, and our slackness concerning the vulnerable of this land? May I encourage you to pray more? We now have the time we say we never have. Could you pick someone out and lift them up in prayer? Will you pray for the wisdom of our leaders and leave your own opinions aside for the good of our people? Where do we start? Myself I will be taking some extra time for those who are going to be in real need of more than a prayer. Expect calls and visits if necessary, to encourage you to stand for those who are faltering. We serve a God who splits seas, and raise the dead. We shall not be afraid! Be warriors from your chair, or bed, or couch.

You are the solution, children of God,

Pastor Brent

Our World, Or Is It?

“They all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed they were strangers and pilgrims on this earth.”
— Hebrews 11:13

We are in the most interesting time I have ever been in. I was not alive for world war 2 and the devastating affect it had on our country and the world. Not around for the Victory gardens that people were told to plant so the soldiers could be sent the food the farmers were growing. Not around when gas was rationed, tires were rationed and sugar and flour were rationed, but my parents were, and they continued to grow and can their own fruits and vegetables from then on, remembering what had happened.

Now, we, are in the beginning of what looks like a time of almost isolationism. But, if we are sensitive to what God is trying to do, this could be one of the greatest evangelical times in America. Allowing the church to reach beyond their walls and into the lives of the most vulnerable of our community.

Of course I want you to be responsible when carrying out these acts, but don't be afraid to take somebody food or supplies and leave it on their front door with a note or scripture of encouragement and blessing.

Be proactive and don't let an idle mind take over your thoughts and lead you down a path that focuses on this world which, you know, you're only in temporary occupancy.

Pastor Brent

Whatsoever Things are Pure

James 3:17 “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure,….”

             Another translation of pure is clear thinking, another chaste, but the focus is plain.  It is certainly apart from the world.

If the world is anything, it is first sensual. All of the advertising is a temptation for the lust of the eyes or the lust of the flesh.  The meals are the most scrumptious looking, all of the people in the ads for fast food are fit and trim, and all of the people in the clothing or perfume/aftershave commercials look like models. (oh wait, they are)

But we should be focused on what the Lord is thinking behind this world’s view.

Can I keep my mind stayed on the Lord and treat men like my brothers and all women like my sisters?

Is there thinking beyond what will affect my body?

In Phil 3:19, we get a picture of what God thinks of people who’s mind is only for themselves.  He frames it this way:  “Whose God is their belly and whose glory is their shame.”

We may have been led by our eyes and bellies for a while, but God has called us to a higher calling.

Purity in thought, followed by clarity in action.

Pastor Brent

Children or Grown Ups?

For the Law, while we were children was necessary to teach us our responsibilities as well as our limitations; as it says in Galatians chapter 4. 

But, when we receive Jesus we are no longer slaves but sons and therefore heirs with Christ. And as such, we have entered into a covenant with God whereby we take on the responsibility of the Kingdom of God, as a representative.

Which certainly entails the proper use of the handling of the Word of God. If we are still children, we use it for our own gain and to elevate ourselves above someone else. But, if we are truly sons and daughters of God, we use the Word to restore others and to keep ourselves humble, knowing from where our authority and salvation comes. 

It is easy to assume we are grown ups, but is it as easy for someone else to give you that title? For it is God's and those who we deal properly with that will be our final test.

Maturely,

Pastor Brent

Whatsoever Things Are Just

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
— Philippians 4:8

The third in the series is just.  The literal translation means righteous, observing divine laws.

The key word in that sentence is divine laws.  Not observing laws,  but the keeping of the divine law.

When Jesus was asked about the most important law He said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.  And, to love your neighbor as yourself.”

God’s divine law is about love.  Period.  His law contains grace and mercy which leads people to love.  If we are using God’s righteousness or justice for anything else we are wrong.

So, give God a chance to think justly in your mind.  Judge things with an eye toward the restoration of people in the long run.

In the short term, people may turn aside, rebuke you, or even cause you harm; but if you have delivered God’s message with an eye toward restoration and redemption you have done your service to Him.

God will continue to bless us with an abundance of revelation and love if we will simply serve His needs in every person’s life.  His needs, not your preferences.  God is abundantly merciful—you and I are living proof.

Justly,

Pastor Brent

The Smelting Furnace

“No, you Adonai has taken and brought out of the smelting furnace, out of Egypt, to be a people of inheritance for Him, as you are today.”
— Deuteronomy 4:20

God called the people out of the smelting furnace. What happens in a smelting furnace? We are melted into a mold-able liquid that will take the shape of whatever we are poured into. Or, we can be hammered into an object because now the furnace has caused our being to be more pure and have less of the impurities that we had before the smelting process,  that hindered our shaping because of their hardness.

We all have furnaces we need to be in. Unfortunately, sometimes we pull ourselves out before the process is completed, and God will have to put us in again.

Knives go through what is called tempering, where the knife is heated and then plunged into cold water a few times before it achieves the proper hardness for the job it has been made for. But still it is not the knife pulling itself out, but the knife-maker. God allows us to be rid of the dross of our lives; but only if we truly want it.

Don't be afraid of the fiery furnace, the three Hebrew children found that sometimes you find the best company in the furnace.

Pastor Brent