A Grand Invitation

We recently received an invitation to our son's wedding from his fiance's parents--his future "in-laws." It is an invitation we will treasure for years to come. Exciting times to be sure. But there is one invitation that each of us is given that far surpasses in value any other invitation we will ever receive. Here is the best invitation we could receive and it comes with the most profound promise. "Come to ME (Jesus speaking), all you who are weary and heavy-laden, and I WILL give you Rest" (Mt.11:28). An invitation to turn from our rebellious self-directed life and trust in Jesus for the forgiveness of our sins. The rest He offers is "Rest for our souls" (Mt.11:29). Real Relief and Real Rest for those who see their need. Oh, how I hope that you will respond to this glorious invitation.

The Cost of Following Christ

"Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves..." (Mt.10:16a). This is not a pretty picture. But the picture in Matthew 10 doesn't improve. "And you will be hated by all on account of My name..." (10:22). But the Lord doesn't leave it there. He reminds us that a disciple is not above his teacher and we all know what happened to Jesus. As we face increasing hostility from the world because of our faith Jesus tells us, "do not fear those those who kill the body, but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Hell." I'm praying for increasing grace and courage to face growing hostility towards my faith.

A Solution for Spiritual Bankruptcy

I was deeply disappointed in both of the Supreme Court rulings that came out yesterday. It appeared to me that while Justice Roberts (I think he was the swing vote) employed all sorts of mental and semantical gymnastics so that He could declare Obama Care constitutional because he didn't want to legislate from the bench, the court yesterday did just the opposite in order to legislate from the bench. The hypocrisy and inconsistency is blatant bold, and dis-heartening. In the case of Obama Care the majority of the people did not think it was beneficial and (in my opinion) there is no way mandating everyone have health insurance or pay a fine, can be constitutionally defended as consistent with the "commerce clause" or be relabeled as a tax. But the court ruled otherwise and against the will of the majority of Americans to avoid "legislating from the bench." Yesterday the court ruled against the will of the overwhelming majority of Americans who supported DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) in 1996. And the Supreme court ruled against the will of the Majority of the people in California who voted for "Proposition 8." So the court had no reservation in "legislating from the bench" on the matter of same-sex marriage. The Supreme court rulings yesterday were a poignant reminder that what ails America is spiritual bankruptcy. The only cure is outlined in Psalm 128:1. "How blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways" (Ps.128:1). For America to survive we need to fear the Lord and walk in His ways. As I think about it, this call to fear and walk uprightly begins with me.

Who is this Guy?

Jesus was asleep in the back of the boat while a storm was raging on the sea (Matthew 8:23-27). I am still baffled by how anyone could be sleeping as the boat was tossing, the waves were crashing over the sides, and a bunch of seasoned fishermen were freaking out screaming at each other to keep bailing water and keep rowing for shore. But Jesus is right there sleeping and the disciples, who had just witnessed him heal a leper, heal a paralytic, heal Peter's mother-in-law, and cast out many demons and heal others (Mt.8:1-17), decided it was time to wake Jesus. "Save us Lord, we are perishing." The situation was desperate. Three rebukes follow that are instructive. 1. Jesus rebukes the disciple's for their lack of faith. Did they not believe that with Jesus with them they were secure? Easy for us to cast stones, but how often are we "freaking out" because the circumstances we find ourselves in seem so perilous, so terrible? Well, maybe that hasn't happened to you yet, but it will. These are the times when what we say we believe is put to the test. 2. Jesus Rebuked the winds and they stopped immediately. Coincidence? No.I live in Iowa and the wind blows all of the time. There is a reason why we have so many wind mills here. Sustained winds of at least 12mph are needed to turn the huge props on these massive wind turbines. The number of days the wind does NOT blow at least 12 mph in a year can be counted on both hands using one finger to mark each day. A raging storm and the wind stopped instantly. That happens only in nature during a tornado or cyclone when the "eye" passes. The storm here did not start up again. This was different. It was divine intervention. 3. He rebuked the sea... "It became perfectly calm." This is a startling statement as it defies all the laws of nature/physics. I've been on a lake when the water was choppy and that movement of the water molecules will continue for several minutes even after the wind dies down. Something supernatural took place and the disciples knew it. Notice that the men were afraid during the storm-- "we are perishing." But they were even more afraid when the storm stopped. "The men marveled saying, What kind of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?" (Mt.8:27). This kind of man is the God-Man, Jesus who is worthy of our praise, adoration, devotion, and worship. Take some time to ponder what sort of man this is who calms the wind and the waves. He is the sort of man who died on the cross to pay for our sins and provide us the opportunity for new life in Him. He is worthy of our trust. I don't know what storms assail you, what trouble confronts you, what hardship faces you, but I know someone who cares and who is worthy of you trust as you walk through the dark valleys.

The Lord is With Us

As I listen to the news I become increasingly upset, angered, disappointed, and disillusioned. How can it be that the American people are being lied to about the events so tragic and historic as our consulate in Benghazi being over run by terrorists and the administration did NOTHING to stop it, nor has anything happened to those who murdered four Americans. How can the Department of Justice and specifically our attorney General arrogantly and consistently lie to Congress about "Fast and Furious", about spying on American people--getting phone and internet messages? How can it be that in tough economic times the President takes a family vacation (one of his nearly 50 vacations while in office) at a cost of $100 million to tax payers? How can it be that the IRS is forced to confess that they were deliberately targeting and discriminating against conservative groups since 2010, that they spent 4 million on a "junket conference" for 2600 employees, that the director who plead the 5th before congress is now collecting pay on a "leave of absence" and now to add egregious insult to injury we find out that $70 million was paid out in bonuses to the very IRS that has acted illegally by bullying conservative groups, has wasted people's money on lavish parties, and has been terribly incompetent in sending 24,000 refund checks to the very same address? In this day when health care costs are skyrocketing, when the promises of Obama Care are unraveling before our very eyes--higher costs, fewer people covered, suppressing hiring of employees many people are facing financial crisis. The cost of goods and services is increasing steadily, the debt is escalating unabated, and Congress continues to focus on things that matter least to the people and does so in ways that may seem politically expedient but confound logic. People in America are NOT stupid. We look around at moral decay, economic collapse, and international chaos and then look at the actions of Congress and see a horrible disconnect. Those folks in Washington are clueless as to what really matters. All of this is quite discouraging to me. For example, most people in America see the economy and national security, strength of our military as primary issues along with energy independence and controlling the national debt. Not a coincidence that all of those top concerns are intricately related. Yet what is Congress consumed with right now? Immigration. Is that an important issue? The American people see it as important primarily with regard to securing the borders--National Security. Immigration reform is one of the least important items on people's minds right now, but it is top concern for Congress. When considering immigration the most important issue to people in the country (like 70-80%) is Border Security. But if we are honest the current immigration bill that passed the Senate has been rushed through, not read, full of holes, and DOES NOT guarantee either border security or the end to illegal immigration. We have a warmed over version of what we had in 1986 with all the same promises and no guarantees. All of this is quite disheartening for people who are thinking Americans. We see that they are playing politics in Washington. Republicans trying to win favor with Hispanics and Democrats hoping to demagogue the Republican in the House who will probably vote it down. Then there is the increasing hostility towards Christianity in the military, the requirements of the Health care bill for payment for abortions, and on and on it goes. So what are we to think? The last counsel Moses gave the children of Israel before entering the promised land is fitting advice for every believer to cling to in the challenges of life. "And the Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you, He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." Friends will fail us. Family will forsake us. Politicians will disappoint us. As we face the daunting realities of life it is comforting to know that the "Lord is the one who goes ahead of us; He will be with us; He will not fail us or forsake us." I need this wonderful reminder of His powerful presence.

Choose Life.

"I have set before you life and death,...so choose life in order that you may live,...by loving the Lord your God, by obeying HIs voice, and by holding fast to Him; for this is your life..." (Deut.30:19-20). This challenge to O.T. Israel reveals a principle that is true today. Absolute dependence upon the Lord (loving the Lord your God) which results in heartfelt obedience (obeying His voice) is the key to life, to blessing, to knowing God's favor. God does not bless rebellion. Have we chosen life by loving the Lord with all your heart...surrendering your self-directed life and trusting Christ alone? Do we love the Lord and obey Him completely? This is the only way to truly live.

With Whom Does God Dwell?

"For thus says the high and exalted One who lives forever, whose name is Holy, I dwell on a high and holy place, And Also with the contrite and lowly of spirit in order to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite" (Isaiah57:15). God who is Supreme, Majestic, Holy, Transcendent, and Sovereign takes up residence in the Most loft and holy place. He is ABSOLUTELY distinct from fallen man. Yet Amazingly, the text reminds us that He ALSO takes up residence/hangs out with the HUMBLE so He can encourage them, "revive" them. How cool is that? The One who is Exalted is pleased to hang out with those who are lowly. One key to know the powerful presence of Almighty God in our lives is to walk Humbly--unassuming, not demanding, accepting of what God brings, gracious, kind, sensitive, generous. Lord, you are opposed to the proud and dwell with and give grace to the Humble so teach me the way of Humility.

Living Not Just Learning

One of the biggest challenges that believers face is to live out the truth that we know. So much of our Christian experience amounts to the accumulation of knowledge, insight, and understanding. We have radios stations that play Christian music and offer teaching by the most prominent Christian preachers. We have Christian literature galore available to us. We have access to God's Word and study tools on our phones and other electronic devices 24/7. There has never been greater access to the truth of God's Word available to as many people in the world as there is currently and the information is expanding rapidly. The words that I'm writing now are accessible across the globe. With all the information available it is important to ask, "Why does it seem that there so little transformation in the lives of people?" The Psalmist's prayer in Psalm 119:33-34 strikes at the heart of how there can be more consistent transformation. "Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes, and I shall observe it to the end. Give me understanding, that I may observe Your law, and Keep it with all my heart." One of my biggest challenges personally is to apply the truth that I know, to live out my faith on a consistent basis. The Psalmist echoes what is on my heart--a desire to understand God's word so that I will observe it, to know it so I will keep it. Of course this begins with gaining information, but notice that the Psalmist wants God to teach Him and give him understanding. He doesn't just want information, but insight into the Word so that He will observe it. Father, may you teach us the truth and grant us insight and understanding so that we will more consistently observe/keep your word.

Prescription for Ailing America

Isaiah's prescription for ailing Israel is just as appropriate for the decadence, arrogance, and self-indulgence so rampant in society today. Read the newspaper; listen to the radio; or watch the news and scandal, lies, corruption, greed, abuse of power, stealing, and discrimination abound. The answer? "Seek the Lord while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to the Lord, and He will have compassion on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon" (Isaiah 55:6-7). The important thing for me to remember is that this begins with me, with my repentance, with my turning from sin. Then I can pray that others will also Seek the Lord.

Christmas in June

Christmas in June? I'm not talking giving gifts, but receiving the greatest gift ever given. "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife...she will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins" (Mt.1:20-21). In our world full of conflict, corruption, and confusion what we need most is a SAVIOR. One who will deliver us from the power and penalty of our own sin. "Neither is there salvation in any other for there is no other name under heaven whereby you must be saved" (Acts 4:12). I hope you are trusting Him.

The Price of Pardon

"But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5). Rather sobering to ponder the fact that on the cross, Jesus was suffering for the sins of men. The language of Isaiah's prophecy is deliberately graphic. "pierced through...crushed...chastening...scourging" and then in verse 7 of Isaiah 53 we read that "He was oppressed and He was afflicted." The physical suffering and the spiritual separation from the Father were both excruciating. The Lord willingly submitted to these grave injustices so that we might be redeemed. It is good to stop and reflect on all that Christ did so that we could live eternally. Certainly it is humbling. Certainly it is encouraging. A couple of lines from some of my favorite Hymns came to mind in light of these texts. Verses that are humbling and encouraging because of the truth they convey. How great the Father's love for us, how vast beyond all measure; that He would send His only Son to make a wretch His treasure. Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.

Announcing Peace and Pardon

Those who are corrupt and who hold God's people in contempt are temporal--their mockery will end in misery, but God says, "My salvation shall be forever and my righteousness shall not be broken" (Is.51:6). Death and eternal judgment awaits the wicked, but Salvation for those who turn from sin and trust Jesus. That is why God tells us through Isaiah, "How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, Who announces peace and brings good news of happiness, Who announces salvation..." (Is.52:7). I want to be one of those whose feet are lovely...announcing salvation and I want everyone I know to to escape misery and eternal condemnation because they are at peace with God.

God Still Rules

I'm deeply saddened by the vast number of disturbing scandals rocking the country at this time. Fast and Furious, Benghazi, IRS, NSA, and a host of other horrible examples of dishonesty, dereliction of duty, deception, and decadence. Everywhere we turn it seems that perversion and corruption are on display. Quite often those most directly involved and responsible are the most disdainful towards those who call their indecency, immorality, and illegal activity into question. Aside from the pervasive darkness clouding our country there are often personal struggles that cast a shadow of discouragement upon us personally. Some are struggling financially. Some are facing serious health issues. Others are totally clueless about their future. There are those who are battling to save their marriages. Divorce, out of wedlock pregnancy,and a host of other issues are faced by so many. The darkness seems to be winning out. God has some very pertinent and powerful words for His people who "walk in darkness and have no light" (Is.50:10). "Who is among you that fears the Lord, That obeys the voice of His servant, That walks in darkness and has no light?" (Is.50:10a). Individual Believers (those who fear and obey the Lord) living in a dark world where wickedness reigns or who are overwhelmed by the darkness of their circumstances without hope are addressed. Listen to God's encouragement, "Let him trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God" (Is.50:10b). Wonderful words of comfort and confidence. God is in Control. "Though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet."

A Wedding Invitation

The Psalmist calls on us to "give thanks to the Lord for He is good and His lovingkindness endures forever" (Ps.107:1). While there are so many demonstrations of God's loyal love, none compares with the sacrifice of His Son on the Cross. God spoke of His Son's work through Isaiah, "I will also make You (His Servant Jesus) a light to the nations, So that My salvation may reach to the ends of the earth" (Is.49:8). That means God's Salvation through faith in Christ is made available throughout the world and that means to me and to everyone else who turns from their sin and trusts Christ. Salvation from sin is NOT the exclusive privilege of any particular group of people. The blessedness of God's lovingkindness found in Christ culminates in Revelation 19 where we are reminded in what may be the "last Beatitude", "How Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb" (Rev.19:9). Everyone who turns from their sin to trust in the "Light of the World" (Jesus) will know God's lovingkindness and receive their invitation. That is Very Good News Indeed.

Grateful for God's Grace

Psalm 106 chronicles the history of Israel's rebellion-- "quickly forgot His works, became envious of Moses, forgot God their Savior, despised the pleasant land, grumbled in their tents, did not listen to the voice of the Lord. Despite persistent and prominent rebellion we read a declaration of God's compassion, "He also made them objects of compassion..." (106:46a). I am humbled by God's compassion despite their rebellion and I'm asking the Lord to remind to be grateful for His compassion in light of my corruption. So grateful for "Grace that is greater than all my sin."

Loss of Liberty and Parental Responsibility

With so many questionable activities of the current administration coming to light these days--"Fast and Furious", "Benghazi", IRS targeting of conservative groups, NSA collection of emails and phone records, etc., some people are concerned over the threat to liberty and the concern for a lack of integrity, justice, and honesty within our government. All of these are legitimate concerns. One area where the loss of liberty and an attack on parental authority has been brewing and is now surfacing is in Health Care. When HHS secretary Kathleen Sabelius mandated contraceptive coverage for all employees she single-handedly stripped the religious liberties of millions of Christians, Mormons, Jews, and conscientious people in this country who do not believe in contraception and/or the use of abortion inducing drugs. The Federal government told people what they had to believe and how they had to behave and stripped their freedom of religious expression. Every single American is impacted by this ruling. Certainly the Catholic Church with all her institutions (hospitals, schools, churches, and charities) is being asked to support something that has been against her practices for centuries. Certainly Christians who are the owners of businesses are being asked to violate their religious consciences to pay for birth control (i.e. Hobby Lobby). But every individual who opposes the use of birth control and/or abortion inducing drugs who purchases his/her own health insurance will also certainly be paying for what they, in good conscience, believe is wrong. But the over-reach has extended even further. I'm not ignorant of the fact that under certain medical conditions unrelated to pregnancy contraceptives can be prescribed. I believe that most medical insurance plans will cover prescription medicines for these medicinal purposes. I am not willing to declare pregnancy as a medical condition. Pregnancy is a blessing, a privilege, and a choice. Movement has been afoot to make access to birth control and abortion inducing drugs available for any female of any age WITHOUT A PRESCRIPTION. In one fell swoop the politically correct police have mandated that any girl of any age is now able to have access to birth control without her parents or doctor even knowing about it. This is an unacceptable over-reach on the part of the government to promote an agenda that is neither pro-family nor pro-life. With the gruesome and grizzly activity of Kermit Gosnell's abortion factory still in our minds it is amazing how society can just turn a blind eye to the taking of innocent life and then add to that the stripping away of parental authority. I am deeply saddened as I see the hypocrisy of those who cry out that gun control is necessary to protect the innocent children while promoting policies, procedures, and medications that are designed to take innocent life. There is virtually NO concern for the children, for life, or for what is right, but merely the propagation of their own political agenda at whatever cost. If certain people can use the tragic loss of life at Newtown to create a crisis they think will make the majority of Americans sympathetic to giving up their second amendment rights, then they will do so. If these same people believe that "abortion is a right" and the "government knows better than parents" then they will manipulate, maneuver, and dictate their way. Such activity indicates a callous disregard for life, arrogance (they know what is best), and that a deep spiritual vacuum exists within our country. All of these realities grieve me. All of these realities should grieve each of us. It is way past time to pray and promote the truth. I've included an article that explains the recent court ruling that gives access to contraception and strips parental authority. http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/06/05/dr-manny-government-must-stop-bamboozling-americans-about-plan-b/

Giving Helps us Fear God

When instructing His people in the area of giving in the Old Testament God gave them this reason for faithful giving, "in order that you may learn to fear the Lord your God always" (Deut.14:23). Obedience in giving leads to Reverence towards God. They gave a tenth of all their produce as an act of faith and obedience which brought them to a deeper realization of their dependence upon God. As God continued to supply their needs as they gave to Him first, they also learned of God's faithfulness and grew in their Reverence towards Him. Not surprisingly it works the same way today.

Why Short-Term Missions

Since we have several folks from the church heading out on short-term missions this summer I thought it would be appropriate to share some Biblical perspective on Why Short-Term Missions. Why short term missions? WHY SHORT-TERM TEAMS? As we contemplate the possibilities before us—supporting more than one overseas short-term team for the third straight year I’ve been doing some thinking about why we would say “yes” and why we might say “no”. Why say no? I think the number one reason for reluctance is resources. Regardless of how the discussion is framed the bottom line is the bottom line when it comes to influencing our decisions. There is no doubt that financially supporting a number of individuals on overseas projects is costly ($2,000-$3,000 per person). Spending $20-$30 thousand dollars on short-term projects is a lot of money. Stateside projects seem to offer more “bang for the buck.” There is concern that repeated requests by our own people for support, amounts to putting a guilt trip on members of the church who find it much more difficult to say no to the people they worship with than to say no to a total stranger. It does cost a lot of money and we don’t want to presume upon our people or assume that they would or should give every year to these projects. But there are great blessings for both those who go and those who give. I believe that the benefits far outweigh the costs. Why say yes? First of all, we are commanded to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Mt. 28:19). Obviously this doesn’t necessitate an overseas project but those opportunities do give us a chance to obey this command. As we have sent people to Brazil to work in the orphanage we have incarnated James 1:27. When we are sharing the gospel in Hungary we put feet on 2Cor. 5:17-21 as we become ambassadors for Christ urging lost people to be reconciled to God. In both locations we are able to demonstrate the love of Christ to our brothers and sisters in Christ (1Jn. 4:7-8). Secondly, These projects provide us with a unique way to stretch our faith and they call for sacrificial service that deepens our walk with God in unprecedented ways. Through these opportunities we are forced to step way out of our comfort zone and to rely upon God to work in us and through us if anything of eternal consequence is to happen. They provide us with a chance to lose our lives to find them (Mt.10:39), to truly give up our rights, to humble ourselves and learn submission and dependence upon God that we rarely embrace here in the states. I can’t think of anything that has caused our people to rely more upon the power of God than our short-term overseas trips. These trips help keep us from becoming complacent and they keep us in touch with the truth of Hebrews 11:6. Thirdly, they provide an excellent training ground for developing servant leaders who learn to live by faith. Those who go come back excited about continuing to live a life of faith, serving in ministry that keeps them dependent upon God. Fourthly, these projects enlarge our ministry vision as a church by exposing us to what God can and is doing around the world. Fifthly, they serve to develop unity among the body as we mobilize our energy towards kingdom significant ministry rather than focusing on insignificant minutia at home. As far as the money is concerned I will not argue that it is expensive to send people on short-term assignments overseas. But I want us to remember a few principles. Luke 6:38 reminds us that we cannot out give God. 1Timothy 6:17-19 calls us to lay up for ourselves a firm foundation for the coming age through giving. We have been blessed and we are blessed when we give to the Lord’s work. We have the resources so we can go and therefore we should go and do something of kingdom significance and not just out of selfish interest. I believe the financial end is another area in which we can stretch our faith and see God come through. The past two years we haven’t missed a beat in meeting our mission’s budget—God is faithful. I believe we can trust God to continue to provide. I think it is helpful to remember that God will always finance His will. Additionally, our investment pays dividends among those we minister alongside. Our ministry results in follow-up opportunities for new Christians and struggling believers, the encouragement of believers in the countries we visit (especially the missionary staff), and financial support given to the ministries through short-term support raised (Every International Messengers short-term missionaries contributes a minimum of $500 to the overall ministries of IM). Recently Ben Oehler who has served in the Ukraine for nearly 10 years told us that one short-term team can accomplish more by way of evangelism and discipleship than his many years in that country. That may be an exaggeration but it is certainly true that working together the national missionary and the short-term missionary can accomplish significantly more than either by themselves. Conclusion: God has been so good to us and we’ve seen Him do some amazing things in the lives of our people and in the lives of those we’ve been privileged to minister to and with on several short-term mission projects. Since we’ve taken deliberate steps as a church to send more people on short-term missions God has done great things. My prayer is that we will continue to press ahead in short-term missions for the glory of God and the gain of His kingdom. I want to urge you as individuals or couples to give financially to the mission fund so we can fulfill our church obligation of $750 to each of our adult short-term team members going out this summer. If some feel lead to give to a specific team or a particular team member that would be great. I can’t emphasize enough the need we have for people to pray for the team members going out to Brazil, Hungary and to Rosebud this summer. May Psalm 67:1-4a become our prayer as a church and may we do our part. Sincerely, Pastor Steve

Faithful to God's Calling

The King (Amaziah) told Amos to go declare his message of warning somewhere else. Amos replied, "I am not a prophet, nor am I the son of a prophet; for I am a herdsman and a grower of sycamore figs. But the Lord took me...and the Lord said to me, Go prophesy to My people Israel" (Amos 7:14-15). Amos exercised courage and conviction in the face of condemnation because he was listening to what GOD wanted him to do not what men wanted. Amos offered No excuses, no compromises, no watering down of the message just because the King didn't like it. Amos is a great example to every believer of God taking us out of our comfort zone to serve Him. Lord, give us boldness to go where you lead us and do what you ask of us regardless.

Is Our God Too Small?

"To whom then will you liken God?...Do you not know? Have you not heard? ...It is He who sits above the vault of the earth...who stretches out the heavens like a curtain and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in...The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary...Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary." (Isaiah 40:18,2-22,28,31). I'm convinced that my concept of God is way too small. Only God is Awesome!

God Gives

God told His people who were preparing to enter the promised land, "It is NOT for your righteousness or for the uprightness of your heart that you are going to possess this land..." (Deut.9:4,5). God's people were a "stubborn people" (vs.6). Good for me to ponder that God's graciousness and NOT my righteousness is the source of blessing. God still gives when we don't deserve it.

Attitude Adjustment for the Anxious

I stopped one of the farmers in our congregation this morning as I was walking back from getting the mail up town. We chatted and then commented on how everyone seems to be so focused on the wet and cool weather that has not allowed the farmers to finish their spring planting. We said that God has always been faithful to see the crops got in and out but that doesn't meant that there are not lessons to learn during this trying time. "When my anxious thoughts multiply within me. Your consolations delight my soul" (Ps.94:19). This verse has relevance for the farmers anxious to get their crops in and for so many others as well. Everyone seems to be so busy, so caught up in chasing their dreams, so consumed with the "day to day" stuff of living, and so stressed out. The Psalmist brings perspective to the chaos when he says that he turns to God's consolations, the truth of who God is and what He wants for us, His power, purpose, and plan. Lord give me your perspective to quiet my anxious thoughts today.

Teaching the Truth to Our Children

God directed Moses concerning "these words which I'm commanding you this day..." to "teach them diligently to your children when you sit in your house, when you walk along the way, when you lie down and when you rise up" (Deut.6:6-7). I had the privilege to officiate the wedding ceremony of two young people whose parents took these words to heart and their children were listening. What a blessing to see a young couple who are both solidly seeking to serve the Lord.