Pastor's Blog

“Which Came First?”

¹³And as soon as the priests who carry the ark of the Lord—the Lord of all the earth—set foot in the Jordan, its waters flowing downstream will be cut off and stand up in a heap.” … ¹⁵Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, ¹⁶the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, … So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. ¹⁷The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground.

. — Joshua 3:13–17 (NIV84)

As we read this account of Israel’s history entering the promise land to attack Jericho, we see an intriguing miracle: The waters “parted” and “the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground” (v. 17). This is the LORD’s obvious “allusion” to the parting of the Red Sea, and He used it to remind both the Israelites and the residents of Jericho, that He still has the power! (cf. Joshua 2:10)

Some “silly” questions: Which came first (1) Did the waters part before the first priest dipped his foot into the river; (2) or did his foot get wet and then the river “heaped up”? I ask this because they later stood on dry ground—not moist, not damp, not mushy; but dry! Ground. If his foot was wet, well, could the ground be dry…?

Silly as these questions are, the point I’m making is this: We get so easily distracted with the minutia of some life episode or Scripture passage that we miss the main point. In this case, the first two priests had to go first, and by faith they lifted up their feet and stepped into the river. Remember, as the Colorado is now as I write this, the River Jordan was a flood stage (v. 15), flowing deep and rapid! No easy step of faith. But they took it!

So, I am asking you to join me in realizing that what came “first” was the priests’ faith to lift their feet and step; what happens after this is the LORD’s “business”. So let us also realize that as we prepare our hearts for the Month of July’s fasting, this is our “lifting our feet” to step into a flood stage river, and trust to see what the LORD will do next.

Hope in the Resurrection Power,

Pastor Mike

“Living the Resurrection Power Life”

As the tulips blossom, the roses bloom and plants reveal the beauty and life they have in them, so ought we. The Beauty of the Lord Jesus seen in our lives as His Resurrection Power is manifested when we bloom and blossom and reveal His Life in us.

[All kinds of trials] have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. —1 Peter 1:7 (NIV84)

Yes! The blossoms of His glory are revealed in us; the blooms of His honor are seen by all—even ourselves—through all sorts of difficulties and challenges….

But how do we “live” this Life? How do we appropriate this empowerment? By faith. We confess the Lord Jesus Christ, asking Him to empower us to do the task or be the person we need to be, and then step out in faith walking in the power of His Spirit. It is then the blossoms’ beauty is revealed; the blooms’ fragrance is sensed….

This confessing may be a morning experience or throughout the day, as we walk with Him: “Lord Jesus Christ, be the person in my life You need right now,” or “Lord Jesus Christ, by Your Spirit empower me to accomplish this task.” Then we take that step of faith and “Go do it”—whatever He has prompted us to do or empowered us to be.

Let the beauty of our Lord Jesus’ resurrection be seen in and through your life,

Living in the Hope of the Resurrection,

Pastor Mike

“Resurrection Power”

As we enter the season of celebrating our Lord Jesus’ Resurrection, I would like to remind us of His Resurrection Life in and through us. The focus verse for this blog is Phil. 3:10-11 with our dear Brother Paul confessing:

I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. —Phil. 3:10-11 (NIV84)

First, notice that “the power of His resurrection” presupposes death. This death is death to sin, self-desires, selfishness — “self!” Clearly, this is a lifelong process of choosing to die to the old nature and confessing the Lord Jesus Christ is our Life to manifest the New Nature!

Second, notice “sharing in His sufferings” presupposes a “painful” process when we are dying to self and living in the Resurrection Power (aka, Resurrection Life). All challenges, trials, difficulties, and hardships can be viewed as a part of this “sharing in His sufferings” (no matter their source). When viewed this way, the Hope of the resurrection sustains us in the trial.

This brings us to the third observation: Attaining “to the resurrection from the dead.” This is a Both/And. Both in the eternal state when the Lord’s Kingdom comes, and there is a new heavens and a new earth, And in the here and now! Right now we can experience, in some small measure, the Resurrection Life of the Lord Jesus Christ as He resurrects a crucified aspect of our lives, making it more like Him.

So, join with me this Resurrection Season in Celebrating both the Resurrection and the process of the Resurrection!

Living in the Hope of the Resurrection,

Pastor Mike

“O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree: Two Trees of a Different Sort”

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! (1 John 3:1 NIV2011)

Have you ever noticed that the Christmas Tree is much different than the Easter “Tree”? One is an evergreen, symbolizing Life, the other an instrument of torture, symbolizing death. And yet the one leads to the other. Two trees, two symbols, but One Lord and One Life—Life eternal and abundant because of what was done on the one Tree that gives us gifts under the other tree.

Perhaps you can take a little time this season to ponder these two trees, especially as you exchange the gifts under the one? Let it remind you of the Gift that was exchanged for you on the other.

Join me this December in being truly Merry People who sincerely wish others a Merry Christmas and a blessed and prosperous New Year

“¹³Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. ¹⁴And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. ¹⁵Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:13–15 NIV2011)

A Blessed and Merry Christmas & a Peace-filled New Year,

Pastor Mike

“Entitlement vs. Humility”

“He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will he not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?” [Romans 8:32, NIV84]

If we feel entitled to something, then gratitude and grace are abandoned. If you owe me Love and respect and attention, then there is no room from gratitude and thankfulness on my part (just a snarky arrogance), and, as for grace, well, it is no longer “unearned and unmerited,” right?

So, as we enter this “Thanksgiving Season,” join me in pondering the above verse, and allowing for the Grace of our Lord to swell within us a humble gratitude of thanksgiving. No, we are not entitled to His Love and Grace, but, oh, my friend, we can definitely be recipients of it….

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16 NIV84)

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! (1 John 3:1 NIV2011)

Praying for Humble Hearts,

Pastor Mike

“Love & Kindness”

“¹¹ Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. ¹²Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. ¹³Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” (Romans 12:11–13 NIV84).

As the cold of Winter turns to cool of Spring, it foreshadows the warm and hot of Summer. Spiritually, as we move from the cold and cool of our spiritual walk with Jesus to warm and hot, let us be ignited on by the above passage. Let our spiritual fervor be ignited as we serve the Lord, especially through hospitality. By Initiating, but not Imposing, our service to others, it will make us a warmly welcoming and winsome community, a family.

Hospitality first starts with each other and then extends to those the Lord allows visit. We lend first a listening ear to clearly hear their needs and the reasons for visiting. Then we offer any assistance to meet the expressed needs, even directing them to someone who can, while ultimately directing them to Jesus.

Let us keep our spiritual passion by serving the Lord through serving each other, and those whom the Lord brings across our path.

³²All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. ³³With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. ³⁴There were no needy persons among them. (Acts 4:32–34 NIV94).

Peace,

Pastor Mike

PS–Perhaps my Book, A Call to Repentance & Restoration, will help you ignite your passion for Jesus. Get your copy at the follow sites:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-call-to-repentance-restoration-michael-l-rossmann/1140372126?ean=9781662831676

“Remember the ‘Good Ol’ Days’?”

Do you think that as we enter a new year, it will be filled with uncertainty and anxiety? If so, do you think we may be tempted to yearn for the “Good Ol’ Days? When life was simple, and Love was easy?

Intriguingly, Ecclesiastes warns us: “Do not say, ‘Why were the old days better than these?’ For it is not wise to ask such questions’” (Ecc. 7:10 NIV84). Why not ask such questions?

Perhaps one answer is: Just as it is hard to drive a car staring in the rear-view mirror, it is hard to live life always looking back at the past. Ahead are only crashes ….

But perhaps another reason is: The Lord has planned better “things” ahead for us. Beyond what often becomes a trite cliché, “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:19 ESV), He truly has something wonderful in the future for us. But you may ask: How can I say this with all the dreadful things happening from deaths to lockdowns?

One reason I can say this is, of late I have been stretching out with my mustard-seed-faith to really grab the truth: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28 NIV84 emphasis added). All things, even my foolish and silly “mistakes”! All things.

So, in this new year perhaps you can join me in following the Apostle Paul’s declaration of determination:

I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of His resurrection and participation in His sufferings, becoming like Him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” – (Philippians 3:10–14 NIV2011)

Peace,

Pastor Mike

“Rise Above the Noise of Joy-Stealers”

^“So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” (John 16:22 NIV84)

Has the hurry, bustle and rush of this season risen to such a loud roar that it has squeezed the joy out of life?

Our Lord Jesus promised that when we see Him (again), “no one will take away [our] joy.” But it has been said, we can give it away. Or perhaps, let the world squeeze Joy out of us…. What do you think?

If Joy is a part and parcel to the Fruit of the Spirit (ranking second in order); and if “the Joy of the LORD is our strength” (Neh. 8:10); and if we are to “Consider it pure joy, my brothers & sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance” (James 1:2), it seems somehow we have a role to play in preparing our hearts for the fruit of Joy to be “born” in our lives; wouldn’t you agree?

So as the noise of the Joy-stealers rises to a “feeding frenzy” hoping to devour all remnant of Joy in our lives, let us quiet our souls, turning a deaf ear to the shouts and screams of worry, doubt, insult and harm, and let us confess that “the Joy of the LORD is our strength,” and firmly believe that no matter what we are going through right now, “God is Good all the time no matter what,” because I am considering “it pure joy” as I face all these noisy trials of various kinds. Will you join me in quieting our hearts, preparing the “soil” to bear forth much fruit—especially the Fruit of Joy?

Let the silence in our souls drowned out the noise of the Joy-Stealers.

Peace,

Pastor Mike

“Rise Above the Noise of the Shouters”

Paul wanted to appear before the crowd, but the disciples would not let him. Even some of the officials of the province, friends of Paul, sent him a message begging him not to venture into the theater. The assembly was in confusion: Some were shouting one thing, some another. Most of the people did not even know why they were there. The Jews pushed Alexander to the front, and some of the crowd shouted instructions to him. He motioned for silence in order to make a defense before the people. But when they realized he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison for about two hours: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” (Acts 19:30–34 NIV84)

Lest we think that shouting is a new phenomenon (though it may be escalating more of late), as you can see from the passage above, Christians have been “shouted down” since our founding, if you will. The mob were shouting at Jesus’ trial, too. (See Luke 23:20.) So, what is our response? How do you and I rise above the noise of the shouters?

Paul’s response was, “When the uproar had ended, Paul sent for the disciples and, after encouraging them, said good-by and set out for Macedonia” (Acts 20:1 NIV84). He basically ignored it and moved on, encouraging those who would remain behind. So, what about those who remain behind; what is their response? Well, our Lord Jesus remained quiet during the shouting. This could be one response: Silence. Another? “A soft answer turns away wrath; but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Pro. 15:1 ESV); for “Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone” (Pro. 25:15 NIV84). I have found that soft and gentle answers, including silence, deescalate the shouting, and at some point, earn the privilege to be heard.

Are you encouraged to join me to rise above the noise of the shouters by deploying soft, gentle answers, and sometimes, even silence?

Peace,

Pastor Mike

“Rise Above the Noise of the Naysayers”

While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. “Your daughter is dead,” he said. “Don’t bother the teacher any more.” Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.” When He arrived at the house of Jairus, He did not let anyone go in with Him except Peter, John and James, and the child’s father and mother. Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. “Stop wailing,” Jesus said. “She is not dead but asleep.” They laughed at Him, knowing that she was dead. But He took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!” Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. Her parents were astonished, but He ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened. (Luke 8:49–56 NIV84)

It seems like the noise around us is only getting louder. But one thing I have noticed: In order to rise above the noise of the naysayers, we need to keep our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus and following Him into the night.

Even when the crush of the crowd, the jarring jolt of reality, and the mocking laughter of the naysayers gets ever louder, we still follow Jesus deeper into the night. It is only when we fix our eyes on Him, His voice penetrates the night and rises above the noise: “Don’t be afraid; just believe…!” Do you hear His voice? Do His words of reassurance and affirmation comfort you? Still your heart and let His voice rise above the noise of the naysayers.

Peace,

Pastor Mike