Pastor’s Blogs

“Messages in Winter”

Date: 01-04-15

Text: — Nehemiah 1:1-2 — 1 The words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah: In the month of Kislev in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa, 2 Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem. 3 They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down and its gates have been burned with fire. [NIV84]

The Big Idea: Very sad (or even ‘bad’) news in your life—right now—can be but the prompting for a great work the LORD has prepared in advance for you to walk in.

My Thoughts: 

Even when things seem the darkest and the coldest we can receive messages from the LORD. The month of Kislev (v. 1) is Nov-Dec in our calendar. The citadel of Susa is the winter palace for the King. While there, Nehemiah receives very sad news: His people are in great trouble and disgrace. Now we who know the rest of the story know that this is merely the prompting from a great work the LORD has prepared in advance for Nehemiah to walk in….

And, Lifestyle worshipers, some very sad (or even ‘bad’) news in your life—right now—can be but the prompting for a great work the LORD has prepared in advance for you to walk in. So how do you receive this news?

This is the question I ask myself, too. I know we have to read ahead to see how Nehemiah receives the news, but I truly want to be like him here. Join me in seeking the LORD’s face as we look with hope to the future through this very sad news. I cannot imagine what the LORD has in store for us? Can you?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

   Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

— Matthew 6:26 (NIV84)

    For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

— Ephesians 2:10 (NIV84)

   Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.

— 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (NIV84)

Heavenly Father,  I wait on You to lead me into the good work You have prepared in advance for me to walk in. Lord Jesus Christ, be courage in me as I take the first steps in my winter towards it.  In Your Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“When is the Right Time?”

Date: 01-03-15

Text: — Nehemiah 1:1-2 — The words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah: In the month of Kislev in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa, Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem. [NIV84]

The Big Idea: Something can be fixed too soon.

My Thoughts: 

I like getting things done quickly. “The sooner the better,” I often like saying. But I have learned over the years that I can try to fix something too soon, especially when it come to relationships that involve deep emotions. …

Nehemiah knew of Ezra. He knew he was rebuilding the temple. He may have even been aware that there had been a delay, and two prophets, Haggai and Zechariah, were raised up by the LORD to motivate His people to finish the task. And it is interesting to note that it was a little over 10 years later that Nehemiah gets the news from his brother Hanani recorded for us in the verses above. You would think the Lord would be in a hurry to fix things, but apparently not….

As Lifestyle worshipers, are you acutely aware that fixing things too soon may spin out a new set of issues that need to be fixed? But when we wait on the Lord, His timing is perfect—with its own set of issues still needing to be fixed. The former issues are often self-inflicted; the latter are divinely appointed. Not to say that the LORD isn’t in control of the others; but it is to say it is the harder way.

So when I am tempted to fix something, I first check in with the LORD  and wait on Him for His “go” / “no go” instructions.  I find this is far better than wading through a swamp of issues I created by my impatience. Have you found this to be so, too? Let me know your thoughts.

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

  As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.

— Luke 8:15 (ESV)

    Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

— Proverbs 25:15 (NIV)

  Why do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel, “My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God”? …  Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;  but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

— Isaiah 40:27, 30-31 (NIV)

Heavenly Father,  as I wait on You, I put the Lord Jesus Christ on as my Slippers of Patience, the Right Slipper of Forgiveness and the Left Slipper of Forbearance.  In His Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“What’s In a Job Title?”

 

Date: 12-31-14

Text: — Nehemiah 1:1 — O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.” I was cupbearer to the king. [NIV84]

The Big Idea: Do not let your job title hold you back from fulfilling what the Lord has laid on your heart.

My Thoughts: 

Nehemiah closes off the first chapter with his job title, “I was cupbearer to the king.” Yes, he was highly trusted. He would taste the wine and the food before the king would eat it. He was the poison detector, if you will. A high risk job, eh? This means, on one hand, he was highly trusted, but on the other, highly expendable. I wonder if Nehemiah made friends in high places to prevent any poisonings; what do you think?

Many have pride in their jobs, but some live for the job title, the glamour of high powered titles like CEO, CFO, president, vice president, ‘pastor,’ reverend, etc…. But as Jesus said over his shoulder to the Pharisees, “Surely they have their reward” (Mt. 6:5 ESV).

As Lifestyle worshipers, we need not live for the job title; nor do we need to be held back by “it”. I have personally seen that janitors have a larger ‘pastoral’ role in some church settings than the pastor himself. So to all of us who feel expendable, take note of Nehemiah: Do not let your job title hold you back from fulfilling what the Lord has laid on your heart. He had the humility and the courage to act on the burden for his people. The Lord gave him favor with the king and with the people, and I’m sure that whatever situation we may find ourselves in, when the Lord prompts us to do something, He will not only empower us, He will also grant us favor with both those over us and those we will lead.

I pray this same confident blessing to you as you start this New Year with a renewed hope!

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

  I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.

— John 15:15-17 (NIV)

   And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed.”

— Luke 1::46-48 (NIV)

  For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.

— 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 (ESV)

Heavenly Father,  may I be faithful with the ‘job title’ You have placed on me. By the power of the Lord Jesus Christ, may I accomplish what You have designed me to do.  In His Name, Amen.

“What’s In a Name?”

Date: 12-30-14

Text: — Nehemiah 1:1 — The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah. Now it happened in the month Chislev, in the twentieth year, while I was in Susa the capitol [NIV84]

The Big Idea: Nehemiah, whose name means YHWH (Bless His Name) comforts, lived out his name in his mission.

My Thoughts: 

We’ve all heard Shakespeare’s famous quote: “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet.” And perhaps in the context of the play, this may be true—to a degree. But I believe to some extent what someone calls herself or himself defines who s/he is, be it a nickname or a formal name. …

I have found a fascinating parallel with the names of the prophets and leaders of the Scriptures that often their name sets the focus their ministry. I see this in Elijah, Joseph, and even with Nehemiah, whose name means YHWH (Bless His Name) comforts. Nehemiah lived out his name in his mission and comforted the people by offering clear director through strong leadership.

Lifestyle worshiper, maybe you do not like your name or the nickname(s) you were tagged with. I understand. I had a few nicknames throughout the years that were less than flattering. But just as YHWH (BLESS His Name) gave Jacob the new name, Israel, and the Lord Jesus gave a new name to Simon, Peter, so too He has a new name for you: A name known only to you and Him. A truly personalized name that will not only be a term of endearment between you and Jesus, but will also define who you are in relationship to Him.

I do like my name, Michael, and I know it is the most popular name of my generation, but I also know that I will most definitely like the name the Lord Jesus has created for me. I pray this same confident blessing to you as you start this New Year with a renewed hope!

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.

— Revelation 2:17 (NIV84)

  For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

— 1 John 5:4-5 (NIV84)

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

— John 16:33 (NIV84)

Heavenly Father,  I am overwhelmed by the thought that You will give me a personalized name known only to me. The intimacy is staggering; the joy indescribable. I praise Your Name! Lord Jesus Christ, overcome the world in my soul and in my sphere of influence so that I may live out the meaning of the name You will reveal to me.  In Your Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“Prayer: A Common Habit”

Date: 12-28-14

Text: — Acts 10:9 — About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. [NIV84]

The Big Idea: Beyond New Year’s resolutions and revolutions, let us make it a common habit to pray.

My Thoughts: 

As you read the above verse, prayer seems like a natural part of Peter’s life. No fanfare or special attention was made. It is stated as if it is a natural, common habit of Peter’s life: “Peter went up on the roof to prayer.”

Lifestyle worshiper: Peter was ‘caught’ several times in the Book of Acts personally praying or a part of group prayer: Acts 1:14; 3:1; 4:24-31; 8:15 just to list a few…

As we close out one year and begin a new one, perhaps you have sense the urgency to pray more. I know I have. Beyond New Year’s resolutions and revolutions, let us make it a common habit to pray: both privately and in groups. The way I understand it: Praying is to the spiritual Life as breathing is to the physical. So I guess praying is a good thing, eh?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed

— Luke 5:16 (NIV84)

   One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”

— Luke 11:1 (NIV84)

 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

— Luke 22:31-32 (NIV84)

Heavenly Father,  burn in my soul a passion to pray.  Direct me by  Your Holy Spirit to the topics of prayer from praise to intersession. May I humbly seek Your Face through Your Son’s empowerment. In His Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“A Precious Treasure”

Date: 12-24-14

Text: — 2 Corinthians 4:7 — But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. [NIV84]

The Big Idea: This precise Treasure, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, the Hope of Glory, is in our earthen vessel—our jar of clay!

My Thoughts: 

This precious Treasure is Light; not too burdensome, and very, very bright. Some put lampshades over the jar because of its brightness. These do not want to offend anyone. Others shine it full bore forcing others to cover their eyes. Whatever we do with this precious Treasure, I want to remind us of how precious it is….

Lifestyle worshiper: This precise Treasure, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, the Hope of Glory, is in our earthen vessel—our jar of clay! Does this overwhelm you as it does me? This Holy Light of which we sing is ‘housed’ in my common, dirty, ‘old’ life. I know what is it my flesh. But the Holy One puts His Holy Light in me to show that when I am hard pressed and not crushed; when I perplexed and not despairing; when I am persecuted and not abandoned; when I am knocked down and not destroyed: all this is to show that I am not doing it, but His all-surpassing power is! He is preserving me, protecting me, and promoting Him—Jesus, the Light of the World.

When you celebrate a Christmas Eve candlelight service or attend a Christmas Mass,  humbly rejoice in this powerful mystery: “Christ [—the Light of the World—] in you, the Hope of Glory” (Colossians 1:27)! Have a very blessed and Merry Christmas. Shalom to you and yours under your care.

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

 “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

— John 16:33 (NIV84)

    We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.

— 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 (NIV84)

 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

— Luke 2:13-14 (NKJV)

Heavenly Father,  I join the angels in praising You for this miraculous mystery: Immanuel—God with us! I praise You for this truly awesome mystery of Christ in me, the Hope of Glory. I am speechless. Holy Spirit, intercede so that my Praise may truly Honor You, and the Father and the Son! Baruch Ha Shem (Blessed be the Name!), Amen.

Pastor Mike

“Not Only An Academic Pursuit”

Date: 12-21-14

Text: — Matthew 2:10-12 — 10 When [the Magi] saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.  [NIV84]

The Big Idea: It is critical what we do with divine revelation.

My Thoughts: 

Too many make religion one of two extremes: (1) It is merely an academic pursuit. It is all about the facts and figures and logic; (2) the other is it is a totally mystical approach, with the spiritual realm disconnected from the physical realm. Truly, the Magi’s search was a Both/And search. The stars and their “message” were truly discovered through facts, figures and logic. And to some extent, the gifts they brought were of the same logic. But when all these facts and figures and logic assembled to see this child, no words could capture what they experienced except: “they bowed down and worshiped Him” (v. 11). No record of what was said was preserved. No account of their feelings or emotions was presented. Simply: “…and worshiped Him.”

Lifestyle worshiper: Have you found your pursuit of the Lord Jesus Christ as one of the two extremes? Perhaps you can join me this season in a balanced, Both/And journey. We need the facts of His virgin birth, conceived by the Holy Spirit, born in Bethlehem and the like; but we also need that inexpressible experience of being in the presence of the Holy One, the Messiah.

Have you found that the former is only enhanced and magnified by the latter, and that the latter often leaves you speechless, words failing to capture the Holy moment? Your thoughts.

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

 Father, the time has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son may glorify You. … And now, Father, glorify Me in Your presence with the glory I had with You before the world began. 

— John 17:1, 5 (NIV84)

   Therefore God exalted [Jesus] to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

— Philippians 2:9-11 (NIV84)

Though you have not seen [Jesus], you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

— 1 Peter 1:8-9 (NIV84)

Heavenly Father,  forgive me for making my pursuit of Your Son merely an academic exercise. May I realize that His Life is not separate from facts and figures but enhanced and magnified by the spiritual. Lord Jesus Christ, as I draw closer to You in my pursuit, may I relish those moments where words cannot capture my adoration of You empowered by Your Holy Spirit. Glory to YHWH in the Highest! Praise Your Holy Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“Same Information; Two Responses”

Date: 12-20-14

Text: — Matthew 2:7-13 — 7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”  9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. 13 When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill Him.”  [NIV84]

The Big Idea: It is critical what we do with divine revelation.

My Thoughts: 

As a pastor and a minister of the gospel for almost 40 years it has fascinated me at the responses I would get from the same information: Some positive and joy filled; some contemptuous and hateful. I know it is not a surprise; Jesus warns us about this, but it still fascinates me nonetheless.

Lifestyle worshiper: Have you found this to be so, too? Perhaps you have discovered as I have that it is critical what we do with divine revelation: Our destinies depend on our decision.

The Magi took the information the scribes offered, made a diligent search, and worshiped the Child. King Herod heard the same information and order the execution of all children in Bethlehem two and under. This latter decision is extreme, to be sure, but what about the decisions short of worshiping the Child-King? Are their destinies any different than Herod’s (who, by the way, died a painful death)? Your thoughts.

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

— Matthew 7:24-27 (NIV84)

  Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did. — 1 John 2:6 (NIV84)

 

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. — James 1:22 (NIV84)

 

Heavenly Father,  as I commit myself to follow the true Light , the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray I am singleminded. Keep my feet firmly walk ing in the Light as He is in the Light. May I hear His voice alone and obey His promptings. Empower me by Your Holy Spirit to live a life that is pleasing to You.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“Which Star; Which Light?”

Date: 12-17-14

Text: — Matthew 2:1-2 — 1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”  [NIV84]

The Big Idea: Take an honest inward look to answer these questions.

My Thoughts: 

There are many lights in the sky. There are many voices in the crowd. But which do we follow? To which do we listen?

Lifestyle worshiper: we need to take an honest inward look to answer these questions. Sometimes the voices we listen to are from the past—past failures, past guilt, all of which have been confessed and forgiven. Some of the lights we follow are bright enough to offer some guidance, dimly lighting our way, but do we join the magi in follow His star (v. 2)? The Light of this Star is faithful, leading on paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake. It leads us to the Voice that calms the sea and forgives the adulteress. “This Voice that is calling you and me.”

Is your light bright enough? Is it His Star? Your thoughts?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.

— John 8:63 (NIV)

   When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

— John 8:12 (NIV84)

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.

— Colossians 2:8 (NIV)

Heavenly Father,  I commit to follow the true Light that has come into the world, Your Son,  the Lord Jesus Christ. I pray I faithfully walk in the Light as He is in the Light. May I hear His voice alone and obey His promptings. Empower me by Your Holy Spirit to live a life that is pleasing to You.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

No Joke, Really”

Date: 12-16-14

Text: — Matthew 2:1-2 — 1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”  [NIV84]

The Big Idea: Open your eyes and pursue the Light in your winter.

My Thoughts: 

It has been joked about and maligned a lot, but it is really no joke, at least not to the wisemen. In their long pursuit over hundreds of miles, they moved toward the light: They traveled by faith in the dark searching for the Light of the World as they followed the lights of the heavens.

(Now we know that the stars do not tell the fate of people but the Story of God, the creator, and this is what the wisemen unveiled as they interpreted the glory the heavens reveal. (See Psalm 19:1ff.))

Lifestyle worshiper: Are you pursuing the preverbal Light in your winter? Are you getting closer to the Light?

In one of Larry Norman’s songs he said, “You can’t see nothing when you close your eyes.” Indeed, it is heard to see the Light with our hands over our tightly closed eyes in fear of the dark.  But when we open our eyes, they slowly become accustomed to the dark, and, in fact, the slightest light becomes ever so bright. And sometimes that slight, small light is merely a very bright light in the distance. We just need to walk through the darkness by faith towards it. It is then we will see what the Light reveals: The reward of our pursuit of the Light through our winter. Join me by opening our tightly closed eyes, and taking that first step of faith in the darkness toward the Light.  Your thoughts?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

 In Him was life, and that life was the light of men.

— John 1:4 (NIV84)

   When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

— John 8:12 (NIV84)

 When [the Magi] saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

— Matthew 2:10-11 (NIV84)

Heavenly Father,  strengthen my feeble knees as I take firmer steps toward Your Son, the Light of the World. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike