During our vacation we spent a day at the beach. Our son, Seth (4 years old) decided this was his year to collect sea shells. It quickly became a mission...perhaps even an obsession for him. He was determined to collect as many sea shells as possible.
Last night, when we were washing his sea shells of sand, I had the chance to actually look at his collection. I was amazed by the colors and designs. He found shells with colors I have never seen before--red, pink, a cool color of black and white--I was really impressed. I said, "Seth, you found some beautiful shells." He said, "Yeah, I know." I think he was somewhat disappointed that I had just now seen what he saw two weeks ago at the beach.
I wonder if God is some times disappointed in what I miss. I don't mean a "He's mad at me" kind of disappointed, but rather a genuine heart-hurt, that I, his child, misses noticing the beautiful sea shells he scatters all through my life every day.
O, I know...I am just getting back from vacation and so perhaps I am more apt to see the sea shells of life, but isn't the goal for us to learn to see them every where and to help others do the same?
I will be honest, God has brought me to a point of spiritual conviction about this since the start of 2012. I have been thinking on Philippians 4:4-13 just about every day and it starts with, "Rejoice in the Lord always; I will say it again rejoice." One of the Bible verses my kids and I do every day is, "Give thanks in all circumstances" and "This is the day the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Over and over again the Bible highlights God's desire for us to take notice of the sea shells. There is reason to rejoice always in the Lord. There is reason to give thanks in (not for) all circumstances. This is the day the Lord has made (not yesterday or tomorrow). This day holds reason to rejoice. When God sees his children taking note of the beautiful sea shells he scatters all around and about us through his presence every day, he loves it! He loves it not just because we notice, but because when we notice...when we live a life of gratitude and joyful recognition of his goodness, then we become contagious; we make him appealing to others who desparetley need him.
So, sometime before the sun goes down today, I encourage you to look around and find a sea shell from God. Pick it up. Look it over. Notice all the details of its small beauty and then look up and say, "Wow! God you made some beautiful sea shells in my life." Then listen and be encouraged when he says, "Yeah, I know."
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
"I Hate Camping But..."
This Friday night is the 5th annual LH men and kids camp out. The first thing this event has taught me is that I hate camping. I feel dirty the entire time, I feel like I sweat enough to fill a pool, I don't get any sleep, I usually come home with a few annoying bug bites and it seems like it takes longer to pack and unload than we actually get to be there...there...I said it...I hate camping.
So, "Why," you ask, "Will I be camping at the 5th annual LH camp out again this Friday?"
Is is because I am the pastor and that is what I get paid to do? No way. Trust me...you don't pay me that much :-)
Is it because I so strongly believe in connecting with other brothers in Christ that I will camp this weekend? No, I can meet with my brothers in Christ in the A/C of a home or at a favorite restaurant.
So, why then will I not only be camping this weekend, but be I excited about it?
The answer to that question is two names: Anna and Seth. Last night at the dinner table they were asking me all about going camping. They wanted to leave right then. I explained it was not until Friday. The smiled and laughed as they remembered the previous camp outs. Their eyes got wide and big as they anticipated what this year's experience will be like. And as they talked a mile a minute about it, I realized, I may hate camping but I love what this experience has done for our relationship each year.
So, Friday night when you are in your comfortable bed with the A?C keeping you cool, think about me. I'll be sweating in discomfort in a little tent. But before you laugh at me or take pity on me, know that I while I lay awake most of the night, I will be thanking God as I stare at a little girl and boy who mean more to me than life itself, but too often get my leftovers. But I thank God that John Stanley and his team have set aside a weekend every year for us do what I hate. Because the fun, the memories and the meaning my kids and I share at this event each year will far out last a little dirt, sweat and discomfort of a night in a tent.
And now think about this...If I as an earthly Father with all my faults and failures will do what I hate because of my love for my kids, how much more must the heavenly Father love you?! Check out Luke 11:5-13.
So, I will see you there fellow campers! If you need directions, have any questions or still want to get in on the fun, please contact John at 937-271-2829.
So, "Why," you ask, "Will I be camping at the 5th annual LH camp out again this Friday?"
Is is because I am the pastor and that is what I get paid to do? No way. Trust me...you don't pay me that much :-)
Is it because I so strongly believe in connecting with other brothers in Christ that I will camp this weekend? No, I can meet with my brothers in Christ in the A/C of a home or at a favorite restaurant.
So, why then will I not only be camping this weekend, but be I excited about it?
The answer to that question is two names: Anna and Seth. Last night at the dinner table they were asking me all about going camping. They wanted to leave right then. I explained it was not until Friday. The smiled and laughed as they remembered the previous camp outs. Their eyes got wide and big as they anticipated what this year's experience will be like. And as they talked a mile a minute about it, I realized, I may hate camping but I love what this experience has done for our relationship each year.
So, Friday night when you are in your comfortable bed with the A?C keeping you cool, think about me. I'll be sweating in discomfort in a little tent. But before you laugh at me or take pity on me, know that I while I lay awake most of the night, I will be thanking God as I stare at a little girl and boy who mean more to me than life itself, but too often get my leftovers. But I thank God that John Stanley and his team have set aside a weekend every year for us do what I hate. Because the fun, the memories and the meaning my kids and I share at this event each year will far out last a little dirt, sweat and discomfort of a night in a tent.
And now think about this...If I as an earthly Father with all my faults and failures will do what I hate because of my love for my kids, how much more must the heavenly Father love you?! Check out Luke 11:5-13.
So, I will see you there fellow campers! If you need directions, have any questions or still want to get in on the fun, please contact John at 937-271-2829.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
"The Command to Be"
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
This has been a Bible verse I have heard God speak through since I was in High School. Up until this week my focus has always been on the promise of this verse--that God will be with me wherever I go. And certainly, the promise of God's faithful presence is worthy of our focus. However, this week my focus was shifted to the command that makes this promise available. The command is not to do, but to be.
BE strong...BE courageous...Do not BE terrified...do not BE discouraged.
God's command is not to do something, but to be something. He says to Joshua and to us, "BE." In other words, you and I have a choice in the matter. What we choose to BE in this moment will open or close the door on God's presence in our lives.
Our Creator/Designer God; the one who knows us inside and out; he who made us in his own image, says, "You've got it in you. I've put it in you. Don't listen to the lies of the world that tell you that you are weak and fearful. Don't believe your circumstances that say you have no choice but to be discouraged and terrified. No! Believe me...after all, I made you...and I made you to BE strong...BE courageous.. and not to BE terrified... not to BE discouraged."
Where did this breed of Christian whimps come from that seem so prevalent in the modern day church? Following Jesus means we are to be meek, not weak.
When did we the Church start living in fear of the enemy? It is not we who ought to be afraid. No way! We are followers of the only One who defeated death itself. We were reborn to be courageous.
Why do we play defense? We are called...no, commanded to not be terrified. Perhpas if we would live up to this command we would begin to scare the hell out of hell as Jesus desires his church to do. After all, it was He who said, "I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." That's a call to offense, not defense.
Why do pull the covers of disocuragement over our heads? Discouragement is for those who are defeated. "If Christ be for us who can be against us?", asks Paul in Romans 8. He asked that question and did not even offer an answer becuase he figured anybody who knew Christ already knew the answer. Do you? Do I?
What would it mean for you to live according to this command to be for just one day? God tells us what would happen. You would experience...not just talk about or wish for, but actually experience God with you wherever you go. Because the reality is, until you decide with Christ to BE strong...BE courageous...Do not BE terrified...do not BE discouraged...until you decide to obey this command to be, you do not need God to be with you wherever you go. You can go by yourself and be weak and afraid. You don't need God to be terrified or discouraged. Come on...we can do that without Christ. But when you stand and up choose to be what God has made you to be then you become keenly aware that you don't have a chance unless God is with you where ever you go.
Ahhha...now I'm starting to see...the command for us to be and the promise of God to be feed into and out of one another so directly that you can hardly see where one starts and the other ends, but the moment you remove one both cease to be.
So, my brothers and sisters in Christ go BE!
This has been a Bible verse I have heard God speak through since I was in High School. Up until this week my focus has always been on the promise of this verse--that God will be with me wherever I go. And certainly, the promise of God's faithful presence is worthy of our focus. However, this week my focus was shifted to the command that makes this promise available. The command is not to do, but to be.
BE strong...BE courageous...Do not BE terrified...do not BE discouraged.
God's command is not to do something, but to be something. He says to Joshua and to us, "BE." In other words, you and I have a choice in the matter. What we choose to BE in this moment will open or close the door on God's presence in our lives.
Our Creator/Designer God; the one who knows us inside and out; he who made us in his own image, says, "You've got it in you. I've put it in you. Don't listen to the lies of the world that tell you that you are weak and fearful. Don't believe your circumstances that say you have no choice but to be discouraged and terrified. No! Believe me...after all, I made you...and I made you to BE strong...BE courageous.. and not to BE terrified... not to BE discouraged."
Where did this breed of Christian whimps come from that seem so prevalent in the modern day church? Following Jesus means we are to be meek, not weak.
When did we the Church start living in fear of the enemy? It is not we who ought to be afraid. No way! We are followers of the only One who defeated death itself. We were reborn to be courageous.
Why do we play defense? We are called...no, commanded to not be terrified. Perhpas if we would live up to this command we would begin to scare the hell out of hell as Jesus desires his church to do. After all, it was He who said, "I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." That's a call to offense, not defense.
Why do pull the covers of disocuragement over our heads? Discouragement is for those who are defeated. "If Christ be for us who can be against us?", asks Paul in Romans 8. He asked that question and did not even offer an answer becuase he figured anybody who knew Christ already knew the answer. Do you? Do I?
What would it mean for you to live according to this command to be for just one day? God tells us what would happen. You would experience...not just talk about or wish for, but actually experience God with you wherever you go. Because the reality is, until you decide with Christ to BE strong...BE courageous...Do not BE terrified...do not BE discouraged...until you decide to obey this command to be, you do not need God to be with you wherever you go. You can go by yourself and be weak and afraid. You don't need God to be terrified or discouraged. Come on...we can do that without Christ. But when you stand and up choose to be what God has made you to be then you become keenly aware that you don't have a chance unless God is with you where ever you go.
Ahhha...now I'm starting to see...the command for us to be and the promise of God to be feed into and out of one another so directly that you can hardly see where one starts and the other ends, but the moment you remove one both cease to be.
So, my brothers and sisters in Christ go BE!
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
"Weeds"
Weeds amaze me. My grass has not grown for a month, but I have some weeds in my yard that are growing like I am watering them every day. I am amazed how weeds need so little to grow. Give them just a tiny crack in the sidewalk and a weed will call it home. Weeds can grow any place, any time.
We are well served to remember that truth for our lives as well, aren't we? Weeds can grow any place, any time. Weeds can grow in the happiest of times or in the driest of times, in the worst or best of relationships, in the weakest or strongest Christ-Followers, in the unhealthiest or healthiest of churches...weeds can grow any place...not only can they, but Jesus says they will...
27 “The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’
28 “‘An enemy did this,’ he replied.
“The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’
29 “‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’”(B)
I fnd this parable of Jesus very interesting. He acknowledges that in this life weeds will always grow along side of wheat. Like the servants, many people think there is something wrong with the seed. They say, "I don't go to church because of hypocrits. But Jesus said the problem is not with the seed. The seed is good. The problem is the enemy can sow weeds any place we allow him; even among the wheat.
Then , I think, with the servants, "Well, let's go pull the weeds!" But Jesus says, weed pulling is his job not ours. Our job is to let him show us the weeds and then to depend on him to pull what we cannot.
Last week I was praying about weeds of distraction (as Jesus calls them in another parable). I named all the weeds in my life and in LH that I can see and I prayed, "Lord, what do you want me to do with these weeds?" In response, I simply saw his hands pulling the weeds. He was confirming what he shares in the parable. He is the only one who can pull the weeds the enemy sows in our lives, relationships and in His church.
The questions is, will I...will you trust him to pull the weeds or will we buy into the lie that the seed is bad and walk away cynical and depressed? Will we think it is our job to pull the weeds and end up uprooting good wheat? Or will we trust him to pull the weeds in his own way and in his own time?
"Father, help me to know the difference between wheat and weeds. Help me not to let weeds keep me from seeing teh god wheat you are harvesting even now. Help me to trust you to do the job of weed pulling. I admit that when I try to pull them I just make things worst. Amen."
Any body else need to pray that prayer with me?
We are well served to remember that truth for our lives as well, aren't we? Weeds can grow any place, any time. Weeds can grow in the happiest of times or in the driest of times, in the worst or best of relationships, in the weakest or strongest Christ-Followers, in the unhealthiest or healthiest of churches...weeds can grow any place...not only can they, but Jesus says they will...
Matthew 13:24-30
The Parable of the Weeds
24 Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like(A) a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26 When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.27 “The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’
28 “‘An enemy did this,’ he replied.
“The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’
29 “‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’”(B)
I fnd this parable of Jesus very interesting. He acknowledges that in this life weeds will always grow along side of wheat. Like the servants, many people think there is something wrong with the seed. They say, "I don't go to church because of hypocrits. But Jesus said the problem is not with the seed. The seed is good. The problem is the enemy can sow weeds any place we allow him; even among the wheat.
Then , I think, with the servants, "Well, let's go pull the weeds!" But Jesus says, weed pulling is his job not ours. Our job is to let him show us the weeds and then to depend on him to pull what we cannot.
Last week I was praying about weeds of distraction (as Jesus calls them in another parable). I named all the weeds in my life and in LH that I can see and I prayed, "Lord, what do you want me to do with these weeds?" In response, I simply saw his hands pulling the weeds. He was confirming what he shares in the parable. He is the only one who can pull the weeds the enemy sows in our lives, relationships and in His church.
The questions is, will I...will you trust him to pull the weeds or will we buy into the lie that the seed is bad and walk away cynical and depressed? Will we think it is our job to pull the weeds and end up uprooting good wheat? Or will we trust him to pull the weeds in his own way and in his own time?
"Father, help me to know the difference between wheat and weeds. Help me not to let weeds keep me from seeing teh god wheat you are harvesting even now. Help me to trust you to do the job of weed pulling. I admit that when I try to pull them I just make things worst. Amen."
Any body else need to pray that prayer with me?
Thursday, July 5, 2012
No Longer Alone
I was told about a little girl...
Her mother was a prostitute.
She was raped of her childhood.
She was forced to grow up faster than she possibly could.
Mom was not there to get her to school, so she went on her own.
The Ukrainian winters were cold and the walk was so very long.
She tried...she tried...but she couldn't...
She couldn't hold her urine.
It ran down her legs and froze on her skin and pants.
Finally, she would make it to her school.
But instead of being relieved, she was embarrassed.
As she walked, the frozen urine made a clicking sound.
It was music to mean children's ears.
They pointed at her.
They laughed at her.
But no one bothered to ask about her.
Accept one...one woman...one angel....
She was different.
She cared.
She asked what no one else would.
"Why is this little girl so alone in this big world?"
Her mother was more than willing to give her away.
She was looking for the opportunity.
"If you want her, you can have her," said the Mother.
"I want her. I will have her," said the angel of a woman.
The little girl felt something new.
She was too young to put it into words.
All she knew...and all that matters now...is that she is no longer alone.
This story of one orphan represents the stories of over 100,000 orphans in Ukraine and over a million world wide. This Sunday, you get to see first hand how God's love never forgets the orphans of our world. We get to celebrate that he is letting us work with him to let orphans know that they are no longer alone. Don't miss it, this Sunday, 11 AM!
Her mother was a prostitute.
She was raped of her childhood.
She was forced to grow up faster than she possibly could.
Mom was not there to get her to school, so she went on her own.
The Ukrainian winters were cold and the walk was so very long.
She tried...she tried...but she couldn't...
She couldn't hold her urine.
It ran down her legs and froze on her skin and pants.
Finally, she would make it to her school.
But instead of being relieved, she was embarrassed.
As she walked, the frozen urine made a clicking sound.
It was music to mean children's ears.
They pointed at her.
They laughed at her.
But no one bothered to ask about her.
Accept one...one woman...one angel....
She was different.
She cared.
She asked what no one else would.
"Why is this little girl so alone in this big world?"
Her mother was more than willing to give her away.
She was looking for the opportunity.
"If you want her, you can have her," said the Mother.
"I want her. I will have her," said the angel of a woman.
The little girl felt something new.
She was too young to put it into words.
All she knew...and all that matters now...is that she is no longer alone.
This story of one orphan represents the stories of over 100,000 orphans in Ukraine and over a million world wide. This Sunday, you get to see first hand how God's love never forgets the orphans of our world. We get to celebrate that he is letting us work with him to let orphans know that they are no longer alone. Don't miss it, this Sunday, 11 AM!
Thursday, June 28, 2012
"Blown Away"
Last week, went went to Kings Island and just rode all of the water rides. Seth giggled so hard on "White Water Canyon" ...there is nothing better than hearing a 4 year old just loose it in laughter. Then, we rode "Congo Falls," which is a large, basically, log ride. We rode the ride, got soaked and had fun. But then I told Anna and Seth that it was now time for them to experience the bridge. If you stand at the right spot on the bridge, the wave that the "Congo Falls" ride creates not only drenches you from head to toe, but it comes with such a force that, if not prepared, it will knock a person back a step or two.
"Anna, Seth, " I said, "Stand right here with me and hold on to the railing with all your strength."
"Why, Daddy?," They asked inncocently.
"You'll see," I said, "Just hang on tight."
I then stood behind them, down came the ride and up came the wave...WHOOSH!
I felt Anna and Seth both fall back in my arms. Then the water cleared and both of them were standing with their mouths wide opened, stunned.
"Did you like that?" I asked.
They both began to laugh and then Seth said, "Daddy, I tried to hold on, but the wave was too strong."
I said, "That's OK, Buddy. I had you. Did you like it?"
His reply? "Let's do it again!"
Look at Ephesians 3:14-21. Go ahead...open your Bible or read it on an on-line version...this is a good one...you will want to read it yourself.
Can't you just see the heavely Father taking you up on the bridge where you can get a good view of how wide and high and long and deep is the love of Christ Jesus. You are taking it all in, when suddenly, WHOOSH!
"Whoa...what was that...it just about knocked me over," you exclaim.
The Father says,"That is my love. It is so powerful that it surpasses all knowledge, which is Bible lingo for, 'It blows you away!' Becuase it can do in your life immeasurably more than you ever ask or can even imagine."
Friends, you are an awesome church! God has been blowing me away with his love that I see at work in you. This month several people have made personal commitements to Christ! The Kids Summer Camp has illustrated how you have grabbed hold of the relaity that if the next generation is going to catch the fire of Christ that means we parents and we the church family must be directly involved in passing on the flame of faith to them! Our teen ministry has not been surviving, but thriving this summer! The Men of Action Group is directly involved in helping get started the first safe house in Dayton for Human Trafficking victims and was featured in the Dayton Daily News! On July 4, we will have the opportunity to share an act of kindness in Jesus name for 1000's of families at our booth at the Americana Festival! And then, Sunday, July 8, in one combined service at 11 AM we will welcome the Ukraine Orphans we have been sponsoring the last four years!
WHOOSH! "What was that?"
That was the love of Jesus Christ once again blowing me away as he expresses himself through you and once again does immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine.
Have you read the Scripture I referenced yet? Come on...check it out...it will blow you away!
"Anna, Seth, " I said, "Stand right here with me and hold on to the railing with all your strength."
"Why, Daddy?," They asked inncocently.
"You'll see," I said, "Just hang on tight."
I then stood behind them, down came the ride and up came the wave...WHOOSH!
I felt Anna and Seth both fall back in my arms. Then the water cleared and both of them were standing with their mouths wide opened, stunned.
"Did you like that?" I asked.
They both began to laugh and then Seth said, "Daddy, I tried to hold on, but the wave was too strong."
I said, "That's OK, Buddy. I had you. Did you like it?"
His reply? "Let's do it again!"
Look at Ephesians 3:14-21. Go ahead...open your Bible or read it on an on-line version...this is a good one...you will want to read it yourself.
Can't you just see the heavely Father taking you up on the bridge where you can get a good view of how wide and high and long and deep is the love of Christ Jesus. You are taking it all in, when suddenly, WHOOSH!
"Whoa...what was that...it just about knocked me over," you exclaim.
The Father says,"That is my love. It is so powerful that it surpasses all knowledge, which is Bible lingo for, 'It blows you away!' Becuase it can do in your life immeasurably more than you ever ask or can even imagine."
Friends, you are an awesome church! God has been blowing me away with his love that I see at work in you. This month several people have made personal commitements to Christ! The Kids Summer Camp has illustrated how you have grabbed hold of the relaity that if the next generation is going to catch the fire of Christ that means we parents and we the church family must be directly involved in passing on the flame of faith to them! Our teen ministry has not been surviving, but thriving this summer! The Men of Action Group is directly involved in helping get started the first safe house in Dayton for Human Trafficking victims and was featured in the Dayton Daily News! On July 4, we will have the opportunity to share an act of kindness in Jesus name for 1000's of families at our booth at the Americana Festival! And then, Sunday, July 8, in one combined service at 11 AM we will welcome the Ukraine Orphans we have been sponsoring the last four years!
WHOOSH! "What was that?"
That was the love of Jesus Christ once again blowing me away as he expresses himself through you and once again does immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine.
Have you read the Scripture I referenced yet? Come on...check it out...it will blow you away!
Thursday, June 21, 2012
"Longest Day of the Year"
Well, you did it! Great job! I knew you could! Pat yourself on the back...you deserve it! That's right...yesterday was the longest day of the year and you made it! The sun's position in the sky yesterday gave us our annual longest day of sunlight, which constituted the start of summer.
If you know me any at all, you will not be surprised to hear that yesterday was my favorite day of the year. I have a deep gratitude for sunlight. I enjoy soaking up its warmth as I take my daily walk. I love that dusk isn't until after 9 PM. I just love the light!
The truth is, the older I get the more I appreciate the opportunity Jesus, the Light of the world, gives us to live in the light every day of the year.
Here are a few lessons on Light I am learning to love to live in:
In the meantime, the SON is shining and I can't wait to see what Light Jesus has for us as our Summer of Love continues for the adults and the Beach Bash Summer camp surfs on for the kids! Invite a friend!
If you know me any at all, you will not be surprised to hear that yesterday was my favorite day of the year. I have a deep gratitude for sunlight. I enjoy soaking up its warmth as I take my daily walk. I love that dusk isn't until after 9 PM. I just love the light!
The truth is, the older I get the more I appreciate the opportunity Jesus, the Light of the world, gives us to live in the light every day of the year.
Here are a few lessons on Light I am learning to love to live in:
- "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." Psalm 119:105. I am learning to trust God with the light he gives me. I may want to have the next 1000 steps lit up like a run way, but he does not promise that because he knows what I really need. What I really need is to learn to trust him one step at a time. People often ask me, "What is the 5 or 10 year plan for LH?" To be honest, if I am to answer that question, all I would be doing is giving my projections because I do not know what God has planned for the next 5 or 10 years. All I know is the light he has given us for the next step he has for us. Friends, it is freeing to continue to learn that you do not have to have everything figured out. Just follow God with each next step and you will have all the light you need.
- "Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord." Isaiah 2:5. I am learning that having God's light for the next step is of no value, if I do not walk in it. I get very concerned for those, who have been around the church for very long, that we will know about the light at the expense of actually walking in the light we have. We must hear Isaiah's plea to Israel as a warning to us today, lest we become a people who know a lot about God, but do not respond in loving obedience to God.
- "You are the light of the world...in the same way, let your light shine before men and women, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16. Jesus, the Light of the world, says you are the light! The only way the darkness of this world (violence, poverty, disease, hunger, abuse, human trafficking...) will ever be chased away is if we who bear the light of Christ in us let it shine! I thank God that you are a church that shines your good deeds so that others can see the Father. Food 2 Go, Kids Against Hunger, Men of Action Movement, Pine Ridge Reservation, Encouraging our Military Group, our teens preparing for their summer mission trip, the poured out fund pledges, shopping with GL scrip cards and designating your Kroger rewards cards to donate to our Poured Out Fund, investing in our children and teens and even bringing orphans from Ukraine here next month are just some of the examples! Keep shining LH!
- "This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved the darkness instead of light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God." John 3:19-21. Jesus is constantly challenging me and changing me by these words of his. The older I get in Christ, the more I value the light of truth. Truth may not always be comfortable or easy, but it is always good. More and more God is freeing me to speak and to hear the truth. I do not want to ever be among those who "love the darkness." Christ came to set us free from the games the world plays. The world justifies manipulation, political power plays, half-truths, gossip and lies as the way one must operate in business and relationships. That is a lie of hell that we the church need not accept. The truth always set us free...embrace it, receive it, give it as the powerful light it is!
In the meantime, the SON is shining and I can't wait to see what Light Jesus has for us as our Summer of Love continues for the adults and the Beach Bash Summer camp surfs on for the kids! Invite a friend!
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