C. S. Lewis Quote from Sunday's Message

Here is the C. S. Lewis quote from Mere Christianity that I used in Sunday's message:

“If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world. If none of my earthly pleasures satisfy it, that does not prove that the universe is a fraud. Probably earthly pleasures were never meant to satisfy it, but only to arouse it, to suggest the real thing. If that is so, I must take care, on the one hand, never to despise, or to be unthankful for, these earthly blessings, and on the other, never to mistake them for the something else of which they are only a kind of copy, or echo, or mirage. I must keep alive in myself the desire for my true country, which I shall not find till after death; I must never let it get snowed under or turned aside; I must make it the main object of life to press on to that country and to help others to do the same.”

Brooke Fraser has put much of this quote in song and you will be blessed by listening to it. You will find the song on YouTube HERE.

Enjoy!

Pastor Mike

Sunday Summary - December 29

I have really enjoyed our series on the "Servant Songs" in Isaiah. On Sunday, we wrapped up with Isaiah 64 and 65. It is not a "Servant Song" but it was a great conclusion to our series in Isaiah.

A prayer request is recorded in Isaiah 64 and God's response is in Isaiah 65. The prophet is praying that God would show up. You can sense his passion in verse one as he says: "Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains might quake at your presence -" Verse four is powerful as the prophet declares: "From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him." What a awesome truth, God "acts for those who wait for him." and that is what Isaiah is asking for - God to act on their behalf. Their need is our need - we need God to show up and show himself strong on our behalf.

Chapter 65 is God's answer to Isaiah's prayer. The chapter can be summarized in one sentence. In this chapter God tells us that He seeks out those who do not know Him, He sorts out those who claim to know Him and He sets up a place for all who truly know Him.

Verses one and two makes it clear that God seeks out those who do not know Him. I love it where He says, "Here I am, here I am, to a nation that was not called by my name." What a gracious God who spreads out His hands "all the day to a rebellious people," (65:2) At the cradle, at the cross and through the Church God continues to say: "Here I am." Praise god He is still seeking out those who do not seek Him.

He also sorts out those who claim to know Him. In verses 2-16 we meet the Rebellious and the Remnant. God is quite capable of sorting them out one from the other. The rebellious are those who "walk in a way that is not good," and they are characterized by "following their own devices;" They have forsaken the Lord and forgotten their place of worship (v. 11). When God called out to them they "did not answer" and when He spoke they "did not listen." (v. 12). These people are destined for destruction. But thanks be to God that He always has a remnant. There are some good grapes on the cluster (v. 8). He will care for His remnant; they will eat, drink, rejoice and be glad. The opposite is true of the rebellious (vs. 13-16).

Finally we have confidence in the fact that a better day is coming because He is committed to set up a place for all who truly know Him. Verses 17-25 highlight the gladness, rejoicing and joy of the new heavens and new earth that he will create for his people. The Preacher's Commentary, on Isaiah, lists eight realities of this new creation; they are:

 

1. No Tears or Weeping
2. Life Span of 100 years or more (during the Millenium)
3. Private property will be owned, built upon, lived in and farmed WITHOUT TAXES or servitude.
4. Labor will be PRODUCTIVE
5. Families will be JOYFUL
6. God’s PRESENCE will assure INSTANT, two-way and responsive communication.
7. PEACE will prevail
8. The “Law of the Jungle” among animals will be transformed into a covenant of reconciliation and peace.

No wonder "joy" and "gladness" permeates this passage of Scripture - a better day is coming and God is the one who is setting it all up! That is some great news for us to remember as we head into a New Year filled with unknowns and uncertainties. We can take God at His Word and live with Hope and confidence no matter what happens because we know a better day is coming.

I like what Ray Ortlund wrote in his commentary on Isaiah. He challenges us not to live for the WEEKEND but for THE END - when he will make all things new!

What an awesome God who hears and answers our prayers. What a gracious God who comes and says: "Here I am." What a wise God who knows how to sort our the rebellious from the remnant and who can take care of His own. What a joy giving God who declares that he is creating a new heaven and new earth where "the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind." (v. 17) and that we can "be glad and rejoice forever".

Truly He is a God "who acts for those who wait for Him."

It was a rich blessing to share these truths with the Everett Springs Baptist Church family on Sunday.

With Gladness and Rejoicing,
Pastor Mike

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

Check back on Friday for an update for this Sunday.

Merry Christmas,

Pastor Mike and Marilyn

A Word for You

Don't you love it when someone has a word for you? A word of hope or encouragement is always appreciated. A word of correction may be painful at first, but it can be very profitable in bringing about a needed change in your life. The right word at the right time can make a big difference in your life.

Isaiah was used of God to record words that still speak as clearly to us today as they did to those who first heard his words 2,700 years ago.

Warren Wiersbe, in the book "Be Comforted" wrote: "Isaiah had a word of promise to Judah that God would deliver Jerusalem from the enemy for the sake of David's throne. There was also a word of hope for the future Jewish exiles in Babylon, that God would rescue them and help them restore their nation and their temple. But Isaiah's greatest message is his word of salvation announcing the coming of the Messiah, the Servant of the Lord, who would die for sinners and one day return to earth to establish His glorious kingdom."

We all need words that give us Promise, Hope and Salvation. Tomorrow we will focus on the words of Isaiah 49. Words that will speak to your need and encourage your heart. I am praying for you to be at Church tomorrow. I am also praying that we will all hear the Words the Lord has for us.

Looking forward to sharing "A word for you" tomorrow,
Pastor Mike

The Stairs

I came across the following in my studies this week. I thought you would like it.

Oh, long and dark the stairs I trod,
With stumbling feet to find my God:

Gaining a foothold bit by bit,

Then slipping back and losing it:

Never progressing, striving still

With weakening grasp and fainting will,

Bleeding to climb to God: while He

Serenely smiled, unnoting me.

Then came a certain time when I

Loosened by hold and fell thereby.

Down to the lowest step my fall,

As if I had not climbed at all.

And while I lay despairing there,

I heard a footfall on the stair,

In the same path where I, dismayed,

Faltered and fell and lay afraid.

And lo! When hope had ceased to be,

My God came down the stairs to me.

- Theodosia Garrison

Has hope ceased to be for you? Then in your despair listen - He is coming down the stairs to you.

Isn't that ultimately the message of Christmas? 



Matthew 1:23 (KJV)
²³ Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Emmanuel, "God came down the stairs" to be with us. 

There is a little "envelope" icon at the bottom of this article; click it and you can forward this article to a friend who may need this message at this time in their lives. 

Pastor Mike

Listen Up!

In the English Standard Translation, Isaiah 49 begins with three words; "Listen to me," When the Chosen Servant of God says "Listen to me"; we would be wise to Listen up.

I spent Tuesday morning doing just that. I listened to the Lord speak through the words recorded in Isaiah 49. At lunch, I was sitting at one of my favorite places to eat and once again reading Isaiah 49. I felt as if my heart would burst with the message God was showing me in His Word. I sat in the restaurant marveling at the fact that I was hearing from God in the midst of the noise and activity that was going on all around me. From there I went to Shorter University to spend more time in study at their library. Wow! What a blessing it was to take the time to "Listen Up" to all the Lord has for me and for us in Isaiah 49.

I am praying for you (and many others) to be at church on Sunday. I am VERY EXCITED about the message we will have from Isaiah 49!

Why don't you take a few minutes today to read over the 26 verses, in chapter 49, of Isaiah. If you do, you too may hear God speak to you.

Here is one verse that captivated me:

Isaiah 49:13 (ESV)
¹³ Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! for the LORD has comforted his people and will have compassion on his afflicted.


The Lord has comfort and compassion for His people. Think about that. He cares for you. He can bring comfort into your heart ache. He has compassion for you and the struggle you are dealing with right now. What a wonderful thought!

Listening up to what God has to say in Isaiah 49,
Pastor Mike

The Ministry of Intercession

I am reading a book by Andrew Murray entitled "The Ministry of Intercession." The first edition of this book was published in the late nineteenth century during the peak of his ministry. He authored over 240 books. I have always benefited from his writings.

Here is a quote from chapter two of the book:

"It is Peter praying, to whom the will of God is revealed, to whom guidance is given as to going to Caesarea, and who is brought into contact with a praying and prepared company of hearers. No wonder that in answer to all this prayer a blessing comes beyond all expectation, and the Holy Spirit is poured out upon the Gentiles. A much-praying minister will receive an entrance into God's will he would otherwise know nothing of. He will be brought to praying people where he does not expect them, and will receive blessing above all he asks or thinks. The teaching and the power of the Holy Spirit are both unalterably linked to prayer."

What a challenge to be faithful in prayer!

Murray goes on to expound on the situation of Peter being in prison as recorded in Acts 12. We are told that "prayer was made without ceasing of the Church unto God for him." As you may recall Peter was miraculously freed from prison. Murray then writes: "The whole power of the Roman Empire, as represented by Herod, was impotent in the presence of the power the Church of the Holy Spirit wielded in prayer."

Now I wonder; what would happen in our church if we began to pray for God to work in us and through us as we gather to worship Him this Sunday? There is one way to find out - let's pray!

1. Pray for the Word of the Lord to be heard clearly through the message.
2. Pray for me as I prepare myself and the message for Sunday.
3. Pray for absentees to be drawn back to corporate worship on this Sunday.
4. Pray for members to have a spirit of anticipation as they come into Worship.
5. Pray for guests to join us for worship on Sunday.
6. Pray that God would give each of us an opportunity to invite someone to attend church with us this Sunday.
7. Pray for all of us to be doers of the Word and not hearers only.
8. Pray that God will speak to many individuals according to their needs.
9. Pray that we will see ONLY what God can do in response to the prayers of His people.

I don't know about you, but the thought of what may happen in response to our prayers excites me and stirs a longing in my heart to see God move in our midst.

Would you join me in praying for our service this Sunday? Print out this post and use the suggested prayer requests everyday (and throughout the day) between now and Sunday. Perhaps you could forward this post to others who you know would pray for us. Maybe put a link to this post on your Facebook page.

As you pray, God may prompt you to take action on your prayers. Do what He wants you to do and come to church expecting to see answers to your prayers!

Praying with you and for you,
Pastor Mike

Sunday Summary (December 1)

"May I Introduce You" was the title of Sunday's message. During the month of December we are going to focus on the four Servant Songs from the book of Isaiah and on this past Sunday we looked at Isaiah 42. Here we are introduced the the Lord's Chosen Servant.

First we focused on the INTRODUCTION of the Servant in verse 1.
     This is a personal introduction as seen by the use of the word "my"

• My Servant
• My Chosen
• The one in whom My soul delights
• My Spirit is upon him

It is amazing to consider that this prophecy was written 700 years before Christ and each aspect was accurately fulfilled in Christ.

Next we saw the DESCRIPTION of the Servant
   He was described as a person of gentleness and faithfulness.
   His gentleness would be seen in his words and his ways
   He would not use his words to establish his credibility. His authority is more in his character than in   his command; unlike the rulers and monarchs of Isaiah's day and of our time.
He is gentle in his dealing with others. What comfort in the words: "a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench." (42:3)

Isaiah also looked to the faithfulness of the coming servant in stating that "he will faithfully bring forth justice." He will get the job done and will not fail as the nation had done. "He will not grow faint or be discouraged till he has established justice in the earth." He is faithful to complete what he has been appointed to accomplish. What a faithful Savior we have!

In verses 5-9 we saw the DECLARATION that God made.

All of this led to the CELEBRATION we can have because of the Servant.
We are called to "Sing to the Lord a new song," From the sea shore to the mountaintops we can and should praise the Lord. There is a real feeling of celebration in the words: "let them shout from the top of the mountains. Let them give glory to the Lord, and declare his praise in the coastlands." (vv. 11-12).

Several times in Isaiah 41 we read the phrase "Fear not" and this is ONLY possible when we have a personal relationship with the Lord's Chosen Servant. He whose birth we celebrate this month.

Still singing a new song because the prophesied one has come and will come again,
Pastor Mike

"An Old Fashioned Christmas" series begins tomorrow

I hope you will be with us at Church tomorrow. I will begin a series of messages I am calling "An Old Fashioned Christmas" We will look at prophecies of Christ birth that were written 700 years BEFORE He was born.

There are four "Servant Songs" recorded in Isaiah. The first one is in Isaiah 42. Read it today and allow the Lord to prepare your heart for tomorrow's message.

Here is a section of notes, from my study on this series, from the American Bible Society.

"Four passages in Isaiah are often identified as "the Servant Songs" because they focus on the call and work of "the Lord's servant" (or "God's servant"): 42:1-4; 49:1-6; 50:4-9; and 52:13—53:12. 

These songs (or poems) describe the servant as the one God chose to "bring justice to the nations" (42:1) and "to lead back the people of Israel" to God (49:5). But the servant will also be "a light" so that other nations will recognize God's "saving power" (49:6). 

Unlike others in the Jewish Scriptures who are called the Lord's servant (for example, Abraham, Jacob, and Moses), the servant in Isaiah suffers physical pain and humiliation (50:6; 52:14; 53:3-5,7) in the work the Lord called him to do. 

The last of these songs, however, recognizes that the suffering of the servant will help accomplish the work he was called to do. In other words, his own suffering will ultimately take away the sins and guilt of others (53:4,5,10,11), and the Lord will reward the servant for sacrificing his life for others (53:12)."

 See you tomorrow,

Pastor Mike

Grateful or Greedy?

I like getting a good deal. In fact, if I am not careful I might spend more in gas to drive across town to save a few cents on some item I need to purchase.

There is nothing wrong with getting a good deal. There is nothing wrong with shopping for bargains. Many will do that today. But it seems like a day of gratefulness is eclipsed by a day of greed.

"Black Friday" is apparently more popular than Thanksgiving. I did a Google search on "Black Friday" and in .27 seconds Google told me there were 1,860,000,000 sites that were waiting for the click of my mouse. "Thanksgiving" only brought up 115,000,000 sites for my perusal. Something just doesn't seem right about that.

Are we living in a day where the majority of people are more greedy than grateful?

So, get a good deal if you can today. Enjoy the hustle and bustle of the crowds if that is what you like. Just don't let greed rob you of your gratefulness - it will if you let it.

I think I am going to celebrate "Blessed Friday" today; I'll let others have their Black Friday.

Pastor Mike

A Great Psalm for Today

Psalm 100:1-5

¹ A PSALM FOR GIVING THANKS.
Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!

² Serve the LORD with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!

³ Know that the LORD, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

⁴ Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!

⁵ For the LORD is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations. 

Why not sing a song of Thanksgiving sometime today? Who cares if you can sing or not; you have something and someone to sing about! 

"Thank you Lord, for saving my soul. Thank you Lord for making me whole. Thank you Lord, for giving to me; thy great salvation so rich and free."

Let's lift our voice in a song of thanks today (and everyday),

Pastor Mike

 

The Master Weaver's Plan

Corrie ten Boom was a dutch Christian who grew up in a family that hid Jews during the Nazi Holocaust. Her book, The Hiding Place reveals the details of her life.

When she would speak of her life she would often look down as she spoke. She was not looking at notes but rather looking at a cross stitch project she would be working on. While she would relay the challenges and horrors of life in a concentration camp she would quote from the following poem.

The Master Weaver's Plan

My life is but a weaving

Between the Lord and me;

I may not choose the colors–

He knows what they should be.

For He can view the pattern

Upon the upper side

While I can see it only

On this, the under side.

Sometimes He weaves in sorrow,

Which seems so strange to me;

But I will trust His judgment

And work on faithfully.

‘Tis He who fills the shuttle,

And He knows what is best;

So I shall weave in earnest,

And leave to Him the rest.

Not ’til the loom is silent

And the shuttles cease to fly

Shall God unroll the canvas

And explain the reason why.

The dark threads are as needed

In the Weaver’s skillful hand

As the threads of gold and silver

In the pattern He has planned.

~ Benjamin Malachi Franklin

As you gather to celebrate Thanksgiving tomorrow, be sure to thank the Lord for the work He is doing in your life.

Pastor Mike

Sunday Summary

We enjoyed a wonderful day of worship on Sunday. I am always grateful and humbled to sense the Lord's presence in our service. What a joy to gather together with our brothers and sisters in Christ to worship the Living Lord!

Our series emphasizing the importance of "Thank You" concluded with a message entitled: "Thank You For Suffering." The emphasis was on us being able to thank the Lord for suffering that comes our way.

The REALITY of suffering is inescapable. Several verses of Scripture remind us that, as believers, we are by no means exempt from suffering (Phil. 1:29, Phil. 3:10, 2 Tim. 4:5). The words of Lorne Sanny also remind us of the reality of suffering. He said: "If you are suffering without succeeding, then someone will succeed after you... If you are succeeding without suffering, then someone has suffered before you." Suffering is a part of life.

Since we will all suffer in this life we would be wise to understand how to RESPOND to suffering. Are there lessons to be learned from our suffering? Yes, we discovered five on Sunday.

1. Suffering REMINDS us of our FALLENESS.
There are times when we suffer because of the sin in our lives and due to our fallen condition.

2. Suffering also REVEALS our FOE
Satan was behind Job's suffering. Satan was the culprit behind A woman with an issue of blood for eighteen years (Luke 13:16). Paul acknowledged a "messenger of Satan" behind his troubles (2 Cor. 12:7). When we suffer we are vividly reminded that we have a very real Foe in this world!

3. Suffering can also lead us to REEVALUATE our FRIENDS
Proverbs tells us that a "companion of fools will suffer harm." (Prov 13:20)

4. Suffering can also serve to REINFORCE our FAITH
It is the trying of our faith that shows the strength and stability of our faith. Someone has said: Christians are like tea; their real strength is not drawn out until they get into hot water." As we suffer our faith in the Lord is strengthened.

5. As we suffer, we are led to REFOCUS on the FUTURE.
There is more to this life than this life. Whatever we are going through today there is ultimately a better day coming. The Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary reminds us that "The promises and presence of God turn the sufferer toward the future with confidence God will redeem even the worst suffering. The ultimate solution to suffering comes in heaven." (Rev. 21:4-5).

Finally we are able to REJOICE in our suffering! (Acts 5:41, Rom. 5:3, Col. 1:24)
Philippians 1:29 (ESV)
²⁹ For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,
Dwell on the truth of that verse... it has been GRANTED to us not only to believe BUT to SUFFER for his sake. Wow, that is an amazing truth that we need to remember.


Suffering can be used for the Glory of God and the Good of others.


Trusting that we will each be able to say "Thank you for my suffering" when we find ourselves in difficult times and situations.


Pastor Mike

Preparing for the Lord's Day

It is about 3 minutes to 11:00AM as I type these words. Five hours of my day have passed and by God's grace I trust there will be another eleven more before it is time for bed. On this day, how will I prepare my heart and mind for tomorrow? How will I seek to be ready to worship the living Lord in the community of fellow believers? What will YOU do to get ready for worship?

Here are a few practical suggestions just for you.

1. Get you clothes for tomorrow ready tonight.
This reduces a lot of stress on Sunday morning. This is true as an adult with no children and it is vital for families with children. Picking out and preparing your clothes on Saturday night will make a huge positive impact in your Sunday morning routine, Try it, you will wonder why you haven't done this before.

2. Go to bed at a decent hour. 
Ten is much better than twelve. If you had an important meeting scheduled for the next day with the company CEO, or loan officer at the bank, or with a very important client; you would probably value a good night's rest so you were mentally, physically and emotionally on your game when the meeting time comes around.
Wouldn't it be wise to be mentally, physically and emotionally engaged at a meeting in which we seek to worship the living Lord? Instead of worrying about missing the news or final weather forecast of the night; why not think about the excitement of encountering God with total alertness because that is exactly what you will be ready to do by getting sufficient rest.

3. Spend some time in focused prayer.
Let's see, I can pray for various aspect of the service. I should pray for those who lead in the service. Praying for members and guests to be present and eager to worship would be a good request. Asking the Lord to give me eyes to see and ears to hear the truth He has for me may certainly tune my heart to hear His Word.
Now, here is a radical prayer: "Lord, I want to respond in obedience to the Word that is proclaimed in Church tomorrow. I will be like young Samuel who said: "Speak, for your servant hears." (1 Sam. 3:10) and I will do what you say."

4. Prepare your heart for worship.
How? Ask the Lord to guide you and direct you in preparing your heart for worship tomorrow. Preparing your heart may include reading a devotional, thinking about a portion of Scripture, singing or humming a favorite hymn or just being quiet and listening for the Lord.

There is a big difference between showing up for worship and being prepared to enter into worship. Take some time TODAY to get prepared for tomorrow and tomorrow will be a significant day of worship for you.

Preparing for the Lord's day,
Pastor Mike

Thank You For Suffering

I will conclude my series on "Thank You" with a message I have entitled "Thank You For Suffering." To be more specific it should be titled: "Thank for the Suffering in My Life." Whew, that makes it a bit more personal. Is it truly possible to thank God for the suffering that is in your life?

On Sunday, we will learn "Why" and "How" we can say "Thank You for Suffering." I pray you will be with us this Sunday; I truly believe the message will make a difference in your life. It has been said that you are either headed toward a time of suffering, in the midst of suffering, or coming out of a time of suffering. Most people know the reality of that statement through personal experience. As we learn the truth of Scripture we will be able to thank the Lord for what is a common event for each of us...suffering.

My prayer is that you will go home on Sunday KNOWING that you can REJOICE in your suffering (Romans 5:3).

Here is something I came across in my study that reveals the value of suffering in our lives.

Beaten Into Higher Value

A bar of steel is worth five dollars. When it is wrought into horseshoes, it is worth ten dollars. If made into needles, it is worth three hundred and fifty dollars. If wrought into penknife blades, it is worth thirty-two thousand dollars. And if it is wrought into springs for watches, it is worth two hundred and fifty thousand dollars.

What a drilling the poor bar must undergo to be worth a higher value. But the more it is manipulated, the more it is hammered, and passed through the fire, and beaten and pounded and polished, the greater the value.

Those who suffer most are capable of yielding most; and it is through pain that God can get the most out of us.

From: Streams in the Desert

Learning to Rejoice even in Suffering,
Pastor Mike

Where will you be on Sunday?

One day of the week.

How can one day of the week become so crowded with so MANY things to do? On Sunday, we feel the demands of a rapidly approaching Monday flying our way full throttle. There are also tasks left undone from last week still breathing down our necks and we all too easily get caught in a vortex of competing time demands on Sunday.

A day of worship, a day of rest, a day to reflect and remember has become anything but what it can and should be. It seems to be a thin thread stretched to the snapping point between what wasn't done last week and what must be done in the coming week.

We feel as if we can never catch up if we don't at least try to catch up on Sunday. And what are the results? We never catch up and we move breathlessly from one week into the next and wonder why we feel so frazzled.

Could it be that we have forgotten what the one who knows us better than we know ourselves has said?

Exodus 16:26 (ESV)
²⁶ Six days you shall gather it, but on the seventh day, which is a Sabbath, there will be none."

Exodus 20:9 (ESV)
⁹ Six days you shall labor, and do all your work,

Exodus 20:11 (ESV)
¹¹ For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

Exodus 31:15 (ESV)
¹⁵ Six days shall work be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, holy to the LORD. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day shall be put to death. 

I can hear it now, "But that is the law and we are under grace." Is it not a grace for our creator to tell us we need a day of rest? Are we not killing ourselves; are we not being "put to death" by our own hands because we will not receive the grace of rest that He has offered us from His hands?

It seems to me that along with taking a break from the routine of life we should also refresh and revive ourselves by joining together in corporate worship on a day that can become our day of "Sabbath." We rest from our labors and worship the risen Lord on the First Day of the week - on Sunday.

So now, we have to decide; will we take God at His Word and enjoy all that a day of worship and rest will give to us or will we frantically try to crowd everything in on this day between weeks while crowding out that which is most important?

May I ask you again, Where will you be on Sunday?"

If you want to read more about this here is the start of a great article that I trust will capture your attention.

"As a natural-born sinner, I'm allergic to worshiping the Lord in all things at all times.

As a supernaturally born-again saint, I'm prone to love the God who loved me first.

Praise God that when the dust settles from the war with my flesh that he has the victory!
God's Word instructs us: "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near" (Heb. 10:24-25).

Here are just ten of the things I remind myself of when I'm tempted to downplay the importance of corporate worship and ecclesiology in my life: (Continue Reading)

Let's meet for worship this Sunday and then let's rest and reflect on what He has said through the Word and the Sacraments and see if our week won't be better when we honor the Lord on Sunday.

Worshiping and resting because I need it more than working and rushing,
Pastor Mike

Becoming What We Are Meant to Be

Are we as a Church actively becoming what we are meant to be? Are we growing in our Christ likeness. Is our fellowship both deepening and broadening? These are good questions. Important things to think about.

It seems as if I am constantly thinking about our church, it's ministry and the members who make up our fellowship. Since I serve as the Pastor it certainly makes sense that these thoughts fill my mind. I am also happy to say that my thought are not of a morbid introspection that sees several problems; but I typically think of God's goodness and grace and how we are seeing Him change each of us, gradually; into a better representation of who He is and what we are to be. So we are truly becoming what we are meant to be, ever so slowly; yet ever so persistently.

I just came across an article entitled "What to Look for in A Church." The author lists some important qualities that ought to be evident in a church. I wonder how do we measure in these seven areas. Here are the qualities he believes are important to find in a church:

1. Clarity on the Gospel of grace
2. Christ-centered preaching
3. Theologically informed public worship
4. Hospitable people
5. Church discipline
6. Mercy for the poor
7. Concern for the lost

I can see some strengths and weaknesses when evaluating our fellowship by this list (you can read the complete list HERE.) What do you see? How do you think we measure up? I am interested in your thoughts and ideas of what we may be doing well and in what areas we can grow and strengthen ourselves by His grace.

Send me a text, or drop me an e-mail, or let's get together to share thoughts and ideas about how we can continue to become what Christ would have us to be; both as individuals and as a church body.

Grateful to be learning and growing,
Pastor Mike

Sr Adult Thanksgiving Luncheon Today

Way to go Everett Springs Baptist! You really are "A Refreshing Place." Today, you are hosting the annual luncheon for the Senior Saints and others in our community. The food is ALWAYS good and it is a blessed time of fellowship with members of our church and community.

Here is an interesting story I came across that reminds us once again how important it is for us to be Thankful people.

THANKFUL PEOPLE ARE HAPPY PEOPLE

I read a news story once of a woman who was getting ready to jump off a 44 story building in New York City.

Witnesses said that she did not look like the type of person who would do such a thing. She was very distinguished and well dressed.

All the attempts made by the police to get the woman off the ledge had failed.

One of the officers asked if he could call his pastor in to see if he could help. When the pastor arrived, he asked permission to go to the ledge and talk to the woman.

As the pastor neared the edge the woman screamed, "Don't come any closer or I'll jump!"

The pastor took a step back and then said, "I am sorry that you believe no one loves you."

This got the woman's attention and it got the attention of the police. That was something that you don't usually say to a person who is threatening suicide.

The woman took a step towards the pastor and said, "My grandchildren love me and so does my children. My whole family loves me! I have 8 wonderful grandchildren and they love me."

The pastor took a step towards the woman and said, "Well then, you must be very poor, maybe that is why you want to take your own life."

The woman who was a little overweight said, "Do I look like I go without any meals? We live in a very nice apartment. I'm not poor."

The pastor took another step closer to her and was now 3 feet from her when he asked, "Then why do you want to kill yourself? I don't understand."

The woman thought for a moment and then said, "You know, I don't really remember."

The story ends with the pastor and the woman walking towards the elevator as she shows him pictures of her grandchildren. Eventually this woman becomes a volunteer on the city's suicide hotline, helping others choose life.

What did the pastor do to help this woman?

He helped her get her eyes off herself and onto the many ways that God had blessed her.

She learned a valuable lesson that day. She learned that thankful people are happy people.

If you don't learn anything else today, I hope you learn this valuable lesson. Thankful people are happy people.

(From a sermon by Greg Carr, Thankful People are _______ People, 12/23/2010)

Thankful to serve as your Pastor,
Pastor Mike

Don't Quit Praying for the Salvation of Others

I came across a powerful story I thought you would enjoy. It certainly reminds us to pray for the salvation of others. It also reminds us to trust in the Lord even when we may not see anything happening.

RUBY'S PRAYER

Ruby Hamilton, a businesswoman in her fifties, was stunned at the loss of her husband of 32 years in a car accident. Her anger and disappointment went deeper than a more typical expression of grief though. She had become a follower of Christ in her late twenties, but her husband didn't share her newfound interest in spiritual things. Nonetheless, she had set about praying for him feverishly and unceasingly that he would come to know the Lord. And one day when she was praying, she felt a wave of peace wash over her, and that still small voice assuring her that her husband would be okay. She eagerly awaited the day when her husband surrender his life to Jesus. And now this.

What do you do when faith doesn't make sense? When God doesn't seem to be answering or opening doors or being found? Ruby Hamilton stopped living for God.

Roger Simmons was hitchhiking his way home. He would never forget the date - May 7th. His heavy suitcase was making him tired and he was anxious to take off that army uniform once and for all. Flashing the thumb to the oncoming car, he lost hope when he saw it was a black, sleek new Cadillac. To his surprise the car stopped.

The passenger door swung open. He ran toward the car, tossed his suitcase in the back and thanked the handsome, well-dressed man as he slid into the front seat. "Going home for keeps?"

"Sure am."

"Well, you're in luck if you're going to Chicago."

"Not quite that far - do you live in Chicago?"

"I have a business there, the driver said. My name is Hamilton."

They chatted for a while, and then Roger, a Christian, felt a compulsion to share his faith with this fiftyish, apparently successful business man. But he kept putting it off, till he realized that he was now just 30 minutes from his home. It was now or never.

"Mr. Hamilton, I would like to talk to you about something very important." Then he simply told Mr. Hamilton about the plan of salvation and ultimately asked him if he would like to receive Jesus as his savior and Lord.

The Cadillac pulled over to the side of the road. Roger expected that he was about to get thrown out of the car. Instead, the businessman bowed his head and received Christ, then thanked Roger "This is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me."

Five years went by. Roger married, had a couple of kids and a business of his own. Packing his suitcase for a trip to Chicago he found a small white business card that had been given to him by Hamilton five years previous. In Chicago, he looked up Hamilton enterprises. The receptionist told him that it was impossible to see Mr. Hamilton, but he could see Mrs. Hamilton. A little confused, he was ushered into a beautiful office where he found himself facing a keen-eyed woman in her fifties.

She extended her hand "You knew my husband?"

Roger told her about how Hamilton had picked him up while he was hitchhiking home after the war. "Can you tell me what day that was?"

"Sure it was May 7th, five years ago, the day I was discharged from the army."

"Anything special about that day," she asked.

He hesitated, not knowing if he should mention how he shared the message of Jesus with her husband. "Mrs. Hamilton, I explained the gospel to your husband that day. He pulled over to the side of the road and wept against the steering wheel. He gave his life to Christ that day."

Explosive sobs shook her body. Finally getting a grip on herself, she sobbed, "I had prayed for my husband's salvation for years. I believed God would save him."

"Where is your husband, Ruby?"

"He's dead. He was in a car crash after he let you out of the car. He never got home. You see, I thought God had not kept his promise. I stopped living for God five years ago because I thought God had not kept his word!"

(Considerable influence for this message came from John Piper's "The Spring of Persistent Public Love", DesiringGod.org. From a sermon by Bret Toman, Power to Live the Golden Rule, 1/3/2011)

Keep Praying,

Pastor Mike

Thank You for the Saints

In the vast majority of letters the Apostle Paul wrote, he penned a word of "thanks" for those he was writing to. He had a real sense of thankfulness for those he served and those he served alongside of in his ministry. Since he gave thanks for the saints in the many cities where he ministered we would certainly be wise to do the same.

In today's message, we looked at four reasons we can be thankful for the saints (by saints, I mean fellow brothers and sisters in Christ).

1. We are grateful for the COMMUNITY we enjoy as saints together.
 2. As saints, we have a very real CARE for one another.
3. We are blessed by the COMFORT we can give and receive in the body of Christ.
4. We need one another to be COMPLETE. We are many members, but one body. If one member is absent, part of the body is missing. When we are all together we are complete and can accomplish what God has for us to accomplish.

In the message, I mentioned "10 Love Challenges" that will help us to strengthen our care for one another. Pastor David Murray shared these challenges with his church and I am happy to share them with you.

Here is how he began an article about these challenges...

"All Christians want to bless the church, witness to the world, and grow in assurance of faith. But did you know that there’s one thing you can do that accomplishes all three of these aims at once?

Love other Christians.

Yes, loving other Christians produces the triple benefit of encouraging believers, evangelizing unbelievers (Jn. 13:35), and assuring ourselves that we are believers (1 Jn. 3:14, 19).

But how do we do this?" (Continue Reading)

I want to encourage you to seek to practice each of these challenges over the next 6 weeks. 

Think about the impact this will have if 60 individuals all seek to accomplish 10 love challenges. There will be 600 tangible acts of love, of caring for one another taking place right here in our church and in our community. What a difference our love can make.

I hope you will join me in seeking to put into practice what we have heard today.

I am Thankful for the Saints of Everett Springs,

Pastor Mike