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
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Monday, December 30, 2013
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
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:
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.
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
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
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
Check back on Friday for an update for this Sunday.
Merry Christmas,
Pastor Mike and Marilyn
Saturday, December 7, 2013
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
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
Friday, December 6, 2013
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:
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.
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
Thursday, December 5, 2013
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
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
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
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
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
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
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"
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
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
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
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