Category: Pastor Weiser Blog

Pastor’s Thoughts Sunday 5-19 through Tuesday 5-28-24

God is Always Right on Time: And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Galatians 6:9

God has a timetable for every seed we plant…but His timetable is not always our timetable. Sometimes the “due season” means a quick return. Sometimes it means a process or a slow return that may take years, even a lifetime. But we can count on three things:

              God will cause a harvest to come from the seeds we plant, God is never early or late. He is always right on time with our best interests at heart, Our harvest will have the same nature as the seeds we have sown: good seeds bring good harvests; bad seeds bring bad harvests.

What are we to do during the growing time of our seeds?  Refuse to become discouraged because God has promised an abundant harvest. Determine to keep faith alive and active by allowing the hope planted in our hearts by the Spirit to flourish. Give and keep on giving…because we know this…His harvest is guaranteed!! Jack Hayford

Psalm 66:12 proclaims, “You let people ride over our heads; we went through Fire and Flood, but you brought us to a place of great abundance.” In these words, we find a testament to the faithfulness and goodness of our Heavenly Father…who leads us through the trials and tribulations of life…to a place of abundance and blessing. In Psalm 66:12, we are reminded that even in the midst of adversity and challenges, God remains steadfast in His love and care for us. Like the Israelites who traversed through Fire and Flood, we too may encounter difficult seasons in our journey. Yet, in the midst of it all, God is with us…guiding us with His strong and steady hand…and bringing us to a place of abundance and blessing beyond measure.

Today, as we face the challenges and uncertainties that may come our way…let us take heart in the promise of Psalm 66:12. Let us trust in the faithfulness of our Heavenly Father, knowing that He will never leave us nor forsake us.

As we journey through the day…may we be reminded of His goodness and grace…leading us to a place of abundance and blessing in Him! —Cathy C. Charles

I SPEAK JESUS I just wanna speak the name of Jesus Over every heart and every mind ‘Cause I know there is peace within Your presence I speak Jesus I just wanna speak the name of Jesus ‘Til every dark addiction starts to break Declaring there is hope and there is freedom I speak Jesus ‘Cause Your name is power Your name is healing Your name is life Break every stronghold Shine through the shadows Burn like a fire I just wanna speak the name of Jesus Over fear and all anxiety To every soul held captive by depression I speak Jesus ‘Cause Your name is power Your name is healing Your name is life Break every stronghold Shine through the shadows Burn like the fire Shout Jesus from the mountains Jesus in the streets Jesus in the darkness over every enemy Jesus for my family I speak the holy name Jesus Shout Jesus from the mountains Jesus in the streets Jesus in the darkness over every enemy Jesus for my family I speak the holy name Jesus ‘Cause Your name is power Your name is healing Your name is life Break every stronghold Shine through the shadows Burn like a fire Your name is power Your name is healing Your name is life Break every stronghold Shine through the shadows Burn like a fire I just wanna speak the name of Jesus Over every heart and every mind ‘Cause I know there is peace within Your presence I speak Jesus ❤️❤️ —Charity Gayle

GOD WANTS TO FORTIFY YOUR FAITH Sometimes the well dries up before God fills it again. Sometimes the waters overwhelm us before they part before us. If you’re in over your head, out of options, and can’t see a way through…do not fret! Remember what you know about God…He’s the master of the miraculous breakthrough! Don’t fixate on your problem…fix your eyes on the One who promised never to leave you or forsake you. Don’t waste precious energy on things you can’t control. Letting go and letting God is good for your soul. Jesus said that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Have you found your grace-space yet? That place where God’s provision flows and His life within you grows? Jesus is working even now. He will make Himself known to you in this place. Don’t doubt it for a second. LET FAITH ARISE! ❤️ Isaiah 43:19 (NLT) For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?
 I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. —Susie Larson —————————— Psalms 91:14-16 Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name. He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With a long life I will satisfy him And let him see My salvation.

THE JOY OF RESTORATION: Romans 5:8-10 “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through Him! For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life!”

All of scripture was written for the purpose of restoring the relationship which sin destroyed; “All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18).

The message is clear: return to God! Believe He sent His Son Jesus to die as a sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin and begin to walk in an intimate fellowship of obedience which is consistent with that belief. God sent His Son to die so we could be restored. This is the heart of a loving Father…to call His children home.

The enemy will try to deceive us into believing this relationship is no longer possible…but this is a lie!! Jesus came to restore what the enemy destroyed…and His restoration is made complete by grace through faith.

The pain of separation does not need to continue. Let’s begin today to trust Him with all our heart and truly experience the joy of restoration! –Steve Troxel

God is a God who pursues us. When we get off track…He leaves the 99 to come find us. It was God who loved us first. We love each other because He loved us first. 1 John 4:19 Just like my mom wasn’t afraid to come find me wherever I was in my addiction, God did the same thing for me. He pursued me wherever I was. Freed me from my mess, and brought me back to Him. Reader take note, God is pursuing YOU too. Wherever you are, in whatever mess you’ve made, He is pursuing you. He is drawing you into a relationship with Him. —Tashina Rickerson —————————— Amen and Amen!! Stop running from Him and SURRENDER…come as you are…don’t wait another moment…it will be the best decision you ever made. It certainly was for me.

GOD IS GREATER THAN ANYTHING THIS WORLD CAN THROW AT YOU!! Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom. Psalm 145:3 We can often encounter difficulties in life, but we should remember this call to praise and worship the Lord…for He is to be praised. When we are feeling weary or discouraged…our priority should be to know the greatness of God Who carries us and refreshes our soul. When we feel like our faith is being tested…we should turn to the Word of God. This question is, are you putting God first? Do you trust Him? His love endures forever. His Word is true! ❤️ —Liz Nova —————————— On this Memorial Day, we remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

Every day God places people in our life who need encouragement and desperately need to be directed onto a path which will lead them closer to God.

None of us know all the answers, and we certainly don’t need to force everything we know into a single conversation, but we each are given an opportunity to minister…an opportunity which may only last a moment and may never truly return.

Let’s look for the specific needs of those who cross our path…and be prepared to encourage with the truth of God’s Word. But as we speak the truth, whether on the water, in the boat or even back on the shore…let’s minister as we meet them where they are. ❤️

——————————

and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

Hebrews 10:24-25

Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

YOU ARE WORTH IT TO JESUS

Jesus didn’t send a message or a messenger to tell you how valuable you are. He came Himself. He paid the price. He is the prize. He’s waited for an eternity (literally) for you to join Him…and He’s sitting across from you telling you that He thinks you are worth it.

When the enemy tells you you’re not smart enough…you’re not strong enough…you don’t have the right background…you’re not pretty enough…you don’t matter enough—look up and lock eyes with the King. Hear Him say, Daughter—Son—I wouldn’t rather be anywhere else than at this table with you.

His words are the words of life (John 6:68).
His voice thunders from heaven (Psalm 68:33).
His voice drowns out every enemy lie.

By His grace, you can start taking authority over the voices at your table and kick the devil out of your dinner party. He has to flee in Jesus’ name. ❤️
—Louie Giglio 

AN ACTIVE LOVE 1 John 3:16-18
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”

Our love for God is demonstrated by our real love for others. Jesus made this clear when He said; “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for Me” (Matthew 25:40). We are actually loving and serving God as we love and serve others: “I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited Me in, I needed clothes and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you came to visit Me” (Matthew 25:35-36).

Love must be an integral part of our Christian walk. Love must be directed up; “love the Lord with ALL your heart” (Mark 12:30), and love must be directed out; “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31). Let’s love as Jesus loved us!

Let’s look for ways to love with more than words; let’s love with an active love. ❤️
–Steve Troxel  

When God called you, He knew exactly what He was getting with the package. You may not know what you said yes to, yet…but God knew what He said yes to when He accepted you.

So here’s the question…”if He accepted you unconditionally, then what sin…
what shame…
what mistake…
what misdirection…
can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus?”

Here’s the GREAT NEWS this morning:
God called you
God is for you
…and He’s more than the world that may be against you right now!! ❤️

HALLELUJAH!!! 

NO SUCH THING AS A CROSS-LESS CHRISTIANITY

John Stott said, “Before we can begin to see the cross as something done for us, we have to see it as something done by us.” If we get what Stott is saying, we will forever be grateful for Jesus’ triumphant accomplishment expressed on the cross in one word; tetelestai — which means, “IT IS FINISHED.” This was the shout of a victor…not a victim. It reverberates down through the corridors of time and makes every living thing celebrate or tremble… or should.

The power of sin is broken.
Peace with God is possible.
A bridge to God was built.
Death no longer terrorizes.

Think of these amazing words:

IT

IS

FINISHED

Tetelastai was used in the first century when a servant FINISHED a task that a master had assigned. IT IS FINISHED. It was the word used in banking when a debt was Paid in Full. TETELASTAI. It was the word used by priests inspecting a lamb to make sure it was spotless. IT IS PERFECT. Jesus died around 3:00 pm… the exact time on Passover that people lined up at the temple with their perfect lambs. Priests were slitting the throats of the lambs and saying, “Tetelastai” at the same time Jesus shed his blood and cried, “IT IS FINISHED.”

The Centurion at the foot of the cross was moved by Jesus’ words and said, “Surely this man was the son of God.” He believed. You can too. The finished work of the cross is the ONLY WAY your sins can be paid for without your own eternal death. Christ’s finished work paid the price of your sin. When Jesus said, “tetelastai,” he meant there was nothing else to do, nothing more to pay. Jesus paid it all…totally, completely, permanently. Have you accepted Jesus’ finished work as full payment for your sins?

Guilt?
Finished.
Condemnation?
Finished.
Loneliness?
Finished.
Trying to measure up?
Finished.
Insecurity?
Finished.
Separation?
Finished.

May we meditate on these three powerful words today and even voice them at the darts and missiles of the evil one… IT IS FINISHED! IT IS FINISHED. IT IS FINISHED! PRAISE GOD. ❤️
—Michael Sprague 

Psalm 9:10
And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, For You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.
——————————
You have the opportunity right now to place all of your insecurity and all of your uncertainty into God’s hands. And if you do, here’s what He’ll show you:

You’re stronger than you thought you were.

That struggle didn’t kill you…it made you better.

You thought you weren’t ready for it…but here it is, and you can handle it…if you TRUST HIM! ❤️

Hallelujah!! Let’s give Him a shout of praise this morning for His forever faithfulness!! 🎉🎉 

To See the Glory of God’s Purposes

”I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might“
Ephesians 1:18-19

The light of Christ provides hope, love, and power to overcome any darkness.

If you’ve ever stumbled through your house in the dark, then you know that even perfect vision is useless without light. But flip a switch, and everything suddenly becomes much clearer.
That’s what Paul’s getting at when he prays “that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened” (Eph. 1:18). It’s not a prayer for some kind of spiritual X-ray vision; rather, he’s asking that God enable the Ephesians to view everything they experience in the best light of all—His light.

What did they need to see? The scope and richness of salvation in Christ. First, it’s grounded in hope…something the Ephesians didn’t have before their encounter with Jesus. They’d been outside God’s kingdom…but as a result of His calling…they became His people. That reality transformed not only their future but also their present.
Now, as God’s treasured people, they were no longer to rely on their own strength. With the King and kingdom resources at hand, believers had “boundless” divine power working for, in, and through them (v. 19).

It’s also a good reminder for us. Despite the world’s apparent darkness…we can live in the light, hope, and power of God’s good news.

—Charles Stanley  

“but those who wait on the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:30-31)

Are you soaring as you are carried along by an ongoing gust of the wind of the Spirit? Is everything going right? Enjoy every minute of it. Be grateful. Celebrate. Don’t feel guilty. Don’t start thinking you are soaring on your own strength.

Are you running? Plodding ahead even when it’s hard? Not seeing a whole lot of fruit or answered prayer? Keep on running. You will reap in due time. Persevere. Feel God’s pleasure. Be faithful. Don’t try to manufacture soaring or compare yourself to those soaring. You will soar at the right time.

Are you walking? Limping? Feel like fainting? Maybe you are facing a crisis, pain, confusion, wounding, doubt, hurt or fatigue. Put one foot in front of the other and take a step in the direction of obedience. Maybe it will only be a half step. Cling to God and say, “I’m not letting go.”

Today, may you wait upon the Lord…actively…confidently…and expectantly.

May you go into the streets of this world, knowing that you are not alone.

May you go with the intention of being faithful to Jesus. Amen. ❤️
—Michael Sprague  

Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalms 46:10

As the sun rises and the world awakens, let us turn our hearts to Psalm 46:10, a verse that beckons us to be still and know that God is sovereign. In the hustle and bustle of life…amidst the noise and chaos…this verse invites us to find tranquility in the presence of our Almighty Creator.

Today’s verse calls us to a place of inner peace and quiet confidence…reminding us that God is in control…even when circumstances seem overwhelming. In the stillness of our hearts, we can find refuge from the storms of life…resting in the assurance that God is working all things according to His perfect plan.

As we contemplate Psalm 46:10, let’s carve out moments of stillness and solitude in our busy lives, where we can commune with God and listen for His gentle voice. It is in these moments of quiet reflection that we can gain clarity, wisdom, and renewed strength to face the unknowns of the day ahead.

As we embrace the truth of Psalm 46:10, may we find peace in the midst of life’s uncertainties, knowing that our God reigns supreme. Let’s surrender our fears, worries, and anxieties to Him…trusting that He is faithful to guide us, protect us, and lead us into paths of righteousness.

With hearts attuned to His presence, let’s walk in faith and confidence…secure in the knowledge that He is indeed our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble!! ❤️
—Cathy C. Charles 

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Wounds are not wasted.

Difficulties may end up as divine appointments.

Our problems often become our pulpits or reveal some of our purposes.

Our obstacles may become our opportunities.

God paints on a canvas bigger than we can see or imagine.

“One day you will tell your story of how you’ve overcome what you’re going through now… and it will become part of someone else’s survival guide” ❤️ 

GOD WILL SEND THE RAIN

When your faith seeds are in the ground…it’s time to engage your faith.

Learn the secret of active waiting and faithful expectancy. When the harvest is yet to come…use the time in between to care for your soul.

Are you weary? Give priority to rest.

Are you disillusioned? Take some time in God’s presence and let Him renew your perspective.

Do you feel beat up by life? Draw near to Jesus so He can restore you.

Remember who you are in this season of life. You’re a treasure, loved, called, and appointed.

God has not lost your address. He knows where you live…and at just the right time, He will break through…be encouraged today! ❤️

Psalm 27:13-14 NIV ~ I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

–Susie Larson 

RUN WITH PERSEVERANCE

Our life can be a long and sometimes difficult race. We often grow weary and are in great need of rest. But this race is not like any we have ever run. We do not compete against the other runners…nor do we all even run the same course. We run the race marked out by our Heavenly Father; and yet, we ALL must strive toward the same finish line.

Hebrews 12:1-2 “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.”

Perseverance means “to persist in spite of opposition or discouragement.” But the original Greek includes the idea of patience and a determined endurance. We are therefore being told to patiently run the race…and to keep on running with determination and endurance…in spite of opposition or discouragement. What a wonderful picture!

Remember that our race is a long marathon, not a quick sprint. In order to persevere, we must prepare for many hills and valleys (and weeds) along the way. We must develop a burning desire to one day boldly say; “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). Jesus endured the cross (finished the race) because of “the joy set before Him” (Hebrews 12:2). And if we will keep our eyes on Jesus as our eternal joy, we “will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:3).

No matter what this day may bring…we must persist with our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus until we hear Him say: “Well done, good and faithful servant….Come and share your Master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:23). Some days we may only be able to take small baby steps, but still we must continue and run with the sole purpose of bringing Him glory and honor in ALL we do.

Our race can be filled with joy and peace, but we must commit to a life of absolute trust and run with perseverance! ❤️ —Steve Troxel  

KINGDOM GROWTH
 
“For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head.”
Mark 4:28
 
The poster read, “Lord, please give me patience; and give it to me NOW!” How like us all! And the same trait seems all the more tempting as we begin to learn of our privileges as people of the kingdom. Since our Lord has commissioned us to “Go and bring forth fruit,” it is understandable that as we pray, or as we do kingdom business, that we would prefer quick or immediate action.But Jesus is reminding us of how “kingdom growth” occurs. As surely as it is true that the words we speak in prayer are heard…and as surely as the promises of God we claim are seed…so just as certainly it takes time for those promises sown in prayer to come to fruition. The parallel is beautiful:

we sow as God’s Word is laid hold of in faith;

we water with prayer and praise;

His love and grace provide the sunshine;

and the fruitfulness of harvest will come!

But remember the process — first, the small, grassy blade of mere beginnings…second, the growing evidence of coming fruit…and finally, the fulfilled promise in its completeness. ❤️ —Jack Hayford

He is forever faithful…His timing is always perfect…and He never changes!! ❤️

Pastor’s Thoughts April 8, “I may not see any more eclipses” A transforming response to April 8 totality by Dr. Jim Denison  When an event won’t happen again where I live until 2317, of course I’m writing on it today. Total solar eclipses occur every eighteen months, but at any given location, it can be centuries between appearances. A 105-year-old man who has witnessed twelve solar eclipses is ready to watch his thirteenth today. He is aware that this might be his last: “They don’t come but one or two, every couple of years. . . . I may not see any more eclipses.” The same is true for you and me. “God is the most ancient of things” Today’s eclipse reminds us of both our Maker’s omnipotence and our finitude. He created the sun and the moon (Psalm 148:3, 5); we did not. He rules the universe (Isaiah 40:22); we do not. From the earthquake that rattled New York City last week, to the nor’easter that cut off power to hundreds of thousands, to the critical fire threat in the Central US, to the avalanche that killed three people in Switzerland and the falling tree that took the life of a woman in a storm, we are reminded daily of human frailty. We can’t even look at today’s eclipse without the right protection for our eyes.

However, one of the hallmarks of our fallenness is our steadfast attempt to deny our fallenness. When the philosopher Thales predicted a solar eclipse using empirical rather than religious reasoning six centuries before Christ, he became known to history as the “first scientist.” While Thales also called the universe “the work of God” and claimed that “God is the most ancient of things, for he had no birth,” many who followed in his scientific footsteps have sided with the French mathematician Laplace who is reputed to have said of God, “I have no need of that hypothesis.” Let us not fall victim to the same self-reliant temptation. When humans die, they obviously cannot produce life beyond the grave for themselves. Death is the final, irrefutable proof of the fact that we can do nothing in our own capacity to survive death. The psalmist asked the question facing us all: “What man can live and never see death? Who can deliver his soul from the power of Sheol?” (Psalm 89:48). There is only one Answer to his question.

“They heard him and saw the signs that he did”

Here’s the problem: The same temptation to self-reliance that keeps secularists from depending on God can keep Christians from depending on his Spirit. When we fall to this satanic deception (Genesis 3:5), our fallen culture pays the price.

Why is Christianity declining in popularity and influence in the West at the same time it is growing dramatically in the Muslim world, Iran, Cuba, the underground church in China, and other places where it is persecuted so fiercely? Self-dependence amid prosperity robs us of the Spirit’s power, and without his power, we cannot convict a single sinner of a single sin or save a single soul. However, Spirit-dependence amid opposition empowers Christians to be used in transformative ways to change hearts and win multitudes to Jesus.

We read in Acts 8 that “the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs that he did” (v. 6). It was not just his words but his Spirit-empowered deeds that persuaded them. The great need of our day is for more Philips. For this reason, let us note today:Self-reliance is spiritual and cultural suicide. In response, let us use today’s solar eclipse as an invitation to worship the One who made the sun and the moon and measures the universe with the palm of his hand (Isaiah 40:12). And let us begin today and every day by asking his Spirit to empower and use us to advance his kingdom through our influence (Ephesians 5:18).When we do, the Son of God will eclipse the Moon of our fallenness and bring us from the shadow of sin into the sunlight of grace. “It made me feel the majesty of the universe” Leticia Ferrer has been chasing solar eclipses around the world for several decades. She’s seen twenty in total and every one since 1998. But she’ll never forget her first one in 1991: “It made me feel the majesty of the universe,” she said. Her experiences have shown her the immensity of the universe but also her personal finitude. She says of her eclipse viewing: “I’m the most blessed person in the world, but yet I’m a minuscule little ant.” When we understand the latter, we can embrace the former, to the glory of God.

Welcome to “Word from The Center” MONDAY, a devotional word from the Center of our faith, Jesus Christ, with reflections on His Word. I’m Gregory Seltz. Today’s reading is from John 20:28-29, where the Bible reports this interaction between the risen Lord Jesus and his disciple Thomas: Thomas said to Jesus, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” BELIEVING IS TRULY SEEING! Is seeing believing? Or are there things that are very real, even very true, that we cannot see with our eyes? Our garage doors open by unseen forces at the touch of a button. We put our food and drinks into little rectangular devices and hit the button believing that, absent a heating element or a flame of any sort, microwaves will make our food or beverages piping hot. Even the most empirical of scientists has things which he/she believes long before they are tested or visible to human eyes. One could make the case that observable science, the very scientific method we cherish today, was based on a belief that God had created and ordered the world in such a way that it could be tested, and its laws could be counted on. You might say that even the empirical scientist has to believe in certain things before he/she could really see them.

Faith in God is a bit like that. It’s not that faith in God is totally absent of data or information, for the very words of God, the gifts of Baptism and the Lord Supper engender and strengthen faith. But there are aspects to faith that are beyond our control. We are the creature; He is the Creator. He is the Redeemer; we are the redeemed. Yet faith in the God of the Bible is not merely an academic exercise. Faith in the person and work of Jesus begins to help us see the big picture of our lives here, and our lives eternally. In a paper delivered at the Oxford Socratic Club, C.S. Lewis remarked: “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen. Not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.”1 The Founding Fathers of America believed in liberty because they believed that God had created humanity for such a life. With that faith, they began to structure a government that would honor such freedom. In many of the fundamental questions of life, “Believing is seeing!”

The tension between “seeing is believing” and “believing is seeing” permeates our lesson for today. The text is about “Doubting Thomas” finally seeing Jesus as his living Savior. But it took the word of the risen Jesus presenting the very wounds of His crucifixion in order to engender such faith. But who was this Thomas character? What was he really like? Was he the skeptic that many claim him to be? Was he the pessimist? The doubter? Well, if he was, he was also tough, tenacious, and no wilting violet. When Jesus was going to journey into dangerous territory, Thomas didn’t shrink back. Instead, he declared, “Let us also go, that we may die with him” (John 11:16). But it’s also true that he was confused and distraught over Jesus’ crucifixion. If someone tried to console him by claiming that Jesus didn’t really die, he wasn’t going to have any of that. He had heard about it from reliable witnesses, he felt it, He was overwhelmed by it, and no amount of wishful thinking would change that.

What he forgot was that the “believing is seeing” attitude of the believer doesn’t work because of our inherent power or our wishful thinking. It works because God’s gifts of Word and Sacraments deliver what they say. God’s promises are always true. God’s promises always come to fruition. YES, in His time and in His way, but they always come true because He is trustworthy and true.

Maybe Thomas did you and me a favor. He wasn’t going to let wishful thinking be the foundation of faith. He wanted the fulfilled promises of Christ to be evident for all to see (e.g., John 10:17-18), even if he had to look a bit foolish for that to happen. In this Easter season, take a step back from the cultural craziness of our world, the rat race of your job, and your desires to make life what you wish it to be. Then try to see the big picture of your life with God in Christ. Because He has risen, your life is redeemed; it is eternal and it also has purpose now. If your life doesn’t look like that at the moment, why not take Christ’s word for it first and foremost? Begin to live in that resurrection reality with its eternal blessings right here and now. Then put the power of “seeing is believing” to work by reading and trusting in Jesus’s words. He is the resurrected one who did all of this for people like Doubting Thomas, and for people like you and me. PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, teach us to see the depth of Your mercy for us, so that we might live faithful lives of grace and mercy for others. AMEN

Pastor’s Thoughts March 22,2024 through Mar 30-2024 from my God Squad group post and others see citations that accompany the post.

DO YOU NEED A BREAKTHROUGH?

What seems impossible? Is it a terrifying diagnosis? A disillusioning church experience? Are you destined for a corner office but stuck in a cubicle? Do you face infertility mountains? Addiction struggles? Friendship fiascos? A financial reversal? Divorce papers? A prodigal? A dream fizzled? A dead-end job? A mediocre marriage? A child in prison? Fired at fifty-two? Depressed at thirty-five? Everyone has brokenness, disappointment, and shattered dreams. Everyone needs HOPE.

Here is a story that means a lot to me: Two men were in an art museum and came upon a painting of two people playing chess. One character in the painting looked like an ordinary man; the other character looked a lot like the Devil. The ordinary man is down to his last piece on the chessboard and is scared to death. The title of the painting is “CHECKMATE.”

One of the two men looking at this painting was an international chess champion, and something about the painting intrigued him. He began to study it. He became so engrossed that the man with him grew impatient and asked him what he was doing. He said, “There’s something about this painting that bothers me, and I want to study it for a little while. You go ahead and wander around.” He studied it. His head started nodding, and his hands started moving. When his friend came back, he said, “We must locate the man who painted this picture and tell him that either he must change the picture, or he has to change the title. I have determined that there is something wrong with this painting.” His friend asked, “What’s wrong with the painting?” The chess champion said, “Well, it’s titled ‘CHECKMATE,’ but the title is wrong. The painter’s either got to change the painting or change the title, because… look at the board…look…look…THE KING STILL HAS ONE MORE MOVE.”

A little boy named David is up against a giant named Goliath. David is in trouble. He tries to put on King Saul’s armor, but Saul’s a 52-Long and David’s a 36-Short. He cannot even handle a grown-up’s sword. It looks like CHECKMATE, but…The KING STILL HAS ONE MORE MOVE.

A man named Daniel gets thrown into a den of lions because he refuses to stop praying to his God. The lions are hungry. He is in there all night and it looks like CHECKMATE. At the first light of dawn, King Darius calls down. Daniel tells him the lions have been put on a “low protein diet” and he is fine, because…THE KING STILL HAS ONE MORE MOVE.

Good Friday seemed like Bad Friday. Jesus was dead. All hope was lost. It was time to join a Dead-Messiah Support Group or find a new Messiah. It looked like CHECKMATE until Sunday when they discovered…THE KING STILL HAS ONE MORE MOVE.

Whatever challenge you face…whether it is today or tomorrow…the promise of Jesus to everyone who puts their trust in Him is this: there is HOPE, even when it feels like CHECKMATE…THE KING STILL HAS ONE MORE MOVE!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
–Michael Sprague  

I’ve heard the accusation
And I’ve heard the propaganda
I’ve heard the lies they whispered to my soul
That I have been forsaken
And I’ll always be forgotten
No matter what I do it’s not enough

And then I heard a voice
As it opened up the heavens
Reminding me of who I’ve always been

I am Your beloved, You have bought me with Your blood
And on Your hand You’ve written out my name
I am Your beloved, one the Father loves
Mercy has defeated all my shame

There’s no accusation, or any condemnation
When I look into my Father’s eyes
They don’t see my sin, they only see redemption
This is how my heart has been defined

I can hear a voice
That is louder than the thunder
Reminding me of who I’ve always been
I am Your beloved, You have bought me with Your blood
And on Your hand, You’ve written out my name
I am Your beloved, one the Father loves
Mercy has defeated all my shame

Oh the One who knows me best
Is the One who loves me most
There is nothing I have done
That could change the Father’s love
❤️❤️
–lyrics from I Am Your Beloved 

KINGDOM TERRITORY

Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.
Colossians 2:15
 
The “it” Paul’s words in our text refer to is the Cross. The Cross of Christ is the sole instrument for humanity’s salvation and deliverance…and the sole power for breaking hell’s works and operations. 1 Corinthians 2:7-8 confirms this truth, showing how God’s wisdom through the blood and death of His Son completely confounded the strategies of hell. They have never recovered…nor will they ever recover!

These words are such a holy and healthy reminder to all of us who want and welcome the fullness of the Holy Spirit to make Christ’s kingdom power effective in and through our lives today. They point to the place from which “all power” flows. For just as Jesus is the Person to whom, through whom, and from whom all God’s power flows…so His Cross is the place – the foundational accomplishment – which releases all power to mankind.

This is holy territory. It’s where salvation’s price was paid and where sin’s penalty was broken. The cross is also where hell was “made a spectacle of,” and the cross has become the sign by which we conquer.

As the old hymn asks, “Are you living in the shadow of the Cross?” Let’s answer, “Amen!” ❤️✝️
–Jack Hayford  

SMILE 😊😊

God takes those who were once weak, foolish, unknown, and broken vessels…and through us…He turns the world upside down.

Never—for a moment—discount yourself because of your weaknesses or because of what you lack. GOD LOVES YOU.

He loves how He made you…and He does His best work through humble, surrendered saints.

Look up today and consider the men and women God has used throughout history. Consider the cloud of witnesses cheering you on. Determine to find the ancient path of faith and mark out your steps. Trust God’s heart to use you in ways that are disproportionate to who you are. That’s who He is…that’s what He does!

Let your trials train you into a warrior.
Allow your hardships to conform you into Christ’s image.
Dare to believe that God just might change the world through you.

Smile today…you are someone God loves!! ❤️❤️

1 Corinthians 1:26-29 (NLT) ~ Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And He chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God.
—Susie Larson  

SO WE MAY KNOW

1 John 5:11-13
“God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”

John wrote this first letter to define the changes which ought to take place in the life of a Christian. The believers who read John’s letter understood that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). They knew “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). They had been told the importance of turning from their sin; “repent, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out” (Acts 3:19), and they clearly understood the significance of Jesus’ death on the cross; “God presented Him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in His blood” (Romans 3:25).

The believers knew it was through faith in the sacrifice of Jesus that they were forgiven and transformed by His Spirit; but though they knew the process, they still wrestled with knowing if they were saved.

John provided several indicators of a life which truly believes in Jesus. He said those who are born again will obey the commands of God (1 John 2:3-5), and will not continue to live in sin (1 John 3:9). He said a born again life is characterized by love: “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death” (1 John 3:14). John also said our love should not just be with words, “but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:18).

The born again transformation occurs in our heart and spirit…but John was stating that becoming a new creation ought to result in change. We are not the same! And while the growth of many new creations can be painfully slow, over time there ought to be some form of maturity; all healthy creatures grow!

But if the evidence of being born again is missing, please remember that we cannot generate change by trying harder. Self effort never produces eternal life. Rather, we must return to the cross and consider the darkness of our sin and the brilliance of His love; “we love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:9). For only at the cross is there forgiveness and the power to transform.

Let’s truly receive the forgiveness offered through faith in Jesus and then continue to grow with a victorious assurance that we are born again. Let’s trust the truth of His Word which has been given into our hands…so we may know! ❤️
—Steve Troxel  

Time for a Thursday afternoon Tune-up!! ❤️

“my insecurities shouted at me…amplified voices of haunting words, memories, + lies all in one.

bullying my mind…throwing me into a corner…ready to hit & take my life.

as I brace for impact, grace stepped in…a gentle voice…a kind demeanor surpassed the room…

overwhelmed because YOU saved me.

YOU swooped in, picked me up, & carried me away – like you have time & time again…it was YOU all along.

YOU speak words of…

TRUTH, GRACE, LIFE, LOVE, FORGIVENESS, KINDNESS [over me as YOU carry me to shelter…but shelter isn’t just a physical place – it is YOUR presence, YOUR goodness, YOUR steadfastness.]

YOU remind me of who I am, who YOU are, & who YOU’VE created me to be.

YOU remind me that I am not discounted from a life filled w/ love & joy. I am worthy of all those good & Godly desires.”

–Rachel Pues

Pastor’s Thoughts March 14,2024 through Mar 21-2024 from my God Squad group post and others see citations that accompany the post.

When we become a Child of God, through faith in Jesus for the forgiveness of sin, He loves us in spite of our failures – in spite of the way we stumble and sometimes fall. But what type of love do we give in return? Do we have a continual love which remains through good and bad…or do we love only during our “scheduled” times and only when the conditions of our life are favorable for worship?

We know there will be times when the world around us seems to fall apart…times when our life begins to crumble and the heat of the furnace seems very real. There will also be many times when we just don’t understand God’s plan or timing.

Our path may seem unclear and His timing painfully slow. When this occurs, we must strive for a love that doesn’t fade or waver…a love which isn’t weakened by heat or torn by the force of the wind…a love which is pure and not conditioned by external circumstances.

Our Heavenly Father is our only true source of comfort and strength; “He alone is my rock and my salvation: He is my fortress, I will never be shaken” (Psalm 62:2). He has given His very best, and we ought to return our very best with a life of unbroken worship.

Let’s truly rejoice that He is God…and faithfully give Him our unconditional love. ❤️❤️
–Steve Troxel  

PSALM 5
 
Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness because of my enemies.
Psalm 5:8
 
Life doesn’t always go our way from the looks of things. Satan attacks us in ways we can hardly discern…problems arise from nowhere…burdens descend in multiples…and sometimes our own emotions work against us, causing layers of sadness, weariness, or discouragement to radiate through us.

That’s when we need Psalm 5! David begins by asking God to hear his voice (verses 1-3). He reminds the Lord of His righteous power (verses 4-6), and offers himself as a worshiper who prays, “Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness because of my enemies” (verses 7-8). David describes his enemies to the Lord, and then he exhorts himself and all of us to rejoice and put our trust in our Almighty God (verses 9-12).

When we find ourselves attacked by the enemies of God, we should remember our Lord is in control! We can do that today by turning Psalm 5 into a personal prayer.

Let’s remember God’s character of faithfulness…and remind ourselves of His constant care…and make up our mind to REJOICE TODAY!! ❤️❤️
–David Jeremiah 
 
”In singing these verses, and praying them over, we must engage and stir up ourselves to the duty of prayer, and encourage ourselves in it, because we shall not seek the Lord in vain.”
–Matthew Henry 

”I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.“
(Ephesians 1:18-21)

God’s promises are true. When we stumble or fall…when we are tired and grow weary…we know we can trust in the Lord to sustain us. To keep us firm when times are tough. To keep us faithful even when challenges come our way.

He calls us to repent and turn to Him…and to live by faith and not by sight.

He renews the strength of those that wait upon Him, by faith.

Regardless of how weary we may become, His grace is sufficient for us…for His power is perfected in our weakness.

When we believe in our Saviour and trust in Christ, it is then that God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness; He carries us and lifts us up through life’s challenges and circumstances, in the power of His Holy Spirit.

And the faithful say AMEN!! ❤️
—Liz Nova

”Yet those who wait for the Lord Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.“
Isaiah 40:31 

Afraid you’re too much of a mess to approach God?

As if you’re hiding something…
Let me assure you, He already knows.
Go broken…
Go dirty…
Go addicted…
Go writhing in pain…
Go holding on by the thinnest of threads…
JUST GO!
He’s waiting…
With arms wide open.
If the church told you that you need to be all buttoned up to fall at the feet of your Savior…
Find another church…
They’ve got it backwards.
Come to Jesus…
Just as you are…
He will wash you clean…
And make you new! ❤️
—Matthew Deibler

Hallelujah…that is so good!! 

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. — Ephesians 4:4-6

The apostle Paul emphasizes that despite our diverse backgrounds and traditions, we are all part of one body—the body of Christ. We share one Spirit, the Holy Spirit, who empowers and guides us. Our hope, faith, and baptism are all centered on one Lord, Jesus Christ. And above all, we worship one God and Father, who is sovereign over all creation.

The call to unity is a call to set aside our differences and focus on what binds us together. It is a reminder that our identity in Christ is more significant than any denominational or cultural distinctions. As members of one body, we are called to support, love, and edify one another, working together to advance God’s kingdom.

Three Ways to Live Out Our Unity in Christ:

1. Foster Respect and Understanding: Take the time to learn about and appreciate the beliefs and practices of other denominations and fellowships. This can help build mutual respect and understanding.
2. Collaborate in Ministry: Seek opportunities to work together with believers from different backgrounds in community outreach, mission projects, or joint worship services. This demonstrates the unity of the body of Christ in action.
3. Pray for Unity: Regularly pray for the unity of the church, asking God to break down barriers and to help us live out the oneness we have in Christ. Pray for a spirit of love and humility that values unity over division.

From 2 Minute Devotion for March 21,24