Pastor’s Thoughts 11-25-2024-12-11-2024
GIVING JESUS FIRST PLACE:When the Lord is our priority, we can have His joy and strength while facing whatever life brings.
“For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Philippians 2:9-11
When Christ has first place in our life, we will experience many blessings. These include . . .
—A Quiet Spirit.
As we turn our attention to the Lord and meditate on His Word, He “leads [us] beside quiet waters,” where we find rest for our soul (Psalm 23:2). A quieted heart and mind make us better able to discern what God is saying to us.
—A Stronger Faith.
Studying Scripture will enlarge our view of God and give us insight and direction. Our faith will grow as we follow His guidance and watch how He works on our behalf.
—A Purified Heart.
Like a mirror, the Bible reflects back to us who we truly are and reveals where we need to change. When we confess our sin, God promises to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
—A Prepared Mind.
God wants to prepare us for the future—both the joyous times and the hard ones. Through the Holy Spirit’s ministry, we will be equipped for whatever life brings (2 Peter 1:3).
Paul’s life demonstrates what it means to give Jesus first place. Because he made Christ the Lord of his life (Galatians 2:20), the apostle knew joy amid trials and received the strength to face turmoil and difficulty.
These blessings will also be ours …when we give highest priority to our relationship with Jesus! ❤️—Charles Stanley
SPEAKING BOLDLY And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:31 The Greek word for boldness, “parhesia,” means “outspoken, unreserved utterance, freedom of speech, frankness, candor, cheerful courage, the opposite of cowardice.” Here, it is divine enablement that comes to ordinary people exhibiting spiritual power and authority. Parhesia is not a human quality, but a result of being filled with the Holy Spirit. Earlier in verse 29, the believers prayed, “Lord … grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word.” Be careful what you pray for, because that is what you are going to get! As they prayed the place was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. They all spoke with parhesia. Today there are people waiting for us to speak boldly…not the words of human comfort…but the powerful words of God that will set them free. Bound by sin, confused by meaningless lives, hopeless and unloved, the world around us cries out for someone to help them. Let us boldly proclaim Jesus…and demonstrate His all-powerful and all-loving concern for them. ❤️ —Jack Hayford
How Esther Obtained Favor When you know that you are greatly blessed, highly favored, and deeply loved, you don’t have to depend on your self-efforts. “Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai who had taken her as his daughter, came to go in to the king, she did not request anything except what Hegai, the king’s eunuch who was in charge of the women, advised. And Esther found favor in the eyes of all who saw her.” (Esther 2:15) When King Ahasuerus was looking for a new queen, the most beautiful women in the land were all brought into the palace. All the women were given the opportunity to adorn themselves with whatever they desired from the women’s quarters before they were brought for an audience with the king. But when it was Esther’s turn, she “requested nothing but what Hegai the king’s eunuch, the custodian of the women, advised.” And look at the results: “Esther obtained favor in the sight of all who saw her,” and the king “loved Esther more than all the other women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so he set the royal crown upon her head and made her queen” (Esther 2:17) Esther did not rely on her own abilities but submitted herself to Hegai, the official who had been appointed by the king to oversee the women. There was so much wisdom and humility in her decision. She did not trust in her own efforts. While the women tried to outdo one another by relying on their own efforts, Esther wisely submitted to the one person who would know the king’s preferences best, and the results speak for themselves. This incident also demonstrates to us that Esther depended entirely upon the Lord’s unmerited favor. (When you depend entirely upon the Lord’s unmerited favor, you are trusting Him and in a position of rest.) Esther did not have to struggle. When she rested in the Lord and humbled herself, the Lord promoted her and exalted her above all the other beautiful women. God resists the proud and gives unmerited favor to the humble (1 Pet. 5:5). When you humble yourself and cease from your efforts to promote yourself, and depend on Jesus alone…the Lord Himself will be your promotion and increase. Like Esther, you will stand out in a crowd and obtain grace and favor with God and man. Do you know why the story of Esther is so important? Because Esther was promoted to become the queen, she was in a favored position to protect all the Jewish people in the kingdom from being killed. When the Lord promotes you…He gives you the influence to be a blessing to the people around you. There are no coincidences…only God-incidents. The Lord will bless you to be a blessing! ❤️ —Joseph Prince
A Special Thanksgiving Message From Billy Graham Let’s get on our knees humbly and thank God for the blessings He has given us, both material and spiritual. They have come from His hand. This year as we observe our season of thanksgiving…let us be grateful not only in word but also in deed. Let our gratitude find expression in a resolve to live a life more unselfish and more consecrated to Jesus Christ. When we sit around our tables laden with sumptuous delicacies…let’s not forget that nearly a billion people around the world will go to bed hungry. As we enjoy the comforts of our cozy homes…let’s not forget that great numbers have no homes to go to. When we step into our modern cars…let’s not forget that many people in the world cannot afford even a bicycle. As we go to our churches to thank God for material and spiritual blessings…let’s remember that millions have never heard the Gospel of salvation. Let’s remember the servants of God in many parts of the world who deprive themselves in order to take the Gospel to the multitudes who have not yet been reached with the message of Christ. Scripture teaches that the good things of this life are the gifts of God, and that He is the provider of all our blessings. James declares that “every good gift… is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17, NKJV). Isaiah says that wisdom is the gift of God. The knowledge that builds our great scientific instruments is a gift from heaven. Even those favored with plenty should pray to have a blessing upon their provisions and to teach them their continued dependence upon God. The very prosperity that we know should lead us to repentance…and we should give humble thanks to God. Jesus said, “How hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!” (Mark 10:24, NKJV). The Bible teaches that God delights in giving and that He gives even to His enemies. Men and women spread nets and snares for their enemies…but God spreads a table. The dew forms on the thistle as well as on the rose. The rain of God’s mercy falls upon the worst of people. God puts bread in the mouths that are opened against Him. God feeds millions…and they fight against Him. He gives them bread…and they give Him rebellion. Not only do the ungrateful millions forget His mercies…they abuse Him. The Lord said to Jeremiah, “When I had fed them to the full, then they committed adultery” (Jeremiah 5:7, NKJV). God gives people wisdom…and they serve the devil with it. He gives them strength…and they waste it in fornication. He gives them food to eat…and they lift up their heel against Him. They are like Absalom who, as soon as David his father had kissed him, plotted treason against him. All of God’s giving ought to drive us to thanksgiving. He is the Founder and Provider of all our blessings…and is entitled to all our acknowledgments. The Bible says that all the rivers come from the sea and there they return again. So all our gifts come from God…and to Him must all our praises return. We are told in Psalm 119:165 that peace is also the gift of God. He has a formula for peace. His formula is in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ, whom He has designated as Prince of Peace. The nations of this world have rejected the peace that God offers. They plan and build for war.. Yet there are millions of people around the world who do have peace at this moment…because they have found the secret of peace. They have peace in their hearts, as the Bible teaches: “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1, NKJV). He has sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to the cross as a demonstration of His love and mercy. He asks us to come to that cross in repentance of our sins and submission of our will to Him. He promises a peace treaty for all who will come by faith. Thanksgiving? YES!! Let’s get on our knees humbly and thank God for the blessings He has given us, both material and spiritual. They have come from His hand. Let’s not neglect to thank Him! ❤️❤️
“Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe;” Hebrews 12:28
Hebrews 12:28 reminds us of the unshakable nature of God’s kingdom…a kingdom that stands firm regardless of the shifting circumstances of the world. As believers, we are recipients of this eternal kingdom through the grace of God. This truth anchors us in hope and security, especially in a world filled with uncertainty and instability.
The author of Hebrews calls us to respond to this gift not with casual gratitude…but with reverence and godly fear—a deep respect for God’s holiness and majesty. Our worship and service should reflect a heart that understands the greatness of what we have received.
In daily life, we are often shaken by the pressures and challenges around us—uncertain finances, broken relationships, or a chaotic culture. But this verse reminds us that while everything earthly may shift and change…God’s kingdom remains steady. Knowing this, we are called to live lives that reflect the glory of God, serving Him with humility and devotion. Our gratitude for His unshakable kingdom should motivate us to honor Him in how we live, worship, and treat others.
Today, let this truth guide our heart: no matter what happens…we belong to a kingdom that cannot be moved! ❤️
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the unshakable kingdom You have given us through Your grace. Help us to serve You with a heart full of gratitude and reverence. Teach us to trust in Your eternal promises, even when life feels uncertain. May our life be a reflection of Your kingdom’s stability, and may our worship bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen. —Cathy C. Charles
WHEN THE STORMS OF LIFE RAGE: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
Storms of life. You know them well. They overwhelm you. Wave after wave of relentless battering that knocks you off your feet till you don’t know which side is up. Till every ounce of energy is used up and you feel so weak, abandoned, and lonely. Perhaps you’re caught in one of life’s storms right now.
When the disciples of Jesus were out at sea, caught in a turbulent tempest and tossed by the waves, who came to them in their darkest hour? It was Jesus Himself (Matt. 14:22–33). Jesus came in style, walking on the raging waters. The loving Savior came to them at their exact point of need to rescue them.
What does this tell you? That He is above the storms. He walks above—He is greater than—every adversity and opposition that you may be facing right now…and He comes to you to rescue you!
With the billowing waves beneath His feet, His first words to His disciples were, “Don’t be afraid. Take courage. I am here!” (Matt. 14:27 NLT). What comfort those words must have brought to the disciples who were exhausted and shaking with fear for their lives.
When the storms of life rage…don’t go by what you see and hear all around you. Don’t go by your negative feelings and emotions. Live by the truth of God’s Word…which encourages you to “be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic . . . For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you” (Deut. 31:6 NLT).
Our God is a personal and loving God who is with you in your boat…right in the midst of the howling storm. He knows how to lead you to victory every time. He cannot fail you!! ❤️—Joseph Prince
Shh. LISTEN!Jesus speaks to us through His Word…through the inner nudges of the Holy Spirit…through others…and through everyday circumstances that the untrained ear might miss.
God Himself tells His people, “This is My Son! Listen to Him!” How much more of a charge do we need? Think about it. Those who cultivate a listening life and respond to what Jesus says—their lives will abound in fruit. They will walk in power…and they will continually enjoy fellowship with God. Scripture promises to the one who listens that they will receive even more revelation.
May our heart be in tune with His…and may we hear His voice more clearly in this Advent Season. ❤️
Psalm 116:9 NLT ~ And so I walk in the LORD’s presence as I live here on earth!
—Susie Larson
SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO STIR UP THE WATER: The religious leaders were conservative, highly trained experts who had memorized large swaths of the Old Testament. They got the PRINCIPLES but missed the PERSON. Jesus said to them, “You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify of me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life” (John 5:39-41).
Their Messiah was standing right smack in front of them, and yet they missed Him. They missed the PERSON. They got RELIGION but not the RELATIONSHIP.
Notice, all Scripture points to Jesus: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus… Psalms… all the way to Malachi. There are over three hundred specific PREDICTIONS about Jesus. There are all kinds of PICTURES of Jesus- people, objects or events that prefigure Him and His work. There is the very PRESENCE of Jesus in Old Testament appearances before His incarnation that many call Christophanies. Every page is alive with His PORTRAIT. When you get it, you become part of the FELLOWSHIP OF THE BURNING HEARTS like the two men on the road to Emmaus.
RULES. REGULATIONS. RELIGION. TRADITIONS. SYSTEMS. These are not life-giving in themselves. The same thing that happened to the Pharisees can happen today. We have our Christian concerts, cruises, music, schools, publishing houses, denominations, buildings, and love of religious life. Nothing is wrong with these things unless we miss the PERSON OF JESUS. May the wrecking ball come to anything that takes His place as we are ruined by Jesus and for Jesus. We cannot have the life of Christ without having the life of Christ. This is the Jesus-centered life.
As we study the Bible, we must make a “beeline” to Jesus. The great preacher Charles Spurgeon while teaching said he always made a “beeline” to Jesus and the cross. ❤️ –Michael Sprague
STAY FLEXIBLE AND FAITHFUL May Jesus give you the grit to persevere when your Promised Land depends on it. May He empower you with tenderness to forgive when relationships are strained. May you see those He’s given you to love with fresh eyes of compassion and grace. Believe that miracles still happen in our day…because they do. Refuse to turn inward and numb out just because something feels uncomfortable. You may be tempted to dig in your heels because risk feels too scary…but don’t do it. Be strong and humble. Stay flexible and faithful. There’s a time to stay firmly planted and a time to step into the unknown. Both require faith and trust. Your Good Shepherd will lead you on the best path for your life. Stay in step with Him! ❤️ —Susie Larson “I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you. Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous ones; And shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart.” Psalms 32:8, 11
“Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:24)
In 1 Thessalonians 5:24, Paul offers a powerful assurance about God’s character: He is faithful! The One who calls us into a relationship with Himself…who commissions us for His purposes…is the same One who ensures His promises will come to pass.
This verse reminds us that God’s faithfulness is not dependent on our abilities, strength, or circumstances…but is rooted in His unchanging nature. If He has called you to something—whether a task, a season of growth, or a walk of faith—He will provide what is necessary to accomplish it.
In our daily lives, we often face moments of doubt. We may question whether we are capable of fulfilling what God has called us to do, or we may grow weary in seasons of waiting. But this verse offers comfort and strength.
God DOES NOT abandon His plans or leave us to carry out His work on our own. His faithfulness guarantees that what He begins, He will complete (Philippians 1:6).
Whether you are navigating a new opportunity…enduring a trial…or pursuing a dream God placed on your heart, remember: He is with you every step of the way…and He will see it through! ❤️
–Cathy C. Charles
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness and the assurance that You will complete what You have started in my life. Help me to trust in Your promises, even when I feel uncertain or inadequate. Strengthen my faith to rely on You, knowing that You will do what You have called me to do. May my life reflect Your faithfulness and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“then the Lord your God will restore you from captivity, and have compassion on you, and will gather you again from all the peoples where the Lord your God has scattered you.”
Deuteronomy 30:3
Deuteronomy 30:3 is a promise of restoration and renewal, spoken to the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. God, through Moses, assured His people that even if they turned away and faced the consequences of their disobedience…He would not abandon them. When they returned to Him with repentant hearts, He would gather them from their scattered places, turn their captivity, and restore them to His blessings. This verse reveals God’s unchanging compassion and His desire to restore His people to fellowship with Him…no matter how far they may have strayed.
In real life, we can relate to seasons where we feel distant from God due to our own choices or the challenges of life. It might feel as though we’ve wandered too far or that our circumstances are beyond repair. Yet, Deuteronomy 30:3 reminds us of God’s heart for restoration.
His love is steadfast…and His compassion knows no bounds. When we turn to Him…no matter where life has scattered us—whether it’s the wilderness of sin, sorrow, or shame—God is ready to gather us back into His presence and renew His blessings in our lives! ❤️
Prayer:
Gracious Father, thank You for Your compassion and faithfulness. When I feel distant or lost, help me to turn my heart back to You, trusting in Your promise to restore and renew. Gather me from the places where I’ve been scattered and bring me into the fullness of Your presence and blessings. Thank You for never giving up on me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
–Cathy C. Charles
In moments when life feels chilly and uncertain…remember that God’s love is the warmth that never fades. Wrap yourself in His comfort today.
“God‘s love is like a warm blanket on a cold day…it wraps around you, offering comfort and protection no matter what!” ❤️
—Liz Louis
TESTED BY PRAISE: The longer and closer we walk with God, the more we realize how He uses every opportunity to shape and mold us — to chip, file, and sand the rough edges — as we are gradually “conformed to the likeness of His Son” (Romans 8:29). This is His desire for everyone who trusts in Jesus for the forgiveness of sin.
We often learn through personal experience how our trials are used to teach us valuable lessons and refine us into Children of God with the character of Christ; “the testing of your faith develops perseverance” (James 1:3). Our trials teach us to persevere in the faith and to trust God with all our heart. But a more subtle refinement of our character occurs as we receive praise for who we are or for what we’ve accomplished.
Proverbs 27:21
“The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but man is tested by the praise he receives.”
This isn’t simply referring to how we verbally respond to a compliment; rather, it is the response of our heart which reveals our true belief and submission. God is the sovereign Creator and Lord of ALL! All our abilities and gifts were given by Him. He deserves ALL the praise and maintains the right to redirect us as He chooses. Our motivation must be our love for God and our desire to serve Him through all we do — it must never be driven by the praises of man.
The praise we receive from others is not an indication of God’s approval nor a valid measure of success. We take far too much ownership of accomplishments, and most often we simply forget the basic truths: “For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive?” (1 Corinthians 4:7). All we are is from God!
Every step of our journey must be established by God and accomplished in His strength. Every day there are those who refuse to turn to God because they fear the loss of status and praise; “they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved praise from men more than praise from God” (John 12:42-43). And every day there are those who are diverted in their walk because of a gluttonous desire to feed their pride-filled ego. Unrestrained pride will always choke our relationship with Jesus.
As we are transformed, we WILL begin to accomplish His work; “we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works” (Ephesians 2:10). But as praises come for the work we accomplish, we must present them to God for His approval and guidance. He may return the praise as a Heavenly blessing, but He may also dismiss it as an unnecessary distraction and ask us to walk in a new direction. Either way, we must continue to serve with an obedient and loving heart.
Let’s continue to be transformed in every situation. Let’s be determined to never lose our focus as a result of being refined and tested by praise. ❤️—Steve Troxel
“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” – James 1:26-27
James challenges us to reflect on the authenticity of our faith. He makes it clear that true religion isn’t about outward rituals or appearances but about a transformed life. One clear indicator of this transformation is the ability to control our speech. Harsh words, gossip, and unkind remarks reveal a heart that hasn’t fully submitted to Christ. A faith that doesn’t shape how we speak is empty and deceives no one but ourselves.
James also emphasizes that pure religion is active. Caring for the vulnerable—orphans, widows, and others in distress—demonstrates the love of God working through us. True faith is compassionate and sacrificial, mirroring the heart of our Heavenly Father.
Finally, James reminds us to remain untainted by the world. This means living a life of holiness, refusing to conform to sinful patterns, and staying rooted in God’s truth. Such a life not only honors God but also serves as a powerful testimony to others.
Life Application: Examine your words and actions this week. Are they consistent with your faith? Commit to showing God’s love through intentional acts of kindness and a life of holiness.
Prayer Points:
- Pray for wisdom and discipline to control your speech.
- Ask for opportunities to serve and support those in need.
- Pray for strength to live a life set apart for God’s glory.
Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer; for he said, “Till now the Lord has helped us.”
1 Samuel 7:12
You might recall the hymn, “The Lord hath helped me hitherto.” It was penned by Aemilie Juliane in 1699 and is based on the declaration of Samuel as recorded in the King James Bible that was first published in 1611.
“Hitherto!” Chances are you don’t use that word in everyday conversation. But you might say, “Till now … I still have all my teeth.” or “Till now … my children all keep in touch.” Not only does “till now” reflect on our past, but it also expresses hope that the blessings of the past will continue in the future. That’s what Samuel commemorated with a stone. He named it “Ebenezer,” a Hebrew word for “up until now.” It served as a reminder of the confidence God’s people have in the future, as they reflect on God’s grace in the past. Dave Ebeling Bloomington, IN
Dear Lord, graciously remind me that your grace is sufficient for me. Amen.
Reflect: What object(s) might serve as your Ebenezer as you recall God’s blessings, past, present, and future.
Read: 1 Samuel 7:1-14 and 2 Corinthians 12:1-10
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.” – James 1:22-25
It’s easy to hear Scripture and agree with it, yet fail to let it shape our lives. James urges us not to be passive hearers but active doers of the Word. The analogy of a mirror illustrates the futility of hearing without action. Just as it’s pointless to see your reflection and then walk away unchanged, it’s equally unproductive to study God’s Word without applying its truth.
God’s Word isn’t just a set of rules; it’s a “perfect law that gives freedom.” Obeying it aligns us with God’s design and brings genuine liberty. This freedom isn’t about doing whatever we want but about living in the fullness of God’s purpose. James promises that the one who both hears and obeys will be blessed, not just in eternity but in everyday life.
Life Application: Look into God’s Word daily, asking not only, “What does this say?” but also, “How should this change me?” Then, act on it.
Prayer Points:
- Pray for the discipline to regularly study and apply God’s Word.
- Ask for strength to live obediently, even when it’s challenging.
Pray for a heart that seeks God’s blessing through faithful action.