Several days ago I was sitting in my office, choking on my own stench. I smelled like a chimney! Before you assume I’ve started a 2-pack-a-day habit, (wouldn’t that be great for the asthma?) I’ll tell you what happened. There had been a kitchen incident that morning involving a huge plastic tub filled with hot chocolate mix and a stove burner turned on medium. Once my nose led me to the appropriate area, nasty, thick, white and yellow smoke billowing from the stovetop alerted me to the problem. It took about 15 minutes to get the stove off, move the offensive (and heavy) container and open the windows. I got everything under control, but it didn’t occur to me to change my clothes before heading to work. All morning I found myself apologizing to my church co-workers for the lingering smell, and I couldn’t stand to be around me!
It got me to thinking… the smoke smell I brought to work with me is just like sin. Too often, we Christ-followers forget that confession is part of our cleansing and healing process and instead of admitting our wrongdoing and asking God (and whoever we’ve hurt) to forgive us, we try to clean it up ourselves. Well, you can get rid of the giant burned up plastic tub, but the stench is gonna stick with you for as long as you keep wearing the same clothes.
I John 1:9 is clear. “When we confess our sins, He (God) is faithful and just to forgive us our sins AND cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Maybe some of us are capable to power through and change our bad habits or stop a sinful behavior on our own (not me, but maybe somebody). So what? We might be able to stop doing it, but we will never get rid of the fact that it was a part of our life at one time. The smell of our sin will follow us around until we confess our sin. Part of the cleansing God gives us is the actual removal of the sin. In that moment of forgiveness, the Lord sees us as never having sinned at all as He looks at us through the blood of Christ.
We can’t give ourselves forgiveness from God or anyone else. The Lord gave His only Son to suffer and die so that we would have a way to become holy and blameless. Only through Jesus. Nothing we can do or say or suffer can cleanse us and make us right with our Heavenly Father. The only One who can rid us of our own odor is the Lord God, strong and mighty, maker of heaven and earth – through His Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior, Deliverer and Friend.
Take a bath in the cleansing power of the forgiveness of God. Confess your sin. He is faithful and just. He forgives. He cleans us from the inside out.
Love, Tina Klan
Director of Worship Arts
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Dateline 5.19.11
For those of you that follow what’s going on in the media, you know that the end of the world is just two short days away (not likely). With that being said; it would be foolish of me to ask….Are You Ready?
Well, If it doesn’t happen (likely) then I want you to be at Redeemer this weekend as we celebrate another great year of Christian Education. The volunteers for this ministry are some of my favorite peeps. Without any of you, the greatness of the programs we offer would be missed. So thank you for another year of service to Redeemer, but more importantly service to your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I want you all to know that we appreciate all you do for us and the kids, students, and adults of this church. Now I’ve got to tell you about something our High School students decided to do and it makes me extremely proud (Proud Papa Moment).
Two weeks ago, a student who attends our Wednesday night CREW asked me if I would be willing to endorse another prayer morning at the High School. I had to hear him out and not expose my giddiness for this example of leadership among our students.
He stated that what the kids wanted to do was to have a breakfast at the church and then go to the “fish bowl” in front of DeWitt High School. They decided to call it “See You at the Bowl”. I kind of liked “See You in the Bowl”, but alas it was best decided to follow them.
They took theirs from the annual “See You At The Pole” that is done by schools across America on the last Wednesday of September. That event is something that I blogged about in September, and it is a chance for the students to begin the school year by praying for the school, teachers, and the school year in general. Well, “See You at the Bowl” was created by our students to be a call for prayer for the end of the year.
This morning following a breakfast of pancakes, sausage, cereal, yogurt, fruit, and juice (for about 40 students) here at the church; they loaded up in cars and headed to the high school. I was honored enough to be able to join them this time. I opened and had one of our CREW read some Scripture verses that we had selected last night after our weekly Wednesday night CREW. I was able to lead them into a time of prayer. The coolest thing for me was listening to the prayers of so many students. Prayers were heard for family, for the school, for the teachers and administration, for the nation and world, and for the students as they would be heading into summer. When we had finished praying we noticed the “Bowl” had filled even more than when we started with our 40 plus students from the church; we estimated that another 15 -20 had joined us. We were greeting kids from Christian Athletic Camp that had arrived late, but didn’t want to miss this. It is my best guess that 60+ kids gathered this morning in the “Fish Bowl” and lifted high the name of Jesus, while showing on a rainy morning that they love Him and want everyone at that High School to know. Awesome that’s all I’ve got to say.
With this group of students here at DeWitt there is no way I want the world to end, they have so much potential and they know that they have a lot of work to do; as do we my friends. There is no rest for us at Redeemer as we go out and share His love and life with everyone we meet. In Joshua 10, we see the Israelites marching all-night long to accomplish a mission for God. May we not forget that sometimes we have to march all-night long for our Lord. This morning our students did that and set a great example for all that witnessed the event. They shared Jesus on a rainy DeWitt morning by joining together in one accord proclaiming that Jesus is their King!!!!
By the way, last night during CREW we had a good discussion on the end of the world this upcoming weekend. Needless to say I think that the students are pretty confident they're going to be around a little longer. Thanks be to God.
Ron
Director of High School and College Ministry
Well, If it doesn’t happen (likely) then I want you to be at Redeemer this weekend as we celebrate another great year of Christian Education. The volunteers for this ministry are some of my favorite peeps. Without any of you, the greatness of the programs we offer would be missed. So thank you for another year of service to Redeemer, but more importantly service to your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I want you all to know that we appreciate all you do for us and the kids, students, and adults of this church. Now I’ve got to tell you about something our High School students decided to do and it makes me extremely proud (Proud Papa Moment).
Two weeks ago, a student who attends our Wednesday night CREW asked me if I would be willing to endorse another prayer morning at the High School. I had to hear him out and not expose my giddiness for this example of leadership among our students.
He stated that what the kids wanted to do was to have a breakfast at the church and then go to the “fish bowl” in front of DeWitt High School. They decided to call it “See You at the Bowl”. I kind of liked “See You in the Bowl”, but alas it was best decided to follow them.
They took theirs from the annual “See You At The Pole” that is done by schools across America on the last Wednesday of September. That event is something that I blogged about in September, and it is a chance for the students to begin the school year by praying for the school, teachers, and the school year in general. Well, “See You at the Bowl” was created by our students to be a call for prayer for the end of the year.
This morning following a breakfast of pancakes, sausage, cereal, yogurt, fruit, and juice (for about 40 students) here at the church; they loaded up in cars and headed to the high school. I was honored enough to be able to join them this time. I opened and had one of our CREW read some Scripture verses that we had selected last night after our weekly Wednesday night CREW. I was able to lead them into a time of prayer. The coolest thing for me was listening to the prayers of so many students. Prayers were heard for family, for the school, for the teachers and administration, for the nation and world, and for the students as they would be heading into summer. When we had finished praying we noticed the “Bowl” had filled even more than when we started with our 40 plus students from the church; we estimated that another 15 -20 had joined us. We were greeting kids from Christian Athletic Camp that had arrived late, but didn’t want to miss this. It is my best guess that 60+ kids gathered this morning in the “Fish Bowl” and lifted high the name of Jesus, while showing on a rainy morning that they love Him and want everyone at that High School to know. Awesome that’s all I’ve got to say.
With this group of students here at DeWitt there is no way I want the world to end, they have so much potential and they know that they have a lot of work to do; as do we my friends. There is no rest for us at Redeemer as we go out and share His love and life with everyone we meet. In Joshua 10, we see the Israelites marching all-night long to accomplish a mission for God. May we not forget that sometimes we have to march all-night long for our Lord. This morning our students did that and set a great example for all that witnessed the event. They shared Jesus on a rainy DeWitt morning by joining together in one accord proclaiming that Jesus is their King!!!!
By the way, last night during CREW we had a good discussion on the end of the world this upcoming weekend. Needless to say I think that the students are pretty confident they're going to be around a little longer. Thanks be to God.
Ron
Director of High School and College Ministry
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
National Day of Prayer - May 5, 2011
The 60th annual observance of the National Day of Prayer will be held on May 5, 2011. Our nation continues to face moral decline, economic uncertainty, military strife in the Middle East, and non-stop assaults on our religious freedoms. It has never been more important than today that we humbly approach God in prayer on behalf of our country.
Since Congress established the 1st National Day of prayer 60 years ago, millions of Americans have joined in prayer to lift up our nation and its leaders to Almighty God. Once again on May 5th, we will continue the example given to us by our Founding Fathers and by presidents since then who have encouraged the American people to call out to God in times of turmoil and unrest.
Abraham Lincoln called upon all citizens to take part in a day of fasting and prayer: “…it is the duty of nations as well as of men to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon, and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history: that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord…”
Please join us Thursday May 5, 2011 at Redeemer church for any of the three 30 minute prayer services we will offer at 7:00am, 12 noon, or 7:00pm. It is an opportunity for us to continue seeking God’s guidance and protection during these days of turmoil in our country.*
May God bless America!
Kelvin Fizzell
Director of Small Groups
Redeemer Church
*Excerpts from Shirley Dobson; Chairman, National Day of Prayer
Since Congress established the 1st National Day of prayer 60 years ago, millions of Americans have joined in prayer to lift up our nation and its leaders to Almighty God. Once again on May 5th, we will continue the example given to us by our Founding Fathers and by presidents since then who have encouraged the American people to call out to God in times of turmoil and unrest.
Abraham Lincoln called upon all citizens to take part in a day of fasting and prayer: “…it is the duty of nations as well as of men to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon, and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history: that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord…”
Please join us Thursday May 5, 2011 at Redeemer church for any of the three 30 minute prayer services we will offer at 7:00am, 12 noon, or 7:00pm. It is an opportunity for us to continue seeking God’s guidance and protection during these days of turmoil in our country.*
May God bless America!
Kelvin Fizzell
Director of Small Groups
Redeemer Church
*Excerpts from Shirley Dobson; Chairman, National Day of Prayer
Thursday, March 24, 2011
United Methodist Committee On Relief works with partners in Japan
Redeemer Friends:
I thought that many of you may be interested in hearing what the United Methodist Committee On Relief is doing – following the disaster in Japan. Remember, 100% of every dollar you give to UMCOR goes directly to meet human need. You can give through Redeemer Church, if you so desire. Just mark your check or envelope for UMCOR-Japan. Or click here to give now through our website (www.dewittredeemer.org)
Pastor Rod
Below is from The Reverend Cynthia Fierro Harvey 3/21/2011
United Methodist Committee On Relief works with partners in Japan
Dear Friends,
I join you in lifting up the people of Japan in prayer during this time of crisis. We grieve with them and stand with them in solidarity. Once again, I am struck by the extravagant generosity of United Methodists who are supporting UMCOR’s efforts to bring healing and hope to Japan. We have received thousands of phone calls, emails, Facebook posts, and donations from people whose hearts are aching for the people of Japan and who are looking for meaningful ways to respond.
Many churches in our connection are collecting offerings to raise money for UMCOR. I want to share with you how we are responding on your behalf to the great needs.
UMCOR’s Response:
UMCOR is working through relief and church partners in Japan to respond and provide immediate assistance and long-term rehabilitation. With these partners, UMCOR is meeting the most basic humanitarian needs in northern Japan such as providing clean drinking water, food, cooking and eating supplies, clothing, and fuel for heating.
We are honoring the request of the Japanese government who has asked that outside groups not come to Japan. UMCOR staff generally does not go into disaster areas as first responders and we are working through trusted partners who have existing networks on the ground in the affected areas. We have sent an emergency grant to church partner, United Church of Christ in Japan. They are using the funds to distribute food, clean water, clothing, and heating fuel.
Local churches are being used as distribution sites to provide basic necessities to survivors. UMCOR also sent an emergency grant to GlobalMedic, a trusted partner and first responder, to provide relief to affected survivors in the form of medical care, and access to clean drinking water, supplies, and food.
We anticipate working with our partners to direct your gifts to earthquake and tsunami survivors in Japan as needs and plans for response are identified. All grant requests go through a rigorous approval process and require a reporting of how the funds are used. It is important to us that we are good stewards of your gifts. We are always accountable for how UMCOR funds are used. Two independent charity watch groups, Charity Navigator and American Institute of Philanthropy, have affirmed UMCOR’s trustworthiness by recognizing us with the highest ratings.
Volunteers:
While our hearts may feel that we must do something besides “just” writing a check, please keep in mind John Wesley’s appeal to do no harm. The situation in Japan is not conducive to sending volunteers. It is important to allow the well-established government organizations to organize the response, particularly while they are in the crucial rescue phase.
Relief Supplies:
Many supplies are available in Japan and sending funds directly to our partners supports the local economy while ensuring that they are getting exactly what they need. A practical example was pointed out to me by a physician in Haiti, who explained that it is important to purchase medicine in the country because the directions for use will be in the native language.
An additional concern is that sending an unsolicited shipment into the disaster area runs the risk of hampering relief efforts, clogging runways, and creating an added burden to the system because there is no efficient way to distribute the shipment. Please consider your local thrift store for these kinds of thoughtful donations.
Kit Ministry:
We are fortunate that because of faithful giving throughout the year, the UMCOR depots are well stocked with health kits. Through authorized channels and a coordinated effort with the Japanese authorities, when the time is appropriate, UMCOR is prepared to send thousands of health kits to Japan in response to this emergency. Because we have a surplus of health kits our priority is keeping our depots stocked with other kits such as cleaning buckets, layette and school kits. We welcome your contributions so that we can send them where they are most needed around the world.
Continued prayers:
UMCOR is committed to standing with the people of Japan into the recovery phase. We will continue working through our church and relief partners to provide shelter, food, and clean water to survivors of this crisis. Regular updates can be found in the UMCOR Hotline and on Facebook. Please continue to hold the people of Japan in your prayers. I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of love into the world by our United Methodist Church.
Grace and peace,
The Reverend Cynthia Fierro Harvey
I thought that many of you may be interested in hearing what the United Methodist Committee On Relief is doing – following the disaster in Japan. Remember, 100% of every dollar you give to UMCOR goes directly to meet human need. You can give through Redeemer Church, if you so desire. Just mark your check or envelope for UMCOR-Japan. Or click here to give now through our website (www.dewittredeemer.org)
Pastor Rod
Below is from The Reverend Cynthia Fierro Harvey 3/21/2011
United Methodist Committee On Relief works with partners in Japan
Dear Friends,
I join you in lifting up the people of Japan in prayer during this time of crisis. We grieve with them and stand with them in solidarity. Once again, I am struck by the extravagant generosity of United Methodists who are supporting UMCOR’s efforts to bring healing and hope to Japan. We have received thousands of phone calls, emails, Facebook posts, and donations from people whose hearts are aching for the people of Japan and who are looking for meaningful ways to respond.
Many churches in our connection are collecting offerings to raise money for UMCOR. I want to share with you how we are responding on your behalf to the great needs.
UMCOR’s Response:
UMCOR is working through relief and church partners in Japan to respond and provide immediate assistance and long-term rehabilitation. With these partners, UMCOR is meeting the most basic humanitarian needs in northern Japan such as providing clean drinking water, food, cooking and eating supplies, clothing, and fuel for heating.
We are honoring the request of the Japanese government who has asked that outside groups not come to Japan. UMCOR staff generally does not go into disaster areas as first responders and we are working through trusted partners who have existing networks on the ground in the affected areas. We have sent an emergency grant to church partner, United Church of Christ in Japan. They are using the funds to distribute food, clean water, clothing, and heating fuel.
Local churches are being used as distribution sites to provide basic necessities to survivors. UMCOR also sent an emergency grant to GlobalMedic, a trusted partner and first responder, to provide relief to affected survivors in the form of medical care, and access to clean drinking water, supplies, and food.
We anticipate working with our partners to direct your gifts to earthquake and tsunami survivors in Japan as needs and plans for response are identified. All grant requests go through a rigorous approval process and require a reporting of how the funds are used. It is important to us that we are good stewards of your gifts. We are always accountable for how UMCOR funds are used. Two independent charity watch groups, Charity Navigator and American Institute of Philanthropy, have affirmed UMCOR’s trustworthiness by recognizing us with the highest ratings.
Volunteers:
While our hearts may feel that we must do something besides “just” writing a check, please keep in mind John Wesley’s appeal to do no harm. The situation in Japan is not conducive to sending volunteers. It is important to allow the well-established government organizations to organize the response, particularly while they are in the crucial rescue phase.
Relief Supplies:
Many supplies are available in Japan and sending funds directly to our partners supports the local economy while ensuring that they are getting exactly what they need. A practical example was pointed out to me by a physician in Haiti, who explained that it is important to purchase medicine in the country because the directions for use will be in the native language.
An additional concern is that sending an unsolicited shipment into the disaster area runs the risk of hampering relief efforts, clogging runways, and creating an added burden to the system because there is no efficient way to distribute the shipment. Please consider your local thrift store for these kinds of thoughtful donations.
Kit Ministry:
We are fortunate that because of faithful giving throughout the year, the UMCOR depots are well stocked with health kits. Through authorized channels and a coordinated effort with the Japanese authorities, when the time is appropriate, UMCOR is prepared to send thousands of health kits to Japan in response to this emergency. Because we have a surplus of health kits our priority is keeping our depots stocked with other kits such as cleaning buckets, layette and school kits. We welcome your contributions so that we can send them where they are most needed around the world.
Continued prayers:
UMCOR is committed to standing with the people of Japan into the recovery phase. We will continue working through our church and relief partners to provide shelter, food, and clean water to survivors of this crisis. Regular updates can be found in the UMCOR Hotline and on Facebook. Please continue to hold the people of Japan in your prayers. I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of love into the world by our United Methodist Church.
Grace and peace,
The Reverend Cynthia Fierro Harvey
Friday, February 18, 2011
Facing Life's Fears
This week we will begin a new Teaching Series called: Facing Life’s Fears. In addition, our congregation is being asked to study together Max Lucado’s powerful book…Fearless.
I’m excited for this series because fear is an emotion that touches all of our lives. Life can be risky and it is filled with opportunities or reasons to fear or have anxiety. When I use the word fear, I mean all levels of fear from general apprehension and worry to dread and terror. Fear starts out when we are very young with fears of things like darkness, monsters under the bed, or actions we experience in an abusive home. It continues into our teenage years with fears of rejection, humiliation and failure. Adulthood is also filled with fears around the possibility of disease, death, financial problems, broken relationships, loved ones being hurt, storms, failure, aging, crime, and more. The list is endless. I personally struggle, at times, with worry and anxiety and need reminded that “love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear” (1 John 4:18).
We are an anxiety-laden society as the sales of many books dealing with anxiety and the sales of anti-anxiety drugs seem to indicate. Fear is both unpleasant and can be harmful physically, mentally, and even spiritually. Fear and anxiety choke out the Word of God in our life as the Bible tells us in Matthew 13:22: “…all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced.”
Fear can be very displeasing and dishonoring to God if we do not respond to it with faith. The Bible reminds us that we will have anxieties but we are to “give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you" (1 Peter 5:7). We all want answers to the fear problem, to worry and anxiety. We look for something to relieve us from our fears, something that will reassure us and instill confidence and peace within our hearts.
Some people look for that security in their bank account, others in a relationship. Some place their trust in the government, the latest drug, their job, or in a variety of other things. But none of these things are real solutions because none of them offer total security or absolute reassurance. No amount of money, success, or any position in life can truly give us peace in every situation. So the question becomes, How can we have peace in our life instead of fear? That answer to this important question is given in Psalm 27.
In this Psalm, David expresses his confidence in God - and in an absence of fear. “The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident. The one thing I ask of the Lord—the thing I seek most—is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple. For he will conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock. Then I will hold my head high above my enemies who surround me. At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy, singing and praising the Lord with music.”
Because his focus was on God and dwelling in God’s presence, David can lift his head with confidence and sing with joy. In the midst of his trouble, David is reminded that God will never forsake him and will always guide him.
This is the consistent message of the Bible…stay focused on God. In Isaiah 26: 3 we read: "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!”
Philippians 4: 6-7 tells us: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
There will be times when anxiety and fear will come into our lives it is then that we have a choice to make - we can choose to focus on the problem and be overcome with fear or we can choose to focus on God.
Pastor Rod
I’m excited for this series because fear is an emotion that touches all of our lives. Life can be risky and it is filled with opportunities or reasons to fear or have anxiety. When I use the word fear, I mean all levels of fear from general apprehension and worry to dread and terror. Fear starts out when we are very young with fears of things like darkness, monsters under the bed, or actions we experience in an abusive home. It continues into our teenage years with fears of rejection, humiliation and failure. Adulthood is also filled with fears around the possibility of disease, death, financial problems, broken relationships, loved ones being hurt, storms, failure, aging, crime, and more. The list is endless. I personally struggle, at times, with worry and anxiety and need reminded that “love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear” (1 John 4:18).
We are an anxiety-laden society as the sales of many books dealing with anxiety and the sales of anti-anxiety drugs seem to indicate. Fear is both unpleasant and can be harmful physically, mentally, and even spiritually. Fear and anxiety choke out the Word of God in our life as the Bible tells us in Matthew 13:22: “…all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced.”
Fear can be very displeasing and dishonoring to God if we do not respond to it with faith. The Bible reminds us that we will have anxieties but we are to “give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you" (1 Peter 5:7). We all want answers to the fear problem, to worry and anxiety. We look for something to relieve us from our fears, something that will reassure us and instill confidence and peace within our hearts.
Some people look for that security in their bank account, others in a relationship. Some place their trust in the government, the latest drug, their job, or in a variety of other things. But none of these things are real solutions because none of them offer total security or absolute reassurance. No amount of money, success, or any position in life can truly give us peace in every situation. So the question becomes, How can we have peace in our life instead of fear? That answer to this important question is given in Psalm 27.
In this Psalm, David expresses his confidence in God - and in an absence of fear. “The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident. The one thing I ask of the Lord—the thing I seek most—is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple. For he will conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock. Then I will hold my head high above my enemies who surround me. At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy, singing and praising the Lord with music.”
Because his focus was on God and dwelling in God’s presence, David can lift his head with confidence and sing with joy. In the midst of his trouble, David is reminded that God will never forsake him and will always guide him.
This is the consistent message of the Bible…stay focused on God. In Isaiah 26: 3 we read: "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!”
Philippians 4: 6-7 tells us: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
There will be times when anxiety and fear will come into our lives it is then that we have a choice to make - we can choose to focus on the problem and be overcome with fear or we can choose to focus on God.
Pastor Rod
Monday, January 10, 2011
Anointing for Healing
This weekend our worship services included elements of John Wesley’s Covenant Service, the Sacrament of Holy Communion and Anointing for Healing. The feedback last night and today has been very positive. There were lots of emotions, lots of tears and the power of God’s Spirit was evident in each of our four weekend services. Personally, I felt the presence of God made real in Elena’s prayer, in Tina singing Healing Rain, in seeing laity pray for one another, and in praying the Covenant Prayer together.
Our Book of Worship states: “Scripture strongly affirms ministries of spiritual healing. Spiritual healing is God’s work of offering persons balance, harmony and wholeness of body, mind, spirit and relationships through confession, forgiveness and reconciliation.”
In the Hebrew mind, physical healing was always intertwined with spiritual healing. We affirm that all healing is of God. “The Church’s healing ministry in no way detracts from the gifts God gives through medicine and psychotherapy. It is no substitute for either medicine or the proper care of one’s health. Rather it adds to our total resources for wholeness.” (Book of Worship, p.613).
How appropriate it was, at the beginning of a new year, to renew our vows and our commitment to Christ in the words of John Wesley, written around 1780. It’s true that the greatest healing of all is the reunion or reconciliation of a human being with God. When this happens, sometimes physical healing occurs, mental and emotional balance is often restored, spiritual health is enhanced, and relationships are healed. For the Christian, the basic purpose of spiritual healing is to renew and strengthen one’s relationship with the living Christ.
I pray that those who came forward to be anointed this weekend will experience the healing presence and power of Christ in your life.
“May the power of God’s indwelling presence heal you of all illnesses – of body, mind, spirit, and relationships – that you may serve God with a loving heart. Amen.”
Rod
Our Book of Worship states: “Scripture strongly affirms ministries of spiritual healing. Spiritual healing is God’s work of offering persons balance, harmony and wholeness of body, mind, spirit and relationships through confession, forgiveness and reconciliation.”
In the Hebrew mind, physical healing was always intertwined with spiritual healing. We affirm that all healing is of God. “The Church’s healing ministry in no way detracts from the gifts God gives through medicine and psychotherapy. It is no substitute for either medicine or the proper care of one’s health. Rather it adds to our total resources for wholeness.” (Book of Worship, p.613).
How appropriate it was, at the beginning of a new year, to renew our vows and our commitment to Christ in the words of John Wesley, written around 1780. It’s true that the greatest healing of all is the reunion or reconciliation of a human being with God. When this happens, sometimes physical healing occurs, mental and emotional balance is often restored, spiritual health is enhanced, and relationships are healed. For the Christian, the basic purpose of spiritual healing is to renew and strengthen one’s relationship with the living Christ.
I pray that those who came forward to be anointed this weekend will experience the healing presence and power of Christ in your life.
“May the power of God’s indwelling presence heal you of all illnesses – of body, mind, spirit, and relationships – that you may serve God with a loving heart. Amen.”
Rod
Monday, January 3, 2011
Give thanks in all circumstances
In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, the Apostle Paul gives us this advice: “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”
Paul pioneered the church in Thessalonica. He went into the Jewish synagogue and proclaimed Jesus’ death and resurrection. Some Jews believed, plus many God-fearing Greeks and prominent women. But some Jews were jealous of Paul and drove him out of town. Paul wrote two letters to the Thessalonians to encourage them in their new-found faith in Christ. His command to his flocks in Thessalonica was this: “Be joyful always. Don’t stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances.” What? Be joyful always? We can be joyful sometimes but not always. What about the times that we feel like crying and screaming? What about after we failed our final exams? Are we supposed to be joyful then too?
Paul says, “Be joyful always…” Being joyful always does not come from our feelings; it comes through a decision of faith. Feelings change from time to time. So if we depend on our feelings, we cannot be joyful always. But when we make a decision of faith to please God, we can be joyful always. True joy comes from Jesus. Luke 2:10 says, “But the angel said to the shepherds, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.’” Jesus is good news of great joy. Jesus is the source of our joy. When we do not have Jesus, we lose our joy.
God made us to be joyful, not gloomy or grumpy. Without joy, life is boring, so boring that people sit down for hours on end flicking their television remote or surfing the Internet. People are always seeking something to be joyful about. In ancient times, people sought joy by searching for the truth, such as the meaning or origin of life. So there were many philosophers. Just after the Industrial Revolution, many sought joy by studying science.
How about modern people? Many people seek joy through shopping. Some people are joyful when their sport teams win. Some people are joyful when they receive presents. Many people seek joy through drinking, parties, music concerts, movies and other forms of entertainment. They feel an emotional high for a short time. The problem is that the next day the emptiness and emotional let-down often follows.
Where does lasting joy come from? This joy does not come from favorable circumstances. This joy comes from God. Galatians 5:22 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Joy comes from the Holy Spirit. Once, Paul wrote from prison a letter to Philippians Christians saying, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4) How could Paul be joyful in prison? He could have grumbled, “Lord, why are you doing this to me? How long should I suffer in the prison?”.
If we want to know the will of God for our lives here is one clue: Give thanks in all circumstances. One might say, "How could I give thanks? You don't know my circumstances. I have absolutely no reason to give thanks for what happened to me." But in not giving thanks we relegate ourselves to the tyranny of a broken and fallen world. The Bible speaks of a fallen creation that needs rescue. Giving thanks reminds us and aligns us with God's plan for our lives.
Be Thankful (Author unknown)
Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to? Be thankful when you don't know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn. Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow. Be thankful for your limitations because they give you opportunities for improvement. Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character. Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons. Be thankful when you are weary, because it means you've made a difference. It's easy to be thankful for the good things. Fulfillment comes to those who also are thankful for the setbacks. Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings.
“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances.” Good advice for 2011, don’t you think? Have a blessed New Year!
Rod
Paul pioneered the church in Thessalonica. He went into the Jewish synagogue and proclaimed Jesus’ death and resurrection. Some Jews believed, plus many God-fearing Greeks and prominent women. But some Jews were jealous of Paul and drove him out of town. Paul wrote two letters to the Thessalonians to encourage them in their new-found faith in Christ. His command to his flocks in Thessalonica was this: “Be joyful always. Don’t stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances.” What? Be joyful always? We can be joyful sometimes but not always. What about the times that we feel like crying and screaming? What about after we failed our final exams? Are we supposed to be joyful then too?
Paul says, “Be joyful always…” Being joyful always does not come from our feelings; it comes through a decision of faith. Feelings change from time to time. So if we depend on our feelings, we cannot be joyful always. But when we make a decision of faith to please God, we can be joyful always. True joy comes from Jesus. Luke 2:10 says, “But the angel said to the shepherds, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.’” Jesus is good news of great joy. Jesus is the source of our joy. When we do not have Jesus, we lose our joy.
God made us to be joyful, not gloomy or grumpy. Without joy, life is boring, so boring that people sit down for hours on end flicking their television remote or surfing the Internet. People are always seeking something to be joyful about. In ancient times, people sought joy by searching for the truth, such as the meaning or origin of life. So there were many philosophers. Just after the Industrial Revolution, many sought joy by studying science.
How about modern people? Many people seek joy through shopping. Some people are joyful when their sport teams win. Some people are joyful when they receive presents. Many people seek joy through drinking, parties, music concerts, movies and other forms of entertainment. They feel an emotional high for a short time. The problem is that the next day the emptiness and emotional let-down often follows.
Where does lasting joy come from? This joy does not come from favorable circumstances. This joy comes from God. Galatians 5:22 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Joy comes from the Holy Spirit. Once, Paul wrote from prison a letter to Philippians Christians saying, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4) How could Paul be joyful in prison? He could have grumbled, “Lord, why are you doing this to me? How long should I suffer in the prison?”.
If we want to know the will of God for our lives here is one clue: Give thanks in all circumstances. One might say, "How could I give thanks? You don't know my circumstances. I have absolutely no reason to give thanks for what happened to me." But in not giving thanks we relegate ourselves to the tyranny of a broken and fallen world. The Bible speaks of a fallen creation that needs rescue. Giving thanks reminds us and aligns us with God's plan for our lives.
Be Thankful (Author unknown)
Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to? Be thankful when you don't know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn. Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow. Be thankful for your limitations because they give you opportunities for improvement. Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character. Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons. Be thankful when you are weary, because it means you've made a difference. It's easy to be thankful for the good things. Fulfillment comes to those who also are thankful for the setbacks. Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings.
“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances.” Good advice for 2011, don’t you think? Have a blessed New Year!
Rod
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)