Perishable Things

1 Peter 1.18 says: For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed form the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefather, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.
If you are like me you struggle with putting faith and hope in "perishable things." Such things are so tangible - and we humans like the tangible. We like to see, hold, and the whole rest of our senses, those things that we believe in. Such things are called empirical evidenses. God calls us to be people of faith - those things in which we cannot sense solely with observation or experiment. Do we "trust" in God? Do we "trust" in the precious blood of His Son for the forgiveness of sin?
Read the verses again...dwell on them...and allow God to speak to your heart.

Through the Ages

There is a thought that continues to bounce around in my partially empty skull...how are things "new every morning" when one wakes to the same ol things? I get a little melancholy when thinking that things have just chugged along before I was here and they will continue to chug along long after I'm gone. So I sit, and I ponder, and I ask the Lord, "what difference does it make?" Usually the answer is this... "Matthew, I have made you and created you for a special purpose. A purpose no other person has ever had nor will have. It is your task to follow me and allow me to work out that purpose in your everyday life." See the turn of thought? It is His purpose being worked out in me...NOT my purpose being lived out...that is what brings fulfillment and enjoyment of the everyday.
Sit...and ask God what His purpose is today. Now GO and allow yourself to be a vessel of holy use. God's use. Enjoy today's adventure!

Through the Rain

I was standing out on the deck watching lightning strike a pivot just north of the house last night with the family...what an amazing sight to see fire come hurdling through the sky and in the same instant have your heart knocked sideways from a thunder clap! The girls and I all screamed and ran in the house to watch from a much safer vantage point!
As the rain began to come in sheets and the storm continued to roar, I was keenly aware of God's presence and His might. I know He talks to some in a whisper but last night it was through the storm. Through the rain He reminded me that He has washed my sins away and has "renewed a right spirit within me."
My prayer this morning is giving praise to God that through the rain He gives new life...through the washing away of sin He gives new hope.

New Toys

There is nothing better than a new toy...ask any 6 year old. We just got some new toys in the office [computers!] to help us organize our ministry. Oh sure! Another truth be told...things that help you get organized are complicated! Never the less...things should be updated more consistently now. Another truth...things that help you stay up to date are hard to do consistently! What a topsy turvy world we live in!
I am excited over what the youth group [SWAT] is up to...they are starting a mission-minded worldview. I think you can see the link to their facebook and mission challenge on the blog sight. Check it out!
Too bad the great commandment wasn't "go, find a new toy!" Rather, and even better, it is "Go and find a new life in Jesus!"

Through the Years

I am amazed at the rememberance of people of events that happened in high school. Hang around a reunion long enough and the memories just keep coming back. As I look back over my years as a believer, I wonder at times what the Lord has been doing with my life...or...if I've been listening to the Lord about what he wanted me to do. Just as the Scriptures kept reminding God's people to look back and see what the Lord had done for them in order that they may remain true to Him in their present circumstances, I likewise need to look back and remember what God has done in my life. The mercy, grace and forgiveness that He has shown me. The places of despair and darkness that He lifted me out of. The great moments and times of joy and pure happiness. Ah, it is good, at times, to remember...the Lord is good. Thank you Jesus!

The Hands of Jesus

The hands of Jesus must have been a sight to behold. Before the crucifixion they had to be calloused and rugged. Born to weild a hammer or pickaxe. And yet, these hands grabbed the children and swung them around and around. These hands grasped a poor ladies withered hand and healed it completely. These hands, held above the waves, commanded the attention of nature as though it was simply an unruly child to be quieted. What hands.
Even more powerful were the hands of Christ after the crucifixion...just as rugged, but now scarred. Scarred with sin and pain. Scarred with unfailing love and ever-present mercy.
You and I are called to be the hands of Christ on earth. Take a look at your hands...too clean? Too soft? Never touched or touching? Clear with no defects? Mine too.....

Through Their Eyes

Empathy is a difficult tight wire to walk. We want so much to associate with what another is going through, what they are feeling, struggling with, etc. And yet, not make it about self. A friend who is hating work when you are loving yours. A loved one who has been diagnosed with a disease and you feel the best you have ever felt in your live. How does one see life through their eyes and be able to be that loved one, that friend that the other really needs at this time?
Jesus, you saw the world through your Father's eyes...because God so love the world...please help us see through your eyes those around us that need ministered to.
Let us have bigger ears than we do mouths!

Travel Trails

Time to ponder comes often in a nine hours trip...creation...family dynamics...future goals...sin...the timing of hesitant windshield wipers! How do we use these times of contemplation? How much time, I wondered, do I waste listening to nothingness on the radio when I could be talking to the Living God about life? I challenge you to a quiet car ride the next time you have a trip [maybe not the whole nine hours:)]...just testing the blog spot too! Pastor Matt