Matthew 26:55 At that time Jesus said to the crowds, "Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would against a robber? Every day I used to sit in the temple teaching and you did not seize Me.
56: "But all this has taken place to fulfill the Scriptures of the prophets." Then all the disciples left Him and fled.
This passage of scripture causes sorrow in my heart. When Jesus performed all those miracles during His life, healing the sick, casting out demons, saving people from their sins, and giving to the poor during His ministry. All those same people who received those wonderful free gifts from Jesus, and they all turned against Him in the end. But as Jesus said, it had to happen so the scriptures could be fulfilled. The hardest part to understand is when the 12 disciples even rejected Him at His most critical time of need. His best and closest friends ran away from Him and allowed Him to be arrested. He must of felt the rejection deeply as He was part man and part God. As I get prepared before the time of resurrection day, I read in all the gospel accounts the story about the time right before the crucifixion, and all the things Jesus had to suffer before He died on the cross. The spitting, slapping, the 40 lashes He took on His back, the rejection He felt and the humiliation as the people taunted Him with unloving words. It makes me much more appreciative to know the actual cost of Him giving His life on the cross for me, He died that I might have eternal life.
So as I meditate on the sufferings of Christ it will help me to look more forward to Resurrection day, because the Bible teaches us that if Christ did not raise from the dead then our faith is in vain, but we know that Jesus did raise back to life again and the same power that raised Him from the dead is working in us who believe . So as we get closer to that celebration, take the time to tell others about the gospel message and what Jesus' death means to them.
P.S. I was recently thinking about a ministry that would connect Christians so we could spend time together during the week in between services and times of study. I sometimes have the feeling of being alone. I know there are many people in the church who enjoy hiking and going to social events. I was recently looking at some of the photo albums at the church and saw some pictures of church families going on a bike/hike in Titusville, and I also remember some trips we took going to Pittsburgh on a bus. It would be so much fun to connect with others and share those times together, but I am not sure how to get a ministry like that organized. I know with the economy like it is, several people cannot afford to do the things they normally would do like go somewhere special for a week, but there are many things close by, that are free or low cost and someone like myself who cannot afford to have a car, I could help pay for the gas. I was wondering how many other people are like me and don't do many things, but if the opportunity was there, we would be inspired to get involved if a group of others would go. Maybe it could be a special outing once a month. An example would be Presque Isle. Lots to do and see and most of it is free. If anyone reads this and has ideas and you see me in church, share your ideas and maybe we can get the idea organized for later this summer.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Pastor Cliff: More Than a Teacher, but Also a Friend to Many
Collisions 2:6 Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,
7:having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.
8:See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.
9: For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form,
10: and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority.
We are very grateful to Christ for sending us a caring pastor. We are currently being taught sermons on the life of Christ, and to live how Christ lived. We are being trained in the disciplines of Christ. That word discipline sounds like something a prideful person would not want to do, but if we remember the verse about if we take Christ's yoke upon us are burden will be lighter.
Some of the topics we have learned and will be learning to become disciplined in our what we are putting in our mind and how to control our thoughts, about the importance of God's word being our final authority when we make decisions, our prayer life, we must remember how Jesus went to the Father in prayer and how He said at different times He would not do certain things unless His Heavenly father gave Him direction. So it taught us if Jesus found it important to pray, then we also should see how important it is to have personal communication to God. Next week we will learn about forgiving others, then controlling our tongues, how the church body functions at it's best, the importance of thanksgiving, and stewardship.
As we have been learning through this series of disciplining and training ourselves in righteousness, many people have been stirred up by what they have heard. They have shared with me that they have talked with Pastor Cliff about different subjects and how he has been advising them and mentoring them in these disciplines of life. He has been very helpful to me in the area of budgeting money and finances. I have a long ways to go before I get debt free, but I have established a changed pattern and am well on my way. I have been able recently to have enough confidence to work on my own monthly worksheets, but as a way of holding me accountable to the process, he checks on how things are going. Some other younger couples have mentioned to me that they were also having trouble with their finances. As I become better experienced with the process, I am hoping that I will be able to teach others how to handle their money also.
Pastor Cliff loves people and loves his position, and one of the rewards he receives from it is when he reaches out to others when they are seeking answers and he can experience with them the progress and growth they experience from being obedient to the wisdom of following God's word.
3John:4: I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.
7:having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.
8:See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.
9: For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form,
10: and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority.
We are very grateful to Christ for sending us a caring pastor. We are currently being taught sermons on the life of Christ, and to live how Christ lived. We are being trained in the disciplines of Christ. That word discipline sounds like something a prideful person would not want to do, but if we remember the verse about if we take Christ's yoke upon us are burden will be lighter.
Some of the topics we have learned and will be learning to become disciplined in our what we are putting in our mind and how to control our thoughts, about the importance of God's word being our final authority when we make decisions, our prayer life, we must remember how Jesus went to the Father in prayer and how He said at different times He would not do certain things unless His Heavenly father gave Him direction. So it taught us if Jesus found it important to pray, then we also should see how important it is to have personal communication to God. Next week we will learn about forgiving others, then controlling our tongues, how the church body functions at it's best, the importance of thanksgiving, and stewardship.
As we have been learning through this series of disciplining and training ourselves in righteousness, many people have been stirred up by what they have heard. They have shared with me that they have talked with Pastor Cliff about different subjects and how he has been advising them and mentoring them in these disciplines of life. He has been very helpful to me in the area of budgeting money and finances. I have a long ways to go before I get debt free, but I have established a changed pattern and am well on my way. I have been able recently to have enough confidence to work on my own monthly worksheets, but as a way of holding me accountable to the process, he checks on how things are going. Some other younger couples have mentioned to me that they were also having trouble with their finances. As I become better experienced with the process, I am hoping that I will be able to teach others how to handle their money also.
Pastor Cliff loves people and loves his position, and one of the rewards he receives from it is when he reaches out to others when they are seeking answers and he can experience with them the progress and growth they experience from being obedient to the wisdom of following God's word.
3John:4: I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
A Merry Heart Works Like Medicine
Proverbs 17:22a: A merry heart works like a good medicine.
After a hard long winter, we have been getting a few nice warm weekends. My neighbors invited me to join them on a nature hike at Woodcock dam after church las t Sunday. We had a very enjoyable time. We all took turns swinging from a huge grape vine. I took my turn, but I realized that I am now past my peak. I survived the ride, but I didn't go for the full swing, because I could hear the tree start to make cracking noices, and decided it would be a little embarrasing to be pulled out of the valley below by the rescue squad. The others were much better at it, and we had a lot of laughs as they each took their turn. We walked on two trails. As we reached the stream below, we looked for fossils, and we found a couple rocks that had good fossils on them, but left them behind. We also found a crayfish and some grubs. We were able to walk under the road through a tunnel that dumped the stream into the lake. There were a lot of families and pets also along the trail. After walking, we went down to the playground and picnic area and watched as the three young children played. There was another boy about three years old who kept going down the tallest slide. It was such a joyful time to hear him laugh so hard he was having trouble getting back up. We also saw the first butterflies and buzzing bees of the season.
After I got home, there were many families walking down my alley, and kids on skateboards, and rollerblades and doing trick riding on their bikes. I went to work the back way, and saw a father pitching a baseball to his two sons. Early spring is a wonderful time of the year. It is great to see people involved in all this activity. I enjoy watching God's creation slowly coming back to life. I am excited to see what is yet to come. Yes, a joyful, thankful heart does work like a good medicine.
P.S. If anyone enjoys going on hikes, and you have room in your vehicle, invite others to join you, and share the experience with them. It will be a blessing to all of you.
After a hard long winter, we have been getting a few nice warm weekends. My neighbors invited me to join them on a nature hike at Woodcock dam after church las t Sunday. We had a very enjoyable time. We all took turns swinging from a huge grape vine. I took my turn, but I realized that I am now past my peak. I survived the ride, but I didn't go for the full swing, because I could hear the tree start to make cracking noices, and decided it would be a little embarrasing to be pulled out of the valley below by the rescue squad. The others were much better at it, and we had a lot of laughs as they each took their turn. We walked on two trails. As we reached the stream below, we looked for fossils, and we found a couple rocks that had good fossils on them, but left them behind. We also found a crayfish and some grubs. We were able to walk under the road through a tunnel that dumped the stream into the lake. There were a lot of families and pets also along the trail. After walking, we went down to the playground and picnic area and watched as the three young children played. There was another boy about three years old who kept going down the tallest slide. It was such a joyful time to hear him laugh so hard he was having trouble getting back up. We also saw the first butterflies and buzzing bees of the season.
After I got home, there were many families walking down my alley, and kids on skateboards, and rollerblades and doing trick riding on their bikes. I went to work the back way, and saw a father pitching a baseball to his two sons. Early spring is a wonderful time of the year. It is great to see people involved in all this activity. I enjoy watching God's creation slowly coming back to life. I am excited to see what is yet to come. Yes, a joyful, thankful heart does work like a good medicine.
P.S. If anyone enjoys going on hikes, and you have room in your vehicle, invite others to join you, and share the experience with them. It will be a blessing to all of you.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
God's Sovereignty Shown in a storm
Psalm 103:13 Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.
14:For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust.
15:As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
16:When the wind has passed over it, it is no more, and its place acknowledges it no longer.
17:But the loving kindness of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children's children,
18: to those who keep His covenant and remember His precepts to do them.
19: The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all.
Last week, the National Weather Service issued a mock tornado warning. When this took place, it immediately reminded me of my favorite biking trail on the shores of Lake Wilhelm, located just a short distance across the Crawford County line off of route 19. It is a multi-purpose trail and is about 13 miles long. About five years ago I was staying with my sister and her husband in the middle of May. It was a warm humid day and the sun was shining. We ate supper and I decided to take one last lap around the lake before we headed for home. I got back about 7:30 from my ride and we headed for home. Before we left the sky was turning black, and there was thunder in the distance. When we got home I watched the news and I found out that there was a tornado along the lake. The next week I went back to do my lap and about three miles down the trail on both sides there was about a quarter of a mile where it looked like someone had taken a giant bowl and scraped out everything in sight. The trees were gone. There was no grass or anything left that was recognizable. The Lord did show mercy and loving kindness to a few homes located on the hill surrounding the lake. It was just a fearful thing to think that I was in that place just about an hour before the storm hit
Since that summer, I have been able to go back and each year the Lord has been doing His creative work to bring this place back to restoration. The first year there was areas where grass was growing and some wildflowers were coming up. A few years later I could see some shrubs and vines growing, last year there were some trees beginning to get some height on them and some of the trees had birds nesting in them. It gave me a pictorial image of the creation story in Genesis where it says God spoke things in existence and they came to be. It also caused me to trust Him more, because now I know that nothing is impossible with God. The last time I was there was in September and it was almost impossible to find the location where this took place, because the newness of life is blending in with the environment that was untouched by the storm.
I believe that is how the Lord works in our lives also. He takes us who deserve death and draws us to Himself until we receive the free gift of salvation. And gradually through the Holy Spirit He teaches us to become more Christlike. It is good to know that our God is a compassionate God and He has made a way that we can have eternal life. It is good also to know that after we receive salvation that nothing in earth, under the earth or above the earth can separate us from that love, not even death. God is teaching me to be patient with others when I share the Word now, because He reminds me that it is Him who will do the work and I have to rely on Him and realize without him I can do nothing. It isn't about me and my ideas, but it's about Him and what He can accomplish in others. Just as He restored my favorite nature trail He is able to restore anybody. I also have to realize that He is also working in me. We may not be able to see all the things He is doing day to day, but with patience and endurance may it give us all the peace that passes all understanding to know that He is working for the good of those who were called according to His purpose.
14:For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust.
15:As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
16:When the wind has passed over it, it is no more, and its place acknowledges it no longer.
17:But the loving kindness of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children's children,
18: to those who keep His covenant and remember His precepts to do them.
19: The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all.
Last week, the National Weather Service issued a mock tornado warning. When this took place, it immediately reminded me of my favorite biking trail on the shores of Lake Wilhelm, located just a short distance across the Crawford County line off of route 19. It is a multi-purpose trail and is about 13 miles long. About five years ago I was staying with my sister and her husband in the middle of May. It was a warm humid day and the sun was shining. We ate supper and I decided to take one last lap around the lake before we headed for home. I got back about 7:30 from my ride and we headed for home. Before we left the sky was turning black, and there was thunder in the distance. When we got home I watched the news and I found out that there was a tornado along the lake. The next week I went back to do my lap and about three miles down the trail on both sides there was about a quarter of a mile where it looked like someone had taken a giant bowl and scraped out everything in sight. The trees were gone. There was no grass or anything left that was recognizable. The Lord did show mercy and loving kindness to a few homes located on the hill surrounding the lake. It was just a fearful thing to think that I was in that place just about an hour before the storm hit
Since that summer, I have been able to go back and each year the Lord has been doing His creative work to bring this place back to restoration. The first year there was areas where grass was growing and some wildflowers were coming up. A few years later I could see some shrubs and vines growing, last year there were some trees beginning to get some height on them and some of the trees had birds nesting in them. It gave me a pictorial image of the creation story in Genesis where it says God spoke things in existence and they came to be. It also caused me to trust Him more, because now I know that nothing is impossible with God. The last time I was there was in September and it was almost impossible to find the location where this took place, because the newness of life is blending in with the environment that was untouched by the storm.
I believe that is how the Lord works in our lives also. He takes us who deserve death and draws us to Himself until we receive the free gift of salvation. And gradually through the Holy Spirit He teaches us to become more Christlike. It is good to know that our God is a compassionate God and He has made a way that we can have eternal life. It is good also to know that after we receive salvation that nothing in earth, under the earth or above the earth can separate us from that love, not even death. God is teaching me to be patient with others when I share the Word now, because He reminds me that it is Him who will do the work and I have to rely on Him and realize without him I can do nothing. It isn't about me and my ideas, but it's about Him and what He can accomplish in others. Just as He restored my favorite nature trail He is able to restore anybody. I also have to realize that He is also working in me. We may not be able to see all the things He is doing day to day, but with patience and endurance may it give us all the peace that passes all understanding to know that He is working for the good of those who were called according to His purpose.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Christian Unity Leads To Increased Spiritual Growth
Acts 2:42: They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles" teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayer.
43:Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.
44: and all those who had believed were together and had all things in common;
45:and they began selling their properties and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.
46:Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,
47: praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.
As I look back at this passage in Acts that was a testimony of what was going on in the early church, there is a common link that caused the church to become successful and have more believers being added to their numbers. Several times in Acts, people were being saved and it always happened when the church was united in purpose. They were all focused on the teachings of Christ.
I used to focus on end time prophecy about in the end times people were going to fall away from the faith, and even the very elect would be drawn away from the truth. When our church in Cambridge Springs got a new pastor, Clifford Cartwright, I decided it was time to change my attitude. I started by reading verses on how to encourage others and build up the church. One of the ways that I began doing this was to write a devotional to Pastor Cliff every week. One of those devotions in the beginning was about the verse that says God can do exceedingly abundantly more than we can think or imagine. I really believed that verse and trusted that we would see it fulfilled. Since that time we have seen God working in people's lives. Many of the new ministries that have been started our because people were devoting themselves to prayer and they began applying diligently those things that were taught during the Sunday service. And many of the people who come Sunday morning now stay until an hour or sometimes more to have fellowship with others after the service. And some of the people have specific needs that cannot be met by their own means, and many times when the people here of those requests, in short order, those needs are taken care of. It is so amazing what God is doing here.
It is good to come to prayer meeting on Wednesday night and hear the praises being raised up to God for the things He is doing in our midst. One of the newest ministries that is developing is the need for small group meetings, and many people have showed interest in opening their homes to Bible studies, and others have shown interest in leading them. I am excited about this opportunity, because it will be a great ministry tool to help disciple others and encourage them to grow in their faith. I will be helping get one started at my neighbor's house down the street on Wednesday evenings. I will miss gathering with those who regularly attend the prayer meeting at church. But as you look at what is really taking place, the sacrifice is worth it. Many of those people in the small groups in the homes, would not be able to go to the regular prayer meeting, but are still participating in fellowship, so instead of thinking of it as meaning that we are dividing the prayer group, we are really multiplying the number of believers who will be devoting their time in the study of the word and prayer.
As we continue to focus on Christ, the author and finisher of our faith, I also want to praise Him because He is working in people's lives as we are hearing of people wanting to be baptized in the near future (early to mid spring), and we are getting others who want to commit themselves to becoming church members, and just last Sunday we heard the Pastor as we bowed our heads and closed our eyes, as four people raised their hands as a witness that they responded to the gospel message of salvation. We are witnessing spiritual growth both individually and corporately as we continue in our journey united in purpose to disciple others and have others disciple us.
43:Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.
44: and all those who had believed were together and had all things in common;
45:and they began selling their properties and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.
46:Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,
47: praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.
As I look back at this passage in Acts that was a testimony of what was going on in the early church, there is a common link that caused the church to become successful and have more believers being added to their numbers. Several times in Acts, people were being saved and it always happened when the church was united in purpose. They were all focused on the teachings of Christ.
I used to focus on end time prophecy about in the end times people were going to fall away from the faith, and even the very elect would be drawn away from the truth. When our church in Cambridge Springs got a new pastor, Clifford Cartwright, I decided it was time to change my attitude. I started by reading verses on how to encourage others and build up the church. One of the ways that I began doing this was to write a devotional to Pastor Cliff every week. One of those devotions in the beginning was about the verse that says God can do exceedingly abundantly more than we can think or imagine. I really believed that verse and trusted that we would see it fulfilled. Since that time we have seen God working in people's lives. Many of the new ministries that have been started our because people were devoting themselves to prayer and they began applying diligently those things that were taught during the Sunday service. And many of the people who come Sunday morning now stay until an hour or sometimes more to have fellowship with others after the service. And some of the people have specific needs that cannot be met by their own means, and many times when the people here of those requests, in short order, those needs are taken care of. It is so amazing what God is doing here.
It is good to come to prayer meeting on Wednesday night and hear the praises being raised up to God for the things He is doing in our midst. One of the newest ministries that is developing is the need for small group meetings, and many people have showed interest in opening their homes to Bible studies, and others have shown interest in leading them. I am excited about this opportunity, because it will be a great ministry tool to help disciple others and encourage them to grow in their faith. I will be helping get one started at my neighbor's house down the street on Wednesday evenings. I will miss gathering with those who regularly attend the prayer meeting at church. But as you look at what is really taking place, the sacrifice is worth it. Many of those people in the small groups in the homes, would not be able to go to the regular prayer meeting, but are still participating in fellowship, so instead of thinking of it as meaning that we are dividing the prayer group, we are really multiplying the number of believers who will be devoting their time in the study of the word and prayer.
As we continue to focus on Christ, the author and finisher of our faith, I also want to praise Him because He is working in people's lives as we are hearing of people wanting to be baptized in the near future (early to mid spring), and we are getting others who want to commit themselves to becoming church members, and just last Sunday we heard the Pastor as we bowed our heads and closed our eyes, as four people raised their hands as a witness that they responded to the gospel message of salvation. We are witnessing spiritual growth both individually and corporately as we continue in our journey united in purpose to disciple others and have others disciple us.
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