“And Forgive Us Our Debts…”
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. Matthew 6:9-13
During this Season of Lent, we are spending time in a sermon series on the Lord’s Prayer. This week we will spend time considering the phrase,
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
When Jesus uses the word debt, He means sin or transgression or trespass. These sins are sins of commission, wherein we do something God forbids. These sins are also sins of omission, wherein we refuse to do something God has called us to do.
In asking God to forgive us, we are acknowledging our guilt before God, and we are committing ourselves to following God once again. This is what repentance is all about.
Once our eyes have been opened to our offenses against God and our need for God’s forgiveness, we can begin to see the offenses of others against us in a new light. We will even be able to see their sins against us as forgivable.
In this petition, we are not only asking God to forgive us. We are asking God for the ability to forgive others.
May God continue to enrich and deepen your prayer life during this Lenten study of the Lord’s Prayer.
In Christ,
Pastor David
“Give Us This Day…”
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. Matthew 6:9-13
During this Season of Lent, we are spending time in a sermon series on the Lord’s Prayer. We began this sermon series on March 9. This week we will spend time considering the phrase,
Give us this day our daily bread.
This is a petition for God to provide us with the food we need each day. During the Exodus, God provided His people each day with bread from heaven, manna. God also provided them each day with meat, quail. Today, God provides us with the daily resources we need to purchase food and the ability to grow and raise food.
This petition is also a lesson in depending on God each day, which was particularly meaningful during the first century when workers were paid one day at a time. Today, it is also an important lesson for those of us who are not living hand to mouth in a society where self-sufficiency is portrayed as a virtue. We are still dependent on God for what we need each day to live, even though we don’t always acknowledge this each day.
May God continue to bless your prayer life during this Lenten study of the Lord’s Prayer.
In Christ,
Pastor David
“Our Father…”
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. Matthew 6:9-13
The Season of Lent started last week on Ash Wednesday. And as Christians around the world traditionally do on Ash Wednesday, we read from Matthew chapter 6. In this passage of Scripture, Jesus teaches about the spiritual disciplines of giving, fasting, and prayer. Jesus also teaches us how to pray by giving us the Lord’s Prayer.
During this Season of Lent, we will be spending time in a sermon series on the Lord’s Prayer. We began this sermon series last Sunday as we considered the phrase,
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Jesus used the Aramaic word for father, “abba”, when He addressed God the Father. Abba is a very familiar term which is best translated as, “daddy”. Abba is also a word that young children without teeth can pronounce. As Jesus teaches us to refer to God as our daddy, He’s teaching us to have a childlike faith in God and a childlike dependence on God.
This week we will look at the phrase,
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Here Jesus is calling us to pray that all of God’s creation will acknowledge the sovereignty of God and submit to His rule. The Kingdom of God will ultimately extend throughout all of creation at the end of time. So, as we pray for God’s Kingdom to come, we are praying for His will to be done both now and in the future.
I’m looking forward to seeing how God will bless our prayer life during this Lenten study of the Lord’s Prayer.
In Christ,
Pastor David
“Ash Wednesday”
“Even now,” declares the Lord,
“return to me with all your heart,
with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
Rend your heart
and not your garments.
Return to the Lord your God,
for he is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and abounding in love,
and he relents from sending calamity. Joel 2:12-13
Today is Ash Wednesday. Tonight, we will gather in the sanctuary at 7:00 pm for a prayer service, during which we will off the imposition of ashes for those who would like.
In the Bible, ashes are used as a symbol of mourning. People would put ashes on their heads whenever they would mourn the loss of a loved one. People would also rend or tear their garments as a sign of mourning. Today, Christians put ashes on their heads as a sign they are mourning their sinfulness and have recommitted themselves to following the Lord.
During Lent, many followers of Jesus also fast and pray as they recommit themselves to the Lord.
Ash Wednesday is also the beginning of the season of Lent. The season of Lent is a 40-day period during which Christians prepare to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday. This Lenten season, I will be preaching a series of sermons on the Lord’s Prayer from Matthew 6:5-15.
May the Lord bless you with His grace and peace during your Lenten journey to Easter.
In Christ,
Pastor David
“Spiritual Discipline”
“Take care not to practice your righteousness in the sight of people, to be noticed by them; otherwise, you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.
“So, when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, so that they will be praised by people. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your charitable giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.
“And when you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they will be seen by people. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But as for you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:1-6
Ash Wednesday is March 5. We will have a worship service in the sanctuary at 7:00 pm and we will impose ashes on the foreheads of those who choose this. Everyone is invited.
The 40-day season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and culminates during Holy Week. During this time, many Christians practice spiritual disciplines such as fasting. In Matthew chapter 6, Jesus gives us some important guidelines to remember as we practice spiritual disciplines.
In this passage, Jesus addresses three spiritual disciplines that were being misused by the hypocrites of His day: giving to the poor, prayer, and fasting. The hypocrites were using these disciplines to draw attention to themselves, and they were rewarded with lots of attention. However, Jesus points out that they are missing out on the true benefits of a spiritual discipline.
The purpose of a spiritual discipline is to draw our attention to God. And when our attention is drawn to God, we will be rewarded by God with a deep and meaningful encounter with Him.
Jesus wants us to have this experience with God, so He tells us to practice our spiritual disciplines in secret. When we give or pray or fast in secret, we will be able to resist the temptation to draw attention to ourselves.
The upcoming season of Lent is a great opportunity to focus our attention on God and enjoy being in His presence. May the Lord bless you on your Lenten journey.
In Christ,
Pastor David
“Good And Faithful Servant”
Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness! Matthew 25:21
In chapter 25 of the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells a parable about what life will be like when He returns to earth. This is commonly referred to as the Second Coming.
In the parable, Jesus says that His return will be like the return of a man who went on a journey and entrusted his property to three of his servants. One servant received 5 talents, another received 2 talents, and another 1 talent. Each received talents according to their abilities.
A talent was a unit of measure back then, so we can think of it as a bag of something. It could have been a bag of gold or a bag of silver or a bag of pennies, because pennies still existed back then. Today we can think of talents as the spiritual gifts, or time, or wealth that Jesus entrusts to us until His return.
The first servant immediately put his talents to work and gained 5 more. The second servant also put his talents to work and gained 2 more. The third servant dug a hole and buried his master’s talent.
Then the master returned home and called his servants together to settle accounts with them. The master said to the first two servants:
Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!
However, the master was not pleased with the third servant who buried the talent his master had given him to use. The master said to this servant:
You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned, I would have received it back with interest.
So, take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 25:26-30
Jesus has been away for about 2000 years. But He is coming back. Jesus promised to come back. And when He returns, we would all like Him to say to us:
Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!
In Christ,
Pastor David
“A Mission In Life”
But when Simon Peter saw this, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” For amazement had seized him and all his companions because of the catch of fish which they had taken; and likewise, also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not fear; from now on you will be catching people.” When they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him. John 15:8-11
In this passage of Scripture, Jesus was teaching a large crowd of people on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. The people were pressing up against Jesus, making it difficult for Him to teach. So, He asked Simon Peter if He could use his boat to better address the crowd.
Simon Peter took Jesus a little way offshore and Jesus sat down and finished His message. Then He told Simon Peter to put out into deep water and let down his nets for a catch. Jesus was about to do a miracle that would transform Simon Peter’s life.
Simon Peter, being an expert fisherman, wasn’t too sure about Jesus’ request. But even though he was an expert, he hadn’t managed to catch any fish all night. So, he obeyed Jesus.
As soon as he lowered his nets, they were filled with fish. So many fish in fact, that the nets were about to break from the weight of the fish. So, he called his fishing partners, James and John, for help. They brought their boat out to Simon Peter, and they filled both boats with fish. The boats were so full that they were about to sink.
After they managed to get their boats back to shore, Simon Peter got out and fell at the knees of Jesus. Full of amazement at the miracle he had just witnessed, he cried out:
“Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!”
First Simon Peter calls Jesus as Lord, which was like calling Jesus God. Then Simon Peter confesses to Jesus that he is a sinner. And Jesus responds by giving Simon Peter a new mission in life that will change him forever:
“Do not fear; from now on you will be catching people.”
From that time forth, Simon Peter would devote his life to bringing other people to Jesus. We’re told at the end of this passage:
When they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him.
Jesus has given each of a mission in life. This mission is one of the ways Jesus is transforming us into people who are like Him.
Whenever we are given an opportunity to serve the Lord, it is so we can cooperate with Jesus as He is making us into people like Him. Jesus is not dependent on us to accomplish His plans for the world. Jesus can get things done without the help of anyone. However, Jesus allows us to join Him in His work, for our sake.
In Christ,
Pastor David
“Caritas, Djibouti”
Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. James 1:27
When I was serving as a Navy chaplain in Djibouti, Africa, I had the privilege of getting to know a ministry to orphans living on the streets of the city. The ministry was called Caritas, which in Latin means “love”. The ministry is run by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Djibouti. Here is the link to their website:
Twice a week, I would take Sailors and Soldiers from our base, Camp Lemonier, to Caritas to spend time with the boys and girls who were staying there for the day. These children were from Somalia and Ethiopia. They were put on trains to Djibouti by their parents and told to make a life there for themselves. Most of these children were under the age of nine when they left home on their own. They live on the streets, begging for water and food. At night, they are abused by adults.
The government will allow Caritas to care for them during the day, but they are not allowed to be there at night. When they find their way to Caritas, they are given breakfast and lunch. They can also take showers and wash their clothes. In addition, there are classes to learn French, the national language.
I noticed that most of the children there were boys, so I asked where the girls were. I was told that girls are given jobs in restaurants and hotels when they are young. After puberty, they are trafficked as sex slaves.
I discovered that the children did not have much protein to eat in their diets. I asked if I could bring food to enrich their diets and I was told yes. So, I asked the Presbyterian church in Ukiah, CA where I was the pastor before I was deployed, to send me peanut butter, dried beans, and children’s vitamins.
Thousands of pounds of food arrived in care packages at my address on base. My amazing staff, Chaplain Melvin, RPC Meyer, and RP2 Ushi and I would take the food with us when we brought Sailors and Soldiers for the visits each week. Then these Sailors and Soldiers would work with the children to unload our truck and store the food. After I left, my replacement Chaplain Carpenter, carried on this ministry.
Today, GMPC is providing food for Caritas in Djibouti. The chaplain at the base, Captain (CH) Danny Hughes, USA, is receiving the food and taking it to Caritas with the Sailors and Soldiers from the base. This month, our Missions Committee sent 12 boxes, each weighing about 20 lbs.
Please help us to carry out the Lord’s call to care for orphans. You can bring peanut butter, dried beans, and children’s vitamins to the church and it will be sent to our base in Djibouti. This ministry of GMPC is helping our Sailors and Soldiers to the lives of orphans.
In Christ,
Pastor David
“Be Strong And Courageous.”
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
Soon after Moses died, the people of Israel were standing on the eastern bank of the Jordan River and looking across to the Promised Land. It had taken them forty years to get there. Moses had faithfully led them through many dangers in the desert wilderness, and now he was gone. But God did not leave them without a leader.
The Lord called Joshua, the assistant of Moses, to lead them across the Jordan and into the Promised Land. But before they wadded into the water, God told Joshua three time to be strong and courageous. And God reminded Joshua three times that He would be with him and the people, no matter what.
This Friday we will have an opportunity to reflect on how God has blessed us in 2024. And we will be encouraged to see how God will enable us to be a blessing to others in 2025. Our Annual Congregational Dinner will start at 5:30 pm in the Parish Hall and our Annual Congregational Meeting will begin at 6:30 pm in the Sanctuary.
If you are planning on attending the dinner, please RSVP to rebecca@gmpc.org so we can plan accordingly. If your last name begins with A-I please bring a salad, if J-R bring a side dish, if S-Z bring a dessert. The meat for the dinner will be provided.
During the meeting, we will fill vacancies on the Session, Board of Deacons, and the Church Nominating Committee. We will also review the 2024 Annual Report and the 2025 General Fund Budget. All of this will be done in the context of a worship service with singing, Scripture readings, and a video presentation of the past year. Childcare will be provided during the meeting.
I hope you will come and see that the Lord has blessed His ministries here at GMPC. Worship attendance, membership, and financial resources have all increased. The needy members of our military are being cared for. People are giving their hearts to Jesus. The grieving are being comforted. Shut-ins are receiving visits, flowers, and communion in their homes. Our prayer ministries are flourishing. Our mission outreach has expanded to new places in the world. Young families are receiving loving welcomes. Children are growing in their faith. Students are finding hope during a confusing time in their lives. People are discovering how good it is to be a part of the Lord’s Kingdom.
So, be strong and courageous. God really is with us, no matter what.
In Christ,
Pastor David
“Join Us”
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, 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. Acts 2:46-47
Have you ever thought, “I wish we ate more meals together at GMPC?” Well have I got great news for you.
On January 31 at 5:30 pm, we will have the opportunity to have a meal together. The Annual Congregational Dinner will take place in the Parish Hall and everyone is invited. Then at 6:30 pm, we will gather in the Sanctuary for the Annual Congregational Meeting.
If you are planning on attending the dinner, please RSVP to rebecca@gmpc.org so we can plan accordingly. If your last name begins with A-I please bring a salad, if J-R bring a side dish, if S-Z bring a dessert. The meat for the dinner will be provided.
And just in case you’re wondering, we’re providing the meat because Jell-O can be a salad, a side dish, or a dessert.
In Christ,
Pastor David
“The Workers Are Few”
“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore, plead with the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.” Matthew 9:37-38
In this passage of the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus had been performing all sorts of miracles such as healing illnesses, casting our demons, and raising the dead. Then He looked at the crowds of people who were still coming to Him for help and He told His disciples to ask the Father for more workers.
During this past year, more people than ever have been coming to GMPC to worship, study the Scriptures, and to commit their lives to the Lord. We added a third worship service to accommodate those whose primary language is Spanish and over 20 people from that service have become members of the congregation. Many of them have also asked to be baptized.
Our children’s programs are also growing. Over a dozen children received communion for the first time. We’ve formed a children’s choir. More young families than ever participated in the Pumpkin Patch, the Cookies, Critters, Carols, and Coco event, and the Christmas Eve services.
In addition, we have added several small groups and new people from the community are joining us to study the Scriptures. Our New Members classes are also helping people to make new commitments to the Lord.
On Friday, January 31 we will have our Annual Congregational Dinner at 5:30 pm. Then we will have our Annual Congregational Meeting at 6:30 pm. Please plan to come to both and you will also see that the Lord has blessed His ministries here at GMPC. The worship attendance, giving, and membership have all increased. The harvest is plentiful. So plentiful in fact, that we need even more workers.
This is a great problem for a church to have. It’s also a great opportunity to experience the Lord doing miracles through you. Please join the Lord’s harvest at GMPC.
In Christ,
Pastor David
“Annual Congregational Dinner and Meeting”
On Friday, January 31, at 5:30 pm we will enjoy fellowship and dinner in the Parish Hall. The meat will be provided. If you are planning on attending the dinner, please RSVP Rebecca Smith. This way we can plan accordingly.
If your last name begins with A-I please bring a salad to share, if J-R please bring a side dish to share, and if S-Z please bring a dessert to share. All are welcome to have dinner, even if you don't bring food with you.
At 6:30 pm we will have our Annual Congregational Meeting in the sanctuary. This meeting is held in accordance with the GMPC Church Bylaws.
We will meet to elect new members to the Session, Board of Deacons, and the Church Nominating Committee. The Session will also present the 2025 General Fund Budget. The 2024 Annual Report will also be presented.
The meeting will be conducted in the context of a worship service where we will praise God for His faithfulness in 2024 and look forward to what God will be doing in 2025 through the ministry of GMPC.
In Christ,
Pastor David
“Following Mary’s Example”
When the angels had departed from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem, then, and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen Him, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it were amazed about the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them. Luke 2:8-20
After Mary had given birth to Jesus, shepherds came to visit her. God had sent angels to them to announce the birth of their Savior, and they couldn’t wait to meet Him.
After the shepherds left, Mary had a chance to be quiet and think about all that had just happened in her life: the miracles surrounding the birth of Jesus, her new husband Joseph, the long journey to Bethlehem, and the visit by some very excited strangers. Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.
Now that our Christmas celebrations are over, we have a chance to be quiet and reflect on all that has happened. The carols, the gifts, the special treats, the time with loved ones, the worship services. How will we be treasuring these things and pondering them in our hearts? What does all this mean for us as we begin a new year full of opportunities, expectations, and hopes?
There’s a lot for us to think about. Let’s follow Mary’s example and take time to treasure what the Lord has been doing in our lives. And let’s take time to ponder on what this all means for the new year.
In Christ,
Pastor David
“Hospitality”
Now at this time Mary set out and went in a hurry to the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. And she cried out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And how has it happened to me that the mother of my Lord would come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord.” Luke 1:39-45
After Mary became pregnant with Jesus through the work of the Holy Spirit, she needed a safe place to stay. As a young, unwed, pregnant woman, she was extremely vulnerable. She could have been verbally abused, ostracized from her community, and even stoned to death. So, she went to stay at the home of her elderly cousin Elizabeth.
God had performed a miracle in the life of Elizabeth and her elderly husband Zechariah, enabling them to become pregnant with John the Baptist. She of all people, would understand the feelings and concerns of Mary. Elizabeth was also a relative who had known Mary throughout her short life and who loved her dearly. So, it’s understandable that Mary would see Elizabeth as a safe person who would offer her hospitality during this challenging and yet amazing time in her life.
There are people in all our lives who need a safe place to go. We are all in a unique position to offer hospitality to someone who is going through a challenging and yet amazing time in life.
This person could be a relative. Or a friend. Or a co-worker. Or even a stranger. Hebrews 13:2 reminds us:
Do not neglect hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.
I thank God for the hospitality that Elizabeth gave Mary. And I thank God for the opportunities to show hospitality that He is giving each of us.
In Christ,
Pastor David
“The Little Ones”
Now they were bringing even their babies to Him so that He would touch them; but when the disciples saw it, they began rebuking them. But Jesus called for the little ones, saying, “Allow the children to come to Me, and do not forbid them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” Luke 18:15-17
This week we were able to bless the children of military families in the name of Jesus. The Best PCS ministry raised over $15,000 dollars and purchased Christmas gifts for 134 children. Over 80 volunteers from GMPC and the military community bought the gifts, assembled the bicycles, wrapped everything up, and distributed the presents from our sanctuary.
Two of the Best PCS leaders are finishing their faithful ministry: Ralph West and Taylor Smart. We weren’t sure how the weekly distribution of food and diapers would continue without them.
And then, some of the members of our Spanish language worship service stepped in. Under the leadership of Raul Palomino, food and diapers will continue to arrive from San Diego for the Best PCS ministry to deliver to low-income military families of Coronado.
Praise God for enabling us to bless the neediest children in our community!
In Christ,
Pastor David
“This Advent Season”
In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock at night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood near them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. And so the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:8-11
During the first celebration of Christmas, God sent an angel to the shepherds living near Bethlehem with Good News: God has provided us with a Savior from sin and death. This Savior is the Messiah or the Christ. This Savior is our Lord Jesus.
This Advent season, God is giving us the opportunity to join with Him in proclaiming the same message of Good News. God wants people to meet His Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God wants us to help others to experience His salvation and grace. God wants us to help others to live in a personal relationship with Him. God wants us to help others to know His mercy, love, comfort and joy.
We can join with God in getting the message out by inviting the people we know to the Christmas celebrations we’re having here at Graham. These celebrations are designed to be opportunities for evangelism where people will hear the Good News about Jesus.
Here are some of these opportunities:
Dec 16 Christmas Caroling at Villa Coronado (Meet there at 4:00 pm)
Dec 18 and 19 Preschool Christmas Program (Sanctuary at 9:00 am)
Dec 20 Critters, Coco, Carols, (Front Lawn from 5:00-7:00 pm)
Dec 22 Christmas Cantata (During the 9:00am worship service)
Dec 24 Christmas Eve Services (4:00 pm Children’s Christmas Pageant & Bell Ringing Service and 5:30 pm Candlelight Service)
This Advent season, we are the messengers that God is sending to others with Good News. Good News that will help others to celebrate the First Coming of Jesus. Good News that will change a life.
In Christ,
Pastor David
“The Lord Added to Their Number”
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47
In this passage of Scripture, we have a glimpse of what life was like for the followers of Jesus after the Holy Spirit had been poured out on each one of them. They took care of each other’s financial needs. They worshiped together in the Temple of Jerusalem. They celebrated the Lord’s Supper together in each other’s homes. They spent time together in prayer. And the result: the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Several months ago, the Session decided to add a third worship service to GMPC: a Spanish language service. Since then, the members of this service have been meeting each other’s financial needs. They worship together, they share meals, they study the Scriptures together, and they pray together. As a result, the Lord is adding to their number those who are being saved.
Last month, 21 of these fellow believers met with the Session to become members of GMPC. This month, 2 more of these fellow believers will meet with the Session to become members of GMPC. We also welcomed 3 fellow believers from our English language services into membership at GMPC.
Of the 23 people from the Spanish language service, 15 are new believers and two of them will be baptized. In addition, 7 of their children will be baptized.
The Holy Spirit is moving at GMPC. Praise God for what He is doing in our midst as we follow Jesus.
In Christ,
Pastor David
“Giving God Thanks”
“Then it shall be, when you enter the land which the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance, and you take possession of it and live in it, that you shall take some of the first of all the produce of the ground which you bring in from your land that the Lord your God gives you, and you shall put it in a basket and go to the place where the Lord your God chooses to establish His name. And you shall go to the priest who is in office at that time and say to him, ‘I declare today to the Lord my God that I have entered the land which the Lord swore to our fathers to give us.’ Then the priest shall take the basket from your hand and set it before the altar of the Lord your God. And you shall respond and say before the Lord your God, ‘My father was a wandering Aramean, and he went down to Egypt and resided there, few in number; but there he became a great, mighty, and populous nation. And the Egyptians treated us badly and oppressed us and imposed hard labor on us. Then we cried out to the Lord, the God of our fathers, and the Lord heard our voice and saw our wretched condition, our trouble, and our oppression; and the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand, an outstretched arm, and with great terror, and with signs and wonders; and He has brought us to this place, and has given us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. And now behold, I have brought the first of the produce of the ground which You, Lord have given me.’ Then you shall set it before the Lord your God, and worship before the Lord your God; and you, the Levite, and the stranger who is among you shall rejoice in all the good which the Lord your God has given you and your household. Deuteronomy 26:1-11
In 1565, Spanish explorers arrived in Florida at the future site of Sanit Augustine. They immediately held a worship service to thank God for their safe arrival. Then they invited the local Seloy Native Americans to have a feast with them.
In 1619, English settlers arrived in Virginia at the future site of Berkeley Plantation on the James River. They immediately held a worship service to thank God for their safe arrival.
In 1620, English Puritans arrived in Massachusetts at the future site of Plymouth Colony. After they planted and harvested their crops, they had a worship service to thank God for their arrival and for getting them through their first harsh winter. Then they invited the local Wampanoag Native Americans to a feast with them.
I believe that all these groups of people were following the directions that God gave His people as they were about to cross the Jordan River and enter the Promised Land after their 40-year journey from slavery in Egypt. These directions are recorded for us in Deuteronomy 26. They include thanking God for providing for them and they also include having a feast and inviting the locals to join them.
This Thanksgiving, I hope everyone will invite others to enjoy a feast in celebration of God’s blessings. I also hope we will include a time of giving God thanks for what He has done in our lives this past year.
Giving God thanks can become a new Thanksgiving tradition. It can start by asking those at the table, “What are you thankful for this year?” Then it can end by someone saying, “Thank you God for all these blessings. Amen.”
Happy Thanksgiving!
In Christ,
Pastor David
“The Bond Of Peace.”
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:1-6
After the recent election, which was very divisive, various leaders have urged the country to become united. Various reasons for why we should be united were given. And various strategies were given for how we should be united.
All of this was helpful. However, as followers of Jesus, we have a more compelling reason to be united. And we have been given a far greater source for our unity.
When the Apostle Paul was imprisoned in Rome, he wrote a letter to the church in Ephesus. In chapter 4 of this letter, he reminds the members of the church that God has united them by making all of them a part of Body of Christ and by giving each of them the same Holy Spirit. Paul also encourages them to keep this unity of the Spirit with one another through the bond of peace.
Not everyone at GMPC voted for the same candidate. Not everyone voted the same way for the ballot initiatives. And yet, everyone at GMPC belongs to the Body of Christ. And everyone at GMPC has the same Holy Spirit living within them.
As we continue to process the results of the election, please remember that Good has united us to each other and to Him. May God bless you as you live out this unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
In Christ,
Pastor David
“Sit With The Lord”
“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28
We all need the rest that only Jesus can give us. It’s a rest for our weary and burdened souls.
These past few months have been exhausting for our nation. The election has taken a toll on all of us. And now, half of our fellow Americans are devastated that their candidate lost. Thankfully, one of the brothers from the Taize community in France is coming to San Diego to lead us in worship.
On November 13 at 7:00 pm in the Founders Chapel at the University of San Diego, Brother Emil will direct a service in the style of worship that is conducted at the monastery in Taize, France. This service will involve contemplative singing of verses of Scripture, silence, Scripture reading, and prayer. Everyone is invited.
Cathy and I met Brother Emil while we spent time with the Taize community last month. He is originally from Quebec, Canada. And each day we participated in three worship services with him at the monastery. It was an amazing way to experience the rest that only Jesus can give.
Jesus is inviting us to come to Him and find rest. I encourage you to take some time to just sit with the Lord. Enjoy being quiet in His presence. You may find yourselves praying or singing. You may even fall asleep. All of that is OK. Jesus will give us rest whenever we come to Him with weary and burdened souls.
In Christ,
Pastor David