True Blessedness
Good Wednesday to you,
I trust you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving last Thursday. Our daughter Heidi and our son-in-law, Louis hosted us. It was their first Thanksgiving in their own apartment, and it was wonderful. I am also thankful for our guest preacher, Brianna Smith. I was able to watch the livestream, and I think she did a terrific job. Thinking about God’s faithfulness through the birth narratives in Scripture is a wonderful reminder to us of both God's promise keeping, and our challenge to be patient as we await the fulfilment of the promise of Christ's return.
Advent is a wonderful season. As we gear up for Christmas and all the related festivities, it is good for us to remember that we are patiently waiting for Jesus to come back and fully establish His eternal kingdom.
This next Sunday we are going to look at the gift of peace Jesus offers us in light of our hope. We are also going to be talking about the "Alternative Christmas Market," which the Mission Committee will host virtually, starting on Sunday.
I pray for you all as you prepare your hearts and homes to celebrate the birth of our Savior. May God's peace and hope encourage us toward a very Merry Christmas.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Onesimus
Good Wednesday to you,
Which is easier – to forgive someone or to ask for forgiveness? Both can be challenging, but I’d say the easier one is to forgive someone. Philemon was asked by Paul to forgive Onesimus. Onesimus needed to ask Philemon to forgive him. Paul "brokered" the restoration through his understanding of the Gospel.
While we looked at Philemon last Sunday, this Sunday we looked at it from Onesimus' point of view. Why did he do it? Why did Onesimus go back? I think it was because of his relationship with Christ. It was the right thing to do, even though it was hard, and it might result in his death. He trusted in the Lord. He also trusted in his relationship with Paul. Paul was after restorative justice, not punitive justice. When the time was right, and Onesimus was ready to go back, Paul wrote a "character reference" for him and urged Philemon to receive Onesimus back, not as a slave, but as a brother in Christ.
Sometimes you may find yourself in Philemon's "sandals," offering forgiveness, sometimes as Onesimus, asking for forgiveness, and sometimes as Paul, brokering forgiveness that leads to reconciliation and restoration. This amazing narrative reminds us that when it comes to seeking forgiveness, be it from God or anyone else, it starts with being honest with ourselves. If we cannot be honest with ourselves, we cannot be honest with God.
In his book, Apprenticeship with Jesus, Gary Moon reminds us not to be "vampire Christians," who get just a little bit of blood to cover our sins, but not a total transfusion that leads to genuine transformation. In the "second day" chapter, Gary re-works the 12-Step program from AA and presents it as "12 Confessions" for someone who desires to be transformed into the image of Jesus. If you are looking for a good read (we read this book together back in 2012) I'd recommend it highly.
Next week is the beginning of Advent. I hope you will begin preparing your heart to celebrate the birth of our Savior while remembering that the promise is for two Advents, not just one. Advent is a time to remember the coming of the Lord, once as a Suffering Servant, and the second coming as the Conquering King!
I hope you all have a very Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow. May we be a blessing to all we encounter for the Glory of God.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Philemon
Good Wednesday to you,
Coming into a movie mid-stream is never optimal. We like to start at the beginning so we know what is going on. The same is true for books. No one reads only the third or fourth chapter of a novel. So when we come to a letter like Philemon, we are a bit frustrated because it gives us neither the beginning of the story nor the ending. We can only speculate.
What we do know is that it is a letter from Paul to Philemon regarding the status of a runaway slave named Onesimus, who had become a follower of Christ under Paul’s care. At a minimum, Paul is asking Philemon to receive Onesimus back with a forgiving spirit. This act of forgiveness would have been controversial in the day. It would have cost Philemon socially and economically and potentially led to many more slaves running away. With pride and ego on the line, it is sometimes difficult to do the right thing. Paul is looking for evidence of transformation in Philemon.
When pride and ego arise in our lives, how do we respond? When we asked to forgive, do we readily forgive? What processes do we go through to determine whether to extend forgiveness? I can tell you what Jesus went through to forgive us… the cross!
Next Sunday we will continue looking at this fascinating short letter, but from the perspective of Onesimus. What does it look like for us to ask for forgiveness from someone? What if they refuse? What consequences might we experience? I hope you will join me this coming Sunday as we take another look at this short epistle.
I want to thank all those who participated in the Thanksgiving Box drive for our junior enlisted. All boxes were sponsored! If you missed out, the annual Christmas Store for MOM (Military Outreach Ministries) is just around the corner. Stay tuned.
If you are interested in signing up for an Advent reading and lighting the Advent candles, you can respond to me or contact Kimberlee directly.
It is a blessing for me to journey with you. I hope your day is blessed!
Grace and peace to you all,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Just Mercy
Good Wednesday to you,
Life is filled with ups and downs along with some twists and turns. Hopefully, there are not loops, flips, and/or corkscrews like a roller coaster. Our lives are filled with ups and down and Jonah's life was no exception. Jonah's story is a familiar one to many of us because we learned about him as young children in Sunday school. After spending four weeks studying God's Word focusing on the book Jonah, I pray we see parallels in our lives with Jonah's life.
On Sunday, we jumped into chapter four and listened to the conversation Jonah had with God. At first glance it is easy to separate ourselves from Jonah. Is he really displeased and angry that God was compassionate and merciful to the Ninevites? They called upon God and turned from their evil ways. What more could Jonah have wanted? From our vantage point, we assume Jonah should be overjoyed and excited—we would be. Wouldn't we?
Several reasons are offered as to why Jonah was displeased and angry. Whatever the reason for Jonah's displeasure and anger, we can certainly relate to his anger. Anger is an interesting thing. We get angry when expectations are not met, or perhaps goals are blocked. What makes anger so interesting is our actions. People say and do awful things when they are angry. The beautiful picture in chapter four is Jonah's absolute honesty with God. Jonah shares his heart and God meets him. At the very least we have permission to share our anger with God, no matter what it is. God can handle it.
As I mentioned, there are several reasons offered as to why Jonah was angry. One of the reasons is because he wanted God's justice to rain down on Nineveh for all the evil they committed. If that is the reason why Jonah was angry, then Lord help us all! When someone wrongs us, we want justice, but when we fail and harm someone, we desperately want and need mercy. No one is justified by their own actions. We are all guilty of sin. Only through Christ are we made righteous.
Jonah knew God's mercy first hand as he was rescued from death when God provided the big fish. Jonah knows God is "gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love…" (Jonah 4:2). Just as God is concerned with Jonah, God is also concerned about Nineveh! That is exactly why God had mercy—because God's desire is for everyone know him.
The book of Jonah ends with a question, "Should I not be concerned about that great city?" For those who know God's grace and compassion, the answer is absolutely yes! What we do with that knowledge is where the rubber meets the road. How will you share God's heart for the great city, or your neighbor, or co-worker, or family every day? Let's do it together, extending grace and mercy to everyone God brings in our path.
Again, I am thankful for all your encouraging words on Sunday. Worshiping together is a tremendous blessing. Next Sunday, we will pick up a "character study" in the book of Philemon (all 25 verses). Also, please remember that we will also be switching the Livestream to 10:30am this coming Sunday. I look forward to worshiping with you, whether in person or online!
Blessings,
Pastor John
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Get the Picture
Good Wednesday to you,
It may come as a surprise, but God is not primarily concerned with our happiness. God is concerned with our faithful obedience. If you question this, just re-read Jonah. What we do need to remember is God gives second chances. Jonah was reconciled with God, which led to his reluctant obedience. He went to Nineveh, and proclaimed the message God gave him – "Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned" (Jonah 3:4). The people, very self-aware, repented, gave up their evil and violent ways, hoping that God would relent. God did. God gave Jonah a second chance; the people of Nineveh were given a second chance. God, always sovereign, has a heart that is toward those whose heart is toward God. God changed his mind, but not his character.
What we see happening in Nineveh is the work of the Holy Spirit, convicting people of what they already know to be true. Most people are self-aware, but the battle is between God's sovereignty and self-sovereignty. Like Jonah, we are called to live out our faith with gentleness and respect in front of the world. Giving people an opportunity to ask the reason for the hope we have. Speaking truth in love does not need to be confrontational. It needs to be done in gentleness and respect, trusting that the Holy Spirit will be at work in whomever we are talking to.
Next week, Pastor John will finish the book of Jonah. I would encourage you to take ten minutes and read it. (Really, that is all the time it will take you). The challenge for us is to allow the Holy Spirit to work, not pre-selecting who we think is interested in the Good News of Jesus Christ. Forgiveness is at hand, God is ready to hear regardless of where we find ourselves, and forgiveness and reconciliation are available to all who call upon the Name of the Lord.
It's time to mark your calendars for two important upcoming events: Daylight Savings is this week! On Sunday, November 7, at 2:00 a.m., we will gain one hour as we "fall back." While most clocks do this automatically nowadays, please be aware of this upcoming change in regards to worship this coming week.
Then, for those who worship with us via Livestream, on Sunday, November 14, we will officially begin Livestreaming the 10:30 a.m. service. We hope you will join us either in person or online at 10:30 a.m. This also means that the middle school and high school Sunday School hour will move back to 9:00 a.m.
As you read this, Jody and I are in Minnesota celebrating the live of her father. Your prayers are much appreciated.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Down in the Mouth
Good Wednesday to you,
Whether we are talking about Michael Packard or Jonah, son of Amittai, both had a "down in the mouth" experience. When he found himself in the mouth of a whale, Michael Packard assumed he would die there. Jonah, we are told, immediately cried out to God. Jonah wasn't running away from God, he was running away from God's will, from obedience. But, when he found himself "swallowed" by the consequences of his choices, he called and God answered. He called and God listened. When you look at Jonah's prayer, it is clear he understood that God was sovereign in all things and over all things, and he trusted in God's mercy and compassion giving him hope. It is also clear that Jonah knew his Scripture, as his prayers contain several quotes from Psalms.
What happens when we are "swallowed" by the consequences of our choices? Do we call out to God? Are we convinced of God's mercy and compassion? Do we find ourselves running from God's will, from faithful obedience?
On Sunday, I suggested that we, the Church, are being "swallowed" by our culture. As "woke" culture progresses, our desire to be liked creates a sort of self-censorship that is counter to God's will, exposing our disobedience. I referred to an article by Beri Weiss -- I would highly encourage you to read it.
Now is the time to find our voice, and that voice begins with prayer. We must stop clinging to worthless idols that cause us to forfeit the grace that could be ours. Let it begin with a song of thanksgiving and a sacrifice of praise to the Lord, our God, for salvation comes from the Lord.
Next week we will look at the third chapter of Jonah. I would encourage you to take time between now and Sunday to sit and read all of Jonah in one sitting. It shouldn't take you more than ten minutes. (It's a very short book!) You will get more out of the sermon if you are more familiar with the text. Also, if you are so inclined, join us for the Friday morning Pre-Sermon Bible Study at 11:00am. The "Bagel Boys" also discuss the text on Saturday morning at our 7:00am Men's Bible Study. Both studies are online.
Thank you for your ongoing prayers for Jody’s family. We will be traveling next Monday to Buffalo, Minnesota for his memorial service on Tuesday.
Grace and peace to you all,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Hide & Seek
Good Wednesday to you,
One of the challenges we face reading passages of Scripture, sometimes we go into auto pilot—much like childhood games we have played over and over again. We know the rules and how to win the game! While Jonah is a very familiar "Historical Narrative" which many of us learned as young children, it is very easy to shift into auto pilot.
As I shared on Sunday, the book of Jonah is filled with irony from the opening verses to the closing chapter of the book. Even the book itself is a bit of an irony. The book itself contains only two prophetic statements, but is considered among the minor prophets of the Old Testament. Then, God says "Go to Nineveh" and Jonah runs the opposite direction. Going to Nineveh meant going northeast; Jonah went southwest to Tarshish.
The reasons why Jonah ran the opposite direction are complex and multifaceted—because that’s how people are. Some argue Jonah did not want to go to Nineveh because it was a death sentence. The Assyrians were merciless in expansion and experts in killing. One of their tactics in warfare was to kill everyone in the city but leave one or two survivors. Those survivors were sent ahead to the next city on their hit list as witnesses to the death and destruction. Simply merciless.
Many of the reasons why people think Jonah ran have merit. Ultimately, Jonah's running is a reflection of our brokenness. We want what we want when we want it. A sort of "My Will" over God’s Will in our lives. We end up running and hiding from God, like Jonah, as if there is anywhere we can go to hide from God. Reminds me of Adam and Eve hiding from God in the Garden—kind of ironic to hide from the God who knows everything.
In studying Jonah with you, it was refreshing to see how God was working in Jonah's life, the sailors' lives and even in Nineveh (although we won't see Nineveh's turn until later). It can be difficult to see how God is working in the lives of other people—but Jonah is a clear example of God working. It is easy for us to see how God worked in Jonah's life. As he spiraled "down" to the point of being thrown overboard to his death, God rescues him. The same is true for the sailors, they feared for their lives, called upon the Lord, and He rescued them from death. Now we do not know the end of their stories (like we do for Jonah) but we do know the sailors "feared the Lord, and they offered sacrifice to the Lord and made vows to him" (1:15).
Jonah is a masterfully written work—it demonstrates the full Gospel. Some have said the title of the book should be "The Gospel According to Jonah." God is at work in the world, in our lives, and in the lives of people around us. Jonah is a story of redemption—in our brokenness and sin, God hears our cries for help and rescues us. What a beautiful story, and it is our story. Now go and share it! Share it with your families, friends, neighbors, classmates, and co-workers. It is the greatest story ever told!
Again, I am thankful for all of you and your worship on Sunday morning—know you are all an encouragement to me. Next week, we'll look at Jonah chapter 2.
Blessings,
Pastor John
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Mid-Term Exam
Good Wednesday to you,
Congratulations! You did it! You successfully scored a perfect score on your midterm exam of the Epistle James. Now it’s time to live out our lives for the final exam—as a follower of Jesus where our faith and deeds are in sync.
As you will recall, James writes to the Twelve Tribes scattered among the nations urging the Church to remain grounded in the Truth. James writes with a strong sense of urgency. The conclusion of the letter might seem a bit odd because it does not fit the traditional format of a first century letter. James doesn’t thank anyone or even offer a benediction as a nice bow at the end of the letter. The last point James makes is two verses long—a single sentence. And, every word written is in line with the entire letter!
Throughout the letter, James refers to us as "My brothers (and sisters)." We are considered family—and much like our biological family, in the family of God, we grow up together. We grow up together in Christ—walking side-by-side and hand in hand. As the Apostle Paul writes, "in Christ we who are many form one body, and each members belongs to all the others" (Romans 12:5). We're all in this together—one Lord, one Spirit, one Baptism, and one Body.
To that point, if we are all in this together, than we desperately need each other. Especially in times when we might "wander from the truth." For when, not if, we wander, our brothers and sisters are present in our lives to bring us back. But, this assumes there are those who know our rhythms and patterns well enough to detect our wandering. Are there brothers and sisters in your life who are in sync with your rhythms and daily patterns in life? Who are the people who know you well enough to call you from your wandering? I pray there are 3, 4, or even 5 brothers or sisters with whom you have moved beyond the superficial and into the personal matters of life. Those are the people who we need—and need us!
What's at stake in all this? Unapologetically, James tells us life is at stake: "remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of [their] way will save [them] from death and cover over a multitude of sins." God invites us into the work of forgiveness, redemption, healing, and restoration. Do not get me wrong in this—we are not the Messiah. We point others to the Messiah. And, hopefully, someone points us to the Messiah. Jesus is our only hope. What an honor and privilege we carry with us every day to walk alongside of our brothers and sisters in this; to grow up together in Christ and live out our witness for the world to see.
Thank you for walking beside me as we worshiped the Lord in Spirit and Truth last Sunday. I deeply appreciated your encouragement. Next Sunday, we start a new adventure with the Prophet Jonah. Hang on to your seats—it is going to be a wild ride!
I want to leave you with the last verse of "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing." Together, may our hearts be sealed for courts above.
"Oh to grace how great a debtor
Daily I'm constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter
Bind my wandering heart to thee:
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here's my heart, O take and seal it;
Seal it for Thy courts above."
Amen,
Pastor John
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Calling All Elders
Good Wednesday to you,
Few people would question the value of prayer in the life of a Christian. However, many Christians struggle with prayer. Prayer is almost as mysterious as God. We ask ourselves, "Am I doing it right? Is my faith strong enough? Why doesn’t God seem to be answering my prayers (the way I want)? I’m not sure prayer works." Does that sound familiar? Fundamentally, prayer is talking to God. Talking with God always works.
On Sunday, I talked about many kinds of prayer: praise and adoration, thanksgiving, petition, intercession, confession, and prayers of lament, to name a few. Usually, when someone questions the validity of prayer, it is because a "petition prayer" has seemingly gone unanswered. God answers with a yes, or a no, or a yes but not yet. God answers because God loves us. If you feel like your prayers aren’t working, try a different type of prayer. Praying always changes things. Sometimes prayer changes our circumstances; prayer always changes us.
Next Sunday will be the final sermon from James. Stand by for your "mid-term exam!" If you need a refresher, you can watch or re-watch Sunday's (or any past Sunday's) sermon here.
Again, a huge thank you to all who helped out with the All Church Picnic. It was a delightful event. Have a blessed day!
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Patience
Good Wednesday to you,
I understand that doctors want patients, but who wants more patience? I think we would all like to be more patient, but we would like to skip the trials and tribulations that tax our patience! Yet, James exhorts us to "Be patient" (James 5:7). Like the prophets of old, who endured hardship in the face of suffering, James reminds us not to grumble against one another because God is at work. God is not only sovereign, God is active, involved and working in our lives and in our world even when we cannot see it. Leaning into God through soul exercises helps us to develop patience. Those exercises also create space for the Holy Spirit to transform us into the image of Jesus.
I suggested four Psalms to read and contemplate when we find ourselves frazzled amidst our crazy times – Psalm 37, 73, 46, and 13. I already received an email from someone encouraging me to add Psalm 40! What are some of your favorite Scriptures to read when you are in the midst of a trial?
Next Sunday we are going to look at James 5:12-18 and the power of prayer. We will also be celebrating Worldwide Communion Sunday, and the RETURN OF OUR CHOIR!
In an effort to "Make it a Morning," don't forget the adult Sunday school class being offered at 9:00am. If you have little ones in Sunday School at 9:00am, please consider this option, then come as a family to worship at 10:30am.
Saturday is our "All Church Picnic!" Please RSVP to let us know you are coming. High Noon is the kickoff! Don’t forget to bring your side/dessert to share.
I hope you are having a wonderful day. Never forget, you are loved more than you know.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Value
Good Wednesday to you,
It is so easy to look at those who have more than we do and think we are less than we should or could be. In truth, we live in the wealthiest country in the world, and most of us have more than enough discretionary income to let us do whatever we want to do. But is that how God wants us to steward our wealth? James has strong words for the wealthy of the world. Not only James, but Jesus spoke of the difficulties of dealing with wealth as well. Not that wealth is a bad thing; it is not. What we do with our wealth is crucial. John Wesley exhorted his congregation to, "Earn all you can, save all you can, and give all you can."
As we wrestle with "how much is enough," and battle with determining the difference between "wants and needs," each of us needs to do a deep dive to discern where our priorities are with regard to giving to "kingdom causes." Personally, I find that God supplies all my needs and many of my wants. I am truly a blessed person. If I had to put it in a proper perspective, I would say that this is what I am working on: "All I want is to trust God for all I need."
As I mentioned on Sunday, we are starting to look at our ministry budget for 2022. Not having "passed the plate" since March 15 of last year has created unusual challenges for us, but thanks be to God and to those who have prayed and supported Graham financially, we are holding our own. If you have given to Graham in the past calendar year, chances are you will receive a letter from me this week. Please, prayerfully consider how you might participate in the ongoing ministries of Graham Memorial this year or in the year to come. We are truly in "uncharted territory" but God has been faithful. If you desire, you can pledge or give online as well. For those who must take a "Required Minimum Distribution" before the end of the year, remember the tax savings opportunity of directing a portion of that distribution toward Graham!
Next Sunday we will look at James 5:7-11. He will encourage us to cultivate patience in light of God’s mercy and compassion.
Don’t forget to RSVP for the All Church Picnic on October 2. I am lining up smokers, and we are sure to have a great time with plenty of good food for the day.
Thank you all for your continued faithfulness. Truly, we are blessed. As the Bible says, "The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance!" (Psalm 16:6).
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Fragile: Handle with Care
Good Wednesday to you,
Famous last words may catch our attention, but the words we use every day make the greatest impact. In a post-9/11 world, we must remember that life is fragile, and we must handle it with care. How we handle reputations is crucial, especially in a day when just an allegation (true or false) is enough to destroy someone. James exhorts us not to slander others. Rather, let us use our words to lift up, encourage, and strengthen one another.
Likewise, we need to hold our own reputation with humility and grace knowing that all our days are numbered. God alone knows the day we will transition from this life to the next. Plan for a thousand years, while living each day as if it were your last. Next week we will venture into the fifth chapter of James, where he encourages taking a hard look at how we steward our possessions (James 5:1-6).
On another note, the All Church Picnic is just around the corner (Saturday, Oct 2nd). We provide the entrée, and you provide the sides. For more information on that, or to RSVP, click here. If you have a smoker and you would like to help smoke for the day, please shoot me an email so we can plan.
One more thing. We will be holding a memorial service for Barbara Anderson this Saturday at 10:00am in the sanctuary. Please keep her family in your prayers. Thank you.
I hope your day is filled with blessings, both expected and unexpected. Remember, you are loved!
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Birds of a Feather
Good Wednesday to you,
Holding on to our faith in the midst of trials and tribulations is difficult, but we must. Asking for godly wisdom can help us as we sort through the cultural influences that seek to dominate our thinking and our lives. Wisdom from above is essential in our time, lest we find ourselves "friends of the world" rather than friends of God. James gives us a description of the "problem" in verses 4:1-5. Verse 4:6 is our transition to the solution which comes in verses 4:6-10.
I suggested that the "True Church" should strive to "flock together" in order to keep each other strong and focused on wisdom from above. I believe the "True Church" is focused on three things: Jesus, Scripture, and the Holy Spirit. Rather than squabble over divisive issues, let us focus on our relationship with Jesus. As we grow closer to Jesus, we will grow closer to one another.
"Come near to God and God will come near to you" (4:8). Never forget that God forgives (nothing can separate us from the love of God – NOTHING!), God redeems (He can redeem anything for His purposes), and God transforms (we are not yet what we have been created to be, but by God’s grace we are no longer what we once were). In Jesus, we have the hope the world desperately needs. Let us "flock together," coming nearer to God that the world might see Jesus in all of us! Next week we will complete the fourth chapter of James, taking a look at the fragility of life (James 4:11-17). It will also be communion Sunday. If you are watching the livestream, be sure to have your elements at the ready!
Good news! The choir will begin practicing tomorrow night in the sanctuary at 7:00pm. Come out to sing or come out to listen. We are hoping for a return of the choir on Sunday morning on October 3.
An adult Sunday school class – "Survey of the New Testament" – will start up on Sunday, September 19, co-taught by Brianna and Megan Smith. We will see a return of the "box" that same Sunday at the 10:30 service. Please continue praying for us as we move into the new fall schedule.
I cannot thank you enough for all your prayers and support.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Wisdom
Good Wednesday to you and a Happy September as well!
This past Sunday we took a hard look at wisdom. Wisdom – who wouldn’t want wisdom? Of course, it really is a question about what kind of wisdom is being offered. James makes it clear that there is wisdom from above and "wisdom" from below. To understand which wisdom is operating in our lives, we need to do a "deep dive" into our souls. If we find bitterness, envy, and selfish ambition, we have some even deeper issues with which to wrestle.
Remember, wisdom from above is free for the asking (James 1:5) and it is a gift that results in peace, mercy, good fruit (Galatians 5:22-23), and a bunch of other great things like an abundant life living in God's kingdom. Wisdom from above is absolutely necessary if we are going to trust in the sovereignty of God amidst all the challenges our world and our nation are facing. With God’s wisdom, we can rest assure it will be "well with our souls."
I was asked to give you the 10 Lessons we have "learned" from history from Dr. J. Rufus Fears. Here they are:
1. We do not learn from history
2. Science and technology do not make us immune to the laws of history
3. Freedom is not a universal value
4. Power is the universal value
5. The Middle East is the crucible of conflict and the graveyard of empires
6. The United States shares the destinies of the great democracies, the republics, and the superpowers of the past
7. Along with the lust for power, religion and spirituality are the most profound motivators in human history
8. Great nations rise and fall because of human decisions made by individual leaders
9. The statesman is distinguished from a mere politician by four qualities: a bedrock of principles, a moral compass, a vision, and the ability to create a consensus to achieve that vision
10. Throughout its history, the United States has chartered a unique role in history
Next Sunday we will continue our trek through James, looking closely at the first 10 verses of the fourth chapter.
Again, thank you all for your kind words and your support. We are pressing on for the glory of God!
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Fire!
Good Wednesday to you,
This past Sunday I said, “As we speak, we teach others what we think and believe.” As such we are all “teachers” of a sort. When the Scripture says, “Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers (and sisters), because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly,” we should all sit up and take notice.
In striving to be both hearers and do’ers of the Word, we to need constantly maintain our internal (The Holy Spirit) and external (The Word of God) authorities. Otherwise, culture will assume a greater authority in our lives and, ultimately, lead us astray. As I said on Sunday, I need you to hear what I preach and hold me accountable as I hold you accountable. That way, we all grow together. While God loves us where we are, God does not want us to remain there, but to transform us into the image and likeness of Jesus Christ, so others can see the love of God through us.
This next Sunday we will finish looking at the third chapter of James (3:13-18) and the importance of godly wisdom over the wisdom of the world.
I remain grateful, beyond words, for all the prayer support and financial support you have provided to keep Graham Memorial moving forward. As we transition from the pandemic to dealing with an endemic, we need to continue being gracious toward one another. An endemic is now a part of our lives. We know what COVID is and we are learning to live with it responsibly. No amount of vaccine will ever eliminate COVID from our world. Therefore, no shaming (pro mask vs no mask; pro vax vs no vax) should ever take place among God’s people. Respectful conversation is always in season.
I covet your prayers. (I need the prayers and you need the practice! :) ) You are a blessing. I am thankful. May your speech always be consistent with your life.
P.S. Calling all dads! Join us this Saturday morning in the Parish Hall at 8:00 a.m. for breakfast. You’ll be treated to a home-cooked breakfast, fellowship, and stimulating conversations. RSVP appreciated, but not required!
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Faith At Work
Good Wednesday to you,
We have all seen those signs "Men at Work" (Have they changed those to say "People at Work?"), with several people just standing around seemingly doing nothing. Well, what would it look like if there were signs that said "Faith at Work?" What would we be doing? What does "faith at work" look like in our lives? According to James, it must look like a combination of both "hearing the Word" and "doing what it says." Our works, which were prepared for us to do ahead of time (Ephesians 2:8-10), are a reflection of our commitment to Christ. Salvation is a gift. We cannot earn it. But, effort is another subject. Effort demonstrates that our faith has substance, it makes a difference in what we say and how we live.
On Sunday, I encouraged us to "live our faith out loud." Jesus commanded us to love as He loved. His love was both service and sacrifice toward others. Love is to will the good of another. I suggested that there might be only eight "fruits of the Spirit," rather than nine. If we placed a colon after the word love in Galatians 5:22, then the "fruits" that followed would be descriptors of love. That’s not a bad way to look at the "fruits of the Spirit."
I also suggested that one way to "live our faith out loud" would be to choose a mission or missionary we support and find out everything you could about it or them. When someone asked you what was new in your life, you would have a ready topic, telling them what was new in the life of your selected mission/missionary. If you would like to pursue this and need some help, feel free to reach out to me and we will figure out which way to go. Next week we will be looking into James 3:1-12. I personally find this to be a frightening bit of Scripture.
Thank you all for supporting the moving of the 10:30am service to the beach on Sunday. It didn’t work out quite like we hoped, but it was great to see Tom jump from "D-Day Doll" and land in front of the Hotel Del Coronado. It was an honor to witness and participate in the event. Next week we will return to regular services.
We apologize for the technical difficulties we experienced with the livestream on Sunday. We still have people learning what to do. Those who watched on our Facebook page were unaffected. If you missed the sermon, you can watch it here.
Thank you for your ongoing support of the ministry here at Graham. You are an amazing blessing to us all.
Have a great rest-of-the-week!
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Fame
Good Wednesday to you,
To mask or not to mask… to vaccinate or not to vaccinate… Just more ways to divide people. With accessibility to the vaccination, I think it is safe to say that if a person wants the vaccination, they either have it or will get it. While one may struggle with those who do not want the vaccination (for whatever reason) we still need to be respectful and kind as followers of Jesus. We cannot judge our own motives clearly, let alone the motives of others. I am vaccinated. The death rate has plummeted. If I get sick, I get sick. At some point, I will die. God alone knows that date, but it is a fate we all share. (Unless Jesus comes back.)
We live in a divisive culture, but James tells us not to play favorites. We need to recognize favoritism wherever we see it. We judge (play favorites) by how much education one has, where one shops for clothes, the kind of car one drives, or even the neighborhoods we live in. In Christ, there is no favoritism. We all have equal worth and dignity in God's sight, for we are all created in God's image. Rather than judge or show favorites, we need to reach for mercy and grace. Remember, mercy triumphs over judgment. Next week we will focus on how our faith shapes our deeds on a daily basis. We will be looking at the remaining portion of the second chapter (2:14-26).
For those who missed it the first time around, this Saturday Jody will be delivering her presentation on critical race theory and the biblical worldview. It will be held in the sanctuary from 10:00am to 12:00pm. Please RSVP and let Jody know if you are planning on attending.
On Sunday we will be holding only one service on campus at 9:00am. We will be gathering on the beach in front of the Hotel Del at 10:30am to watch Tom Rice jump and land on the beach in celebration of his 100th birthday! Tom jumps annually on June 6th to commemorate his jump with the 101st Airborne in 1944. He is already looking forward to next year's jump! Come to the beach and look for the GMPC flag. I hope to see a great crowd of the Graham Family on the beach for Tom.
Thank you for your prayers and your support. You are a blessing.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
Good Wednesday to you,
Mirror, mirror, on the wall… It is amazing how truthful a mirror can be. It shows us exactly what we look like in the moment. It is amazing how much God's Word is also like a mirror, showing us where we need transformation and restoration. (Remember, redemption is already ours – it's a gift!)
Looking around, we see so much inappropriate speech (reflecting the condition of the heart), combined with a lack of personal responsibility. James encourages us to be "quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger" (James 1:19). The best way to accomplish that goal is to let God's Word continually flow through our hearts and minds. A rise in biblical literacy and values is our best and only hope for the abundant life promised us in Scripture. Remember, the Bible is a "mirror" we hold in our hands. Next week we will look at James 2:1-13 and the dangers of "Fame."
Tomorrow, Steve and Sara Currey will be giving a presentation in the Parish Hall at 7:00pm. We have been supporting the mission work of the Currey's for several years. They oversee 930 church planters with Pioneers in Africa, the Middle East, and in Europe. If you are interested in joining us for an update on their ministry, please let email Steve at steve@thecurreys.org.
For those unable to attend Jody's presentation comparing critical race theory with a biblical worldview, you will have another opportunity on Saturday, August 14th, 10:00am to 12:00pm in the sanctuary. Feel free to "bring your own lunch" for further conversation in the Parish Hall following the presentation. If you are interested, please RSVP to Jody.
On August 15th we will only have one service on campus at 9:00am. At 10:30am, we will gather on the beach in front of the Hotel del Coronado to witness Tom Rice jump on his 100th birthday, landing right in front of the hotel! I hope many of us will be able to be present for this historic event! I know it is unusual to "cancel" an in-person worship service. Let me say this, anyone who jumps out of an airplane on their 100th birthday (falling on a Sunday, no pun intended) will be honored in a similar manner! :)
Keep the faith and fight the fight. We are in it to win it!
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Good and Perfect Gifts
Good Wednesday to you,
In life, we receive many gifts. Unfortunately, not all gifts are beneficial. The origin of the "white elephant" gift tells us that some gifts are actually intended to destroy us. James wants us to know the difference, and to remember that God is the giver of every good and perfect gift. These gifts help transform and restore us into the likeness of Jesus, resulting in the receiving of the "Crown of Life." I think James is referring to the abundant life Jesus promises in John 10:10.
The temptations we face are those things that lead to moral failure according to God's moral principles; these are the "white elephant" gifts of the enemy, or more often than not, "gifts" we give ourselves. Ultimately, left unabated, they will destroy us. Rather let us look for the good and perfect gifts God offers that we might be the "first fruits" of all God created. If you are wondering what that fruit looks like, just read (or memorize) Galatians 5:22-23.
Next week, we will complete the first chapter, verses 19-27. I would encourage you to read all of chapter one this week in preparation for Sunday.
August 15 is just around the corner. On that day we will only have one service on campus at 9:00am. At 10:30am, we will gather on the beach in front of the Hotel del Coronado to witness Tom Rice jump on his 100th birthday, landing right in front of the hotel! I hope many of us will be able to be present for this historic event!
For all those who responded to my "Aloha August" suggestion, thank you for your input. Starting next Sunday, (just for the month of August) I will not wear a suit (coat) during worship. This represents a radical departure for me. Some thought I was going to show up in shorts, flip-flops, and a Hawaiian shirt. I don’t think so. But it will be nice not to wear a coat on hot days.
Thank you all for your continued support. We are exceedingly blessed!
Have a great week. I hope to see you Sunday (live or livestream)!
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
Mid-Term Exams
Good Wednesday to you,
While exams might not be a favorite pastime, they can serve as a measurement of how well one is doing in a particular subject. Sunday, I suggested that the book of James was sort of a "mid-term exam" for believers. How well are we doing in the subject of our faith?
James urges his readers to "consider it pure joy…whenever you face trials of many kinds." The reality is that we all deal with trials in our lives. No one is exempt. They come in many forms – physical, financial, emotional, and spiritual. I suggested that there were three sources of these trials – God (in which I want to pass to honor God), Satan (in which I want to pass so Satan doesn’t get the best of me), and my own stupidity, hubris, or arrogance (in which I want to fall on my knees, confess, learn, and do better next time).
While I might not consider these trials "pure joy," I am joyful in the knowledge that these trials are helping me to grow into spiritual maturity. Furthermore, if I am trying to understand the source or the reason of the trial, James invites me to ask God for wisdom, which will be given generously and without finding fault. Such a deal!
Whether one is rich or poor, regardless of our external circumstances, we are of value to God; we have inherent worth and dignity, being created in the image and likeness of God. God leads us in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. These are not paths of least resistance. Life can be hard, but we are never alone. Let's pass those tests and trials for the glory of God. Next Sunday we will be taking a closer look at James 1:12-26.
I want to thank all of you who expressed interest in Jody's seminar on looking at Critical Race Theory from a biblical worldview. More than 50 people gathered on Saturday to hear her. I thought she did a brilliant job. Some of you were unable to make it and wondered if she would do it again. She will. Saturday, August 14, 10:00am in the sanctuary with a "bring your own lunch" conversation to follow in the Parish Hall. If you are interested, please RSVP to Jody.
On a completely different subject, for years I have been encouraged to ditch the suit and tie during the heat of the summer. We have never had a dress code here at Graham. People dress in all different styles. I can count the number of times I've not worn a suit and tie on one hand (and have a finger or two left over). In Hawaii, they have "Aloha Friday," which is casual Friday on the mainland. What would you think about "Aloha August?" Please tell me what you think.
You continue to be a blessing in regards to your support, both in prayers and in finances. Thank you. I am grateful beyond words.
Have a great week, and I hope to see (or be seen by) you on Sunday.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!