“Worry”

Can anyone of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

So do not worry, saying 'What shall we eat?' Or "What shall we drink?' Or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your Heavenly Father knows that you need then. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Everyday has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:27,31-34

Do you ever worry that you don't worry enough? A lot of people think that they need to worry in order to get what they need in life. They even think that the more they worry, the more they'll get. 

In this passage of Scripture, Jesus is saying that our Heavenly Father will provide us with all that we need in life, even when we're not worrying. So, if we don't need to spend time and energy on worrying, what else will we do with our time and energy?

We have been freed from the burden of worrying so that we can pursue God's kingdom and His righteousness. This involves living the lives that God has called us to live-lives that are filled with His peace and joy and love.

Worrying is one of my favorite hobbies. I'm actually really good at it. But it's really just a waste of time and energy. Especially when there are so many better things to do. Like, living as a follower of Jesus.  

In Christ,

Pastor David

“Righteousness”

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19-20

Have you ever noticed that there are a lot of angry people on the internet? People are angry on news sites. People are angry on social media. People are angry in emails. People are even angry in blogs. It all makes me so mad!

James writes about the problem with anger in his letter to the followers of Jesus. I've always thought that he was just writing about how to get along with others and have healthy relationships. But I've discovered that he is also talking about our relationship with God.

Righteousness means living in a right relationship with God. Righteousness involves doing the things that God expects of us in our relationship with Him. And being angry at others or ourselves or God will not help us to live in a right relationship with God. 

I don't know about you, but I don't have enough time in my schedule to be angry. I also don't have enough energy to be angry. I barely have enough time and energy to worry about things. But that's for next week's Word on Wednesday.

In Christ,

Pastor David

“The Presence of God”

1 God is our refuge and strength,
    an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
    and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam
    and the mountains quake with their surging.

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
    the holy place where the Most High dwells.
5 God is within her, she will not fall;
    God will help her at break of day.
6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
    he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

7 The Lord Almighty is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress.

8 Come and see what the Lord has done,
    the desolations he has brought on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease
    to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
    he burns the shields with fire.
10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.”

11 The Lord Almighty is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Psalm 46

Do you remember where you were on September 11, 2001? I was getting ready for work and my sister called me up and told me to turn on the TV. She was worried about our cousins who work on Wall Street in New York. By the grace of God, they were away from their offices when the Twin Towers were struck by airplanes flown by terrorists.

Nearly 3,000 innocent civilians were murdered. Nearly 6,000 innocent civilians were injured.

Ever since that horrific day, we have experienced the presence of God in amazing and loving ways. Those who are still grieving the loss of their loved ones are being comforted by the Lord. Those who are still struggling with their injuries are being cared for by God. And the Lord is still watching over those who are protecting our country at home and abroad.

We must never forget what happened on September 11, 2001. We must never forget those who continue to struggle with how their lives were changed. We must never forget those who are standing the watch so that we will be safe. Above all, we must never forget that:

The Lord Almighty is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress.

In Christ,

Pastor David

“Respond Like Jesus”

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.  And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:29-32

When I was in third grade, my teacher wrote on my report card: “David’s mouth is getting him in a lot of trouble.” For me, the trouble was fights on the playground. I had a real hard time ignoring insults, so I would respond in kind, and this would end up in a fight.

I didn’t mind the fights. My brother and I were constantly fighting and wrestling at home. However, the yard duty teacher, my classroom teacher, and the principal saw things differently. To be honest, this was confusing to me. I thought everyone shouted back, pushed back, and hit back when attacked. Then I met Jesus.

In high school, I started turning the other cheek as an experiment in following Christ. I soon discovered that all the people I beat up in grammar school and junior high school were now taking advantage of the opportunity to hit me without reprisal. I didn’t like how the experiment was turning out; but I decided that since Jesus was serious about it, I should keep turning the other cheek.

All of us are finding lots of opportunities to treat others as we have been treated. However, as followers of Jesus, we are called to treat others as Jesus has treated us. This is what the Apostle Paul had in mind when he wrote, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Being a follower of Jesus means that we are going to take some hits. When this happens, we can respond like Jesus. We can respond with kindness and compassion and forgiveness. 

In Christ,

Pastor David

“Jesus Is The Truth”

 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. Ephesians 4:11-15

Have you ever noticed that there are a lot of blowhards in the media right now? Maybe this is what the Apostle Paul had in mind when he wrote about being “blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.”

The blowhards are deceitful schemers. Some will try to drive us in one direction, while others are trying to drive us in a different direction. After a while, we’re left confused and disoriented.

Instead of listening to the arguments of the blowhards, Paul calls us to focus our attention on becoming spiritually mature followers of Christ. Part of this involves being people who “speak the truth in love.” In other words, don’t become another blowhard.

As the November 5 election draws near, the blowhards will be blowing harder. Hold fast to the Lord. Jesus is the Truth. Speak about Him in loving ways to others. In time, the storm will pass, and we will discover that we have become a bit more spiritually mature because we held on to Jesus.  

In Christ,

Pastor David

“His Children”

Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there. Matthew 19:13-15

The children are coming! The children are coming!

You have probably noticed that there are more and more children on our church campus this summer. And there will be even more after Labor Day. The Lord is bringing His children to GMPC to be blessed through us.

We provide two adults in each classroom where there are children. Which means that we need your help. Please prayerfully consider being a teacher’s aide. All you have to do is sit in the classroom and watch the teacher go crazy. This really is the most fun ministry at GMPC.

If you want to go above and beyond all expectations for a teacher’s aide, that’s OK too. Maybe you’ll want to tell some kids that Jesus loves them. Or perhaps you’ll help some kids to not glue their fingers together during craft time. That’s entirely up to you.  

The children are coming! But don’t worry. We will be hiding some doughnut holes for the adults during the coffee connection. And we’ll make sure you won’t get run over by an out-of-control tricycle. Instead, you will be able to focus your energy on loving the Lord’s kids.

Please call the church office at 619-435-6860 for more information about ministry opportunities with children.

In Christ,

Pastor David

“To The Gentile Believers”

Have you ever wondered why it’s OK for Gentile Christians to wear Hawaiian shirts and eat bacon cheeseburgers? In chapter 15 of the Book of Acts, a church council was held in Jerusalem. The Jewish Christians considered what it means for Gentiles to join the Christian community. They prayed about whether all the requirements that pertain to Jews in the Old Testament also apply to Gentiles who embrace the Jewish Messiah, Jesus. At the end of the council, the following letter was sent to the Gentile Christians in the First Century, and to us:
 
The apostles and elders, your brothers,

To the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia:

Greetings.
We have heard that some went out from us without our authorization and disturbed you, troubling your minds by what they said.  So, we all agreed to choose some men and send them to you with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul— men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, we are sending Judas and Silas to confirm by word of mouth what we are writing.  It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things.

Farewell.

So, the next time you decide to take off your hat in public, you can thank the Council of Jerusalem.

In Christ,

Pastor David

“May There Be Peace”

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
    “May those who love you be secure.
 May there be peace within your walls
    and security within your citadels.”

Psalm 122:6-7

Three thousand years ago, King David of Israel was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write Psalm 122. In this psalm, God’s people are called to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

The name Jerusalem literally means “city of peace” in Hebrew. It is one of the oldest cities in the world.  According to Eric H. Cline's tally in Jerusalem Besieged, the City of Peace has been:

..destroyed at least twice, besieged 23 times, captured and recaptured 44 times, and attacked 52 times in its history.

As we watch the news this week, we’re being told that there are new plans for more violence and suffering. This is heartbreaking for those who love the people of the Holy Land and long for the devastation and evil to end.

God’s people need to continue to pray for peace, just as we’ve done for the past three thousand years. So many are depending on us.

In Christ,

Pastor David

“A Restful Experience”

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11: 28-30

Summer is half over. Do you feel rested?

Being a resident Coronado during the summer is not a restful experience. All of the tourists who come to the island are so busy trying to relax that it makes life stressful for the locals. The traffic, the noise, and the crowds are a real challenge for patient people like us. Folks have even asked me: “If it is tourist season, why can’t we shoot them?”

The best way to get some rest is to spend time with Jesus. The Lord will give rest to our weary souls. He will renew us spiritually as well as physically. He will calm our anxieties and fill us with His peace.

Before you shoot a tourist, ask the Lord for help. Not for your aim, but for your attitude. Jesus will give us the rest we so desperately need.

In Christ,

Pastor David

“Counter-Culture Lifestyle”

Have you ever wanted to get rid of your enemies and stop those who are persecuting you? Jesus tells us how in His famous sermon on the Mount.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.  If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:43-48

These were radical ideas 2000 years ago. They’re even more radical today.

Jesus has not called us to adopt the values of our corrupt and fallen culture. Being a follower of Jesus involves living a counter-culture lifestyle. As we live like followers of Jesus others will see that we are different.

With the Lord’s help we can work to transform our culture of hate and revenge into a culture of love and forgiveness. With the Lord’s help we can love our enemies and pray for them. With the Lord’s help our enemies will embrace Jesus as their Lord and Savior and follow Him.

When this happens, our former enemies will become our brothers and sisters in Christ. This is how God stops the persecution of His people: by transforming the persecutors into His followers.

In Christ,

Pastor David

“The Giver And Renewer Of Life”

God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth. John 4:24

In John chapter 4, Jesus is having a conversation with a Samaritan woman at the well that the Patriarch Jacob dug in Samaria between 1750-1745 BC. In verse 24, Jesus gives one of the four descriptions of God in the New Testament. The others are: “God is light” (1 John 1:5), “God is love” (1 John 4: 8, 16), and “God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:29).

Jesus is helping this woman to understand that God is not confined to a particular place. Neither can God be thought of as a material being made of stone or wood. God is Spirit and so God can be worshiped at the temple in Jerusalem, the temple in Samaria, and even at Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church in Coronado.

Whenever we begin one of our worship services, we pray that the Holy Spirit will enable us to worship God in Spirit and in truth. We are praying that the Holy Spirit will guide us and empower us and inspire us as we worship God. The PCUSA Book of Order describes the worship of God in Spirit and in truth this way:

The Holy Spirit is “the giver and renewer of life”, who instills our faith and enables us to follow Jesus Christ. The Scriptures describe how the Spirit moved at the dawn of creation, anointed Christ in baptism, raised Jesus from the dead, and was poured out on the Church at Pentecost. The same Spirit is still at work in the life of the Church and the life of the world. The Holy Spirit manifests God’s gracious action and empowers our grateful response. The Spirit gathers us for worship, enlightens and equips us through the Word, claims and nourishes us through the Sacraments, and sends us out for service. To each member of Christ’s body, the Spirit gives gifts for ministry in the Church and mission in the world. W-1.0105.

Wherever and whenever you worship God, I encourage you to ask the Holy Spirit to enable you to worship in Spirit and in truth. Jesus has helped us to understand that this is what God expects of His worshipers. This is not just for God’s sake; it is for our sake as well.

In Christ,

Pastor David

“His Flock”

Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”

Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

Again, his Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus said to them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?”

“We are not stoning you for any good work,” they replied, “but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.” John 10:22-33

Have you ever noticed that some people just don’t like Jesus? Some don’t like His teachings, such as: “No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6). Others don’t think He is God in the flesh. Many don’t think He is the Messiah that God promised to send.

There is a reason why we can believe what Jesus said and what He has done. It is because we are His sheep, and He is our Shepherd. We recognize His voice, and we follow Him. God the Father has given us to Jesus, and no one will ever be able to snatch us out of the hand of God.

The Good News is that there is always room for more sheep in the Lord’s flock. We are living proof of this miracle. We were added to the Lord’s flock at one time.

When I encounter someone who doesn’t like Jesus, I think to myself, “This person is not one of His sheep. Yet.” It’s important to include the “yet”, because the Lord is always adding new sheep to His flock. There is always hope for those who do not yet know the Shepherd.

In the Book of Acts, we find out what happened to those who wanted to stone Jesus. Many of them ended up becoming His sheep. Acts chapter 2 tells that three thousand of these people were added to the Lord’s flock in just one day.

We can’t give up hope on those who don’t like Jesus. God hasn’t given up on them. Otherwise, we never would have become one of the Lord’s sheep.

In Christ,

Pastor David

“The True Hope Of Our Nation”

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
The people He has chosen for His own inheritance.

The Lord looks from heaven;
He sees all the sons of mankind;
From His dwelling place He looks out
On all the inhabitants of the earth,
He who fashions the hearts of them all,
He who understands all their works.
The king is not saved by a mighty army;
A warrior is not rescued by great strength.
A horse is a false hope for victory;
Nor does it rescue anyone by its great strength.

Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him,
On those who wait for His faithfulness,
 To rescue their soul from death
And to keep them alive in famine.

Psalm 33:12-19

The Fourth of July is a fun holiday. Especially in Coronado. I love the flags, decorations, parades, military uniforms, fireworks, everything. This Fourth of July we will have a student from the Basque region of Spain staying with named Laida Imaz and I can’t wait for her to see how we celebrate.

As we celebrate the Fourth of July, let us remember that the true hope of our nation is the Lord. It’s important to support and encourage those who serve in the military, but our military can’t save our nation. It’s vital to vote in elections and pray for wisdom as we go into the polling booth, but politicians can’t save our nation. It’s crucial to be faithful stewards of God’s creation, but recycling and driving electric vehicles won’t save our nation. Only the Lord can save our nation.

Praying for our nation is probably the most patriotic thing we can ever do. Whether folks in our country realize it or not, our nation is dependent on God for our salvation. And even if others won’t ask God to save us, we can.

 May God bless the U.S.A.!

In Christ,

Pastor David

“Be A Blessing”

Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper. Jeremiah 29:7

Next Sunday we will be celebrating the Fourth of July during the worship services. You are all invited to wear your uniforms, medals, and anything else you would like to celebrate the founding of our nation. We will be giving thanks to God and praying for our country.

God has placed us here to be a blessing to our nation. God has called each of us to pray and work for the good of our country.

As we help others to know the Prince of Peace, our nation will be known as a place of peace. As we help others to experience God’s grace and mercy, this land will be known as a place of grace and mercy. As we help others to experience the forgiveness that comes through knowing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, this land will be known as a place of forgiveness.

It all starts with prayer. I invite you to pray that the Holy Spirit will start a revival in Coronado that will spread across our nation. May God enable us to be a blessing to the USA.

In Christ,

Pastor David

“Live At Peace With Everyone”

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.

In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:9-21

As the election draws near, I’ve noticed that there is a lot of talk in the media about taking revenge against political enemies. I’ve also noticed that there is a lot of talk in the media about taking revenge against military enemies. There is even talk in the media about taking revenge against sports enemies.

All of these messages in the media about enemies and revenge are contrary to the Scriptures. There is a consistent message in the Scriptures about loving enemies and leaving revenge to God. From the Old Testament to the Gospels to the Epistles, the message is the same: God’s people are people of love, not revenge.

I have conducted thousands of funerals as a pastor over the years. Thankfully, I have never had to stand before a grieving family and say, “Your loved one lived their life like a Washington politician.” Instead, I have been blessed to say, “Your loved one was a faithful follower of Jesus.”

We are not called by God to live like the celebrities in the media. We are called to live like Jesus.

In Christ,

Pastor David

“Spirit of the Lord”

Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He was teaching in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.

He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
    because he has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
    and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free,
    to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

Luke 4:14-21

So, who is going to jail this summer? There is Good News in this passage of Scripture: Jesus has been sent to proclaim freedom for the prisoners.

In this passage of Scripture, Jesus isn’t just speaking of physical prisons. He’s also referring to spiritual prisons. Such as prisons of lust, greed, bitterness, criticism, and so on.

Some are planning to spend their summer vacations in spiritual prisons. Especially since this is the off-season in Las Vegas and there are lots of deals on hotel rooms. Others are already living in spiritual prisons, and they have been longing to be set free.

John Bunyan wrote an allegory of the Christian life in his famous work, Pilgrim’s Promise. Two of the characters in the book are named Christian and Hope and they are taken prisoner by a giant named Despair. They are locked in the dungeon of the giant’s Doubting Castle. After four days of beatings and bullying, Christian realizes that he has a key called Promise. When he puts the key in the lock of the prison door, it opens with ease. Christian and Hope discover that the key opens all the doors of Doubting Castle, and they are set free.

Jesus has promised to set us free. When you find yourself in a spiritual prison, ask the Lord for help. The door to your prison will fly open and you will walk into the freedom of His forgiveness and grace.

In Christ,

Pastor David

“Rest and Pray”

While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”

Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him.

Then Jesus ordered him, “Don’t tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.”

Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

Luke 5:12-16

Summer has officially arrived. This is a season when many decide to take a break from the hectic schedules we’ve followed during the rest of the year. Even Jesus took a break now and then from His busy schedule.

The Holy Spirit inspired Luke to tell us that Jesus “often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Jesus is setting an example for us by doing this. Being a faithful follower of Jesus involves taking time to withdraw, rest, and pray. But this isn’t always easy for me.

As an extrovert, I am energized by being around people. For someone like me, withdrawing from people is work. For others, it’s a dream come true.

As an extrovert, I prefer to pray in a group. Spending time alone in prayer is also work for me. For others, this is only natural.  

Sometimes it’s hard to be a follower of Jesus. And yet, when I don’t follow the Lord’s example to withdraw, rest, and pray, I end up exhausted and even burned out.

So, how will you be getting some rest this summer?

In Christ,

Pastor David

“Jesus Is Alive”

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8

After Jesus spent 40 days showing Himself alive to various groups of people in a variety of circumstances, He ascended into Heaven. Just before He left His disciples, Jesus told them that they would receive power from the Holy Spirit to be witnesses of His resurrection. Ten days later, on the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured out on all of God’s people.

We received the Holy Spirit when we asked Jesus to be our Lord and Savior. We have received the same power that the Holy Spirit gave to God’s people in the Bible. We too can be witnesses of the Resurrection of Jesus.

It may seem like Jesus has given us an impossible mission to accomplish. Be we have not been left alone to tell others that He is alive. The Holy Spirit who is God Almighty is living within us.

The Holy Spirit will give us the words we need and the courage we need and the strength we need and the confidence we need to tell others that Jesus is alive. The Holy Spirit will also give us the love and grace we need in order to be effective witnesses of the Resurrection. The Apostle Paul reminded a young pastor named Timothy of this in a letter he wrote to him:

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7.

Jesus is alive. This is the best news that we can share with others.

In Christ,

Pastor David

“Do You Love Me?”

Now when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My lambs.” He said to him again, a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was hurt because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Tend My sheep."  John 21:15-17

In this passage of Scripture, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is meeting with seven of His disciples after His Resurrection. This encounter took place on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, where He had first met them and called them to be His followers, three years earlier. This is one of the many Resurrection appearances Jesus made before He ascended into heaven, forty days after Easter Sunday.

During the evening before He was crucified, Simon, who was also called Peter, had denied knowing Jesus three times. Peter was full of remorse for what he had done, the Scriptures tell us Matthew 26:75. Peter had met Jesus twice following the Resurrection, we’re told in John chapter 20. Yet, in neither of these encounters did they talk about Peter’s denial.

At the Sea of Galilee, Jesus fed His disciples a breakfast of fish and bread. And then it was time for a life-changing conversation. Jesus had some work to do in Peter’s life, in front of the other disciples who had seen Peter deny Jesus 3 times.

Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?” Three questions. One for each of the three denials. Three opportunities for Peter to examine His feelings and his commitment to following Jesus. Jesus is also doing this three times for emphasis. And every time that Peter says, “Yes Lord; You know that I love You”, Jesus tells Peter to care for His sheep. Jesus wants us to know that we are called to express our love for Him by loving the flock that He so dearly loves.

Jesus has sheep in the Sunday School and the youth groups. Jesus has sheep who are shut-ins and 
cannot join us in worship. Jesus has sheep in the military community of Coronado. Jesus has sheep on the mission field. Jesus has sheep in your family. Jesus is giving us the opportunity to show our love to Him by showing love to His sheep.

Do you love Jesus? Then take care of your soul by following Him. After all, you are one of His beloved sheep as well.

In Christ,

Pastor David

“Gift Of The Holy Spirit”

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

(1 Corinthians 12:4-11)

Sunday, May 19, is the Day of Pentecost. This marks the beginning of the season of Pentecost. During this time of year, followers of Jesus celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit that was given by God to all His people.

Before Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was only given to a select few: prophets, priests, and kings. They were given the Holy Spirit so that they would have the ability to serve God and lead His people. Now, God has given His Holy Spirit to each of His people.

We were given the Holy Spirit when we first became followers of Jesus. The Holy Spirit is at work in our lives in a variety of ways. For example, the Holy Spirit has given each of us a gift to use in serving God. Some of these gifts are mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11.

All of us are called to use the gifts God has given us for His glory. To do this, we first need to discover what our spiritual gift is. There are a variety of tools we can use to help us with this, such as books and online spiritual gift inventories. We can also discover our gifts by asking others to help us through a time of discernment. Then there’s good old trial and error. This is how I discovered in college that God did not give me the spiritual gift of leading a middle school church choir. I would be glad to help you discover your spiritual gift and put it to use.  

To help us understand the many ways in which the Holy Spirit is working within us, I will be preaching a series of sermons about this. I am looking forward to celebrating the gift of the Holy Spirit with you.

In Christ,

Pastor David