Pastor Bill Williamson

Should We Give Up Double-Doubles?

2012-02-28T14:34:00.000-08:00

You may or may not know it, but we are in the season called LENT. Many Protestant Christians are not familiar with Lent. It's not as popular as ADVENT. There aren't Lenten songs played on the radio to remind us that we are heading towards Easter. Nobody really decorates their house with Lenten lights. I suppose we could put some blood on the door frames of our homes. Typically, if there are decorations, it's about spring and Easter. There are bunnies and eggs and tulips. But, as we all know, there is no spring without winter. There is no Easter without the cross. There is no Resurrection without the death of Christ.

Lent is a time that many people spend praying and fasting. It's a for comprehending the suffering of Christ. It's a period of 40 days, similar to the amount of time Jesus spent in the desert fasting and praying before being tempted by satan and beginning His ministry. A tradition I used to do during Lent because it seemed the Christian thing to do, was to "fast". It typically was merely giving up something for 40 days. I hate to admit it, but I gave up soda one year. I know: Not much of a sacrifice. Plus, I always knew I could have all the soda I wanted on Sundays. (Sundays are not included in the 40 Days of Lent, since Sundays are always a celebration of the Resurrection.)

Why did I always concentrate on giving something up for Lent? Usually I gave up something that in and of itself was not healthy for me to begin with, and it maybe was a bit of an idol. The idea behind giving up something was to hopefully allow break my dependency upon whatever it was I gave up. Unfortunately, years later you can still see me with a 32 ounce soda in my hand. It was also a time that hopefully helped me become more focused and dependent upon God.

I have come to realize something recently. It's not what goes into my body that makes me unclean. I know: That's not a new revelation. It comes right from Jesus. In Matthew 15 it says, "Jesus called the crowd to him and said, 'Listen and understand. What goes into a man’s mouth does not make him "unclean," but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him 'unclean......Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man ‘unclean.’ For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what make a man ‘unclean’; but eating with unwashed hands does not make him ‘unclean.’”

Perhaps during Lent some of us would do well by making our heart pure, not just healthy. Let's not concentrate on giving up our Double-Doubles, but on ridding ourselves of impure thoughts, and words that offend or slander a person's reputation. Some people use the time to concentrate on Spiritual disciplines, like prayer and fasting, meditation or solitude, reading the Bible, writing in a journal and so on. Those are practices that can help lead to a pure heart. Maybe during Lent some should make a commit to building others up with their words. Now, go have a Double-Double and maybe a chocolate shake.

Because of Christ,

Pastor Bill

BE STILL

2012-02-01T11:16:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends, I am learning to "be still". You probably are familiar with the words of Psalm 46.10 where God says, "“Be still, and know that I am God." I don't know where I read it, but someone said that God doesn't necessarily come in our silence, but in our stillness. In the busy world we live in, it's hard to find silence, let alone to be still. There is always something pulling at us. We are running from one place to another, doing important things perhaps, but when do we find time to just be still? It's the Mary vs. Martha syndrome. Martha was busy doing good things as she was preparing for the visit of Jesus. She was still busy at work when Jesus arrived. Mary, on the other hand, upon the arrival of Jesus, set everything aside to sit at His feet and to listen to what He said. Martha was indignant. She blamed Mary for not doing her part. How many times do people judge others for not doing what they are doing, or believing in what they believe? How often do we feel guilty that we are not more active, doing what others are doing? Jesus helped Martha to see that although she was doing good things, Mary had chosen the best thing, to sit and listen to her Lord.

No matter how hard we try to be still, the world will always be rushing around us. There will always be circumstances and situations beyond our control. Sometimes we truly cannot take time to be still, for the moment is beckoning us. (I do think time management is an issue for a lot of us, and we find ourselves controlled by the tyranny of the urgent.) On the other hand, I don't think stillness necessarily means inactivity. There is a stillness of the heart, a peace that passes all understanding. To experience that peace, and to be still and know that God is God means we trust what it says earlier in Psalm 46: "Though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall." In the midst of the storms there is a calm, an eye in the hurricane. The definition I like about the eye of a hurricane is that it isan area of comparatively lightwinds and fair weather found at the center of a severe tropical cyclone. There are still winds blowing albeit they are, but they are rather calm compared to what is going on all around it.

In the midst of our rushing world or when troubles come upon us, God is sovereign and in control of even the winds and the rain. He is in the center of everything. We are to trust the rest of Psalm 46 that says, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.Therefore we will not fear." At the same time, in the midst of our stillness, we are to actively seek God: "Come and see what the LORD has done." (v.8 We are to look at see what God is doing all around us.

May you find God, your ever present help, in the midst of your busy lives. May you find time to be still and recognize what God is doing. May you hear His still small voice in the midst of the whirlwinds. May you discover peace in knowing that God is God, and He holds all things in His hands. In the midst of doing a lot of good things, may you find the time to do the best thing by sitting at the feet of Jesus and learning from Him.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-05T10:23:00.000-08:00

As New Year's go, this has been a pretty amazing beginning. God has spoken some truths to me that have given me confidence for the year to come. We had an awesome time of Worship on the 1st, and I gave the shortest sermon on record. I had a sermon all prepared, sermon notes in the bulletin and everything. But, on December 31st, while doing my devotions, I felt God had a different message He wanted me to offer. I went to the Great Harvest with Haley, and as she was reading, I was writing. I kept writing. And I kept writing. I typed up the words later and believed I had the sermon for Sunday.

Then on Sunday morning, God again gave me something different. I had been given the devotional book "Jesus Calling", and waited until the 1st to begin using it. As I read the introduction by Sarah Young I began to understand the reason for the book. I felt God challenging me to spend more time listening to Him. After a week of truly listening to God, I have come to realize that my listening to God before was not real listening. So, I began listening on the January 1st, and as Sarah Hughes book encourages, I wrote down what I thought God was saying.

My wife was sitting with me by the fire doing her devotions and I read to her what I wrote. I began to weep. I sat with it for awhile and said to Debbie, "This is what God wants me to preach." And so that's what I did at church later that morning. I read what I wrote in my journal. I offer it to you here as well. Perhaps God has something for you in these words. Allow yourself to truly listen to God. I shared with the congregation that morning that I cried when I read what I wrote because to me it truly was God speaking. It was deep calling out to deep. "Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me." (Psalm 42.7) It was the depth of God's loving speaking to the depth of my soul.

I also shared with the congregation before reading my words that it's as if we don't realize we have become dry or thirsty until the living water of God begins to flow through our veins. The Living Water of Christ fills us up, restores us, refreshes us, and sometimes it spills out in our tears. The devotion that morning began with Jeremiah 29.11 which says, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." That verse has truly been my life verse. So, it's not surprising that this new year began with that verse in a "random" reading of "Jesus Calling".

Here is what I wrote and shared. This is what Christ said to me that morning of January 1st, 2012. May God's living water flow through you as "deep calls to deep".

Jesus says, "I have given that verse to you. It's your life verse. I have put it in your heart. Trust in it. Trust in my plans for you. I speak to you daily. Listen to me. Trust in my voice. In the midst of the storm, I am there. On top of the mountain, on a clear, sunny day, I am there. Notice me. Smile. Enjoy my presence. I never leave you. You do not need to be afraid. Be still and know that I am God. I love you. I delight in you. You are mine. You belong to me. I watch over you even as you sleep. I never slumber. I am always at work creating a new spirit within you. Now embrace the new. Let go of the old. All things are possible."

Silent Night, Holy Night?

2011-12-20T14:30:00.000-08:00

Every Christmas Eve we end our worship service by singing "Silent Night". I'm guessing that for many households, the night before Christmas is not too silent. Children are probably having to be scraped off the ceiling. "Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse." Sure. We do all we can to convince our children that Christmas won't come unless they go to sleep. But, how was it that first Christmas? Was it silent in the stable? I'm not thinking it was. We may sing "Away in a Manger", including the verse that says, "little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes." I know, Jesus is fully God. But He was also fully human. I'm sure He cried. And what about the shepherds? Did they go off into the night singing "Silent Night"? I wonder if they ran back rejoicing and praising God while shouting from the top of their lungs, perhaps singing "Joy to the World". Even the Grinch recognizes that Christmas is a time for celebrating, rejoicing, praising God and singing at the top of our lungs. It's the sounds of Christmas that drove the Grinch crazy. He wanted to put an end to the "noise, noise, noise, noise."

Perhaps Christmas brings too much noise into your life. By now you're probably tired of all of the commercials invading your house. Maybe Christmas is a time that needs to be a bit more silent. After all, when Christ was born, as the shepherds left Mary and Joseph, running back praising and glorifying God, it says that Mary "treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart." Could it be that Christmas has been a fast paced, noisy, hectic, stressed out time for you? Do you need to sit and ponder the real meaning of Christmas? Don't wait until Christmas Eve when we once again sing "Silent Night, Holy Night". Take time right now to just sit, be still, and know that God is God even in the midst of the hustle and bustle of Christmas. Before the swarms of people converge on your house and people tear open the presents, or before you make the journey to someone's house to celebrate Christmas, take time to just sit and reflect and ponder all the wonderful things of Christ.

There's No Place Like "Home"

2011-11-10T10:51:00.000-08:00

After some recent traveling, I was glad to be in my own bed. No matter how much I enjoy traveling, it is always a nice welcome to be home. There's something about being in a familiar place. But, I have also been thinking about how this world is not our home. In fact, with so much going on in the world, the violence, the falling economy, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, the injustices taking place regularly, and the immorality of people's lives being exposed on a daily basis, I understand what Paul meant in Romans 8: "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope thatthe creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time."

Don't get me wrong. I enjoy this life. I love the beauty of God's creation, and waking up to a brand new day, like the way I felt this morning. But I guess I don't want to get too comfortable. I don't want to get to a point where I forget that there is so much more waiting for me beyond this world. Nor do I want to take for granted the life that I have.

After doing three memorial services in three days I had a lot to ponder about life and eternity. At one of the services the comment was made that the person was now "home". As I witnessed these individuals pass into eternity, I began to understand what being "home" meant. I also began to think about what James meant when he wrote, "What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." (James 4.14) Life is short, even though one person we honored lived for 89 years and another died two days shy of their 80th birthday. Life goes way too fast. I guess what I am hearing God tell me these days is that while I wait for Christ to take me home, each day needs to be lived for His glory. I don't want to waste this life. As the Westminster Shorter Catechism says, our chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.

"Don't Worry, Be Happy"

2011-10-06T16:15:00.000-07:00

As I've been studying the book of James for Sunday mornings, I have been pondering how James says, "Consider it pure joy whenever you encounter various trials of many kinds." As I said this past Sunday, it's not a matter of "if", but "when you encounter various trials." Jesus promised that in this world there would be trouble. I feel like lately there have been a variety of trials hitting people that makes me wonder what the "joy" is that we are to "consider". Some translations say, "Count it pure joy". Either rendering is intended to convey a process of evaluation. You might say that during trials we are to "count" the blessings we have even in the midst of suffering. You could also say that when our world is rocked we are to "consider" what God is trying to teach us, or how He is going to use what we are going through to grow us, mature us, and to reveal His glory. Trials are times we can be assured God will use to accomplish His good and perfect will in our lives. We have to remember that Jesus Christ, "for the joy set before Him, endured the cross".

It really isn't about being "happy" in all circumstances. It's finding joy as we trust God to strengthen us as He carries us through the storms of life. "The joy of the Lord is my strength". I don't have it within me to find joy in the midst of pain. God's joy, pure, unadulterated joy, that doesn't change with life's dilemmas, is what gives me strength to persevere. Joy comes in believing the promises of God, trusting that He really does work all things together for His good and perfect will.

The alternative in the midst of life's threatening circumstances is to be controlled by fear. We may find ourselves impatient, irritated, angry, and even bitter because we want God to remove the pain, overcome the circumstances, or to change the events in our life to what we think is best for us. It's not about finding joy when the pain is gone or the obstacle removed or life back to normal. "Normal" might be a thing of the past. Our circumstances may never change or turn out as we had prayed or hoped.

No wonder Jesus tells us not to worry about tomorrow. None of us knows what tomorrow will bring. Even as I write this I wonder what phone call I might receive before going to bed that might once again be a burden too hard for me to carry. I've had enough of those calls lately, where people's lives are in turmoil, and I don't often know what to say or how to pray. Sometimes I feel like the disciples who were described as "straining at the oars" as Mark 6 reports: "When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Once before, another time in a boat during a storm, Jesus was able to quiet the winds and the water. After all, He is God. So, into our storms of life Jesus reminds us that God is with us. "Take courage! It is I." - THE GREAT I AM! God - Immanuel - He will not forsake us or abandon us.

"Where's the Beef?"

2011-09-28T09:48:00.000-07:00

Remember that Wendy's commercial, with the little old lady looking at her hamburger patty, a tiny piece of meat, asking, "Where's the beef?" It's actually been on tv again lately, and got me thinking. Relationships often hit a snag and encounter tension and stress, things are said that are later regretted, and truth be known, I wonder if either party knew what the real issue was to begin with. What is really being argued about may not be the real issue. Sometimes it's hard to know what it is we are actually mad about. "Where's the beef?" What's the real problem? And sometimes it has nothing to do with either person, but there are issues, situations, external circumstances that have stirred some deep, underlying problem that has never been addressed or resolved.

These days I think we all live with buried resentment, bitterness, anger and even fear that erupts and starts taking enemies, leaving a path of destruction that we didn't intend. And we wonder, where did that come from? I was reminded last week of the story of Jacob and Rachel. In Genesis 30 it says, "When Rachel saw that she was not bearing Jacob any children, she became jealous of her sister. So she said to Jacob, 'Give me children, or I’ll die!'" She had to blame somebody, so she blamed Jacob. Her barren condition perhaps created a bitterness deep within her, a resentment, and even a jealousy of her sister. So, she took it out on Jacob. Then, it says, "Jacob became angry with her and said, 'Am I in the place of God, who has kept you from having children?'” In other words, "If you have a beef with someone, blame God."

Being unable to have a child can be a painful ordeal. It can cause stress and tension between the husband and wife. The death of a child, unemployment, failing health, parents getting older, and the list goes on. Let's not forget about the underlying fear people live with since 9/11, and the tumbling economy that has turned people's lives upside down. Where do people go to gripe, whine, complain or just vent? We can go to God, as Jacob suggests. Why not? That's the first place we should turn in times of trouble. But, if you're human, sometimes you need to kick something, hit something, yell at somebody. The fights and arguments we find ourselves in, the anger we seem to manifest to those around us, are just a symptom of what is stirring deep within. We may not even know what it is we are truly upset about. When we lash out we may look at ourselves and wonder, "Where's the beef?" "Where did that come from?" The person we attack may wonder what happened to the person they knew. They may wonder what in the world they did to deserve such treatment.

I am constantly amazed at how impatient people are, and wonder if they know what drives them. I can say that because I am constantly wondering why I am impatient at times, why I tend to be sharp towards others and critical of them. Where does it come from? "Where's the beef?" Why is there so much negativity? Why is there such an ongoing spirit of criticism? I don't have the answers, or the solution to how we can live within the midst of troubled times and still "Consider it pure joy", as James puts it. I leave it at this, for it seems to be so true in many relationships, that there is a lack of trust. Perhaps we don't trust that God cares about us, wants the best for us, is watching over us, or is actually in control. We don't trust the world, for everything seems so transient. Nothing stays the same. We don't trust strangers, for we have become skeptical of even the neighbor who seemed so nice. We don't trust other Christians who talk about grace, but don't seem to practice it, and it seems like we are constantly having to make certain people are happy and pleased with us. We don't trust those we love, because, let's face it, they're human, they've made mistakes in the past, and they are no different than us, and how much do we really trust ourselves? Do we trust they really love us as we are? Do we trust that their love is unconditional?

So, "Where's the beef?" Is it in that little word "trust"? I wonder.

Because of Him,

Pastor Bill

So You Think You Can Judge?

2011-08-02T08:41:00.000-07:00

Are you tired of people judging you, or making opinions of you without knowing anything about you or your life? Do you constantly feel as though people are talking behind your back? Do you live with the burden of wondering what people think about you? Do you find yourself wanting to please people? Not wanting to let them down or disappoint them? I wonder which came first, the chicken or the egg. I wonder if our desire to please people came as a result of our demanding others always please us. Do we feel judged by others because we perhaps judge people in the same way? Jesus said as much: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Matt. 7.1-2)

I have to admit it, I am hooked on many of the talent shows on tv. "So You Think You Can Dance", "American Idol", and "America's Got Talent", and recently I even found myself intrigued by "Master Chef". What I have realized about myself is that I am rather opinionated about things I have no right being opinionated about. Without having any singing, dancing or even cooking talents, I find that I can make judgments on those who do. Who am I to say who can dance or sing? My opinions or critical comments are based upon my untrained observations. I actually find myself saying things like, "They were pitchy". How do I know? I find myself even critical of the actual judges. I sometimes wonder what kind of person I've become. Or, is it that I've always been critical and judgmental of people, even ones I do not know at all? Have these talent and reality shows caused us to become cynical, judgmental and critical of others? Or, have these shows merely tapped into that depraved nature of ours to be critical and opinionated of people?

I wonder if the habit of sitting on our couches, watching others do what we don't have the guts to do, criticizing them for how they look or sound, basically talking behind their backs, has caused us to become numb to the ways we do it in the real world. Because it's easy to engage in such chatter from our front room without any consequences, do we soon find ourselves becoming somewhat too comfortable when it comes to criticizing others, talking behind their backs, gossiping and so on? Do we find ourselves having a short wick when it comes to the mistakes of others? Do we allow ourselves to join unhealthy talk about individuals or groups who are not there to defend themselves? Do we quickly find fault in others and allow their brokenness become a reason for us to cast judgment?

In Ephesians 4.2 the Apostle Paul writes, "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." To "bear with one another" gives a sense of what it means to be patient, long-suffering, realizing that people will blow it more than once. As I read Paul’s words and the definition of meekness given in my morning devotion, I was struck by the fact that we live in a world filled with what Brennan Manning calls “ragamuffins”. As the common illustration goes, when you point the finger at someone else, four more are pointing back at you. Or, perhaps as may have been said on the playground as a child, "Who died and made you king?" We are all flawed, sinful by nature, and we all disappoint one another and even hurt each other. So, how do we bear with one another in love? A recent devotion I read made it clear that we are to confront sin, but we are not to be “confrontational”. Ephesians 4.3 goes on to say, "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." If we are to “bear with one another in love” we must seek unity by living together in humility, with kindness, forgiveness and gentleness. Charles Hodge gave a great definition of meekness as “that unresisting, uncomplaining disposition of mind which enables us to bear other people’s faults without irritation or resentment.”

Warning Signs

2011-06-27T10:41:00.000-07:00

The first time I saw Niagra Falls I was blown away by the sheer power of them. What was even just as astounding was to see one of the rivers that flowed into the falls. While driving to the falls I was watching a river, not realizing at the time where it eventually went. It was a calm river at first, a nice place to float on a raft. But, then the river began to pick up speed, and if you didn't pay attention, it would become too late to turn back. Before you knew it you'd be heading for the falls.

I imagine there are times in life that we just drift along, perhaps a bit complacent in life and faith, and before we know it, little by little we find ourselves further away from God than we realized. Bill Hybels always said, "You can never drift into spiritual maturity." I wonder if you can drift away from God to the point that you are no longer maturing in Christ. Like Paul wrote to the Ephesians, we are still infants, tossed back and forth by the waves. Or as he wrote the Corinthians: "Stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults."

There may be warning signs along the way to make us aware of impending danger or that show us how far we are wandering from God. The Holy Spirit may be trying to nudge us, trying to speak into our soul, opening our eyes to how far away we have wandered. Like a song by Chris Rice says:

"On the surface not a ripple
Undercurrent wages war
Quiet in the sanctuary
Sin is crouching at my door
How can I be so prone to wander?"

Sometimes God uses a tragedy or a crisis to get our attention. Sometimes it's the still small voice. But, do we pay attention? Do we see or hear the warning signs? In the Parable of the Prodigal Son, the younger son who had taken his inheritance, left home and squandered his wealth probably didn't find himself hanging out with the pigs overnight. It probably was a gradual sinking as he slowly wasted his life as well as his money, before Jesus says "he came to his senses" and returned home.

We need to pay attention to the warning signs that indicate a wandering heart: impatience, anger, lack of joy, a spirit of criticism and judgment towards others, anxieties, lust, greed, jealousy, a lack of compassion for those in need, and the list goes on. So, how do we look for the warning signs? By constant devotion to God in prayer and the study of His Word, fellowship with other believers, and assembling together with others in worship. If you find yourself dangerously close to the water falls, it may require some one on one time with a wise and more mature Christian or even a counselor. We must not ignore the warning signs.

Because of Christ,

Pastor Bill

"Liar, liar, pants on fire!"

2011-06-14T13:41:00.000-07:00

It's an old schoolyard chant, but I am so tired of all the lies. It's been going on forever, even back to Adam and Eve. Jesus is the "Way, the Truth and the Life". Satan is the "author of lies". Satan can't destroy the Way of Christ, which is the Cross. Nor can the enemy take away the Life that is secured for us through the Resurrection. But, he certainly tries to deceive us and lie to us and cause us to live in darkness, shrouded by secrets, by pushing against the truth in us. Does Satan cause us to lie? Probably not, since we seem to be pretty good at it already. But, he will use lies to cause dissension and division, guilt and shame, and to slowly erode our moral integrity.

We see the shame of dishonesty in the news so much these days. Politicians who lie about sending lewd images of themselves to women, or who have kept an affair and even an illegitimate child a secret from the public and their own family (remember the movie "True Lies"? How ironic.). There are professional athletes from baseball players to bicyclists who deny they have ever taken any illegal substances that give them an advantage over the more ethical competitors, only to have fellow players testify in court that they are lying. Over the years we have seen parents crying before news cameras because their children are missing, then sadly it is discovered or finally admitted that the parents had actually killed their children and hidden them. Remember the girl who woke up to find out she had several star tattoos on her face? Turned out there wasn't some strange intruder who did that to her during her sleep. She actually had it done, and was trying to avoid the consequences of her parents.

The church is not exempt from such dishonesty and deception. I don't even want to begin thinking about the many Christians leaders who have admitted their failure after many years of lying and cheating. Yes, Scripture tells us that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and He will forgive us our sins. Confession really is good for the soul. Lying and keeping secrets weigh people down, keeping them in the dark shadows of life, when the Truth, Jesus Christ, wants to set us free. God wants us to come out of the shadows and into His marvelous light. However, even when we confess, there are consequences. Lying erodes not only our moral character, but the very foundation of the trust we have in one another. Honesty really is the best policy. Someone (I believe it was Dr. Phil) said, "If you have done nothing wrong, you won't hide anything." Someone else said, "If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear." Psalm 34.12-13 says, "Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies."

Because of Christ,

Pastor Bill

Are You a "Recreational Flosser"?

2011-05-25T12:08:00.000-07:00

Last week my dentist asked that dreaded question: "How often do you floss?" Unable to respond to her while she was probing around in my mouth, she pretty much answered her own question by saying, "I wonder if you're a recreational flosser." I waited for her to scold me, which is my usual encounter with the dentist. She didn't do any of that. Instead, she kindly said, "Every time you floss it's a good thing. You can do it every day, every other day, three times a week. Every time you floss, it's a good thing. If you miss a day, don't beat yourself up." Wow, that was not what I expected to hear.

Here's my question for you: "Are you a recreational Christian?" In the book of Acts it says that the early Christians were "devoted". It means that they were steadfastly committed to the teaching of God's Word, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. It was a normal part of their lives. It was in their DNA. As recreational Christians I wonder how devoted we are to God, the Church, prayer, fellowship, and even reading the Bible. You don't have to be a religious fanatic, but every time you participate in the life and ministry of the church, it's a good thing. Every time you pray and read the Bible, it's a good thing.

Many people probably avoid reading the Bible and praying and going to church much like they avoid going to the dentist. The Holy Spirit can begin to work in our lives when we are available to the movement of God, and sometimes it can hit a nerve. As Hebrews 4.12 states: "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." We often are afraid of the pain and conviction the Holy Spirit might inflict upon us if we read the Word, if we go to church or even pray. However, just like the person of Christ, who is full of truth and grace, the Holy Spirit comes to us offering not just the Truth, but also the Grace of God. Maybe it's time to stop being a recreational Christians and became more devoted to the things of God and His Kingdom, even if you still put off going to the dentist. Meet with God every morning, join Him in prayer, listen to Him speak to you through His Word, through other Christians, and join in giving Him glory and honor on Sunday mornings.

Because of Christ,

Pastor Bill

Coloring Outside The Lines

2011-05-11T09:24:00.000-07:00

A highlight from my childhood was going to the store and buying a new pack of crayons and a new coloring book. My pictures were always messy. My older sister's pictures were always so perfect and clean. For some reason I just couldn't stay within the lines. As I watched my own girls take on the sport of coloring at an early age, I watched as they too drew outside the lines. I loved their early artwork. It didn't matter to me that they stayed within the lines, or that their first attempt at drawing a face looked more like a one eyed whale. Eventually they became experts like my sister. However, to this day, some of their most treasured pieces of art are the ones that were more messy than perfect. Some of them are even framed. Those messy drawings remind me of their childhood, their innocence, their free flowing spirit.

I wonder if we become so focused on staying within the lines, that as we grow in our faith we lose the childlike faith Jesus desires and even cherishes. Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Mark 10.15) Children are so innocent, so amazed by the stories of the Bible, so enamored by those felt board characters. They look forward to Sunday School with enthusiasm and excitement. They can't wait to hear more about God's story. They can't give a clear definition of the Trinity or even comprehend the sovereignty of God, but what they can say confidently is this: "Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so." They may color out of the lines once in awhile, but Jesus loves them just the same.

When I I think of the Pharisees, I imagine them as ones who colored within the lines. They took pride in not only knowing the Law, but also by keeping the Law (or, at least so they thought). I also think of them as being rather uptight individuals who got all out of sorts when someone drew outside the lines and wasn't playing by the rules (or at least not by their rules). Jesus scolded the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, for honoring God with their lips when their hearts were not engaged. However, Jesus also scolded the disciples once in awhile for their lack of faith. Poor Peter. He tried coloring within the lines, but he just kept messing up. I guess I would rather have been scolded by Jesus for trying and failing, than to receive the words of righteous indignation given to the Pharisees. "You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks." (Matt. 12.34) The Pharisees did not have faith, they had religion; and their religion became a chain around their necks and a burden placed on others.

If we could always color within the lines, and life was always perfect, and everyone played by our rules, there would be no need for Jesus. God isn't looking for us to be perfect. He wants us to depend upon Him, to trust in Him, to fall into His arms of grace and let Him remove the chains of Religion that weigh us and others down. People will let disappoint us. They will not play fair. They will even hurt us with their words. Jesus knows that to be true, for He experienced it for Himself. In our weakness we are going to spill some milk on the floor, or track in mud from the outside, or wipe our finger-painted hands on the bathroom towel. Jesus will weep for us when we do, but He will always love us. Sometimes life isn't always so perfect and clean. It gets messy. But, even in our messiness, God continues to love us. Maybe for some of us we need to stop pointing the fingers (like the Pharisees so often did), quit whining about what others are doing or not doing, and instead extend the grace of God to them, putting a towel around our waste and help them clean up their mess, all the while loving them as Christ has loved us. As we live by faith amidst broken and fallen people, perhaps we'll that, "Oh, but by the grace of God, go I." As Romans 12.3 says, "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you."

All You Can Eat

2011-05-03T13:20:00.000-07:00

I love sushi. In fact, I love sushi bars that offer all you can eat for one price. The problem is, I can't always eat a whole lot before I'm full. (I think it's the rice.) Then, later in the evening I'm still craving a bowl of cereal. Usually Frosted Flakes. (Is that just a guy thing?) No matter what we eat, we'll always be hungry again. We are never fully satisfied. That's true not just of food, but of life in general. I used to love Space Mountain at Disneyland. Compared to some of the mammoth rollercoasters that are out there today, it seems like Space Mountain is probably a bit too boring and too slow for today's generation. Bigger and faster is the motto of the day. Why isn't G3 good enough for my phone? (I don't even know what G3 is, but it seems cool to own a G3 phone) Why isn't the iPad plenty good? Why do we need G5 and iPad2? Let's not blame the manufacturers. We consumers eat the new things up before they're even on the shelf. The day before a new video game is being released there is a mile long line outside the store, packed with anxious buyers ready to go to that next level. Wouldn't it be nice if that was our attitude towards the things of God? Standing in line just to receive His blessings? How about standing inl ine to go to church? People anxious to get in the morning to pray and read the Bible, just longing for more of God.

"Then Jesus declared, 'I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.'" (John 6.35) "The righteous eat to their hearts’ content, but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry." (Proverbs 13.25) "The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry but he thwarts the craving of the wicked." (Proverbs 10.3) "He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD." (Deuteronomy 8.3)

Where have you been eating lately that leaves you wanting more? What wells have you been drinking from that leave you empty? Is it at the counter of fame? Exercise? Control? Lust? What roles do envy and jealousy play in creating a false hunger within you? Have you been drinking at the well of gossip and rumors? Maybe you've been drinking from that never-ending well of pride that comes from the applause and praise of men and women. Still not satisfied? Still longing for more? Perhaps it's time to hunger after righteousness. Perhaps what you need to crave is more of God's Word. Not just reading it, but digesting it and allowing it to be hidden deep within you, so that you not only are satisfied by God alone, but so that you hunger for even more of His wisdom, knowledge, discernment. Feasting on God's Word opens the floodgates in order for God to quench your deepest longings, giving you contentment, peace, joy and all the other fruits of the Spirit that never run dry or go empty. Make it your plan to get into God's Word starting today. Pick it up, begin at Genesis perhaps, and just start feasting on God's truth. You'll be glad you did.

Because of Christ, the Bread of Life,

Pastor Bill

What's Love Got To Do With It?

2011-04-25T15:44:00.000-07:00

What's love got to do with it? EVERYTHING! That's what I learned throughout Lent and especially at our Maundy Thursday Service. Maundy Thursday is the night Jesus was with His disciples sharing Passover, the night He was betrayed, the night he anguished in the Garden, the night He was arrested, the night He was denied by Peter. That night in particular God showed the fulness of His love": "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5.8

Salvation is all about love. That is not a new revelation; it just keeps becoming more and more real to me. Jesus' death on the cross was all about love. "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." (John 15.13) Jesus was not recognized or even accepted by His own people; some of the disciples turned on him; the crowds shouted "crucify Him! Crucify Him!" However, out of love Jesus laid down His life for even them. Out of love Jesus laid down His life for even me, and how I can so clearly identify with Paul who said, "What a wretched man I am."

From the beginning to end, it's always been about love. "For God so loved the world..." GOD IS LOVE. So Jesus tells us we can do no better than to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength; and to love our neighbor as ourselves, as Christ so loved us. It's not always easy to do, but remember, "we love, because He first loved us." (I John 4.19) If we do not love God, we cannot love others. If we do not love others, we cannot love God.

Because of the power of God flowing through us now by the Holy Spirit, you and I are able to live our lives as the expression and very presence of God. "Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit." (I Cor. 6.19) It makes sense then that we should perfect what it means to love all people "to the very ends of the earth". Sounds like a good sermon series. Exactly - that's what we're looking at beginning this Sunday as we study the Book of Acts at Grace Presbyterian Church, Temecula, Ca. Hey, if you're in the neighborhood, come on by and worship with us :)

Because of Christ,

Pastor Bill

From Blessings to Cursings

2011-04-19T09:27:00.000-07:00

Over 2000 years ago, this week, now known as Holy Week, began with Jesus' triumphant ride into Jerusalem. It ended with what we now call Good Friday, though there at the time there didn't seem to be any good about it for those who loved Jesus. I'm sure there were all kinds of emotions throughout the week as the drama of salvation was played out in Jerusalem. Like the theater masks that used to depict the emotions of the actors (although mostly displaying the genres of comedy and drama), I am sure that the faces of many disciples that week went from joy and laughter to sadness and grief. Some on that road to Jerusalem, shouting their "Hosannas", I'm sure a look of confusion. As I mentioned this past Palm Sunday, that week which led to Jesus' death was probably a lot like those famous words from ABC's Wide World of Sports: "The Thrill of victory and the agony of defeat."

For those who knew and loved Jesus, the cross represented defeat. Their friend, their Savior, had died. For others who cheered Jesus' arrival, expecting Jesus to overthrow the Roman government, by the end of the week they could only ask for his crucifixion because they felt betrayed. As we know, their shouts of "Hosanna" became shouts of "Crucify Him! Crucify Him!". For most people that week, everything was about them, not Jesus. They were not shouting blessings to Jesus because of who He was, the one who came to save the world from their sins, but for what He would do for them, delivering them from Roman oppression. So, when their conquering warrior came out with Pilate during the trial, looking beaten up and defeated, they selfishly asked for Him to be crucified. He was nothing but a big disappoint to them. Jesus knew this would happen, but He loved to the very end. While on the cross He cried out to His Heavenly Father, saying, "Father, forgive them." Though they did not recognize Him, nor accept Him, he loved them and forgave even their sins. Even though they ultimately rejected Him, crucifying Him on a cross, He had compassion on them. His love, as is true of His character, is everlasting.

Jesus knew the hearts of the people as He rode into Jerusalem, because He was fully God and nothing is hidden from Him. He also knew their humanity, their weakness to give into temptation, for He was also fully man and is familiar with our temptations and our sufferings. Yet, He never sinned. So, as the account of that first Holy Week in the Gospels tells us, Jesus was sad, and He began to weep for them. He continues to weep for us. He knows our heart, our motive, our weakness, and even though we too at times deny Him and turn our backs on Him, He continues to love us. He continues to weep for us. And, when we find ourselves far away from God, stumbling around in darkness, living in our fallen self-centered ways, perhaps we need to stop and feel His tear drop on our shoulder. We need to be still, listen to His voice, for as the Good Shepherd, we not only hear His voice, we recognize His voice, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, we can stop what we're doing, turn around, and follow Him once again. Perhaps that's what Holy Week, Maundy thursday, Good Friday needs to be about as we come to the conclusion of Lent. Maybe it's as simple as doing what God calls us to do: "Be still and know that I am God."

Then, as we go forward, as we celebrate Easter, living as new creations in Christ, perhaps our praises on Sunday morning won't quickly turn to curses on Monday. Much like the Pharisees tried to get Jesus to silence the disciples, so the enemy loves to keep us quiet, preventing us from living a life of praise. Let's not allow anything to keep us from praising God. Remember, Satan is defeated by the blood of Christ and through the testimony of the saints (you and me). Let us practice living by the words of Paul who says, "Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS. I will say it again: REJOICE!"

Face 2 Face

2011-04-11T09:13:00.000-07:00

The focus for yesterday's sermon was "Living with Chazown is done in Community". My morning devotions continued the theme, even the passage in Ecclesiastes 4 that I used: "Pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up." As Mr. T would say, "Pity the fool." It's foolish to think that we can do life or faith alone. R.C. Sproul wrote, "God did not make us to function alone as believers, and we all need close friendships to help us grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ Jesus."

The Apostle Paul was constantly longing to be with Christians throughout the Roman empire. John even writes, "I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face." (3 John 14) In today's cyber-age there is not much "face to face" going on in relationships. Not even Skype can accomplish the reality of being in the presence of somebody else. Friendships being forged on the internet create a false sense of community. God created us for community, not cyberspace. He even longs for the day when we will be in His presence, for then we too shall see Him face to face.

I admit, most of my closest relationships are with people I do not get to see face to face very often. I am indeed grateful for things like Facebook and email and Skype. However, those relationships are only strengthened when we make the time to get together. I long for those times, and no matter how busy life gets, I have to make room to keep forging those two or three relationships that help strengthen me as a follower of Christ. Who is it for you? How do you keep the fires lit in those rare relationships where there is mutual encouragement and edification? As my wife is always challenging the women in her life, who is it you have put in your "front row"? Who is that is privileged to know you for who you are, and who will listen to what you have to say and will also speak the truth in love to you? I am grateful for my wife, but I am also grateful for those men I can turn to, get with face to face, pray with and yes, even cry with. Maybe it's time you got face to face with someone you haven't seen in awhile.

Pizza, Jesus, and E-Bay

2011-04-04T09:26:00.000-07:00

Check out the pizza face - is it the face of Jesus? Some people think so. The pizza place that discovered this pizza coming out of their oven couldn't dare to sell it. So, they did the next best thing. They put it up for auction on ebay. And, someone bought it. Why? What do you do with it? Frame it? Put it on a table with candles around it?

Perhaps the person who bought it thought it might bring blessings or favor from God. Maybe the buyer was hoping this would bring them the true presence of God, maybe even salvation. Before we consider the buyer whacko, I wonder how many of us do the same thing in regards to our faith. Pray the right words, and magic, God answers. Give away enough money, and presto, God will reward us. Do the right things, and God will love us. Avoid doing bad things and God will smile on us, or deliver a pizza with Jesus' smiling face on it.

Unfortunately, many of us do not trust the ancient Reformed belief: "Solo Christo", Christ Alone. We sing about it, but do we live by it? Is it Christ alone, or Christ plus more acts of kindness? Or, perhaps Christ plus perfect attendance at church. We can earn God's love, or even purchase salvation. Let us cling to the words of Acts 4:11-12 that says, "Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.' Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

We cannot do anything that will cause God to love us any more. We cannot do anything that will cause Him to love us any less. Christ has secured a place for us in heaven by His atoning sacrifice. We cannot say enough words to convince God to love us more than how He has already loved us by sending His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. We now pray, tithe, go to church, perform acts of kindness as a way of saying thanks and in humble surrender to God as the only authority in our lives. Christ has secured our salvation, and now we live as ones who are redeemed, saved, justified by Christ in humble response.

Spring Training

2011-03-28T12:11:00.000-07:00

Ok, I officially have begun experiencing baseball fever for 2011. Finished a weekend in Arizona with a Dodgers spring training game and am ready for Opening Day. Prior to the game I enjoyed watching the players with high numbers on their back and no name giving one more shot at making the majors. It was the final day of Spring Training and most of those "no-names" are going to head back to the minors.

This may be a stretch, but are we in "spring training"? Are we living our lives waiting for our call up to the "majors"? Do we live our lives on earth as a way of preparing for eternity? Do we have that sense of urgency that some will not be "called up"? We don't like to talk about it, but there will be a time when Jesus will separate the sheep from the goats. Our names may be written in the Book of Life, but what about those whose names are not written there, yet? Are we doing anything to make certain that everyone hears the Gospel?

The Apostle Paul's goal in life was to proclaim the Gospel of Grace at all costs. Nothing was going to prevent him from making certain people heard the Good News of Christ, not even impending danger, imprisonment, or death. "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me, the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace." (Acts 20.24)

Today God wants you to be a testimony of His grace. Yes, in your behavior and by your actions, but perhaps there will be an opportunity to even verbally share the Good News. The harvest is ready. We just have to pay attention and be available to God to be used to do some reaping.

Living With "CHAZOWN"

2011-03-22T20:14:00.000-07:00

"Chazown" is the Hebrew word for "vision" or "purpose". Jesus lived His life with vision and purpose, doing everything the Father told Him. He invites us to live our lives on purpose and with a vision of eternity. We are invited to follow Him, as we too pick up our cross and deny ourselves. In so doing we become more and more like Christ.

The Apostle Paul lived his life with purpose, although at first his vision was a bit askew. Once God redeemed him, God gave to him a new purpose. He gave him a vision to preach the Gospel to the world. This is his mission statement: "We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me." He devoted his life and ministry to proclaiming the Gospel, in order to present everyone perfect or mature in Christ.

What is your "Chazown"? What is the vision God has given to you in order to open doors for the presentation of the Gospel? Are you devoting your energy to following Christ in order to fulfill the purpose God has for you?

We are in the Christian season of Lent. It's a good time to pause before God, to reflect on your life, to redirect yourself if need to be to the instructions God has for you. It's a good time to evaluate whether or not your vision is God's vision. Perhaps it's time to fast from some things in order to do as God says through the Psalmist: "Be still, and know that I am God." Fast from Facebook. Fast from blogs (not good for me to suggest since I'm just starting a season of blogging). Fast from the internet entirely. Fast from noise. Be still. Be quiet. Listen to God. Blessings as you seek your "Chazown".