A Pastor's Thoughts

Adjusted View

2010-02-04T19:16:00.000-08:00

I have had a significant revelation this week. I am sure as you read this it will seem elementary. Admittedly, it is foundational to being a follower of Christ. Nevertheless, it is a truth that bears sharing as it easily gets out of focus.

In working through the book of James over the last month - actually, I have not gotten out of chapter 1 in the last month - I have realized how often we default to putting ourselves in the center of the picture instead of God. For instance, in the first portion of James 1 the writer addresses three hot topics: trials, money, and temptation. Appropriately, to some degree, we read the Scripture and process how it affects me as an individual and what my response should be. I want to know how the Lord wants to bless me while quickly removing from trials and struggles I have to face. Because I am a committed Christian I seek to figure out what my response to money should be. Honestly, I hope if I am humble enough that God will bless me with riches. In regard to temptation, I look for the way of escape God is supposed to provide and ultimately for deliverance from the temptation all together. If He doesn't make either or both very clear to me then it must either not be that bad or not my fault.

We view God in relationship to us! We want to know what we can get and how we can benefit. This is particularly true the more significant the requirement on God's part. After all, isn't it more difficult to find joy in struggles than it is to NOT murder? I may have wanted to "ring so-and-so's neck" but I have never really wanted to kill them! So I approach the Scripture and even obedience to the Scripture most often from the standpoint of what I am going to be able to receive from it.

The adjustment has come this week in the realization that the appropriate perspective is NOT God in relationship to me, rather, it is me in relationship to God. He must be at the center of it all. I will never find joy in trials as long as I am in the spotlight. The moment that I surrender my rights, my security, and my comfort to the work that God wants to do even in the middle of my deepest struggle then I can find confidence and peace as my faith is expressed in him. Once I am there it is only a short journey to find joy.

In the latter part of James 1 he brings up the issue of anger or wrath. It is easy to immediately process the issues of anger. A good Christian also contemplates the necessity of adjusting his/her behavior to more appropriately align with the expectations of the Scripture. From my perspective, that puts God in relationship to "me". If I am going to place God at the center then, instead of seeking potential adjustments to my behavior, I must ask a deeper, more significant question - "What does my anger indicate about my relationship with God?" Processing the Scripture at that level puts "me" in relationship to God. While it is a much more uncomfortable place to be, it is the only appropriate place for a follower of Christ to stand.

I would love to hear your thoughts and have further discussion about my thoughts if you are interested. Thanks for reading!

Blessings,
Pastor Gary

Genuine Welcome

2009-12-30T10:09:00.000-08:00

Recently, I saw a church located in a busy downtown area. A sign in the yard at the rear of the church first caught my eye. The chuch name was followed by the phrase, "Where a warm welcome awaits you." My interest was peeked about the impact of that sign on passers-by and what specifically they did to offer a wam welcome. On the front sign was a similiar, more straight forward message. Below the pastor's name was the phrase, "Welcome All!" Just next to the front sign, near a short wall by the public sidewalk was yet another sign. It read, "Private Property. Do not sit on the wall. No smoking." Instantly, I wondered how welcome a wall-sitting, cigarette-smoking seeker in need of the love of God would feel at that church. My guess is that they would be unlikely to enter despite the positive message on the two other signs.

I can not help but think about my own life and my church. I say I want to be a pastor that welcomes and embraces everyone. I preach this Gospel of Love is available for every man and every woman regardless. What do the signs of my life, my attitude, and my church communicate, though, to those passing by who are stressed or in bondage and who need to find rest? Does my welcome go beyond a public relations placard? If not, then it does not even exist.

Regardless of whether we as individuals or churches get it or not, God offers a genuine welcome to all without stipulation or reservation. "Come to me all who are weary and I will give you rest," Jesus said. Today, first know that God extends a genuine welcome to you regardless of what you are facing or where you are in relationship to Him. Second, evaluate your own willingness to be open to other people and ask God to allow your welcome to be genuine.

Blessings,
Pastor Gary

The Second Half Is About To Begin! - Andy Andrews - Inspirational Author & Speaker

2009-12-29T13:13:00.000-08:00

I always love Christmas. There is a little sadness and a little relief when the celebrations and travel are over for another year. Traveling with three children 5 years old and under, having them out of their space, off their schedules, and out of their timezone for a week is tough, but what a wonderful experience it is enjoying Christmas with children.

I also love the New Year. There is a sense of opportunity and freshness just waiting at the door. The pages of 2010 have yet to be written upon. We have a new chance to learn from the past and adjust some things as we continue to move forward. It is a natural time to reflect, evaluate, and refocus. I intend to do that in my own life and within the life of the church over the next few weeks.

Below is a link someone sent me from a blog by Andy Andrews. Take time to read it as you consider this reflection period of your life and our lives together in the church at the end of 2009.

Blessings,
Pastor Gary

Blog - The Second Half Is About To Begin! - Andy Andrews - Inspirational Author & Speaker

PS - Don't forget the Family New Year's Celebration this Thursday from 8 PM until Midnight. Bring some snacks and some games and we'll have a fun evening together. There will be no Wednesday evening activities.