Acts 2

Acts 2:42-47  And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

⁴³ And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.  ⁴⁴ And all who believed were together and had all things in common.  ⁴⁵ And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.  ⁴⁶ And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,  ⁴⁷ praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Saturday mornings are always a little hectic for me.  I teach two group fitness classes with only 10 minutes in between classes.  I have to quickly put away equipment and get myself to another room to set-up and change clothes real quick.  Typically my second class starts a minute or two late…which my participants are very gracious about.  Today more stress was added by a fellow instructor letting me know that my second room was having issues, the lights weren’t working right, the sound wasn’t working right, and the outlets weren’t working – so the fans weren’t working.

Great.

So – I went upstairs and figured out what the sound issues were…a secondary volume knob had been turned down.  After turning it up, the sound was fine.  They are doing construction in the room next door, so three of the walls had no power…but the fourth wall did.  After getting an extension cord, I was able to plug in one of the fans.  The overhead lights were working fine, but the spot lights that we use during class wouldn’t work…two out of three isn’t bad.

After class I had a conversation with one of the gym owners who had come in due to the loud concerns of the other instructor.  He shared with me the upgrades the gym was making and why things weren’t working as usual.  He also shared the plans for the future – changing some things around in order to make them better.  I’m super excited about some of the plans I found out about this morning!!

The biggest challenge?  Some of the instructors who have been there for years like things the way they are.  The gym has been “working” for years and changes aren’t needed…at least not in their eyes.  I believe some of them are taking these changes and upgrades as personal affronts; as if these new things are insulting all the work they have put in over the years.  When in reality the reason the owners are putting in all this time and money is because of this very success – trying to make it even better!!

Sometimes I think we struggle with this same thing within the church.  Young people start making new suggestions or new leaders come in and start making changes and upgrades.  It’s not that what has been done in the past hasn’t been good; the changes are made to build upon the successes in the past and take things to the next level.  But those who have been around for many years often see these changes as an insult and are outraged at the suggestion that things could be better.

All this to say – we need to make sure our eyes are where they need to be…on Jesus.  Our passage today helps to remind us what the important things are; what we need to be focusing on as a church.  We need to be learning and growing in our faith, fellowshipping and building one another up, praying, and helping those in need.  We can worship and pray in a room with pews and with chairs.  We can grow in our faith with organ or a praise band.  We can help those in need with traditional Sunday School or small groups.  We need to keep the main thing, the main thing and be thankful and rejoice when God attends us and provides new things.  With change comes more opportunity.  With more opportunity comes leading more to Jesus…which is the main thing!

Isaiah 43:18-19   ¹⁸ "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.  ¹⁹ Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

I’m praying for you as God is doing a new thing!

Pastor Amy

Hebrews 3

Hebrews 3:13  ¹³ But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.

Last night about 9:30pm our doorbell rang.  I was already in my pajamas and didn’t really want to go to the door.  My brother and I looked at each other, questioning if the other was expecting someone – neither one of us was.  Well, by the time we made it to the door, no one was there, but two envelopes were left behind.  One had my brother’s name on it and one had my name on it.  And I believe the intent was for us not to see the deliverer, so I don’t feel bad about not getting to the door sooner.

I opened the envelope and a letter was inside.  The author is unknown, just a note from “people who care.”  The note was filled with compliments and many encouraging comments.  The note made me feel loved, the note made me feel like my efforts are not in vain, and while I have an idea who the note was from, I believe its message is one from God.

In our hurried world of email and texts, I believe note writing is a lost art.  Our communication has become quick and to the point.  We only reach out when we need something and not when others might need us.  What I mean is we don’t call others just to see how they are doing…or write a letter of thanks or encouragement.  Scripture tells us to encourage one another – daily – as long as today is called today.

So – I encourage all of us…dig out your stationary and note cards and start writing.  Who does God want you to encourage today?  Maybe you are to sign it…or maybe the credit goes to “someone who cares” because it is to be a note from God and you are just a conduit.

Know that you are loved and I am praying for you!!

Pastor Amy

1 Corinthians 5

1 Corinthians 5:9-13  I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people--  ¹⁰ not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world.  ¹¹ But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler--not even to eat with such a one.  ¹² For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge?  ¹³ God judges those outside. "Purge the evil person from among you."

The other day I had the opportunity to walk into a situation where family members were discussing family problems.  They weren’t yelling or arguing, they were genuinely discussing challenges their family was facing.  The language was colorful and the images were crude, but they were being real and honest.  They were open about what was bothering them and they were suggesting possible solutions to consider…not that all solutions recommended were good ideas or even legal, but at least they were striving to help and support one another.

A Christian friend of mine also witnessed this encounter.  Afterward, she asked me why I put up with that.  I asked her to clarify what “that” was.  She asked how I could listen to such garbage, gossip, cursing, and all around immoral conversation…especially since I’m a Pastor.  I told her these people are not Christians, how can I expect them to act like Christians?  They are acting worldly because they are.  It’s not for me to judge them, just to love on them and support them in their time of struggle.

Now those who are in the church and claim to be Christian, that’s a different story.  Paul encourages us in today’s Scripture to take a hard look at everyone within the church who claims to be Christian (some folks in the church are just checking things out and are exempt from this scrutiny).  We are to look for those who have fallen off the narrow road.  We need to approach them and encourage them to repent and turn from their sinful ways…we are called to judge one another.  If this person does not turn from their ways, we are to turn from them.

This may seem harsh, but Paul understood how quickly sin can take hold.  Sin has been compared to weeds; they can grow with little nourishment and will spread until out of control if left unchecked.  We need to allow those not in the church grace while keeping an eye on our brothers and sisters in Christ, being quick to address any sin we observe.  We need to be more focused on destroying sin within the church and less concerned about offending.  Sin needs destroying before it takes hold. 

Turn from sin in your own life, seek Him to shine a light on areas that might need attention.

I’m praying for you!

Pastor Amy

1 Thessalonians 5

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18  Rejoice always,  ¹⁷ pray without ceasing,  ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

I love to read.  For those who are non-readers, they struggle to understand how I can be in the middle of four different books at one time.  I love the diversity of learning about many different topics at once…and if one book gets a little tiresome, I switch to something else and return to it at a later time.  Of all the titles I’m currently reading, I’m really enjoying a series of fiction books, The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, surgeon by Mel Starr.  These stories take place in the 1300’s in England.  The verbiage reflects this time period and location and I often appreciate the glossary the author includes in the front of the book.  These books are well written mysteries with Hugh de Singleton as our sleuth.  Hugh is a learned man and a believer; though these books aren’t overtly “Christian-Fiction.”

As I was reading last night, Hugh was in trouble.  He had been captured by those who would prefer their secrets not be found out by a meddling surgeon.  Hugh made the following observation, “I believe I am like most men.  I call upon the Lord Christ when in need, but forget to speak to Him when my life is smooth and pleasant.  I treat the Savior like a lawyer; I call upon Him only when I am in trouble.  I vowed to amend my ways and prayed that some escape might appear…”

Oh how true this is!  When the sun is shining and life smells of roses, we sometimes forget that God is there and He provided this beautiful ambiance.  And oftentimes, like Hugh, we promise to do better in the future…especially if God will answer our need as soon as possible.  Well – accept this as a reminder – praise God today!  Pray without ceasing…no matter what the day may bring.  Thank Him for the sunrise and the sunset.  Thank Him for each meal you eat and for the safe travel you enjoy.

God is amazing and we need to tell Him about it!!

I’m praying for you!

Pastor Amy

Starr, Mel. "A Trail of Ink, The third chronicle of High de Singleton, surgeon." Kregel Publications, Grand Rapids, MI. 2010. p177.

Matthew 28

Matthew 28:19-20  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  ²⁰ teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

I was reading an article this week about the church and its mission.  The article began with a discussion of “Christendom,” explaining that The Church in the United States has always been in the forefront of daily culture.  Christianity has been the primary religion of our nation, people attended church because that’s what you did, and everyone had a basic understanding of Biblical Principles.  Leaders in the church focused on those within their walls, encouraging them to make a decision for Jesus as Lord and Savior, which wasn’t too challenging because they already had a base understanding of their need for Him.  These leaders then taught Bible studies, encouraging a growth in Christian knowledge and in faith.  There was little outreach, if any, to those outside the church because it was unnecessary.  People knew where to come when they were wounded…they knew the church was a place for healing.

Our culture has changed.  People no long attend church because it’s what the culture says they should do.  In fact, to some, attending church goes against the norm.  Many of our churches have failed in changing with our culture.  Church leadership still expects people to come to them when they are in need, but people are seeking other avenues of healing.  Churches are in decline.  It is time for us to realize once more what our intended mission is.

Jesus commanded us to Go and make disciples of all nations…not stay in our churches and wait for them to come to us.  We need to be more bold and daring in reaching out.  We need to get crazy.  We need to seek God and His direction for our church.  We need to brainstorm ideas how to better serve our community and be Jesus to those around us.

Let me know what you think! 

I’m praying for you !

Pastor Amy

Philippians 4

Philippians 4:10-13  I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.  ¹¹ Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.  ¹² I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.  ¹³ I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

In watching the Olympics these past few days, there have been some very exciting moments; the underdog coming out ahead, some amazing records being set, and some very sorrowful defeats.  I have been happy with the winners, but my heart goes out to those who do not perform as expected. 

When the announcers interview the athletes it’s always interesting to hear the different responses when things don’t go as planned.  Some athletes can barely speak due to their disappointment.  Some athletes choose to blame the conditions, the crowd, the equipment…blaming everything they can think of instead of taking the responsibility themselves.

Then there are those who shine, even in defeat.  They congratulate their peers for an excellent race/performance.  They say their best today was out done by someone else.  They are just so excited and thankful for the opportunity to be at and compete at the Olympics.  They realize how many people have the dream of one day competing at the Olympics and also realize how few are able to realize this dream.  They have learned to be content no matter what.

We need to learn to be content.  If we are struggling with our job, at least we have a job.  So many people are out of work right now it’s disconcerting.  Now I’m not saying you shouldn’t polish your resume and begin sending it out if you need to be in a different position, we just need to be ok with where we are in the meantime.  We need to be content with our financial situation; being ok with what we can afford right now, not always wanting more.  It doesn’t mean your situation won’t change in the future, we just need to be content.

In our Scripture today, Paul encourages us to be content in whatever situation you are in – whether low or high, be content.  The secret?  Jesus.  He is the one who strengthens us every day in every way.  Lean on Him today – He’ll help you through!

I’m praying for you!

Pastor Amy

Psalm 121

Psalm 121:1-8  A Song of Ascents. I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?  ² My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.  ³ He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.  ⁴ Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.  ⁵ The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand.  ⁶ The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.  ⁷ The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.  ⁸ The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.

I woke up this morning with an excitement!  An excitement for God and an excitement to see what He is up to!  We serve a God who is on the move and He seems to be on the move even more lately.  Or maybe I’ve been more aware of His movement.  Maybe I’ve been more open to allowing Him to move.

We like to be in control.  We like to look to ourselves for help – or we like to look to our friends and family for help – but we need to look to the Lord!  Scripture tells us that He is where our help comes from!  He’s the one who is in control.  He made the heavens and the earth, He can and will definitely intervene in every situation that we invite Him into.  We just have to make sure and invite Him in.

Often times we believe that God is too busy or our challenges aren’t great enough to bother Him.  Or we believe we can handle it and don’t need His help.  Or maybe we just forget that He is always there as a resource for us.  And He is always there.  He never sleeps nor slumbers, He stays awake all night as we sleep.  We can rest knowing that He stands watch through the night.  If we let Him, He will keep us and protect us.

Our challenge – let God be God and allow Him to be in control; allow Him to be your help!

I’m praying for you!

Pastor Amy