Day of Praise

Sa, 08/30/14, "Day of Praise"

"Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand." - Isaiah 64:8

"I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, 'Let us start rebuilding.' So they began this good work." - Nehemiah 2:18

"Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to." - Deuteronomy 15:10

As we enjoy this Labor Day weekend, let us remember 1) that we ourselves are the loving work of God's hand (Isaiah 64:8), 2) that God blesses our labor when we tell others about God's gracious hand on us (Nehemiah 2:18), and 3) that God blesses our labor when we give generously and without a grudging heart (Deuteronomy 15:10).

Indeed, may God be praised as we remember and do these things, according to his word, this weekend and always!

Praise God!


Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Fr, 08/29/14, "Day of Praise"

"The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil." - Isaiah 57:1

Years ago, Rabbi Harold S. Kushner wrote a book called "When Bad Things Happen to Good People" (1981). His conclusion was that God is indeed all compassionate but that God is not all powerful.

Rabbi Kushner and the God of the Hebrew Bible do not agree. Sorry Rabbi.

Elie Wiesel, recounting his concentration camp experience as a boy in the book "Night," tells of the Jewish prisoners being marched past a young boy who had been hung by the Nazis. Someone cried out "[Where is your God now?] Where is He?", and someone responded "Here He is--He is hanging here on this gallows." (Elie Wiesel, Night, Ch. 4)

"He is hanging from this gallows" can mean "God is dead" or "God is right there with the young boy."

"God is dead" was Friedrich Nietzsche's teaching.

"God is right there with the young boy" is what we as Christian followers of Jesus believe and teach.

Ultimately, today's verse from Isaiah 57:1, "The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart," raises questions. Does anyone, in any generation, care if a boy is hanging from a gallows? Does anyone today care that Christians, especially Christian leaders, are persecuted in countries where Christians are a minority...and sometimes in countries where Christians are supposedly the majority.

"Does anyone take this to heart?", God says through Isaiah. "Does anyone have time to think about why these things happen?"

God does.

God takes these things to heart.

God makes time to think about why these things happen.

It's probably, therefore, a good thing for us to do the same.

Namely, care, take these things to heart, think about why these things happen.

In Jesus, God does something about it.

When Jesus is in us, we do too.

Think about it.

Praise God!


Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Th, 08/28/14, "Day of Praise"

Recently, I've been going back through the last three years of Days of Praise. Here's one that many replied to when it was first sent. I pray it's a blessing for many today.

"Samaria's king will be destroyed, swept away like a twig on the surface of the waters." - Hosea 10:7

When my daughter, Calley-Taylor, was 19, she and I went white-water rafting as a part of our amazing Father/Daughter week at JH Ranch in the mountains of northern California, about an hour from beautiful Mount Shasta.

An interesting thing about the white-water rafting for Calley-Taylor was what she's known for years, namely, her daddy hates water, because he's not a very good swimmer.

So here we are, with five others, in this little yellow boat, white-water rafting down a seven-mile stretch of the Klamath River. We'd already made it through the most dangerous spot called "The Rattlesnake," so I'm starting to feel pretty confident about this particular "conquer your fears" activity.

Too confident.

As we approached the next white-water rapid, I locked in my feet, as instructed at the start. But wanting to really conquer my fears, I leaned, not into the boat as instructed, but out over the water.

Not smart.

My daughter, along with the other fathers and daughters in our raft, later had some rip-roarin laughs, recounting the horrified look I had on my face as the next rapid rose above me, pulled me out of the boat, and "swept [me] away like a twig on the surface of the waters" as in today's verse from Hosea 10:7.

Lesson learned.

As life comes at ya, lean in, not out.

Lean in towards God and his word and his people. Not out over the world, where the next wave is lurking to rise up and sweep us "away like a twig on the surface of the waters."

To be sure, God is gracious. Our white-water guide, John, was more than capable of rescuing me from my foolishness.

But next time? Well, maybe God will say what he, in essence, says in today's Bible verse, "I'm just gonna have to let you learn the hard way."

So, as the white-water of life comes at ya today...heed God's instruction, and lean in, my friends. Lean in.

Lean in toward God and his word and others who do the same.

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

We, 08/27/14, "Day of Praise"

"Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer." - Psalm 4:1

It's probably a silly question, but I'll ask it anyway. Have you ever felt relieved?

Relieved that a loved one was safe. Relieved that a medical test came back clear. Relieved that you kept your job. Relieved that a burden was removed.

The feeling of relief has got to be on some sort of "Top 10" or at least "Top 50" list.

In today's verse, God inspires the Psalmist to cry out for relief, praying, "Give me relief from my distress."

But what happens when relief doesn't come? What should we do when the prayer isn't answered? When the loved one isn't safe? When the medical test doesn't come back clear? When you didn't keep your job, and you still haven't got the job? When the burden was not removed?

In the Bible, there are lots of cries for "relief" specifically, but there are very few promises for "relief" specifically.

What is in the Bible specifically, related to the word "relief," are calls for courage (as in Esther of the Old Testament) and hope (as in 2 Thessalonians).

The sum of it is this.

When you're longing for relief, first, trust that God is present with you through his word and by his spirit. Trust in God's presence is a way to tap into his strength and to find courage to carry the burden.

Second, trust that God, who is present, also will come at the right time. Trust in God's coming is a way to tap into his promises and to find hope that relief will be given.

Today's another workday, a "mini burden." We'd love to have relief. But nothing's going to change all that comes with work.

So let's see today as an opportunity, as a mini burden, as an opportunity to practice trusting that God is present and that God is coming through which we'll find courage for today and hope for what is surely to come, namely, Relief!

Praise God!


Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Tu, 08/26/14, "Day of Praise"

"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands." - Psalm 100:1

Oh, how times have changed.

It was September of 1969. I remember walking into the auditorium of Jackson Elementary School for the first time as a first grader in Kingsport, Tennessee. It seemed huge, and it still does in my memories.

There were all these kids: 1st graders, 2nd graders, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th. And there was so much chatter. Buzzing conversation. Laughs and joyful cries.

Then, in the distance, onto the stage, out she came. Large. White-haired. The Principal.

I don't even remember if she saId anything, but the auditorium became eerily silent, like the modern-day silence when great big Santa Claus walks out into the presence of the tiny elves on Christmas Eve in the movie, Polar Express.

And then, with one great breath and in one great voice, the whole auditorium, Principal and all the kids therein, launched into Psalm 100, "Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness. Come into his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD, he is God. It is he that hath made us and not we ourselves. We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise. Be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good. His mercy is everlasting, and his truth endureth to all generations. Amen."

I was mesmerized. It was like heaven. Like a throng of angels declaring God's word for all the world to hear.

I'm confident that no one ever taught the Psalm to us first graders. We just learned it by hearing it spill forth from the hearts of others, morning after morning after morning.

Oh, how times have changed.

No, I don't mean that the government won't let us share Bible verses in school assemblies anymore.

I mean that, well, I mean that I wish more people spent time with God's word so as to know God's word so they could speak God's word to one another. And in so doing, impart a foretaste of heaven to a world that is starving to hear it.

I myself am working on it daily, and I encourage you to do the same, because I want to be for others in 2014 what others were for me in 1969--angels, inviting me to joy in the LORD by way of the word of God, spoken from the heart in public.

Times may have changed. But the hunger of the human heart for God's word hasn't.

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Mo, 08/25/14, "Day of Praise"

"Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation." - Psalm 95:1

(For those who like short and sweet, stop reading now. Today's DoP is long and "sticky.")

When I was a kid, I had a friend named Alan Beggarly. I remember all sorts of things about him. Only child. Mom's name, Joyce. Dad, Jim. Brace on his leg, the right one, I think. First kid to have Pong. (You don't remember Pong? I'm so sorry!) He had an awesome yard for football. We watched the World Series, all day games, at his house while we played this "dart" game with velcro balls where it didn't count if you hit the bullseye unless the ball stuck to the bullseye.

Like a velcro dart that counts, some things just stick with ya. Like childhood friendships and memories.

Other things, well, ya just wish they didn't. Stick, that is. Like regrets, guilt, grief, grudges, and loneliness that aches to your bones.

My football coaches used to say, "Get up. Shake it off."

But what do ya do when, no matter how much ya shake, stuff just keeps sticking?

I have a hunch.

The reason David wrote so many Psalms, like today's verse from Psalm 95, is not just because God inspired them, but also because David needed inspiring.

In other words, he had a lot sticking to him. Regrets, guilt, grief, grudges, and loneliness that ached to his bones.

No matter how much he shook, he couldn't shake it off.

So...he grabbed hold of something more.

That would stick.

Something greater that would stick to and cover, even wipe away, the lesser sticky stuff.

Ah, yes, the Word of God.

From deep within my soul, I can remember Bible passages I learned as a kid in the church choir. With friends, who were a lot like Alan Beggarly. We did stuff that counted...because it stuck. Like a velcro-ball bullseye.

Only better.

Over and over, Bob "Hon" Andrews would make us sIng the greater stuff until it stuck to our soul and covered the lesser stuff that might be sticking and aching to our bones.

As it was, he made us sing, as it is, today's verse from Psalm 95, over and over again, so that, even now, I remember it deep in my soul. "Oh Come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation. Oh come into his presence with thanksgiving, let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise. For the LORD is a great God and a great king above all gods." Ah, bullseye.

May God's word stick with you today. And forever!

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Sa, 08/23/14, "Day of Praise"

"David said, 'Of these, twenty-four thousand are to be in charge of the work of the temple of the LORD and six thousand are to be officials and judges. Four thousand are to be gatekeepers and four thousand are to praise the LORD with the musical instruments I have provided for that purpose.'" - 1 Chronicles 23:4-5

Have you ever felt like the statue?

Surely, y'all have heard the saying, "Some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue."

C'mon, I hope you're smiling just a little. Life is hard enough without a little sense of humor.

For some people, it's real hard. Some people feel like the statue all the time.

Take the gatekeepers, for example, in today's verse.

King David makes a bunch of people "in charge;" they get to tell it like it is. Others get to be "officials and judges;" they get to sit on the high seats. Some get assigned to "praise the LORD;" they get to be happy, happy, happy.

And then David makes some to be gatekeepers; they're not in charge or on high seats or assigned to be happy, happy, happy. The gatekeepers are kinda like greeters at Walmart; they have to be happy while dealing with the public. Have you ever dealt with the public? Look around. The public ain't too happy. So the gatekeepers have to put on their happy face for people who ain't happy. And then the poor gatekeepers have to ask those unhappy people what they're bringing into the city. Ya know, so they can put a yellow Walmart smiley face sticker on it. Just watch sometime when you go to Walmart. Kids like stickers. Generally speaking, the public does not.

Poor gatekeepers; everyday is a statue day. They never get to be the pigeon. Cuz, of course, if a gatekeeper acts like a pigeon you'd be quite sure to lose your job!

But take heart, all you gatekeepers. Be encouraged, all you statues. Hang in there, all of you who get, uh, shall we say, splatted on everyday by all the pigeons, dumped on by those who are in charge and sit on the high seats.

God has a word for you, gatekeepers, statues, and greeters at Walmart.

In Psalm 84:10, God speaks through the Psalmist, "Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked."

I know, I know. Technically "doorkeepers" and "gatekeepers" aren't exactly the same. But both of them deal with an unhappy public. Both of them are statues most days, if not all days. Both of them are like most of you, dealing with the "stuff" that "falls your way" and "splats" square on your head.

Take heart; the LORD is with you! And where the LORD is present, one day as a statue is better than a thousand as a pigeon. So, keep your chin up in spite of the pigeons, and have a marvelous day with the LORD!

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Fr, 08/22/14, "Day of Praise"

"The LORD said to Samuel, 'How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way...'" - 1 Samuel 16:1

Have ya ever gotten stuck? Kinda like Winnie the Pooh in a honey tree. It can take a lot of your friends, workin' together, pushin' and pullin' on ya, in order to get ya' unstuck so you can move on.

In today's verse, Samuel is stuck. God says that Samuel is stuck, as it is, in his mourning that things are changing for Saul. In fact, Samuel's so stuck that when God confronts him, Samuel tells God in the next verse why he has to stay stuck! But God says to Samuel, "be on your way!"

It's time to move on.

In Isaiah 11, we hear our God will change the world for the better for all creatures great and small. In verse 6, God specifically says, "and a little child will lead them."

"Lead them" where? Answer, "ON!"

As in "It's time to move on!"

Brief illustration. I'm 49 years old. I'm old enough where I've experienced things that I wish hadn't happened. It's easy to get every bit as stuck as Winnie the Pooh. Sometimes I'll start talking in a way that is clearly with regret. But my 3 wonderful kids, aged 21, 19, and 15, are amazing in that they'll listen long enough to say, "Dad, I love you!" And then they'll say something that clearly means, "Dad, it's time to move on."

Ah yes, "a little child will lead them...on!"

Friends, our past is history. God is working with it, as with all things together, for good. (Romans 8:28) So let's leave it in God's hands. But when we get stuck in the past, let's thank God for the friends and family in our lives, maybe some of them young children, who lovingly listen, but then gently and clearly remind us, "Let's move on!"

Praise God!


Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Th, 08/21/14, "Day of Praise"

Hebrews 5:8-9 - "Son though he was, [Jesus] learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him."

Yesterday morning, on my way to church, the interstate looked dry as a bone. And yet, a spray of water was springing up from under every tire that rolled down the freeway. The weight and pressure was revealing of that which otherwise was hidden.

And so it is with suffering, according to God in today's Bible verse. The weight and pressure of suffering on the soul reveals the depth of our trust in the Lord. And in fact, God's telling us even more. The weight and pressure of suffering in our life is a way that God intends to work in our soul a deeper trust in Him. Such was the case for the Son of God himself, Jesus Christ, and so it must be for us all. God says, "Son though he was, [Jesus] learned obedience from what he suffered" (Hebrews 5:8).

Obedience is merely "supposed trust in action." Obedience is an outward sign of the trust we profess to have in our heart. If someone says they trust the Lord and they really do, then that trust will show itself in obedience when the weight of life comes at us and says, "Okay! Let's see if you trust like you say you do! Here's a situation where you can show us."

I feel so blessed. I have models of trust all around me. My three children, aged 21, 19, and 15, have collectively disrespected me once in their life. The very real physical and emotional suffering they've endured has, by God's grace, revealed a deep, abiding trust in the Lord. My fiance, Amanda, blows me away with her calm and trust in the face of difficulty. My church friends, a man named C last night and women named J and V and C and K, all have displayed a deep abiding trust in the Lord when the weight of suffering and difficulty has pressed down on the freeway of their soul, spraying up praises to God and testimonies that God is their strength.

When life weighs down on you today, turn to the Lord and also make time for people. Ask God to be your strength, and ask others how they're doing and how they endure in the face of difficulty.

Jesus is our greatest example of trust and obedience in the Lord. But there's some pretty amazing examples in the people around us too because God has worked what he promises, namely, a deeper trust in him in the lives of all who will trust him when inevitable suffering and difficulty come along.

Pretty amazing!!! Don't you think?

Hebrews 5:8-9 - "Son though he was, [Jesus] learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him."

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

We, 08/20/14, "Day of Praise"

Hebrews 4:14 - "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess."

When I was a kid, not quite a teen, I went to my first Boy Scout Summer Camp at Camp Davy Crockett. At one of the late night, all-camp bonfires, a group of older boys appeared out of the darkness, dressed as Native Americans. They made their way through the crowd, identified some of the middle-aged boys, literally picked them up off their seat, firmly pounded each boy's chest, and said, "You, go join your chief!" I remember the deep thud I heard when they firmly and rhythmically pounded each boy's chest. It was so loud that I thought the older boys were going to put a hole in the chest of the initiates. As it turned out, and as I myself experienced as both initiate and initiator in coming years, the "Tapping Ceremony" of the Order of the Arrow wasn't hurting anyone, instead it used the firm pounding as a way of calling new initiates to a deeper strength and wisdom and resolve as each boy was beginning an extended initiation, inviting them to grow deeper and stronger as a young man. Firmness communicated strength!

Such is the invitation in today's Bible verse from Hebrews 4:14, "let us hold firmly to the faith we profess." God is inviting us, even calling us, to become more firm, to grow deeper and stronger as people of faith in Jesus Christ. Firmness is strength!

Yesterday, at two different times, I was listening to two of our members. They were struggling. I heard and felt God move me to speak firmly to them. As I've always experienced through the years, I worried that I was about to be too harsh. So I gave it back to God and then spoke firmly to the person with confidence in God to strengthen the person's heart in Christ. Immediately, they responded, saying, "You're right! I need to..." And we made a plan for ongoing support, and we prayed, and they clearly were filled with renewed hope. Firmness was strength by the power and grace of God!

Friends, all sorts of matters will arise today. Yes, as Christians, we are called to be kind. But we are also called to be firm. We are called to believe firmly and speak firmly and act firmly, all the while standing on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ. I know that firmness from others moves me to hear more clearly and think more deeply and act more confidently about the things that are said to me.

"Let us hold firmly to the faith we profess" in Christ Jesus (Hebrews 4:14) and bless one another by calling each other, and even new "initiates" to the faith, to the same firmness in Christ Jesus. For in so doing, we all will be blessed with a deeper strength and wisdom and resolve in the Lord!

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Tu, 08/19/14, "Day of Praise"

Revelation 3:20 - [Jesus says,] "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me."

Last night, my son's high school football team had their annual football family potluck dinner. With 250 players in grades 9-12, along with their families, in addition to a bunch of cheerleaders and their families, it was easy to find yourself meeting, greeting, and eating with someone you knew, along with many brand new friends too.

However, it was also easy to observe the whole event and notice how many people were surrounded by others, and yet they may as well have been alone in the room. So many people seemed never to talk to anyone, apparently not knowing those near to them, there were no introductions in the food line or at table, and there was no conversation at all for some.

It reminded me of what Jesus says in today's Bible verse. Jesus is eager to come into our lives and dine with us. And Jesus is eager because he knows the world is full of places that are full of people, and yet many in a room full of others are still alone.

Friends, Jesus knows you. He knows your need for fellowship. And yet he knows how easy it is to find ourselves alone, even in a roomful of people.

But if you'll stop for a moment. Remember his promise. Remember his presence. Invite him in. Then he'll come into your heart and dine with you. And together with Jesus, we can invite others in so that they can be blessed with some fellowship too.

The world is full of people. In Christ, there need be none who eat alone.

Praise God!


Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Mo, 08/18/14, "Day of Praise"

Nahum 3:19 - "[King of Assyria,] Nothing can heal you; your wound is fatal. All who hear the news about you clap their hands at your fall, for who has not felt your endless cruelty?"

So, we're back to the ChikFilA. I have a coupon for a kid's meal and ask if I can use it. They say what they always say, "No problem!" So I look at the menu and order grilled (instead of fried) chicken nuggets with a fruit cup (instead of waffle fries), a cone (instead of a toy), and diet lemonade (instead of soda). They say what they always say, "No problem!"

So, I get my food, and I'm driving away and look in my bag. I have fried (instead of grilled) chicken nuggets with waffle fries (instead of a fruit cup), a toy (in addition to a cone), and, I think, my diet lemonade (but who knows cause it tasted mighty sweet). So, at least half my order was wrong, but I chuckled and said to God what they always say, "No problem!"

Friends, it's Monday. Things are going to go wrong today (like they do everyday). In reply to what goes wrong, we have some choices. We can get all bent out of shape about the problem. Or we can recognize, as in today's Bible verse from Nahum 3:19, that all sources of evil are doomed to defeat by the Sovereign God through Jesus Christ, so being victorious over the problem, we can say to the problem, "No problem!"

But we can do more. 44 people told me they committed to the request a couple weeks ago, but countless people are telling me that they're praising God for ministries and new believers every morning along with singing The Doxology. They're testifying to the victories over problems that they're experiencing when they praise God. It's a testimony to what's true, namely, any problem is no problem when we obey God by praising God as victorious. Try it!!!

And finally a request. A bunch of us stop every Monday at 1 p.m. to pray. Please join us, even if just for a few seconds, to pray for the ministries of God's church in every place to be blessed during the week so that God's ministries through us bear the fruit of people wanting to worship and praise him on the Lord's Day!!!

Let's keep envisioning and praying for a world where all people know that every problem to God is no problem at all so that people can't help but worship and praise him!!!

Happy Monday!

Praise God!!!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Sa, 08/16/14, "Day of Praise"

Isaiah 1:18 - "Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool."

So, last week, when I took my oldest daughter, Calley, back to college, we grabbed a bite to eat at Chik-Fil-A.

I went into the Men's Room, and there were two little boys, probably 6 and 4, in there. The 6 year old's head barely came up to the sink counter, and he was trying to pick up the 4 year old, who he called Eli, so Eli could wash his hands with soap and water. As I stepped on through, I showed the boys the dispenser for the hand sanitizer and said it would be easier since they wouldn't need the water to clean their hands. As I continued past them, I couldn't help but smile as older brother told Eli to scrub his hands well with the waterless sanitizer, and Eli replied, saying, "This stuff is really neat. Is it Magic Soap?"

Adorable! A tiny, innocent, young child with a name, Eli, that means "My God" who wonders if he's using "Magic Soap." That's the childlike wonder that God wants from us in today's Bible verse, the wonder as to how God can take our sins that are "like scarlet" and make them "as white as snow." My God and Your God, who's Our God, must use "Magic Soap," where no sink is required, just His promise of His Word and a little bit of tiny, innocent, young child-like faith in My God.

It's enough to both make you want to sing "Praise God from whom all blessings flow" and also make you want to go worship and praise God with others tomorrow.

So, God bless y'all! Have a Happy Saturday! Believe in the "Magic Soap" of God's Word! And sing out loud with your praises to God in worship tomorrow!

Praise God!


Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Fr, 08/15/14, "Day of Praise"

2 Chronicles 32:8 - "'With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles.' And the people took confidence from the words of Hezeki′ah king of Judah."

Have you ever stopped and wondered, I mean, have you ever thought deeply as to how God does it? Ya know, how does God do the amazing things in our lives that God alone can do in our lives. God alone can call us into being; without God doing it we don't even exist. God alone can breathe into us the breath of life; without God doing it we have a body which has no life. God alone can bring forth food from the earth, find us when we're lost, pay the penalty of our sin, defeat the power of sin, and more.

So how does God do it? How does God do all that God does for us? Well, let's put it this way. God does not use a remote control. Remote controls make it possible to sit back, stay where you are, and never lift a finger except to push a button and bridge the gap with electronics. Remote controls may be easy. But they're also impersonal, at least as it pertains to this analogy.

No, God does not do all the amazing things that God alone can do with a remote control. Instead, in today's Bible verse from 2 Chronicles 32:8, we hear one of the best kings ever, Hezeki′ah king of Judah, say, "With [those who try to harm us] is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles." And look at how all who believed him responded. In 2 Chronicles 32:8, God also tells us that "the people took confidence from the words of Hezeki′ah king of Judah." When people hear that God is not using a remote control, that God is not far away, when people hear instead that God is with us, that God is here to help us, then people are encouraged.

And isn't it true? When someone lives their life in a way that shows they clearly believe that God is with us, to do what he does and be who he is and be our help and our strength, then that person inspires us. And when someone calls us to live our life, believing that God is with us, to do what he does and be who he is and be our help and our strength, then that person inspires us.

Dear friends, God is not far away, relaxing, using a remote control to minimize the energy he pours into us. Instead, like Hezeki′ah king of Judah, said long ago, "with us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles."

Believe it, and be inspired! For it's true!

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Th, 08/14/14, "Day of Praise"

Psalm 34:8 - "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him."

With cooler temperatures in the evening, leaves on the ground, and college football in the air, Fall can't be far away. And with Fall comes Paula Deen's Fall recipe suggestions in various magazines. Oh my goodness, do those recipe pictures look good!

But as delicious as Paula Deen's recipes always look and always are, they can't hold a candle to the dishes God is cooking up in today's verse from Psalm 34:8, "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him." God's telling us that when we really trust the Lord with our situations, when we really throw our situations and the worries that go with those situations into God's care, there is such an overwhelming sense of God's provision in those matters that you can taste it.

So, whatever you've got going on today, and whatever is ongoing from days gone by and spilling into today, give it to the Lord. Really really really give it to the Lord. And God says that you'll be so sure that God's on it that you can taste it!

Mmm, mmm, good!

Praise God!


Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

We, 08/13/14, "Day of Praise"

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 - "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."

What is your view of God? Where did that view come from?

Everyday I'm reminded that there's a wide range of views that people hold about God. Some aren't sure if God exists. Some believe that God is far away and disinterested. Others believe that God sits on a throne and judges, and judges harshly at that. Still others believe that God has stooped down to be with us, full of mercy and comfort.

In today's Bible verses, Paul is God's instrument for telling us that God is the "Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction" (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). It's fascinating that Paul would speak of God in such a way when we know that, earlier in his life, Paul, who was named Saul at the time, was more interested in bringing affliction to others than he was bringing comfort to anyone, especially since Saul brought that affliction to others in the name of the Lord.

What changed Saul from seeing God as a judge, who brings affliction, to being Paul who saw God as a strong servant who brings mercy and comfort? Jesus. It's that simple. Jesus changes the way that people see God. Jesus doesn't make us see God as weak. No, to the contrary, Jesus helps us to see how strong God has to be in order to be a God of mercy and comfort. All we have to do is look at Jesus being rejected and beaten bloody, carrying his cross, and ministering to others while he was hanging on the cross to pay the penalty for our sin, and we'll see how strong you have to be in order to be merciful and comforting.

I was reminded of this yesterday in four conversations that surrounded a couple of hospital visits. People in our communities, churches, workplaces, and homes are literally starving to experience a God who knows them, warts and all, and still loves them enough to mercifully meet them in their difficult place in life and be willing to walk with them to a better more healthy and comfortable place.

God's plan for people to meet and experience such a personal, loving God is us. Just like Paul says in today's Bible verses, God comes to us in Jesus so that, in the strength of Jesus, we'll meet others with God's comfort and mercy too. And somehow, as with a young adult I met yesterday who's well into a new chapter of life with drug rehab farther each day in their rear view mirror, God intends all of us to be blessed when we share the mercy with each other that God keeps giving us through Christ.

May your day be full of blessing as God is faithful in blessing us with mercy and comfort in Jesus so that we may share Jesus, mercy, and comfort with others.

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Tu, 08/12/14, "Day of Praise"

Philippians 4:7 - "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

There's a lot in life that I don't understand.

Most recently, I don't understand how driving cars in a circle can be taken so seriously that people lose their lives not only when they're in the car racing but also when they get out of the car when they're done. May God have mercy on Kevin Ward, Jr., his family, Tony Stewart, his family, and all who are dismayed, disheartened, and confused by Kevin Ward's recent death.

I also don't understand how a guy who made us all laugh from our bellies as Mork and Mrs. Doubtfire and U.S. Air Force radio disc jockey, Adrian Cronauer, in "Good Morning Vietnam," how could he, Robin Williams, be dead as a grave consequence of depression?

So much I don't understand.

So much.

But praise God that the one thing I don't understand the most is one of God's greatest gifts to us all. I don't understand how God can give us peace in the face of tragic deaths and accidents and so many other things that life throws at us.

And, as it turns out, it's a-okay that we don't understand how God can give us peace in the face of so many other things that life throws at us because God's peace is bigger. God's peace is bigger than Kevin Ward's death. God's peace is bigger than Robin Williams' death. God's peace is bigger than your death and my death. God's peace is bigger than my life and yours. And God's peace is bigger than our lack of understanding about any of the things we don't understand.

God's peace is bigger than we could ever understand.

That's why you don't get God's peace with your head. You don't get God's peace with your mind. Instead you do get God's peace with your heart. You get God's peace through faith. You get God's peace through faith that, though I don't understand something, God does, and God's on it. He's got it, whatever it is, he's got it in his hands, ya know, those hands that he stretched out through Jesus to embrace a world in love, even though our world showed God that we don't understand his love, which is why we nailed his love to a tree, namely, we just flat out don't understand God's love. It boggles the mind; God's love does. But it also quiets the mind that believes God's love. His big love. His love that's bigger than our "whatever-it-is-we-don't-understand."

So, give it to him. You know what it is. It's your problems. It's whatever you don't understand that's troubling your mind. Give it to him.

And in exchange for your troubles, he'll give you his peace.

Pretty good deal! Don't ya think? Uh, no, on second thought, don't think. Just believe. Because it's true.

Philippians 4:7 - "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Mo, 08/11/14, "Day of Praise"

"The LORD bless you and keep you: The LORD make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you: The LORD lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace." - Numbers 6:24-27

If I've told you once, I've told you a million times, "stop exaggerating!" In that vein, we've probably heard, read, said, or prayed the blessing in today's verse a gazillion times, which means one thing, namely, see what somebody else has to say about it!

And guess what I found? An article at www.ancient-hebrew.org/40_numbers1.html by Jeff A. Benner of the Ancient Hebrew Research Center. The article gives great insight to the ancient blessing. For those who can't follow the link to see how he gets there, here's the translation by Mr. Benner:
"Yahweh (he who exists) will kneel before you presenting gifts and will guard you with a hedge of protection, Yahweh (he who exists) will illuminate the wholeness of his being toward you bringing order and he will provide you with love, sustenance and friendship, Yahweh (he who exists) will lift up his wholeness of being and look upon you and he will set in place all you need to be whole and complete."

What I hear in that translation of the blessing is that God Almighty wants to serve us, guard us, guide us, provide for us, encourage us, and give us every single thing that we really and truly need to be happy. Wow! That's a lot! Almost seems exaggerated.

Before she died in her 80's, a charter member of our church, Juanita Hoffmann, was receiving Holy Communion. After hearing a brief explanation about Communion, she asked, "Jesus did all that for me?"

Yes, Juanita, Almighty God, through His Son, Jesus Christ, does all that for you and for all who will believe His promises (as in Communion) and His blessings (as in Numbers 6). And that's no exaggeration!

Praise God!


Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Sa, 08/09/14, "Day of Praise"

Ecclesiastes 12:1 - Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, "I find no pleasure in them."

The preacher who long ago wrote today's verse from Ecclesiastes was inspired by God to recognize that life's short -- very short in the grand scheme of the everlasting into which we'll all be raised up when Jesus comes again!

So get out there and make the most of this blessed Saturday today. See some people. Spend time with loved ones. Or as I and my loved ones enjoy, spend time with your loved by ones by going to visit someone who needs a visitor. Get outside and enjoy the wonder of God's creation. Go celebrate somebody or something. Be active and energetic and cheerful. Make the most of today!!!

And as, in essence, God says through today's verse, live Saturday in a way that then you're prepared and eager to worship on Sunday!!!

Ecclesiastes 12:1 - Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, "I find no pleasure in them."

Praise God!


Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Fr, 08/08/14, "Day of Praise"

John 1:44-46 -  Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. Philip found Nathanael and told him, "We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."
"Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" Nathanael asked.
"Come and see," said Philip.

As I remember it, I passed beginner swim lessons seven times. To move on to intermediate, you had to be able to swim the length of the pool without stopping. That never happened with me, so I passed beginner but never moved on to intermediate.

There were worse things, though, than not moving on to intermediate. Like not even passing beginners. At the Moose Lodge, where we took swim lessons, the culture was for moms to take their children who failed beginners and, while angrily yelling "Swim!", they'd throw the wailing, panicked child out into the middle of the pool. I saw that scenario so many times it made me sick to my stomach and still does to this day. I saw it as children being forced to take a plunge into learning something that they dread or that they're incapable of accomplishing.

Such a forced plunge is the image I get when I hear people talk about telling others about Jesus or inviting someone to church. Whenever people hear a sermon or other encouragement that appeals to them to tell others about Jesus or invite someone to church, they feel like they're the panicked, wailing child being thrown into the middle of the pool by an angry parent who might as well be yelling, "Swim!" I've heard people say that it feels like they're being forced to take a plunge.

The thing is that today's Bible reading is a place where God shows us through Philip that we're making this harder than it has to be. Talking to someone about Jesus or inviting someone to church can be more simple than beginner swim lessons because it can be as simple as saying, "Come and see!" (John 1:46). The studies show that the vast majority of people who don't go to church would actually come if someone just invited them. All people are made by God, and God made all people with a longing to be in fellowship with God. But many people who don't have a church home are worried that they won't be welcomed or won't know anyone or won't know what to do when they go into a church. So when you say, "Come and see," then you're saying to them "you'll be welcomed by me, and you'll know me, and I'll show you what to do." And inviting someone to church then becomes a blessing for everybody.

You might say, then, that inviting someone to church is, yes, taking a plunge, but it's not the angry-parent-throwing-the-wailing-child-into-the-pool kind of plunge. Instead, it's a plunge that's more along the lines of the old Nestea tv ads that showed hot, sweaty adults eagerly jumping into a swimming pool that was filled with Nestea, and all those adults would let out a refreshing, "Aaaaaah!"

Be refreshed, dear friends, and take an eager plunge into inviting someone to Jesus and worship. Like Philip in today's Bible verses, all we need to say to someone is "Come and see!"

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Th, 08/07/14, "Day of Praise"

Luke 22:19 - "And [Jesus] took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.'"

My daughters are home from their two months of mission work and also not yet gone to college for the Fall. In this little window of time, they've been pulling out the remembrances. You know, the pictures. From when they were little. And younger.

Pictures take us back. They can take us back to days of fond remembrances. To memories of cherished moments. To past moments that kindle a very real warmth of heart in the present. That kindle a warmth in the heart of everyone in the picture in a way that strengthens together the bond of all those hearts.

The picture doesn't need to be on paper. The image of a reality can be in our heart. That's the kind of image, the picture, the remembrance that Jesus is talking about in today's Bible verse in Luke 22:19. Jesus is saying that whenever we remember him in our hearts, not just some glance, but really stop and focus, and remember how he sat at a table with bread and with people who believed in him so strongly that they followed him. When we remember how he took that bread and gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to those people who believed in him so strongly that they followed him. When we really focus and remember him saying, "This is my body given for you," then the remembrance of Jesus is so strong that it's almost like he's right here.

Because he is.

He's right here kindling a very real warmth of heart in the present. Kindling a warmth in the heart of everyone in the mental picture, in a way that strengthens together the bond of all those hearts. Including our own. Because our remembrance of Jesus at that table both inserts us into the picture of that table but even more importantly, our remembrance of Jesus at that table welcomes him into the picture of this table. The table that is our present moment. To remember him and his outpouring of his life in the past is to receive him and his outpouring in the present.

How can this be? It's really quite simple. To remember somebody literally means to be rejoined to somebody. The Biblical-language Greek word for remember emphasizes the rejoining of minds. The Biblical-language Hebrew word for remember emphasizes the rejoining of hearts; literally the Hebrew carries the meaning of physically visiting someone. So God has ordained that remembering someone joins our hearts and minds and actually joins us together as if we're sitting there visiting together.

Because we are.

Do you need some companionship today? Do you need someone to walk with you today? Someone to keep you company? Someone to show you how much you're loved? Then remember Jesus. Remember how he's poured himself out for you. And it'll be just like he's walking with you and telling you how much he loves you.

Because he is.

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

We, 08/06/14, "Day of Praise"

2 John 1:6 - "And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love."

Today is one of those rare days where I'll forewarn you that you should stop reading right now if you don't have time or energy to think deeply. If you don't have time or energy to think deeply, then just read the Bible verse, be blessed, and stop reading.

I tell you what I'm about to tell you because I spent time with two separate individuals in our surrounding community yesterday afternoon and evening who are stuck in unbelief, so their soul is empty, and they're destroying every relationship around them.

When I was a kid, my dad made it clear that obedience involved something I needed to do, such as take out the garbage, mow the grass, or be nice to my little sister. But I also remember my dad saying things that made it clear that obedience involved believing, namely, believing that my father had the power to show us the consequences of disobedience.

In the same way, in today's Bible verse from 2 John 1:6, God tells us that "love [is to] walk in obedience to his commands." And in the verses that follow, God makes it clear that obedience involves believing, specifically, a belief in "Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh." So important is this belief in "Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh" that anyone who does not believe it is said to be a "deceiver and the antichrist." Furthermore, not believing in "Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh" is associated with "running ahead," but believing in "Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh" is celebrated as having "both the Father and the Son." Finally, God says that what we believe about "Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh" is so critical that it determines whether or not we take people "into your house or welcome them" because welcoming one who does not acknowledge "Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh" shares in their "wicked work."

Wow! So is there a simple way to sum up all this? Yes! In sum, God is teaching us that it is impossible for us to love if we don't believe that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. The reasons are simple. One, if Jesus Christ didn't come in the flesh, then God in Christ didn't die for our sin, so we're all still dead in our sin, which makes it impossible for us to love. And two, if Jesus Christ didn't come in the flesh, then God in Christ cannot live in our flesh by the power of the Holy Spirit, so we cannot possibly love because we have no strength from Christ to be able to love.

There were many people in Bible days who believed that Jesus Christ did not come in the flesh. They were known as Gnostics and, in essence, believed that Jesus was an idea in your mind but not a real person to have a relationship with. Because they believed this way, they were stuck in sin and could not truly love as God commands in today's Bible verse.

Today, there are many people who believe that Jesus Christ did not come in the flesh. They are known as religious people who go to church but, in essence, believe that Jesus is an idea in your mind but not a real person to have a relationship with. Because they believe this way, they are stuck in sin and cannot truly love as God commands in today's Bible verse.

How can you know then if you're a true believer? A few simple questions help us. Do you daily call on the name of the Lord believing that he's not an idea but he's a Living God who is with us? A believer does. Do you believe that God in Christ personally died on that cross for our sin? A believer does. Do you ask Jesus to come personally into your heart anew each day? A believer does. Do you believe that Jesus personally lives in you to give you strength and guidance and wisdom? A believer does.

In the end, Jesus is a real being with God the Father and the Holy Spirit through whom we have a relationship with God and others. Jesus is not just a name in a religion or an idea in your mind.

Believe in Jesus personally. Call on him personally. Trust and obey him personally. Your life and relationships are counting on it because apart from a personal relationship with Jesus, it is impossible for you to love.

God is personally here in Jesus to be your salvation and your strength to love!

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Tu, 08/05/14, "Day of Praise"

Psalm 28:6 - "Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy."

It's not just my job.

It's the world in which we live.

Many people find it hard to praise God.

I talked at length to a number of them yesterday.

You probably did, too. Not necessarily the ones I talked to, of course. But you probably talked to at least a couple of people who find it hard to praise God. You just may not have known it.

People who find it hard to praise God are people who are just flat out overwhelmed by difficulties in their personal life, usually, because of financial issues, marital issues, health issues, the needs of their parents, or problems with their kids. They can't see God to praise him for who he is because their issues are so big and just right up in their face.

That was certainly the case with the people I talked to yesterday who found it hard to praise God. Two of them, in particular, were from our church's surrounding community. They were just kind of drawn by the spirit through referrals to our church. The people who referred them, one being a member and the other not, told the people that they were sure that the pastor would make time to listen to them. And that's what I did. So I didn't really talk to them. I listened to them.

And prayed with them.

To help them to see that God is listening.

Even though it's hard for them to see beyond their many issues.

And I didn't listen to them at length because I'm a nice guy. I didn't pray with them to help them to see that God is listening because I'm a nice guy.

I listened to them because God sent someone into my life who always listens to me. And it helps. It helps when someone listens to me. Because after listening to so many others in the day, I sometimes don't feel like praising God. Instead, I feel overwhelmed by all the people problems I've had put in front of me that day. But when my special someone listens, it feels like God is listening. And when God listens to me, then my soul is watered, and I can't help but praise God for who he is and for the one he sent me who listens to me.

That's what God is talking about in today's Bible verse from Psalm 28:6 - "Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy."

That's what the people yesterday were talking about when they said they felt closer to God after I listened to them and prayed with them.

And that's what the people in front of you needed yesterday. It's why they talked to you. Because you listened. And it made them feel closer to God.

Dear God, we praise you for listening to us. And we thank you for the people you sent us who listen to us. And for the people who will pray with us. And pray for us. Help us, Lord, to be that person for others who listens to them and prays with them so that more people might praise you today for bending your ear to us all. Amen.

Psalm 28:6 - "Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy."

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Mo, 08/04/14, "Day of Praise"

3 John 1:3 - "It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it."

When I was a kid, I had a coach who loved to play "Small Ball." Small Ball was what he called his philosophy for coaching little league baseball. He believed that if his own team was good at bunting, which is intentionally hitting the ball a very short distance, then the other team would never be as good at fielding the ball and getting his team out. In sum, my coach felt that making a little progress a lot of times added up to scoring runs and winning games.

That's what God is also talking about in today's Bible verse from 3 John 1:3; a believer's "faithfulness to the truth" and continuing "to walk in it" happens one small step at a time. But small steps add up and contribute to victories.

This past Saturday, a small group of "Day of Praise" recipients responded to the invitation to claim God's promises and advance the Kingdom of God by making time every morning to 1) praise God out loud for all believers and our ministries in our various communities, 2) praise God out loud for those who he will bring to Christ through all of us each day, and finally, 3) sing the doxology out loud, "Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above ye, heavenly host. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost." Realistically, doing those three things each morning takes about one minute of time. It's Small Ball. But it's God's Small Ball, so if my baseball coach's small ball philosophy added up to victories, then how much more does God's small steps philosophy add up and contribute to victories?

One person replied Saturday saying that when they repeatedly took the small step of praising God for ministries, for new believers, and by singing the doxology, they found a deeper strength within themselves that made it possible to do things they'd never done before. And indeed, that's exactly what God promises for us all--small praises to God add up to big victories for those who praise Him.

So, 1) generally speaking, I invite you to believe, as in today's verse, that "faithfulness to the truth" will bring you great blessing and victory today as you do the little things, the small steps that honor God and love others. And 2) specifically, I invite you to join the small group that committed Saturday to daily praising God for ministries, for new believers, and by singing the doxology of praise which is a small, one minute commitment, which will advance God's Kingdom and bring blessing to us all. (Please reply to me, if you're willing to commit, so I can add your name to the list and let the others know who's walking together in this way.)

Thank you all for your partnership in Christ! I praise God for you!!!

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Sa, 08/02/14, "Day of Praise"

Joel 2:26 - "You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the Lord your God, who has worked wonders for you; never again will my people be shamed."

God is so good to us, but there is always so much to be claimed and spread to others by way of praising the Lord!

I asked our congregation about this in my August newsletter article yesterday, and God put it on my heart to ask all of you Day of Praise recipients about this today. Is anyone willing to join me in claiming God's blessings for the ministry of believers in Jesus (God's Church) in every place? Specifically, would you join me sometime between 5-7 a.m. every morning in 1) praising God out loud for all believers and our ministries in our various communities, 2) praising God out loud for those who he will bring to Christ through all of us each day, and finally 3) singing the doxology out loud, "Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above ye, heavenly host. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost."? If you will, let's team together by your sending me an email at pastor2553@tmo.blackberry.net or speak to me in person, and I'll make a master list so we can see all the others with whom we're praising God every morning.

The other thing God put on my heart with this being a Saturday, since most of us have more discretionary time on Saturday than other days, is to ask you all to check out Day of Praise recipient Jason Cerniglia's ministry "Strength through Faith" (StF) at www.StrengththroughFaith.net. Jason and his wife, Angie, have been through a number of faith challenges with their four small kids, aged seven and younger, which led them to form StF.

StF is a Christian Service Organization. Its mission is "to spread the Gospel while doing God's good work" and help others to find "strength through faith" during tough times in their life.

Jason is not a member of my church, so I've talked to him about the possibility of all us believers being one in StF by forming chapters in our local churches or communities. Please pray about StF being a means for us all to work together to advance God's Kingdom and spread the Gospel to so many who need the unmatched hope and encouragement that we have in Jesus Christ.

What are your thoughts on this?

Happy Saturday! And remember to Praise God aloud!!!

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Fr, 08/01/14, "Day of Praise"

Jude 1:24-25 - "To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen."

I've been blessed in life to have two fabulous parents. My mom's been even more amazing than she already was as I've watched her grieve, trusting Christ, since my dad died back in March.

One of my big memories with my dad is that he traveled a lot with his job. So, when he was home, we four kids would try to get the other seat next to him at dinner. Of course, mom sat next to him too.

Our eagerness to sit next to my dad was matched by his pride in us kids. Though I don't remember this actually happening, today's Bible verse stirs an image in me of how our dad may have displayed his pride in us kids. It's this image of a dad whose small child is walking in front of him. The child stumbles. But the dad, ever-vigilant, quickly reaches forward and keeps the stumbling child from falling to the ground. And then the dad, strongly and gently, helps the child get reset on their feet, as he looks up to see if anyone's watching so he can look at them and say, "I'm proud of my child!" I could see my dad having done that.

And, in today's Bible verse, that's what I definitely hear God saying that he does for us all in Jesus Christ. God is always ever-vigilant in walking with us each day. And when, for whatever reason, we start to stumble, God "is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy" (Jude 1:24-25). God so loves us, keeping us from falling to the ground. And then strongly and gently helping us get reset on our feet, as he looks up to see if anyone's watching so he can look at them and say, "I'm proud of my child!"

So, friends, come what may today, remember that God is with you through Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. He loves you. He's watching out for you. And he'll help you stay on your feet to keep moving in the path he has planned for us in order to show all the world his great love for and pride in you!

Trust him and you'll see!

So have a great day with God. And remember to claim his blessings by praising him aloud!

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Th, 07/31/14, "Day of Praise"

Exodus 15:2 - "The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him."

Let me ask a silly-serious question: "Have you ever felt 'down' before?" It's a silly question because I'd dare say that almost everybody has been. I know a very few people who might honestly say they've never, ever felt down.

There are all sorts of reasons why we might feel down. But instead of listing some of those reasons, God put it on my heart last night to remind all of us what God wants all of us to do when we do feel down.

What God wants all of us to do when we feel down is to Praise Him!

I believe that the two main reasons that so many of you respond to this devotional, saying that it encourages you, are that 1) you're reading a scripture passage that starts all these devotions and 2) you're reading a "Praise God!" that ends all these devotions.

Whenever we praise God by specifically saying "Praise God!" aloud, God has ordained that three things happen, all of which we can see, at least in part, in today's Bible verse from Exodus 15:2.

First, when we praise God by specifically saying "Praise God!" aloud, we are claiming in faith that God is sovereign. In other words, we are declaring to whoever will listen that God is in charge. We are telling our circumstances and our adversaries that God is in charge of our life instead of anybody or anything else. And through faith in Jesus Christ, we know with utmost certainty that the God who's in charge of our life is for us. And if God is for us, who can be against us and prevail? No one! If God is for us, no one can be against us and prevail. That doesn't mean that somebody has to lose in every situation. It means that God has the power to work things out in a way that everybody wins! When we praise God by specifically saying "Praise God!" aloud, we are claiming in faith that God is sovereign. So, "Praise God!"

Second, when we praise God by specifically saying "Praise God!" aloud, we are surrendering to God's promise to lift us up above our circumstances. So when we "Praise God," whatever situation is causing us to feel down, God lifts us up above it so we can see it more clearly and see it for what it is, namely, it's not in charge of our life, but instead it's under God's sovereign rule. When we praise God by specifically saying "Praise God!" aloud, we are surrendering to God's promise to lift us up above our circumstances. So "Praise God!"

And finally, when we praise God by specifically saying "Praise God!" aloud, we are using our God-given spiritual weapon against Satan and all Satan's cronies. Satan is a deceiver. He wants to deceive us into believing things about God that are simply not true. But he woos us into believing wrong things about God because he knows that faith believes in things that can't be seen except in faith. So Satan lies to us and whispers to us that since we can't see what we want to see, then apparently God does not exist or God is not sovereign or God is not for us. To say, "Praise God!" is to say, "Satan you're a liar, and though, at the moment, I can't see what I want to see in the material realm, I know it's all there in the spiritual realm: God is, and God's sovereign, and God's for me and for all people, and my 'down' circumstances have already been defeated. God's just waiting for the right time to show me as he strengthens my faith until he does! So get behind me, Satan!" When we praise God by specifically saying "Praise God!" aloud, we are using our God-given spiritual weapon against Satan and all Satan's cronies. So, "Praise God!"

As a closing note about these three things that happen when we praise God by specifically saying "Praise God!" aloud, none of them are based on how we feel. So even if we're feeling down, if we'll just trust and obey God by praising him aloud, then all three of these truths become ours, and they not only battle against our "downness" but immediately stand in God's victory over our downness so that we're all the more eager to "Praise God!"

Praise God!!!!!!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

We, 07/30/14, "Day of Praise"

Romans 8:26 - "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans."

I have plans for today. What about you?

To a small extent, we're all alike. We have plans and thoughts as to how our day and our life should go. So, for example, I have a 6;30 a.m. appointment, along with a 9 a.m., an 11 a.m., in addition to evening appointments and more than enough tasks that will serve as filler for whatever time I have between appointments. I have plans and thoughts as to how my day and, on a larger scale, my life should go.

But what do I know? I mean, really, come on now. Do I have a crystal ball into the future? Somebody may, and probably will, cancel or postpone or revise one of those appointments or more tasks will come my way or I'll get something done faster than I expected. Bottom line is that I have a plan for my day, just like you, so we're going to pray right now for our plan to be blessed. But God only knows how it's really going to unfold, so God's telling us in today's Bible verse to look to the Holy Spirit to guide our day and therefore our prayers for this day.

I can plan all I want, but God only knows. So, Lord, please bless this day for whatever you know that it's going to hold.

Furthermore, to an even greater extent, we're all alike. We all think we know what's good and not so good for us. So we pray for this good thing to happen and that bad thing not to happen.

But what do I know? I mean, really, come on now. Do I have a crystal ball into the future? I've had days where I dreaded one or more meetings that were scheduled for that day. And, like recently, God did some of the most amazing things through what I had dreaded. Minimally, God effected the old family truth, namely, relationships grow when people work at things together and work through things together. So, people may still not see the matter the same way, but if we keep loving each other and working at it together and working through it together, then God always deepens our relationships. It's just a God thing.

Furthermore, as some of you know, I continue to marvel at how my severely impaired teenage family member, Jack, and his parents have been the instrument of eternal salvation for many a man and woman. But nobody would've ever prayed for Jack to be born with the extreme challenges he has. So God tells us to look to the Spirit to guide our prayers because what we think is bad, and therefore pray against, may be the very thing that God chooses to work through for amazing good.

In the end, pray! Make plans for the day, and pray! Assess the good or bad of what's ahead, and pray! But remember that God's saying today that none of us mortals ultimately know the future or the actual good of what's ahead, so we really don't know "what we ought to pray for." (Romans 8:26) So whatever we may plan and assess and pray for, trust that "the Spirit himself intercedes for us" (Romans 8:26), and believe that God will bless your day and you yourself and all parties involved more than any of us could ever desire or deserve.

So ultimately, we pray believing the one thing we know for sure through faith in Jesus Christ, namely, God is good!!! All the time!!!

Praise God!!!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise - the rest of the story

Tu, 07/29/14, "Day of Praise"

John 14:2-3 - "[Jesus said,] 'My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."

I'm glad it's easier to get in God's house than it is my own.

Last night I got home after Caden, my 15 year old son, had gone to bed. As it was, I arrived home without a key, a garage door opener, or a phone charger, which is important since my phone was on the "red-your battery's-unable-to-make-calls" signal.

So the challenge was how to get in my house when my son sleeps like a big ol' bear who's in the middle of winter hibernation. I rang the doorbell three thousand times. Seriously! And he didn't wake up. I beat on the door two thousand times. Seriously! And he didn't wake up. I pulled hundreds of seed pods off my crepe myrtle tree-bushes and threw them at his bedroom window. Seriously! And he didn't wake up. I pulled hundreds of seed pods off my lilies and threw them at his bedroom window. Seriously! And he didn't wake up. I threw hundreds of pieces of sidewalk chalk at his window. Seriously! And he didn't wake up. I threw newspapers and other recyclables, some of which are now on the roof of the stoop of my porch, at his window. Seriously! And he didn't wake up.

I spent 45 minutes trying to get into my own house with no success.

Fortunately, God's house is a whole lot easier to get into. There's no ringing, beating, throwing or anything but plain, simple faith required. Yep! That's what Jesus is talking about in today's Bible verses. Put your faith in Jesus, and you're in! Enjoying all the comforts, privileges, and benefits of the house of the Lord.

In the end, I remembered a friend who had a key, and fortunately they weren't yet asleep. But what if they were?

God never sleeps nor slumbers, and he's eager to let you into his house.

So put your faith in Jesus, and know that God and his family and his rest are always waiting for you!

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Tu, 07/29/14, "Day of Praise"

John 14:2-3 - "[Jesus said,] 'My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."

I'm glad it's easier to get in God's house than it is my own.

Last night I got home from a meeting after Caden, my 15 year old son, had gone to bed, which is quite early because of his six a.m. morning workouts with the high school football team. Additionally, since both my daughters have varying schedules with their commitment to summer mission work, I arrived home without a key, a garage door opener, or a phone charger, which is important since my phone was on the "red-your battery's-unable-to-make-calls" signal.

So the challenge was how to get in my house when my son sleeps like a big ol' bear who's in the middle of winter hibernation. I rang the doorbell three thousand times. Seriously! And he didn't wake up. I beat on the door two thousand times. Seriously! And he didn't wake up. I pulled hundreds of seed pods off my crepe myrtle tree-bushes and threw them at his bedroom window.
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Mo, 07/28/14, "Day of Praise"

Ephesians 5:25b-27 - "Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless."

My son was shocked.

I ironed his church clothes early yesterday morning. And he said, "So Dad, when did this start?"

I laughed.

He looked great. Well, he always looks great. He just looked greater than usual. Everything looks better without wrinkles.

Well, maybe not everything. I think wrinkles communicate maturity and personality when those wrinkles are on the skin of faces and arms.

But wrinkles on clothes are another story. Wrinkles on clothes come when clothes are piled on each other, and they weigh on each other, and something's not done about it. That's what God is talking about in today's Bible verses. Jesus loves his bride, the Church. Jesus knows what is stealing from her beauty and radiance, and wrinkles in her clothing steal from her beauty and radiance.

The clothes of the Church are what God calls the garment or the cloak of righteousness. They're also called the wedding garment.

Can you imagine a bride showing up at a wedding in a wrinkled wedding dress?

Jesus can't either, especially not his bride. So he gets her clothes ready for her to put on, getting rid of every "stain or wrinkle or any other blemish," (Ephesians 5:27). And instead he makes sure she not only looks, but actually is, "holy and blameless" (Ephesians 5:27).

Jesus does this for us, who are the church, by remembering how special we are because God himself made us, by going to the cross for us where our wrinkled clothes caused by sin are emphatically pointed out, and by pouring out his blood that wipes away our sin which is the same as ironing out the wrinkles of our wedding garment.

I told my son how handsome he looked yesterday. Other people noticed and told me the same. No wrinkles in his clothes.

Jesus is telling you the same today, "You look Maaaaahvelous!"

Indeed we do! Because he made sure of it!

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Sa, 07/26/14, "Day of Praise"

1 Corinthians 11:1 - "[St. Paul writes,] Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ."

Well, all the Special Needs Campers are going home here in a few hours, and we counselors will be just a couple hours behind them.

I'm going to miss the unique personality traits of each of the campers. Celia is so proud of our country. Aimee loves to hold my hand and wants Amanda and me to adopt her. Heather is a hugger. Nikki is just plain ol' Milo's-Tea-sweet. Angie has loads of manners and personality. Eric is one of the most considerate people who ever lived. Kevin called me "his Chris" from day one. Cody walks as slow as molasses in January. Kenny dresses and talks like a cowboy. Scott, well, Scott is a character who takes forever getting ready, has to touch everybody, has a small 14-year old stuffed dog "Woof!" processes beans efficiently, and constantly says, "I'm sorry." Jamie is literally in his own world except when you call him back to this one with extremely simple words.

But the thing I'm going to miss most about all of the campers is how they followed the good example of some of us counselors, often without being asked. For example, at the start of the week, when each group was called to go through the chow line, it was kind of counselors watch out for the campers, but basically everybody for himself. But then some counselors started setting their group table and taking drink orders, and by the end of the week, Jamie (see his description above) was setting up napkins and silverware for everyone at meals without ever being asked just because he'd seen the example.

Another example was from our group time at horseback riding. (Shout out to all y'all at the Red Barn for the awesome training Kathryn said y'all gave the horsey-rides staff!) One of our counselors planted themselves at a lonely stretch of the circle so they could sing a verse of a horsey song each of the three times the camper went by on a horse. When it came time for the counselors to ride, someone asked the counselor who would sing to them. When the counselor looked up, there was Scott (see his description above) setting up to sing without being asked just because he'd seen the example.

And I could go on and on about the campers picking up debris from the awesome fireworks, sharing seats and chairs, being caring to each other when someone fell, and on and on. All because of an example set by the counselors, who, of course, were only heeding God's counsel through St. Paul in today's Bible verse from 1 Corinthians 11:1 says, "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ."

So I know it's Saturday, but I just wanted both to pass along a Special Camp warm fuzzy for the last time this summer and also to encourage you to remember that, whatever you do today or any day, there is someone watching so they can have an example.

But there's no pressure in having people watch you as an example because God also says, in today's verse, that we ourselves have an example in Jesus, who we can learn more about today by reading our Bibles and learn more about tomorrow by going to worship at a local church.

Through it all, may Special Campers always be an example to us of major trust in others and a child-like faith in God. And may all the rest of us eagerly follow Christ's example so that our example is worthy of being followed too. May God help us with the example we set and move us to praise him for his!

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Fr, 07/25/14, "Day of Praise"

1 Corinthians 13 - "If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."

Between 1) all the recent weddings, 2) the weddings on the horizon, 3) being the church, as believers in God's love through Jesus, and 4) this week of serving Special Camp, it just seemed appropriate that we'd take a lesson on love from God himself through his word. Surely, all of us can gladly learn to love like Jesus more each day from the Master himself!

So, spread the love! And Happy Friday!

Praise God!


Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Th, 07/24/14, "Day of Praise"

Mark 1:10 - "Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove."

Well, last night (Wednesday) was s'mores and fireworks night here at Special Camp. As I enjoyed all the campers and counselors alike leaning back and ouuuuhing and awwwwwing at one of the best fireworks displays I've ever seen, I leaned over and told Amanda how my oldest child, Calley, had ouuuuuhed and awwwed at her first fireworks when she was two years and eight months, saying, "It's just like being baptized!" That's a two year old! Remembering her baptism! From when she was two months and twenty days old!

It still makes me wonder what spiritual fireworks infants see when they're baptized. But I'd guess they probably see a lot like Jesus saw in today's Bible verse from Mark 1:10 when he was baptized, and, being in tune with the Father, "Just as [he] was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove."

I wonder if the Special Campers see the same. Like infants. Like the Son of God, Jesus.

Like God wants all of us to see. Before we get into earthly adult mode. And we stop believing that God wants to show us amazing things. Like "heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on us like a dove."

But it's never too late to start seeing the things of heaven like God wants to show you. All it takes is a child-like, "I-don't-care-if-the-world-thinks-I'm-a-fool" faith in Jesus. Really!

Consider this. The Greek word that we translate "torn" in today's Bible verse from Mark 1:10 is only used in one other place in the whole Bible, Matthew 27:51, which is when Jesus dies on the cross and the curtain around the most holy place in the temple is "torn" in two, from top to bottom, from heaven to earth.

This tearing open of heaven and seeing spiritual things come to us from God is significant!

God made the first man and woman to be able to see God and the spiritual things of heaven. It wasn't until they zoned in on eating material fruit from God's "Don't-Eat-This-One-Thing-and-You've-Got-to-Trust-Me" tree that they became blind to seeing God and his heaven.

But what the first people, who after sinning were named Adam and Eve, messed up, Jesus the Son of God, the new Adam, came to fix. Magi and shepherds come to see the infant Jesus. Simeon says he's seen salvation when he sees the young Jesus at his Presentation. Mary sees Jesus when he calls her name Easter morning. Later that day, the disciples tell Thomas, "We have seen the Lord." Stephen sees heaven opened up and Jesus standing to honor him at the right hand of the Father. And Saul, who'd be renamed Paul, sees a vision of Jesus that turns him from persecutor of Christians to persecuted Christian.

All these people and many others saw God because they had a child-like faith, taking God at his word, as when Jesus said in Matthew 5, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." How do you get to be pure in heart? By putting a radical-trusting, childlike faith in Jesus and his saving work!

In the end, Jesus was baptized, not because he had any sin to be forgiven or a confession of faith to make in himself. Jesus was baptized for the same reason he died on that cross, namely, to testify to us all that God is eager to tear heaven open and pour out his blessings on all who believe he humbly stands with us (baptism) and pours out his infinite love (cross) so that his love will be as clear to us as adults as an amazing fireworks display on a beautiful starry night at Special Camp!

Dear God, help all of us to believe as purely as infants in our arms and Special Campers in a field, receiving in awe the wonder and display of the fireworks of your love! Amen!

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

We, 07/23/14, "Day of Praise"

Hebrews 11:8 - "By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going."

Camp is a lot like life. It's important to know where you're going. And when you're serving at a Special Needs Camp, it's also important to know where others are going, especially if you're sure you're being helpful by telling them they're going the wrong way. (Did you follow that?)

Let's try it this way. If you're going to give directions to anyone, yourself included, you'd best know the destination!

Yesterday, all eighteen of us (counselors and campers in Group 5) were headed to the dining hall for lunch. I'm usually the sheep dog in the rear, not the shepherd in the front, but this time I was in front. I turned around to see a group of three guys going the wrong way and then a group of four women doing the same. I repeatedly told them they were taking a very, unnecessarily long route to the dining hall and they needed to change course. (After all, Special Campers don't have special reserves of energy to spare!) Of course, when the guys told me they were going for their meds from the nurse and the girls told me they were going to the ladies room, I was embarrassed, and apologized to them that their route made perfect sense.

It all comes down to this: the one giving directions better know the destination.

And that's the thing in today's Bible verse from Hebrews 11:8, namely, God alone is the best one to be giving directions to all of us who want our present and final destination to be the Lord and the abundant Life that He alone has to dish out, now and forever. That's why Abraham, (who by the way was an extremely wise, wealthy, business-smart, family man), "when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going."

Did you get that? Abraham was more than capable of having strong family ties and running a business and getting rich, but all those personal and material treasures meant nothing to him without the only ultimate and final destination that every soul longs for, namely, fellowship now and forever with the one and only living God, who has shown us his face in and indwells us through Jesus Christ by his Holy Spirit.

Abraham could've given himself direction and been his own lord, but he knew that "Destination God" requires God's direction and Lordship. Abraham wanted a Spirit-filled and Spirit-led life, not an Abraham-filled and Abraham-led life, which, by the way, God's word describes as empty (not filled) and leading only in one direction (and I'm here to tell ya, it ain't life!!!)

So, where are you going, not just today, but in life, and not just in life (little "l"), but in Life (big "L")? And who's giving you direction?

Like me with a bunch of Special Campers, let's be careful about presuming to know more than we do.

God alone can lead us where we need and, actually in our heart of hearts, want to go!

Have you surrendered your life to the Spirit-filled and Spirit-led direction of God's Word in Jesus? Today's the day to think about it. Ask God in prayer, then listen for him!!! And God will give you today, like Abraham in olden days, the direction that leads to Life!!!

Praise God!!!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Tu, 07/22/14, "Day of Praise"

Isaiah 11:6 - "The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them."

On top of the venomous snakes, Men-in-Black-sized giant bugs, and the good Lord alone knows what else, rumor has it that we have a skunk. To be more accurate, a skunk family. Living under the main water fountain that, for some reason, has a giant hole to the underground right next to it. I've been inclined to think it's an urban legend of this one twenty-something, summer-long male counselor. But the legend of the skunk is so in my head that I can't bring myself to reach into the hole that goes under the water fountain to get the ping pong ball that's in sight and clearly in reach for fear that the supposedly domesticated skunk or one of his teenage rebel sons is actually a flesh-eating stink pot set on revenge for the people who built a church camp on his great-great-grandfather skunk's property! And I don't feel so bad about it because there's another counselor here who's as big as at-one-time pro football sack leader, Reggie White, who I played with in college, and this huge almost Reggie White look-alike hasn't been in a rush to get the ping pong ball either!

Oh, I don't know, maybe it's not skunk fear at all. Maybe it's my animal lover side maturing and just wanting to leave the stinkin' thing, I mean, poor little skunky pooh alone in peace with his cute little Peppy La Pew family.

I mean, you did hear that I saved a turtle that was plodding along a major thoroughfare on Saturday, didn't you? Yep, I sure did, Suzanne Brown and all the rest of you who think I don't like all animals just because I'm allergic to cats and got bitten by mean ol' Freckles the dog up the street when I was a kid! Yep, that turtle was trying to cross Hwy 150, looking for his son, Nemo or Yurtle or some other Disney Seuss turtle name. So my son and I did a U-e and went back and rescued that ol' guy who, at that point, had somehow concluded that his shell was stronger than two Michelin tires that should have turned him into an instant bowl of turtle goop, I mean, soup or some other scavengerish delicacy. My three times bigger and stronger than me teenage son did point out, though, that I probably didn't do the poor guy's family any favors because I put him on the opposite side of the road, so a family reunion for the Urtle family might as well have the Berlin Wall imposed between them. Oh, well!

In the end, this whole thing today is actually about today's Bible verse, where, in sum, God's saying, through Isaiah the prophet, that God's redemptive work touches all creatures, great and small, not just humans, but a bunch o' critters living in some better than Disney-Seuss kind of peace together as noted in Isaiah 11:6, "The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them."

And to sum the sum, God's saying that, if it's living and breathing, God cares about it -- people, skunks, turtles, and all. And I'm quite sure that God's care for all living things is true, though the first day of this beautiful camp and awesome new friends and our group name, TreeHugger5, may already be taking a toll on my ability to think rationally.

But hey, life with Jesus and especially his grace do have a little irrationality about 'em, so spread the love people, rescue the turtles, and don't bother the skunks. God is good to all creation! So, in the strength of Christ, let's us be too!

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson