Gift Giving

Yes it has been a while, but here goes. I've been preaching on gifts this holiday season, what to give and what we can get. No this is not holiday shopping advice on where the best deals can be found. This centers around the greatest gift, Jesus. What he gives to us, what we can give to Him and how we should give this gift to others. Often at Christmas time as we hurry around looking for that perfect gift the gift of Jesus gets overlooked. But there is no better gift we can give or receive than the gift of Jesus Christ. God gave him to all mankind and we are to give Him to others. The gift of Jesus means we receive so much. It means we receive love, hope and peace. There is no material gift that can give us that. While there are some good gifts out there this holiday season don't forgot to give the gift of Jesus to everyone you meet. How? In a smile, in service, in a word of encouragement. That's one of the great things about this gift. It can be given in so many ways. And also don't forget to give back to Him. He's love your, worship, your love and your life.

Until next time,

Pastor Paul

What Do You See?

About 15 years ago a somewhat popular form of art was a thing called the "Magic Eye" You could find one every Sunday in the newspaper. There was even a Seinfeld episode built around one. (You can find them today online). What it was at first glance was just a bunch of colors and squiggly lines that didn't seem to make much sense. After some careful observation though the real picture would come to light. It was a beautiful 3D image hidden within all the chaos. It got me to thinking about how we see the people we encounter everyday. Jesus in John chapter 4 saw them as a ripe harvest field. Ready to receive him as Messiah. In Matthew 9 he saw them as confused and helpless, wandering around with no direction. That broke his heart and moved him to compassion. How do we view the field of souls around us? Those two groups from the Gospels pretty much sums up the people in our world. Unfortunately we all too often don't look at them like Jesus did. We are cruel and judgemental. We don't want to take the time to do the work of the harvest. Next time you go out into "the filed of souls" I encourage you to take some time to look at the people as Jesus did. Through eyes of love and compassion.

Until next time,

Pastor Paul

PS ~ This is a small taste of this week's sermon. You'll have to come Sunday to hear it all!

More on Prayer

Check out his interview on prayer at this link and let me know what you think.

Here is the link: http://prayer.ag.org/interviews

Blessings,

Pastor Paul

That's why we pray!

I can't believe it's been so long since my last post. Well here it is.

Prayer has been on my mind these last several weeks. (I wish I could say the reason I haven't written was because I'd been praying) I have and will be preaching on it for a few more weeks and I really want our church (and all believers) to catch the fire for prayer. To once again make prayer a priority. When we pray is when we will see God move. That is when we will see REAL revival. That's when we here form God. That's when we can draw strength.

I am giving my best effort to make prayer a top priority in my life. Will you?

In the early '90's MC Hammer sang "We got to pray just to make it today" There is so much truth in those words. As much as we may think we can we can't make it on our own. "That's why we pray"

Until next time,

Pastor Paul

What to wear?

Yes it has been a while. Here's the thought for today. Recently I was at a minister's meeting and the discussion came up about the minister's attire for Sunday services. Many believe in order to reach the younger crowd the pastor, regardless of his age should dress just like them. Other's disagree. Here's my take. First you should dress who you are. If that means a suit wear one. If that means jeans with your shirt tails out then wear that. Next I don't think if your 45 or 50 you will relate any better to the younger crowd if you dress like them. I remember my 13 year old daughter telling me how "uncool" I was by wearing an American Eagle shirt. Finally I think when performing our duties we should dress professionally. Don't you expect your doctor or attorney to dress professionally?

The point is I don't think how we dress is what matters if we want to share Christ with any generation. People want to see their pastor living out his faith and loving God and people honestly.

So what should I wear?

Until next time,

Pastor Paul

Your face is so long it's dragging on the floor

Today's title is something an old college friend used to say to me some 30 years ago when I got down on life. Recently some life events have gotten me to feeling (or looking) that way again. I have allowed circumstance to rule my emotions. I have not held onto the promises I encourage others with when they are down. I have not been very good at "practicing what I preach" I am having a bit of a valley or desert experience wondering where is God in all this? However today I realize my responsibility is to simply work hard on my end and trust Him. Not to be anxious or try to fix it myself. And most of all just be still and know He is God. Man is that going to be difficult! However I think if I work through this only good things lie ahead.

What about you? Is your face so long it's dragging on the floor? Why not let God help you pick it up?

Blessings,

Paul

What are you FOR?

It's been a while I know. Many things going on. But here's a thought to ponder. Recently I read a blog post against the new Keno game in Ohio. I don't know all the details of this new game and I'm certainly not a gambling fan. As a wise Pastor once told me it's not the gambling once in a while or playing a dollar on the lottery that is bad. It's what it can lead to that is bad. That is the truth. Many things we as Christians are against really aren't bad. It is what it can lead to that hurts us. While I will not go into depth on that let me get back on topic. We as Christians are always coming out against something. Gambling, abortion, Democrats, etc. But why don't we put some of that energy into what we are for? Things like Jesus, the Holy Spirit, miracles, real love, friendships. See what I mean? We could go on forever if we want to put our energy in the positive direction. So I really don't care what you're against. What are you for?

Be blessed,

Paul

Pastor there is a problem with the toilets

Lately it seems I have been in a bit of a battle spiritually speaking. Ever since we moved into our new facility on June 1 we have been under a bit of an attack. From my son's accident to the possibility of losing my job it's been sort of hard to focus on (and enjoy) the new facility and ministering to the people. Now yesterday about 5 minutes before service I hear "Pastor, there is a problem with the toilets. They won't flush" So after about 3 minutes of trying to clear them I realized we had to go forward and assigned some of the men to try and work it out. Ten minutes into worship one of them whispers in my ear that they were unsuccessful in fixing the problem but they could still be used on a limited basis. He suggested I make an announcement. Understand that we serve coffee prior to service that many enjoy. So now I am faced with how to honor God on the Lord's day but shorten the service before anyone has an accident. And believe me that was no easy announcement to make. It was also not easy to focus on God and worship with all these thoughts going through my mind.

I cut the worship by one song, made the most tactful announcement I could and we got through it. Yet here I thought was yet another attempt to distract us from the task at hand, spreading the gospel in our community. All I can conclude is that we must be on the verge of something big. Although this is no where near what happened in ACTS it was with persecution that the church grew. If that is the case I say bring it on. We're ready for it. Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world.

For now,

Paul

The Measure of Success

What is the measure of success for a church? Like it or not in America today it is the Sunday morning attendance number. Followed closely behind by newer, bigger and more ornate buildings. But should that be how we define success for a church? Let me propose this measuring stick. Impact. How are we impacting lives? How are we impacting our community for Christ? Does the community know we are there because we have a fancy new big building? Or do they know we are there because they know us personally?

If we impact our community in a personal way lives will be impacted for Christ. The other things like attendance numbers will follow. Our goal should never be to grow our church but to grow His kingdom.

So let's go out and make an impact for Christ

Until next time,

Paul

I'm Back and other stuff

Well vacation time is over. How quickly it went. Due to Mike's accident our plans changed and we stayed in town, mostly for follow up doctor visits. We thank God everything is going well with the help of a little surgery. It appears we are returning to some degree of normal (whatever that is) Which sparks a thought. Since this is amusement park season allow me to use this example.We are such creatures of habit and for the most part love our routine and the security it brings. Yet as Christians we have stepped onto the greatest thrill ride of our lives. Steven Curtis Chapman labeled this life best in the title of one of his songs"The Great Adventure" God walks with us and sometimes carries us through some wild things in our lives. So why do we want to cling to the routine? Why be bored? Maybe it's time to just strap ourselves in and enjoy the ride. There may be some twists and turns, a few bumps along the way or a shaky moment. Our lives could even be turned upside down. But with Jesus at the controls we can ride safe and secure. Then at the end of it all we can look back and say, "WOW! That was awesome!Let's ride again"

Until next time,

Paul

On Vacation

I will be on vacation for this week. Look for more "THOUGHTS" next week.

Father's Day

Sunday is Father's Day. A day set aside to honor dad. To some just another "Hallmark Holiday" For most a time to be thankful and show appreciation to our dads. Maybe your dad is "The World's Greatest" Take the time to let him know it. Maybe your dad wasn't. Maybe you need to forgive him. Maybe your dad lives far away. Give him a call. Maybe your dad has passed away. Cherish the memories.

Being a dad is one of the hardest jobs there is (second only to being a mom) It is all on the job training. We make mistakes. We do our best. Sometimes we fail. Thankfully we have the example of our heavenly father to teach us how to be a great dad.

So kids, give your dad a break. He's doing his best, for you. And dads go easy on yourself. Remember you don't have to go it alone. God is right there with you.

Have a very blessed Father's Day!

Lewis, will you be quiet? /The Longest Two Hours of my Life

We have a Daschound named Lewis. He loves to bark. I guess being so small and low to the ground he wants you to know he is there. He barks when people come AND go. A bit strange. Early this Monday morning about 4:15 am I was awakened by his barking. After a few minutes when he didn't stop I went downstairs. He was on the couch barking at the window. The door was ajar and I could hear my wife's voice. Who was she talking too? My first thought was why was she talking to our son Mike outside? (He had gone out earlier for a post graduation bonfire) Did they not want me to hear? As I opened the door I didn't see Mike but an Ohio State Highway Patrol officer. As I listened I quickly found out that Mike had been in a very serious single car accident. My heart dropped. After getting some info we quickly prepared to head to the hospital. I quickly sent out a prayer request email with the little info I had. "Unconscious and a helicopter". Then we prayed and left. I made the 40 minute drive even longer by missing the exit. When we finally arrived at the ER where we were told Mike was already in ICU. It was roughly 1 hour since he left the scene. We knew nothing. The thoughts run wild. Death, paralysis, brain dead, organ donation. Would I be having his funeral instead of a graduation party? It was hard and a real test of our faith. After traveling through what seemed like a maze we finally arrived at the ICU only to have wait a little longer. Finally we got to see him. As we approached the bed all I could see was Mike lying there on the ventilator with a neck collar covered by a sheet. Scary was an understatement. It was now 2 hours later. The nurse quickly relieved my anxiety when she told us he was responsive and moving everything. To that point it was the longest 2 hours of my life.

I am happy to tell you that Mike has quickly recovered and is home now with relatively minor injuries. Friends God is real and is still in the miracle working business. Prayer works. He is no respector of persons. Do you have a story of God's miracle working power? I'd love to hear it.

Blessings,

Paul

God still does Miracles

Yesterday I took on the task of getting the utilities for our new building tranferred to the church's name. The electric went well. Not long on hold and a small deposit. Things did not go as well with the gas company. First a little longer on hold, then some confusion on the address. When we finally got that straightened out they told me our deposit was $666! Not only a large number but an erie one. We know we have been fighting a lot of darkness in this transition but not only was that a lot of money it reminded me who is behind many of our problems and struggles. But hold on God is greater. So after putting out the call to prayer I also put out the call to our landlord. After being equally shocked he said he would work on it and get back with me. When we spoke later that evening I found out we would have to pay no deposit at all at this time. Without the details suffice it to say God did a miracle, and we didn't even have to leave home.

God still does miracles. He may not always be this fast but He still "working all things together for good" And you don't have to go anywhere special or have someone else pray for you either. Just exercise your faith and agree with 2 or three others.

Do you need a miricle today? Whatever it is begin to ask God and believe for it.

Praying with you for your miracle,

Pastor Paul ~ PS I'm still waiting for your comments

Crunch Time

Try as I might I could not get more than one post out last week. Anyway, this week our church expects to move into our first building of our own. We are down to crunch time. Much of the flooring needs to be installed and the bathroom fixtures need to be put in. All this with only 4 days to go! On top of that a sign needs to be installed and other little details completed. I can't say I am not concerned but I do have a peace that somehow it will get done. To paraphrase scripture "With God all things are possible" Are you facing a crunch time today? Let go and let God.

I'm waiting for your feedback

Blessings,

Paul

A Time for Everything

May 20, 2008

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV) says "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven" Basically that verse is speaking about change. Over the last week and within the weeks to come I am seeing a lot of that going on all around me. Our district pastor moving on to serve in our national office, finishing his season in Ohio. Our associate pastor getting ordained after a long journey and entering into a new season of his ministry. My youngest son graduating high school entering a new season in his life. My nephew and some close friends getting married. And for our church soon to enter into it's first building of its own, a new season for this ministry. Most of us don't like change especially if it comes from out of our hands. It can make us uncomfortable or anxious. We like to work in the norm or the comfortable. We like the old pair of shoes, soft and comfortable. New shoes are stiff and hurt our feet until they are broken in. Yet change when it comes from God and is in His timing is always a good thing. There is no need for worry of fear. It's all good. When we embrace change we can experience and learn new things that can be so fulfilling. Let's not change just to change, but let's not run from change either. If you do you may wind up asking yourself later, "What if?"

Make it a great day,

Paul

Here We Go!

May 16, 2008

I have finally taken the leap into blogging. (I'm still not sure what that word really means) Anyway I've entitled my blog "Thoughts from the Tractor" because many of my thoughts originate while cutting my rather large lawn on the tractor (Actually I just upgraded to a zero turn but that didn't sound as good). To start I will try to post about 3 times a week as my time is pretty tight. I look forward to your comments and feedback. I have also posted some old thoughts from the tractor that I sent via email to our church.

Talk to you next time

Blessings,

Paul

An Old Thought

This thought originated on June 7, 2007

After another " marathon" session of grass cutting these thoughts came to mind

Matthew 22:36-39 (New International Version)
36"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'

Last night Pastor Bob and I had our usual weekly get together at Panera. This is where we share a cup of coffee, food and an occasional pastry. We talk about the things of the Lord and encourage one another (OK ,mostly I 'm the one receiving the encouragement) We've been doing this for over a year I think. We also wait to see if the Lord opens doors of conversation with others in the restaurant. Several times this has occurred. About 6 months ago we met a man I will call Stan. Stan is a Christian man who's been saved many years, but has not attended church regularly for the last several years. We chatted, invited him to church and to join us again anytime. We didn't see him again until last week when we sat and talked about the things of the Lord. Again we invited Stan to join us at church or Panera anytime. Last night Stan showed up. After a slow start to our conversation things got going. As we have gotten to know Stan a little better I asked him why it seems he cannot connect to a church anymore. His reply was he "scares pastors." Stan is a man who was radically saved over 27 years ago. God did a great transforming work in his life and he is very grateful to God. He is also a man of deep conviction. You could say a bit stubborn in his beliefs. After getting to know him a bit I believe he sees things through a very narrow scope. In our conversation last night we were talking about the change that needs to happen and be seen by others when we turn over our lives to Christ. Without a doubt this is true. This is called "Sanctification" Let me stop and ask a question. Is sanctification instantaneous at conversion, an on going process or both? (Look for the answer at the end of this post) For many like Stan when Jesus comes into their lives the change is evident almost immediately. For some it may take some time to be seen. Stan seems to have a little problem with those whose change is not evident quickly (especially young people) In his view they are compromising and he wants no part of them. In talking to Stan I know he loves the Lord. He is a living testimony to Matthew 22:37 But Stan has a problem with verse 38 In his deep convictions he has forgotten from where he came. He has (by his own admission) a difficult time with the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)
He loves God but not necessarily all people. Only those that fit his mold.

So what's the lesson for us? Jesus said the two greatest commandments were love God AND love people. ALL PEOPLE. God is the judge, not us. Unfortunately there are a lot of Stans out there in the Christian world. They get saved and forget where they came from. They love God, but now look at people differently. We are to love everyone right where they are at, just as they are. With all their faults, baggage and hang-ups. We should be working on getting our own lives in order. God will clean up everyone who desires to be. We don't have to, nor can we.

Do you love God with all you've got? Are you loving people today unconditionally? If not I challenge you to ask God to help you. It is one of the first steps we must take if we want to see people get saved and God's kingdom grow. We need to understand that we may all be at different levels in our walk with God. God doesn't love one greater than the next. He doesn't look at anything but our heart. He wants to know we are sincere in our love and efforts to change and grow.

The answer to the question above on sanctification is both. God is always working with us to help us become more like Him. And He is very patient. Remember we may see improvement but we have not arrived until He returns or calls us home. If you think you've arrived, friend you really have a long way to go.