Yesterday's message was about the church and we shared the definition that "churching" basically means to assemble, to gather together. As I thought about that definition I became aware of several things.
We have several things that make "churching" possible for everyone. We have a "how to" come, America has cars and transportation, we even run our vans to bring you to church.
We try to explain the "why to" come by Acts 2:42 and Hebrews 10:25.
Our church sets up the "when to" come by having all sorts of ministries at various times during the week. Sometimes the times conflict with other things but we try to make it easy time-wise to come.
We even work on the "want to" part of coming by improving our preaching, having special music, bringing a variety of special programs, encouraging fellowship, and overall providing the things that help us in our walk with God.
All of these things bring us to the last part over which no one has charge except us and that is our "will to". To be a part of a church and receiving all the good it can bring is a personal choice we make before our God. He doesn't force the issue just allows us the opportunity. Aren't you glad God allows us to make good, beneficial choices?
Monday, February 23, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
As I prepared and preached yesterday's messages on compassion I thought of the "better" Samaritan. He actually was a Jew for he was the man who was laying along the road that was the one to whom compassion was given. The good Samaritan, as we call him. was such a good example of compassion, giving his time, touch, and treasure (money) to see that this stranger was back on his feet again.
So why do I call the guy the "better" one. I can only think that the act of compassion that saved his physical life also became a motivation to "go and do likewise". It seems to me that he would want to do the same for someone else.
I've never been a "huggy" person but after standing in line at Megan's funeral and receiving hug after hug, many with tears on faces, I have become a hugger. The love, care, and compassion given to me that night is something I want others to feel as well. It's just a simple act of compassion but to a hurting person it's enormous.
So the Lord taught me two lessons - 1. Never be so proud you can't receive compassion and 2. What you have received give to someone else. Be the "best" Samaritan!
So why do I call the guy the "better" one. I can only think that the act of compassion that saved his physical life also became a motivation to "go and do likewise". It seems to me that he would want to do the same for someone else.
I've never been a "huggy" person but after standing in line at Megan's funeral and receiving hug after hug, many with tears on faces, I have become a hugger. The love, care, and compassion given to me that night is something I want others to feel as well. It's just a simple act of compassion but to a hurting person it's enormous.
So the Lord taught me two lessons - 1. Never be so proud you can't receive compassion and 2. What you have received give to someone else. Be the "best" Samaritan!
Monday, February 9, 2009
First Entry to The Sermon Sequel
A Sermon Sequel
(An additional thought from the morning message)
Yesterday, as a brother was leaving, he said to me, "So I should go home, rest, catch up on my Bible reading, read a good Christian book, spend some extra time in prayer, invite a Christian family in for fellowship, and plan on returning for the evening service!" Wow, it left me almost breathless, I said to him, "Why not?" They are certainly good things to do, would bring blessing, but don't do them because I said this is how to observe your Lord's Day, do them to achieve the most out of the day the Lord has made.
Isn't this what we should do with the things God has allowed us to do? We should find ways to do what God has asked us to do to the max. It will only increase His blessing on us and glorify Him all the more.
Let's put plenty in our passion as we obey His Word. (Ecclesiastes 9:10; Colossians 3:23)
Pastor Thomas
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Pastor's Pencil November 2007
It was one of “Those” mornings. I woke up a little later than normal, my allergies were bad, the temperature had dropped 20 degrees, it was raining a little, and I just didn’t feel like walking. I looked out the window and didn’t see one person walking, running or biking. I felt as if I had plenty of excuses not to go for a walk. It wasn’t too bad just to sit down, and read my Bible and pray that morning. Yet in my mind I knew I should walk. God had told me in the Word that I needed to keep this temple, that is my body (I Corinthians 6:19) under subjection (I Corinthians 9:27) and my way of doing that was by walking. The doctors had verified it was good for weight control, it helped with blood pressure, and was important for good health. There was no doubt a walk was good for me but I didn’t feel like it on that morning. As I sat there with my coffee and doughnut, I rationalized, argued and excused my unwillingness. I had all the excuses of the first paragraph and so I thought maybe I’ll just pray. After all God is able to keep me healthy. He wants me well so I can serve Him, so I just explained to Him I’m just too busy this morning to take a walk and He’ll just have to zap me with the effects of exercise and give me good health. After all, God should understand I just don’t feel like walking this morning. Then I thought that is just the way I am as a disciple of Jesus. The relationship I have with Jesus as His follower requires discipline, a daily choice, an act of my will, a commitment to what Jesus said I should do. If I am going to be a strong healthy follower of my Lord Jesus Christ I must develop discipline in my life. I know I can only grow by daily reading and obeying the Scriptures, through prayer, and daily witness but this doesn’t happen in my life just because I know I should do this or that it is good for me. It happens because I choose to do these things even when I don’t feel like it. I can come up with excuses, I can even pray God will zap me with spiritual growth, but the fact is, I won’t grow without the discipline of life, without the deliberate choice of doing what God’s Word says. It is good for my growth as a Christian. So that day I made myself take a walk. I wish I could say that the sun came out, that I had a spectacular sight, or that when I got back I felt better about it. The walk was very uneventful, just a good duty done, a part of the discipline of my life. It was good for me. I’ve read my Bible and nothing had really stood out to me, prayed and it seemed my words didn’t reach the ceiling, and gone through the day ____?____ in my witness and wondered if maybe it was a waste of time. No, I was good for me, it is the discipline of a healthy spiritual life. I’ve learned to walk with discipline, I’m learning to grow through it too. I walk because I choose to walk, not always because I feel like it. I keep a relationship with Jesus the same way.
The Lord bless you,
Pastor Thomas
The Lord bless you,
Pastor Thomas
Pastor's Pencil August 2007
“In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33. We sometimes forget we live in the world but God allows some things to come into our lives to remember where we are and who we need.
This summer I began a day with a walk to the church. It was a beautiful day, the temperature was perfect, in the 60’s, the sky was a brilliant blue with a few marshmallow clouds and God’s handiwork was all around. (Psalm 19) In addition to that all my senses were working; my eyes saw the beautiful colors, ears heard the birds singing praise to God, nose smelled the flowers, my fingers touched and felt the neighbor’s horse and my mouth tasted the freshness in the air. I couldn’t ask God for another thing and my heart exploded into the praise of “How Great Thou Art.” I felt as rich as any man on earth, blessed by my God who gives me all things richly to enjoy. I Timothy 6:17
Then I turned into the woods. Part of my path includes the woods and what usually adds to the enjoyment of the morning. As I entered the path through the woods, a fly discovered a concrete landing pad, normally called my head. It attempted a landing, slid off or took off again, only to turn around and try it again. I thought, no big deal, I can deal with a little fly, after all, I’m 6’ tall, 199 pounds and have long legs so I can walk a little faster. The fly was enjoying my head so much it put into practice a church growth principle. It called a friend (now there were two), who tried it out and called their friends (now four), who called their friends (now eight), who called their friends (now sixteen), who got all excited and called their thirty-two, and they continued the movement (now 63), and finally I think every fly and tormentor in Susquehanna county was present.
Then something happened, my praise turned to grumbling, singing went sour and I began to walk faster, complain louder and pray. My happiness was gone, the walk misery and I felt as if God had deserted me. Why, Lord was my question; Why me, Lord, was my complaint! I forgot I live in a sin cursed world until that one fly showed up.
As I came out of the woods and turned toward the church a wonderful thing happened. A breeze was in my face and those flies, try as they could, couldn’t get near me. I was thankful, my song returned, joy was restored and I could finish my walk with a spring in my step. I even thought of those people who were walking in the area where God blew my tormentors and so I prayed for their patience.
It’s the little things in this world that often rob us of the joys we have in Christ; they become big trials and if we’re not careful one can rob us of the joy we have in our walk with the Lord!
May God bless you and fill your heart with joy as you walk in this world!
Pastor Thomas
This summer I began a day with a walk to the church. It was a beautiful day, the temperature was perfect, in the 60’s, the sky was a brilliant blue with a few marshmallow clouds and God’s handiwork was all around. (Psalm 19) In addition to that all my senses were working; my eyes saw the beautiful colors, ears heard the birds singing praise to God, nose smelled the flowers, my fingers touched and felt the neighbor’s horse and my mouth tasted the freshness in the air. I couldn’t ask God for another thing and my heart exploded into the praise of “How Great Thou Art.” I felt as rich as any man on earth, blessed by my God who gives me all things richly to enjoy. I Timothy 6:17
Then I turned into the woods. Part of my path includes the woods and what usually adds to the enjoyment of the morning. As I entered the path through the woods, a fly discovered a concrete landing pad, normally called my head. It attempted a landing, slid off or took off again, only to turn around and try it again. I thought, no big deal, I can deal with a little fly, after all, I’m 6’ tall, 199 pounds and have long legs so I can walk a little faster. The fly was enjoying my head so much it put into practice a church growth principle. It called a friend (now there were two), who tried it out and called their friends (now four), who called their friends (now eight), who called their friends (now sixteen), who got all excited and called their thirty-two, and they continued the movement (now 63), and finally I think every fly and tormentor in Susquehanna county was present.
Then something happened, my praise turned to grumbling, singing went sour and I began to walk faster, complain louder and pray. My happiness was gone, the walk misery and I felt as if God had deserted me. Why, Lord was my question; Why me, Lord, was my complaint! I forgot I live in a sin cursed world until that one fly showed up.
As I came out of the woods and turned toward the church a wonderful thing happened. A breeze was in my face and those flies, try as they could, couldn’t get near me. I was thankful, my song returned, joy was restored and I could finish my walk with a spring in my step. I even thought of those people who were walking in the area where God blew my tormentors and so I prayed for their patience.
It’s the little things in this world that often rob us of the joys we have in Christ; they become big trials and if we’re not careful one can rob us of the joy we have in our walk with the Lord!
May God bless you and fill your heart with joy as you walk in this world!
Pastor Thomas
Pastor's Pencil February 2007
It’s time for my annual Pastor’s Pen about giving and this February issue on love is an appropriate time because Christians love to give.
I want to remind you about The Apple Story of Tithing. I must admit that at times I’ve wanted to bite the apple. Tithing was God’s way of providing a place of worship, atonement, forgiveness, and for the people who took care of it.
Although some dispute it, tithing continued in the New Testament (Hebrews….) and today provides a place of worship, provides for the pastors and the fulfillment of the purpose of the Church.
It’s amazing but if all of God’s people would tithe, needs would be met. Unlike some, I don’t teach tithing as investment; give God 10% and He’ll give back 100%. Nor do I teach it legalisticly – Give God 10% or God will zap you. It’s our privilege, joy and expression of gratitude to joyfully give at least 10% of what God has given us to Him.
Pastor Thomas February, 2007
I want to remind you about The Apple Story of Tithing. I must admit that at times I’ve wanted to bite the apple. Tithing was God’s way of providing a place of worship, atonement, forgiveness, and for the people who took care of it.
Although some dispute it, tithing continued in the New Testament (Hebrews….) and today provides a place of worship, provides for the pastors and the fulfillment of the purpose of the Church.
It’s amazing but if all of God’s people would tithe, needs would be met. Unlike some, I don’t teach tithing as investment; give God 10% and He’ll give back 100%. Nor do I teach it legalisticly – Give God 10% or God will zap you. It’s our privilege, joy and expression of gratitude to joyfully give at least 10% of what God has given us to Him.
Pastor Thomas February, 2007
Pastor's Pencil May 2007
As I think of godly mothers, I’m reminded that a part of their life is a well worn, underlined Bible. The picture of the godly grandmother is her rocking chair, a lap blanket and an open Bible in her hand. Timothy came to a trusted faith through the faith of his mother and grandmother which could not have happened without regular Bible reading. (II Timothy 1:5) “…when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.” As I see the children of our church, learn about their salvation, and see their growth in the Christian faith, I usually find a Bible reading, Bible teaching, Bible loving mom behind them. (Romans 10:17) “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
Mrs. Thomas didn’t have the privilege of knowing her grandmother but was given her Bible. It was a wonderful adventure to come to know her as we looked through her Bible, seeing verses she underlined, and reading the notes she wrote in the margins. When our Lord Jesus took Gretta Aults home, I looked at her Bible and found a time of struggle she had and how God had given her comfort, strength and hope. She had underlined verses, wrote dates, and added a sentence of personal encouragement. A mother’s Bible often reveals their faith.
The Bible provides the desire of Christian moms for their children. First and foremost it brings children to faith in Christ so they can be sure of eternal life. (II Timothy 3:14 & 15) “But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” What mom would ever want to be blessed with children, see them grow and develop into fine adults and lose them for eternity?
Moms also know that the Bible develops character, convictions and brings right choices. It provides a foundation of right and wrong heroes to follow (Hebrews 11) and safety in evil times. (II Timothy 3: 1-17)
The child who graduates valedictorian of their class, without knowledge of the Bible, is not equipped for life. The godly mom reads, teaches, and lives the Bible to her children.
Motherhood brings thorns along with roses and because of that moms flee to the Word as their source of comfort and courage. The testimony they share is that God’s Word, because it enables us to know God, does not let them down. It’s hard to find a godly mom, who at the end of her life, doesn’t have a few verses in her Bible that isn’t stained with tears. (Psalm 119: 50, 71, 75, 76, 92)
I’m thankful for the Scripture moms of our church; teaching their children the Bible, training them to walk in it’s ways and taking them to the places they can be with others to learn and live the Word. It doesn’t hurt moms, every so often, to check up and commit themselves again to learning, living and loving God’s Word.
Pastor Thomas
Mrs. Thomas didn’t have the privilege of knowing her grandmother but was given her Bible. It was a wonderful adventure to come to know her as we looked through her Bible, seeing verses she underlined, and reading the notes she wrote in the margins. When our Lord Jesus took Gretta Aults home, I looked at her Bible and found a time of struggle she had and how God had given her comfort, strength and hope. She had underlined verses, wrote dates, and added a sentence of personal encouragement. A mother’s Bible often reveals their faith.
The Bible provides the desire of Christian moms for their children. First and foremost it brings children to faith in Christ so they can be sure of eternal life. (II Timothy 3:14 & 15) “But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” What mom would ever want to be blessed with children, see them grow and develop into fine adults and lose them for eternity?
Moms also know that the Bible develops character, convictions and brings right choices. It provides a foundation of right and wrong heroes to follow (Hebrews 11) and safety in evil times. (II Timothy 3: 1-17)
The child who graduates valedictorian of their class, without knowledge of the Bible, is not equipped for life. The godly mom reads, teaches, and lives the Bible to her children.
Motherhood brings thorns along with roses and because of that moms flee to the Word as their source of comfort and courage. The testimony they share is that God’s Word, because it enables us to know God, does not let them down. It’s hard to find a godly mom, who at the end of her life, doesn’t have a few verses in her Bible that isn’t stained with tears. (Psalm 119: 50, 71, 75, 76, 92)
I’m thankful for the Scripture moms of our church; teaching their children the Bible, training them to walk in it’s ways and taking them to the places they can be with others to learn and live the Word. It doesn’t hurt moms, every so often, to check up and commit themselves again to learning, living and loving God’s Word.
Pastor Thomas
Megan's Name
Megan’s name and life from a grandpa’s point of view.
Merriment – that was our Megan; did you notice how many of those pictures have a smile? Her happy view of life flowed through her smile, her song and her skipping.
Energy – I’ve often said she never learned to walk. It seems she took off running, exploring, looking, trying, doing and finally at the end of the day collapse.
Godly – How can I say that about a 5 year old? That’s a term for old men, yet children have faith, too and that’s all God asks for. Megan believed that Jesus died for her sins and asked Him to be her savior. She was learning how to live for Him and was enthusiastic about it.
Angel – For several of her cousins that’s how they’ll think of her, for her dad & mom they might remember a small moment or two that wasn’t so angelic but for grandpa she was sent by God on a mission of love to my heart.
None other – Her death will leave a void that nothing or nobody will ever replace. Yet life will go on. God will give strength, grace, and courage; we are choosing to accept His will, trust His Word, and await the day when we will se Jesus face to face. It will be great to see Megan running down the streets of glory, hair flying and saying “Poppy Larry”!
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those to sleep in Jesus. I Thessalonians 4:14
God's Gift of Megan - March 2006
God’s gift to me of Megan!
Proverbs 17:6 Grandchildren are the crown of old men…I’m not sure what that crown means but Megan made Ed & me feel like royalty!I remember that day Sam called us to say that Megan was born, she was so eager the get going in life she had to come early. They included my mom’s name in her’s, I was so proud. I’d like to think that last Friday night an angel interrupted a worship service in heaven and said “Bink, I have a surprise for you” and Megan jumped from the arms of Jesus into mom’s arms. Then mom said, I’d like you to meet… and Heaven partied because another saint had come home!Well, God was good and before I could catch my breath she was running up to me for a Giggly Hug- she never walked, life offered too much fun for her to walk.As soon as she talked I became Poppy Larry….and the fun continued. Her smile and glow, wow, but it was the twinkle of excitement in her eyes that showed her enthusiasm for life.Last summer, we ran down to the swings for Poppy to push her, but it never happened- by the time I got there she was already flying high. All Poppy had to do was hold the swingset down cause she was going so high.But the most delightful thing of all was that she taught me how to dance- I’m an old stuffy Baptist preacher- I don’t know when or where happened, but in one of those bubbly enthusiastic moments, we joined hands and I said, “Let’s Dance” and we began to jump up and down (like Tigger) and round and round in a circle until Poppy tired out. It became our thing. She taught me that life is more than serious faithful work; it needs moments of enthusiastic joy.There is another legacy Megan leaves me and that is her faith and trust. Ahead of us there will be times of acceptance, fears, weakness, anger, needing forgiveness, trust, leaning, learning and ministry. We may not have all the answers but with simple trust like Megan’s we can and will go on to victory.Many of you know that the accident happened right at the driveway of our church, so everyday of ministry I’m going to have to pass by that place and I know that Satan could (and will) kick me in the gut. Yet I want to let God turn it into a reminder that my Jesus died for children as well as adults and continue to reach children, sharing the Gospel, teaching the Word, so they, too, can have assurance of everlasting life, enthusiasm, and excitement about coming to church, just like our Megan.Thank you, Jesus, for those 5 years of excitement! We will be together again.
Poppy LarryMarch 23, 2006
Proverbs 17:6 Grandchildren are the crown of old men…I’m not sure what that crown means but Megan made Ed & me feel like royalty!I remember that day Sam called us to say that Megan was born, she was so eager the get going in life she had to come early. They included my mom’s name in her’s, I was so proud. I’d like to think that last Friday night an angel interrupted a worship service in heaven and said “Bink, I have a surprise for you” and Megan jumped from the arms of Jesus into mom’s arms. Then mom said, I’d like you to meet… and Heaven partied because another saint had come home!Well, God was good and before I could catch my breath she was running up to me for a Giggly Hug- she never walked, life offered too much fun for her to walk.As soon as she talked I became Poppy Larry….and the fun continued. Her smile and glow, wow, but it was the twinkle of excitement in her eyes that showed her enthusiasm for life.Last summer, we ran down to the swings for Poppy to push her, but it never happened- by the time I got there she was already flying high. All Poppy had to do was hold the swingset down cause she was going so high.But the most delightful thing of all was that she taught me how to dance- I’m an old stuffy Baptist preacher- I don’t know when or where happened, but in one of those bubbly enthusiastic moments, we joined hands and I said, “Let’s Dance” and we began to jump up and down (like Tigger) and round and round in a circle until Poppy tired out. It became our thing. She taught me that life is more than serious faithful work; it needs moments of enthusiastic joy.There is another legacy Megan leaves me and that is her faith and trust. Ahead of us there will be times of acceptance, fears, weakness, anger, needing forgiveness, trust, leaning, learning and ministry. We may not have all the answers but with simple trust like Megan’s we can and will go on to victory.Many of you know that the accident happened right at the driveway of our church, so everyday of ministry I’m going to have to pass by that place and I know that Satan could (and will) kick me in the gut. Yet I want to let God turn it into a reminder that my Jesus died for children as well as adults and continue to reach children, sharing the Gospel, teaching the Word, so they, too, can have assurance of everlasting life, enthusiasm, and excitement about coming to church, just like our Megan.Thank you, Jesus, for those 5 years of excitement! We will be together again.
Poppy LarryMarch 23, 2006
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