1. Hayden 11-22-20

 

This week, both of my grandchildren spent several days with Heidi and myself leading up to Thanksgiving Day.  We had many joyful moments as we played games, visited the War Memorial playground area, had meals together and watched movies with much popcorn in store.  We had a wonderful time with them, but then again, we always do. One such incidence of much joy was when Reid and myself sat down to watch the animated Disney version of the Charles Dickens classic tale, “A Christmas Carol.” It was the first time Reid had ever seen the film and new little about the story beforehand.  He absolutely loved the film. In fact, I had to watch it five more times before the end of the week, as he could not get enough of it.  

I was happy about that.  It gave me the opportunity to talk to him about the themes of the story.  About caring for others at Christmas time, helping the poor and hurting in society, and the real meaning of the season (Jesus giving Himself to save the lost).  This week, Reid learned how blessed he really was as he saw poor children who often suffer without the things we take for granted and without the love that we so often enjoy.  He also learned that the source of all these good things come from God and because of God’s unchanging love for us (James 1:17, 1 Chronicles 16:11-12); and of course, the love our moms and dads have for us (also given by God, Romans 5:5).  He learned so well, that this past Sunday he insisted on him and I sponsoring a child by picking a stocking off of the gift tree on the wall outside the Sanctuary doors. Grandpa was more than happy to accommodate him. Reid was even willing to spend his own money.  Although he did leave his wallet back in Indianapolis…but that is ok.  His heart was there.  

This season, we may be in a bit of a funk due to the discouraging events and circumstances we have had to endure this year.  But we can still redeem the times for good by remembering that we still have opportunity to do good for others (Matthew 7:12, Luke 6:31).  There are many in need of physical provision but even more are the spiritually poor who are in need of a Savior.  As we have time, let us remember to convey that message above all others.  It is what we would tell our children and grandchildren, and what we would love to have them come to know.  

Be blessed even more!!

Pastor Chris

(Revised by Chris Hayden, 11/10/20)

I heard a phrase from a wise mentor of mine when I was going through a particularly difficult time early on in my ministry.  He said to me, “God will use you and bless you no-matter what circumstances surround you. He will bless you where you are, He can’t bless you where you are not.”  When I find myself planted in a difficult situation, the Lord seems to always bring that phrase to my remembrance.  

In 2 Corinthians 12, the Apostle Paul addresses this same concept as he struggles to deal with his own “thorn in the flesh.”  We do not know exactly what this thorn in the flesh was that oppressed him whether it was a person, a sickness, a physical challenge or another difficult circumstance in Paul’s life.  It really does not matter what it was, what is important is the attitude Paul embraced and the manner in which he dealt with his thorn.  What we know is that it was something the Apostle requested of the Lord to be removed yet God refused saying, “My grace is sufficient for you. For my strength is made perfect in weakness.” God lets Paul know that it is this place of weakness that God can display his power in our lives. Isn’t that how God’s power shows up most of the time?  When we can’t, He always can? Otherwise, we tend to give credit to the person for accomplishments or to ourselves regarding those things that only God can do.

This brings us to today.  We are in difficult times to say the least.  And do not get me wrong.  It is ok to be angry when we see a pandemic that has hurt so many families in so many ways.  And it is perfectly legitimate to get heated when we see injustice and corruption in our government and in our world. I am extremely frustrated by the things I see today and have no problem telling others about it.  But at the end of the day, I know that God is sovereign.  He is the omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent, and omni-authoritarian (sovereign) God of omni-things (All things, LOl). So I need to be omni-trusting, knowing I have an omnibenevolent Father who is in charge. 

Are you going through a difficult time right now? Have you prayed, yet it appears that God has refused to remove the thorn? In the place you are planted, and in the circumstances we seem to find ourselves, trust the Lord. As you do so, His strength will become apparent in your weakness.

Be blessed and be grateful,

Pastor Chris

 

 

“The Best Is Yet to Come” is a 1959 song composed by Cy Coleman to lyrics by Carolyn Leigh. It is associated with Frank Sinatra, who recorded it on his 1964 album It Might as Well Be Swing accompanied by Count Basie under the direction of Quincy Jones. It was the last song Sinatra sang in public, on February 25, 1995, and the words “The Best is Yet to Come” are etched on Sinatra’s tombstone. Although Sinatra made it popular, the song was written for and introduced by Tony Bennett. Every time I hear this song, it reminds me that something much greater than what we see in this life is waiting for all of God’s children very soon – as promised to us in Scripture. The best is yet to come!

Ephesians 1:13-14 we read, “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.” In other words, the Holy Spirit given to us, and that we so
cherish, is just a down payment of the wonderful gift God has given to us. The joy we share in Christ is just the beginning of the exhilaration yet to be experienced when we receive the fullness of our salvation in Him. We have so much to look forward to as well as the benefits of our faith in Him now.
Let us remember this special promise from 1 Corinthians 15:52, “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” Yes, indeed. “The best is yet to come, and won’t it be fine!” Thanks for the reminder, Frank.

 

 

Be blessed even more!!
Pastor Chris