Category: Pastor’s Blog

Sometimes, we make it sound too easy to become a follower of Christ. In one sense, it is easy. We just come to him as we are because Christ will never turn anyone away who comes to him in repentance and humility.

We can’t handle all the information that comes our way each and every day. What we can and should do, is deal with what we have today. But we shouldn’t get too far ahead of ourselves, there is no peace found in that.

I read a story last week about a man who tried to save money by fixing his refrigerator himself. After Googling the problem, reading a bit online

Good quality takes time. Our human nature seems to want to rush matters. Instead of waiting for 10 or 15 minutes for a pizza, we want it in three. The cost means it just won’t be as good.

Despite a year delay and the continued threat of covid, the Olympics are underway in Tokyo. Everything certainly looks different this time around. There is a noticeable lack of spectators, but organizers have highlighted that there are several new sports this year. Karate, surfing, sport climbing, and skateboarding are among the recent entries. A hundred years ago there were several events that are no longer held. Tug-of-war was once an Olympic event and Great Britain won the last gold medal in 1920. There was also tandem cycling, polo, and croquet. In the obstacle race swimming event contestants had to swim 200 meters while climbing over a pole, a set of rowboats and then swim under a set of rowboats. While the Olympic Games have their roots in ancient times the actual sports and games have always been changing or evolving. Times change and with them the activities and interests of people. Skateboarding competition is far more interesting to most people today than watching a tug-of-war. Yet underneath all the competition is the spirit of excellence, friendship, and respect, part of the Olympic values. Churches have also changed a great deal in the last hundred years, even in the last twenty. I know that my grandfather would probably not appreciate the kind of music or more casual atmosphere found in many churches have today. Yet, in every age, in every culture, God’s people have sought first to bring Him honor and glory.  While worship practices might change or look different over time, our reasons for gathering remain the same.  ‘What does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.’ (Deuteronomy 10:12) Rituals and routines can be valuable but we should always remember that worship of God involves the right attitude of the heart.

If you want to find out exactly how much stuff you own, then you should plan an international move. The first thing you discover is that you own far more than you thought and most of it is unnecessary.  After you relocate, you’ll discover that it is very easy to continue adding to your possessions. Somehow, we manage to keep accumulating stuff without paying much attention to it happening. Richard Foster first introduced me to the phrase, The Discipline of Simplicity. Simplicity has to do with an inward reality that results in an outward lifestyle. Foster writes that we must first focus on our inner life before we see changes in our outward behavior. Three attitudes of inner simplicity will change our relationship to material things. When we practice simplicity, we work to – receive what we have as a gift from God know that God is the owner, and not us (this is stewardship not carelessness) have our goods available to others The world around us makes us feel shame if our clothes aren’t the latest style or our car isn’t the newest model. We are judged by the brand of smartphone we have. The Bible talks about an inner spirit of slavery that an idolatrous attachment to wealth brings. “If riches increase, set not your heart on them.” (Psalm 62:10) In a world that is based on consumerism, we find this hard to do. Practicing the discipline of simplicity is about more than just being wise with money. It is a way of living detached from the material things of this world. It is about learning to use our money and possessions for the Kingdom rather than being used by them and enslaved into endless upgrades. It is a discipline because this is something we will have to work on for the rest of our lives.

The summer season is almost here. For some it has already started, while others haven’t given it much thought. Thanks to the lingering covid restrictions this summer will again be different. Keeping the rhythm between work and rest remains important. It is a necessary component to staying healthy in body, soul, and spirit.  God provided the pattern for us during the week of creation. For six days God was at work and on the seventh he rested. When he formed the nation of Israel, he commanded them to keep the Sabbath because in Egypt they didn’t have the freedom to rest.  “Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the Lord your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the Lord your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day.” (Dt. 5:15) The children of Israel were also commanded to take time to celebrate feasts and festivals. These occasions offered a chance to take a break from the ordinary and get in touch with God and others.   In our digital world it is difficult to really disconnect from the office and our work. It is vital that we do so in order to:   Renew our body through rest – we are physically limited  Refresh our soul by enjoying family time, doing something fun, being creative – we must engage with others and with the world around us  Replenish our spirit though time with the Lord – we need to hear his voice and know his presence  Don’t put off a time of rest because you are waiting for some future date. Put something in your calendar for this summer and take a break. The work will never be finished, it’s a merciless slave driver. God offers his people rest and refreshment, we can trust him when he encourages us to “come away and rest for a while.” (Mark 6:31)   

For many people, June marks the end of the school year and perhaps means it is time for graduation. It is nice to feel a sense of accomplishment and to have the opportunity to move on. While there is normally an end to our formal education, we should never stop learning.   We refer to ourselves as disciples of Jesus. The meaning of the Greek word is really ‘a learner.’ When we follow Jesus, we begin a lifelong learning process called discipleship. Jesus calls us, he says, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me.” (Matthew 11:29, NIV). When we follow Jesus, we are learning about him and from him. We should continue to do so as long as we have breath. So why do so many Christians stop learning and growing in their faith walk? Perhaps it is to avoid looking foolish. Maybe it is just laziness. Or, have we not understand that following Jesus means we have an obligation to continue growing? Perhaps we think we are already transformed enough. Whatever the case, whatever your age, remember God’s kingdom is big and you have not fully arrived yet. If you don’t know where to start, just begin by asking Jesus what he wants to show you today.