We started the study of Revelation tonight and I can’t believe how powerful it is. The message of Revelations has so much to say to us today to stir us up. “Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him.” What a sight that is going to be. it will be good or bad depending on whether you are right with God or not. I hope that you are right. It could be soon. Praise God.
The Sentence of death
The Apostle Paul tells us in 1 Cor. 1:3-11 that God comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. In this passage Paul was dealing with persecution that took him to the point of death. He calls it the sentence of death but he see that it has a purpose. He says that, “This happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.”
I have found this passage extremely helpful because about a month ago, I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma cancer. The last month has totally changed my plans and has caused a wonderful dynamic to take place in my life. This happened that I might rely on God, who raised the dead. God can heal me, but he can help me through my affliction. There is no “Woe is me” but I have the attitude of “Wow is He.” Let’s see what God can do through this opportunity.
Now I have a new river of opportunity to share my faith. it is the hospital with the doctor and nurses, the IV room with a captive audience, Quest as I have blood tests, etc. This has been liking studying science but I am the science project. Praise God. I appreciate your prayers as Dana and I work through all the tests.
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You can teach an old dog new tricks!!!
Today I was reading and preparing for my Sunday sermon. As I was studying, the old adage came to mind, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” As I thought about this saying, I thought about how wrong it is. As a senior citizen, we are accused of being “set” in our ways and unable to learn new things. Certainly, many parts don’t work as well as they used to and others parts don’t work at all, but to say that seniors can’t learn is incorrect. In fact, I have seen many teenagers that seem to think just because something is old and dated it is wrong. Teenagers or any age can become attached to a belief system that is incorrect and fails to allow for personal godly growth.
2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” That is part of what is means to become a Christian. You can change. You can overcome problem areas in your life. You can build a relationship with God. Nothing in this passage says anything about being too old to learn. When God gets ahold of your life, you will change. If you are stuck in your walk with Jesus today. Get closer to God. He will help you change. You can learn new tricks. Pastor Bob
Mother’s Day
Yesterday was mother’s day. My own mother is 94 years old and still doing well. I think about all that she added to my life. It was hard for her because she had to deal with an alcoholic husband, work a job, and somehow keep the house together. She taught me so many things. She taught me about persistence. When she went to nursing school back in 1939, she said she wasn’t the brightest but she determined that she would make them kick her out but she wasn’t quitting.
She applied that strategy to her marriage. Though it was tough, she didn’t quit. Her persistance provide a solid example for me when I entered flight training, seminary, and now pastoring a church. Some things required the determination of Rocky (Can you hear the music). Rocky didn’t fight that well but he didn’t quit. That’s the way I want to be, a fighter for God. When I get knocked down I get up and keep going, with God’s help. Many people are smarter and more talented but I don’t ever want to quit before God’s timing.
How are you doing today? Don’t quit. Keep fighting to know God and be everything He wants you to be. See ya soon. Pastor Bob
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The Ablazing Race
In just a few days, I will be running a 5k trail run called “The Ablazing Race.” When I run races, I run with about everything I have. I would be fast except for the extra pounds that I am carrying. The Apostle Paul speaks of running a race in 1Corinthians 9:24.
He says, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” Later Paul would say, ” Therefore, I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”
The Apostle Paul knew that it would take all he had to be what God wanted him to be. Maximum effort. Today in many churches we preach an easy gospel that requires nothing of the believer. Paul preached a gospel that required maximum effort. I think Paul is correct, so run with everything that you have for God. See you soon. Pastor Bob
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Perception
Perception is defined as, “The act or faculty of perceiving, or apprehending by means of the senses or of the mind; cognition; understanding.” In a few days we will celebrate one of the biggest events in history, the resurrection of Christ. The death and resurrection of Christ were the most misunderstood events in history. They still are. Many see Jesus as a false prophet. Others view Him as just a prophet but don’t follow what Jesus preaches. Still others view Him as savior but their actions fail to line up with their beliefs.
In Luke 24:13 we read of two men walking alone the road discussing the recent events that took place in Jerusalem. Jesus joins these men and has an enlightening conversation with them. They had been all wrong about what Jesus was trying to accomplish. They had incorrect perceptions about the Christ. Once Jesus explained the prophecies about Himself their views were changed.
Maybe today you are struggling with your perceptions about who Jesus is. Just remember that He paid the price on Calvary for you….and me. Seek Him and He will be found by you. God Bless. Pastor Bob
The Ablazing Race
Today we had the privilege of hosting Burlington High Schoolers to help around the church. They put out mulch, cleaned inside, worked on the food pantry, stuffed Easter Eggs, and helped on the trail for the Ablazing Race. We got so much done. The Lord truly blessed me because we needed help. Thanks, Lord and thanks to BTHS. Pastor Bob
This was last year’s race.
Thankful
The last six months I have had 5 different muscle pulls in various places. Additionally, I have hurt one of my shoulders. These injuries have drastically changed my ability to do so many things and sometimes I get frustrated with getting old. But when I look around I see people that have endured far more than I have and still maintained a good attitude. I am reminded that the Word of God encourages us to be thankful regardless of circumstances.
I have so many things for which to be thankful; my health in spite of a few aches and pains; the health of my family and a family that serves the Lord. The list goes on and on. This time of year I am especially thankful that Jesus made it possible for my sins to be forgiven. So I’m going to try to be thankful and I hope you will also. God bless. Pastor Bob
Power of forgiveness
Emotions are powerful things in all of our lives. We experience anger, sadness, joy, etc. These emotions speak volumes to us about our lives and our relationship with God. If we experience anger, we should try to find out what is the true driver behind it. Often we try to ignore the emotion but in essence God is trying to speak to us through our emotions. If we experience fear, then a trust issue could very well rest at the center of the issue.
Forgiveness plays a huge part in our lives. I am not talking about just forgiveness in our lives towards others but towards ourselves. When the Apostle Peter denied Jesus three times, Peter displays a wide range of emotions. Mark 14: 71 records Peter showing anger and cursing for being accused of knowing Jesus. Matthew 26:75 highlights that Peter went out and wept bitterly after the third denial.
After the resurrection, Peter saw Jesus a couple of times but he still returned to fishing. One day he was unsuccessful fishing and a man on the shore advised him to put his net on the others side of the boat. They caught so many fish that the boat started sinking. Then Peter and the other disciples recognized that it was Jesus on the shore. Peter jumps out of the boat and swims to shore. Jesus and Peter would have a conversation that would bring healing to Peter. “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” Jesus asked Peter three times some variation of this question and each time Peter answered the same. What is interesting is that each time Jesus tells Peter to feed his sheep or lambs. That would indicate to Peter that Jesus had forgiven him and it was time for him to get back to work.
Peter was forgiven and he forgave himself. Is there something in your life that is holding you back from forgiving others or yourself. Only when you forgive can you begin to do what God wants you to do. See you soon. Pastor Bob
Springtime
We had a great day today. The weather was beautiful though it was kind of windy. After such a long winter, the anticipation of springtime is huge. People can’t wait to get outside and do things. Don’t forget to spend time with the Lord because the Lord will help you to live your life to the fullest. See you soon. PB
Pastor Bob 