Reflecting on the Year Past

Another year is drawing to a close and 2009 is quickly approaching. As we have our last Christmas celebrations, we begin to settle back into our normal routines. Yet, at this time of the year, many take a few moments to reflect on the past year and anticipate the year ahead.

Some consider what they have accomplished, or failed to get done. Others may reflect on the trials of the past year and consider a few victories. As you begin to consider both the year that is drawing to a close and the year ahead, I encourage you to do some reflection from a different “angle.” Consider how God has provided and carried you through 2008. What has God enabled you to accomplish? Have you given Him the glory for it? What trials has he carried you through, proving Himself faithful once again? What things have happened that have caused you to stop what you are doing and worship? I hope and pray that you can think of some.

Though we face challenging times, God knows what we are facing and He is faithful! Paul’s exhortation to the Church of Thessalonica seems especially fitting:

2 Thessalonians 3:3-5 But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. (ESV)

That last part is my prayer for all of you today: “May the Lord
direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.” Amen and Amen!

In His grip,

Pastor Decker

What Ice And Sin Have In Common

The weather this past week sure has produced some slippery back roads. What once was snow melted to become a layer of ice. Now, they are once again covered with snow. That made driving the vans on Wednesday night a challenging task. What looked like a reasonable place to stop often proved to be a very slippery surface. It’s a sad state of affairs when you think you might get stuck in the middle of the road. But then, that comes part and parcel with Michigan winters.

No one likes driving on ice. We all know that it is dangerous. In just a moment, we can go from relative safety to potential or actual injury. If we are smart, we take ice seriously.

However, there is something more slippery and dangerous than ice. Unfortunately, it is something that people often take less seriously than icy roads and surfaces. That something is sin. So often, it lies just under the surface—covered up by a nice front so that people don’t see it. Yet, it is there, and it corrupts everything. Sin never only effects the one committing the sin. It gets in the way of our relationship with God and with others. It keeps us from living to our full, God-intended potential.

...And sin is slippery. A path that seemed relatively safe quickly leads to more dangerous territory. Pretty soon, we are sliding out of control—to a place we didn’t intend to go. Sin traps people. Yet, we often fail to take it seriously. God takes it seriously, and warned us of the danger:

“But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” (James 1:14-15)

Praise God, He offered us hope in Jesus Christ:

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)

What a gift!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Simplicity and Depth of God's Story

Today, we have our annual Christmas brunch and program. I hope and pray that today is a time of joy and celebration. I don’t know about you, but I am looking forward to listening to the kids and teens as they present their Christmas programs.

As I reflect upon this very thing, once again, I am struck by both the simplicity and depth of God’s Grand Story as revealed in the Bible.

On the one hand, God’s Story is simple enough for a child to understand. In fact, this morning, children will be telling part of God’s Story—the story of Christmas—to us. They will tell us of a day that changed everything. The eternal Son of God took on flesh, becoming a man, so that God could redeem sinful men … and that is the reason we celebrate Christmas.

On the other hand, we can study God’s Word for all of our lives and still not plumb the depths of His revelation to us. That’s even true of the story of Christmas. The concept of the eternal Son of God becoming a man is mind-blowing if we try to understand its full significance and implications. Yet, that is what happened at Christmas. The little baby that was born in Bethlehem was the one and only God-Man, Jesus Christ, who would live a perfect sinless life, die to pay the penalty for our sins, and rise from the dead that we may have hope of eternal life. What an amazing and mind-blowing thing.

It is simple enough for a child to understand and even teach, yet it is so deep a lifetime of study cannot exhaust the depths of wisdom to be found in God’s True Story as revealed in the Bible.
Simply amazing! What a great God!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Light of the World

“After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.” -Matthew 2:9-10

Have you ever paused to consider how God used the star to lead the wise men to Christ? It almost seems ironic that God would use a luminary that He created to lead the wise men to the eternal light of the world. Speaking about Himself, Jesus said, “… the light has come into the world (John 3:19).” This wasn’t the only statement like this by Jesus. “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12) Christ also described Himself this way in John 9:5. God used a light in the night sky to lead people to the light of the world! For whatever reason, that really struck me this morning.

The phrase, “light of the world” only appears three times in the Bible. Each time it is used, it is spoken by Jesus. He uses it twice (John 8:12 and 9:5) in reference to Himself. The other time (Matthew 5:14), Jesus uses this phrase to refer to His followers:

Matthew 5:14-16 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

The light of the world, Jesus, declared that we are also the light of the world. Just as God used the star to lead the wise men to Christ in Bethlehem, He uses us to light the way for others to come to Christ! So, next time you see the star of Bethlehem depicted, whether on a card or decoration, remember, we are also to light the way to Christ. Then, consider how you can put this truth into practice.

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Take a Breath!

Take a deep breath. Feel the air fill your lungs. Now exhale slowly. Feels good, doesn’t it? First, there’s the refreshment from a fresh supply of oxygen that our bodies need. Then, as we release the air and we expel the carbon-dioxide that our body does not need, we feel a bit more relaxed. In this busy season, simply taking a breath like that can make all the difference.

Most of you probably spent time with family for Thanksgiving. While these are usually good times, they can also be stressful and tiring, as our schedules fill up and we spend more time on the road than usual. In the midst of it all, take a deep breath. Have a moment of refreshment. Just breathe.

This morning, as we gather together for worship, take a deep breath. Chances are, the events of the past week and the business of the season have built up, and you will feel immediate relief. You will feel a bit more at ease.

Now, take a different type of breath … a spiritual breath. Like a physical breath fills our lungs with oxygen, which in turn, refreshes our blood, a spiritual breath can refresh our relationship with God. Soak in the fact that we are united by the shed blood of Christ. In the middle of a song, pause and listen to the rest of the congregation sing praises to God. Let the worship of God almighty refresh your heart and mind. Then, as we study God’s word, soak that in as well.

Finally exhale. As a physical breath frees us of toxins, like carbon-dioxide, a spiritual breath can free us of the clutter in our lives that distracts us from God. Refreshing, isn’t it? Relish the refreshment of God’s presence. Remember, “The Spirit of God has made me, And the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” (Job 33:4). Now, refreshed, carry out Psalm 150:6, “Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!”

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Thanksgiving

The cover of this week's bulletin has a picture of an overflowing cornucopia, indicating an abundant harvest. Paired with that is Psalm 34:8, “Oh taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! (NKJV)”
I think that this pairing is good for a few reasons. First, as we look at the overflowing fruits and vegetables, our minds race to a wonderful thanksgiving meal. I can almost taste the turkey and cranberry sauce … and then there’s the pumpkin and/or apple pie. Yum! My mouth is watering, how about yours.
Then, we read Psalm 34:8: “Oh taste and see that the Lord is good …” Have you tasted and seen that God is good? Or, put another way, have you experienced the goodness of God? I trust most of you have. That is what thanksgiving is all about … remembering the goodness of God and taking the time to give Him thanks.
It isn’t primarily about a family gathering, though we can and should enjoy that as God allows — and thank Him for that. It isn’t primarily about a large meal where most of us tend to overeat—though we can and should thank God for His provision, by which we can enjoy such a meal.
It IS primarily about God … and his provision for our needs, both physical and spiritual. He created us to be whole
beings, and cares about both the physical and spiritual. He provided salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone, and for that we should be eternally thankful.
Yet, he also cares for our physical needs. Sometimes he provides the income we need for our own sustenance. Sometimes He provides for our needs through others (family, church, assistance programs, etc.) We may not have it as well as we might like it, but basic shelter and food are core needs. And God provides, time and time again. Don’t forget to give Him thanks on this Thanksgiving and always!
In His grip,
Pastor Decker

God's Sovereignty and Our Place in Life

For my personal devotions, I have been reading from Charles Spurgeon’s devotional, Morning and Evening. Tuesday evening’s devotional struck me. Here is an excerpt:

“Remember this: had any other condition been better for you than the one in which you are, divine love would have put you there. You are placed by God in the most suitable circumstances, and if you had the choosing of your lot, you would soon cry, ‘Lord, choose my inheritance for me, for by my self-will, I am pierced through with many sorrows.’”1

In these few words, Spurgeon has made a profound statement about God’s sovereignty and our place in life. Some may call it fate, but “fate” ignores the fact that our creator is actively involved in our lives. As David reflected, he proclaimed, “...All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. (Psalm 139:16 NIV)” Both David and Spurgeon have acknowledged God’s ordering of our days. Have we acknowledged the same?
God allows us to walk through both joys and sorrows. God also allows us to make choices, for which we are responsible. Nonetheless, it is all allowed by God, and he sees it all.
What a great thing it is to rest in the assurance that God is in control. Though the times may be rough, we know that God is there and knows all about our circumstances. Sometimes those circumstances are for our learning and growth. Sometimes God uses them to work out His eternal plan. Though we might like to know the detail, we often don’t. In the mean time, we press on and press forward as, 'In him we live and move and have our being' (Acts 17:28).
In His grip,
Pastor Decker


1 Charles Spurgeon, Morning and Evening, ed. By David Otis Fuller, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1948.

Overwhelming Worship

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about worship lately. While worship can occur in many contexts, my thinking has focused on the corporate worship at Dayton Center Church. Yes, we did a study on worship in August & September, but that was just the tip of the proverbial iceberg.
Let me ask you a question … When was the last time you engaged in worship of God and felt a shiver run down your spine? I’m not talking about a cold, spooky shiver, but the kind that happens when you realize that you are in the presence of God. It’s a sense of being in God’s throne-room, like Isaiah experienced:
Isaiah 6:1-3 … I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!"
There’s a sense of awe, a sense of wonder, a sense unlike anything else we might experience. All else is left behind as we consider the glory and splendor of God Almighty. It is like the scene we are told about in Revelation 4:11, where the 24 elders cast their crowns before the throne of God and cry out, "Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created."
That kind of worship has transforming power because of the Holy Spirit. It is not about the experience itself, but about God, Himself. It is not something that leads to pride in what we have accomplished or experienced, but an overwhelming sense of humility and gratitude before our Savior. I pray that God would guide and empower us, so that we truly worship in spirit and truth … that we would be overwhelmed at His grace and glory … that we would realize that we are coming before His throne … that we would experience that sense of awe and wonder… and worship Him!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Impossible? With Whom? (11/2/08 Bulletin)

“But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible’” (Matthew 19:26). Brothers and sisters in Christ, we would do well to reflect on these words often. How many times have you considered your circumstances and found them to be beyond your ability to control?
In this case, Jesus is teaching about how difficult it is for a rich person to submit their life and wealth to God’s reign. Yet, the application of this verse goes much farther – when circumstances seem impossible for us, remember that “all things are possible with God.”
The truth of Jesus words is displayed over and over in the Bible. As Jack Henderson pointed out last week, the Israelites faced several impossible situations when leaving Egypt. Just escaping from enslavement would be one. Crossing the Red Sea on dry ground, another. What about the conquest of the promised land? Even when the Israelites were disbursed among the nations, God always preserved for Himself a chosen people. Then, there were all the miracles of Christ, not to mention His resurrection from the dead. All were examples of God doing the impossible.
Now, take a minute and consider the trials you have faced throughout the years. How many times did your circumstances seem impossible? How many times did God pull you through? Maybe things didn’t go exactly as you would have liked, but God pulled you through.
Once again, consider the words, “But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible’” (Matthew 19:26). The songwriter got it right … “Great and mighty is the Lord our God, great and mighty is He!” What a great hope and help in time of need!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Late Post (10/26/08 Bulletin)

Earlier this year, some of you asked me if we were going to have a missions conference / emphasis week. At that time, it looked like Don Pickel was going to be in the area sometime this year, but that never materialized. It was beginning to look like the answer was going to be no. However, the answer has become, “yes.” Last week, Rick Coleman presented the ministry of Gideons International. This week, we are privileged to have Jack Henderson with us. Next week, Dave & Kay Henry (our missionaries to Russia) will be sharing their ministry with us. It is as though God decided it was time to have a missions emphasis and said, “Here are the missionaries I want you to hear from.” God arranged all the schedules.
Just in case you are wondering who Jack Henderson is, Jack is the missionary that the Marshalls work with when they take their missions trips to Mexico. He was the speaker for the teen all-nighter, and now the rest of us get to hear from him. I pray that all will be encouraged as he shares from his heart this morning.
My prayer for this missions emphasis time is that we are encouraged as we hear what God is doing around the world and that we are mobilized for God’s work, both abroad and in our community. The command to share the Gospel isn’t just for missionaries and pastors … it’s the mission that Christ gave all of His followers. Let’s be true followers engage that mission.

One more thing … Please join us for the dinner to follow the morning service. There is always plenty of food and warm fellowship. …And don’t forget about the evening service and quarterly business meeting tonight. We will be voting on some new members and taking care of some church business. If you are a member, we need you here.

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Fall Colors Provided By Our Creator

Have you noticed the vibrant colors across the landscape over the past week? It is hard not to notice them. Perhaps it is part of living in Grand Rapids the prior 15 years, but I don’t remember the changing colors being quite so beautiful. When the sun hits the trees, the colors are so vibrant. As I look out my study window, I can see beautiful shades of red, orange, yellow, and green. I don’t think the best artist could do any better.

A scene like that makes me think of Romans 1:20-21:
20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. (ESV)

So, my question to you this morning, is, when you look out at the beauty of God’s creation, are you going to pause and consider the power and majesty of God that is displayed, or will you just see the colors without thought of God, who crafted the trees in such a way that the leaves change color in the fall? I hope the colors lead you worship our Triune, Creator-Redeemer, God!


In His grip,

Pastor Decker

Remembering Christ In Our Trying Times

Legacy Five, a southern gospel group, sang a song entitled, Heroes of the Faith. Roger Bennett wrote this song as a tribute to Glen Payne, who had become a hero of his faith. In this song, Roger recalls some wisdom that Glen imparted to him, "You said the road's not always easy, but God is ever true, you said, just share the good things that He had done for you." Though these words related directly to a singer's life on the road, they can apply to all of us.

We all face bumps on the "road" of life. As the Bible reveals, time and time again, God is ever true! It is the next part that struck me this week: "Just share the good tings that He has done for you." In challenging times like our country and the rest of the world is facing, we need to remember the good things that God has done; first and foremost, He has offered salvation through Jesus Christ!

As I sat praying at the front of the auditorium on Thusday afternoon, another song popped into my mind. This was John W. Peterson's Heaven Came Down and Glory Filled My Soul. The first goes like this: "O what a wonderful, wonderful day, day I will never forget. After I'd wandered in darkness away, Jesus my Savior I met. O what a tender, compassionate friend, He med the needs of my heart; shadows dispelling, with joy I am telling, He mad all the darkenss depart.

Though we may be burdened with all sorts of troubles, let us not forget the joy of our salvation. Let us be mindful of where we might be without Christ. And, in the midst of troubling times, do as yet another hymn suggests, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker