As I reflect on this past week, the first thought that comes to mind is, “Brrrr!” It certainly has been cold. If you’ve looked at an outdoor thermometer or seen the weather reports, you have probably cringed. If you have considered the wind chills, you have probably stayed indoors as much as possible. I’m sure those reading this in Florida are grateful that they are not here right now.
When we consider the outdoor temperatures, most people take appropriate measures, whether that means an extra layer of clothing, an extra-heavy coat, or a making a change of plans. How have you responded to the cold?
This week, I thought I would ask you about your heart temperature. Jesus said that the greatest commandments were,
'...You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.
(Matthew 22:37-40 NKJV)
Love of God AND love of neighbor are the gauges of our heart temperature. Jesus put these two commandments together for a reason — they are related—failure in one probably indicates failure in the other.
If our heart is cold toward God or other people, putting on layers only makes the problem worse—we create barriers to relationship and isolate ourselves. If, however, our hearts are warm toward God and others, we will tend to be more understanding of others’ struggles and our need for God’s presence. So, I ask you once again, What is your heart temperature? Now, what are you going to do about it?
In His grip,
Pastor Decker
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
Unshakable Kingdom
Last week, I brought the following verses to your attention. I would like to do so once again:
This week, I would like to focus in on the phrase, “that cannot be shaken.” In the Greek, this is one word, which means “unshakable” or “enduring.” If we think deeply and honestly, we come to realize that there is very little in this life that is either “unshakable” or “enduring.” As Jesus said,
Heaven is the place where God’s Kingdom / Rule / Reign is most evident. On earth, we pray, “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done.” In Heaven, these things simply “are” — that’s just the way it is. How wonderful that must be …
Yet, we live on this earth, where kingdoms crumble and fail. Governments fail to live up to their intended purposes and people suffer for it. We try to run our own lives, setting up our own kingdoms, and they also fail. Only God’s Kingdom / Rule / Reign is unshakable and enduring. Only He can satisfy our deepest need(s). Only He can save and offer eternal life! Brothers, sisters, friends and neighbors, embrace His Kingdom / Rule / Reign. It is the hope of the redeemed and our eternal home!
In His grip,
Pastor Decker
Hebrews 12:28-29 “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” (ESV)
This week, I would like to focus in on the phrase, “that cannot be shaken.” In the Greek, this is one word, which means “unshakable” or “enduring.” If we think deeply and honestly, we come to realize that there is very little in this life that is either “unshakable” or “enduring.” As Jesus said,
Matthew 6:19-21 Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Heaven is the place where God’s Kingdom / Rule / Reign is most evident. On earth, we pray, “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done.” In Heaven, these things simply “are” — that’s just the way it is. How wonderful that must be …
Yet, we live on this earth, where kingdoms crumble and fail. Governments fail to live up to their intended purposes and people suffer for it. We try to run our own lives, setting up our own kingdoms, and they also fail. Only God’s Kingdom / Rule / Reign is unshakable and enduring. Only He can satisfy our deepest need(s). Only He can save and offer eternal life! Brothers, sisters, friends and neighbors, embrace His Kingdom / Rule / Reign. It is the hope of the redeemed and our eternal home!
In His grip,
Pastor Decker
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Looking Forward
It is hard to believe that it has already been a year since we first arrived at Dayton Center Church. It has certainly been an interesting year, hasn’t it? We have experienced some great joys and some great challenges along the way. Through it all, God has been faithful. I look forward to reflecting on the year with you at our
annual meeting on January 25. I pray that we can celebrate the victories that God has won together.
As we head into 2009, I’m sure many are wondering what lies ahead. Some wonder whether they will find a job in the near future. Others wonder what will happen when Obama takes office on January 20. Many wonder what is going to happen with the “Big 3” in the months ahead.
Two things are certain. For one, some things will change. Some people will experience a prosperous new year. Others will face trials that shake them to the core. All of us will be molded and shaped as we experience both joys and trials. Secondly, and more importantly, God does not change and His Kingdom cannot be shaken:
This may just be our theme for the year ahead. If we pay attention to the instruction of this verse and we put it into practice, our walk with God will be characterized by gratitude, confidence, reverence, and awe of Him, whether our circumstances seem painful or pleasant.
Brothers and sisters in Christ, God is Faithful. So, let’s
worship Him with reverence and awe throughout all of life’s circumstances!
In His grip,
Pastor Decker
annual meeting on January 25. I pray that we can celebrate the victories that God has won together.
As we head into 2009, I’m sure many are wondering what lies ahead. Some wonder whether they will find a job in the near future. Others wonder what will happen when Obama takes office on January 20. Many wonder what is going to happen with the “Big 3” in the months ahead.
Two things are certain. For one, some things will change. Some people will experience a prosperous new year. Others will face trials that shake them to the core. All of us will be molded and shaped as we experience both joys and trials. Secondly, and more importantly, God does not change and His Kingdom cannot be shaken:
Hebrews 12:28-29 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire. (ESV)
This may just be our theme for the year ahead. If we pay attention to the instruction of this verse and we put it into practice, our walk with God will be characterized by gratitude, confidence, reverence, and awe of Him, whether our circumstances seem painful or pleasant.
Brothers and sisters in Christ, God is Faithful. So, let’s
worship Him with reverence and awe throughout all of life’s circumstances!
In His grip,
Pastor Decker
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