Finding Strength

Isaiah 40:31 “But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

When I think of an eagle, I think of a beautiful, powerful bird that soars on the winds and can dive down to catch it’s prey with pin-point accuracy at high speeds. I can almost picture the scene of an eagle pulling a fish out of the water and returning to the skies. It’s a picture of power and grace.

Power and grace … I think that’s the picture that we are supposed to get when we read Isaiah 40:31. But, the power and grace Isaiah has in mind is only exemplified by the eagle. Isaiah is talking about the power and grace of God, which we often experience when we find our power running out. Let’s not forget that this familiar verse is preceded by an important message:

Isaiah 40:28-30 28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. 30 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted...

Truth be told, I think we all wish we had more strength and energy. Most of us know what it means to feel weary and exhausted. In times like these, strength to do what God expects of us is not found in an energy drink or protein bar. It is found on our knees — waiting for God, seeking His will, and praying, with confidence, that He will enable us to do what He wants us to do this day. On our knees, we find that we have “eagle’s wings” for doing the will of the Lord!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father’s Day! I hope that today is a special day of recognition for the time and effort you have invested into your children.

In this society of broken homes, a godly father is truly someone to be treasured. Those of us who had a godly father should regularly thank our heavenly Father for such a wonderful gift. However, I suspect that some here did not have a godly father. If that is your case, you do have a Father in God — and He will never fail you!

Perhaps some of you weren’t the godliest of fathers. Perhaps you have regrets over your lifestyle or management of time when your children were young. Even if your children are grown and live far away, I encourage all you men to live a life (now) that provides a godly example to your children and to the world. Perhaps today will be a day of reconciliation and restoration of your relationship with your children!

Yet, we must recognize that we cannot make all the choices for our children. As Joshua reminded the people, “choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve … But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15).” So, I encourage you all to choose wisely and live accordingly. Whether you are a father or not, set a good example of a godly life — God may use your example in ways you will never know.

This morning’s Father’s Day message will focus on leading your family through these uncertain times. While a pastor could give a number of pointers that may or may not pass the test of time, the pointers we will consider have stood the test of time and come from God’s Word.

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

The Future of Our Children (and Grandchildren)

In my devotions this week, I finished reading the book of Genesis. There are a number of things I could note, but chapter 49 drew my attention. Jacob, knowing he was about to die, gathered his sons and told them about their futures. Some received glowing commendations. Judah was promised that the scepter would not pass from him. Asher was told of the delicacies he would enjoy. Naphtali was told of coming prosperity. Joseph was described as fruitful and told of blessings.

However, others didn’t receive such good news. Reuben was described as unstable, and his sin was noted. Simeon and Levi were noted for their anger and violence. Issachar was told about a future of forced labor. Dan was described as a serpent, and Benjamin as a ravenous wolf. Zebulon received more neutral news—that his people would dwell by the sea and be a harbor for ships.

I wonder what would happen if Jesus appeared on a Sunday morning and gave each of us news about our posterity. How would we handle the news? Would we be given opportunity to make a difference?

Well, we may not know the details of the future, or the choices our children and grandchildren will make, but we are given an opportunity to make a difference. What we do and say now can have a significant impact on the lives of others. The example we provide may be followed, whether for good or bad. So, I ask you, what kind of example do you want others to see? Are you providing that kind of example? If not, what are you going to do about it?

Whether it is our physical or spiritual posterity, people are watching. May our lives always point others to Christ!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Turning the World Upside-Down

Everyone likes a good story. Some stories excite us as we wonder what is going to happen to the characters as the plot unfolds. Other stories move us as we relate to the challenges faced. Yet other stories make us laugh, as the humor tickles our minds. This morning, I would like to remind you of a true story from Acts 17, and I hope that it makes you think.

The place is Thessalonica. The villain, at least in their eyes, was Paul. However, in our eyes, Paul was the hero, but that remains to be seen as the plot develops. Now, the heroes of many adventure stories have a side-kick, and Paul’s side-kick was Silas. They have journeyed and served together, and they were at it again.

You might be asking, why was Paul their villain and our hero? Well, you have to remember that Paul was bringing a controversial message, and Paul wasn’t one to hold back when he shared his message. On this occasion, he went into the Jewish synagogues and reasoned with them from Scripture. In and of itself, that would have been expected. The twist was that Paul used the Scriptures to show them that Jesus was the Christ, the promised Messiah. He must have presented a powerful message, because Jews, Greeks, and some of their leading women decided to follow Christ.

It is almost needless to say, but the Jewish people weren’t exactly happy. In fact, they stirred up a mob, set the city in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, who had been hosting Paul and Silas. Eventually Jason and some others were brought before the authorities, posted bond, and were released, but that’s not the point. The point is the accusation brought against them: “...These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also … saying that there is another king, Jesus (Acts 17:6-7).” Now, that’s a bold accusation, but also huge commendation for a Christian. Now, the challenge: What would it take for Dayton Center Church to turn our world “upside down?” God hasn’t changed. He can do it again, and maybe he will use us if we are willing...

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Change and the Church

The past few Wednesday nights, we have had some interesting discussion. If you have been here, you have played a significant part, and I thank you for that. If you have not been here, you have been missing some good interaction as we have thought about how this country, community, and church has changed over the past several years.

First, we looked at 1 Corinthians 9:12b—18, where Paul took his stewardship of the Gospel seriously and worked diligently so as not to create any obstacles to the proclamation of the Gospel. We have also been considering 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, where we see Paul adapting to the people he was ministering to. When working with Jews, Paul became like a Jew. When ministering to Gentile Christians, he recognized that their assumptions and practices were different than those of the Jews. Paul didn’t compromise the Gospel, but he did adapt his methods to the different culture(s).

This past week, we considered 2 Timothy 4:1-5, where Paul charged Timothy to “preach the Word.” This charge is often given to pastors and missionaries during their ordination service. However, this charge is also given to the church as a whole. Our mission is to preach the Gospel and make disciples. The challenge is that the very thing Paul warned Timothy about is very common in our society: “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions… (2 Timothy 4:3).”

So, what’s the application of all this? Let’s face it, our country, community and church have changed significantly over the past 30 +/- years. Assumptions have changed. People have changed. And so, we must consider how we should adapt, so that we can effectively share the unchanging Gospel with a constantly changing world. I invite you to come and participate in this discussion. If you come, I encourage you to think deeply, pray hard, and consider how God has equipped you to participate in His work at Dayton Center Church.

In His grip,
Pastor Decker