Trials and Faith

As I was reading in Exodus this week, I was struck by how quickly the people of Israel forgot about God’s miraculous deliverance. They had just left Egypt after seeing God spare them from the plagues. They had just gone to their neighbors and asked for silver and gold, which was willingly offered. And, after being enslaved for years, they walked out of Egypt as free men and women. Yet, when they saw Pharaoh's army drawing near, they panicked and,

They said to Moses, "Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us in bringing us out of Egypt? Is not this what we said to you in Egypt: 'Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians'? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness." (Exodus 14:11-12)

They saw their current predicament only through their own eyes, forgetting what God had just done for them. Moses, however, was more in tune with how God was working ...
And Moses said to the people, "Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent." (Exodus 14:13-14)

What trials are you facing today? Are you looking at your predicament only through human eyes, or are you looking at your situation remembering that God is in control? Are you responding with panic, or with a settled confidence that, though the road may not be easy, God will carry you through? Remember, if you are a child of God, your Heavenly Father cares for you, and will see you through!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Pray for Your Pastor

Every once in a while, I read from Charles Spurgeon’s devotional, Morning and Evening. Tuesday morning’s devotional focused on one short verse -1 Thessalonians 5:25 “Brothers, pray for us.” Paul’s plea is simple, yet needs repeating. Let me share what Spurgeon noted in his devotional:

This one morning in the year we reserved to refresh the reader’s memory upon the subject of prayer for ministers. As officers in Christ’s army, we are the especial mark of the enmity of men and devils; they watch for our halting, and labor to take us by the heels. Miserable men are we if we miss the aid of your prayers, but happy are we if we live in your supplications.

(Charles H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening, Condensed and edited by David Otis Fuller. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1948. p. 199)

Like Spurgeon notes, as your pastor, I desperately need your prayers. If you have seen the Prayer and Praises sheets we use on Wednesday nights, you will note that I always request your prayer for wisdom, direction, and discernment. I should also add prayers for protection, empowerment and encouragement for the work God has called me to. If I minister in my own power and ability, I am truly on dangerous ground. If, however, the Holy Spirit is empowering, guiding, and enabling me, I know I stand in Christ’s strength as His under-shepherd.

So, as your pastor, I urge you, once again, to pray for me —that I would be continually led and empowered by God, that He would accomplish His work in and through me, and that His wisdom would direct every aspect of ministry here at Dayton Center Church!
In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Independence Day

Yesterday was the 4th of July. Besides being the fourth day in the month of July, this day is special because we celebrate our Independence Day. Perhaps you attended a parade or watched fireworks. If your radio was turned on, you probably heard patriotic songs, and perhaps your love for America was stirred up. I hope you took time to thank God for religious liberty and the freedom we have to gather for worship. These privileges should never be taken likely. Neither should they be taken for granted.

I would also like to remind you to celebrate your other “Independence Day”—the day you found salvation in Jesus Christ. This Independence Day does not celebrate freedom from the tyranny of man, it celebrates freedom from the tyranny of sin. What we once may have pursued, with little or no restraint, and to our own demise, no longer maintains the same hold over us. Though we are still tempted, and sometimes fall, Christians are no longer bound in slavery to sin. We will still face battles, but as we fight, we find courage, knowing that the victory has already been won at the Cross. Christ paid the price for our freedom from sin. ...And this freedom extends beyond national borders, continental divides, and racial differences. This freedom is available to all who will accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Have you accepted this gift of freedom? If so, remember to celebrate your Independence Day - the day of your salvation. If not, why would you want to remain a slave to the tyranny of sin when you can find freedom to live as God intended in and through Jesus Christ? Perhaps today will be your personal Independence Day!

Happy Independence Day!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker