Storms, The Holy Spirit, and Power

On Tuesday night, we had quite a storm pass through the area. It didn’t last long, but it was strong while it was over us. I wondered if we might lose power. Eventually, we did. Ironically, it was only after the storm had moved through. Between midnight and 1 AM, we lost and regained power about six times. It seemed that every time I was beginning to fall back asleep, the power either went on or off. Eventually it stayed off until about 5:30, or so we guessed from the time showing on the blinking clocks.

Just like the sporadic electricity that night frustrated me, I wonder how it frustrates God when we are sporadic in drawing on His power. He sent us the Holy Spirit to empower us, and lends His strength when we are weak and need it most.

2 Corinthians 12:10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

It seems that the “good times” are when we fail to draw on God’s power … when we think we have everything under control. But, before long, we find that we did not have everything under control … we end up on our knees in a weakened state. What if we pled with God for His help equally, whether times are good or the going has gotten rough?

Just like we depend on the power company to provide electricity for our homes at all times, make a decision to rely on God to power your life at all times. The Holy Spirit is waiting to empower us … if only we will be faithful and ask.

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Cracked Armor

Over the past few months, we have had a leak in the parsonage kitchen when it has rained. We weren't sure how the water was getting in, but it was ending up in the light over the sink, and most recently, in our kitchen cupboards. This morning, Keith Mead came and took a good look at the roof and found several cracked tiles. After applying nearly a bucket of tar, we hope the problem is fixed. Thanks for your help, Keith.

Just like cracks in roofing can cause water damage over time, cracks in our spiritual armor can cause problems in our walk with God. Satan is always looking for a weakness to exploit: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) Just like the rain can find it’s way through a crack in roofing materials, Satan keeps working at a weak spot—a crack in our armor—until he has an opportunity to do serious damage.

Whether we’re thinking of armored vehicles, modern body armor / bullet-proof vests, or medieval plate armor, good armor has always been important. While something is always better than nothing, I’m sure that soldiers and law enforcement officers have always wanted their armor to be in top-notch condition, as any weaknesses in the armor leave them more vulnerable.

This is also true of our spiritual armor. What kinds of things are cracks or gaps in our spiritual armor? Let me suggest a few: lack of prayer, failure to spend regular time in God’s Word, neglecting gathering with the church (Heb. 10:25), unconfessed sin, conflict, anger or hurts that we’ve not done our part to resolve, and the list could go on. Today, I ask you, what is the condition of your spiritual armor? Take time, today, to get it back in top-notch condition. And, “In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:16)

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Remembering God in the Mundane Things

This week, we have had some strong wind gusts. Whether I was in the church or the parsonage, I could really hear the wind roar, and wondered what kind of damage it might cause. While there are twigs and braches scattered around the yard, there was no damage to note.

As we all know, wind can be powerful. It can uproot trees, tear apart roofs, and cause all kinds of damage. On the positive side, windmills can use that same power to provide electricity for homes and businesses. Regardless, when the wind is really howling, it’s power can’t be denied.

The Bible tells of one night when the wind was particularly frightening. I’m sure you know the story. Jesus and the disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee, which is known for it’s fierce storms. The disciples began to panic when the windstorm got really rough, and feared for their lives. Jesus, however, was completely at peace. In fact, he was taking a nap.

While the disciples’ faith in Jesus had been building, they still had a long way to go. They had seen his miraculous, healing touch, but they still didn’t understand His power over nature. That would change in an instant. Mark records the account for us:

And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, "Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?" And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?" (Mark 4:39-41)

The disciples were dumbfounded. They had never seen anything like this before. But, then, there had never been anyone like Jesus before, or has there been ever since. Praise God, He still lives.

The next time the wind howls, consider how powerful it seems. Then, remember that it only took a couple of words from Jesus to stop it completely. Hallelujah! What a Savior!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Labor Day

As Labor Day has grown closer and closer, I have seen a lot of articles that address the question, “Does God care about my work?” To be honest, I haven’t read a single one. Why? Because I already know the answer … it’s a resounding “YES.”
But, for some reason, I haven’t seen a single article that asks the question, “Does God care about how I use my retirement?” The answer to that is also a resounding “YES!” I have heard several retirees say something to the effect of, “I’m so busy, I don’t know how I ever had time for work.”
Let’s face it, whether we are working or retired, something always chews up our time. The only question is, ”What?” Sometimes that can be a difficult question to answer … and many times because we don’t really want to scrutinize our schedules and see what has become a priority.
I hope that we never forget that God cares about everything we do. The Bible is pretty clear on that matter:

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17)

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23-24)

All (every aspect) of our lives are lived out before God. May we be found faithful in how we have used our time!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker