A Time For Reflection

Here we are at the last Sunday in 2010. Hard to believe, isn’t it? If we all took time to reflect on the year that is almost past, I suspect we could all come up with quite a list of both joys and challenges. It might be a good idea to do just that … take some time to reflect and make a list. What things has God carried you through? Which experiences warmed your heart? What outcomes are you still wondering about?

I suspect that some of those experiences overlapped. Sometimes the things that begin as challenges are also sources of significant joy. Maybe the joys come from a kind word or a warm hug … just when you needed it most. Perhaps you sensed God’s presence and the care of His people in a special way during a time of trial. Or, maybe you’ve seen God provide in a way you didn’t expect. If you take the time to look to see where God has been at work, you might be surprised. However, if you don’t take the time, you may miss something significant.

Here’s a few more questions to ponder: What life lesson(s) have you learned this year? Is it something you learned about yourself? Is it something that strengthened your walk with God? How might that lesson (or those lessons) impact the coming year?

I know that 2010 has been a challenging year for many. There may have been times you even wondered how (or if) you were going to make it to 2011. But, 2011 is almost here. A new year brings new possibilities. Let’s head into it with a sense of hope for what could be. While we may not know what lies ahead, God does, and He’s already preparing you for it. Through it all, remember to praise God for His faithfulness … He will never leave or forsake you (Heb. 13:5)!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Merry Christmas

For most of us, this will be a busy, but good week. As you travel, celebrate, or even spend time at home, don’t forget the reason for the season, the birth of Jesus Christ. If we fail to reflect on the greatest gift of all—the offer of salvation through Jesus Christ—we will completely miss the meaning of Christmas. But, if we remember to keep Christ in Christmas, this will be a great Christmas, no matter what you may be going through. Please remember, His name is Emmanuel, God With Us! So, even while you celebrate with presents, remember to celebrate His presence!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

A Helpful Reminder

A friend of mine, Fred Carlson, e-mailed me an excellent reminder. I think that you’ll find it to be an encouragement, much like I did. And I quote...

In the face of many changes, isn’t it good to know that ...
1. The Bible still is God's true story, and has the answers.
2. Believing prayer still is the most powerful force of God on Earth.
3. The Holy Spirit keeps moving people to God.
4. God still welcomes the praises of His people.
5. God still loves to forgive. 
6. Personal and corporate revival still is available.
7. God still loves obedient faith.
8. God still pours out blessings on His people.
9. There still is room at the Cross.
10. The resurrected Savior still loves and enjoys you.
11. Jesus Christ still receives those who come to Him in repenting faith.
12. The Church still is Christ's family on Earth, and will prevail over Hell's gates.
13. Good still is more powerful than evil, and God's light still penetrates sin's darkness.
14. Jesus Christ still is coming back to claim His Bride and to reign over earth.
15. Your real number one and two purposes in life still are to love God and love people for God.
16. The Holy Spirit still has real comfort and strength for God's people.
17. God will vindicate His good Name, and reign joyfully forever over His restored creation.

Isn't it great to remember who really holds the reigns of power, and that, "The Word of the Lord endures forever." (1 Peter 1:25)”

I hope Fred’s words (original to him or not) are an encouragement to you this day. Always remember, God is still on the Throne!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Second Chances

After writing last week’s bulletin / blog, I think I was a bit harsh on the cell phone store in Caro. I don’t know what kind of day the lady who served me was having. I don’t know what her struggles are. There could be any number of reasons I didn’t get very good service that day.

I suppose that being a pastor further complicates the matter, as I need to be a living example of God’s grace and mercy. If God never gave second chances, where would any of us be? Praise God, “The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” (Psalm 145:8)

This week I returned to the Caro store, and received much better service (from the same person). I didn’t end up buying my phone there, but God reminded me of His patience, grace and mercy … characteristics we are all to emulate. Consider the following passages:

Proverbs 19:11 Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.
James 1:19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

I’m glad I went back. If I hadn’t, perhaps I would have missed a lesson that God had for me. I hope it benefits you, too. Once again, Praise God for His grace, mercy, and patience. May we always show those attributes to others.

In His grip,
Pastor Decker