Memorial Day

May is quickly drawing to a close, and Memorial Day is upon us once again. For many, this means the beginning of summer, vacation time, and the camping and barbeque seasons. But, we would be amiss is we neglected what the holiday stands for.

For those who like history, I have included a snippet from http://www.usmemorialday.org/backgrnd.html, which seems to be accurate when compared to several other websites, including the Veterans Administration (http://www.va.gov/opa/speceven/memday/history.asp):

Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war). It is now celebrated in almost every State on the last Monday in May (passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971 (P.L. 90 - 363) to ensure a three day weekend for Federal holidays), though several southern states have an additional separate day for honoring the Confederate war dead: January 19 in Texas, April 26 in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi; May 10 in South Carolina; and June 3 (Jefferson Davis' birthday) in Louisiana and Tennessee.

So, today, I encourage you to thank those you know who have served in our armed forces, pray for those who are currently serving, and pray for those who have lost loved ones while serving in our military.

And, as you remember the price that was paid our freedoms and the freedoms of others, remember the price that was paid by Christ for our freedom from the tyranny of sin, and thank Him for His ultimate sacrifice!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

DISCIPLESHIP

This past Wednesday night, we began a new Bible study series, using Ray Vander Laan’s “Faith Lessons” DVD series, and starting out with “In the Dust of the Rabbi.” The first session challenges our thinking about what it means to be a disciple. I don’t mean to be redundant, but today I’d like to recap, and build on, some thoughts from our first session.

When you think about “discipleship” today, what do you think of? Chances are it involves Bible Study (whether as an individual, a small group, or in Sunday School / Church). It probably also includes a time of prayer. It may even involve some spiritual mentoring from a respected church leader. All these things are good and important, but they can still miss the point of discipleship. As Ray Vander Laan suggests, while discipleship does involve learning, it is ultimately about becoming like Jesus.

In Bible times, few could become disciples. First, they had to exhibit extraordinary ability and understanding of the Scriptures. Second, they had to get the approval of the rabbi they wanted to follow. Then, they had to leave everything behind as they, quite literally, followed in their rabbi’s steps as they sought to become like him. Ultimately, when the rabbi was satisfied, the disciple could be turned loose to teach others.

If we are truly to be disciples of Jesus Christ, it requires everything of us. Jesus said, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Mat 16:24) It doesn’t mean an easy life, either. It involves doing everything we can to become more like Christ. Think about what that means for a minute. How well did He know the Scriptures? How did He respond when He was crucified? How did He treat the outcasts of society? (I could go on…)

Discipleship is serious business! And, we’re not only called to be disciples, but to make disciples (Mt. 28:19-20). Today, I challenge to you examine yourself and ask yourself what you can do to become more like Jesus. Then, do it! “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Phi 1:6 ESV) Press on, disciple of Jesus Christ!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

A STUMP, A MERRY-GO-ROUND, & FORGIVENESS

When I look outside from my study window, I can see reminders of what has been. One reminder is a stump from a tree that was recently removed from the north side of the church. The stump is so fresh that the color of the wood has not begun to fade. If I had the desire, I could even count the rings from my office (with the help of a pair of binoculars).

The second reminder, however, is not so vivid. In fact, I’ve never seen what was there ... but I’ve been told about it. If you know where to look, you can see a circle in the grass where a merry-go-round once was. But, if you didn’t know where to look, I doubt you would ever notice it.

So, that explains the reference to a stump and a merry-go-round in the title, but what about forgiveness? Please bear with me as I explain the connection. We all have things, sins and mistakes in particular, in our lives that we would rather forget. Yet, past happenings have had an impact on our lives, and usually do leave a mark. Perhaps it is faded, like where the merry-go-round was, and few can see or remember what was there. Or, perhaps the mark is more fresh, like the stump, and the memory is painful and the ramifications are still evident. In either case, and as I’ve said several times before, “Satan reminds us of where we’ve been, but Christ reminds us of what He’s making us to be (See Rev. 12:10; Rom 8:29; 1 Jn 3:2).” Fellow Christian, I think we have a harder time moving on and forward than God does. When Satan reminds you of the marks of past mistakes and sins, remember and remind him of these verses:

Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD! O Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy! If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? 4 But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared. (Psa 130:1-4 ESV)

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1Jo 1:9 ESV)

For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. (Psa 103:11-12 ESV)

If you are a child of God, you may bear the marks of past sin, but remember, you also bear the mark of Christ, which says, “Forgiven!”
In His grip,
Pastor Decker

OBSTRUCTED VIEWS

Last April (2010), the church voted to remove the pine trees that stand on the north side of the church. This week, they were finally taken down. One of those trees stood just outside the window of my study. During the winter, it was often a beautiful sight, with all the snow on its branches. In the spring, it became home to an annoying robin that kept attacking the window, leaving a mess and making a lot of noise. But, now, the tree lies on the ground. As I look out the window, I can now see much more of the landscape. Until this week, I never considered how much that tree obstructed the view from my study. It was never frustrating (other than that pesky robin), but it is kind of nice having a better view.

I’m sure that we’ve all been frustrated, a time or two, about an obstructed view. Maybe it was a taller person who sat right in front of you at some event. Or, perhaps it’s been a tree or shrub that blocks your view at an intersection. What is your example?

Scripture gives a rather pointed example of an obstructed view, and I think that it occurs far more frequently than any of us would like to admit:

Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. (Mat 7:3-5 ESV)

While this text deals with the hypocritical correction of another Christian, I think that there is a broader application to be gained, and this is the matter of “obstructed views.” Is there something that is obstructing the view of your spiritual landscape? Sin and bias are probably the top two offenders that keep us from seeing things as they are. Sadly, we can go for long periods of time without noticing the impact they have. Today, I encourage you to ask God to reveal any “obstructed views” to you, and take action to remove them. Then, take a good, long look at your spiritual landscape to get an accurate view. While it may be painful, I promise you that it will be rewarding and freeing.

God, grant us the eyes to see things as you see them. Amen.

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

HIGHER GROUND

From time to time, we all need a boost. Sometimes the need arises after stressful or challenging events that have gotten us down. Other times, it may be a busy day or week that has been tiring. It could even be as simple as a rainy, cloudy day that puts us in a bit of a funk. Many things can impact our mood and/or attitude in an adverse way, and put us in need of a “pick-me-up.” And, pastors are not excluded, especially after holidays like Christmas and Easter. After the anticipation and excitement wears off, there is often a bit of a crash. One of the newsletters I received even had an article about the “Post-Easter Blues.” I don’t mean to complain, but do mean to touch on something most people try to avoid. It seems to be taboo to admit that we’re feeling a bit down in the dumps. We all get there, but hopefully, we don’t stay there too long.

As I was sitting in my study, considering what to write today, the chorus of a hymn popped into my mind: “Lord, lift me up, and let me stand, by faith on heaven’s table-land, a higher plane than I have found, Lord plant my feet on higher ground.” (Higher Ground, by Johnson Oatman, Jr.) That chorus gave me a bit of a boost today, and encouraged me to think of the “higher ground” that I am already on because of Christ. Now, consider the verses of that song:

I’m pressing on the up-ward way, new heights I’m gaining every day; still praying as I on-ward bound, “Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

I want to live above the world, though Satan’s darts at me are hurled; for faith has caught the joyful sound, the song of saints on higher ground.

I want to scale the utmost height, and catch a gleam of glory bright; but still I’ll pray till heaven I’ve found, “Lord, lead me on to higher ground.”

Fellow Christian, whether you’re “down in the dumps” or soaring on eagle’s wings, remember that you are already on “higher ground” with Christ. May you find new strength in Him today!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker