THE PATIENCE OF GOD

Just over a week ago, I began a Bible reading schedule that will take me through the Bible in a year (there are copies on the table in the back of the sanctuary). I decided to ignore the dates given, and start out with Genesis1 ... that seemed better than starting with 1 Kings 20-22. One of the passages I read this week was the account of God’s promise of Isaac to Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 17-18.

One great thing about regular Bible reading is that it never gets old … there’s always a new insight to be gained as you delve into the Scriptures. While I’ve read this passage many times before, the thing that struck me was that both Abraham and Sarah laughed when they heard the announcement about Isaac’s upcoming birth. Can you really blame them? They were around 100 years old, and they had just been told that they are going to have a child. While they lived longer then (Abraham was 175 when he died), Genesis 18:11 makes it clear that Sarah was beyond child bearing years.

But, then, this was a message from God! It seems to me that laughing at the impossibility (probably in disbelief) of a direct message from God would be a very dangerous thing. God struck people dead for what would seem to me (and David) to be lesser offenses (i.e. 2 Sam 6:6-8). God would have been justified in striking both Abraham and Sarah dead on the spot. Or, consider Zechariah in Luke 1. He questioned Gabriel in a similar manner and was struck mute until John the Baptist was born. But, God was patient and understanding of Abraham and Sarah. God stuck to His plan; Isaac was born, and eventually Jesus came through that bloodline. Praise God for His patience. We would be lost (eternally) without it!

I hope that these verses are an encouragement to you today:

Exodus 34:6 The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, (ESV)
Psalm 86:15 But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
2Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (ESV)

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

Today is a day for honoring or remembering our fathers. If your father is living, make sure to make a phone call and let him know what he means to you. If not, take a moment to remember him. In either case, consider what you learned from your father. In what ways are you like him (good or bad)? What good traits should you emulate with your children (if you have them)?

I was fortunate enough to have a father who loved God and took care of his family. While I sometimes wish we would have been closer, I am grateful for the times we spent together, especially in the barn, working on motorcycles and snowmobiles. I never picked up his mechanical ability, but I did learn to tinker, and can often figure out a way to make things work. I must admit that even after 11 years, I still miss him. Praise God, he is in heaven!

Even as you celebrate Father’s Day today, please remember what a privilege it is to call Almighty God, Father:

Romans 8:15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" (ESV)

Galatians 4:6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" (ESV)

Remember, “This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24 ESV) God established the Sabbath to be a day of rest, commanding that we “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” (Exodus 20:8 ESV) When correcting the Pharisees, Jesus told us that "The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath." (Luke 6:5 ESV) Today, we set apart Sunday, in recognition of Christ’s resurrection, as the Lord’s Day. But, whether it’s Sunday or any other day of the week, it’s still the Father’s day. Never fail to remember Him or thank Him for what He’s done. Always seek to emulate His good character.

While your father may have failed you, your Heavenly Father never will. So, happy Father’s Day to one and all!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

STAYING HYDRATED

As many of you know, I am once again coaching minors baseball (ages 7-10) in Kingston. This past Tuesday was a warm night, to say the least. One of my concerns was that the kids stayed hydrated. With temperatures in the 90’s, I made sure the kids took time to take a drink. Some kids were quick to take a drink, and others only went when they really needed it. Thankfully, we didn’t have any problems, but I think everyone was ready to be done when we ended the game.

We, as Christians, aren’t much different. We all need to stay spiritually hydrated. I’m reminded of Jesus’ interaction with the Samaritan woman by the well (John 4). Jesus had to be parched from a long journey when He asked the woman for a drink. After she expressed her shock that a Jew would ask a Samaritan woman for a drink, Jesus offered her a drink of a different type; Jesus offered more than the temporal, yet needed, refreshment … He offered her the eternal refreshment that could only come from the “living water” offered by Jesus:

Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." (John 4:13-14 ESV)

Jesus’ offer is still available for those who seek Him and ask. But, just like the kids on my ball team, you have to go to the water source to get hydrated. If you just sit there and complain about being thirsty, nothing will change. But, if you get off the bench to get a drink, your will get your thirst quenched.

Are you thirsty? Do you need spiritual refreshment? Well, then, get “off the bench” and go to the source of living water, Jesus Christ, through prayer and Bible Study. He will refresh your soul. Stay spiritually hydrated, my friends!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

STORMS PASS

Over the past couple of weeks and months, we’ve seen and heard about many storms. While we’ve been threatened (last Sunday night, we had a tornado watch and severe thunderstorm warning), I’m thankful that the damage in our area has been minimal. Yet, sadly, these storms often leave destruction in their wake. Throughout our nation, there are many who have lost their homes and loved ones because of tornados and flooding. While it’s not nearly as bad, water in our basement and downed tree limbs can be a matter of frustration and can be expensive to take care of. But, enough of the bad news. How about some good news? Storms pass.

At some point in time, I started watching a couple of fishing shows on the Discovery Channel: “The Deadliest Catch” and “Swords: Life on the Line.” Whether it’s fishing for crab or swordfish, these can be dangerous jobs, especially in stormy weather and/or hurricanes. To make their living, they have to fish through a lot of weather, but, occasionally, they have to seek shelter. Nonetheless, after a time of rough seas, the storms pass, and they go back to fishing … life (and work) goes on.

While we may not face hurricanes or 30 + foot seas, we still have our storms. But, not all storms are weather related, are they? Whether it is a matter of health, finances, stress, or any kind of trial or temptation, we call these troubling times “storms.” And, these kinds of storms also leave destruction and trouble in their wakes. Perhaps you are in a storm or recovering from one now. If you are, please be encouraged by the thought that storms pass. Further, God is our shelter in the storm: “Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. (Psa 57:1 ESV)”

Brother and/or sister, please remember that the storm will pass, and God will shelter and carry you through.

In His grip,
Pastor Decker