CHOOSING YOUR WORDS

About a month ago, I received a call from Ed at WMPC, the radio ministry of Calvary Bible Church in Lapeer. They asked if I would be interested in recording 5 or 6 “Pastor’s Minutes.” Though they should be recorded by the time you read this, I’m sure it will be a challenge. A “Pastor’s Minute” is comprised of about 10 seconds of introduction and then 50 seconds that are mine. When you only have 50 seconds to say something meaningful, you have to choose your words carefully. I had to edit and re-edit what I plan to say, cut some comments, and rephrase other things to save precious seconds. Each word mattered.

Today, we live in a culture where people feel free to say anything they want to say, without filtering it or considering the implications. How many times have you been in a public place where there are children and heard someone swear without concern for the kids? Another dangerous trend is the idea of “venting.” Instead of controlling their tongues, some people speak their minds without thinking and “let it fly.” And, I’m not just talking about non-Christians here. While many Christians do not swear, many feel free to “speak their mind,” when they should be biting their tongues and considering the impact their words could have on others and on their own testimonies. I wonder how many people have left the Church (or a church) because of careless words spoken by Christians — the number is not insignificant. Words can hurt people deeply.

So, today’s encouragement and exhortation is to choose your words carefully. Consider how they might impact others. Filter what you say and discern whether it is Christ-honoring. If it’s not, don’t say it! Consider the following verses, which were written to Christians!

James 1:26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.

James 3:6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.

1 Peter 3:10 For "Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; (ESV)

Finally, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt…” (Col 4:6) so that people can see Christ in what you do and don’t say!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

THE SERPENT

On Wednesday morning, just before VBS started for the day, we had quite a commotion behind the church. The boys were all excited and wanted to see … many of the girls ran the other way, not wanting to see … a garter snake! I’m told that one boy picked it up. Another boy came around the church carrying part of an old snake skin. Needless to say, there were a variety of responses, and a lot of noise.

Now, I don’t mean to make your skin crawl. What I do mean to do is to draw attention to a conception that we have of Satan, who is often described as a serpent in the Bible. When we hear this, we may picture any variety of snakes we see today, and are instantly repulsed. We may even ask, as some have, “what was Eve doing talking to the serpent in the first place” in reference to the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1-5).

However, the serpent (Satan) in the Garden of Eden, must have been an attractive creature. As unimaginable as it may seem, the conversation was probably very natural, right up until the time the Serpent (Satan) twisted God’s instruction. Further, there was no fear between man and animal, as the Fall was only beginning to happen. Ezekiel 28:11-19 compares the king of Tyre to Satan, and describes both as beautiful creatures, before their respective (and paralleled) falls:

11 Moreover, the word of the LORD came to me: 12 "Son of man, raise a lamentation over the king of Tyre, and say to him, Thus says the Lord GOD: "You were the signet of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. 13 You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering, sardius, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, emerald, and carbuncle; and crafted in gold were your settings and your engravings. On the day that you were created they were prepared. (Eze 28:11-13 ESV)

While we are right to think of Satan as a roaring lion, or any other threatening images, we would be wise to remember that he can present himself in a rather attractive manner. He is a master of disguises: “...Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” (2Co 11:14 ESV)

So, today’s encouragement (exhortation, really) comes from 1 Peter 5:8; 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

“LET THE CHILDREN COME…”

It’s hard to believe that tomorrow is the kick-off for Vacation Bible School 2011. I, for one, am thankful to have “Uncle Al” back again, and for all who have volunteered to help again this year. Many of you have already put in hours of work preparing for the kids that will be here, and will spend many more hours with them this week. Thank you for your dedication and willingness to serve! As we begin this week, I would like to remind you of a few things.

First, while the disciples saw the kids as a hindrance to the Rabbi’s work, Jesus saw them as essential to His ministry:

Luke 18:16 But Jesus called them to him, saying, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 17 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." (ESV)

While you may have many things that you would like to accomplish this week, and have many demands for your time, remember that Christ made time for the children and gave them a high priority. Second, the faith of a child is a reminder of how we all ought to come to Jesus. Remember, this isn’t about us, it’s about the Savior who beckons us to come to Him.

Matthew 18:1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" 2 And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them 3 and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (ESV)

Third, we don’t have to do this on our own strength, which would be futile. We are serving Christ, dependent upon His strength. He will supply your needs this week! After all, we are serving Him (see Matthew 25:37-40). Wait on Him ...

Isaiah 40:31 but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (ESV)

Finally, and above all else, remember to pray .. For the kids, and for everyone involved!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

LIBERTY

With tomorrow being the 4th of July, it seemed appropriate to “talk” about liberty. Dictionary.com defines liberty as, “(1) freedom from arbitrary or despotic government or control, (2) freedom from external or foreign rule; independence, (3) freedom from control, interference, obligation, restriction, hampering conditions, etc.; power or right of doing, thinking, speaking, etc., according to choice.” I think you get the idea. We have great reason to celebrate and thank God for the liberty & freedom we enjoy in America!

When you think of liberty, what symbols come to mind? I suspect your thoughts might include the Statue of Liberty or the Liberty Bell. Maybe you thought of the “Stars and Stripes” (our flag). But, what about the “scars and stripes” of our Savior, or the cross?

[Christ] Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness-- by whose stripes you were healed. (1Pe 2:24 NKJ)

Now, I don’t mean to discount the price that was paid for our national freedom or say that we can’t celebrate Independence Day. It is a great privilege to worship freely! What I am saying is that, as we celebrate our American liberty, we should also celebrate our Christian liberty, and specifically, our freedom from the tyranny of sin. Remember the words of Jesus and James:

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." (Luke 4:18-19 ESV)

25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. (Jam 1:25 ESV)

Through Christ, we have been set free from the “arbitrary … control” of sin, but we are not truly independent. Instead, we are humbly dependent on God, who sustains us, gives us strength, and leads on the path of righteousness. May you follow that path of liberty and righteousness all the days of your life!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker