A Busy Couple of Weeks

The last couple of weeks have been pretty busy, and there's no sign of slowing down.With our move and ministry transition, there's been a lot to accomplish around the house and to figure out at church. This week I also have a funeral to officiate (on Tuesday), so I've really "hit the ground running" at Ensley Baptist Church.

We do have much to be thankful for, as we have received a very warm reception, and even a fully stocked pantry.

In the midst of the busyness - whether it's our busyness, or the busyness of the holidays, here are a few Bible passages that I hope will be an encouragement to you. Above all, please remember that God is with us!

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel" (which means, God with us). (Mat 1:22-23 ESV)
 Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. (2 Cor. 13:11 ESV)
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word. (2 Thes. 2:16-17 ESV)

In His grip,

Pastor Decker

THE CLOSE OF ANOTHER CHAPTER

                                                

If our lives were documented in books (either biographies or autobiographies), I have to imagine that they would be filled with many chapters—each reflecting a different phase of our lives. Though we may see some of you throughout this week, this Sunday closes a chapter in our lives. It’s not very inventive, but I suppose the title would be “Ministry at Dayton Center Church.”

This chapter would be filled with many stories—some sad, some happy, some were easy times, some reflect heartaches—but all were meaningful and valuable. There would be many pictures—some of you who are at Dayton Center Church today, some of people who have come and gone over the years of our ministry, and some of people who are now in our Lord’s presence. As they say, “a picture is worth a thousand words,” but I’m sure they would also be worth many, many memories.

There are many things I could say at this point, but, I will sum them up with the words, “Thank you.” Thank you for the impact that all of you have had on our lives over the past five years. We first met some of you on September 30, 2007 as pre-candidates for the pastorate of Dayton Center Church. Two weeks later, we met more of you as I was a candidate to be your pastor. Then, on December 29, 2007, we moved here and I officially became your pastor. I am thankful that God and you called me to be your pastor and for the privilege I’ve had to be involved in your lives. I hope and pray that we’ve all grown during our time together. I also pray that we will continue to grow until we enter Christ’s presence and are finally made perfect in Him.

Today,  I’ve chosen the closing song, “Blest Be The Tie That Binds” (by John Fawcett). I’m sure that the last verse will be hard to sing, but here it is:  “When we asunder part, it gives us inward pain; but we shall still be joined in heart and hope to meet again.” Those words ring true. Please keep is in your prayers, as we will pray for you in this time of transition.

Finally, in the words of Paul, “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.” (2 Thessalonians 3:16 ESV)

In His grip, 

Pastor Decker

TRACKS

                                              

This past week, we have had a few days with some beautiful weather. When the weather is nice, I often walk around the church property and pray.  There’s just something special about spending that time with God in the beauty of His creation.

 But, early in the week, I noticed something different. Someone had driven a vehicle on the church lawn on the east and north sides of the church. It didn’t appear that it had been some kids doing a little 4-wheeling, as the ground was not torn up. Perhaps it’s my experience as a chaplain, but it immediately raised a few “red flags.” Fortunately, I didn’t find any evidence that anything had been tampered with. My suspicion is that it may have been someone watching for deer in the fields to the north of the church—they either turned around or parked for a while in a spot that would have given them an excellent view.  What ever the case, it was clear that someone had been there. I don’t know who it was, but they left tracks.

That got me thinking—we all leave tracks as we walk the paths of life. Sure, many things that we do go unnoticed. Others are remembered for a time and then forgotten. But, what about those tracks / memories that remain. What story will those tracks tell? What will people remember you for?  What kind of legacy will you leave behind? These are good questions to ask yourself from time to time—as you evaluate your life.

Now, I wrote about building a legacy back in February and March of 2009, so I won’t repeat myself here.  Still, I’d like you to take a moment to think about the “tracks” you’ve left in people’s lives. If there are some you would rather forget, perhaps you can still make amends for those. Even more, I’d like you to take  a moment and ask yourself what kind of “tracks” would you like to leave in people’s lives while you still have time with them?

I pray that the imprints we leave on people’s lives point them to our risen Savior, Jesus Christ! 

In His grip, 

Pastor Decker

NOTHING IS TOO DIFFICULT FOR GOD

Jeremiah 32:17 'Ah, Lord GOD! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you. (ESV)

This Wednesday morning, several songs were running through my head. Some have been hymns, others were more modern praise & worship songs, and then, there’s the popular chorus from 1976 based on the verse noted above. If I’m not mistaken, this was one of the key verses for this past summer’s VBS. Regardless, this verse and chorus provide a helpful reminder that is applicable for all the times of life.

No matter whether the road is rough or smooth, it’s helpful to remember God’s great power. He is the one who created the heavens and the earth with just a word. He simply (simple for God, that is) spoke them into existence. Now, that’s power!

To dig a little deeper, I did a search for “outstretched arm” in my Bible software, and was surprised with the results. This phrase occurs in 16 verses and only in the Old Testament. It’s only in Jeremiah that it refers to God’s creative power. Further, it’s usually used in reference to God’s deliverance of His people from Egypt. While there’s comfort in remembering God’s power displayed in that deliverance, the focus is definitely on God’s judgment and wrath as pictured in the plagues upon Egypt. I must say, God’s “outstretched arm” doesn’t sound so rosy any more. But, that doesn’t make it any less powerful!

However, that’s not the note with which I desire to close. Instead, please remember the last phrase of the verse noted above” “Nothing is too hard for you.” It wasn’t too hard for God to create the heavens and the earth. It wasn’t too hard for God to deliver His people from the mighty Egyptians. Surely, it’s not to hard for God to handle anything you might be facing today. Today, remember God’s great power, and,  ^“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 NIV)

In His grip, 

Pastor Decker

LISTENING TO DIRECTIONS

                                                

This past Wednesday, I was watching an episode of Alaska State Troopers that I had recorded, and what to write about this week quickly came to mind. On this episode, a fugitive from the law had been pulled over, but was not listening to the commands of the troopers. He was known to be armed, so the situation was already tense. The troopers were eventually able to subdue the subject, with the use of a Taser, and extract him from his vehicle. Things could have ended much worse for everyone involved, but the subject was brought to justice.

The lesson is this—if you don’t listen to directions / instructions, bad things are going to happen. For the subject on the show, it meant being tased. Fortunately, the troopers didn’t have to use their side-arms. Still, from all I've been told by officers that were tased as part of their training, it is a miserable experience.  When a law enforcement officer gives a command with an aggressive voice, I guarantee that they mean business. Their directions / instructions are not optional and are not up for negotiation!

If this wisdom applies to listening to (and obeying) law enforcement officers, how much more does it apply to listening to and obeying the commands and instructions of God Almighty?!?! When God says something, he means it. It’s not open to negotiation. It’s not an option. He expects obedience. Yet, God’s desire is that we would obey out of love for Him:

By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. (1 John 5:2-3 ESV)

Sadly, people presume upon the grace, mercy, and love of God, mistaking it for permissiveness. This is not so;

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. (2 Corinthians 5:10 ESV)

 “And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:13 ESV)

So, today, my encouragement is to take God’s Word seriously. He meant what He said. As I said before, if you don’t listen to directions / instructions, bad things are going to happen. Instead, listen to what God has said and obey!

In His grip, 

Pastor Decker

OUR GOOD SHEPHERD

John 10:14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me… 

Psalm 23:1-3 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 

Hebrews 13:20-21 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (ESV)

In times of transition, it is vital that we keep our eyes on the Good Shepherd—Jesus Christ! But, with any feeling of uncertainty, that can be a challenge. When Peter took his famous steps out of the boat—a great step of faith, by the way— he found that taking his eyes off of Christ for only a moment could have disastrous results (Matthew 14:22-32). But, he also found out that Jesus was right there to lift him up.

The passage from John 10 reminds us that Jesus is the shepherd of all God’s children—He knows them and they know Him. This passage also tells us that He is good. His goodness goes far beyond any goodness we might find in a normal person. His goodness flows from His character as God the Son.

The familiar Psalm 23 reminds us that God cares for us and will lead us to pleasant and safe places of refreshment and nourishment. When our souls feel week, and we cry out to Him, He restores them. As we follow Him, he leads us in the good and righteous path that He has planned for us.

Hebrews 13:20-21 reminds us that He is a God of peace and He will equip us to do His work and His will.

Today, my encouragement is to keep your eyes on the Good Shepherd—Jesus Christ. Remember His words;  “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Mat 11:28-30 ESV)

In His grip, 

Pastor Decker

OUR EVERLASTING DWELLING PLACE

 Psalm 90:1-2 Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.  Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. (ESV)

I’m struck by the opening words of this Psalm, which is attributed to Moses.  If you asked a Christian  about an everlasting dwelling place, I suspect most would think of heaven. But, the “dwelling place” in this Psalm isn’t a location at all. Instead, it’s the very person of God. Now, I’ve heard heaven described as “the dwelling place of God,” but I’m not entirely sure that is what this Psalm is talking about. Perhaps Acts 17:28 provides the needed insight:  “...In him we live and move and have our being...”  Put another way, no matter where we are or what we are doing, we dwell in the presence of God. He is omnipresent—everything is laid out before Him.

At times, that thought may be convicting. It ought to be when we’re not living in right relationship with God. However, when our lives are set right with God through the cross of Jesus Christ, that thought should be comforting. Though our circumstances change, God does not! As the verses noted above say, “from everlasting to everlasting you are God!”

If you were to keep reading Psalm 90 (that’s your homework), you would find that these opening verses must have provided comfort through some trying times. There is remembrance that our sin deserves God’s wrath. There’s thought about how short our lives are. But, there’s hope because of God’s mercy and grace. 

So, when faced with uncertainty and change, please remember that your dwelling place is in the presence of God. He is the one who gives comfort and peace in the midst of any circumstances. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Heb. 13:8) No matter what may come, if you are His child, you are securely …  In His grip,      

                   Pastor Decker

GOD’S GRACIOUS CHARACTER

 Psalm 89:1 I will sing of the steadfast love of the LORD, forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations. (ESV)

I don’t know about you, but when I see this verse, a popular chorus instantly pops into my mind. That song begins, “I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever, I will sing, I will sing …” Do you know the one I’m thinking of?

That song is based on the King James version of this verse. Other than a word order matter— “will I” or “I will” - and a “your” vs. “thy,” the difference comes down to my favorite Hebrew word. Put in English (transliterated), it comes out something like “hesed.” When used of God, it is a word that takes multiple English words to properly express. That’s why the translations differ: KJV & NKJV say “mercies;”  NIV says “great love;” NASB says “loving kindness;” ESV says “steadfast love.” Another way the word can be translated is “covenant faithfulness.”

All of these speak to God’s character (there is a reason I didn’t change the title this week). This verse and the corresponding chorus are resolutions to declare God’s character to the world around us, whether through song or teaching, preaching, and proclaiming (making known). As you sing the chorus or read that verse, I hope you personally make that resolution.

Take another look at the different ways “hesed” is translated. When you speak about God to others (and I hope you do), do you use some of those terms? You ought to.  Sometimes, we can come down hard on people because of their sin, only presenting God as Judge, which He is.  God takes sin seriously, and so should we. In His righteousness, God’s wrath against sin had to be satisfied, and it was … on the cross of Jesus Christ.

That very same cross is the ultimate expression of God’s “hesed,” no matter which terms you use.  We should all celebrate God’s mercies, great love, loving kindness, steadfast love, and covenant faithfulness. This week, I encourage you to speak of God with those terms, whether it be in prayer or in conversation. I think it might just be an encouragement to you and others.  Give it a try and see what happens!

In His grip, 

Pastor Decker

GOD’S GRACIOUS CHARACTER

Psalm 86:4-5 Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.Psalm 86:15 But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. (ESV)

I like being around gracious people. But, then, who doesn’t? They carry themselves a certain way that lets you know that they are approachable. They’re not proud or arrogant. They don’t seek to force their opinions on you. In fact, they may not even give them unless you ask. As a general rule, they are people who are genuinely concerned for the well-being of others. Though they may be going through a rough time themselves, they are ready to lend a hand, an ear to listen, or even a shoulder to cry on. I hope that you have some of these people in your life … people you can be open and honest with, and who will support you in your time of need.

Isn’t it great that God is both merciful and gracious? Take a moment and read the verses noted above one more time. Yes, God is holy and righteous. He knows the thoughts and intents of our hearts (Hebrews 4:12), and is our judge.  If we’re honest with ourselves and God about our sin, we know that God has every right to be angry with us. Yet, He is “good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon [Him].”

The last part of that verse is vital. While there is such a thing as common grace (God’s sustaining grace and care for all people), there is a special kind of grace (called efficacious grace) that applies to those who call upon Him … who have salvation through Jesus Christ. We, who are His people, will experience His grace for all eternity.  Through Christ, we can even call Him, “Abba! Father!” (Rom. 8:15; Gal 4:6). What a privilege!

Today, I hope you take time to thank God for His grace and rejoice in His gracious character!

In His grip,

Pastor Decker

BEFORE THERE’S MORE DAMAGE ...

         

Just over a week ago,      we started hearing something rubbing on the back wheel of our Suburban. Since it had just been down an unpaved road, I thought that a small stone might have gotten caught in the brakes. With hopes of a quick fix, and hoping that I could get it fixed before more damage was caused, I took the truck in to the repair shop. Unfortunately, it turned out not to be a stone but a needed brake job, and the bill that goes with it. Regardless, I’m glad I took care of it … before more damage was done.

But, this lesson doesn’t only relate to vehicles … it also relates to life. Maybe it’s the “something’s not right” feeling that should send you to the doctor’s office to deal with some malady. Sometimes, a visit to the doctor’s office can spare you a trip to the hospital. As they say, “it’s better to be safe than sorry.” Perhaps it’s a police officer sensing “something’s not right” that makes them call for backup. I’ve heard it said that if a situation doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. In situations like these, it’s best to slow down or change your plan of action before there’s more damage.

On the spiritual side, that “something’s not right” feeling could be the prompting of the Holy Spirit, whether convicting of sin or guiding us in the path of truth: 

 John 16:8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: (ESV)John 16:13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth... (ESV)

The question is, how will we react when we get that “something’s not right feeling”? If it’s the Holy Spirit’s prompting, there’s a very good chance that Satan will do all he can to make us ignore it (the feeling) and the Holy Spirit. Contrary to the common saying, ignorance is not bliss! In most cases, ignoring the signs of trouble or the prompting of the Holy Spirit, results in damage that may have been avoidable.

So, today, my encouragement is to listen to that “something’s not right” feeling (be it physical or spiritual) and take corrective action before there’s more damage.

In His grip, 

Pastor Decker

UNSHAKABLE!

Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire. (Hebrews 12:28-29 ESV)

This familiar verse gives great assurance for those who put their hope in God. Those who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ can rest assured that their eternity is settled. Don’t take my word for it, listen to what Jesus had to say on the matter:

I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. (John 10:28-29 ESV)

Thanks to Jesus, our hope is unshakable, and we will have the privilege and joy of being a part of His eternal and unshakable kingdom.

But, you may have noticed that Hebrews 12:28 starts with a “therefore.” Some have rightly said that when we encounter a “therefore” in Scripture, we must dig into the context to see what the “therefore” is there for. When we do this and read the preceding verses, we get the bad news that most other things are, in fact, shakable. As the author of Hebrews notes, 

This phrase, "Yet once more," indicates the removal of things that are shaken-- that is, things that have been made-- in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. (Heb. 12:27 ESV) 

This all goes together for a timely reminder. People put their hopes, dreams, and trust in all kinds of things. The problem is that many of the things people rely on are “shakable.” They are “things that have been made,” and will one day pass away. When that happens, they may find themselves shaken to the core.

On the other hand, when you put your trust in God through the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, you will find yourself on solid ground, even when everything around you is shaking. Sure, we may struggle with things in our lives, and we will face trials and temptations.  We may face change that is uncomfortable and possibly unwanted. Yet, if Jesus Christ is Lord of your life, you will find that He is “unshakable.”

“Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken …”

In His grip, 

Pastor Decker

SEALED!

As I was reading my devotions for Tuesday, the passage about being “sealed with the promised Holy Spirit” stuck out for me:

 Ephesians 1:13-14 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. (ESV)

 But, what does it mean to be “sealed” with the Holy Spirit? My ESV Study Bible has the following note:

 Sealed can mean either that the Holy Spirit protects and preserves Christians until they reach their inheritance … or that he “certifies” the authenticity of their acceptance by God as being genuine—they bear the “royal seal” … (Crossway Bibles, 2008)

 No matter which interpretation you choose, I’m thankful to be sealed with the Holy Spirit! I’m thankful for the protection and preservation of the Holy Spirit … where would I be without those? I do not think we really grasp the magnitude of our wrestling against the  “spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12 ESV) As our protector, I believe that the Holy Spirit often fends off the enemy without our even knowing about it. And, then, there’s the preservation factor … keeping us from paths of destruction and encouraging us on the right paths. I suspect we’ve all sensed the Holy Spirit telling us “don’t go there” when we’ve faced temptation. I also think we all know we’re much better off when we listen to the Holy Spirit’s prompting.

 

I’m also thankful that I bear the ‘royal seal’ of God. Just off the cuff, I can think of a few things that a wax seal accomplished. First, it was a mark of authenticity. Not just anyone had access to the royal seal that imprinted the wax. The seal marked the document as official. A wax seal would also give evidence if a document had been tampered with. I could go on, but I hope you get the idea that the indwelling Holy Spirit is God’s permanent mark on a Christian. In many ways, it’s like God’s stamp of ownership. You’re His child … it’s official, and you can’t be tampered with. Sure, Satan will try, but He can’t pluck you out of the Father’s hand (John 10:28-29). 

Friend, if you are a child of God, please take courage … you have been “sealed for the day of redemption” by the Holy Spirit (Eph. 4:30)!

 

In His grip, 

Pastor Decker

LIVING IN A BROKEN WORLD

The brokenness of this world is often painfully clear. In the span of three days, I received two calls from Tuscola Central Dispatch about fatal traffic accidents. I was only able to respond to one of those calls, but I know two families had their world turned upside-down this week. Perhaps you have heard about those accidents in the news, or read about them on-line or in a newspaper.

Another aspect of this world’s brokenness is the seeming flourishing of the wicked. Sometimes it seems like they get away with anything. As a Chaplain who has been there when arrest warrants are served and people taken to jail, I can assure you that they don’t get away with everything. But, sometimes, those who have committed crimes do get away with it, whether it is by their deceptiveness, the tactics of defense attorneys, or judges and juries that don’t convict. But, this is nothing new.

In Psalm 73, Asaph’s struggle with the plight of the wicked is made evident. Yet, despite what he sees with his eyes, he remembers what God has revealed about their end:

Psalm 73:16-17 But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end. (ESV)
Psalm 73:27 For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you. (ESV)

In spite of the brokenness of this world, Asaph had a perspective that gave him strength and the ability to press on:

Psalm 73:26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (ESV)
Psalm 73:28 But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all your works. (ESV)

As Asaph knew, drawing near to God makes all the difference in the world. God’s Word, the Bible, helps us to make sense of this broken world. It tells us why it is broken in Genesis 3. Praise God, it also tells us that we are not without hope! One day, things will be set right. One day God’s justice will be poured out on all unrighteousness (Revelation 20:11-15), and those who have found salvation in Jesus Christ will enjoy a world that is not broken, because sin and it’s devastating effects will be removed (Revelation 21-22).  So, if you are wrestling like Asaph with this broken world, please remember the end of God’s Story and draw comfort from the text of Psalm 73. 

In His grip, 

Pastor Decker

SOMEONE IS PRAYING FOR YOU!

Even when things are going well, we all need prayer support. When things aren’t going so well, we need it all the more. One of the most reassuring things to hear is that someone is praying for you.  It’s one thing for someone to say that they will pray for you, but it’s even better to hear someone actually praying for you, or tell you that they have prayed for you.  

I hope that all of you have experienced this joy.  It lends strength. It lets you know that someone truly cares about you.  As they bring you before the Father, you can almost feel the Father wrapping His loving arms around you. 

But, sometimes, we can go for long periods of time without someone telling us that they’ve prayed for us. It doesn’t mean that they are not praying … we just aren’t hearing about it.  If you need that reassurance today, please take courage and know that you are being prayed for. In Romans 8, Paul tells us that both the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ are interceding for all Christians before God the Father. They are expressing what we may not be able to put into words. They are able to fill in the gaps of things we haven’t even thought about. They see things from a much broader perspective. 

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.  And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. (Romans 8:26-27 ESV)

Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died--more than that, who was raised--who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. (Romans 8:33-34 ESV)

On top of that, remember, “your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Matthew 6:8) No matter what your circumstances, please be reassured that someone is praying for you. Chances are, many people are praying, but God will never fail. His promises are secure! 

In His grip,  

Pastor Decker

OUR NEED FOR LIVING WATER

Sometimes we need water more than others. If you’re planning a vacation with a lot of outdoor activities, chances are, you are praying that it won’t rain. On the other hand, this summer has been quite dry. Many farmers are quite concerned, especially concerning their corn crops. Some may recover with the little rain that we have had. Others will have a really hard year because it has been so dry. As things stand, I think most of us are wishing for another good soaking of rain.

 

Along with the dry weather has come a lot of heat. When the temperature nears 100 degrees, a tall glass of ice water has a lot more appeal, doesn’t it. I’m reminded of a time when Jesus was thirsty. The woman at the well was shocked that Jesus, a Jew, would even talk to her, a Samaritan. Even more shocking was Jesus offer of living water to her:  

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)

While the woman at the well was thinking primarily of her physical need for water, and the effort it took (just read the next verse), Jesus was speaking about our need for spiritual refreshment. While we need water to survive physically, we need living water to survive spiritually. 

Because we live in a fallen world, there is much that will sap our spiritual strength. If we are not regularly hydrating with God’s Word and spending quality time with Christ, we will quickly find ourselves parched. But, Jesus spoke about the living water becoming a spring of water within us that wells up to eternal life. The living water isn’t meant to only refresh us, it should refresh others as well: “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'“ (John 7:38 ESV)

If you’re spiritually parched, I pray that you are able to drink deeply of the living water today. And, may we all bring spiritual refreshment to the thirsty people around us!  

In His grip, 

Pastor Decker

HONEY FOR THE SOUL

My son, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste. Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off. (Proverbs 24:13-14 ESV)

Out of curiosity, I did a Google Search for “health benefits of honey,” and Google said there were about 37 million results — I skimmed over one (Wikipedia) and found that among other things, “Honey contains powerful antioxidants with antiseptic and antibacterial properties.” Apparently, it’s use has been well documented in many cultures and religions. 

I just like honey because it tastes good. While we don’t eat at KFC very often, there is something special about one of their biscuits toped with butter and honey. I don’t know if it’s strange, but as a child, I liked to dip my McNuggets in honey. For an occasional snack, my boys like to have toast with butter and, you guessed it, honey. I suspect we all have memories of eating honey, and can almost taste it now.

As sweet as honey is on the palate, so is wisdom to the soul. That’s the message of Proverbs 24:13-14. Perhaps its health benefits also apply to the analogy. As the passage notes, nourished by wisdom, the soul sees a future and hope that cannot be cut off. That’s because true wisdom always points us back to God, and His sovereignty and loving care.  If we are operating on our own, without wise counsel, we tend to get near-sighted, thinking only of our current circumstances. However, with wise counsel, we get our eyes off ourselves and back onto God. 

As I noted a couple of weeks ago, you always leave a conversation with a truly wise person thinking differently than you did at the beginning of the conversation.  The same should be true of our encounters with Scripture. God’s Word should refresh our perspective, bring spiritual nourishment and healing, and have a sweet savor. May we always remember how sweet it is! May we, like David, proclaim, “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! (Psalm 119:103 ESV) 

In His grip, 

Pastor Decker

FINDING WISE PEOPLE

Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge, for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips. (Proverbs 22:17-18 ESV)

In today’s world, we hear many voices.—some are worth listening to, and others are decidedly not. There are some people that we should listen to at particular times (i.e. a doctor or expert in a particular field) when we need specific input. These people may be smart and well-informed, but are not always wise. We must be aware of when they step beyond their expertise and into opinion. In such cases, we don’t necessarily need to ignore them, but we must evaluate what is said.

 

On the other hand, there are people that we should always listen to—those who are truly wise. These kind of people can be hard to find, but it’s worth the effort. Here are some traits I’ve found in some of the wisest people I know:

· They are often deep thinkers, and are slow to give their opinion

· They ask good questions before giving input

· You leave a conversation with them thinking differently than you did at the beginning of the conversation

· They point you back to God’s character and Word

· They are willing to say what you may not want to hear, but they do it with great gentleness (beware of someone who always tells you what you want to hear)

· They are always humble

 

Who do you have in your life who is that voice of reason and wisdom when you need it? Along with the verses above, please remember the words of Proverbs 13:20, “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” (ESV) So, my encouragement for you today is to walk with wise people and listen to what they say.  Your life will be richer for it.

 

In His grip,  

Pastor Decker