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