Pastor's Ponderings

FINDING STRENGTH

2012-01-30T15:03:00.000-05:00

This week, I’ve decided not to say much. Instead, I’ve put together a few passages about finding strength, no matter what we face. As Mercy Me put in their song, “Word of God speak. Would you pour down like rain, washing my eyes to see Your majesty. To be still and know that you're in this place, please let me stay and rest in your holiness, Word of God speak!” May these passages minister to you today.

He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; 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. (Isaiah 40:29-31 ESV)

For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:10 ESV)

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith--that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:14-19 ESV)

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies--in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:10-11 ESV)

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. (Ephesians 6:10 ESV)

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

ICY ROADS

2012-01-23T11:07:00.000-05:00

It may have surprised some people, but Wednesday was a “snow day” without a lot of snow. I don’t know about the other schools, but I heard that two buses from Kingston went into the ditch on Tuesday morning. While the main roads weren’t too bad, I’m sure the back roads were pretty icy.

That got me thinking … our lives are often like that. When we are cruising along on the main roads—times when things are going as planned and, for the most part, we know the course—it’s fairly easy to keep plugging and chugging along. However, it’s the back roads that are challenging and tricky. These are the times when things don’t go as planned—when people say something that hurts you, when your plans change (or get changed for you), and times of uncertainty. Just like many dirt roads, these times are riddled with potholes and other obstacles. While the main road seemed fine, these times can be like icy back roads. They require more diligence. You have to slow down and pay careful attention to both the path and how you’re navigating it. If you don’t you could easily find yourself in the ditch, or worse. Without intending to, you could find yourself doing damage to yourself or to others.

Let’s face it, it doesn’t take much to get us off track, so let’s be careful in both the good times and the rough times! Consider the instruction in Proverbs 4:23-27:

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you. Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, stay on the straight and narrow way, and, whether literal or figurative, watch out for icy roads.

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

STANDING OUT IN A CROWD

2012-01-16T12:56:00.000-05:00

Once again, as I sit down to write, I look out on the landscape and something catches my eye. Off in the distance I see two white birch trees on the edge of the woods to the north of the church building. It’s a beautiful and unseasonably warm day for January, but it’s the sunshine illuminating those birch trees that makes all the difference… they almost glow in contrast to the grey-brown winter woods.

That contrast reminds me of how a Christian should stand out in this dark world. Consider the following passages, which speak of Christians as bearing Christ’s light:

Matthew 5:14 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Ephesians 5:8-9 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true)

Phillipians 2:14-15 Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.

Just as those birch trees stood out from the rest of the woods as they reflected the light of the sun, all Christians should stand out from the crowd as we reflect the light of the Son! They should see the hope within us, as Peter wrote in 1 Peter 3:15:

... in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect (ESV).

I pray that our lives are so filled with the hope that is ours in Christ that the world sees us “glow” with His light. Let’s stand out from the crowd in a good way … that attracts people to Christ!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

NEVER ALONE!

2012-01-09T14:08:00.000-05:00

Often as I ponder what to write, I look out on the landscape outside my study window, asking God what He wants me to write this week. Sometimes an idea pops into my head right away. Other times, it takes a while. Today, I noticed the few trees that are scattered throughout the field. Most of them are small evergreens standing alone at various places in the field. Directly north of the church, there are two groupings of three or four trees that are in close proximity. If I look beyond the field, I can see several other groupings of trees, ranging from a few dozen to the heavily treed area beyond the fields. And, as you may have suspected, I’m going to spin this into an analogy.

The trees in the landscape remind me of our varying circumstances as Christians. Some Christians may be the only Christians in their families or workplaces. In those settings they may stand alone. But, if the trees in the field could see, they would notice that there are other trees around … maybe not in close proximity, but, still, they are there. Sometimes Christians can feel like they are alone, but we are not. Just take a look at Elijah in 1 Kings 19. He felt all alone, and didn’t see any other followers of God anywhere near Him, but God told Him that there were still seven thousand in Israel who had not bowed to Baal. If that’s where you are at today, remember the words of 1 Corinthians 16:13 “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong,” and that Christ has promised, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Heb 13:5 ESV)

Sometimes, we may be in small clusters of Christians, whether they be our family or friends that share the faith. Other times we may be in a larger group, whether it be dozens, hundreds, or thousands of other Christians. In these settings, we can strengthen and encourage one another. Keep pointing each other to Christ!
No matter your setting, or the number of Christians around you, remember the instruction of Hebrews 10:23-25 and take it to heart:

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Fellow Christian, please remember, you are never alone!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2012-01-02T10:10:00.000-05:00

For those of us who still use a wall calendar, today we not only turn the page … we have to take down our 2011 calendar and put up a new one for 2012. While the transition may hardly be noticeable to some, we move from a year of filled with memories—some good, some not-so-good— into a year that has yet to be defined.

When it comes to 2011, each of us could probably come up with quite a list of memorable events and occasions—some of which we cherish, some of which we would rather forget. Whether or not you make such a list, I ask you, what did you learn in 2011? What did you learn about yourself? What did you learn about other people? Most importantly, what did you learn about God and how have you grown in your walk with Him? Take some time and reflect, but don’t get stuck in the past … reflect with an eye for the future.

When it comes to 2012, I imagine that the year holds some uncertainty for all of us. Some may wonder how their health will hold out in the new year. Some may wonder what opportunities will arise throughout the year or what changes might occur. Maybe you have vacation plans that you have been anticipating and now the plans need to start materializing. Inevitably, some will approach the year with fear and trembling (and not in a good way) as they anticipate cataclysm on December 21, 2012 (doomsday prediction / end of the Mayan calendar).

As for me, I’m not going to waste the year in worry. Oh, I may have a few moments, but no matter what people think will or will not happen, God is still on His throne! Jesus gave us some pretty clear instruction to this end: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Mat 6:33-34 ESV)

I’m going to head into the new year with the same resolution Joshua exclaimed: “... as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." (Joshua 24:15) As Psalm 9:10 says, “… those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.” So, instead of worry, I will approach 2012 with anticipation and curiosity at what God will do in the year ahead. And, as your pastor, I encourage you to do the same.

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

MERRY CHRISTMAS (posted in advance for 12/25/11)

2011-12-21T13:37:00.001-05:00

Today is the first time Christmas falls on a Sunday since I have been a pastor, and, I must confess, it has changed my perspective to some extent. While it has made things more complicated for scheduling family Christmas celebrations, it is also very special in many ways. For one, we have the opportunity to gather as a church family and celebrate together on Christmas day. I hope that is a great joy for us all!

On top of that, I hope that we are more oriented toward worship this Christmas, as we gather and worship through song, special music, and to hear the Word of God. Through and through, this service presents the mystery and joy of Christmas: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14 ESV) I hope our time together today sets the tone for all of our Christmas celebrations. Christmas is, after all, a grand celebration of Christ’s birth! I hope you don’t neglect to read the Christmas story. I hope it never grows old. I hope you never lose the sense of wonder and God’s gift of grace and mercy in Jesus Christ!

No doubt, we will all set aside time to be with family, to have a special Christmas dinner, and to exchange gifts. Perhaps we will even think about the tradition of giving gifts, following the example of the wise men / magi, who presented gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the infant Jesus. But, when the wise men came, their purpose wasn’t to present gifts … it was to worship:

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him." (Matthew 2:1-2 ESV—emphasis mine)

When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. (Matthew 2:10-11 ESV—emphasis mine)

So, this Christmas, as you celebrate, don’t forget to worship Christ, the newborn King of Kings and Lord of Lords. And, may you have a truly merry Christmas!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

DISTANCE AND RELATIONSHIPS

2011-12-12T16:40:00.000-05:00

On Thursday, a friend from Grand Rapids came to Lapeer and met me for lunch and for a bit of counsel. He has a lot going on and wanted help sorting things out. Since coming to Dayton Center, we’ve talked on the phone a few times, exchanged e-mails once in a while, and chatted on Facebook a time or two. In many ways, we had grown apart because of the distance. But, when we met for lunch, our friendship was quickly renewed.

I suspect that we all have a story like that one. Perhaps you were really close to someone when one of you moved away. And, while such things as Facebook, e-mail and Skype can bridge a distance, they can never match spending time together in person. While things will never be the same as they were, you may have been able to restore some aspect of the relationship. But, let’s face it, relationships take time and effort.

This also translates into our relationship with God. Sometimes events and trials come in our lives, and we feel distant from God. Perhaps, our devotions and/or prayer life have taken a hit, and we’ve not spent the time with God that we know we ought. Or, worse, maybe there’s sin that hasn’t been dealt with that has caused a barrier in our relationship with God. In all these cases, it’s not that God has moved away from us, but we may have pulled away from Him. If you’ve experienced some drifting away in your relationship with God, take the time today to set things right. God is always waiting for you to reconnect with Him!

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. (Jam 4:8)

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Heb 4:16)

Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. (Heb 7:25 ESV)

And since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. (Heb 10:21-22 ESV)

Always remember, God never leaves or forsakes His children!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

SNOW

2011-12-05T11:14:00.001-05:00

Snow … to some, it’s just another “four-letter word.” I must admit that I enjoyed the snow much more when I was downhill skiing once a week, back in Grand Rapids. There are also those times of riding my nephews’ snowmobiles. But now, when the snow falls, it doesn’t mean fun. Instead, it means breaking out the shovel and getting some needed, although unwanted, exercise. It’s easy to think of all the negatives—the work, the road conditions, etc. But, if we’re not careful, we may miss out on the beauty of it all. This is where I have Bea Butler to thank. On Wednesday night, Bea commented on the beauty of the snow. That simple comment made a difference for me, and I hope it does for you.

Though the view out of my study windows is partially blocked by snow, I can see the trees in the distance that are laden with snow. Instead of the usually brown field, it is now mostly white. In addition, I’m pretty sure I saw a bald eagle on Wednesday. If it had landed in a field that was brown, it would have blended in. But, because the field was snow covered, it stood out and I could take a good look with my binoculars. Yes, the snow still requires shoveling, but I have been reminded of it’s beauty.

May we never forget that God created the beauty of nature. It screams out, “God exists!” and “God is glorious!”

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. (Psa 19:1-3 ESV)

For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made… (Rom 1:20 ESV)

Even if you don’t like the snow, you have to admit that it can be a beautiful sight from time to time. Today, I hope that you notice the beauty of God’s creation and it drives you to worship Him!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

DON’T TAKE THE BAIT

2011-11-27T16:30:00.000-05:00

On Monday, as I gazed out my window hoping to see a deer or two in the field, I saw one. Between the two fields behind the church, there is a stand of trees with a mound in the middle. Right on top of the mound was a decent sized deer. It was eating from what I assume to be a bait pile. It looked up occasionally, but mostly had its head down eating. Though I didn’t see any hunters in the field that day, that deer was an easy target from either the North or the South. It had taken the bait!

I wonder if that deer had any idea of the danger it could have been in. I know of two deer that were harvested from that land less than a week earlier, and there have been hunters in the area since then. Yet, the deer probably found the food source irresistible. I’m guessing that deer lived to see another day, but it could have easily landed in someone’s freezer or dinner table.

That brought to mind several passages about temptation:

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1Peter 5:8 ESV)

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7 ESV)

Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Matthew 26:41 ESV)

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (1Corinthians 10:13 ESV)

When temptation comes, and it will, I pray that we don’t act like the deer … despite the inherent danger deciding to yield to the temptation. Instead, the instant you see the temptation, run, flee, do what ever is necessary to get yourself out of that situation before it’s too late … and don’t look back. Get to safety and pray for help! God will deliver. But, the best advice is to not allow yourself to be in that position ever again. Satan is an expert tempter, but what ever you do, DON’T TAKE THE BAIT!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

FRIENDS OF ISRAEL

2011-11-22T10:07:00.004-05:00

I wrote the following before I knew that Pat Neff was not going to be able to make it to Dayton Center Church. I'm sure he would appreciate our prayers. Nonetheless, here's what I wrote for our bulletin:

Have you ever noticed how Israel is almost constantly in the news. The last few headlines I have seen involve the Israel’s concerns about Iran’s nuclear program and the violence in Gaza. It’s not uncommon to see the name, Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, on Google News. And, hopefully, by now, we know the difference between Hamas (the Islamic group that governs the Gaza Strip) and hummus (made from chickpeas). Then, there was the US’ funding cut when Palestine was granted membership in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It may be challenging to make sense of it all, but it should not be surprising. Throughout history, the world has, by and large, been against Israel, and will continue to be until Christ establishes His millennial reign.

Today, we are privileged to have Bob Burkhardt’s brother, Pat Neff, ministering to us in the Word and sharing about Friends of Israel. Throughout his ministry, Bob has given us updates and prayer requests, but today we get to hear it all first hand.

If you are not familiar with Friends of Israel, here’s a short history from their website (http://www.foi.org/ourhistory):

The Friends of Israel was founded in 1938 by Christian leaders in response to the desperate needs of Jewish people afflicted by the raging torrents of Nazi hate. Through this Christian ministry, funds were raised and aid was distributed to Jewish refugees in their darkest hours of need. Today, The Friends of Israel is an important evangelical Christian voice in opposing anti-Semitism, explaining the unique, biblical role of Israel in God’s plan and encouraging Christians to pray for Israel and support her biblical, historical, and moral rights to live within secure borders.

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

IMPERFECT, BUT ACCEPTED

2011-11-14T11:09:00.001-05:00

On Wednesday afternoon, I had quite a view out my study window. For one, there was unique cloud movement. It seemed that the clouds were coming from every angle and converging toward the North. I had also seen a deer running around in the distance, toward the tree line. And, then, to my surprise, I saw a buck about twenty feet into the grass behind the church. He was a two-pointer, but only because one of his antlers was missing. After a few minutes, I saw why he was there when a doe popped up from the tall grass. Part of me wonders if she thought him goofy-looking, only having one antler. But, despite his flaws, the doe accepted him. Eventually the couple ran off to the tree line, but it was neat to see them so close.

As I pondered what to write, that buck’s imperfection struck a chord. It really is amazing grace that God looks at us with all our imperfection and sin, and chooses to love us anyway. He not only accepts us, He made the ultimate sacrifice for us. Consider the significance of Romans 5:8-10:

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. (Rom 5:8-10 ESV)

We were much worse off than that one-antlered deer—we had caused a seemingly un-reconcilable offense. At very least, we were powerless to set it right. But, then, “... Christ … suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit...”(1Peter 3:18 ESV)

Praise God, that imperfect though we be, we are loved, accepted and forgiven through the blood of Christ. Thank you God, for your grace and mercy!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

THE HARVEST

2011-11-07T10:55:00.000-05:00

The other night, I was flipping through the channels and landed on one of my favorites … the History Channel. I wasn’t finding much else to watch, so I started watching a show called “Harvest.” Having grown up in farming country and being surrounded by fields now, I’m not sure why it caught my attention, but I’m glad it did. It’s not that I’m likely to start watching the show. In fact, that may have been the last episode.

What caught my attention was their urgency. The various harvest crews were near the end of their season, and they were each in a hurry to finish the job for their own reasons: to get home, to finish the job before the crop got too dry, or to finish the job so they could harvest their own crops. At any rate, they pushed hard and finished the work.

Their urgency in finishing the Harvest reminded me of Jesus’ urgency about another type of harvest … that of souls:

Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, then comes the harvest'? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. (John 4:35 ESV)

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest." (Matthew 9:36-38 ESV)

Now, I have a few questions that we all ought to consider:
~Are our eyes open to see the harvest all around us, as Jesus did?
~Are we ready and willing to do our part, or are we content to sit back and watch it (like a TV show)?
~Do we sense just how urgent the work of the Harvest is?

I hope we catch that sense of urgency and act on it. As 1 Thessalonians 5:2 says, “...you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night." (ESV) So, let’s tend to the harvest, heeding the words of Christ!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

THANKS … AND PRAYER

2011-10-31T11:03:00.000-04:00

I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for your generosity, recognition, and the notes in the card given to us for Pastor Appreciation Month. No matter who you are or what you do, knowing that you are appreciated gives a boost of encouragement.

I also want to thank you for your prayers. I really appreciated Tony Gomez’ emphasis on the need to pray for your pastor. There is a reason I am listed in the “Prayer Targets” section of the bulletin every week, and that’s because I constantly need your prayers as I serve God and all of you.

I recently finished reading the book, “Preaching With Passion” by Alex Montoya. In his section about preaching with spiritual power, he emphasized our (pastors’) need for intercession by the congregation we serve, and cited three of Paul’s prayer requests for his preaching:

And [pray] also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. (Eph 6:19-20 ESV)

At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison-- 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. (Col 4:3-4 ESV)

Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, (2Th 3:1 ESV)

Montoya goes on to say,

“If such a powerful preacher as the apostle Paul relied upon the intercessions of the saints, what about the rest of us who do not hold a candle to the apostle! We should enlist our people to pray specifically for the proclamation of the Word on the Lord’s Day.(37)”

If you’re reading this, consider yourself enlisted.

So, I ask you once again to include me in your prayers … for God’s wisdom and direction, and, like Paul (but minus the prison part), for my proclamation of the Word.

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

OBSCURED VISION

2011-10-24T11:31:00.000-04:00

A little over a week ago, I walked into my study to an unusual sight. Usually, I can see out of the big picture window that overlooks the fields to the north of the church. However, on this day, the view was obscured. At first, I blinked a few times and wondered if something was wrong with my eyes. But, then, after a second or two, I put two and two together and figured out that the paint crew had put plastic over the window to keep the paint off. Instead of the usual beautiful landscape, all I saw was a cloudy piece of plastic drop cloth. I knew what was on the other side, and could picture it in my mind, but not being able to see it was an odd, and disappointing feeling.

I wonder if Paul felt the same way when, guided by the Spirit, he penned the words of 1 Corinthians 13:12:

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. (ESV)

“In an mirror dimly” sounds kind of like my obstructed view that day. I think we Christians all long to see Christ face to face. We’ve probably pictured Him in our minds a thousand times. Yet, that picture is terribly clouded. Through our Bible study, we do know Him in part, but we long to know Him fully, and to see His face.

That sense of longing is both healthy and hopeful. It helps us to “Set [our] minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Col 3:2 ESV) It also helps us picture what we have to look forward to, even if our current view is obscured.

So, today, I encourage you to meditate on the words of Paul (above) and also on 1 John 3:2 (below), and consider our hope.

Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. (1John 3:2 ESV)

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

TUSCOLA COUNTY CHAPLAIN’S CORPS

2011-10-17T11:12:00.000-04:00

As many of you know, I’ve been interested in Police Chaplaincy for some time. With the approval of the Tuscola County Commissioners this past week, we are finally getting “the Corps” off the ground. What you may not know is what that means or involves.

The Tuscola County Chaplain’s Corps is a group of clergy who will volunteer with the Tuscola County Sheriff’s Office and local police departments. At some point in the near future, we will be sworn in as Chaplains, and there will most likely be a press release about the Corps. So, what will we do? Well, here’s what our Guidelines document says:

The Tuscola County Chaplain’s Corps is comprised of chaplains who provide pastoral services to members of the law enforcement departments serving Tuscola County (enlisted and civilian) and their families. They will be available to participate in departmental ceremonies and meetings, accompany deputies and officers on duty, and perform other related services. When requested, they may counsel members and their families, visit sick or injured members, perform wedding ceremonies, and officiate at department funerals.

In many ways, serving as a chaplain is an extension of my ministry here at Dayton Center Church. It is a unique way to reach into our community and provide a service that is greatly needed. As a general rule, this will mean spending a day or two per month with an officer or deputy. As we ride along with, and get to know, the officers and deputies, we will offer spiritual and emotional support. We will also be available in the event of natural disasters or other situations where the law enforcement community requests our presence. We will not be considered deputies or officers, but have the designation of “chaplain.” We are not authorized to carry firearms, but will wear bullet-proof vests and assist the officers/deputies as they request and direct.

We would appreciate your prayer as we continue to make progress with the Corps and eventually begin to build relationships with our law enforcement personnel. It will take a while to build trust, but we believe that it will be a meaningful ministry to our community. With God’s help, we can make a big difference in many lives.

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

WHY?

2011-10-10T11:34:00.000-04:00

Those three little letters and a question mark pack quite a punch, don’t they? Whether it’s the child who is beginning to assert his or her independence, questioning the instructions of mom or dad, the man or woman who has lost their spouse of 50 years unexpectedly, or something in-between, the question “Why?” often arises when our circumstances don’t make sense to us. Sometimes the question is a matter of curiosity, but more often, it runs much deeper than that. In times of distress or confusion, we feel like we have a right to more information … that someone owes us an explanation. At times, that may be true, but we won’t always get an answer.

Then, another question arises. When life doesn’t make sense, and we don’t get any answers, what will we do … how will we handle that? Will we get angry? Will we withdraw? Or, will we turn to God with a resolve to trust?

Consider Job, who had lost everything while walking faithfully with God. He didn’t know what we know from Job 1—that this was a test of his faithfulness, allowed by God. Maintaining his innocence, Job effectively asked, “Why?”
"I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I gaze at a virgin? What would be my portion from God above and my heritage from the Almighty on high? Is not calamity for the unrighteous, and disaster for the workers of iniquity? Does not he see my ways and number all my steps? (Job 31:1-4 ESV)

The book of Job never tells us that God answered Job’s “Why?” Instead, God questioned Job and his demand for an answer in an incredibly humbling manner (read Job 38-41). In the end, Job took a step back, repented, and confessed his reliance on God’s sovereignty (Job 42:1-6). Even when life didn’t make sense, Job chose to trust God.

Maybe your circumstances are trying, and you are asking “Why?” Maybe you’re not voicing the question, but it’s there, and you’re not getting any answer(s). That’s where faith comes in. It’s easy to say that you trust in God, but now that the trial is here (and the answers are not), what will you do? I hope you resolve to trust God. He may not get you out of the trial, but He will carry you through. Sometimes, like Job, we have to be OK with not knowing “Why?”and trust God’s hand.

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

BUMPS IN THE ROAD

2011-10-03T12:21:00.000-04:00

Living in Michigan, we all know what it’s like to drive down bumpy roads. Sometimes, we will even take alternative routes because of them. But, then, there are times when we are cruising along and we hit a pothole or something that we just couldn’t avoid. Once in a while, we may damage our vehicles, but usually we are just jarred, and can keep going. Oh, the joys of living in Michigan... But, as you may suspect, I’m not just talking about our physical roads. I’m also talking about the roads of our lives, which can be pretty bumpy.

Sometimes, we are cruising along in life—things may be going well, or at least uneventful, then, WHAM! Something unexpected and maybe unfortunate happens. You’ve hit a bump in the road. Jesus told us that “...In the world you will have tribulation...” (John 16:33 ESV). Still, when it happens, it takes us by surprise, and it’s not easy to “count it all joy … when you meet trials of various kinds...” (James 1:2).

The real question is, how will we respond? Will we buckle under the pressure, or will we “...take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm” (Eph 6:13 ESV)? Sometimes the correct response is just that … to stand firm. While psychologists speak of two typical responses: fight (take the offensive / go on attack) or flight (run away from the problem), Christians have the third option of standing firm and relying on God in our times of confusion, disorientation, frustration, and/or hurt. But, that option comes from a life lived relying upon God, in the good times as well as the bad. If you’ve been walking with Him, you’re more likely to keep walking with Him when you hit the “bump in the road.”

Whether you’re cruising along or dealing with a bump in the road, keep your eyes on Christ, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-2). Remember, His Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our paths (Psalm 119:105). Rely on Him!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

FALL SEASON

2011-09-27T11:36:00.000-04:00

It seems hard to believe, but the colors are already starting to change, and fall is upon us. The kids are back in school, and Olympians and Teen Club are in full swing. There are things I look forward to, and others, not so much.

In the next few weeks, the look of the landscape will change, as leaves turn from green, to brilliant oranges, reds, and yellows. There will be some places that we just want to stop the car and look at the beauty of fall. But, then, jackets will become a necessity and our “snow birds” will soon start making their trips south, and we will miss them.

Through it all (the things we like and the things we may not), I hope that we take a step back and remember that our God is still in control, overseeing His creation, for “In him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28 ESV) When we see a beautiful landscape, let’s remember that God declared His creation “very good.” Yes, it has been corrupted by the fall (of man, not the season), but still, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. (Psalm 19:1 ESV)

Even more, remember how much God values you:

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. (Mat 10:29-31 ESV)

Finally,

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phi 4:6-7 ESV)

Remember, God is there, He knows what you’re dealing with, He loves you, and He’ll carry you through!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

NATIONAL BACK TO CHURCH SUNDAY

2011-09-19T11:15:00.001-04:00

Today is National Back to Church Sunday. While we should always be inviting people to come to church, this Sunday is a focused effort, mobilizing God’s people to reach their friends and neighbors.

Back to Church Sunday is a national movement of churches to encourage formerly churched people to rediscover church and try it again. According to LifeWay Research, 38 percent of people are receptive or highly receptive to attending church. 82 percent say they would be open to attending church if a friend invited them. But, unfortunately only 2 percent of active church-going Christians invited someone to church last year!

Hebrews 10 gives us a reminder about the importance of gathering together and encouraging one another:

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Heb 10:23-25 ESV)

This world tries to tell us that religion is just a personal thing, and it doesn't matter what you believe … you just have to be true to yourself, and not violate your own beliefs. However, God’s Word says differently. Jesus made an exclusive claim that offends many today: “Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 ESV) And, he formed us into a body, called the church (Col. 1:18). He never meant us to “go it alone.” We need each other (1 Corinthians 12).

Whether you’ve not been to church in a long time, or if you’ve not missed a Sunday in a long time, I’m glad you’re here. I hope that you find and extend a warm welcome, and that you are built up in Christ this day!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

PRAYING FOR WISDOM & DIRECTION

2011-09-11T17:33:00.001-04:00

Do you read and pray through the “Prayers and Praises” insert in our bulletins? I hope so. And, I hope you read and pray through ALL of it. At the top of the list are three items that haven't changed in a long time, nor will they. One of those requests is for God’s direction and protection as we serve Him. It’s the first part that I’d like to focus on today.

One verse in particular comes to mind” “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (Jam 1:5 ESV) After that, there are a couple of Psalms to consider:

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psa 16:11 ESV)

For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name's sake you lead me and guide me; (Psa 31:3 ESV)

Praying for God’s wisdom, direction, and guidance fit together perfectly, don’t they? And, God has promised to give generously to those who ask. But, I wonder how often we miss God’s direction and wisdom because we’re really seeking his affirmation of our own plans. Deep down, we believe that God knows best, and we even pray that His will be done, but are we really willing to lay aside our own wills and desires, submitting them to Christ? Are we willing to consider the possibility that God’s wisdom and direction may conflict with our thoughts on any given matter? What do we do when God leads in an uncomfortable direction? I hope that we can let go and heed the words of Job 12:13; "With God are wisdom and might; he has counsel and understanding.” Are we ready and willing to follow His lead? I hope so!

In all things, I covet your prayers for God’s wisdom and direction … for me, your deacons, and all the people of Dayton Center Church!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

A PARADIGM SHIFT FOR PETER

2011-09-04T16:19:00.000-04:00

Paradigm: a pattern, model, or way of thinking

As I was reading Acts 10-11 this week, I was struck by how shocking the events of this passage must have been to Peter … they must have rocked his world, causing a paradigm shift.

Here was Peter, accustomed to Jewish tradition and practices, having never eaten “unclean” meat, but getting pretty hungry. Someone was preparing food, and the aromas must have intensified the longing. Suddenly, he was in a trance and seeing a vision, but it didn’t make sense. Just to make sure he got it, the vision happened three times … a sheet descending from heaven with all kinds of animals, reptiles, and birds, and the voice calling “Rise, Peter, kill and eat.” Peter’s mind instantly raced, seeing that there were unclean animals in that group, and he protested. Then, the voice came again, “What God has made clean, do not call common.”

Still Peter was perplexed. This was different than he had been taught his entire life. This was different than the convictions of everyone he knew. But, Peter would soon find out that the vision wasn’t just about food, it was about people too. Soon he would find himself ministering to, staying with, and eating with Gentiles. How could it be?!?! Just a day ago, he would never have imagined it. Yet, it was all part of God’s plan.

Peter had to adapt quickly. He had to instantly change his ingrained way of thinking. And, then, he had to defend himself against his peers. Yet, Peter broke the mold, and I’m glad he did! Because of Peter’s audacity and willingness to change, God did a mighty work in the people (Gentiles) that Cornelius had gathered together. They were saved, and the Spirit was poured out on them. The evidence that God was reaching out to the Gentiles was indisputable. Through Christ, God could and was making Gentiles clean. Further, in just a few verses, the term “Christian” was first used … and that in a Roman colony.

For Peter, it took a powerful vision and divinely ordered events to change his paradigm, and in turn, to change the world. The mission hasn’t changed, but our world has. Are there changes that need to happen to our ways of thinking so that we can and do reach the lost? What will it take for us? God, please mold us and shape us, so you can use us. Amen.

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

WHERE’S THE BATTLE?

2011-08-29T11:56:00.001-04:00

The other day, I was flipping through the radio stations as I drove, and I heard the distinctive, familiar, voice of Alistair Begg. There’s something about that Scottish accent that makes you stop and listen every time. He was preaching from Ephesians and talking about how we sometimes forget where the real battle is. We get caught up in a lot of things that are either temporal or surface issues. We get upset at politics and news stories, but give little thought to the real battle … the spiritual battle.

Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Eph 6:12 NIV)

Do we really realize that there is an ongoing spiritual battle? When we get upset, whether it be at politics, the news, or even our spouse, do we consider that the “spiritual forces of evil” are often at work? Maybe they didn’t generate the problem, but it’s very likely that they are intensifying it.

How about our prayers? Are we praying for revival in the church and community? Are we praying that God would restrain the “powers of this dark world” so that Christ’s light would shine all the more brightly?

Do you daily “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” (Eph 6:11 ESV) Today, I encourage you to take a good long look at the world through your spiritual eyes and ask God to help you see what’s really going on out there. Take a few minutes to read Ephesians 6:10-20 and make sure you are prepared for battle!

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. (Eph 6:13 ESV)

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

ACCESS

2011-08-07T14:24:00.000-04:00

Over the past couple of weeks, a lot of work has gone into increasing the accessibility of our church to people with disabilities. As a handful of people worked together, progress was made, and there is now a ramp on the east side of the church. Yes, there is more work to do, but the progress has been significant. And, for some people, it should be much easier to get into our church building … those who struggled, or just couldn't make it in, now have access.

Having access … that’s significant. Have you ever wanted to go somewhere, but did not have access? Perhaps it was a trip you wanted to take, but didn’t have the funds. Perhaps you wanted to meet a dignitary or famous person, but had no means. Or, have you wanted to fix something, but just couldn’t reach what needed to be fixed with the tools you had?

Any of these could be points of frustration and/or disappointment. But, can you imagine the frustration of not having access to God? What if we had to go through all kinds of rituals and cleansings (i.e. Old Testament sacrificial system) in order to set things right with God? What if our prayer requests had to go through a priest, instead of being spoken directly in our time of need? Isn’t it wonderful that Jesus Christ has granted us direct access to the Father? With the help of the following verses, I invite you to consider what a great gift that access is:

Romans 5:1-2 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Ephesians 2:18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
Ephesians 3:11-12 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. (ESV)

Access to the Father in prayer is indeed a great gift. Never neglect it!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

WHAT’S BELOW THE SURFACE?

2011-08-01T10:53:00.000-04:00

This week, we began the groundwork for the ramp that will eventually be on the east side of the church building. As we dug down, to level the ground, we found an unpleasant surprise. Just below the surface was a fair number of decent sized rocks and pieces of concrete. I’m sure that when they were put there, it seemed like easy fill, and that no one would ever have to remove them. But, we did have to remove them. Sure, it was more work, but the rocks and concrete had to go.

Sometimes it’s unpleasant to discover and/or deal with whatever lies just below the surface … and I’m not just talking about our work project. I think that most people have things that lie just below the surface, that they are afraid to let other people see. It may be a hidden hurt that we just can’t bring ourselves to talk about. Maybe it’s a struggle that we don’t think anyone would understand. Or, perhaps, it’s sin that hasn’t been dealt with, and we don’t think that anyone can tell. While we may be tempted to say that it isn’t hurting anyone, that statement is rarely true, especially when it comes to Christians. We are meant to be interdependent, functioning as a body. Remember 1 Corinthians 12:26-27:

If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. (ESV)

Whether it’s in a counseling session, when someone finally reveals that hidden struggle and seeks for help, or in life, when that problem or sin is finally confessed and dealt with, there is often a newfound freedom. Let’s face it … secrets always induce fear … fear that someone will find out, or fear of what people will think. And, there are no secrets from God … He sees everything, and still loves you.

Is there something that lies just below your surface? Have you talked to God about it? Is it time to talk to someone else about it? What’s stopping you? Fear? It may not (and probably will not) be easy, but dealing with it is part of being more pliable for the Savior. Remember Isaiah 64:8, “But now, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.” (ESV) Let’s make sure that we are all good ground … pliable clay … for the Master’s use!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

CHOOSING YOUR WORDS

2011-07-25T08:54:00.003-04:00

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

2011-07-18T11:14:00.000-04:00

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…”

2011-07-13T10:10:00.000-04:00

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

2011-07-03T16:42:00.000-04:00

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

THE PATIENCE OF GOD

2011-06-27T10:17:00.001-04:00

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

2011-06-20T10:27:00.000-04:00

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

2011-06-13T11:40:00.000-04:00

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

2011-06-07T09:25:00.001-04:00

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

Memorial Day

2011-05-30T13:30:00.000-04:00

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

2011-05-22T14:29:00.000-04:00

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

2011-05-16T13:39:00.000-04:00

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

2011-05-09T11:16:00.000-04:00

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

2011-05-02T13:47:00.000-04:00

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

Handling Busy Weeks

2011-04-25T11:10:00.002-04:00

We all have weeks that are busier than others. This has been a busy one for me. I’m not complaining … I’m just calling it as I see it. For me, it was the combination of a funeral, Good Friday Service, and Easter Service. Looking forward, I saw a lot of long days and expected to be pretty drained afterward. Looking back, it really wasn’t that bad. But, if I had tried to do it on my own, it probably would have been. What made the difference? I can narrow it down to one word: Prayer.

Prayer is powerful on so many levels. For one, it’s a conversation with the Almighty. Knowing that God hears when His children pray is encouraging. [2 Chr. 7:14; Jer 29:11-13] On top of that, Jesus is interceding before the Father. [Romans 8:34]But, it doesn’t stop there, the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf when we don’t know what to say [Romans 8:26-27].

But, then, there’s the human side. Prayer reduces anxiety:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phillipians 4:6-7 ESV)

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (1Peter 5:6-7 ESV)

When we fail to pray, we tend to take everything on ourselves, in our own strength. When we pray, however, we both draw upon His strength and leave our burdens at His feet.

So, next time you feel a busy week coming on, instead of cutting back on your prayer life, double it. Listen to Martin Luther’s perspective on a busy day: "I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer." You may not need to take three hours in prayer, but don’t short change your prayer life! With the extra time in prayer, I suspect that you will find you have sufficient time for the demands that face you. Before all else fails, PRAY!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

WHAT IS YOUR HEADING?

2011-04-18T17:33:00.002-04:00

Over the past few months, I’ve watched a show on the Discovery Channel called, “Out of the Wild: Venezuela.” This show follows several volunteers who are dropped off in a remote location with a little survival training, a few supplies, and a map showing how to get to the next checkpoint. As they proceed on their journey, it is vital that they pay careful attention to where they are at and where they need to go. Can you imagine being lost in the middle of Venezuela, with no signs of civilization? But, paying careful attention to their location, map, and compass, most finished their journey without quitting.

Every Christian is on a journey. The Bible is our map, and the Holy Spirit is our compass, pointing us in the right direction with the use of the Scriptures. However, sometimes we can get disoriented and lose track of where we are. This is a dangerous place to be, and it is so easy to get there. That is why it is so imperative that we constantly check our heading and ask ourselves, where are we at, where are we going, and how do we get there? Lamentations 3:40-41 says, “Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the LORD! Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven.” If we just keep going without self-examination (our ways), referring to the map (the Bible) and/or paying attention to our compass (the Holy Spirit), we will soon find ourselves in a desperate situation. If, however, we are careful to “test and examine our ways,” we may realize that we are off course before we find ourselves in too much trouble. Remember,

The LORD is good to those who wait for him,
to the soul who seeks him. (Lam 3:25 ESV)
For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name's sake you lead me and guide me; (Psa 31:3 ESV)

So, in closing, I ask, “What’s your heading?” Are you where God wants you to be? If not, get back on track and in-tune with God!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

RESIST THE DEVIL AND HE WILL FLEE...

2011-04-11T12:02:00.000-04:00

As I prayed and considered what to write for today’s bulletin / blog, James 4:7 came to mind; “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (ESV) While much could be said about submitting ourselves to God, I’d like to focus on the second half of this verse, and ask the question, “What does it mean to resist the devil?”

I suspect that we all have ideas of what it means to resist the devil. One idea might be something along the lines of the “just say no!”campaign against drugs. Another idea might involve claiming Jesus’ name and status as one of His children. Or, perhaps, you are thinking more along the lines of avoiding or running away from temptation. All of these ideas have merit, but I don’t think they are exactly what this passage has in mind. To get to the heart of the matter, we really need to look beyond the word “resist” and take a look at the Greek word behind it.

The Greek word behind “resist” is ἀντίστητε. The Greek dictionaries show the strength of this word with such definitions as, “be in opposition to,” “set oneself against,” “hold one’s ground,” and “to stand in opposition to.” (BDAG, Barclay, and LEH) Another one gives the following explanation: “to oppose someone, involving not only a psychological attitude but also a corresponding behavior - 'to oppose, to be hostile toward, to show hostility.' (Louw & Nida)”

Those strong words show us what it takes to “resist the devil” so that “he will flee from you.” It goes beyond just saying “no” and involves active opposition to, and hostility toward, the devil. There is no passivity, whatsoever, in this resistance. And, it isn't just an “in the moment” thing. It is something that must be part of our lifestyle and way of thinking. It requires us to go on the offensive, putting Satan on the defensive, and eventually to flight. And with God’s help, he will flee! So, stand strong, and resist him!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

“GLORIOUS DAY”

2011-04-05T14:39:00.003-04:00

One of my favorite music groups recently recorded a song that I think we all know well. In our hymnal, it’s called, “One Day!” The remake is called, “Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me).” Whether you prefer the version in our hymnal or the version sung by Casting Crowns, the chorus is still powerful:

Living, He loved me;
Dying, He saved me;
Buried, He carried my sins far away;
Rising, He justified freely forever;
One day He’s coming—
Oh glorious day,
Oh glorious day! *1

In that chorus, we have the essentials of the Gospel: Jesus’ perfect, sinless life, His substitutionary death (atonement) on the cross, His victorious resurrection, and His future, glorious return. That covers Jesus’ part of the Gospel, but we all must respond —either in faith (with repentance, embracing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior), or rejecting the Good News. Eternity hangs in the balance.

As we draw nearer to Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter, I encourage you to think about the impact the Gospel has had on your life. Throughout the month of April, consider, or meditate on, the words of this hymn/song, and I suspect that you will find a fresh gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice and your salvation. Whether it’s coincidence, or not, that this chorus formed a cross shape above, in all things, remember the cross of Christ and the wonder of salvation! And, if you haven’t yet responded in faith, “...Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Cor. 6:2 ESV) Find forgiveness and salvation in Jesus Christ today, and you will find that is truly a “Glorious Day!”

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

*1 By J. Wilbur Chapman (1910); Mark Hall, Michael Bleecker © 2009 Word Music, LLC, My Refuge Music, Sony/ATV Tree Publishing

“MESSAGES FROM GOD”

2011-03-27T16:54:00.001-04:00

Pastor Zach Bartels, a friend of mine from seminary, posted something to Facebook that caught my attention. Here’s what he said;

“Dear Facebook: Those ‘Messages from God’ (ya know, that app with the cloud-writing)? They're not really from God. It's just some dude who writes his own folksy thoughts and attributes them to the Almighty. Just thought you'd want to know…”

Out of curiosity, I did a search for “Messages from God” on Facebook, and found several groups, pages, and apps. The one that Zach was referring to had “303,406 monthly active users.” In the grand scheme of things, that’s not a lot of people, but, it does give evidence that a lot of people are looking for, and longing to hear, a “message from God.” The big problem is that many people don’t (or won’t) recognize it when they see or hear it. Either that, or they look in all the wrong places, whether it be an “inner voice” that comes through meditation, a motivational speaker or spiritual guru, or “some dude who writes his own folksy thoughts and attributes them to the Almighty.”

The good news is that true “messages from God” are readily available to much of the world. But, you have to look in the right place! The Bible is the definitive and complete “message from God.” If you want to hear what He has to say, spend regular time in His Word. As Hebrews 4:12 says, “... the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (ESV)

And, it doesn’t take long to see that true “messages from God” are all around us ... from the person holding up a John 3:16 sign at a ballgame to the many Bible verse posted on Facebook to the hundreds (or perhaps thousands) of Bible applications for our phones and computers. So, to everyone who is looking for “messages from God,” I dare you to read the Bible. It IS the message from God that you’ve been looking for!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

EVENTS IN JAPAN

2011-03-21T11:24:00.000-04:00

As I walked over to the church on Wednesday morning, I saw the cloudless blue sky and thought, “what a beautiful day.” At the moment, my biggest concern was about trying not to splash any mud onto my pant legs as I walked between the snow banks and the really muddy parking lot. Then, my mind went back to the images from Japan that we’ve all been seeing on TV; entire villages (and cities) reduced to piles of rubble, people gathered in shelters with no place to go and little, if anything, to eat, people waiting for hours to get into stores with empty shelves, and thousands of people unaccounted for. First a 9.0 earthquake, then a tsunami, and now a nuclear crisis … could it get any worse? I think the answer is “yes” when you consider the following statistics from OperationWorld.com:

Population of Japan: Roughly 127 million
People groups: 34 (68 % unreached)
Religions:
Buddist: 69.59 %
Christian: 1.54 %
Evangelicals: 0.5 %
(The remainder is not noted)

Even with so much devastation, so few answers, and so much loss of life, these figures make the picture look more bleak … so many people living and dying without Christ, facing a hopeless eternity. Our hearts should be broken.

Today, I encourage you to pray in three ways. First, pray for the people of Japan- that God would draw many people to saving faith in Jesus Christ through this crisis. Second, thank God for the blessings, safety, and eternal hope that we enjoy as His children. Finally, pray for those around you who are living without Christ, and, therefore, without hope.
In His grip,
Pastor Decker

DISPOSABLE (OR NOT!)

2011-03-14T11:22:00.000-04:00

Many things we deal with in today’s society are disposable. With most things being mass-produced, it is often cheaper or more efficient to simply replace something that has broken or become worn out. While those who lived though the great depression often saw things differently, we hardly give a thought to throwing something away. Case in point—a pair of my shoes. Just before the beginning of this week’s deacons meeting, the sole on one of my shoes separated from the upper part. My initial thought was something to the effect of … there goes another pair of shoes. However, Pastor Mead had another thought when he saw it … he saw something he could fix with the help of some “Shoe Goo.” He took the shoe home with him, and I suspect that I’ll have it back (and wearable) by the time you are reading this.

What does this have to do with anything? Well, I, for one, am thankful that God does not see us as I saw my shoe … we are not disposable. The Cathedrals sang a song entitled, “He Didn’t Throw The Clay Away.” Take a look at the first verse:

Empty and broken, I came back to Him,
A vessel unworthy, so scarred from sin.
But He did not despair...He started over again
And I bless the day, He didn't throw the clay away.

As Isaiah 64:8 says, “But now, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.” At any point, God would have been justified in throwing any or all of us sinners away. But, Instead of giving up those He would call His children, God continues to shape and reshape us. Praise God for that! As the old hymn says, “Redeemed - how I love to proclaim it! Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb; Redeemed through His infinite mercy, His child, and forever, I am. (Redeemed, by Fanny Crosby)

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

THE SUN AND THE SON

2011-03-07T14:09:00.000-05:00

Jesus often used common things to illustrate a point He wanted to communicate. Granted, Jesus was far more effective than I’ll ever be (I don’t quite think people will be reading this two thousand years from now), but I’ll follow the lead of the Great Shepherd with a natural illustration.

On Tuesday morning, I decided to shovel away the snow left in a drift by the church’s back door, in preparation for Thursday’s restocking of the food pantry. It was a sunny, but cold day, and the drift wasn’t going to disappear on its own. By the time I was done, most of the snow was gone, but some snow and ice still remained. That didn’t worry me, because I figured that with most of the snow removed, the sun would warm the concrete and melt what little was left … and I was right. So, what’s my point, you ask.

Just as the snow was a barrier to the sun warming the concrete and melting the ice, so can there be barriers to the Son warming our hearts and melting away what encumbers us. Like removing the snow, it may take some action by an outside source, namely the prompting and conviction of the Holy Spirit. But, once that happens action is required on our part. In the case of sin, clearing the way for the Son to warm our hearts usually requires confession, repentance, and setting things right. With other barriers, it requires diligent prayer, day after day. In some cases, it may even require professional help. But, once the barrier is removed and Christ warms our hearts, our whole outlook is changed, and we can move forward in our relationship with Him and in the work He’s given us to do.

Do you have any “snow drifts” getting in the way of God warming your heart today? If so, pray for God’s help, and then, do your part to remove it/them. Then, pay special attention to the words as we sing the first verse of Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee and make it your prayer today:

Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

FADING BEAUTY

2011-02-28T13:42:00.001-05:00

This morning (Wednesday), when I looked out the kitchen window, I saw a beautiful sight. Many of the trees behind the parsonage were coated with a fine layer of ice, which the sun made to sparkle. There was one small tree just behind the house that really drew my attention. Normally, during the winter, it looks like a barren branch, but this morning it looked quite different. As the sun shined through the ice, it was really beautiful. In many ways, it was a winter wonderland. It’s amazing what God can do with a little water and sunshine!

But, now, it’s nearing 11 AM, and the ice has melted. What once was glimmering is now either evergreen or brown. How quickly the beauty has faded! It’s much like Isaiah 40:8 “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” (ESV) There is much in this world that looks beautiful, exciting, and glorious at first, but the splendor quickly fades. Perhaps it is a new computer, TV, or car that you’ve been thinking of. Unfortunately, the initial excitement quickly wears off … technology gets outdated, vehicles get dirty and dinged, and what was new and exciting becomes “normal.”

Now, I don’t mean to sound negative … that’s not my purpose. It is fine to enjoy those moments of beauty and excitement, but we mustn’t get too caught up in the things that lose their splendor. Instead, we should focus on what lasts, as Colossians 3:1-2 reminds us; “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (ESV) Further, we’ve been promised “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.” (1Peter 1:4 ESV)

So, when you see a thing of fading beauty, let it lead to think of eternal beauty, and ultimately into worship of our God who is the creator of beauty and is eternal beauty in Himself.

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE: A Perfect Trio

2011-02-21T14:10:00.000-05:00

There are three Bible passages that include faith, hope, and love. When I think about these words together, the first thing that comes to mind is 1 Corinthians 13:13 “So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (1Co 13:13 ESV) If you prefer the King James Version, you will find the word “charity” rather than love, but the word used here is agape, which is often described as unconditional love.

The other two passages that include faith, hope, and love are as follows:

We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. (1Th 1:2-3 ESV)

But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. (1Th 5:8 ESV)

It surprised me that more verses don’t put faith, hope, and love together. They fit so well together ... they form a perfect trio, blending together in a perfect harmony. If one were missing, their beautiful song wouldn’t sound right. If we don’t have faith in Jesus Christ, we don’t have true hope. Without hope, our faith would waiver. Without the agape love of God, we would have neither faith nor hope—both faith and hope are rooted in the love of God.

It seems to me that faith, hope, and love are inter-related, and they all play vital roles in the Christian life. In 1 Corinthians 13, faith, hope, and love, are gifts from God that endure. They help us minister to others and grow. In 1 Thessalonians 1, they are active parts of the Christian life (work of faith and love, steadfastness of hope). In 1 Thessalonians 5, they are protective in nature, as part of our spiritual armor.

Without faith, hope, and love, where would we be? Today, I encourage you to reflect on what God has provided us in the perfect trio of faith, hope, and love!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

HOPE: PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

2011-02-14T13:07:00.000-05:00

Over the past few weeks, I hope that you’ve seen several ways in which the Christian hope is much different than the hope of the world. First and foremost, the Christian hope is not rooted in ourselves, our experiences, or any other person—all of which will disappoint at some point in time. However, the Christian hope will never disappoint, because it is rooted in God, His character, and His promises. Those relying on the things of the world to provide hope are sure to falter, “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.” (Isa 40:31 ESV)
As we wrap up this mini-study, I’d like you take a look at our acrostic one more time:

Heart-level / Heart-felt
Optimism
Persevering
Experience

Now, let me put it into a sentence, or definition format: The Christian hope is a heart-level, heart-felt optimism, rooted in the person, character, and promises of God, that perseveres any and all experiences we may face. Hope is that “confident expectation” that no mater what challenges you may face, God will carry you through. And, while God’s ways may not always make sense to us, we remain confident that His ways and thoughts are much higher than ours. (Isa 55:9). Even better, we have a bright future—an eternity of enjoying His presence in a new heaven and earth, where His glory will provide all the light we will ever need (Rev. 21-22)! Oh, what a day that will be!

In closing, then, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Rom 15:13 ESV)
In His grip,
Pastor Decker

TRUE HOPE OVERCOMES EXPERIENCE(S)

2011-02-07T11:32:00.000-05:00

In this life, we all have a variety of experiences. Sometimes we experience victories. Victories show us what we are capable of. They also give us courage for facing the next challenge that comes our way. Victories make us feel good. But, victories can also lead to pride, when we celebrate what we have accomplished without giving God the credit He deserves. While we can humbly accept recognition when it comes our way, we should be quick to give God the glory, recognizing that, “In [God] we live and move and have our being,” (Act 17:28a ESV) and “... in him all things hold together.” (Col 1:17 ESV)

Other times, we may experience defeat or a crushing blow. At these times, we are tempted to despair. We all know what it feels like to be knocked down. Even Paul knew this feeling: “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” (2 Co 4:8-9 ESV) But, that’s where hope in God comes in:

In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." (Joh 16:33 ESV)
For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. (1Jo 5:4 ESV)

Finally, much of life is lived in the daily grind … the normal, ordinary, mundane things of life. It’s neither victory nor defeat, but something in between, and we just keep plodding along. While it may be fairly comfortable, that’s a dangerous place to be, because we can become (or think we are) self-sufficient. If we’re not careful, we can just keep going without giving thought to God. However, Paul reminded us that we must live all of life to God’s glory; “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1Co 10:31 ESV) Or, Like Peter, if we take our eyes off of Christ, we will quickly find ourselves sinking (and experiencing defeat).

Whether you are currently experiencing a time of victory, defeat, or the mundane, it is vital that you maintain perspective and maintain hope. Remember that God is still on His throne, and he cares deeply for you! If you are a born again child of God, remember, He’s got you firmly………………………………In His grip,
Pastor Decker

TRUE HOPE PERSEVERES

2011-01-31T13:33:00.000-05:00

Let’s take a moment to review our HOPE acrostic. First, hope is heart-level (and hear-felt). It comes from (and is rooted in) God alone, and it changes how we see the world. Next, hope produces realistic optimism. How can we be optimistic in this broken world? We are optimistic because we realize that God is still on His throne, He loves us very much, and He’s promised us a brilliant eternal future. That brings us to today … true hope perseveres.

Perseverance isn’t a term we hear very often any more. Just for reference, here’s what Dictionary.com has to say: “steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., esp. in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.”

Perhaps another word we could use is “endurance.” Consider the connection between hope and endurance in the following passages (italics are added for emphasis):

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (1Co 13:7 ESV)
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. (Rom 15:4 ESV)
More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. (Rom 5:3-5 ESV)

Hope doesn’t mean that the going will always be easy. I think we’ve all lived long enough to know the truth of that. But, hope does mean that we will make it through (persevere) whatever challenges we may face … if we keep our eyes on Christ, relying on His strength and looking forward to the future He has promised. So, whatever you’re facing, persevere with hope!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

HOPE PRODUCES REALISTIC OPTIMISM

2011-01-24T13:58:00.000-05:00

Dictionary.com lists several definitions for optimism. Among them are: “the tendency to expect the best and see the best in all things,” “a disposition or tendency to look on the more favorable side of events or conditions and to expect the most favorable outcome,” and “the belief that good ultimately predominates over evil in the world.”

While the pessimists among us might be tempted to say, like Scrooge, “Bah! Humbug!” All Christians should have a realistic optimism. While we recognize that our circumstances may not always turn out very good in this life, we know that God is still in charge, and He can use even our most discouraging times for His glory or to mold us into His image:

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. (Rom 8:28-29 ESV)

It is the knowledge that God loves us and is working in our lives that helps us “see the best in all things.” Ultimately, we’ve been promised a “favorable outcome”—an eternity with Him in a new heaven and earth (Rev. 21-22). If we take the time to read Revelation 20, we find assurance that “good ultimately predominates over evil in the world.”

Yes, we admit that we will have hard times, but that is not the end of the Story!

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33 ESV)

The Christian’s optimism isn’t rooted in this world, it’s rooted in eternity and the promises of God, who will never leave us nor forsake us! While the Christian life won’t always be easy, it does have the best possible outcome—an eternity with our Savior!
In His grip,
Pastor Decker

TRUE HOPE IS HEART-LEVEL

2011-01-17T12:47:00.000-05:00

True hope is something life-altering, that changes how we see the world. It isn’t merely something intellectual - that we think in our heads. Rather, hope resides in our hearts … it’s a heart-felt, confident expectation that is rooted in the person of Jesus Christ and the promises God has made to those who love Him.

This is where the world’s concept of “hope” has gone wrong. So many times, hope is reduced to little more than a wish or desire: i.e. I hope the Lions win today. Lets face it, those of us who like to follow the Detroit Lions have had to settle for something less than a confident expectation of a win. I’ve even heard people proclaim, “the Lions didn’t lose today” on Sundays when the Lions didn’t play. That kind of “hope” will surely disappoint.

The Christian’s hope, however, will not disappoint! While we will face trials and tribulations, we know in our hearts that God is faithful and He will carry us through! We know that His Word (the Bible) is Truth, and what God promises is sure to happen. While the head may question, the heart is resolute and unwavering. It’s not something that comes from within, but rather something that God places within the heart of a believer. So, this week I encourage you to celebrate the hope that is within you and meditate on these verses:

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jer 29:11 ESV)

… the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love. (Psa 147:11 ESV)

Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever... (Psa 146:5-6 ESV)

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

HOPE ACROSTIC

2011-01-10T12:07:00.000-05:00

You may have noticed a new verse on the inside of your bulletins last week. It was Paul’s prayer for the church of Rome and it’s my prayer for you for 2011:

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Romans 15:13)

We all need hope! Thankfully, God has provided it in the promises of Scripture and the person of Jesus Christ. As I was considering and praying about what to write, an acrostic for the word, “hope,” came to mind. What is an acrostic? Webster defines an acrostic as “a poem or other arrangement of words in which certain letters in each line, as the first or last, spell out a word, motto, etc.” I’m sure there have been others, but here’s what came to me:

Heart-level / Heart-felt
Optimism
Persevering
Experiences

Over the next four weeks, I’d like to take a look at each of these. Just to give you a taste, here’s an idea of what each of the terms means to me. By “heart-level”, I mean something life-altering, that changes how we see the world. By optimism, I’m not merely referring to thinking “happy thoughts,” but a positive outlook on life that is based in eternal life … it’s that “confident expectation” of what is to come. Persevering refers to the aspect of hope that helps us work through our trials and tribulations. “Experiences” refers to our temporal experiences - past, present and future, and the recognition that true hope overcomes anything we might face.

So, for this week, keep your eyes on Christ and your heart set on the hope that He has given us!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

A Hope-filled New Year

2011-01-03T13:49:00.000-05:00

Over the past couple days, you’ve probably had a few people wish you “happy new year!” While it’s become a common expression at the turn of the year, we all yearn for a happy 2011. The trouble is, happiness comes and goes with our circumstances. Yes, we hope and pray for more happy times than sad times, but shouldn’t we, as Christians, have perspective that transcends circumstances? The answer is obviously, YES!

As Christians, we do long for happy times, but we have a joy that overrides our circumstances. That joy is rooted in our salvation and assurance of God’s care and presence:

I will never leave you nor forsake you. (Heb 13:5)

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)

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Romans 15:13)

“Filled with joy and peace … abounding in hope” … that sounds great! That’s what God wants for His people … and that’s what I want for all of you! Remember, God is greater than any circumstance, and He will lead you through! You may not know the way, but God does … He’s already been there, and He knows the best route! Follow Him!

So, while most people will wish you a happy new year, I wish you a hope-filled new year. May God bless you in 2011.

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

A Time For Reflection

2010-12-22T11:25:00.001-05:00

Here we are at the last Sunday in 2010. Hard to believe, isn’t it? If we all took time to reflect on the year that is almost past, I suspect we could all come up with quite a list of both joys and challenges. It might be a good idea to do just that … take some time to reflect and make a list. What things has God carried you through? Which experiences warmed your heart? What outcomes are you still wondering about?

I suspect that some of those experiences overlapped. Sometimes the things that begin as challenges are also sources of significant joy. Maybe the joys come from a kind word or a warm hug … just when you needed it most. Perhaps you sensed God’s presence and the care of His people in a special way during a time of trial. Or, maybe you’ve seen God provide in a way you didn’t expect. If you take the time to look to see where God has been at work, you might be surprised. However, if you don’t take the time, you may miss something significant.

Here’s a few more questions to ponder: What life lesson(s) have you learned this year? Is it something you learned about yourself? Is it something that strengthened your walk with God? How might that lesson (or those lessons) impact the coming year?

I know that 2010 has been a challenging year for many. There may have been times you even wondered how (or if) you were going to make it to 2011. But, 2011 is almost here. A new year brings new possibilities. Let’s head into it with a sense of hope for what could be. While we may not know what lies ahead, God does, and He’s already preparing you for it. Through it all, remember to praise God for His faithfulness … He will never leave or forsake you (Heb. 13:5)!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Merry Christmas

2010-12-20T11:54:00.001-05:00

For most of us, this will be a busy, but good week. As you travel, celebrate, or even spend time at home, don’t forget the reason for the season, the birth of Jesus Christ. If we fail to reflect on the greatest gift of all—the offer of salvation through Jesus Christ—we will completely miss the meaning of Christmas. But, if we remember to keep Christ in Christmas, this will be a great Christmas, no matter what you may be going through. Please remember, His name is Emmanuel, God With Us! So, even while you celebrate with presents, remember to celebrate His presence!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

A Helpful Reminder

2010-12-13T13:29:00.001-05:00

A friend of mine, Fred Carlson, e-mailed me an excellent reminder. I think that you’ll find it to be an encouragement, much like I did. And I quote...

In the face of many changes, isn’t it good to know that ...
1. The Bible still is God's true story, and has the answers.
2. Believing prayer still is the most powerful force of God on Earth.
3. The Holy Spirit keeps moving people to God.
4. God still welcomes the praises of His people.
5. God still loves to forgive.
6. Personal and corporate revival still is available.
7. God still loves obedient faith.
8. God still pours out blessings on His people.
9. There still is room at the Cross.
10. The resurrected Savior still loves and enjoys you.
11. Jesus Christ still receives those who come to Him in repenting faith.
12. The Church still is Christ's family on Earth, and will prevail over Hell's gates.
13. Good still is more powerful than evil, and God's light still penetrates sin's darkness.
14. Jesus Christ still is coming back to claim His Bride and to reign over earth.
15. Your real number one and two purposes in life still are to love God and love people for God.
16. The Holy Spirit still has real comfort and strength for God's people.
17. God will vindicate His good Name, and reign joyfully forever over His restored creation.

Isn't it great to remember who really holds the reigns of power, and that, "The Word of the Lord endures forever." (1 Peter 1:25)”

I hope Fred’s words (original to him or not) are an encouragement to you this day. Always remember, God is still on the Throne!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Second Chances

2010-12-06T11:52:00.000-05:00

After writing last week’s bulletin / blog, I think I was a bit harsh on the cell phone store in Caro. I don’t know what kind of day the lady who served me was having. I don’t know what her struggles are. There could be any number of reasons I didn’t get very good service that day.

I suppose that being a pastor further complicates the matter, as I need to be a living example of God’s grace and mercy. If God never gave second chances, where would any of us be? Praise God, “The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” (Psalm 145:8)

This week I returned to the Caro store, and received much better service (from the same person). I didn’t end up buying my phone there, but God reminded me of His patience, grace and mercy … characteristics we are all to emulate. Consider the following passages:

Proverbs 19:11 Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.
James 1:19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

I’m glad I went back. If I hadn’t, perhaps I would have missed a lesson that God had for me. I hope it benefits you, too. Once again, Praise God for His grace, mercy, and patience. May we always show those attributes to others.

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

A Warm Welcome (or Not)

2010-11-29T13:48:00.001-05:00

It’s amazing how much different customer service can be from one store to another. Lately, I’ve been having trouble with my cell phone, and it looks like it’s time for me to upgrade. I stopped by the cell phone store in Caro, but I don’t think I’ll be going back. While they gave me some service, I felt as though I was an interruption in their day. I barely felt welcome … let alone feeling like a valued customer.

The next day, I went to a similar store in Lapeer where I immediately felt welcomed and valued as a customer (maybe that’s because I was talking to the store manager). I mentioned why I came to their store, and found that they have had a lot of people coming from other stores because of poor customer service. I have to imagine that they have gained a lot of customers because of this.

Have you ever had a similar experience? If so, think of how you felt when you received poor customer service. Did they lose your business that day? Have you ever gone back?

Now, think about how it feels when you come to church. Do you feel like you are welcome and appreciated? I certainly hope so. I hope that this is especially true of our visitors. When someone new comes in, we only have one opportunity to make a first impression. Let’s make sure that it’s a good one.

If they’ve never been here before, take the time to make them feel welcome. If they have kids, tell them about Sunday School, Children’s Church, and the nursery … and take the time to show them where their kids will be. If a visitor is sitting alone, sit by them and talk with them. In short, give them the warm welcome that Christ would have given them. And, just in case you need some motivation, remember Hebrews 13:2, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.”

So, to everyone here today, Welcome! I’m glad you came!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Set The Tone for Giving Thanks

2010-11-22T11:26:00.001-05:00

In retrospect, 2010 has flown by. Halloween has come and gone. Thanksgiving is just days away. One radio station (104.1) has already been playing Christmas music for weeks, and the boys saw their first Christmas yard decorations on Tuesday night. We are hard at work at Tom Thumb Singers, as we realize our Christmas concert is less than a month away. Where has all the time gone? It didn’t seem to go so fast during the year, but now 2010 is almost done.

Even though our schedules are already filling up, I encourage you to take some time to reflect upon past holidays and consider what you would like this year’s holiday season to be like.

For the Decker family, Thanksgiving and Christmas usually mean travel time. I am thankful that both Janette’s and my family live in Michigan, so we don’t have to travel out of state. Nonetheless, making the trip can be both tiring and frustrating. Upon arrival at our destination, we (usually I) quickly unpack the truck, but there is no settling down. Whether it’s the preparation for a Thanksgiving dinner or all the Christmas festivities, the houses are bustling. And, if we’re not careful, we won’t take the time to remember the true reason for gathering together.

This year, I hope we all make the effort to slow things down enough to remember why we gather to celebrate. Yes, Thursday is Thanksgiving. But, will we take the time to reflect and truly give thanks to God for all His blessings poured out upon us? Will our Christmas celebrations truly be celebrations of Christ’s birth? For either holiday, I encourage you to set the tone for giving thanks to God. Encourage people to share something that has happened this year, whether challenge or triumph, and how God has proven faithful and provided. Then, truly give thanks together.

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

The Living, Active Word

2010-11-15T11:13:00.000-05:00

I think it’s safe to say that most of us have heard, or even memorized Hebrews 4:12:

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12 ESV)

Many sermons have been preached , and will continue to be preached, on this passage. It is important that we remember and are reminded about the power and efficacy of God’s Word. Today, I’d like to focus on the first phrase, “...the word of God is living and active.” But, what exactly does this mean?

While I usually prefer to refer primarily to Greek-English dictionaries (lexicons) for word studies, I think the English dictionaries are especially helpful for the first term. For “living,” the definitions include such things as, “being alive; active or thriving; vigorous; strong; lively; flourishing.” The second term, translated “active” in ESV, NASB, and NIV, and “powerful” in KJV and NKJV, is the word from which we get the term “energy.”

These aren’t terms normally used of/for the written word. But, God’s Word is more than just written word! It has the power to change lives and point us toward eternal life in Jesus Christ. In short, the Word is ALIVE!

I know that I have mentioned lyrics from the group Casting Crowns a lot lately. That’s because their lyrics have really impressed me, and they ring so true. Take a look at the chorus from one more of their songs:

The Word is alive
And it cuts like a sword through the darkness
With a message of life to the hopeless and afraid
Breathing life into all who believe
The Word is alive

Praise God, the Word is ALIVE … vigorous, full of energy, and still changing lives everyday! Remember that truth every time you open the Bible, and see what God will teach you today.
In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Anticipation

2010-11-09T11:48:00.000-05:00

The upcoming holiday season often includes a mixture of busyness and anticipation, doesn’t it? Sure, there may be lots of details to work out, and schedules to work around, but there are also many good times to be had. Soon, families will gather for a special Thanksgiving meal and possibly watch some football, wondering if the Lions might actually win their Thanksgiving Day game this year. Before long, Christmas decorations will adorn houses and lawns, and radio stations will start to play Christmas music. Many of us will prepare for winter here, while others look forward to their trip south. What are you looking forward to?

Now, I encourage you to take that sense of anticipation and listen to a few verses from Psalm 95:

1 Oh come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! 2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!
6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker! 7 For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.

How often do we express that kind of anticipation and excitement about gathering for a worship service? Can you imagine the difference it would make if we all entered the church doors with the same enthusiasm as the Psalmist? The Psalmist is clearly excited about the greatness of God and looks forward to a time of celebration, singing, and worship. I hope that you are looking forward to the same things. This morning, I encourage you to set aside the stresses and busyness of life, and remember how great God is and what a privilege it is to come and worship Him freely.

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Masks

2010-11-01T09:24:00.000-04:00

Tonight, being Halloween, kids all over the U.S. will put on costumes and masks in a trek to obtain as much candy as possible from friends, neighbors, and strangers. Some will play the part of the character they are dressed up as. Others will merely endure the costume for the sake of the candy they will receive. Most will never wear the costume again. After the sugar buzz wears off, it’s back to normal life.

While we may not dress up in costumes, I wonder how often people wear “masks” to church. As a pastor, I shake a lot of hands and have a lot of people tell me that they are doing “well” or “fine.” Sometimes, that is the truth. Other times, I know that this is just a pat answer covering up the struggles they are facing. On occasion, I will change the question a bit and re-ask, “How are you really doing?” This tends to catch people by surprise, and sometimes, the second answer is quite different than the first.

I think that we all have had times when we wished that someone would pray with us or offer a word of encouragement, but when asked how we are doing, we were not transparent enough to tell people how we really felt. It’s like we’re wearing a mask … making people think that everything is fine, when it really isn’t. Sometimes, we don’t have the time or the emotional strength to explain, but still, we should be able to answer honestly and admit that we could use some prayer.

My challenge for today is to take the “mask” off. If someone asks how you are doing, give them an honest answer. The person that asked the question might be surprised at your honest answer, but I think the transparency will benefit both parties. If you’re the one asking how someone is doing, look them in the eyes … you may see a different answer than you hear. If the person needs prayer, take the time to do it right then. If they really are doing well, tell them that you’re glad to hear that. Either way, it may just be exactly what that person needed to hear that day.

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Guard Your Heart

2010-10-25T11:23:00.002-04:00

Every once in a while, I watch the Food Network show, Chopped. For each show, they bring in four chefs, who compete through three challenges, with one eliminated / “chopped” after each round. The chefs are given baskets (the same for all the chefs) with various ingredients that don’t necessarily go well together. Under tight time constraints, they have to prepare a dish for the judges using all the ingredients.

In the heat of the battle, mistakes are made. Sometimes, required ingredients don’t make it to the plate. In this show, a chef in a hurry rolled up a tortilla shell on an uncleaned cutting board where raw chicken had been cut up. That one mistake may have cost the competitor/chef the $ 10,000 prize … she got “chopped.”

All it takes is one careless moment, whether it’s under pressure or without thinking, to wreak havoc on our lives. That is why it is so important that we guard our hearts:

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)

Guarding our hearts involves preparation when we’re not under pressure, making sure that we are walking closely with God in the best of times. It also involves checking ourselves and listening to others when we are under pressure. We must constantly ask ourselves whether there is anything that is getting in the way of our relationship with God, and be careful of blind spots. David knew this, and he plead,

Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

So, today’s encouragement is to guard your heart... make sure it is right and tender toward God. If it is, we’re much more likely to avoid careless, but costly mistakes. But praise God, He forgives!
In His grip,
Pastor Decker

One More Prayer

2010-10-18T11:23:00.000-04:00

As I was listening to some music and reflecting upon what to write this week, a song lyric caught my attention. This time it was the Casting Crowns song, I Know You’re There (from their CD, The Altar and the Door). Here’s the first verse:

If all I had was one last breath
I'd spend it just to sing Your praise
Just to say Your name
If all I had was one last prayer
I'd pray it 'cause I know You're always listening
If I could live a thousand lives, bind the hands of time
I would spend every moment by Your side

The phrase, “If all I had was one last prayer…” is what hit me the most. What if I only had one more prayer … what would I pray? A number of things come to my mind, but I’d like to turn the question over to you.

Suppose you knew that you had only one more opportunity to offer a prayer to God. What would that prayer be? Who would you pray for? Would it be a prayer of confession? How about a prayer of praise? Maybe the answer came to you instantly. Or, perhaps, it’s taking a while. Either way, I encourage you to spend some time considering the question. But, don’t stop there … pray that prayer … pour out your heart to God.

Let’s face it, we never really know when our last opportunity to pray might arrive. So, take advantage of every opportunity to pray … redeem the time (Eph. 5:16).

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

A Little More Gas

2010-10-11T16:14:00.000-04:00

A mechanic, I am not. That’s why I am thankful every time my motorcycle runs for me. It’s an older trail bike that I bought on Ebay in 2008. For the most part, it’s run pretty well. But, on occasion, it gives me fits. I haven’t ridden it very much this summer, so that doesn’t help matters any.

The other night, I decided to start it up. After a few kicks, and fiddling with the choke, I got it going. I decided to take a risk and make one adjustment. There’s a little screw that adjusts how the bike idles. Adjust it one way, and it gets a little more gas. Adjust it the other way … and the opposite. Time will tell if this was a good thing or not, but the bike seemed to run better and have a little more power. A little more gas seemed to make the difference.

As with the motorcycle, I wonder how much difference “a little more gas” would make in our spiritual lives. Obviously, I’m not talking about gasoline here … I’m talking about spiritual disciplines. Sometimes things that just take a few minutes a day can make a world of difference; a few minutes in prayer, taking time to read a Bible passage and/or devotional, memorizing a Bible verse, singing a song of praise to God, or any number of things that draw you closer to God. Just a minute or two (or ten) per day can make a big difference in the way we look at the world around us or deal with the challenges we face.

This week, make a point of doing at least one thing to give your spiritual life “a little more gasoline.” As you read this, decide what you will do and make a commitment to do it. I think you will find it refreshing and energizing. Sometimes little adjustments can make a big difference.

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

When the Accuser Comes Knocking

2010-10-04T12:03:00.001-04:00

Christians are constantly under the attack of Satan. I know, it’s not a very pleasant topic, but it’s absolutely true, and something we must be aware of. Peter made that quite clear in his first letter: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

Sometimes, his attacks are directly on us, trying to get us to succumb to temptation and fall. Other times, the attack is more indirect. In the Book of Revelation, John points out that Satan persistently attacks us before the Father;

And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, "Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. (Revelation 12:10)

Thankfully, Satan isn’t the only one presenting a case before the Father. Jesus successfully combats the accusations of Satan by interceeding for us (Rom. 8:34). When Satan points out our sin, Jesus points out what He accomplished at the cross … our salvation and justification.

While these passages show this happening before the throne of God, I think Satan often uses the same tactic with us … he reminds us of the guilt of past sin and makes us feel defeated and hopeless. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again … Satan reminds us of who we’ve been and what we’ve done in the past … Jesus reminds us of who He’s making us to be! Satan tries to make us forget what Jesus accomplished at the cross … forgiveness and justification. We must never let Satan win.

Casting Crowns has a great song entitled East to West., which reminds us just how far our sin is removed from us (based on Psalm 103:12 et. al.). Today, I invite you to reflect on the chorus of that song:

Jesus, can You show me just how far the east is from the west ~ ‘Cause I can’t bear to see the man I’ve been come rising up in me again ~ In the arms of Your mercy I find rest ~ ‘Cause You know just how far the east is from the west~ From one scarred hand to the other.

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Storms, The Holy Spirit, and Power

2010-09-27T13:16:00.001-04:00

On Tuesday night, we had quite a storm pass through the area. It didn’t last long, but it was strong while it was over us. I wondered if we might lose power. Eventually, we did. Ironically, it was only after the storm had moved through. Between midnight and 1 AM, we lost and regained power about six times. It seemed that every time I was beginning to fall back asleep, the power either went on or off. Eventually it stayed off until about 5:30, or so we guessed from the time showing on the blinking clocks.

Just like the sporadic electricity that night frustrated me, I wonder how it frustrates God when we are sporadic in drawing on His power. He sent us the Holy Spirit to empower us, and lends His strength when we are weak and need it most.

2 Corinthians 12:10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

It seems that the “good times” are when we fail to draw on God’s power … when we think we have everything under control. But, before long, we find that we did not have everything under control … we end up on our knees in a weakened state. What if we pled with God for His help equally, whether times are good or the going has gotten rough?

Just like we depend on the power company to provide electricity for our homes at all times, make a decision to rely on God to power your life at all times. The Holy Spirit is waiting to empower us … if only we will be faithful and ask.

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Cracked Armor

2010-09-20T15:50:00.000-04:00

Over the past few months, we have had a leak in the parsonage kitchen when it has rained. We weren't sure how the water was getting in, but it was ending up in the light over the sink, and most recently, in our kitchen cupboards. This morning, Keith Mead came and took a good look at the roof and found several cracked tiles. After applying nearly a bucket of tar, we hope the problem is fixed. Thanks for your help, Keith.

Just like cracks in roofing can cause water damage over time, cracks in our spiritual armor can cause problems in our walk with God. Satan is always looking for a weakness to exploit: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) Just like the rain can find it’s way through a crack in roofing materials, Satan keeps working at a weak spot—a crack in our armor—until he has an opportunity to do serious damage.

Whether we’re thinking of armored vehicles, modern body armor / bullet-proof vests, or medieval plate armor, good armor has always been important. While something is always better than nothing, I’m sure that soldiers and law enforcement officers have always wanted their armor to be in top-notch condition, as any weaknesses in the armor leave them more vulnerable.

This is also true of our spiritual armor. What kinds of things are cracks or gaps in our spiritual armor? Let me suggest a few: lack of prayer, failure to spend regular time in God’s Word, neglecting gathering with the church (Heb. 10:25), unconfessed sin, conflict, anger or hurts that we’ve not done our part to resolve, and the list could go on. Today, I ask you, what is the condition of your spiritual armor? Take time, today, to get it back in top-notch condition. And, “In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:16)

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Remembering God in the Mundane Things

2010-09-13T16:11:00.000-04:00

This week, we have had some strong wind gusts. Whether I was in the church or the parsonage, I could really hear the wind roar, and wondered what kind of damage it might cause. While there are twigs and braches scattered around the yard, there was no damage to note.

As we all know, wind can be powerful. It can uproot trees, tear apart roofs, and cause all kinds of damage. On the positive side, windmills can use that same power to provide electricity for homes and businesses. Regardless, when the wind is really howling, it’s power can’t be denied.

The Bible tells of one night when the wind was particularly frightening. I’m sure you know the story. Jesus and the disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee, which is known for it’s fierce storms. The disciples began to panic when the windstorm got really rough, and feared for their lives. Jesus, however, was completely at peace. In fact, he was taking a nap.

While the disciples’ faith in Jesus had been building, they still had a long way to go. They had seen his miraculous, healing touch, but they still didn’t understand His power over nature. That would change in an instant. Mark records the account for us:

And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, "Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?" And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?" (Mark 4:39-41)

The disciples were dumbfounded. They had never seen anything like this before. But, then, there had never been anyone like Jesus before, or has there been ever since. Praise God, He still lives.

The next time the wind howls, consider how powerful it seems. Then, remember that it only took a couple of words from Jesus to stop it completely. Hallelujah! What a Savior!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Labor Day

2010-09-07T11:26:00.000-04:00

As Labor Day has grown closer and closer, I have seen a lot of articles that address the question, “Does God care about my work?” To be honest, I haven’t read a single one. Why? Because I already know the answer … it’s a resounding “YES.”
But, for some reason, I haven’t seen a single article that asks the question, “Does God care about how I use my retirement?” The answer to that is also a resounding “YES!” I have heard several retirees say something to the effect of, “I’m so busy, I don’t know how I ever had time for work.”
Let’s face it, whether we are working or retired, something always chews up our time. The only question is, ”What?” Sometimes that can be a difficult question to answer … and many times because we don’t really want to scrutinize our schedules and see what has become a priority.
I hope that we never forget that God cares about everything we do. The Bible is pretty clear on that matter:

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17)

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23-24)

All (every aspect) of our lives are lived out before God. May we be found faithful in how we have used our time!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Running the Race—Part 15: Finishing Well

2010-08-30T12:58:00.000-04:00

The other night, Janette and I were watching the TV program, “Wipeout.” If you haven’t seen it, several competitors go through a series of obstacle courses, with only the top finishers going to the next level. On this particular show, one of the four finalists sounded promising, but failed to deliver. After getting tired out and frustrated on one obstacle, he quit the competition, giving up all hope for winning the $ 50,000 prize.

When it comes to the race of life, the stakes are even higher … finishing well is even more important. Along the way, we may face trials, temptations and obstacles that threaten to end our race. Sometimes, we lose our focus, and find ourselves off-track. In reality, we need all the tools and resources we’ve been talking about throughout this series just to finish the race. Above all, we need God’s strength and guidance. We are never told that this life will be easy. Do you remember Paul’s instruction to Timothy? “As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”(2 Timothy 4:5) Paul knew that Timothy would face hard times, but wanted him to finish well. Though Paul’s instructions were addressed to a young pastor, his instruction applies to all Christians. Remember, “All Scripture is profitable …”

In Acts 20:24, we hear of Paul’s dedication and commitment to the cause of Christ; “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” Paul was faithful and persistent, even when his life was at risk. Though the “race” was often very difficult, Paul knew that all the effort was worth it. Near the end of his life, he made sure Timothy knew this:

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

To close this series, I offer this encouragement: No matter what trials, temptations, or obstacles you are facing, keep running the race to get the prize … finish well. Can you imagine the joy of hearing Christ say, “Well done, good and faithful servant?” Run well, my friend.

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Running the Race—Part 14: Promotion

2010-08-23T13:03:00.000-04:00

Unless you have planned a race, you probably think very little about race promotion, but this is a very important job. Somewhere along the line, someone has prepared posters and mailers to get the word out. Perhaps they have contacted local running clubs to solicit their involvement. If it were not for their efforts, there would be very few runners competing. That wouldn’t be much of a race, would it?

But, over time, word gets out. Runners see the promotional material and call their friends, inviting them to participate in the race, or perhaps run with them. Eventually, there is a sizable group, with people from various backgrounds, and with various abilities. Some may be hard-core runners, constantly looking for another race, working toward that elusive win, or just for the challenge. Others will consider it a big accomplishment just to finish the race. Yet, all assemble for the race and head out when the starting gun goes off.

Hmmm … people with various backgrounds and abilities. Sounds kind of like the church, doesn’t it? God calls people from various backgrounds and abilities to be his followers. This was the case with the disciples and it’s also the case with the people in your church. There is, however, one common tie between most of the people in the church: at some point in time, someone led them to Christ … someone spread the Word … someone shared the Good News. Who shared the Gospel with you?

While a race may have one “promoter” we are all called to be promoters of the faith. The last words of Christ before ascending into heaven (as recorded by Luke in the book of Acts) are, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8) We could also look at the Great Commission of Matthew 28:19-20 and remember Jesus’ command to go and make disciples.

If you look at the Christian life as the race of life, you could consider us all to be race promoters. Jesus gave us all the task of spreading the Word. While Christ said He would build His church (Mt. 16:18), he does it through His children. Are you doing the job Christ gave you? If not, start today. Just share the difference Christ has made in your life. Before long, you may have the opportunity to lead someone to Christ!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Running the Race—Part 13: Excitement

2010-08-16T14:18:00.000-04:00

Last weekend (Friday and Saturday), we went camping with my mom and sister near Big Rapids. This was the second time we were there when they had their annual triathlon. We couldn’t have missed it if we wanted to, because our tent was next to the transition area from swimming to biking. As the people gathered for the beginning of the race, there was a buzz of excitement in the air. Family members stood ready to cheer on the racers. The racers awaited the moment they had trained for … the beginning of the race. The excitement and cheers continued until the last competitor finished the race. While I had no intention of watching the race, the excitement of the competition drew me in.

Far too often, in the race of life, we lose that sense of excitement and enthusiasm. Sometimes we are overcome by the “tyranny of the urgent” - the many things that have to get done immediately leave us overwhelmed. Other times, we may get caught in a rut; we just keep doing things, or doing things the same way, and lose any sense of anticipation in life. If we’re not careful, we will find ourselves running in circles, but going nowhere. That kind of life is drained and defeated, not victorious.

While the mundane things need to get done (it’s often part of being a good steward), we cannot thrive when our lives are dominated by meaningless monotony. Jesus didn’t come to give us life that is boring, but “life to the full.” (John 10:10 NIV) Christians, of all people, should be excited and enthusiastic! We serve a living Savior, who died that we might live, and rose again that we might live forever and enjoy an indestructible inheritance (1 Peter 1:3-5).

If we will just open our spiritual eyes and look to see where God is at work, we will have reason to be excited. That excitement is energizing and contagious. Good coaches understand this, and give their athletes a pep talk before hitting the field, court, or track. So, this is my pep talk: God is at work, we just need to open our eyes to it and get excited about it. The race of life isn’t meant to be a drudgery, but an exciting adventure with God. Remember, “...he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6) So, keep “running” with a contagious excitement for what God is doing … you never know what might be around the next corner.

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Running the Race—Part 12: Compassion

2010-08-09T11:04:00.000-04:00

Janette and I like to watch The Biggest Loser. While the game play can get a bit frustrating, it’s exciting to see the transformation in the contestants as they go through the program. This past season, it seemed like the contestants really wanted to see each other succeed.

One encouraging thing that we saw this season, was the willingness of contestants to help each other reach the finish line in races (walking or running). Sometimes, they would run alongside another contestant for the whole race, encouraging them to keep pushing on. Other times, a contestant would finish the race and then go back to help their teammate or another contestant. While a few contestants may have seemed heartless, others were full of compassion.

Are you full of compassion? When you see someone struggling, what is your response? I hope that you are quick to help, like the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-27). I wonder why the Priest and the Levite passed by the robbed and beaten victim. Was it apathy, disgust at the man’s condition, or perhaps fear of also getting robbed and beaten? I don’t know. What we do know is what the Samaritan felt: “But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion.” (Luke 10:33) And, that compassion drove the Samaritan to action—he cared for the needs of the injured man.

In the race of life, we will come across all kinds of hurting people. Sometimes they will be complete strangers. Other times, they will be brothers and sisters in Christ whom we know personally. The question is, how will we react? Will we “cross the street” to avoid them, or will we have compassion and minister to their needs. I hope we all choose compassion every time.

Keep an eye out for people you can help, and then take at all-important step to help them!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Running the Race—Part 11: Training

2010-08-02T11:46:00.001-04:00

It would be crazy to try to run a 5 K race, or a marathon, on the spur of the moment. Without proper training, injury is much more likely, as our muscles, and our bodies in general, are not prepared for the physical demands of a race. Without conditioning and regular training, such an endeavor would result in much pain and possibly permanent damage. However, with proper training, one should be able to finish the race.

Just as a runner trains for a race, we all must train for running the race of life. The race of life has enough pain on its own, but running without proper training would only intensify and add to the pain. Proper training helps us to know our weak spots, and to be prepared to face temptation. You probably guessed it already, but the training I am speaking of is being grounded in God’s Word. Paul spoke of this in his letters to Timothy, and we would do well to pay attention:

Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. (1 Timothy 4:7-8)

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.(2 Timothy 3:16-17)

If we want to finish well, as I think we all do, we need to faithfully study God’s Word. Without the Bible, we are running the race unprepared, and will suffer much. With it, we have great hope of finishing well!
Furthermore, as runners benefit from training with others, pushing each other to another level, we are also meant to train together:

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

So, today’s encouragement is to train well, race well, and finish well!
In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Running the Race—Part 10: Equipped

2010-07-26T14:42:00.001-04:00

People who are serious about running are usually serious about what they wear. For instance, running shirts may have special ventilation and materials designed to “wick sweat away and help keep you dry and comfortable,” according to the Nike website. Many will wear tight fitting clothes to reduce wind resistance. Their shoes have to be ultra light with good support and traction. A person who wants to win a big race will do what ever they can to give themselves a competitive edge.

As we run the race of life, we also need the right “clothing.” Now, I’m not talking about fashion or even comfort … I’m talking about function. And, no, I’m not talking about your favorite shirt or that pair of jeans. What I am talking about is the armor of God, with which every Christian needs to be equipped at all times:

Ephesians 6:13-17 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God...

Just as we put on our clothes every morning, we also need to put on the armor of God every day. Each piece serves a function vital for keeping us spiritually alive. Satan is always on the attack, surrounding us with temptations. So, today, I encourage you to run the race equipped with the armor of God, so you are able to “stand firm,” advance the cause of Christ, and press on toward the prize!
In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Running the Race—Part 9: Focus

2010-07-13T11:06:00.000-04:00

I’m not much of a runner, but I do walk (from time to time) for exercise. When I walk for exercise, I am pretty focused … I may wave at someone I see along the way, but I usually keep going. However, if AJ and Wes are with me, they tend to get distracted. They like to check the apple trees along the road to see if anything is growing. They are observant, taking everything in, and often stopping to take a look along the way.

Now, I am not saying that we shouldn’t “stop and smell the roses” from time to time. What I am saying is that “running the race” successfully takes focus. I’m reminded of a commercial for a certain beverage: Two brothers enter a tandem bike race through the Alps, pull out a picture of their father, and say, “for papa.” They are in the lead when a nail punctures a tire. One brother starts making a repair, when the other gets distracted by a drink being poured. The second brother then “applies” the nail to the other tire, and their race is over. As they get their beverage, they notice a picture of their father who had apparently also been distracted during a race, and you see the rest of the racers go by in the distance. But, because they were distracted, they didn’t even notice … and, at this time, they didn’t even care.

As we run the race of life, we may get distracted from time to time. Fact is, the world, and the devil, constantly throw distractions our way. The question is, are we going to get off-track, or even worse, abandon the race? I hope and pray not! 1 Corinthians 9:24 speaks of running to obtain the prize. Philippians 3:14 says, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Doing that takes focus.

So, today, I remind you to stay in the race, or “keep your head in the game,” and don’t let the world distract you. Remember the mission God has given you: to share the Gospel and make disciples, so that in the end, you hear “well done, good and faithful servant!”

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Running the Race—Part 8: Hope

2010-07-05T11:09:00.001-04:00

I began this “Running the Race” series by looking at 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, and I would like to revisit verse 24 today: “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.”

All the runners run, but only one receives the prize. While some may run for the joy of running, I think most run with the hope that they could win the prize. However, at some point in the race, many runners will figure out that they are not going to come in first. Some will give up (give up hope) and drop out of the race. However, most will continue. Perhaps their motivation will be to finish with their personal best time … or just to finish the race.

In the race of life, I think we all “run” pursuing some goal or “prize.” Sometimes, that goal will be out of reach … at least for a time. The question is, how will we handle that realization? Will we give up … and give up hope? If we do that, we will find the race of life a drudgery, or something that we have to endure. There’s no joy in that.

On the other hand we may find a different goal and strive after that. Or, perhaps, we will keep working toward our original goal and see it as a long-term goal, realizing that God’s timing is often different than ours. Far too often, we get caught up in our current predicaments and fail to look to the future. Things that seem like mountains now will often look more like molehills when we are looking back.

So, what is today’s advice for running the race? Don’t give up hope! Keep pressing on! I think you will find some encouragement in the following verses: Romans 15:13; 2 Corinthians 1:7; Ephesians 1:18; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 6:11-12. And, finally,

Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:13)

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Running the Race—Part 7: Worship

2010-06-30T10:51:00.000-04:00

This week’s theme for running the race of life is worship. Worship is all about glory. Many times, runners in a race are not only striving for a prize … they are longing for the “glory” of winning the race. If the race is important, a victory may even result in fame, headlines, and magazine articles.

Likewise, in the race of life, we may long to receive accolades for our achievements … to be lifted up and glorified above our peers. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be the best we can be or to enjoy the appreciation of others. The problem comes when pride takes over and we are seeking glory for ourselves. In all things, we must remember that the glory belongs to God. Anything we can accomplish is a gift from His hand. 2 Corinthians 2:5 reminds us that our sufficiency comes from God, not ourselves. We looked at this a couple of weeks ago, with the theme, empowered.

Today, we remember the importance of giving God the glory due Him. Psalm 29:2 (and 1 Chr. 16:29) reminds us of our duty:

Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness.

If we are regularly giving God the glory due Him, we will be less likely to claim His glory for ourselves. Our lives should be characterized by worship. If something good happens, thank God for it. If times are tough, thank Him that He is still on the throne. When someone gives you praise for something you did, graciously accept, and thank God for enabling you. If you see a beautiful sight, praise God for His creative genius.

In all things, give God the first place in your life. Live a life of worship. Run the race so that He might be glorified. And, never forget to “ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name!”

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Father's Day

2010-06-30T10:49:00.000-04:00

Happy Father’s Day! While I am not here to celebrate it with you, I am glad that I have this week to spend with my family. Though it may be tiring, I’m confident that it will be memorable.

I can’t remember where I heard it, but someone gave an interesting “definition” of a dad: a man with pictures in his wallet where money used to be. I thought that was pretty good. Though not all fathers are so generous, it is a joy to provide things for your children, isn’t it. But, far more important than giving “things” is giving time. So, today, I encourage you to spend some quality time with your family. If you can’t be with them, at least make a phone call.

As you celebrate today, I also encourage you to think about the people who have invested their lives into yours. Whether it is a parent, a Sunday School teacher, a pastor, or a friend, take the time to tell them “Thank You” (if they are still living). Make a phone call, write a letter, send an e-mail or text message … just make contact if you can.

I hope that this Father’s Day is a good one!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Running the Race—Part 6: Endurance

2010-06-14T10:47:00.000-04:00

Last week, we looked at running the race “empowered.” This means running the race in God’s strength, acknowledging that we cannot do it on our own. However, that does not leave us without responsibility. We also have to run the race with ENDURANCE (that’s our part). We looked at Hebrews 12:1 before, but we need to consider it again:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us … (Hebrews 12:1 ESV emphasis mine)

Instead of “endurance”, the KJV uses “patience.” NIV says, “perseverance.” Any way you look at it, it doesn’t sound very fun, does it. Endurance, patience, and perseverance all speak of determined effort over time. They also speak of something that isn’t easy. Let’s face it, we are never promised smooth sailing through the Christian life. Instead, we are told to “...rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance … (Romans 5:3).” Paul taught his protégé Timothy to, “... always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. (2 Timothy 4:5).”

We all face tough days. Some are far tougher than others. But, we must never give up. Like Hebrews 12:2 says, we must keep our eyes on “Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.” We must keep going so that, in the end, like Paul, we can say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7)”

So, when the race seems easy, thank God! When the race is hard, pray for help and keep going. Ask God for strength (empowerment), and “… press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.… (Phil 3:14).”

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Running the Race—Part 5: Empowered

2010-06-08T09:57:00.001-04:00

As we run the race of life, we must remember that we are not running alone. Yes, there are others running along side of us, but I was thinking about God Himself.

We must do our part, which is to be ready and willing. Perhaps you are thinking that I left out “able.” I left it out intentionally. If we are honest, I think that we would admit that we often run the race in our own ability and strength. When we do that, we quickly find ourselves depleted, drained, and weary. However, that is not the way we are supposed to run the race.

We are supposed to run it EMPOWERED. While we do use our strength, we have even greater strength available for the asking … God’s strength. Consider what Paul has to say to the churches of Colossae and Ephesus, and to Timothy:

Colossians 1:11-12: May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.

1 Timothy 1:12 I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service...

Paul knew that we could not effectively run the race or carry out the mission God gave us in our own strength. Led by the Spirit, Paul reminded us that we don’t have to. The God who gave us our mission and instructions for the race also enables us to carry out His plan. But, we have to ask for His help and rely on His strength.

So, when you have been running on your own strength and are feeling depleted, drained, and/or weary in the race of life, remember the source of true strength and ability, God Himself. If you’re doing His will, He will provide the strength you need!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Running the Race—Part 4: Praying

2010-06-01T13:48:00.002-04:00

You’ve all heard the phrase, “a fish out of water,” and I think that gives us a good illustration for today’s concept about running the race of life. Just as a fish out of water can’t get the oxygen it needs, we cannot get the oxygen we need if we don’t breathe. Just holding your breath for 15 seconds, you begin to feel uncomfortable. After 30 seconds, you will really need a breath (assuming you haven’t passed out yet). And, if you’ve ever felt like you can’t catch your breath, you know what a fish out of water feels like.

But, what does this have to do with the race of life? Everything. Just as we need to breathe to keep functioning, the believer needs to pray to keep functioning in the Christian race. Just as a fish out of water will soon die, the Christian without prayer will soon find that a piece of him or her has died. There is, however, great potential for revival if we will turn and pray. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 reminds us that prayer is to be constant, like drawing a spiritual breath:

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Did you catch the terms: always, without ceasing, in all circumstances? Paul says that “this is the will of God.” So, then, if we fail to rejoice, PRAY, and/or give thanks, perhaps we are functioning like a fish out of water … maybe not spiritually dead yet, but struggling to stay alive. Just as our bodies need a breath of oxygen, our souls need a breath of prayer.

So, as you run the race of life, pray frequently. It should be as natural as breathing. Likewise, if we go without praying, we miss out on that life giving refreshment that comes from frequent communication with God.

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Running the Race—Part 3: Surrendered

2010-05-25T09:31:00.001-04:00

In order to run the race of life to get the prize, we must be prepared and intentional. Those two things seem obvious, don’t they. However, this week’s suggestion is a little less obvious; we also need to be SURRENDERED.

Now, that’s not a term I’d expect to hear from a track / running coach, but it does fit the race of life. In a race, there are certain guidelines and rules. For instance, a course is laid out, and runners are expected to stay on the course. There may also be rules concerning certain performance enhancing substances or equipment. Whatever they may be, the rules and guidelines attempt to make it a fair and level playing field for everyone involved.

Back to the race of life, people don’t always play by the rules. In my library, I have a leadership book entitled, “First, Break All The Rules: What The World’s Greatest Managers Do Differently.” I haven’t read it yet, but I’m guessing it deals with challenging assumptions rather than formal rules. But, in the race of life, some people may see rules (or laws) merely as something of a challenge, instead of something that applies to them. People may take “short cuts” that end up having ramifications for themselves or others, when they should have stayed on the course. Furthermore, we often assume that we know best, and are unwilling to listen to what others have to say, not realizing that their perspective could help spare us some long-term grief. Finally, this world seems to be characterized by people who are always trying to get ahead, and at all costs. It doesn’t matter what or who they destroy if they end up “on top.” In the end, people who run the race in these ways will find themselves stripped of the prize.

Instead, we are to run the race surrendered to God. As Romans 12:1-2 says, we are to be “living sacrifices” and not conformed to this world. To run the race as a living sacrifice, we have to follow certain guidelines. We run the race in the following manner: holy—following God’s rules, acceptable—following God’s route, with reasonable worship/service—following God’s plan, and with a renewed mind—as God’s ambassador to those around us. If we run the race in this manner we are striving for a prize that is given by Jesus Himself, and no one can take that away from us. So, keep striving for the prize!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Running the Race—Part 2: Intentional

2010-05-17T12:05:00.001-04:00

Last week, I began to develop the theme I will be speaking on for Good News Camp’s Memorial Day family camp: “Without excuse: run in such a way as to get the prize.” I began with the concept of being PREPARED to run the race of life.
Successfully running the race of life also requires us to be INTENTIONAL. Hebrews 12:1-2 gives us some advice:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

First, we are told to “lay aside every weight.” While a runner may train with ankle weights, he/she would never run the race with that encumbrance. Now, as runners in the “race of life,” we must also remove the baggage that weighs us down. We all have it. But, why keep carrying it? There’s no good reason. Christ has set us free!
Likewise, sin can weigh us down, and it “clings so closely.” But, Christ broke the power of sin. When we confess sin to God, we are forgiven and freed. Though temptation comes all too often, God will help, and we can find victory in Him.
To achieve ultimate victory, we must also recognize that the race has been “set before us.” Jesus laid out the path for us, and has shown us how to run it. Further, the Bible shows us the layout of the course and provides warnings about the pitfalls and hazards we may face along the way. However, when we insist on running it our way, we are running blind or blazing a trail that need not be created. So, stay on course!
Finally, we must keep “looking to Jesus.” He is our encourager and running coach. He will never lead us astray or leave us alone. He is the bread of life and also provides living water that can permanently quench our thirst. If we are looking to Jesus, we can keep running no matter what comes our way.
So, stay on course and keep running!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Running the Race

2010-05-10T10:23:00.001-04:00

I have been asked to be the speaker for this year’s Memorial Day family camp at Good News Camp. Their theme for the summer is “Without excuse: run in such a way as to get the prize,” with a focus on 1 Corinthians 9:24. Let me add a few verses for context, and then, over the next few weeks, I’ll give you an overview of where I am going with the Bible teaching time.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

As you well know, this isn’t just speaking about a literal race. It’s a metaphor for the Christian life. At times, the race may seem like it’s a sprint, but most have described it as a marathon. Maybe your race feels like a cross-country race — with a lot of ups and downs and a variety of terrain. Or, perhaps, your race feels like it is run on a track—relatively smooth, but sometimes feeling like you’re going in circles. Either way, I hope you feel like you are accomplishing something as you strive for the prize.
No matter the terrain, we need to be prepared ...It would be crazy for a person who has never run to start out with a marathon. Being prepared takes training. Successfully running the race of life also takes training. Our trainer is God. The training manual is the Bible. The training regimen involves regular reading of (or listening to) God’s Word, prayer, and involvement with His Church. As we heed His instruction, we will find ourselves more and more prepared for the “race.” If we do our part, and let God do His part, we will find ourselves prepared. To find out what that looks like, open your Bible and turn to 1 Thessalonians 5:23.
(To be continued …)
In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Remembering the Past, But Looking To The Future

2010-05-03T11:20:00.000-04:00

Something from 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 caught my attention this week. As Jesus anticipated His crucifixion, He told the disciples to “Do this in remembrance of me” twice. In doing so, Jesus made it doubly clear that His followers were to remember this day and this observance.

But, Paul made it clear that we are also to look forward, to the future, at the Lord’s Supper; “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes” (1 Cor. 11:26 Emphasis mine). Both the remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice and the hope of His return should change how we live and act in this world and carry out the work of the ministry that Christ has entrusted to us.

As we consider how to reach this fallen world with the Good News of Jesus Christ, we need to follow the example from 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 … we need to remember the past, but keep looking to the future. We should hold onto meaningful tradition (but not tradition for tradition’s sake alone) and timeless Truth (the Word of God). But, we must also recognize that this world keeps changing. If we fail to recognize this and adapt, we will find that we’ve tailored our ministry to serve only one generation. While we may make efforts (and even see some success) to reach other generations, we will have a hard time keeping them. As Aaron Thomason mentioned at the CEF Banquet, they think and do things differently. If we are not careful, the next generation will find that they don’t fit in to our way of doing things. As the saying goes, it’s awfully hard to fit a square peg into a round hole.

But, how do we minister effectively to multiple generations? Well, that’s the hard part, and I don’t have all the answers. This is something we all must be thinking, praying, and acting on if we want to obey Christ, do the work of the Great Commission, and see this ministry flourish in the years to come. I think we’ve still got some work to do in this area. Will you commit to pray with me about this? Will you be involved in the process (what ever that may be)? Please let me know.

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

What Is and What Can Be

2010-04-26T14:33:00.000-04:00

Some people are realists … they look at things as they are. For the realist, things tend to be “black and white” and the assumption is that things and people basically stay the same. If a realist isn’t careful, he will soon find that he has become cynical and/or pessimistic.

On the other hand, others are dreamers. Dreamers take a look at the way things are, but imagine a better future. When it’s within their power, they begin to take action to make that future happen. They embrace change and are innovators. But, if dreamers aren’t careful, they can end up with their heads in the clouds and have a hard time dealing with the way things are.

Truth be told, we live in the balance between “what is” and “what can be.” We need to be realistic, recognizing the way things are and the challenges we face. But, we also need to dream a bit, and consider what could be. If we don’t, we will constantly be discouraged. As Christians, we must never lose hope! Jesus, speaking of the difficulty for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God, said, "...With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Mt. 19:26)

As Christians, then, I think that we are supposed to be realistic dreamers. We need to consider the way things are with an eye toward what can be. We live and serve in a broken world and have our limitations. However, “with God all things are possible.” After all, he continues to take unworthy people, like (insert your name here), who deserve eternal judgment and calls them His children, when they receive Him as Lord and Savior. God definitely has an eye for what can be: For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jer. 29:11)

This week, I invite you to do some dreaming … look at the people around you and our church with an eye for what can be. Now, take that to the Lord in prayer, and see what He can do!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

God Knows and He Is There!

2010-04-20T17:51:00.000-04:00

Throughout our lives, we face a variety of challenges and trials. Early in life, some small challenges seemed like mountains. As life progressed, we realize that those things were more like mole-hills, especially compared to other things we have faced along the way. Hopefully, as we have grown, our responses to crises have developed as well. Now, I’m not saying that facing a crisis, however small, is ever easy. It’s not … crises may vary in degree, but they are never easy.

One of Dictionary.com’s definitions of a crisis is, “a dramatic emotional or circumstantial upheaval in a person's life.” Many of us have been through times like these. In the moment, it may seem like our life is crashing in on us. However, once we are through the crisis, we realize that our life hasn’t crashed in on us … but it has probably changed one way or another. The question is, how will we deal with it (the change and/or the crisis)?

I could go into the various stages of grief, or typical responses to crises (in my chaplain training, they called these “normal responses to abnormal situations”), but I won’t. Instead, I’ll give you one statement that I have seen make a big difference:

“God knows, and He is there.”

It’s simple, but oh so profound. Now, this statement doesn’t usually stand by itself. It usually comes after reading Psalm 46:1-7, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble …” and Psalm 23, both of which speak of God’s presence and care for us. The phrase, “God knows, and He is there” also stands on a person’s walk with God throughout the years. In six simple words, it reminds us of how God has been faithful throughout our lives and His promise that He will never leave or forsake us.

So, what ever you may be going through today, remember, “God knows, and He is there!”

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Celebration & Momentum

2010-04-12T11:13:00.000-04:00

Throughout the church year, there are several days that get special attention. Many of these are holidays that we celebrate as a nation, and throughout the world. Sometimes, we have special events in the lives of the people here, and so, we celebrate. But, when we consider Christian holidays, Christmas and Easter rise to the top of the list. We put in extra effort to make those days extra special, and we anticipate more people coming for the morning service. Now, here we are … one week after Easter. Christmas is either a distant memory, or something we see as several months away. We’ve just celebrated Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter … what now?

Well, in many ways, life is back to “normal” (whatever that is). While we still look forward to events on the church calendar, the mood of celebration seems to die down a bit. I don’t miss the hectic pace of the holidays, but I do wish that the celebration would continue. I wish that we would have that sense of anticipation and celebration every time we gather for worship! I wish we would all come into the church building prepared to worship God and share stories of how He has worked in our lives over that past week. I long for that sense of anticipation … expecting God to do something special in our midst each Sunday.

Truth be told, I believe that God does do something special in our midst each Sunday. But, do we look for it or notice it when it happens. Maybe He lifts someone’s burdens. Maybe He encourages someone who was feeling discouraged. Maybe He delivers someone from a temptation that has been a week-long struggle. In any case, He is here when we gather in His name … now, that’s something special! So, as we gather for worship, let’s keep up the celebration and momentum, and remember Jesus’ words; “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." (Matthew 18:20) Now, let’s honor Him and celebrate His presence!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

The Cost of Abundant Life

2010-04-05T17:02:00.000-04:00

For most of us, John 10:10 is a familiar verse: "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (NKJV) Sometimes we see the first verse quoted. Sometimes it is just the last half that is used. We like to focus in on the last part, don’t we? But, we must never forget the context.

Here’s verse 11: "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” While we are quick to recognize that Jesus is talking about self-sacrificing love and service, we must take time to consider the full extent of what Jesus is talking about. Consider verses 17-18:

17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father." (ESV)

Jesus is speaking about nothing less than his death and resurrection! And, His coming to give us life “more abundantly,” or “to the full” (NIV), required both. We could not have truly abundant life while bound by our sin, so His perfect sacrifice on the cross was vital. Neither could we have new life from God without His resurrection. Paul reminds us of this in Romans 6:4:

We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

So, when you hear, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly,” remember the cost (the cross) and celebrate the new life that came through the resurrection!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Pondering The Triumphal Entry

2010-03-29T13:37:00.000-04:00

As I was praying about what to write this week, a thought occurred to me: I wonder what was going through Jesus’ head during the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. As he made his way toward Jerusalem, the crowds laid out palm branches and their cloaks before him and shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" (Matthew 21:9) It must have been a spectacular scene. But, in one week, the crowd would be saying something quite different: “Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, but they kept shouting, "Crucify, crucify him!" (Luke 23:20-21) Instead of the worship he was receiving on this day, he would receive scorn. Instead of palm branches laid before him, he would be nailed to a cross. What a difference a week can make!

Webster defines cynical as, “denying the sincerity of people or the value of life.” If any one of us were there and knew what was about to happen, I suspect that Webster’s definition would have applied to us. Knowing what we know now, we probably would have looked at the crowds with disgust or disdain. However, I’m sure that Jesus looked at the crowds with compassion. He knew that the cross was exactly what the people needed. He knew that his redemptive mission had to be completed, no matter the cost.

I think Jesus looked at the momentary glory as a taste of the unending glory that was to come. Though the coming days would be horrific, he knew it was part of fulfilling the Father’s perfect plan. So, on this Palm Sunday, I encourage you to do what the author of Hebrews says, and keep “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2) Now, give him the glory he deserves!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Last Week’s Conference

2010-03-22T16:24:00.000-04:00

Most of you know that I attended a conference this last week. While I suspect that most of you don’t want to know all the details, I would like to share a few highlights with you. First, the conference was intended for police chaplains, which has been an area of interest to me. Don’t worry, it’s a voluntary thing that doesn't necessarily take up a lot of time (unless there is a crisis to deal with). Specifically, I would like to work with the Michigan State Police, and there may be an opportunity to serve the Sandusky (MI) Post. Please pray that God would open that door if it’s His will.

While the discussions were specifically tailored for working with police officers, the topics (for the most part) were just as applicable for ministry in this broken world: death notification, suicide, substance abuse, stress management, burnout, and responding to a crisis—to name a few. While a pastor never looks forward to dealing with these kinds of things, we need to be prepared. And, I can tell you, I’m more prepared than I was a week ago.

Secondly, since most of the people there for the conference were also pastors, I had the privilege of fellowshipping and praying with some of them. At one lunch break, three of us reflected on God’s provision at various times in our lives. In many ways, we had a little worship service at that Wendy’s Restaurant. Another time, I prayed with a Michigan State Police Chaplain and an Inkster PD Chaplain in a common area of the hotel. These men truly had a passion for God and ministry, and their prayers reflected that. The Spirit was definitely there in these moments.

So, all in all, the conference far exceeded my expectations on many levels. Thanks for recognizing that pastors need to get away from our normal settings and find refreshment from time to time!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Warmer Temps and Sunshine

2010-03-19T13:12:00.002-04:00

(This post is a bit late. It's from Sunday, March 14)

This past week started with some unseasonably warm and beautiful days, didn't it? By Tuesday afternoon, a jacket seemed too warm. Sadly, by the evening, it was time to get the jacket back on. Nonetheless, it was still a good night to use the grill.

The sunshine and warmer temperatures seem to lift peoples' spirits. You see more smiles. The talk about the weather is actually pleasant, if not happy. But, this is still March in Michigan ... things can and do change quickly. As I type this up on Wednesday, the rain hasn't come yet, but the forecast shows rain for the rest of the week. I guess we'll know if they were right by the time you read this.

The church is a place where we should always find pleasant, warm "temperatures" and smiling faces. As we gather with other believers, we should find that encouragement that comes from being with people who genuinely care about you and want to see you flourish. As Jesus said, "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35) The book of Hebrews also reminds us what "church life" ought to be:

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

I hope that you have both found and extended a warm welcome this morning. Take a look at those around you, and try to figure out how you could encourage them today. Now, go do it!

In His grip,

Pastor Decker

Possibilities and Potential

2010-03-08T11:58:00.000-05:00

When you look at people, what do you see? Do you see potential or do you just see what currently is? The difference between these two perspectives can be substantial. Take Wednesday nights for example; some of the kids we serve are pretty rough around the edges. But, as this church has seen in the past, some of those kids may end up being the pastors and church leaders of the future. When someone fully yields their life to Jesus Christ, amazing things can, and do, happen. From time to time, the kids even sing about it without realizing it:

I am a promise. I am a possibility. I am a promise with a capital "P." I am a great big bundle of potentiality. And I am learnin' to hear God's voice. And I am tryin' to make the right choice. I am a promise to be anything God wants me to be.

While we may think of this as a children’s Sunday School song, there is great truth to it, isn’t there? Even when God’s people were about to face Judgment (i.e. Babylonian Captivity), God still saw potential:

For thus says the LORD: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:10-11 ESV)

So, today, I encourage you to look at other people (especially those who rub you the wrong way) and wonder what they could be if they turned their lives over to God. If you look at them considering what God could do, your perspective will change, and you may just find yourself sharing Christ with them. Praise God, He saw potential in all of us!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Weather Forecasts and God’s Word

2010-03-01T14:39:00.000-05:00

Over the past few weeks, we have had predictions of snowstorms that were supposed to bring 4-8 inches of snow each. While some of you may have gotten that much snow, we didn’t get near that much snow around the church. Instead, we may have gotten around 3 inches from each storm, but it is hard to tell with all the snow blowing around and then melting. As I heard the predictions, I thought, “I hope we don’t get that much, but I’m not too worried.” The weathermen do their best to analyze weather patterns, storm history, and the like, but in the end, a forecast is an educated guess. Don’t get me wrong … I appreciate the work they do, but I usually take the forecast as a general idea of what it might be like. It is Michigan after all.

God’s Word, however, can be fully relied upon. When people (like Josh McDowell and Lee Strobel) have tried to prove it wrong, they quickly find that they were wrong and often find salvation in/through Jesus Christ. The Bible is filled with true stories of God accomplishing what He said He would do. And, those who trusted often got to enjoy the benefits of believing. Joshua and Caleb come to mind in particular. Because they believed, they were the only ones of their generation that were allowed to enter the promised land. Or, imagine being there when the walls of Jericho fell, after using a very unusual means of attack (in obedience to God). Yes, God is faithful to keep His Word.

So, when God promises a bright future to those who find salvation in Jesus Christ, I know that I can have that confident expectation that is the Bible’s picture of hope. Maybe that’s why Revelation 21 and 22 frequently come to mind. If you haven’t read these chapters in a while, I invite you to read them today. It isn’t just a prediction of what might be (like the weather forecast), it is a statement of what certainly will be.

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Recipe for Faithful Living

2010-02-22T14:29:00.002-05:00

Every once in a while, one of you hand me something that has been an encouragement to you and that you think might be beneficial for others at DCC. A couple of months ago, Dale Linder gave me a small sheet of paper with the following on it:

Recipe For Faithful Living
Live Simply,
Love Generously,
Serve Faithfully,
Speak Truthfully,
Pray Daily,
And Leave the Rest to God.

A — Ask and it will be given you,
For everyone who asks receives.

S — Seek and you will find, for
Everyone who seeks finds.

K — Knock and the door will be
Opened to you, for to the one
Who knocks it will be opened.

We know that the “ask—seek—knock” formula comes directly from Christ (Matthew 7:7-8; Luke 11:9-10), but I am not sure who came up with the recipe formulation. Nonetheless, it speaks well of the Christian life. Thanks, Dale, for this good reminder about faithful living!

In His grip,
Pastor Decker

P.S. I am unable to provide any citation for the "Recipe for Faithful Living" because I have no information on the author.

Asking and Receiving

2010-02-15T14:01:00.000-05:00

This morning (Wednesday), Janette asked me what time I was going to make our reservations for our summer vacation. I’ve been “going to do it” for the last month, but I got the hint, figured out the details, and made the reservations this afternoon. Most of you probably know, but we are planning to go to Disney World ® this summer. We’ve been saving for several years, and the boys have been talking about it for the last year or so.

After I got all the details nailed down with the agent, I let her know I was a AAA member, and asked about the discount. She informed me that we could not get the AAA discount on the rooms when they’re part of a package. So, I asked her what the cost would be to do it separately. She paused for a minute and then came back with a discount she could use (it was even better than the AAA discount). I’m glad I asked, because we saved over $500 on the package! If I hadn’t asked, we would have paid far more than we had to.

This reminded me of Jesus’ words, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7) John records it a little differently: “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (John 15:7) Based on the difference in context, I suspect that Jesus spoke these similar things at different times. In John, the context is about bearing fruit for Christ. He also qualifies our asking by our abiding in Him. In either case, I believe that the receiving comes when we are asking and praying like Jesus instructed us: “Thy will be done.” (Mt. 6:10)

Still, the question remains, are we abiding AND asking? If we’re not abiding in Him, our asking often proves fruitless. Or, if we are abiding, but not asking … what might we be missing out on? I don’t mean to sound like Bruce Wilkinson (The Prayer of Jabez) but, still, I wonder… Lord, please do your will in and through your people here at Dayton Center Church.
In His grip,
Pastor Decker

Perspective

2010-02-09T14:23:00.000-05:00

This past Monday, I had a new experience; I rode along with a State Trooper from the Caro Post. It was a quiet night, with no more excitement than routine traffic stops, and I am happy to report that none of them involved people from DCC. It was interesting to get to know the trooper and more about his work. I hope I was an encouragement to him, or at least good company for his shift.

I don’t know about you, but I tend to pay extra careful attention to my speed and driving anytime I see a police officer out on patrol. I think most people slow down, out of instinct, regardless of what speed they are going. And, for those who get stopped, a variety of emotions (frustration, nervousness, fear, etc.) come to the surface. I’m sure a number of things also run through the trooper’s mind. One thing that he wondered out loud was, “I wonder what their story (excuse) is going to be.” And, there were several … some believable, some not so likely. The trooper wasn’t “out to get” anyone, he was just upholding the law. He was a regular guy doing his job. Nonetheless, I’m sure the person stopped and the trooper had different perspectives on the situation.

I wonder how many people in this world look at God like the person who was speeding or violating some other traffic law looks at the trooper when that red light is flashing. Perhaps they look at God’s Word like they do the speed limit. Perhaps they see God as someone to be avoided, if at all possible. However, they will not be able to avoid God forever. And, if they try long enough, they will find His judgment instead of love and grace.

My question is this: When non-Christians see us, do they see God’s judgment or His love. While we need to call sin “sin,” we first need to show God’s love and grace to those around us. When we see the sins of others, I hope that we never forget that our sins have been forgiven. Indeed, we have been forgiven much. May God’s love, forgiveness, and grace be evident to all we meet.

In His grip,
Pastor Decker