WISDOM WEDNESDAY 

Vol. 1 Issue 6 - 3-30-22

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 

- II Peter 3:18

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Greetings Church,

This last week has caused me to be busy with family and fellowship. Time has run a muck, even though I asked a brother to pray for my proper time management. This busyness has prompted a reflection upon how well do we prepare for worship each week. It has also brought thoughts as to whether it should be weekly or daily.

Scripture encourages us to realize that worship is not just a once a week act but one in which we are called to daily. We often consider this personal or private worship. From this perspective we also find the need for family worship. In Deuteronomy 6:6-7 we are taught, "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." This focus of attention covers the fullness of our lives as we strive to bring to application the truth of God's Word each and every day and in every situation we face.

Paul in Romans 12:1 states, "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." Here Paul brings into perspective that our daily living is an act of worship. This text along with I Corinthians 10:31, "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God", help us to realize that preparing for worship is not only to be daily but that worship is to be daily. We as individual followers of Christ are to offer ourselves as living sacrifices daily. This daily act is the foundation upon which we prepare for corporate worship as we gather as the body of Christ on Sunday. It is out of this nourishment that we come prepared to worship.

As we build upon and prepare our hearts for corporate worship through personal or private worship we must heed the Word's instruction for that worship. In Psalm 100:4 it says, "Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!" The psalmist gives us guidance as to how we are to prepare for our entrance into the Lord's presence. We are to do so with thanksgiving and praise but it must be accompanied by a full recognition of His name. Blessing His name carries the acknowledgment of the fullness of God's character and attributes. In Ecclesiastes 5:1, Solomon writes, "Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is far better than to offer the sacrifice of fools for they do not know that they are doing evil." How we come into our worship setting is vitally important. The current church culture wants to make the setting so casual that we make it about us and our comfort and not about God and His glory. We must walk a balanced approach to the Lord recognizing our need for reverence and our need to be welcoming. This balance can only be maintained if we are spending the necessary time preparing for worship. We cannot put on the attitude of worship when we walk through the doors as if putting on the right clothing for church. The whole focus of worship is about Him and His expectations not our comfort or habit.

In Hebrews 10:23-25 we read, "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." Worship in these last days is critically important to our growth as individuals and as the body of Christ. Without it we will slowly grow weary and weak in our faith. Gathering as the body of Christ as each part does its work to prepare will build us up. "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit." - Ephesians 3:19-22. May the Lord Himself continue to bring us into His presence as we respond in faithful preparation for worship personally and corporately.

Blessings,
PBS

WISDOM WEDNESDAY          

Vol. 1 Issue 5 - 3-23-22

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 

- II Peter 3:18

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Greetings Church,

We have heard many times on a particular television commercial that "a mind is a terrible thing to waste"(Arthur Fletcher - United Negro College Fund) Yet when it comes to the fears in our lives we truly do waste our minds. We become consumed with fear and forgetfulness. We find our thoughts distracted by those fears so that we do not seek the solutions God has already revealed in His Word. We let the pressures of the world dictate the direction of our minds and our hearts. The challenge in the midst of fear is to remember the Word of God and its promises. For those promises are God's and they are given to us to be encouraged and blessed.

I would like to bring to our remembrance three things that will help us seek out the Lord's direction in our lives. The first is that of the faithful work of the Word. "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:10,11) Isaiah shares a very simple yet profound picture for us to understand the faithfulness of the Word of God. We all experience the rain and snow as it accomplishes its purpose. Even though there are times we are disgusted with the rain or the amount of the cold winter snow, it continues toward its purpose. Isaiah says, "so shall my word". We need to remember that time in the Word is never to be monotonous, it is to be pursued with faithfulness as it will always accomplish that which God purposes.

Secondly, regardless of our situation we must count on the Word and its power because it cannot be bound. Paul in II Timothy 2:8,9 says, "Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound!" How many times have we thought in the midst of our own bondage that we have nowhere to turn. Nothing is going to help us. Paul reminds us in his own bondage that the Word is not bound. What a joy to know that the Word that is purposeful is also the word that cannot be bound. What a blessing to turn to the Word and find the promises that free us from the bondage we have put ourselves in through fear, doubt or anxiety. Let us purpose to explore daily the wonder of the truth found in the Word of God.

Thirdly, in II Timothy 3:16,17 we find a familiar passage that continues our theme of encouragement. "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 complete, equipped for every good work." All Scripture is inspired, breathed out by God. It is His very Word. We should and must trust it fully because He has shared it and given it to us. It is a Word that is purposeful and free. The Word is profitable to the fullness of our lives. It teaches us all things for our daily walk with the Lord. It reproves us or rebukes us for it convicts us of sin. It corrects us so that we are restored to our right position before a holy God. It trains us in righteousness for we are but children before Him. It thoroughly equips us so that we are complete in order to do the work. "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10)

As Christians in a fallen world we must take care not to let the world influence us unto fear or forgetfulness. Whatever the issue we are facing, the Word of God can answer. Let us purpose daily to be in it and let us let it wash over our hearts and minds that our focus will be upon Him and not this world.

Blessings,

PBS

WISDOM WEDNESDAY                                                        

Vol. 1 Issue 4 - 3-16-22

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 

- II Peter 3:18

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Greetings Church,

These last couple days have found me battling the bug and it has been a long time since this has visited my doorstep. Oh, yes, I did have COVID-19 back in November and the two are not alike. Either way these illnesses give me pause to give thanks to the Lord for the reminder that my whole life is dependent upon Him.

David writes these words as he opens Psalm 103, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all you iniquity, who heals all you diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."(Psalm 103:1-5) First note that David is speaking to himself. Calling upon his heart to focus its attention upon the Lord. The fullness of all that is within him is to praise the Lord. We often forget that the answers to our problems are only a prayer away. David's reminder to himself to action is a reminder to us to let the Lord lead our heart into His presence, to bless Him and His holy name.

Secondly, we see David building upon the blessing of the Lord by reflecting upon His benefits. Actually, David is pointing to the work of the Lord in our lives. He asks himself and us to consider what we remember about the Lord in the dailiness of our lives. He does so with a broad introduction with the words, "forget not all his benefits". This is an all inclusive statement that we must ponder. We need not limit ourselves just to this text but the fullness of the word of God. God has revealed all we need to understand as to what it means to follow faithfully after Him. His word is sufficient and authoritative in its fullness, from beginning to end. As the Apostle Peter put it, "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence."(II Peter 1:3)

As David reflects, he shares a brief list before he moves on to a historical narrative in verse 6 and following. The Lord forgives, heals, redeems, crowns, satisfies and renews. This list is not all inclusive of His benefits but summarizes for us the impact that they make upon the dailiness of our lives. They reveal to David's heart and our own that they will bring us through any issue we face. These benefits get to the heart of our needs and how the Lord provides perfectly for them. We are to bless the Lord for the forgiveness He offers that works to resolve the fullness of our iniquities. Nothing is not covered by this forgiveness given to us in faith in Christ. We are to bless the Lord for He heals all our diseases, a promise that is not just fulfilled in our lives here on earth but in all eternity. The healing ultimately is both the physical and spiritual. We are to bless the Lord for He redeems our lives from the pit. The redemption is from corruption and points to His daily concern for our well-being. We are to bless the Lord for He crowns us with steadfast love and mercy. Here the Lord imparts to us all we need to live out the life of faith in Him as His love empowers us to love and show mercy. We are to bless the Lord for He satisfies us with good. How often have we searched for satisfaction in things that are fleeting and fail to remember His provision of satisfying good. We are to bless the Lord for the renewal of our youthfulness like unto the eagle's. Regardless of our age He renews the depth of our faith daily that we might sore with ease and grace like an eagle.

All these interlock together to remind us of why David needs and we need to bless the Lord. Our God is truly an awesome God and worthy to be praised. I pray that in whatever circumstance you find yourselves that you would bless the Lord with the fullness of who you are. That each day is a reminder of the fullness of grace He faithfully extends to each and everyone of us.

Blessings,
PBS

WISDOM WEDNESDAY 

Vol. 1 Issue 3 - 3-9-22

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 

- II Peter 3:18

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Greetings Church,

This evening the Finance Committee worked on the budget for 2022-2023 and did so with great joy and thanksgiving. With joy because we were able to complete the task in a faithful concise manner. With thanksgiving because of the faithfulness of those gathered at WCC to give freely and consistently. Over the last 20 years the Lord has provided for all our needs for ministry perfectly every year. He has given us hearts to grow in our giving and hearts to serve with our giving. In my experience as a pastor the finances of a local church are a direct correlation to its spiritual maturity. Faithful giving comes from hearts that are faithful to the Lord. For this I am truly blessed to be the pastor of this church, that I am able to witness your commitment to Christ to give and to serve.

I am reminded of Paul's thoughts in Philippians 4 as he reflects upon the revived concern the Philippian believers have for his ongoing ministry. He expresses his thanksgiving when he says, "I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me."(Philippians 4:10)

Their concern has been revived for him and he does not thank them but thanks the Lord for them. This is a valuable lesson to keep in mind so that we do not celebrate the flesh but celebrate the provider, namely the Lord. Paul consistently points to the Lord as the one to give thanks to and to give thanks for those He provides. Paul goes on, "You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity."(Philippians 4:10b). He acknowledges their concern and it is precious to him even though they did not have an opportunity to show it. He is grateful for that concern.

Paul wishes to clarify his position so that they do not misunderstand what he has just said. He doesn't want them to think he is ungrateful. Listen to his heart, "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need."(Philippians 4:11-12) Do you hear that? He has learned to be content regardless of the circumstances. He didn't just wake up one day and understand this but he learned it through life experience. Through being brought low, how to abound, facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. We can learn much just from listening to Paul's own personal growth.

Yet, we must also understand that this learning is not in his own wisdom or power. He makes a bold claim with these words that give power to his contentment, "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13) Jesus, the Lord gives him the strength needed to be content in abundance and in need. This is not a victory statement that suggests we only get the strength when we win but that we get the strength needed always for whatever circumstance we find ourselves in. As I noted last week we often falsely believe that we deserve to be free from suffering, we do the same thing concerning strength. We think with Jesus in our corner or in our pocket we cannot fail. Though true to some extent, we can find ourselves worshiping the thought rather than the one who is the thought. Jesus is the one who gives Paul the strength to be content.

As we grow in Christ, we should be putting childish things away. We should be able to firmly rest upon the promises of God and realize all things are to be done for His glory. I'm reminded of the prayer I prayed with Owen's doctor the night he came to us to tell us he had never had such a sick little boy before. The doctor feared for Owen's life. I prayed that whether God took him or saved him, God would get the glory. How did I come to that thought? I had learned to be content in my relationship with the Father through the Son. The Holy Spirit guided my thoughts, my tongue to pray for the glory of God. May we find our contentment fully in Christ and Christ alone.

Blessings,

PBS

WISDOM WEDNESDAY 

Vol. 1 Issue 2 - 3-2-22

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 

- II Peter 3:18

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Greetings Church,

Over these last few days I have read many articles about the background of the conflict with Russia and Ukraine. I have also read much about identifying Russia in Ezekiel and its potential relationship with Gog and Magog. Along with these I have read, as well as you, the articles from The Gospel Coalition about the missionaries, pastors and churches who are remaining steadfast in the face of danger. When I put all these things together I realize we in the west have found a fascination with escapism. We have developed a false confidence, that is not in Scripture, that Christians are somehow exempt from suffering. Our spiritual elitism has promoted an arrogance that has distanced us from the truth of the Word and how the Lord uses suffering to stretch and strengthen our faith. As we saw in the message this past Sunday, Christ was testing his disciples concerning their understanding of who He was and how they were processing the truth revealed to them.

In the fall of 1996, after discovering that Peter could not see out of his right eye, I began a Bible Study at prayer meeting in the book of James. Our first night I shared the outcome of several doctors appointments concerning Peter's prognosis. These were the words I shared, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." - James 1:2-4. I had read these verses many times and considered them along with others concerning suffering. But they did not come to life until we as a family and me as a pastor had to heed the command to count what we were going through as joy, as pure joy. The perspective that James was presenting is not an option for the believer but an honest expectation with a powerful result. Trials build steadfastness and bring us to completion in Christ, lacking in nothing. The qualifier is that we are to hold this perspective with joy, counting it as a given.

Suffering for many western Christians is foreign to our experience. What we consider suffering or trials are minuscule compared to others around the world. Last summer a brother in Christ went to glory after a battle with COVID. He had grown up in Moldova, which is on the western border of Ukraine. Growing up in a Christian home he was ridiculed by his community and was considered a Shtundist because of his faith in Christ. The word Shtundist comes from the German word Stunde ("hour") and referred to the practice of setting aside an hour for daily Bible study. In his experience though a positive description of his daily faith it was also a derogatory statement. Once identified as such they were avoided and demeaned in public. Daily they were called out because of their faithfulness to Jesus. That experience shaped him into an intensely passionate follower of Christ. He never used that identification in a negative manner. He let the Lord lead the way in the midst of persecution, trial and suffering and grew deeper in love with Jesus.

It is my prayer that as we become more aware of the sufferings of our brothers and sisters around the world that we would embrace the truth of the Word and prepare our hearts to be ready to suffer for Christ. May we prove to be steadfast, perfect, complete, lacking nothing because of what we suffer for Christ.

Blessings,

PBS